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China races to build massive biobanks – latest front in geopolitical rivalry

China’s National Biobank has grown into one of the world’s largest since launching in Shenzhen in 2016 and Beijing is pushing to make it the biggest.

Bugis Street Level 2 goes quiet with 80% of shops shuttered. What’s next for the bargain hub?

Closed storefronts seen on the second floor of Bugis Street on April 22.

ST PHOTO: Jasel Poh

Economists rethink China forecasts as AI fires up import surge

As Chinese companies hoover up high-end chips needed for AI, imports are set to jump to a five-year high of 5 per cent in 2026, according to economists polled.

US Justice Department ends criminal probe of Fed chair Jerome Powell, clearing path for Warsh

US Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell has been routinely criticised by US President Donald Trump for not following his calls to cut interest rates more quickly.

$1 million bonuses: Chip giants soaring payouts to staff fan fears of widening inequality

SK Hynix allocates 10 per cent of operating profit to employees as bonuses. Thanks to the AI boom, that resulted in an average payout of 1.5 times annual salaries in 2025.

Singapore inflation accelerates as Iran war drives up petrol prices; higher costs expected to spread

Private transport inflation jumped to 6.6 per cent year on year in March, from 2.4 per cent in February as the Iran war drove up petrol prices.

China’s factory hub faces gas price shock as Iran war tightens supply

The Chinese industrial hub of Guangdong, a zone comparable in size to South Korea, has seen some electricity prices almost double,

US Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh says he will not be a ‘puppet’ controlled by Trump

Kevin Warsh, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to be next chair of the Federal Reserve, testifies before a Senate Banking Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 21, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

South Korea’s early trade data shows export momentum still strong

Semiconductor exports surged 182.5 per cent, driving overall shipments.

China flashes new high-tech swagger to world markets convulsed by war

A robot from Huibo Robotics is pictured cleaning a desk at the Canton Fair, in Guangzhou , China, on April 15.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.