TOP OF THE NEWS
Singapore's trade got off to a strong start in 2018, with growth in non-electronics exports more than making up for the second straight month of decline in electronics. Non-oil domestic exports rose 13 per cent year on year in January, up from a 3.1 per cent rise in December.
TOP OF THE NEWS
The 51st War Memorial Service to remember civilian victims who died during the Japanese Occupation was held yesterday, the anniversary of the fall of Singapore. The service at War Memorial Park was attended by about 1,200 people, including families of war victims and diplomats.
WORLD
Radical Islamic cleric Aman Abdurrahman faces the death penalty after being charged yesterday with inciting others to commit terror attacks in Indonesia, including one in Jakarta in 2016 that left four bystanders dead. The prosecutor said that Aman had often described democracy as "syirik", or idolatry, while preaching in places such as Jakarta or Surabaya.
WORLD
Malaysia say sits debt is at a manageable level, but critics have raised concerns over how much interest is being paid and whether borrowing by state firms hides a growing problem. Nearly all the personal income tax collected this year will go to paying interest.
OPINION
China continues to power ahead four decades after former leader Deng Xiaoping set it in a new direction. As a giant on the global stage now, it needs to be more mindful of the impact of its actions, says associate editor Ravi Velloor.
HOME
After 77 years as an all-girls school. Canossa Convent Primary will be enrolling boys in Primary 1 from next year. Principal Eugenie Tan said the idea had been deliberated on over the past two years. The school will be renamed Canossa Catholic Primary.
HOME
Local researchers using a new screening technique have extracted previously undetectable traces of a vegetable pesticide. This method is 10 times more sensitive than conventional methods. The compound, in large amounts, can cause cancer.
BUSINESS
HK's reserves set to hit a high
Measures to boost Hong Kong's competitiveness through innovation are widely expected to be a prominent feature of the city's Budget on Feb 28, amid expectations that reserves will hit a record high. The Big Four accounting firms in Hong Kong expect an estimated surplus of between HK$150 billion (S$26 billion) and HK$180 billion.
SPORT
Cheyenne Goh, 18, Singapore's first Winter Olympian, makes her speed skating debut at the Gangneung Ice Arena tomorrow in the heats of the short-track 1,500m event. She will be cheered on by a group of 15 family members, including her parents and two brothers, and friends. Appropriately, she described the competition rink as "cool".
LIFE
Although home-grown actor and comedian Kumar will turn 50 only in August, the funnyman is already marking his golden jubilee in a major way with a stand-up comedy stage show titled Kumar 50. It will be held at Capitol Theatre from Feb 28 to March 11.
VIDEO
New Year greetings
The Straits Times wishes readers a prosperous Year of the Dog. str.sg/oiZP
VIDEO
Origins of CNY customs
Alyssa explains the origins of hongbao and why giving mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year is a must. str.sg/oinL
