CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: Kinokuniya's Kenny Chan on intuition, empathic connections, and his moral compass
Kenny Chan led Kinokuniya's business in Singapore and the region for almost 20 years. He's credited for building the Japanese bookstore's presence in Singapore, and seeing it through particularly challenging times in the book business. Kenny shares how his "rollercoaster of a journey" took him from the carnival, to a diplomatic posting in London, and finally, to the defining chapter of his career — which began when he was "ambushed" with a single question: "Do you love books?"
55 mins
CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: Businessman Anwar Tahar's path to success is paved with compassion and grit
Mohamed Anwar Tahar is the founder and managing director of POS TKI, a logistics and shipping company. He is especially well-regarded as a pillar of the Indonesian foreign domestic helper community here, as he's known for his dedication in promoting their wellbeing and dignity. Anwar's road to success has taken a few detours, but along the way, he gained valuable lessons in hard work, compassion, and humility. He shares his journey in this interview.
37 mins
CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: How The Social Outcast's Chef Mint found his authentic self in culinary artistry
Aminurrashid Hasnordin — better known as Chef Mint — is co-owner of the acclaimed omakase restaurant, The Social Outcast, which used to be at Katong. But on the road to culinary success, he's had to overcome many challenges, especially during his youth. Chef Mint shares the most valuable lessons he's gained through his journey.
36 mins
CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: How former investment professional Qi Zhai-McCartney found her calling as a psychotherapist
For almost 20 years, Qi Zhai-McCartney thrived as an investment professional, working for large investment houses in the US, China, and Singapore. But the native of Harbin, China, always felt something was amiss. The passing of a close family member caused her to re-evaluate her life's calling. Today, as a psychotherapist and coach, Qi helps individuals and couples through rough periods in their life. She shares the most valuable lessons her journey has given her.
35 mins
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Russia strikes Kharkiv with ballistic missile, injures 11, Ukraine says
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox KHARKIV - Russia hit a residential area in Kharkiv with a ballistic missile, injuring at least 11 people, Ukrainian authorities said late on Sunday, as the U.S. president presses Kyiv to accept a quick deal to end the war that Moscow had started. Among the injured in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, was a 13-year-old girl, Oleh Synehubov, governor of the broader Kharkiv region said on the Telegram messaging app. Kharkiv, which lies in northeastern Ukraine near the border with Russia, has been the target of regular Russian drone and missile attacks since the start of the war that Moscow launched with a full-scale invasion in February 2022. "The blast wave shattered windows in nearby apartment buildings," Ukraine's State Emergency Service said on Telegram. It added that some residents had to be evacuated. Reuters' witnesses saw medics attending to residents on a street and rescuers inspecting damage in residential buildings. A 57-year-old woman was injured in Russia's guided aerial bomb strike on the northeastern region of Sumy that also damaged at least a dozen residential houses and an educational institution building, regional authorities said. "The enemy continues to deliberately target civilian infrastructure in the Sumy region — treacherously, at night," Oleh Hryhorov, head of the regional administration in Sumy, said on Telegram. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025 a rallying cry amid significant challenges facing Singapore, say analysts Opinion A 'we first' Singapore is the hardest policy for PM Lawrence Wong to deliver Singapore NDR 2025: The case for growing old at home in super-ageing Singapore Business Will Trump's tariffs end the bull run? Singapore Singapore-developed device for diabetics measures long-term average blood sugar levels within 6 mins Singapore N(T) students more likely to finish school, do as well in job market as N(A) peers: Study Business Singapore companies' debt surge in 2024: Sustainable or risky gamble? Singapore Arrested for drug abuse, former DJ now works for anti-drug group as part of DRC scheme Reuters could not independently verify what weapons Russia used. There was no immediate comment from Moscow. Both sides deny targeting civilians in their strikes, but thousands of people have died, the vast majority of them Ukrainian. President Donald Trump, who hosted President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday for bilateral talks aimed at ending the war, has urged Kyiv to make a deal with Moscow, stating, "Russia is a very big power, and they're not." REUTERS
Straits Times
an hour ago
