Top stories from The Straits Times on Sunday, Jan 21

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kickstart your Sunday, Jan 21.


Changi Airport users may have to pay $10 to $15 extra as part of new tax

The new tax, which could be imposed from later this year, is to help pay for a major airport expansion involving the building of Terminal 5.

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SMRT outsources tunnel water pump maintenance following flooding incident

The move is aimed at improving the standards of maintenance and avoiding a repeat of the flooding incident which occurred near Bishan MRT station in October last year, affecting 250,000 commuters.

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It took sleuths four years to crack biggest price-fixing case

Five electronics firms were recently fined a record $19.5 million for price-fixing - but what went on behind the scenes to crack the Competition Commission of Singapore's biggest case to date?

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Can influencers create the right Budget buzz?

Critics say they may not be the best people to raise awareness, after the spotlight was cast on the Ministry of Finance's move to hire 50 or so influencers to promote the Budget process.

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One year of Trump: Trepidation, then relief for Asia

US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania arriving for the state dinner with China's President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing last November. PHOTOS: REUTERS

Asia expected the worst, but thankfully President Donald Trump did not live up to these expectations - the cruellest blow came in the first week of his presidency when he withdrew the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

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Trump set to loom large over Davos meeting again

On Friday, United States President Donald Trump is set to address the 3,000 global business and political leaders who are beginning to gather in the Swiss alpine town of Davos from today, for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

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Who is your friend? Bursting social-class bubbles

Is it true that Singaporeans do not mix across social class, as an Institute of Policy Studies report says? Insight investigates and finds out what can be done to bridge the class divide.

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Teen in NTU molest case: 'It's like sitting on a roller-coaster ride... it's too late to leave'

A teenager had responded to an online advertisement posted by a Nanyang Technological University (above) graduate student "to assist in research project regarding body stimulation in forms of light sensation touches".PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The 17-year-old victim's first inkling that something might be wrong was when he arrived at the Nanyang Technological University hostel at 8pm on Nov 13 last year.

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Rediscovery of WWII medals sparks search for dad's legacy

Mr Tony Wee's father, Private Wee Swee Beng, served in the Straits Settlements Volunteer Force and fought with the British during World War II, winning five medals - which is considered an exceptional feat.

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A hand in romance: More men sign up to date

Observers say the trend reflects a growing openness to seeking help in romance, with 10 of the 13 dating agencies reporting a rise in participation rates for dating events.

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