Sleek, agile and interactive, the newest version of The Straits Times' mobile app embraces storytelling in the digital age.

The refreshed app, which was released earlier this week, introduces some new features that aim to improve the reading experience for its users.

Now, users can personalise their news by selecting up to four sections of the paper on a customisable home page.

The app also features a live blog under the section ST Now, which delivers the most salient information in bite-sized stories, allowing users to stay informed on the go.

The update has been welcomed by many of the app's returning users. Bank manager John Wee, 59, said: "I've used the previous apps and find the new version to be an improved one."

Ms Yow Shuning, 20, a Singaporean studying in Osaka University, said the new version is "so much better" compared with the previous ones as it tackled bug issues that had caused her app to crash at times.

The update signals The Straits Times' commitment to adapting to the changing needs of its increasing online audience.

Features such as the ST Now live blog and the breaking news push notifications have been well received by busy Singaporeans.

Ms Rebecca Heng, 21, a Nanyang Technological University student, said: "I like how the app has the ST Now section.

"The news reported is concise and detailed enough to keep me updated because, as a busy student, I don't have much time to read."

For those more familiar with the print version of The Straits Times, the update of the e-paper has the print edition automatically preloaded over Wi-Fi for subscribers.

Another new feature: Readers can now tap and hold on sections of the e-paper, to share articles and advertisements with their friends and family.

The app's latest update comes a year after its previous overhaul, which received a silver award at the 2015 Asia Digital Media Awards organised by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (Wan-Ifra).

Mr Tan Joon Hong, 60, chief operating officer at a food and beverage company, said the app's new features will be "popular with users on the go" as readers will not have to wait for the paper to come out the next day to be updated on the news.

Said Straits Times editor Warren Fernandez: "This update aims to build on last year's effort, addressing the feedback we got, and seeking as always, to serve our readers better."