Passenger traffic at Changi Airport is slowly making its way back to pre-COVID-19 levels. In 4Q2023, more than 16 million passengers passed through Changi -- just 90% of visitor traffic seen in December 2019, before the pandemic hit. Changi is now the fifth-busiest airport in the world. Overall, for the year, Changi handled about 58.9 million passengers, compared with 68.3 million in 2019. Of visitor arrivals in Singapore, those from Indonesia made up the largest group. This was followed by visitors from Malaysia, Australia, Thailand and India. 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

Things are only going to get harder for former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley in her presidential campaign moving forward, as she goes up against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, who holds a big advantage in momentum and endorsements. Even heading into the next primary in her home state of South Carolina, Ms Haley faces an uphill task in her efforts to pull off an upset, given Mr Trump’s big lead there in the polls. To boost her efforts, she will need to secure donor support while drawing a sharper contrast with Mr Trump, Mr Richard Mullaney, executive director of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, tells CNA’s Asia First. 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

Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley improved on her Iowa primary showing during the New Hampshire contest partly due to the role of independent voters. In most states, only those who register for a particular party can get to vote in primaries. However in New Hampshire, independent voters get to vote too. As incumbent President Joe Biden is almost definitely the Democratic party’s candidate, Democrat voters could change their electoral enrollment to being independent, and vote against Mr Trump and for Ms Haley in this primary, US politics professor Brendon O'Connor from the United States Studies Centre in the University of Sydney tells CNA’s Asia Now. 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

Why can't we root out scammers? Deputy director of Singapore's Scam Public Education Office Operations, Jeffery Chin, explains. 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

Researchers in Britain are using artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise traditional industries such as farming. But even as scientists take big leaps forward, there are concerns that governments are still playing catch-up on regulation. CNA’s Stuart Smith 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

From fake friend scams to job scams and e-commerce scams - there's been so much media coverage on all these different types of scams, so why do people still fall for them? CNA speaks to Jeffrey Chin, deputy director of the Scam Public Education Office Operations Department at the Singapore Police Force to find out. 00:00 Introduction 00:43 What are the most common types of scams? 02:07 Are there really more scams nowadays? 02:44 Why do people still fall for scams? 04:31 What is the best way to protect yourself from scams? 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

A Biden-Trump rematch appears to be on the cards for the US presidential election in November, with Donald Trump emerging as the Republican frontrunner. But will age be an issue for either candidate?

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As two new parcels of sea space in the south of mainland Singapore go up for sale, seafood farms are facing challenges in tapping on the opportunity. These include a lack of technological capabilities and high investment costs, industry players said. Each of the plots, located near Pulau Bukom, is around the size of seven football fields, and can be used to farm fish or crustaceans. CNA’s Eugene Chow 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

The Iowa caucuses last week marked the official start of the US election season. But a lot can happen between now and November 5, when American voters head to the polls. Nick Harper joins Teresa Tang with a look at the issues, the hopefuls and the possible roadblocks candidates will face heading to the White House.  See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

A special exhibition that tells the history of one of the world's most common man-made materials is making its debut in Singapore. Plastics will be in the spotlight at the National Museum at a time when its rampant use is damaging the environment. Part of the showcase looks at ways to upcycle the material, and will feature a unique injection machine. Exhibition curator Jan Yap and Mr Hansel Li from social enterprise Green Nudge shared more about "Plastic: Remaking Our World" and the idea of a circular economy with plastic. The exhibition will be held from 27 January to 23 June. 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 ratified the United Kingdom's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The move is expected to bring the trade bloc's combined worth to more than S$20 trillion. Under the deal, nearly all UK exports to member countries will face zero tariffs. Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said the UK's entry will increase the economic value of the agreement. He expressed hope for other countries in the 11-member group to ratify the UK's accession. 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

According to Savills Research, office rentals in Singapore grew by just 1.1% in 2023, as compared to 2.2% the year before. Analysts expect office rentals this year to remain stagnant, or even dip by 2% to 3%. Continued economic uncertainty and reduced demand for large office spaces are contributing to the sluggish rental market. Tech and social media companies have also been cutting back and not driving new demand. With major leases due to expire in 2025, analysts said landlords may start to feel the pressure only when firms negotiate new deals in the middle of the year. 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

Renovation apps are gaining traction in Singapore, after struggling to get a foothold in the industry three years ago. Homeowners are using them to cut some middlemen's fees and save on renovation costs, which have climbed about 20%. For example, web app Homeez said it's seeing at least 200 new users every week. Homeowners can select a pre-loaded floor plan, decide their tiles and paints, and contact those suppliers directly or hire a project manager. As labour and material costs rise, industry players said renovation works may get more expensive this year. Rebecca Metteo 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

Wet market stalls in Singapore said the rising cost of living is dampening business, as they see customers tighten their belts. Sales are slow, even with the Chinese New Year festive season approaching in two weeks. 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

Dressed in a flowing golden-coloured traditional dress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jan 22) personally unveiled the black stone idol to the deity Ram during the inauguration of a new temple in the northern town of Ayodhya. It is an unprecedented move for the head of a secular nation to take on the symbolism of a high priest of a religion, says Brown University’s Mahatma Gandhi Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Prerna Singh. The temple's inauguration undermines one of the founding constitutional principles of India - that it is a secular country with equal rights for citizens of all religions - and also institutions such as the judiciary, whose judgment cleared the path for the building of this temple, she tells CNA's Asia First. 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

Some businesses reliant on Malaysian workers are having to change up their staffing requirements leading up to and during the Chinese New Year period this year. This comes as many Malaysians head home to celebrate. At least one firm cites rising costs as a reason why it is unable to keep them a little longer this time around, compared to last year. CNA’s Sabrina Ng reports. Read more: https://cna.asia/3uapS4f 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 customers are tightening their belts this Chinese New Year amid a weaker economic outlook and higher GST. Restaurants are dangling discounts and switching out premium ingredients to cater to a growing cost-conscious crowd. CNA’s Claudia Lim reports. Read more: https://cna.asia/3uapS4f 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