Pulau Tekong to expand by 10km to meet Singapore army’s training needs

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Dr. Ng also emphasized the need to develop alliances with other nations as a means of addressing shared safety issues during his speech on Monday. &nbsp,

Singapore’s and Indonesia’s defense cooperation arrangement, which has been in effect since March 2024, provides a solid foundation for the nations to encourage closer contact and teamwork between their defense institutions, he said. &nbsp,

He referred to a conference held in November of last year between Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Both officials backed increased military responsibilities for the SAF and the TNI, including joint education in Kalimantan.

Later this year, both nations ‘ air forces will do their first bilateral air patrols under the Patkor Indopura or Singapore-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol.

According to Dr. Ng, Singapore also has excellent relations with Malaysia, the government’s closest neighbor. &nbsp,

We will help their chair as they uphold ASEAN importance and unity, he added, and Malaysia is taking the helm of ASEAN ( Association of Southeast Asian Nations ) this year. &nbsp,

Singapore’s defense cooperation with the United States and China is expanding, according to Dr. Ng, with standard high-level discussions occurring.

On the eve of the Shangri-La Dialogue- Asia’s major security conference in May 2024, he co-chaired the Singapore-China Defence Ministers ‘ Dialogue with China’s Minister of National Defense, Admiral Dong Jun.

Dr. Ng was invited to speak at the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in September of last year, which was billed as China’s version of the Shangri-La Dialogue. He also addressed senior People’s Liberation Army commanders at Beijing’s National Defense University ( NDU) during a dialogue session.

He had a diplomatic call with General Zhang Youxia, the vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, and they met once it. &nbsp,

He Weidong is second-ranked vice-chair, while Zhang occupies the first spot. The two are Chinese President Xi Jinping’s delegates to the agency’s head.

It’s a luxury for those who are familiar with the PLA construction. Dr. Ng expressed his gratitude for the privilege of having access to both vice-chairman Li and the height chief course at their NDU.

” We affirmed the great military-to-military relationships that we have through these high-level sessions and various exercises,” we said during these sessions. We intend to increase contacts in the future.

Collaborations with Singapore’s department of defense and martial are substantial, he added, and the US is a significant security cooperation partner of the country. &nbsp,

Although it’s obvious that our defense responsibilities and common perks have grown over the years, it’s clear that we are not a treaty ally.

He added that Singapore was likewise appreciative of the country’s pilots ‘ long-term support for their planes.

Singapore pays a lot of attention to our own defenses, he said, and the US is aware of this. &nbsp,

Under the Trump administration, I look forward to further strengthening our defense relationships.

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Singapore’s armed forces to build new counter-UAS capabilities, embrace dual-use technology

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NEW COMMANDS FOR SAF’S DIGITAL BRANCH

Dr. Ng also disclosed on Monday that the Digital and Intelligence Service ( DIS), the SAF’s digital branch and fourth service, will establish two new countermeasures against cyber threats.

He claimed that the DIS was the “former in 2022” and represents the culmination of efforts to reorganize to better address challenges to come with the modern sphere. &nbsp,

The SAF C4 and Digitalization Command, which has two centers, the Digital Ops-Tech Center and the new SAF Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) Center, is the first new command.

According to Dr. Ng, the goal is to utilize all of the benefits of the latest electronic hardware and software to complete the SAF’s missions. &nbsp,

The Defence Cyber Command (DCCOM) is the next new control. This combines all security operations and capabilities and works with the government and industry to advance national digital defense. &nbsp,

This order will have to deal with state and non-state players ‘ “hostile digital threats against Singapore that, as you can see, our essential service will be harmed” said Dr. Ng. &nbsp,

We are susceptible because of our little regional size, it is clear. It will have a direct effect on our safety troops, the SAF, and Home Team, and will have an impact on both economic and social well-being.

