A 37-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday (Feb 3) for her suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment in Bedok.The alleged crime took place at about 4.10pm on Monday at a residential unit along Bedok North Street 2, the police said on Wednesday. A photograph showing the debtor's note written on a piece of cardboard reads: «...want to run my money is it? This just warning. Next time you see I burn your house or not (sic).»Police said the woman was identified by officers from Bedok Police Division through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras. She will be charged in court on Thursday.The offence of loanshark harassment carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to $50,000. In addition, those found guilty may receive up to six strokes of the cane.As caning can only be imposed on male offenders below 50 years old, she may receive an additional sentence in lieu of caning if she is found guilty.The police also advised members of the public to stay away from loansharks and not to assist or work with them in any way. '

A 30-year-old man who was allegedly trafficking etomidate-laced e-vaporiser pods was charged in court on Wednesday (Feb 4).The accused, Yeo Zhi Xiang, was arrested on Monday (Jan 2) when police officers attended to a case of dispute among three men involving the use of a knife at a carpark in Whampoa West.According to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Yeo had allegedly pointed a knife at one of the two men, while one of them was allegedly buying etomidate e-vaporiser pods from him.After the police detained the trio, checks were conducted on Yeo's van where officers found 80 e-vaporiser pods — 29 under the driver's seat, 50 at the back of the van, and another pod with an e-vaporiser at the door on the driver's side.HSA's tests confirmed that the 80 pods contained etomidate.Investigations against the other two men are also ongoing.Yeo's case will be heard in court again on March 5.If found guilty of selling or distributing etomidate e-vaporisers, he may be jailed for up to 10 years and receive up to five strokes of the cane.

Delivery riders who do not have mobility issues should not misuse personal mobility aids (PMAs) for work as it is not the right mode of transport for them, Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng told Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 4).Clarifying the concerns raised by several MPs over the past two days, Baey said that the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill is not meant to ban the use of mobility scooters or target a specific group.«Only (delivery) workers with mobility needs should use PMAs for their work. They have to abide by the reduced speed limit and dimension limits for everyone's safety. This protects not just other path users, but PMA riders themselves.»In the Bill that has since been passed, mobility scooter users will be required to hold a Certificate of Medical Need to certify their mobility issue. Seniors aged 70 and above are exempted.Other rules that take effect on June 1 include a speed reduction of PMAs on public paths from 10kmh to 6kmh.The minister of state said that only doctors and occupational therapists can assess whether a person requires a mobility scooter to get around.

Four days after a crocodile was first sighted in the waters off Sentosa, there has been another sighting — this time off Changi Naval Base. AsiaOne understands it was seen on Tuesday evening (Feb 3).In a video posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday, the Republic of Singapore Navy said that sea soldiers from its ninth flotilla spotted the reptile, adding that it «stayed briefly» before returning to the Singapore Strait.The ninth flotilla is responsible for training and deploying security troopers, sea soldiers and system operators who are responsible for the defence of its naval bases and coastal installations.It is unclear if the crocodile spotted off Changi Naval Base is the same one spotted in the waters off Sentosa Cove.Meanwhile, the navy said it has stepped up monitoring and is working closely with the relevant agencies. It also advised members of the public to stay alert when around coastal areas. 

The Workers' Party (WP) disciplinary panel tasked with looking into whether secretary-general Pritam Singh breached its constitution in light of his court conviction for lying to Parliament's Committee of Privileges has invited party members to provide their views on the matter. In a text message seen by AsiaOne on Tuesday (Feb 3), the panel invited WP members who wish to meet them to drop an email to arrange a meeting. The sessions are reportedly expected to take place over the coming weeks. The disciplinary process for the former Leader of the Opposition contrasts with the party's 2021 handling of the disciplinary matter for former MP Raeesah Khan — who lied in Parliament — when only cadres were asked for inputs. The WP's current disciplinary panel comprise of two-term Sengkang GRC MPs He Ting Ru and Jamus Lim, as well as former MP Png Eng Huat. Only Png is not currently a member of the WP's central executive committee (CEC).