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Polls close in Bolivia following steady turn out, few disruptions
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Electoral workers count votes at a polling station during the general election, in Entre Rios, Cochabamba, Bolivia. LA PAZ - Ballot stations have closed in Bolivia after millions took to the polls in a general election on Aug 17 that has been overshadowed by inflation at a four-decade high and the absence of former leftist President Evo Morales, who is barred from running. Initial results are expected after 9pm locally (9am Singapore time on Aug 18). If no presidential candidate wins more than 40 per cent support with a 10 percentage point lead, the election will head to a run-off on October 19. Voter turnout on Aug 17 was steady, authorities said. Despite earlier concerns that the electoral process in Bolivia could be obstructed by supporters of Mr Morales, who had called on the public to boycott the race, international observers said the vote took place without major disruptions. Head of the electoral mission of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Bolivia, Mr Juan Fernando Cristo, said the elections proceeded 'normally' in a post on X. Earlier on Aug 17, several minor incidents took place at polling stations in the central region of Cochabamba, Mr Morales' political stronghold. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025 a rallying cry amid significant challenges facing Singapore, say analysts Singapore NDR 2025: The case for growing old at home in super-ageing Singapore Business Will Trump's tariffs end the bull run? Singapore Singapore-developed device for diabetics measures long-term average blood sugar levels within 6 mins Singapore N(T) students more likely to finish school, do as well in job market as N(A) peers: Study Business Singapore companies' debt surge in 2024: Sustainable or risky gamble? Singapore Arrested for drug abuse, former DJ now works for anti-drug group as part of DRC scheme Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Leading the race are opposition conservative contenders Samuel Doria Medina, a business magnate, and Mr Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga, a former president, but neither commands more than 30 per cent support, opinion polls show, with around a quarter of Bolivians undecided. The August race marks the first time in almost two decades that polling indicates Bolivia's incumbent Movement for Socialism, or MAS, could face defeat. Support for MAS-affiliated and other left-leaning candidates trails the opposition, totalling around 10 per cent, according to the latest August Ipsos Ceismori survey. Nr Morales, who co-founded MAS and governed the country from 2006 to 2019 under its banner, has been barred from running for another term as president. Early on Aug 17, Mr Morales took part in the electoral process. He said he planned to annul his vote and criticised the elections for excluding his political movement. Full official results are due within seven days. Voters also elected all 26 senators and 130 deputies, and officials assume office on November 8. With a crowded field and no dominant MAS party candidate, the election marks a 'crossroads moment' for Bolivia, said Southern Andes analyst Glaeldys Gonzalez Calanche of the International Crisis Group. Bolivia's fragile economy is top-of-mind for voters. Price rises have surged past other Latin American countries in 2025, and fuel and dollars have run scarce. Annual inflation doubled to 23 per cent in June, up from 12 per cent in January, with some Bolivians turning to cryptocurrencies as a hedge. Many Bolivians, especially those who work in the informal economy, were now struggling to make ends meet, said economist Roger Lopez. 'Prices of the basic food basket are going up fast,' said Mr Lopez. 'Suddenly the math doesn't add up anymore.' They may choose to punish MAS on Aug 17, creating a window of opportunity for centrists, the right, or a leftist faction led by Senate President Andronico Rodriguez. 'Every year the situation has got worse under this government,' said Ms Silvia Morales, 30, from La Paz, who works in retail. A former MAS voter, she said this time she would cast her vote for the center-right. Mr Carlos Blanco Casas, 60, a teacher in La Paz, said he intended to vote for change. 'This election feels hopeful. We need a change of direction,' he said. Mr Quiroga has promised 'radical change' to reverse what he calls '20 lost years' under MAS rule. He supports deep public spending cuts and a shift away from alliances with Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. Mr Quiroga was president for a year in 2001-2002 after the then-leader resigned. Ms Doria Medina, meanwhile, offers a more moderate approach, pledging to stabilise the economy within 100 days. 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CNA
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- CNA
NDR 2025: More homes and improved connectivity under rejuvenation plans in the north
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