Why living in Singapore is the most expensive in Southeast Asia; Gruelling Johor-Singapore commute revealed in viral video: Singapore live news
We feature a curated selection of some of the biggest, most important, and fascinating news that’s making waves online
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Singapore is the most expensive Southeast Asian country, but higher incomes, excellent infrastructure, and government support mitigate its high living costs. REUTERS/Edgar Su
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DBS Group has named Tan Su Shan as its new CEO, starting March, marking the first time a woman and internal candidate will lead the bank. Know more about Tan Su Shan here.
Colin Huang, the mastermind behind Pinduoduo and Temu, has become China's richest person with a net worth of $64 billion (US$48.6 billion). His success story includes founding the gamified e-commerce platform Pinduoduo, which rapidly grew in popularity and revenue, and launching the cut-price shopping app Temu, which gained massive traction in the United States. Know more about China's wealthiest billionaire Collin Huang here.
A Singapore Airlines flight landed safely at Narita Airport despite smoke from its left engine. The incident prompted a brief runway closure, but all 276 passengers and crew were unharmed. Read on about SQ638's smoky landing here.
Olympic medals are prestigious, but what if they start falling apart? US skateboarder Nyjah Huston’s Olympic bronze medal didn’t last long – literally. Just a week after winning it, Huston noticed it chipping and losing colour. More about the concerns raised on the durability of medals here.
Is your sugar substitute safe? Erythritol is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, raising concerns about the safety of artificial sweeteners. Find out more about what experts have to say about the sugar substitute here.
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Baking soda is being repurposed as a health supplement for fitness and wellness, but experts warn that its benefits come with significant risks and should be used cautiously. Read on before jumping on the baking soda trend.
The Paris 2024 Olympics closed with a bang, delivering a star-studded spectacle at the Stade de France. Fireworks lit up the sky as Tom Cruise descended into the stadium, thrilling the crowd with a "Mission: Impossible"-style entrance. The event celebrated two and a half weeks of intense competition and unforgettable moments.
The French capital, famous for its iconic backdrops like the Eiffel Tower, passed the torch to Los Angeles, the host of the 2028 Olympics, in a handover that featured Cruise riding a motorcycle with the Olympic flag. Los Angeles is poised to make its mark as the third city to host the Summer Games three times. Find more of our Olympic coverage here.
Windows 10’s days are numbered, with support ending in October 2025. Microsoft is urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 to stay secure. Upgrading to Windows 11 is the easiest option if your PC can handle it. Otherwise, it might be time for a new PC or an alternative OS. What you need to know about Microsoft ending its support for Windows 10.
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Singapore's National Day just got a superhero twist with the debut of Jitter, Marvel's newest mutant. This teen, part of the Outliers, brings hyper-focus abilities to the X-Men universe, mastering any skill for a fleeting minute before burning out. Her character adds depth to the Marvel world, reflecting the challenges of living with invisible disabilities. Find out why Singaporean teen Jitter's debut adds a unique cultural twist to the superhero lineup.
In a bid to streamline operations, Standard Chartered is cutting 20 jobs in Singapore and London. The bank is folding its industries coverage team into the M&A advisory group to eliminate overlaps and boost capabilities. This move is part of a larger strategy to enhance client service and increase revenue from advisory work. More StanChart's job cuts here.
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Joel Balbin
Singapore, London hit by Standard Chartered's job cuts
Standard Chartered is cutting 20 jobs in Singapore and London as it merges its industries coverage team with the M&A group to eliminate redundancies and enhance capabilities. REUTERS/Edgar Su
Standard Chartered is cutting about 20 jobs in Singapore and London as part of a major restructuring of its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team.
The bank is merging its industries coverage team with the M&A advisory team to eliminate duplication and streamline operations.
This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the bank's M&A capabilities, deliver better services to clients, and maximise returns for shareholders.
The restructuring, announced in an internal memo, will also see some industry experts redeployed to other areas within the bank, such as financing teams.
The changes will result in a combined M&A team of over 100 bankers, with some roles being eliminated as a result of the overlap.
This is not the first time StanChart has revamped its corporate and investment banking operations.
Earlier this year, the bank removed layers of regional management to speed up decision-making and improve accountability.
Singapore's National Day just got a superhero twist with the debut of Jitter, Marvel's newest mutant. (Photo: Malay Mail)
Marvel's latest addition to the X-Men universe is a Singaporean teen mutant named Jitter, who debuted on National Day (9 Aug).
Jitter, whose real name is Sofia Yong, is part of a group of new characters called "the Outliers," introduced in a relaunch of The Uncanny X-Men series.
Jitter's character adds to Singapore's subtle legacy in the Marvel universe, which includes the fictional island of Madripoor, loosely based on Singapore, and Tyger Tiger, a Singaporean crime boss.
