Job growth continues, unemployment hits new lows in Singapore; Why billionaires are moving to Singapore in record numbers: Singapore live news

Singapore experienced its wettest November on record, with a total of 419mm of rainfall, surpassing the previous high of 390.1mm set in 1992.

This marked a 47.4 per cent increase over the typical monthly rainfall average.

The downpours, primarily due to the north-east monsoon season, caused flash floods in parts of the country and set the stage for a record-breaking December.

The extraordinary rainfall in November wasn't the only weather anomaly for Singapore.

On 7 December, the country registered its hottest December day in history, with temperatures soaring to 36.2°C at Paya Lebar.

This broke the previous record of 35.9°C set in December 2016, highlighting the contrast between the wet start to the month and the sudden spike in temperature.

The record rainfall in November resulted in localised flooding, especially on 16 November, when over 127mm of rain fell in just over two hours in northern Singapore.

Despite the scorching heat in December, rainfall is expected to remain near average for the first half of the month, with afternoon thundery showers likely to occur on most days.

Meteorologists predict that the second half of December may see a return to wetter conditions as the full force of the north-east monsoon takes hold.

Singapore can expect further erratic weather in the months to come., as the island braces for more extreme weather events in the lead-up to the new year.

For ongoing updates on the weather, residents are encouraged to check the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) website or download the myENV app for real-time alerts and forecasts.

The climate crisis has hit a terrifying milestone: 2024 has been confirmed as the hottest year on record, surpassing the critical 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement.

This marks a pivotal moment in the global climate crisis, with average temperatures 1.6°C higher than those of the pre-industrial era.

The rising heat has fuelled a wave of extreme weather, including devastating floods, wildfires, and droughts.

At COP29, world leaders acknowledged the urgency of addressing the worsening climate impacts, which have already caused US$310 billion in economic losses this year.

Scientists also point to a concerning trend: a significant reduction in low-lying clouds is contributing to the intensifying warming.

This discovery could mean that global temperatures will continue to rise more rapidly than anticipated, underscoring the need for immediate climate action.

Read on why scientists are sounding alarms about the accelerating effects of climate change here.

NEWBrew, Singapore's unique beer made from treated wastewater, created a buzz at the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The small cans, labeled with the beer’s name, have become a conversation starter, with conference-goers trying it and being surprised to learn the ingredients.

As it turns out, this "sewage beer" is crafted using NEWater, Singapore's high-grade reclaimed water that forms part of its solution to a growing water scarcity crisis.

NEWBrew, brewed by Brewerkz, was first introduced in 2018 at Singapore’s International Water Week, aims to normalise the use of treated wastewater.

Since then, the beer has been reintroduced annually.

At the climate talks, it serves as both a novelty and a demonstration of Singapore’s leadership in water innovation.

The beer has garnered positive feedback for its flavour, which attendees have described as "fresh" and "light."

For Singapore, a country with no natural freshwater resources, this innovation is essential.

The island nation imports water from Malaysia, and relies heavily on rainwater collection, desalination, and wastewater recycling.

With a population of 6 million, and demand for water set to double by 2065, new solutions like NEWBrew are becoming increasingly important.

Now, the idea has evolved to include creative applications like beer.

At the COP29 event, even skeptics were won over by the beer.

"It’s really good," said Saroj Kumar Jha, Director of Global Water at the World Bank, after having his fourth can of NEWBrew.

"It’s a clever way to normalise 'used water,'" he added, referring to the growing importance of wastewater reuse as the climate crisis intensifies.

In Singapore, attitudes toward treated wastewater are changing, with NEWBrew playing a role in shifting public perception.

While some still joke about the beer’s “sewage” origins, many are starting to see it as a symbol of how innovative solutions can turn waste into a valuable resource in the fight against water scarcity.

More on Singapore's role in water innovation amid global water scarcity here.

Charles Yeo, the 34-year-old Singaporean lawyer on the run from charges in his home country, remains in custody in the United Kingdom despite being granted bail last month.

Yeo, who fled Singapore in 2022 while on bail, appeared at Westminster Magistrate's Court on Tuesday (10 December) in a bid to secure his release, but complications over his passport have kept him behind bars.

The court had granted Yeo conditional bail in November, under the condition that he surrender his passport.

