MOE timeline reveals months of bullying at Sengkang Green Primary; Temasek eyes three-way split to boost returns and efficiency: Singapore live news

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• MOE releases facts after Sengkang Green bullying uproar

  

  What really happened at Sengkang Green Primary School? The Ministry of Education's (MOE) timeline tells a troubling story. (Photo: Google Earth)

  The Ministry of Education (MOE) has released a comprehensive timeline of events surrounding the bullying case at Sengkang Green Primary School, revealing a months-long escalation of verbal abuse, physical contact, and threats.

  It began in April with offensive slurs exchanged between students. By July, the affected student requested a seat change due to disruptive behaviour and inappropriate language from classmates. Days later, her mother received prank calls and death threats, prompting a police report.

  The school suspended the three boys involved and initiated a safety plan, including peer escorts and backpack checks. One student was later caned after further investigation.

  MOE’s timeline also revealed that the girl had used racial slurs and exclusionary language, leading to retaliatory behaviour from classmates. The ministry emphasised its balanced approach to discipline and education.

  The case has sparked national attention, with MOE urging parents to avoid social media speculation and work collaboratively with schools to support student well-being.

  Read on MOE's statement on the Sengkang Green bullying case here.

• Temasek considers split into three investment arms to improve performance

  

  Temasek Holdings is reportedly considering a major restructure into three investment platforms to sharpen focus and improve long-term shareholder returns. (Photo: REUTERS/Edgar Su)

  Temasek Holdings is weighing a significant restructuring that could reshape how Singapore’s state-owned investment firm manages its $434 billion portfolio. The proposed plan involves splitting the company into three distinct investment platforms, each focused on a different strategic area.

  One unit would oversee major domestic holdings such as Singapore Airlines, another would manage overseas investments, and a third would consolidate all fund-related assets, including those under Seviora Holdings. The goal is to sharpen executive focus, improve efficiency, and boost long-term returns.

  Despite Temasek’s record-high net portfolio value as of March 2025, its ten-year compound annual total shareholder return, including dividends, stands at just 5 per cent. That figure matches the more conservative GIC but trails the MSCI World Index’s 10 per cent annualised return over the same period.

  Temasek’s current model distributes investment responsibilities across senior executives by asset class and geography. The restructure would streamline this approach, potentially elevating key leaders to head the new divisions.

  Executives reportedly under consideration for top roles include Lim Ming Huan, incoming president of Seviora Holdings; Chief Financial Officer Tony Tan; and Nagi Hamiyeh, President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, who recently relocated to Paris.

  The decision is expected to be announced in the coming months, possibly aligning with Temasek’s leadership transition and Singapore’s high-profile events calendar. If approved, the restructure could mark one of the most significant shifts in Temasek’s 51-year history.

  Read on Temasek mulling a major overhaul here.

• Thu, 21 August 2025 at 4:30 am GMT-4

  Zoom bets big on Singapore for APAC growth

  

  Zoom’s new Singapore HQ targets Asia-Pacific’s rising AI-native workforce with immersive tech and regional hiring plans. (Photo: REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann)

  Zoom Communications has officially opened its new Singapore office, a sleek 7,500-square-foot space in the heart of the Central Business District. Located in Marina Bay's IOI Central Boulevard Towers, the facility is more than three times the size of its previous location and marks a major milestone in Zoom’s Asia-Pacific expansion strategy.

  The new office features two standout zones: the Experience Hub, a 2,000-square-foot immersive space for product demos, and the Engagement Hub, designed to support hybrid work styles. These additions reflect Zoom’s commitment to enhancing both customer and employee experiences in Singapore.

  Singapore plays a pivotal role in Zoom’s APAC ambitions. The office will serve as a multifunctional base for sales, marketing, R&D, HR and finance, with plans to grow the local team in line with regional priorities. While Zoom hasn’t disclosed its Singapore headcount, the company employs over 7,000 globally, with more than half based outside the United States.

  Coinciding with the launch, Zoom released a study spotlighting the rise of “AI natives” – young professionals aged 18 to 24 who are reshaping workplace expectations. In Singapore, 87 per cent of respondents in this group said access to AI tools is essential, second only to South Korea. This signals a clear mandate for companies to tailor tech strategies to meet evolving employee needs.

• Thu, 21 August 2025 at 4:00 am GMT-4

  Missed Friday prayer? You could face jail in Terengganu

  

  Muslim men in Terengganu now face jail or fines for missing Friday prayers, even once after the state government began enforcing a controversial provision under its "takzir" law. (Photo: Zahim Mohd/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

  Terengganu has activated a clause in its "takzir" law that criminalises missing Friday prayers. Muslim men who skip the weekly obligation now face up to two years in jail or a RM3,000 ($900) fine.

  The law, passed in 2016 but only now enforced, marks a shift toward stricter religious governance. Officials say it’s about preserving Islamic values and educating the younger generation.

  Public awareness campaigns are underway, including banners at mosques and joint patrols with local authorities. Enforcement will rely on community reports and surveillance.

