What's News: November 24, 2016

TOP OF THE NEWS

End seen to negative inflation

Singapore's longest spell of negative inflation looks to be nearing an end as oil prices bottom out and stabilise, with October's consumer price index contracting 0.1 per cent - the smallest fall in two years. However, core inflation - a better gauge of everyday expenses - rose by 1.1 per cent, from September's 0.9 per cent.

TOP OF THE NEWS

At-risk kids to get more help

A programme to prepare pre-schoolers from underprivileged homes for school has done well and will be extended to primary level. The 140 children being supported will get the help of social workers and educational therapists till Primary 3.

PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WORLD

Spotlight on KL security law

The use of a tough security law by the authorities against activist Maria Chin Abdullah has sparked debate on whether the government has cast aside its intentions for enacting the law in 2012. While the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act was pushed forward as a tool to hold suspected terrorists, opposition lawmakers feared it could be used to quash political dissent. Those fears have now been realised, they say.

WORLD

Britain cuts growth forecasts

Britain has cut its growth forecasts for the next two years, Finance Minister Philip Hammond said yesterday, in the first Budget statement since the Brexit vote. He said the government would borrow an extra £122 billion (S$216 billion) over the next five years.

OPINION

Helping children choose life

The tragedy of children as young as 11 taking their own lives has put the spotlight on youth suicides, which are at a 15-year high. Amelia Teng reflects on how Singapore society needs to re-examine its values and her hopes for starting right with her son, due next month.

HOME

No Black Friday sale in Orchard

Plans for a Black Friday sale this year in Orchard Road have been shelved. Retailers are concerned that the event is now mostly an e-commerce festival and physical retailers are unable to compete with online stores on prices.

HOME

Made bankrupt in 2 countries

A Malaysian retiree who was made bankrupt in his own country was also made bankrupt in Singapore, on the application of his creditor. Ling Lee Soon, 71, owes RM58 million (S$18.6 million) to the Armed Forces Fund Board of Malaysia, which hopes to recover the sum from his assets here.

BUSINESS

Inquiries on loan refinancing

Some banks and mortgage advisers are reporting a rise in home loan refinancing inquiries, as borrowers seek to lock in favourable interest rates amid concerns that these could rise soon. The interest rate outlook here is somewhat dependent on whether the US Federal Reserve increases rates next month - a move that looks almost certain.

PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

SPORT

Spurs need big changes

Following Tottenham Hotspur's shock exit from the Champions League on Tuesday, manager Mauricio Pochettino has candidly admitted that changes on all levels, including personnel, are needed. "To be competitive in (the Premier League) and the Champions League, we need to show more," he said.

"Maybe we need to add more quality in the squad."

Ms Rachel Lim (left) and Ms Viola Tan, founders of Love, Bonito, a winner at the Singapore Fashion Awards. PHOTO: TEXTILE AND FASHION FEDERATION SINGAPORE

LIFE

Home-grown designers honoured

The National Gallery Singapore was abuzz last Friday for the Singapore Fashion Awards, which honours designers who have shaped the local fashion industry. The big winner of the night was womenswear brand Love, Bonito. The 10-year-old label picked up three awards and was also named one of the Top 3 Most Popular Brands of the Year.

LIFE

Food heritage heroes

Fifty-two time-honoured eateries have been recognised in this year's Heritage Heroes Awards, which puts the spotlight on businesses that preserve local culinary traditions. The list includes restaurants that are at least 30 years old. Heritage restaurants is a new category in the annual listing, which is now in its third edition.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 24, 2016, with the headline What's News: November 24, 2016. Subscribe