The authorities are currently reviewing massage establishment regulations and are expected to tighten enforcement against such shops involved in vice activities soon.In response to queries from AsiaOne, the Housing Development Board (HDB) and the Singapore Police Force on Wednesday (Feb 4) said that changes to the Massage Establishments Act will be announced in the coming months. Under the Act, operators of massage establishments must obtain a licence from the police. Open-concept massage shops and beauty salons that do not provide massage services are exempt.In their joint reply, the agencies said that they are aware of disamenities caused by errant operators of such establishments and have taken firm action against them.HDB has in particular tightened the quota of massage shops in neighbourhood centres as of Sep 2024, having established trade mix controls and quotas on trades which may cause disamenities. Tenants are required to seek HDB's approval if they wish to change trade, and each request is assessed individually to ensure that the quota is preserved. 

The Ministry of Education should consider setting aside a fixed quota for students entering secondary schools without affiliation or under the Direct School Admission (DSA) exercise, Gho Sze Kee suggested in Parliament on Wednesday (Feb 4).This will ensure a «meaningful and predictable» number of available places for students applying through the Secondary 1 posting exercise with their PSLE results, the MP for Mountbatten SMC said.Gho also asked if there is a «compression» of available places for non-affiliated students, given that some students who enter through the DSA route «eat» into the slots reserved for non-affiliated students if they also fall into this category.In response, Minister for Education Desmond Ng said that school’s balloting rate ultimately depends on school choices, students’ decisions and DSA numbers.«The ministry will certainly study all of these suggestions,» he added.According to the ministry's guidelines, secondary schools are allowed to admit up to 20 per cent of their students through DSA, which allows Primary 6 students to gain early admission based on talent in areas such as sports and the arts.

Fourteen men were arrested for offences involving contraband cigarettes after authorities raided an industrial building and a foreign worker dormitory in Jurong East on Jan 28.Singapore Customs said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Feb 4) that the targeted enforcement operation conducted along Toh Guan Road East was to combat the sale and demand of duty-unpaid cigarettes.Customs officers seized over 170 packets of cigarettes with duties unpaid.Following investigations, 12 people were issued compounded fines, with the amount ranging from $500 to $800.The two other men were charged in the State Courts for their offences on Jan 30.It is illegal to buy, sell, store, or smoke duty-unpaid cigarettes under the Customs and GST Acts. For every packet of duty-unpaid cigarettes, an offender can be fined $500.The public can report illegal activities to Singapore Customs online.[[nid:726397]]lim.kewei@asiaone.com

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) on Wednesday (Feb 4) launched 9,012 flats for sale, with about half of them being Build-To-Order (BTO) flats. A total of 4,692 BTO flats across six projects in Bukit Merah, Sembawang, Tampines and Toa Payoh are available in the February BTO sales exercise, said HDB in a media release.Another 4,320 balance flats have also been put up in the concurrent Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise, with close to one in five SBF units completed.This is up from the 3,000 units that HDB previously committed, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Among the BTO flats launched in this exercise are 1,052 Prime units under the popular Redhill Peaks project in the Bukit Merah area. The first half of the project was offered in the October 2025 sale exercise with another Prime project, Berlayar Residences, and together received 8,376 applications. 

SINGAPORE — ST Engineering is showing off two distinct platforms at the Singapore Airshow that mark a significant expansion into next-generation aviation technologies for the world's largest airframe maintenance and repair services provider.At Asia's largest aerospace and defence event, the Singapore-based company launched the DrN-600, a large all-electric vertical take-off-and-landing cargo drone, and announced partnerships with ferry operators for its crewed hovercraft-like AirFish Voyager.Drones represent «a new market — in a way, it's a disruptor, because that product never existed before that is viable,» Jeffrey Lam, chief operating officer of ST Engineering and president of its commercial aerospace business, told Reuters in an interview on the show's sidelines.The DrN-600, with a range of over 70km and a 100-kg payload capacity, is the company's highest-capacity drone to date and aimed at medium-lift cargo operations, with certification expected by 2028, according to ST Engineering.

The specific impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on entry-level professional, managerial, executive, and technical (PMET) jobs remain uncertain, with employment rates of fresh graduates from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) remaining broadly stable over the decade.This update was given on Tuesday (Feb 3) by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Shawn Huang in response to a parliamentary question by NMP Assoc Prof Terence Ho.Assoc Prof Ho had asked whether the Government has recorded a slowdown in the hiring of fresh graduates by employers in certain sectors due to the adoption of AI. He also asked if the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has plans to help boost the employability and opportunities available to fresh graduates facing such challenges.In his response, the senior parliamentary secretary said that the specific impact of AI adoption on entry-level PMET jobs remains uncertain.

Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of an 82-year-old Nee Soon resident, Low Kow, who went missing on Sunday (Feb 1). According to a press release on Tuesday, Low was last seen in the vicinity of Block 101 Yishun Avenue 5 on Feb 1 at around 7.30pm.In a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, Nee Soon GRC MP K Shanmugam shared the police statement and publicly appealed for «everyone to keep a lookout for him».Facebook user Hong Yao Lew, who claimed to be Low's grandnephew, made a separate post on the Missing Persons Singapore Facebook group.In the post on Tuesday, he shared that his granduncle had been missing since Monday afternoon, adding that Low is deaf and mute.«If you have seen him or have any information, please contact us,» he said.Across both posts, many users indicated that they will be helping to keep a lookout for Low. «Wishing for his safe return and reunion with family,» a user said.Several commenters also expressed concern for the wider population of elderly in Singapore.

A total of 77 traffic accidents over the past three years have been linked to suspected drug use, said Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam. In a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday (Feb 3), the minister said that out of the 77 accidents, 25 involved drug use while the rest involved etomidate use. Of all the cases, two were suspected to involve both drug and etomidate use. Shanmugam was responding to Pasir Ris-Changi GRC MP Valerie Lee, who asked for statistics regarding traffic accidents linked to vaping or drug use. Asking if stricter penalties can be considered for such crimes, Shanmugam, who is also MP for Nee Soon GRC, said that there are already enhanced penalties if a motorist causes an accident while driving under influence. Shanmugam said the traffic police will conduct a blood test if motorists are suspected of drug or etomidate use. A first-time offender found guilty of dangerous driving causing death while driving under influence faces up to 10 years' jail and a minimum 12-year driving disqualification.  

A 33-year-old Malaysian man's apparent hopes of hiding his crime under the guise of a 'perfect family' were dashed by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Woodlands Checkpoint on Jan 28. In a video posted to its Facebook page on Tuesday (Feb 3) night, ICA said that at the time of the offence, the man’s 33-year-old wife and three children, aged between 3 and 8, were with him in the Malaysia-registered car. ICA added that its search and examination officers found boxes containing e-vaporisers in the car’s boot and proceeded to direct the vehicle for enhanced checks where they found 1,200 e-vaporisers and related components. The 33-year-old Malaysian man has been arrested and the case referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation. Under the enhanced penalties introduced on Sept 1 last year, those convicted of importing vapes into Singapore will face a jail term of up to six months, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both, for their first offence. 

A total of $3.995 billion worth of Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers, including SG60 vouchers, were spent over the last four years.The update was given on Tuesday (Feb 3) by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo in a written response to a parliamentary question by MP Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC).Saktiandi had asked how many households have claimed the 2026 CDC vouchers, and how much of the spending were at heartland businesses.He also asked about the impact of CDC vouchers on household consumption and small business resilience.In his response, Neo — who said that he was answering in his capacity as the minister charged with the responsibility for the People's Association — explained that it is «still early» to share the claim and spend rate of the latest tranche of $300 CDC vouchers.Eligible Singaporean households were able to claim and use $300 in CDC vouchers only just slightly a month ago, from Jan 2.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has no plans to introduce the central kitchen model to all school canteens, Minister of State for Education Jasmin Lau said on Tuesday (Feb 3).Responding to questions from several MPs, she said there is also no target in mind to replace traditional canteens where students buy food from individual stallholders.From last month, 13 schools had switched to the model where a single operator manages their canteens.Lau said that the central kitchen model was not introduced to replace traditional canteens, but rather as an alternative to help schools that were struggling to attract stallholders and had severe shortages of functioning stalls.«We want to avoid putting students in these schools at risk of not having good access to affordable, nutritious and balanced meals,» she said.Yusof Ishak Secondary School was the first to pilot the central kitchen model in 2022.Lau said that after seeing «positive results», MOE decided to roll out the model to 13 additional schools that face challenges in securing sufficient stallholders.Some of these schools are using hybrid models, she said.

Persistent hotspots in eastern Johor have resulted in smoke plumes which are moving towards Singapore due to the prevailing north-easterly and north-westerly winds, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).In a Facebook update after 7.30pm on Tuesday (Feb 3), the agency said that the detection was made during a satellite pass just after 2pm, adding that showers over Singapore and the surrounding areas expected from Wednesday (Feb 4) should help to improve air quality. On Tuesday afternoon, AsiaOne was on the ground in Tampines, Paya Lebar and Whampoa, where passers-by said they noticed a burning smell in the air. 