Taking Up CIVILIANS AND COMBATANTS

The defense secretary even made mention of the fact that a number of emerging systems are dual-use, both for civil and military purposes, with rapid version cycles in his conversation. &nbsp,

An AI firm, he noted, was able to change its business AI voice transcription to capture Russian communications during the Russia-Ukraine war and instantly identify crucial information to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. &nbsp,

The SAF has established technology adaptation teams to bring together combatants and engineers from the DSO National Laboratories and the Defence Science &amp, Technology Agency ( DSTA ) to capitalize on these opportunities. &nbsp,

According to Dr. Ng, their task is to quickly and effectively modify new technologies to solve problems on the field. &nbsp,

These groups tested their skills during the most recent Training Wallaby, the SAF’s largest international training, and came up with a fast solution using a UAV equipped with a 5G base station to increase communications protection for soldiers on the ground. &nbsp,

The SAF may preserve its scientific supremacy, which includes the possible use of AI, according to Dr. Ng, because technology is a disrupter for forces. &nbsp,

Therefore, the Ministry of Defence ( MINDEF ) and the SAF must work with government agencies and employ appropriate crowdsourcing techniques. &nbsp,

Dr. Ng cited the AI Grand Challenge, which MINDEF and DSO Laboratories jointly launched with the AI Singapore study academy as an example. &nbsp,

Five teams have been funded to conduct research in accordance with the challenges of strong AI and AI for materials finding. &nbsp,

The SAF can learn great tips for its requirements over time, according to Dr. Ng.

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Singapore to buy 2 more submarines and introduce new ‘Titan’ infantry fighting vehicle

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Singapore’s Armed Forces ( SAF ) plans to purchase two more submarines to add to its four-strong fleet, according to Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen on Monday ( Mar 3 ).

The Singapore Army will even purchase a brand-new troops fighting vehicle, the” Titan,” which is wheeled and, for the first time, substantially increased in power thanks to a 30mm gun as a distant weapons system.

Unmanned aerial systems ( UAS ) will also be a part of the Titan’s defense.

The long-range High Mobility Rocket System ( HIMARS ) launcher from the army will also be upgraded to rockets with greater rocket capability.  

Since 2010, the HIMARS has been beneficial and efficient. Dr. Ng cited Russia’s continuing conflict with Ukraine.

The minister provided these updates as he presented the spending plans for the Ministry of Defense ( MINDEF ) in parliament.  

In 2017, the Republic of Singapore began producing four European, hand-made Invincible-class ships. According to Dr. Ng, all of them are on record to be functional by around 2028.

The primary two were already ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; entirely operationalized past September.  

However, four boats are not the best option for a ship, according to Dr. Ng. Our submarines, are subject to more strenuous maintenance cycles and regular maintenance checks; as you can picture ,  they must run figuratively and physically under extreme pressure.

Operational day is” contrary reduced in some ways.” This is why the majority of submarine-operating warships have more than four countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and others. of our near neighbors,” he continued.  

” Having demonstrated that the Invincible-class ships may perform to;
plans to purchase two more ships to make up the SAF’s inventory in exotic lakes; six represents the state of our submersible fleet’s stability. ”  

UPGRADES AT THE Water AND IN THE AIR

Later this year, the navy will also introduce its first multi-role combat craft ( MRCVs ). Six of them were previously purchased as substitutes for a aging fleet of Victory-class weapon ships that had been in use since 1989.

About  The MRCVs are larger and have a wider selection. three days more advanced than the ships.

The MRCV is a mothership with autonomous systems, not a single ship. She will improve the navy’s ability to protect our sea interests, according to Dr. Ng, with its collection of advanced sensors and combat systems.  

The Republic of Singapore Air Force ( RSAF ) is looking into appropriate replacements for its Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft, which has been in service for three decades and has guarded Singapore’s sea defense and maritime communication lines.

The Boeing P-8A and Airbus C295 are being evaluated especially.

The past is flown by, to name a few, the US Navy, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Australian Air Force.  

In addition, countries like Chile and Spain have purchased the Airbus C295 for anti-submarine battle operations.

Dr. Ng also made note of the formation of an F-35 and F-16 fighter aircraft training détachment at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in the US, on Monday.

Singapore lately confirmed the order of F-35As from the US, with Dr. Ng before confirming the decision to purchase eight more of those aircraft. during the MINDEF budget conversation next year.  

After conducting thorough practicality studies between the RSAF and the US Air Force, which took into account factors like applicability of place and teaching area, as well as equipment and logistical support, Ebbing was chosen.  

These actions show the strength of our cooperation in the US’s defense industry and our continued commitment to a multi-decade relationship. Dr. Ng thanked the US for their assistance.  

