China launching manned space mission

China will launch a manned space mission today, marking a milestone in its plans to build and operate its first space station by 2020. The Shenzhou-11 spacecraft carrying two astronauts will blast off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert at 7.30am, according to Xinhua news agency. The astronauts are expected to arrive at China's space laboratory, Tiangong-2, within two days and will stay there for about a month before returning to earth.

Launch of Singapore Bus Academy

The Singapore Bus Academy will be officially launched today. Set up by the Land Transport Authority, in partnership with e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), it is a move aimed at attracting and retaining local bus captains - at a time when many Singaporeans continue to steer clear of the profession despite repeated attempts to make it more attractive.

Private home sales data out today

Data on new private home sales by developers last month will be released today. Market watchers expect tepid numbers as two major condominium projects - The Alps Residences and Forest Woods - that brought buyers to the showflats were put up for sale only this month.

Developers sold 473 new units in August, down 56.6 per cent from the 1,091 moved in July and down 7.8 per cent from the 513 homes transacted in August last year.