In a video address on his social media channels, PM Lee emphasised that the situation in Singapore remains under control.
ST Index careens into bear territory for the first time since January 2016 Many stock markets across Asia, including in Singapore, followed the United States into bear territory after US President Donald Trump stopped short of offering a detailed rescue package as the coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic.
There is currently no evidence showing that the virus can be transmitted through one’s perspiration.
There are now 40 cases linked to the the dinner at the Joy Garden restaurant on Feb 15, Singapore’s biggest coronavirus cluster.
Move by Scindia and 22 legislators could trigger fall of Congress-led govt in central Madhya Pradesh state.
Mandatory quarantine for those coming from overseas; some Wuhan businesses may reopen.
Foreigners taken to airport or hotels and will leave Republic within next 2 days All passengers have disembarked from a cruise ship that docked in Singapore yesterday morning after being rejected at several ports over fears about the coronavirus.
Muhyiddin’s government has 31 ministers, 37 deputy ministers after one MP turns down post.
A study by the National Centre for Infectious Diseases found that the coronavirus could be found in isolation facilities – including in an air duct connected to the room of a patient.
Hopes of quick end to outbreak dashed as number of cases worldwide grows.
Japan will also suspend the transport of passengers from China and South Korea by ship in and out of Japan, and cancel temporary and multiple-entry visas for visitors from the two countries.
President Moon receives letter of support from North Korean leader as infected cases cross 6,000.
Singapore now has travel restrictions and advisories, temperature screening, contact tracing and quarantine.
Besides Saudi Arabia’s step of suspending umrah pilgrimage, several major gatherings around the world have also been cancelled or postponed.
Evidence does not suggest a pandemic, he notes, if numbers are seen in perspective.
The announcement captured social media users and was debated at length on television channels.
Some analysts like Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun believe Mr Muhyiddin, the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president, needs to follow through on early pledges “if he doesn’t want to invite cynicism”.
All govt agencies to be on 24-hour alert, boost emergency response.
Two new Covid-19 cases in Singapore, one linked to Wizlearn Technologies; no new patients discharged
MOH said on Tuesday that of the 32 confirmed cases still in hospital, most are stable, while seven are in critical condition in the intensive care unit, one more than on Monday.
One of the new cases, a 34-year-old Filipina, is the foreign domestic worker of a man linked to Wizlearn Technologies in Science Park II – a cluster that emerged last Friday.
Many have little savings to see them though a work drought, she said, noting that a number of events and work assignments have been cancelled or deferred as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Wave of flash mobs triggered by court verdict to disband opposition party Future Forward.
The death toll now stands at 13, while 26 patients have been discharged after recovering fully.
Two patients from the Grace Assembly of God cluster, cases 49 and 73, were also discharged.
Budget includes US$1,200 handout to each resident aged 18 and above, low-interest loans for small firms and tax cuts.
Even as the government goes all out to curb the spread of the virus, such as revising an infectious disease Act to fine people up to US$2,400 for refusing a virus test, and limiting the export of face masks to 10 per cent of the output, criticism of the Moon administration has grown.
Witnesses said Delhi police, who were outnumbered, did little to stop the violence, mostly standing by while groups pelted each other with stones, and vandalised vehicles and property.
The new test works by detecting antibodies the body produces in response to an infection.
Mr Trump was on a 36-hour, three-city tour of India, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump as well as his daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner.
STI gains on signs that the virus outbreak here seems to be largely contained.
The unprecedented move for the King to interview MPs individually instead of meeting party leaders appears to be in line with Dr Mahathir’s plan to form a grand coalition across the political spectrum.
Health official leading fight against virus in Daegu among those infected; 2 more deaths.
After his resignation, the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition saw the departure of dozens of lawmakers that left it short of a majority in Parliament.
Majority of lawmakers said to back move to include Umno and PAS; King yet to give nod.
Lab tests now needed to confirm infections, instead of relying on clinical diagnosis.
The minister yesterday clarified that his statement on the cross-economy class marriage was meant to be a suggestion, and was not mandatory.
Fall comes amid Asia-wide forex sell-off after South Korea infection spike, two deaths in Japan.
China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend a special Asean-China foreign ministers’ meeting in Laos this week to discuss the coronavirus outbreak.
Singapore Budget 2020: 10 things to know, from cash payout for S’poreans to GST not going up in 2021
Here are 10 highlights introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Tuesday (Feb 18).
