DBS Paylah $3 cashback at hawker stalls, heartland shops returns from 12 July; Nearly 1 million Singaporean households to receive U-Save, S&CC rebates in July: Singapore live news

Yahoo

30-06-2025

DBS/POSB is bringing back their popular weekly cashback campaign that offers consumers rewards when they spend at heartland shops and hawker centres every Saturday from 12 July to 27 September. During this period, the first 160,000 users who scan and pay using the DBS PayLah app at over 22,000 participating stalls and shops from 8am will receive up to $3 cashback.
Participating merchants can be identified by POSB's 'Support Our Heartland Shops' wobblers – a round tag attached to a strip– or PayLah! Scan to Pay stickers. The initiative is part of DBS/POSB's latest slew of benefits to bolster customer savings and commemorate Singapore's 60th birthday, the bank said in a statement on 29 June.
Over 950,000 Singaporean Housing Board households will receive rebates on their utility and service and conservancy charges (S&CC) this July, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced on 30 June. The payouts are part of the Government's ongoing efforts to help lower- and middle-income families manage the rising cost of living. Depending on their flat type, eligible households will get up to $190 in U-Save rebates and a maximum of one month of S&CC rebates.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
DBS/POSB is bringing back their popular weekly cashback campaign that offers consumers rewards when they spend at heartland shops and hawker centres every Saturday from 12 July to 27 September. During this period, the first 160,000 users who scan and pay using the DBS PayLah app at over 22,000 participating stalls and shops from 8am will receive up to $3 cashback.
Participating merchants can be identified by POSB's 'Support Our Heartland Shops' wobblers – a round tag attached to a strip– or PayLah! Scan to Pay stickers. The initiative is part of DBS/POSB's latest slew of benefits to bolster customer savings and commemorate Singapore's 60th birthday, the bank said in a statement on 29 June.
In addition to the cashback programme, POSB debit and credit cardholders can enjoy 60-cent meal deals at selected food and beverage outlets from 1 July to 30 September. KFC will also be offering $6 set meals as part of the promotion, subject to availability. These deals are available via the POSB Everyday Card and PAssion POSB Debit Card.
'The positive reception to our PayLah weekly cashback initiative has been encouraging. We are grateful for our customers' steadfast support over the years and believe that bringing back this initiative for SG60 further reaffirms our commitment to standing by them and driving inclusive growth of our heartlands,' said Mr Lim Him Chuan, Singapore country head at DBS.
For more deals under the DBS Paylah $3 cashback initiative, read here.
Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat will be headlining this year's Star Awards on 6 July, returning as a special guest presenter for the annual awards ceremony's 30th anniversary. The veteran actor first attended the inaugural Star Awards in 1994, and his return marks a full-circle moment for the show.
Chow, 70, has over 100 film credits to his name, starred in classics such as A Better Tomorrow (1986) and the Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). Over the years, he's earned a long list of accolades, including two Golden Horse Awards, three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor, and the coveted Asian Filmmaker of the Year award at the 28th Busan International Film Festival.
Most recently, Chow can be seen in Project Gutenberg (2018) and One More Chance (2023). He is married to 65-year-old Singaporean Jasmine Tan.
For more on the Chow Yun Fat's appearance at the Star Awards 2025, read here.
Over 950,000 Singaporean Housing Board households will receive rebates on their utility and service and conservancy charges (S&CC) this July, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced on 30 June.
The payouts are part of the Government's ongoing efforts to help lower- and middle-income families manage the rising cost of living. Depending on their flat type, eligible households will get up to $190 in U-Save rebates and a maximum of one month of S&CC rebates. The rebates are credited directly to the eligible household's accounts with grid operator SP Services and town councils respectively.
Households in one- and two-room flats will receive the highest tier of support, with $190 in U-Save rebates and a full month off their S&CC bills. Those in four-room flats will get $150 in U-Save and half a month of S&CC rebates, while other tiers will receive proportionate amounts. Disbursements are made quarterly – in April, July, October, and January.
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Not all households are eligible and to find out more about eligibility, read here.
Dr Thio Su Mien, Singapore's first female dean of the National University of Singapore (NUS) law faculty and a prominent figure in the legal world, died on 30 June at the age of 86. She died from acute myeloid leukaemia, which she was diagnosed with in May.
