FairPrice doubles discount for SG60 to help lower-income families; PM Lawrence Wong among world's richest leaders in 2024: Singapore live news

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Long lines of shoppers seen inside a FairPrice Finest outlet in Clementi Mall on 17 March 2020. (PHOTO: Yahoo News Singapore file photo)
FairPrice Group doubles discounts for CHAS Blue and Orange cardholders to 6 per cent for the first 60 days of 2025, celebrating SG60 and supporting lower-income families. (Photo: Yahoo News Singapore)

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To mark Singapore's SG60 celebrations, FairPrice Group (FPG) has introduced a generous initiative for lower-income families. From 1 January to 1 March 2025, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue and Orange cardholders can enjoy 6 per cent discounts on Thursdays and Fridays at all FairPrice and Unity outlets. This initiative, which doubles the usual 3 per cent discount, is part of FairPrice’s broader commitment to supporting those in need. The move follows the success of the "A Full Plate" donation drive, which raised $1.6 million for over 600,000 beneficiaries. FairPrice Group’s CEO, Vipul Chawla, emphasised the importance of easing financial pressures for those most affected by inflation. Eligible customers can present their physical or digital cards to benefit from the discount, which is valid for up to $200 per transaction. This campaign is a key part of FPG’s year-long celebrations for Singapore’s 60th anniversary. More on FairPrice's discount scheme for CHAS cardholders here.

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The world’s richest political leaders often come from countries with stark economic disparities. Leaders like Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, whose wealth is estimated at $6.84 million (US$5 million), contrast sharply with those such as North Korea's Kim Jong Un, whose fortune has been pegged at US$5 billion. Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim and the Philippines’ Bongbong Marcos also feature prominently, with reported assets of US$2.4 million and US$3.6 million, respectively. Meanwhile, Russia’s Vladimir Putin is estimated to be worth an astounding US$200 billion, though much of his wealth remains clouded in secrecy. Find out who else made the world richest leaders list in 2024 here.

Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.

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  • Featured

    Eligible Singaporeans get $300 CDC vouchers from 3 January

    Eligible Singaporean households can claim $300 CDC vouchers starting January 2025 to ease cost-of-living pressures, valid for use at participating merchants and supermarkets. (Screenshot: https://vouchers.cdc.gov.sg/)
    Eligible Singaporean households can claim $300 CDC vouchers starting January 2025 to ease cost-of-living pressures, valid for use at participating merchants and supermarkets. (Screenshot: https://vouchers.cdc.gov.sg/)

    Singaporean households can now claim $300 in Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers, starting Friday (3 January), to help offset rising living costs.

    These vouchers are part of the government’s continued efforts to support households amid inflationary pressures, following the announcement of enhancements to the Assurance Package under Budget 2024.

    Eligible Singaporeans can claim their CDC vouchers digitally via the government portal go.gov.sg/cdcv.

    A designated household member can log in using their Singpass account, receive a unique voucher link via SMS, and share it with others in the household.

    The vouchers are valid until 31 December 2025, and can be used at participating hawkers, heartland merchants, and supermarkets across the island.

    To qualify for the $300 vouchers, at least one member of the household must be a Singapore citizen.

    The vouchers are issued on a per-household basis, meaning only one member of the household can claim the benefit.

    The claim process is straightforward, with households required to visit the official CDC website to register and claim their vouchers.

    The vouchers can be spent at a range of participating merchants.

    For the upcoming 2025 round, half of the amount ($150) can be used at hawkers and heartland merchants, while the other half ($150) can be redeemed at supermarkets.

    A list of participating outlets is available on the official CDC website.

    Launched in June 2020 to aid households during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC voucher programme has been expanded over the years.

    Initially targeted at lower-income families, the scheme has now been made available to all households, with more than $1.6 billion spent since the introduction of digital vouchers in 2021.

    Last year, 97 per cent of eligible households claimed their vouchers, marking a significant success in terms of adoption and impact.

    The government’s commitment to extending the programme comes amid ongoing cost-of-living challenges, partly driven by inflation, geopolitical events, and supply chain disruptions.

    Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that the voucher scheme is designed to help cushion the impact of these rising prices.

    The vouchers aim to boost purchasing power by helping households buy essential items, particularly from small businesses like hawkers and heartland merchants.