However, at Tuesday's hearing, Yeo's legal team failed to provide evidence of the passport’s whereabouts.

His lawyers claim that the passport is held by the UK Home Office, but they could not substantiate this in court, leading to the judge’s refusal to adjust his bail conditions.

Yeo’s defence team proposed alternative bail measures, including a higher bond or more frequent police check-ins, but the court rejected these suggestions.

The judge insisted on tangible proof of where the passport is located before releasing him.

Efforts to cancel the passport through the Singapore High Commission in London were unsuccessful, as the application must be made in person – a requirement Yeo cannot fulfil while in custody.

The legal battle is part of a wider extradition process, with Singapore seeking Yeo's return to face charges related to criminal breach of trust and forgery.

He is accused of misappropriating funds released to his law firm in 2020.

While Yeo maintains that the charges are politically motivated and denies the allegations, his extradition hearing is not scheduled until May 2025.

Yeo was arrested in the UK in November after Singapore requested his extradition.

Read on Yeo's legal setback here.

Former Mediacorp actress and Malaysian star Sora Ma revealed on Wednesday (11 Dec) that her husband, Mr R, died unexpectedly six months ago.

The 40-year-old actress, who had been quietly navigating life as a new mother to their son, Skye, shared the heartbreaking news with her followers on Instagram.

Her husband’s death came as a complete shock, leaving her to face overwhelming challenges, including home renovations, the birth of her child, and adapting to motherhood, all without her partner by her side.

Despite the emotional strain, Ma found strength in her son, Skye, whom she described as "the continuation of our love."

She explained that while grief has come in waves, her baby helped her push forward.

The actress also took the opportunity to express deep gratitude to her late husband's family and friends, who have been an unwavering source of support during this difficult time.

Ma also shared her personal struggle with grief, admitting that she had questioned her own strength during the process.

But despite these moments of doubt, she promised to keep moving forward, prioritising her role as a mother and vowing to “be the best mum I can for Skye.”

Ma asked for privacy, as she continues to heal and adjust to her new reality.

She thanked her friends for their understanding during this time, apologising for not sharing the news sooner.

“I will be okay,” she said, with a quiet resolve.

Read Sora Ma's emotional Instagram post here.

FormerSingapore Idol judge Ken Lim has been acquitted of making sexual comments to a 26-year-old aspiring singer-songwriter in a trial that marks the first of five ongoing cases against him.

The acquittal was handed down by District Judge Wong Peck on Wednesday (11 December), who ruled that the woman’s testimony was not convincing enough to support the charges.

Lim, 60, had been accused of asking the woman about her virginity and what would happen if he had sex with her during a meeting at his Hype Records office in 2012.

The woman, who was seeking career advice at the time, only reported the incident more than a decade later in 2023, after news coverage of Lim’s other alleged offences.

In court, Lim denied the allegations, claiming that the woman had fabricated the story.

His defence team called witnesses, including singer-songwriter Corinne May, to support Lim’s version of events.

Judge Wong ruled that the woman’s evidence was inconsistent and lacked credibility.

She noted that the woman had embellished parts of her account, was unable to recall crucial details of the meeting, and her reaction afterward did not suggest the trauma she claimed to have experienced.

The absence of supporting evidence, such as incriminating text messages, further weakened the case against Lim.

Lim expressed relief after the verdict, thanking his family and legal team for their support.

The trial, which lasted for several months, was closely watched as it was the first of multiple charges Lim faces.

The former music producer is currently fighting six more charges involving four different women, including allegations of molestation and sexual misconduct.

Despite his acquittal in this case, Lim's legal battles are far from over.

He will return to court in February 2025 for his next trial, where he faces a more serious charge of molesting a woman in 2021.

If convicted on any of the remaining charges, Lim could face significant penalties, including jail time, fines, or both.

Read on former Singapore Idol judge Ken Lim's acquittal here.

Travellers in Singapore will experience faster and more convenient immigration clearance with the introduction of passport-less clearance at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, and at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MBCCS) from 16 December.

This innovative system, initially trialled in late 2024, will allow travellers to use QR codes and biometric data for seamless immigration clearance, reducing wait times and enhancing overall efficiency.

The QR code clearance system will be implemented across all automated lanes and special assistance lanes at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints.

Following a successful trial with over 48,000 participants, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) aims to complete the rollout at both checkpoints by mid-January 2025.