The study said detection ability among “low surveillance” countries, was just 11 per cent of Singapore’s.
Those returning to Beijing must stay at home for 14 days; steps being taken to help firms China has ordered the thousands of people returning to its capital city Beijing to quarantine themselves, as the nation gears up to officially return to work tomorrow.
The last new case is a 30-year-old Singaporean man who is a family member of case 50, the 62-year-old male DBS Bank employee who was confirmed to have the virus on Wednesday.
Nearly 5per cent of crew and passengers infected; quarantine officer tests positive.
It is important for both countries to continue working closely together on the outbreak, especially given the high volume of travel between Singapore and Malaysia, the Republic’s Ministry of Health said in a statement.
The Congress, once a dominant presence in Delhi, faced a total rout with a vote share of about 4 per cent following a lacklustre campaign.
Jokowi makes historic address in Canberra, hopes new trade deal will lift both economies Indonesian President Joko Widodo delivered a rare address to Australia’s Parliament yesterday as the two nations committed to a “new beginning” aimed at boosting trade and ending their history of strained ties.
Australia’s population of about 25 million includes more than 1.
The Straits Times outlines the details of the 43 cases of coronavirus in Singapore so far.
The fight in the election in the capital is between the BJP and the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which remains the front runner.
Malaysian PM offers his take on payments in bribery scandal AirAsia’s embattled chief Tony Fernandes has received a temporary lifeline from Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who yesterday offered tacit personal approval for the business dealings of the airline’s top executives which were deemed fraudulent by British prosecutors in a bribery scandal involving Airbus.
China now accounts for larger share of tourist numbers and retail spending here than before.
Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said protecting the jobs of Singaporeans and ensuring the survival of businesses will be the Government’s primary focus.
CapitaLand has closed all four of its malls in Wuhan, where the virus outbreak originated, and both of its malls in Xi’an, as required by the respective local authorities, it said on Wednesday morning (Jan 29).
The outbreak is expected to affect Singapore’s economy, business and consumer confidence this year as the situation may persist for some time, Mr Chan said at a press conference by the multi-ministry task force on the Wuhan coronavirus.
Travellers and members of the public should adopt the following precautions at all times, the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 23): – Avoid contact with live animals, including poultry and birds – Avoid eating raw and undercooked meat .
Move to curb virus’ spread across world comes as experts race to crack its code.
All patients at emergency departments are screened, and those with fever and travel history are isolated.
China’s health commission said on Monday (Jan 20) that medical workers have been infected by the deadly coronavirus first discovered in the central city of Wuhan, confirming it can be transmitted between people.
There has been a dramatic increase of 136 cases of the mysterious Sars-like virus, including one death, in the Chinese city of Wuhan on Monday (Jan 20) as new cases were confirmed for the first time outside the city in Beijing and Shenzhen.
Thousands of students flood streets of Delhi; Assam state sees five protesters shot dead.
She urges world court to let Myanmar justice system work.
Myanmar is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change and is grossly unprepared to deal with the consequences.
Police seized a gun and bullets which they believed were intended to be used during the demonstration.
Police fire tear gas at those outside of approved route.
The US made into law a bill supporting pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong.
Many say events of past 5 months galvanised their desire to exercise their democratic right.
They are believed to be online scam workers.
The company to support more Android apps on its phones.
Diplomacy, Headline-1, Politics
Beijing has rejected a Hong Kong court decision.
Protesters start leaving campus Monday.
Hong Kongers on edge amid reports of evacuation of students from the mainland.
All schools shut on Thursday to protect students.
Diplomacy, Economics, Headline-1
This despite Trump’s comments that US and China close to trade deal.
The shooting is the second incident in as many months where live ammunition was used.
Business, Economics, Headline-2
China has made overtures to increase capital income in recent months.
Diplomacy, Economics, Headline-1
15 other countries, however, will readily sign the agreement.
China is facing off against several ASEAN members over the South China Sea.
Modi has not had the warmest reception to ASEAN after moves in Kashmir.
Another weekend, another protest in Hong Kong with violence perpetrated by alleged triads against demonstrators.
They say militant group remains capable and dangerous even after death of leader.
Musicals, shopping days and paper cranes are just some of the ways Hong Kongers are fighting back.
The voting took place on Thursday and will be officially declared Friday.
The statement came concurrently with the Hong Kong government removing a contentious extradition bill that sparked protests.
Diplomacy, Economics, Headline-2
From a Reuters report in Straits Times.
