In Parliament on Jan 9, National Development Minister Desmond Lee assured that there will be compliance and checks to ensure that sand imported for Singapore's 'Long Island' project is sourced ethically. The project comprises reclaimed land -- the size of over 1,000 football fields -- at East Coast. It will also include a reservoir. Singapore's sand imports in the past have sparked controversy, with activists concerned over the environmental impact from the extraction process. 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 said it will participate in Operation Prosperity Guardian, the US-led military operation to protect commercial ships from Houthi-led attacks in the Red Sea trade route. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said this in Parliament today, in response to a question on how the country will contribute to security in the area. He added that the immediate impact on Singapore's critical supplies is expected to be limited, because most of its supplies are brought in by air or other sea routes. 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

Armed ship robberies in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore continue to rise. Maritime information sharing centre ReCAAP said there were 63 cases in 2023 -- nearly 15% higher than the 55 in the previous year. These account for over half of such incidents in Asia. In most cases, the perpetrators did not harm the ship crew. A cluster of 27 incidents off Indonesia's Pulau Cula is of particular concern. 18 of these cases involved armed robbers. 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 National Environment Agency is continuing to improve workplace safety across its organisation and operations. This is to prevent fatal accidents, such as the 2021 blast at Tuas Incineration Plant, from happening again. Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu said the NEA has strengthened processes around high-voltage works, based on recommendations from internal investigators. NEA and two employees were charged in December under the Workplace Safety Act for not doing enough to prevent the blast, which killed two employees and injured a third. 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 passed a new law that will regulate investments in entities deemed critical to national security. MPs had pointed out that it is important to know which are the economic areas and businesses that will be part of the so-called "critical sectors". Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong told Parliament that giving specific examples would expose Singapore's vulnerabilities. NCMP Leong Mun Wai had rejected the bill on behalf of the Progress Singapore Party, saying that giving the government such "broad and sweeping legal rights" is a concern. 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

An iPhone that fell 5,000m from Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 9 flight which had a panel blown off mid-air was found without a single crack on it. The plane's missing panel was also found in the backyard of a Portland teacher's home. More details: https://cna.asia/3tHOocZ 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

Israel’s killing of a top Hezbollah commander in a strike on south Lebanon has added to fears that the conflict in Gaza could spread regionally. However, as Israel likely does not want a full-scale war with Hezbollah, it is expected to allow United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken “some leeway” in trying to broker a diplomatic solution, Mr Dan Arbell, scholar-in-residence at American University’s Department of History, 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

Next-level airplane mode: An iPhone that fell 5,000m from the Alaska Airlines plane that had a panel blown off was found on the side of a road without a single crack on it.

Singapore's going to get hotter, drier and also wetter by 2100. This is according to new projections from the Met Service based on how much carbon emissions are produced here and abroad. Here's what you need to know.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said over 1,000 aftershocks have been detected since the Jan 1 earthquake. Authorities warn that more powerful aftershocks are still possible. The strongest jolt over the weekend took place in the city of Shika, where residents are voicing concerns over the presence of a nuclear power plant. CNA’s Michiyo Ishida reports from Shika. 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

At least 160 people died in the New Year's Day earthquake in Japan, with more than 300 still missing. The highest number of lives lost is in Wajima, the largest city on the Noto Peninsula, where a huge fire raged through neighbourhoods in the aftermath of the quake. CNA’s Michiyo Ishida reports from the fishing town on the nation’s west coast, the epicentre of the powerful quake. 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

Once a popular tourist spot in Japan, Wakura town is now a scene of devastation and despair following the major earthquake on New Year's Day. Residents left homeless since the Jan 1 disaster are still reeling from the shock. CNA's Michiyo Ishida finds out more about the uncertainties that loom as residents of the hot spring town set out to rebuild their lives. 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 US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates four times in 2023 and at least three cuts are expected this year. How do fluctuating interest rates affect our expenses and investments? Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer of Maybank Group Wealth Management gives Andrea Heng an overview of 2024 in this episode of the Money Talks podcast. PLUS - Have trouble keeping up with your financial news? We've introduced a new chat segment to bring you up to date on the latest financial trends and stories. Or you can jump straight into the podcast at the points below. 0:00 Intro 0:38 GST increase, $500 CDC vouchers, BYD sales 6:14 How do interest rates affect investments and loans? 10:19 US Fed rate cuts in 2024 14:13 Who benefits from falling interest rates? 17:58 Change in investment strategy 23:56 Refinancing loans

A journey on the MRT could well turn into an encounter with art. From now until Jan 28, seven MRT stations will feature works from local artists as part of Singapore Art Week. It's part of a three-year partnership between the National Arts Council and Land Transport Authority to transform more public spaces using art. Soon, spaces like viaducts and cycling paths could be adorned with art too. Nadirah Zaidi 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

NParks said research is ongoing to see how climate change -- including rising wind speed -- is affecting flora and fauna in Singapore. It's part of efforts to protect vulnerable species from rising temperatures and sea levels. NParks has also stepped up checks on trees in anticipation of stronger gusts. This comes after recent climate projections from Singapore's third National Climate Change Study. 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

International schools can obtain sites on long-term leases in Singapore. These are greenfield sites on 30-year leases that are zoned for educational use. It's under a Request-For-Interest exercise by the Economic Development Board, which allows schools occupying premises on short-term leases to invest for the long term. There are about 50 international schools in Singapore currently and they help the country to remain an attractive operating base for global firms and talent. 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

Growing the pool of accountants for the Singapore economy with a 'Study First Pay Later' scheme. This is part of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants' (ISCA) $15-million investment over the next three years to boost the country's talent pool. ISCA president Teo Ser Luck shared more about accountancy in Singapore and the target group for the professional qualification scheme. 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 Singapore Business Federation and professional services firm KPMG Singapore have put forth recommendations for the upcoming Budget. This includes measures to help firms in Singapore become more competitive in areas like going digital and green. There are also suggestions to make the nation more attractive to global firms and talent. 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

Hong Kongers hoping to settle down in Taiwan are facing uncertainty over their residency applications. Many have instead decided to leave for other places such as the United Kingdom and Canada, where there are clearer immigration criteria, or return to Hong Kong. However, some in the Hong Kong community in Taiwan are watching the upcoming presidential contest with interest, hoping for an immigration policy change after the election that could help their cause. 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