    In addition, households can donate unclaimed vouchers to charity, ensuring that the benefits reach those in need.

    For those who encounter difficulties claiming the vouchers online, assistance is available at community centres or through the SG Digital Office’s ambassadors, who will be stationed at select locations for the first two weeks of the rollout.

    The upcoming distribution of the $300 voucher marks the second instalment of a total of $600 in CDC vouchers for 2024.

    In total, eligible households will have received S$800 in assistance, split across two payouts in June and January.

    The government continues to assure residents that the program will evolve in response to the changing economic landscape, providing essential support where it’s needed most.

  • Featured

    FairPrice doubles discount for SG60 to help lower-income families

    FairPrice staff stocking eggs on shelf. (Photo: FairPrice Group)
    FairPrice Group doubles discounts for CHAS Blue and Orange cardholders to 6 per cent for the first 60 days of 2025, celebrating SG60 and supporting lower-income families. (Photo: FairPrice Group)

    In a gesture of goodwill to mark Singapore’s 60th birthday, FairPrice Group (FPG) has announced an exciting initiative that will benefit lower-income families.

    From 1 January to 1 March 2025, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue and Orange cardholders will enjoy doubled discounts every Thursday and Friday, increasing from 3 per cent to 6 per cent at all FairPrice supermarkets and Unity outlets.

    This initiative, which was launched to celebrate the nation's milestone SG60, comes as a thank you to Singaporeans for their overwhelming support of FPG's “A Full Plate” donation drive.

    The food drive raised over $1.6 million to support 600,000 beneficiaries across 10 charity partners, highlighting the country's spirit of compassion in difficult economic times.

    Group CEO Vipul Chawla said the campaign's success reflected the heart and unity of Singaporeans, who came together despite inflationary pressures.

    Chawla emphasised that food and grocery costs are a significant part of most households’ budgets.

    The doubled discount is part of FPG's year-long celebrations for SG60, marking a commitment to giving back to the community.

    Eligible customers can apply these discounts by showing their physical or digital cards at checkout, with a daily limit of $200 per transaction.

    This initiative complements other ongoing programs by FPG, including price freezes on certain items and exclusive promotions to ease the financial strain on families.

    Find out more about FairPrice's discount scheme for CHAS cardholders here.

  • Featured

    From Lawrence Wong to Vladimir Putin: World's richest leaders in 2024

    Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left), Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (centre) and Malaysia Prime Minister (right) are among the richest leaders in the world, (Photos: REUTERS/Edgar Su, Franck Robichon)
    Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left), Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (centre) and Malaysia Prime Minister (right) are among the richest leaders in the world, (Photos: REUTERS/Edgar Su, Franck Robichon)

    The richest leaders in the world in 2024 represent an intriguing mix of transparency and secrecy.

    While some leaders like Singapore's Lawrence Wong and Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim have declared their wealth, others, such as North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Russia's Vladimir Putin, guard their fortunes with remarkable opacity.

    PM Wong, though not as rich as his predecessor, Lee Hsien Loong (who has an estimated net worth of $50 million), is worth a $6.84 million (US$5 million).

    This sum is likely to grow while taking the top political role in one of Asia’s richest nations.

    Wong's annual salary is around $2.2 million (US$1.6 million), making him one of the highest-paid world leaders.

    Meanwhile, PM Anwar has a net worth of US$2.4 million, a figure he openly declared in 2022 as part of his transparency campaign.

    Despite his humble salary of just US$5,000 a month, Anwar has built wealth primarily from his real estate investments.

    In the Philippines, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, the son of the late dictator, is estimated to be worth US$3.6 million, though rumours suggest his wealth could be as high as US$3.5 billion – a far cry from the massive sums his father allegedly plundered from the state.

    At the other end of the spectrum, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un is reportedly worth US$5 billion.

    The secretive leader’s wealth comes from international investments and assets hidden in over 200 bank accounts.

    But that pales in comparison with Putin, whose fortune has been the subject of intense speculation and investigation.

    With assets possibly valued at US$200 billion, Putin’s wealth is among the most secretive in the world.

    While these leaders' wealth is often shrouded in mystery, one thing remains clear: power in Asia can translate into substantial financial gain, even for those ruling over nations with struggling economies.

    But you'd be surprised (or not) to know who else made the world richest leaders list in 2024.

