Singapore plans bold overhaul to revive stock market; Singaporean CEO Shou Zi Chew defends TikTok against US ban: Singapore live news
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Singapore is gearing up to make bold regulatory changes to breathe new life into its struggling stock market. Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat has outlined plans to overhaul the system. Here's how Singapore plans to rejuvenate its stock market here.
TikTok is back in the spotlight as it is faces a potential ban or forced sale in the United States due to national security concerns tied to its Chinese parent, ByteDance. Singaporean CEO Shou Zi Chew is spearheading the company's defence against the potential ban, which involves complex legal and constitutional issues. The outcome of the court case will decide if TikTok must divest from ByteDance or face a nationwide ban. More on TikTok's issues in the US and how its Singaporean CEO is leading its defence here.
Singaporeans Wynnette Yip and Magdalene Huang share their stories of moving to Sweden – one grapples with cultural shocks, while the other enjoys a fulfilling new lifestyle. Their stories provide unique insights into the challenges and rewards of Singaporeans relocating abroad.
Google's Pixel Pro 9 Fold promised top-notch durability but did it deliver? Popular tech YouTuber Zack Nelson’s extreme durability tests show the foldable smartphone has several weaknesses. Here's why prospective buyers of Google's Pixel Pro 9 Fold should handle the device carefully.
Maggi, originally a Swiss creation, has become a household name in Malaysia. From its humble beginnings to its current status, find out how Maggi made an impact on Malaysian culture.
Economy class syndrome, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a serious health issue resulting from prolonged immobility, commonly exacerbated by long flights. Symptoms include pain and swelling, with severe cases leading to pulmonary embolism. Both economy and premium class travellers are at risk if they remain inactive for extended periods. This how you can minimise DVT risk on your next flight.
The global coffee market is experiencing significant price hikes due to environmental and market changes. Interestingly, the "king for fruits", the durian, infamous for its strong odour, is playing a role in this economic shift. Here's how the durian and market shifts are contributing to the global coffee shortage here.
Amazon is tightening its return-to-office (RTO) policy, requiring employees to be in the office five days a week starting next year, up from three days. This move contrasts with other tech companies' more flexible approaches and has sparked backlash from employees who prefer remote work. More on Amazon's move to full-time office work in 2025 here.
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Will more companies follow after Amazon's full-time office work move in 2025?
TikTok’s Singaporean CEO Shou Zi Chew fights against US ban in court
TikTok’s future in the US hangs in the balance as Singaporean CEO Shou Zi Chew battles national security laws. Will ByteDance be forced to sell or face a ban? REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/Pool
The Biden administration has enacted a law demanding that ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, divest its U.S operations by mid-January or face a ban.
TikTok is hotly contesting this legal issue in federal court to avoid a ban in the US.
Shou Zi Chew, TikTok's 41-year-old Singaporean CEO, is at the forefront of this battle.
Chew has a notable background, including stints at Facebook, Xiaomi, and investment firms before joining ByteDance in 2021.
His role at TikTok involves managing the company's response to US regulatory pressures and defending against accusations that its data practices pose a national security risk.
Chew has been vocal in his defence of TikTok, testifying before US Congress and addressing concerns directly through media and social platforms.
Despite his efforts, the company faces a challenging legal environment, as judges scrutinise the implications of the law for both TikTok and broader constitutional rights.
The outcome of these legal proceedings could have significant ramifications for both TikTok and its parent company ByteDance.
If the law is upheld, TikTok may be forced to find a new owner or face a nationwide ban, potentially altering the app's future in the US and affecting its global operations.
Chew's leadership will continue to be critical as TikTok navigates these complex legal and political challenges.
The surprising link between durian and coffee price hikes
Coffee prices are rising due to a combination of environmental impacts and market shifts. The durian is playing a role in this economic shift. (Photo: Getty Images)
Why is your coffee getting more expensive?
It’s not just inflation.
Coffee prices are skyrocketing due to a mix of climate issues and market changes.
A 2021 frost in Brazil ruined Arabica crops, leading buyers to Vietnam.
However, Vietnam’s drought forced farmers to switch from coffee to durian, driving up fruit prices and affecting coffee exports globally
There's a hidden danger lurking in those cramped budget airline seats
Economy class syndrome, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a severe condition linked to long periods of immobility, often experienced during long flights. (Photo: Getty Images)
Economy class syndrome is more than just a discomfort – it's a serious risk.
