Latest news with #EleanorLee
The Star
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Actress Eleanor Lee's former assistant admits to doctoring audio recording
Eleanor Lee in a video posted on her social media accounts on May 21. Photos: Eleanor Lee/Instagram A netizen claiming to be China-based Eleanor Lee's former assistant has admitted to editing the audio recording which got the Singaporean actress into trouble. Lee, 25, was in the news recently for allegedly making derogatory comments about the people of China. The daughter of local Taiwan-born TV host Quan Yifeng has denied making such remarks. But the incident has dealt a major blow to her burgeoning career in China, with her name removed from the cast list of an upcoming Chinese period drama, The Journey Of Legend . At 10am on May 21, a netizen posted an apology on Chinese social media platform Weibo, claiming to be Lee's former assistant Xiaopang. 'After being criticised and educated by the public security authorities, I realise that the malicious editing and fabrication of Ms Eleanor Lee's recording and other acts of spreading false information are suspected to be illegal and have caused serious reputational damage to her,' the netizen wrote. 'I am now making a clarification and solemnly apologising to Ms Lee. I have realised my mistakes and solemnly promise that I will never make them again.' The former assistant said he or she had served as Lee's assistant from 2017 to 2019, and was mainly responsible for work relating to her film and TV commitments. 'I felt I was not treated fairly when the job was terminated due to conflicts and disputes with the former company, so I privately recorded Lee before leaving the company,' the person wrote. There was said to be a failure to reach an agreement with the company on compensation from 2019 to 2024, and the former assistant claimed to have been blocked by the company's contact person. 'Therefore, in July 2024, I posted the edited recording in the contact groups of the company and fans, and also made up a lot of content under impulse.' The post was shared by Lee's agency on Weibo seven minutes later. It added that the incident was caused by a malicious rumour spread by a former assistant due to a personal dispute. The agency disclosed in another post that it had filed a police report at 11pm on May 12, and that Lee cooperated with the police investigation from that time until 5am on May 13. 'The person involved in the case was summoned by the police for questioning early morning on May 13 until 3pm,' the agency wrote. 'The person involved admitted that the audio circulated on the Internet was doctored.' The agency also posted a receipt for the case and wrote that Lee's team met staff at the Singapore embassy on May 15 on matters related to the case. Lee then appeared looking tired in a video clip posted to her social media accounts at 11am on May 21. She said she was 'born in Taiwan, China', and had returned at the age of 16 to study and live in China. 'My feelings and position on China have never wavered,' she said. 'I have always adhered to the one-China principle and it is absolutely impossible for me to say anything insulting China and the people of China.' – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
CNA
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Eleanor Lee's former assistant admits to faking controversial audio recording, actress files police report
Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee's former assistant has admitted to fabricating the controversial audio clip of the actress supposedly insulting mainland Chinese. The 25-year-old Lee, daughter of Mediacorp artiste Quan Yifong, has filed a police report. According to several media outlets, such as Chinese media outlet QQ News, the controversy surrounding the recording was believed to have led to a delay in the broadcast of Lee's TV series Go To The Mountains And Sea. On Wednesday (May 21), Lee's former assistant, identified as Xiao Pang, released an official statement on Chinese social media platform Weibo. 'I would like to express my sincerest apologies to Eleanor through this clarification statement. I am very sorry that my wrong behaviour has caused a series of misunderstandings and even abuse against Eleanor,' said the assistant. Xiao Pang worked as an executive agent for Lee from 2017 to 2019, handling her film and television work. But there were still many unresolved disputes after the assistant's contract was terminated. 'I felt that I was not treated fairly, so I privately recorded Eleanor's conversations before leaving. Because the labour dispute between the company and I had not been resolved, I intended to use the edited and synthesised recordings to negotiate with the company.' From 2019 to 2024, the assistant failed to seek any compensation from the company and had been blocked by the company's contact person. 