When will Singapore know whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris has won the US election?; WP's Pritam Singh denies asking Raeesah Khan to 'take lie to grave': Singapore live news

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This combination of pictures created on November 04, 2024 shows
US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) walks on stage as she arrives for a campaign rally at the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark outside Pittsburgh, in Rankin, Pennsylvania on November 4, 2024, and former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump dances on stage after speaking at a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 4, 2024.
The US presidential election of 2024 is expected to unfold in a tight contest between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris (right) and Republican Donald Trump. (Photo: AFP News)

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

The 2024 US election could take days to finalise due to a tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan are expected to delay results, with recounts and legal challenges adding to the uncertainty. Early voting data could mislead, and experts caution against drawing conclusions too early. A clear winner may not emerge until Thursday, with possible delays extending the count even further. Head here for the live coverage of the 2024 US election.

Singapore's former UN ambassador Kishore Mahbubani believes a Kamala Harris win in the 2024 US election would be better for global stability. Despite this, Mahbubani acknowledges that Trump’s momentum in the polls is significant, and Southeast Asia will need strong leadership to navigate the US-China rivalry. More on Kishore Mahbubani's take on the US election here.

Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh took the stand Tuesday (6 Nov) to deny allegations he urged former Member of the Parliament (MP) Raeesah Khan to maintain her falsehood in Parliament. Singh testified he pressed Khan to “take ownership and responsibility” instead, dismissing claims that he endorsed concealing the truth. The case puts Singh on trial over alleged lies to a parliamentary committee regarding how he handled Khan’s initial statement. Singh said he was “incredibly disappointed” when Khan repeated the lie in October 2021, adding, “We never told her to take it to the grave.” Some senior WP members reportedly disagreed, suggesting Khan continue her narrative, a “ridiculous suggestion” Singh firmly rejected. Singh's trial is expected to resume.

Serangoon Garden Market emerged as the public's favourite hawker centre at the Singapore Hawkers' Seminar & Awards 2024. The event also celebrated outstanding hawkers with awards like the Hawker Heritage Award and the Enterprising Hawker Award. Traditional and innovative hawker businesses were recognised for their contributions to Singapore’s food scene. Key winners included Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak and Izah Rahman Corner, while mentorship efforts were acknowledged with the Outstanding Hawker Mentor Award. Find the winners of the Singapore Hawkers’ Seminar & Awards 2024 here.

Nicholas Tan, the Singaporean founder behind Aupen, has unveiled himself as the driving force behind the eco-luxury brand that has taken the fashion world by storm. Launched in 2022, Aupen blends sustainability with high-end style, attracting celebrities like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. Aupen’s partnership with LVMH ensures top-tier craftsmanship while maintaining a focus on environmentally conscious materials. As the brand gains global recognition, Tan aims to expand its product range and set up a Paris design studio, solidifying Aupen’s future in luxury fashion. Know more about Aupen's Singaporean founder Nicholas Tan here.

Dua Lipa is soaking up Singapore’s culture, and it’s not just the music scene that’s got her attention. Ahead of her concerts on 5 and 6 November, the Grammy-winning artist explored local food spots and shared them with her 87 million Instagram followers. The star has been enjoying Singapore’s iconic dishes like laksa and chilli crab, but she's also keen on getting recommendations from locals. In one Instagram story, Lipa asked: "What else should I try while I’m out here?" Fans quickly responded with everything from satay to nasi goreng. Dua Lipa’s exploration didn’t stop at food – she’s also been spotted in stylish, off-duty outfits, including a colourful ensemble combining sporty and rockstar elements. More on how how Dua Lipa soaked up Singapore's local culture here.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched two critical frameworks under Project Guardian to drive asset tokenisation in capital markets. The new guidelines will help financial institutions streamline the implementation of tokenization, focusing on fixed-income and investment funds. With growing interest from global players like Citi, HSBC, and Standard Chartered, the move is set to transform market operations and increase liquidity. The MAS’s vision is to create a seamless cross-border ecosystem for trading tokenised assets, marking a significant leap towards the future of finance. More on MAS plan to streamline tokenised capital markets here.

Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums fell across all categories in Singapore's latest bidding exercise. Category A, B, and Open premiums saw significant decreases, with the latter dropping by over $5,000. This marks the second consecutive exercise where premiums have dipped. Dealers are hopeful that the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) plan to add up to 20,000 additional COEs over the next few years will help keep prices in check and ease supply constraints. The latest COE prices are listed here.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER8 updates
  • Featured

    When will Singapore know who has won the US election?

    Voters cast ballots in Denver on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Chet Stgrange
    As US voters cast their ballots in the 2024 presidential election on Election Day, Tuesday (5 Nov), the outcome may take longer to confirm due to tight races, recounts, and legal challenges. (AP Photo/Chet Stgrange)

    Millions of Americans have voted in the 2024 presidential election that promises to be one of the closest and most unpredictable in recent US history.

    Results will trickle in over the coming days, but don’t expect a clear winner on election night.

    The tight race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump means that the final outcome could take longer to declare, with key battleground states expected to experience delays.

    When is the 2024 presidential election result expected?

    Polling stations across the US began closing at 7:00am Singapore Standard Time (SGT) on Wednesday (6 Nov), with the last polls closing at 4:00pm SGT.

    As in previous years, there will be a steady stream of results coming in state-by-state, but given the tight nature of the race, it could take much longer to project a winner.

    While in past elections, some states have quickly declared a winer, this year’s extremely narrow margins in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona could delay the announcement.

    Media outlets and experts will likely take longer than usual to make projections, with a final winner not expected until late in the week.

    When have previous presidential election results been announced?

    In the 2020 presidential election, it wasn’t until four days after Election Day that the winner was confirmed, when Pennsylvania’s results became clear.

    A similar scenario played out in 2016, with Donald Trump declared the winner by 4:00pm SGT, a few hours after polls closed.

    However, some elections have been quicker. In 2012, Barack Obama’s re-election victory was confirmed before midnight on election night.

    The 2000 election, between George W Bush and Al Gore, stands out as the most prolonged contest, with results not confirmed for five weeks due to a Supreme Court decision ending the Florida recount.

    What are the swing states to watch and when might they declare?

    The outcome of the election hinges on results from key swing states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, and Arizona. Voter turnout has been high, especially with early voting, which is already setting records in states like Georgia. Here's what to expect in the coming hours:

    • Georgia: Polls closed at 8:00am SGT. Georgia’s election officials predict that 75 per cent of the vote will be counted within the first two hours.

    • North Carolina: Polls closed at 8:30am SGT. Results are expected by the end of election night.

    • Pennsylvania: Polls closed at 9:00am SGT, but experts warn that it could take at least 24 hours before enough votes are counted to declare a winner.

    • Michigan: Voting concludes at 10:00am SGT, with results likely to be delayed until the end of Wednesday.

    • Wisconsin: Results are expected shortly after 10:00am SGT, but may not be fully available until at least Wednesday.

    • Arizona: Initial results could come in as early as 11:00am SGT, but the state’s largest county warns that results may not be fully counted until the early hours of Wednesday.

    • Nevada: The state allows mail-in ballots until 9 November, so it could take several days to tally votes here as well.

    Why should we be cautious of early voting data?

    In such a tight race, early voting results may not be the best indicator of who will eventually win.

    In 2020, Trump had a significant lead in several battleground states on Election Night, only for Joe Biden to overtake him as mail ballots were counted.

    This year, experts predict a similar phenomenon, either with a “red mirage” (favouring Trump) or a “blue mirage” (favouring Harris), as mail-in and early votes are counted later.

    In 2024, over 83 million Americans have already voted, with women making up 54 per cent of early voters – a group that traditionally leans toward Harris.

    However, Republicans are also closing the gap, with many casting early ballots. These shifts in voting patterns could distort the picture in the early hours of counting.

    How does the vote-counting work?

    Typically, votes cast on Election Day are counted first, followed by mail ballots, early votes, and military or overseas ballots.

