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SINGAPORE – Researchers from the National University of Singapore’s Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) will receive $49 million from the National Research Foundation to develop technologies and treatments for age-related conditions.
These conditions include infertility, chronic inflammatory diseases, muscle shrinkage and cancer.
The funding, which will be used over seven years, was announced at a press conference on Jan 22.
Mechanobiology is an emerging multidisciplinary field that encompasses the study of how cells and tissues sense and respond to mechanical signals or forces.
These forces regulate a wide range of biological activities, such as cell migration, cell proliferation and single molecule behaviour.
Led by Professor Rong Li, director of MBI, the 150 researchers will be employing state-of-the-art technologies such as high-yield molecular genomics, optical imaging and microfabrication.
Among other areas, they will be studying how cells maintain tissue health and respond to injuries and ageing.
Prof Li is also spearheading MBI’s efforts to discover novel technologies to treat infertility by looking at how tissue mechanics leads to maturation of ovarian follicles.
According to her, the cells in a mammalian ovary go through a long and complex developmental process to reach fertilisation and develop into an embryo.
“Recent advances in a variety of technologies have provided new insights into how ovarian cells communicate and drive each step along the pathway to produce a mature egg,” she said.
“By using innovative 3D culture systems, live imaging and force sensors, we can map the mechanobiology of these interactions. This will help us develop new approaches for enhancing fertility treatments and ovarian health during the ageing process.”
She added: “Our mission is not just to make discoveries, but also to translate them into technologies that can benefit society, by helping to prevent, diagnose and treat human diseases.”
MBI will also be collaborating with teams from the National University Hospital, Nanyang Technological University, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research and overseas institutions.
In separate research at MBI, Assistant Professor Tsuyoshi Hirashima and his team are using intravital tissue imaging to peek into the dynamics of sperm and egg maturation, a study that could also be translated into reversing reproductive ageing and fertility treatment.
This is especially important in Singapore, where more couples are having babies later in life and the country’s total fertility rate is plunging.
The birth rate for Singapore in 2023 was 8.34 births per 1,000 people, a 0.95 per cent decline from 8.42 in 2022.
MBI also aims to apply mechanobiology in medical diagnoses and treatments, and is working with doctors and industrial partners in the development of diagnostic kits.
Another team is using mechanobiology to develop sensitive, easy-to-use immunodiagnostic platforms with the potential to diagnose cancer and ageing diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Based on this technology, the team has developed rapid test kits for Covid-19 and antibodies produced from a past infection or from recent vaccination against the virus.
Each test, using just a finger-prick blood droplet, can be completed within 30 minutes.
“This test kit can detect the nucleocapsid proteins at a concentration 100 times lower than most of the currently applied Covid-19 rapid test kits. We have been working with industrial collaborators for the commercialisation of these test kits,” said Professor Yan Jie, the principal investigator.
The kits will be developed for use at home and will be as affordable as an antigen rapid test kit.
Over the next seven years, the National Research Foundation funding will also be used to support MBI’s talent development. The institute aims to train 20 doctoral students in interdisciplinary science through its graduate programme.
It will also institute a new postdoctoral fellow training programme to identify and develop talented scientists to conduct both basic and translational research, which takes a broader and more collaborative approach.
“By leveraging new knowledge generated over the course of this grant, we will develop biomedical innovations and interventions aimed at improving healthy longevity in the population,” Prof Li said.
“We strive to be a world leader in this area. We are already one of the leading centres in that we have published some of the more important work in this area in the last 10 to 15 years with a large number of very high-impact (peer-reviewed) publications.
“We also want to be a major hub for the international research community in mechanobiology.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/49m-for-nus-researchers-to-develop-biomedical-innovations-for-age-related-conditions
| 2024-01-24T21:56:36Z
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SANTIAGO - Argentine Ricardo Gareca will be Chile's new coach, tasked with trying to guide them to the 2026 World Cup.
Chile's national team released a video on X on Wednesday showing the national stadium in Santiago that faded to an image of a tiger's face. Gareca's nickname is the Tiger.
Gareca, 65, resigned in June as technical director of Argentine club Velez Sarsfield just three months after taking over.
Before that he coached Peru for seven years, taking them to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but failing to guide them to the tournament in Qatar four years later.
Local media reported Gareca will be unveiled on Thursday as Chile's new boss in place of compatriot Eduardo Berizzo, who resigned after a goalless draw against Paraguay in the South American qualifiers in November.
Chile, eighth in the South American standings with five points after six rounds, are only ahead of Bolivia and Peru. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/argentine-gareca-to-take-over-as-new-coach-of-chile
| 2024-01-24T21:56:57Z
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MUNICH, Germany - Champions Bayern Munich eked out a 1-0 win over visitors Union Berlin in their postponed Bundesliga game on Wednesday to bounce back from last week's home loss to Werder Bremen and cut the gap to the top to four points.
The game had been postponed in December due to heavy snowfall in Munich at the time.
Bayern were eager to make amends for Sunday's 1-0 defeat and the visitors had to soak up intense early pressure.
Union keeper Frederik Ronnow managed to stop Matthijs de Ligt's header and Dayot Upamecano's rebound in the seventh minute before tipping wide Kingsley Coman's low shot a little later.
Winger Coman again went close to putting Bayern in front in the 23rd but his effort sailed just wide of the post with Bayern having close to 80 percent possession in the first half.
Raphael Guerreiro broke the deadlock seconds after the restart, drilling in on the rebound after Harry Kane's shot had bounced off the post and into the Portuguese's path.
Union rarely threatened and had coach Nenad Bjelica sent off in the 74th after he shoved Bayern's Leroy Sane twice in the face after the player went to get the ball from the Union coach.
Bayern move up to 44 points in second place, with Leverkusen leading the title race on 48. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/bayern-battle-past-union-berlin-1-0-to-cut-gap-to-top-spot
| 2024-01-24T21:57:07Z
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Former Manchester United striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has returned to his boyhood club Chivas Guadalajara, the Liga MX side said on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old, who spent the past three years at the Major League Soccer (MLS) club LA Galaxy, signed on a free transfer after leaving the MLS outfit in November.
The striker went through Chivas' youth ranks when he started his career, played for their first team from 2006-2010 before making a switch to Europe when he signed with Manchester United.
Chicharito helped United to two Premier League titles in 2010-11 and 2012-13 and featured in their 2010-11 Champions League campaign when they finished runners-up.
He went on to play for Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United and Sevilla. He is the top scorer of the Mexican national team with 52 goals. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/chicharito-returns-to-boyhood-club-chivas
| 2024-01-24T21:57:18Z
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KORHOGO - Jalel Kadri has left his role as coach of Tunisia following the side’s surprise early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations having finished bottom of their pool in the Ivory Coast on Wednesday.
Kadri, who led the side at the World Cup in Qatar where they beat France, made the announcement in a post-match television interview following the 0-0 draw with South Africa that confirmed their elimination.
"My mission at the head of the Tunisian national team is now over," he said after Tunisia finished bottom of their pool with two points from three games following a stunning opening loss to Namibia and a draw with Mali.
Kadri is the sixth coaching casualty at a Cup of Nations filled with shocks as Ghana’s Chris Hughton, Algeria’s Djamel Belmadi, Tanzania's Adel Amrouche and Jean-Louis Gasset from hosts Ivory Coast have all also been relieved of their duties.
Gambia's Tom Saintfiet resigned after his side's group stage exit. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/tunisia-coach-resigns-after-surprise-cup-of-nations-exit
| 2024-01-24T21:57:28Z
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PLOUISY, France - Protesting farmers blocked several roads across France on Jan 24, set bales of hay alight and sprayed liquid manure at a local prefecture to press the government to loosen regulations and help protect them from cheap imports and rising costs.
Farmers said the protests, with long lines of tractors snarling roads, would continue as long as their demands are not met, posing the first major challenge for new Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.
In the southwestern city of Agen, famous for its dried prunes, angry farmers set fire to bales of hay, old tyres and rubbish they had dumped in front of the wrought-iron gates of the prefecture, which represents the central state locally.
One truck sprayed liquid manure as dozens of police stood by without intervening, footage by BFM TV showed. Moments later, another truck lifted burning tyres and rubbish over the high gates and dumped it in the prefecture courtyard.
This shift in so far largely peaceful protests, which started last week, will be a challenge for a government which does not want to antagonise farmers but has also placed law-and-order as one of its top priorities.
Many farmers in the European Union’s biggest agricultural producer struggle financially and say their livelihoods are threatened as food retailers are increasing pressure to bring down prices after a period of high inflation.
“Our costs keep increasing and this is not taken into account in what we are paid,” dairy farmer Pascal Le Guern said at a road blockade in Plouisy, in Brittany.
Farmers cite a government tax on tractor fuel, cheap imports, water storage issues, price pressures from retailers and red tape and environmental rules among their grievances.
Arnaud Rousseau, head of the powerful FNSEA farming union, told France 2 TV the group would publish demands by the end of the day.
Fearing a spillover from farmer unrest in Germany, Poland and Romania, the French government has already postponed a draft farming law meant to help more people become farmers, saying it will beef up the measures and ease some regulations.
The government will soon make proposals, its spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot said earlier in the day, without giving details.
President Emmanuel Macron is also wary of farmers’ growing support for the far right ahead of the European Parliament elections in June.
‘Unfair competition’
“We won’t stop (the protests) until our demands are met,” 24-year old Mr Pierre-Marie Henry, who works on a poultry farm, said at the same Plouisy rally. The EU elections would give farmers some leverage, he said.
“If they want to stay in power... they need to give us some answers,” he said, taking issue with what he said was unfair competition from cheap Ukrainian poultry.
A small group of French farmers also protested near the headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels.
As the EU’s Green Deal of environmental policies is rolled out, farmers’ increased work and costs need to be reflected in product prices, said Mr Thomas Waitz, a Green EU lawmaker from Austria, who is also a farmer and beekeeper.
He urged the 27-member EU to make sure imported goods meet high environmental standards to avoid unfair competition.
In France, farmer discontent over price levels is particularly acute in the dairy sector, where producers say the government’s anti-inflation push has undermined legislation known as EGALIM designed to safeguard farmgate prices.
Dairy producers are currently in dispute with Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy group, over prices, and talks with an arbitrator are due on Jan 25. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/angry-french-farmers-block-roads-spray-manure-at-public-building
| 2024-01-24T21:57:49Z
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NEW YORK - A U.S. appeals court will in March review Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction and 20-year prison sentence for helping the disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan on Wednesday scheduled oral arguments in Maxwell's appeal for March 12 before a three-judge panel.
Jurors found Maxwell guilty in December 2021 of five charges for recruiting and grooming four underage girls for Epstein, her former boyfriend, to abuse between 1994 and 2004.
Maxwell, 62, is housed at a low-security prison in Tallahassee, Florida. She is eligible for release in July 2037.
In her appeal, the daughter of the late British media mogul Robert Maxwell said prosecutors scapegoated her because Epstein was dead and "public outrage" demanded that blame go somewhere.
Her lawyers said the government waited too long to bring charges, and that Maxwell was immune under a 2007 non-prosecution agreement between Epstein and federal prosecutors in Florida.
They also said the trial was tainted because one juror failed to disclose he had been sexually abused as a child.
Prosecutors countered that Maxwell's appeal had no merit.
They cited Circuit Judge Alison Nathan's findings that Maxwell had done "incalculable" damage to her victims, and that a substantial sentence would show people who sexually abuse and traffic underage victims that "nobody is above the law."
Epstein was in jail and awaiting trial for sex trafficking when he committed suicide in August 2019.
He had earlier invoked his right against self-incrimination about 600 times in testimony for a now-settled civil lawsuit against Maxwell by Virginia Giuffre, one of their accusers.
Britain's Prince Andrew and former Barclays CEO Jes Staley are among people who have seen their reputations suffer because of their once-close ties to Epstein.
Nathan was elevated to the 2nd Circuit from the U.S. District Court in Manhattan after being assigned Maxwell's criminal case. She will have no role in the appeal.
The appeals court may take at least a few months to rule. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ghislaine-maxwells-appeal-of-sex-trafficking-conviction-to-be-heard-in-march
| 2024-01-24T21:57:59Z
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KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for full clarity on Wednesday on the circumstances of the crash of a Russian plane in a Russian border region and accused Moscow of "playing with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners of war."
"It is clear that the Russians are playing with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners, the feelings of their loved ones and the emotions of our society," Zelensky said in his nightly video broadcast.
Russian officials accuse Ukraine of deliberately shooting down the Il-76 military transport and said it was carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war due to take part in a swap. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-russia-is-playing-with-the-lives-of-ukrainian-pows
| 2024-01-24T21:58:10Z
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GAZA STRIP, Palestinian Territories - Tank shelling on a UN shelter on Jan 24 killed nine people in Gaza’s main southern city of Khan Younis, said the Gaza head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
“Two tank rounds hit building that shelters 800 people - reports now 9 dead and 75 injured,” Thomas White, UNRWA’s Gaza director, said on X, formerly Twitter.
The head of UNRWA, Mr Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the attack and said the number dead was likely to rise.
“Once again a blatant disregard of basic rules of war,” Mr Lazzarini said on X.
He added that the compound had been clearly marked as a UN facility and its coordinates shared with Israeli authorities, without specifying responsibility for the shelling.
When asked about the incident, the Israeli army told AFP it had “ruled out that this incident is a result of an aerial or artillery strike by the IDF (army)“.
“A thorough review of the operations of the forces in the vicinity is under way,” the army said, adding it was examining the possibility that the strike was a “result of Hamas fire”.
Teams from UNRWA and the World Health Organisation were trying to reach the shelter, which has been blocked for two days, White said.
Earlier, he said the UNRWA training centre had been hit, with “buildings ablaze and mass casualties”.
UN officials gave different figures of the number of people sheltering at the facility, with Mr Lazzarini saying 30,000 displaced people had been there.
Footage aired on Al Jazeera Arabic showed fire raging and thick plumes of smoke rising out of the building.
The United States said it “deplored” the incident.
Mr Lazzarini said on Jan 23 the same shelter had been hit during military operations.
At least six displaced people were killed and “many more injured” in the fighting, he said.
Fighting around hospitals
Intense fighting was also reported on Jan 24 close to hospitals in Khan Younis.
The Hamas government media office said “dozens of Israeli tanks are surrounding Nasser hospital from all sides, except for a corridor for displaced people to leave.”
The Israeli army said on Jan 23 it had “encircled” Khan Younis, which has become the epicentre of recent fighting.
The Gaza war began with Hamas’ unprecedented Oct 7 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
Militants also seized 250 hostages, and Israel says around 132 remain in Gaza. That number includes the bodies of at least 28 dead hostages, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
In response, Israel has carried out a relentless military offensive that has killed at least 25,700 people in Gaza, about 70 per cent of them women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/tank-shelling-kills-nine-at-un-shelter-in-south-gaza-says-un-official
| 2024-01-24T21:58:20Z
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BAGHDAD -The United States and Iraq are set to initiate talks on the end of a U.S.-led international military coalition in Iraq and how to replace it with bilateral relations, four sources said, a step forward in a process that was stalled by the Gaza war.
The U.S. conveyed the message in a letter handed over by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski to Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Wednesday, three sources said.
In doing so, the U.S. had dropped preconditions that attacks against it by Iran-backed Iraqi militant groups in Iraq first stop, three of the sources said.
Iraq's foreign ministry reported that an "important" letter had been handed over and would be studied carefully by the prime minister, without giving further details.
The talks are expected to take several months, if not longer, with the outcome unclear and no U.S. troop withdrawal imminent.
The United States has 2,500 troops in Iraq, advising and assisting local forces to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State, which in 2014 seized large parts of Iraq and Syria before being defeated.
Hundreds of troops from many other mostly European countries are also in Iraq as part of the U.S.-led coalition that was set up to fight Islamic State.
That mission's presence in Iraq has come under increasing pressure.
Iraq, a rare ally of both Tehran and Washington, has witnessed escalating tit-for-tat attacks between militias and U.S. forces since the Gaza war began, with the militias seeking to pressure the U.S. over its support for Israel.
U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria have been attacked about 150 times by Iran-aligned militants based in Iraq, and the U.S. has conducted a series of retaliatory strikes, the latest on Tuesday.
The escalating violence has led Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to call for the quick exit of U.S.-led coalition forces via negotiations, a process that was beginning to be initiated last year but stalled when the Gaza war began.
Washington had been unwilling to negotiate a potential withdrawal while under fire, concerned it would make any change to the mission seem coerced, thereby emboldening regional rivals, including Iran.
But the calculus changed amid a realization that the attacks would likely not stop and that the status quo was leading to steady escalation, two of the sources said.
"The U.S. and Iraq are close to agreement on starting the Higher Military Commission dialogue that was announced back in August," a U.S. official said.
They said the commission would allow for joint evaluation of the Iraqi security forces' capacity to fight Islamic State and "shape the nature of the bilateral security relationship."
"We have been discussing this for months. The timing is not related to recent attacks. The U.S. will maintain full right of self-defense during the talks," the official said.
The attacks have been led by powerful hardline Iraqi militias with close links to Iran, most of which do not have representation in parliament or government but still influence decision-making.
Iraqi and U.S. officials hope that formally initiating the talks could have the effect of lowering political pressure on Sudani's government and potentially decrease attacks on U.S. forces. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/us-iraq-to-initiate-talks-on-end-of-us-led-military-coalition
| 2024-01-24T21:58:30Z
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SINGAPORE – Tucked away on Pearl’s Hill, a short trek from People’s Park Food Centre, is a police barracks-turned-independent arts enclave. This one-of-a-kind creative mess grew organically, bucking the trend in overplanned Singapore.
Once home to the Sikh contingent in the 1930s, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace (195PHT) today houses a vibrant community of creatives with 148 sub-tenants. These include a jewellery atelier which collaborates with an upcycled kimono label, a cluster of tattoo artists, Mandopop music schools and, until recently, Singapore’s only commercial taxidermy and art studio.
Regular patron Wong Zhi Ying describes it as “surprising at every turn”. The 27-year-old management consultant first visited the space in 2021, when her friend set up a somatic healing studio there.
Nowadays, she frequents the cluster monthly, visiting Paaru’s bakery and cafe, which offers unhurried food experiences in front of a miniature bamboo garden, and Asaru Studio, a Japanese experiential retail studio – recommending them heartily to friends who appreciate niche encounters.
Master tenant Jerry Tan, 63, has leased the gazetted building from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) since 2007, lining the space with an eccentric collection of Greek, Buddhist and Snoopy sculptures while giving his sub-tenants – 95 per cent of which he says are start-ups – the space to experiment, fail and grow.
But come March 2025, the current lease with the SLA will expire. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) told The Straits Times there are tentative plans to “revitalise the conserved former police barracks”, with plans to build 6,000 public and private homes in the area over the next decade. The cluster will, in all likelihood, disappear to make way for these plans.
Mr Tan is worried that the community he has painstakingly built will splinter and is holding out hope for an extension after the end of his three rounds of three-year leases. “I really hope the Government can lend some support to this cause, especially since there is no immediate use for the area.”
Ask any Singaporean to name “independent” arts spaces in Singapore, and most will draw a blank. Yet clusters like 195PHT have developed through ground-up efforts, unlike arts spaces under tenancy schemes planned and managed by the National Arts Council (NAC).
But such ground-up spaces face an uphill task of being recognised as contributors to the diversity of Singapore’s arts scene.
The Potters’ Guilt – a ceramic studio at 195PHT since 2018 which occupies three units – says Mr Tan has allowed eclectic offerings to take shape organically.
There are advantages to situating their creative start-up in a private space, say artists and founding partners Teo Huey Min and Thomas Cheong.
“Although we may not enjoy the subsidised rates that NAC’s arts housing scheme offers, we are also not bound by the stipulations their tenants are obliged to observe with the onus on individual tenants to manage their own sustainability and overheads.”
For first-time business owner and jeweller Junie Lim, 32, who works on commissioned pieces and teaches workshops at Clink Clank Clunk, the affordability of the unit and its accessible location make 195PHT the perfect “stepping stone” to growing her jewellery business.
Mall rentals are prohibitively expensive and the NAC’s arts spaces tenancy do not accommodate crafting businesses or commercial arts, she notes, while her current location is ideal “for an artist to come in for a year to experiment and try out a new business”.
Mr Tan adds that the 195PHT loved by many today did not blossom overnight, but took 17 years of hard work. Understanding that artists require flexible rental arrangements to succeed, he provided alternative agreements and kept starting rental rates low, at $500 a month for an 80 sq ft unit.
This is a contrast to mall rentals, which can chain tenants to two-year rental agreements that charge up to $2,200 monthly for a unit of comparable size in the same area.
Space in tiny Singapore is a perennial bugbear for the arts scene which, according to NAC, has maxed out the gross floor area allocated to arts housing. According to a 2020 article by Dr Hoe Su Fern, assistant professor of arts and culture management at Singapore Management University, about 46,000 sq m has been allocated for arts housing.
Even veteran arts groups face precarity over their leases, as the 24-year-old Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) experienced. In 2020, the independent academy for Asian performing arts almost lost its home of 13 years when a rent hike meant it was effectively priced out of its campus.
The academy counts among its illustrious alumni Golden Horse Award-winning Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann and Grace Kalaiselvi, founder of Brown Voices, Singapore’s first collective of Indian theatre practitioners.
After protracted negotiations with SLA and NAC, ITI has remained at its original home and is now the master tenant of 11 Upper Wilkie Road – also known as Emily Hill. Its lease – from October 2021 – is for a period of 3+3+3 years.
The independent arts cluster was formed by now-defunct Emily Hill Enterprise – comprising glass artist Tan Sock Fong, sculptor Sun Yu-li, glass studio Solideas, art gallery Monsoonasia Gallery and ITI – with popular food and events space Kult Kafe as one of its former tenants. Under the new arrangement with SLA from 2021, 11 Upper Wilkie Road is now meant solely for arts use.
Nestled atop a hill at the nexus between creative and cultural zones in Little India, Orchard Road and Middle Road, Emily Hill saw the opening of The Private Museum (TPM) in August 2023 and has been home to artist studios since 2007.
Cultural medallion recipient Thirunalan Sasitharan, 65, co-founder and director of ITI, told ST that “nine years may seem like a long time, but it is not when you are running a three-year programme”, making the case that veteran arts groups should be able to negotiate for longer leases which help independent groups make longer-term plans.
He says: “The authorities ought to be able to make exceptions for good reasons and for rational grounds when they are dealing with people who have a good track record and who have a definite public interest cause.”
It is a point echoed by Mr Aaron Teo, associate director of TPM, a non-profit private museum that has hosted more than 50 exhibitions since its inception in 2010 and offers different perspectives from those of Singapore’s national museums.
TPM tackled the ephemerality of space and place-making in land-scarce Singapore in its final show in Waterloo Street titled 3+3+3: On Condition.
The museum moved out of 51 Waterloo Street, its home of 11 years, after its 3+3+3-year lease ended in 2021.
The Waterloo building, which also once hosted the Singapore Ballet Academy, has been vacant since 2021. NAC has not announced plans for the site, but says feasibility studies are ongoing.
Returning to a similar lease structure in the Osborne House on Emily Hill, Mr Teo says: “To receive the same 3+3+3 really gives us a lot of anxiety because we need to find a place to be rooted in – and being reviewed every three years, you might not get the plus three, you know?”
Plans for renovation or to install a lift in the two-storey villa for accessibility are harder to sell to the board of directors, as the tenancy is less certain, says Mr Teo.
But he acknowledges that a silver lining of the short 3+3+3-year lease scheme is that it “forces organisations to reinvent and innovate, given that there is an expiry date to where you should be”.
While TPM has been able to adapt and move from its approximately 1,500 sq ft unit to its own building measuring 8,200 sq ft, where it hosts twice the number of guests on opening nights, he adds a caveat: “There are a lot of spaces that have died – not everyone has the capacity or capability to be forced to relocate and reinvent.”
When asked if the NAC would work with SLA and URA on options beyond 3+3+3-year schemes for veteran arts groups, the NAC did not respond directly. Instead, it cited former instances of its close collaboration with the public and private sectors to “catalyse spaces for arts groups and businesses”.
Amid the fight for permanent homes, Selegie Road might best embody the space-scarce zeitgeist with its stretch of ephemeral pop-up arts spaces.
Peace Centre was given an extended lease of life by social movement PlayPan in August 2023 and has drawn a predominantly indie youth crowd hungry for an organic community. But its tenure was always meant to be short, as tenants will have to move out for the building’s demolition by Jan 31.
The Substation, too, after losing its home of 30 years in Armenian Street in 2021, had to grapple with its rootlessness and held the 2023 edition of its annual arts festival on the rooftop carpark of Parklane Shopping Mall, beside Peace Centre.
To NAC’s credit, it has facilitated introductions between arts groups and shopping mall GR.iD in Selegie Road, to temporarily activate a 16,000 sq ft space that will end in February. The mall now features an ongoing show by arts groups including Deck, Arts Management Collective and Supper House.
Supper House moved out of its Tagore Lane home in November 2023 as rent in the industrial space had increased by 25 per cent.
Multidisciplinary designer Ashley Chiam, founder of the experimental design studio which has been drawing a steady pool of creatives to its exhibitions, says rising rents and land scarcity have forced arts groups to adapt.
“Temporary short spaces allow experimental art spaces like ourselves the allowance to take a breather, to reset our art calendars. It also gives us the opportunity to get creative, think outside the box, and not be confined or held hostage by the past.”
What brings together independent clusters within 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Emily Hill and Selegie Road is more than just a shared sense of ephemerality. They commit to a creative messiness in their approach with a bold, independent spirit that is a counterpoint to cultural work within official institutions and policies.
Mr Teo, citing TPM’s ongoing show Chronic Compulsions, which showcases rarely seen work from 15 private collectors, says: “The narratives that come out of the shows that we do value-add to the overarching art history or art ecology in Singapore.”
For glass artist Tan Sock Fong, 58, her studio, located on Emily Hill since 2007, gives her access to three-phase power systems she needs for glasswork. This feature cannot be found in many studio spaces under the NAC’s arts housing scheme, and is a limitation for artists trained in the medium.
A challenge for her, however, is that costs have gone up by 50 per cent since 2018 while her revenue from workshops has dipped by almost 80 per cent.
Head of acting at ITI, Koh Wan Ching, 43, says: “You learn to let the messiness become some kind of drive to make art and experiment. A lot of the work that we do here may be experimental and may not be refined, but that’s what we want as a training ground for the students – to have a space to fail.”
Sasitharan concurs: “The cultural scene is an ecosystem of living organisms – and living organisms cannot always be engineered into efficiency.”
Clink Clank Clunk’s creative director Raymond Luo, 36, uses the same ecological metaphor to describe 195PHT’s importance: “There is a hidden community here and in other areas that doesn’t fall under (the policymaker’s) arm. Like habitat conservation, you need to be careful not to disturb the areas.”
He adds: “If all the hidden enclaves or spaces are gone, then where will the naturally occurring talents be? Everything would be pre-funded and pre-vetted.”
As a veteran in the arts scene, Sasitharan believes that rather than a hands-off approach for independent spaces, the NAC needs to think more systematically about how independent arts clusters and groups figure in its long-term plans.
He asks: “Since the start of NAC, there have been six arts plans – tell me where the individual artists or independent arts organisations figure in those arts plans? They are not there.”
Observing that the state of independent arts has “gone backwards” over the decades, he adds: “I think we need more funding, we need more attention and we need more focus.
“If we want a scene which is diverse and plural – which really reflects ground-up community and individual artists’ interests, where freedom and autonomy are important and where diversity is cherished, particularly diversity of local arts – I think that’s where independent arts organisations are so important.”
What’s on at Singapore’s independent arts spaces this weekend:
As part of Singapore Art Week, The Private Museum is organising Chronic Compulsions: Selected Works From Art Addicts Anonymous (till March 24), and the artist studios on Emily Hill are arranging an open studio exhibition (Jan 25 to 28, 1 to 9pm; individual workshops, various timings).
Several art exhibitions and spaces – including Supper House’s experimental show Nothing But A Day Dream – will also be at Level 7 of GR.iD, 1 Selegie Road (till Jan 29, 3 to 10pm). Artists are also showing work at Peace Centre (till Jan 28, 11am to 9pm).
At 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, music venue Wild Pearl Studio is curating a community garden event at bar Kult Yard’s backyard (Jan 27, 2 to 5pm). For a listing of studios and businesses at 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, go to 195pearlshillterrace.com
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/singapore-s-independent-arts-clusters-fight-to-lay-down-roots?shell?utm_campaign=STPicks
| 2024-01-24T21:58:59Z
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SINGAPORE - Whether you love or loathe Coldplay, it is hard to remain indifferent and not get caught up in the British pop-rock band’s live performances.
The quartet, fronted by singer Chris Martin, brought their famously big, bold and colourful show to the National Stadium on Jan 23.
It was the first of their unprecedented six sold-out nights – until Jan 31 – at the venue, one of the largest for gigs in Singapore. According to concert organisers Live Nation, 52,000 attended the show.
The Singapore leg is also the band’s longest Asian stopover in their Music Of The Spheres world tour, named after their latest album released in 2021.
Coldplay – which also comprise guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion – last performed two nights at the same venue in 2017.
Martin reminded the audience that the group’s first performance in Singapore took place more than two decades ago, in 2001 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The band returned there in 2006 and 2009.
He also complained about the hot and humid weather.
