Singapore plans bold overhaul to revive stock market; Singaporean CEO Shou Zi Chew defends TikTok against US ban: Singapore live news

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

In New York City, the durian’s strong flavour is now featured in trendy lattes.

Read on how the "king of fruits" and market shifts are brewing up trouble for your morning cup here.

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.

Read on for expert tips to avoid DVT and protect yourself from this travel-related health risk.

Did you know Maggi started in Switzerland before becoming a Malaysian favourite?

Founded by Julius Maggi in 1884, the brand was bought by Nestlé in 1947, which propelled its global presence.

Maggi entered Malaysia in 1969 with sauces and later introduced its iconic instant noodles in 1971.

Today, Malaysia is home to two major Maggi factories, including the largest in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam.

The Batu Tiga factory produces over 2.5 million packs daily with strict quality control and exports to more than 20 countries.

In Malaysia, Maggi has become deeply ingrained in culture, from its initial entry with sauces to its current status as a staple food item.

The brand’s local success includes a popular cooking competition, which fosters culinary skills among students.

Despite facing a temporary ban in India in 2015 due to safety concerns, Maggi remains a beloved brand in Malaysia.

Read more about the origins of the beloved Malaysia brand Maggi here.

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.

Despite the marketing hype, users might need to handle Google’s Pixel Pro 9 Fold with extra care.

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.

While Yip struggled with the cultural differences in relationship norms, Huang has embraced the new opportunities and lifestyle that Sweden offers.

Singapore's new home sales have sharply declined, reaching their lowest level since February.

In August, only 208 new private homes were sold, a significant drop from the 571 sold in July and a 47 per cent decrease from the previous year.

This decline is attributed to a lack of major residential projects and developers' cautious stance amid high interest rates and housing curbs.

Despite the drop in transactions, home prices remain stable, particularly in the second-hand market.

Developers expect an increase in new units later this year, but concerns about additional government restrictions and housing affordability persist.

Read on new home sales in Singapore hitting a new low here.