TOP OF THE NEWS
In an audio recording on his blog, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak criticised the organisers of this weekend's Bersih rally. He said the country's Independence Day should not be a platform for airing political differences. The Bersih rally, which protests against Datuk Seri Najib's alleged bid to muzzle criticism of his administration, will clash with Independence Day parade rehearsals.
TOP OF THE NEWS
Bourses across Asia rebounded yesterday, capping a volatile week best described as bipolar, on a high note. But most could not reverse the damage wrought by Black Monday's savage global selloff, and posted losses for the week.
WORLD
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un fired officials from the country's top military decision-making body yesterday, just days after the two Koreas reached an uneasy truce over a mine blast. Neither names nor reasons were given but there was speculation that the move was made in response to the truce.
WORLD
Threat to Asia's coastal cities
Asia is building coastal megacities without enough regard for the growing threat of powerful storms, insurers and disaster risk experts say. Of the world's 10 cities most exposed to coastal flooding, Asia is expected to have eight, including Mumbai and Tianjin.
OPINION
Behind all the panic this week in stock markets was heightened concern over the health of the Chinese economy. No, the world's second-largest economy is not on the verge of an imminent collapse, says China watcher and economist John Wong.
HOME
Local firm bags global award for farming system
A vertical farming system that can grow 10 times as many vegetables as traditional methods has won a local firm a prestigious design award.
Sky Urban Solutions received the biennial INDEX: Award in Denmark on Thursday night.
HOME
The Bestway Building near Shenton Way, the former site of Singapore Polytechnic, is "being studied for conservation", said the authorities, after a Straits Times reader expressed concern that the building might be demolished.
HOME
The Action Plan for Successful Ageing must appeal to senior citizens with a wide range of interests, as well as those who are socially isolated, experts say. The plan aims to let Singaporeans learn, volunteer and live independently long after retirement.
BUSINESS
The share price of agri-business Olam International surged as much as 13 per cent yesterday, as investors gave a big thumbs up to news that Japanese trading giant Mitsubishi Corporation is buying a 20 per cent stake worth $1.53 billion in the mainboard-listed company.
SPORT
Singapore's top woman cyclist Dinah Chan is training in Queensland under Australia's Sara Carrigan, the 2004 Olympic gold medallist in the women's road race. Chan's coach Daniel Loy, who will be moving to Britain, put her in touch with the Australian, who has only good things to say about her new protege.
LIFE
The local hit music video Unbelievable has inspired a movie titled Mr Unbelievable, starring the tune's singer, Chen Tianwen (above). The $1 million production will start filming next month and is slated for release in December. The music video, from an episode of Channel 5 show Spouse For House, became an overnight hit when it was released online in April.