“I’m sweating so much,” he said, later apologising to fans who got up close because he “smells bad”.
Here are three highlights from Day 1’s show, which lasted a little over 110 minutes.
1. An aural and visual feast
Coldplay are not the first music act to use interactive LED lights sported by the audience, but the sheer scale of the show takes the spectacle to another level.
The wrist bands changed colours and blinked in time with the tempo and mood of the songs, and transformed the crowd into a dynamic canvas.
There were pyrotechnics, confetti showers and giant balloons resembling planets, and the band made full use of the massive main stage and a catwalk that led out to a smaller stage in the middle of the stadium floor.
There was also a third stage closer to the audience at the opposite end of the venue.
Bizarrely, there were also singing muppets and, at one point, the band donned alien-like masks as Martin did a goofy dance and performed Something Just Like This, their 2017 hit with American dance-music duo The Chainsmokers, in sign language.
2. A rapturous audience
All the pageantry would be meaningless if the stadium did not have a full house and receptive fans – which it most certainly did.
Most were familiar enough with Coldplay songs – or at least hits like Fix You (2005), Yellow (2000) and A Sky Full Of Stars (2014) – and sang every word with gusto, at times drowning out Martin’s voice.
They gamely put away their phones when he asked them to during A Sky Full Of Stars, fully immersing themselves in the moment as they raised their hands and jumped up and down to the euphoric track.
And, in the most emotional moment of the show, Martin pulled up a man and a woman from the audience who held up a sign that said, “Can you sing Everglow for our Papa in heaven”.
The woman told Martin onstage that her father was supposed to attend the show but died recently. Martin then sang a tender rendition of the 2015 song as the teary-eyed pair sat with him at his piano.
In line with Coldplay’s eco-conscious stance, the crowd also helped to power the concert by pedalling on stationary bicycles and jumping on kinetic floors that generated electricity.
The band have been dedicated to making their tour as environmentally sustainable as possible, using green technology and pledging to reduce their carbon emissions.
The audience also showed love for Singaporean singer Jasmine Sokko, who followed Indonesian singer Jinan Laetitia as the second of the night’s two opening sets.
Oozing poise and confidence, the electronic pop artiste held her own in front of the massive crowd, winning them over and getting them to wave their hands and shine their phone lights in time to her music.
3. Chris Martin’s quick thinking and infectious energy
When the piano malfunctioned after Martin sang the first few lines of popular ballad The Scientist (2002), he stopped the song and quickly got Buckland to back him up on guitar instead.
The technical snafu did not dampen the 46-year-old frontman’s enthusiasm. He seemed blessed with boundless energy, constantly engaging the crowd and running from one end of the stage to another.
Towards the end, Coldplay moved to the third stage at the back. As the video live feed focused on random audience members, Martin would ad lib comical songs about them.
He teased a man with binoculars slung around his neck, and another group where three out of four were wearing glasses.
Martin pointed out the diverse make-up of the crowd, adding that it is possible for people of different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures to “hang out just fine”.
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| 2024-01-24T21:59:10Z
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With a brush dipped in red ink, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing dotted the eyes of the lion crouched before him.
The majestic creature batted its eyelids and sprang to life in a celebratory dance as the rhythmic beat of drums and clash of cymbals resonated through the air.
Fair to say, the Chinese New Year celebration in Holland Close on Jan 20 did not involve a run-of-the-mill lion dance performance.
The exuberant show at the community event marked the debut of the Silver Pride Lion Troupe, Singapore’s first group of lion dancing seniors.
Taking turns to manipulate the lion head were Mr Tan Sung Ming, 68, a retired process manager, and Mr Chia Chiang Teck, an 80-year-old part-timer with McDonald’s.
The hind position was supported by lion dance trainer Chua Lai Hock, 74.
Mr Tan said that for him, lion dance was not just a physical pursuit but a tangible connection to his cultural heritage.
“I witnessed many lion dances before, but I did not know the meaning behind the movements. Learning lion dance reconnects me with my childhood,” he said, adding that he gave himself 85 marks out of 100 for his debut performance.
During the show, his 95-year-old mother watched him perform approvingly.
Mr Chia, who is trained in wushu, gave himself six out of 10.
“Maybe it’s easier for me as I have a basic foundation, but my legs have grown weaker with age,” he said. “I’m glad I can perform seated (in a wheelchair).”
The 25-strong troupe, whose youngest member is 63 years old and oldest member 99, went through a training programme specially designed for seniors by lion dance masters at Cantonese clan association Kong Chow Wui Koon.
Over six two-hour training sessions that began in December 2023, the performers spent their Friday afternoons doing specially choreographed chair Zumba exercises at Fei Yue Active Ageing Centre (Holland Close).
These included body twists, leg raises and arm extensions with martial arts and lion dance movements using stress balls and weighted hula hoops to build their agility, grip strength and dexterity.
The Silver Pride Lion Troupe is a programme supported by the Lien Foundation, heritage consultancy Bridging Generations, and innovation design studio NextOfKin Creatives (NOK), in collaboration with Kong Chow Wui Koon and Fei Yue Family Service Centre.
By 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above, and 100,000 may require assistance with at least one activity of daily living, according to the Ministry of Health.
To better support the ageing population and lighten the burden on the healthcare sector, the programme taps into Singapore’s cultural heritage to help seniors stay active, healthy and socially engaged.
Mr Lee Poh Wah, Lien Foundation’s chief executive, said: “Lion dance is synonymous with vitality, community, celebration and life – the very things we don’t associate with seniors. Seeing them perform such a dance helps us break down walls. The lion can be a Trojan horse to fight ageism.”
While many existing lion dance troupes have older performers, they are usually long-time practitioners.
In contrast, the Silver Pride Lion Troupe performs a modified choreography with equipment suited to elderly first-timers.
Ms Lynn Wong, a fifth-generation disciple of famed martial arts and lion dance master Wong Fei Hung, redesigned the choreography for the seniors.
The 35-year-old is the director of Bridging Generations and a member of the Kong Chow Wui Koon lion dance troupe.
She consulted 76-year-old Master Siew Puay Lee (below), a third-generation disciple of Master Wong, to develop a sequence that stays true to the essence of a traditional lion dance performance while also adapted for seniors.
In the modified choreography, the front dancer sits in a wheelchair regardless of his functional ability, while the hind dancer performs the footwork and manoeuvres the front dancer’s wheelchair. This allows elderly people of all abilities to find a role in the troupe.
The lion head and cymbals were modified by the NOK team for the seniors, after testing them out with at least 30 other seniors at two social service agencies – Fei Yue Family Service Centre and Yong-en Care Centre.
Mr Sim Hao Jie, NOK’s design lead, said: “Ease of use and safety were the top priorities when we altered the lion head. We redesigned and 3D-printed a more accessible pulley and lever system for easier control over the lion’s eye blinking and ear twitching, and integrated padded grips and non-slip tapes to enhance grip stability and comfort.”
On average, more male seniors signed up for the lion dance training compared with other activities at Fei Yue Active Ageing Centre (Holland Close).
Mr Arthur Ling, chief executive of Fei Yue Family Service Centre, said it is heartening to see seniors breaking societal stigmas and physical limitations to perform the lion dance.
The oldest member of the troupe is Madam Mah Ying Khuan, a 99-year-old retired cook who lives alone in a block of rental flats nearby. While she does not have enough strength to play the cymbals, she led other seniors in clapping to the beat.
“I always participate in Fei Yue’s activities,” she said in Cantonese. “I believe one should keep on learning.”
The performance was a treat for non-Chinese residents too.
Madam Norlia Buang, 77, said: “I’m here to support my friends who are performing, and I’m happy they did a very good job.”
With the completion of the pilot programme and the Lien Foundation’s funding support, Bridging Generations and NOK hope to keep the troupe going to allow more seniors to participate.
They also aim to transform other heritage culinary practices, dance, and arts and craft into active ageing programmes.
Find out more at https://inheritage.sg
Watch the video to see how Singapore’s first lion dance troupe for seniors moves to the beat.
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| 2024-01-24T21:59:20Z
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SINGAPORE - The teen who was found to have radicalised himself had consumed online far-right extremist propaganda since 2022, said the Internal Security Department (ISD).
The 16-year-old became the second Singaporean pulled up under the Internal Security Act for being radicalised by far-right extremist ideologies. He was issued a restriction order in November 2023, ISD said in a statement on Jan 24.
The Straits Times unpacks the far-right extremist content that the then Secondary 4 student consumed on his path towards identifying himself as a white supremacist, and aspiring to carry out attacks abroad to further the cause.
Q: What is far-right extremism, and why can it be harmful for Singapore?
A: Far-right ideologies often espouse white supremacist, anti-Islam, xenophobic and anti-immigration beliefs, which can be adapted to fit Singapore, said ISD.
Such beliefs advocate the superiority of specific communities that have a shared ethnic, racial, cultural, religious or linguistic identity.
ISD said: “Far-right extremist rhetoric promotes an ‘us-versus-them’ narrative, ‘them’ being members of other communities who are perceived to be the enemy.”
This can divide communities, amplify prejudices and encourage acts of violence towards minorities.
The latest ISD report in 2023 that assessed terrorist threats to Singapore said recent terror incidents inspired by far-right extremism overseas suggest that the ideology is increasingly becoming widespread.
Far-right extremists often take inspiration from one another in online communities, the report said. Apart from casualties and property damage, incidents involving far-right extremists can spark a cycle of violence with Islamist extremists, like the spate of far right-related Quran desecration incidents in Europe in January 2023.
Q: Who is the far-right Internet personality who influenced the teen?
A: The self-radicalised teen was in 2022 exposed to violent extremist material online after chancing upon videos by far-right Internet personality Paul Nicholas Miller, according to ISD.
Miller, 35, is an American who became popular for streaming discussions of his extremist beliefs with strangers on the now-defunct chat website Omegle, while dressed up as pop culture characters like Batman’s nemesis, the Joker.
He often went by the moniker GypsyCrusader. He has been calling for a race war, and also espouses white supremacist and neo-Nazi rhetoric, said ISD.
In 2021, a United States court sentenced Miller to 41 months in jail for illegally possessing firearms – after the Federal Bureau of Investigation took his threats seriously and raided his home in Florida.
Prosecutors said he had amassed a large following of 42,000 people on social media, and he encouraged them to spread hate, US news station NBC6 reported.
In January 2023, after he left jail, Miller continued to create hundreds of posts, mostly videos of “his racist and harassing webcasts, interspersed with ads for merch”, on Telegram and Gab – a social networking service known for its far-right community, USA Today reported in May 2023.
Soon after Miller’s release, a Telegram channel that he founded to harass targets by maliciously publishing personal information was revived, the report added.
Out of caution, Miller was removed from community confinement and placed in a secure facility, the US Bureau of Prisons told USA Today.
Q: Which are the far-right extremist organisations named by ISD?
A: Miller had ties with multiple far-right extremist organisations overseas, two of which were identified by ISD as the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo movement.
The Proud Boys is an exclusively male, far-right extremist group that was involved in the attack on the US Capitol in 2021. It operates in the US and Canada.
The group’s members were part of a mob that attempted to disrupt the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 US presidential election.
Most of the group’s public activity involves protests or attending political rallies and events, typically with the goal of provoking violence, according to Stanford University’s Centre for International Security and Cooperation.
The Boogaloo movement refers to a loosely organised anti-government group that believes in the eventual arrival of a second US civil war – described as the “boogaloo” – that ends with the collapse of the US government.
Members of the movement who were targeted by law enforcement officials have been incorporated into the movement’s history as “martyrs” who justify anti-government extremism, said a post by the US-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
Facebook banned communities and users associated with the militia movement in June 2020, although recent research suggests that the ideology is still flourishing.
Q: What is the Great Replacement theory, and why is it harmful?
A: The self-radicalised teen subscribed to the Great Replacement theory, a conspiracy theory that has become increasingly visible in mainstream US politics.
The theory propagates the notion that the white population in Western countries is in danger of being replaced by non-white immigrants, said ISD.
It has been commonly referenced by far-right terrorists like white supremacist Brenton Tarrant, who fatally shot 51 people in New Zealand, ISD added.
On March 15, 2019, Tarrant carried out a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, which also injured 40 people. He titled his attack manifesto The Great Replacement.
In 2021, another Singaporean teen, the first detainee in Singapore to be inspired by far-right extremist ideology, was reported to have been influenced by a video of Tarrant’s actions and his manifesto.
Q: How can I tell if someone might be radicalised by far-right ideology?
A: ISD said family members and friends are best placed to notice changes in behaviour.
Possible signs of radicalisation include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Frequently surfing radical websites
- Posting or sharing extremist views on social media platforms, such as expressing support or admiration for terrorists or terrorist groups as well as the use of violence
- Sharing extremist views with friends and relatives
- Making remarks that promote ill will or hatred towards people of other races or religions
- Expressing intent to participate in acts of violence overseas or in Singapore
- Inciting others to participate in acts of violence.
People should look out for these signs, so the authorities can intervene before a tragedy occurs, said ISD.
Radicalised people do not come from any particular gender, age, ethnic or socio-economic groups, according to the SG Secure website.
Q: What can I do if I suspect that someone is radicalised by far-right ideology?
A: Those who know or suspect that someone has been radicalised should contact the ISD Counter-Terrorism Centre hotline on 1800-2626-473.
If unsure, the public can report anything suspicious by calling the police on 999, sending an SMS to 71999 or via the SGSecure app.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/askst-what-is-far-right-extremist-ideology-and-how-did-a-s-porean-teen-become-radicalised?shell?utm_campaign=STPicks
| 2024-01-24T21:59:30Z
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Palworld Early Access Roadmap Revealed - News
by William D'Angelo , posted 2 hours ago / 357 ViewsDeveloper Pocket Pair has revealed the Early Access roadmap of updates and improvements coming to Palworld, which has sold over seven million units in five days.
"We would like to share with you our roadmap for Palworld," said Pocket Pair. "Sales have far exceeded the development team's expectations, and we are currently experiencing many problems due to excessive access congestion, among other challenges. We will prioritize improving this issue first, and then move on to implementing new in-game features. Thank you for your understanding."
The developer will first address critical issues. This includes bug fixes, world dates that may rollback, load screens that may persist, as well as improvements to the configuration and base Pal AI and pathing.
Future updates include Xbox and Steam cross-play, PvP, Raid Bosses, Pal Arena, Xbox feature improvements, server transfers and migrations, improvements to the build system, as well as new islands, Pals, Bosses, and Technologies.
Check out the Palworld Early Access roadmap below:
Addressing Critical Issues
- Currently, numerous bugs have been identified, and we are prioritizing fixing those.
- Sometimes, the world date may experience rollbacks.
- The loading screen may persist when trying to load into worlds.
- …and so on.
Improvements to Implement ASAP
- Key configuration improvements.
- Improvements to base Pal AI and pathing.
Planned Future Updates
- PvP
- Raid Bosses (End-Game Content)
- Pal Arena (PvP for Pals)
- Steam-Xbox Crossplay
- Various Xbox Feature Improvements
- Server Transfers and Migrations
- Improvements to the Building System
- New islands, Pals, Bosses, and Technologies.
Palworld released in Early Access on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass on January 19.
[The Future of Palworld]
— Palworld (@Palworld_EN) January 24, 2024
We would like to share with you our roadmap for Palworld.
Sales have far exceeded the development team's expectations, and we are currently experiencing many problems due to excessive access congestion, among other challenges.
We will prioritize… pic.twitter.com/UKD2HFRaG4
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
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KORHOGO, Ivory Coast - The Democratic Republic of Congo have set up a last-16 clash with record seven-time winners Egypt after playing to a 0-0 draw with Tanzania in their final Africa Cup of Nations Group F fixture on Wednesday.
The Congolese finish second in the pool with three points following a trio of draws and advance along with group winners Morocco, who take on South Africa in the next round.
It was a game of very few chances for the 12,847 crowd at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium but they could at least celebrate that Ivory Coast had secured a place in the last-16 as one of the best third-place finishers.
DR Congo are seeking a first continental title since the last of their two previous triumphs in 1974, while Tanzania still await their first win at a Cup of Nations finals and finish bottom of their pool with two points. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-24T23:27:01Z
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LONDON - Luis Diaz scored an early goal and Liverpool held on to book their berth in the League Cup final after a 1-1 draw with Fulham in the second leg of their semi-final tie at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.
The record nine-times League Cup winners beat Fulham 3-2 on aggregate and will meet Chelsea in the Wembley final on Feb. 25 in a repeat of the 2022 final that Liverpool won on penalties.
Diaz scored in the 11th minute when he chested down a high ball in the box before cutting inside and launching a shot that took a deflection before sneaking in the near corner.
Issa Diop injected some life into the Fulham fans when he equalised in the 76th minute, kneeing home a pinpoint pass from former Liverpool player Harry Wilson.
Fulham kept pressing until the final whistle in some nerve-wrangling minutes for Premier League leaders Liverpool. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-24T23:27:11Z
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KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Jan 24 called for full clarity on the circumstances of the crash of a Russian plane in a Russian border region and accused Moscow of “playing with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners of war”.
“It is clear that the Russians are playing with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners, the feelings of their loved ones and the emotions of our society,” he said in his nightly video broadcast. Russia has accused Ukraine of deliberately shooting down the military transport plane carrying 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers to the prisoner exchange in what it called a barbaric act of terrorism that had killed a total of 74 people. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-24T23:27:21Z
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JERUSALEM - Qatar said on Wednesday it was "appalled" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alleged remarks on its mediation role in the Gaza war after he called the Gulf state "problematic" in a leaked recording.
"We are appalled by the alleged remarks attributed to the Israeli Prime Minister in various media reports about Qatar's mediation role," said Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari.
"If the reported remarks are found to be true, the Israeli PM would only be obstructing and undermining the mediation process, for reasons that appear to serve his political career instead of prioritizing saving innocent lives, including Israeli hostages," he wrote.
In a leaked recording from a meeting with hostage families that aired on Israel's Channel 12 news on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Qatar "problematic."
"You haven't seen me thank Qatar, have you noticed? I haven't thanked Qatar. Why? Because Qatar, to me, is no different in essence from the U.N., from the Red Cross and in a way it's even more problematic. However, I'm willing to use any mediator now who can help me bring them (the hostages) home."
An Israeli government spokesperson was not immediately available to comment on Qatar's statement or whether the leaked recording was authentic.
Qatar, where several Hamas political leaders are based, has served as the main mediator between the movement that governs Gaza and Israeli officials in the conflict.
In November, Qatar helped secure a seven-day pause in fighting, during which 110 Israeli and foreign hostages were released from Gaza in return for 240 Palestinians released from Israeli captivity.
In the recording, Netanyahu went on to say that Qatar has leverage over Hamas because it funds the movement. He told the hostage families that he recently "got very angry with the Americans" for renewing a deal to extend U.S. military presence at a base in Qatar.
The Qatari spokesman said in his statement: "Instead of concerning himself with Qatar's strategic relations with the United States, we hope Netanyahu decides to operate in good faith and concentrate on the release of the hostages." REUTERS
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| 2024-01-24T23:27:32Z
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Tank shelling kills nine at UN shelter in south Gaza: Official
Tank shelling on a UN shelter on Jan 24 killed nine people in Gaza’s main southern city of Khan Younis, said the Gaza head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
“Two tank rounds hit building that shelters 800 people - reports now 9 dead and 75 injured,” Thomas White, UNRWA’s Gaza director, said on X, formerly Twitter.
The head of UNRWA, Mr Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the attack and said the number dead was likely to rise.
“Once again a blatant disregard of basic rules of war,” Mr Lazzarini said on X. He added that the compound had been clearly marked as a UN facility and its coordinates shared with Israeli authorities, without specifying responsibility for the shelling.
Britons should be prepared to fight a land war: Army chief
British citizens should be prepared to fight in a potential land war, the highest ranking army officer General Patrick Sanders said on Jan 24.
The chief of the general staff said any conflict would need to be a “whole-of-nation undertaking” and that citizens should be trained and equipped to be in a state of readiness.
The general’s remarks come after the UK defence ministry said in 2023 that it would cut overall numbers in the UK’s professional army from 82,000 to 73,000 by 2025.
Senate panel backs plan to seize Russian assets for Ukraine
A US Senate committee approved legislation on Jan 24 that would help set the stage for the United States to confiscate Russian assets and hand them over to Ukraine for rebuilding after the destruction of the nearly two-year-long war.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 20 to 1 in favour of the unprecedented “Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (Repo) for Ukrainians Act.”
If it were to pass the full Senate and House of Representatives and be signed into law by President Joe Biden, as expected, the act would pave the way for Washington’s first-ever seizure of central bank assets from a country with which it is not at war.
World groundwater levels showing ‘accelerated’ decline
Groundwater levels across the world have shown widespread and “accelerated” decline over the past 40 years, driven by unsustainable irrigation practices as well as climate change, according to a study published on Jan 24.
Groundwater is a major source of fresh water for farms, households and industries, and depletion could pose severe economic and environmental threats, including falling crop yields and destructive land subsidence, particularly in coastal areas, said the study, published in the Nature scientific journal.
Depletion has been particularly pronounced in arid climates with extensive croplands, said the study, which analysed 170,000 wells in more than 40 countries. Northern China, Iran and the western United States were among the worst-hit regions.
Alcaraz rues missed chances but leaves Australian Open ‘happy’
Carlos Alcaraz rued missed opportunities after coming up short against Alexander Zverev in a thrilling Australian Open quarter-final early on Jan 25 but said he could leave Melbourne with his head held high.
The world number two threatened a stunning comeback on Rod Laver Arena after being outplayed for nearly three sets by the German but in the end went down 6-1, 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4.
Alcaraz had stormed into the last eight for the loss of just one set but struggled against the laser-like Zverev serve and could not get a foothold in the match.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/while-you-were-sleeping-5-stories-you-might-have-missed-jan-25-3
| 2024-01-24T23:27:43Z
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The Daily Show, just over a year after Trevor Noah's surprise departure and a subsequent revolving door of guest hosts, has finally (sort of) settled on a host: Trevor's own predecessor Jon Stewart.
Almost ten years after his 2015 departure, the beloved comedian and political commentator is returning to the familiar post, albeit only once a week, Mondays, and only through the 2024 election cycle. Chris McCarthy, President/CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, told Variety in a statement: "Jon Stewart is the voice of our generation, and we are honored to have him return to Comedy Central's The Daily Show to help us all make sense of the insanity and division roiling the country as we enter the election season."
He added: "In our age of staggering hypocrisy and performative politics, Jon is the perfect person to puncture the empty rhetoric and provide much-needed clarity with his brilliant wit." Below, read all we know about the decision, starting with why the host ever left in the first place.
Why did Jon Stewart leave The Daily Show?
Jon replaced sports commentator and original host Craig Kilburn as the star of The Daily Show back in 1999, and in the following years, he strengthened the show's lean towards news and political satire.
MORE: Trevor Noah leaving The Daily Show after seven years
In a 2015 conversation with The Guardian explaining his decision to leave the show – which came as we approached the contentious 2016 election between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump – Jon explained: "It's not like I thought the show wasn't working any more, or that I didn't know how to do it. It was more, 'Yup, it's working. But I'm not getting the same satisfaction.'"
He specifically pointed to the upcoming election as part of the motivation to leave, and, one would say quite ironically, said at the time: "I'd covered an election four times, and it didn't appear that there was going to be anything wildly different about this one."
What has been the reaction to Jon Stewart's Daily Show comeback?
Fans and industry colleagues alike are excited. Jon – who in 2021 reentered the world of political commentary with Apple's The Problem with Jon Stewart until its cancellation in 2023 – wrote on X of the news: "Friends. After much reflection I have decided to enter the transfer portal for my last year of eligibility. Excited for the future!"
MORE: Trevor Noah to make big comeback after leaving The Daily Show
Fellow political commentator Mehdi Hasan, who recently left his post on MSNBC, tweeted: "Whoa. Amazing. [Jon Stewart] on Trump, something we didn't get in 2016 or 2020," plus Trevor himself shared on the social media platform: "Yesssss he's back," with praising hands emojis. Acclaimed director Nancy Meyers also said on Instagram: "Good news! I was beginning to forget what that felt like."
Who else will host The Daily Show?
On the remaining days that Jon isn't hosting, Tuesdays through Thursdays, Comedy Central is still keeping up its rotation of guest hosts, which have included Kal Penn, Charlamagne Tha God, Michelle Wolf, and Leslie Jones, among others.
The move comes even after longtime Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood Jr. hilariously mouthed: "Please hire a host. We don't care. Please hire a host," while standing behind Trevor when accepting their Emmy award for Outstanding Talk Series this month.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/512006/jon-stewart-the-daily-show-comeback-all-we-know/
| 2024-01-24T23:28:14Z
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Country singer Elle King has unexpectedly rescheduled a concert in Texas, two days before it was set to take place. The 'Exes and Oh's' singer was set to perform at Billy Bob's Texas on Friday January 26, but the event has now been pushed back to September 2024.
A post shared by the venue read: "The Elle King event, originally for Fri. 1/26/24 has been rescheduled to Sat. 9/21/24 @ 10 PM. Original event tickets will be accepted for the new date. Refunds are available at the point of purchase. Thank you for your understanding!"
No further details have been shared by Elle; HELLO! Has reached out to her team for comment. The decision comes days after Elle took part in a Dolly Parton birthday tribute show held at the Grand Ole Opry In Nashville on Friday January 19 in honor of the music icon's 78th birthday.
But video footage revealed that Elle botched the performance of 'Marry Me,' turning it into an expletive-ridden moment as she forgot the lyrics, told audiences members she was "hammered" and questioned how Dolly could sing such a fast song.
"This [expletive] is [expletive] fast, how'd Dolly sing this [expletive]?" she said at one point, and then added: "I don't know the lyrics, don't tell Dolly 'cause it's her birthday." Footage also saw her telling audience members: "Y'all bought tickets for this [expletive]. You ain't gettin' your money back."
Dolly has not yet responded, although a statement posted by the Grand Ole Opry told viewers that they "deeply regret and apologize for the language that was used".
Dolly's sister Stella Parton did however have words for Elle, taking to X and writing: "I'm still stewing and thinking bout how any lil spoiled brat with an opportunity to sing on the Opry to pay tribute to a legendary songwriter like Dolly Parton would just piss on the star circle on the stage. Taylor Swift wouldn't."
Terri Clark, Tigirlily Gold, Ashley Monroe, Don Schlitz and Dailey & Vincent all also performed at the Dolly tribute concert.
Elle is mom to two-year-old son Lucky, whom she welcomed with her then-fiance Dan Tooker, although it is believed that they split in early 2023.
The 34-year-old is the daughter of comedian Rob Schneider, and she is currently on the line-up for Stagecoach Music Festival, in California this April, and Country 2 Country, a music festival in the United Kingdom.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/512007/elle-king-postpones-texas-concert-last-minute-amid-dolly-parton-controversy/
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The Last of Us Part II Remastered Debuts in 3rd on the UK Retail Charts - Sales
by William D'Angelo , posted 50 minutes ago / 163 ViewsHogwarts Legacy has retaken first place on the UK retail charts, according to GfK data for the week ending January 20, 2024.
There were two new releases in the top 10 this week. The Last of Us Part II Remastered debuted in third place and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown debuted in fourth place.
EA Sports FC 24 dropped one spot to second place, Mortal Kombat 1 dropped two spots to fifth place, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder is down from fifth to sixth place.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is down one spot to seventh place and Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate fell four spots to eighth place. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga shot up the charts to ninth place, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe rounds out the top 10.
Here are the top 10 best-selling titles for the week:
- Hogwarts Legacy
- EA Sports FC 24
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered - NEW
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown - NEW
- Mortal Kombat 1
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
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The Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act 20-1 on Wednesday, 24 January, Reuters reports. The bill has broad bipartisan support and, if passed, will set the scene for Ukraine to get hold of some $300 billion of Russia’s frozen assets worldwide.
The act is expected to pass the full Senate and House of Representatives and be signed into law by President Biden. It would allow the US government to seize the central bank assets of a country it is not at war with, which is a historic first.
“Ukraine is on the verge of being overrun by Russia if we do not give them the help that they need,” Senator Ben Cardin, the Democratic foreign relations committee chairman, told Reuters about the proposed asset seizure. “We all know that it will not end with Ukraine,” he said.
Over $300 billion of Russian central bank assets have been frozen by the EU, United States, Japan, and Canada since Russia invaded Ukraine, with only 5 to 6 billion located in the US. However, Russia is bracing to challenge any attempts to confiscate its central bank reserves.
The REPO Act would direct any confiscated Russian funds specifically to rebuilding Ukraine. Independently, President Biden has requested $61 billion in new military and humanitarian aid, which has stalled in Congress.
“This is intended to be a big hammer. It’s intended to be a very new way of attacking a country that does not behave itself,” Republican Senator Jim Risch said before the vote.
Read also:
- Four reasons the West should finally seize Russia’s frozen assets for Ukraine
- UK foreign secretary urges use of $350 bn frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction
- Anadolu: UN suggests integrating Russian bank subsidiary into SWIFT & releasing frozen assets
- Belgium commits €1.7 billion for Ukrainian aid from taxed frozen Russian assets
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/24/historic-seizure-of-russian-assets-for-ukraine-approved-by-senate-panel/
| 2024-01-25T00:20:58Z
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Several weeks ago, Britain proposed to Germany an exchange of cruise missiles, potentially easing Germany’s hesitation about supplying its Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Handelsblatt reported on 24 January, referencing government and diplomatic sources. The proposal entails Britain sending Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine while receiving German Taurus missiles in return.
