What's News: February 23, 2018

Student Carson Abt (right) listening to Mr Donald Trump at Wednesday's meeting.
Student Carson Abt (right) listening to Mr Donald Trump at Wednesday's meeting.

TOP OF THE NEWS

Plan to register e-scooters

An expert panel has recommended that electric scooter users register their devices. The Active Mobility Advisory Panel said action is needed because of the increasing number of e-scooter riders riding in an inconsiderate and reckless manner. The proposal to regulate e-scooters has been submitted to the Ministry of Transport. 

TOP OF THE NEWS

Arm teachers, says Trump

United States President Donald Trump has suggested that arming teachers could help prevent massacres such as last week's mass shooting at a Florida high school. Mr Trump voiced support for the idea during an emotional White House meeting on Wednesday with students who survived the shooting and a parent whose child did not. 

WORLD

Discord in Malaysia opposition

Malaysia's Pakatan Harapan opposition pact has been locked for over a month in a tense stalemate over seats in Selangor, with long-standing grouses boiling to the surface. The four parties have busted two deadlines to finalise who will stand across the 56 state legislative wards. The final cut-off looms today. 

WORLD

EU takes up post-Brexit issues

European Union leaders are gathering in Brussels today to begin tackling some contentious challenges: How much each country should pay into the union's common budget after Britain leaves the EU next year, and how the union's institutions will be organised for the remaining 27 member states. 

OPINION

Expanding Asean trade links

As Asean economic ministers gather in Singapore for a retreat next week, they have the opportunity to discuss far-reaching initiatives that could change the face of regional commerce, says associate editor Ravi Velloor. 

HOME

Perks for migrant workers

Migrant workers can join a free membership programme which offers them benefits in banking, remittances and other services. The Migrant Workers' Centre and POSB said up to 200,000 workers could benefit in the first year of the membership programme. 

HOME

Tackling mental illness early

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and the Institute of Mental Health have been training primary care doctors to pick up on signs of mental illnesses when seeing patients. The scheme also involves three polyclinics in Ang Mo Kio, Yishun and Woodlands. 

BUSINESS

StanChart sinks roots here

Standard Chartered Singapore will be the first major international bank here to fully consolidate its local business. This means it will have to set aside more capital against banking assets soon to be held under the local subsidiary.

The bank remains domiciled in Britain, but has significant global operations here. 

SPORT

Good showing by Schooling

Joseph Schooling's University of Texas swimming team won the men's 200-yard medley relay at the Big 12 Championships. The 22-year-old senior clocked 19.6 seconds for his 50-yard butterfly leg as the Texas Longhorns cruised to victory in 1min 24.3sec. The Singaporean is shaping up well for his last National Collegiate Athletic Association meet next month. 

LIFE

Dua Lipa shines at Brit Awards

At age 15, Dua Lipa moved to London alone from Kosovo and worked as a model and in a nightclub while she chased her musical dreams. On Wednesday, she was named best female solo artist and breakthrough act at this year's Brit Awards in London. Other winners includerapper Stormzy, Ed Sheeran and One Direction star Harry Styles. 


Straits Times Digital

VIDEO 

Nabbed at sea

Former City Harvest Church fund manager Chew Eng Han was arrested at sea while allegedly trying to flee Singapore. str.sg/flee

VIDEO 

Marine firefighters

These rescuers must suit up in gear weighing 9kg in less than a minute and scale a pilot ladder that is 5m to 9m long to breach a vessel on fire. str.sg/oivM

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 23, 2018, with the headline What's News: February 23, 2018. Subscribe