What's News: December 10, 2015

The logo of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. PHOTO: REUTERS

TOP OF THE NEWS

Economists see slower growth

A Monetary Authority of Singapore survey of private sector economists has found that they expect Singapore's economy to grow at

1.9 per cent for this year, down from an earlier forecast of 2.2 per cent. For next year, forecasters are hopeful that the economy will do slightly better as global conditions stabilise.

TOP OF THE NEWS

Trump shrugs off criticism

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump brushed off criticism of his remarks calling for Muslims to be banned from entering the US. He remained unrepentant even as he was criticised by the White House, and from as far afield as London and Cairo.

WORLD

Smog pays off for some

Not everyone is unhappy about the heavy smog shrouding northern China. Sellers of face masks and air purifiers, as well as some other unexpected items like condoms, sportswear and sports utility vehicles, have seen soaring sales. In contrast, factory owners are suffering, with factories ordered to shut for three days.

WORLD

Third Paris shooter identified

The third gunman in the attack on Paris' Bataclan music hall has been identified. The suspect is a 23-year-old man from the eastern French city of Strasbourg, said French Prime Minister Manuel Valls. French media have identified him as Foued Mohamed Aggad.

OPINION

Story of dignity and courage

In the midst of doping and money scandals in sports, the Asean Para Games held here opened the eyes of many to the dignity and courage of athletes with disabilities. The Games has paved the way for a more inclusive Singapore, writes Jonathan Wong.

HOME

Art used without permission

An upcoming boutique hotel in Katong has upset a local artist by using his illustrations in an image of one of its rooms - without his permission. Mr Richard Lee Xin Li is said to be in "discussions" with the owner of Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong.

HOME

$1.4m prize:Teacher pulls out

A Singapore teacher shortlisted for a $1.4 million education prize has pulled out of the event, citing "personal reasons". Dr Muhammad Nazir Amir teaches science at Greenview Secondary School - his lessons include getting students to design toys.

BUSINESS

Home prices likely to stay low

Analysts expect that there will not be a major correction in prices next year but factors from oversupply to lending curbs will keep prices of private homes and executive condominiums (ECs) depressed. They do not see any of the property cooling measures being relaxed in the near term.

At the Asean Para Games, Ras (above) swopped her mike and make-up for rifle and pellets as Malaysia's sole shooting representative. ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN

SPORT

Undaunted, she will aim high

Malaysia's sole shooter in the Asean Para Games, Ras Adiba Radzi, may have failed to make the final of her air rifle event after equipment failure. But the newscaster, motivational speaker and entrepreneur is determined to continue championing the cause of disabled people and shoot better.

LIFE

Tisci twist for Givenchy

Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci has been widely credited for the brand's success in recent years. His high-profile friendships with celebrities, such as actress Julia Roberts, have helped the brand see a double-digit year-on-year percentage growth in global sales for the past three years.

LIFE

Award for budding chefs

A new award to honour apprentice chefs will be introduced at the World Gourmet Summit's Awards of Excellence next year. The awards recognise the best in the food, beverage and hospitality industries here and across Asia. Two other award categories will also be introduced: the Chef's Choice Award (Asian cuisine) and Chef's Choice Award (Western cuisine).

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 10, 2015, with the headline What's News: December 10, 2015. Subscribe