EWL disruption enters day two as commuter woes continue; Workers eager for four-day work week but bosses not so much: Singapore live news
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As the East-West Line (EWL) train disruption stretches into its second day, commuters in Singapore face ongoing transport challenges. With services still suspended between Jurong East and Buona Vista due to a traction power fault, the situation remains fluid. The disruption began Wednesday (25 Sept) morning, stranding 850 passengers after a power fault affected multiple stations. SMRT has introduced shuttle bus services to assist affected commuters, though frustrations regarding crowd management persist. The LTA has confirmed ongoing repairs and safety checks on affected trains. With this incident following several other disruptions, questions about the reliability of Singapore's public transport system are being raised. More on the second day of SMRT's EWL disruption here.
The world’s coolest neighbourhoods for 2024 have been revealed, and Singapore’s Orchard Road has made the list, reflecting a dynamic shift from shopping hub to cultural hotspot. With exciting new venues and a creative spirit, Orchard Road is at the forefront of urban exploration. Find out the 38 coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now here.
Erling Haaland has quickly made his mark at Manchester City, reaching 100 goals in just 105 matches. His remarkable scoring rate positions him to potentially break Alan Shearer's Premier League record of 260 goals, among other milestones. Haaland’s scoring diversity and his recent cheeky antics have added depth to his character, making him not just a goal machine but also a notable figure in the rivalry with Arsenal. Here's what's next for Manchester City star Erling Haaland.
How long should great sex last? A new study suggests 35 minutes is ideal, with 15 minutes of foreplay, 15 minutes of intercourse, and 5 minutes of afterplay. Regular sex is crucial for health, and extra foreplay boosts satisfaction. Most people find nighttime, especially weekends, the best time for sex. Read on how you can transform your sex life to achieve maximum satisfaction.
In a bizarre case of deception, a 49-year-old man in Malaysia was scammed out of over $6000 (RM20,000) after falling for a sperm donation scheme. Lured by an enticing online advertisement featuring a beautiful woman, he was contacted by a woman supposedly in Singapore. He soon found himself caught in a web of false promises and fraudulent contracts. Here's how fraudsters use attractive ads to scam their victims.
Hong Kong has reclaimed its status as Asia’s leading financial hub, pushing Singapore to second place, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index. Hong Kong's rise is attributed to a recovering stock market and new IPOs, while Singapore sees modest gains but drops in ranking. Globally, the competition among financial centres remains fierce amid geopolitical risks that are looming large. See how the global financial centres stack up here.
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Joel Balbin
Singapore falls to second in Asia in latest financial rankings
Singapore has been overtaken by Hong Kong as the leading financial centre in Asia, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index.
Singapore now sits at fourth globally and has slipped to second in Asia due to recent economic trends and market performance.
Despite Singapore's drop in ranking, it still managed a modest increase of five points, indicating that while it remains a significant financial hub, it faces growing competition from Hong Kong.
The index highlights the importance of responsive economic policies and market conditions in determining the standings of financial centres.
Wider trends in Asia reveal that while Hong Kong is experiencing a resurgence, other cities like Shanghai and Beijing have fallen in the rankings.
The report attributes Hong Kong's rise to a recovering stock market, new public listings, and supportive government policies.
The easing of pandemic restrictions and an influx of capital have revitalised Hong Kong's financial landscape, making it more attractive to global investors.
Globally, the index reflects a competitive atmosphere, with many cities making gains while others struggle.
The report emphasises that geopolitical risks remain a significant concern for financial centres worldwide, affecting their stability and growth.
The index, compiled by Z/Yen Partners and the China Development Institute, assessed 121 financial centres based on multiple criteria, including business environment and human capital.
A recent survey by Etiqa Insurance highlights that most younger Singaporeans aspire to retire early, ideally before the age of 60.
According to the survey, 81 per cent of Singaporeans plan to retire between 50 and 70, with a significant number aiming for 60.
Most millennials (75 per cent) and Gen Z (69 per cent) feel confident about achieving their retirement goals, expecting to live on less thanS$6,000 a month.
However, many start planning for retirement only in their 30s, which may jeopardise their long-term financial security.
