Firecrackers will go off for the first time at Gardens by the Bay to celebrate Chinese New Year. This year's River Hongbao starts on Feb 8 and will feature eye-catching displays and live performances. 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 Singaporeans are snapping up properties near the light rail system across the border as the project takes shape. Analysts are seeing home prices there grow up to 20 per cent in the last couple of years. But those in the industry say that while sales are picking up, some are still more cautious. Rebecca Metteo reports from Johor. 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

Results are out for those who took the GCE O-Level examinations in 2023. Close to 87 per cent of students scored at least five passes. It is a better showing than the previous cohort. Nearly 97 per cent passed at least three subjects. Aslam Shah 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

About 2,000 people in Singapore have signed up for tuberculosis screening at an area in Jalan Bukit Merah. Five hundred of them are doing so voluntarily. Residents and workers say the first day of screening has been smooth. It was announced last week that there were 10 active cases, linked to a cluster from 2022. As Sabrina Ng finds out, businesses nearby are feeling the impact. 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

There have been demonstrations outside the UN's top court as the first hearing on the genocide case against Israel begins, in what will be a protracted legal battle. South Africa is accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in its war in Gaza. Ishan Garg reports from The Hague. 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 International Court of Justice has started hearings into one of the world's most polarising conflicts - the Israel-Hamas war. South Africa brought its case against Tel Aviv to the World Court at the Hague on Jan 11, accusing the country of carrying out genocide in Gaza. South African lawyers at the hearing said Israel's intent to destroy Gaza has been nurtured at the highest level of state. They also allege the latest war is part of a decades-long oppression of the Palestinians. 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 Taiwan's presidential election nears, cross-strait relations are at the forefront. The ruling party continues to advocate for the island’s self-reliance while the opposition camp has framed the polls as a choice between war or peace, accusing the government of ramping up hostilities with China. CNA’s Deborah Wong 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 Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link is on track to start passenger service by the end of 2026. The project has reached another milestone, with 65% of construction done on both sides.

Singapore and Malaysia on Thursday (Jan 11) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a new Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Under the MOU, both sides will work towards boosting the cross-border flow of goods and people and developing a framework that will lead to a full-fledged agreement on the zone. Both countries are also exploring other initiatives leading up to the SEZ, including a passport-free clearance system. Further updates are expected at the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat later this year. Read more: https://cna.asia/48wsYyK 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

South Africa’s genocide case against Israel is “extremely complex”, says Visiting Professor at University of Minnesota’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies Melanie O'Brien. There is much discussion among lawyers at the moment about the need to prove genocide, which requires a “special intent”, which is the intent to destroy a group, she shares with CNA’s Asia First. In this case, South Africa is arguing that Israel has an intent to destroy Palestinians, or at least a substantial part of the Palestinian population, but that is really difficult to prove, she says. 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

Located off Orchard Road, Ami Patisserie is the brainchild of chef Makoto Arami. Resembling a traditional Kyoto wooden house, the place serves all sorts of pastries – a passion he inherited from his father, who was also a pastry chef. (Video: Joyee Koo, May Seah) Read more: https://cna.asia/48y8xRR 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

Construction of the 4km Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link has crossed another milestone, with roughly 65 per cent of structural works done on both sides. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim marked the milestone in a ceremony in Johor. Read: https://cna.asia/3RWNvW9 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 released its third national climate change study in January and the end-of-century projections are sobering. By 2100, the country could face very hot days, with daily maximum temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. Dr Aurel Moise, Deputy Director at Singapore's Centre for Climate Research, helps unpack what it all means.  See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

Seniors in the north-east are getting more services like rehabilitation programmes at a new care centre. The St Luke's ElderCare centre caters to frail elders and those with dementia. It will supplement caregiver support through its day care services. Every week, nearly 70 seniors visit the centre for its rehabilitation programmes. The centre has also introduced a new programme that involves preschool children. St Luke's is on track to open its second nursing home next 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

The government is working to establish Singapore as a regional philanthropy hub through building a charity ecosystem with stakeholders who can make an impact locally, regionally and globally. Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Alvin Tan shared this in response to an adjournment motion filed in Parliament by Nominated MP Keith Chua. Mr Chua had suggested Singapore be developed into a "Silicon Valley" of philanthropy. 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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there has been no other misuse of diplomatic bags in the last five years, apart from the current case before the courts. In November, an MFA director-general was charged over the use of such bags for Panadol and luxury watches. Diplomatic bags are for official documents. Limited personal items are allowed to enable overseas staff to fulfil their duties. 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 Ministry of Health said its supervisory priority is to look into Cordlife clients' request for the private cord blood bank to rectify its shortcomings. It is assisting those who wish to transfer their children's cord blood to another provider. In late November, the ministry said Cordlife had seven tanks storing blood units that were exposed to temperatures above acceptable limits. Currently, MOH inspects cord blood banks every two years, and may conduct additional visits if there are any concerns or suspected lapses in standards. 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 three-month suspension on companies in Singapore remitting money to China will be reviewed before the end of March. Last month, the Monetary Authority of Singapore had instructed these companies to suspend money transfers through non-bank and non-card channels. This comes after the police had received more than 670 reports of workers' remittances being frozen in China. 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 to use AI safely and make learning or work easier were among key topics discussed at the MIT-Singapore AI Symposium today. Academics, government agencies and firms gathered to look at ways to ride this technological wave to transform all aspects of human society. Professor Jinhua Zhao, lead principal investigator at SMART M3S, which organised the event, shared more on artificial intelligence developments. 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