What's News: June 17, 2017

TOP OF THE NEWS

S'pore exports down in May

Singapore's non-oil domestic exports declined 1.2 per cent last month, trade agency IE Singapore said. It was the second straight month of contraction after five months of growth. While robust electronics shipments continued to support export numbers, some analysts worry that the overall showing may be a sign that the global export rally is tapering off.

TOP OF THE NEWS

New presidential candidate?

Four men collected application forms for a potential presidential candidate yesterday from the Elections Department. They declined to name him, but sources said that person is Mr Farid Khan Kaim Khan, 62, the chairman of marine service provider Bourbon Offshore Asia Pacific.

The 24-storey Grenfell Tower, where a fire broke out on Wednesday. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WORLD

London fire death toll rises

The death toll in a fire at a high-rise building in London has risen to 30, with at least 76 people still unaccounted for. Anger at the local authorities is palpable, with many questioning whether a recent refurbishment of the building with aluminium cladding contributed to the inferno.

WORLD

Scrutiny on Jakarta mosques

The Indonesian government aims to counter the radicalisation of mosques in Jakarta by using plainclothes officials to find out who manages them and what they preach. A task force has found out that some mosques are run by radicals, according to a source.

OPINION

Helping dads be caregivers

Many fathers want to spend more time with their children but feel pushed by societal factors to stay career-oriented and let their wives be the main caregivers. This Father's Day weekend, it is worth considering how to change that, writes Dr Chong Siow Ann.

HOME

Cancer patient remembered

Strangers were among the hundreds who turned up at the funeral wake of Mr Koh Ming Hao, who died on June 8 after a four-year battle with stomach cancer. Many said they were touched by the 34-year-old, who detailed his fight on social media.

HOME

Job help for para-athletes

The SpexBusiness government scheme has helped some 20 Team Singapore athletes with disabilities secure jobs or internships. But the disabled, including para-athletes, still find it hard to secure jobs in the current sluggish job market.

BUSINESS

Challenging oil price outlook

Oil prices hit a seven-month low on Thursday, although there was a slight recovery yesterday. Increased production is the main reason. Even as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries pledged to extend cuts in production, the impact has been undermined by increased production in the United States.

SPORT

Fowler ties record at US Open

American golfer Rickie Fowler dominated the opening day of the US Open, his 65 equalling the record seven-under totals posted by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf in 1980. The struggles of rivals Dustin Johnson (75), Jordan Spieth (73) and Rory McIlroy (78) highlighted the prospect of Fowler finally winning his first Major.

LIFE

X Factor finalist to sing here

Singapore-born Natalie Ong, who made headlines as a finalist on The X Factor Australia last year, has been getting more gigs here. The Melbourne-based teenager will perform at the Uncharted concert at the Esplanade Recital Studio tomorrow. In August, she will make her acting debut in the sequel to theatre production Army Daze.


VIDEO

Good Samaritan cop

Police officer Mohd Elfie Mohd Amin became a hero when a video of him helping a man in distress went viral. str.sg/goodcop


VIDEO

Holly's night?

Will Holly Holm end her losing streak at the Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight Night Singapore tonight? str.sg/ufcmma


What it should have been

In Thursday's report "Singapore's oldest mosque and first place of worship", we wrongly stated that Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka is one of 72 buildings here that have been gazetted as national monuments. It is not a national monument, but a historic site. We are sorry for the error.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 17, 2017, with the headline What's News: June 17, 2017. Subscribe