Final report pending as Singapore Airlines turbulence probe continues, ministry awaits radar analysis
SEOUL, May 27 — Singapore authorities said today that an investigation into a Singapore Airlines flight last year that hit turbulence, injuring dozens of people and killing one, was still awaiting analysis of the plane's weather radar systems.
A 73-year-old passenger died of a suspected heart attack in the incident, which occurred after flight SQ321 from London to Singapore encountered what the airline described as sudden, extreme turbulence while flying over Myanmar.
It was civil aviation's first death linked to airplane turbulence in 25 years and put seatbelt practices in the spotlight. It also prompted calls from the airline industry for improved turbulence forecasting as experts warn severe weather patterns brought about by climate change could lead to more incidents.
An interim update of the investigation today said that, in addition to the death, 79 people were injured on the flight, which diverted to Bangkok with 211 passengers and 18 crew members aboard.
The short update from Singapore's Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, part of the transport ministry, was released a week after the one-year anniversary of the May 21, 2024 incident.
The ministry said a final report would be issued once the investigation is complete.
'Components of the aircraft's weather radar system have been sent for examination and tests in the US,' the interim update said.
Global aviation guidelines call for an initial report within 30 days of an accident and a final one ideally within a year. Failing that, investigators should issue interim statements on each anniversary.
In a preliminary report last year, the transport ministry said rapid changes in gravitational forces over 4.6 seconds resulting in an altitude drop of 178 feet (54 metres) likely caused passengers and crew to become airborne and then fall, causing the injuries.
Passengers on the flight, speaking after the incident, said that crew and those not strapped in left the floor or their seats and slammed into the cabin ceiling, cracking it in places. The Bangkok hospital that treated passengers said there were spinal cord, brain and skull injuries. — Reuters
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Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Extreme weather wipes out school days in Pakistan, deepening education crisis for millions
LAHORE, June 6 — Pakistan's children are losing weeks of education each year to school closures caused by climate change-linked extreme weather, prompting calls for a radical rethink of learning schedules. Searing heat, toxic smog and unusual cold snaps have all caused closures that are meant to spare children the health risks of learning in classrooms that are often overcrowded and lack basic cooling, heating or ventilation systems. In May, a nationwide heatwave saw temperatures up to seven degrees Celsius above normal, hitting 45C (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in Punjab and prompting several provinces to cut school hours or start summer holidays early. 'The class becomes so hot that it feels like we are sitting in a brick kiln,' said 17-year-old Hafiz Ehtesham outside an inner city Lahore school. 'I don't even want to come to school.' Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with limited resources for adaptation, and extreme weather is compounding an existing education crisis caused mostly by access and poverty. 'Soon we will have major cognitive challenges because students are being impacted by extreme heat and extreme smog over long periods of time,' said Lahore-based education activist Baela Raza Jamil. 'The poorest are most vulnerable. But climate change is indeed a great leveller and the urban middle class is also affected.' Pakistani education activist Baela Raza Jamil speaks during an interview with AFP at her office in Lahore. — AFP Pakistan's summers historically began in June, when temperatures hit the high 40s. But in the last five years, May has been similarly hot, according to the Meteorological Department. 'During a power outage, I was sweating so much that the drops were falling off my forehead onto my desk,' 15-year-old Jannat, a student in Lahore, told AFP. 'A girl in my class had a nosebleed from the heat.' Health versus learning Around a third of Pakistani school-age children – over 26 million – are out of school, according to government figures, one of the highest numbers in the world. And 65 percent of children are unable to read age-appropriate material by age 10. School closures affect almost every part of Pakistan, including the country's most populous province Punjab, which has the highest rates of school attendance. Classes closed for two weeks in November over air pollution, and another week in May because of heat. In the previous academic year, three weeks were lost in January to a cold snap and two weeks in May due to heat. Political unrest and cricket matches that closed roads meant more lost days. In Balochistan, Pakistan's poorest province, May heatwaves have prompted early summer vacations for three years running, while in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, school hours are regularly slashed. For authorities, the choice is often between sending children to school in potentially dangerous conditions or watching them fall behind. In southern Sindh province, authorities have resisted heat-related closures despite growing demands from parents. 