THE United States is committed to long-term engagement with Asean despite a plethora of geopolitical challenges demanding its attention elsewhere, says a senior US diplomat.

In an interview ahead of this month's inaugural US-Asean Summit in Singapore, US envoy for Asean affairs Scot Marciel said Washington would like to work more closely with Asean on a range of global as well as regional issues, such as climate change, disaster relief, and economic integration.

ABU DHABI - SEBASTIAN Vettel led his Red Bull team-mate Australian Mark Webber home in an impressive one-two triumph in Sunday's season-ending inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the first 'day-night' race in Formula One history .

The 22-year-old German, in commanding form on the spectacular Yas Marina circuit, took full advantage of the early retirement of Briton Lewis Hamilton with brake problems on his McLaren Mercedes to seize his fourth win of the year.

THE Government is aware of public concerns over issues such as the cost of living, pricier HDB flats and the problems faced by those described as the sandwiched class, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday.

DAVID Sivalingam, coach of Singapore's Asian Youth Games and Youth Olympic Games football teams, died on Sunday evening after collapsing at a football game. He was 51.

Tragedy struck the Football Association of Singapore staff coach during a charity game at the Indian Association. The match was organised by some former players, including Sivalingam, and friends to raise money for former Woodlands Wellington winger S. Anthonysamy, who was paralysed after a tackle in 1996.