While younger Singaporeans are proactive about retirement, many underestimate the time and funds necessary to maintain their desired lifestyle.
Etiqa Insurance CEO Raymond Ong warns of a potential retirement gap if this trend continues.
Despite a general optimism, factors like rising living costs and inflation prompt the need for serious financial planning, starting earlier and investing wisely.
The survey also reveals that younger generations prefer conservative financial instruments for retirement savings, such as savings accounts and CPF contributions.
This cautious approach has helped them capitalise on recent high-interest rates, but experts urge a reevaluation of strategies to achieve better growth in uncertain economic times.
Notably, the survey indicates that a substantial portion of Singaporeans, particularly 25 per cent, have yet to begin planning for retirement.
Common barriers include focusing on immediate financial needs and feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of financial planning.
The report also stresses the importance of healthcare and insurance coverage in retirement planning.
With many younger Singaporeans prioritising wealth transfer for future generations, there is a risk that they might neglect their own financial security, exacerbating the retirement gap.
Recent openings such as a state-of-the-art adventure complex, pottery workshops, and an art gallery dedicated to Asian artists are reshaping its identity.
The neighbourhood's unique blend of urban living and artistic expression makes it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
The rankings highlight the significance of community, culture, and creativity in defining what makes a neighbourhood "cool."
As cities adapt and transform, these neighbourhoods not only provide an avenue for local businesses but also offer visitors a genuine taste of urban life.
Each neighbourhood tells its own story, inviting all to discover the coolest places to be.
EWL disruption: Commuters face more delays on day two of stalled services
As the train disruption on the East-West Line (EWL) enters its second day, commuters continue to face significant challenges.
Train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista remain suspended due to a traction power fault that originated from a power trip on Wednesday (25 Sept) morning.
Additionally, free regular bus services are being offered between Boon Lay and Queenstown, and bridging buses are in operation for affected commuters.
SMRT staff are deployed to assist passengers and maintain order, but some commuters report frustrations with crowd management and long wait times.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a statement that repair works are underway, but the extent of the damage means that train services will remain suspended for an extended period.
They are conducting thorough checks on all affected trains before returning them to service.
The LTA has encouraged commuters to stay informed through social media updates.
Despite the chaos, many commuters have adapted to the situation.
Reports indicate that while the morning rush was crowded, SMRT staff worked efficiently to guide passengers to buses.
While employers see potential benefits in productivity and employee well-being, they remain cautious about implementing such changes, with only 18% planning to transition within the next two years.
The enthusiasm for a four-day work week is notably stronger among employees, with 93 per cent expressing interest in trialing this arrangement.
Countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines report higher acceptance rates for a shorter work week, reflecting differing workplace cultures and attitudes towards employee flexibility.
Despite the interest in a four-day week, many employers in Singapore highlight the challenges of implementation, fearing operational disruptions and employee dissatisfaction.
As businesses grapple with a competitive landscape, some express worries about maintaining productivity and potential impacts on employee morale.
However, the government has clarified that flexible work options extend beyond a four-day work week, encompassing various arrangements like part-time and remote work.
17,000 Singaporean youths are not in school, work or training
Around 17,000 youths in Singapore, aged 15 to 24, are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), representing 4.1% of the youth population, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua said on Wednesday (25 Sept).
This marks an increase from 3.7 per cent in 2013, despite remaining below the global average of 22.4%, according to Chua.
Chua highlighted these figures during the inaugural Youth Outreach Conference at the National University of Singapore, emphasising the risk of social exclusion for these individuals.
The conference aimed to address the challenges facing troubled youth, particularly "hidden youth" who isolate themselves at home.
Chua emphasised that the changing landscape – characterised by excessive information and consumerism – affects today’s youth.
He pointed out the contrast with his own upbringing, where accessing information required visiting libraries, unlike the constant online comparisons youth face today.
This environment, he argued, diminishes emotional connections and face-to-face interactions.
Man duped out of $6000 by attractive woman in sperm donation scam
A 49-year-old man in Malaysia fell victim to a sperm donation scam, losing over $6,000 (RM20,000).