  • Norway on track to eliminate petrol cars with surge in EV sales

    A woman charges her car at a station that offers car charging points and fuel, in Sandvika near Oslo, Norway, December 11, 2024. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
    In a world-first, Norway’s push towards fully electric vehicles has hit a remarkable milestone, with nearly 90 per cent of all new cars sold in 2024 powered by batteries, as the country moves closer to its goal of only adding electric cars to its roads by 2025. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

    Norway’s drive to phase out petrol and diesel cars is rapidly becoming a reality, with fully electric vehicles (EVs) now making up nearly 90 per cent of new car sales.

    This remarkable shift comes after years of government policies that have heavily incentivised EVs while taxing internal combustion engines.

    While some holdouts remain – mainly rental companies catering to tourists – the rise of EVs on Norwegian roads is undeniable.

    The country is well on track to meet its ambitious goal of adding only electric cars to the market by 2025.

    As the infrastructure adapts, the world is watching as Norway becomes the first country to almost entirely eradicate fossil fuel vehicles from the new car market.

    Read on Norway's EV revolution here.

  • 2024 O-Level results to be released on 10 January

    Ministry of Education (MOE). (Yahoo News Singapore file photo)
    The Ministry of Education (MOE) has confirmed that O-Level results will be available for school candidates on 10 January. (Photo: Yahoo News Singapore)

    The results for the 2024 Singapore-Cambridge O-Level examinations will be released on 10 January at 2:30pm, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced Friday (3 Jan).

    Students can collect their results from their respective secondary schools or, if they are unable to do so, appoint a proxy to pick up their results on their behalf.

    For private candidates, the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) will make results available online via its portal from 3:15pm on the same day.

    Those who have Singpass can access their results directly, while others can log in using their registration details.

    The results will be available for viewing until 24 January.

    As soon as students have their results in hand, they can begin applying for their next stage of education through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE).

    Starting from 4:00pm on 10 January, students will be able to apply for places at junior colleges (JC), Millennia Institute (MI), polytechnics, and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) using their O-Level scores.

    The JAE application portal will remain open until 4:00pm on 15 January.

    In addition to the JAE, students may also apply for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) and Direct-Entry Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP), which are designed to help students who are eligible for alternative educational pathways.

    These applications will also open on 10 January, with respective posting results due by late January and early February.

    Read on the release of O-Level exams results and JAE here.

  • Singapore Airlines jumps to third in Asia-Pacific on-time performance

    Singapore Airlines A380 takes off from Airbus plant, Hamburg, Germany, photo
    Singapore Airlines climbs to third place for punctuality in Asia-Pacific, but it’s still a few steps behind Japan’s top carriers. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Singapore Airlines (SIA) has ranked as the third-most punctual airline in the Asia-Pacific region for 2024, according to data released by aviation analytics firm Cirium.

    SIA recorded an on-time performance score of 78.67 per cent, a slight improvement over last year’s 78.57 per cent, marking a notable leap from its seventh-place ranking in 2023.

    Japanese carriers Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) clinched the top two spots with on-time performance rates of 80.9 per cent and 80.62 per cent, respectively.

    Although SIA saw a marginal rise in its score, the airline's ascent to third place is primarily attributed to a decline in the performance of other competitors, rather than a significant improvement in SIA’s punctuality, explained Cirium's Chief Marketing Officer, Mike Malik.

    Despite the tough competition, SIA's low flight cancellation rate of just 0.08 per cent was a standout, well below the industry average of 1 per cent.

    This highlights the airline’s strong commitment to operational reliability.

    When asked for a comment on the ranking, an SIA spokesperson emphasised the airline’s dedication to "operational excellence" and ensuring a seamless travel experience for its customers.

    While SIA holds a respectable position in Asia-Pacific, it did not make it into the global top 10 for punctuality.

    The global winner, Aeromexico, led with an on-time performance of 86.7 per cent, while Saudia and Delta Airlines rounded out the top three.

    Find out the world’s most punctual airlines for 2024 here.

  • Chinese AI firm SenseTime shrinks Singapore footprint

    The logo of SenseTime is seen at SenseTime office, in Shanghai, China December 13, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song
    SenseTime, one of China’s foremost AI innovators, is downsizing its office in Singapore, shifting from a high-profile location in Frasers Tower to a more affordable space. REUTERS/Aly Song

    SenseTime Group, one of China’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) firms, is downsizing its operations in Singapore, signalling a shift in its ambitious growth strategy.

