Japan arms show to boost military ties

Defence firms will put out their wares near Tokyo today at Japan's only dedicated arms show, a site for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government to promote industrial military ties that will bolster the country's influence in South-east Asia. In addition, Japan's Defence Ministry has invited military representatives from South-east Asian countries, including Singapore, to a separate military technology seminar, two sources said.

New Braddell flyover put to the test

Today will be the first work day that the new Braddell flyover will be put to the test.

It opened yesterday. Previously, traffic along Braddell Road could slow to a crawl during peak hours in the mornings and evenings.

With the flyover, traffic from Toa Payoh Lorong 6 can now connect directly to Upper Serangoon Road and Bartley Road via the Braddell underpass.

Retail sales data out today

The Department of Statistics will release data on retail sales in April today. Last month, figures showed that retail sales rose 2.1 per cent in March from a year earlier, recovering from a revised 2.6 per cent fall in February.

The retail sector has been under pressure, as it struggles with mounting cost pressures, digital disruption and lower consumer demand amid an economic slowdown.