Singapore firms seek less red tape in Malaysia special economic zone; SFA approves insects as food: Singapore live news

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A woman faces Johor Bahru during morning exercise near the Causeway in Singapore January 17, 2007. Malaysia's own blueprint to revive investor interest could also create spillover effects for the region. In November, it announced a $105 billion, 20-year investment plan to turn Johor Bahru into a prosperous mega-city with a major manufacturing industry and services sectors such as healthcare and education. Picture taken January 17, 2007.   REUTERS/Nicky Loh (SINGAPORE)
Effective collaboration between Singapore and Malaysia, coupled with strategic infrastructure and policy solutions, will be key to addressing the significant challenges crucial for the success of the special economic zone. REUTERS/Nicky Loh (SINGAPORE)

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Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today.

Singapore businesses are calling for reduced red tape in a proposed joint special economic zone (SEZ) with Malaysia, according to a poll by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF). The SBF's survey highlights the hurdles Singapore and Malaysia need to address to ensure the success of Southeast Asia's first cross-border SEZ. Currently, many Malaysians cross the border daily to work in Singapore, emphasising the need for streamlined processes. Read more here.

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Insect-centric dishes may be on the menu for some local restaurants in Singapore after the SFA approved 16 insect species for human consumption. Find out more here.

US President Joe Biden had a slip of the tongue. In fact, make that two gaffes that raised more concerns about his age and mental fitness. Despite calls for him to bow out of the presidential race, Biden vows to "complete the job". More on his mix-ups here.

Singapore rental prices are stabilising due to increased supply and reduced local demand. Although prices are easing, many renters still face high costs. Read more here.

A woman in China returned $418,000 after a mistaken transfer. Despite initial doubts, she reported the incident, verified its legitimacy, and returned the money in full. More on the extraordinary act of honesty here.

Singapore's wedding hong bao (red packet) tradition is evolving, with rates climbing higher than ever before. Guests are expected to contribute generously to cover costs. Here's a guide for 2024 hong bao rates to ensure you're never caught off guard at the next wedding.

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Teen sensation Lamine Yamal, once cradled by Lionel Messi as a baby, is now making his mark in football, reflecting the inspiring paths of future stars meeting their idols. Read on here.

Airports can enhance travel experiences with unique features like art galleries, rooftop pools, and cinemas. We highlight some of the coolest airports globally that offer more than just a place to catch flights here.

The Travel + Leisure’s "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2024 highlighted the best islands globally, focusing on their natural attractions, activities, food, friendliness, and value. Over 186,000 readers contributed to rating these islands, resulting in a comprehensive list. Check out the list here.

Skytrax's World Airline Awards 2024 highlights the best airlines in various categories, celebrating those that provide top-tier comfort, cleanliness, and customer service. Singapore Airlines, AirAsia and Scoot snagged were honoured in the annual awards. Read more here.

Dutch and English fans sang ‘Hey Jude’ in harmony in a moment that has been praised for its display of sportsmanship. But those are not the only hilarious scenes of their Euro 2024 semi-final match. Check out the best memes and moments here.

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Night owls might be smarter than morning people, according to a recent study. Researchers found that those who are most active in the evening tend to perform better on cognitive tests. More on the (brainy) matter here.

Beyond medals, Olympic winners, such as Singapore's Joseph Schooling in 2016, often receive significant cash prizes and gifts. This practice varies widely, leading to debates about its fairness. Find out more here.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER13 updates
  • Featured

    Singapore rewards its Olympic gold medalist $1 million. How about other countries?

    Singapore swimmer Joseph Schooling with his men's 100m butterfly gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. (PHOTO: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
    Swimmer Joseph Schooling is the only Singaporean so far to win an Olympic gold, and pocket a cool $1 million reward in cash. (Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

    When national swimmer Joseph Schooling won Singapore's first and only Olympic gold in the 2016 Rio Games, he received not just a shiny and priceless gold medal. He also banked a cool $1 million in cash, a reward offered by Singapore to individual winners.

    Singapore also offers $1.5 million to team events winners and $2 million to team sports winners.

    Although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not provide monetary awards, the winners receive significant rewards beyond medals, with countries and sports federations offering cash prizes and other incentives.

