How to watch Shanti Pereira and Ryan Lo as flag bearers at the Paris Olympics; NTUC's Income Insurance-Allianz deal causes public concerns: Singapore live news
We feature a curated selection of some of the biggest, most important, and fascinating news that’s making waves online
Yahoo News Singapore
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Team Singapore sprinter Shanti Pereira and sailor Ryan Lo will be the flag bearers at the Olympics opening ceremony. (Photo: SNOC/Kong Chong Yew, Team Singapore)
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Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today.
It was announced that Team Singapore sailor Ryan Lo and sprinter Shanti Pereira will be the flag bearers at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The Games are set to begin later and you can watch it on the meWATCH platform or check our site for the latest updates.
A YouTuber put the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 through a series of hardcore experiments to test its durability. To watch the video, head over here.
This country is the least visited in Asia, but also the most expensive. It uses the US dollar - a stronger currency compared to nearby countries like Indonesia and Australia - and a plate of fruits and vegetables can cost US$8 (S$10.75).
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Malaysia's digital minister has met with representatives from Microsoft and CrowdStrike to get a full report on the global IT outage. He also asked them to consider compensation claims and see what they can do to help.
NTUC Entreprise released a statement on July 25 to address public concerns about Income-Allianz deal. Chairman, Lim Boon Heng, said Income Insurance will still serve social objectives and products will be priced competitively. For more updates on the deal, read here.
Charlotte Dujardin has admitted to being the one in the video whipping the horse, but the timing of the video drop seems suspicious. A Dutch equine lawyer is calling the motivation of the whistleblower into question. For more on this controversy, read on.
Typhoon Gaemi has made landfall in Taiwan, killing three and leaving at least 266 injured. The super typhoon has brought the island to a halt with schools and offices closed, and almost 500,000 households losing power. For more updates on the typhoon and where it's headed next, read here.
Coffee is going to cost more as the prices of beans rise. This is due to supply issues from Vietnam and Brazil, as well as emerging demand from market such as China. To better understand how your next cup of joe will be impacted, read on.
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Looking to lose some weight? Oats might just be a natural solution, according to a new study. It contains a fibre that is the best at naturally fighting obesity. To find out how it mimics weight loss drugs, read here.
Ang Boon Ee, founder of Ah Pui Satay, has died at 66. The announcement was made on the stall's Facebook page. It was reported that he had health issues but it was never made public what exactly he suffered from. Here's where you can read more about the life and history of Ang.
Minister Josephine Teo suffered a gash and a black-eye when she walked into a glass door. She shared more on Instagram and said she "must have been thinking about work" when the accident occurred.
Inside Out 2 raked in US$1.46 billion (S$1.96 billion) at the global box office, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time. The film could end with higher numbers as it's slated to open in Japan next week.
Mattel is adding two new Barbies to their lineup as part of their "commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity". To find out more about the new dolls, read here.
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With more young Singaporeans buying new private properties, it's time to start evaluating your income and what you can afford. It's not unheard of to be 'sandwiched' where your income exceeds HDB's BTO ceiling but you're not earning enough to afford a condo. What other options do you have then? Read on.
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Bryan Lim
Should you buy a big resale HDB flat or a small condo?
How do you decide between a big resale HDB flat or a small condo? (Photo: Getty Images)
According to the Ministry of Manpower, a couple earning the median gross monthly income (based on 2023's numbers) wouldn't exceed the cap of $14,000.
But it's also been reported early this year that more young Singaporeans (between the ages of 26 and 35) are buying new private property.
So, if you find yourself stuck in this weird place where your income exceeds the HDB BTO ceiling (presumably because of your spouse) but you're not yet rich enough to afford a condo, what other options do you have?
To assuage concerns, not all roads lead to a condo, so read on to find out.
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Bryan Lim
Minister Josephine Teo sustains gash after walking into glass door
Minister Josephine Teo suffered a gash when she walked into a glass door. (Photo: Instagram/joteo.ylm)
Minister Josephine Teo walked into a glass door on Wednesday (July 24) and suffered minor injuries.
She went on Instagram on Thursday to share what happened. Teo wrote, "I must have been thinking about work when I absent-mindedly walked into a glass door that was not closed as usual."
