Ex-transport minister S. Iswaran admits guilt on landmark graft trial’s first day; Singapore Airlines under fire from injured passengers for low compensation offers: Singapore live news

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S. Iswaran (left) leaves the State Court in Singapore on 18 January 18, 2024. He was discharged from hospital a day after his extension to remain outside of Singapore was granted by the courts. (Photo: CATHERINE LAI / AFP News)
Former Singapore transport minister S. Iswaran (left), accused of accepting S$403,000 in gifts, faces a landmark corruption trial. (Photo: CATHERINE LAI / AFP News)

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Former transport minister S Iswaran pleaded guilty to lesser charges on the first day of his trial Tuesday (24 Sept), becoming the first political office-holder in nearly 50 years to face court in Singapore. Iswaran found himself in the hot seat, facing 35 charges and a challenging battle for his reputation. He is accused of accepting $403,000 in gifts from businessmen in a landmark graft case that will test the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) commitment to clean governance. More on former minister S Iswaran's guilty plea here.

The skies turned turbulent on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, leading to a tragic incident that claimed one life and left many injured on 21 May. Now, as injured passengers face daunting medical challenges, the airline's compensation offers are under scrutiny, with claims that they fall woefully short of what victims truly deserve. Read on why Singapore Airlines is facing criticism for low compensation offers.

Singapore could see more deaths than births as early as the 2030s, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah. In 2023, citizen deaths rose significantly, while births declined, resulting in a total fertility rate that has dropped below one child per woman. The ageing population adds further strain, with one in four Singaporeans expected to be over 65 by 2030. While the government has implemented various initiatives to encourage higher birth rates, the effectiveness of these measures remains in question. More on Singapore's demographic dilemma here.

In a heated turn of events, Formula One drivers are rallying together to challenge FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after Max Verstappen received a community service order for swearing during a press conference. This incident has ignited discussions about the governing body’s policies on driver conduct and expression. More on Max Verstappen’s “silly” sanction for swearing that has ignited a firestorm in Formula One here.

Swiss football beauty Alisha Lehmann has criticised the gender pay gap in football, highlighting the disparity between her salary and that of her boyfriend, Douglas Luiz. While both recently transferred to Juventus, Luiz earns significantly more – up to 100 times her salary. Lehmann emphasises the need for equal pay, reflecting on their similar professional journeys and personal relationship. Despite facing challenges, both athletes continue to advocate for women in sports. More on Alisha Lehmann hitting out at football's gender pay equality.

Zoom calls have become an integral part of daily life, especially after the pandemic, leading to a new phenomenon known as Zoom fatigue. This fatigue stems from various factors, including self-scrutiny and cognitive overload during video meetings. A recent study by Singapore researchers sheds light on how the choice of virtual background can influence this fatigue. Read on experts' tips to fight Zoom fatigue effectively.

In his recent video, tech YouTuber Zack Nelson tested the durability of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, racking up over two million views in just days. Despite Apple’s claims about the strength of its Ceramic Shield glass, Nelson found it susceptible to scratching with everyday tools. While the display withstood a flame test for over ten seconds, the anticipated bend test results added an air of suspense, given past experiences with previous models. Find out how the iPhone 16 Pro Max stacks up here.

A Choa Chu Kang fire led to one death and 150 evacuations. SCDF firefighters acted quickly, but the cause is still under investigation amid rising fire fatalities. Read on the tragic fire in Choa Chu Kang here.

In a world increasingly defined by the rivalry between the US and China, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has issued a stark warning about the implications for global economic stability. During a speech at Temasek Holdings' anniversary on Monday (23 Sept), Wong addressed the challenges posed by these superpowers and outlined the need for Singapore to navigate this complex landscape with caution and foresight. Here's why PM Wong says Singapore needs a path forward amid the US-China rivalry's dark clouds.

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  • Featured

    Singapore faces economic challenges amid US-China tensions

    Singapore PM Lawrence Wong spoke of 'dark clouds over the horizon' as the US and China fight for dominance. (Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg)
    Singapore PM Lawrence Wong spoke of 'dark clouds over the horizon' as the US and China fight for dominance. (Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg)

    Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has raised concerns about the growing competition between the United States and China, describing the situation as “dark clouds over the horizon.”

    During a speech at the 50th anniversary of Temasek Holdings on Monday (23 Sept), Wong emphasised that global economic activities are increasingly viewed through a security lens due to this rivalry.

    He noted that while both nations continue to engage with each other, there is deep mutual suspicion and preparations for potential conflict.

    Wong highlighted the restrictions being imposed on critical technologies, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, which exacerbate economic tensions.

