SINGAPORE – Soldiers in the Singapore Army are now issued with improved helmets and better fitting loading-bearing systems, comprising a vest and belt, to carry their military gear. Since January this year, full-time national servicemen (NSFs) in combat units such as commando, guards, and infantry have been issued with an enhanced version of a load-bearing […]

SEOUL, South Korea — Fermented vegetables are delicious — on this point, many people from China and South Korea can agree. But for some social media users in the two countries, the culinary good will ends there. A spat is raging this week over a Chinese state tabloid’s claim that China had “led” the development […]

SINGAPORE – The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the academic routines and social activities of many children and youths, and has had a negative impact on their mental health. Strengthening mental health resilience is all the more important during this period, said President Halimah Yacob on Wednesday morning (Dec 2), adding that Singapore has to step […]

ISKANDAR PUTERI (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) – Thirteen hotels in Johor were forced to shut down as the Covid-19 pandemic began taking its toll on the tourism industry. Coupled with the closure of the border with Singapore, it was a double whammy for the industry players in the state. State Tourism, Youth and Sports Committee […]

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Wednesday, Dec 2. Moderna seeking HSA approval for use of its Covid-19 vaccine in Singapore If all goes well, the first batch of vaccines could arrive as early as this month. READ MORE HERE German chipmaker Infineon to make Singapore its first global hub to […]

As Kashmir prepares for the coming winter, local craftsmen are working to make the traditional fire pots used in the region. Called a “kangri”, the 15cm-wide pot made with clay and twigs holds hot coal and keeps people warm. In a village in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, twigs (above) that will later be used to make […]

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) – The United States accused China on Tuesday (Dec 1) of “flagrant violation” of its obligation to enforce international sanctions on North Korea and offered rewards of up to US$5 million (S$6.7 million) for information about sanctions evasions. Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Korea Alex Wong accused China of seeking to undo a […]

SINGAPORE – The editor of The Online Citizen (TOC), Mr Terry Xu, last year told his writer Rubaashini Shunmuganathan to include some “creative writing” in her article that allegedly defamed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Mr Xu, testifying on Tuesday (Dec 1), the second day of the hearing on PM Lee’s libel suit against him, […]

SINGAPORE – New tug machines to transport 60 chairs instead of 10. New electric vans to replace old ones powered by diesel. New mechanised sweepers to reduce overnight shifts for cleaning staff. These are examples of measures put in place by the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) in preparation for […]

Hi all,  In today’s bulletin: The much awaited Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble has been delayed to next year; Australia announces plans to build hypersonic missiles with US; QAnon finds foothold in Japan; Indian government agrees to meet protesting farmers who are opposing agricultural reforms; pilot rustiness in the age of the pandemic becomes a concern, […]