'I thought that my grievances were not addressed and I was criticised in some fans' online conversations,' said Xiao Pang. 'So in July 2024, I posted the edited and synthesised recordings in the group chat between the company and some fans. I also made up a lot of content on impulse." Xiao Pang added: "I did not expect that my wrong behaviour would eventually escalate into such a serious incident and cause such a great negative impact on Eleanor.' The former assistant also described Lee as a 'positive, hardworking and talented girl' who 'never expressed her disapproval of China or the Chinese people'. 'She never said, nor could she say, the insulting words I edited and synthesised about the Chinese people,' the former assistant said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eleanor Lee 李凱馨 (@eleanorleex) On the same day, Lee posted a video on Instagram addressing Xiao Pang's statement and said that she had filed a police report and has been assisting in investigations. She said: 'After investigation by the public security authorities, the so-called 'Eleanor Lee insulting Chinese people' recording circulating on the internet was illegally recorded by my former assistant during the labour dispute with the former company, which was then edited and fabricated.' She added: 'I was born in Taiwan, China, and returned to China to study and live at the age of 16. It has been ten years since then. My feelings and positions on China have never wavered. I have always adhered to the one-China principle and I would never say anything insulting China and the Chinese.'
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Ex-assistant of Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee admits to faking anti-China audio clips in public apology
SINGAPORE, May 21 — The former assistant of Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee has issued a public apology for fabricating audio recordings of the star, in what she admitted was an attempt to pressure her former company into paying compensation. Lee, the daughter of veteran Mediacorp host Quan Yifeng, had earlier found herself embroiled in controversy after audio clips surfaced online in which she was allegedly heard insulting Chinese nationals. The recordings drew backlash across Chinese social media platforms. In a Weibo post today, Lee's management agency China Artiste Management confirmed that the recordings were doctored by the assistant, following a police investigation. The agency said the incident stemmed from a personal dispute and denounced the assistant's actions as a serious infringement of Lee's rights. A Weibo user going by the name 'Xiaopang', who identified herself as Lee's former assistant, released a statement of apology on the same day. Her post was reshared on the official page of Lee's agency. 'After being educated and corrected by the police, I realised that the act of maliciously editing, synthesising, and fabricating recordings of Li Kaixin 'insulting the Chinese people' and other acts of spreading false information are against the law, and have caused serious reputational damage to Li Kaixin,' she wrote, referring to Lee by her Chinese name. The user added that she recognised her mistake and apologised to the actress, whom she described as 'positive, hardworking and talented'. She denied that Lee had ever expressed disapproval of China or made the offensive remarks circulated online. In her statement, the user said she had worked as Lee's personal assistant from 2017 to 2019 at a Beijing-based media firm. After being let go in 2019, she claimed to have had ongoing disputes with the company and felt she was treated 'unfairly'. Before leaving, she secretly recorded conversations with Lee and later manipulated the clips to use in her compensation demands, which she continued to pursue over the next five years. Failing to reach a settlement and having been blocked by the company's representative, the assistant admitted that she 'lost control of her emotions' in 2024 after seeing updates about one of the agency's artistes. In July that year, she circulated the altered audio clips online 'to vent her anger' and fabricated additional content 'on impulse'. She said she did not anticipate the extent of harm caused to Lee and asked for forgiveness. 'In the three years I worked at the company, I saw Li Kaixin's growth, and witnessed the efforts she has put in,' the user wrote. 'She never expressed disapproval towards China or the Chinese people, and did not, nor could have said the insulting words towards Chinese people that appeared in the edited and synthesised recordings I made of her.'
Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Eleanor Lee saga: Former assistant admits to doctoring audio recording
Eleanor Lee in a video posted on her social media accounts on May 21. PHOTOS: ELEANORLEEX/INSTAGRAM SINGAPORE – A netizen claiming to be China-based Eleanor Lee's former assistant has admitted to editing the audio recording which got the Singaporean actress into trouble. Lee, 25, was in the news recently for allegedly making derogatory comments about the people of China. The daughter of local Taiwan-born TV host Quan Yifeng has denied making such remarks. But the incident has dealt a major blow to her burgeoning career in China, with her name removed from the cast list of an upcoming Chinese period drama, The Journey Of Legend. At 10am on May 21, a netizen posted an apology on Chinese social media platform Weibo, claiming to be Lee's former assistant Xiaopang. 'After being criticised and educated by the public security authorities, I realise that the malicious editing and fabrication of Ms Eleanor Lee's recording and other acts of spreading false information are suspected to be illegal and have caused serious reputational damage to her,' the netizen wrote. 'I am now making a clarification and solemnly apologising to Ms Lee. I have realised my mistakes and solemnly promise that I will never make them again.' The former assistant said he or she had served as Lee's assistant from 2017 to 2019, and was mainly responsible for work relating to her film and TV commitments. 'I felt I was not treated fairly when the job was terminated due to conflicts and disputes with the former company, so I privately recorded Lee before leaving the company,' the person wrote. There was said to be a failure to reach an agreement with the company on compensation from 2019 to 2024, and the former assistant claimed to have been blocked by the company's contact person. 'Therefore, in July 2024, I posted the edited recording in the contact groups of the company and fans, and also made up a lot of content under impulse.' The post was shared by Lee's agency on Weibo seven minutes later. It added that the incident was caused by a malicious rumour spread by a former assistant due to a personal dispute. The agency disclosed in another post that it had filed a police report at 11pm on May 12, and that Lee cooperated with the police investigation from that time until 5am on May 13. 'The person involved in the case was summoned by the police for questioning early morning on May 13 until 3pm,' the agency wrote. 'The person involved admitted that the audio circulated on the internet was doctored.' The agency also posted a receipt for the case and wrote that Lee's team met staff at the Singapore embassy on May 15 on matters related to the case. Lee then appeared looking tired in a video clip posted to her social media accounts at 11am on May 21. She said she was 'born in Taiwan, China', and had returned at the age of 16 to study and live in China. 'My feelings and position on China have never wavered,' she said. 'I have always adhered to the one-China principle and it is absolutely impossible for me to say anything insulting China and the people of China.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lady Gaga stuns fans at Maxwell with surprise lunch stop; Deepfake scandal rocks actress Eleanor Lee – but who's next?: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. Lady Gaga didn't just come to Singapore to perform – she came to connect. On her day off between concerts, the superstar made an unannounced visit to Maxwell Food Centre, sparking a mini fan frenzy. Dressed in black and seated at table 171, Gaga mingled with fans, signed autographs, and even paused to give a young fan a cherished moment. One lucky Little Monster walked away with a signed 'Mayhem' vinyl and memories to last a lifetime. Her spontaneous stop, shared widely on social media, shows her down-to-earth charm in contrast to her megastar status. Gaga's visit echoes other celeb stops at Maxwell, proving once again that local food courts are the new red carpet. Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee didn't say it – but millions believed she did. A fake audio clip nearly shattered her career. Shared by a former assistant, the doctored recording seemed to capture the actress insulting Chinese nationals – until the assistant confessed to editing it out of spite. The case quickly escalated online, with Lee forced to deny the claims, reaffirm her support for China, and file a police report. Her public apology and emotional video brought clarity – but not before reputational damage had already spread. This scandal isn't just a personal drama – it's a wake-up call. Deepfakes are no longer niche or experimental. They're tools of digital warfare, capable of rewriting reality in seconds. Lee's case proves just how vulnerable public figures – and truth itself – can be in today's digital age. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Pop royalty met street food chic when Lady Gaga surprised fans at Singapore's Maxwell Food Centre, turning a casual Tuesday lunch (20 May) into a scene straight out of a music video. Clad in all-black and platform boots, Gaga was spotted dining with her team at table 171 – right beside the popular nasi lemak stall The Green Leaf. Fans who happened to be nearby couldn't believe their luck. One emotional diner exclaimed, 'I just wanna hug her,' while another watched wide-eyed as Gaga greeted a boy and woman with her signature grace. TikTok clips and XiaoHongShu posts flooded social media as crowds formed, trying to catch a glimpse of the pop icon. On her table: a curious combo of Evian, beer, and a Milo dinosaur – because even global superstars love local flavour. Her low-key charm and high-impact presence echoed similar visits by other artists like Dua Lipa, who also stopped at Maxwell last December. The pop sensation wasn't just posing – she was present. As she exited, fans called out to her, and in one viral moment, she signed a fan's 'Mayhem' vinyl, making their day and sparking envy across social media. That fan? Seen jumping for joy, clutching the signed album like a trophy. With two more shows left in Singapore, Little Monsters everywhere are on high alert. Maxwell may have fed her, but it's Gaga who fed the fandom – one vinyl at a time. A 31-second audio clip put Eleanor Lee's career in hot water. But the Singaporean actress never said those words. A former assistant confessed to editing and spreading the fake recording – crafted to sound like Lee had insulted Chinese nationals. The confession, issued on Weibo, detailed how frustration and personal grievances led to the clip's release. The assistant used real recordings, manipulated them, and unleashed the doctored version online – sparking outrage across Chinese social media platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eleanor Lee 李凱馨 (@eleanorleex) Lee responded swiftly. She denied the claims, affirmed her support for China, filed a police report, and posted an emotional apology video online. The video, where she thanked authorities and bowed deeply, aimed to restore public trust and stop the spread of misinformation. Lee is the the daughter of Singaporean TV veteran Quan Yifeng and actor Peter Yu. She has built a significant career in China, appearing in dramas and blockbuster commercials. But the controversy may have already negatively impacting her as she was reportedly removed from the promotional materials of the highly anticipated drama "The Journey of Legend". But beyond the personal drama lies a larger issue: deepfakes. Lee's case is a stark reminder of how easy it has become to fabricate 'proof' with basic audio editing tools – and how fast lies can go viral. For public figures, the weaponisation of fake content is now a real occupational hazard. The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board has intensified its war on scams with two new security upgrades: a single, verifiable phone number for all outbound calls and biometric login requirements for online CPF nominations. As scams involving impersonation of government officials rise, the CPF Board's move to consolidate all calls under 6227-1188 is designed to help members quickly confirm legitimacy. Missed calls now come with verified SMS or emails for added trust. Meanwhile, the biometric safeguard for nominations adds another layer of identity protection. Members are reminded that legitimate CPF staff will never ask for money transfers or personal login credentials. The agency encourages suspicious users to freeze accounts, activate the CPF Withdrawal Lock, and notify police. More details and anti-scam tips are available on the CPF website. Singapore is expanding its pigeon control programme after a trial across three town councils cut pigeon populations in half. Public complaints dropped significantly too, prompting agencies to take the programme into more areas, including Jalan Besar and Yishun. The strategy blends humane removal with education, enforcement and food waste reform. Over 50 fines were issued for bird feeding, and officials say understanding public behaviour is crucial. Seniors and habitual feeders are being offered alternatives like gardening and birdwatching. The move highlights concerns around public health, as pigeons are known carriers of bacteria and disease. Authorities stress that cooperation with hawker centers and waste managers is key to long-term success. If results stay strong, the programme could soon span the entire island. The National University of Singapore (NUS) has issued a public apology after discarding hundreds of Yale-NUS College library books without offering them to students. The sight of tightly packed plastic bags full of books being hauled off for recycling on Tuesday (20 May) sparked widespread backlash, especially among alumni. Critics labelled the move wasteful and tone-deaf, calling it a betrayal of educational values. NUS admitted that only faculty were offered the books, acknowledging this as an 'operational lapse.' The backlash led to a petition with hundreds of signatures and calls for procedural reform. In response, NUS is reviewing