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Inside China’s traffic-driven self-media commentary industry that turns clicks into yuan

Driven by profit, content creators see sensationalising foreign issues as low risk, high reward.

Industry observers told The Straits Times that, in general, Chinese independent content creators, known collectively as zimeiti or “self-media”, are primarily driven by commercial considerations.

China-linked influence operations tapping US divisions on AI

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US, Iran inch closer to deal, timing remains unclear

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British forces intercept Russian shadow fleet in English Channel

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World Cup bus set alight as chaotic celebrations erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win

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Australia win 2-0 to spoil Turkey’s World Cup return as selection pays off

Malaysian ex-PM Najib’s wife Rosmah denies viral claims on luxury properties, vows legal action

Veteran Mandopop singer David Huang dies, aged 61

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To be respected, you need to be fearless, says Hannibal Mejbri as Tunisia eye World Cup upset

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Goal of the day game

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A World Cup buzz for a fraction of the cost with a side of history? Sold

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Track your path to 2026 World Cup glory with The Straits Times’ results simulator

Shorts
Bus set on fire as Knicks win sparks chaotic celebrations in New York

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Fans celebrate after New York Knicks win first NBA championship since 1973

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World Cup fans cheer Boston police officer’s football skills

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Pursuit of Jade's star Zhang Linghe attended an event in Nanjing, accompanied by dozens of security guards.

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Purr-fect Timing, Cat Crashes Ballet!

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From Pitch to Pavement: David Beckham honoured with Walk of Fame star as LA Hosts World Cup Matches

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i-dle songs This or That feat. MINNIE

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NDP 2026: Q&A with the artistes behind Sparkle

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200 South Korea football fans gather at Lau Pa Sat to watch World Cup opener

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Singapore

The proof is in the poo: S’pore study links gut health to fatty liver disease

Scientists have found a protein in the gut that acts like a “middleman”, linking diet, gut bacteria and liver health.

NTU-LKCMedicine researchers Damien Chua, a doctorate student (foreground), and Associate Professor Andrew Tan, the Provost's Chair in Metabolic Disorder at LKCMedicine, found a protein in stool that links diet, gut bacteria, and liver health. It could help prevent the early stages of fatty liver disease. Copyright: NTU

ST Screen Timeout

Phone Sleeps First: NTU student project helps undergrads put phones away for better sleep

Passenger rescued after being trapped in lorry following accident in Woodlands

Cj Hendry’s Flower Market extended till June 15 due to ‘overwhelming demand’

Asia
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Inside China’s traffic-driven self-media commentary industry that turns clicks into yuan

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More than internet speed: Why BTS fans packed Malaysian cybercafes for ticket battles

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AI ‘ghost cases’ haunt South Korean courtrooms

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‘Charismatic but naive’: Taiwanese opposition KMT chief’s peacemaker pitch leaves US unimpressed

Opinion

Confessions of a ‘polygamous’ football fan: France, Germany, Spain, I support them all

Ho Ai Li

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Why we are haunted by the choices we didn’t make

Grace Yeoh

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My mother’s unfinished love story showed me that joy doesn’t need a happy ending

Rosie Wee

For MetaComp’s Bo Bai, ‘Know Your Agent’ is the mantra in the age of agentic AI

Ravi Velloor

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Visual stories

FIFA World Cup 2026: Goal of the day game

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Track every match result and schedule

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Who is your football twin? A closer look at the physical makeup of a World Cup squad

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The Week in Pictures: Yadnya Kasada festival in Indonesia; blue moon over Russia

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i Light Singapore 2026: Illuminating the city

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What’s The News? Students compete in ST’s current affairs quiz

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Seniors caring for seniors: What caregiving looks like in a super-aged society

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Quiz: What’s the news?

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Sea lanes are being disrupted. And an old Chinese frontier town is back in the spotlight

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Small bugs, big appetites: The tiny army upcycling Singapore’s food waste

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Podcasts
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Asian Insider Podcast

Why Beijing now sets the agenda for US-China ties
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ST World Cup Team Talk podcast: Football fans on Messi, Mbappe and fairy tales
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In Your Opinion Podcast

P1 registration: How did the parent volunteer scheme become an arms race?
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ST Podcasts

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askST Jobs: Am I being ‘difficult’ if I speak up at work?

Speaking up at work matters, but how concerns are raised can shape career outcomes.

Singapore companies dialling back hiring, but willing to pay higher wages for AI, soft skills

Custom funerals, memorial keepsakes: How Singapore pet owners cope with pet deaths

Young Singaporeans build internship, entry-level job trackers to close opportunity gap

Upcoming renaissance fair reimagines Singapore’s history with a blend of local folklore and fantasy

Themed “A Symphony of Land and Sea”, Lion City Faire reimagines Singapore’s past as a port settlement through performances, activities and workshops that blend local folklore and fairytales.

Me & My Money: For this entrepreneur, growing wealth beats saving up

Daniel Charles' career spanned various industries, including the tech world and organising Formula One racing experiences for clients.

Is the search for perfection delaying marriage in Singapore?

The issue is not that young Singaporeans no longer value marriage. It is that marriage is increasingly seen as something to enter only when one feels fully ready.

Headstart On Record Podcast

Will the AI bubble burst? We break down if tech is still worth investing in

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Workouts with Amotti, K-pop stars live on stage: How cruise ship is reinventing holidays at sea
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lockwise from top left) rithika gupta from ollie, arvin tang from akin by techlyon, melissa laurie from oysterly media, and justin zhang from tack one—four entrepreneurs using business and technology to improve lives across various sectors
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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.