Singaporean’s remains found after Taiwan earthquake tragedy; Cost of living, housing top voter concerns ahead of GE2025: Singapore live news

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The remains of Sim Hwee Kok (left), a Singaporean killed together with his partner, New Siew Choo, in Taiwan's April 2024 earthquake, have been found and identified. (Photo: Sunny Sandro Wang/Facebook)
The remains of Sim Hwee Kok (left), a Singaporean killed together with his partner, New Siew Choo, in Taiwan's April 2024 earthquake, have been found and identified. (Photo: Sunny Sandro Wang/Facebook)

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Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news.

After months of searching, the remains of Sim Hwee Kok, a Singaporean man killed in deadly Taiwan’s April 2024 earthquake, have been identified. His remains were found along the Shakadang Trail in Hualien County, Taiwan in January 2025. The earthquake, the deadliest in 25 years, caused widespread devastation and claimed at least 18 lives, with Sim and his partner, Neo Siew Choo, being the only two unaccounted for. DNA analysis confirmed the identity of Sim’s remains, providing closure for his family. Taiwanese authorities had previously issued death certificates for the couple in December 2024, after their presumed deaths.

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Singapore's upcoming GE2025 is shaping up to be an election focused on bread-and-butter issues. According to a new survey by Blackbox Research, the cost of living, housing affordability, and job security are top priorities for voters. Over a quarter of Singaporeans remain undecided, with younger voters being the most uncertain. The survey also reveals that voters are placing more importance on the quality of local candidates and service delivery than on national-level issues. While Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) still holds an advantage, its ability to appeal to middle-ground voters, especially younger ones, could be crucial in determining the election's outcome. As voters weigh their options, economic stability and practical concerns will play a pivotal role in their decision-making. More on the top GE2025 issues for voters in Singapore here.

Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER12 updates
  • Featured

    Singapore banks DBS, OCBC, UOB outperform global rivals in Brand Finance Global 500 report

    United Overseas Bank (UOB), DBS and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp (OCBC) automated teller machines are pictured at the airport in Singapore April 30, 2014. Singapore's DBS Group Holdings and OCBC reported record first-quarter profit that topped market forecasts, powered by double-digit loan growth and improved margins. The results also showed the banks' asset quality has not been affected by deteriorating bad debt problems in China and came despite slower growth in Singapore's housing market.
  REUTERS/Edgar Su (SINGAPORE - Tags: BUSINESS)
    DBS Bank leads Singapore in the Brand Finance Global 500 rankings, with a 56 per cent increase in value, alongside OCBC and UOB. REUTERS/Edgar Su

    Singapore’s banking sector is making waves globally, with DBS Bank topping the list as the region’s most valuable brand in the latest Brand Finance Global 500 2025 report.

    The bank’s value soared by 56 per cent, reaching US$17.2 billion, marking a significant rise in brand recognition and influence.

    DBS’s remarkable climb of 71 positions in the rankings to secure 122nd place reflects strong financial results, driven by higher net interest income, wealth management, and robust loan growth.

    The bank’s exceptional performance is supported by its AAA brand strength rating, reinforcing its leadership in Southeast Asia’s banking sector.

    This growth underscores Singapore’s expanding role as a global financial powerhouse, with three of the country’s top banks – DBS, OCBC, and UOB – further strengthening the nation’s financial reputation on the global stage.

    OCBC and UOB also made notable strides, with OCBC increasing its brand value by 28 per cent to US$6.4 billion, while UOB saw a 9 per cent rise, reaching US$6.1 billion.

    While Singapore’s financial institutions continue to shine, Marina Bay Sands remains an iconic presence in the global tourism sector.

    Despite a slight dip of 4 per cent in brand value to US$5.9 billion, the world-renowned resort retained its position as the fourth strongest global brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 94 out of 100.

    As Singapore’s most valuable leisure brand, Marina Bay Sands continues to be a major draw for international visitors, underlining the strength of the city-state’s tourism industry.

    Read on Singapore banks seeing impressive gains in brand value rankings here.

  • Featured

    Remains of Singaporean victim identified months after Taiwan earthquake

    The remains of Sim Hwee Kok (left), a Singaporean killed together with his partner, New Siew Choo, in Taiwan's April 2024 earthquake, have been found and identified. (Photo: Sunny Sandro Wang/Facebook)
    The remains of Sim Hwee Kok (left), a Singaporean killed together with his partner, New Siew Choo, in Taiwan's April 2024 earthquake, have been found and identified. (Photo: Sunny Sandro Wang/Facebook)

    The remains of Sim Hwee Kok, a Singaporean man who went missing in Taiwan after the deadly 7.2-magnitude earthquake in April 2024, have been found.

