BOUTIQUE financial services firms which proliferated in the recent boom years are suffering a severe shake-out as the global financial crisis takes a heavy toll on their business.

UNDERAGE smokers caught lighting up were at an all-time high last year and authorities here are about to get tougher to stamp out the habit by changing labelling on packs, banning e-cigarettes and possible revisions to penalties.

BEDOK Town Centre has changed little over the past 30 years, but that is all set to change when it opens its first mall in the third quarter of next year.

Frasers Centrepoint is developing the five-level mall of shops, eateries and entertainment outlets to compete with popular malls in Tampines and Pasir Ris.