Singapore celebrates Olympians in open-top bus parade; 2 ex-bankers charged in Singapore's largest money-laundering case: Singapore live news
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Singapore held an open-top bus parade for its Olympians led by bronze medallist Max Maeder. The event saw thousands braving the weather to show support for the athletes for their achievements from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite some criticism about the timing, the turnout was heartwarming. Maeder was visibly moved by the enthusiastic crowd. More on Team Singapore receiving a hero's welcome here.
Wally Amos, creator of Famous Amos cookies, died at 88 in Hawaii. He lost ownership of the Famous Amos brand but found new success with Chip & Cookie. Known for his enthusiasm and contributions to children's literacy, Amos also authored books and supported reading programs. More on how Wally Amos' legacy lives on in his cookie and literacy work.
Quiet quitting, where employees do the bare minimum at work, has become increasingly common. Around 62 per cent of workers worldwide are disengaged, performing only what is required and lacking enthusiasm. This phenomenon is partly due to factors like poor management, burnout, and stagnant pay. However, some experts argue that quiet quitting may also be a response rooted in our biology, akin to "learned helplessness," where continuous stress leads to a passive attitude. This survival tactic might have been beneficial for our ancestors but can hinder modern work performance. Read on how the ancient survival tactic affects modern work life.
“Raw dogging” is trending among travellers who choose to endure flights without food, water, or entertainment, aiming for mental discipline and mindfulness. This practice has been endorsed by celebrities but criticised by experts for potential health risks. Learn why raw dogging is gaining popularity and why experts caution against this extreme practice.
Protein is the superhero of the macronutrient world, but it’s surrounded by myths. From the effectiveness of incomplete proteins to the truth about protein bars, here’s a clear look at what you need to know about protein.
New research suggests early tablet use might be fuelling more tantrums in children. The study links higher screen time at age 3.5 with greater anger by age 4.5. More on how tablets can affect emotional growth here.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency as the disease, caused by a dangerous new variant, spreads rapidly across Africa, with over 450 deaths in DR Congo. Read on why WHO declared an mpox emergency.
Singapore’s home sales jumped in July, rebounding from a sluggish first half. While the numbers are improving, they still trail behind last year’s figures. More on how Singapore's housing market rebounded in July here.
The firm poured $4.35 billion (US$3.3 billion) into stocks of giants like Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon between April and June.
However, just as Temasek was ramping up its investments, the tech sector faced a downturn in July due to jitters about AI hype and potential recession fears.
Stocks of the invested companies, including Alphabet and Amazon, tumbled about 12 per cent, while Microsoft saw a 7 per cent dip.
Despite the drop, many of Temasek’s tech holdings have shown signs of recovery recently.
It’s uncertain whether the firm bought more shares during the downturn or cashed in before the decline.
Given Temasek's vast portfolio, the US$3.3 billion investment accounts for just around 1 per cent of its total net value of US$389 billion as of 31 March.
The timing of these investments highlights Temasek’s aggressive push to expand its footprint in the US tech sector.
Temasek’s strategy emphasises a long-term commitment to US investments, with plans to allocate US$30 billion to the region over the next five years.
Experts note that while the July numbers show progress, they reflect seasonal patterns and recent project releases rather than a sustained market upturn.
Developers are managing the pace of new project releases and remain cautious about the impact of interest rate cuts on property demand.
While banks have started offering lower mortgage rates, this hasn’t yet significantly boosted overall property sales.
The Singapore government has eased this penalty to address the market slowdown and is working to increase private housing supply amidst concerns about affordability and rising home prices.
Thousands of Singaporeans turned out for an open-top bus parade through the city celebrating the country’s Olympians led by bronze medallist Max Maeder.
The event showcased the athletes’ achievements from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Although some questioned the timing of the parade on a weekday morning, the enthusiasm of the crowd was evident.
Social media reactions were mixed but generally positive, with Reddit users appreciating the support shown despite the weather.
Maeder himself was touched by the turnout and engaged with fans during the parade, making heart gestures in response to their cheers.
Liu Kai, formerly with Bank Julius Baer, is accused of helping one convicted money launderers in submitting a forged Chinese tax document to open a Swiss bank account.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency.
