What's News: April 21, 2016

The promised by-election in Bukit Batok was called yesterday. Voters in the constituency will go to the polls on May 7.

The People's Action Party's Mr Murali Pillai and Singapore Democratic Party's Mr Chee Soon Juan look set to be headed for a straight fight in the constituency.

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has gained popularity in China after orchestrating warming bilateral ties in trade, tourism and transport, culminating in a historic meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last November. Yet, he will exit the political stage on May 19, not quite loved by his compatriots.

Billionaire Donald Trump (above) recorded his most decisive victory of the primary election in his home state yesterday - cementing his position as front runner and making it all but impossible for his rivals to usurp his lead without resorting to a messy contest at the nominating convention.

Telecom scams have become more rampant in China in recent years, registering a 20 to 30 per cent spike and losses of at least $2.07 billion yearly. The trend has sparked a spat between China and Taiwan after 45 Taiwanese suspects were deported to the mainland from Kenya.

Charging more for parking and having fewer parking spaces has deterred driving in other cities but such measures do not make sense here, argues senior transport correspondent Christopher Tan. Instead, satellite-based ERP 2.0 can do the job.

Cyclists and users of other personal mobility devices can get insurance cover from Income from Monday.

It will cost $96 a year, with coverage that includes third-party liability of up to $1 million and medical expenses for injuries.

Bids by Uber pushed up prices for certificates of entitlement (COEs), which ended 2.8 per cent higher at $47,300 for smaller cars, and 5.5 per cent higher at $49,602 for big cars. The Open category closed 4.2 per cent higher at $49,501. Uber-owned Lion City Rental put in 630 bids and obtained 510 COEs.

Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC has acquired a minority stake in electricity transmission company ITC Holdings from Canadian utility giant Fortis. For its 19.9 per cent stake in ITC, GIC paid US$1.228 billion (S$1.65 billion). C1

The Singapore national men's 15s team were aiming for promotion from the Asia Rugby Championship's Division 2 this year, having been relegated last year from Division 1 for ending last. But now, they are already back without a ball being kicked, following the withdrawal of Kazakhstan.

Pop king Jay Chou is entering the gaming market as the leader of an e-sport team, J Gaming. China Digital Culture is paying him the equivalent of $1.7 million in shares for his image rights. He will not participate in tournaments, but he is playing exhibition games and hoping to recruit players.

Long-time donors and first-time heritage champions will be lauded tonight at the National Heritage Board's 10th annual Patron of Heritage awards. Among the 104 recipients are Mr Koh Lip Koon and Mr Koh Lip Siang, who donated artworks by their father, the late Koh Cheng Foo, better known by his pen-name Marco Hsu.