TOP OF THE NEWS
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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?