Good morning. Morning Minutes is a round-up of stories that will break today and which we think you'd be interested in. It appears on weekdays, available by 7am.
Spotlight on Singapore's economy
Singapore's economic growth in 2014 is likely to come in marginally above previous estimates, due to the manufacturing sector's better-than-expected performance in December. The economy was earlier estimated to have grown by 2.8 per cent, down from 2013's 3.9 per cent. Economists say the mixed global outlook will continue to weigh on export-dependent segments of the economy, while restructuring efforts are still crimping growth domestically. - CHIA YAN MIN
River Hongbao kicks off today
The annual Chinese New Year carnival River Hongbao will officially open on Tuesday evening with Acting Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean as the guest-of-honour at the ceremony. There will be a fireworks display and a performance by aerial tightrope walkers from China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region. This year's 12-day event is the biggest in its 29-year history as it celebrates both Chinese New Year and Singapore's Jubilee year. It will be held at The Float@Marina Bay from Feb 17 to 28. - CHERYL FAITH WEE
Sporting theme at Chingay Parade
The biggest float of the Chingay parade, aptly named One Team Singapore, will be provided by KF1 Karting Circuit in conjunction with Sport Singapore. A firm supporter of local sports, KF1's managing director Richard Tan has created a massive float for the upcoming Chingay celebrations to highlight the importance of a sporting culture in Singapore. - CHIA HAN KEONG
Anwar to testify today
A week after being sentenced to five years jail for a controversial sodomy charge, Anwar Ibrahim will be released from prison - but only to testify in a defamation suit at 9am on Tuesday against Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, who had accused the opposition leader of trying to buy him over to the now leaderless Pakatan Rakyat six years ago. Parti Keadilan Rakyat is planning a rally at the Kuala Lumpur courts at the same time in support of their de facto leader, whose lawyers say he has been denied medical aid for chronic spine problems. - SHANNON TEOH
Spotlight on CapitaLand
CapitaLand will be announcing its fourth quarter and full-year results on Tuesday. Analysts expect the company to address the outlook for the China and Singapore markets, and how its re-organisation over the past two years amid high-level departures, has panned out. - RENNIE WHANG
Cricket World Cup
Co-hosts New Zealand face a potential "banana skin" against Scotland. Can they build on their fine opening victory against Sri Lanka? - CHIA HAN KEONG
