Tharman’s Manila visit highlights 55 years of Singapore-Philippines friendship; Resorts World Sentosa hosts 2024 World Chess Championship: Singapore live news

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Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shake hands before their bilateral meeting, at the Malacanang Palace, in Manila, Philippines, August 15, 2024. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David/Pool
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shake hands before their bilateral meeting, at the Malacanang Palace, in Manila, Philippines, August 15, 2024. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David/Pool

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

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is in the Philippines for a State Visit from 15 to 17 Auguest. The trip commemorates 55 years of the two nations' diplomatic relations with MOUs on carbon credits and healthcare. Tharman will also engage in regional discussions before heading to Geneva and Paris. More on how Singapore and Philippines are strengthening diplomatic ties here.

Resorts World Sentosa will welcome chess enthusiasts from around the globe for the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship. From 23 Nov to 15 Dec, reigning champion Ding Liren of China face challenger Dommaraju Gukesh of India in a historic showdown. More on the 2024 World Chess Champion in Singapore here.

Speaking of, competitive chess is plagued by scandals like poisonings and cheating accusations. Historical and modern rivalries add to the chaos, even as the sport’s popularity grows. Let's hope we don't get to see the dark side of chess in Singapore during the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship.

In an inspiring display of compassion, Singaporeans raised $20,000 in just four days to fund medical care for Da Bai, a stray dog injured in a hit-and-run. Da Bai is now life-saving care and will be rehomed after recovery. Causes for Animals (CAS) spearheaded the campaign, which has now reached its goal. Updates on Da Bai’s condition and recovery will be posted on CAS’s Instagram page.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) agreement is expected to be finalised by the end of the year despite some delays. A workshop later this month aims to finalise the deal, which promises to boost trade and create jobs in southern Johor. Negotiations are ongoing over fund contributions and skilled worker availability. The SEZ, designed to enhance regional economic cooperation, will include new infrastructure to support its development. More on the Johor-Singapore SEZ agreement here.

The asteroid that killed dinosaurs 66 million years ago travelled from beyond Jupiter, according to a new study. Analysis reveals it was a C-type asteroid, not a comet, confirming its outer solar system origin, and solving a long-standing mystery. More on the rare rock from beyond Jupiter that doomed the dinosaurs here.

AirAsia's new route to Port Blair will start from 16 Nov, with flights three times a week from Kuala Lumpur. As the sole Southeast Asian carrier to offer international flights to Port Blair, AirAsia now connects Singaporeans to 17 cities in India. More here if you're ready to take your next flight to the Adamans.

The Premier League is back. Clubs have launched their 2024-25 kits, and they’re turning heads. From standout winners to designs that miss the mark, get the scoop on this season’s sartorial choices for your favourite teams.

A groundbreaking study reveals that taking a brief five-second break during arguments can help defuse conflicts between couples, offering a simple yet effective solution to manage disagreements. Read on to know more about the five seconds to peace.

A Norwegian stowaway cleverly bypassed airport security twice in August, boarding flights to Hamburg and Stockholm without tickets. The incidents highlight serious security lapses at Munich Airport, prompting investigations by airport officials and Lufthansa. Find out how the man managed to pull this stunt of boarding flights without tickets.

Google's new Pixel 9 series has grabbed attention, especially the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which has undergone rigorous durability testing. Pre-orders for the Google Pixel 9 series in Singapore started Wednesday (14 Aug). Read more on the new Pixel 9 Pro XL phone's impressive durability test results here.

Buckle up, Singapore shoppers! A new rapid transit system linking Johor Bahru is set to stir up a storm in retail, potentially slashing local sales by S$2.1 billion. This comes after reports that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) agreement is expected to be finalised by the end of 2024. Read on how Singaporean retailers could stay afloat.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER12 updates
  • Featured

    Singapore retailers face $2.1 billion hit with Johor Bahru link

    View of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System(RTS) Link railway bridge under construction from Johor.  The RTS Link is a 4km-long cross-border rail shuttle service, with 2.7km in Malaysia and 1.3km in Singapore and is expected to start operations by end-2026.
    View of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link railway bridge under construction from Johor. The RTS Link is a 4km-long cross-border rail shuttle service, with 2.7km in Malaysia and 1.3km in Singapore and is expected to start operations by end-2026. (Photo: Getty Images)

    Singapore's retail scene is about to face a challenge of epic proportions with the new Johor Bahru transit link.

