Daily round-up, Aug 15: Man sues Tan Tock Seng Hospital over mother’s death; China holds more drills around Taiwan

Let’s get you up to speed with the day’s stories.

A man is suing Tan Tock Seng Hospital and three of its doctors for S$800,000 following the death of his 74-year-old mother. 

Mr Chia Soo Kiang claims that his mother, Mdm Tan Yaw Lan, was wrongly diagnosed and failed to receive appropriate treatment for her heart condition, which caused her to suffer a serious cardiac arrest. The hospital and its doctors say Mdm Tan was cared for and advised appropriately at all times.

The lawsuit is claiming damages on the basis that her death was “entirely preventable”.

The trial continues on Tuesday.

China’s military said it carried out more exercises on Monday (Aug 15) as a group of US lawmakers, led by Senator Ed Markey, arrived in Taiwan in an unannounced visit late Sunday and met President Tsai Ing-wen. 

China’s Defence Ministry separately said the lawmakers’ trip infringed on China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang said the island would not be deterred by China’s response to such visits by foreign friends.

Taiwan said it saw a spike in pro-China misinformation online in the last month, much of it aimed at undermining its morale and pushing Beijing’s narrative.

Developers sold 834 units in July – excluding executive condominiums – up from 488 units in June. Sales were boosted by AMO Residence in Ang Mo Kio, the sole new project launched that month and the largest suburban condo development launched this year.

Due to the strong sales at the Ang Mo Kio project, the bulk of new home sales in July came from the Outside of Central Region (OCR) at 58.2 per cent or 485 units.

One analyst says the market is “hungry for more launches”.

While the property market will continue to face headwinds, the interest rate hike did not seem to have a significant impact on buying sentiment for new homes, said another analyst. 

Rising yields from the Singapore Savings Bonds have been attracting more investors in recent months, with the 10-year average return of the savings bond hit a record high of 3 per cent in the August issue.

What are the Singapore Savings Bonds? Why are the returns going up and is it too late for you to start investing in them as well? CNA explains what you need to know before jumping in.