What's News: November 17, 2016

A land reclamation method new to Singapore will be used when a massive new plot is reclaimed off the north-western tip of Pulau Tekong to make way for military training. Empoldering involves building a dyke around the area and draining it.

The logistics sector will undergo a makeover under the Government's $4.5 billion Industry Transformation Programme. Aimed at reinforcing Singapore's status as a global logistics hub, the revamp will add $8.3 billion in value to the sector and create 2,000 jobs by the end of the decade, said Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S. Iswaran.

Indonesian police have said that they will investigate a blasphemy complaint by Muslim groups against Jakarta's Christian governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (above), also known as Ahok, amid simmering religious and ethnic tensions in the world's largest Muslim-majority country. The offence carries a jail term of up to five years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold move to withdraw 500 and 1,000 rupee notes a week ago was initially regarded as a game changer to check corruption and tax evasion. But with a surge in public grievances, he is running an increasing risk of political backlash.

Singapore's hawkers are ageing and few young folk are stepping up. Economics is the main reason. Carolyn Khew calls on consumers to support young hawkers by being ready to pay more for their food even as government efforts to ensure affordable options continue.

The authorities are starting a campaign to urge people to come forward if they know of cases of family violence. People may not do so because of fears of breaking up a family, but social workers have seen an increase in child abuse.

Rail operators from around the world met in Singapore yesterday to share ideas and best practices. These included timely investment in asset renewal, a structured and disciplined maintenance regime, and a sound operating and financial model.

Steps to turn Singapore into a "smart" financial centre have moved up a gear with a series of new initiatives outlined by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The central bank, the Singapore Exchange and eight banks have started a project to use blockchain technology for interbank payments.

The Cleveland Cavaliers' Channing Frye on Tuesday picked his moment to perfection. His three-pointer in the final minute sealed a 121-117 National Basketball Association win over the Toronto Raptors in a contest between the Eastern Conference's two best teams. Frye has now shot 11 three-pointers in his last two games.

Last year, local film-maker Mak Chun Kit returned to the Tanzanian orphanage he volunteered at a decade ago, and saw that his orphan friends were still struggling with poverty. The visit inspired him to raise funds, and his documentary project, Buying Happiness, films the end result of the donations.

Come up with a film idea and you may win $5,000. The prize awaits anyone with a winning short film idea in Project Lapis Sagu, a contest launched by the Ministry of Communications and Information to promote community ties here. The ideas must address cultural diversity and social integration.