China’s Defence Minister Wei Fenghe delivers a speech at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, China.
Joko exhorts Indonesians to develop ‘new ways and values’.
The rail line has been on again and off again.
Lam was forced to deliver speech via video after protests.
The two countries share a close relationship.
Diplomacy, Headline-1, Politics
The protests have escalated in violence and crackdowns in recent months.
Police have stepped up campaigns across the city as protests reaches fifth month.
Profits go to The Children’s Charities Association of Singapore so you can tuck in and do good.
The city-state beat the US to the top spot in the latest rankings of 141 economies.
Protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong on a soggy Sunday (October 6) in defiance of the face mask ban but the largely peaceful marches descended into clashes with police later in the day.
Critics had feared the law would be used to curb free speech, even if decisions arising from it would come under court and judicial review.
Police say they opened fire with live rounds when their lives were under threat; two, including youth, in critical condition.
HONG KONG – The city is on lockdown on Tuesday (Oct 1), with
BEIJING – China has kicked off its
Clashes between police and protesters continued in Hong Kong for the second day of violence this weekend.
Carrie Lam has come under criticism on her handling of the protests.
Business, Environment, Headline-1
Haze has closed thousands of schools across Southeast Asia and has been responsible for several deaths.
The statement comes after global climate protests.
Thundery showers forecast on Monday.
The Chinese flag was torn down in Hong Kong over the weekend.
More protests erupted this week, the third month of continuous weekend protest.
Written by the Associated Press as appearing in the Straits Times.
Leader Carrie Lam warns against interference.
By Bloomberg as it appears in the Straits Times.
Current affairs, Headline-2, Politics
Protesters have not said how they will react to bill being scrapped.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she would take the “difficult path” to remain in office to lead Hong Kong out of the current political crisis.
Protests have intensified over the past weekend.
Celebrations set against sobering backdrop of deepening trade war with the US and political crisis in Hong Kong.
Japan is hosting an African summit to discuss development and investment.
Protests intensified over the weekend.
Hong Kong protesters clash with police, angry at lack of prosecutions after July subway mob attack.
Government says while rally is generally peaceful, traffic disrupted.
China has previously said that the protests have bordered on terrorism.
Diplomacy, Headline-1, Politics
Hong Kong courts declare airport occupation to be illegal.
Plans to reopen the airport were disrupted by sit-in protests.
The statement was made Monday by Beijing’s HK administration.
Flights could resume on Tuesday.
Hong Kong protesters kept up the pressure on the government this past weekend with fresh protests.
He is suspected of violating money-laundering laws and will be detained for 20 days.
China has labeled this the most challenging circumstance that Hong Kong has faced since the handover.
Protesters battle with mob swinging wooden poles.
Current affairs, Headline-1, Politics
Flights cancelled, trains suspended across Hong Kong.
Test have so far come out negative.
Police fire tear gas near Causeway Bay, Beijing’s Liaison Office as protests continue.
Hong Kong’s ‘open source’ protests where everyone has a say in what to do is unprecedented.
A 16-year-old girl is among those charged with rioting.
Tear gas fired and clashes reported.
Protesters were also attacked by a mob in a department store.
Hong Kong police chief blasts Sha Tin violence which leaves six people seriously injured.
Growth slumps to 27-year low in China, with talk of more aggressive stimulus measures.
Protests continue, this time against Chinese vendors.
Singapore economy grows just 0,1%, is worse than expected.
MHA arrests at least six supporters of Myanmar insurgent group in Singapore.
Diplomacy, Economics, Headline-1
Moon Jae-in urges South Korean companies to brace for all possibilities in trade row with Japan.
Beijing says Washington violating ‘one China’ principle; experts warn of Chinese retaliation.
Current affairs, Headline-2, Politics
The protests ended at West Kowloon station that connects city to mainland.
China and Britain locked in war of words over Hong Kong after protests in the city.
What you need to know about the extradition Bill protests in Hong Kong.
China says LegCo storming a ‘blatant challenge’.
The government slams move as ‘extreme violence’.
Both sides must come together in good faith for any progress to be made.
Current affairs, Headline-2, Politics
Hong Kong gears up for more protests over extradition Bill as hundreds gather.
Economy and nuclear weapons will be top issues.
I offer my most sincere apology to all the people of Hong Kong: Chief Executive Carrie Lam.
Hong Kong government offices remain closed on Monday amid call for strikes.
Protests have shut down Hong Kong for the past several days before a government crackdown.