Law Minister Edwin Tong paid tribute to Dr Thio in a Facebook post, calling her a "trailblazer" who set the highest standard for excellence, integrity and dedication to the profession throughout her career. He wrote, "She led by example, with an impeccable work ethic, leaving a legacy and a sterling example for many female lawyers after her, proving that both women and men can excel and contribute immensely and on equal terms in the legal field and to the society at large and beyond."
She made history in 1969 when she became dean at just 30 – the youngest person and the first woman to hold the position.
Her daughter Thio Li-ann, a former Nominated Member of Parliament, remembered her as a woman who "loved her family, church and country".
For more on Thio Su Mien's legacy, read here.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration will not extend the 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, setting the stage for new trade penalties to take effect after 9 July. In an interview with Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, Trump said countries will soon receive formal notification that tariffs will be imposed unless individual trade agreements are reached.
According to Trump, letters will be sent out "pretty soon" before the deadline, outlining the tariff levels for each country, which could range from 10% to as high as 50%. "We'll look at how a country treats us — are they good, are they not so good,' Trump said. "Some countries we don't care, we'll just send a high number out."
While negotiations are ongoing, Trump acknowledged the challenges of brokering deals with multiple countries. "There's 200 countries, you can't talk to all of them," he said, referencing the administration's original target of reaching 90 trade agreements in 90 days.
For more on Trump's global tariffs, read here.
It's hard to not rely on air-conditioning when living in a hot and humid country like Singapore.
And, a lot of Yahoo Singapore readers think so too – with a whopping 87 per cent agreeing that it's a necessity from a poll conducted last Friday (27 June). A total of 1,223 respondents participated in the poll, as of press time.
Using the air-conditioning is a catch-22 for those living in countries with a tropical climate all year round.
The two billion units operating worldwide are responsible for 7 per cent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Program. This number is expected to double by 2030 when more than five billion units are projected to be in use.
This will result in a vicious circle as increased carbon output pushes temperatures higher, resulting in more air-conditioning use.
According to a CNN report in 2023, Singapore is one of the most air-conditioned countries in the world, with more units per capita than any of its Southeast Asian neighbours.
Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has reignited the feud with US President Donald Trump as he once again criticised the controversial "Big, Beautiful Bill" that's making its way through the Senate. The 940-page proposal, which Musk branded 'utterly insane and destructive', is being pushed forward by Senate Republicans.
On Saturday (28 June), Musk took to X and warned that the bill would 'destroy millions of jobs' and 'cause immense strategic harm' to America. "The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country," he wrote. "Utterly insane and destructive. It gives handouts to industries of the past, while severely damaging industries of the future."
Musk, who once headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump before an ugly fallout, didn't hold back. He called the bill "political suicide" for the Republican party, and said it "raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, the biggest increase in history, putting America in the fast lane to debt slavery".
The billionaire also cited polling data to claim that public sentiment is on his side.
For more on the Musk-Trump feud over the "Big, Beautiful Bill", read here.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wrapped up what could be the most high-profile – yet tightly controlled – wedding of the year with a glamorous celebration in Venice over the weekend. The three-day affair culminated on Saturday (29 June) evening at the Arsenale, a former medieval shipyard now used for the Venice Biennale.
The couple arrived at the venue by boat, trailed closely by the media. Sanchez wore a striking pink gown later revealed by Vogue magazine to be designed by Atelier Versace, while Bezos kept things classic in an all-black suit. Earlier in the day, the pair were seen entering the iconic Harry's Bar, a place that once counted literary giant Ernest Hemingway among its customers. Meanwhile, protestors gathered near the city's train station for a march.
The wedding ceremony itself took place the day before on the secluded island of San Giorgio Maggiore, known for its Renaissance architecture and scenic views. The private event, attended by about 200 celebrity guests – including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Usher, and the Kardashian-Jenner clan – was reportedly held under a strict no-social-media policy.
Details were later revealed through a digital Vogue cover, which showcased Sanchez in a custom-made Dolce & Gabbana gown featuring a high lace neckline and 180 silk chiffon-covered priest buttons. She reportedly changed outfits two more times during the evening, slipping into a sweetheart-neck gown inspired by the 1946 film Gilda, and a crystal-covered cocktail dress by Oscar de la Renta, said to be embellished with over 175,000 crystals.