    The counting process is complex, involving verification of ballots, examination for damage, and ensuring that all ballots match voter records.

    After ballots are processed, they are fed into scanners for tallying, although manual recounts may occur in closely contested states.

    Election officials in each state are responsible for overseeing this process, ensuring transparency, and allowing partisan observers to monitor the tallying.

    The order in which ballots are counted varies by state, as does the degree of public access to the process.

    What happens if the presidential election results are challenged?

    Once all ballots are counted and a winner is declared, the Electoral College process takes over.

    States award electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state.

    These votes are certified in December, after which the new Congress meets in early January to count and certify the results.

    After the 2020 election, then-President Trump and his supporters mounted a series of unsuccessful challenges to the result.

    Although these efforts failed, it’s possible that 2024 could see similar challenges, particularly at the state or local level. In the event of a contested result, the process could be drawn out for weeks, especially in close states.

    What happens if there is a tie?

    In the unlikely event that both candidates finish with 269 electoral votes each, the decision would fall to the House of Representatives, which would vote to select the president.

    The Senate would choose the vice president.

    This scenario hasn’t occurred in over 200 years, but the possibility remains.

    When is the presidential inauguration?

    The newly elected president will be inaugurated on Monday, (20 Jan).

    This historic event will mark the 60th presidential inauguration in US history, where the president-elect will take the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol and deliver their inaugural address.

    More coverage of the 2024 US election here.

  • COE premiums across all categories fall for second consecutive month in Singapore

    Singapore-11 MAY 2018:Singapore high speed road aerial view from high bridge
    COE premiums drop for the second consecutive exercise, sparking hopes of more affordable car ownership as the government prepares to inject 20,000 additional COEs. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Premiums for Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) dropped across all categories in the latest bidding exercise, continuing a downward trend that started last month.

    This marks the second consecutive exercise in which premiums have fallen, raising hopes for car buyers amid ongoing government efforts to ease COE supply.

    For Category A cars – those with engines under 1,600cc and horsepower not exceeding 130bhp – premiums closed at $99,889, down from $102,900 in the previous exercise.

    The most significant drop occurred in Category B, which covers larger and more powerful cars, with premiums falling to $108,001 from $113,890.

    COE premiums for commercial vehicles, including goods vehicles and buses, also saw a decrease, closing at $68,340, compared to $72,939 previously.

    Premiums for motorcycles, on the other hand, dropped slightly to $9,089, down from $9,589.

    The most notable shift was seen in the Open category – used for larger vehicles but open to all vehicle types – which fell to $109,000, a significant drop from $114,700 in the last exercise.

    A total of 3,661 bids were received for 2,681 available COEs, making this exercise an active one.

    This was the first bidding round since the government’s October announcement that it would progressively add up to 20,000 additional COEs over the next few years, starting in February 2025.

    While dealers expect the market to be affected in the short term, with many buyers holding off on purchases in anticipation of lower prices, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) explained that the new supply of COEs is part of its strategy to manage traffic congestion more effectively.

    The introduction of the ERP 2.0 system and the shift in travel patterns since the pandemic, such as increased flexible work arrangements, were cited as key factors in the government’s decision.

    The latest COE prices are listed here.

  • Singapore takes big step towards global asset tokenisation

    The logo of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is pictured at its building in Singapore in this February 21, 2013 file photo.  REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
    The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has introduced two frameworks to advance asset tokenisation in capital markets: the "Guardian Fixed Income Framework" and "Guardian Funds Framework". REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

    In a move to solidify Singapore’s position as a global leader in digital finance, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has unveiled two new frameworks to accelerate the commercialisation of asset tokenisation.

    This comes as part of the MAS-led Project Guardian initiative, which aims to transform capital markets by making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible.

    The new "Guardian Fixed Income Framework" and "Guardian Funds Framework" are designed to streamline tokenisation practices for fixed-income assets and investment funds, respectively.

    These frameworks will guide financial institutions on how to implement tokenisation, offering clear standards and best practices for the emerging market.

