Non-profit organisation KidSTART is expanding its support for low-income families to nine more neighbourhoods, including Hougang and Pasir Ris. The expansion in April includes a shift to a family-centric model. It will provide support to pregnant mothers at partner hospitals. The home-based development support starts when the child is born until they turn six. 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

Lower-wage workers can now tap a new online resource to check if they are being paid correctly under the Progressive Wage Model. The online portal was unveiled as Singapore marks the 10th anniversary of the wage model. 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

China has confirmed that it sentenced a British national in 2022 to five years in jail for spying. Ian Stones' case had gone unreported until this week when the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Jan 25 reported on his disappearance from public view in 2018 after working in China for four decades. The WSJ reported that neither the man's family nor the British embassy staff were allowed to see any legal documents linked to the case. Beijing said that it handled the matter properly. 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

In deciding not to phase out the older card-based ticketing system for public transport in favour of the SimplyGo payment platform, an estimated S$40 million will be spent so commuters can continue to use EZ-Link cards and NETS FlashPay cards. On Friday (Jan 26), Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said the funds will be needed to buy new hardware, as well as to maintain and operate the older ticketing system. Read more: https://cna.asia/4bcGHw5 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 push for the full adoption of the SimplyGo payment platform for public transport was a "judgment error", and the older ticketing system will be in place until at least 2030, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat on Friday (Jan 26). Mr Chee told reporters that the Land Transport Authority had "underestimated" the strong preference of some commuters to be able to view the fare deductions and card balances at station gates and bus readers. "This was a judgment error on our part, and I apologise to our commuters for what happened. We will learn from this and we will do better in future," he said. The minister added that the card-based ticketing system for adults will be in place until at least 2030. Read more: https://cna.asia/4bcGHw5 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

Africa is increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to boost growth across the continent, as the new technology evolves at an unprecedented pace in recent years. Like major economies globally, Africa does not want to be left behind in the AI race, and some local companies are already starting to harness its power to improve their operations. There remains, however, growing concerns that the technology could inadvertently lead to a massive loss of job opportunities for young Africans. CNA’s Nabil Ahmed Rufai 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

How do interest rate movements affect your personal finances? Andrea Heng breaks it down for us with Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer at Maybank, on this episode of the Money Talks podcast.

2023 was a challenging year for real estate investment trusts or REITs with rising interest rates. But how exactly do they work, and should you include REITs in your portfolio in the year of the dragon? Executive chairman of GCP Global Gabriel Yap gives Andrea Heng a crash course on this episode.

More than 12,000 devotees took part in this year's Thaipusam. This is higher than the expected 11,000. Two more live music points were added, for a total of five, along the traditional procession route. Marcus Tan has more. 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 new safety guidelines for water sports and aquatic venues to make swimming pools, inland and open waters safer for users. The new codes of practice come amid surging interest in water sports and concerns over the risk of drowning accidents. 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

Imagine being able to see through walls to fix pipes and maintain sanitation units. This is now possible for 160 plumbers, as part of a pilot training programme under the Building and Construction Authority's education and training arm. 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

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng has said that Singapore will continue to need foreigners to supplement the local workforce. But given limited land and infrastructure, there will be limits to how many foreigners the country can take in. Dr Tan was speaking at the annual St. Gallen Singapore Symposium. 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 Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How has said that the Singapore Armed Forces needs to be well-positioned for the complex and fast-evolving nature of warfare. Speaking to officers at a Senior Military Expert appointment ceremony on Jan 25, he said they play an important role as today's conflicts have shown that warfare will be increasingly sophisticated and hybrid in nature. A total of 122 personnel were appointed as Senior Military Experts at the ceremony. 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

Pita Limjaroenrat, the Thai opposition lawmaker and former leader of the Move Forward Party, has returned to parliament. This comes after the Constitutional Court cleared him of allegations that he had violated election rules, and reinstated him as an MP. 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

Artificial intelligence (AI) could soon take over a key function in the European Union, of translating and interpreting discussions in real time for its 27 members. The EU employs around 1,400 full-time interpreters across 24 languages, based around the bloc. Without them, the language barrier would make it virtually impossible for member states to have complex discussions. The body is currently in the process of passing the world’s first AI legislation, a new law which would regulate a wide range of uses, including interpretation technology which could transform the way the EU operates daily. CNA’s Alex Cadier 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

Singapore’s “Long Island” project will unfold over the next few decades with the aim of providing coastal protection. But what are the trade-offs to the environment? Dr Stephen Chua, research assistant professor at the Earth Observatory of Singapore at Nanyang Technological University, explains why this groundbreaking project is necessary.  See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

A national standard is being developed to make outdoor adventure learning programmes safer for students. It outlines safety requirements for companies running such activities, and will cover land-, water- and height-based activities. 17 organisations like schools and private operators are involved. The new standard is expected to be published next year. This complements a new guideline released today, detailing how operators should handle an emergency. These changes follow the death of a 15-year-old during a high-element course three years ago. Sabrina Ng 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

New training using virtual reality is on the way for microelectronics students at the Institute of Technical Education. The school has struck deals with leading industry players to help students understand how to manufacture semiconductors. Some 500 students are also set to get internships and job attachments with top companies like GlobalFoundries and Micron Technology. The deals were signed during a student outreach programme organised by the semiconductor industry. 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 said more than 100 cases of outrage of modesty were reported at nightlife outlets from January to September 2023 -- a 37% jump from the same period the year before. Crimes like rioting and causing serious hurt also increased by 25%. To curb these, new tools -- like a mobile game -- are being distributed to nightlife outlets for this year's Safe Clubbing Campaign. The campaign will also encourage individuals to drink responsibly, and remind friends to look out for one another. Chloe Choo 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

Nearly 90 customers have complained about beauty salon Diva Lash and Nails for its poor service over the past two years. Clients said they suffered side effects and that the company lacked after-sales care. Most of the complaints came from those who had bought packages from the salon in Parklane Shopping Mall. Even after a warning from the Consumer Association of Singapore in Nov 2022, the beauty salon did not cease its unfair practices or compensate affected customers. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore has been engaged to take further action. 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