Why living in Singapore is the most expensive in Southeast Asia; Gruelling Johor-Singapore commute revealed in viral video: Singapore live news

Standard Chartered is cutting about 20 jobs in Singapore and London as part of a major restructuring of its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team.

The bank is merging its industries coverage team with the M&A advisory team to eliminate duplication and streamline operations.

This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the bank's M&A capabilities, deliver better services to clients, and maximise returns for shareholders.

The restructuring, announced in an internal memo, will also see some industry experts redeployed to other areas within the bank, such as financing teams.

The changes will result in a combined M&A team of over 100 bankers, with some roles being eliminated as a result of the overlap.

This is not the first time StanChart has revamped its corporate and investment banking operations.

Earlier this year, the bank removed layers of regional management to speed up decision-making and improve accountability.

Read more about StanChart's job cuts here.

Marvel's latest addition to the X-Men universe is a Singaporean teen mutant named Jitter, who debuted on National Day (9 Aug).

Jitter, whose real name is Sofia Yong, is part of a group of new characters called "the Outliers," introduced in a relaunch of The Uncanny X-Men series.

Jitter's character adds to Singapore's subtle legacy in the Marvel universe, which includes the fictional island of Madripoor, loosely based on Singapore, and Tyger Tiger, a Singaporean crime boss.

The introduction of Jitter has been met with excitement, especially since she embodies a complex character who not only deals with her powers but also speaks with a stutter, adding depth to her portrayal.

Fans are particularly curious about Jitter's use of Singlish, the distinctive English-based creole spoken in Singapore.

While her use of Singlish in the series is minimal, writer Gail Simone has hinted that other characters may incorporate it in the future, adding a touch of local flavour to the Marvel universe.

Jitter's debut has resonated with fans for its representation of Singapore in a globally beloved franchise, showcasing the country's culture and identity in the world of superheroes.

Here's why Singaporean teen Jitter makes a compelling addition to the X-Men roster.

A Singapore Airlines flight SQ638 had a close call at Tokyo's Narita International Airport when smoke was spotted billowing from its left engine upon landing.

The Boeing 787-10, carrying 276 passengers and crew, landed safely, with no injuries were reported.

The incident prompted the closure of Runway B for nearly an hour as the plane was towed away and inspected.

The Japanese fire department confirmed that the plane experienced an abnormality as it touched down, which led to the smoke.

Emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, quickly surrounded the aircraft.

A spate of high-profile airline accidents this year, including Singapore Airlines, have left a lasting impression on the public.

More on the SQ638's smoky landing that led to the runway closure here.

Singapore ranks as the most expensive country in Southeast Asia, with a cost of living index of 85.9, according to an analysis by Singapore-based fintech company ROSHI.

This high cost is driven primarily by significant increases in housing prices, where average HDB flat prices have reached $795,00 (US$532,768), and private houses average $2,755,000 (US$2,080,533).

Despite the elevated costs, Singaporeans benefit from a high quality of life, supported by rising incomes and robust government initiatives that help balance the financial pressures.

The analysis reveals that while the cost of living in Singapore is higher than its regional peers, the quality of life, infrastructure, and income levels also surpass those of neighbouring countries.

This makes Singapore's financial landscape unique, with residents often seeing their higher expenses mitigated by other advantages.

ROSHI's analysis also highlights that Singapore's residents enjoy excellent infrastructure, strong government support, and access to numerous public services that contribute to overall well-being.

In contrast, other Southeast Asian countries have a lower cost of living but also face challenges such as lower income levels, less developed infrastructure, and fewer government support programs.

Singapore's position as the most expensive country is thus counterbalanced by factors that enhance the overall living experience, making it a desirable place despite the costs.

Find out more why there’s a silver lining despite the high costs in Singapore here.

A viral video on Reddit highlighted the intense daily commute between Johor Bahru and Singapore via the Woodlands checkpoint.

The footage shows a seemingly endless line of vehicles, underscoring the gruelling journey that many Malaysians endure for higher-paying jobs in Singapore.

Despite the attractive wages, the exhausting commute raises questions about whether the financial benefits outweigh the daily strain.

Opinions among commenters were mixed.

Some users shuddered at the thought of such a commute, suggesting they would quit after just one week while some commenters insisted that the better pay and favourable exchange rates make the commute worthwhile, with a few even expressing admiration for those who make the trip daily.

For many, the payoff seems to be the primary motivator.

One commenter shared that their brother wakes up at 3am every day to start the journey, enduring the long wait because of the better salary.

Another noted that the challenging commute is a test of patience, but with such lucrative rewards, many are willing to endure it.

The video sparked a broader discussion on the sacrifices made by Malaysians who work in Singapore.

With more than 350,000 Malaysians crossing the border daily, it's clear that many see this trade-off as worth the effort, even if it involves waking up in the early hours and spending hours in transit each day.

Read on why many commuters are willing to commute to Singapore for a better paycheck.