    However, others countries, like the UK, do not provide any monetary rewards. The differing approach has led to debates.

    Find out more here.

  • Featured

    Are you a night owl? We have some good news for you

    People who are most active and alert in the evenings appear to perform better at cognitive tests, new research shows. Henning Kaiser/dpa
    People who are most active and alert in the evenings appear to perform better at cognitive tests, new research shows. Henning Kaiser/dpa

    If you’re a night owl, you might be smarter than morning people, a study suggests.

    The study examined nearly 27,000 participants, revealing those with seven to nine hours of sleep had the best cognitive performance.

    Researchers at Imperial College London found that evening-active people perform better in brain tests.

    Read more here.

  • Featured

    Wedding hong bao etiquette in Singapore

    Chinese bride giving red pocket lucky money in the wedding
    When deciding how much to put in a wedding hong bao, it's essential to consider the relationship with the couple and the specific details of the wedding event. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Ever felt the pinch of giving wedding hong bao (red packet) in Singapore? You're not alone.

    In Singapore, hong bao giving isn't just a tradition but a practical expectation to cover the guest's meal and help the couple with their wedding expenses.

    The appropriate amount depends on various factors, including the venue, time of the event, and additional costs like decorations.

    The rising costs of wedding venues mean guests are expected to give more.

    Here's your cheat sheet on giving wedding hong baos.

  • Featured

    Singapore rent prices begin to ease

    Modern and luxury smart homes in Singapore, seen from above during a hot summer day.
    Singapore's rental market shows signs of stabilisation and gradual price decreases, driven by increased supply and reduced local demand, though prices remain high. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Singapore saw a softening in the rental market in 2023.

    A property report indicated that asking rents have stabilised and have been gradually decreasing since the first quarter of last year.

    With more people moving into their homes and an increase in rental units, local demand for rentals has decreased.

    Landlords, facing the risk of vacant properties, have had to lower their asking prices.

    Singapore rental prices have been a significant concern, with rents soaring during the pandemic.

    Although prices are easing, many renters still face high costs.

    Find out more here.

  • Featured

    Biden introduces Zelensky as Putin before referring to Harris as Trump

    President Joe Biden had a pair of major gaffes on a forgetful day that drew more concerns about his age and mental fitness.

    At the NATO Summit, the US president introduced Volodymyr Zelensky as Vladimir Putin, before correcting himself.

    And at a his news conference later, he referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as former President Donald Trump, mistaking his staunchest ally for his greatest adversary.

    Despite mounting calls for him to bow out of the race, Biden remains confident in beating Trump in the upcoming election and declares to "complete the job".

    And if a Trump relative is to be believed, there's a "much bigger news" about the former president than the media frenzy about the fallout in Biden's disastrous debate performance.

    More on Biden's mix-ups here.

  • Featured

    Singapore firms seek less red tape in Malaysia special economic zone

    A fisherman fishes in the waters along the Singapore coast in front of the skyline of Malaysia's southern-most city of Johor Bahru, Singapore, January 7, 2017. Picture taken January 7, 2017. REUTERS/Gloystein Henning
    Singapore businesses push for reduced red tape and better labour and connectivity solutions in a proposed joint SEZ with Malaysia. REUTERS/Gloystein Henning

    Singapore businesses are pushing for reduced red tape in a proposed joint special economic zone (SEZ) with Malaysia, according to a poll by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF).

    The survey identified challenges such as a shortage of skilled labour, unclear tax rules, and movement issues.

    Nearly 60% of businesses reported difficulties in sourcing technical workers in Johor, with additional challenges in attracting Singaporean talent.

    Read more here.

  • Featured

    16 insects approved as food in Singapore

    Singapore has approved 16 insects for human consumption. Dare to try deep fried grasshoppers? (Krit of Studio OMG/Moment RF/Getty Images)
    Singapore has approved 16 insects for human consumption. Dare to try deep fried grasshoppers? (Krit of Studio OMG/Moment RF/Getty Images)

    The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has approved 16 species of edible insects for sale and human consumption, including locusts, grasshoppers, mealworms and beetle grubs.

    Insects can be used for human consumption or as animal feed for food-producing animals, but must be farmed in regulated premises and have proof of origin.