A routine school day turned into a mother's worst fear when she was informed that her seven-year-old daughter Alex had gone missing.Speaking to AsiaOne on Tuesday (Feb 3), Angel Liu, 43, recounted the trauma she went through on Jan 28 afternoon after her elder daughter Andrea, 10, called her with the news.But an act of kindness by a stranger ensured that Alex reached home safely, but not before Liu, a mother of two, endured more than three hours of agony and despair.«I was at work when I received a call from Andrea. She was crying when she told me that that my younger daughter, Alex, had gone missing,» said the financial adviser.«It happened so fast that I didn't really have time to process it. I just knew that I had to find my daughter as soon as possible because something might have happened to her.»Liu added that both her daughters attend Ngee Ann Primary School and it is their usual practice to meet after class before heading home in the Joo Chiat area, typically arriving by around 2.30pm.

The closure of popular nasi padang eatery Warong Nasi Pariaman last month was not due to high rent, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development Syed Harun Alhabsyi in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 3). Dr Syed Harun was responding to questions from MPs Denise Phua (Jalan Besar GRC) and Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied GRC) on concerns about protecting long-standing businesses in heritage districts such as Chinatown and Kampong Glam from rising rents. «It was reported in the media that the representative from the family clarified that the closure was not related to rental issues, and we should not wrongly conclude that this was due to a high level,» he said. Warong Nasi Pariaman, which closed on Jan 31 after 78 years and was reportedly the oldest surviving nasi padang stall in Singapore, was located in a shophouse near Sultan Mosque. 

As night fell and most of Singapore went to bed, a woman was up distributing food and drinks to rough sleepers at Our Tampines Hub.TikToker naivanderwaal had visited the centre at about 2am on Friday (Jan 30) to give away meals from a home-based business as well as packaged drinks she had bought.In a video uploaded on Saturday (Jan 31), Nai remarks that there are «quite a number» of people at the hub, and that she and her group would leave the food next to those who were asleep at that time.She then weaves through the chairs at the Festive Plaza, handing out food to individuals resting there. Some rough sleepers are also seen on benches at another area.The video has more than 29,000 views.Nai, 24, told Stomp that there were about 15 to 18 beneficiaries that night.The meals are contributed by customers of home-based businesses who support the initiative by covering the cost of an extra meal.«The people who usually join me when I help distribute food are my viewers and supporters who voluntarily participate,» she was quoted as saying.

An Australian expat who works here has said the corporate culture in Singapore is always about «being urgent» even when «not everything is actually urgent».In a TikTok video uploaded last month, Nim, 26, shared three things she doesn't like about the corporate work culture here.She moved to Singapore three years ago from Perth and is a lawyer in the trading and shipping industry, MS News reported.Nim said in the video: «Clients would also want everything done ASAP which is just unrealistic and often there is no pushback.»She said that at times she only gets one day to complete work that the management may not even review until weeks later, adding that the general urgency isn't actually driven by deadline — an aspect of Singapore's work culture that she finds unique. «Hierarchy is everything» in most environments, she said, and junior employees are often expected to simply adhere to established norms and not share their opinions unless asked, which doesn't happen often. 

The Parliament of Singapore has released a new seating plan, effective Tuesday (Feb 3), ahead of its sitting the same day.In a revised seating plan dated Feb 3 and uploaded to the Parliament's website, Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh's seat was moved from the middle — where he used to sit across from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong — to a seat two seats to the left.His seat will now be occupied by Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Christopher de Souza, who also serves as Deputy Speaker. In turn, MP for Jurong Central SMC Xie Yao Quan will take up de Souza's previous seat. 

Some 70,000 vehicles in Singapore — or seven per cent of the total vehicle population — have yet to install the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system's new on-board unit (OBU) as of Jan 31 this year. Singapore will transition to the use of the satellite-based ERP 2.0 system in 2027, and all owners of Singapore-registered vehicles are advised to have the OBU installed — a final reminder to do so will take place on Feb 15. Speaking in Parliament during the Second Reading of the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill on Tuesday (Feb 3), Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow said that distance-based ERP charging will not be introduced anytime soon. «My intent is to ensure a smooth transition so that ERP 2 experience will be similar, as similar as possible to the ERP 1 experience as we switch over.»This means that we will not be introducing distance based charging in the immediate term. Distance-based charging is something that we will continue to study and explore after motorists have gotten more used to the new system and the situation is more stable," he said.

