In light of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Singapore has drawn attention to ‘chokepoints’, starting with the Strait of Malacca, through which nearly a third of the world’s oil and the majority of global trade passes. The “Malacca dilemma” has prompted China to diversify its routes and infrastructure to reduce its strategic vulnerability.
“Highway to Somewhere” is a TV series produced in Singapore but set in Malaysia, centred on an online scam network. It has drawn criticism from groups concerned about its impact on Malaysia’s image. The broadcaster that aired the series has dismissed the accusations, saying its goal was to raise awareness about the phenomenon of online scam centres in Southeast Asia.
After a six-year hiatus, the hunt for the animal resumes due to a “sharp increase” in incidents. “Non-lethal” control measures have proved ineffective. The authorities are talking about an environmental and public health emergency. The aim is to maintain the title of cleanest city in the world in the face of one of its “most cunning invaders”.
Last year, the economy expanded by 5 per cent, far more than official government forecasts. In the budget, Prime Minister Wong calls for cooperation to ensure greater benefits and rights. Growth forecast this year is 2 to 4 per cent. Artificial intelligence is seen as a booster for employment and well-being.
A delegation from UNIAPAC, which brings together 45,000 entrepreneurs from around the world in the name of the Church's social teaching, is meeting with Catholic colleagues from Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam to establish new contacts. The goal is to develop businesses that put people, not profit, at the centre, in places where GDP growth too often fails to address inequality.
Speaking at the Institute of Policy Studies conference, the government's number two warns that the fertility rate has not stabilised. The long-term risk is a reduction in the number of citizens, with consequences for the economy and society. The total population is approximately 3.66 million citizens, plus 0.54 million permanent residents and 1.91 million non-residents.
