Balloon vendors in Singapore are turning to products that do not require helium, as prices for the gas soar amid a looming shortage. This is even as demand for helium-filled balloons, which are commonly used for occasions like birthday parties, weddings and proposals, continues to rise. CNA's Ivy Chok 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

TikTok's Singaporean CEO Chew Shou Zi was grilled about his ties with China during a Congress session about the dangers children face on social media platforms on Wednesday (Jan 31). A US senator repeatedly asked Mr Chew if he had ever been a member of the Chinese Communist Party, to which he responded, "Senator, I'm Singaporean. No." (Video: Reuters) Read more: https://cna.asia/49inN5c 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

From helping unite Malaysia, to improving the country's ties with its neighbours, here's what Malaysians hope Johor's Sultan Ibrahim can do as Malaysia's new king. Read more: https://cna.asia/48W6HdE 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

How are warmer temperatures accelerating the spread of pathogens and what role does climate migration play in disease outbreaks? Dr Mary Rodgers, who manages the Abbott Global Viral Surveillance Program, explains to Julie Yoo. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Caring for those who give care is the focus of a conference attended by more than 200 healthcare experts and professionals. The idea is to extend what is called compassionate care to more people in the sector. CNA spoke to Kelvin Lee, Head of Care & Integration at St Luke's Hospital, and Dr Katie Eastman, Adjunct Professor at the Antioch University New England Graduate School. 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

Demand for premium fruit from Japan and seafood is rising in the lead-up to Chinese New Year. SATS Coolport at Changi Airport has seen a 10 per cent jump in such produce. To ensure goods stay fresh, cold chain processes are continually being improved. Marcus Tan looks at how Asia's first perishable handling centre stays refreshed. 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

Singtel's data centre arm is launching a new academy. This is in collaboration with five Institutes of Higher Learning, where more than 150 students will be trained annually. The focus is on new areas of data centre development, such as sustainability and AI. It is part of the telco group's effort to advance A-I development in Singapore and the region. 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

With electric vehicles (EVs) set to feature more on roads in the near future, more technicians will be needed to ensure they are in running condition. To that end, NTUC LearningHub has partnered EV maker BYD to train about 500 technicians in basic electric vehicle maintenance and servicing skills each year. A new EV training facility that has been launched has six simulators to help prepare the next generation of automotive workers. 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 police and cybersecurity agency are warning the public of a new cryptocurrency scam that has become more common globally. Cyber criminals are using what is called "crypto drainers" - a type of malware used to target victims. 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

More than 1,600 dengue cases have been reported for the first month of 2024. This is almost double the monthly average last quarter. With more people buying festive plants and flowers ahead of Chinese New Year, the situation may get worse. 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 has achieved its desired low workplace fatality rate, ahead of its 2028 target. For the first time, that figure has fallen below one. Last year, there were 0.99 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to the previous year's 1.3. The exception was when COVID-19 disrupted work in 2020. But the Manpower Ministry is urging firms to not let up on efforts to keep the workplace safe. 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

Manufacturing firms surveyed in Singapore are cautiously optimistic about the business outlook for the first half of this year. This is thanks to a recovering global semiconductor industry, with rising demand for AI-related chips and manufacturing equipment like bonding wires. 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

Retrenchments more than doubled in 2023 compared to the year before. But it is not all doom and gloom. The total number of people employed went up for the ninth consecutive quarter at the end of 2023. Unemployment also remained stable. This is according to the Manpower Ministry's advance labour report. 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

Senior Malaysian government officials and other sources have told CNA that former prime minister Najib Razak’s prison sentence has been shortened to six years from 12. The decision was made by the Pardons Board. Najib was convicted in 2020 of corruption charges, related to the multi-billion dollar 1MDB scandal. 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

Conservative MPs in England are urging the government to increase funding for local councils which are facing severe strains on their finances. The government has announced a 6.5 per cent increase in council funding this year, adding that any more would be unaffordable. One in five cash-strapped councils warn that they will effectively go bankrupt in the coming year. CNA’s Julia Chapman 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

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak’s jail sentence for corruption has been reduced from 12 to six years by the Pardons Board, sources including senior government officials told CNA. Najib was convicted in 2020 of corruption charges related to the 1MDB scandal and began serving his prison term in August 2022. 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

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

Nearly two dozen Thais have been released and returned home since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7, 2023. Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut shares his insights on the rescue mission. 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

As event-goers grow more conscious of their carbon footprint, venue operators and organisers in Singapore are putting in more effort to reduce their impact on the climate. For instance, British band Coldplay has been using kinetic dance floors and energy-storing stationary bikes at its performance arena at the National Stadium to fuel batteries that power elements of the show. CNA's Clara Lee 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

Thais made up the largest number of foreign nationals abducted by Hamas when the militants attacked Israel on Oct 7, 2023. Nearly two dozen Thais have since been released and returned home. Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut shares some of their stories with host Teresa Tang in this episode of CNA Correspondent. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.