Since May 2023, Ukraine has been actively urging Germany to supply Taurus missiles to enhance their capability to disrupt Russian logistics, yet Berlin hesitates, contrasting with the UK and France’s decision to provide Ukraine with Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles and the US decision to send its ATACMS. The German government’s reluctance stems from fears of escalating the war by giving Ukraine the means to strike targets within Russia.
The Handelsblatt report added that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s office is closely examining the proposed missile swap, with sources familiar with the negotiations indicating potential support for the idea in Berlin.
Reuters noted that the German government chose not to comment on the report, while a spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defence, when asked, emphasized that the UK, in collaboration with partners like Germany, is committed to collectively supporting Ukraine with the best equipment for its defense.
Germany reluctant to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles
A week ago, German legislators voted down a motion by the Christian Democrats opposition party, which proposed supplying Ukraine with Taurus long-range cruise missiles. Before the vote, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the Defense Committee who advocated sending the Tauruses to Ukraine, criticized the Christian Democrats for their “partisan tactic” in linking the non-binding Taurus proposal with a debate on the Bundeswehr’s status, effectively ensuring its rejection.
The ultimate decision on Taurus missile deliveries to Ukraine lies with the chair of Germany’s Federal Security Council, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has consistently declined to provide the missiles, concerned that their use against Russia might escalate the war further.
Ukraine renews its appeal for Germany to send Tauruses
On 24 January, the Ukrainian government announced the resumption of discussions with Germany regarding the delivery of Taurus missiles, despite the Bundestag’s rejection of this move last week, according to DW. This follows the German Defense Ministry’s commitment a day earlier to provide Ukraine with six combat helicopters, accessories, spare parts, and training.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized Ukraine’s intent to use Taurus missiles against Russian military installations within its occupied territories, not for strikes on Russian soil, addressing Berlin’s concerns about their potential misuse.
Ukraine’s months-long request for Taurus missiles met with neither clear rejection nor approval from Germany
- Since May 2023, Ukraine has been urging Germany to transfer its Taurus missile to the country in order to intensify the disruption of Russia’s rear logistics.
- In July 2023, several German politicians called for the government to supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles.
- In August 2023, the German media reported that the German government had “apparently given up its refusal to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine,” with a prerequisite for that being restrictions on the targeting software of the missile to disable attacks on Russia.
- In September 2023, German officials told the WSJ that Germany’s three-party coalition government approved the Taurus delivery in principle, but German Chancellor Olaf Scholz allegedly froze the decision.
- In November 2023, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed skepticism about the Taurus’ potential to substantially change the frontline situation, saying that these missiles won’t “be a game-changer.”
- In early January 2024, Bundestag Defense Committee Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann urged Germany to supply Ukraine with Taurus air-launched cruise missiles amid increased Russian air attacks.
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Journalists from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Schemy (Schemes) project have identified the six-man Russian military crew killed when their Il-76 transport plane crashed in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. Using official documents and social media, the investigative reporters verified the casualties.
The crew belonged to the Orenburg-based 117th Military Transport Aviation Regiment.
The deaths of at least three — 36-year-old commander Stanislav Bezzubkin, 38-year-old engineer Andrey Piluyev, and navigator Alexey Vysokhin — have been confirmed by relatives.
Previously, Piluyev had received medals for Russia’s annexation of Crimea and Syria combat.
Comments mourning the death of radio operator Igor Sablinsky appeared online.
The fates of two other crew, airborne engineer Sergey Zhyteniov and assistant Vadim Chmiriov, remain unverified.
On 24 January, a Russian IL-76 military cargo plane crashed in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of deliberately shooting down the plane, which they claim was carrying 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers for a prisoner exchange, in what it called a “barbaric act of terrorism” that killed 74 people total.
The Russian Defense Ministry said there were six Russian crew members and three Russian soldiers on the IL-76 military transport plane. Moscow has summoned an urgent session of the UN Security Council in connection with the crash.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reacted to the crash of the Russian IL-76 in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. Their statement can be seen as a hint, but not a direct confirmation that the Ukrainian military shot down the Russian plane.
“The Armed Forces of Ukraine will continue to take measures to destroy means of delivery and airspace control in order to eliminate the terrorist threat, including in the Belgorod-Kharkiv direction,” the statement published on Facebook says.
So while not an outright admission, the General Staff’s vow to keep targeting Russian assets near the border leaves open the possibility Ukraine was behind the IL-76’s downing.
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate has confirmed that a prisoner exchange scheduled for 24 January did not occur but they “currently lack reliable information on who exactly was aboard”.
Ukraine’s intelligence also stressed that Ukraine fulfilled all preparations for the prisoner swap, delivering Russian prisoners to the agreed location where they stayed unharmed. Yet Russia, responsible for Ukrainian POWs’ safety, gave no heads-up about securing airspace near Belgorod when transferring them, despite past coordination.
“Landing a transport plane in an active 30km battle zone endangers any prisoner exchange unless coordinated by both sides. Russia’s failure to discuss risks could signal premeditated attempts to destabilize Ukraine and erode our international backing,” Ukraine’s intelligence state on Facebook.
Mykhailo Podoliak, a Ukrainian presidential adviser, told Reuters: “Comments will come a little later. Time is needed to clarify all the data.”
Read more:
- Russia urgently convenes UN Security Council after IL-76 crash
- Ukraine: prisoner swap with Russia fails
- Ukraine military on Russian IL-76: Hints but no clarity
- Ukraine: prisoner swap planned, POWs’ presence on crashed Russian IL-76 still unclear
- Russian IL-76 aircraft crashes in Belgorod Oblast, Russia claims it carried Ukrainian POWs
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/24/russian-il-76-journalists-identify-crew-killed-in-crash-relatives-confirm-deaths/
| 2024-01-25T00:22:18Z
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The UN Security Council session to discuss the Russian Il-76 crash will take place on Friday, January 26, reports BBC, citing Russian Deputy Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky.
Russia had asked current Security Council President France to convene an urgent meeting on 24 January, but France declined.
On 24 January, a Russian IL-76 military cargo plane crashed in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of deliberately shooting down the plane, which they claim was carrying 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers for a prisoner exchange, in what it called a “barbaric act of terrorism” that killed 74 people total.
The Russian Defense Ministry said there were six Russian crew members and three Russian soldiers on the IL-76 military transport plane. Moscow has summoned an urgent session of the UN Security Council in connection with the crash.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reacted to the crash of the Russian IL-76 in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. Their statement can be seen as a hint, but not a direct confirmation that the Ukrainian military shot down the Russian plane.
“The Armed Forces of Ukraine will continue to take measures to destroy means of delivery and airspace control in order to eliminate the terrorist threat, including in the Belgorod-Kharkiv direction,” the statement published on Facebook says.
So while not an outright admission, the General Staff’s vow to keep targeting Russian assets near the border leaves open the possibility Ukraine was behind the IL-76’s downing.
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate has confirmed that a prisoner exchange scheduled for 24 January did not occur but they “currently lack reliable information on who exactly was aboard”.
Ukraine’s intelligence also stressed that Ukraine fulfilled all preparations for the prisoner swap, delivering Russian prisoners to the agreed location where they stayed unharmed. Yet Russia, responsible for Ukrainian POWs’ safety, gave no heads-up about securing airspace near Belgorod when transferring them, despite past coordination.
“Landing a transport plane in an active 30km battle zone endangers any prisoner exchange unless coordinated by both sides. Russia’s failure to discuss risks could signal premeditated attempts to destabilize Ukraine and erode our international backing,” Ukraine’s intelligence state on Facebook.
Mykhailo Podoliak, a Ukrainian presidential adviser, told Reuters: “Comments will come a little later. Time is needed to clarify all the data.”
Journalists from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Schemy (Schemes) project have identified the six-man Russian military crew killed when their Il-76 transport plane crashed in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. Using official documents and social media, the investigative reporters verified at least four casualties.
Read more:
- Russian Il-76: Journalists identify crew killed in crash, relatives confirm deaths
- Russia urgently convenes UN Security Council after IL-76 crash
- Ukraine: prisoner swap with Russia fails
- Ukraine military on Russian IL-76: Hints but no clarity
- Ukraine: prisoner swap planned, POWs’ presence on crashed Russian IL-76 still unclear
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/24/un-security-council-session-for-russian-il-76-crash-set-on-26-january/
| 2024-01-25T00:22:59Z
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Exclusive
Military
Zelenskyy calls for international probe into Russian military IL-76 crash. Russia accuses Ukraine of shooting down its military transport plane IL-76. It says there were 65 Ukrainian POWs on board.
UN Security Council session for Russian IL-76 crash set on 26 January. As the current UN Security Council President, France declined Russia’s request to schedule it for 24 January.
Russia urgently convenes UN Security Council after IL-76 crash. Moscow expects the meeting on 24 January.
Russian IL-76 aircraft crashes in Belgorod Oblast, Russia claims it carried Ukrainian POWs. A Russian IL-76 military cargo plane crashed in Belgorod Oblast, with Russia’s Defense Ministry claiming it carried 65 Ukrainian POWs.
Russian Il-76: Journalists identify crew killed in crash, relatives confirm deaths. Relatives have confirmed the deaths of at least three crew members.
Russia shells Hirnyk, Donetsk Oblast: 2 women killed, teen critically injured. Russian missiles slammed a residential area in Hirnyk.
Russia attacks ten Ukrainian regions over last 24 hours. Russian troops continued their drone and missile attacks on peaceful Ukrainian cities and villages, Ukraine says.
As of 23 Jan 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
-
-
- Personnel: 377820 (+960)
- Tanks: 6214 (+22)
- APV: 11548 (+59)
- Artillery systems: 8947 (+51)
- MLRS: 970 (+2)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 657
- Aircraft: 331
- Helicopters: 324
- UAV: 6961
- Cruise missiles : 1820 (+1)
- Warships/boats: 23
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 11956 (+65)
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Intelligence and technology
Media: UK wants German Tauruses to send more of its Storm Shadows to Ukraine. Britain proposes acquiring German Tauruses as replacements for its Storm Shadows, aiming to supply Ukraine with more Storm Shadows. Chancellor Scholz’s office is reviewing this strategic exchange, with potential support from Berlin, per Handelsblatt.
Media: Ukraine needs German Taurus missiles to hit Russian military targets, not Moscow says FM Kuleba. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba called on the West to stop even considering the possibility of Russian victory in Ukraine and start supplying Kyiv with all the necessary weapons to repel Moscow’s military aggression, as per Bild.
International
EU to approve 13th sanction set on Russia ahead of Ukraine invasion two-year mark. The new package is in the early stages of discussion and will reportedly confirm the four-year $54.5 bn funding for Ukraine.
PM Shmyhal: Slovakia to support € 50 billion Ukraine Facility vetoed by Hungary. Despite Slovakia’s PM Fico stopping military aid to Ukraine, he pledges not to join Hungary in blocking EU 50 billion euro aid package for Ukraine, per Ukraine’s PM.
Political and legal developments
Historic seizure of Russian assets for Ukraine approved by Senate panel. The new legislation would pave the way for Washington to confiscate Russian central bank assets amounting to $300 billion and direct them to Ukraine’s reconstruction.
UK intel: Russian government floats bill to threaten livelihoods of vocal opponents to Ukraine invasion. Russia moves to restrict domestic criticism of its war in Ukraine by proposing asset seizure against dissenters while designating critics “Foreign Agents” facing severe limits, per UK intelligence.
Read our earlier daily review here.
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| 2024-01-25T00:23:39Z
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine wants an international investigation into the downing of a Russian Il-76 military transport plane on 24 January.
“All facts must be established, to the extent possible given the crash was in Russia beyond our control,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he has tasked the foreign minister with informing partners about Ukraine’s available data. “Our state will insist on an international investigation.”
Zelenskyy added top Ukrainian officials including the Defense Minister, military commanders, intelligence heads, and Security Service chief briefed him on the situation surrounding the Russian plane incident.
On 24 January, a Russian IL-76 military cargo plane crashed in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of deliberately shooting down the plane, which they claim was carrying 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers for a prisoner exchange, in what it called a “barbaric act of terrorism” that killed 74 people total.
The Russian Defense Ministry said there were six Russian crew members and three Russian soldiers on the IL-76 military transport plane. Moscow has summoned an urgent session of the UN Security Council in connection with the crash.
The UN Security Council session to discuss the Russian Il-76 crash will take place on Friday, January 26. Russia had asked current Security Council President France to convene an urgent meeting on 24 January, but France declined.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reacted to the crash of the Russian IL-76 in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. Their statement can be seen as a hint, but not a direct confirmation that the Ukrainian military shot down the Russian plane.
“The Armed Forces of Ukraine will continue to take measures to destroy means of delivery and airspace control in order to eliminate the terrorist threat, including in the Belgorod-Kharkiv direction,” the statement published on Facebook says.
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate has confirmed that a prisoner exchange scheduled for 24 January did not occur but they “currently lack reliable information on who exactly was aboard”.
Ukraine’s intelligence also stressed that Ukraine fulfilled all preparations for the prisoner swap, delivering Russian prisoners to the agreed location where they stayed unharmed. Yet Russia, responsible for Ukrainian POWs’ safety, gave no heads-up about securing airspace near Belgorod when transferring them, despite past coordination.
“Landing a transport plane in an active 30km battle zone endangers any prisoner exchange unless coordinated by both sides. Russia’s failure to discuss risks could signal premeditated attempts to destabilize Ukraine and erode our international backing,” Ukraine’s intelligence state on Facebook.
Mykhailo Podoliak, a Ukrainian presidential adviser, told Reuters: “Comments will come a little later. Time is needed to clarify all the data.”
Journalists from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Schemy (Schemes) project have identified the six-man Russian military crew killed when their Il-76 transport plane crashed in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. Using official documents and social media, the investigative reporters verified at least four casualties.
Read more:
- UN Security Council session for Russian IL-76 crash set on 26 January
- Russian Il-76: Journalists identify crew killed in crash, relatives confirm deaths
- Russia urgently convenes UN Security Council after IL-76 crash
- Ukraine: prisoner swap with Russia fails
- Ukraine military on Russian IL-76: Hints but no clarity
- Ukraine: prisoner swap planned, POWs’ presence on crashed Russian IL-76 still unclear
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/25/zelenskyy-calls-for-international-probe-into-russian-military-il-76-crash/
| 2024-01-25T00:24:19Z
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SYDNEY Australia's centre-left Labor government on Jan 25 defended proposed tax rule changes that would trim benefits to the wealthy while giving low-income earners more breaks, in a bid to win back voters battling higher costs.
The government has reached a "different view" about the already-legislated tax cuts, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, as the conservative opposition coalition criticised the government for breaking an election pledge of retaining the tax cuts.
Mr Chalmers said the tax policy shift would help build trust, as it was designed to provide more cost-of-living relief for more people without stoking inflation.
"You build trust by making the right decisions for the right reasons in the interests of the people and you do that even when it's politically contentious and politically difficult as this is," Mr Chalmers told Channel Nine.
Under the new policy, people earning up to A$140,000 (S$123,335) will enjoy lower taxes from July 1, Australian media reported.
A 37 per cent tax band would be retained for some high earners, with the savings redirected to those on low incomes.
"Every Australian taxpayer will get a tax cut," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement ahead of his speech at the National Press Club later on Jan 25, when he is expected to disclose full details of his government's tax plans.
Australian households are under broad financial pressure from high inflation, which spiked as high as 7.8 per cent in December 2022, before slowing to 5.4 per cent in the third quarter.
That has dented Mr Albanese's ratings since his 2022 election win. Two polls out in December 2023 showed his disapproval ratings outstripped his approval numbers.
The opposition said Mr Albanese must apologise to Australians for reneging on his election promise.
"They promised on more than 100 occasions that Australians would have the tax cuts delivered as they were legislated, which the Labor Party voted for when they were put to the Parliament," Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson told Sky News. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-25T00:59:37Z
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SHANGHAI - An experimental gene therapy being developed by a Chinese company restored hearing in children with congenital deafness, researchers working on a clinical trial reported on Jan 24, adding to growing evidence of the efficacy of such treatments.
Five of six young children with profound deafness experienced hearing recovery and improvements in speech recognition six months after treatment with the therapy from Refreshgene Therapeutics, according to the report published in The Lancet.
“The results from this study are truly remarkable. We saw the hearing ability of children improve dramatically week by week, as well as the regaining of their speech,” Zheng-Yi Chen of Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, who worked on the trial, said in a statement.
All of the children had profound deafness caused by mutations of the OTOF (otoferlin) gene. A functioning otoferlin protein is necessary for the transmission of the sound signals from the ear to the brain.
OTOF mutations account for two to eight per cent of cases of congenital deafness, earlier research suggests. One out of every 1,000 children born in the US has moderate to profound hearing loss.
In surgical procedures performed at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, researchers used a harmless virus to carry a version of the human OTOF gene into patients’ inner ears.
After 26 weeks, five of the six children demonstrated hearing recovery, with dramatic improvements in speech perception and the ability to conduct conversation, the researchers reported.
Most side effects were minor and none had long-term impact, they said.
The researchers are not sure why the sixth child did not respond. One possible explanation is that some of the gene therapy solution leaked from the inner ear during or after surgery.
Refreshgene is also working with OBiO Technology Shanghai on a gene therapy for the eye disease neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
On Jan 23, a separate team of researchers announced hearing restoration in an 11-year-old who was the first patient to receive Eli Lilly’s OTOF gene therapy.
In October 2023, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced positive safety and efficacy results in the first child with profound OTOF-related hearing loss to receive its otoferlin gene therapy.
Updated results from these trials will be presented at the Association for Research in Otolaryngology MidWinter Meeting in February.
“Not since cochlear implants were invented 60 years ago, has there been an effective treatment for deafness,” said Chen. “This is a huge milestone that symbolises a new era in the fight against all types of hearing loss.” REUTERS
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| 2024-01-25T00:59:48Z
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SEOUL - North Korea said it tested its new strategic cruise missile on Jan 24, state media KCNA reported on Jan 25, confirming what the South Korean military said the day before.
The missile dubbed “Pulhwasal-3-31“ is currently under development and the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, the state media said, adding it had “nothing” to do with the regional situation.
The test was also part of the process of updating the country’s weapon system, the report said citing The Missile Administration.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff on Jan 24 said that the North had fired multiple cruise missiles towards the sea off its west coast at around 7am (6am Singapore time) while Seoul’s defence minister, Shin Won-sik, condemned the launches as a serious threat to his country.
“Strategic” typically refers to nuclear-capable weapons.
North Korea carried out its first test of a cruise missile with possible nuclear strike capabilities in September 2021.
North Korea’s cruise missiles usually generate less interest than ballistic missiles because they are not explicitly banned by any UN Security Council resolutions.
But analysts have said intermediate-range, land-attack cruise missiles were no less a threat than ballistic missiles and are a serious capability for North Korea.
Cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles that can be armed with either conventional or nuclear bombs are seen as particularly destabilising in the event of conflict as it can be unclear which kind of warhead they are carrying. REUTERS
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SEOUL - South Korea’s food and drug safety authorities on Jan 24 issued a warning not to eat toothpicks — specifically the green ones made of corn starch.
In response to a growing social media trend of cooking and eating the toothpicks, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said the starched toothpicks are supposed to be used only for sanitary purposes.
The officials explained that the toothpicks are hygiene items, just like cups and straws, and are not subject to the safety regulations that apply to food products.
The ministry’s warning came after content creators on YouTube and other social media platforms showcased various ways of cooking and consuming starched toothpicks.
In YouTube Shorts videos, toothpicks are fried, doused in various sauces, or used as noodles for instant ramyeon. The YouTube Shorts video with the highest views has reached around 4.4 million views as of Jan 24.
Some online users raised concerns about consuming green toothpicks, while others found the idea comical and intriguing. One comment reads, “I feel like I shouldn’t eat them, but they look delicious.” Another comment expressed concern, stating, “I heard that there’s a warning on the toothpick package advising against frying them.”
In this regard, the officials highlighted that although starched toothpicks are made from edible ingredients, their safety cannot be guaranteed, reaffirming their commitment to promoting a secure environment for proper use of hygiene products. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for ways to be found to improve economic development after saying that a failure to provide people with basic living necessities including food is a “serious political issue”, state media reported on Jan 25.
He made the remarks while discussing regional development in a speech at the 19th Enlarged Meeting of the Political Bureau of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the country’s ruling party, held from Jan 23-24, according to KCNA.
North Korea has over recent decades suffered serious food shortages, including famine in the 1990s, often exacerbated by natural disasters such as floods damaging harvests.
The food situation in North Korea was “still bad” despite an uptick in trade with China, South Korea’s unification minister, who is charged with handling relations with its neighbour, said last year.
The North Korean leader also urged his party to bring about a swift change to raise the living standards of people throughout the country and close the gaps between urban and rural areas through its new regional development policy.
He had announced the policy at a Supreme People's Assembly meeting earlier this month.
“The overall regional economy is in a terrible situation without elementary conditions and there are severe imbalances and huge gaps between regions in terms of their geographical circumstances, economic potential and living circumstances,” he was quoted as saying.
“We should not sit by and wait till the situation and conditions turn favourable but find more jobs to be faithful to our duty for the sake of the people.”
North Korea, which is under strict international sanctions over its banned weapons programmes, came under further economic pressure during the pandemic when its limited border trade was virtually choked off by self-imposed lockdowns aimed at preventing the spread of of Covid-19. REUTERS
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Stormi Webster is living every fashionista's dream with a front-row seat to the 2024 Valentino show at Paris Fashion Week – and she's only five.
The daughter of Kylie Jenner was her mom's plus one to the couture event in France on Wednesday January 24, joining her grandmother Kris Jenner and the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Florence Pugh.
Stormi, whom Kylie welcomed with ex-partner Travis Scott, stole the spotlight in a black dress with black-rimmed sunglasses that complimented her mom's look of a strapless, slinky black gown.
Both mom and daughter accessorized with feathers, with 26-year-old Kylie – who is also mom to son Aire, who turns two next week – wearing her hair slicked back in a pony with loose hairs framing her face, and pairing the dress with pointed stilettos as Stormi wore adorable black ballet shoes.
Inside the event, Kylie posed with Giancarlo Giammetti, the co-founder of the fashion house, as well as Jennifer, who wore a cut-out bejeweled gown, and Florence Pugh, who is close friends with Kylie's new boyfriend Timothee Chalamet.
Kylie has remained tight-lipped about her family; she famously tried to keep her first pregnancy secret and only confirmed the news with the birth announcement of Stormi,. But for Interview magazine's Winter 2023 edition, Kylie opened up about her relationship with her momager Kris, whom she cited as the person who inspired her the most, and revealed that Stormi is closest to her Auntie Khloe.
"Which of your sisters is closest to Stormi?" Jennifer Lawrence, who conducted the interview, asked, to which The Kardashians star simply replied: "Khloe."
She continued: "She's everyone's second mother. She was my second mother. So to see Stormi have that same relationship with Khloe, it warms my heart every time."
Kylie now has full-time security with her, and added that her daughter is "very comfortable" with the guards.
"I was young when I got pregnant, but I never had security until I got pregnant. I have two security in rotation for them and they have been with me for five-plus years," she shared. "She's [Stormi] very familiar with them, which I feel comfortable with. She actually has a lot of love for them. I just tell my security to not make it so serious, so they have a good relationship. I'm trying to figure it out too because I never had security growing up, so I don’t know what that’s like, but I try to make it as normal and friendly as possible."
Kylie became the youngest person on Forbes' list of 100 Richest Self-Made Women in October 2020, when it was revealed she was worth $700 million thanks to her lip kits and fashion brands.
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PETALING JAYA - With Chinese New Year around the corner, interest in gold is spiking as Malaysian shoppers try to “dodge” the upcoming luxury tax slated to be implemented in May.
Jewellers say despite the current high price of gold, many would be aiming to buy gold earlier as the item is tipped to be included in the new High Value Goods Tax (HVGT) list.
With Hari Raya Puasa set for April, industry players said they expected another surge in sales as Malaysians try to take advantage of the pre-HVGT period.
Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Association of Malaysia advisor Ng Yih Pyng said gold jewellery sales have been picking up since November.
“We had the year-end Christmas and New Year festive season sales and now there is Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day to look forward to. The footfall at malls has been good and jewellery sales have been improving,” he said.
Although gold prices are on the high side currently, Datuk Ng, who is Tomei Consolidated’s managing director, said consumers were still buying gold jewellery “to fit their needs.”
“People still buy gold for all kinds of occasions, such as for the coming festive season, weddings and birthdays,” he added.
Mr Ng said he expected the sale of gold jewellery to pick up in February when more tourists from China visit Malaysia during their school holiday and spring break, thanks to the visa-free exemption granted to them by the Malaysian government.
“Our jewellery is still much cheaper in the region. Besides, tourists won’t be taxed when shopping here. So when tourists come, they will certainly spend money at our malls and buy jewellery pieces,” he added.
Mr Mohamad Shaifudeen Mohamed Sirajudeen, chief executive officer of SMS Deen Jewellers said there has been demand for gold jewellery for the Chinese New Year.
“We are going to usher in the Year of the Dragon and there will be weddings and newborns being welcomed. So we expect more demand as we move into the year,” he said.
However, he said compared with the gold rush just before the Goods and Services Tax (GST) began in April 2015, there was “no panic buying” now.
Mr Mohamad Shaifudeen said the situation could change when the HVGT is confirmed.
“The price of gold is high now and its outlook is uncertain due to the ongoing geopolitical concerns. Consumers are looking for certainty in the market,” he said.
Habib group executive chairman Meer Habib concurred, saying that things would be clearer once the HVGT was finalised.
“Most people from the B40 and M40 groups still have gold as their investment preference and with this upcoming proposed tax, it will really affect them,” he said, adding that he was hopeful that exemption could be given on gold.
In October, The Star reported that jewellery worth RM10,000 (S$2,834) and several other luxury items will be taxed at a rate of between 5 per cent and 10 per cent under the HVGT.
Datuk Seri Meer said that the jewellery chain has also seen an increase in sales up to 15 per cent since last Christmas and school holidays.
He said that among the most popular products were gold and fine jewellery which included diamonds and other crafted jewellery.
“These items are mainly popular as consumers can keep them as both accessories and investment. They don’t mind paying extra for the craftsmanship,” he said.
Malaysian Indian Goldsmith and Jewellers Association president Abdul Rasul Abdul Razak said even with the gold price being high now, there were still many “passion buyers” out there.
He said many bought gold jewellery not only during the festivities but also for as long-term investment. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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NEW YORK – IBM delivered a positive outlook for revenue and cash flow in 2024, an optimistic signal for the pace of corporate technology spending, even as it expects to reduce jobs.
Free cash flow will be about US$12 billion (S$16 billion) in the year ending in December, the company said on Jan 24 in a statement.
Analysts, on average, estimated US$10.9 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Revenue will grow in the “mid-single digits”, the company said.
Analysts projected about 3 per cent sales growth.
IBM has focused on streamlining its operations around software and services in recent years.
It has introduced new products to capitalise on growing interest in artificial intelligence.
“Client demand for AI is accelerating and our book of business for watsonx and generative AI roughly doubled from the third to the fourth quarter,” chief executive Arvind Krishna said in the statement, referring to the company’s AI platform.
IBM also said it will also cut a percentage of positions in the low single digits in 2024.
The planned job cuts follow similar announcements in January by major tech companies, including Alphabet’s Google and Amazon.com.
Chief financial officer James Kavanaugh said IBM will likely spend the same amount on restructuring as it did in 2023 – US$400 million – when it reduced its workforce by about 3,900 jobs.
However, the company continues to hire for certain positions and expects headcount to be about the same at the year’s end, he said. IBM had about 288,000 employees at the end of 2023.
During a conference call after the results were released, Mr Krishna said that he expects “many macro trends to be similar to 2023” in the coming year.
“Every client I speak with is asking about how to boost productivity with AI and manage the technology stack,” he said.
IBM shares rose about 8 per cent in extended trading after closing at US$173.93 on Jan 24.
The stock has gained 23 per cent in the past 12 months.
The cash flow outlooks “suggests greater operational efficiencies and steady organic growth”, wrote Bloomberg Intelligence senior analyst Anurag Rana. “We expect IT spending to accelerate more towards the second half of the year, which could lead to steady improvement in consulting growth.” BLOOMBERG
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SEOUL - South Korea’s economic growth held steady last quarter as exports maintained momentum, but lingering credit risks surrounding developers cloud the outlook ahead of parliamentary elections crucial to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s economic initiatives.
Gross domestic product grew 0.6 per cent in the three months through December from the previous quarter, matching economists’ forecast. From a year earlier, the economy expanded by 2.2 per cent, the Bank of Korea (BOK) said on Jan 25..
For 2023 as a whole, the economy expanded 1.4 per cent, in line with an earlier BOK projection.
South Korea’s economy serves as an leading indicator of the health of the world economy as it depends heavily on international trade. Its performance is closely tied to major economies, in particular, its key trading partners China and the United States.
Mr Yoon has made stronger economic and technology ties with the US a centerpiece of his presidency since taking office in 2022. The US last month overtook China as South Korea’s largest export destination for the first time in almost two decades.
