Top stories from The Straits Times on Monday, Jan 29

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kickstart your Monday, Jan 29.


More in Singapore popping vitamins, supplements

Pharmacy chains in Singapore say that demand for vitamins and supplements has grown over the past five years.PHOTO: ST FILE

Faced with the pressures of a busy lifestyle, they spent US$374.4 million (S$490 million) on vitamins and supplements last year, according to market research firm Euromonitor.

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Good for 4G ministers not to be constrained by 'artificial deadline' to select leader: Ong Ye Kung

Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung is regarded by observers as one of the three front runners to be Singapore's next prime minister. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

"It is good not to be constrained by six or nine months. We do need time to work together, know each other well, and amongst us, I'm sure a leader will emerge in good time," said Mr Ong.

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Last of compressed natural gas taxis scrapped; CNG cars' days also numbered

The last of Trans-Cab's CNG taxis sitting in the company's parking lot on Jan 25, 2018. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

The last one belonging to Trans-Cab was scrapped late last month, marking the end of efforts to encourage cabbies - who clock three to seven times the distance of the average motorist - to opt for the cleaner fuel.

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More tuition centres helping students learn via experience

Children using a circuit diagram and magnets during class at EduFirst Learning Centre. Science specialist tutor Ephrem Chong conducting a hands-on activity with his pupils at Science Studios Learning Centre. Each two-hour lesson at the centre involve
Children using a circuit diagram and magnets during class at EduFirst Learning Centre. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Over 60 centres now include activities such as experiments and games - up from about 30 five years ago, say observers.

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Developers in Singapore still on the prowl for land

Former HUDC estate Serangoon Ville is among the sites bought by an Oxley Holdings-led consortium last year, helping to enlarge the developer's land bank, in terms of number of dwelling units.
Former HUDC estate Serangoon Ville is among the sites bought by an Oxley Holdings-led consortium last year, helping to enlarge the developer's land bank, in terms of number of dwelling units.ST FILE PHOTO

Estimates show that listed developer Oxley Holdings is holding the largest residential land bank ihere, in terms of number of dwelling units, after successfully bidding for several collective sale sites last year.

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Singapore's first business radio station Money FM89.3 goes on air

Money FM 89.3's personalities and producers for morning and evening drive: (Seated, front row, from left) Elliott Danker, Desmond Wong, Nadirah Zaid. (Back row, from left) Yasmin Jonkers, Ryan Huang, Sharon See.ST PHOTO: YEN MENG JIIN

The English-language station run by SPH Radio will feature a smorgasbord of financial topics, from business updates to personal investing and share market action.

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Singapore Flyer still grounded pending probe; tour agencies told rides will resume 'after January'

Maintenance staff working inside the Singapore Flyer on Jan 25, 2018. Operations at the ferris wheel have remained suspended, as of Jan 28. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

According to Straco Leisure, which owns the Singapore Flyer, a probe is ongoing and updates will be made through the attraction's online channels.

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video: Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad dies at 91

Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad died on Jan 27, 2018, the company announced on Jan 28. PHOTO: REUTERS

Mr Kamprad, who died peacefully "surrounded by his loved ones", leaves behind a global business empire built on revolutionary flat-pack furniture but under investigation over its tax practices in the Netherlands.

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video: Singapore-born film-maker Sandi Tan wins Sundance Film Festival directing award for Shirkers

(From left) Producer Jessica Levin, songwriter Quinn Walker, associate producer Jasmine Ng, director Sandi Tan, associate producer Sophia Siddique Harvey and guest attend the premier of Shirkers at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on Jan 21.PHOTO: AFP

The film, which is also Tan's first feature directorial effort, revisits a time in the 1990s when as a precocious 19-year-old, she shot a feature length film of the same name.

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video: In full cry, Roger Federer redefines greatness with 20th Grand Slam

Winner Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts during the awarding ceremony of the men's final match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan 28, 2018. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

The Swiss apologised for crying after beating Marin Cilic to make history, but he shouldn't. At 36, he has 20 Slams only because he doesn't take his greatness for granted, writes Rohit Brijnath.

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