its book disposal process and organising a giveaway to rehome remaining materials. Despite this, many say the damage is symbolic – a sign of disregard for knowledge, sustainability, and community engagement. Read on NUS saying sorry for its "operational lapse" here. A Singaporean tourist, 55, faces serious charges in Japan after allegedly committing indecent acts on a teenage boy at a Niigata onsen on 14 May. The suspect reportedly touched the minor inappropriately multiple times, prompting a swift police response. Arrested at Niigata train station on 16 May, the man denies wrongdoing, insisting he only touched the boy's shoulder. A relative's complaint triggered the arrest, and police are now probing the incident, which has shocked locals. Japan's hot springs have faced similar scandals, including a 2024 case where a former Singaporean diplomat was fined for filming in a bathhouse. These incidents highlight vulnerabilities in onsen safety protocols. A 2023 voyeurism ring bust revealed lapses, with 17 men arrested for secretly filming thousands at onsens. Calls for enhanced security, like cameras in public areas, are growing louder. Read on the Singaporean's onsen scandal in Japan here. Singapore has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the forced displacement of civilians as an unacceptable path to peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stressed the urgent need to resume humanitarian aid and demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas. In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday (20 May), the MFA reiterated Singapore's position that unilateral actions, such as aid blockades and mass evacuations, will only worsen the humanitarian crisis. It emphasised that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law, including protecting civilians and infrastructure like hospitals. Singapore also renewed its longstanding support for a two-state solution, aligned with United Nations Security Council resolutions, calling it the only viable framework for a lasting peace. The latest escalation follows Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 and saw over 250 hostages taken. Israel's military response has left tens of thousands dead in Gaza, the majority civilians, according to local health authorities. A six-week ceasefire earlier in 2025 briefly halted the conflict, but resumed hostilities and a March aid blockade have pushed half a million Gazans to the brink of starvation, according to a global hunger monitor. Read on Singapore calling for gaza ceasefire and full aid access here. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, one of Singapore's longest-serving leaders, is stepping down after more than 30 years in public service – leaving with a heartfelt reminder: unity is Singapore's greatest strength. In his final interview as a cabinet minister, he warned against the creeping influence of identity politics following the recent general election (GE2025). SM Teo cautioned that political appeals based on race or religion could fracture Singapore's diverse fabric. He cited examples from GE2025 where parties proposed public holidays based on ethnicity, which risked triggering competitive populism. 'It's very easy to create divisions,' he said, 'but rebuilding unity is much harder.' Throughout his career – spanning defence, education, security, and diplomacy – Teo focused on people first. From ensuring officers had practical footwear to revamping the education system and establishing ITE colleges, his policies reflected a ground-up approach. 'The thing I remember most is the people,' he said. His legacy includes defusing national crises, strengthening public trust, and helping forge sensitive international negotiations The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement has been officially adopted, with Singapore strongly backing the move amid a shifting global health landscape. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly, emphasised the need for multilateral cooperation in tackling future pandemics. The agreement, reached after three years of intense negotiations, aims to enhance global pandemic preparedness and strengthen international health security. Wong reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to WHO efforts, stressing that viruses know no borders, making joint action essential. While China reinforced its financial support for the WHO, pledging up to US$500 million, the United States withdrew from the agreement, citing concerns over the WHO's COVID-19 response and governance transparency. Despite the US absence, the agreement passed without opposition, marking a significant step toward coordinated health security strategies worldwide. Singapore's early $24 million pledge underscores its dedication to strengthening pandemic preparedness. With the agreement in place, PM Wong urged nations to find common ground, ensuring that health crises are tackled collaboratively, not in isolation. Read on Singapore's commitment to WHO's Pandemic Agreement here. Pop royalty met street food chic when Lady Gaga surprised