What's News: January 14, 2016

TOP OF THE NEWS

Oil prices could hit new lows

Oil prices briefly dropped below US$30 a barrel on Tuesday night and threaten to hit historic new lows in the days ahead. United States West Texas Intermediate benchmark fell through US$30 for the first time in over 12 years before bouncing back to just slightly above that level. The oil slump could have a severe impact on major oil and gas players here.

TOP OF THE NEWS

Integrating learning, training

With SkillsFuture coming under the Education Ministry, Acting Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said the Government would pursue skills development in a "more holistic and coherent fashion", erasing the lines between learning in school and training at work.

Golkar chairman Aburizal Bakrie (above) met President Joko Widodo on Monday. ST FILE PHOTO

WORLD

Golkar to back ruling coalition

Indonesia's opposition Golkar party is poised to officially back President Joko Widodo's ruling coalition, in a move that promises to shift the balance of power in South-east Asia's largest nation. The news came after a closed-door meeting on Monday between Golkar chairman Aburizal Bakrie and Mr Joko.

WORLD

Less maths, more balance

In what some have billed as a "war on Asian success", some schools in the United States have taken steps to lessen the emphasis on tests and grades as non-Asian parents call for more balance in education.

Still, Asian parents are keen on maintaining the rigour.

OPINION

Regulating ride-sharing apps

In its review of Uber and GrabCar, the Transport Ministry should look at the lack of transparency in setting fares and screening drivers. But any regulation should be applied with a light touch, so that innovation is not stifled, writes Senior Correspondent Toh Yong Chuan.

HOME

DTL2 eases traffic congestion

Morning traffic congestion has eased a little at schools along the new Downtown Line 2, as more students now take the train to school. Principals expect things to improve as more students become familiar with the MRT line.

HOME

Customs app eases hassle

A free app has been launched by Singapore Customs to ease the hassle for travellers who purchase goods overseas. Customs@SG allows users to declare and pay the duty and goods and services tax before arriving here and provides an e-receipt which can be shown to inspecting officers.

BUSINESS

More port concessions

The Maritime and Port Authority will grant an additional 10 per cent concession on port dues for container vessels calling at the Port of Singapore if their loading or unloading is completed within five days.

The one-year concession, which starts tomorrow, will be granted on top of existing concessions.

Much is expected of the Young Lions' new overaged player Khairul Amri (above). BH FILE PHOTO

SPORT

Young Lions have much to do

The Young Lions, Singapore's developmental football team, is working out sponsorship deals and coaching appointments ahead of the new season. This follows the end of retailer Courts' five-year partnership with the S-League side.

Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen was one of two home-grown films to make the top 10 at the local box office. PHOTO: GOLDEN VILLAGE PICTURES

LIFE

Top movies in Singapore

Last year's No. 1 movie in Singapore was Marvel's The Avengers: Age Of Ultron, which took $13.1 million. Despite 2015 seeing a bumper crop of home-grown films, only Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen and King Of Mahjong, a Singapore-Malaysia production, made the top 10.

LIFE

Miniso 'is a Japanese brand'

Miniso, a Japanese lifestyle and fast fashion brand, is off to a rocky start after entering the market here last month. Netizens have questioned the store's origins as it has only four stores in Tokyo and over a thousand in China. Co-founder Miyake Jyunya says this is because of the high saturation rate of similar products in the Japanese domestic market.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 14, 2016, with the headline What's News: January 14, 2016. Subscribe