Smoke Rises from Marina Bay Sands Rooftop After Minor Fire
A minor fire broke out at the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands on Tuesday afternoon (October 28), causing smoke to be seen billowing from the top of the iconic hotel. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received an alert at around 3:40 pm about a fire at 1 Bayfront Avenue. The blaze reportedly involved a plastic mat located on the 55th floor of the building. When firefighters arrived at the scene, the flames had already been extinguished by on-site staff using a hose reel. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been sparked by welding works carried out nearby. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising from the rooftop of the hotel, prompting concern among passers-by and tourists in the Marina Bay area. Fire engines were also seen heading towards the scene during the incident. The SCDF confirmed that the situation was swiftly brought under control and there was no need for evacuation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Is Singapore an Expensive Place to Live? Find Out Before You Move!
If you’ve ever wondered is Singapore an expensive place to live, the short answer is: yes — but it really depends on your lifestyle. Singapore is famous for being clean, modern, and safe, but that comfort often comes with a price tag. Let’s look at what actually makes Singapore expensive (or not so much). Housing: The Main Reason Why Singapore Can Feel Expensive Rent is usually the biggest cost for most people. A condo in the city can cost thousands per month, while public housing (HDB) is much cheaper. Many locals and expats share apartments to cut down on rent. Food: From $5 Hawker Meals to Fancy Restaurants Food prices in Singapore can range from very cheap to very costly. Hawker centres offer tasty meals for around $4–$6, while cafés and restaurants can be ten times more. The best part is — you always have options! Here’s a great video by an American expat who breaks down his actual monthly expenses — from rent and food to transport and entertainment. It’s a realistic look at what daily life in Singapore truly costs. Is Singapore an Expensive Place to Live for Daily Transport? Not really. Public transport is efficient and affordable. Most MRT or bus rides cost under $2. If you take taxis or Grab often, that can add up, but generally, moving around is convenient and budget-friendly. Entertainment and Lifestyle Choices Going out for drinks, shopping, or weekend activities can raise your monthly costs. Still, there are plenty of free things to do — like exploring parks, hiking trails, or festivals around the city. Conclusion: It Depends on How You Live So, is Singapore an expensive place to live? It can be — but smart spending makes a big difference. With good budgeting, you can enjoy Singapore’s amazing quality of life without overspending.
Singapore Government Support Boosts Local Farms and Job Opportunities
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) says that Singapore’s high-productivity farms are helping to create quality employment opportunities — particularly for younger workers — by offering modern agricultural roles that appeal to tech-savvy talent. One indoor farm operator told the media that over the past five years they have more than doubled their workforce; they now employ 15 people, about one-third of whom are aged under 25. The farm’s indoor-plant-factory manager, Lee Yuanhao, said the most important attributes they look for in new recruits are strong work-ethic and observational skills. He emphasised that while technical skills can be taught, the attitude must already be there: “If they bring the right attitude, anything can be learned. If they don’t bring seriousness then no matter how we teach, it’s the same.” According to the SFA, high-productivity farms require talents with multidisciplinary expertise — covering agriculture and aquaculture, engineering, and data analysis. They are working together with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), the Agency for Skills Development, employers and higher-education institutions to develop a skills framework for the agri-food industry, offering training courses and funding at various levels to nurture these talents. One farm founder, Wang Xueli, said that many of the young recruits are recent graduates or interns. She pointed out that one employee is currently studying for a Work-Study Diploma in agriculture and aquaculture at ITE, which she believes will give a solid foundation: “Many Singaporeans are used to structured learning; this lets them begin thinking and exploring the whole industry by themselves.” Farmers say local demand for home-grown vegetables is increasing year by year, but more needs to be done to lift market-demand further. They are already prepared in terms of equipment and manpower — and once demand increases, they will scale up production accordingly.
Former preschool cook pleads guilty to molesting toddler during nap times
A 61-year-old permanent resident originally from Malaysia, Teo Guan Huat, has admitted guilt in court to three charges of molesting young children at a preschool in Singapore. He faces a further five charges which will be taken into account during sentencing. According to the court’s record, Teo was employed at the preschool for around one year in 2023. Although his official role was as the cook, he also assisted with child-care tasks such as helping children during nap time or bath time. Between May and November 2023, he is alleged to have repeatedly exploited his access to three approximately two-year-old girls with whom he was closer, carrying out molestation acts while they were being settled for nap or were asleep. He reportedly committed these acts two to three times a week during that period. On 16 November 2023, a staff member reviewing CCTV footage observed Teo inserting his hand into a toddler’s diaper and performing at least nine separate molestation acts within about an hour. Following the revelation, Teo resigned from his post on 23 November after being questioned by the preschool’s management. The employer only alerted the police after some delay, during which CCTV footage was deleted and the system was reformatted by other staff, who were later charged. The police retrieved the deleted recordings and arrested Teo on 4 December. The prosecution described the case as “one of the most horrifying sexual abuse incidents ever in a preschool setting”, emphasising that parents entrust their children to such institutions and expect them to be safe. They are seeking a 10-year prison sentence. Teo’s defence lawyer argued that although Teo deeply regrets his actions, the preschool allowed him to be in such a position of trust with children. They requested a six-year prison term and no caning. Due to Teo’s age (over 50), he is not eligible for caning under Singapore’s current legislation. The judge has reserved the sentencing decision to allow time for full consideration. A gag order is in place to protect the identities of the toddler victims and prohibits publication of any identifying preschool details.