    With these measures, MAS expects to see improved market liquidity, faster settlements, and greater investor participation in previously complex markets.

    In a bid to bolster the commercial application of tokenisation, MAS also announced the formation of the "Guardian Wholesale Network" industry group.

    This group includes major players like Citi, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and UOB, who are working together to connect various asset tokenisation trials and scale up usage across currencies and asset classes.

    The move is part of MAS's broader goal to establish a seamless global digital market infrastructure, enabling cross-border transactions of tokenised assets.

    Since Project Guardian’s launch in 2022, over 15 trials have been conducted, with participation from more than 40 financial institutions and policymakers from seven jurisdictions.

    These developments are expected to pave the way for a broader adoption of tokenised financial products, transforming how assets are traded, settled, and managed.

    Read on MAS tokenisation frameworks roll out here.

  • Dua Lipa gets a taste of Singapore: 'Powered by laksa, chilli crab'

    Dua Lipa’s Singapore trip is a feast for the senses – savouring laksa, chilli crab, and sour plum juice before her Radical Optimism tour. What will the pop star try next? (Photo: Dua Lipa/Instagram)
    Dua Lipa’s Singapore trip is a feast for the senses – savouring laksa, chilli crab, and sour plum juice before her Radical Optimism tour. What will the pop star try next? (Photo: Dua Lipa/Instagram)

    Pop star Dua Lipa is embracing the full Singapore experience while in the cit for her Radical Optimism tour concerts at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

    The "Levitating" singer has been exploring Singapore's vibrant food scene, indulging in local favourites like laksa, chilli crab, and sour plum juice.

    Her Instagram has been a window into her foodie adventures, with snapshots of her enjoying meals at famous spots like 328 Katong Laksa and New Ubin Seafood.

    In addition to her culinary explorations, Dua Lipa has also been showing off some of her stylish, off-duty looks around the city.

    Fans have been quick to recommend even more dishes for the star to try, and as she prepares for her performances, it’s clear that Lipa is as excited about the food as she is about the music.

    Read more on how Dua Lipa embraced Singapore's culture here.

  • Fashion accessories brand Aupen loved by celebritties finally unveils who its founder is, and he's a Singaporean

    Aupen, the buzzworthy accessories brand favoured by stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, has unveiled its founder, Nicholas Tan, a Singaporean entrepreneur who has built a name for himself in the fashion industry. (Photo: WWD)
    Aupen, the buzzworthy accessories brand favoured by stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, has unveiled its founder, Nicholas Tan, a Singaporean entrepreneur who has built a name for himself in the fashion industry. (Photo: WWD)

    Aupen, the eco-luxury brand adored by celebrities like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, has revealed its founder, Nicholas Tan, a Singaporean entrepreneur.

    With a background in fashion and tech, Tan launched Aupen in 2022, focusing on sustainable luxury accessories.

    His collaboration with LVMH enhances the brand's craftsmanship, using certified leathers and sustainable practices.

    Aupen’s growing celebrity following and its commitment to timeless, eco-friendly designs have positioned it as a key player in the fashion world, with plans for further expansion.

    Here's what to know about Aupen's Singaporean founder Nicholas Tan.

  • Serangoon Garden Market crowned Singapore's favourite hawker centre

    Serangoon Garden Market tops the list as Singapore's Favourite Hawker Centre in 2024. (Photo: Google Earth street view)
    Serangoon Garden Market tops the list as Singapore's Favourite Hawker Centre in 2024. (Photo: Google Earth street view)

    Serangoon Garden Market was voted the public’s Favourite Hawker Centre at the Singapore Hawkers' Seminar & Awards 2024, marking a new category introduced this year.

    The market’s vibrant food scene and welcoming atmosphere earned it 216 votes out of over 500 submissions.

    Other winners included Nyonya Bte Mohd Shah’s Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak, which took the Hawker Heritage Award, and Tan Sook Fern’s Hakka Leipopo, which clinched the Enterprising Hawker Award.

    Additionally, the Outstanding Hawker Mentor Award was given to veteran hawkers like Philip Tan of Mei Ji Fishball Noodle for their mentorship of aspiring hawkerpreneurs.