The scam began when man, identified only as Lee, saw an online advertisement featuring an attractive woman, which prompted him to fill out a form with his personal information.
Soon after, he was contacted via WhatsApp by a woman, who claimed to be from Singapore and suggested that the sperm donation would involve sexual intercourse.
To further entice the man, the woman, who introduced herself as Chen, sent a photo and voice messages, which were later determined to be likely stolen from a modelling agency.
Chen initially requested RM1,000 to connect Lee with her lawyer, promising a substantial payout of RM1 million if he participated in the donation.
After making the initial payment, Lee received a contract promising an upfront payment of RM300,000 within 48 hours, followed by RM700,000 upon confirmation of conception.
Despite the contract bearing the name of a reputable Malaysian law firm, Lee, who struggled with reading literacy, did not recognise it as a scam.
He ended up paying an additional RM24,000 in processing fees before becoming suspicious when the lawyer demanded another RM30,000.
Realising something was wrong, Lee sought help from Malaysian authorities, which confirmed that the law firm had no connection to the scammers and that they were likely part of a local syndicate using the names of legitimate firms to enhance their credibility.
Authorities pointed out that the woman’s voice messages had a non-local accent and sounded robotic, which should have raised red flags for the man.
A new study revealed that the optimal time for a satisfying sexual experience is around 35 minutes.
This includes 15 minutes of foreplay, 15 minutes of intercourse, and 5 minutes of afterplay.
This duration is considered ideal for achieving both physical and emotional satisfaction.
According to Chinese medicine and recent research, regular sexual activity – ideally at least once a week – is important for maintaining health and enhancing interpersonal connections.
Insufficient sexual activity is linked to negative health outcomes, including a higher risk of death for women.
This remarkable achievement came in just 105 appearances, highlighting his prolific scoring ability since joining the club in 2022.
His average of one goal every 85 minutes and impressive start to the season – with 10 goals in just five games – suggests that he is on track to shatter multiple records, including Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goals record of 260 goals.
Haaland's scoring prowess has made him a standout player in English football, as he has won the Golden Boot in both of his seasons with City.
He equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's record for the fewest games taken to reach 100 goals in Europe's top five leagues.
His diverse scoring includes 73 goals in the Premier League, 18 in the Champions League, and a mix of headers, penalties, and long-range strikes, making him a formidable threat on the pitch.
The next immediate target for Haaland is to break the record for the quickest player to score 100 Premier League goals, currently held by Shearer, which requires him to net 27 more goals in his next 52 games.
Additionally, he has the potential to surpass Sergio Aguero as Manchester City's all-time top scorer if he maintains his current form.
Long-term, he could aim to become Norway's all-time leading scorer, as he is only one goal away from that milestone.
Beyond his scoring records, Haaland has recently showcased a more playful side, emerging as a notable "wind-up merchant" during matches.
In the same game where he scored his 100th goal, he cheekily threw the ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel's head, drawing attention to his growing role in the rivalry between the two clubs.
Millions of people from coastal Florida to the Blue Ridge Mountains are reeling in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm made landfall on Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane – the strongest on record to strike the area.
Samsung Electronics is laying off workers in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand as part of a plan to reduce global headcount by thousands of jobs, according to people familiar with the situation.
The company argues the satellite TV provider "misunderstood the scope of its clean slate proposal" The post Disney Asks FCC to Dismiss DirecTV Complaint Alleging Bad Faith Negotiations During Carriage Dispute appeared first on TheWrap.
Chinese firms' overseas investments in clean energy technology projects have exceeded $100 billion since the start of 2023 as they aim to avoid tariffs in the U.S. and elsewhere, Australian research group Climate Energy Finance (CEF) said on Wednesday. China is the world's biggest producer and exporter of products such as solar panels, lithium batteries and electric vehicles, with its investment, innovation and manufacturing capabilities leading the world by an "astonishing margin", CEF said in a research report. It is responsible for 32.5% of global electric vehicle exports, 24.1% of lithium batteries and 78.1% of solar panels, but its dominance has sparked concerns it is using its giant capacity surpluses to flood markets, drive down prices and undermine competitors.
