What's News: September 16, 2016

Former Cabinet minister S. Dhanabalan (seated, with back to camera) speaking at the Constitutional Commission hearing on elected presidency with (back row, from left) Constitutional Commission members Mr Chua Thian Poh, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Mr Wong Ngit Liong, Justice Tay Yong Kwang, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Mr Eddie Teo, Mr Peter Seah, Professor Chan Heng Chee and Mr Philip Ng Chee Tat. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

TOP OF THE NEWS

Changes to presidency

The Government outlined key changes to the elected presidency in a White Paper released yesterday, in response to a report issued by the Constitutional Commission.

The changes include raising the qualifying criteria for potential candidates and a provision to ensure that a minority president is elected from time to time.

TOP OF THE NEWS

Retailers urged to be bold

Retailers here should innovate, try new technology, redesign jobs and expand overseas via e-commerce, said Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S. Iswaran yesterday as he gave details of a road map to help retailers stay competitive.

PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WORLD

Trump gaining on Clinton

The US presidential race is heating up, with polls showing Republican nominee Donald Trump gaining on his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The latest survey shows Mr Trump with a small lead in the states of Ohio and Florida.

WORLD

Britain gives nod for N-plant

Britain has cleared the way for the construction of a new £18 billion (S$32.4 billion) Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant with Chinese investment.

The approval comes with significant new measures to ensure the security of the project.

OPINION

India must do more to Act East

India's plans to Act East have failed to live up to expectations and trade is one area where it remains a laggard. Meanwhile, China's huge trade flows with South-east Asia give it outsize influence in the region, writes associate editor Ravi Velloor.

HOME

Stay in touch via sticker tech

A local start-up has come up with a SIM sticker that allows consumers to stay connected more easily when overseas. It works with an app to enable cellphones to be used abroad without the need to switch SIM cards or phone numbers.

HOME

Doc suspended over eye case

A doctor has been suspended for three months for failing to adequately diagnose and treat a patient for a serious eye disease, which led to her having vision problems. Dr Fong Wai Yin, 59, did not carry out a physical assessment of the patient for visual acuity nor did he properly assess her eyes.

BUSINESS

Investors hit out at Rickmers

Investors holding Rickmers Maritime notes hit out yesterday after the trust's debt refinancing plan indicated they could lose up to 60 per cent of their investment. The trustee-manager told an informal noteholder meeting that it will not be able to repay US$179.7 million (S$245.5 million) of senior debt due in March next year.

Mr Lim (left) and outgoing FAS president Zainudin Nordin at last year's AGM. TNP FILE PHOTO

SPORT

Fifa nod for FAS proposals

Proposed changes to the Football Association of Singapore's (FAS) Constitution have been approved by Fifa. Recommended by a task force led by vice-president Lim Kia Tong, one proposal is for the president to be elected as part of a team.

LIFE

Baywatch star to helm DJ sets

Former Baywatch star David Hasselhoff is the captain of party cruise It's The Ship this year, and fully intends to take charge. He wants to helm DJ sets and even park the cruise liner when it docks at Penang. It's The Ship will be held from Nov 4 to 7, departing from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre and making a round trip to Penang.

Director Boo Junfeng (far right) with Apprentice cast members (from left) Mastura Ahmad, Wan Hanafi Su and Fir Rahman. PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER

LIFE

Boo Junfeng's Apprentice picked for the Oscars

Home-grown film-maker Boo Junfeng's psychological drama on the death penalty, Apprentice, has been chosen as Singapore's entry for the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. The Oscar nominees will be announced on Jan 24 and the ceremony will take place on Feb 26.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 16, 2016, with the headline What's News: September 16, 2016. Subscribe