'It's hard for parents to send their children to school in this kind of weather,' private school principal Sadiq Hussain told AFP in Karachi, adding that attendance drops by 25 percent in May. 'Their physical and mental health is being affected,' added Dost Mohammad Danish, general secretary of All Sindh Private Schools and Colleges Association. 'Don't expect better scientists from Pakistan in the coming years.' 'Everyone is suffering' Schools in Pakistan are overseen by provincial authorities, whose closure notices apply to all schools in a region, even when they are hundreds of kilometres (miles) apart and may be experiencing different conditions, or have different resources to cope. Teachers, parents and education experts want a rethink of school hours, exam timetables and vacations, with schools able to offer Saturday classes or split the school day to avoid the midday heat. Izza Farrakh, a senior education specialist at the World Bank, said climate change-related impacts are affecting attendance and learning outcomes. 'Schools need to have flexibility in determining their academic calendar. It shouldn't be centralised,' she said, adding that end-of-year exams usually taken in May could be replaced by regular assessments throughout the year. Adapting school buildings is also crucial. International development agencies have already equipped thousands of schools with solar panels, but many more of the country's 250,000 schools need help. Hundreds of climate-resilient schools funded by World Bank loans are being built in Sindh. They are elevated to withstand monsoon flooding, and fitted with solar panels for power and rooftop insulation to combat heat and cold. But in Pakistan's most impoverished villages, where education is a route out of generational poverty, parents still face tough choices. In rural Sukkur, the local school was among 27,000 damaged or destroyed by unprecedented 2022 floods. Children learn outside their half-collapsed school building, unprotected from the elements. 'Our children are worried, and we are deeply concerned,' said parent Ali Gohar Gandhu, a daily wage labourer. 'Everyone is suffering.' — AFP
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Trip.com Strengthens Southeast Asia Footprint with Strategic Partnerships in Vietnam and Singapore
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Through this collaboration, will distribute Sun World's attraction tickets across domestic and international markets, with a focus on key inbound regions such as South Korea, China, Thailand, and Singapore. The partnership will also support joint marketing initiatives to promote iconic destinations like Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Sa Pa. 'Vietnam is a key market for as we continue to grow internationally, and we are delighted to embark on a new phase of our cooperation with Sun World Holding to strengthen our offerings in this wonderful country,' said Mr Chase Liu, General Manager of Attractions & Tours, Group. 'Together, we aim to promote Vietnam as a premier travel destination and deliver unforgettable experiences to our users worldwide.' Ms Christine Tran, Deputy CEO of Sun World Holding, added: 'We are honoured to establish a strategic partnership with one of the leading online travel platforms in the region and the world. With influence, we hope not only to enhance service quality for our customers through technological solutions and optimised distribution systems to Sun World parks but also to strengthen the presence of Sun Hospitality & Entertainment's ecosystem in key international markets, especially in Asia.' In Singapore, signed an exclusive ticket distribution agreement with DreamUs International Holdings, the operator of SuperPark Singapore, Pororo Park Singapore, and Tayo Station. Under this agreement, will serve as the exclusive authorised third-party distributor for tickets to these attractions, streamlining inventory management and improving access for regional audiences. While DreamUs will continue to operate its direct-to-consumer sales through its official website and on-site counters, all other online platforms and resellers must now source their ticket inventory exclusively via or its designated partners. 'This partnership strengthens leadership in the attractions and experiences space,' added Mr Liu. 