Mr Yoon also has drummed up support for a bigger semiconductor cluster in South Korea, in recognition of tech exports as a pillar of the nation’s future prosperity. Policymakers expect chip exports to rebound this year, boosting economic growth to above 2 per cent and underpinning investment.
But higher interest rates have put a strain on Korea’s credit markets, and a debt crisis has engulfed local developer Taeyoung E&C since late last year. The construction industry plays a major role in the economy, and a property market slump adds to concerns for the government.
An economic slowdown in China particularly weighed on Korea’s exports through last summer, while geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing cast a cloud over the semiconductor industry. South Korea has large chipmaking facilities in China, with the companies running them subject to technology controls by the US.
Consumption remains weak in China in another headwind for South Korea. Exports to the world’s second-largest economy eked out just 0.1 per cent growth from a year in the first 20 days of January, according to customs office data.
“We expect a modest rebound in exports to China this year,” Duncan Wrigley, an economist with Pantheon Economics, said in a note this week. “The upcycle in semiconductor shipments should continue, led by high-end chips for AI-related applications.”
The World Trade Organization has predicted that growth in global commerce will accelerate to 3.3 per cent this year from 0.8 per cent in 2023, while the World Bank projects a 2.3 per cent gain in trade volume, versus 0.2 per cent last year. BLOOMBERG
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SAN FRANCISCO – American automaker Tesla on Jan 24 warned of “notably lower” vehicle sales growth in 2024 and reported a fall in fourth-quarter gross margin as it cut prices and offered incentives to boost demand.
The company said it was in between two growth waves: one driven by the release of Models 3 and Y in 2017 and 2020, respectively, and a second wave that would start with the next-generation vehicle platform.
Earlier on Jan 24, Reuters reported that Tesla has told suppliers it wants to start production of a new mass market electric vehicle (EV), code-named “Redwood”, in mid-2025, likely a compact crossover.
“In 2024, our vehicle volume growth rate may be notably lower than the growth rate achieved in 2023, as our teams work on the launch of the next-generation vehicle at Gigafactory Texas,” Tesla said in a statement.
Wall Street expects Tesla to sell 2.2 million vehicles in 2024, according to Visible Alpha. That would be up about 21 per cent from 2023, but well below the long-term target of 50 per cent that chief executive Elon Musk set about three years ago. Tesla, however, did not reiterate that target on Jan 24.
Its shares were down 4.3 per cent in after-hours trading.
After years of breakneck growth, Tesla, the world’s most valuable automaker, is bracing itself for slowing growth and margins as EV demand softens and competition intensifies from rivals including BYD, whose model line-ups are less expensive and more varied.
“I don’t think the price cuts are over, mainly for the reason that demand for its electric vehicles is still weak,” said Investing.com senior analyst Jesse Cohen. “The big question is if this is just a blip, or signs of a bigger shift among consumers as higher interest rates and a weaker economic backdrop discourage consumers from making big-ticket purchases.”
Tesla’s average revenue per vehicle delivered dropped to US$45,585 (S$61,034) in 2023, down 16 per cent from the year before.
In the fourth quarter, the EV maker’s average revenue per vehicle dropped more than US$6,800 compared with a year earlier, as the company slashed prices in China, Europe and the United States.
The company reported a gross margin of 17.6 per cent for the three months ended December, compared with 23.8 per cent a year earlier, and analysts’ average estimate of 18.3 per cent according to London Stock Exchange Group data.
Interbrand global director of brand economics Greg Silverman said: “Today’s flat sales and substantially reduced margin results are further evidence that Tesla is losing its leadership advantage and its brand leadership has weakened.”
More price cuts?
Tesla slashed prices throughout 2023, igniting a price war that singed US rivals.
It reduced the price of the Model Y, its most popular vehicle, by as much as 26.5 per cent in the past year in the US.
Tesla stock, which has enjoyed valuations of a technology company partly due to Mr Musk’s promise of self-driving cars, has fallen 16 per cent so far in 2024, after doubling in 2023.
Tesla has been left out of the rally of major tech shares, which has been driven by hopes of interest rate cuts.
On an adjusted basis, Tesla earned 71 US cents per share in the fourth quarter, missing an average analysts’ estimate of 74 US cents, according to LSEG data.
The company managed to achieve its 2023 deliveries target of 1.8 million cars, even as Mr Musk warned of a hit to demand from high interest rates.
However, Tesla lost its spot as the top EV maker by sales to China’s BYD in the fourth quarter.
Tesla’s fourth-quarter revenue rose 3 per cent to US$25.17 billion, which marked its slowest pace of growth in more than three years. REUTERS
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What is far-right extremist ideology and how did a S’porean teen become radicalised?
The 16-year-old was issued a restriction order in November 2023, ISD said in a statement on Jan 24.
Snaking queues at ATMs on 1st day for withdrawal of hongbao notes
President Tharman meets overseas Singaporeans on first day of state visit to Brunei
Their experience enriches Singapore because they gain a diversity of perspectives, which they will bring back with them when they return to the country, said President Tharman.
$49m for NUS researchers to develop biomedical innovations for age-related conditions
Among other areas, they will be studying how cells maintain tissue health and respond to injuries and ageing.
Malaysia to set up royal commission to study govt decision to withdraw Pedra Branca review
UN Security Council session to meet on plane crash that killed 65 Ukrainian POWs
Russia has accused Ukraine of deliberately shooting down the military transport plane.
What does the Ram temple stand for in Modi’s ‘new era’?
The Ayodhya temple has been described as a symbol of harmony. But it is also being hailed as an icon of the Hindu identity of India, says Ravi Velloor.
Stickies Bar abruptly shuts down outlets; 37 employees file salary-related claims
Pressure mounts on South Korea president after public spat with leader of ruling party
President Yoon's fall-out with Mr Han Dong-hoon dampens the People’s Power Party's prospects at the April polls, says Wendy Teo.
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BILBAO - Inaki Williams raced back from Africa to face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and sent Athletic Bilbao into the semi-finals by scoring a crucial goal in their 4-2 extra-time triumph on Jan 24.
The Ghana forward played on Monday for his country but made it home to help Athletic vanquish the Spanish champions and pile more pressure on their coach Xavi Hernandez.
Athletic struck inside the first minute through Gorka Guruzeta, but Barcelona turned the game around with goals from Robert Lewandowski and 16-year-old starlet Lamine Yamal.
Oihan Sancet netted early in the second half to take the game to extra-time and then teed up Inaki Williams to put the Basques ahead.
His brother Nico Williams added the finishing touch late on to complete a superb night for the hosts, and a miserable one for Barca.
“It’s a tough blow because we’re out of the competition but we have to continue fighting, we still have the Champions League, we still have La Liga,” Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo told TVE.
After Barcelona’s recent humbling by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final Xavi admitted the team needs to win a trophy this season.
Eight points off the top in La Liga, the record 31-time Copa del Rey winners saw the cup as an accessible route to silverware.
In their way were former Barca coach Ernesto Valverde and his Athletic side, 23-time cup champions, behind only the Catalans.
Roared on at a raucous San Mames, Athletic took the lead after just 36 seconds.
With Barcelona’s defence disorganised and Athletic benefiting from a couple of lucky breaks, the ball sat up kindly for Guruzeta and he turned it home.
Conceding early goals has been a big problem for Barcelona this season – remarkably this was only the third fastest.
Xavi’s side have shown good grit to fight back in matches though and they did it again, after defender Alejandro Balde went off with a hamstring injury.
Lewandowski charged down Yuri Berchiche’s clearance and deflected it into the net after 26 minutes, and six minutes later the visitors were ahead.
The electric Yamal cut in from the right and flashed a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala tipped Ferran Torres’ strike narrowly wide before half-time and his team pulled level early in the second half.
Sancet subtly peeled off behind Frenkie de Jong to guide a header home past the helpless Inaki Pena.
Guruzeta should have put Los Leones ahead but headed off-target, with Inaki Williams falling to the floor in frustration on the sidelines.
The Ghana international, who raced back from the Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast to participate, soon entered the fray.
His brother, Nico Williams, the architect of Sancet’s leveller, bent a shot narrowly past the post as the match lurched back and forth, while Yamal dinked wide when through on goal.
The youngster should have won the tie for Barcelona with five minutes to go, racing through again and rounding the goalkeeper but screwing his shot wide.
In extra-time Athletic struck just before the interval, with Inaki Williams tapping home after his first effort hit the post and bounced back to him.
Pena made a brave stop to deny Inaki Williams from close range before Nico Williams killed the game off with a sublime finish after his brother knocked the ball into his path.
“(Inaki) is a phenomenon, he’s one of the souls of the team and he showed it again,” said Athletic defender Dani Vivian.
Athletic players stood before their proud fans after the game in a line and exchanged applause in mutual celebration.
“This is Athletic, from before we even got to the stadium, (look at) how they pushed us on,” added Vivian. AFP, REUTERS
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Real Madrid have overtaken Manchester City and topped the Deloitte Football Money League as the world's highest revenue-generating club in the 2022-23 season, with commercial revenue taking over as the largest income stream for teams.
The Spanish club, leaders for the first time since the 2017-18 season, generated total revenue of 831 million euros ($907.78 million), followed by City (826 million euros) and Paris St Germain (802 million euros).
Barcelona moved from seventh last year up to fourth, generating 800 million euros while Manchester United slipped one place to fifth as they made 746 million euros.
Real recorded an increase in revenue of 118 million euros over the previous year, their 16% growth attributed to strong retail performance, higher stadium attendance and recovery of sponsorship income.
Despite City losing the top spot, which they had held for the last two years, the club reported its highest ever revenue for a season, thanks to their treble-winning campaign which bolstered their broadcast and commercial revenues.
Commercial revenue was the largest income stream at clubs for the first time since 2015-16, excluding the COVID-19 impacted 2019-20 season, as broadcast revenue increased by a modest 5%.
"A high demand for live sport is pointing towards further growth for commercial and matchday revenues, in particular," said Tim Bridge, lead partner in Deloitte's Sports Business Group.
"As clubs appear to no longer be able to rely on exponential broadcast revenue growth, creating a more commercially focused business model will support them to achieve greater control over their financial stability."
Liverpool, the biggest movers in last year's edition, rising from seventh to third, reported the greatest fall in year-on-year rankings this year as they returned to seventh, one of three clubs to report a decline in revenue.
Atletico Madrid and West Ham United are the other two clubs with a drop in revenue, and Premier League sides now make up eight of the top 20, down from 11 last year, with Leicester City, Leeds United and Everton replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt, Napoli and Olympique Marseille.
The total revenue generated by Money League clubs in 2022-23 is a record 10.5 billion euros, a 14% increase over the previous year and topping pre-pandemic levels (9.2 billion euros in both 2021-22 and 2018-19).
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Deloitte's Football Money League reported on revenues generated from women's teams for the second time, with Barcelona retaining the top spot generating revenue of 13.4 million euros, an increase of 74% on last year.
Manchester United remain second with revenue of eight million euros followed by Real Madrid (7.4 million euros), City (5.3 million euros) and Arsenal (5.3 million euros).
"Significant levels of financial growth were recorded in the 2022-23 season across the top-tiers of European women's football," said Amy Clarke, women's sport lead in Deloitte's Sports Business Group.
"A rise in the number of women's matches playing at clubs' main stadia boosted matchday revenues, while increased viewership and individual partnerships helped to accelerate the commercialisation of the game." REUTERS
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CANADA - Five players from Canada’s 2018 World Juniors team reportedly will face sexual assault charges in the country, a case that could involve current NHL players.
The Globe and Mail, a Canadian newspaper, reported on Jan 24 that the five men are tied to an alleged sexual assault that occurred in June 2018 and have been ordered to turn themselves in to police in London, Ontario.
London Police Service announced later on Jan 24 that they will hold a press conference early next month to discuss the investigation.
“We understand that there is significant public interest in relation to a sexual assault investigation dating back to 2018,” London police said in the announcement. “While we are unable to provide an update at this time, we anticipate that the London Police Service will hold a press conference on Feb 5, 2024 to share further details.”
The Globe and Mail report did not name the members of the juniors team who could face charges, but speculation is rampant that at least four of them are on NHL rosters.
A review of the roster from that 2018 team shows that four players who in the past week have requested, and been granted, leaves of absence from their NHL teams played on Canada’s juniors squad. A fifth man playing professionally in Switzerland also has gone on leave. It is important to note, however, that these players have not been named by authorities, who have kept mum so far on the identity of the men they believe were involved in the alleged sexual assault.
The latest players to request a leave of absence are forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote, who were granted indefinite leaves from the New Jersey Devils, the club announced Wednesday.
The team statement said the Devils would have “no further comment at this time” and did not elaborate on the players’ reasons for their requests.
On Jan 23, the Philadelphia Flyers said starting goaltender Carter Hart would be taking a leave of absence for personal reasons and that the team would have no further comment.
Two days earlier, the Calgary Flames issued a statement that said forward Dillon Dube was taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team to address mental health issues.
“Dillon is under the care of health professionals, and we request that Dillon’s privacy is respected during the period,” the team statement read.
In Switzerland, HC Ambri-Piotta said forward Alex Formenton has taken leave and was returning to Canada. He played four seasons for the Ottawa Senators before joining the Swiss club.
TSN reported in May 2022 that a woman identified only by her initials in court documents settled a $3.55 million lawsuit she had filed against Hockey Canada and other defendants, including eight unnamed players.
The woman reported that the alleged assault took place in a London hotel room in June 2018 following a Hockey Canada Foundation fundraiser.
Following news of the settlement, Canada’s Parliament convened committee hearings to learn more about the case and as details emerged, sponsors fled, and several board members and top executives of Hockey Canada were removed.
London police later reopened the investigation amid public outcry. REUTERS
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SAO PAULO - A Brazilian court on Wednesday cleared a hurdle for the government's renewal of concessions contracts representing 60% of the energy distribution market in South America's largest country.
Brazil's government has been working since 2022 on new guidelines over the extension of energy distribution contracts, but it has yet to release a final version, already affecting one concession.
On Wednesday Brazil's court of auditors said that new guidelines would not need its approval, a decision which could help streamline concession renewals.
In a statement, Brazil's energy and mining ministry said the court's decision allows it to continue with the energy distributors contracts renewal process.
International energy groups, such as Italy's Enel and Portugal's EDP, are among the 20 concession contracts expiring by 2031.
Brazilian law says the government should formally express to companies that it intends to renew their energy distribution contracts no less than 18 months before the concession is due.
EDP's contract in Espirito Santo state was the first one to miss this deadline last week. EDP's CEO for Brazil, Joao Marques da Cruz, said in a statement sent to Reuters that the firm trusts Brazilian authorities and expects the contract to be renewed with no extra costs.
Meanwhile, Marcos Madureira, president at Brazil's energy distributors association Abradee, said distributors "aren't in a good" situation, as the uncertainty around concession renewal can affect new investment decisions. REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - An overwhelming majority of President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats in the Senate on Jan 24 backed a statement reiterating US support of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Forty-nine of the 51 members of the Senate Democratic caucus backed an amendment supporting a negotiated solution to the conflict that results in Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side, ensuring Israel's survival as a secure, democratic, Jewish state and fulfilling the Palestinians' "legitimate aspirations" for a state of their own.
Senator Brian Schatz introduced the measure as an amendment to an upcoming Bill that would provide national security aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
"What will determine the future of Israel and Palestine is whether or not there's hope. And the two-state solution has to be that hope," Mr Schatz told a news conference.
With war raging in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference in January that he objected to any Palestinian statehood that did not guarantee Israel's security.
The statement provoked international concern, including from Israel's biggest backer the United States.
Washington maintains that the two-state solution is the only feasible way to bring lasting peace to the region.
The only two Democratic senators who did not sign onto the amendment were Mr John Fetterman and Mr Joe Manchin.
Mr Fetterman has long supported a two-state solution, but he believed the measure should include language stipulating the destruction of Hamas as a precondition to peace, an aide said.
Mr Manchin's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Many of Mr Biden's fellow Democrats in Congress have been pushing the administration to do more to address the steep toll on Palestinian civilians of Israel's campaign against Hamas since the militant group's deadly assault on Oct 7. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-25T01:02:04Z
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WASHINGTON - The United States’ Federal Aviation Administration on Jan 24 said that airlines could begin returning grounded Boeing 737 Max 9 planes to service once they undergo a thorough inspection and maintenance process after the agency halted flights on Jan 6 following a mid-air emergency.
Separately, the FAA said it will not grant any production expansion of the Max, including the 737-9 Max.
“We will not agree to any request from Boeing for an expansion in production or approve additional production lines for the 737 Max until we are satisfied that the quality control issues uncovered during this process are resolved,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in a statement.
On the same day, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the Biden administration will undertake a wide-ranging review of oversight and quality control at Boeing after the plane maker’s latest missteps.
The FAA is examining specific manufacturing concerns related to Boeing’s 737 Max 9 aircraft after an incident involving a fuselage section that ripped away from an Alaska Airlines plane in midflight, “but also a bigger picture examination of any and all quality issues,” Mr Buttigieg said.
“I think that’s going to include a structural discussion about how best to conduct this kind of oversight and going forward,” he continued.
The comments signal that Boeing faces long-lasting repercussions from the blow-out of a door plug minutes after the Alaska Airlines jet took off from Portland on Jan 5. Federal regulators have launched far-reaching investigation of Boeing’s control over quality in its factories and supply chain after early clues and a whistleblower’s allegations point to a manufacturing error within the plane maker’s Renton, Washington plant.
Mr Buttigieg spoke to reporters a day after Mr Whitaker said his agency was evaluating whether there were systemic issues at Boeing. A broader inquiry could further pressure the aviation giant, which has faced intensified scrutiny since a pair of fatal crashes to the Max lines in 2018 and 2019.
Mr Buttigieg added that “right now everything is on the table” to make sure that the design and manufacturing of Boeing aircraft was as strong as it could be.
Earlier on Jan 24, Boeing chief executive David Calhoun said that he believed the current questions around the company’s planes could be resolved in “days and weeks, not months” after meeting lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
After meeting Mr Calhoun, Senator Maria Cantwell, the Democrat from Washington who heads the Senate Commerce Committee, said she would hold hearings “to investigate the root causes of these safety lapses.”
China delivery a sign of good news
In a rare bit of positive news for Boeing, it delivered its first 737 Max to a Chinese airline since March 2019 on Jan 24, flight data showed, ending an almost five-year freeze on imports of the US plane maker’s most profitable product in a respite for severely strained trade relations between the world’s two largest economies.
The delivery symbolises the re-opening of doors to China, one of the fastest-growing aerospace markets, which the company projects will account for 20 per cent of the world’s aircraft demand through 2042.
It was China that was initially the most aggressive in responding to a pair of fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 of Max planes that killed nearly 350 people. Regulators in that country grounded the jets before other national regulators, and while safety bans had been lifted with existing Max already flying inside China, new deliveries had remained on hold. REUTERS, BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/faa-says-boeing-737-max-9-planes-can-return-to-service-after-inspections
| 2024-01-25T01:02:14Z
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UNITED STATES - Three people sought medical treatment for dangerously low blood sugar in the US in 2023 after taking suspected fake versions of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic, America’s Poison Centres told Reuters.
One person also experienced hypoglycemia in 2023 after injecting a compounded version of Ozempic, said the organisation, which represents 55 regional poison centres across the country and works with the US Food and Drug Administration to identify public health risks.
Ozempic and similar diabetes medicines have been increasingly used off label for weight loss. Explosive demand for Ozempic and other drugs approved for weight loss, including Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo’s Wegovy, has fueled a burgeoning global market for counterfeit versions.
Austrian and Lebanese health authorities last year reported that several people had suffered bouts of hypoglycemia after taking suspected fake Ozempic, some of whom were hospitalised.
The Austrian health regulator said the products likely contained insulin instead of Ozempic’s actual active ingredient, semaglutide. Belgium’s drug regulator confirmed that some counterfeit Ozempic seized in that country contained insulin.
America’s Poison Centres, formerly known as American Association of Poison Control Centres, said all three US cases of suspected fake Ozempic were reported by the same regional poison control centre, and that the FDA was investigating, without providing further details.
The FDA said it had received adverse event reports after patients took both compounded and counterfeit semaglutide products, but that it does not generally comment on ongoing investigations. Semaglutide is also the active ingredient in Wegovy.
Novo Nordisk said it did not have insight into the details of these cases because they were reported directly to the poison control centres.
In December 2023, the FDA said it had seized “thousands of units” of counterfeit Ozempic in an investigation that was ongoing but did not report cases in which people were seriously harmed by the drugs at the time.
America’s Poison Centres last year received 3,316 reports from people taking versions of Ozempic, more than double the previous year, said clinical managing director Kaitlyn Brown.
Most were non-serious complaints of symptoms known to be side effects of the drug, such as nausea and vomiting that did not require hospitalisation. Sixty-six of those reports involved hypoglycemia, and nearly all of them appeared to have used brand-name Ozempic, Brown said.
Brown added that most of those patients experiencing hypoglycemia went to the hospital for treatment.
Novo Nordisk lists hypoglycemia as a potential side effect of Ozempic. That risk increases for diabetes patients who use the drug along with insulin to manage blood glucose levels, its label says. Symptoms include headaches or dizziness and can progress to a loss of consciousness or seizures.
America’s Poison Centres declined to say how the three cases of counterfeit semaglutide were identified. The group’s regional centres sometimes receive that information from medical providers that treat the patients and obtain samples of the medicine, Brown said.
While fake drugs often do not contain any of the medication advertised, compounded drugs are custom-made medicines that are based on the same ingredients as branded drugs. They can be legally produced by licensed pharmacies in the US when the branded version of the drug is in short supply.
Compounded medicines are often less expensive, but also subject to less regulatory scrutiny.
Novo Nordisk reported late last year that it had found some samples of compounded semaglutide to be up to 33 per cent impure. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-25T01:02:24Z
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NEW YORK - The US Food and Drug Administration has been looking into 22 cases of T-cell cancers that occurred after treatment with CAR-T, two top FDA officials said on Jan 24, days after asking drugmakers to add a serious warning on the label of their cancer therapies that use the CAR-T technology.
In an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the officials - Dr Peter Marks and Dr Nicole Verdun - said that secondary malignancies have been reported in conjunction with five of the six available CAR-T products and that the cancers included T-cell lymphoma, T-cell large granular lymphocytosis, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
CAR-T treatment generally involves extracting disease-fighting white blood cells known as T-cells from a patient, re-engineering them to attack cancer and infusing them back into the body.
The products in question include Bristol Myers Squibb’s Breyanzi as well as Abecma, which BMS developed with 2seventy bio.
J&J unit Janssen and Legend Biotech’s Carvykti, Novartis AG’s Kymriah, and Gilead’s Tecartus and Yescarta are also a part of the investigation.
Dr Marks and Dr Verdun said the FDA has enough data about 14 of the cancer cases to determine that those cancers had manifested within two years of treatment.
They said that in three cases for which genetic sequencing had been done they had found evidence that the CAR-T product was most likely involved in development of the cancer.
Still, “with more than 27,000 doses of the six approved products having been administered in the United States, the overall rate of T-cell cancers among people receiving CAR-T therapies appears to be quite low, even if all reported cases are assumed to be related to treatment,” the FDA officials wrote. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-fda-examined-22-cases-of-cancers-in-car-t-probe-say-officials
| 2024-01-25T01:02:35Z
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BEIJING - The United States Navy sailed its first warship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Jan 24 following presidential and parliamentary elections on the island, drawing the ire of Beijing.
The US Navy said the destroyer USS John Finn transited through a corridor in the Taiwan Strait that was “beyond the territorial sea of any coastal state”.
“John Finn’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle,” the US Navy said in its statement.
“No member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms.”
China’s military said the mission was “public hyping” and that its forces monitored and warned the ship.
“Recently, the US military has frequently carried out provocative acts to maliciously undermine regional peace and stability,” the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command said in a statement.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said the ship sailed in a southerly direction through the strait, adding it monitored the movement and the situation was “normal”.
The US Navy’s last announced passage of a warship through the strait was in early November, joined that time by a Canadian frigate.
The latest transit came as leaders of the US House of Representatives Taiwan Caucus, Republican Representative Mario Diaz Balart and Democratic Representative Ami Bera, visit Taipei, as a show of support after the island’s Jan 13 election.
China, which also views Taiwan as its own territory, has over the past four years regularly sent warplanes and warships into the skies and waters around the island as it seeks to assert sovereignty claims that the Taipei government rejects.
Last week, Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected 18 Chinese air force planes operating around Taiwan and carrying out “joint combat readiness patrols” with Chinese warships, the first large-scale military activity after the Taiwanese election. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-25T02:32:06Z
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JOHOR BAHRU – Malaysia’s top cop has denied an accusation by former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad that he had been treated like a criminal during questioning by the police a few days ago.
Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, said the police were just carrying out their duties as part of their investigations into remarks made by the former two-time premier.
In an interview with Indian-based channel Thanthi TV, Tun Dr Mahathir had allegedly questioned the loyalties of the Indian and Chinese communities to the country.
He said the communities did not speak the local language but enrolled their children in their own schools, and spoke their own language, such as Tamil, at home.
“We will continue with the investigation. This is a police investigation; we need to complete it because if we don’t, then we would be seen as biased,” said Mr Razarudin on Jan 24.
Mr Razarudin said the police would need three to four days to complete their investigation paper on Dr Mahathir before handing it over to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Dr Mahathir had on Jan 23 claimed he was being treated like a common criminal for voicing his opinion.
He said he was a law-abiding citizen who merely spoke his mind and questioned if he was allowed to speak at all.
“Our country is supposed to have freedom of speech. This is my opinion. Others make even more racist statements, but it was okay. But when I say something, it cannot be accepted,” he said.
He added that he was informed 18 people had lodged reports over his recent interview with the Indian TV channel.
Dr Mahathir said during his session with investigators on Jan 23, he was asked a total of 19 questions.
“There were some questions that I answered, while others I simply responded that I would answer in court.
“They (the police) even showed me a 30-minute clip of my interview and asked me if I could see anything wrong with my statement, but I told them that I saw nothing wrong with it,” he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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| 2024-01-25T02:32:17Z
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SINGAPORE - Digital asset banking group Sygnum has raised over US$40 million (S$54 million) that will fund its expansion into new markets.
The group, which was incorporated in Switzerland and Singapore in 2018, said in a Jan 25 statement that the latest fund-raising round was led by global asset management group Azimut Holding, and surpassed the initial target of US$35 million.
It brings the group’s post-money valuation to US$900 million.
The proceeds raised will be used to expand Sygnum’s geographic reach into one market in the European Union and another in the Asia-Pacific in 2024.
The funds will also be used to accelerate the development of the cryptocurrency bank’s fully regulated products, such as its bank-to-bank platform that currently powers the crypto offerings of more than 15 banks and financial institutions globally.
Mr Gerald Goh, Sygnum’s co-founder and Singapore chief executive, said: “As clients’ needs and activities with Sygnum continue to grow and become more sophisticated, the fresh funds will help us stay on course to continuously upgrade and enhance our product and service offerings.”
Similar to previous fund-raising rounds, some Sygnum employees participated as personal investors on the same terms as other investors. These employees, together with the co-founders, board members and the management team, remain the group’s majority shareholders.
Mr Goh said the fresh funding comes as the broader industry is emerging from a recent “crypto winter”, referring to a prolonged and pronounced bear market in the cryptocurrency space.
He added that investors and market participants are increasingly seeking to partner with trusted and well-managed financial institutions.
At the end of 2023, Sygnum said it clocked an annualised revenue run rate (ARRR) of over US$100 million and achieved positive cash flow in the last quarter. The ARRR is a financial metric that projects a company’s current revenue over a full year.
Currently, the group has more than US$4 billion in assets under management, with over 1,700 clients from more than 60 countries.
The group now has close to 250 employees in its four offices in Switzerland, Singapore, Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates.
Mr Giorgio Medda, chief executive of Azimut Holding, said Sygnum has been a key partner since 2021. The two firms developed together the first tokenisation of a private credit portfolio in Europe.
He added that demand for well-regulated, institutionalised services in crypto looks set to surge in 2024.
Some market players are hoping the bearish crypto market will bounce back in 2024 as more institutional investors enter the scene and regulations in key markets emerge.
In November 2023, Sygnum Singapore inked a deal with the Singapore arm of 174-year-old private bank Bordier & Cie, expanding an existing partnership that began in 2021 in Geneva.
A month before that, Sygnum Singapore received from the Monetary Authority of Singapore a full major payment institution licence that the company applied for in April 2021. It was earlier granted a capital markets services licence in 2019, allowing it to offer crypto financial services.
In April 2023, Sygnum announced a partnership with PostFinance, one of Switzerland’s largest retail banks, to bring a range of bank-grade digital asset services to millions of Swiss customers.
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| 2024-01-25T02:32:27Z
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SINGAPORE – ESR-Logos Reit has signed a master lease with PharmaGend Global Medical Services at a rental rate more than 35 per cent higher than the previous one.
The lease represents about 1 per cent of the real estate investment trust’s (Reit) portfolio rental income as at end-September 2023, said the Reit manager on Jan 25.
The 20-year lease also extends the Reit’s weighted average lease expiry to 3.5 years from 3.4 years.
The pharmaceutical company is located at 3 Tuas South Ave 4.
Mr Adrian Chui, chief executive and executive director of the manager, said: “The agreement not only signifies the longevity of our commitment, but also highlights the confidence our valued tenants have in our ability to provide an environment which is conducive to their innovation and business growth.”
