Top stories from The Straits Times on Sunday, March 11

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kickstart your Sunday, March 11.


Eight-day Budget debate put focus on Singapore's future and 4G leaders

MPs filed 530 ''cuts'', or questions, for the 16 ministries, and were allocated 52 hours to deliver them, the longest over the past five years. PHOTO: GOV.SG/SCREENGRAB

Analysts and observers give their take on the quality of the debate, as well as on the performance of the PAP's and WP's 4G leaders.

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Important for Govt to remove any doubt about timing of GST hike to protect its integrity: Chee Hong Tat

Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Health Chee Hong Tat was responding to comments made by Workers' Party chairman Sylvia Lim in parliament about the GST hike. PHOTOS: YOUTUBE/GOV.SG

Mr Chee explained that the issue could later be used for political attacks, including at the next general election.

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Iconic buildings up for sale: Time to bid adieu to faded landmarks?

(Clockwise from top left) People's Park Complex, People's Park Centre, Golden Mile Complex and Golden Mile Tower. ST PHOTOS: KELVIN CHNG/KHALID BABA

Four post-independence landmarks might soon disappear from Singapore's skyline. The Sunday Times speaks to the people whose lives are enmeshed with the buildings.

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Do you know what your 11-year-old is doing?

With the relative affordability of personal smart devices and easy access to the Internet, more youngsters are exposed to inappropriate adult content from an early age, say experts. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

The recent court cases of underage sex and abuse highlight the issue of kids' easy access to Internet and the need for sex education.

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RSAF makes a landing at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh this weekend to mark its golden jubilee

A total of 50,000 people are expected to turn up at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh over March 10 and 11 for the RSAF50@Heartlands activities. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Visitors will be treated to static displays of aircraft and weapon systems, as well as photo-taking booths with different animated backgrounds.

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Lunch With Sumiko: Hawker Chan and his lucky star

Mr Chan Hon Meng in his Hawker Chan outlet in 18 Tai Seng, after the peak-hour lunch period. Soon after his Chinatown hawker stall got a Michelin star, he partnered Hersing Culinary to expand his business. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

Chan Hon Meng of Michelin star fame says luck has played a big role in his life. But hard work, a unique product and not being greedy have also been important factors.

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It Changed My Life: Domestic violence moved her to help disadvantaged women

Ms Carrie Tan first started DOT as a social enterprise, helping underprivileged women in India by paying them to make handicrafts, which she would sell in Singapore. ST PHOTO: ALVIN HO

Once a successful headhunter, Carrie Tan overcame a failed marriage to start a social enterprise that helps underprivileged women in India.

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Donald Trump says North Korea agrees not to test missiles 'through meetings'

Trump signing executive orders at the White House in Washington, in January 2018. PHOTO: NYTIMES

Seeking to rally international support for a potential summit, the US President said he believed that North Korea would honour their agreement.

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Hong Kong goes to polls in crunch vote for democrats

Banners for pro-democracy by-election candidate Au Nok-hin in Hong Kong, on March 9, 2018. PHOTO: AFP

Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp will try to claw back lost seats as polls opened early Sunday in controversial by-elections that have exposed the heart of the city's political divide.

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Bangkok's under-the-radar markets still serving street food

(Clockwise from top left) JJ Green, Khlong Lat Mayom, Wang Lang market and Boat Noodle Alley. PHOTOS: CLARA LOCK

With the street food ban taking hold of many well-loved food alleys, check out these markets that cater to locals and are not yet on the tourist radar.

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