    A local resident named Wang found human remains in a riverbed area, previously blocked by landslides from the April 2024 earthquake, on 11 January.

    These remains, initially identified as a human hip bone, were later confirmed through DNA analysis to belong to Sim, who was 59 at the time of the disaster.

    This identification was made possible by a DNA sample provided by Sim's son, who had traveled to Taiwan in the aftermath of the quake to search for his father.

    Sim and his partner, Neo Siew Choo, were among the last individuals seen in the area before the quake struck, and both were presumed dead after months of searching.

    The last known footage of them showed them disembarking from a bus near Shakadang Trail just before the earthquake. It is believed that they were swept away by a landslide, with Mr. Sim’s remains carried downstream by river currents.

    The devastating Taiwan earthquake in April 2024, was the most powerful to hit the island in 25 years.

    The magnitude 7.2 earthquake triggered numerous landslides, which blocked roads and caused severe damage to buildings in Hualien County.

    The calamity resulted in at least 18 confirmed deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and extensive damage throughout the region.

    In total, more than 1,100 aftershocks followed, exacerbating the devastation.

    Authorities had already issued death certificates for Sim and Neo in December 2024, presuming their deaths due to the impossibility of locating them.

    Following the identification of Sim’s remains, Taiwan's Hualien District Court has announced plans to notify his family and arrange for the retrieval of his remains.

    The confirmation of Sim’s death, along with the earlier issuance of death certificates for both Sim and Neo, allows for closure in this heartbreaking case.

  • Featured

    GE2025: Rising housing prices and cost of living worry voters

    Singaporeans queue at a polling station to cast their votes in Singapore on September 11, 2015. Polling stations opened across Singapore on September 11 for a snap election called by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong amid an economic slowdown. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN        (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
    Cost of living, housing prices, and economic stability top voter concerns for GE2025. (Photo: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

    As Singapore gears up for GE2025, voter sentiment reveals cost of living as the top concern, with rising housing prices and economic stability closely following.

    According to Blackbox Research’s recent SensingSG survey, over a quarter of voters are still unsure about which party to support in GE2025.

    Economic issues, particularly the high cost of living, jobs, and housing affordability, are taking centre stage.

    Housing concerns are heightened as Singapore’s HDB flats near the $1 million mark, leaving many voters questioning their future.

    "Voters are focusing more on practical, everyday issues than political ideologies," said David Black, CEO of Blackbox Research. "The tangible impacts on their wallets are what matter most."

    Economic stability and trust in leadership also weigh heavily on voters, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong maintaining high approval ratings despite political scandals.

    The survey also highlights the importance of local governance, with 88 per cent of voters prioritising the quality of candidates in their constituency over national-level concerns like the next Prime Minister.

    This indicates that Singaporeans value local services and candidate quality when making their decisions at the ballot box.

    However, the true wild card in GE2025 may be the undecided voters.

    Young voters, particularly those aged 21 to 29, show the highest levels of uncertainty, which could be a decisive factor in many constituencies.

    Read on the top voters issues shaping Singapore's GE2025 here.

  • Influencer’s viral snake bite leaves viewers cringing

    Indonesian influencer Anggara Shoji's snake stunt took a painful turn when a venomous snake bit him in his private parts. (Photo: jejaksiaden/Instagram)
    Indonesian influencer Anggara Shoji's snake stunt took a painful turn when a venomous snake bit him in his private parts. (Photo: jejaksiaden/Instagram)

    What happens when a snake strikes in the most unexpected place?

    In a terrifying video, Indonesian influencer Anggara Shoji found out the hard way when a venomous mangrove snake latched onto his private parts during a daring stunt.

    The footage, which was posted to his Instagram, quickly went viral and has since garnered millions of views.

    Anggara, who is no stranger to snakes, can be seen in the video desperately trying to free himself from the snake’s painful grip.

    The reptile, identified as a mangrove snake, is mildly venomous, but its bite can cause significant discomfort.

    Despite the agony, Anggara appears to have escaped with only minor injuries and continued posting videos shortly after the incident.

    His social media followers, however, have reacted with shock, sympathy, and humour, making the video one of his most viral to date.