The introduction of Jitter has been met with excitement, especially since she embodies a complex character who not only deals with her powers but also speaks with a stutter, adding depth to her portrayal.
Fans are particularly curious about Jitter's use of Singlish, the distinctive English-based creole spoken in Singapore.
While her use of Singlish in the series is minimal, writer Gail Simone has hinted that other characters may incorporate it in the future, adding a touch of local flavour to the Marvel universe.
Jitter's debut has resonated with fans for its representation of Singapore in a globally beloved franchise, showcasing the country's culture and identity in the world of superheroes.
A Singapore Airlines flight landed safely at Narita Airport despite smoke billowing from an engine, leading to a brief runway closure but no injuries. (Photo: Getty Images)
A Singapore Airlines flight SQ638 had a close call at Tokyo's Narita International Airport when smoke was spotted billowing from its left engine upon landing.
The Boeing 787-10, carrying 276 passengers and crew, landed safely, with no injuries were reported.
The incident prompted the closure of Runway B for nearly an hour as the plane was towed away and inspected.
The Japanese fire department confirmed that the plane experienced an abnormality as it touched down, which led to the smoke.
Emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, quickly surrounded the aircraft.
A spate of high-profile airline accidents this year, including Singapore Airlines, have left a lasting impression on the public.
Cost of living index in Southeast Asia. (Source: ROSHI)
Singapore ranks as the most expensive country in Southeast Asia, with a cost of living index of 85.9, according to an analysis by Singapore-based fintech company ROSHI.
This high cost is driven primarily by significant increases in housing prices, where average HDB flat prices have reached $795,00 (US$532,768), and private houses average $2,755,000 (US$2,080,533).
Despite the elevated costs, Singaporeans benefit from a high quality of life, supported by rising incomes and robust government initiatives that help balance the financial pressures.
ROSHI's analysis also highlights that Singapore's residents enjoy excellent infrastructure, strong government support, and access to numerous public services that contribute to overall well-being.
In contrast, other Southeast Asian countries have a lower cost of living but also face challenges such as lower income levels, less developed infrastructure, and fewer government support programs.
Singapore's position as the most expensive country is thus counterbalanced by factors that enhance the overall living experience, making it a desirable place despite the costs.
Viral video shows Johor-Singapore commute nightmare
A viral video shows Johoreans braving a grueling daily commute to work in Singapore, sparking a debate over whether the higher wages justify the exhausting journey. (Photo: Chryeon1188/Reddit)
Despite the attractive wages, the exhausting commute raises questions about whether the financial benefits outweigh the daily strain.
Opinions among commenters were mixed.
Some users shuddered at the thought of such a commute, suggesting they would quit after just one week while some commenters insisted that the better pay and favourable exchange rates make the commute worthwhile, with a few even expressing admiration for those who make the trip daily.
For many, the payoff seems to be the primary motivator.
One commenter shared that their brother wakes up at 3am every day to start the journey, enduring the long wait because of the better salary.
Another noted that the challenging commute is a test of patience, but with such lucrative rewards, many are willing to endure it.
The video sparked a broader discussion on the sacrifices made by Malaysians who work in Singapore.
With more than 350,000 Malaysians crossing the border daily, it's clear that many see this trade-off as worth the effort, even if it involves waking up in the early hours and spending hours in transit each day.
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, leaving users with options to upgrade to Windows 11, continue using Windows 10 at their own risk, buy new PCs, or switch to alternative operating systems like ChromeOS Flex or Linux. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Microsoft will end public support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, meaning no more updates, security patches, or technical support.
Users are being notified with full-screen warnings about the impending deadline.
The simplest option for users is to upgrade to Windows 11 if their computers are eligible.
Windows 11 has matured with updates, though it may feel slower to some users.
If a PC doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, it’s still possible to install Windows 11, but without official support or updates.
Users can continue using Windows 10 after the support ends, but they’ll face increased security risks and potential compatibility issues with apps.
Security experts warn that outdated systems are vulnerable to attacks, as new patches for Windows 11 could expose vulnerabilities in Windows 10.
Users who want to keep their old PCs can consider switching to lightweight operating systems like ChromeOS Flex or Linux.
These alternatives can extend the life of older machines but require some technical know-how and come with limitations compared to Windows.
Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, thrilling the crowd with a stunt straight out of "Mission: Impossible", in an epic handoff to Los Angeles.
The French capital set the bar high, but LA is ready to bring its own unique flavour to the 2028 Games, blending Hollywood glamour with cutting-edge sports.
A new study suggests that erythritol, a popular sugar substitute, might not be as harmless as it seems.
Recent research connects erythritol to potential blood clot dangers.
Should you rethink your sugar substitute? Here’s what the experts say.