fans at Singapore's Maxwell Food Centre, turning a casual Tuesday lunch (20 May) into a scene straight out of a music video. Clad in all-black and platform boots, Gaga was spotted dining with her team at table 171 – right beside the popular nasi lemak stall The Green Leaf. Fans who happened to be nearby couldn't believe their luck. One emotional diner exclaimed, 'I just wanna hug her,' while another watched wide-eyed as Gaga greeted a boy and woman with her signature grace. TikTok clips and XiaoHongShu posts flooded social media as crowds formed, trying to catch a glimpse of the pop icon. On her table: a curious combo of Evian, beer, and a Milo dinosaur – because even global superstars love local flavour. Her low-key charm and high-impact presence echoed similar visits by other artists like Dua Lipa, who also stopped at Maxwell last December. The pop sensation wasn't just posing – she was present. As she exited, fans called out to her, and in one viral moment, she signed a fan's 'Mayhem' vinyl, making their day and sparking envy across social media. That fan? Seen jumping for joy, clutching the signed album like a trophy. With two more shows left in Singapore, Little Monsters everywhere are on high alert. Maxwell may have fed her, but it's Gaga who fed the fandom – one vinyl at a time. A 31-second audio clip put Eleanor Lee's career in hot water. But the Singaporean actress never said those words. A former assistant confessed to editing and spreading the fake recording – crafted to sound like Lee had insulted Chinese nationals. The confession, issued on Weibo, detailed how frustration and personal grievances led to the clip's release. The assistant used real recordings, manipulated them, and unleashed the doctored version online – sparking outrage across Chinese social media platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eleanor Lee 李凱馨 (@eleanorleex) Lee responded swiftly. She denied the claims, affirmed her support for China, filed a police report, and posted an emotional apology video online. The video, where she thanked authorities and bowed deeply, aimed to restore public trust and stop the spread of misinformation. Lee is the the daughter of Singaporean TV veteran Quan Yifeng and actor Peter Yu. She has built a significant career in China, appearing in dramas and blockbuster commercials. But the controversy may have already negatively impacting her as she was reportedly removed from the promotional materials of the highly anticipated drama "The Journey of Legend". But beyond the personal drama lies a larger issue: deepfakes. Lee's case is a stark reminder of how easy it has become to fabricate 'proof' with basic audio editing tools – and how fast lies can go viral. For public figures, the weaponisation of fake content is now a real occupational hazard. The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board has intensified its war on scams with two new security upgrades: a single, verifiable phone number for all outbound calls and biometric login requirements for online CPF nominations. As scams involving impersonation of government officials rise, the CPF Board's move to consolidate all calls under 6227-1188 is designed to help members quickly confirm legitimacy. Missed calls now come with verified SMS or emails for added trust. Meanwhile, the biometric safeguard for nominations adds another layer of identity protection. Members are reminded that legitimate CPF staff will never ask for money transfers or personal login credentials. The agency encourages suspicious users to freeze accounts, activate the CPF Withdrawal Lock, and notify police. More details and anti-scam tips are available on the CPF website. Singapore is expanding its pigeon control programme after a trial across three town councils cut pigeon populations in half. Public complaints dropped significantly too, prompting agencies to take the programme into more areas, including Jalan Besar and Yishun. The strategy blends humane removal with education, enforcement and food waste reform. Over 50 fines were issued for bird feeding, and officials say understanding public behaviour is crucial. Seniors and habitual feeders are being offered alternatives like gardening and birdwatching. The move highlights concerns around public health, as pigeons are known carriers of bacteria and disease. Authorities stress that cooperation with hawker centers and waste managers is key to long-term success. If results stay strong, the programme could soon span the entire island. The National University of Singapore (NUS) has issued a public apology after discarding hundreds of Yale-NUS College library books without offering them to students. The sight of tightly packed plastic bags full of books being hauled off for recycling on Tuesday (20 May) sparked widespread backlash, especially among alumni. Critics labelled the move wasteful and tone-deaf, calling it a betrayal of educational values. NUS admitted that only faculty were offered the books, acknowledging this as an 'operational lapse.' The backlash led to a petition with hundreds of signatures and