SINGAPORE — Indian eyewear chain Lenskart is offering support to affected staff of Nanyang Optical amid news that the home-grown eye-care business plans to shutter most of its outlets in Singapore.In response to queries from The Straits Times on Feb 2, Lenskart Singapore’s head of business Jarrod Chua said: “We are offering interview opportunities across all roles and designations.“We have reached out to ask to be connected with affected retail staff, opticians and optometrists. As Lenskart opens two new stores this week, with more planned throughout the year, we could use extra employment.”Those interested in applying for a role at Lenskart can e-mail help@lenskart.sg, he added.The brand is also providing full cash credits to cover the losses of Nanyang Optical customers on a case-by-case basis.Affected customers will need to provide valid proof of purchase, said Chua. They will also need to provide a “description of what had transpired leading to the loss, and what actions they have taken to retrieve their order”.

A man had already been arrested for threatening his family members with a gun-shaped lighter, and police had seized various toy guns he kept at home.But Poh Jing Yang was undeterred and continued buying such toy weapons online, before being caught again.On Feb 2, the 38-year-old was sentenced to 14 months’ jail and fined $6,500 after he admitted to four charges, including one count of criminal intimidation and two offences of possessing guns without a licence.Under the Arms and Explosives Act, the definition of arms includes any kind of gun from which a shot, bullet or missile can be discharged.Poh also admitted to a separate Customs Act offence involving duty-unpaid cigarettes. Eight other charges were taken into consideration for his sentencing.The court heard that at around 9pm on Feb 10, 2024, Poh went to his uncle’s home and began shouting vulgarities. It was not stated what caused him to do so.When Poh and his uncle got into a verbal dispute, Poh pulled out a black pistol-shaped lighter and pointed it towards his uncle and cousin, shouting in Hokkien and Mandarin: “I will shoot you.”

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers have literally thrown their hammers at «furniture pieces» transported by a Malaysia-registered van during an enhanced check at Woodlands Checkpoint on Jan 22.In a video posted on its social media, ICA officers are seen breaking up «furniture pieces» transported in the back of a Malaysia-registered van.  As the «furniture pieces» were broken up, cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes could be seen concealed within them.ICA said that the vehicle was profiled and directed for enhanced checks where its search and examination officers found more than 150 cartons and 60 loose packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.AsiaOne understands that such profiling are typically conducted by ICA's Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC). 

Three public transport operators are offering up to $20,000 in sign-on bonus in a bid to woo more local bus captains.AsiaOne has found on Monday (Feb 2) that the three are SBS Transit, SMRT and Go-Ahead Singapore. Tower Transit, meanwhile, offers a $7,200 bonus to applicants who are new to the industry, or have been away for at least a year.SBS Transit, which employs the largest pool of bus captains with about 5,400 full-timers, offers a sign-on bonus of $20,000 from October 2024— up from $10,000 — with another $5,000 in training incentive, along with a starting pay of $4,500 a month.There is also $1,000 for successful job referrals.Applicants must be Singaporeans or permanent residents and hold a Class 3 driving licence with at least a year of driving experience. Go-Ahead Singapore is also dangling a $20,000 carrot on top of up to $4,200 monthly salary.Go-Ahead, which will take over from SBS Transit and run 27 bus routes in Tampines from July 5, has expanded its workforce to around 2,000 employees, and is recruiting about 300 bus captains.

A GrabFood rider has likened his delivery experience to a «ghost story» after arriving at a customer’s address which turned out to be an vacated industrial building.In a TikTok video shared on Jan 24, Alfian, 34, panned across an empty corridor of the building at Depot Lane in Bukit Merah. The unit which he was supposed to deliver to — #04-04 — appeared to be padlocked.«This block, whole stretch, is already abandoned,» said Alfian. «It is a scary thing.»The site had been vacated since last year to make way for new housing development, the Straits Times reported in June. @nuralfianahmad ♬ original sound - Nuralfian

If you've been wondering about the smell of smoke in the air over the past two evenings, here's why.In a Facebook post at about 7pm on Monday (Feb 2), Singapore's National Environment Agency said that it has continued to detect «persistent hotspots» near the city state, during its satellite pass at 2.20pm the same day.The agency added that dry conditions are expected until Wednesday (Feb 4), when showers are forecast. In an earlier release on Monday, the Meteorological Service Singapore said that thundery showers are forecast over parts of the island in the afternoon, on most days of the second half of this week.