Shortly after the Vogue reveal, Sanchez updated her Instagram handle – now reading Lauren Sanchez Bezos.
For more on the Bezos-Sanchez wedding, read here.
A 23-year-old male motorcyclist was taken to hospital unconscious following an accident at Tuas Checkpoint on Friday afternoon (June 28).
The police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said the motorcycle is believed to have skidded along 501 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim at about 3.25pm. The man was conveyed to the National University Hospital for treatment.
Another individual was also assessed for minor injuries but declined to be taken to hospital. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
DBS/POSB is bringing back their popular weekly cashback campaign that offers consumers rewards when they spend at heartland shops and hawker centres every Saturday from 12 July to 27 September. During this period, the first 160,000 users who scan and pay using the DBS PayLah app at over 22,000 participating stalls and shops from 8am will receive up to $3 cashback.
Participating merchants can be identified by POSB's 'Support Our Heartland Shops' wobblers – a round tag attached to a strip– or PayLah! Scan to Pay stickers. The initiative is part of DBS/POSB's latest slew of benefits to bolster customer savings and commemorate Singapore's 60th birthday, the bank said in a statement on 29 June.
In addition to the cashback programme, POSB debit and credit cardholders can enjoy 60-cent meal deals at selected food and beverage outlets from 1 July to 30 September. KFC will also be offering $6 set meals as part of the promotion, subject to availability. These deals are available via the POSB Everyday Card and PAssion POSB Debit Card.
'The positive reception to our PayLah weekly cashback initiative has been encouraging. We are grateful for our customers' steadfast support over the years and believe that bringing back this initiative for SG60 further reaffirms our commitment to standing by them and driving inclusive growth of our heartlands,' said Mr Lim Him Chuan, Singapore country head at DBS.
For more deals under the DBS Paylah $3 cashback initiative, read here.
Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat will be headlining this year's Star Awards on 6 July, returning as a special guest presenter for the annual awards ceremony's 30th anniversary. The veteran actor first attended the inaugural Star Awards in 1994, and his return marks a full-circle moment for the show.
Chow, 70, has over 100 film credits to his name, starred in classics such as A Better Tomorrow (1986) and the Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). Over the years, he's earned a long list of accolades, including two Golden Horse Awards, three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor, and the coveted Asian Filmmaker of the Year award at the 28th Busan International Film Festival.
Most recently, Chow can be seen in Project Gutenberg (2018) and One More Chance (2023). He is married to 65-year-old Singaporean Jasmine Tan.
For more on the Chow Yun Fat's appearance at the Star Awards 2025, read here.
Over 950,000 Singaporean Housing Board households will receive rebates on their utility and service and conservancy charges (S&CC) this July, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced on 30 June.
The payouts are part of the Government's ongoing efforts to help lower- and middle-income families manage the rising cost of living. Depending on their flat type, eligible households will get up to $190 in U-Save rebates and a maximum of one month of S&CC rebates. The rebates are credited directly to the eligible household's accounts with grid operator SP Services and town councils respectively.
Households in one- and two-room flats will receive the highest tier of support, with $190 in U-Save rebates and a full month off their S&CC bills. Those in four-room flats will get $150 in U-Save and half a month of S&CC rebates, while other tiers will receive proportionate amounts. Disbursements are made quarterly – in April, July, October, and January.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by CNA (@channelnewsasia)
Not all households are eligible and to find out more about eligibility, read here.
Dr Thio Su Mien, Singapore's first female dean of the National University of Singapore (NUS) law faculty and a prominent figure in the legal world, died on 30 June at the age of 86. She died from acute myeloid leukaemia, which she was diagnosed with in May.
Law Minister Edwin Tong paid tribute to Dr Thio in a Facebook post, calling her a "trailblazer" who set the highest standard for excellence, integrity and dedication to the profession throughout her career. He wrote, "She led by example, with an impeccable work ethic, leaving a legacy and a sterling example for many female lawyers after her, proving that both women and men can excel and contribute immensely and on equal terms in the legal field and to the society at large and beyond."
She made history in 1969 when she became dean at just 30 – the youngest person and the first woman to hold the position.
Her daughter Thio Li-ann, a former Nominated Member of Parliament, remembered her as a woman who "loved her family, church and country".