    The news comes on the heels of reports that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) agreement is expected to be finalised by the end of 2024.

    Starting in 2026, it’s expected to make cross-border shopping a breeze and could lead to a massive $2.1 billion dip in sales.

    Retailers are being urged to rethink their strategies to stay afloat.

    Read on how the JB link could cost Singaporean retailers billions.

  • Featured

    Tharman’s Manila visit marks 55 years of Singapore-Philippines diplomatic ties

    Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam gestures before the bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at the Malacanang Palace, in Manila, Philippines, August 15, 2024. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David/Pool
    Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam gestures before the bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at the Malacanang Palace, in Manila, Philippines, August 15, 2024. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David/Pool

    President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is on a State Visit to the Philippines from 15 to 17 August, marking the 55th anniversary of Singapore-Philippines diplomatic relations.

    Tharman received a warm welcome at Malacañang Palace and held discussions with his Philippines counterpart President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

    They focused on enhancing collaboration in areas like carbon credits and healthcare, where two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed to advance these efforts.

    The MOU on carbon credits emphasises collaboration aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

    This agreement will help both countries meet their climate targets and promote sustainable development.

    During the visit, Tharman will attend a roundtable hosted by the Asia Society Philippines and Makati Business Club, and visit key sites like the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and International Rice Research Institute.

    He will also attend events related to health programs and meet with Singaporeans in the Philippines.

    Tharman also praised Filipino athletes, especially Carlos Yulo, for his outstanding achievements at the Paris Olympics.

    This recognition highlights the strong bond and mutual respect between Singapore and the Philippines.

    Following his visit to the Philippines, Tharman will travel to Geneva for meetings with the World Economic Forum and to Paris to support Singapore athletes at the Paralympic Games.

    Read on how Singapore and the Philippines are strengthening diplomatic relations here.

  • Featured

    Resorts World Sentosa set for 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship showdown

    This is a view of Sentosa island in Singapore.
    The 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship, featuring China's Ding Liren and India's Gukesh D, will be held at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, from 23 Nov to 15 Dec. (Photo: Getty Images)

    The FIDE World Chess Championship will be hosted at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in Singapore from 23 Nov to 15 Dec, the Singapore Chess Federation announced Thursday (15 Aug).

    This historic event marks the first time the championship features two Asian contenders when reigning World Champion Ding Liren from China takes on challenger Dommaraju Gukesh (also known as Gukesh D) from India.

    Gukesh said he has fond memories in Singapore, where he won one of his first international tournaments, adding that he also had a nice family vacation in Lion City.

    RWS, renowned for its luxurious amenities, will offer a fitting backdrop for the championship and will also host the Singapore International Open, a high-level tournament.

    Exciting side events, including meet-and-greets with grandmasters and other chess-related activities, are planned.

    Tickets for the match will be available soon, promising a grand spectacle for chess enthusiasts.

    Read more about the 2024 World Chess Champion in Singapore here.

  • Featured

    Chess is under siege with scandals and mind games

    Chess scandals have included well-known players like former world champion Magnus Carlsen (left) and Hans Niemann, with accusations flying and lawsuits being settled. (Photo: The Telegraph)
    Chess scandals have included well-known players like former world champion Magnus Carlsen (left) and Hans Niemann, with accusations flying and lawsuits being settled. (Photo: The Telegraph)

    Speaking of chess, let's hope the dirty moves surrounding the checkered board don't make their way to Singapore during the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship.

    Chess has seen an escalation in bizarre and extreme tactics, with the case of Amina Abakarova attempting to poison her rival in Russia being a prime example.

    This incident highlights the lengths to which some players will go to win, underscoring the intense psychological warfare that chess involves.

    Cheating in chess has evolved in bizarre ways, with rumours involving anal beads making headlines.

    These scandals have included well-known players like Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann, with accusations flying and lawsuits being settled.

    Chess has a long history of rivalries steeped in psychological manipulation.

    Notable examples include the Cold War-era match between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, and the mind games between Viktor Korchnoi and Anatoly Karpov.

    These matches often involved accusations of cheating, strange tactics, and external influences designed to unsettle opponents.

    This tradition of mental gamesmanship continues in modern chess, where players use tactics like refusing handshakes or arriving late to unsettle their rivals.

    The pressure on top players is immense, with rankings and prize money at stake.

