Subscriber picks: Why a woman stays with her abusive husband who may kill her | Would you pay $40k for a plant?

Subscriber picks is a weekly curation of the best from The Straits Times - where we bring you exclusive reports, in-depth analyses, and the latest happenings in Singapore and beyond.

She lost her baby after she was beaten up during her pregnancy - by her husband. For more than 40 years, the abuse continued. But she stuck it out.

"No matter what we say, she refuses to leave him or apply for a personal protection order," said a social worker who was helping the housewife, who is now in her 60s. "Even though she knows that he may kill her, her attitude is 'So be it'."

Social workers say this is why the recent recommendations made by the Taskforce on Family Violence are important and can make a difference. Find out what these proposals are.

Would you pay $40,000 for a plant? A Singapore collector did - for a rare and exotic philodendron houseplant. What is so special about these pricey plants?

Are you a fan of old-school pastries? Ang ku kueh is making a come back - but it is not just red. The "trendy" version comes in a variety of colours (blue, black, rainbow) and flavours (cempedak, hazelnut, pistachio). Love it or hate it? Give it a try and let us know.


Unravelling the DNA of Peranakan Chinese in Singapore

Defining Peranakan identity has been a contentious topic for decades, but now researchers have uncovered insights about their ancestry.

READ FULL STORY HERE


Sorry, I had bad credit before I met you: When debt causes couples to break up

You may think that the power of love should transcend money, but this is exactly how some relationships end.

READ FULL STORY HERE


Why a woman stayed with her abusive husband for 40 years

"Even though she knows that he may kill her, her attitude is 'So be it'," said a social worker. This is why laws against family violence need to be beefed up, say experts.

READ FULL STORY HERE


From black ops to bots: Countering hostile, foreign meddling in Singapore's affairs

Half a century on, the spectre of foreign interference seeking to manipulate public opinion on political issues here looms larger than ever.

READ FULL STORY HERE


What's driving the big cleanup of China's culture industry?

Crackdown on big tech companies, online gaming and entertainment - how will it pan out?

READ FULL STORY HERE


$40,000 for a plant: Lush gardening goes luxe with quest for rare plants

You could say it's a growing hobby.

READ FULL STORY HERE


Go camping, learn survival skills and sleep in a Mongolian yurt

Ready for an off-grid getaway?

READ FULL STORY HERE


Ang ku kueh is making a comeback - but it is not just red

Eat the rainbow.

READ FULL STORY HERE

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