Royal Caribbean's brand-new Icon of the Seas is 365m-long, boasts 20 decks and loads of things to do. CNA Lifestyle went onboard to check it out during its inaugural voyage from Miami last month. (Video: Joyee Koo) Read more: https://cna.asia/3whsyxL #RoyalCaribbean #IconoftheSeas #cruiseship 00:00 Introduction 00:33 How big is Icon of the Seas? 01:03 Icon of the Seas’s different zones 01:43 Water park and other activities 02:40 Checking out the different rooms 03:25 Entertainment options 03:44 Dining options 04:24 Perfect Day at Coco Cay resort in the Bahamas Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the priority is to avoid physical conflict in Asia. He said he does not think the world can take two conflict theatres -- one in the Ukraine and another in the Middle East. Dr Ng was speaking on the sidelines of the 60th Munich Security Conference, a global forum for debating the most pressing challenges to international security. He added that Singapore would rather spend time pre-empting threats to international security. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Singapore's non-oil domestic exports grew 16.8% in January on-year, fuelled by growth in both electronic and non-electronic products. Enterprise Singapore said the increase came from a low base a year ago. This also reverses the 1.5% contraction in December. NODX to the top markets rose as a whole in January. The biggest expansion was shipments to China, which grew by more than 100%. Singapore has upgraded its 2024 full-year NODX forecast to grow by 4% to 6%, compared with November's forecast of a 2% to 4% growth. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Parliament has passed an amended bill that will give the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore more power over the grants given to firms. The changes will allow IRAS to administer grants on behalf of the government or any other statutory body. IRAS will have the power to audit and investigate fraud cases, as well the abuse of grants handed out to businesses. IRAS can also recover overpayment. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled a $131-billion Budget aimed at providing assurances over cost of living concerns, while keeping an eye on longer-term challenges. The government will also invest in other areas that boost Singaporeans' sense of pride and unity. All national servicemen -- past and present -- will receive $200 in LifeSG credits. The arts will get $100 million to boost Singapore's shared culture. In sports, a fund to match donations to Team Singapore athletes will get $20 million more. It will also now cover athletes in emerging sports. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Just implementing the Forward Singapore recommendations will cost the government $5 billion in 2024 alone. By the end of the decade, close to $40 billion would have been spent to strengthen social safety nets for Singaporeans. It's why authorities are making several tax changes to balance its fiscal position while tackling pressing issues like the rising cost of living. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore's medium-term fiscal position remains tight. The 2024 Budget is expected to generate a "small surplus" of $800 million. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Singaporeans will get more payouts to help with cost-of-living concerns, DPM and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong announced in his #Budget2024 speech.

Asia Pacific is woefully behind schedule in achieving its sustainable development goals (SDGs), according to the United Nations. At the region’s current rate of progress, the goals will only be achieved by 2062 – some 32 years behind schedule, said the latest report by the organisation's Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Rachael Beaven, director of the ESCAP’s statistics division, tells CNA’s World Tonight what is at stake. Read more: https://cna.asia/49EwkzU Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

S$1.9 billion in support for Singaporean households to cope with the rising cost of living and S$4,000 top-up to SkillsFuture Credits for Singaporeans above 40 to encourage the upgrading of skills for mid-career workers. These were some of the announcements made in Budget 2024 by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in parliament on Friday (Feb 16). Many of these measures built on the roadmap from Forward Singapore, a nationwide engagement exercise that sought views from Singaporeans on the country's next stage of development. Mr Wong also announced a new refundable tax credit to attract high-quality investments to Singapore, as well as a new S$5 billion Future Energy Fund. There will be a new financial support scheme in the works for retrenched workers as well. More details on #Budget2024 here: https://cna.asia/budget2024 00:00 Economic performance and outlook 05:59 Payouts for Singaporean households 10:22 Support for businesses 28:24 S$4,000 SkillsFuture top-up for mid-career Singaporeans 35:49 Support scheme for retrenched workers 38:21 Support for lower-wage workers 42:44 ITE Progression Award and ComLink+ Progress Packages 48:32 Support for families, including making preschools more affordable 53:34 Support for seniors, including changes to CPF system 59:51 Support for healthcare costs, including one-time MediSave bonus 1:07:34 S$200 LifeSG credits for NSmen 1:13:52 Support for charities, arts and sports 1:20:36 Changes to tax systems, including personal income tax and property tax 1:30:58 Fiscal outlook and fiscal position for FY2023 and FY2024 Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong will deliver his Budget 2024 speech in parliament at 3.30pm on Friday (Feb 16). CNA will broadcast his speech live on all platforms. Mr Wong has said the Budget is the first instalment of the plans set out in the Forward SG roadmap. "It is a Budget to keep Singapore moving forward, equip our citizens to realise their fullest potential and give more assurance to our families and seniors amidst a more troubled world," he said. Follow all the major announcements at https://cna.asia. #budget2024 Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Singapore will set up a Future Energy Fund with an initial injection of S$5 billion to enhance its security in clean energy, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong during his #Budget2024 speech on Friday (Feb 16). More details: https://cna.asia/budget2024 Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

All adult Singaporeans aged 21 to 50 will get a one-time MediSave Bonus of up to S$300. This will benefit about 1.4 million Singaporeans, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in his #Budget2024 speech on Friday (Feb 16). More details: https://cna.asia/budget2024 Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

The CPF contribution rates for those aged 55 to 65 will increase by a further 1.5 percentage points in 2025, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in his #Budget2024 speech on Friday (Feb 16). He also announced an increase in the Enhanced Retirement Sum from next year. More details: https://cna.asia/budget2024 Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

The party of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has announced countrywide protests on Saturday against what it called widespread rigging in the polls. The election commission has denied the accusations. The polls did not return a clear majority for anyone, but independent candidates backed by Khan won 92 out of 264 seats making them the largest group. Khan ruled out alliances with the three largest parties, which means his candidate currently lacks the numbers to form government. CNA's Hira Mustafa reports.

The Myanmar army will start recruiting its first batch of 5,000 civilian soldiers in the coming months for the first time in the country’s history. The details come days after the army enforced a dormant enlistment law, which analysts say could lead to a brain drain and escalated violence. CNA's Leong Wai Kit reports. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

NATO defence ministers have gathered in Brussels to discuss supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia and the overall security of the alliance. One topic hanging over the gathering is the issue of each country's monetary commitment. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong will deliver the Budget Speech in Parliament on Feb 16. Titled "Building Our Shared Future Together", he said it will serve as the first instalment of plans, laid out in the Forward SG roadmap. In a Facebook post, Mr Wong said it aims to keep Singapore moving forward and will equip its citizens to realise their fullest potential. He also hopes it will give more assurance to families and seniors, amid a more troubled world. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Japan unexpectedly slipped into recession at the end of last year, losing its title as the world's third-biggest economy to Germany. The latest downturn is raising doubts about when the central bank will begin to exit its decade-long ultra-loose monetary policy. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia