What's News: February 15, 2018

PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Chef Andre Chiang serving Taiwanese beef noodles.
Chef Andre Chiang serving Taiwanese beef noodles. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

TOP OF THE NEWS

PM Lee's key Budget issues

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has signalled two key issues he wants people to reflect on amid the Chinese New Year festivities, adding that they would be featured in Budget 2018. These are: The creation of strong social support and healthcare systems for seniors, and spending more on education and training for younger Singaporeans.

TOP OF THE NEWS

Delay on North-South Line

The four-hour delay on the North-South Line yesterday was caused by ongoing maintenance works which could not be completed before train operating hours. A speed restriction over a 300m stretch was imposed as a result.

WORLD

Israel PM says he isn't leaving

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that his coalition government remains stable and will continue to govern, a day after Israeli police recommended that he be indicted for bribery. It is now up to Israel's attorney-general to decide whether to file charges, presenting Mr Netanyahu with one of the biggest challenges of his political career.

WORLD

Vivian: Retreat improves ties

Indonesia-Singapore Leaders' Retreats in recent years have helped enhance bilateral cooperation, said Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, as can be seen in the negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty and a double taxation agreement. Indonesia will host the third such retreat later this year.

OPINION

Look at new revenue sources

The Government needs to consider new revenue sources, including raising the goods and services tax and even a sugar tax, as it faces big bills ahead, says associate editor Vikram Khanna.

HOME

LED crossing trial extended

A bright idea could save the lives of pedestrians, especially those who cross the road while glued to their smartphones. The Land Transport Authority has enhanced and extended a trial which runs LED strips across pedestrian crossings.

HOME

70% of 3Gen flats booked

Buyers have booked more than 70 per cent of the 1,500 three-generation Housing Board flats put up for sale as at the end of last year. Some 44 per cent were booked by first-timers. Applicants must form a family unit comprising a couple and the parents of either spouse.

BUSINESS

Rise in private home sales

Singapore developers sold 522 private homes in January, up 37 per cent from the 382 units sold a year ago and 21 per cent more than the 431 units moved in December.

They also sold 100 executive condominium units in January, identical to the previous month , but a drop of 45.7 per cent compared with January 2017.

SPORT

New kickboxing competition

Known for mixed martial arts, One Championship plans to broaden its offerings with the launch of kickboxing competition One Super Series, which will form part of the promotion's Manila event on April 20.

One chairman Chatri Sityodtong hopes to create standalone events from the kickboxing series later this year, and weight classes and titles will also be introduced.

LIFE

Goodbye, Restaurant Andre

On the last day of service for two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Andre yesterday, chef-owner Andre Chiang invited the family members of his staff for dinner. The Taiwanese chef will be moving to Taipei, where he has a restaurant named Raw.


Straits Times Digital

WEB SPECIAL

A precious Pearl

Pearl Bank Apartments in Outram has been sold for $728 million. What makes this landmark so iconic?

http://str.sg/oiNU

GRAPHICS

Is GST hike the answer?

How can the Government pay Singapore's growing cost of public goods and services? Is raising taxes the solution?

str.sg/budget18tax

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 15, 2018, with the headline What's News: February 15, 2018. Subscribe