Formerly known as monkeypox, this highly contagious disease has claimed over 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and is spreading rapidly through central and eastern Africa.
Scientists are alarmed by the emergence of a deadly new variant, Clade 1b, which is more fatal and spreading quickly.
Mpox, transmitted through close contact, causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions, with a fatality rate of around 4%.
The outbreak is being exacerbated by the more dangerous Clade 1 strain, which has a higher mortality rate compared to previous strains.
There have been more than 13,700 cases reported in DR Congo alone this year.
The WHO's declaration aims to spur international action, including research, funding, and public health measures to control the spread.
Past outbreaks, such as the 2022 Clade 2 outbreak, saw the disease spread to nearly 100 countries, mostly affecting men who have sex with men.
Bella Astillah wants to close chapter on ex-husband Aliff Aziz conflict
Bella Astillah has had enough of the drama surrounding her past relationship and is ready to move on.
The Malaysian singer-actress recently addressed the ongoing negativity related to her ex-husband, Aliff Aziz, and his family, stating that she no longer wishes to engage in the issue.
Astillah expressed her frustration over the repeated accusations that she was attempting to separate Aziz from his two children, clarifying that she has no intention of doing so.
Astillah took to social media to call for an end to the ongoing dispute, emphasising that she wants to focus on her career and her children.
What the Zuck? Meta's Mark Zuckerberg unveils bizarre Roman statue of his wife
Meta CEOMark Zuckerberg is making waves again, but this time it's not with code – it's with art.
Following his recent stunt of surfing in a tuxedo, the Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg commissioned a statue of his wife Priscilla Chan to express his love in the way of the ancient Romans.
The sculpture, created by contemporary artist Daniel Arsham, features Chan in a robin egg blue and metallic cloak, aiming to channel Roman tradition with a modern twist.
The piece has garnered mixed reactions online, with some users praising the romantic gesture and others criticising it as a display of billionaire excess.
The couple first met at a college party in 2003, got married in 2012, and now have three daughters together.
Protein is a key nutrient for muscle building and overall body function, but there are many myths surrounding it.
One common misconception is that incomplete proteins, like those from beans or nuts, don’t count toward your protein goals.
In reality, combining different plant-based proteins throughout the day can provide all essential amino acids.
Another myth is that there’s a one-size-fits-all protein requirement; needs vary based on age, health, and activity level, but aiming for around 30 grams per meal is a good benchmark.
Some believe that just eating protein will bulk you up, but muscle growth requires resistance training in addition to adequate protein intake.
Conversely, not all protein is always good – too much can lead to digestive issues and excess weight, especially if it displaces other nutrients or comes from processed meats.
It’s also a myth that high protein diets cause kidney disease in healthy individuals, though those with existing conditions should be cautious.
Vegans can absolutely get enough protein from plant sources like tofu, tempeh, and seeds, and even vegetables like broccoli and artichokes provide some protein.
Despite the popularity of protein bars and shakes, whole foods are generally the best source of protein due to their additional nutrients and lower levels of added sugars.
Is raw dogging the ultimate test of air travel discipline?
An air travel trend called “raw dogging” has passengers challenging themselves by enduring flights with no entertainment, food, or water.
This quirky practice has gained traction among social media influencers and even professional athletes.
Manchester City footballer Erling Haaland and DJ Wudini have shared their impressive feats of spending hours in silence on long-haul flights, often bragging about their mental fortitude.
The term "raw dogging" seems to have been inspired by the Apple TV+ series "Hijacked," where Idris Elba's character endures a similar experience.
Proponents argue that it offers a chance for mental clarity and mindfulness, reflecting a desire to disconnect from constant stimulation.
This minimalist approach is seen as a way to recharge mentally and reconnect with one's inner self.
However, critics and experts have raised concerns about the potential health risks of raw dogging.
They warn that avoiding essential needs like hydration and food can lead to dehydration and other negative effects, especially given the dry conditions of airplane cabins.
Travel experts emphasise that it’s crucial to listen to your body and not sacrifice health for a trend.