All private organisations will have to stop using NRIC numbers for authentication by the end of the year, said the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). In a press release on Monday (Feb 2), the authority said that organisations have up to Dec 31 to review their current authentication practices. From Jan 1, 2027, the use of NRIC numbers for authentication to access personal data may be considered a breach of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) will step up enforcement action against such misuse, said IMDA. Possible penalties include imposing directions or financial penalties for such breaches where appropriate. Government agencies have ceased NRIC authenticationIn June last year, the PDPC and Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) issued a joint advisory against the use of NRIC numbers for authentication purposes. 

A 61-year-old man was found dead at the foot of a HDB block in Serangoon on Tuesday (Feb 2). The incident happened at about 7.55am at Block 231 Serangoon Avenue 3. When AsiaOne reached the scene at about 8.30am, a police cordon extended from an area beside one of the lift landings to the back of the HDB block. A lone slipper could be seen in a corner next to a blue police tent covering the body. Blood stains were also seen in the drain. 

If you are heading out for reunion gatherings, or visiting friends and family to unwind, there's now more reason to «gallop» into the Year of the Horse.Public transport operators SBS Transit and SMRT will extend the operating hours of train services on the eve of Chinese New Year (Feb 16). In addition, the operating hours of 55 bus services will also be extended to complement the extension of train operating hours. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys early and to note the changes. NSL, EWL, CCL and TELThe last train will depart North-South Line's City Hall MRT station for Marina South Pier and Jurong East at 1.54am and 2.09am respectively.Meanwhile, the last train to depart from the East-West Line's City Hall MRT station for Tuas Link and Pasir Ris will be at 1.59am and 2.14am respectively.On the Circle Line, the last train leaving from Dhoby Ghaut and HarbourFront MRT stations will be at 1.15am and 1.28am respectively.The last train departing from Bayshore and Woodlands North MRT stations are at 1.30am and 1.42am respectively.

SINGAPORE – The Ministry of Education (MOE) is considering making changes to the way PSLE results are used in secondary school admissions, as well as to the difficulty of examinations, among other things.Education Minister Desmond Lee said the ministry is looking at curbing the education “arms race”, along with examining issues such as direct school admissions (DSA) and co-curricular activities (CCAs), which have become increasingly competitive.The MOE will soon start a series of conversations with Singaporeans to hear their views before making any changes, said Mr Lee on Jan 26 in an interview with the media.Asked whether MOE would study alternative assessment models or if the PSLE would remain, he said: “We do not want to pre-judge, we do not want to circumscribe... it may or may not be a tweak. It could also be quite major.”His remarks come amid growing recognition that the “arms race” in education has not abated, despite significant changes made by the Government to dial back excessive academic pressure by ending streaming and revamping PSLE scoring.

A 46-year-old male cyclist died after an accident with a private bus in Tuas on Friday (Jan 30) morning.The accident happened at about 7.55am at the junction of Tuas South Avenue 4 and Tech Park Crescent. In response to media queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said that the cyclist was taken unconscious to Ng Teng Fong Hospital where he later died. Chinese-language daily Shin Min Daily News reported that the cyclist is believed to be a Bangladeshi worker.A 68-year-old male bus driver is assisting with investigations, the police added.Police investigations are ongoing.[[nid:729111]]editor@asiaone.com 

If you are still wondering why the public warning system (PWS) sounded earlier today (Feb 1) at 3pm, that's because Singapore has kicked off its annual Total Defence exercise, codenamed Exercise SG Ready (ESR).This year's ESR, now in its third run, will involve over 1,000 organisations participating in a series of simulated activities over a two-week period from Feb 1 to 15, to test their readiness for disruptions. It will focus on digital disruptions and the ensuing impact on businesses, communities and homes.Speaking at the launch of the Total Defence Commemoration Event at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday (Feb 1), Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo pointed to the one-off sounding of the PWS on Sunday, instead of the usual Feb 15, to illustrate the need for Singaporeans to be prepared.«This year, we sounded it (PWS) early to mark the start of the exercise. Why? Because crises often emerge when we don't expect it,» the minister explained.