calls for procedural reform. In response, NUS is reviewing its book disposal process and organising a giveaway to rehome remaining materials. Despite this, many say the damage is symbolic – a sign of disregard for knowledge, sustainability, and community engagement. Read on NUS saying sorry for its "operational lapse" here. A Singaporean tourist, 55, faces serious charges in Japan after allegedly committing indecent acts on a teenage boy at a Niigata onsen on 14 May. The suspect reportedly touched the minor inappropriately multiple times, prompting a swift police response. Arrested at Niigata train station on 16 May, the man denies wrongdoing, insisting he only touched the boy's shoulder. A relative's complaint triggered the arrest, and police are now probing the incident, which has shocked locals. Japan's hot springs have faced similar scandals, including a 2024 case where a former Singaporean diplomat was fined for filming in a bathhouse. These incidents highlight vulnerabilities in onsen safety protocols. A 2023 voyeurism ring bust revealed lapses, with 17 men arrested for secretly filming thousands at onsens. Calls for enhanced security, like cameras in public areas, are growing louder. Read on the Singaporean's onsen scandal in Japan here. Singapore has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the forced displacement of civilians as an unacceptable path to peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stressed the urgent need to resume humanitarian aid and demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas. In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday (20 May), the MFA reiterated Singapore's position that unilateral actions, such as aid blockades and mass evacuations, will only worsen the humanitarian crisis. It emphasised that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law, including protecting civilians and infrastructure like hospitals. Singapore also renewed its longstanding support for a two-state solution, aligned with United Nations Security Council resolutions, calling it the only viable framework for a lasting peace. The latest escalation follows Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 and saw over 250 hostages taken. Israel's military response has left tens of thousands dead in Gaza, the majority civilians, according to local health authorities. A six-week ceasefire earlier in 2025 briefly halted the conflict, but resumed hostilities and a March aid blockade have pushed half a million Gazans to the brink of starvation, according to a global hunger monitor. Read on Singapore calling for gaza ceasefire and full aid access here. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, one of Singapore's longest-serving leaders, is stepping down after more than 30 years in public service – leaving with a heartfelt reminder: unity is Singapore's greatest strength. In his final interview as a cabinet minister, he warned against the creeping influence of identity politics following the recent general election (GE2025). SM Teo cautioned that political appeals based on race or religion could fracture Singapore's diverse fabric. He cited examples from GE2025 where parties proposed public holidays based on ethnicity, which risked triggering competitive populism. 'It's very easy to create divisions,' he said, 'but rebuilding unity is much harder.' Throughout his career – spanning defence, education, security, and diplomacy – Teo focused on people first. From ensuring officers had practical footwear to revamping the education system and establishing ITE colleges, his policies reflected a ground-up approach. 'The thing I remember most is the people,' he said. His legacy includes defusing national crises, strengthening public trust, and helping forge sensitive international negotiations The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement has been officially adopted, with Singapore strongly backing the move amid a shifting global health landscape. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly, emphasised the need for multilateral cooperation in tackling future pandemics. The agreement, reached after three years of intense negotiations, aims to enhance global pandemic preparedness and strengthen international health security. Wong reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to WHO efforts, stressing that viruses know no borders, making joint action essential. While China reinforced its financial support for the WHO, pledging up to US$500 million, the United States withdrew from the agreement, citing concerns over the WHO's COVID-19 response and governance transparency. Despite the US absence, the agreement passed without opposition, marking a significant step toward coordinated health security strategies worldwide. Singapore's early $24 million pledge underscores its dedication to strengthening pandemic preparedness. With the agreement in place, PM Wong urged nations to find common ground, ensuring that health crises are tackled collaboratively, not in isolation. Read on Singapore's commitment to WHO's Pandemic Agreement here.