  • Envelope budgeting: The secret to control spending and saving

    Envelope budgeting offers a simple yet effective way to control spending and saving money.
    Envelope budgeting offers a simple yet effective way to control spending and saving money. (Photo: Getty Images

    Envelope budgeting is a practical way to save money and control spending by using cash for monthly expenses.

    This hands-on method helps you avoid credit card fees and track your budget visually.

    You can save over $1,000 a year just by switching to cash payments, making it a great choice for anyone looking to reduce overspending and take charge of their finances.

    Although it may not be for everyone, envelope budgeting is perfect for those who struggle with debt, prefer tangible money management, and want a straightforward approach to budgeting.

    Read on how you can save big with envelope budgeting here.

  • Stop wasting your money by ditching these common financial mistakes

    A cheerful young woman holds two clothing items, a striped top and a neutral beige piece, while shopping. Surrounded by well-organized racks and shelves in a stylish retail store.
    From paying high interest on loans to buying low-quality goods, many common habits are costing the poor more than they realise. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Money habits vary dramatically across income brackets, and those with lower incomes often fall into financial traps that can make it harder to save.

    From frequenting fast-food restaurants to taking out payday loans, these habits might seem harmless at first but can lead to substantial long-term costs.

    The wealthy, on the other hand, tend to avoid these financial pitfalls by making smarter, more strategic spending choices.

    Recognising the differences between how the poor and wealthy manage their money can help lower-income individuals make better financial decisions, save money, and avoid wasteful spending.

    Read on the ways you can stop wasting your money here.

  • The real reason workers are leaving jobs early

    A businessman who was fired from his position is seen exiting the workplace.
    With limited promotion opportunities, many employees are leaving to find better prospects, making skill development essential. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Job-hopping has become the most effective way for employees to advance in their careers.

    With only 1 per cent of workers promoted within three years, many workers are moving from job to job in search of better opportunities.

    For younger generations, job-hopping is seen as a natural response to stagnant pay raises and limited career development.

    In contrast, employers who invest in employee growth and skill-building initiatives are more likely to retain their top talent.

    As the landscape of work continues to change, job-hopping may just be the key to climbing the corporate ladder.

    Read on why employees are leaving jobs early here.

  • New Zealand follows Singapore’s foreign investment model for growth

    Aerial view of Auckland Viaduct Harbour with its yachts and sailboats marina and luxury modern residential real estate and the city skyline of the downtown district in New Zealand largest city
    New Zealand is launching "Invest New Zealand," a programme modelled after Singapore’s successful investment strategy, to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic growth. (Photo: Getty Images)

    New Zealand is taking a page from Singapore’s successful foreign investment strategy to combat economic challenges.

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon unveiled the “Invest New Zealand” programme, designed to streamline the investment process and attract foreign capital to key industries like fintech, energy, and manufacturing.

    The initiative is timely, as New Zealand’s economy has entered recession and record numbers of people are leaving the country in search of better job opportunities abroad.

    However, the government hopes that by creating a more investment-friendly environment, it can revitalise key industries, drive innovation, and create much-needed jobs.

    While challenges remain, the government’s focus on attracting foreign capital could prove to be the boost the economy needs

    Read on New Zealand’s bold new move modelled after Singapore to attract foreign investment here.

  • COVID-19 likely a Wuhan lab leak as CIA revises origin stance

    A man crosses the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) seal in the lobby of CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia in August 2008 (SAUL LOEB)
    The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has reexamined the origins of COVID-19, with new reports suggesting the virus is more likely to have leaked from a Wuhan laboratory in China than emerged naturally. (Photo: Saul Loeb/Getty Images)

    The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has updated its assessment of COVID-19’s origins, now suggesting a Wuhan lab leak in China is “more likely” than natural transmission.

    This shift follows the appointment of John Ratcliffe as the CIA director, who made the investigation a top priority.

    While the CIA's conclusion is based on low-confidence intelligence, it adds weight to the growing body of support for the lab-leak hypothesis, joining other US agencies like the FBI and Department of Energy.

    However, the CIA continues to assess both a lab leak and natural origin as possible. China has dismissed these claims as politically motivated, further complicating global investigations into the pandemic’s roots.

    Read on the CIA's stance shift on COVID-19's origins here.

  • Singaporeans flock to Johor Bahru for affordable reunion dinners

    asian chinese family with traditional clothing celebrating chinese new year reunion dinner having traditional dishes raw fish lau sang symbolize prosperity, wealth and health
    Singaporeans are flocking to Johor Bahru for affordable, convenient, and festive Chinese New Year reunion dinners. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Johor Bahru (JB) has quickly become the destination of choice for many Singaporeans celebrating their Chinese New Year reunion dinners.