  While some support the move as a moral safeguard, others see it as disproportionate. Social media backlash has been swift, with calls for education over punishment.

  The debate reflects broader tensions in Malaysia’s dual legal system, where Shariah and civil law often intersect – and sometimes collide.

  Read on Malaysia's law punishing missed Friday prayers here.

• Thu, 21 August 2025 at 3:30 am GMT-4

  ‘Nicest judge in the world’ Frank Caprio dies at 88

  

  Frank Caprio, famed for his empathetic rulings and viral courtroom clips, dies at 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. (AP Photo/Michelle R. Smith, File)

  Frank Caprio, the Rhode Island judge whose courtroom became a sanctuary of empathy, has died at 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Known globally as the “nicest judge in the world,” Caprio’s rulings often went viral, showcasing his signature blend of humour, compassion and fairness.

  His show Caught in Providence amassed over a billion views across platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Whether dismissing fines for struggling parents or inviting children to help decide verdicts, Caprio’s courtroom was a masterclass in humanity.

  Caprio’s family described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. “His warmth, humour and kindness left an indelible mark,” they wrote. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called him “a symbol of empathy on the bench”.

  Caprio retired in 2023 after nearly four decades of service. His memoir Compassion in the Court and final social media posts offered reflections on justice, kindness and mortality.

  His legacy? A billion smiles, countless lives touched, and a reminder that justice doesn’t have to be cold.

• Thu, 21 August 2025 at 3:00 am GMT-4

  RSAF to train F-35 pilots in Arkansas, not Guam

  

  Singapore pivots from Guam to Arkansas for RSAF fighter training amid F-35 expansion.(Photo: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

  Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed a strategic shift in its fighter jet training plans. Talks to base Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) jets in Guam have been shelved, with a new focus on establishing a long-term F-35 training detachment in Arkansas.

  The proposed base at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith would support Singapore’s growing fleet of F-35s. The first batch of four F-35Bs is expected to arrive in 2026, followed by eight F-35As in 2028, and the remaining F-35Bs by 2030.

  This move reflects Singapore’s broader defence modernisation strategy. The RSAF is phasing out older jets and investing in next-gen capabilities to maintain regional readiness and deterrence.

  While Guam will still host short-term RSAF exercises, the long-term training footprint is shifting to the US mainland. The Arkansas base offers better infrastructure and integration with US forces.

  Singapore’s defence budget has been raised to support these upgrades, reinforcing its commitment to a strong and agile SAF. The pivot to Arkansas marks a new chapter in Singapore’s air combat readiness.

• Thu, 21 August 2025 at 2:00 am GMT-4

  Singlish is Singapore’s new cultural superpower, and Singaporeans say ‘shiok’!

  

  Singlish is gaining global recognition and redefining what it means to be Singaporean. (Photo: Getty Images)

  Once dismissed as broken English, Singlish is now a celebrated emblem of Singaporean identity. From “blur like sotong” to “lah” and “leh,” these quirky expressions have gone from taboo to treasured. Linguist and writer Gwee Li Sui, a longtime advocate for Singlish, notes how the dialect has evolved into a cultural marker of pride.

  The shift is evident, from government campaigns to suppress Singlish in the early 2000s to its joyful use at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where dancers dropped phrases like “no lah” and “abuden” to roaring applause. Even the Oxford English Dictionary has taken notice, adding words like “alamak” and “shiok” to its lexicon.

  For tourists, mastering Singlish isn’t just fun, it’s essential. Words like “can,” “chope,” and “kiasu” unlock the local vibe and earn instant street cred.

  Singlish isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving. And it’s doing so with flair.

• Thu, 21 August 2025 at 1:30 am GMT-4

  Singapore fans gear up for McDonald's BTS TinyTAN Happy Meal launch

  

  Singapore fans can soon grab BTS TinyTAN toys with their McDonald's Happy Meals. (Photo: McDonald's/Instagram)

  Singapore is set to join the global rollout of McDonald’s BTS TinyTAN Happy Meal, featuring collectible toys inspired by the K-pop supergroup. The campaign begins in the US on 3 September, with Singapore’s launch date to be announced soon.

  The Happy Meal includes one of seven TinyTan figures, each modelled after a BTS member. The Throwback Edition features outfits from the 2021 BTS Meal campaign, while The Encore Edition introduces new looks from their second collab.

  McDonald’s Singapore has yet to confirm exact launch details, but fans are already gearing up to collect the full set. The 2021 BTS Meal was a hit locally, and this follow-up is expected to draw similar excitement.

  Each toy will be packed in themed Happy Meal boxes, with social media teasers already circulating. Fans speculate that additional surprises may be revealed closer to launch.

  With BTS’s full lineup now back from military service and a new album in the works, the timing of this campaign is ideal. Singapore’s ARMYs – get ready.

