What's News: Feb 3, 2018

Prime Minister Najib Razak (above).
Prime Minister Najib Razak (above).PHOTO: EPA-EFE

TOP OF THE NEWS

Factory activity up in January

The local manufacturing sector expanded for the 17th consecutive month in January, according to the latest Purchasing Managers' Index. This came on the back of a faster growth rate in factory output, new orders, new exports and inventory. Employment and input prices grew at a slower rate. 


TOP OF THE NEWS

N. Korea strike 'can cause war'

Concerns are mounting over a possible "bloody nose" strike by the United States on North Korea, with analysts warning that flawed assumptions and miscalculations could trigger an all-out war. Discussions have intensified after the White House abruptly dropped Dr Victor Cha as its choice for US ambassador to Seoul. 


WORLD

New poll boundaries?

Malaysia's electoral authorities are rushing through new maps delineating wards for the next general election. The maps are expected to be tabled in Parliament next month by Prime Minister Najib Razak. Critics say this is intended to favour the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. The boundaries, if redrawn, will affect more than half of the parliamentary and state legislative seats. 


WORLD

Terrorists' arms links exposed

The ongoing trial of terrorist Suryadi Mas'ud has revealed how Indonesian militants linked up with networks in southern Philippines to procure firearms. Suryadi, who fought alongside Philippine-based Islamist militants from 1996 to 2000, has been indicted for planning terror acts, procuring firearms and helping to fund terrorism. A verdict in his trial is expected on Tuesday. 


OPINION

Those who give gain too

Why do people give freely of their time or money? There are many reasons but irrational they are not, says Professor David Chan. 


HOME

Infant milk prices still rising

The average price of a 900g tin of infant milk powder went up 59 cents to $56.65 last year, despite government efforts to stop the rising prices. Although six more affordable brands have been introduced, parents stayed loyal to the higher-priced ones. 


HOME

Push for gender diversity

The Law Society has formed a task force to boost gender diversity in the legal industry. Some of the women-in-the-workplace issues the group will look at include mentoring for new entrants to the profession, role models for women lawyers and office harassment. 


BUSINESS

New name for property player

Property group Frasers Centrepoint has changed its name to Frasers Property, as it moves to reflect the growth of its real estate business over the years. The Singapore Exchange-listed group's portfolio has evolved into one that cuts across asset classes and geographies, with its assets now mostly in properties that provide recurring income. 


SPORT

Why the Games must go on

The Commonwealth Games remains as relevant as ever because it champions equality, says Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Louise Martin. A partnership between CGF and Lagardere Sports, established last July, could also increase the appeal of hosting the Games, at a time when some cities are reluctant to do so. C7



A dog-themed flower basket by Candy Floriculture. ST PHOTO: LEE JIA WEN

LIFE

Cashing in with floral pooches

With less than two weeks to the Year of the Dog, florists and nurseries are expecting strong demand for dog-themed creations. This year's novelty products include plants grown in the shape of a dog.


Straits Times Digital

INTERACTIVE

Game of $urvival

Have you got the dollars and sense to make it through a whole month with cash to spare? Try your hand at our Budget game. str.sg/survival


VIDEO

High-tech Winter Games

Self-driving buses, 5G broadcasts, artificial intelligence-enabled robots and virtual reality headsets offering a taste of winter sports - Pyeongchang has it all. str.sg/oUz7

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 03, 2018, with the headline 'What's News'. Print Edition | Subscribe