    With rising costs in Singapore, families are crossing the Causeway to enjoy quality food and a more affordable festive experience.

    The decision to celebrate in JB isn’t just about cost for some families – it’s also about convenience, family bonding, and enjoying the vibrant festive atmosphere that the city offers.

    While some still prefer to celebrate in Singapore, the growing trend of cross-border reunion dinners shows no signs of slowing down.

    As long as Johor Bahru continues to offer great food, affordability, and easy access, it’s likely to remain a hotspot for Singaporean families seeking a more relaxed celebration.

    Read on how JB became the top CNY reunion dinner spot for Singaporeans here.

  • Oxfam predicts 5 trillionaires in a decade amid growing inequality

    (L-R) CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg, Lauren Sanchez, US businessman Jeff Bezos, CEO of Alphabet Inc and Google Sundar Pichai and Teska and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk attend the inauguration ceremony where Donald Trump will sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

    Oxfam’s latest report reveals that billionaire wealth increased by US$2 trillion in 2024, marking a sharp acceleration from the previous year.

    This growth is largely fuelled by inheritance, monopolies, and cronyism, with Oxfam estimating that five individuals will amass at least US$1 trillion in wealth within the next decade.

    The wealthiest 10 men in the world, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, saw their fortunes grow by nearly US$100 million a day in 2024.

    However, while the ultra-wealthy amass fortunes, poverty levels remain stagnant, with 3.6 billion people living below the poverty line.

    Oxfam calls for global action to address this inequality and urges governments to enforce fairer taxation policies to curb the influence of the ultra-wealthy.

    Read on Oxfam's warning of billionaires' unchecked power and growing wealth gap here.

  • What to expect this Chinese New Year in Singapore

    A woman walks past a display for the upcoming Lunar New Year at Raffles Place in Singapore on January 22, 2025. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
    The Chinese New Year brings together traditional customs and modern innovations in Singapore. From yusheng to e-hongbao, the celebrations are a fusion of old and new. (Photo: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

    The Chinese New Year, the most significant celebration in Chinese culture, is right around the corner.

    In 2025, this grand 15-day festival kicks off on Wednesday (29 Jan), marking the start of the Year of the Snake.

    Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, is all about renewal, family, and good fortune.

    Common practices include cleaning the home before the start of the new year to sweep away bad luck and inviting prosperity in.

    People often wear new clothes, particularly red, as the colour symbolises luck and happiness.

    Family gatherings are a central feature, with an elaborate reunion dinner held on the eve of Lunar New Year, typically filled with symbolic foods like fish (for surplus) and dumplings (for wealth).

    Singaporeans, however, take this further with their unique “prosperity toss,” or yusheng, a tradition that involves tossing thinly sliced vegetables and raw fish to bring about good luck for the year ahead.

    Additionally, Singapore has embraced the modern trend of digital red packets, or e-hong bao, thanks to the country's high-tech culture.

    In recent years, digital platforms have seen a massive surge in popularity, with banks reporting a record $39 million in e-hongbao transactions during 2024’s Lunar New Year period.

    It’s a shift away from traditional cash red packets, making gifting more convenient and accessible, especially for younger generations.

    In Singapore, Lunar New Year celebrations come alive with vibrant events like River Hongbao 2025, where performers grace the stage.

    These performances not only entertain but also highlight Singapore’s rich cultural fabric.

    As Singaporeans prepare for the festive period, the days leading up to Lunar New Year are marked by a shopping spree for ingredients and decorations.

    Markets see a rise in foot traffic, as families buy everything from traditional foods to home decor items like red lanterns and auspicious banners.

    These are hung around the house to invite good fortune, in line with the belief that the colour red drives away evil spirits.

    For some, the first few days of the Chinese New Year are dedicated to visiting family members, exchanging well wishes, and receiving hong baos (red envelopes).

    Married adults give hong bao to unmarried children or younger relatives, a gesture believed to bring blessings and protection.

    In Singapore, it’s also common to make a temple visit on the third day of the New Year to pray for peace and avoid any negative clashes with the stars.

    This is a time when many consult the lunar calendar to determine what their zodiac sign holds for them in the year ahead, particularly if they’re facing potential misfortune due to the positioning of the Tai Sui, a celestial being believed to influence luck.