Also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it can develop from long periods of immobility.
Up to 100,000 Americans die from DVT annually, often linked to long flights, and any extended period of sedentary activity, like sitting for hours at a time, as in video gaming or during lockdowns.
DVT commonly affects the deep veins in the legs or pelvis, but can occur in other parts of the body.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, warmth, and skin colour changes, though some people experience no symptoms.
Untreated DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism, a severe condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs, potentially causing death.
While economy class seating is often blamed for DVT, the condition can affect anyone who is immobile for long periods, regardless of seating class.
Therefore, prevention strategies are crucial for all travellers.
Experts recommend regular movement, hydration, and support stockings.
Did Google's new Pixel Pro 9 Fold smartphone survive this extreme durability test?
Google's latest fordable smartphone Pixel Pro 9 Fold has been put to the test by tech YouTuber Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything. Despite Google's marketing claims of superior durability, the device reveals several weaknesses. (AP Photo/Juliana Yamada)
Is the Google’s Pixel Pro 9 Fold really as tough as it claims?
Google's new phone was marketed as "super durable," but recent tests tell a different story.
The rigorous durability tests of popular tech YouTuber Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything reveal the phone struggles with scratches, dust, and bending.
According to Zack Nelson’s durability tests, the expensive phone is not without flaws.
From easily scratched screens to a lack of dust protection and bending vulnerabilities, the phone falls short of its durability promises.
From Singapore to Sweden: Cultural shock and new beginnings
Wynnette Yip found Swedish attitudes toward marriage surprising after moving from Singapore. (Photo: wynnyyyy/TikTok via Malay Mail)
Wynnette Yip, a Singaporean living in Sweden, experienced significant culture shock over the Swedish approach to marriage and cohabitation.
In Sweden, many couples opt for cohabitation ("sambo") rather than formal marriage, which contrasts sharply with the traditional marriage expectations in Singapore.
Yip was surprised that in Sweden, having children does not necessarily prompt couples to marry, according to Malay Mail.
Her video highlighting these differences garnered widespread attention and sparked discussions about cultural norms and personal choices regarding marriage.
In contrast, Magdalene Huang, another Singaporean who relocated to Stockholm, Sweden, has no regrets about her move.
Huang, who sought a more balanced lifestyle and flexible work environment, found that life in Sweden offered a satisfying change from the high-pressure career scene in Singapore, according to AsiaOne.
Huang's decision to move was driven by her curiosity about life abroad and a desire for new experiences.
She appreciated the support from her employer in facilitating the relocation process, which helped ease her transition.
Despite initial challenges, such as adapting to severe weather and navigating life alone, Huang has embraced her new life in Sweden and found it enriching.
Yip’s and Huang’s stories highlight the diverse experiences of Singaporeans adjusting to life in Sweden, providing unique insights into the challenges and rewards of moving abroad.
Singapore’s new home sales are down to their lowest since February after only 208 new private homes were sold in August, a sharp drop from July. (Photo: Getty Images)
Singapore's new home sales have sharply declined, reaching their lowest level since February.
Known best as the former CEO and co-founder of Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL), Steve Jobs created some of the most visionary products of the past 30 years. The late Apple co-founder also had some unique habits, including one that centered on his automobiles. What Happened: Jobs is best remembered as a brilliant leader and tech visionary. For several years, Jobs had a unique habit of switching to a new vehicle of the same model and color every six months. Don’t Miss: A billion-dollar investment strategy
Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn said on Tuesday it is building the world's largest production plant for US hardware leader Nvidia's GB200 "superchips" that power artificial intelligence servers."We're building the largest GB200 production facility on the planet," senior executive Benjamin Ting said at the company's annual "Hon Hai Tech Day".
BEIJING/PARIS (Reuters) -China imposed temporary anti-dumping measures on imports of brandy from the EU on Tuesday, hitting French brands including Hennessy and Remy Martin, days after the 27-state bloc voted for tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). China's commerce ministry said preliminary findings of an investigation had determined that dumping of brandy from the European Union threatens "substantial damage" to its own sector.
