Asia

Singapore witnesses drop in population for first time since 2003 as foreigners exit

Editorial Bureau September 25, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – For the first time since 2003, the population of Singapore has registered a slump as travel restrictions and job slashes triggered by the coronavirus pandemic have led to the exit of foreign workers from the international business hub. According to an annual

Asia

Singapore’s getai concerts for the dead become virtual events

Editorial Bureau September 8, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – The spread of the pandemic has forced the getai concerts in Singapore to go virtual. This hugely popular form of entertainment among the Chinese community comprises skits, songs and elaborate costumes to honour the dead. Normally, such concerts are attended by thousands. But now they take place in a studio from […]

Asia

Singapore reports lowest daily COVID-19 cases

Editorial Bureau August 25, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – Singapore confirmed 31 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday. It is the lowest daily count in more than five months. The city-state witnessed a jump in its COVID-19 cases after mass outbreaks surfaced in migrant worker dormitories earlier in the year. (Photos syndicated via Reuters)This story has been edited by BH staff […]

Asia

Singapore reports 42 new coronavirus cases

Editorial Bureau August 12, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – Singapore on Wednesday reported 42 new COVID-19 cases. This is the lowest daily count in almost four and a half months. The city imposed a lockdown in mid-April after increased number of cases from cramped migrant worker dormitories made it as one of the highest in Asia. The number of cases […]

Asia

Singapore reports 61 coronavirus cases, which is the lowest daily count in four months

Editorial Bureau August 11, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – Singapore on Tuesday recorded 61 new COVID-19 cases, which was its lowest daily count in more than four months. It was informed last week, it had steered clear of infections from all of the dormitories, which houses around 300,000 workers, excluding some blocks which continue to serve as isolation zones. Tuesday’s […]

Asia

Singapore to look into rising suicides among migrant workers

Editorial Bureau August 6, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – The city state is taking a look at the recent spate of suicides among migrants stoking concerns over the mental health of low-paid workers confined to their dormitories because of the coronavirus infections. In order to stem the spread of the virus, Singapore sealed off housing blocks which are home to […]

Entertainment

Universal Studios in Singapore employs facial recognition software for entry

Editorial Bureau August 3, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – Those visiting Universal Studios in the city will now have to undergo facial recognition scanners to enter the facility. Though this is the city state’s latest foray with technology, it has sparked concerns about privacy. Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) where the facility is situated said the scanner will enable smooth access […]

Asia

Travellers in Singapore to wear electronic tags to implement quarantine

Editorial Bureau August 3, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – Incoming travellers in Singapore will be asked to wear an electronic monitoring device to make sure that coronavirus quarantines are followed. The city-state is gradually reopening its borders, according to authorities on Monday The devices will be provided to incoming travellers, from August 11, including citizens and residents, from a

Asia

Uber suspends moving APAC HQ from Singapore

Ren Leen July 30, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – Uber Technologies Inc said it will retain its Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore at least until December 2022, thereby suspending a potential plan to relocate to Hong Kong. The company said it does not see enough progress being made by the Hong Kong government to reform its ridesharing regulations so as […]

Asia

Singapore’s Loong delays plans to retire citing pandemic crisis

Editorial Bureau July 25, 2020

SINGAPORE CITY (SINGAPORE) – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Saturday a largely unchanged cabinet and indicated that his plans to step down would be delayed because of the pandemic crisis. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is expected to succeed him, helms the finance ministry and senior ministers Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Teo […]