    Eating insects is seen as a sustainable source of high protein and a way to combat climate change, with researchers highlighting their nutritional value and environmental benefits.

    Silkworm satay, anyone?

  • Euro 2024: Funniest memes and moments after England's victory

    APTOPIX England's Ollie Watkins, center, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a semifinal match between the Netherlands and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, July 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
    From the Bellingham bus to the lookalike Southgate police officer, England's momentous victory over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final clash was greeted with customary humour. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

    England's winner against the Netherlands in the semi-final of the Euros sparked celebrations among fans.

    Tensions were high both inside and outside the stadium, with supporters of both sides cheering their teams in a pulsating match.

    Memes flooded the internet after England barged into the final.

    Here's a round up of the funniest moments in the fallout of England's sensational win.

  • Top airlines of 2024, revealed

    Stewardesses with Singapore Airlines stand in the business class section of the airline's Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner after a delivery ceremony at the Boeing South Carolina plant in North Charleston, South Carolina, U.S., March 26, 2018. Picture taken March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Randall Hill
    Singapore Airlines wins best cabin crew in Skytrax's World Airline Awards 2024. REUTERS/Randall Hill

    Skytrax’s 2024 awards honour the best airlines globally, with Qatar Airways named the best overall.

    Singapore Airlines secures the title for World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew, noted for their attentive service and rigorous training.

    AirAsia and Scoot dominate the low-cost airline categories, with AirAsia winning the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline and Scoot taking the Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline.

    Find out the best airlines to fly with here.

  • World's best islands to visit in 2024, revealed

    Maldives paradise island. Tropical aerial landscape, seascape with pier, water bungalows villas with amazing sea lagoon beach. Exotic tourism destination, summer vacation background. Aerial travel
    From the Maldives’ luxury to Bali’s rich culture, uncover the top islands of 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” are out.

    Over 186,000 readers contributed to rating these islands, resulting in a comprehensive must -read list.

    Whether you're after relaxation, adventure, or culture, these islands have something special.

    Who topped the list? Check it out here to plan your next trip!

  • World's top airports to visit where layovers are made fun

    A view of the indoor waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore April 4, 2024. REUTERS/Edgar Su
    Changi Airport is renowned for its attractions, including the world's tallest indoor waterfall. REUTERS/Edgar Su

    Tired of boring layovers? Airports worldwide are transforming travel with unique features like art galleries, nature exhibits, and luxurious amenities, making them exciting destinations.

    Changi Airport in Singapore boasts a butterfly garden and rooftop pool.

    Kuala Lumpur's airport features a jungle boardwalk with a waterfall.

    Check out these amazing airports here.

  • Lamine Yamal: From Lionel Messi's arms to football stardom

    This photo taken in Sept. 2007 shows a 20-year-old Lionel Messi, who had embarked on his legendary Barcelona career just over four years prior, cradling Lamine Yamal, who was merely six months old at the time during a photo session in the dressing room of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Lamine Yamal is now a soccer sensation for both Spain and Barcelona and he is still only 16-years-old. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

    Teenage football sensation Lamine Yamal is capturing the world’s attention.

    A photo of football legend Lionel Messi cradling baby Yamal has resurfaced.

    Yamal now mirrors his hero’s success on the field.

    Yamal’s achievements in Euro 2024 highlight the inspiring journeys of young athletes.

  • Woman's integrity shines in $418k transfer mistake

    A Chinese woman receive 2.26 million yuan ($418,000) by mistake. Instead of keeping it, she reported the incident and ensured the money was returned to its rightful owner. (Photo: NextShark)
    A Chinese woman receive 2.26 million yuan ($418,000) by mistake. Instead of keeping it, she reported the incident and ensured the money was returned to its rightful owner. (Photo: NextShark)

    In an extraordinary act of honesty, a woman in China returned 2.26 million yuan ($418,000) that was mistakenly transferred to her Alipay account.

    The incident, which took place in Xuchang, Henan province, has captivated social media, racking up over 140 million views on Weibo.

    Despite initial doubts and thinking it might be a scam, the woman reported the case to the police and returned the entire sum to the distraught sender.

    More on the heartwarming story here.