Joel Balbin
Olympic bronze medal loses its shine in just a week
Nyjah Huston says in a video posted to Instagram that his bronze was already chipped and losing its colour days after winning it. (Photo: @nyjah/Instagram via The Independent)
A shiny Olympic medal is every athlete’s dream – until it isn’t.
Concerns about the quality of Paris 2024 Olympic medals have arisen after an Olympian revealed that his bronze medal deteriorated within a week.
Team USA skateboarder Nyjah Huston shared a video on social media showing the poor condition of the medal.
He commented that it looked like it "went to war and back" and expressed disappointment in the quality, urging the Olympic committee to improve the standards for future medals.
The medal, which was made partly from recycled scrap metal from the Eiffel Tower, started chipping and losing its colour shortly after the event.
The Paris 2024 Olympic medals were designed to incorporate recycled materials as part of a sustainability initiative.
However, this attempt to be eco-friendly may have impacted the durability of the medals.
Pinduoduo and Temu founder Colin Huang rises as China’s richest person
From humble beginnings to e-commerce domination, Pinduoduo founder Colin Huang's transformation of the online shopping space is marked with innovative twists and strategic growth. Yin Liqin/CNS via REUTERS
Huang started from humble beginnings and turned his love for math into a billion-dollar empire.
From humble beginnings to e-commerce domination, his transformation of the online shopping space is marked with innovative twists and strategic growth.
DBS names Tan Su Shan as new CEO in historic appointment
FILE PHOTO: Tan Su Shan, DBS Group's head of institutional banking, has been appointed as the bank's CEO starting March. She will be the first woman to lead the bank and the first to be promoted internally. REUTERS/Harry Suhartono
Julia Fox attended a MAC event in New York wearing just a trench coat undone at the neck to reveal a very realistic naked breastplate that freed the nipple.
When we make love, I’m savouring every inch of the beautiful body tangled up with mine. The way his shoulders look; his wrists and hands… his lovely throat. “Remember this,” I tell myself. Every moment, every detail. I feel like I’m not just appreciating his body but inhabiting my own in a way I’ve never done before.
Tom Cruise may have been the talk of Victoria Beckham’s 50th birthday party, but his antics didn’t go down well with Mel B, who was also in attendance. The Hollywood actor, 62, delighted attendees when he recreated his famous over-the-top moves from Tropic Thunder, where he played the outrageous movie producer Les Grossman. The bash in April also saw Beckham and Mel B reunite with their fellow girlband members Emma Bunton, Geri Horner and Melanie C.
After an intense year of divorce rumours, P Diddy drama and concerning public appearances, fans worry as Justin Bieber looks increasingly dishevelled — but they may be forgetting some crucial parts of Bieber’s lore
Kanye West lashed out at critics of his wife Bianca Censori’s naked appearance at the Grammy Awards in a post on X. “You don’t know my mama b---h,” he wrote in response to unnamed critics, who apparently asked him “how would your mother feel” after the stunt. West’s mother, Donda, died in 2007 after complications from a plastic surgery procedure.
The Princess of Wales' fashion evolution following her engagement to Prince William in 2010 was a matter of trial and error, according to the royal's advisor.
Jessica Alba filed for divorce from Cash Warren on Friday, nearly a month to the day since news of their split first broke. The Honest Company co-founder, 43, and 46-year-old producer, who have been married for nearly 17 years, did not have a prenup, insiders told TMZ. The outlet reports that Alba filed just before Warren on Friday, but their filings are nearly identical, suggesting the ...
NEW YORK — Taylor Swift is reportedly distancing herself from bestie Blake Lively after being referenced in Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against the actress. According to TMZ insiders, the pop superstar feels her longtime friend manipulated her and leveraged her fame to gain an upper hand on Baldoni amid feuding while making their film “It Ends With Us.” Lively sued Baldoni in ...
With Rachel Brosnahan joining James Gunn’s new cinematic DCU, she’s optimistic for some truth, justice and the American way. The 2x Critics Choice Television Awards winner teased Deadline at Friday’s 30th annual awards show of what’s to come in Gunn’s upcoming take on Superman, and how it “really encapsulates” what the Man of Steel stands …
"That's not something that I normally do, but it just ... really got under my skin," Green tells PEOPLE of his recent Instagram Stories post about Kelly trying to 'drag other people'
Blake Lively and Taylor Swift’s friendship has been under a microscope ever since the pop star was referenced in Lively’s legal battle against Justin Baldoni last month. While Baldoni and Lively’s legal fallout has been ongoing since December, a recent complaint from Baldoni brought Swift into the fray, alleging that Lively referred to her longtime friend as one of her “dragons” in a text message. Citing a “well-connected source close to Taylor,” TMZ reports that the Folklore artist was angry th
Johnny Depp's lawyer Benjamin Chew called Justin Baldoni's decision to publish a website featuring links to his lawsuit against Blake Lively "a novel approach"