South Korea’s police say a fire at a lithium battery maker in June that killed 23 people happened as the company was racing to meet a deadline, without taking measures to address signs of dangerous quality failures. The fire at Aricell was one of the country's deadliest industrial accidents in recent years. CNA's Lim Yun Suk has more from Seoul.

On East Asia Tonight (Aug 23), China vows to speed up the purchase of unsold homes amid a property slump; South Korean police say deadly June fire at lithium battery maker Aricell happened because of "excessive manufacturing". We also have a special report from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant on how it is releasing treated radioactive water.

Singapore is taking steps to forge sports excellence, with an improved scholarship that includes monthly CPF top-ups for elite national athletes. These spexScholars can also learn from one another, when new facilities are ready at the Kallang Alive sports precinct.

Some nursing homes, hospitals and clinics in Singapore are putting in place pre-emptive measures as cases of mpox have been reported in the region. These include engaging vaccine suppliers and tracking the travel histories of patients. They are also ensuring there are enough medical supplies and attention when needed.

An emergency preparedness exercise at One Punggol was witnessed by around 200 local and foreign police and Government officials from close to 30 countries. It also marked the end of a three-day inaugural Global Community Policing Conference. Muhammad Bahajjaj has more.

Crime has been rising in the first half of the year, with the number of physical crimes crossing the 10,000 mark for the first time in five years. This is an increase of about four per cent, compared to the same period last year. Thefts in particular are on the rise.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says some fundamentals like meritocracy will not be compromised in the country, even as he promises bold policy moves in the future. He laid out his priorities at a wide-ranging media conference, marking his first 100 days in office. These include better support for seniors and tackling the cost of living. Jeraldine Yap with more.

Registration for regional elections in Indonesia opens on Tuesday (Aug 27). Making electoral law changes that critics fear could undermine democracy in the country before then “does seem to be logistically and logically impossible” says Professor Vedi Hadiz, director of the Asia Institute at University of Melbourne. However, those protesting the change have continued to watch what is happening as there is a “history of high-level connivance amongst the political elites”, he 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

Indonesia's legislature will not ratify changes to election rules during the current government's term, after demonstrations flared and protesters breached parliament grounds on Thursday (Aug 22). Lawmakers had wanted to change election rules and allow outgoing President Joko Widodo's youngest son to run in local elections in November. More details: https://cna.asia/4dAGN1u 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

Even after Indonesia's legislature said it will not ratify changes to election rules during the current government's term, demonstrations flared outside parliament. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters. One of the reasons why many Indonesians are unhappy with the current situation is that they believe outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo is trying to insert his son into the political process in a bid to create a political dynasty, Professor of Asian Studies at University of Tasmania James Chin 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

Indonesia lawmakers have shelved controversial plans to change an election law after demonstrations broke out across the country, with protesters breaching the country's parliament grounds on Aug 22.

What are Singaporeans most satisfied with and what are they most unhappy about? Here's what Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a rousing performance at the Democratic National Convention, showcasing a unified and reinvigorated party that is fired up to hit the campaign trail, said observers. She formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president at the convention’s fourth and final night in Chicago on Thursday (Aug 22). But analysts say the real work has just begun, as the 59-year-old seeks to define herself to voters against her more prominent Republican rival Donald Trump. John Fortier, a senior fellow at think tank American Enterprise Institute, gives an analysis of the convention on 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

Singapore is stepping up precautionary measures against mpox with temperature and visual screenings at Changi and Seletar airports, as well as sea checkpoints.

How are higher-ability students identified under the revamped Gifted Education Programme (GEP)? Does Singapore even still need the GEP? Here’s what Education Minister Chan Chun Sing says.

Studies show that Gen Alpha is set to become the generation with the greatest spending power in history. But how can parents help them cultivate the right financial habits? In this week’s Money Talks, financial coach and mother of two Gen Alpha sons, Michelle Howell, shares tips on how to teach your children about the value of money in an age of digital payments.  0:00 Intro 1:53 Importance of pocket money 8:55 Gen Z vs Gen Alpha 12:50 Communicating with your child 17:45 Tips on how to impart financial literacy 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

Foods like instant noodles, sauces and cooking oil could soon be graded according to how much sodium and saturated fat they contain. This system will be similar to Nutri-Grade labels for sugar and saturated fat in drinks, which was implemented in December 2022. Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, president of the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association, and Head of the Glycemic Index Research at Temasek Polytechnic, discussed the effectiveness of Nutri-Grade labels.

For the first time, owners of pleasure craft and marina staff have been roped in for an annual ferry rescue exercise. The volunteers served as community partners in the event -- held by the Maritime Port Authority -- to help deal with emergencies out at sea more swiftly. Some 12 vessels and over 200 personnel were involved in the exercise this year. Besides tapping on the maritime community, the MPA is also testing new capabilities, such as autonomous underwater vehicles to conduct hull inspections, as well as aerial drones that can deliver lifebuoys to those in need. Charlotte Lim reports.

The Direct School Admission exercise -- which takes into account talent in non-academic fields -- can be improved, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing. He said more effort can be made to identify students with potential, especially those from less-privileged backgrounds. Mr Chan was speaking at the biennial National Camp, which brings together over 400 students from various uniformed groups. Since 2018, all secondary schools can admit up to 20% of their incoming cohort through the DSA.

Singapore will implement key changes to parental leave in two phases. From April 2025, four weeks' paternity leave will become mandatory. Parents can also take six weeks of parental leave shared between them. This goes up to 10 weeks of shared leave for parents of newborns from April 2026. Minister Indranee Rajah, who oversees the National Population and Talent Division at the Prime Minister's Office, and Dr Xander Ong, CEO of the Centre for Fathering, shared more about the 30 weeks of mandatory parental leave in total and how employers can manage operational challenges.