The system will be available for all bus passengers, including those with disabilities and family groups of up to four members, who will benefit from time savings of up to 40 seconds by presenting a single group QR code.

Additionally, residents at MBCCS will be able to clear immigration with just their facial and iris biometrics, bypassing the need for a passport.

This move, which is already in effect at Changi Airport, will further streamline the immigration process at Singapore’s cruise terminal. Foreign travellers departing Singapore from MBCCS will also enjoy the same convenience.

ICA has indicated that token-less clearance will eventually be extended to other sea checkpoints.

Though passport-less clearance will significantly speed up the process, travellers are still advised to carry their passports, as they may be required for immigration checks at their destination countries or for ICA verification purposes.

ICA also encourages travellers to use the MyICA app to present their QR codes, as it offers a smoother, more secure experience than using printed or screenshot copies.

The push toward passport-less clearance is part of Singapore’s broader initiative to modernise its immigration systems, offering faster, safer, and more user-friendly travel experiences.

Read more on Singapore's push for passport-less immigration clearance here.

Singapore has become one of the most sought-after destinations for billionaires, particularly following the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent UBS report.

The city-state is among the top countries attracting the ultra-wealthy alongside Switzerland, the UAE, and the United States.

This surge is part of a broader trend where billionaires are relocating more frequently, with health care, safety, and tax benefits playing significant roles in their decision-making.

Over the past four years, 176 billionaires have moved across the globe, with a notable shift in their preferences for residence.

The pandemic emphasised the importance of access to top-tier healthcare and secure environments, factors that Singapore has long excelled at.

Singapore's robust healthcare system and political stability, combined with its reputation as a financial hub, have made it a magnet for those seeking both a safe haven and a thriving business environment.

The country’s appeal goes beyond its modern infrastructure and fiscal policies. Its strategic emphasis on sustainability and green spaces, exemplified by its “City in a Garden” vision, adds to its allure.

Not only is Singapore a financial powerhouse, but its seamless blending of urban development with nature offers a high quality of life that resonates with billionaires seeking luxury and livability in equal measure.

While much of the billionaire migration has been focused on regions like the Middle East and Africa, Southeast Asia has seen a net outflow, with Singapore standing out as an exception.

UBS reports a decline in billionaire populations in countries such as Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, yet Singapore has continued to thrive as a destination for the super-rich.

The trend of billionaire relocations underscores larger shifts in global wealth dynamics.

From 2015 to 2024, billionaire wealth rose by an astounding 121 per cent, with the number of billionaires growing by 50 per cent.

Read on why Singapore is a top choice for billionaires here.

Singapore's labour market saw continued growth in the third quarter of 2024, following a positive trajectory of economic recovery, according to a report by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Total employment surged by 22,300, nearly doubling the 11,300 new jobs added in Q2 2024. Resident employment increased by 4,000, while non-resident employment, particularly in construction and manufacturing, rose by 18,200.

Unemployment rates remained impressively low, with the overall rate at 1.9 per cent, resident rate at 2.6 per cent, and citizen rate at 2.7 per cent.

Retrenchments also declined slightly, dropping to 3,050 workers in Q3, a sign of stable business confidence.

With demand for workers still high, the number of job vacancies fell from 81,200 in June 2024 to 63,400 in September, yet there were still more job openings than unemployed persons – 1.39 job vacancies for every jobseeker.

Resident employment growth was strongest in high-skill sectors like Information & Communications, Professional Services, and Financial Services.

This trend marks a continued shift from low-skill, domestic-oriented sectors like Retail and Food Services.

Meanwhile, non-resident employment growth came mostly from Work Permit holders in the construction and manufacturing industries, sectors where local workers are scarce.

Despite a decline in job vacancies, employers continue to face challenges filling positions, especially in lower-skilled sectors.

The overall tight labour market suggests that while some adjustment may occur, demand for labour is expected to remain strong, particularly as the year-end festive season boosts hiring.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) predicts the labour market will continue expanding in tandem with Singapore's resilient economic growth. However, the demand for skilled foreign workers is likely to persist, as resident workforce growth moderates.

To maintain competitiveness, the government is investing heavily in upskilling Singaporeans, with new programmes and incentives to help workers transition into evolving job roles.

Find out more about Singapore's labour market here.