For more on Thio Su Mien's legacy, read here.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration will not extend the 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, setting the stage for new trade penalties to take effect after 9 July. In an interview with Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, Trump said countries will soon receive formal notification that tariffs will be imposed unless individual trade agreements are reached.
According to Trump, letters will be sent out "pretty soon" before the deadline, outlining the tariff levels for each country, which could range from 10% to as high as 50%. "We'll look at how a country treats us — are they good, are they not so good,' Trump said. "Some countries we don't care, we'll just send a high number out."
While negotiations are ongoing, Trump acknowledged the challenges of brokering deals with multiple countries. "There's 200 countries, you can't talk to all of them," he said, referencing the administration's original target of reaching 90 trade agreements in 90 days.
For more on Trump's global tariffs, read here.
It's hard to not rely on air-conditioning when living in a hot and humid country like Singapore.
And, a lot of Yahoo Singapore readers think so too – with a whopping 87 per cent agreeing that it's a necessity from a poll conducted last Friday (27 June). A total of 1,223 respondents participated in the poll, as of press time.
Using the air-conditioning is a catch-22 for those living in countries with a tropical climate all year round.
The two billion units operating worldwide are responsible for 7 per cent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Program. This number is expected to double by 2030 when more than five billion units are projected to be in use.
This will result in a vicious circle as increased carbon output pushes temperatures higher, resulting in more air-conditioning use.
According to a CNN report in 2023, Singapore is one of the most air-conditioned countries in the world, with more units per capita than any of its Southeast Asian neighbours.
Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has reignited the feud with US President Donald Trump as he once again criticised the controversial "Big, Beautiful Bill" that's making its way through the Senate. The 940-page proposal, which Musk branded 'utterly insane and destructive', is being pushed forward by Senate Republicans.
On Saturday (28 June), Musk took to X and warned that the bill would 'destroy millions of jobs' and 'cause immense strategic harm' to America. "The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country," he wrote. "Utterly insane and destructive. It gives handouts to industries of the past, while severely damaging industries of the future."
Musk, who once headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump before an ugly fallout, didn't hold back. He called the bill "political suicide" for the Republican party, and said it "raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, the biggest increase in history, putting America in the fast lane to debt slavery".
The billionaire also cited polling data to claim that public sentiment is on his side.
For more on the Musk-Trump feud over the "Big, Beautiful Bill", read here.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wrapped up what could be the most high-profile – yet tightly controlled – wedding of the year with a glamorous celebration in Venice over the weekend. The three-day affair culminated on Saturday (29 June) evening at the Arsenale, a former medieval shipyard now used for the Venice Biennale.
The couple arrived at the venue by boat, trailed closely by the media. Sanchez wore a striking pink gown later revealed by Vogue magazine to be designed by Atelier Versace, while Bezos kept things classic in an all-black suit. Earlier in the day, the pair were seen entering the iconic Harry's Bar, a place that once counted literary giant Ernest Hemingway among its customers. Meanwhile, protestors gathered near the city's train station for a march.
The wedding ceremony itself took place the day before on the secluded island of San Giorgio Maggiore, known for its Renaissance architecture and scenic views. The private event, attended by about 200 celebrity guests – including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Usher, and the Kardashian-Jenner clan – was reportedly held under a strict no-social-media policy.
Details were later revealed through a digital Vogue cover, which showcased Sanchez in a custom-made Dolce & Gabbana gown featuring a high lace neckline and 180 silk chiffon-covered priest buttons. She reportedly changed outfits two more times during the evening, slipping into a sweetheart-neck gown inspired by the 1946 film Gilda, and a crystal-covered cocktail dress by Oscar de la Renta, said to be embellished with over 175,000 crystals.
Shortly after the Vogue reveal, Sanchez updated her Instagram handle – now reading Lauren Sanchez Bezos.
For more on the Bezos-Sanchez wedding, read here.
A 23-year-old male motorcyclist was taken to hospital unconscious following an accident at Tuas Checkpoint on Friday afternoon (June 28).
The police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said the motorcycle is believed to have skidded along 501 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim at about 3.25pm. The man was conveyed to the National University Hospital for treatment.
Another individual was also assessed for minor injuries but declined to be taken to hospital. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.