Units of ESR-Logos Reit closed flat at 32 cents on Jan 24. THE BUSINESS TIMES
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| 2024-01-25T02:32:38Z
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SINGAPORE - Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) is acquiring an additional 24.5 per cent effective interest in shopping mall mall Nex for $523.1 million from its sponsor Frasers Property.
The acquisition will value Nex, the largest suburban mall in the north-east of Singapore by net lettable area, at $2.13 billion, according to the announcement on Jan 25.
Richard Ng, chief executive of FCT’s manager, said: “The acquisition follows from our initial acquisition of 25.5 per cent in Nex in February 2023 and will raise FCT’s effective interest to 50 per cent on completion.”
The acquisition of Nex is via acquiring the total issued share capital of Frasers Property’s unit FCL Emerald, which holds a 49 per cent interest in Nex Partners (NP) Trust. FCL Emerald also holds a 49 per cent stake in Frasers Property Coral, the trustee-manager of NP Trust.
NP Trust is a private trust which holds 50 per cent of the issued and paid-up share capital of Gold Ridge, which in turn holds the retail mall Nex – located at 23 Serangoon Central.
Upon completion of the acquisition, FCT will hold a 100 per cent interest in each of NP Trust and the NP trustee-manager, as well as an effective 50 per cent interest of Nex, said its manager.
In a separate filing on the same day, FCT’s manager proposed a private placement at an issue price of between $2.16 and $2.204 per unit to raise no less than $200 million to partially fund the acquisition.
The proposed issue price range represents a discount of between about 1.8 and 3.8 per cent to the adjusted volume-weighted average price of $2.2446 per unit, as well as between about 3.6 and 5.6 per cent to the volume-weighted average price of $2.2871 per unit.
The manager said it intends to use the gross proceeds to repay existing debts, after partially funding the acquisition of the remaining 49 per cent stake in NP Trust and its trustee-manager.
FCT also owns Northpoint City’s North Wing.
Shares of both FCT and Frasers Property requested trading halts on Jan 25. THE BUSINESS TIMES
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/frasers-centrepoint-trust-to-buy-additional-245-stake-in-nex-for-5231-million
| 2024-01-25T02:32:48Z
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SINGAPORE – SK Hynix reported a surprise operating profit boosted by strong sales of high-end memory chips used to power artificial intelligence applications.
The world’s No. 2 maker of memory chips reported an operating profit of 346 billion won (S$347 million) in the December quarter, compared with analyst estimates for a 169.9 billion won loss.
Revenue climbed to 11.3 trillion won, beating the highest forecast.
The company, which in December became South Korea’s second-most valuable, is the leader in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips that work alongside Nvidia’s artificial intelligence accelerators, used extensively in the training of AI.
Investors are pinning their hopes on generative AI driving demand for servers that require more next-generation Dram, or DDR5.
“Hynix achieved its first operating profit in five quarters and is the first company in its peer group within the memory industry to recover from a string of losses,” said CLSA Securities Korea analyst Sanjeev Rana. “It is clear that ongoing improvement in product mix driven by higher contribution from HBM and a general recovery in commodity memory ASPs (average selling prices) will continue to drive its profit recovery in the upcoming quarters.”
The memory maker is reporting days after larger rival Samsung Electronics unveiled disappointing numbers, reflecting a semiconductor market slump that’s depressed margins for more than a year.
Industry executives, however, have projected a gradual rebound starting 2024, especially as AI development accelerates and more services emerge that take advantage of new chip technology.
Chipmakers are optimistic about a sector recovery, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co last week projecting strong revenue growth in 2024.
ASML Holding, the sole maker of high-end lithography equipment key to manufacturing the most sophisticated semiconductors, closed at a record high on Jan 24 after orders more than tripled in the last quarter.
SK Hynix said it will boost capital spending in 2024 while aiming to minimise disruption to the demand-supply demand balance. And it will proceed with mass production of AI memory product HBM3E, focusing spending on HBM and other strategic products.
Sales of HBM3 surged more than fivefold in the fourth quarter, while those of DDR5 chips more than quadrupled, the company said.
SK Hynix now expects demand for both Dram and Nand to grow by mid- to high-teen percentages in 2024, echoing predictions for a market bounce-back in 2024.
SK Hynix’s Dram division had returned to profit in the three months to September, after two successive quarterly losses, with average selling price rising and chip prices stabilising after production cuts.
“It’s a surprise for the overall market,” said Yuanta Securities Korea analyst Baik Gilhyun.
The results reflect demand recovery not only in the AI-related area but also in the overall smartphone and PC market, she said. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/world-s-no-2-memory-chip-maker-sk-hynix-reports-surprise-profit
| 2024-01-25T02:32:58Z
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LONDON – The United States and Britain have traditionally enjoyed a so-called special relationship as close allies bound by a common language.
But that goodwill has been jeopardised by an American academic who claims that the recipe for a perfect cup of tea includes a pinch of salt.
Professor Michelle Francl, an expert on chemistry at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, asserts in a new study that warm milk should be used in a perfect cup of tea – known as a cuppa – to reduce the chance of curdling.
She also suggests adding a pinch of salt to reduce bitterness, and notes that adding a small squeeze of lemon can remove the “scum” that sometimes appears on the surface of the drink.
Her advice drew bafflement and derision in Britain, where tea is considered the national drink.
Brits consume 100 million cups daily, which adds up to 36 billion cups a year, according to the UK Tea and Infusions Association.
In a tongue-in-cheek post on X, the US embassy sought to reassure “the good people of the UK” that the “unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britain’s national drink is not official United States policy”.
However, the embassy could not help but poke fun at its British hosts by noting that it will continue to use a microwave to heat water – a practice unthinkable to Britons who use kettles. BLOOMBERG
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| 2024-01-25T02:33:09Z
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GAZA/JERUSALEM - The United Nations said on Jan 24 that Israeli tanks struck a huge UN compound in Gaza sheltering displaced Palestinians, causing “mass casualties”, but Israel denied its forces were responsible and suggested Hamas may have launched the shelling.
The attack, which the UN said hit a vocational training centre housing 30,000 displaced people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza’s main city, prompted rare outright condemnation from the United States.
“Mass casualties have taken place, some buildings are ablaze and there are reports of deaths. Many people are trying to flee the scene, but unable to do so,” UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian Territory James McGoldrick said.
Mr Thomas White, director of Gaza affairs for the UN agency UNRWA, said two tank rounds hit one of the centre’s buildings where some 800 displaced people were sheltering. At least nine people were killed and 75 wounded. The agency’s head Philippe Lazzarini said the death toll was probably higher.
“The compound is a clearly marked UN facility and its coordinates were shared with Israeli Authorities as we do for all our facilities. Once again a blatant disregard of basic rules of war,” Mr Lazzarini said.
In Washington, US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said: “We deplore today’s attack on the UN’s Khan Younis training centre.”
“Civilians must be protected, and the protected nature of UN facilities must be respected, and humanitarian workers must be protected so that they can continue providing civilians with the life-saving humanitarian assistance that they need,” Mr Patel said.
Israel’s military initially released a statement describing the wider Khan Younis area as a base of Hamas fighters and acknowledged that fighting was taking place near large numbers of civilians.
In a second statement sent following Washington’s criticism, the military said an examination of its operational systems ruled out that its forces had struck the centre. It added that a through review was still under way to examine the possibility that the strike was a result of Hamas fire.
Since Israel’s ground offensive began in late October, Washington has raised concerns and asked Israel for information about incidents, but has rarely been openly critical of a specific Israeli action.
Hours after the attack as night fell, UN staff were still unable to reach the area and all communications were shut down.
Israeli forces have launched their biggest ground offensive in at least a month, encircling Khan Younis where hundreds of thousands of people who fled fighting elsewhere in Gaza are staying.
Residents said that Israeli announcements warning them to leave the area came only after the operation was under way and the main road out already shut.
The bulk of the 2.3 million-strong population of Gaza is now penned into Khan Younis and the towns just north and south of it. Palestinian officials say the Israelis have cut off and besieged the city’s main hospitals, making it impossible for rescuers to reach many of the wounded and the dead.
Israel said that Hamas has “command and control centers, Hamas outposts and Hamas security headquarters” in the area.
“Dismantling Hamas’ military framework in western Khan Younis is the heart of the logic behind the operation,” the Israeli military said.
“It is a dense area and an area that consists of civilians, it is a place that requires very specific methods of action and precise operations. There is an area with shelters, there are several hospitals, several sensitive sites. We have seen terrorists use these sites.”
‘Where do we go?’
Palestinian health officials said at least 25,700 people had been killed in Gaza in the war, including 210 in the previous 24 hours. Israel launched its assault to wipe out Hamas after fighters stormed Israeli towns on Oct 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 240 hostages.
In Rafah, a small town just south of Khan Younis on the Egyptian border, an air strike hit a mosque, and residents were gathering scattered pages of holy books from among the pulverised ruins.
Several men hoisted up a concrete block and pulled away rubble, revealing the legs of a dead man in jeans. When the body was finally pulled out, they carried it on a blanket under a stretcher, chanting religious slogans.
Several bodies were later laid in plastic body bags at a morgue, where relatives wailed in sorrow, clutching the corpses.
Um Khaled Baker, whose son was among the dead, told Reuters they had fled to Rafah because it was supposed to be safe.
“I don’t even have a tent to stay in. They bombed us and my son is a young martyr. Where do we go? The old and helpless people? What can they do? Where do we go?”
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society, which runs the Al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis, said troops had blockaded its staff inside and imposed a curfew in the area, including its local headquarters, where three displaced individuals had been killed.
Israel says Hamas fighters operate in and around hospitals, which hospital staff and Hamas deny. REUTERS
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SAN FRANCISCO/DETROIT – American automaker Tesla has told suppliers it wants to start production of a new mass market electric vehicle (EV) codenamed “Redwood” in mid-2025, according to four people familiar with the matter, with two of them describing the model as a compact crossover.
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk confirmed on a post-earnings call on Jan 24 that the company expects to start production of its next-generation EV at its Texas factory in the second half of 2025.
That will be followed by Mexico and another factory outside North America to be decided later in 2024, he said, noting that ramping up production of the new vehicle would be challenging.
Mr Musk has long whetted fans’ and investors’ appetites for affordable EVs and self-driving robotaxis that are expected to be made on next-generation, cheaper electric car platforms.
Those models, including an entry-level US$25,000 (S$33,500) car, would allow it to compete with cheaper petrol-powered cars and a growing number of inexpensive EVs, such as those made by China’s BYD.
BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s top EV maker in the final quarter of 2023.
Tesla on Jan 24 said the next-generation vehicle would drive a new wave of growth.
“In 2024, our vehicle volume growth rate may be notably lower than the growth rate achieved in 2023, as our teams work on the launch of the next-generation vehicle at Gigafactory Texas,” Tesla said in a quarterly results report.
Mr Musk had first promised to build a US$25,000 car in 2020, a plan he later shelved and then revived. Tesla’s cheapest offering, the Model 3 sedan, currently has a starting price of US$38,990 in the United States.
Musk said in 2023 he was concerned about the impact of high interest rates on consumer demand for big-ticket items like cars.
Tesla sent “requests for quotes”, or invitation for bids for the “Redwood” model, to suppliers in 2023, and forecast a weekly production volume of 10,000 vehicles, two of the sources said.
Production would begin in June 2025, three of the sources said. All spoke on condition of anonymity because the matter is confidential.
Timing of next-generation compact vehicles was one of the most voted questions by investors to Tesla ahead of its quarterly results report on the afternoon of Jan 24, where it is expected to forecast a 21 per cent rise in 2024 deliveries, well below the long-term annual target of 50 per cent that Mr Musk set about three years ago.
Mr Musk said in May 2023 that Tesla was working on two new products, with the potential for combined sales of 5 million vehicles a year.
“Both the design of the products and manufacturing techniques are head and shoulders above anything else that is present in the industry,” he said at Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting.
Tesla plans to make an inexpensive robotaxi and an entry-level, $25,000 electric car based on the same vehicle architecture, according to a biography of Mr Musk released in September by journalist Walter Isaacson, which includes interviews with him and executives.
Mr Musk said in 2022 that Tesla would make a dedicated self-driving taxi with a futuristic look in 2024, after several misses at its goal of achieving full self-driving capability.
He and other Tesla executives laid out plans in March 2023 to halve the cost of its next-generation vehicles, but did not provide a timeframe for the launches.
Tesla has a track record of missing its targets for launches and pricing, and it would take time to build volume.
Cybertruck production, for instance, has been delayed and slow to accelerate and its US$60,990 starting price is 50 per cent higher than Mr Musk touted in 2019.
“They have been overly optimistic on most of their new product launches. Volume output is more likely to begin in 2026,” one of the sources said.
Mr Musk said on Jan 24: “I’m often optimistic regarding time. But our current schedule shows that we will start production towards the end of 2025“ and that “We’ll be sleeping on the line practically.”
Making a profit from the cheaper EVs will be challenging, given the costs of batteries as well as traditional difficulties producing quality inexpensive vehicles.
Tesla in recent years tore down a Honda Civic, whose price starts at US$23,950 in the US, to study how to make cheaper cars, two separate sources said.
The next-generation Tesla architecture, internally called “NV9X”, will include two or more models, said the two people and one of the initial sources.
Tesla also plans to build cheaper cars at its factory near Berlin, Germany, and is interested in building a factory in India to produce less expensive electric cars, sources said previously.
The EV maker also has factories in Shanghai and in Fremont, California. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/tesla-plans-to-start-building-next-generation-vehicles-in-mid-2025-sources-say
| 2024-01-25T02:33:30Z
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KYOTO - A Japanese court on Jan 25 found guilty the perpetrator of a 2019 arson attack on an animation studio that killed 36 people, with sentencing expected later in the day, local media reported.
Shinji Aoba, 45, who himself nearly died in the fire, is widely expected to be given the death sentence.
The arson attack four-and-a-half years ago at the studios of Kyoto Animation was Japan’s deadliest crime in decades, stunning the anime industry and its fans around the world.
Aoba broke into the building, spread gasoline around the ground floor, lit it and shouted “drop dead” on the morning of July 18, 2019, survivors said.
Many of those killed were young, including a 21-year-old woman.
“It is going to be a guilty verdict, but I will deliver the main line at the end,” the chief judge said on Jan 25, according to public broadcaster NHK.
Victims were found on a stairwell to the roof, suggesting they were overcome as they desperately tried to escape.
“There was a person who jumped from the second floor... but we couldn’t rush to help because the fire was so strong,” one woman told local media at the time. “It was like I was looking at hell.”
More than 30 others were injured, with firefighters calling the incident “unprecedented” and saying that rescuing people trapped inside was “extremely difficult”.
Aoba, who was arrested near the scene, faces five charges including murder, attempted murder and arson, and prosecutors are seeking capital punishment in the high-profile trial.
His lawyers have entered a plea of not guilty, saying he “did not have the capacity to distinguish between good and bad and to stop committing the crime due to a mental disorder”.
But on Jan 25, the judge ruled Aoba was “neither insane nor suffering diminished mental capacity at the time of the crime”, NHK reported.
“I didn’t think so many people would die, and now I think I went too far,” Aoba told the Kyoto District Court when the trial opened in September 2023, media reports said at the time.
Aoba had a “delusion” that the studio known by its fans as KyoAni stole his ideas, prosecutors said, a claim the company has denied.
Aoba suffered burns in the fire covering 90 per cent of his body and reportedly needed 12 operations.
He regained consciousness weeks later and was said to have sobbed with relief after undergoing a procedure that restored his ability to speak.
Death row
Japan is one of the few developed countries to retain the death penalty, and polls show public support is high.
Criticism from rights groups is rife, with inmates often informed of their imminent execution on the morning of the day they are to be hanged.
The last execution was in 2022 and, as of December 2023, 107 people were on death row.
The highest-profile execution in recent years was in 2018, when Japan hanged 13 people – including the guru of a doomsday cult – responsible for the 1995 sarin attacks on Tokyo’s subway.
Founded in 1981 by a husband and wife, KyoAni is a household name for anime fans, responsible for popular TV series including “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” and “K-ON!”
After the attack, there was shock and grief in Japan and worldwide, with Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeting that KyoAni’s artists “spread joy all over the world and across generations with their masterpieces”.
A US animation company raised US$2.4 million (S$3.22 million) via crowdfunding to help the firm get back on its feet.
For families of the deceased, the pain of their loss remains excruciating to this day.
“I should have told her not to go to work that morning,” the mother of 49-year-old Naomi Ishida told the Mainichi Shimbun daily this week.
“Even if he gets the death penalty, Naomi and others won’t come back. I feel empty,” said the woman, whose husband died a month before the first hearing. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/man-convicted-in-japan-anime-arson-trial-sentencing-later-media
| 2024-01-25T04:04:26Z
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SEOUL – Pressure on South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is set to grow after a public rift between him and his party’s leader Han Dong-hoon, fuelled by an ongoing controversy over a luxury handbag that was gifted to the First Lady in 2022.
The incident may dampen the prospects of the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) in the legislative elections that are just weeks away.
The President is said to have ordered the resignation of Mr Han over the weekend, after the latter said the party and the presidential office could have better handled the controversy surrounding Mr Yoon’s spouse for accepting a Dior handbag from a pastor.
News of the fallout shocked many, given the close ties between the duo whose relationship goes back more than 20 years to their time as prosecutors.
In a dramatic U-turn, both made a show of reconciling when Mr Yoon visited a local market on Jan 23. News footage showed the former justice minister greeting the President with a 90-degree deep bow, while Mr Yoon tapped Mr Han’s shoulder in an ostensibly friendly gesture.
Mr Han is widely regarded as PPP’s ticket to success in the legislative elections, and tipped to be a presidential candidate in 2027.
The 50-year-old political heavyweight gained popularity for his calm demeanour while delivering sharp rebuttals to the opposition, which dominates the current National Assembly.
He stepped down as justice minister just a month ago to take over the party reins.
A survey conducted by Gallup Korea in December had Mr Han voted as Korea’s No. 2 “favourite future political leader” with 16 per cent support, second only to main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who had 19 per cent of the votes.
On the sudden patch-up, Seoul National University law professor Lee Jae-min said: “Just too much is at stake for them now. They just can’t afford to be wrangling over their different views.”
Sogang University political science professor Kim Jae-chun called Mr Yoon’s initial reaction “absurd”. He said: “What was going on with Yoon that day? Did he, in a fit of pique, call his chief of staff, and say, ‘Just go’ to that guy and then tell him to step down? I mean, you only have 77 days left to the election (as at Jan 24).”
Mr Han is known to be one of Mr Yoon’s closest advisers and confidants.
In 2023 as justice minister, he sided with Mr Yoon in opposing a Bill proposed by the opposition – that was eventually vetoed by the President – to launch a special investigation into First Lady Kim Keon-hee’s alleged involvement in stock manipulation.
But when Madam Kim was caught on camera supposedly accepting a Dior handbag worth 3 million won (S$3,000) during a meeting with a pastor in September 2022, Mr Han finally admitted on Jan 18 during a party policy event that the controversy is “a matter of public concern”.
An opinion poll in December showed 53 per cent of respondents believe she had acted inappropriately.
Mr Han noted that the situation was “a planned set-up using a spy cam”, but said there were “several misdeeds in handling the issue”, referring to the party’s stubborn silence for nearly 50 days after the controversy broke in November.
On Jan 19, a presidential official finally told reporters that “gifts given to the President or First Lady are not accepted by them personally. According to the relevant rules, the gifts are managed and stored by the State”.
Mr Yoon, known to be a devoted husband, has continued to stand firmly by his wife. He was reportedly most upset by the comparisons of his wife to Marie Antoinette made by Mr Kim Kyung-yul, who was appointed by Mr Han to the PPP’s emergency leadership committee. The French queen was unpopular for her excesses and executed during the French Revolution.
Mr Kim suggested on Jan 17 that “an apology, whether from the President, the First Lady, or both, might be a way to soothe the feelings and hearts of the people”.
The same day, Mr Han publicly supported Mr Kim’s nomination for a parliamentary seat in a district in Seoul’s Mapo Ward, which Mr Yoon likely felt was a twist of the knife.
On Jan 21, the presidential office announced that Mr Yoon had withdrawn his support for Mr Han as party chief, effectively requesting his resignation.
Mr Han rejected the call for his resignation, telling reporters that his work would be done only after the elections. “The path that I’ve decided on is to walk for the people, so I will do my job,” he said.
The public rift saw party members split into two camps.
Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, a PPP member, appeared to criticise Mr Han, saying on Facebook: “You may not know this because you have only held appointed positions. But if you lose the trust of the people and party members, the party leader can still be kicked out.”
But he also acknowledged that a resolution was urgently needed, given the impending elections.
Other lawmakers who came out to support Mr Han’s position included Mr Lee Soo-jeong, who is looking to run for office in Suwon, a city 30 minutes away from Seoul.
He said during a radio interview that the easiest way to resolve the conflict would be for Madam Kim to return the gift, explain herself and apologise to the public.
Public opinion also appears to be on the side of Mr Han. Two separate opinion polls released this week showed Mr Han’s approval rating to be 41.8 per cent, higher than Mr Yoon’s rating of 35.7 per cent.
Furthermore, 69 per cent of those polled called for Mr Yoon to state his position on the handbag controversy.
Looking ahead, analysts said the rift – despite the hasty patch-up – may be politically costly for the PPP, but recovery is possible if the handbag controversy can be resolved.
Prof Kim said: “Some people are still pinning hopes on Han to pull off some magic and steer Yoon into asking his wife to offer an apology.”
Prof Lee agreed, saying: “I think the rift is already a cost for them. So it is important for them to manage the consequences properly so that the cost does not become larger than it is now.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/why-is-a-dior-handbag-causing-a-rift-between-skorea-president-yoon-and-his-close-adviser
| 2024-01-25T04:04:36Z
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JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo has come under fire for saying that holding a public office did not restrict him from campaigning for any election contenders, amid growing concerns that he is putting his thumb on the scale in favour of his erstwhile rival and his son in the February election.
Mr Widodo, more popularly known as Jokowi, insisted on Jan 24 that a sitting president was free to back any presidential candidate and that he was entitled to campaign for the candidate of his choice in his free time, provided he made no use of government facilities while doing so.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/jokowi-faces-backlash-for-claiming-he-can-back-any-presidential-candidate
| 2024-01-25T04:04:46Z
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TAIPEI - Taiwan president-elect Lai Ching-te said on Thursday he hopes that the United States can continue to firmly support Taiwan, as he met the first group of U.S. lawmakers to visit Taipei since he won election earlier this month.
Lai, from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the current vice president, will take office on May 20. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, believes he is a dangerous separatist and has rejected his offers of talks.
Meeting with the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Taiwan Caucus, Republican Representative Mario Diaz Balart and Democratic Representative Ami Bera, Lai said democracy and freedom were core shared values with the United States.
"Taiwan is situated in the first island chain and stands on the frontline of China's authoritarian expansionism. This makes Taiwan a crucial strategic location. Stability across the Taiwan Strait is extremely important to regional and global peace and prosperity," Lai said.
Lai added he would continue to defend the cross-Taiwan Strait status quo of peace and stability.
"I hope the United States can continue to firmly support Taiwan, deepen bilateral cooperation and relations and work with other democratic partners to ensure peace and prosperity in the region," he said.
"I also hope that the two co-chairs and our friends in the U.S. Congress can continue to support Taiwan in bolstering its self-defence capabilities."
Taiwan's government rejects China's sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future.
The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms seller despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/taiwan-president-elect-says-he-hopes-for-continued-firm-us-support
| 2024-01-25T04:04:57Z
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HONG KONG - Real estate funds are getting caught in Hong Kong’s worst commercial property slump after making ill-timed investments when the market peaked just a few years ago.
Funds are increasingly trying to sell once-prized office towers at significant discounts as they rush to exit to avoid mounting interest payments on loans. Those holding onto assets are having to endure record-high vacancies along with rising borrowing costs.
Domestic and overseas funds bought a combined US$16.1 billion (SS21.6 billion) worth of commercial real estate in Hong Kong from 2016 to 2019, but only sold US$1.2 billion between 2020 and 2023, data from MSCI show.
Selling an office property in Hong Kong now is no easy feat, with rents falling and space emptying after the financial hub lost its lustre during the pandemic. Buyers are hard to come by even after office prices tumbled 35 per cent from their peak in 2018.
“There are few investors looking to buy offices because the yield is low while rents may drop further,” said Oscar Chan, head of Hong Kong capital markets at Jones Lang LaSalle. “Owners have to cut their prices.”
Some office owners including Chinese companies and funds have stopped repaying their mortgages or are considering doing so because rents no longer cover costs, said Mr Chan. The trend is more common in Kowloon where vacancies are higher, he added.
Even though recent disposals were able to break even or achieve a profit, it’s only a matter of time before funds have to realize the earlier investments they made, according to Benjamin Chow, head of Asia real assets research at MSCI.
“With the deteriorating macroeconomic outlook and the prospect of a ‘higher-for-longer’ interest-rate environment, fund managers will have to choose between selling at a hefty discount today, versus lengthening the investment horizon with more expensive financing and at the cost of diluting their IRR,” or internal rate of return, Mr Chow said.
KaiLong Group, a Chinese fund manager, has been trying to sell an office building in the Sheung Wan area that’s also held by Goldman Sachs Group. The Shanghai-based firm was still struggling to find a buyer after cutting its asking price by at least one-third, Bloomberg News reported in November.
The downturn is hurting larger players as well. In 2019 and 2020, Gaw Capital purchased three towers from Swire Properties for a combined HK$25 billion (S$4.3 billion) - landmark deals at the time. The buildings have vacancy rates of 14 per cent, 19 per cent and 28 per cent, according to the firm. That compares with a 13.5 per cent vacancy rate in the district, JLL data show.
Hong Kong’s vacancy rate citywide rose to an unprecedented 16.4 per cent by the end of 2023, according to CBRE Group. That’s put pressure on Grade A office rents, which slipped 6 per cent last year. CBRE expects rental costs to drop as much as 10 per cent in 2024. Office values could fall between 10 per cent and 15 per cent, it forecasts.
To be sure, the situation for investors in Hong Kong isn’t as grim as the United States, where the value of distressed commercial real estate neared US$80 billion in the third quarter, the highest in a decade.
Hong Kong has seen few enforced sales even as banks watch out for a potential increase in loan defaults, said Jasmine Chiu, real estate partner at law firm Mayer Brown. “There are other options available to banks, which include offloading non-performing loans to the private market or loan restructuring with borrowers.”
Still, the pressure to sell remains, particularly for closed-end funds that need to protect returns, according to Mr Chow. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/hong-kong-s-worst-office-slump-squeezes-real-estate-funds
| 2024-01-25T04:05:07Z
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SINGAPORE – Higher casino takings saw Marina Bay Sands (MBS) deliver strong results for its fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2023.
Net revenue for the Singapore integrated resort came in at US$1.1 billion (S$1.5 billion), up 55.6 per cent from the US$682 million recorded in the previous corresponding period, parent company Las Vegas Sands (LVS) reported on Jan 24.
“In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands once again delivered outstanding levels of financial and operating performance,” LVS said.
“Our new suite product and elevated service offerings position us well as airlift capacity continues to improve and the recovery in travel and tourism spending from China and the wider region continues to advance.”
MBS’ casino revenue surged 84.3 per cent to US$741 million from US$402 million the year before. The segment maintained its position as the largest revenue contributor for the quarter, while other segments posted improvements in performance.
Adjusted property earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) rose 99.3 per cent on the year to US$544 million from US$273 million. Ebitda margin stood at 51.3 per cent, compared with 40 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2022.
On a group level, MBS accounted for 36.4 per cent of LVS’ net revenue, and 45.4 per cent of its adjusted property Ebitda.
LVS’ net revenue stood at US$2.9 billion for the quarter, up 161 per cent year on year. Adjusted property Ebitda, meanwhile, jumped to US$1.2 billion from US$222 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. THE BUSINESS TIMES
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/marina-bay-sands-sees-q4-revenue-jump-556-on-higher-casino-earnings
| 2024-01-25T04:05:17Z
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HONG KONG – Pay for most senior investment bankers at Wall Street firms in Asia dropped to the lowest level in almost two decades, according to people familiar with the matter, as a dearth of deals in China and Hong Kong hammered the industry.
Total compensation for many senior bankers in Asia ex-Japan fell to US$700,000 (S$938,000) to US$800,000, well below the US$1 million or more they have typically earned since the turn of the millennium, the people said.
At least 20 per cent of managing directors at banks, including Morgan Stanley and UBS Group, received no bonuses in 2023, the people said.
Pay is crumbling in part as firms seek to cut expenses amid one of the worst deal droughts ever seen, fuelled by rising political tension and a crackdown on private enterprise in China.
Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase & Co and Citigroup have made several rounds of job cuts in Asia over the past 18 months as stock sales and mergers tumble.
Asia stock offerings outside Japan plunged 3 per cent in 2023, compared with a 45 per cent jump in the United States, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Bank of America cut more than 20 investment-banking jobs in Hong Kong this week, people familiar with the matter said. UBS cut about two dozen investment bankers in Asia, mainly China-focused roles in Hong Kong, Bloomberg reported in October. JPMorgan slashed about 30 Asia dealmaking jobs earlier in 2024.