The accident left her with an "an inch-wide gash at my left brow-bone". Teo clarified that she was fine after seeking medical treatment.
"Apart from the initial feeling of being concussed, I feel fine and was able to meet colleagues virtually and settle some urgent matters," she shared.
Public concerned about Income-Allianz deal; NTUC Enterprise says Income will still serve social objectives
NTUC Entreprise released a statement on July 25 to address public concerns about Income-Allianz deal. (Photo: Getty Images)
The acquisition of Income Insurance by German insurance major Allianz has caused concerns among the public. There's fear that the former won't prioritise the needs of Singapore workers after the acquisition.
Tan Suee Chieh, former CEO of NTUC Income Co-operative, called the deal a "breach of good faith". He added, "I did not expect the sale of majority shareholding to a very commercial European insurer to happen. My concern about the fair treatment of minority shareholders when the corporatisation happened remains."
Koh shared on Facebook, "The idea was to offer insurance to the people at affordable rates. A few years ago it was made into a company and ceased to be a cooperative. Now we are told that it may be sold to a German insurance company. I don’t think it’s a good idea to sell Income. It was founded to serve a social purpose and a social need."
Experts whom local media spoke to said that the concerns among locals were justified as the post-acquisition entity might shift their focus "from social good to profit maximisation".
On July 25, NTUC Entreprise chairman, Lim Boon Heng, shared a statement addressing the issue.
He said, "NTUC Enterprise will also continue as an active shareholder of Income Insurance to keep it to its purpose and deliver social commitments to its policyholders."
Lim added that products will be priced "very competitively".
How to watch Shanti Pereira and Ryan Lo as flag bearers at the Paris Olympics
Team Singapore athlete Shanti Pereira (left) and sailor Ryan Lo will be the flag bearers at the Olympics opening ceremony. (Photo: SNOC/Kong Chong Yew, Team Singapore)
The Paris Olympics are almost upon us and after some controversy over the selection of swimmers, it's time to watch our local athletes shine on an international stage.
And, a total of 22 athletes across 11 sports will represent Singapore at the Games – as of July 6.
On being a flag bearer, Lo called it a "great honour" and shared that it gave him "an immense feeling of pride and also gratitude".
Pereira echoed similar sentiments and added, "The Olympics is the biggest stage for us and I’m proud to be leading my fellow team Singapore athletes at the opening ceremony, signifying the start of what will be a very special time for all of us."
For those in Singapore who want to tune in, you can do so on the meWATCH platform. Alternatively, you find the latest updates on the Games on our site.
Bryan Lim
Mattel launches new blind Barbie and black Barbie with Down syndrome
Mattel has introduced two new Barbie dolls – blind Barbie and black Barbie with Down syndrome. (Photo: Malay Mail)
Mattel is adding two new Barbies to their lineup as part of their "commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity".
The first, a blind Barbie, was created with the counsel of the American Foundation for the Blind. This was done to ensure that everything about doll – from the face sculpt to the accessories – accurately depict individuals with blindness or low vision.
The second, a black Barbie with Down syndrome, was created in partnership with the National Down Syndrome Society. This was important to make certain that the physical characteristics were recreated accurately.
Inside Out 2 is the highest-grossing animated film, dethrones Frozen 2
Inside Out 2 has overtaken Frozen 2 to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. (Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)
It may have taken almost a decade for Inside Out to get a sequel but the love for the franchise hasn't faded in the years between.
According to Disney on Wednesday (July 24), Inside Out 2 has become the highest-grossing animated film of all time with a stunning performance globally. The film earned US$1.46 billion (S$1.96 billion) at the global box office, dethroning Frozen 2.
It was reported that the film crossed the US$1 billion mark just 19 days after its release.
Experts predict that the film could end with even higher numbers as it's slated to open in Japan next week.
Founder of Ah Pui Satay, Ang Boon Ee, died at 66. (Photo: Facebook)
He was known for his satay which drew crowds and often sold out within two to three hours of his stall opening.
However, the founder of Ah Pui Satay, Ang Boon Ee, died after battling health issues since 2022. The announcement was made on the stall's Facebook page, but didn't specify what was ailing the late hawker.
It was reported that he closed his stall in Chinatown in 2022 to tend to his health, but reopened in April 2024 at Toa Payoh.