The SAF as a fairly small war would have evolved with state-of-the-art platforms similar to developed militaries abroad and appropriate for our safety purposes with these additional capabilities for air, land, and sea. “

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‘Human error’ caused premature message about new 3-year lock-in period for business-owned private-hire cars

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According to Dr. Khor, NCS has since established a buddy system and added more checks, as well as establishing a mature developer who will review the work being done. &nbsp,

She noted that the regulators had intended to make the changes public in March while laying out the transportation agency’s saving schedule for the year.

However, it was made in order to move the news ahead.

Due to the ongoing Technical bidding process that runs from February 17 to February 19, we wanted to give all parties fair and transparent access and give bidders time to decide whether to change their bids before the buying cycle closed at 4pm on February 19,” Dr. Khor said.

Companies must now maintain their private-hire vehicles designated for ride-hailing services for three times before they can be sold or given to individuals in accordance with the new rules.

This enables businesses to primarily license these private-hire cars to drivers who offer ride-hail services, according to LTA on February 19. &nbsp,

Additionally, it prevents the premature removal of these cars from the private-hire auto program, which will have an impact on the availability of cars for point-to-point services.

All newly registered or converted hired private-hire vehicles that are owned by companies and all other types of vehicles that have been transferred from people to companies are subject to the necessary three-year lock-in time.

During the discussion on its investing strategies in March, the transport ministry will provide more information about the state of the point-to-point transportation industry. &nbsp,

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Children reported by their parents for vaping will not be fined: Rahayu

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” Parents who are concerned that their kids are vaping is contact the HPB QuitLine to request a referral to the HPB’s tobacco and smoking cessation services. No law protection may be taken against the children, according to Mdm Rahayu.

Dr. Tan responded by explaining that one of his people had discovered their baby was vaping and had taken the baby to the nearest police place because they were unsure of what to do at the moment.

He continued,” The child was given a S$ 300 ( US$ 220 ) fine and the police referred the case to HSA.”

The kids were distressed and worried, and worried that this approach, despite the agencies ‘ best efforts, might prevent families from getting their kids support, he said.

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Q&A with BCA chief on how robotics are helping the building and construction sector

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Q. This year’s building demand is anticipated to be sturdy. How is the business intending to reduce the current strain on staff and resources?

We have already experienced a COVID-19 problems and are now seeing strong desire. Firms can and should now claim that they can and must invest in changing the way the business builds, builds, and designs because of the first projection of four years of strong demand. Because we won’t be able to continue building projects in the future, we won’t have enough room to hold all of our labor without having to change.

Q. Modern structure systems are increasingly influencing how buildings are constructed. How popular are they currently being used? &nbsp,

In Singapore, over the past 12 months, we saw the deployment of more than 20 different mechanical solutions across more than 50 websites. When no big work is done, robots can transport materials from location to location using robots that can paint and finish concrete. All of these allow businesses to assign their workers to higher-value, more challenging tasks, and permit one ( single ) operator to oversee numerous different machines. We are even seeing more use of artificial intelligence among builders.

Q. What are some of the difficulties faced by incorporating technology and AI into the process? Is the industry prepared to embrace that change?

No one robot can really replace any one work, so when we started pushing for the implementation of robots, we realized that to the businesses it is not about replacing a worker with a robot. It involves substituting certain actions performed by the employees. A approach change is necessary. The primary contractor must collaborate strongly with the various subcontractors to review the opportunities, determine where the equipment and robots can be deployed, modify the procedures, and work together to complete more jobs as a group.

Q. What might all these changes, in your opinion, have an impact on Singapore’s growth, from robotics to encouraging greater engagement? &nbsp, &nbsp,

Building is one of the lowest-productivity sectors on the planet. In consequence, it is not very appealing to young talent. As a town position, we must create more and more tasks in a drier atmosphere, making it more challenging. But, with some of these changes that we are making, whether they are related to AI, robots, sustainability, or creative contracting, we are equipped to truly transform the sector so that we can take on more thrilling and challenging projects. At the same time, ( this will ) transform the jobs ( and ) inspire the young people that this sector is not only capable of making a city like Singapore ready for the future, but also one that can demonstrate to the rest of the world what it means in terms of sustainable development.

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James Harrison: Australian whose blood saved 2.4 million babies dies

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3 days before
Kelly Ng

BBC News

Essence of the Australian Red Cross James Harrison with his grandson, Trey, in an earlier pictureEssence of the Australian Red Cross

One of the most famous blood donors in the world, whose plasma saved more than 2 million children ‘ life, passed away.