The deals slump was reflected in compensation, with only a handful of top performers from each bank in Asia paid as much as US$1.5 million.
That is about 20 per cent less than what star bankers took home in 2022, and half the amount from 2021, the people said.
Overall, total compensation for managing directors fell 20 per cent to 25 per cent across Asia, the people said.
The decline in bonuses was more pronounced than the base pay component.
Spokespeople at the banks declined to comment on the pay.
The range of compensation across Asia, excluding Japan, varied depending on the country and business line.
A high-performing equity capital markets head, for example, may have been paid in the range of US$1.2 million to US$1.5 million, one of the people said.
Resources and infrastructure bankers in Australia, some senior dealmakers in India and Korea and those focus on mergers and acquisitions fared better. China-focused bankers were among the biggest cohort that did not get bonuses, the people said.
Across Wall Street, executives have warned of meagre bonus pay jumps for traders.
At JPMorgan, the overall bonus pool for its legion of traders will be close to flat compared with 2022, a person familiar with the matter said in December.
That is similar to Citigroup, in the midst of its biggest restructuring in decades, where the pool will likely be little changed if not slightly down. Goldman Sachs and Bank of America are looking to sweeten payouts by at least a few percentage points for many of their traders, other people said. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/top-banker-annual-pay-sinks-below-13-million-in-asia-as-bonuses-vanish
| 2024-01-25T04:05:28Z
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LOS ANGELES – British actor and The White Lotus (2021 to present) villain Tom Hollander often gets mistaken for Spider-man star Tom Holland, but occasionally it works in his favour – like when he got the other man’s seven-figure film bonus.
Hollander, who also had turns in Pirates Of The Caribbean (2006 and 2007) and Pride & Prejudice (2005), at one time shared an agent with the younger Marvel star.
This week, the 56-year-old told late night host Seth Meyers that his agency had once emailed him containing a payslip with an “astonishing” sum and labelled as the first tranche of a box office bonus for his work on one of the Avengers (2012 to 2019) movies.
Holland, who played Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starred in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).
“I don’t think I’m in The Avengers,“ the actor thought to himself as he opened the missive, he told Meyers.
“It was an astonishing amount of money,” he said.
“It was not his salary. It was his first box office bonus. Not the whole box office bonus, the first one.
“And it was more money than I’d ever (seen),” he said. “It was a seven-figure sum.”
Other times Hollander has been confused for the younger star have been less fun, the Tony nominee said.
“I’m (sometimes) introduced to somebody’s very, very excited, then confused, then disappointed children,” Hollander recalled.
“It’s been very difficult. Because, you know, I was here first,” he joked.
Hollander was on NBC’s Late Night With Seth Meyers to promote his forthcoming series Feud: Capote Vs The Swans, in which he plays American writer Truman Capote. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/actor-tom-hollander-got-tom-hollands-avengers-bonus
| 2024-01-25T04:05:38Z
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SINGAPORE – KG Catering has been suspended for two weeks, from Jan 23 to Feb 5, after accumulating 12 demerit points within a year.
The catering business, located at 171 Kampong Ampat, was also fined $3,000, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Jan 23.
The fine was imposed after the caterer committed two offences – failure to keep licensed premises free of infestation, and sale or preparation of food where it is likely to be contaminated. Each offence resulted in six demerit points.
A licensee who accumulates 12 or more demerit points within a year may have his licence suspended for either two weeks or four weeks, or cancelled, SFA said.
“All food handlers working in the suspended premises would also be required to re-attend and pass the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Food Safety Course Level 1 before they can resume work as food handlers,” the agency said.
“The licensee is also required to ensure that all food hygiene officers working in the suspended premises, if there are any, re-attend and pass the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 3.”
This is the second time KG Catering has been fined in under three months.
The caterer was fined $6,000 on Nov 1, 2023, for multiple hygiene violations, after 92 people had food poisoning after consuming food it prepared between Sept 20, 2022, and March 11, 2023.
As a result of this, SFA also suspended KG Catering’s food business operations from Nov 9, 2022, to Feb 1, 2023.
SFA reminded food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times, and to engage only registered food handlers.
The agency will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act, it added.
Anyone who spots breaches of the law can report the matter via www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback or call SFA on 6805-2871.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/kg-catering-fined-a-second-time-in-under-3-months-for-hygiene-lapses-suspended-two-weeks
| 2024-01-25T04:05:49Z
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LONDON – From one Cup competition to another, Chelsea will hope to continue the good momentum despite languishing in mid-table in the English Premier League.
The Blues thrashed second-tier Middlesbrough 6-1 in the second leg of the League Cup semi-finals on Jan 23 for a 6-2 aggregate win, and next up on the agenda is an FA Cup fourth-round home tie against Aston Villa on Jan 26.
Villa are flying high in the league – they are tied with second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Arsenal on 43 points – and former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has some advice for Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Despite the team’s dominant win against Boro, Mkyhailo Mudryk put in another erratic 45-minute display and was substituted at half-time, with Pochettino insisting it was because he was already booked rather than his poor passing.
But Leboeuf, who is now a sports commentator, believes Chelsea cannot afford the risk of playing the struggling winger and midfielder Noni Madueke, especially against a dangerous Villa side.
“I agree with Craig (Burley),” the Frenchman said, referring to his former Chelsea teammate’s assessment of Mudryk.
“Mudryk should go. But I will be more keen to be stronger in the midfield zone. I would put (Conor) Gallagher instead of Madueke and maybe try to be strong defensively and play on transition, try to counter-attack with (Cole) Palmer, (Raheem) Sterling and to finish hopefully with (Armando) Broja.
“Madueke is a good player, but plays with instinct instead of thinking a little bit.”
The 56-year-old clarified that he does not think that the duo are lousy players, just that they are not the right ones for what the team need at the moment.
He added: “They are talented players for the future but right now they are far away from what we expect for them.
“Gallagher will make the midfield zone stronger so it’s why I’d go with that option. It’s a different game against Villa.”
Former Chelsea midfielder Burley had earlier said that Mudryk, who has yet to live up to his £88.5 million (S$150 million) price tag, “makes too many bad decisions to be in this Chelsea side”.
The clash with Villa is set to be a tough but well-balanced match.
Chelsea have won their last three FA Cup fixtures between both sides, and have also won 40 of their last 47 home matches in this competition.
However, Villa have beaten the London side in their last two matches at Stamford Bridge, both in the Premier League.
Pochettino will be missing the injured Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Robert Sanchez, Lesley Ugochukwu and Christopher Nkunku, while Nicolas Jackson is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Villa, manager Unai Emery will not have the services of Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings, while Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Jacob Ramsey and Robin Olsen are not fully fit.
Villa captain John McGinn has said the team’s good form so far is all down to Emery’s intense training regime.
“That doesn’t mean you need to be running about every 10 minutes doing 10 gym sessions, it means as soon as you come in through these doors, you’re working,” he said.
“Ever since he’s (Emery) come in, it’s been full throttle.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/chelsea-should-drop-mkyhailo-mudryk-and-noni-madueke-says-frank-leboeuf
| 2024-01-25T04:05:59Z
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Mohamed Salah will definitely return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) if he recovers in time from injury and Egypt reach the final, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said.
The 31-year-old winger returned to England for treatment after picking up a hamstring injury in Egypt's 2-2 draw with Ghana last week.
Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders has said Salah is expected to return to action in three to four weeks if there are no setbacks in his recovery.
The AFCON final is on Feb. 11.
"Egypt and Liverpool both have the same interest, we want Mo Salah fit as soon as possible," Klopp told beIN SPORTS after his side reached the finals of the League Cup by beating Fulham on Wednesday.
"If he stays in Africa and they can't do the proper treatment, it will just delay everything, especially for Egypt if they go through the tournament.
"We bring him here not because we want to take him away from Egypt but just to offer the best medical treatment.
"It's all agreed. If Salah is fit and Egypt go to the final, it was always clear, he goes back, 100%. Mo wants that, we want that."
Record seven-times champions Egypt finished second in Group B with three points following three successive 2-2 draws. They play the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 16 on Sunday.
Klopp also hit out at criticism of Salah's decision to return to Merseyside for treatment, with some pundits and former players saying that as captain he should have remained with the Egypt squad.
"If somebody questions the loyalty of Mo Salah they should ask themselves if their loyalty is right, because Mo Salah is definitely the most loyal Egyptian I've met in my life," he said. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/salah-will-100-return-for-afcon-final-if-he-recovers-klopp
| 2024-01-25T04:06:09Z
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LONDON - Poland’s Adrian Meronk is jumping from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, The Times of London and Sports Illustrated reported on Jan 24.
Meronk, 30, played in just 14 events on the Tour before making the switch. He is a four-time winner on the DP World Tour, finishing in the top 10 in last year’s DP World Eligibility Tour Ranking to secure his PGA Tour card.
Originally set to make his season debut this week, Meronk withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open ahead of the first round on Jan 24. Golf Channel reported that his withdrawal was not LIV-related, though, and instead was due to an illness.
Sports Illustrated’s report indicated that Meronk is set to join Cleeks GC, a LIV team captained by German Martin Kaymer. Englishman Richard Bland is also on the squad.
There have also been rumblings that England’s Tyrrell Hatton, 32, could join Spaniard Jon Rahm’s LIV team, but nothing was confirmed to Sports Illustrated. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/golf/adrian-meronk-joining-liv-golf-tyrrell-hatton-close-to-deal-reports
| 2024-01-25T04:06:20Z
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SAN DIEGO - Coming off one of his best career weeks on the PGA Tour, Chinese Taipei’s Kevin Yu grabbed the first-round lead at the Farmers Insurance Open on Jan 25 in San Diego.
Playing at Torrey Pines’ North Course, Yu racked up eight birdies, five of which came on the back nine, where he began his round. His birdie at the par-five ninth lifted him above Patrick Cantlay and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune, who are tied for second after both shot 65s at the North Course.
Cantlay produced birdies on four of his final five holes, while Hisatsune also peaked late, turning in a bogey-free back nine that featured four birdies.
Five golfers are two strokes back in a tie for fourth at six-under 66. That group includes Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, Ireland’s Shane Lowry, Belgium’s Thomas Detry, England’s Aaron Rai and Argentina’s Alejandro Tosti, all of whom played the North Course.
There is a 10-way tie for ninth.
Yu tied for third last week at The American Express in La Quinta, California, matching his best result in 35 career PGA Tour starts. He also tied for third at the 2022 Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
The momentum from his final-round 63 on Sunday at PGA West carried over to Torrey Pines.
“I’ve been playing very good and like just keep building momentum,” Yu said after his round.
“I was just trying to play my best today, just trying to hit a lot of fairways, trying to make as many putts as I can. Greens a little bumpy, but I’m just trying to hit like the best stroke I can out there, which I did today. So I feel really good, so really looking forward to tomorrow.”
Cantlay is back in the Farmers Insurance Open for the first time in five years, having missed the cut in two of three prior appearances at the event.
“The (2021) US Open was the last time I played around here and I played so-so at the US Open,” Cantlay said, referring to his tie for 15th.
“Obviously different conditions this week, it will be a lot more wet this week. The scores should be quite a bit lower. But you play the golf course from the fairway and you can have a bunch of chances around here.”
Max Homa, the event’s defending champion, carded a two-under 70 to put himself in a tie for 48th. Homa played at the South Course.
The players will alternate between the two courses on Jan 24 and 25, then play the final 36 holes on the South Course. The event concludes on Jan 27 to avoid a conflict with the National Football League (NFL) conference championship games the next day. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/golf/taiwanese-golfer-kevin-yu-starts-hot-leads-at-farmers-insurance-open
| 2024-01-25T04:06:30Z
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WEST ALEXANDRIA — Birthdays this week: Dawn Miller Orr, Clara Wienhoff, Mike Guehring, Christine Slater, Tina Strong, Lindsay House, John Coffman, Gus Ross, Christine Bitner, Cadien Maples, Clara Wienhoff, Wil Jones, Paula Durkle, Lyndsay House, Ellie Warrick, Cristal Cooper, Waylon Byrd, Laura Rosell, Tammie Bitner, Kourtney Johnson, Phillip Johnson, Arianna Bland, Douglas J. Schmidt, Chris Corneilson, Kris Holderman, in memory of Harold Maxson, in memory of Carol Lunsford.
Anniversaries this week: Nathan and Paige Holthaus, Wayne and Heather Henemyre.
WABO Sign-ups
In-person recreational youth softball and baseball signups will be the next two Saturdays, Jan. 27 and Feb. 3, from noon-2 p.m. at the West Alexandria Baseball Organization fields, 199 W. Oak Street. Final deadline for signups will be March 1. No signups will be accepted after March 1.
Annual Coyote Contest
The Twin Valley Rod and Gun Club Annual Coyote Contest will be Feb. 8-11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with weigh-in on Sunday, Feb. 11. Contest takes place at 9631 Germantown Rd. and Preble County Line Rd. An additional payout of $1,300 from area sponsors include Twin Creek National Deer Association, John Landis Farms, J&J Guns of Brookville, Maple Glen Hunting Preserve from Dow Ulrich, Vern Enterprises LLC from Dakota Cox, Buckeye Hunting Preserve of New Lebanon, Lewisburg Service Center, The Oil Spot of Brookville, and Gem City Pawn & Loan of Englewood. For additional information, contact Paul Price at 937-248-1083, pprice5755@gmail, or Jeff Weimer at 937-430-0246, [email protected]. Entry fee is $25 per hunter. Entry slip and fee must be paid and received before the contest begins.
AKS Fresh Nuts Sale
Alpha Kappa Sorority is selling fresh nuts, candied and non-candied, in varieties of almonds, cashews, English walnuts, and pecan pieces or halves. To order, contact Missy Riegel at 937-248-4166 or Wendy Chesney at 937-336-2027.
American Legion Post 322
Rock the Jukebox, Friday, Jan. 26.
Games and cards take place every Saturday from noon-5 p.m. for members and invited guests. Includes Happy Hour. Bring your cards or favorite board games.
Euchre every Wednesday at 7 p.m., $5 entry fee, Ladies Night, drink specials, and 50/50 raffle is open to the public.
Sr. Fun Bunch meets every Thursday from 1-4 p.m. at James E. Ryan Post 322, Ohio 503 South.
Venison for Food Banks
The Venison for Food Banks of Preble County program is on-going. Anyone who takes a deer can donate all or part of the meat for the Foodbanks. We have sponsors who will take care of the processing fees. You may contact Brad Turner, Preble County Game Warden, or Curtis Early from Twin Valley Rod and Gun Club at 937-533-3226 for more information.
BINGO
West Alexandria Fireman’s Association BINGO doors open at 5 p.m. and early bird BINGO starts at 6 p.m. every Thursday at 25 E Dayton Street. The more in attendance, the higher the payouts. All proceeds go to your local firemen’s associations.
Library News
Stop in for January Grab and Go Kits for everyone.
Jan. 27, Magical World of Storytime is from 11 a.m. to noon every Saturday.
Jan. 27, and the last Saturday of each month is LEGO Club from noon-1 p.m. for any school-aged child. LEGOs are provided, but if you bring LEGOs from home, please have your container labeled with your child’s name.
Monday, Jan. 29, Children’s Grab’n Go craft is a snake. Adult Grab’n Go craft is a Tea Cozy.
February is National Heart Month. Tuesday, Feb. 2 is National Wear Red Day for Heart Disease Awareness. Pick up a small treat and check out our health section.
Feb. 2, is National Library Lover’s Day Drawing. Fill out an entry to win a lovely gift basket.
Monday, Feb. 5, cast your vote for the team you think will win the Super Bowl. Winner of a football-themed gift basket will be announced Feb. 12.
Mon. Feb. 19, is Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit Night from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Coffeehouse Conversations
Kierston’s Coffeestop, located at 12 S. Main Street, is hosting Coffeehouse Conversations the second Monday of every month from 7-8 p.m. Everyone is invited to stop in for complimentary coffee, a cookie, or baked-good. Bring a friend and pull up a chair for an open, honest, and friendly conversation about faith, life, and today’s social issues and how they relate to the Bible, with a local pastor.
Ladies Line Dancing
Ladies Line Dancing takes place every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Basement, at 16 N. Main St., with parking available across the street. There is something for everyone at no charge. Dress comfortably and bring a water. It’s a great opportunity to have fun, learn something new and make some new friends. Look for Ladies Line Dancing on Facebook events, or contact Becky Thompson on Facebook for more details. Watch this group for videos and updates.
Food and Clothing Pantry
The West Alexandria Food and Clothing Pantry is now located on the ground level of St. John Church located at 20 E. South St. The entrance is handicap accessible and is at the north west corner of the church facing the alley. Handicap parking is available.
The pantry serves residents living within the Twin Valley South School district. Assistance is also given for emergency situations. Pantry hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until noon. The pantry is open the second and last Wednesday evenings of each month from 6-7:30 p.m.
Current needs are canned soups, pork and beans, spaghetti sauce, spaghetti noodles and peas.
The staff of the pantry considers it a privilege to serve the people and greatly appreciate the continuous support of many individuals, service organizations and businesses in the community. Call 937-839-1615 for assistance or more information.
St. John Lutheran, Ingomar
Sunday services take place at 10 a.m.
The women of the ELCA meet the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.
The third Saturday of each month, St. John gathers for the Sleep Mat Project at 9a.m. The group crochets plastic grocery bags into sleep mats for the homeless. For additional information call 937-839-4350.
Community Christian Church
Please join us every Sunday for Sunday School at 9 a.m., and morning worship at 10 a.m. at 11 Dorsey Akers Rd. Men’s Bible Study is held on Mondays at 5 p.m., and prayer time at 6 p.m. Contact the church office at 937-839-4988 or at [email protected]
Church of the Brethren
Join us on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in person, on 99.5 FM in the church parking lot at 22 E. Oak St., or live on the WACOB Facebook page.
Calvary Baptist Church
Men’s prayer meeting is every Saturday at 10 a.m.
Join us for Sunday School at 10 a.m., Worship at 11 a.m., Sunday evening service at 6 p.m. and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. at 14 Dorsey Akers.
Salem Lutheran Church
Salem Kids meets Wednesdays with dinner at 6 p.m. and classes from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Adult Bible Study every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. High School and Middle School Bible Study takes place every Sunday at 6:30p.m.
The Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study meets the third Saturday of each month at 7:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall, next on Jan. 20.
The Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 28, immediately following worship service.
Sunday School takes place at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday at 70 E. Dayton Street. Sunday services are live-streamed on YouTube at Salem Lutheran Church — West Alexandria.
Coups for Troops, sponsored by the Women of the Church, accepts coupons up to two months past expiration for military families overseas. Place them in the basket in the church library. Please no pet supplies or local restaurants coupons.
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LONDON – It was not long ago that spending US$1,000 (S$1,300) a night on a hotel room was considered an extravagance, even among ultrahigh-net-worth travellers. But lately that figure merely gets you in the door at luxury properties in major markets.
In 2023, the new Raffles London at the OWO, Atlantis the Royal in Dubai and the Bulgari Hotel Rome all opened with rooms starting at US$1,000 or more. At the Raffles, that buys you 31 sq m of space – just enough for a king-size bed.
Online searches for reservations in Paris this spring revealed more than 20 hotels charging at least US$1,000 for entry-level rooms; in London, 13 hotels reached that threshold. There were a dozen in New York. From 2019 to the end of 2022, luxury room rates rose 35 per cent in Europe and 28 per cent in North America, according to data from CoStar Group, a hotel market researcher.
The phenomenon is most pronounced among new hotels, but it applies to many established classics as well. The lowest price you can find for a night’s stay at the year-and-a-half-old Aman New York is currently US$1,530; nearby, at the 93-year-old Carlyle, rooms hover right around US$1,000.
In some cases, prices have snowballed after one new hotel tested a ceiling and did not meet resistance. Its neighbours will invariably follow suit, says Ms Fflur Roberts, head of luxury goods at Euromonitor International Ltd. She points to the Raffles in London, which joined the Peninsula in opening above £1,000 (S$1,700) a night in 2023. In 2024, the nearby Emory, an all-suite hotel, will open with a starting rate of £2,000.
Another factor is a boom in luxury hotels: Many that were built or renovated in the past few years are passing on their high costs to patrons.
But the main culprit is, of course, inflation.
“We’re all referencing 2019 in our mind,” says Mr Jan Freitag, national director for hospitality market analytics at CoStar. “We’re all like, ‘Oh, pre-pandemic this hotel was $600, and now it’s $1,000.’ Well, it’s also true that was five years ago. It’s not unreasonable to assume that hotels would increase their rates just to keep up with their cost increases.” Staffing, utilities and insurance expenses have all gone up.
“Inflation is having a massive impact,” Ms Roberts adds. But also, she says, the more something costs, the more aspirational it becomes. “If the price for a Chanel bag goes up, it won’t stop people from buying the Chanel bag. If anything, they want it even more,” Ms Roberts says. She adds that demand remains sufficiently ripe among the world’s wealthy, but hotels such as the Peninsula host a wider set of visitors, too, including travelers splurging on birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.
CoStar data confirms the audience for luxury hotels is growing: Despite higher room rates, occupancy has actually increased, reaching 67.3 per cent in the US in 2023, up from 64.5 per cent in 2022, though these figures are still lagging 2019.
Are the hotels also getting nicer? Not necessarily. Mr Tom Cahalan, who as co-founder of Dorsia Travel books clients into some of the best properties in the world, cautions that high rates don’t always equal great service. These hotels should all have attentive staff, well-designed rooms, and spas and restaurants where guests want to spend time. Brand-new properties can take a while to get everything running smoothly.
That said, Mr Cahalan says some prices are justifiable. “If you look at the Peninsula, for example, rooms start at 51 square meters, which would be a suite at some other properties,” he says. A 43-square-meter junior suite at London’s much-loved Connaught goes for £1,800.
Inflation is slowing in the US, UK and elsewhere – the US rate was 3.4 per cent in 2023, compared with annual rates of 6.5 per cent in 2022 and 7 per cent in 2021 – but many expect this new normal to remain.
“Demand for luxury accommodations will continue to rise, particularly among the newly wealthy,” predicts HotelPlanner Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Hentschel. And “$1,000-plus rates will become more commonplace.”
In 2024 the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair in London; the Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel, in New York; and Collegio alla Querce in Florence, Italy, will all open with rates of at least US$1,000.
If these prices make you grit your teeth, consider that it could be worse: In mid-February the Maldives will have record-breaking hotel prices when Soneva Secret opens. Its starting rate: US$3,140 per night. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/how-1300-a-night-hotel-rooms-became-the-new-normal
| 2024-01-25T04:06:41Z
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SEOUL -North Korea said it tested its new strategic cruise missile on Wednesday, state media KCNA reported on Thursday, confirming what the South Korean military said the day before.
The missile dubbed "Pulhwasal-3-31" is currently under development and the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, the state media said, adding it had "nothing" to do with the regional situation.
The test was also part of the process of updating the country's weapon system, the report said, citing The Missile Administration.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it believed the firing was to test upgrades of existing missiles' capabilities.
On Wednesday, the South Korean military said the North had fired multiple cruise missiles towards the sea off its west coast at around 7 a.m. (2200 GMT on Tuesday) while Seoul's defence minister, Shin Won-sik, condemned the launches as a serious threat to his country.
"Strategic" typically refers to nuclear-capable weapons.
North Korea carried out its first test of a cruise missile with possible nuclear strike capabilities in September 2021.
On Thursday, South Korea said it was starting mass production of medium-altitude reconnaissance drones with the goal of deploying them in 2027 to improve surveillance capabilities and contribute to defence exports.
North Korea's cruise missiles usually generate less interest than ballistic missiles because they are not explicitly banned by any U.N. Nations Security Council resolutions.
But analysts have said intermediate-range, land-attack cruise missiles were no less a threat than ballistic missiles and are a serious capability for North Korea.
Cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles that can be armed with either conventional or nuclear bombs are seen as particularly destabilising in the event of conflict as it can be unclear which kind of warhead they are carrying. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/north-korea-says-it-tested-new-strategic-cruise-missile
| 2024-01-25T04:06:51Z
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BEIJING -A fire at a street shop in Xinyu City of Jiangxi Province has killed 39 people and injured nine, Chinese state media and the local government said on Wednesday, adding that some people were still trapped.
The fire broke out in the afternoon in an underground floor of the shop on Tiangongnan Avenue in the Yushui district, said the local fire response emergency headquarters, according to the China Daily media outlet.
The injured were taken to hospital, a government statement said, without disclosing how many.
Thick, black smoke could be seen spewing from shops on the street level and engulfing surrounding buildings in video footage on social media platform Weibo.
According to state broadcaster CCTV News, there was an Internet cafe located below ground level and a training institution upstairs in the building where the fire broke out.
After the latest deadly fire in the country, China's President Xi Jinping demanded that all efforts be made to curb accidents and ensure people's safety, according to Xinhua News.
China has had several fires over the past year and just last week, a school dormitory fire killed 13 students in Central China's Henan province. Seven staff members were taken into police custody over that incident. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/shop-fire-in-chinas-jiangxi-province-kills-39-traps-others
| 2024-01-25T04:07:01Z
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BEIJING -The United States Navy sailed its first warship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Wednesday following presidential and parliamentary elections on the island, drawing the ire of Beijing.
The U.S. Navy said the destroyer USS John Finn transited through a corridor in the Taiwan Strait that was "beyond the territorial sea of any coastal state".
"John Finn's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle," the U.S. Navy said in its statement.
"No member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms."
China's military said the mission was "public hyping" and that its forces monitored and warned the ship.
"Recently, the U.S. military has frequently carried out provocative acts to maliciously undermine regional peace and stability," the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command said in a statement.
Taiwan's defence ministry said the ship sailed in a southerly direction through the strait, adding it monitored the movement and the situation was "normal".
The U.S. Navy's last announced passage of a warship through the strait was in early November, joined that time by a Canadian frigate.
The latest transit came as leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Taiwan Caucus, Republican Representative Mario Diaz Balart and Democratic Representative Ami Bera, visit Taipei, as a show of support after the island's Jan. 13 election.
China, which also views Taiwan as its own territory, has over the past four years regularly sent warplanes and warships into the skies and waters around the island as it seeks to assert sovereignty claims that the Taipei government rejects.
Last week, Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected 18 Chinese air force planes operating around Taiwan and carrying out "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships, the first large-scale military activity after the Taiwanese election. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/us-navy-sends-first-warship-through-taiwan-strait-post-election
| 2024-01-25T04:07:13Z
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Palworld Sells Over 8 Million Units in Under 6 Days on Steam - Sales
by William D'Angelo , posted 15 minutes ago / 100 ViewsDeveloper Pocket Pair announced Palworld has sold over eight million units in under days since it released in Early Access. This only includes sales on Steam and does not include sales on the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
This figure is up from seven million units sold in five days, six million units sold in four days, five million units sold in three days, four million units sold in about three days, two million units sold in in the first 24 hours and one million units sold in the first eight hours.
"Palworld has sold over 8 million copies in less than 6 days!," said the developer. "Thank you very much!! As stated previously, we continue to work at full-speed on addressing bugs and issues! Thanks for your support!"
Palworld released in Early Access on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass on January 19.
#Palworld has sold over 8 million copies in less than 6 days!
— Palworld (@Palworld_EN) January 25, 2024
Thank you very much!!
As stated previously, we continue to work at full-speed on addressing bugs and issues!
Thanks for your support!#Pocketpair pic.twitter.com/4PLB1J4CYH
Read details on the game below:
Palworld is an open-world survival crafting game that supports up to 32 players and is set in a world where mysterious creatures called “Pals” live.
Along your adventures, you will encounter many Pals. Capture them, make them work, fight, breed and even sell them. You can adventure in a large world alongside your Pals.
Over 100 Pals
In Palworld, mysterious creatures called “Pal” live in the wild. There are also many rare pals such as subspecies, bosses, legends, lucky pals, etc. Additionally, more Pals will continue to be added in future updates.
Capture and Train Pals
Every pal has a special skill for you to utilize. There are also Pals that can fly and Pals that can use guns!
Vast Open World and many Dungeons to Explore
There are various areas such as plains, deserts, snowy mountains, and volcanoes, and the pals living there are all different. There are also many dungeons with hidden treasures and special pals. Set out on a great adventure in search of unknown treasures and unknown pals.
Fight Against Leaders of Hostile Factions and Field Bosses
As you explore the vast open world, you may come across giant Pals. In addition, each biome has a hostile faction based there, whose leaders stand in your way and won’t back down without a fight.
Fight Alongside Pals using a Wide Variety of Weapons
From traditional weapons such as bows and swords to modern weapons such as assault rifles and rocket launchers. Some pals can use heavy weapons such as Gatling guns and missile launchers!
Build a Base
Leave production, farming, cooking, power generation, etc. to your pals. Pals work in ways that suit their personalities. However, pals are also living creatures like us. If you forget to give them food and rest, it will negatively affect their motivation.
Supports Multiplayer for up to 32 Players
Palworld can be played alone as well as multiplayer. By forming a guild and cooperating with your friends, you can adventure together towards a common goal. Player Battles will be implemented in a future update.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.
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https://www.vgchartz.com/article/459732/palworld-sells-over-8-million-units-in-under-6-days-on-steam/
| 2024-01-25T04:24:01Z
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BEIJING - An unusually large delegation of about 200 Japanese business leaders arrived in China this week to bolster economic relations in the first such visit in more than four years and in the face of geopolitical headwinds that have strained bilateral ties.