    This has led to an environment where even the slightest suspicion can spiral into accusations of cheating.

    The advent of computer programs that outperform human players has only added to the paranoia, making it difficult for players to trust one another.

    This mistrust is compounded by the increasing prevalence of online chess, where cheating is harder to control, leading to a rise in rumours and speculation.

    Despite these challenges, chess has become more popular than ever, partly due to the success of shows like Netflix's The Queen's Gambit.

    The sport has attracted a younger audience, which has brought both positive energy and new challenges, such as the potential for digital cheating and the rapid spread of rumours on social media.

    While the integrity of the game is often tested, many players still adhere to the rules, focusing on outplaying their opponents rather than resorting to underhanded tactics.

    Here's why chess has become a hotbed of scandal.

  • Featured

    Google's news Pixel 9 Pro XL passes extreme durability test

    Google's new Pixel 9 series has made a splash, particularly with the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

    The Pixel 9 Pro XL has passed an intense durability test by tech Youtuber Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything, enduring extreme heat and bending.

    The Pixel 9 Pro XL is showcased with a robust Super Actua display, which survived an extreme heat test with no apparent damage.

    The phone, featuring Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2, proved highly resistant to scratches and heat.

    The aluminum housing is durable but can scratch if pressured, while the device remained unscathed in a bend test, demonstrating its sturdiness.

    Pre-orders for the Google Pixel 9 series in Singapore started Wednesday (14 Aug), and the phones will be available in stores from September, according to HardwareZone.

    Find more about this robust new phone that promises resilience and power here.

  • Featured

    Johor-Singapore special economic zone deal expected by year-end

    The Johor–Singapore Causeway. (AFP file photo)
    The Johor-Singapore special economic zone (SEZ) agreement is expected by year-end despite delays. The SEZ aims to boost trade and jobs but faces issues with fund contributions and skilled workers. (AFP file photo)

    The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) agreement is expected to be finalised by the end of 2024, though it has faced delays.

    Key issues include negotiating contributions to a joint fund and ensuring a skilled workforce.

    The SEZ aims to boost investments, trade, and job creation in southern Johor, covering an area over four times the size of Singapore.

    A three-day workshop is scheduled for late August to finalize the agreement details.

    Johor’s Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, has proposed special border passes for top executives to ease travel between Singapore and Johor, addressing congestion and manpower issues.

    The proposal is part of broader efforts to streamline business operations and enhance regional cooperation.

    The SEZ will feature new infrastructure developments, such as expanded highways and improved public transport, to support its growth.

    A memorandum of understanding was signed in January, aiming for the agreement by year-end, with recent discussions pushing this timeline.

    The SEZ is designed to facilitate cross-border business, movement of goods, and workforce integration, and will be integrated with existing initiatives like the Iskandar Malaysia project.

    The SEZ’s focus includes developing training programs to address the shortage of skilled workers for industries like AI and renewable energy.

    This initiative is expected to significantly impact both economies, making Johor a more attractive destination for Singaporean businesses.

    The Johor-Singapore SEZ is set to transform regional economic dynamics, promising increased investment and economic integration. Ongoing discussions and workshops will address final details to ensure the project’s success.

    Read on for the latest on the Johor-Singapore SEZ agreement.

  • Featured

    $20,000 raised for injured stray dog Da Bai in just 4 days

    Singapore rallies for stray dog Da Bai after a hit-and-run incident. (Photo: Causes for Animals/Instagram)
    Singapore rallies for stray dog Da Bai after a hit-and-run incident. (Photo: Causes for Animals/Instagram)

    Singapore's animal lovers quickly rallied to support Da Bai, a stray dog injured in an alleged hit-and-run.

    Within just four days, a fundraising campaign managed to gather $20,000, the full amount needed for Da Bai’s medical bills.

    The campaign was organised by Causes for Animals (CAS), who expressed their gratitude in an Instagram post on Wednesday (14 Aug), thanking the public for their generosity.

    Da Bai, who was discovered on 5 Aug with a fractured face, will undergo a significant recovery process.

    He is expected to spend six to eight weeks in the hospital, starting with treatment for a low platelet count before he can have surgery to repair his facial injuries.

    He is currently receiving care at Animal World Veterinary Clinic.

    After Da Bai’s recovery, he will be rehomed by Karen, one of his dedicated feeders.

    CAS has closed the donation drive, having met their financial goal.

