Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Dec 21, 2025

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How Singapore’s landscape may change in the years ahead

From new housing areas to taller schools, see what may change in your neighbourhood.

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41,800 foreigners denied entry to S’pore from Jan to Nov; no-boarding system to start for airlines

From 2026, some airlines will bar travellers from their flights if they are found ineligible for entry to Singapore.

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Stabbings in the heart of the city a violent jolt to Taiwanese sense of safety

Many questioned why the attacker had not been stopped much earlier. 

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Declassified Albatross File may reshape school history lessons, spark debate on national identity

When relevant new materials become publicly available, they are incorporated during syllabus reviews and updates, says MOE.

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Why Putien restaurant founder keeps one eye on China

SPH Brightcove Video
From a lone outlet in Kitchener Road in 2000, Fong Chi Chung’s Fujian restaurant Putien has become an international brand with 75 outlets. He and his sons, Chak Ka and Chak Wai, discuss what 25 years of building a business has taught them.

After 25 years building Putien in Singapore, founder Fong Chi Chung tells Sumiko Tan that China’s pace of change keeps him awake at night.

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Some customers rankled after World Cruises postpones preview voyage days before setting sail

The next available date for the World Legacy, previously set to sail on Dec 18, is now Dec 23.

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This 35-year-old’s immune system attacks her own body, causing lumps to grow in her left breast

Granulomatous mastitis is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the breast that is benign and often under-recognised.

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SEA Games 2025: Football, badminton under fire in review, as Singapore score 52-gold haul

Singapore placed fifth on the medal table behind Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

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More than his mistakes: Teenager rebuilds life through squash, teacher and parental support

The teen, Richard Durrani Vaz, bounces back from five theft charges to thrive in school.

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Put the Bank of Mum and Dad in order before helping kids get on the private property ladder

Experts advise clarity over the help given and how it impacts parents' financial well-being.

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