Japanese economic delegations had visited China every year since 1975, but those visits lapsed during the COVID-19 era when China largely shuttered its borders due to its stringent pandemic policies.
During their visit this week, the Japanese business delegates, which included Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the powerful Keidanren, as the Japan Business Federation is known, are due to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday.
Ties between Japan and China have become strained after the world's second- and third-largest economies clashed over issues from Japan's release of treated radioactive water into the ocean to detention of Japanese citizens on suspicion of espionage.
Japan's curbs on export of advanced chipmaking equipment to China have also fanned Chinese accusations that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government was following in the United States' footsteps in "containing" China's economic development.
But during a rare meeting between Kishida and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November, both men agreed their countries ought to pursue mutually beneficial relations.
China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, has since said the two sides should first establish a "correct mutual understanding" and "make it clear" they are cooperative partners rather than threats to each other.
Japan is heavily reliant on China, where Japanese companies have for years invested in building manufacturing supply chains and forged relationships with local partners.
China was both Japan's top export market, at $145 billion, and its single biggest source for imports, at $189 billion, in 2022.
But the number of Japanese firms planning to expand in China fell below 30% for the first time according to an annual survey published late last year, with some firms citing concerns about economic uncertainty and others highlighting geopolitical risks.
China last year arrested a Japanese executive, an employee of the drugmaker Astellas Pharma, on suspicion of espionage. The move has had a chilling effect on business, Japanese officials say.
A growing number of Japanese businesses are also grappling with slumping China sales due to rising local competition, China's uncertain economy and negative Japanese sentiment in the wake of the wastewater release from the Fukushima facility.
Procter & Gamble said earlier this week sales of its SK-II beauty brand tumbled 34% in Greater China in the December quarter due to "temporary" headwinds for Japanese brands and soft market conditions.
Japanese EV parts maker Nidec Corp on Wednesday slashed its full-year profit forecast by nearly a fifth, blaming intensifying price competition in China.
Japanese automakers from Toyota and Nissan are also battling a market share fall in China as they lag behind local rivals in electric vehicle offerings in the world's biggest auto market. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-25T05:36:41Z
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TOKYO - A Japanese man was convicted and sentenced to death on Thursday for the arson and killing of 36 people at famed anime studio Kyoto Animation in 2019, public broadcaster NHK said.
The deadly attack on the Kyoto-based studio, better known as KyoAni, had sent shockwaves not only through Japan where violent crime is rare, but also overseas given the studio's far-reaching fan base and the audacity of the crime.
Shinji Aoba, now 45, had set the studio ablaze by dousing the entrance area of the building with petrol, also injuring 32. Aoba himself suffered heavy burns and underwent intensive treatment for nearly a year.
Media have reported that Aoba held a grudge against the studio, known for the series "Violet Evergarden" and other popular works, believing that it had plagiarised his novel, an allegation that KyoAni has denied.
A pillar of Japanese pop culture, anime has become a major cultural export, winning fans around the world.
The incident prompted condolences from world leaders and business executives such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook.
Japan and the United States are the only Group of Seven (G7) nations that carry out capital punishment. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/japan-man-gets-death-sentence-for-killing-36-in-anime-studio-arson-nhk
| 2024-01-25T05:36:52Z
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TOKYO - Japan achieved an unprecedented "pinpoint" moon landing within 100 metres (328 feet) of target, the space agency said on Thursday, after its probe SLIM's touchdown on Saturday made Japan the fifth country to put a spacecraft on the moon.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) also said it received all data about the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM)'s landing in the 2 hours and 37 minutes after the touchdown and before the probe lost power.
SLIM's solar panels have been unable to generate electricity likely because they were angled wrong, but a change in the sunlight's direction could power it up again, JAXA said. REUTERS
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SAN FRANCISCO – Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said Chinese automakers will “demolish” global rivals without trade barriers, underscoring the heat the US electric vehicle (EV) market leader faces from the likes of BYD, who are racing to expand worldwide.
His comments come after billionaire investor Warren Buffett-backed BYD – with its cheaper models and a more varied line-up – overtook Tesla as the world’s top-selling EV maker in the last quarter, despite Tesla’s deep price cuts through 2023.
Chinese car companies were the “most competitive” and “will have significant success outside of China, depending on what kind of tariffs or trade barriers are established”, Mr Musk said on a post-earnings call with analysts on Jan 24.
“If there are no trade barriers established, they will pretty much demolish most other car companies in the world,” he said. “They’re extremely good.”
Mr Musk has reason to be concerned.
He sparked a price war in 2023 to woo consumers hit with high borrowing costs, in turn squeezing Tesla’s margins and worrying investors. On Jan 24, Musk warned Tesla was reaching “the natural limit of cost down” with its existing line-up.
Tesla plans to start producing a cheaper, mass market compact crossover codenamed “Redwood” in mid-2025 to compete with inexpensive rivals, Reuters reported on Jan 23.
Mr Musk on Jan 24 confirmed that Tesla expects to start production of its next-generation EV at its Texas factory in the second half of 2025.
But Chinese EV makers, adept at keeping costs in check with a stable supply chain, are moving fast. With rising competition and excess capacity in China, many are now working on rapidly expanding their foreign footprint.
SAIC Motor, for instance, has been placing orders for more vehicle vessels in its fleet to counter shipping costs as it looks to boost sales overseas.
“While automakers such as BYD and Nio are middle-of-the-pack with reliability, durability and safety, they enjoy high demand in China with innovation such as in-car technology and battery swopping,” Mr Spencer Imel, a partner at consumer insights firm Lansgton.
“That, we believe, will be an important ingredient and a differentiator in their future growth overseas,” Mr Imel said.
He noted, though, that Chinese car companies still had extremely low brand awareness in the United States.
Mr Musk’s comments also come as the United States presidential election picks up pace.
President Joe Biden has said China was determined to dominate the EV market and that he “won’t let that happen”.
Former president Donald Trump, who is again seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2024, has signalled that he would double down on stronger tariffs if elected, calling for a universal 10 per cent tariff on all imports into the US and revoking China’s most-favoured-nation trading status.
Mr Musk on Jan 24 said there was “no obvious opportunity” to partner with Chinese rivals but Tesla was open to giving them access to its charging network and licensing other technologies such as self-driving.
Europe has also taken a protectionist stance towards Chinese EV makers. In 2023, the European Commission launched an investigation into whether to impose punitive tariffs to protect European Union producers against cheaper Chinese EV imports it says are benefiting from state subsidies. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-says-chinese-ev-firms-will-demolish-rivals-without-trade-barriers
| 2024-01-25T05:37:13Z
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The Necessary Stage
Esplanade Theatre Studio
Jan 24, 8pm
A quiet and affecting work of realism, Oo-woo spends its modest 75 minutes examining the aftermath of a mother’s dementia diagnosis as family tensions and gender favouritism in a Malay household bubble to the surface.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/theatre-review-oo-woo-is-a-quiet-affecting-drama-that-asks-how-gender-shapes-caregiving
| 2024-01-25T05:37:24Z
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SINGAPORE – A man who allegedly barricaded himself in a Sembawang flat with his girlfriend and kicked a policeman during his arrest was charged on Jan 25 with assaulting a public servant.
Haridas Ryan Peter, 49, is accused of kicking the 22-year-old special constable sergeant’s right hand and hip at a Sembawang Drive carpark on Jan 23.
In an earlier statement, police said they were alerted to a case of assault at Block 462 in the same neighbourhood at around 9.15pm that day.
Haridas is then said to have barricaded himself in a Housing Board flat with his 52-year-old girlfriend when officers arrived at the scene.
Officers from the Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU), Special Operations Command and the Singapore Civil Defence Force also responded to the incident as he might have posed a danger to himself and others.
In their statement, the police said: “After... negotiation by CNU officers, the police saw an opportunity to breach the unit when they observed that the woman went to the toilet, thus buying them time to ensure her safety.”
Without revealing details, the police added that they successfully entered the flat. Haridas allegedly kicked a police officer during his arrest.
His case has been adjourned to Feb 8.
For assaulting a public servant, an offender can be jailed for up to seven years and fined or caned.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/man-allegedly-barricaded-himself-in-flat-with-girlfriend-charged-with-kicking-cop-during-arrest
| 2024-01-25T05:37:34Z
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SINGAPORE – Local artiste Rebecca Lim is yet another public figure here to have become the face of a bitcoin investment scam without her knowledge.
Since early January, The Straits Times has repeatedly seen on a reputable regional news site an advertisement with a picture of the award-winning actress captioned “Rebecca Lim shared very important news”.
The ad supposedly leads to a sponsored article on entertainment portal 8days.sg. But when viewers click on the link, they are directed to a fake news story about Lim, 37, finding a “new wealth loophole which he (sic) says can transform anyone into a millionaire within three to four months”.
The page, which mimics news website CNA, has links to a supposed crypto auto-trading programme called Bitcoin Future, which the scammers claim is the actress’ No. 1 money-maker.
In the past few years, there have been many crypto trading scams that use unauthorised images and fabricated quotes of local personalities such as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, business magnate Peter Lim and pop star JJ Lin.
Cyber-security firm Group-IB published a study in 2020 on a series of similar scams “fronted” by well-known Singaporeans, and reported the pages to the Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team.
In the case of the recently surfaced scam page with Rebecca Lim, an average person would find it harder to flag it to the authorities.
Its displayed URL leads to a dummy website with an article about Lim’s pregnancy, while its real URL is hidden in the codebase.
To retrieve the real URL, one must trawl through many lines of codes, which requires time and some expertise.
Mr Vladimir Kalugin, the operations director of digital risk protection at cyber-security firm Group-IB, told The Straits Times that scammers have been “enhancing their evasion techniques to hide their campaigns from the authorities and conventional detection tools”.
Some of them use website redirection or other methods to change the URL of a scam page without reloading its content.
Others use a camouflage technique called cloaking, where only targeted users are served the fraudulent and malicious content, while everyone else who visits the same page is served harmless content such as a 404 error page, said Mr Kalugin, who is based in Singapore.
Scammers have also learnt to prevent crawlers and other Internet bots from accessing their ad content, he added. This makes it harder for the pages to be detected by automated anti-scam tools.
“To counteract these techniques, authorities and cyber-security experts must work together to embrace advanced monitoring and takedown methods, and increase public awareness of potential online threats,” Mr Kalugin said.
Another cyber-security expert, Mr Scott Jarkoff, said the Rebecca Lim bitcoin scam highlights how challenging it is for publishers to monitor the huge volume of digital ads generated and distributed on their sites.
“Well-established companies may unknowingly host deceptive ads,” said the director of Crowdstrike’s strategic threat advisory group.
“Websites typically utilise third-party advertising networks to display ads, and scammers may attempt to sneak fraudulent ads into the rotation,” said Mr Jarkoff.
“While reputable websites have measures for approving advertisements, the ad-vetting process is not always foolproof.”
But he stressed that publishers still have a responsibility to protect their visitors by evaluating third-party ad networks and patching security vulnerabilities in their content management systems, among other measures.
While scammers’ techniques have evolved, the “get-rich-quick” promise with which they use to lure people is the same.
Mr Kalugin from Group-IB said in January 2024 alone, his firm has so far detected more than 120 scam websites promoting crypto investments, with a majority designed to steal user credentials and account recovery phrases, which give scammers access to victims’ crypto wallet.
While visiting scam pages might not pose an immediate threat, it is important for people to avoid leaving any personal and payment data on the websites, he said.
People should also pay attention to a website’s creation date, he added.
“Scammers create multiple websites quickly to exploit a certain trending topic, so a recently created resource should be treated with caution,” Mr Kalugin said, adding that people can use services such as Whois to check the creation date.
He also urged the public to exercise more vigilance during holiday seasons.
“With the approaching Chinese New Year, we anticipate a surge in the number of malicious resources.
“Various holiday-themed fake promotions and lucky draws may lure people into submitting their data on fake crypto exchanges or transferring their funds to fraudsters,” he said, adding that people should always independently verify the authenticity of any content that they come across.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/fake-bitcoin-ad-featuring-actress-rebecca-lim-among-scams-using-methods-to-evade-detection
| 2024-01-25T05:37:44Z
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SINGAPORE – Condominium resale prices rose 7.5 per cent in 2023, with December marking the fifth consecutive month of price growth for the market, according to flash data released by real estate portals 99.co and SRX on Jan 25.
Despite a smaller increase of 0.5 per cent in overall resale prices in December compared with 0.8 per cent the month before, fewer units changed hands, as expected during the year-end holiday season.
In 2023, the overall price growth was propped up primarily by homes in the city fringes and suburban regions, said Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at OrangeTee Group.
This is because most of the recently completed condo units are concentrated in these two regions and newer units tend to command higher resale prices, which in turn boosted the overall price, she added.
Data showed that overall prices of units in the city fringe rose by 8.3 per cent and those in the suburban region rose by 8.2 per cent, while those in the central region rose by 4 per cent.
However, resale transactions were down around 15 per cent in 2023 with an estimated 10,166 units resold, compared with 11,949 units in 2022, said Huttons Asia chief executive Mark Yip.
“The lower volume in 2023 could be due to the high interest rate environment and rising resale condo prices, which may have kept out price-sensitive buyers,” he said.
Mr Luqman Hakim, chief data and analytics officer at 99.co, said he expects the condo resale market to continue to slow down in the first quarter of 2024, as there will be more new condo launches this year compared with 2023.
The estimated 10 to 15 new condo launches expected in the first quarter of 2024 alone will be in direct competition with the condo resale market, he said.
The Arcady at Boon Keng in the city fringe sold about 30 per cent of its units on launch day, while suburban condo Hillhaven at Hillview Rise sold about 17 per cent of its total units. They were the first two new condo launches in 2024.
In line with the increased supply in the new launch market, OrangeTee’s Ms Sun expect condo resale prices to rise slower in 2024, by 3 to 5 per cent.
The percentage of sub-sale transactions in December stood at 13 per cent, up 1 percentage point from November. Sub-sale transactions are secondary sale transactions before a project’s completion.
ERA Singapore key executive officer Eugene Lim noted that the percentage of sub-sale transactions has remained above 10 per cent in the second half of 2023, as an estimated 16,000 units were completed in the first nine months of 2023.
It could be a case of property investors offloading their new units when faced with increased mortgage payments, higher property taxes and increased rental competition, said Mr Lim.
Most expensive resale condo in December 2023
In December, an estimated 743 units were resold, down 10.4 per cent decrease from the 829 units resold in November, data showed.
Year on year, volumes were 7.1 per cent higher but 11.7 per cent lower than the five-year average volumes for the month of December.
The most expensive condo resold in December was a freehold unit at Four Seasons Park off Orchard Road purchased by a Singapore permanent resident (PR) for $12.5 million, said Mr Lim.
In the city fringe, the most expensive resale unit was $8.4 million for a 99-year leasehold unit at Corals at Keppel Bay, and $4 million for a 99-year leasehold unit at The Trilinq in Clementi.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/condo-resale-prices-up-75-in-2023-rise-for-5th-straight-month-in-december
| 2024-01-25T05:37:55Z
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LOS ANGELES - Doc Rivers, who guided the Boston Celtics to the 2008 National Basketball Association (NBA) title, has reached an agreement in principle to coach the Milwaukee Bucks, ESPN reported on Jan 24.
Rivers, 62, is currently working as an ESPN NBA commentator, a job he began after he was fired as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers in the wake of their play-off exit at the hands of the Celtics last May.
Multiple US media outlets reported Jan 23 that the Bucks were targeting Rivers after the team stunningly sacked head coach Adrian Griffin – who was dismissed with the team ranked second in the Eastern Conference standings.
Griffin, 49, had been appointed in June after the Mike Budenholzer was unceremoniously ditched after the Bucks crashed out of the play-offs in the first round.
ESPN said the Bucks and Rivers “negotiated deep into Tuesday night and Wednesday morning before reaching agreement on a deal”.
Rivers has guided teams to 16 straight winning seasons since he won the title with the Celtics in 2008.
However, he carries some play-off baggage having seen his teams toppled four times when leading a series 3-2. Rivers-coached teams have won only six of 16 playoff game sevens played.
ESPN reported that the Bucks, who won the NBA title in 2021, believe Rivers has the experience to coach the team’s star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who was recruited in the off-season to form an All-Star duo that could propel them back to the top.
Rivers has history in Milwaukee, where he was an All-American guard for Marquette University in the early 1980s.
“We wish Doc well and we look forward to documenting the next chapter of his coaching career,” David Roberts, ESPN’s head of event and studio production, said in a statement.
Rivers, who joined the 76ers in 2020, has also coached the Los Angeles Clippers, Celtics and the Orlando Magic.
After winning the title with Boston in 2008 he led the Celtics to the finals again in 2010.
His last appearance in a conference final was in 2012 with Boston, when they fell to eventual champions Miami. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/doc-rivers-poised-to-coach-milwaukee-bucks-report
| 2024-01-25T05:38:05Z
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LONDON - Former England striker Michael Owen has said he would give son James “my eyes” to help him see fully again.
James Owen, 17, was diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition Stargardt disease aged just eight.
Speaking on the BBC Access All podcast, former Liverpool forward Michael Owen said: “You want to swap with him; if I could give him my eyes and we’d do a swop then I would tomorrow of course... I would pay every cent I’ve got to make James see again.”
James added his central vision is “blurry”, and that he has difficulty in seeing different colours and lights, although he retains good peripheral vision.
Growing up, James had hoped to follow Michael – who made his name at Liverpool – and grandfather Terry, who started his career at city rivals Everton, as a professional footballer.
But it was while playing the game that evidence of his condition emerged, with James starting to have difficulty following the ball and the movements of his teammates.
The condition is inherited, with Michael Owen saying he feared the consequences for James’ adult life.
“As a parent you just want everything to be perfect – and he is – but of course it was a sad time,” said the 44-year-old.
“Thinking about the future – will he be able to drive? Will he be able to work? All these things run through your mind.”
James, however, said he had learned how to adapt to his condition after struggling with the initial diagnosis.
“I’ll notice what colour my dad’s jumper is,” he said. “So if I ever go out, then I would be able to recognise him from the colour, not from his face because I struggle with detail.”
Michael Owen added: “He’s just mentally very, very strong. He’s got a great mindset. I’ve got four children and I’m probably the least worried about James’ future.”
The Owens will release a new documentary, Football Is For Everyone, via TNT Sports and Discovery Plus on January 30.
It will tell James’ story and follow the visually impaired England futsal team as they compete at the 2023 World Cup in Birmingham. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/former-england-footballer-michael-owen-would-give-my-eyes-to-help-son-see-again
| 2024-01-25T05:38:16Z
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HYDERABAD, India - India picked a three-pronged spin attack but did not completely disregard the need for speed against England in the opening test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday.
England captain Ben Stokes, who elected to bat after winning the toss, took a gamble by going into the match with Mark Wood as the lone fast bowler in their spin-heavy attack.
Jack Leach will lead their spin department which also includes teenager Rehan Ahmed, who has played one test, and debutant Tom Hartley.
Part-timer Joe Root is their fourth spin option.
India retained the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj while picking three specialist spinners.
All-rounder Axar Patel pipped Kuldeep Yadav to join Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in India's spin attack for the first match of the five-test series.
"You're not sure what you are going to get, so bat and get a big score," Stokes said at the toss.
"We know the challenge India presents but this is an opportunity to do something special."
His India counterpart Rohit Sharma said they too would have liked to bat first.
"The pitch looks dry. We understand what we need to do and we've got the skills, got guys who can do the job," Rohit said.
"It will be challenging but we're up for it."
Teams:
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Johhny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (captain), Ben Foakes(wicketkeeper), Rehan Ahmed, Mark Wood, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/india-retain-pace-duo-for-series-opener-against-england
| 2024-01-25T05:38:26Z
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A fire broke out at a large oil refinery in the southern Russian town of Tuapse on Wednesday and emergency teams were battling the blaze, Russian news agencies quoted officials as saying.
"According to emergency services of Tuapse district, a fire broke out on the territory of the oil refinery in the town," the agencies quoted a statement by the Krasnodar, or Kuban, region emergencies service.
"The fire is being brought under control. According to initial information, there are no casualties."
Agencies also quoted officials at the region's major airport, in the seaside town of Sochi, about 100 km (60 miles) to the southeast, as saying it had suspended arrivals and departures. Crews and dispatchers were taking all precautions to ensure flight safety in the area.
Sergei Boiko, the head of Tuapse district, said on Telegram that the fire was located in the refinery's vacuum unit -- a secondary processing section. He said efforts to extinguish the fire were continuing.
Unofficial Telegram channels showed pictures of the blaze and said drones had been responsible. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/oil-refinery-in-southern-russia-ablaze-news-agencies-quote-officials
| 2024-01-25T05:38:36Z
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Finn Wolfhard on Ghosts, Cringe Videos, & Making Horror Movies
The ‘Ghostbusters’ star says he’ll believe in ghosts as soon as he sees one.
Finn Wolfhard is an actor we’ve seen grow up before our eyes. He broke onto the scene at only 13 years old as Mike Wheeler on Netflix’s Stranger Things, and his career has been booming ever since. In the past eight years since the show first premiered, he and his character have grown up — and for Wolfhard that has meant exploring other creative pursuits in addition to acting. However, it still seems he cant help but be pulled towards roles in all things scary and supernatural. His latest film, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is set to be released on March 22.
Now, only 21 years old, Wolfhard is also one half of rock duo, The Aubreys, and a director having just premiered his directorial debut, Hell Of A Summer at the Toronto film festival last year. He’s also one of the new “voices” for the newest men’s fragrance from YSL Beauty, MYSLF— another role that seems to fit him just right. “I wear fragrance everyday and look at it as an extension of my personal style,” says Wolfhard, “Especially at special events or when I’m going to be around a lot of people, it’s a silent nod to who I am.”
Get to know Wolfhard better as he takes the NYLON 19, and tells us about his least favorite question to be asked in interviews (and answers it!), cringe videos, and his most recent internet rabbit hole.
1. What’s your astrological sign (and do you believe in it)?
My astrological sign is Capricorn — and I don’t necessarily believe in it — but there’s a lot of people that I know who do. So you know, maybe one day I will be influenced by some of the people around me.
2. Do you believe in ghosts, (and have you ever seen one)?
I don’t believe in ghosts because I haven’t seen one yet. I really want to be able to see one soon so I can believe in them.
3. Who would be the three headliners of the music festival of your dreams?
My dream festival headliners would be The Beatles, Twin Peaks from Chicago, and Teenage Fan club playing their first record all the way through.
4. What's the weirdest snack that you make?
Sometimes I eat cereal for dinner, but you don’t really “make” a bowl of cereal.
5. What's a bad habit of yours that you've been meaning to fix?
Not exercising at all and then feeling winded after going up a flight of stairs.
6. What was the last internet rabbit hole you went down?
I went on a whole deep dive because I watched Deliverance for the first time recently and I went on a deep dive on how they made that movie. Kind of weird rabbit hole to go down but it was very enlightening.
7. Describe your worst date in three words.
This is four words, but “IBS” and “gas station bathroom.”
8. What was the last DM you received?
Not to plug my own movie, but I actually just received a DM from the Ghostbusters official account.
9. What was your first concert, and what are your memories of it?
My first real big concert was a Coldplay concert and I remember it really well because they had these LED bracelets that they gave to everyone in the stadium and so on different songs they’d activate them, and it would create a light show.
10. What's your favorite meme/internet joke and why?
I really like watching cringe videos. They’re great. I guess that’s not technically a meme, but yeah.
11. What was your favorite movie as a kid?
My favorite movie as a kid was probably School of Rock but I also loved the first Rugrats movie and I also really liked Super 8. School of Rock is still my favorite movie.
12. What is one thing everyone should buy that is under $10?
This question reminds me of the hypothetical: “Would you take 500 grand or dinner with Jay Z?”
13. What piece of clothing from high school do you wish you kept?
There’s an old Ramones shirt I had, like a real vintage one I had that I lost. I wish I kept it.
14. What is one question you never want to be asked again?
“Is it actually scary filming a horror movie?” I don’t know why but I’ve just been asked that question so many times, but no it’s not really scary. I just answered the question. LOL.
15. What is your go-to sad song?
My go to sad song for a long time was this song called “Any More Than You Want.” It’s a Twin Peaks song, that my friend Colin wrote, that I could not stop listening to for a long time.
16. What reality show would you most like to appear on?
I just had this conversation with people a few months ago of what would be the best reality TV show that all of our personalities would be suited to…I feel like mine would may be be Big Brother.
17. What is your coffee order?
I don’t drink coffee a lot, but I like drinking sugary drinks, like a vanilla oat latte.
18. What is your favorite fast food place, and what’s your order?
McDonalds. I go with a McChicken. The McChicken is way better in Canada, so I go with a McChicken and large fries and root beer.
19. What is your favorite pair of shoes that you own, and why?
Right now I’m just wearing these New Balances because they look good with everything and they’re incredibly comfortable.
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https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/finn-wolfhard-interview-ghostbusters-frozen-empire-ysl-beauty
| 2024-01-25T06:13:41Z
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Lucy Liu, Kristin Stewart, & Aubrey Plaza Party In Park City — Plus More Sundance 2024 Photos You Missed
From cast parties to vodka-fueled functions and beyond.
This is FOMO, your destination for the best party photos from each week’s most fabulous events. This time, FOMO takes Park City, bringing you the best Sundance 2024 had to offer. Live the IRL fun URL, ahead.
Freaky Tales, Presence, and Ponyboi Cast Parties
Chase Sapphire on Main hosted the cast parties for Freaky Tales, Presence, and Ponyboi from Jan. 18–20, where guests enjoyed bites and cocktails alongside the films’ cast and crews. Pedro Pascal, in one of his first appearances without his sling, partied alongside Bay Area rapper Too Short in celebration of Freaky Friday, while Lucy Liu gabbed with fellow co-stars in the roped-off VIP section following the premiere of Steven Soderberg’s Presence.
Meredith Marks’ Cocktail Party
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City's Meredith Marks hosted a cozy, intimate cocktail soirée with DSW at her Park City boutique on Jan. 19. Guests enjoyed cocktails from infused tequila brand 21seeds, Ketel One, and wine from Wander & Ivy — plus small bites of Meredith Marks Caviar, of course.
The Infatuation After-Hours Party
The Infatuation and Chase Sapphire Reserve teamed up with Denver wine bar Sunday Vinyl on Jan. 19 at Chase Sapphire on Main before evening screenings kicked off. Outside, bundled-up guests stood in a line wrapped around the block, while inside, the wine and cocktails flowed freely as people chatted at reserved tables.
Ketel One Parties
Ketel One had a big presence at Sundance throughout the weekend, hosting a series of parties at Park City hotspots like Star Bar, Handle, and Fletcher’s. Among the events were the cast parties for Sundance standouts like My Old Ass and Love Me, which had fan-favorite stars Aubrey Plaza and Kristen Stewart in attendance.
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https://www.nylon.com/nylon-nights/sundance-2024-party-photos
| 2024-01-25T06:13:42Z
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MELBOURNE - Statues of British colonial figures Captain James Cook and Queen Victoria were damaged in Melbourne on Jan 25, as annual Australia Day celebrations were again marked by division and protest.
On the eve of the country’s national holiday, a now-traditional row over Australia’s often brutal past re-erupted.
In the southern city of Melbourne, a statue of the British explorer was felled – apparently cut off at the shins – and its plinth sprayed with the words “The colony will fall”.
Meanwhile, a nearby likeness of British monarch Queen Victoria was daubed with red paint.
“This sort of vandalism has no place in our community,” said Victoria state premier Jacinta Allan.
Australia Day is held every year on Jan 26.
For most Australians, it is synonymous with a day off work, a barbecue, a trip to the beach and the end of the summer holidays.
But the choice of date – celebrating the arrival of European settlers at Sydney Harbour in 1788 – has become increasingly contentious.
A United States-style culture war has developed, with activists demanding colonial figures be celebrated, or decrying “Invasion Day” as a celebration of cultural genocide.
Polls show a majority of Australians have a more nuanced view, and are keen to keep the public holiday and the name, but are more split about changing the date.
“Australians love their public holidays, I love my public holidays. If we want a public holiday let’s just rebrand it, rebadge it, but let’s move Australia Day to another date,” 50-year-old Melbourne resident Michelle Slater told AFP.
With views on the date mostly split along party political lines – with the right against changes and the left in favour – politicians have at times appeared keen to fan the flames of division.
Conservative opposition leader Peter Dutton recently denounced a “woke” grocery chain that stopped selling Australia Day-branded paraphernalia.
“For Woolworths to start taking political positions to oppose Australia Day is against the national interest,” he claimed.
A recent YouGov poll showed 20 per cent of Australians agreed with Mr Dutton’s call for a boycott of the store, while 66 per cent said they were more concerned with supermarkets’ high prices.
Cricket captain Pat Cummins, perhaps the country’s most prominent sports personality, has also weighed in, suggesting a more inclusive date could be found.
“I absolutely love Australia. It is the best country in the world by a mile,” he said.
“We should have an Australia Day, but we can probably find a more appropriate day to celebrate it.”
Late in 2023, Australians rejected changes to the 1901 constitution that would have recognised the country’s first inhabitants and created an Indigenous consultative body – a “Voice” to Parliament.
The proposal was defeated in every state across the country.
Just under 4 per cent of Australia’s 26 million population are Indigenous. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/statue-toppled-as-australians-reckon-with-bloody-past
| 2024-01-25T07:09:08Z
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A Malaysian man was so fed up with cars blocking his workshop that he decided to take matters into his own hands – by moving the vehicles with a forklift.
