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.
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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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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.
President Trump’s tariffs in China are in place and hitting all products imported from the country — including a number of pharmaceutical drugs that Americans rely upon. Chinese imports account for a significant proportion of U.S. prescriptions and over the counter drugs. Many of the Chinese-produced drugs are generics, which account for 91 percent of…
France and the United Arab Emirates agreed on Thursday to a framework accord for a 1 gigawatt data centre dedicated to artificial intelligence that represents investments of between $30-$50 billion, the French presidency said. President Emmanuel Macron hosted his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan on Thursday evening ahead of a summit on artificial intelligence in Paris next week that will gather around 100 countries to focus on AI's potential. The February 10-11 summit also aims to put France and Europe on the AI map as they try to rival the U.S. and China, which have taken a lead on the energy-intensive technology.
In a week marked by volatility, global markets have been influenced by fluctuating corporate earnings and geopolitical tensions, with the U.S. Federal Reserve holding rates steady amid ongoing inflation concerns. As investors navigate these uncertain times, dividend stocks can offer a reliable income stream and potential stability to portfolios.
Facebook owner Meta Platforms plans to carry out its expected company-wide layoffs next week while pushing ahead with the expedited hiring of machine learning engineers, it told staffers in internal memos seen by Reuters on Friday. Notices will go out to employees losing their jobs starting at 5 a.m. local time Monday in most countries, including in the U.S., according to one of the posts, authored by Meta's Head of People Janelle Gale. A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the posts.
As the ASX200 experiences a modest uptick, with sectors like IT and Staples leading gains, investors are closely monitoring market dynamics to identify opportunities in dividend stocks. In this context, selecting robust dividend-paying stocks can be a strategic move to enhance portfolio stability and income, especially amidst the current economic landscape.
In a week marked by volatility and competitive pressures in the technology sector, global markets have shown mixed performance, with U.S. stocks experiencing notable fluctuations due to AI competition fears and corporate earnings reports. Amidst these dynamics, dividend stocks continue to attract investors seeking stable income streams, as they can offer potential resilience against market uncertainties and economic shifts.
Oil prices settled lower on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump repeated a pledge to raise U.S. oil production, unnerving traders a day after the country reported a much bigger-than-anticipated jump in crude stockpiles. Brent crude futures fell 32 cents, or 0.4%, to settle at $74.29 a barrel. On Thursday, Trump repeated a pledge to boost U.S. production, already the highest in the world, in a bid to lower oil prices and ease consumer inflation.
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett helped popularize the leading staples stocks with his investments in Coca-Cola and Gillette in the 1990s. It marked the peak of their dominance.
Sentiment in the U.S. IPO market has improved on expectations of lower corporate taxes and a more business-friendly regulatory environment under the Donald Trump administration. Titan America sold 9 million shares, together with 15 million shares its Belgium-based parent company Titan Cement International offered at $16 apiece. The IPO valued the cement producer at $2.95 billion, ahead of its New York Stock Exchange debut.
In 2019, just two battery factories were operating in the United States with another two under construction. Today there are about 34 battery factories either planned, under construction, or operational in the country. Former U.S. President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law August 16, 2022, might not have been the initial catalyst behind the onshoring battery factory trend.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told business leaders that U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in annexing Canada was a very real plan aimed at controlling the country’s vast mineral resources. Trudeau was caught on a hot mic giving his assessment of Trump’s threat to take control of America’s northern neighbor. “I suggest that not only does the Trump administration know how many critical minerals we have but that may be even why they keep talking about absorbing us and making us the 5
More than 150 female prisoners were raped and burned to death during a jailbreak last week when fleeing male inmates set fire to a prison in Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a United Nations spokesperson has said.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump said on Friday he plans to announce reciprocal tariffs on many countries by Monday or Tuesday of next week, a major escalation of his offensive to tear up and reshape global trade relationships in the U.S.' favor. Trump did not identify which countries would be hit but suggested it would be a broad effort that could also help solve U.S. budget problems. "I'll be announcing that, next week, reciprocal trade, so that we're treated evenly with other countries," Trump said.
Thailand's prime minister, seeking to allay security concerns among Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, said she had "Chinese blood in her" and that she had personally looked into security protocols in place to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens. Security in Thailand has become a trending topic of conversation among Chinese nationals, by far the largest group of foreign tourists to Thailand, since a minor Chinese actor was rescued from a scam centre in Myanmar after being abducted in Thailand last month.
All three Alexander brothers are pleading “not guilty” after prosecutors accused the trio of raping more than 60 women. Luxury real estate brokers Tal, 38, and Oren, 37—once featured on the TV show Million Dollar Listing—were arrested in Miami alongside their brother Alon, 37, on federal sex trafficking charges in December. The brothers arrived together at court in Manhattan on Friday to enter their plea. In their indictment, prosecutors said that for over a decade, all three worked together to