BERLIN/SHANGHAI/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Brussels rejected a proposal by the Chinese government for imported electric vehicles made in China to be sold at a minimum price of 30,000 euros ($32,946), three sources said, a move Beijing hoped would avert EU tariffs being imposed next month. The European Commission said it had dismissed minimum price offers from EV makers in China a month ago as part of an anti-subsidy investigation that has thrown Beijing and the European Union into their biggest trade dispute in a decade. Specific details of the compromises being offered in negotiations between the two have not previously been reported.
China's BYD wants to make cars in India but has received no "direct" signal from New Delhi on a possible easing of stringent investment rules for Chinese businesses, a top executive said, as the automaker seeks to expand in a fast-growing market. BYD, in partnership with a local firm, submitted a $1 billion investment proposal last year to build electric vehicles in India.
The EU is walking a delicate tightrope, with some member states keen to protect their markets, while others want to safeguard Chinese investment and to attract more.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India will be able to navigate through any hit to oil supplies from the potential widening of the Middle East conflict, oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday. Global oil prices have risen due to fears of a wider Middle East conflict and potential disruption to exports from the major oil producing nations, with Brent nearing $80 a barrel.
As Chinese stocks experience a surge, buoyed by Beijing's comprehensive support measures despite ongoing economic challenges, investors are increasingly focused on growth companies with strong fundamentals. In this environment, high insider ownership can be an indicator of confidence in a company's potential to capitalize on market opportunities and sustain revenue growth.
Drug and biotech companies are seeing significant innovation in 2024. In the Large-Cap Pharmaceuticals industry, Eli Lilly (LLY), AstraZeneca (AZN), Pfizer (PFE), Sanofi (SNY) and Bayer (BAYRY) are worth retaining in one's portfolio.
As the U.S. stock market faces turbulence with major indexes tumbling due to rising oil prices and Treasury yields, investors are keenly observing potential opportunities amidst the volatility. In such an environment, identifying stocks that may be trading below their estimated value can provide a strategic edge, as they offer the prospect of growth when market conditions stabilize.
Tesla's (TSLA) highly anticipated robotaxi event is on Thursday, and Barron's associate editor Al Root joins Asking for a Trend to break down what investors can expect from CEO Elon Musk. Root points to five things investors are expecting from the robotaxi event. First, there will be a physical unveiling of the robotaxi. Second, investors want to hear about safety data. Next, Tesla will likely touch on its business model, discussing everything from licensing to the size of its robotaxi fleet. The fourth point investors will be looking for is a launch date. Finally, Tesla could announce something extra. Root explains, "A lot of people think we'll see the lower price so-called Model 2 that's due in early 2025, maybe that will make an appearance. And maybe an update about the robot called Optimist." Root also compares Tesla and Waymo's self-driving vehicles. While Waymo has built driverless vehicles and took a modest approach to its rollout, Root notes that Tesla is instead focused on improving its driver-assistance software to turn vehicles into self-driving cars. "Now, Tesla argues, 'We've got millions of cars giving us data. We have billions of miles driven with full self-drive on.' Yet, they've never done a single official autonomous cab ride. Waymo has," Root tells Yahoo Finance. He continues, "So it's sort of like, you tell me, which approach do you like better? One feels a little safer. One feels a little more Musk-ian. And that's the way Tesla has gone." Watch the video above to find out what stocks could benefit from Tesla's robotaxi event. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Asking for a Trend. This post was written by Melanie Riehl
HOUSTON (Reuters) -Oil prices slid on Tuesday, settling down more than 4% on news of a possible ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, although prices found some support on fears of a potential attack on Iranian oil infrastructure. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures finished down $3.57, or 4.63%, at $73.57 a barrel. "That Hezbollah is open to a ceasefire, is the kind of headline that people jump on," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group.
In the midst of escalating tensions in the Middle East and a surprising surge in U.S. job gains, global markets have been navigating a complex landscape with mixed investor sentiment. Despite these challenges, dividend stocks remain an attractive option for investors seeking steady income streams, particularly as oil price fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties continue to impact market dynamics. A good dividend stock typically offers consistent payouts and financial stability, making it...
Halle Berry has finally cleared up long-held rumors that she and Billy Bob Thornton were “really doing it” during that explicit Monster’s Ball sex scene.“We had this very explicit love scene,” Berry said during an appearance on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast Monday. “There’s an urban legend that we really were f---ing—I’ve heard it and it’s just not true.”Berry’s work on the film would earn her her first Oscar for Best Actress, and the first Oscar in that category ever for a Black woman.
