TOP OF THE NEWS
The number of childcare centres in workplaces increased to 390 last year, a rise of nearly 50 per cent from 2012, thanks to greater demand for such services and an extension of a government grant scheme. Employers say such centres have helped increase staff productivity, while parents say they allow them to spend more time with their children.
TOP OF THE NEWS
Water treatment systems have been installed at three food outlets on Pulau Ubin, with plans to do so at a fourth outlet, about a month after a warning was issued about the deteriorating quality of well water on the island. Business at one shop was down by 20 to 30 per cent after news of the drop in water quality.
WORLD
The Kedah Regency Council has asked to meet Barisan Nasional assemblymen regarding the Menteri Besar (MB) issue, so that it can assess the situation and the parties concerned can reach a final solution. The move came as a result of Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir's (photo) refusal to resign from the Menteri Besar post, sources said.
WORLD
S. Korea eyes high-speed rail market
Though a relative latecomer to the market of high-speed rail system (HSR), South Korea is now ready to export its technology and know-how after years of research and development. A key project that Seoul is eyeing is the upcoming Singapore-Malaysia HSR.
OPINION
Europe resists fringe politics
Greece's far-left government has marked one year in power with the country still dependent on a European Union bailout and austerity firmly in place. Syriza may have spurred the rise of other radical left populist parties but, apart from Greece, the political establishment remains resilient.
HOME
More than one in two schools here are now serving healthier meals, with less fat, sugar and salt and even a serving of fruit. While parents approve of the improved nutritional values, some grumble about the higher costs.
HOME
Alert on fake polytechnic sites
The Ministry of Education has issued a warning about fake websites that appear to belong to the five polytechnics here, adding that police reports have been filed against the sites. A Straits Times check found three fake sites.
BUSINESS
Cheap oil a boost for refineries
The plunging oil price is creating huge problems in many sectors, but the refineries and petrochemical companies on Jurong island are enjoying a huge boost. Cheaper oil - the price is down more than 70 per cent since June 2014 - translates to lower feedstock costs and higher margins, say analysts.
SPORT
Jasmine Ser and Teo Shun Xie will represent Singapore at the Rio Olympics, the first time the nation has two shooters qualify on merit for the Games. Both made the cut at the Asian Olympic qualifier yesterday. Ser won the women's 50m three- positions event while Teo was sixth in women's 25m air pistol event.
LIFE
Singer Tanya Chua is striking out in a new musical direction. The three-time Golden Melody Award winner for Best Mandarin Female Singer has a new album out. Called Aphasia, it uses electronica to take on the theme of technology versus people. Aphasia refers to a speech disorder and Chua uses it as a metaphor to comment on society.
