What's News: July 24, 2015

Former NTUC president and Member of Parliament Phey Yew Kok was charged yesterday with 28 new offences, mainly of criminal breach of trust. The 81-year-old, who was on the run for over three decades, now faces a total of 34 charges involving more than $450,000.

It may sound like science fiction, but robots could soon be helping doctors and nurses perform certain tasks at Singapore's hospitals which are facing manpower shortages. The Centre for Healthcare Assistive and Robotics Technology (Chart) was launched by President Tony Tan Keng Yam yesterday.

Indonesia has raised import tariffs on food, clothes and many other consumer goods to help protect local industries. The move is expected to improve the image of President Joko Widodo, whose administration has suffered mounting criticism for not doing enough to achieve good economic performance.

A plan by about 20 former leaders of opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) to quit and join a new group has hit a snag. Party chiefs asked the elected lawmakers to honour their pledge to "return" their seats to PAS if they resign.

Taiwan is in many ways a patriarchal society but in politics, it has one of the highest levels of women representation in Asia. Two single women are set to contest its presidential election next year. Whoever wins, though, China and the US are likely to be discomfited, says Goh Sui Noi.

Sprint superstar Usain Bolt has been close to invincible for the past seven years. But an enforced injury break raises question marks over the Jamaican's form with the World Championships in Beijing looming, and all eyes are on him at the Diamond League meet in London tonight.

A taxi driver has been disciplined for making fun of the looks of a passenger. Taxi firm ComfortDelGro has taken action against the driver and also apologised to the passenger, Singaporean actor and stuntman Hanz Medina.

Changi Airport is on track to close the gap with Heathrow Airport, the world's busiest two-runway airport. Changi handles up to 60 flights an hour versus Heathrow's 84, and is working its two runways harder as flights increase and a third runway is still on its way.

An increasing practice by banks and insurers to hawk credit cards, insurance policies and the like at public places is set to come under stricter controls. These institutions may soon be required to adhere to new market conduct guidelines, such as ensuring they give consumers proper advice.

Gemmill Lane, just off Club Street, is set for big changes. At least four new restaurants are opening there. In addition, Club Street Social, one of the first food-and-drink businesses on the street, is retooling its decor and menu, and Luke's Oyster Bar & Chop House is moving to a bigger space next door.

Bill Cosby lost his latest bid to fend off a lawsuit accusing him of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles in 1974, as the California Supreme Court on Wednesday denied the comedian's petition to review the case. There was no immediate response from Cosby or his lawyers, who have consistently denied allegations of sexual misconduct lodged against the 78-year-old performer.