Singapore's civil service is world's best according to Oxford Uni study, kebaya inscribed onto UNESCO cultural heritage list: Singapore live news

Looking for things to do as the weekend arrives? Well, this December, there's a plethora of markets, events, and activities to keep you entertained at zero cost.

For one, Christmas events abound. Feast on Christmas treats from around the world at the World Christmas Market, explore New Bahru at the Merry Market, and experience poinsettias up close at Gardens by the Bay. Even the pet events have gone festive for the season, with Santa Paws Market at RedDot Brewhouse and Crane’s Festive Pet Fair.

Here’s your guide to the top 50 free things to do in December 2024!

In South Korea earlier this week, President Yoon Suk-yeol stunned the country and the world by declaring martial law late Tuesday night—before lifting it hours later, after protests against military rule broke out and parliament stepped in to invalidate the move.

Singaporeans in South Korea were advised to carry on with their activities as planned, but to keep safe by staying up to date with local news and avoid areas of protests following the country's lifting of martial law on Wednesday morning (4 December). Singapore's embassy in Seoul confirmed it would operate as per normal that day.

What about President Yoon? His political future hangs in the balance. Find out more about what's next for President Yoon and South Korea.

It's the end-year holiday season! While it can be a great time of re-connection and bonding with family and friends, it can also be a stressful period.

Rather than just trying to power through, experts say there are simple things you can do to not only better manage holiday stress but also dial up the delight. Among the suggestions by experts include cooking a favourite dish or baking a well-loved dessert. Taking a walk, either alone or with family and friends, can also help you relax.

More tips to make the holidays happier here.

McDonald's curry sauce fans – fans of any of its sauces, for that matter – heads up: McDonald's Singapore will start charging for extra sauces from 2 January 2025. Additionally, you can't get free curry sauce with your meal unless you order McNuggets.

In an update on its website, McDonald's said that its Ketchup and Garlic Chili Sauce "will continue to be provided at no charge, based on fixed allocation to a food order".

"We will be charging for all other sauces, if requested for beyond the usual allocation for respective menu products," it added. Here's how much you'll have to pay:

• Chicken McNuggets dipping sauce (BBQ, Curry, Honey Mustard) – 50 cents per tub

• Hotcakes syrup – 50 cents per tub

• Whipped Butter Pad (for Hotcakes and Corn Cup) – 50 cents per tub

• Salad Dressing (Japanese Dressing Roasted Sesame) – 70 cents per packet

Why is the fast-food chain doing this?

"We have started a nominal charge for sauces beyond the allocated quantities for specific menu items. This is to help manage food waste and rising food costs – both these are ongoing challenges across the F&B industry. We seek our customers' understanding and hope they will continue to enjoy the food – and sauces – they love," it said.

Get the details here.

What's Jonathan Bailey and Cynthia Erivo's – both theatre veterans and stars of the movie Wicked – secret sauce when it comes to performing well?

It's something you probably stock at home, and rather easily available in Singapore supermarkets and pharmacies: pi pa gao, or as it's officially known, Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa Cough Syrup.

In an interview uploaded on to Instagram by Hong Kong-based news outlet Newsdaily Asia, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey and Jeff Goldblum were presented with a bottle of pi pa gao, wrapped with a ribbon.

Immediately, Erivo and Bailey raved about it to their co-stars. "This got me through performing a musical, eight shows a week," Bailey said. He added, addressing Goldblum, "You'll sound like a flute."

It's "amazing", Erivo praised.

Find out what Grande's reaction was here.

Also, another star sings pi pa gao's praises – who is it?

The kebaya is now recognised on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity on Wednesday (4 December). The multinational nomination of kebaya involved five Southeast Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

In a statement, the National Heritage Board, said that it's the largest nomination from Southeast Asia to date, in terms of the number of nominating countries. The five countries collaborated on a nomination for the first time as the kebaya celebrates our shared cultural identity, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and continues to be present and actively produced and worn by many communities across Southeast Asia, NHB said.

Find out more about the kebaya and why this is significant.