Death penalty support rises in Singapore amid crime concerns; Singapore crowned world's strongest passport: Singapore live news

The Orchard flagship Apple store in Singapore came alive with anticipation as fans started lining up at 4am to get their hands on the iPhone 16.

With a countdown to the store opening, cheers erupted as eager customers flooded in to pick up their pre-ordered devices.

Outside, a throng of resellers sought to profit from the launch, showcasing the international demand for Apple products.

Among the crowd, stories emerged of first-time Apple launch attendees and seasoned fans alike, all excited about the device that promises a new era of AI integration with iOS 18.

The iPhone 16 marks a new era for Apple, integrating AI capabilities that will officially roll out in October.

This phone features two new buttons: the Camera Control and an Action button, alongside new colour options.

Analysts are watching closely, as Apple’s previous quarter saw a decline in iPhone sales, making this launch crucial for the company.

iOS 18, available from September 16, introduces various enhancements for users, including the ability to schedule messages, lock apps with Face ID, and customise app icons.

These features are designed to improve user experience, allowing for more personalisation and efficiency.

Users can access iOS 18 on iPhone models dating back to XS and XR.

Read more on Apple's iPhone 16 hitting the shelves in Singapore here.

A mother and son in Singapore have been charged on Friday (20 Sept) with providing false information to tax authorities regarding a controversial property purchase scheme in landmark case.

Mdm Ng Chiew Yen and her son, Tan Kai Wen, have been charged by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) for providing false and misleading information during an audit related to a "99-to-1" property transaction.

This prosecution marks the first case of its kind and highlights IRAS's focus on potential tax avoidance schemes in real estate purchases.

Both individuals face five charges under the Stamp Duties Act, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 or jail time.

The "99-to-1" scheme is a method some property buyers use to reduce their Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD).

In this arrangement, one person initially purchases a property outright and then sells a small 1 per cent share to someone else who already owns property.

This allows the buyer to pay ABSD only on the small share rather than the entire property value, thereby circumventing higher taxes.

The case against Ng and Tan arose when IRAS audited the transactions related to a condominium purchased by Tan.

During the audit, Tan allegedly misled IRAS about his financial situation, claiming he had to add his mother as a joint owner to secure a loan after his family was unable to support him.

However, evidence indicated that his responses were misleading and incomplete.

IRAS has stated that tax avoidance is a serious matter and has the authority to recover unpaid stamp duty and impose surcharges.

They encourage taxpayers who may have engaged in similar schemes to come forward voluntarily, as such disclosures may be treated more leniently.

A cash reward is available for informants who provide information leading to the recovery of lost tax revenues.

If convicted, both Ng and Tan could face significant penalties.

Read on how a clever Singapore property scheme landed a mum-son duo in hot water.

The F1 Singapore Grand Prix rolls into town this weekend, promising an exhilarating showdown on one of toughest tracks in the world.

Drivers know they must conquer both heat and a tricky circuit layout to emerge victorious.

This night race is characterised by its challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit, where limited overtaking opportunities make it difficult for drivers to navigate.

The addition of a fourth DRS zone aims to enhance racing dynamics.

With an average temperature of 31.1°C and high humidity, drivers experience significant physical strain, losing fluids and battling fatigue.

While millions will watch the race this weekend, it begs the question, "Is Singapore still the hardest F1 race?"

The Qatar Grand Prix is gaining attention for its punishing conditions lately.

Drivers have noted the physical toll of Qatar’s high-speed corners and oppressive heat, with temperatures averaging 32.4°C.

Despite being shorter in duration, the race presents its own unique challenges that test driver endurance and concentration.

Both the Singapore and Qatar races demand high levels of fitness and concentration from the drivers.

Singapore’s blend of heat and humidity contrasts with Qatar’s speed and layout challenges, creating a debate about which is truly the more demanding race.

As the Singapore GP rumbles on, drivers know that mastering this race is a significant achievement in their F1 careers.

Just ask a short list of past winners that include Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

Here's what to know about the F1 as the championship races heat up in Singapore.

A new survey shows that a majority of Singapore residents favouring the death penalty for serious crimes like murder and drug trafficking.

With 77.4 per cent of respondents supporting capital punishment, the survey conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) highlights a growing belief in its effectiveness as a crime deterrent.

The survey indicated a significant rise in support for the mandatory death penalty specifically for drug trafficking, firearm offences, and intentional murder.

Support for these mandatory sentences rose to 68.7 per cent, 74.3 per cent, and 85 per cent respectively, compared to previous figures.

The findings suggest a broader consensus on the necessity of stringent punishments to deter serious crimes in society.

Approval ratings for the death penalty's effectiveness against drug trafficking and murder increased significantly, reaching 87.9 per cent and 90.2 per cent, respectively.

Furthermore, many believed that the death penalty was a more effective deterrent than life imprisonment.

Confidence in the Singapore criminal justice system remained high, with nearly 90 per cent of respondents trusting that death penalty cases were managed fairly and rigorously.

Trust in the judicial system remains robust, as most respondents feel confident that safeguards prevent wrongful executions.

Find out why more Singaporeans support the death penalty for serious crimes here.

The Singaporean passport has clinched the title of the strongest passport globally in a recent ranking with a score of 91.27.

Singaporean passport holders now enjoy the ultimate travel freedom, accessing 169 countries without a visa, according to VisaGuide.World passport ranking, which considers various factors such as visa-free access, eVisas, and global mobility, evaluating a total of 199 countries and territories.

The Singapore passport's strength is highlighted its extensive mobility with visa-free travel to 169 countries, and just 14 countries needing an eVisa as well as 22 others requiring a visa.

Rounding of the five are Spain, France, Italy, and Hungary, showcasing a predominance of European nations in the global rankings.

Notably, Japan, while traditionally strong, ranks 15th this year.

VisaGuide.World releases its rankings quarterly, providing a timely look at passport strength as global entry policies evolve.

The ranking methodology employs a unique Destination Significance Score (DSS) that assesses each passport’s value based on the entry policies of various destinations, their GDP, global influence, and tourism potential.

Read on how Singapore stack up against the world's most powerful passports here.