    He cautioned that as security concerns escalate, many economic activities will also be affected, leading to more state intervention in business and a shift away from the free trade principles that characterised the late 20th century.

    This shift could result in increased protectionism and aggressive subsidies for key industries.

    The Prime Minister pointed out the vulnerabilities that nations experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where countries faced shortages of essential medical supplies.

    He emphasised the importance of national resilience and the need to avoid such situations in the future by ensuring robust manufacturing capabilities.

    Wong urged Singapore to carve out its own path in this changing environment.

    As a small economy, Singapore must remain open, agile, and ready to seize new opportunities while advocating for free trade through regional and multilateral partnerships.

    He expressed the aspiration for Singapore to be a preferred partner in the global marketplace.

    Read on PM Wong's warning of dark clouds over the US-China rivalry.

  • Featured

    Will funerals outnumber baby showers in Singapore?

    Asian Montessori preschool student raised hands in the class answering questions
    Singapore could see more deaths than births by 2030, raising concerns about workforce sustainability and social dynamics. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Singapore is facing a significant demographic shift, with projections indicating that by the early 2030s, the number of deaths among citizens could surpass births.

    This trend, noted by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, is driven by declining birth rates and an ageing population.

    In 2023, there were 24,726 deaths, a 40 per cent increase from 2014, while births fell to 28,877, a 13 per cent decline over the same period.

    The total fertility rate in Singapore dropped below one child per woman for the first time, now standing at 0.97.

    The implications of a declining population are serious.

    An excess of deaths over births would lead to a shrinking workforce, impacting economic growth and placing additional burdens on the caregiving responsibilities of the working-age population.

    Experts emphasise that the speed of this demographic change is critical, as it can complicate adjustments in both the economy and social structures.

    Singapore has attempted to mitigate these trends through policies encouraging higher birth rates, such as Baby Bonuses and extended parental leave.

    However, these measures have not yet succeeded in reversing the declining birth rates, which have been decreasing for over 30 years.

    The ageing population also poses financial challenges, with projections indicating that by 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older.

    Comparatively, countries like Japan and Italy are already experiencing similar demographic crises.

    These nations have tried various strategies, including raising retirement ages and promoting immigration, but challenges remain in balancing the needs of an ageing population with economic vitality.

    Find out what more deaths than births mean for Singapore here.

  • Featured

    Here's why you may be tired of Zoom video calls, according to Singapore study

    A bored female college student wears her Bluetooth headphones and rests her chin on her hand as she sits in front of the computer screen.  She is attending class virtually with a diverse group of students.
    Zoom fatigue is real, a study from Singapore finds. (Photo: Getty Images)

    A study from Singapore highlights how virtual backgrounds in video calls can influence levels of fatigue, commonly referred to as "Zoom fatigue".

    Conducted by researchers from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the study surveyed 610 users of Zoom and found that the type of background chosen significantly impacts fatigue levels.

    Participants reported that nature-themed backgrounds resulted in the least fatigue, while moving video backgrounds led to the highest levels of tiredness.

    The study suggests that these backgrounds not only affect how users perceive themselves but also contribute to the overall mental load during calls.

    The phenomenon of Zoom fatigue has grown since the pandemic, where prolonged video calls became a norm for both professional and personal interactions.

    Factors contributing to this fatigue include the stress of self-presentation, cognitive overload from processing visual cues, and multitasking during meetings.

    Many users spend more time scrutinising themselves on screen rather than engaging with others, exacerbating feelings of exhaustion.

    In the study, users with blurred backgrounds reported increased tiredness, as glimpses of their actual environment can introduce distracting stimuli.

    Meanwhile, backgrounds featuring office settings or public spaces can raise self-presentation pressure, further amplifying fatigue.

    Nature-themed and light-hearted backgrounds, by contrast, allow users to feel more relaxed and less pressured.

    Read on how to combat Zoom fatigue effectively.

  • Featured

    1 dead in Choa Chu Kang fire; 150 residents safely evacuated

    Fire at Block 692A Choa Chu Kang Crescent on Tuesday (24 Sept) leaves one dead. (Photo: Singapore Civil Defence Force)
    Fire at Block 692A Choa Chu Kang Crescent on Tuesday (24 Sept) leaves one dead. (Photo: Singapore Civil Defence Force)

    A fire in Choa Chu Kang on Tuesday (24 Sept) resulted in one fatality and the evacuation of 150 residents.

    Firefighters from Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) quickly responded, extinguishing the fire in a ninth-floor unit.

    The cause is under investigation, marking the eighth fire-related death in Singapore this year.

    Read more about the tragic fire in Choa Chu Kang here.

