Singapore Airlines unveils $1.1 billion cabin retrofit for A350 fleet; Telemedicine under fire as patients abuse MCs: Singapore live news

We feature a curated selection of some of the biggest, most important, and fascinating news that’s making waves online

Los Angeles, CA - January 22, 2022: Photo of a Singapore Airlines passenger plane (Airbus A350-941 | 9V-SML) departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for Singapore
Singapore Airlines (SIA) is elevating the skies with a $1.1 billion retrofit of its A350 fleet, introducing new luxurious cabins and advanced in-flight entertainment. (Photo: Getty Images)

And that's a wrap. Thanks for tuning in. We'll catch y'all again tomorrow.


Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is set to enhance the premium travel experience with a $1.1 billion retrofit of its Airbus A350 fleet. The upgrade will introduce luxurious new First Class and Business Class cabins, designed with the needs of discerning travellers in mind. Passengers can expect greater comfort, privacy, and advanced in-flight entertainment options. The first retrofitted aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2026, with the programme aimed for completion by 2030. This ambitious investment reaffirms SIA's commitment to maintaining its status as a leader in luxury air travel. More on Singapore Airlines' $1.1b investment to redefine luxury travel here.

The rise of telemedicine is reshaping how patients obtain medical certificates (MCs) in Singapore, often leading to abuse of the system. Many individuals are seeking MCs to avoid taking annual leave, prompting frustration among healthcare professionals. Doctors report challenges in verifying claims, particularly when patients request certificates while abroad. In response, telehealth providers are tightening checks to prevent misuse. However, skepticism remains about whether these measures will effectively curb the problem as telemedicine continues to grow in popularity. Here's how patients abuse MCs in Singapore.

Six teenagers, including a 13-year-old girl, were arrested for allegedly stealing a car for a joyride in Sengkang. The vehicle’s owner, Huang Weilun, discovered the theft when he returned to the parking lot only to find another car in its place. The teens claimed to have taken the car for fun after picking up friends. Police found a knuckle duster and other items left in the vehicle, highlighting the reckless behaviour of the young joyriders. Read on the young joyriders getting caught in the Sengkang stolen car drama here.

An 18-year-old boy died from electrocution while charging his phone on a bus in Malaysia. The incident occurred at the Penang Sentral terminal, where witnesses reported hearing screams before emergency services arrived. Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the formation of a special task force to investigate the incident and improve safety measures on public transport. The bus involved has been impounded as authorities seek to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This incident underscores the potential dangers of charging devices in public spaces. Read on the teen’s fatal bus incident here.

Singtel confirmed a breach by Chinese hackers linked to the Volt Typhoon group, marking another significant cyberattack on critical infrastructure. The attack, uncovered in June, is part of broader efforts to infiltrate telecom networks worldwide, including US companies like AT&T and Verizon. The malware discovered in Singtel’s systems was believed to be a test run for future disruptions. The attack highlights increasing concerns over Chinese cyber-espionage and its potential to disrupt vital services during geopolitical conflicts. Singtel said it is taking the necessary steps to strengthen its cybersecurity. More on the Singtel breach linked to Chinese hackers here.

As Singapore gears up for SG60, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong marked the 60th anniversary of the Community Club Management Committees (CCMCs) with a look back at their rich history and forward-thinking initiatives. At the One Punggol event, Wong announced the launch of Community Innovation Spaces and a nationwide Community Innovation Hackathon, inviting Singaporeans to collaborate and solve local challenges together. These initiatives reflect the country’s ongoing commitment to community participation and collective growth. More on PM Wong calls for more Singaporeans to contribute in SG60 here.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER6 updates
  • Featured

    Singapore’s SG60 to feature innovation, unity, and volunteerism, PM Wong says

    U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as they attend the 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit at the National Convention Centre, in Vientiane, Laos, October 11, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
    Prime Minister Lawrence Wong marked the 60th anniversary of the Community Club Management Committees (CCMCs) on 4 November 2024, acknowledging their significant contributions to Singapore’s social fabric. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

    Prime Minister Lawrence Wong celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Community Club Management Committees (CCMCs) at One Punggol, praising the vital role that these grassroots organisations play in uniting Singaporeans.

    Wong noted that the Community Clubs (CCs) have evolved from simple service centres into modern hubs for learning, recreation, and collaboration.

    Wong emphasised the importance of innovation in community engagement and announced two new initiatives: the introduction of Community Innovation Spaces (CIS) and a Community Innovation Hackathon.

    These initiatives will give Singaporeans the tools to create solutions for local challenges and foster a sense of ownership and belonging.

