Why It Matters

Every day on Page 2 of The Straits Times, reporters write about why certain news reports matter to readers. This is a weekly round-up of the columns.

More disruption is on the cards as the National Development Ministry looks to automate time-consuming parts of the property transaction process. Correspondent Rachel Au-Yong said new technologies mean there will be more pressure on property agents, who will have to find new ways to bring value to clients. http://str.sg/4Vvv


The new Infrastructure Protection Bill gives the Government powers to require selected buildings to put in place enhanced security measures. Reporter Danson Cheong said the Bill is a good complement to Singapore's strategy of making targets less attractive to terrorists, and making Singapore a harder target. http://str.sg/4VjA


The recent cyber attack affecting French life insurance company AXA is the latest in a string of security hacks in Singapore. Senior tech correspondent Irene Tham said that besides organisations securing their IT systems and informing customers in the event of a breach, people should also be wary of phishing attempts. http://str.sg/4VRB


From 2019, all rooms in one-third of new HDB flats will be prefabricated. Correspondent Rachel Au-Yong said the use of prefabrication can ensure better quality control - a bugbear of some flat owners in recent years - and cut down on the number of workers needed in the industry. http://str.sg/4V2t


NTUC Foodfare's new two-storey hawker centre in Pasir Ris Central offers good ideas for the evolution of the hawker centre. Food critic Wong Ah Yoke said the concept is a good incubator for young hawkers and could pave the way for the next generation of hawkers and customers. http://str.sg/4Vhh

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 16, 2017, with the headline Why It Matters. Subscribe