The nearly four-minute video posted on Mr Hasan Al Razak’s TikTok account on Jan 21 showed three cars that were parked at the entrance of his shop near Batu Caves in the state of Selangor.
In the video, he can be heard saying: “You are welcomed to go to Batu Caves but please do not park in front of my workshop. I have a business to run.”
He was referring to people visiting the popular tourist attraction just north of Kuala Lumpur.
Batu Caves is home to one of the more popular Hindu shrines outside India and is dedicated to the Hindu god of war Murugan. A 42.7m-tall statue of the deity greets visitors at the entrance of the attraction.
Thousands of tourists and Hindu devotees visit the cave and temple every day, with the numbers expected to rise to two million during the Thaipusam celebrations on Jan 25.
Left with no choice, Mr Hasan got one of his workers to move the cars with a forklift.
The cars were moved to the opposite side of the road, where other vehicles were parked.
“This is the consequences of your actions. If there are dents all over your car, don’t get angry at me, okay?” he added.
Passers-by who watched the unconventional move were bemused, but netizens praised Mr Hasan for his action.
Some said he was showing errant drivers the consequence of their selfish actions, while others say they, too, wanted a forklift to deal with indiscriminate parking in their neighbourhoods.
“Won’t the bottom of the cars be spoilt?,” commented a user with the handle “oatmeal”. Mr Hasan replied that the cars were moved “as gently as possible”.
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| 2024-01-25T07:09:18Z
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TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The first batch of new recruits began serving their one-year compulsory military service in Taiwan on Jan 25 after the conscription period was extended from four months due to government concerns about China's rising military threat.
President Tsai Ing-wen announced the extension in late 2022.
China, which regards self-governing Taiwan as its territory to be reunified, has in recent years regularly carried out military drills around the island as it seeks to assert its sovereignty claims and pressure Taipei. Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claims.
At a recruitment centre in central Taiwan's Taichung, a group of young men gathered in the morning cold to be inducted, as dogs checked their bags for drugs and barbers shaved their heads before changing into army fatigues.
"It is our shared responsibility to adjust the structure of the military and improve combat power. It is also a foundation for us to strengthen our military power," officer Lien Chih-wei told reporters.
Taiwan's army said in a statement that it expected a total of 670 conscripts to join in the first batch under the newly extended scheme.
"In the face of a complex international environment, it is our first priority to build the strong will to resist the enemy," it said.
"The extension of compulsory service to one year will not only enhance immediate combat effectiveness, but will also improve the quality of reserve personnel, strengthen mobilisation energy, and enhance the overall combat effectiveness of national defence."
Ms Tsai has described the previous military system, including training reservists, as inefficient and insufficient to cope with China's rising military threat, especially if it launched a rapid attack on the island.
Conscripts will undergo more intense training, including shooting exercises, combat instruction used by US forces, and operating more powerful weapons including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and anti-tank missiles, according to previously announced plans.
Mr Yin Hsin-shih, 18, said he was a "little bit excited" to be joining up.
"For the country, it will provide the needed defence power given that our neighbouring country is a great threat to our nation," he said, referring to China.
The United States, Taiwan's most important international backer and arms seller despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, has welcomed the conscription reform as part of Taiwan's efforts to boost its ability to defend itself.
However, the period of service in Taiwan is still shorter than the 18 months mandated in South Korea, which faces a hostile and nuclear-armed North Korea.
After Taiwan announced the extension in 2022, China criticised Taiwan for seeking to use the Taiwanese people as "cannon fodder". REUTERS
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| 2024-01-25T07:09:29Z
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Score: A Film Music Documentary (PG13)
94 minutes, limited screenings at The Projector
This 2016 documentary features interviews with more than 50 composers, including Heitor Pereira (Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, 2022), Hans Zimmer (Dune, 2021, for which he earned an Academy Award for Best Original Score), Danny Elfman (Edward Scissorhands, 1990) and directors such as James Cameron and Steven Spielberg.
In addition to interviews covering different aspects of creating music for films, the documentary features behind-the-scenes footage, showing composers working with orchestras and directors.
The screening of the film is a collaboration between The Projector and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, which is presenting E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – Film with Live Orchestra.
Held at the Esplanade Concert Hall on Jan 26 and 27, the screening of Spielberg’s beloved 1982 adventure will take place with the orchestra performing the Oscar-winning score by John Williams. Tickets from $20 are available at www.sso.org.sg
Where: Golden Village x The Projector at Cineleisure, Level 5, 8 Grange Road
MRT: Somerset/Orchard
When: Feb 4 and 12, various times
Admission: $15 for standard ticket prices. SSO Friends Season Pass holders enjoy $2 off
Info: str.sg/gjJ5
Only The River Flows (PG13)
101 minutes, now showing at The Projector, 4 stars
It is 1995 in China. In a village, by the river, the corpse of a poor, elderly goose farmer is discovered. Local police chief Ma Zhe (Zhu Yilong) comes to investigate.
His politically driven superiors pressure him to find someone to hang for the crime because if left unsolved for too long, the case will sully an otherwise stellar departmental record. The stress of the chase finds the cop swimming in the waters of identity, memory and forgetting.
Adapted from acclaimed author Yu Hua’s 1987 short novel Mistakes By The River, the film was nominated in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Beijing-born director and co-writer Wei Shujun’s third feature is remarkably self-assured for a film-maker who has never done a crime drama, much less one that features an unreliable narrator. Wei has adapted the conventions of the noir detective story for rural China in the 1990s without making it feel forced.
John Lui
Johnny Keep Walking! (PG13)
117 minutes, now showing, 3 stars
In this shrewd and briskly entertaining corporate satire, Chinese writer-director Dong Runnian (Mr Six, 2015) delivers a critique of the Byzantine bureaucracy, “voluntary” overtime, nepotism, scapegoating and corrupt bosses that define the modern workplace.
During a round of layoffs, lowly factory technician Hu Jianlin (Da Peng) is mistakenly transferred to the company’s headquarters in the city.
Through a series of farcical misadventures, he not only survives his ill-qualified promotion,but the middle-aged bumpkin also blunders his way further up the management hierarchy under the new name John – more befitting of an “international enterprise”.
The movie has been a massive box-office hit in China by clearly striking a chord with the country’s current generation of aggrieved white-collar professionals.
Whang Yee Ling
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/film-picks-score-a-film-music-documentary-only-the-river-flows-and-johnny-keep-walking
| 2024-01-25T07:09:39Z
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MANILA – Singapore’s theatre scene will be abuzz with American history from April 19, when the Tony-winning musical Hamilton arrives in the Republic for the first time.
The production – which premiered on Broadway in 2015 and with book, music and lyrics by American multi-hyphenate Lin-Manuel Miranda – tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton (1757 to 1804), who will be played by Australian actor Jason Arrow on the international tour.
An immigrant from the West Indies, he played a key role in the American Revolution (1775 to 1783), during which Great Britain’s North American colonies won political independence and went on to form the United States of America.
The sung-and-rapped-through musical has a score that draws heavily from hip-hop, jazz and R&B, as well as traditional show tunes.
The Straits Times caught a performance of Hamilton when it was staged in Manila, the Philippines, in November 2023. It is now playing in Abu Dhabi until February, before coming to the Lion City.
Due to the overwhelming demand, the Singapore season has been extended for an additional two weeks, until June 9.
Given the quick pacing, dense subject and the fact that much of the dialogue works on both literal and symbolic levels, Hamilton may be hard to grasp for first-time audiences.
Here is The Straits Times’ guide to eight themes explored in the revolutionary moment in theatre.
1. Rising up
One key motif involves the characters, such as Hamilton, wanting to reach a higher social position than they were born into.
The protagonist was born out of wedlock on the British island of Nevis in the Caribbean. His father, a Scotsman, abandoned the family in 1766 and his mother, described as a “whore”, died in 1768, leaving him an orphan.
The musical’s opening number, Alexander Hamilton, references Hamilton’s unfortunate start in life. But despite growing up in squalor, he rises to become a hero and scholar. He does so through hard work, intelligence and a hunger to be better.
In 1773, he is sent to King’s College – now known as Columbia University – in New York, a hotbed of political and revolutionary activity.
2. Shaky alliances
It is not always easy to tell friend from foe. Allegiances can be similarly strategic and political in Hamilton, where former allies can turn against one another. Some characters also equivocate rather than say what is on their mind, out of fear that voicing one’s opinion can cause serious trouble down the road.
On July 4, 1776, the United States of America is newly proclaimed by the Continental Congress through the Declaration of Independence, severing their political connections to Great Britain.
That same year, a 19-year-old Hamilton meets Aaron Burr in New York and strikes up a friendship with the fellow orphan. But the audience learns that Burr will eventually fire a gun at Hamilton.
In the song Aaron Burr, Sir, this tentative approach to allegiances can be detected in Burr’s famous piece of advice to Hamilton – “talk less, smile more”.
However, the reluctance to stand for anything will also have its drawbacks, as explored later in the song, The Room Where It Happens.
3. Fighting for one’s beliefs
The characters in Hamilton know full well that opportunities are limited and hard to come by. When circumstances present themselves, one must seize the moment.
This notion is explored in the iconic show-stopping anthem My Shot, when Hamilton shares with his fellow young American revolutionaries his vision of America as an independent colony.
These peers also have their own dreams. Marquis de Lafayette, a Frenchman, dislikes being under a monarch’s rule, while Hercules Mulligan, a tailor’s apprentice, aims to advance socially. John Laurens, an abolitionist, wants equal rights for all and hopes to one day be part of the first all-black US battalion.
Described as “young, scrappy and hungry”, these revolutionaries are positioned as underdogs grabbing hold of the chance to fight for their freedom and place in history.
4. Women’s rights
Women are becoming more educated and assertive in the 18th century. The excitement felt over it by the musical’s female characters is expressed mainly through Angelica, Eliza and Peggy, the three daughters of General Philip Schuyler from the Revolutionary War Army.
In the song The Schuyler Sisters, the witty, forward-looking eldest sister Angelica marvels at the new revolutionary ideas and also espouses gender equality. The softer, more demure middle sister Eliza proclaims how lucky they are to be alive in that time and place, while youngest sister Peggy expresses more conservative ideas, such as an aversion to war and following her father’s instructions.
Although there is still some way to go for female empowerment, the ladies nonetheless hold New York up as “the greatest city in the world”.
5. Fear of failure
What if the American Revolution fails? That is the subject of the satirical song You’ll Be Back, performed by a smug King George III, who was King of Great Britain from 1760 to 1820.
It features the egoistic monarch gleefully foretelling the quashing of the rebellion, and predicting how the American colonists will crawl back to Great Britain. Peppered with snide claims that the colonists “belong” to him, the taunting number provides comic relief, but also serves as a reminder of the grim consequences should the revolution not succeed.
6. Power and its costs
In 1777, Hamilton is appointed lieutenant colonel and aide-de-camp to George Washington, then the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary War Army who will later become the first president of the United States.
The song Right Hand Man, which recounts Hamilton’s appointment, reveals that his way of fulfilling his ambitions and aspirations is through attaining power and fighting wars.
However, success has its price. Burr also applies for the role of aide-de-camp, but is passed over in favour of Hamilton. This snub sows seeds of jealousy and discontent between the two, an idea which is developed further in Wait For It, with deadly consequences.
7. Love comforts
Eliza marries Hamilton in 1780. The R&B number Helpless centres on their meeting at a ball where the Revolutionary War Army was stationed that year, their courtship and wedding. The sweet love song reveals Hamilton’s insecurities over his lack of wealth and station, but also how these feelings of inadequacy are alleviated by Eliza’s love and trust.
Helpless also explores her interest in and devotion to Hamilton. It takes the audience through a roller coaster of emotions – from the nervousness at their first meeting, panic when Hamilton asks her father for her hand, and joy when looking into his eyes. Fidelity and family will continue to be key motivations for the musical’s characters.
8. Duelling to settle disputes
One’s honour and reputation are paramount in Hamilton. So when a dispute emerges, characters challenge one another to duels to resolve their differences.
One such fight takes place in 1778 between John Laurens and Charles Lee, a major general in the Revolutionary War Army who makes disparaging remarks about George Washington. Laurens, one of Washington’s aides, takes offence at these comments.
The hip-hop number Ten Duel Commandments details the way these duels are carried out, from determining a time and place, to getting some pistols and a doctor, to leaving a note for one’s next-of-kin.
Book it / Hamilton
Where: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue
When: April 19 to June 9, 8pm (Tuesdays to Fridays), 2 and 8pm (Saturdays), 1 and 6.30pm (Sundays)
Admission: $80 to $300 via Marina Bay Sands’ website (str.sg/iNDG), Sistic (go to sistic.com.sg or call 6348-5555) and Klook (str.sg/iNDp)
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/guide-to-a-revolutionary-moment-in-theatre-8-themes-in-the-musical-hamilton
| 2024-01-25T07:09:50Z
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Penny Tai 2024 Drift World Tour In Singapore
Malaysian singer-songwriter Penny Tai is back for her first solo Singaporean concert in 11 years.
Over the past two decades, the Mandopop artiste has built up a discography that includes 13 albums and 4 EPs.
She also holds the distinction of being the female artiste with the most number of wins at the Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards.
Her current tour is inspired by her most recent album, The Passive Audience, released in 2022.
Utilising the wind as a concept, the show will be divided into four sections titled Facing The Wind, Riding The Wind, Strong Winds and With The Wind.
Where: The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green
MRT: Buona Vista
When: Jan 26, 8pm
Admission: $98 to $178 via Ticketmaster (go to ticketmaster.sg or call 3158-8588)
WGS Is 5! – Anniversary Show
Cultural heritage hub Wisma Geylang Serai’s fifth anniversary celebrations include a free concert featuring singers from Singapore and Malaysia.
The home-grown line-up includes veteran singer and Cultural Medallion recipient Rahimah Rahim and retro-rock quartet The Pinholes.
Performers from across the Causeway include Kuching-born singer Dayang Nurfaizah, one of the headliners at the Esplanade’s 2023 edition of Malay arts festival Pesta Raya.
Also set to perform are Malaysian celebrities such as singer and TV host Elly Mazlein, also known as Kak Lina Pom Pom, and singers Syamel and Datin Alyah.
Where: Persada Budaya, Level 1 Wisma Geylang Serai,1 Engku Aman Turn
MRT: Eunos
When: Jan 27, 7.45pm
Admission: Free
Kreator – Live In Singapore
Thrash metal stalwarts Kreator, one of Germany’s most successful metal bands, are set to return to Singapore for a show.
The group, which comprise singer-guitarist Miland “Mille” Petrozza, drummer Jurgen “Ventor” Reil, guitarist Sami Yli-Sirnio and bassist Frederic Leclercq, last performed here in 2017.
Formed in 1982, Kreator’s second album, Pleasure To Kill (1986), was an influential release in the global thrash mental community. In 2022, they released their 15th and latest album, Hate Uber Alles.
The concert is part of the Klash Of The Titans World Tour series, which includes a gig by Swedish metal band In Flames on Feb 8.
Where: Esplanade Annexe Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive
MRT: Esplanade
When: Jan 28, 8pm
Admission: From $128 via BookMyShow, go to str.sg/6spX
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/music-picks-concerts-by-penny-tai-and-kreator-rahimah-rahim-and-more-at-wisma-geylang-serai
| 2024-01-25T07:10:00Z
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Small plates with strong flavours at Appetite
Dinner at Appetite is an intimate affair. The cosy dining room is perched on the second floor of a shophouse overlooking Amoy Street. There is only one table: a U-shaped marble counter that fits no more than eight guests. Contemporary art bedecks the walls, jazz music wafts through the room and fashionably oblong ceramic tableware adorns the tables. It feels a bit like scoring an invitation to the home of a sophisticated acquaintance.
Both Appetite and its pricier sister restaurant, the one-Michelin-starred Nouri, are headed by Brazil-born chef Ivan Brehm.
They are modelled on his gastronomic philosophy of experimental dining: The menu is updated almost weekly, drawing inspiration from “global perspective, partner farms and the chef’s culinary explorations”.
This season, the kitchen is experimenting with warm, autumnal flavours.
We polish off an earthy bowl of scissor-cut pasta ($48), stewed in a silky blend of leeks and kabocha pumpkin. It is vibrantly flavourful, topped with garlic chips and showered with a generous heap of truffle shavings.
Portions are modest and leave plenty of room for more carbs, like the potato roulade ($45 or $128 with a tin of caviar) – another new entrant to the menu. This is a rosti all grown up: a crisp golden disc crowned with specks of caviar. Pair it with the wasabi skyr – a thick Icelandic yogurt-like product – to temper the richness of the buttery potato coils.
The potato roulade also goes nicely with the spiced Brittany pigeon ($88), the more refined cousin of the chicken – nuttier, gamier, sweeter. Here, it is roasted deep pink and flanked by chestnut hummus and charred kale. Each element of the dish has been treated with due respect and diligently seasoned. Still, it is an eye-watering price for a tiny slice of bird and I would opt for other meats instead.
Spoilt for choice? There is also a chef’s menu that goes for $182 a person.
Where: 72A Amoy Street
MRT: Maxwell/Telok Ayer
Open: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 6pm to 12am
Tel: 9751-5300
Info: appetitesg.com
Korean comfort food at Jeju Sanghoe
With its hearty bowls of comfort food and clean, lightwood interior, Jeju Sanghoe has been touted as the closest you will get to authentic Jeju cuisine in Singapore. After all, the Korean restaurant, which opened in October 2023, is helmed by a chef from the province.
Well, it has been seven years since my last trip to South Korea, so I cannot vouch for the authenticity, but thankfully, good flavour is universal.
The pork noodle soup ($29) – or Gogi-Guksu – is a balm at the end of a long, tiring day. It is hard to go wrong with springy wheat noodles steeped in a nourishing, robust broth. Be warned, however: The portions are gigantic. If you have only a modest appetite, do not attempt to finish this alone.
If you are dining in a group, you can try more side dishes. Allow yourself the indulgence of ordering the fried chicken with honey garlic sauce ($37). The crunchy, juicy chicken is a treat all on its own but try it with the tangy sauce as well.
Skip the BBQ black pork belly ($28) – which is somehow too dry and too oily – and opt for the other Jeju specialities instead. They include the Halla Mountain braised pork spare ribs (from $79) – a towering mound of meat on vegetables – and abalone porridge ($30).
All dishes are paired with an impressive array of side garnishes that include the usual suspects such as kimchi, as well as the more uncommon options of fried squid and marinated quail eggs.
Where: 74 Tras Street
MRT: Tanjong Pagar
Open: 11.30am to 3pm, 5 to 10pm daily
Tel: 6977-7977
Info: @jejusanghoe_sg on Instagram
Cool relief at Muted Gelato
There is yet another kid on the ice-cream block.
Muted Gelato set up shop in Lavender Street in November 2023. It is the brainchild of 27-year-old Nicole Khoo, who grew up with a keen interest in baking and desserts.
True to its name, decor is kept to a minimum. Soft curves and round edges beckon invitingly, awash in a calming apricot hue.
The flavours, however, are anything but muted. My scoop of Sicilian pistachio is a delight – nutty, fragrant and just savoury enough. It is not too sweet and blessedly free of the grassy aftertaste that plagues inferior counterparts.
For some contrast, I opt for the dark chocolate sorbet, bracing myself for an icy bite with only limp hints of cocoa. To my surprise, my tongue is swathed in a rich, velvety coat that is somehow luxuriantly creamy, yet light enough to keep me going back for more.
Get the ice cream as a single (from $5) or double (from $9) scoop, but only in a cup. Cones are not available as Muted has chosen instead to focus on buttermilk waffles – available for an additional $6.
Where: 221 Lavender Street
MRT: Bendemeer
Open: Noon to 12am daily
Tel: 9229-3887
Info: muted.sg
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/food-picks-new-dishes-at-appetite-jeju-cuisine-at-tanjong-pagar-gelato-at-lavender
| 2024-01-25T07:10:12Z
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Who: Mr Tyson Lim, 30, has been in the interior design industry for the last 10 years, marketing, designing and managing residential renovation projects. In 2020, he decided to strike out on his own and founded Homeez, a tech start-up that allows home owners looking to renovate to get an instant, online quotation. The platform has a free-to-use design software that can create three-dimensional computer renderings and provide estimated costs for materials and execution. Mr Lim describes himself as a workaholic and is focused on making his business a success, often working on weekends. But he also ensures he spends quality time with his wife Annabel, 28, and their two children – Ella, five, and Mike, one.
“One of the fun things we do as a family on weekends is to go around Singapore exploring playgrounds and parks.
There are playgrounds around where we live in Farrer Park, but I feel exploring Singapore this way gives my kids more exposure to the outdoors as well as creates family memories for them. Ella also gets to learn about and experience things not found in textbooks.
When she was into dinosaurs and dragons, my wife and I did some research online and found a playground in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 that still has a Chinese dragon theme playground.
We also found a dinosaur theme playground in Toa Payoh East. A current favourite with Ella is the Adventure Playground at Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park. These are all free to the public.
When I was doing my national service from 2012 to 2013, I was in the commando unit based at Hendon Camp in Changi and often went to Changi Village Hawker Centre for meals.
There is a stall there called Weng Kee Ipoh Hor Fun that serves chicken chop hor fun. I still love it and take my family there to share the experience.
At the same hawker centre, there is something called the Commando Dessert, which is shaved ice topped with red tea jelly and longan, at a stall called Changi V. Dessert House. Commandos wear red berets, so maybe that is how the name came about.
On Saturdays, we take Ella for her dance and Chinese enrichment classes, and in the evenings, we head to my in-laws’ home for dinner.
Annabel’s grandmother also drops by my in-laws’ place to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sometimes we buy food and other times, my mother-in-law whips up her delicious prawn noodles or laksa.
If it is a long weekend, I may take my wife and kids to Johor Bahru, together with my mother, sister and twin brothers. We look for places to shop, eat and just spend time together.
When it was just Annabel and me, we would catch a movie almost every weekend. But now with two kids and my business to run, we made it to only two movies in 2023. So, on weekend evenings, after putting the kids to bed, we catch up on shows we can watch together on television.
If our kids stay with my in-laws over the weekend, Annabel and I go for a date night – usually dinner and a movie.
There was one date-night dinner – at Nox – Dine In The Dark restaurant in Club Street – that left a deep impression on us We were served by waiters and waitresses who were visually impaired, but we did not realise this while having our dinner. It was revealed to us only at the end of the meal.
That dining experience had us reflecting on how we should appreciate what we have, such as family and good health, and not take them for granted, and to have more empathy and gratitude towards others too.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/my-perfect-weekend-with-interior-design-start-up-founder-tyson-lim
| 2024-01-25T07:10:22Z
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Klarra opens new flagship
Home-grown womenswear brand Klarra, known for its feminine wardrobe staples, has a new home in Ion Orchard.
The new flagship boutique, which is bigger than its previous store in basement two, aims to be a haven for weary shoppers.
The 1,485 sq ft store is all curves and calm vibes. Earthy tones and textural wall finishes aim to evoke a cool, cave-like sanctuary, while light fixtures create the subtle glow of sunlight – way down in basement three.
Dedicated space has been carved out for rest areas, including a reading corner for kids, stocked with books curated by founder Beatrice Tan, a mother of three.
The blogshop model-turned-entrepreneur also has a store in Raffles City Shopping Centre, which opened in 2018.
Shoppers can look forward to the widest selection here.
The store carries four lines: Klarra, the namesake line with signature designs such as puff-sleeved dresses; Klarra Mini, an everyday kidswear line and shoes; Klarra Co, a range of home living goods such as scented candles and ceramics; and Klarra Studios, its premium line of elevated essentials.
Stop by for chic staples in neutrals and seasonal brights introduced for Chinese New Year. Prices start at $39 for a top and $79 for a dress.
Info: Klarra Oasis in the City is located at B3-33 Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn
Choo Yilin back with digital trunk show
In need of new jewels for the upcoming festivities? Singaporean jeweller Choo Yilin, known for her contemporary takes on jade, is reopening her website – which has been on hiatus on and off since November 2019 – for a three-day digital trunk show.
From Jan 26 to 28, chooyilin.com will showcase one-of-a-kind pieces with the theme Something Old, Something New. Look forward to 10 jade bangles crafted in Type A jadeite, 18K gold and diamonds, as well as custom-cut Type A Lavender Jade.
There will also be new ranges such as the Warisan Diadem collection, inspired by the lavish headpieces and fine jewellery worn by wealthy Peranakan families of the past.
Designed as modern-day crown jewels, the pieces feature Type A Ice Jade cabochons crafted with a halo of diamonds and set in dual-coloured 18K gold reminiscent of that age.
The digital trunk show is your chance to get your hands on coveted pieces from the designer, who started her jewellery brand in 2009.
She came out of hiatus in July 2022 to host her first digital trunk show. More than half the items – including her signature jade bangles, rings and necklaces – sold out in the first 10 minutes, with waitlists in the hundreds, she says.
She is officially back, but is open for sale only a few days a year. She aims to expand the label’s inspirations beyond Asian stories and motifs to include historically significant artefacts.
As such, for the first time, it will offer six antique jewellery pieces that are 60 to 140 years old. These were sourced from around the world and have been restored and reimagined by Choo.
The first two days of the trunk show are open only to Choo Yilin customers, with Jan 28 open to the public. Prices range from $1,988 to $30,000.
Info: From Jan 26 to 28 at chooyilin.com
French sports sneaker brand Salomon lands in Singapore
Sneakerheads will be jazzed to know that Salomon, a leader in performance footwear and outdoor sports equipment, has opened its first store in Singapore at Raffles City Shopping Centre.
The brand, born in Annecy in the French Alps, has its roots in skiing.
It began in 1947 as a maker of metal edges for skis, before progressing into making skis and ski boots. It later revolutionised the winter sports industry, keeping up with the times by incorporating boarding culture into the business when snowboards began taking off.
Salomon – which was acquired and owned by Adidas from 1997 to 2005 – was then able to tap the sporting giant’s expertise and develop shoes, which kick-started a new niche in making trail-running footwear. Then came hiking and walking shoes for the serious adventurer.
Over the years, the label was adopted by the fashion industry. The Salomon XT-6 ($299), initially designed for performance, has become a fashion favourite with collaborators such as Asian-American designer Sandy Liang and Chinese retailer Costs.
The Singapore boutique carries collections including S/LAB performance running items, designed for world-class athletes, and its popular Sportstyle collection.
One floor above, visitors can also check out an exhibition tracing the legacy of the brand, alongside the latest range of XT-6 styles and upcoming collaboration products.
Info: Salomon is located at 02-31 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road. The Salomon Trail to City Exhibition runs until Feb 14 at the Level 3 atrium.
Anothersole collaborates with Hello Kitty
Local footwear brand Anothersole has tapped Sanrio’s most famous character for its first collaboration.
It is Hello Kitty mania in this eight-piece capsule collection, which features beloved motifs, such as the iconic bow, worked into Anothersole’s Anytime Flats ($179.90), 247 Sneakers ($199.90), Anew Marshmallow Sandals ($109.90) and Anew Mini Bag ($105 to $125).
Go bold or subtle with two options in each style. The 247 Sneakers, for example, come in white with Hello Kitty’s face embossed across the shoe, and in a sparkly pink embellished with rhinestone bows and pink laces.
Info: Available at Anothersole stores, including B2-14A Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, and sg.anothersole.com
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/style/style-news-klarra-opens-new-boutique-french-shoe-brand-salomon-lands-in-singapore
| 2024-01-25T07:10:33Z
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Today in Pictures, Jan 25, 2024
Students taking part in a ‘Magh Snan’ or holy bath in India, massive fire in Ulaanbaatar, and other photos from around the world in Today in Pictures.
Desmond Foo
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29 min ago
Published
34 min ago
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https://str.sg/JAimX
Students from the Swaminarayan Gurukul school take part in a 'Magh Snan' or holy bath in Ahmedabad on Jan 24.
PHOTO : AFP
Firefighters tend to a blaze at the scene of an explosion from a vehicle crash in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia on Jan 24. Six people were killed and 14 injured in a gas explosion caused by a vehicle crash in Mongolia's capital on Jan 24.
PHOTO : AFP
A picture taken from Rafah shows smoke billowing over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment on Jan 24, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
PHOTO : AFP
A journalist, dressed as the "Joker", lies on the ground in front of police members during a one-day national strike, outside the National Congress, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jan 24.
PHOTO : REUTERS
A fan wearing a mask of Al Nassr soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo waits for his appearance in a hotel lobby, in Shenzhen, China on Jan 24.
PHOTO : EPA-EFE
Army Service Corps 'Tornadoes' of the Indian Army participate in a full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day parade, in Bengaluru on Jan 24.
PHOTO : AFP
A spectacled bear sits on top of a tree at Schoenbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria on Jan 24. The spectacled bear is the only bear native to South America and is the largest land carnivore in that part of the world
PHOTO : AFP
Models present creations by Viktor & Rolf during the Women's Haute-Couture Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Week in Paris, on Jan 24.
PHOTO : AFP
A flock of pigeons fly in front of the Lord Murugan Statue during the Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on Jan 25. Hundreds of thousands of Hindus celebrated the annual Thaipusam festival on Jan 24, gathering in temples across Malaysia, with many displaying their devotion by piercing their bodies with hooks and skewers.
PHOTO : AFP
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