PM Lawrence Wong: ASEAN+3 Must Strengthen Cooperation to Tackle Global Challenges
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called on ASEAN and its three East Asian partners — China, Japan and South Korea — to deepen collaboration and enhance regional resilience in the face of mounting global uncertainties. Speaking at the ASEAN Plus Three (ASEAN+3) Summit, Mr Wong emphasised that the partnership has been instrumental in promoting economic integration and stability across the region, but must now evolve to address new and complex challenges such as climate change, food security and technological transformation. He noted that the ASEAN+3 cooperation framework, established more than two decades ago in response to the Asian financial crisis, continues to play a vital role in safeguarding regional financial stability. The initiative, he said, demonstrates how countries can work together to overcome crises and sustain growth. Mr Wong urged member states to further strengthen supply-chain resilience, expand cooperation in the digital and green economies, and ensure that economic growth remains inclusive and sustainable. He added that close coordination between ASEAN and its three partners will be key to maintaining regional peace and prosperity amid a more fragmented global environment. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to working with ASEAN+3 partners to uphold multilateralism, strengthen connectivity, and advance shared development goals.
5 Best Cycling Routes in Singapore: Park and Nature Theme
Explore Singapore on two wheels! Whether you’re cruising along the coast, weaving through lush parks, or taking on the ultimate island challenge, Singapore offers some of the most scenic and cyclist-friendly routes in Asia! From peaceful park connectors to epic long-distance rides, these 5 best cycling routes in Singapore; promise stunning views, diverse terrains, and pure adventure. Grab your helmet, gear up, and let’s roll through the Lion City’s top cycling trails! 1. East Coast Park → Marina Bay → Gardens by the Bay Distance: ~20 km (one-way)Suitable for: Leisure cyclists and families.Tip: Stop for coffee at Cyclist Park or Marina Barrage rooftop.Highlights: Find an easy cycling guide with Bikemap from East Coast Park to Marina Bay 2. Round Island Route (RIR) Distance: ~150 km (full loop)Suitable for: Experienced riders or long-distance enthusiasts.Tip: Do it in segments if 150 km is too long — e.g., East Coast–Punggol, or Seletar–Jurong.Highlights: 3. Coney Island & Punggol Waterway Park Distance: ~10–15 km (loop)Suitable for: Nature lovers and beginners.Tip: Bring water — there are few refill stations inside Coney Island.Highlights: 4. Jurong Lake Gardens → Bukit Batok Nature Park Distance: ~12 km (one-way)Suitable for: Recreational riders and families in the West.Tip: Combine with Ulu Pandan Park Connector for a longer route (~20 km).Highlights: 5. Changi Airport → Changi Village → East Coast Park Distance: ~26 km (loop)Suitable for: Casual riders or weekend group rides.Tip: Try night cycling — safe, quiet, and scenic with minimal traffic.Highlights: Conclusion These are the 5 best cycling routes in Singapore — whether you love cityscapes or nature trails, there’s a route for every cyclist, from beginner to advanced. Recommendation? For a mix of city and park views, ride along East Coast Park. Prefer a calm, scenic escape? Coney Island awaits with lush greenery and wildlife. No bike? No problem! Rent one easily from HelloRide or Anywheel, and start your ride today! Explore more essential tools you need in Singapore!
Five Hospitalised After Multi-Vehicle Crash Near Kovan MRT Station
A multi-vehicle crash near Kovan MRT Station along the upper stretch of Serangoon Road on Thursday afternoon left five people injured and sent to hospital, including a bus driver. The collision involved a bus, several cars, and lorries. Five Hospitalised in Kovan MRT Station Accident In response to media queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that it was alerted to the incident at around 4:35 p.m. today (October 24). SCDF officers conveyed five injured individuals to Sengkang General Hospital. Two others sustained minor injuries but declined hospitalisation after being assessed on site. Details of the Injured Police said the five hospitalised were a 57-year-old male bus driver, a 47-year-old male lorry driver, his 33-year-old female passenger, a 29-year-old male car driver, and a 66-year-old male car driver. The two who refused hospital treatment were a 48-year-old lorry driver and a 31-year-old car driver. Six Vehicles Involved According to police, the accident involved one bus, two lorries, and three cars.Videos circulating online show a white sedan positioned sideways in the middle of the road, its front heavily damaged with liquid — possibly coolant or fuel — spilled on the ground. Several SCDF and police officers were seen at the scene assisting with rescue and traffic control. Investigation Ongoing Police investigations into the multi-vehicle crash near Kovan MRT Station are still underway.