James Harrison passed away on February 17 while he was sleeping in a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia, according to his home. He was 88.

Harrison’s blood, which is referred to as the “man with the beautiful arm,” contained a rare antibody called Anti-D, which is used to create medication for pregnant mothers whose blood is at risk of infecting their newborn children.

Harrison had been given a benefactor after having transplants while having a significant neck operation at the age of 14, according to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, who paid gift to him.

He began giving heart serum when he was 18 and continued doing so until he was 81.

He held the title of “world record for most body blood donated” until 2022 when a US citizen overcame him in that year.

Tracey Mellowship, Harrison’s child, claimed that her papa was “very happy to have saved so many life, without any expense or pain.”

She continued,” He always said it doesn’t hurt, and the lifestyle you save may be your own.”

Additionally, Mellowship and two of Harrison’s children have been given anti-D vaccinations.

James was moved to learn about the numerous individuals like ours, which were a result of his kindness, she said.

Anti-D jabs protect unborn children from the lethal blood disorder known as the fetal and kid haemolytic disease, or HDFN.

The problem occurs during pregnancy when the mother’s red blood cells are incompatible with the baby’s growing red blood cells.

The family’s immune system then recognizes the hazard presented by the baby’s blood cells and makes antibodies to combat them. This can really hurt the infant, leading to severe heart failure, malnutrition, or even death.

Getty Images Harrison at his 537th blood donation in December 1992Getty Images

One in two children diagnosed with HDFN died before anti-D treatments were developed in the middle of the 1960s.

Harrison’s blood is thought to be so high in anti-D, but some reports claim it may have been caused by the large blood transfusion he received at age 14; it is not known how this drug came to be so high.

According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, also known as Lifeblood, there are less than 200 anti-D sponsors in Australia, but they donate an estimated 45, 000 mothers and their children annually.

By replicating heart and immune cells from Harrison and other sponsors, Lifeblood has been working with Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research to create anti-D antibodies in the facility.

Researchers who are involved hope that lab-made anti-D may one day be applied to the treatment of pregnant women around the world.

” Developing a new therapy has long been the “holy grail,” according to Lifeblood’s study director, David Irving.

He made note of the underrepresentation of donors who would like to make regular donations and who are able to develop antibodies in sufficient quantity and quality.

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Antique dealer gets jail for selling client’s Qing Dynasty vase to pay off his debts

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A client’s Qing Dynasty vase was sold in Singapore on Monday ( Mar 3 ) in exchange for paying his debts, and he was sentenced to two years and five months in jail.

Kuok Chio, 42, also gave the same collection a false calligraphy work after attempting to clean the original artwork.

Kuok, who owns the Chinese Art Centre ancient store, has recently admitted guilt on three counts of obtaining benefits from criminal behavior, criminal breach of trust, and cheating.

Sentencing was based on two additional expenses.

In October 2023, Kuok contacted the customer, Dr. Chan Chi Chin, to ask if he could take two parts from Dr. Chan’s set to Hong Kong for pricing.

A “blue and light garlic-head dish” made during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign in Qing Dynasty China from 1735 to 1796 was allowed by Dr. Chan to take one dish to Hong Kong to have it valued.

The vase was worth at least HK$ 1, 800, 000 ( about S$ 315, 000 ), according to court documents.

Kuok agreed when Dr. Chan informed him that he was not going to sell the jar without his permission. Additionally, Kuok also provided security to the collection by issuing a post-dated check for S$ 50,000 from his business accounts. &nbsp,

Kuok’s business was affected by the COVID-19 crisis, but at the time, he owed more than S$ 60, 000. To pay off his obligations, he made the decision to buy the bowl.

The bowl was immediately available for sale by him when he contacted an ancient dealer. He paid S$ 150, 000 in funds for the jar, which he used to pay some of his debt.

Kuok deceived Dr. Chan a few years due to that incident by Singaporean actor Lim Tze Peng, who received a Cultural Medallion in 2003.

According to court records, the painting’s title,” Shui Diao Ge Tow, Foreign Ink on Paper,” refers to a song from the Song Dynasty. Dr Chan had bought it for S$ 18, 000.