• Thu, 21 August 2025 at 1:00 am GMT-4

  Black Myth sequel stars Wukong and Zhong Kui heroes

  

  Game Science unveils Black Myth: Zhong Kui, a new action RPG steeped in Chinese mythology, following the success of Wukong. (Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

  Game Science is back with another mythological epic. After the record-breaking success of Black Myth: Wukong, the studio has revealed its next title, Black Myth: Zhong Kui, at Gamescom 2025.

  Zhong Kui, known in Chinese legend as a vanquisher of evil spirits, will headline the new action RPG. The teaser trailer featured haunting visuals and a red-bearded protagonist with glowing eyes.

  The game is still in early development, with no timeline for release. Game Science says it will be available on PC and major consoles, though staggered launches are possible, as seen with Wukong.

  Wukong’s impact extended far beyond gaming, sparking tourism to historic sites and putting China’s game industry under the global spotlight. Zhong Kui aims to build on that momentum.

  Even political figures took notice. Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he watched Wukong playthroughs but joked he couldn’t keep up with the fast-paced action.

  Read on Zhong Kui joining Wukong in the expanded Black Myth saga here.

• Thu, 21 August 2025 at 12:00 am GMT-4

  New Zealand mother’s heartbreaking plea to bring her three children home

  

  (Counterclockwise from top) Marokopa mystery's missing 4 – Thomas Callam Phillips; Maverick Rusty Callam Phillips; Jayda Jorga Jin Phillips; and Ember Nirvana Essence Phillips. (Photo: New Zealand Police)

  The mother of three missing children in New Zealand begs for their safe return, saying “none of this is okay.”

  Cat, the mother of Jayda, Maverick and Ember, has made a public plea for their safe return after nearly four years in hiding with their father, Tom Phillips. In an emotional video, she begged for help, saying, “They are just innocent children.”

  

  Ember, Jayda and Maverick were 5, 7 and 8, when they vanished. This image was posted to the Missing Marokopa Children Facebook page in September 2022. - Missing Marokopa Children/Facebook

  She expressed concern for Ember, who is asthmatic and may not be receiving proper medical care. “Jayda will be a young woman now, and she needs her mother,” Cat said, adding that Maverick’s well-being is also unknown.

  Cat accused Phillips of using the children as “pawns,” saying they shouldn’t have to worry about shelter or warmth. She emphasised that what he’s doing is not okay and that her children deserve better.

  The fugitive Phillips is also being urged to come home by his family. In a rare public appeal, his sister Rozzi and mother Julia shared heartfelt messages, hoping he’ll see them and reconsider.

  Phillips has been missing since 2021, believed to be living in the bush with his three children. Despite sightings and an NZ$80,000 reward, police have yet to locate them.

  Phillips is wanted for alleged armed robbery and burglary, and authorities say he may be armed. His family continues to plead for his return, while police urge the public to report any information.

  Read on the NZ mum's plea for safe return of her missing children here.

• Wed, 20 August 2025 at 10:42 pm GMT-4

  Israel calls up 60,000 reservists for Gaza assault

  

  Israel’s Gaza offensive and settlement expansion draw global criticism and fuel calls for Palestinian statehood. (Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen)

  Israel has launched a sweeping military operation targeting Gaza City, mobilising 60,000 reservists and pushing deeper into Zeitoun and Jabalia. Defence Minister Israel Katz authorised the plan, which aims to dismantle Hamas’ strongholds.

  But the offensive is not just military, it’s geopolitical. Israel approved the E1 settlement project in the West Bank, adding 3,401 housing units near Jerusalem. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says it will “bury the idea of a Palestinian state”.

  The move was condemned internationally for undermining the two-state solution as it would sever East Jerusalem from the West Bank, making a contiguous Palestinian state nearly impossible. Critics call it a “colonial plan” and a “creeping annexation”, saying it could permanently divide Palestinian territories and erase hopes for peace.

  The humanitarian toll is mounting. Displaced Palestinians face worsening conditions, and aid groups warn of a looming crisis. Meanwhile, Israel’s Western allies are reevaluating their stance.

  France, Australia, and others are preparing to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched diplomatic attacks, accusing them of fuelling antisemitism.

  Read on Israel doubling down militarily and diplomatically in Gaza here.

• Wed, 20 August 2025 at 9:41 pm GMT-4

  Singaporeans drive Johor’s tourism boom

  

  Singaporeans are fuelling Malaysia’s tourism revival, with Johor as the top destination. (Photo: Getty Images)

  Singaporeans are making waves in Johor’s tourism scene, accounting for a staggering 78 per cent of all foreign visitors in the first seven months of 2025. With over 11 million visits recorded, this marks the highest influx of Singaporean tourists to Johor in recent history.

  The surge aligns perfectly with Johor’s strategic push to boost regional travel ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026.

  Tourism officials are now expanding their efforts beyond Johor Bahru, spotlighting smaller districts and cultural events to spread the economic benefits. Initiatives like Majestic Johor and Festival Zapin are part of a broader plan to diversify attractions and deepen engagement.

  With a target of 12 million visitors next year, Johor is banking on repeat visits and regional charm to sustain momentum.