Japan poised to restart nuclear reactor

Japan is set to restart the No. 1 reactor at the Sendai nuclear power plant today, ending a period of about two years, when the country was totally nuclear-free. The 31-year-old reactor, loaded with atomic fuel, is expected to reach maximum capacity later tonight. The move comes amid protests and opposition from those who have been scarred by the meltdown of the Fukushima plant, which forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.

Shifting power balance in Asia

Several of the most advanced thinkers on international relations will share their thoughts on the shifting power balance in Asia at the opening panel of the East Asia Symposium today. Organised by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, the opening panel will feature, among others, former head of civil service Peter Ho and Professor Michael H. Armacost, fellow at Stanford University.

Dull Q2 growth data expected

It is unlikely that economists are starting the work week with optimism, as the Ministry of Trade and Industry is set to announce what is expected to be a dull set of numbers for Singapore's second-quarter economic growth.

According to its advance estimates released last month, gross domestic product grew by a surprisingly thin 1.7 per cent from April to June over the same period last year.