Straitstimes.com header logo

Choose edition

Search

singapore

asia

world

opinion

life

business

sport

Visual

Podcasts

SPH Rewards

STClassifieds

Paid press releases

Advertise with us

FAQs

Contact us

 

Culture

Suspect in attack on Russia's Prague cultural centre turns himself in

A handout image released on March 27, 2026 shows the facade of the Russian cultural centre after an unknown attacker threw several Molotov cocktails at the building in Prague, Czech Republic. Czech Police/Handout via REUTERS
A handout image released on March 27, 2026 shows the facade of the Russian cultural centre after an unknown attacker threw several Molotov cocktails at the building in Prague, Czech Republic. Czech Police/Handout via REUTERS

Apa khabar, Malay? I’m picking up a language from my childhood

By learning Malay, the writer is discovering new ways of seeing the world and finding fresh meanings in familiar road names.
By learning Malay, the writer is discovering new ways of seeing the world and finding fresh meanings in familiar road names.

Fiorentina near their centenary with pride intact after persistent heartbreak

Fiorentina supporters hold up scarves in the stands during a Serie A match, in Florence, Italy, March 22, 2026. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Fiorentina supporters hold up scarves in the stands during a Serie A match, in Florence, Italy, March 22, 2026. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

India’s historic haveli homes caught between revival and ruin

Haveli homes in the Indian capital are at a fragile crossroads – a handful restored but many more sliding quietly into ruin.
Haveli homes in the Indian capital are at a fragile crossroads – a handful restored but many more sliding quietly into ruin.

McCullum to continue as England head coach, says ECB

Cricket - The Ashes - Australia v England - First Test - Perth Stadium, Perth, Australia - November 21, 2025 England head coach Brendon McCullum during the warm up before the start of play on day one REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Cricket - The Ashes - Australia v England - First Test - Perth Stadium, Perth, Australia - November 21, 2025 England head coach Brendon McCullum during the warm up before the start of play on day one REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

LA28 unveils floral-inspired visual identity for 2028 Olympics

Workers from LA28 setup Olympic and Paralympic flags outside the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 8, 2025.
Workers from LA28 setup Olympic and Paralympic flags outside the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 8, 2025.

From wuxia games to AI-powered microdramas, China sharpens its soft power playbook

Visitors play Black Myth: Wukong at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen town, Zhejiang province, China.
Visitors play Black Myth: Wukong at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen town, Zhejiang province, China.

A ‘Garden Raya’ blooms outside Beach Road flat

(PLS DO NOT USE PIX, PIX IS FOR PUBLICATION ON MARCH 21) Mr Ryan Qim (an alias), 49, a chef, adjusting his Hari Raya decorations outside his flat in Beach Road on March 9, 2026. He began decorating his apartment six years ago after noticing that the festive spirit of Hari Raya seemed to be fading, and now creates a different theme each year. This year’s “Garden Raya” theme was inspired by his love for flowers and the floral displays at Gardens by the Bay. Though a chef by profession, Mr Qim picked up interior design as a passion about 15 years ago and now does freelance consulting work on the side. His elaborate decorations have drawn the attention of neighbours, who often stop to take photos and compliment his work. His desire to decorate stems from childhood memories of his family adorning their home during Hari Raya, which brought relatives and neighbours together. To Mr Qim, Hari Raya is a time for family bonding, and he hopes his decorations help share the festive spirit with others. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
(PLS DO NOT USE PIX, PIX IS FOR PUBLICATION ON MARCH 21) Mr Ryan Qim (an alias), 49, a chef, adjusting his Hari Raya decorations outside his flat in Beach Road on March 9, 2026. He began decorating his apartment six years ago after noticing that the festive spirit of Hari Raya seemed to be fading, and now creates a different theme each year. This year’s “Garden Raya” theme was inspired by his love for flowers and the floral displays at Gardens by the Bay. Though a chef by profession, Mr Qim picked up interior design as a passion about 15 years ago and now does freelance consulting work on the side. His elaborate decorations have drawn the attention of neighbours, who often stop to take photos and compliment his work. His desire to decorate stems from childhood memories of his family adorning their home during Hari Raya, which brought relatives and neighbours together. To Mr Qim, Hari Raya is a time for family bonding, and he hopes his decorations help share the festive spirit with others. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

Arts and culture centre to open in Bartley Road in 2028 to mark Ramakrishna Mission’s centenary

The centre will comprise a meditation hall (left) and an auditorium block (right) that are linked by a concrete canopy.
The centre will comprise a meditation hall (left) and an auditorium block (right) that are linked by a concrete canopy.

Commentary

Dirty toilets, uncouth behaviour: Travelling to China requires confronting old tropes

A visitor taking a selfie at Beihai Park in Beijing on March 3.
A visitor taking a selfie at Beihai Park in Beijing on March 3.

E-paper

Newsletters

Podcasts

RSS Feed

About Us

Terms & Conditions

Personal Data Protection Notice

Need help? Reach us here.

Advertise with us

Download the app

Get unlimited access to exclusive stories and incisive insights from the ST newsroom
Subscribe Placeholder
MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.