    The company is giving up its prime office space in Frasers Tower, shifting to a smaller and more affordable location in a less central area, according to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter.

    Once viewed as a pioneer in the AI space, SenseTime’s move comes as the company faces intense competition from new and well-funded rivals in the AI field, particularly in the wake of the ChatGPT boom.

    The company’s decision to reduce office space is also a reflection of its challenges in the rapidly evolving AI market.

    It lost major financial backing from Alibaba Group in 2023, and it is now grappling with fresh competition from both global giants and emerging startups like Moonshot AI and Zhipu.

    The downsizing is indicative of a broader trend in Singapore’s office market, which has seen demand from Chinese firms start to wane.

    While the prime office vacancy rate in Singapore’s Central Business District dropped to 6.9 per cent in the final quarter of 2024, the city-state's office space market faces a softening demand as firms, including SenseTime, focus on cost-cutting measures amid global economic uncertainty.

    Once eager to expand, Chinese tech firms are now reevaluating their presence abroad, including in Singapore.

    SenseTime had previously expanded rapidly in Singapore, seeking to capitalise on the city’s growing tech hub status in the post-COVID era.

    In 2021, company executives announced plans to launch a local AI innovation hub and triple their workforce to 300 employees within three years.

    However, those ambitious plans appear to have been scaled back amid economic pressures and rising competition.

    The company’s struggles are compounded by geopolitical tensions and regulatory hurdles.

    SenseTime’s growth began to stall after being blacklisted by the US government in 2019 over allegations related to human rights violations in Xinjiang.

    These restrictions curtailed its access to critical technology, including AI chips and equipment from US firms.

    While SenseTime maintains that the accusations are unfounded, the company continues to face challenges in securing resources to fuel its innovation.

    Read on SenseTime downsizing its Singapore presence here.

  • Fullerton Hotel New Year’s party turns violent after fireworks

    Fireworks explode over the Marina Bay during the New Year celebrations in Singapore, December 31, 2024. REUTERS/Ore Huiying
    A peaceful celebration at The Fullerton Hotel on New Year’s Day descended into chaos when a violent altercation broke out in the early hours of Wednesday (1 Jan), prompting swift police action and ongoing investigations into the incident. REUTERS/Ore Huiying

    New Year’s Day festivities at The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore were marred by an unexpected brawl in the early hours of Wednesday (1 Jan), disrupting what was supposed to be a peaceful post-fireworks atmosphere.

    A witness, who captured the incident on video, described the scene as a chaotic shift from celebration to confrontation.

    He recounted how a group outside the hotel attempted to remove a man dressed in white.

    However, the man refused to comply, leading to a heated exchange that quickly escalated.

    In the video, a woman is heard urgently pleading for the altercation to stop, but her repeated requests went unanswered.

    As tensions flared, the man in white charged aggressively towards a man wearing blue.

    Despite several attempts by bystanders to break up the fight, the violence reignited multiple times, with the man in white persistently challenging the man in blue to continue.

    The police were alerted at around 2.20am and responded swiftly to the scene.

    A police spokesperson confirmed that four individuals, aged between 24 and 33, were helping with the ongoing investigation.

    No serious injuries have been reported.

    Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to understand the full scope of the incident, and whether more individuals were involved in the altercation.

    Read on the New Year’s brawl at Fullerton Hotel here.

  • Expect wet weather in Singapore’s first two weeks of 2025

    A man holding an umbrella rides in rain in Singapore, Jan. 4, 2024. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua via Getty Images)
    The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) has forecasted a rainy start to the new year with thundery showers on most days in the first two weeks of January. (Photo: Then Chih Wey/Xinhua via Getty Images)

    The new year is beginning with a splash, as Singaporeans can expect frequent thundery showers during the first fortnight of January, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS).

    The prevailing north-east monsoon is expected to bring moderate to heavy showers, particularly in the afternoon, with some showers potentially extending into the evening.

    In its latest advisory, the MSS noted that these showers are a continuation of the wet phase brought by the monsoon, which has caused similar weather patterns since December.