China's meteoric rise as the world's powerhouse of electric vehicle production makes Western efforts to curb their exports a tough sell -- and means they could even stifle the fight against climate change, analysts warn.But without a steady stream of electric vehicles on Europe's roads, analysts say, that goal will be tough to meet.
The Indian market has been flat over the last week but is up an impressive 45% over the past year, with earnings forecast to grow by 17% annually. In this dynamic environment, identifying dividend stocks that offer a stable income stream and potential for capital appreciation can be a prudent strategy for investors seeking to balance growth and income.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) -France, Greece, Italy and Poland will vote on Friday in favour of tariffs of up to 45% on imports of electric vehicles (EVs) made in China, sources said, enough to push through the European Union's highest profile trade measures, risking potential retaliation from Beijing. The European Commission, which is conducting an anti-subsidy investigation into EVs made in China, has put its proposal for final tariffs to the EU's 27 member states for a vote expected on Friday.
European Union members face a pivotal vote on Friday on whether to impose tariffs of up to 45% on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles in the bloc's highest profile trade case, which risks retaliation from Beijing. The European Commission, which oversees the bloc's trade policy, proposed final duties for the next five years to counter what it sees as unfair Chinese subsidies after a year-long anti-subsidy investigation. Under EU rules, the Commission can impose the tariffs for the next five years unless a qualified majority of 15 EU countries representing 65% of the EU's population votes against the plan.
As Singapore navigates a dynamic economic landscape, investors are increasingly looking to dividend stocks for stable returns amid fluctuating market conditions. In this context, selecting the right dividend stocks can provide a reliable income stream, especially when these stocks offer yields of up to 7.2%, making them attractive options for those seeking steady cash flow in uncertain times.
In a regulatory filing on Wednesday night, Berkshire said it sold 8.55 million Bank of America shares this week for about $337.9 million. Berkshire still owns about 10.2% of the second-largest U.S. bank, or a slightly higher percentage if Bank of America has yet to disclose recent stock buybacks. Thereafter, investors must likely wait for Berkshire'squarterly financial reports or quarterly stock holdingsdisclosures to learn if the Omaha, Nebraska-based company soldmore.
Chinese chip-packaging and testing giant Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Tech (JCET) has completed its acquisition of an 80 per cent equity stake in the Shanghai plant of US flash memory maker SanDisk, the latest example of a transition in the global semiconductor value chain. JCET Management, a subsidiary of JCET, obtained that stake through a joint venture with SanDisk Semiconductor (Shanghai), with US$272 million in registered capital, Shanghai-listed JCET said in a filing on September 25. The
The Philippines' information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry is set to grow 7% this year, bucking fears that artificial intelligence (AI) will eliminate jobs, an industry official said on Wednesday. Jobs in the sector, a key foreign exchange earner, will grow 7% to 1.82 million in 2024, with revenue also growing 7% to $38 billion, both record highs, Jack Madrid, president of the Philippine industry body, said in a speech. "Generative AI will not replace people," said Madrid, who is also the CEO of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, adding that AI was not yet hitting the industry.
Creating a solid retirement plan is much like planning a road trip -- without a clear destination and a map to guide you, it's easy to get lost. Learn More: 7 Things You'll Regret Downsizing in...
Brent crude futures were up 9 cents, or 0.12%, to $77.71 a barrel as of 0010 GMT. Both benchmarks were on track for weekly gains of about 8%. President Joe Biden said on Thursday the U.S. was discussing strikes on Iran's oil facilities as retaliation for Tehran's missile attack on Israel.
While Ford Motor (NYSE: F) remains focused on hybrids in the near-term, General Motors (NYSE: GM) has been significantly increasing its EV portfolio, and Hyundai Motor Company (OTC: HYMTF) is maintaining its EV sales momentum as it works on solidifying its EV positioning. On Wednesday, Ford announced that it sold a total of 504,039 vehicles during the third quarter, which marks a YoY improvement of 0.7%. Year-to-date, Ford experienced a sales rise of 2.7% as it sold 1,548,172 vehicles.Hybrids le