Kuok noticed the artwork on a wall in Dr. Chan’s house in June 2021. He advised Dr. Chan to have it properly cleaned and pointed out some spots.

The collector gave Kuok permission to take the artwork and paid Kuok S$ 2,700 for his services, including vehicles.

Kuok, but, damaged the work by improperly cleaning the ink and using a chemical mixture. He had followed an online movie training but was unsure of how to clear the artwork.

Kuok used a picture he took before the cleaning to print a version of the artwork and place this in a light PVC pipe to cover up his error.

Kwok delivered the PVC pipe to Dr. Chan on January 24, 2022. He advised Dr. Chan to keep the artwork in the pipe because it contained nitrogen gas, which may help keep the artwork preserved.

Dr. Chan kept the tube in his business but did not open it.

When Dr. Chan confronted Kuok about the bowl at his place of employment almost two years later, he noticed a painting with similar spots to the one he had.

Kuok responded that it was a unique artwork when he inquired about it. However, Dr. Chan chose not to pursue the issue because he was focused on the bowl.

When Dr. Chan moved into his home and made the decision to redefine the decoration and hang it up, the deception surfaced in June of that year. &nbsp,

He brought the PVC pipe to a salesperson’s business, where they informed him that the artwork outside was a fake.

Up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to S$ 500, 000, or both are the penalties for obtaining advantages from legal behavior.

Kuok could receive a seven-year sentence in prison, a great, or both for a legal breach of trust. He could have been jailed for up to three years, fined, or both for lying.

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Mixue: The world’s biggest fast food firm that you’ve never heard of

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Although many of us are not familiar with Mixue Ice Cream and Tea, there are more locations for it than Starbucks and Mcd.

When they began trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Monday, the balloon tea company’s shares increased by almost 30 %.

In t e fin nc al h ( b’s larges initi l publi o ferin (IPO) of th year, he com any r ised £352 $444 mil l million ).

Mixue’s reputation comes as many people in China are grappling with the government’s financial issues, including a home problems and a weak consumer and firm confidence. It charges an average of six Chinese yuan ($ 0.82 ) for ice creams and beverages.

Zhang Hongchao, a pupil at Henan University of Finance and Economics, established the business in 1997 as a part-time position to manage his family’s budget.

Its full name Mìxuě Bīngchéng means “honey snow ice city”, with its stores adorned with its Snow King mascot and playing the firm’s official theme tune on a loop.

More than 45, 000 shops are located in China and 11 different countries, including Singapore and Thailand, according to Mixue. Additionally, the business has stated that it intends to grow.

That compares to “over 43, 000 locations” for Starbucks ‘ 40, 576 outlets and McDonald’s ‘ “over 43, 000 locations.”

Although it is frequently regarded as China’s largest chain of cold drinks, bubble tea, and ice cream, it still operates more as a raw-materials provider than a conventional brand.

Nearly all of Mixue’s locations are run by owners, in contrast to Starbucks, which runs more than half of its outlets immediately.

Guming, which saw its share decline on its first day of investing in February, stands out from Mixue’s solid business album.

Shares of the owner of the bubble tea ring Chabaidao also fell on their business debut last season.

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HomeTeamNS servers hit by ransomware attack

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SINGAPORE: The company announced on Monday ( Mar 3 ) that some of HomeTeamNS servers had been the victim of a ransomware attack.

On February 25, the assault was discovered.

HomeTeamNS reported that the affected machines, which included data of employees and ex-employees, as well as the car details of some members and affiliates members, were soon disabled and removed from its IT community.

There is no proof of data removal at this time, but the company is closely monitoring, it continued.

The National Service Members of the Singapore Police Force ( SPF ) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) have established a non-profit organization called HomeTeamNS.

To look into and correct the tragedy, third-party security professionals have been sought out. HomeTeamNS stated that it is cooperating with the government.

The passwords for all of our administrative records have been changed, and safety scans and routers have been strengthened further to improve networking safety, the statement read.

HomeTeamNS said it has spoken with those who have been affected to help them with hacking or illegal transactions and minimizing the impact of this event.

HomeTeamNS believes that HomeTeamNS is putting the most value on the protection of the personal information of its stakeholders.

” We are working closely with our security experts, the officers, and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to look into and resolve this affair.”

In ransomware assaults, threat actors generally encrypt files on servers with malicious software before demanding a payment in exchange for these files being unlocked.

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