  • Featured

    Former Singapore transport minister S. Iswaran pleads guilty to lesser charges in landmark graft trial

    Singapore's former transport minister S. Iswaran arrives at the Supreme Court in Singapore July 5, 2024. REUTERS/Edgar Su/ File Photo
    Former transport miister S. Iswaran's trial begins with a guilty plea to lesser charges, becoming Singapore's first political office-holder to face court in nearly 50 years. REUTERS/Edgar Su/ File Photo

    Former transport minister S. Iswaran pleaded guilty to lesser charges during the opening of his trial on Tuesday (24 Sept) in Singapore, marking a historic event as he is the first political office-holder to be tried in nearly five decades.

    Initially facing two counts of corruption, the prosecution substituted these with charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which prohibits public servants from accepting gifts from individuals in their official capacity.

    Iswaran also admitted to one charge of obstructing justice.

    Iswaran's legal team indicated that the decision to plead guilty was influenced by the change in charges.

    Earlier, Iswaran had firmly rejected the allegations, maintaining his innocence and expressing a commitment to clearing his name.

    Iswaran, who has pleaded not guilty to 35 charges, allegedly received over $403,000 in lavish gifts, including concert and sports tickets from influential businessmen Ong Beng Seng and David Lum Kok Seng.

    Iswaran's case has garnered significant attention, being a major political scandal in Singapore’s recent history.

    His tenure as a public servant included roles related to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where he was a key figure in the event's management.

    The trial is crucial not only for Iswaran but also for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the reputation of the People’s Action Party (PAP), which prides itself on a long-standing commitment to integrity and anti-corruption.

    The investigation against Iswaran began last year after then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong ordered him to take leave and he was arrested alongside property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who is not facing charges.

    Allegations against him largely relate to favours exchanged with Ong, the co-founder of Hotel Properties Limited and a key figure in bringing Formula 1 racing to Singapore.

    The plea marks a pivotal moment in Singaporean politics, as public trust in the government is at stake.

    Critics warn that the trial could impact public trust in the government, especially given previous scandals, like that involving a former Speaker of Parliament.

    Public opinion on Iswaran's trial seems largely indifferent with many Singaporeans more concerned with pressing issues such as the economy.

    Despite the scandal, surveys indicate that the PAP maintains a favourable rating, with many citizens confident in Wong’s leadership thus far.

    Analysts suggest that Iswaran's case may reflect more on past leadership rather than affecting Wong’s current administration.

    As the trial unfolds, observers will closely watch for any revelations that could influence Singapore's political landscape.

    The outcome will serve as a crucial test for the PAP, which is keen to reassure citizens of its commitment to transparency and accountability.

    Read more on former minister S Iswaran's guilty plea here.

  • Featured

    Singapore Airlines’ low compensation offers challenged by injured passengers

    A woman eats as the Singapore Airlines aircraft for flight SQ321 is parked on the tarmac after an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, in Bangkok, Thailand, May 22, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
    Singapore Airlines is under fire for allegedly skimping on compensation for passengers injured in turbulence-hit flight SQ321 on 21 May. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

    Following the 21 May turbulence incident of flight SQ321, Singapore Airlines has been accused of inadequately compensating injured passengers, including those with severe long-term injuries.

    The turbulence resulted in one passenger's death and numerous injuries, including serious conditions like tetraplegia.

    An Australian law firm claims that the airline's compensation offers are insufficient and do not reflect the true damages sustained by the victims, who may be entitled to substantial, seven-figure payouts.

    Passengers who were on board have expressed their horror at the event, detailing how the plane unexpectedly plunged due to severe turbulence.

    Witness accounts describe a scene of chaos, with individuals thrown against the cabin ceiling and critical injuries sustained.

    The compensation proposals from Singapore Airlines have drawn criticism for being inadequate. Initially, they offered US$25,000, which was later increased to US$75,000 for those with severe injuries.

    However, legal representatives argue that these amounts are far below what is warranted considering the lifetime impact of the injuries.

    The law firm emphasised that true compensation should account for long-term medical needs, requiring a comprehensive assessment that can only be done after a period of recovery.

    The investigation into the incident has raised serious questions about the airline's navigation decisions.

    Evidence suggests that the flight may have flown directly into developing thunderstorms, which other aircraft were avoiding.

    Experts indicate that the turbulence encountered was not just random clear-air turbulence, but likely the result of poor decision-making on the part of the flight crew.

    The implications of these findings could have significant repercussions for the airline's liability and the eventual compensation for injured passengers.

    Here's why Singapore Airlines is facing criticism for low compensation offers to injured passengers from turbulence-hit flight SQ321.

  • Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max tough enough to survive this brutal durability test?

    Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max tough enough to survive daily life?

    Tech YouTuber Zack Nelson puts Apple’s latest creation through the ultimate durability gauntlet!

    With over two million views in just a few days, many viewers were eager to see how the latest and priciest iPhone held up against physical stress.

    Nelson's durability test on the iPhone 16 Pro Max shows how well Apple’s newest flagship can handle the heat – literally!

    Watch as Zack Nelson scratches, burns, and bends Apple’s latest device to find out!

    Can the iPhone 16 Pro Max withstand the brutal durability tests?

  • Juventus star Alisha Lehmann says boyfriend football star Douglas Luiz earns 100 times more

    As Alisha Lehmann joins Douglas Luiz at Juventus, she calls out the massive salary gap between football's power couple. (Photo: Gerry Images)
    As Alisha Lehmann joins Douglas Luiz at Juventus, she calls out the massive salary gap between football's power couple. (Photo: Gerry Images)

    The "Most Beautiful Football Player in the World" is firing shots at the football pay gap.

    Swiss football star Alisha Lehmann of Juventus revealed her boyfriend Brazilian football star Douglas Luiz, who plays for the same club, makes a staggering 100 times more than her.

    After both transferred from Aston Villa to Juventus, Luiz’s transfer fee was reported at $86 million (£50 million), and he earns around $172,000 (£100,000) per week.

    In contrast, Lehmann’s salary is estimated at only $345,000 (£200,000) annually, leading her to comment that it is "unfair" given they perform the same job.

    Lehmann highlighted the disparity in earnings during a candid interview, stating that despite both being professional athletes, Luiz earns substantially more – up to 100 times her salary.

    She emphasised the need for greater equality in pay between male and female athletes, reflecting on the broader issues surrounding gender pay disparity in football.

    Lehmann believes that significant changes are necessary for true equality in the sport.

    Both athletes have similar professional trajectories, having played for Aston Villa before their recent moves to Juventus.

    Lehmann joined Villa in 2021 and quickly made a name for herself, scoring crucial goals, while Luiz became a key player for the men’s team.

    Their paths intersected not only in their careers but also in their romantic relationship, which began around the time Lehmann moved to Villa.

    Despite facing criticism and internet trolling, Lehmann remains a prominent figure in women’s football, boasting millions of social media followers.

    She has used her platform to advocate for women’s rights in sports and often shares insights about her life on and off the pitch.

    Although she is perceived as a star, she insists her lifestyle is quite ordinary.

    The relationship of football's power couple has experienced ups and downs, including a brief split in 2022.

    However, they have reunited and are now navigating their careers together in Italy, both striving for success in their respective leagues.

    Their shared experience highlights the challenges and disparities still present in the world of football, especially regarding gender pay equality.

    Read more on Alisha Lehmann hitting out at football's gender pay equality.

  • F1 drivers rally against FIA over Max Verstappen's swearing penalty

    McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain, left, talks with second placed Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands after qualifying session of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, in Singapore, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
    Formula One drivers, including McLaren's Lando Norris of Britain (left), are rallying together to challenge FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after Red Bull's Max Verstappen (right) received a community service order for swearing during a press conference. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

    Formula One drivers are gearing up to confront FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after Max Verstappen was sanctioned for swearing during a press conference.

    Verstappen referred to his car as “f*****” and received a community service order, which he deemed "silly" and suggested might accelerate his exit from the sport.

    His frustration was evident as he boycotted the official media call, opting instead for informal discussions with journalists.

    Support for Verstappen’s stance is mounting among fellow drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who encouraged him to disregard the penalty, and Lando Norris, who called the sanction “unfair.”

    Alex Wurz, chair of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, criticised the severity of the punishment, questioning the inconsistency in how language is policed in the sport.

    He pointed out that other figures in F1, like former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, have faced no repercussions for similar language.

    The controversy arose shortly after Ben Sulayem called on drivers to reduce swearing, claiming they shouldn't behave like "rappers."

    This remark was criticised by Hamilton for its racial implications.

    Verstappen's team principal, Christian Horner, stated he hadn't instructed Verstappen to tone down his language, emphasising that such expressions are common in everyday life.

    Verstappen's penalty has overshadowed the recent Singapore Grand Prix, where he finished second behind Norris.

    He expressed his dissatisfaction on the drivers’ WhatsApp group, noting the group’s general disbelief at the FIA's ruling.

    Many drivers feel that the punishment is disproportionate and should be addressed collectively.

    Read on Max Verstappen’s “silly” sanction for swearing that has ignited a firestorm in Formula One here.