A business psychologist suggests that raw dogging could be beneficial for some, as it encourages mindfulness and a break from constant digital distractions.
Another psychologist supports the idea that boredom can be valuable, providing a needed mental pause.
Yet, she notes that extreme forms of raw dogging may not be ideal for longer flights.
The biology behind quiet quitting: Stress and passivity
Quiet quitting has become a widespread issue, with 62 per cent of employees globally only doing the minimum required at work.
This behaviour often stems from factors like poor management, stagnant pay, and burnout.
Research suggests that this might also be a biological response similar to "learned helplessness," where prolonged stress leads to a passive approach.
This survival mechanism, useful for our ancestors, may now cause modern workers to disengage.
While quiet quitting can be a way to prevent burnout, it highlights the need for employers to create supportive, engaging work environments and offer flexibility to maintain employee satisfaction.
Famous Amos founder Wally Amos dies at 88 in Hawaii
Wally Amos, the creator of the Famous Amos cookie brand, has died at age 88 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Known for his signature cookies and his role as a children's literacy advocate, Amos left an indelible mark on both business and philanthropy.
After founding Famous Amos in 1975, he eventually lost control of the company, which continued using his name even though he no longer owned it.
Despite this setback, Amos remained active, starting a new venture with Chip & Cookie in Hawaii and advocating for literacy through various initiatives.
His later years were marked by personal struggles and professional rebranding but remained dedicated to his passions.
A former OpenAI employee, Suchir Balaji, was recently found dead in his San Francisco apartment, according to the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In October, the 26-year-old AI researcher raised concerns about OpenAI breaking copyright law when he was interviewed by The New York Times.
David Haskell says handling the Olivia Nuzzi-RFK Jr. affair was “hardest thing” he’s dealt with in 5 years on the job The post New York Editor Breaks Silence on RFK Affair With His Reporter appeared first on TheWrap.
Blake Lively wore a Sergio Hudson yellow sequin shirt, unbuttoned to reveal she was wearing no bra, with matching yellow trousers to the 2024 Beauty Inc Awards.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping would likely see President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to attend his inauguration as too risky to accept, and the gesture from Trump may have little bearing on the increasingly competitive ties between the two nations as the White House changes hands, experts say. Trump’s incoming press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed on Thursday that Trump extended an invitation to the Jan. 20 ceremony.
Israel wasted no time after Bashar al-Assad’s fall to bomb all the Syrian military assets it wanted to keep out of the rebels’ hands – striking nearly 500 targets, destroying the navy, and taking out, it claims, 90% of Syria’s known surface-to-air missiles.
New Zealand authorities have “no doubt” that two Vietnamese officials sexually attacked two young female servers at a restaurant during a visit to the country, but were unable to charge the men before they returned to Vietnam, police said Thursday. Vietnam and New Zealand do not have an extradition treaty so the alleged attackers cannot be forced to face charges. One of the women said they were attacked at a restaurant in Wellington in March days before Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính was due to visit New Zealand.
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the Sunni Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has become Syria’s new strongman, replacing the Alawite regime of Bashar al-Assad. Once a partner of al Qaeda, Jolani now speaks the language of tolerance and openness towards Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities. He has told his fighters to refrain from extrajudicial violence, but videos emerging on social media suggest that not all of his fighters are following his directive, raising concerns among members
A US serviceman was sentenced to five years in prison for kidnapping and raping an underage girl last year, an official from Naha District Court on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa told CNN Friday.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) responded to President-elect Trump’s invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend Inauguration Day in January, saying his acceptance would send a global “signal.” “Look, I think Trump believes in constant offense, constant momentum, keeping things going forward,” Gingrich told Fox New’s Jesse Watters in an interview Wednesday. “I…
At least three feminist activists were detained on Friday after vandalizing a monument outside the United Nations complex in Geneva to protest Russia's war against Ukraine and what they see as the U.N.'s failure to stop the conflict. Two topless women with the group FEMEN, which is known for its provocative protests, used a chainsaw to cut into the wooden sculpture known as the “Broken Chair.” The artwork symbolizes the dismemberment caused by land mines and is a call to ban the devastating weapons, which have also been used in the war in Ukraine.