    Wong also previewed exciting programmes for SG60, Singapore’s 60th birthday celebration, calling for greater involvement from all citizens in building the nation’s future.

    His vision for the country is one of unity, volunteerism, and active participation.

    Read on PM Wong calls for more Singaporeans to contribute in SG60 here.

  • Featured

    Singtel breached by Chinese hackers in major cyberattack

    A view of Singtel's head office in Singapore May 12, 2016. REUTERS/Edgar Su
    Singtel, Singapore's biggest telecommunications company, was breached by Chinese state-sponsored hackers in June 2024. REUTERS/Edgar Su

    Singtel, Singapore’s largest mobile carrier, was hacked by Chinese state-sponsored group Volt Typhoon in June 2024.

    The breach, discovered through suspicious data traffic, is seen as part of a global wave of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.

    Volt Typhoon has been linked to similar attacks on telecom companies in the US, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

    Experts believe these breaches could be a test for future disruptions or espionage campaigns aimed at destabilising telecom networks in case of a geopolitical conflict.

    Singtel has assured the public that it is taking the necessary steps to enhance cybersecurity, but the attack highlights growing concerns over the scale of Chinese cyber-espionage efforts.

    Read more on the Singtel breach linked to Chinese hackers here.

  • Featured

    Singapore Airlines' $1.1 billion investment to elevate premium travel

    August 31, 2019 Burlingame / CA / USA - Singapore Airlines aircraft preparing for take off at San Francisco International Airport (SFO); San Francisco skyline visible in the background
    Singapore Airlines is elevating the skies with a $1.1 billion retrofit of its A350 fleet, introducing new luxurious cabins and advanced in-flight entertainment. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Singapore Airlines (SIA) is set to redefine luxury travel with a staggering $1.1 billion investment in retrofitting its Airbus A350 fleet.

    This ambitious programme will enhance 41 aircraft, including the ultra-long-range A350-900ULR, introducing a new First Class cabin designed for discerning travellers seeking the ultimate in comfort on long-haul journeys.

    The upgrade will debut on SIA's seven A350-900ULR jets, which service some of the world’s longest routes, including Singapore to New York.

    Each of these aircraft will feature four exclusive First Class seats, equipped with innovative privacy doors and opulent amenities, setting new standards in premium air travel.

    In addition to the luxurious First Class, Business Class will see enhanced seats that prioritise privacy and convenience, ensuring an exceptional experience for all passengers.

    Business Class will benefit from a redesigned layout that maximises comfort, while Premium Economy and Economy cabins will receive significant aesthetic and functional upgrades.

    The changes are not just cosmetic; they reflect a deep engagement with customer preferences over the past six years, according to SIA's CEO Goh Choon Phong.

    "Our investment reaffirms our commitment to exceptional travel experiences, pushing the boundaries of comfort and luxury," Goh said.

    The entire retrofit process, managed by SIA Engineering Company, will start in 2026, with the first retrofitted aircraft entering service in the second quarter of that year.

    The project aims for completion by the end of 2030, promising travellers an upgraded experience well into the next decade.

    In addition to physical upgrades, SIA will enhance its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system, offering more personalised options across all cabin classes.

    With competitors also ramping up their luxury offerings, this multi-year retrofit positions SIA to maintain its reputation as a leader in the aviation industry, ensuring that every journey is a memorable one.

    Read more about Singapore Airlines' $1.1b investment to raise premium travel here.

  • Featured

    Singapore patients 'clearing MCs' raises eyebrows among doctors

    young man using smartphone to video conference to consulting about male hormone and physical with specialist and listen explaining at home for telemedicine health technology life concept
    In Singapore, patients are increasingly using telemedicine to obtain medical certificates (MCs), raising concerns among doctors about system abuse and its impact on annual leave policies. (Photo: Getty Images)

    In a growing trend, Singaporean patients are increasingly turning to telemedicine to obtain medical certificates (MCs) without needing to take time off work.

    While this shift has made getting sick leave more convenient, it has raised eyebrows among healthcare professionals, who express concerns about misuse of the system.

    Telehealth platforms like MaNaDr and Doctor Anywhere have become popular among those wanting to "clear" their MCs, often with minimal consultation.

    Doctors report instances of patients demanding MCs while on holiday abroad, leading to frustration and potential ethical dilemmas.

    “Some patients will claim they’re sick while visibly overseas,” noted a telemedicine practitioner, highlighting the challenge of verifying claims during brief consultations.