'We're proud to support DreamUs in expanding their audience reach while consolidating distribution through our ecosystem.' Ms Carolyn Chia, General Manager of DreamUs International Holdings, commented: 'We are excited to collaborate with as our exclusive distribution gateway. This partnership allows us to consolidate supply management while reaching new customer segments, both locally and regionally.' Continued Growth in Southeast Asia These partnerships reflect ongoing investment in Southeast Asia's travel ecosystem. Through innovative collaborations with trusted local brands, the Group continues to expand its one-stop platform capabilities, offering travellers enhanced access to regional experiences and ensuring partners benefit from scalable digital distribution. Attractions & Tours business in Southeast Asia has expanded rapidly, doubling (over 110% increase) its year-on-year GMV growth last year. Vietnam in particular saw even stronger growth, with 2024's GMV more than tripling (over 250% increase) compared to the previous year, while the slightly more mature Singapore market saw healthy growth of over 80%. About is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.5 million hotels and flights from over 640 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit About Sun World Holding LLC Sun World Holding LLC., part of Sun Group, is positioned as a world-class entertainment and hospitality brand. The Sun World system includes nine amusement parks and tourist destinations across Vietnam: Sun World Ba Na Hills, Da Nang Downtown, Sun World Fansipan Legend, Sun World Ha Long, Sun World Hon Thom, Sun World Ba Den Mountain, Sun World Ha Nam, Sun World Cat Ba, and Sun World Sam Son. Each Sun World offers a unique version, showcasing the cultural, human, and natural beauty of each region, telling the story of the destination with a range of fascinating experiences. The Sun Hospitality Group encompasses 15 world-class resorts in Vietnam, many of which have received continuous international accolades, such as InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and Capella Hanoi. About DreamUs Group DreamUs Group is a leading provider of experience-based family entertainment with a mission to bring serious happiness to children and families through the power of purposeful play. Headquartered in Singapore, DreamUs Group operates a network of immersive play destinations designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster connection. With flagship locations in Singapore and Indonesia, our portfolio includes SuperPark Singapore, Pororo Park Singapore, Tayo Station, SuperPark Indonesia (Pondok Indah Mall and Puri Indah Mall), and Pororo Park Indonesia. DreamUs playgrounds offer more than fun—they provide meaningful, developmentally rich experiences that support natural learning through play. For more information, visit
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Malay Mail
Girlfriend beaten, burned, filmed naked: Singaporean domestic abuser gets nearly eight years' jail, caning for vicious acts
SINGAPORE, June 6 — A 30-year-old man in Singapore was sentenced today to seven years, 11 months and 191 days in jail, with nine strokes of the cane, after pleading guilty to 10 charges related to violence against his girlfriend and other offences, The Straits Times reported. The charges included voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon, wrongful confinement and drug offences. An additional 472 days were added to his sentence as the crimes were committed while he was under a remission order for earlier drug convictions. The man cannot be named due to a gag order protecting the victim's identity. The abuse occurred at their shared Tampines flat between 2022 and early 2023. The couple have since separated. Deputy Public Prosecutor Jonathan Tan said the most serious assault took place in January 2023. The woman had wanted to leave the house to meet her godfather, but the man, suspicious and angry, dragged her into the bedroom and questioned if she was having an affair. 'He then hit her with a mop handle until she fell to the ground before making her strip naked and using her bra to tie her wrists together. He used her shorts to tie up her feet,' he reportedly told the court. He then pressed a saw to her thigh, injuring her, and took a video of her as she lay naked. He later struck her head and thighs with a wooden hammer. DPP Tan said she forgave him after the incident. In September 2022, the man tied her hands to the bed with a cable tie and poured gas lighter fluid on her after she received a call he suspected was from a male intern. 'He then held it with an open flame close to her chest, burning her,' said DPP Tan. Though the call wasn't from the intern, the woman admitted it was to avoid further harm. The man later released her and cooked for her. In June 2022, while in jail, the man also attacked a 62-year-old inmate who had asked for bread, punching and kneeing him until he fell unconscious. The inmate had to be resuscitated in hospital. DPP Tan said the fact that the man committed repeated offences within a domestic relationship was an aggravating factor: 'The victim said she had forgiven the accused, but that does not make what he did any less egregious.' Defence lawyer A. Revi Shanker said his client had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder at the time and was 'possessive' and 'a bit jealous': 'The disorder contributed to his anger and the way he reacted, but what he did was not premeditated. He acknowledges the seriousness of his actions.' Under Singapore law, voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon can carry up to seven years' jail, fines and caning. Wrongful confinement can lead to up to three years' jail, fines, or both. *If you are experiencing domestic violence, the following hotlines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women's Action Society at 016-2374221 / 016-2284221 (9.30am-5.30pm); and Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7).
