Manpower reporter Joanna Seow said the growing workforce of professionals, managers, executives and technicians needs more support and training because their jobs are more susceptible to business cycle downturns. http://str.sg/448h

Singapore banks weathered last year better than their Europe and United States counterparts. But business reporter Rachael Boon observed that they are not immune to headwinds in the financial industry. http://str.sg/44ms

South Korean Correspondent Chang May Choon said that North Korea's first national party congress in 36 years, held yesterday, is nothing less than an elaborate occasion for Mr Kim Jong Un to reaffirm his power and set his agenda. http://str.sg/44ML

Manpower Correspondent Toh Yong Chuan hailed the tie-up between the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to offer working adults part-time university courses as a bold move. http://str.sg/44Nh

The Singapore Police Force is launching fast-response teams trained to deal with armed threats. Assistant News Editor Royston Sim said that speed and the community's support are equally important when responding to terror threats. http://str.sg/44cD