At least 72 people taken to hospital during clashes with police.
Hong Kong has been the site of several mass protest over the previous days.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says extradition Bill has to be passed as opponents call for fresh protests.
Proposed changes to extradition law in Hong Kong draws record number to the streets.
The bill will allow extraditions to China.
Culture and society, Headline-1
Straits Times collection on its Tiananmen coverage.
The Chinese Defense Minister was speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore.
Indian PM sworn in after landslide win; BJP president Amit Shah among new faces in Cabinet.
Analysis, Diplomacy, Headline-2
Analysts say its a show of solidarity with Abe.
They name three hired killers among six new suspects linked to Jakarta violence last week.
Modi has tried to cultivate a relationship with US President Donald Trump.
Modi looks set for a new five year term.
Jokowi issues stern warning as riots rock Jakarta for second night.
The move leaves one of the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer without an operating system.
The opposition has yet to yield and admit defeat.
Most pre-election surveys had suggested that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi would return to power.
Business, Diplomacy, Headline-1
Hopes of a trade deal recede as experts fear American companies could face a backlash.
Economics, Headline-1, Politics
The plan was unveiled at the first anniversary of the Pakatan Harapan government.
Journalists have been jailed for over 500 days.
Change no longer the rallying cry in Indonesia.
Jokowi calls on voters to unite as opposition claims victory.
Security is an important issue as Indonesia heads to polls.
Indonesians go to the polls on Wednesday (April 17) to elect their President, Members of Parliament as well as local leaders at district levels.
BJP’s key pledges include housing for all by 2022 and the doubling of farmers’ incomes.
Fears of election bloodshed rise after attack in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday kills lawmaker, 4 others.
Occupy Central leaders in Hong Kong convicted, await sentencing for their role in mass protests.
The Southeast Asian nation had chosen to withdraw from the ICC statute.
Incumbent presidential candidate Joko Widodo and running mate Ma’ruf Amin join the carnival parade in Tangerang Banten.
According to Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, the decision to withdraw from ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court was a political move made to avoid a coup attempt.
Najib said he was not guilty as the 1mdb corruption trial got underway.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s lead over his election rival Prabowo Subianto has narrowed slightly, a new survey of more than 1,000 eligible voters has shown.
Culture and society, Headline-2
Japan to unveil name of new era under Naruhito’s reign on Monday.
The X70, a fully imported version of Geely’s Boyue, makes up over half of national carmaker’s sales.
Counting not done after Election Commission says its systems experienced technical failure.
Diplomacy, Economics, Headline-2
Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh called on Japan to return to Asean as its top investor, as it was in the 1970s and 1980s.
Six of them were involved in the Marawi siege in the Philippines.
Security officials around the region are wary of returning militants from the middle east.
Culture and society, Headline-1
Kuala Lumpur says foreign militants eyeing Malaysia as safe haven.
The world’s largest democracy prepares to go to polls with select issues in mind.
Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, service sectors to be opened up, says state planner.
China will boost the incomes of urban and rural residents, and domestic consumption is expected to continue to expand and to upgrade.
Business, Economics, Headline-1
Khazanah declared RM1.
Experts in South Korea and beyond offer their take on the breakdown of negotiations.
Culture and society, Curiosity
The city is pulling out all the stops for the international summit.
It was the worst escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals since 2001.
The Election Commission said that members of the royal family should be “above politics” and therefore cannot “hold any political office”.
The armed forces were targeting a Singaporean born protest leader.
Mahathir’s new proposal is ambitious but after his 1MDB crackdown, anything is possible.
The city-state lags behind to only Denmark and New Zealand.
Separatist terrorists are suspected.
The world para-swimming championships will be hosted elsewhere.
King Rama X signs decree signalling elections in March.
Ties between Malaysia and Singapore are still “good” despite ongoing air and maritime disputes between the two countries.
Talks stem from a radar incident involving a Japanese aircraft in December.
Jho Low rubbishes Wall Street Journal report about China’s alleged role in 1MDB probe.
He may stay six months in jail while awaiting trial.
A look at the behind the scenes picture behind the global methamphetamine crisis.
Culture and society, Headline-1, Politics
Previous king stepped down in unprecedented move on Sunday.
A look at potential headlines in 2019 by the Straits Times’ Warren Fernandez.
The by-election comes after a disastrous local election cycle where the pro-independence party lost heavily.
Culture and society, Current affairs
The council of 9 kings which rule Malaysia on a rotational basis has accepted the resignation.