    Da Bai has been living near Tuas View Circuit since 2019 and was found by his feeders during their routine rounds.

    Updates on Da Bai’s condition and recovery will be posted on CAS’s Instagram page.

  • Man sneaks through airport security, boards two flights without ticket

    A Norwegian stowaway pulled off a daring stunt by boarding two flights without a ticket and evading security. (Photo: Getty Images)
    A Norwegian stowaway pulled off a daring stunt by boarding two flights without a ticket and evading security. (Photo: Getty Images)

    A 39-year-old Norwegian man managed to board two flights without a ticket in August by tailgating other passengers at Munich Airport.

    After evading detection on a flight to Hamburg and being caught but released, he succeeded on a flight to Stockholm, where he drew attention upon trying to return to Munich.

    Authorities are investigating the security lapses, with Munich Airport and Lufthansa scrutinising their procedures.

    Read on how the man managed to sneak onto two flights without a ticket.

  • 5-second breaks cool down hot heads' heated rows

    Profile side view portrait of two attractive angry aggressive nervous people having fight anger blame isolated over vivid shine bright orange background. Negative emotions concept.
    Struggling with arguments? A study shows that taking just a five-second break can defuse conflicts and reduce aggression. (Photo: Getty Images)

    A new study has found that a five-second pause during arguments significantly lowers aggression and prevents conflicts from escalating.

    Conducted with 81 couples using advanced AI and a competitive game, the study showed that brief breaks are as effective as longer ones in reducing negative emotions.

    This technique is an affordable alternative to couples therapy and is suitable for everyday disputes, though not for severe conflicts like domestic violence.

    Read on how five-second pause during arguments can lower aggression and prevent disputes from escalating.

  • Every Premier League 2024-25 kit, ranked

    New Premier League kits before the 2024-25 season
    The Premier League 2024-25 kits are out, showcasing a mix of hits and misses. (Photo: The Telegraph)

    The new Premier League season is here and teams have unveiled their new kits, with some sticking to old designs and others trying daring new looks.

    It’s a mix of creative hits and fashion flops, from simple elegance to quirky features.

    For the ultimate fan experience, check out the designs, pick your favourites, and get ready to sport these new shirts as the season kicks off.

    Some kits are bound to become fan favourites, while others might be best forgotten.

    Which one is your favourite new kit for the Premier League 2024-25 season?

  • AirAsia launches new Singapore to Port Blair route

    Phuket - Thailand - December 21,2015 : Airasia airplane ,Airbus 320, landing at Phuket airport over the beach
    AirAsia is upping its game with a new route to the Andaman Islands! Travellers from Singapore can enjoy flights to Port Blair with a breezy stopover in Kuala Lumpur from 16 Nov. (Photo: Getty Images)

    AirAsia is launching a new route from Singapore to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, with a quick stopover in Kuala Lumpur.

    Starting 16 November, AirAsia will offer flights three times a week to this stunning destination, making it the only ASEAN airline to provide international flights there.

    This new route expands AirAsia's connectivity, allowing travellers from Singapore to access 17 Indian cities via Kuala Lumpur.

    Read more if you're ready to pack your bags for the Adamans here.

  • Dinosaur-killing asteroid came from beyond Jupiter

    An artist's impression of a large asteroid impacting at Chicxulub on the Mexican coastline, which caused the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, 66 million years ago, with the planet Mars and asteroid bodies in the background, in this image obtained by Reuters on August 14, 2024. Illustration by Mark Garlick/Handout via REUTERS.
    An artist's impression of a large asteroid impacting at Chicxulub on the Mexican coastline, which caused the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, 66 million years ago, with the planet Mars and asteroid bodies in the background, in this image obtained by Reuters on August 14, 2024. Illustration by Mark Garlick/Handout via REUTERS.

    A new study has determined that the asteroid responsible for the dinosaur extinction originated beyond Jupiter.

    This asteroid, which struck Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula 66 million years ago, caused the mass extinction event that wiped out about 75 per cent of Earth's species.

    Researchers identified it as a carbonaceous (C-type) asteroid, not a comet, based on ruthenium isotope analysis.

    This conclusion, based on ruthenium isotope analysis, dismisses earlier theories of a comet or volcanic origin.

    The Chicxulub impactor's composition matches other carbonaceous asteroids, shedding light on its extraterrestrial origin and potential future threats.

    Read more about the rare rock from beyond Jupiter that doomed the dinosaurs here.