    The awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, community contributions, and rich traditions of Singapore's hawker culture.

    Find out more on the Singapore Hawkers’ Seminar & Awards 2024 here.

  • Raeesah Khan lie case: WP's Pritam Singh rejects alleged cover-up

    The Workers' Party Secretary-General Pritam Singh attends a press conference at their headquarters in Singapore July 19, 2023. REUTERS/Edgar Su
    Singapore’s opposition leader Pritam Singh of the Workers' Party (WP) denies asking former Member of the Parliament (MP) Raeesah Khan to maintain her lie, insisting he pushed her to “own up” instead. REUTERS/Edgar Su

    Workers’ Party (WP) leader Pritam Singh disputed claims that he encouraged former Member of Parliament (MP) Raeesah Khan to maintain her false statement in Parliament on his first day on the stand Tuesday (6 Nov).

    Singh testified that, far from instructing Khan to keep up the pretense, he had urged her to “take ownership and responsibility” for her actions.

    The case, which centres on whether Singh lied to a parliamentary committee, saw the Leader of the Opposition emphasise his stance on integrity in Parliament, even as some members of his own party advised otherwise.

    Khan’s lie, initially told in August 2021, claimed she had accompanied a rape victim to a police station where officers allegedly mishandled the case.

    After her emotional confession to Singh that the story was untrue, he reportedly advised her to clarify the matter but chose not to rush a statement.

    “We never told her to take the lie to the grave,” Singh insisted in court, rebuffing allegations that he encouraged Khan to perpetuate the narrative.

    According to Singh, he met with Khan at her home on 3 October 2021, a day before she repeated the lie in Parliament, and made it clear she had to “take ownership” if the issue arose.

    “I will not judge you if you take responsibility,” Singh recounted, noting that Khan appeared nervous at his suggestion.

    However, he expressed “incredible disappointment” when Khan doubled down on the falsehood in her 4 October session, raising further doubts within his party.

    Not all in the WP agreed with Singh’s stance.

    Singh recounted resistance from two senior party members, Loh Pei Ying and Yudhishthra Nathan, who suggested Khan continue the narrative rather than confess.

    Singh recalled rejecting Nathan’s “ridiculous suggestion” to “triple down” on the lie, asserting that truthfulness in Parliament was non-negotiable.

    “Any responsible MP would just reply to questions,” he said, underscoring his belief in MPs' duty to clarify when pressed.

    In light of his testimony, Singh also pointed to political realities, suggesting that the government was unlikely to ignore Khan’s initial lie and would “jump at the chance” to scrutinise an opposition MP.

    The trial is expected to continue, with Singh’s remarks casting new light on the internal challenges and ethical complexities faced by his party.

  • Singapore's ex-UN ambassador Kishore Mahbubani weighs in on US 2024 election outcome

    Kishore Mahabubani, of the Singapore National University's Asia Research Institute, speaks at the Peace Forum Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 in Paris. France hosts leaders from multiple countries to discuss world peace and what to do about Ukraine (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Pool)
    Former Singapore ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani discusses the 2024 US election, supporting a Kamala Harris win for global stability but acknowledging Donald Trump's momentum, while also addressing Southeast Asia's position amid US-China tensions. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Pool)

    As the United States head to the polls, Kishore Mahbubani, former Singapore ambassador to the UN, shared his views on the potential impact of a Kamala Harris or Donald Trump win.

    Mahbubani expressed support for Harris, saying that her leadership would create a more stable international environment.

    However, he noted that Trump's momentum in the race was hard to ignore.

    The former president’s populist, isolationist stance remains appealing to a large segment of the electorate.

    Mahbubani also discussed the US-China relationship, noting that both candidates share a hardline view on Beijing, but their approaches differ, with Trump favouring tariffs and Harris advocating for more targeted measures.

    Mahbubani emphasised the importance of Southeast Asia’s unity, which could provide a buffer in the ongoing US-China rivalry.

    Read on Kishore Mahbubani's take on the US election here.