The Straits Times takes a look at three headlines that will shape Southeast Asia in 2019.
Culture and society, Curiosity, Current affairs
The emperor made his last speech before his pending abdication.
Culture and society, Environment
The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach remote areas.
The owner has since apologised and claimed responsibility.
Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Russia being notable exceptions to the plan.
China adds that it rejects US extradition claims.
Huawei CFO arrest threatens fragile trade war truce.
A racist ad and Instagram post has prompted massive backlash at luxury brand Dolce and Gabbana in China.
Washington takes hardline stance ahead of Trump-Xi meeting; Beijing’s response muted.
If approved by lawmakers, capital punishment will be replaced with minimum 30 years in jail.
Sri Lanka’s political crisis has a regional power closely watching developments.
Grab on Thursday announced a partnership with Thailand’s Kasikornbank to launch
Henry Kissinger said that US and Chinese trade negotiators should avoid getting bogged down in details and first explain to each other what objectives they are seeking to achieve.
Even the strongest body part of plane broke apart, says Indonesian official.
Preliminary report to be out in about a month, as search for black boxes continues.
Search and rescue crews are still searching the area using sonar to recover debris and material.
Thai billionaire who built duty-free empire lauded for his kindness, good heart.
Anwar Ibrahim said that as long as the position of the Malay language as the national language is accepted without question, mastery of other languages should be supported.
Marcos family seeks to strengthen political clout.
China amended laws to ‘legitimise’ crackdown on Uighurs in Xinjiang, say experts.
The former opposition leader stresses need for Mahathir to be unaffected by constraints of time or pressure.
The Oxfam report criticised Singapore for spending “well below countries such as South Korea and Thailand” on healthcare, education and social protection.
Limiting global warming to 1,5 degrees Celcius possible but will need unprecedented societal changes: UN panel.
The wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Rosmah Mansor, is arrested on corruption charges.
Tens of thousands of children are in an “extremely precarious” condition after last Friday’s earthquake in eastern Indonesia.
China has hit back with reciprocal tariffs after President Trump imposed tariffs on over $200 billion of Chinese goods.
Trump slaps tariffs on US$200b of Chinese goods in sharp escalation of trade war.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat president says relationship with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad amicable.
He also says grouping should maintain its consensus-based system, step up integration.
Despite typhoons and earthquakes, regular citizens attempt to go about their everyday lives.
A visit without Xi is now unlikely to achieve any positive results on the nuclear issue, say analysts.
Singapore, Malaysia to ink agreement today to defer a high-speed rail project.
Two Myanmar journalists were jailed for seven years each on Monday (Sept 3) for breaching the country’s official secrets act.
Flood-struck Kerala politicians say national pride should not be at expense of rehabilitation funds.
Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi defended the steps her government has made in handling the Rohingya crisis, amid global criticism on the issue.
Singapore and Malaysia can pursue win-win cooperation and focus on their respective domestic priorities if bilateral relations are kept stable and close, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Rescue operations continue in India’s flood-stricken Kerala, with over 200,000 people displaced and over 300 people killed.
Transport services disrupted amid flash floods; China braces itself for approaching typhoon.
The popular leader was buried on Wednesday amidst tears and tributes.
Indonesia’s resort islands of Bali and Lombok were rocked by a magnitude 7 earthquake on Sunday with scores dead and widespread property damage reported.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told visiting ASEAN foreign ministers that the bloc must continue its program of economic integration.
The two sides have agreed to formal texts to negotiate a long sought after code of conduct in the South China Sea.
The growing influence of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has meant that the threat of transnational terrorism erupting in the region has grown significantly.
Tens of thousands displaced; heatstroke advisories out as mercury soars to 35 degrees Celcius.
The total cost of the summit is down from an earlier estimate of $20 million.
Locals and foreign residents to pay $74 admission fee; Visits capped at 10 per month.
Malaysia’s new government intends to rein in the country’s most powerful Islamic agency and its huge financial budget.
Kim Jong Un learnt about Singapore’s development during night tour: North Korean media.
Pullout may have negative consequences like strengthening hardliners in Iran, say analysts.
The Grab-Uber merger has implications for competition law and long-term commuting behaviour, and deserve careful scrutiny.
Malaysia court rules no wrongdoing by ruling party.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s political party was known to have hired hired strategists who helped him transform his modest online presence.
Kim is rumoured to have met Xi, even as China risks being sidelined in denuclearisation talks.