What's News: May 22, 2017

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (left) at a conference held on the sidelines of the Apec 23rd Ministers responsible for Trade Meeting, on May 21, 2017.
PHOTO: AFP

TOP OF THE NEWS

TPP to go ahead without US

The Trans-Pacific Partnership has got a new lease of life after the remaining 11 signatories, including Singapore, agreed yesterday to move the trade deal forward without the participation of the US.

The support for the trade pact was remarkable as it came on the sidelines of a fractious Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.


TOP OF THE NEWS

United to fight terror funding

United States President Donald Trump yesterday met leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council nations, and they agreed to set up a centre to combat the financing of terrorism. Mr Trump also noted Muslim leaders' efforts against extremism and urged them to do more.


PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in Shah Alam yesterday. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

WORLD

Anwar 'can be Malaysian PM'

Anwar Ibrahim, the de facto leader of Malaysia's Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), could become the country's next prime minister if the opposition wins the general election, according to a party leader. PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli said that the party's interim prime minister-designate and Anwar's wife, PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, could use her power to free him.


WORLD

China 'killed CIA sources'

The Chinese government killed or imprisoned more than a dozen Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) sources in China over two years, dismantling spying operations and crippling US intelligence-gathering efforts for years after, said unnamed CIA officials.


OPINION

Anti-Russia fever in the US

Washington is in the grip of anti-Russia fever, says Europe correspondent Jonathan Eyal. US officials were caught unawares by the web of Western businessmen Russia has cultivated over decades. Now, they are over-reacting and the outcome is likely to be havoc.


HOME

No fidget toys in classrooms

In Singapore, some teachers have banned the fidget spinner toy from their classrooms because it can cause distraction to students. The gizmo, which is said to benefit those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is the latest craze among students here.


HOME

Ride-hailing business boom

The ride-hailing business is booming in Singapore, with private-hire services making up half the market for point-to-point transport options. The Singapore bosses of Uber and Grab talk about their rapid growth and the challenges ahead.


BUSINESS

Iskandar Malaysia, 11 years in

As Iskandar Malaysia heads into its 11th year of an ambitious 20-year plan, concerns over an excess supply of homes and the viability of the area still linger. Still, the region is continuing to attract investors and the population is increasing.


SPORTS

US coach 'violated drug rules'

Celebrated United States athletics coach Alberto Salazar broke anti-doping rules with British multiple Olympic champion Mo Farah and other elite runners, the New York Times has claimed, citing a confidential US Anti-Doping Agency report. The newspaper described a culture of coercion, secrecy and possible medical malpractice in the programme.


ST PHOTO: DAVE LIM

LIFE

Crosstalk veteran honoured

Cultural Medallion recipient Han Laoda - who has charmed audiences with original xiangsheng, or crosstalk, scripts since 1968 - received the inaugural Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award in the individual category last Saturday. The award for the organisation category went to Siong Leng Musical Association, which specialises in nanyin performances.


VIDEO

Ang moh fishball noodle seller?

Meet Mr Prem Singh - the "ang moh kia" who sells Teochew fishball noodles. http://str.sg/fishball

VIDEO

Car beauty pageant

Autobahn Motors general manager Gary Hong talks about his giant vending machine for supercars. http://str.sg/carmachine

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 22, 2017, with the headline What's News: May 22, 2017. Subscribe