Singapore-born reality TV star Lynn Ban dies at 51; Workers in Singapore seek higher pay and career purpose: Singapore live news

As the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) prepares for its monetary policy review this week, economists are divided on whether it will ease its settings.

Half of analysts expect a loosening in response to cooling inflation and stronger-than-expected growth, while others predict Singapore's central bank will hold off, citing uncertainties around US President Trump’s economic policies.

The MAS has maintained its current policy since October 2022, and its decision this week will be closely watched for signs of a potential shift.

With inflation now under 2 per cent and growth exceeding expectations, there is room for change, but the central bank may prefer to wait until more clarity emerges globally.

The outcome of the review will signal how Singapore is positioning itself to navigate a post-pandemic world economy in flux.

Read on economists' mixed views ahead of MAS policy review here.

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has reportedly instructed its Chinese employees at the Singapore headquarters to report their income to Chinese tax authorities.

The move, part of China’s increased enforcement of global tax rules, comes with significant implications for employees' stock options, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Employees who fail to comply will not be able to cash out on their restricted stock units.

The tax difference between China and Singapore could be as high as 21 percentage points, creating a significant financial burden for affected workers.

ByteDance plans to provide subsidies for employees but has not clarified if it will cover the full tax difference.

Taiwan’s Air Force is in mourning after a tragic incident at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Tuesday (21 Jan).

Sergeant Hu, 41, was fatally sucked into the engine of an Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF) during a routine inspection.

The Taiwanese Air Force has suspended all IDF flights and launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

This rare tragedy highlights concerns about safety practices during jet maintenance checks and has prompted an immediate review of protocols.

The Air Force Command has promised full support for Hu’s family and a commitment to improving safety standards.

Read on the tragic accident in Taiwan that claimed the life of an Air Force officer her.

A viral moment from Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration has caught the internet's attention, but it's not the event itself.

In a now-infamous clip, the Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared to stare at Lauren Sanchez’s chest while wearing a revealing Alexander McQueen outfit that showcased a white lace bra.

The awkward moment sent social media users into a frenzy, mocking Zuckerberg's reaction and commenting on Sanchez's bold choice of attire.

Zuckerberg’s viral gaze has sparked a wave of jokes and criticism online.

In the footage, which quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), the billionaire CEO seemed fixated on Sanchez’s cleavage as she wore a daring white suit with a visible lace bra beneath.

While some defended Sanchez’s confidence and fashion choice, others took to social media to criticise the outfit as inappropriate for such a formal occasion.

"Selling Sunset" star Christine Quinn sarcastically dubbed Zuckerberg "our favourite Lizardman" and jokingly speculated that the CEO was “trying to program his next algorithm off” Sanchez’s cleavage.

Quinn's tweet was a direct jab at both Zuckerberg’s awkward stare and the outfit itself, calling it “peak Selling Sunset season 2 energy.”

Sanchez, the fiancée of Amazon’ founder Jeff Bezos, remained relatively calm amidst the chaos.

Though many criticised her outfit, which also included matching white pants and a fur coat, she subtly responded by liking comments that supported her bold look.

Read on Mark Zuckerberg caught fact-checking during Trump's inauguration here.

A landmark trial began in Singapore on Tuesday (21 Jan) involving a man accused of raping his wife.

This case marks the first trial of its kind since the country fully repealed marital immunity for rape in 2020.

The accused, a 42-year-old foreigner, faces multiple charges, including aggravated rape, after allegedly assaulting and threatening his wife in November 2020.

His defence claims the sexual acts were consensual, but prosecutors argue that the woman was coerced and in fear for her safety.

The alleged incident took place after a heated argument between the couple, who had been living apart.

According to prosecutors, the man slapped his wife, showed her a pornographic video, and threatened her with a metal rod.

Fearing for her safety, the woman was allegedly forced to stay the night with him.

The prosecution claims the man locked the doors to prevent her from escaping and sexually assaulted her under duress.

The woman, who had initially declined a meeting with her husband, eventually accompanied him after a dispute over a gift escalated.

The argument led to physical violence, including slapping, which resulted in the woman chipping her tooth.

Despite her misgivings, she was reportedly pressured into going with him, following advice from her supervisor to resolve the issue.

The accused is facing a total of nine charges, including aggravated rape, criminal intimidation, and causing hurt.

The case is significant as it is the first marital rape trial following the repeal of marital immunity in January 2020.

Before this, Singapore law treated marital rape differently from other forms of sexual assault, offering husbands immunity.

This case now sets a precedent under the new legal framework.

The trial is expected to introduce evidence from 38 witnesses to establish the alleged victim's claims.

Read on Singapore's first marital trial here.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ306, en route from Changi Airport to London Heathrow, was forced to make an emergency landing in Munich on Wednesday (22 Jan), due to a medical emergency involving a passenger.

The Boeing 777-300ER, registered 9V-SWY, was about 12 hours into its 14-hour journey when the flight crew decided to divert to Munich for immediate medical assistance.

The flight, which had been cruising at 36,000 feet, declared an emergency and initiated a 7700 squawk code – the international distress signal.

After consultation with air traffic control, the plane was rerouted to Munich Airport where it landed safely.

The aircraft remained on the ground for about two hours before taking off again, ultimately arriving in London, slightly behind schedule but without further incident.

Singapore Airlines confirmed that the decision to divert was prompted by a medical emergency involving one of the passengers.

While details about the condition were not disclosed, the quick thinking of the crew ensured the passenger received the necessary care upon landing.

Ground crews were on standby and responded swiftly to assist the passenger, who was promptly given medical attention.

The incident follows several similar medical diversions in recent months, including Air India's emergency landing in Moscow in November 2024 due to a medical issue onboard.

Singapore Airlines, known for its high standard of customer service, has been proactive in implementing measures to ensure passenger welfare, including additional health protocols during flights.

The airline operates multiple daily flights between Singapore and London and has a strong track record for handling such emergency situations efficiently.

FairPrice Group is offering $8 Return Vouchers for every $100 spent at their stores between 23 and 26 Jan, in time for Chinese New Year.

These vouchers are redeemable from 24 Jan to 28 Feb, making it easier for shoppers to stock up on festive essentials.

The initiative follows earlier CDC Voucher Scheme promotions and is part of a broader effort by FairPrice to help Singaporeans navigate the rising cost of living.

With price freezes on popular CNY seafood and discounts for CHAS cardholders, this is the perfect time to shop for your holiday needs.

Read on FairPrice's launch of $8 Return Vouchers for CNY here.