    The last two weeks of 2024 were marked by above-average rainfall across parts of the island, and the rainy conditions show no sign of easing in early 2025.

    Additionally, a monsoon surge – when a high-pressure system strengthens over northern Asia and pushes north-easterly winds southward – will bring even wetter conditions towards the end of the first fortnight.

    This surge could cause temperatures to drop slightly, with daily highs expected to range between 24°C and 33°C, and possibly dipping to a low of 22°C.

    The forecast predicts that the rainfall for the first two weeks of January will be above average, especially in the latter days of the period.

    In December 2024, a similar pattern of afternoon showers, coupled with regional winds, led to widespread rainfall, with Bukit Timah recording the heaviest daily rainfall of 136.2 mm on 29 December.

    Although some areas, like Tuas, experienced rainfall well above the average, others, including Pasir Ris, saw much drier conditions.

    As Singaporeans brace for more rainy afternoons, the MSS urges the public to stay updated on daily weather forecasts via their website or the MyENV app.

  • Former journalist Jessinta Tan pleads guilty to assault

    Former journalist Jessinta Tan Suat Lin awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to assaulting her neighbour and threatening her husband. (Photo: Jessinta Tan/Facebook via MalayMail)
    Former journalist Jessinta Tan Suat Lin awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to assaulting her neighbour and threatening her husband. (Photo: Jessinta Tan/Facebook via MalayMail)

    Jessinta Tan Suat Lin, a former journalist, pleaded guilty to assault and harassment charges, in a series of alarming incidents.

    The 50-year-old housewife, who previously worked with news platforms such as TODAY, admitted guilt to three charges on Thursday (2 Jan).

    The charges stem from two separate incidents. On 16 February 2024, Tan attacked her neighbour at Westmont condominium in West Coast Road.

    Frustrated by the neighbour's exercise routine, Tan hurled eggs and profanities before physically assaulting the woman with a mop, breaking its handle into three pieces.

    The victim suffered injuries to her head and arms and later moved out of the condo.

    Two months later, an argument over parenting styles escalated into Tan threatening her husband and teenage son.

    She sent her husband a vulgar text message and told her son she would kill his father in his sleep.

    That night, she threatened to accuse her husband of rape, prompting him to file a police report.

    Tan's lawyer described her as a loving mother with a strained relationship with her husband. He requested leniency, citing Tan's anxiety and depression.

    District Judge Crystal Goh has called for a report to determine Tan's suitability for a mandatory treatment order.

    The case has been adjourned for sentencing on 11 February, and Tan is currently out on $10,000 bail.

    Read more on the former journalist's court case here.

  • SingPost faces calls for independent inquiry after senior executives’ dismissals

    A general view of the newly opened SingPost Regional eCommerce Logistics Hub in Singapore on November 1, 2016. 
SingPost launched its 131 million USD regional hub facility on November 1, the company's largest e-commerce logistics investment in Singapore. / AFP / ROSLAN RAHMAN        (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
    SingPost faces calls for an independent investigation as the three dismissed senior executives deny misconduct allegations and challenge their sackings. (Photo: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

    Singapore Post (SingPost) is facing mounting pressure for an independent investigation into the sudden dismissal of three senior executives.

    The dismissal, which followed allegations of lapses in the company’s international e-commerce logistics operations, has sparked a public dispute between the company and the executives involved.

    On Thursday (2 Jan), David Gerald, president of the Securities Investors Association Singapore (SIAS), called for an independent inquiry into the matter, saying that the conflicting statements from both parties had raised more questions than answers.

    The controversy began last month when SingPost dismissed the three senior executives on disciplinary grounds following a whistleblower report.

    The report alleged that several employees had manipulated delivery status codes to avoid penalties from one of the company’s largest clients.

    According to SingPost, the executives were responsible for making false statements during the internal investigation.

    In response, two of the dismissed executives have strongly denied the allegations.

    They argued that they were not fully informed of the facts when they were asked to provide their input and have described the sackings as “procedurally unfair.”

    Both executives have pledged to contest their dismissals.

    SingPost has said it is open to discussions with the SIAS, but has yet to commit to a third-party investigation.

    The retail investor watchdog’s call for an independent inquiry comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over corporate governance in Singapore.

    Read on the call for independent Iinvestigation into SingPost executive firings here.