    As Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) investigates MaNaDr for issuing MCs after extremely short consultations, healthcare providers are grappling with an influx of patients seeking to skirt annual leave policies.

    One doctor shared that about 10 to 15 per cent of her patients are attempting to secure MCs to avoid using their leave days.

    "It builds a mentality that they don't have to pay if they don't get what they want," she said, stressing that every consultation deserves compensation, regardless of the outcome.

    In response to the rising concerns, telehealth providers are ramping up measures to ensure responsible issuance of MCs.

    Companies like Speedoc and Fullerton Health are implementing checks to monitor repeated consultations and encourage in-person visits for unresolved health issues.

    This aims to prevent the loopholes that allow patients to abuse the system and safeguard the integrity of telehealth services.

    Despite these efforts, some healthcare professionals remain skeptical about the effectiveness of such measures.

    They argue that patients intent on abusing the system will find ways around any new protocols.

    As telemedicine continues to grow in popularity, striking a balance between convenience and accountability remains a pressing challenge for Singapore's healthcare landscape.

    Read on how patients in Singapore exploit telemedicine here.

  • Teen dies from electrocution while charging phone in express bus in Malaysia

    Malaysians stand in a queue as they board a public transport bus at dusk in Kuala Lumpur on April 25, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA        (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)
    A routine bus trip turned tragic for 18-year-old Nur Asymawi Jasmadi when he was electrocuted while trying to charge his phone, leading to his untimely death. (Photo: MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)

    A tragic incident on a Malaysian express bus has left an 18-year-old dead after he was electrocuted while charging his mobile phone.

    Nur Asymawi Jasmadi, who was traveling to Kuala Lumpur, succumbed to the shock shortly after boarding at the Penang Sentral bus terminal.

    Witnesses reported hearing the teen scream about ten minutes after he plugged his phone into a socket on the bus.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Anuar Abdul Rahman said that burn marks were found on Nur Asymawi’s left fingers, indicating a severe electric shock.

    “The charging cable was melted, and the phone was overheated,” he said in an official statement.

    Emergency services arrived promptly, but despite their efforts, Nur Asymawi was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Eyewitness accounts described the horrifying moment when foam began to emerge from his mouth, prompting fellow passengers to immediately call for help.

    Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the formation of a special task force to investigate the electrocution.

    He emphasised the ministry's commitment to passenger safety and vowed to ensure such tragedies do not happen again.

    “We take this incident with utmost seriousness,” Loke stated.

    The task force will include members from multiple transport agencies and is expected to report back within two weeks.

    The bus involved has been impounded for a thorough examination, as authorities aim to uncover the cause of this preventable tragedy.

    Read more on the tragic bus incident in Malaysia here.

  • 6 teens arrested for alleged car theft in a joyride gone wrong

    A stolen car joyride took a wild turn for six teens, aged 13 to 16, who were arrested in Sengkang when they returned the vehicle to its owner. (Photo: Shin Min Daily News)
    A stolen car joyride took a wild turn for six teens, aged 13 to 16, who were arrested in Sengkang when they returned the vehicle to its owner. (Photo: Shin Min Daily News)

    A group of six teenagers, including a 13-year-old girl, has been arrested for allegedly stealing a car from a Sengkang parking lot and taking it for a joyride.

    The escapade ended abruptly when the teens returned to the scene, prompting police intervention.

    The car's owner, Huang Weilun, had parked his vehicle at around 7:30pm on 29 October, only to find it missing three hours later.

    "I thought I’d just left my camera in there," he recalled, describing the shock of discovering his car gone and a stranger's vehicle in its place.

    Huang immediately alerted the police, unaware that his car would soon return – with uninvited passengers.

    As Huang spoke with officers at the parking lot, he spotted his car approaching the ramp.

    "I couldn't believe my eyes," he said.

    The police swiftly intercepted the vehicle, leading to the arrest of five boys aged 14 to 16 and the young girl.

    The teenagers claimed to be from Punggol and said they had taken the car for fun after picking up friends.

    Investigations revealed that one of the boys was found in possession of a knuckle duster, prompting further scrutiny regarding the teens' actions.

    Police confirmed they are looking into the case of motor vehicle theft, as well as potential charges related to the offensive weapon.

    In an ironic twist, the owner discovered a treasure trove of items left behind in his car – from an e-vaporiser to a petrol receipt showing the vehicle had been fuelled during the joyride.

    While his car sustained some damage, Huang expressed mixed feelings about the incident.

    “It’s sad, but I hope these kids learn from this,” he said, vowing never to leave his car unlocked again.

    Read more on the police arresting six teens after their Sengkang car joyride here.