What's News: October 5, 2016

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaking during a news conference in Davao city, southern Philippines on Aug 21, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS

TOP OF THE NEWS

S'pore-India links to deepen

A year after Singapore and India upgraded their ties to a Strategic Partnership, the leaders of both countries yesterday met again to reaffirm their commitment to deepen the bilateral relationship and work together in several areas.

These areas include trade and investment, defence and security, and niche areas such as developing smart cities and skills training.

TOP OF THE NEWS

Dengue vaccine approved

The authorities here have approved a new dengue vaccine, which will be available in a few months. Dengvaxia is the world's first vacacine against dengue, and is more effective in people who have had dengue before.

PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WORLD

Thai MPs plan new party

Pro-establishment lawmakers in Thailand are planning to launch a new political party to ensure Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha can stay in power after the election next year. But Mr Prayut has said he would not accept a nomination to become prime minister again unless all other options are exhausted.

WORLD

Duterte lashes out at US again

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday that the United States is the only country that benefits from joint war games with Manila, as what might be the last amphibious landing exercises between the two countries began on Luzon island.

OPINION

Implications of new tax climate

With governments going after companies such as Google and Apple for taxes, Singapore has been in the spotlight for its low corporate tax rate. Yasmine Yahya discusses the changed climate and implications for Singapore's competitiveness.

HOME

Call for pasar malam park

The Trade Fair Merchants' Association has proposed that a night market theme park be set up to preserve Singapore's pasar malam culture. The group said the plan was a response to problems faced by operators of night markets.

HOME

Man's jail term cut on appeal

A three-judge appeal court has cut the jail term imposed on Rosdi Joenet for killing his wife, from nine to 71/2 years. The court said it was "unsatisfactory" that Rosdi, 51, had received no psychiatric treatment while remanded in custody, though he was diagnosed to be suffering from a delusional disorder.

BUSINESS

Swissco seeks to restructure

Singapore-listed rig and vessel chartering group Swissco Holdings said yesterday that it is seeking to restructure $100 million worth of bonds, including a $2.85 million coupon payment due on Oct 16. It has appointed Ernst & Young to advise on the refinancing, and is in discussions with bank lenders as well as funds and individuals.

Sundramoorthy will lead the Lions against Malaysia in his first home game on Friday. ST PHOTO: DESMOND W

SPORT

Sundram upbeat on progress ahead of Suzuki Cup

Despite a tough start as caretaker Singapore coach, V. Sundramoorthy is confident the Lions have the right blend of youth and experience to do well in next month's AFF Suzuki Cup. And it will be a proud moment when he leads them against Malaysia in his first home game on Friday.

Ming Poon will challenge people to bare all. PHOTO: GIAN MARIA MUSSARA

LIFE

Baring all at Fringe Festival

Singaporean dancer Ming Poon will challenge one participant at a time to literally bare all along with him in Undressing Room, a highlight of next year's M1 Singapore Fringe Festival. The festival is designed to push viewers' comfort zones, with explorations of racial and national identity. Organisers expect a few shows will be rated R18.

LIFE

Animation festival returns

Animation Nation, a festival of animated film works, returns after a five-year hiatus.

To be held from Oct 13 to Oct 16, the event will have a special section on Oscar-winning Australian film-maker Adam Elliot, who will be speaking at the festival, as well as a showcase of local animators' short-form works.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 05, 2016, with the headline What's News: October 5, 2016. Subscribe