According to a local media publication, Ang suffered a relapse two weeks after the reopening of his stall.
Oats contain a fibre that has the best results at naturally combating obesity. (Photo: Getty Images)
A new study has found that oats could mimic the effects of weight loss drugs.
It was reported that beta-glucan, the type of fibre found in oats and rye, was the best type of fibre for naturally fighting obesity.
The study authors observed that animals who partially consumed this fibre had significantly less weight gain compared to those which didn't.
Researchers determined that the group on the beta-glucan diet could have better health outcomes as it stimulates the release of a hormone that regulates your appetite.
To learn more on the natural benefits of oats on weight loss, read here.
Bryan Lim
Trouble brewing? Coffee prices set to spike
Coffee prices are set to rise. (Photo: Getty Images)
A cup of coffee is set to be more expensive as coffee bean prices spike.
In response, sellers have increased their prices and scrapped discounts, and more increases are coming. Coffee chains are commenting that the price increase is inevitable at this point, even though they always "second-guess" themselves before doing so.
The hike can be attributed to the supply disruptions from Vietnam and Brazil, but there's also an emerging demand in markets like China.
To better understand why a cup of joe will cost you more, read here.
Bryan Lim
3 dead, 266 injured in Taiwan as Typhoon Gaemi hits
Typhoon Gaemi hits Taiwan, killing three and leaving at least 266 injured. (Photo: AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
The strongest storm in almost 10 years has hit Taiwan, leaving three dead and at least 266 injured.
One victim was crushed by a falling tree, another died after a wall fell on the car she was in, and the last victim was driving an excavator which overturned.
Typhoon Gaemi made landfall late Wednesday (July 24) night and brought the island to a halt. Schools and offices were shut, almost 500,000 households lost power, and streets were emptied.
For more information on the super typhoon and where it's headed next, read more here.
Bryan Lim
VIDEO: Timing of Charlotte Dujardin 'horse abuse' footage sparks sabotage concerns
Charlotte Dujardin has admitted to being the one in the video whipping the horse, but the timing of the video drop seems suspicious. (Photo: Reuters/Alkis Konstantinidis)
British athlete Charlotte Dujardin dropped out of the Games after video footage of her whipping a horse "like an elephant in a circus" was disseminated.
Dujardin has co-operated with investigations and admitted that she was the one in the video.
However, the delayed timing of the video drop has sparked sabotage concerns as the incident occurred four years ago.
Additionally, the lawyer representing the whistleblower said his client "wanted to prevent Charlotte Dujardin from winning medals at the Olympic Games".
Luc Schelstraete, a Dutch equine lawyer, said, "This statement makes it clear what motivated the anonymous client to file a complaint."
Malaysia asks Microsoft, CrowdStrike to consider compensating for global outage
Malaysia asks Microsoft, CrowdStrike to consider compensating for global outage (Photo: Reuters/Hasnoor Hussain/File Photo)
Last week's global IT outage brought the world to a halt.
The outage was caused by a faulty update to CrowdStrike's security software, which impacted computers powered by Microsoft's operating system.
According to Malaysia's digital minister, five government agencies and nine companies operating in aviation, banking and healthcare were among those affected.
Gobind has sought a full report of the incident from representatives of Microsoft and CrowdStrike. He also asked them to consider any compensation claims and "see to what extent they are able to help resolve the issue".
The least visited country in Asia is also the most expensive
Timor-Leste is the least visited country in Asia, but also the most expensive. (Photo: Insider)
Timor-Leste is a country in the South Pacific known for its unspoiled waters and vibrant coral reefs.
However, it is one of the world's least visited countries, and as it turns out, the one of the more expensive ones. A contributing factor is because it uses the US dollar, a stronger currency than that used in nearby countries like Indonesia and Australia.
Getting to the country is also difficult, with only a handful of cities flying to its capital, Dili. In fact, a return plane ticket from Bali costs US$500 (S$672).
Former Deal or No Deal star Noel Edmonds no longer lives in the UK – and his New Zealand life with a whopping Motueka Valley estate has left locals divided
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This is the incredible moment a teenager stuck in quicksand on the island of Gulangyu, China on February 1 is able to escape by remaining calm and carefully following instructions.