EWL disruption enters day two as commuter woes continue; Workers eager for four-day work week but bosses not so much: 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
Updated
And that's a wrap. Thanks for tuning in. We'll catch y'all again tomorrow.
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today.
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.
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER9 updates
Featured
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.
A shift to an electric vehicle-only future would lead to job losses among those who have been working on engine-related technologies, including at the many suppliers in the sector, Toyota Motor's chairman said on Thursday. "If electric vehicles simply become the only choice, including for our suppliers, those people's jobs would be lost," he said, adding he liked gasoline vehicles. Toyota, the world's biggest automaker by sales, has been more cautious in its approach to EVs than other makers.
For many people, retirement may seem like a far-off accomplishment, a glorious place that looms over a distant horizon. However, you might be in a position to close the gap and round the curve into...
Chinese carmaker Chery has started assembling cars in Russia for sale in the country at three factories vacated by Western rivals including Volkswagen and Mercedes, five people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Chinese carmakers have grabbed more than half of Russia's car market in terms of sales since most Western counterparts abandoned the country following Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Now, they are extending their reach to account for more of Russia's domestic production, too, highlighting how Beijing is playing a more influential role in Russia's changing manufacturing landscape and economy since the invasion.
Smartphone sales of Huawei Technologies on the mainland surpassed those of Apple in August - the first time in 46 months, according to a new report by research firm CINNO - as the US-sanctioned company continues to ride on the success of its 5G handset comeback last year. That aligned with findings from government think tank China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, which reported a 12.7 per cent year-on-year decline in foreign smartphone shipments, including Apple's iPhone, in
In recent months, the Singapore stock market has shown resilience amidst global uncertainties, with investors keenly observing how economic events influence market indices. In such a climate, dividend stocks remain an attractive option for those seeking steady income streams, as they can offer stability and potential returns even during volatile times.
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Social media platform TikTok is laying off hundreds of employees from its global workforce, including a large number of staff in Malaysia, the company said on Friday, as it shifts focus towards a greater use of AI in content moderation. Two sources familiar with the matter earlier told Reuters that more than 700 jobs were slashed in Malaysia. TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, later clarified that less than 500 employees in the country were affected.
China must "adapt its behaviour" to solve an escalating tariff row with Europe, EU chief Charles Michel told AFP Friday, warning of the dangers of the dispute escalating into a full-blown trade war.- Defend EU interests -
With the global economy rattled by conflict in Ukraine and fresh turmoil in the Middle East, Michel said it was better for all to avoid a trade war.
In a new lawsuit, a former employee accuses the rapper of threatening his life and firing him in retaliation The post Kanye West Accused of Hiring Investigator to Probe Kardashians, ‘Tail’ Wife Bianca Censori appeared first on TheWrap.
BOSTON (Reuters) -Three cryptocurrency companies and 15 people have been charged with engaging in widespread fraud and market manipulation following an investigation in which the FBI for the first time directed the creation of a new digital token to help authorities ferret out crime. Federal prosecutors in Boston charged the firms Gotbit, ZM Quant, CLS Global and the leaders and employees of those and other companies in a takedown that has led to four arrests, agreements by five people to plead guilty and the seizure of over $25 million worth of cryptocurrency. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said the defendants engaged in sham trades to artificially inflate the trading volume of various cryptocurrency tokens before selling them off, "leaving innocent investors holding the bag."
The world of WordPress, one of the most popular technologies for creating and hosting websites, is going through a very heated controversy. The core issue is the fight between WordPress founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine, which hosts websites built on WordPress. WordPress technology is open source and free, and it powers a huge chunk of the internet — around 40% of websites.
ZURICH (Reuters) -UBS's technology chief is confident that the hugely complex integration of Credit Suisse, bringing its former rival's clients and data onto its own platforms, is "bang on target" after a successful test run. Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti has previously flagged that IT integration is one of the biggest risks facing UBS as it embarks on the second, trickier phase of merging with the fallen rival it acquired in an emergency rescue deal last year. Ermotti said in May that any delay to the IT integration would hit the Swiss banking giant's promised cost savings.
MG Motor, BYD and other Chinese electric car manufacturers say they will maintain their low sticker prices in Europe even after being hit with hefty tariffs this month.MG, the best-selling Chinese electric car brand in Europe, says it will guarantee its prices until the end of 2024, having stockpiled cars before the duties took effect.
Despite the short-lived recovery in oil prices, analysts warn that the response from oil shorts remains strong, with bearish sentiment prevailing and many traders still aggressively shorting oil based on market momentum.
Indonesia has asked Alphabet's Google and Apple to block Chinese fast fashion e-commerce firm Temu in their application stores in the country so it cannot be downloaded, a minister said on Friday. The move was intended to pre-emptively protect the country's small and medium-sized businesses against cheap products being offered by PDD Holdings' Temu, communications minister Budi Arie Setiadi told Reuters, even though authorities have not found any transactions yet by its residents on the platform. Temu's rapid growth has triggered scrutiny over its low-cost business model of sending parcels to customers from China by several countries.
The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran raises concerns of a global energy crisis as oil prices surge and the Strait of Hormuz faces potential closure.
A huge liquefied natural gas export terminal led by Shell, called LNG Canada, may struggle to dramatically raise Canadian natural gas prices when it starts operating next year because a flood of pent-up supply is waiting to hit the market, analysts said. Gas prices at Alberta's AECO hub hit a two-year low of 5 Canadian cents per million British thermal units (mmBtu) in late September as storage filled up. The slump has hurt producers who boosted drilling activity this year in anticipation of new demand from LNG Canada and prompted some firms to curtail production.
HSBC aims to double its private client business in Canada as the Canadian private wealth management market offers an attractive opportunity for the company.
Though a great many baby boomers have retired, there are still plenty who are working -- possibly because they want to have not just a comfortable retirement, but also a luxurious one. Perhaps they...