Top 5 Shopping Malls in Singapore near MRT: Best way to get around
Shop like a local with Singapore’s best way to get around — the MRT!In Singapore, many shopping malls are conveniently built right above MRT stations, making it easy for both tourists and locals to explore the city’s best retail spots. From luxury brands to lifestyle essentials, everything you need is just a train ride away. Here are the top 5 must-visit shopping malls in Singapore near MRT you shouldn’t miss: Ion Orchard ION Orchard is a premier shopping destination in Singapore, linked directly to Orchard MRT (North-South / Thomson-East Coast Lines). It features a wide range of high-end luxury brands and international fashion labels, complemented by excellent dining options. Visitors can also enjoy stunning city views from ION Sky, the mall’s scenic observatory. Highlights: VivoCity VivoCity, Singapore’s largest shopping mall with over 300 stores, is designed with an open-surf theme that reflects its scenic waterfront location, connected to HarbourFront MRT. It features a 300-metre promenade along the harbour, open-air plazas, interactive courtyards, and outdoor terraces, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. With its spacious layout and family-friendly design, VivoCity also serves as the gateway to Sentosa Island. Highlights: Raffles City Shopping Centre Raffles City Shopping Centre, directly connected to City Hall MRT, is a vibrant retail hub that blends luxury, lifestyle, and convenience. It features flagship stores such as Acqua di Parma with its exclusive men’s grooming services, L’Occitane’s first eco-friendly “Green Store” with refill stations, and Kilian Paris offering personalized fragrance experiences. The mall also houses a wide range of fashion, dining, and beauty brands, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Highlights: Jem (Jurong East Mall) JEM, a large suburban mall with a wide variety of shops and dining options, directly connected to Jurong East MRT / interchange. The mall is recognized for its strong sustainability efforts, having received the Green Mark Platinum (v4) award, and features rooftop gardens, sky terraces, landscaped walkways and more. It is also very family-friendly, with many JEM spaces and a rooftop garden space for relaxation. Highlights: NEX (Serangoon) NEX Mall is a vibrant 7-storey shopping destination located in Serangoon Station; interchange / connected to North-East Line & Circle Line. As the largest mall in the North-East region, it boasts over 340 retail, dining, and entertainment outlets, including major anchors like FairPrice Xtra, Isetan, Shaw Theatres, and Cold Storage. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or enjoying leisure activities, NEX offers a comprehensive experience for all ages. Highlights: How to go shopping malls in Singapore near MRT station? Worried about getting lost in Singapore? Use the Citymapper app to easily find your way to any destination!
Top 5 place to visit in Singapore
Top 5 Singapore Michelin-star Street Food: Don’t Miss This!
When people think of fine dining, they often picture white tablecloths and fancy wine glasses. But in Singapore, world-class meals are sometimes just a hawker stall away. The city is famous for its hawker culture, and a handful of humble stalls have earned the coveted Michelin star. If you’re hunting for Singapore Michelin-star street food, here’s a list of the top 5 stalls you shouldn’t miss. Affordable, authentic, and unforgettable. 1. Hawker Chan – Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle This is probably the most famous of them all. Hawker Chan shot to stardom when it became the first hawker stall in the world to receive a Michelin star. For under S$5, you can enjoy tender chicken drenched in rich soy sauce, paired with rice or noodles. The long queues are a testament to its legendary status. 2. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle Known for its bak chor mee (minced meat noodles), this stall is a true institution. The noodles are springy, the vinegar punchy, and the toppings generous. It’s the kind of bowl that keeps locals and tourists coming back despite the wait time. Michelin recognized it for its consistent quality and bold flavors. 3. Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee If smoky, wok-hei flavors are your thing, this stall is a must-try. Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is legendary for its rich, slightly sweet char kway teow stir-fried with cockles, Chinese sausage, and pork lard. The balance of flavors, combined with the charred aroma only possible from a seasoned wok, earned it Michelin recognition. Queues form early, but most regulars agree it’s worth every minute of the wait. 4. Shirokane Tori-Tama (Street Yakitori Experience) Though a little less traditional compared to local hawker fare, this Japanese yakitori stall tucked in Singapore’s backstreets has gained Michelin attention. Fresh skewers grilled to smoky perfection make it a unique addition to Singapore’s hawker mix. 5. A Noodle Story – Singapore-style Ramen This stall blends Japanese ramen techniques with local flavors, creating a “Singapore-style ramen.” Think springy noodles, tender pork belly, wontons, and even a soft-boiled egg. It’s modern, innovative, and Michelin-star approved—perfect if you want to see how Singapore street food can evolve. Why Singapore Michelin-star Street Food Matters What makes these stalls special isn’t just the star—it’s the way they preserve heritage flavors while making them accessible to everyone. You don’t need a fat wallet to enjoy a Michelin meal here. For travelers, this is one of the best food adventures in Singapore: tasting award-winning dishes while rubbing shoulders with locals in hawker centers. Planning Your Food Hunt If you’re visiting, bring cash (most stalls are still old-school), prepare for queues, and go during off-peak hours if you can. It’s not just about eating—it’s about experiencing Singapore’s unique food culture.