Latest news with #MaxwellFoodCentre
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Lady Gaga surprises fans by dining at local food court in Singapore
American pop star Lady Gaga surprised many unsuspecting diners when she was spotted having lunch at a hawker-style food court in Singapore. The singer tried to blend in with the other patrons but was unmissable in her all-black outfit and signature platform boots when she dined with her fiance Michael Polansky and entourage at the open-air Maxwell Food Centre in the city's Chinatown district. The 39-year-old appeared relaxed as she sat in front of the humble Fortune Popiah food stall ahead of her fourth and final show from her Asia-exclusive concerts at Singapore's National Stadium. Fans couldn't believe their eyes when they realised the woman decked in black was Lady Gaga, with some even left in tears over the sighting. 'Not to freak out, but we are sitting across from Lady Gaga right now, right there,' one fan named Aukse Grei – who is a Lithuanian fashion photographer living and working in Asia – said in a social media video that has now gone viral. 'I just wanna hug her,' said Grei's friend, who was crying happy tears. Grei then playfully told her, 'Cloe, I swear if you cry a bit harder, she will come and tell you to calm the f**k down.' Another ecstatic fan also documented their experience on TikTok, writing, 'Sixteen years of being a Little Monster and I saw her right in front of me while I was going for a coffee break at Maxwell Food Centre. Felt surreal!' Sadly, the TikTokers didn't get their moment with Gaga, but one lucky fan did catch her attention. Before leaving the eatery and making her way to a waiting black limousine, the singer stopped briefly to sign a fan's vinyl of her new album Mayhem as a group of onlookers began to gather and chant Gaga's name. Later in the year it will be Australia's turn to scream Gaga's name from the stadiums when she brings her much-anticipated Mayhem Ball world tour down under in December. 'I can't formally announce anything, but I can tell you that I'm going to be announcing … some things,' Gaga told the The Fox's Fifi, Fev & Nick last month. 'I miss my fans there so much, I really do. I have such fond memories of being in Australia, it's a beautiful place and I really do want to come back soon.' For the Australian leg of the world tour in December, the Abracadabra pop superstar heads to our biggest east coast stadiums. She will open the run at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on December 5 and then head to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on December 9 and finally Sydney's Accor Stadium on December 12.
Independent Singapore
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Lady Gaga surprises fans with casual visit to Maxwell Food Centre in Singapore
Photo: TikTok/Lady Gaga SINGAPORE: Little Monsters in Singapore were in for a treat when Lady Gaga made an unexpected pit stop at the popular Maxwell Food Centre recently, as reported by Malay Mail. The 39-year-old Shallow singer wore an all-black bodysuit, oversized Prada sunglasses and towering platform boots. Lady Gaga caught everyone's attention as she ate local food with her entourage in tow. @joelcaptures LADY GAGA SPOTTED IN SINGAPORE! Enjoying her local delights at Maxwell hawker centre! Look closely, she seems to be having Milo dinosaur and beer? @ladygaga #ladygaga #singapore #mayhem #mayhemsingapore #sg #ladygagasingapore #ladygagaconcert #gaga ♬ Abracadabra – Lady Gaga Lady Gaga and her crew were hanging out and enjoying some local drinks. They had quite a few of those super-rich 'Milo Dinosaur' drinks and also shared some Tsingtao and Chang beers. The Die With A Smile singer sat at table 171, which is in front of the Fortune Popiah stall. Lady Gaga was trying to chill and not draw too much attention to herself, but her fans – her 'Little Monsters' – are super sharp and figured out she was there pretty quickly. Chance to talk to Lady Gaga A handful of really fortunate fans got the chance to go up and actually talk to Lady Gaga, which must have been amazing for them! Meanwhile, most of the other fans who spotted her were really cool about it and just enjoyed seeing her from a little further away. It sounds like everyone was being pretty considerate. @itsfiqqy 16 YEARS OF BEING LITTLE MONSTER AND I SAW HER NOSE RIGHT INFRONT OF ME WHILE I WAS GOING FOR A COFFEE BREAK AT MAXWELL HAWKER CENTRE??!?!?! FELT SURREAL! I LOVE YOU @ladygaga #ladygaga #singapore #mayhem ♬ original sound – 🌪 – 🌪 A small group of people had gathered to support her as she left, and one lucky fan was given an autographed copy of Gaga's Mayhem album as she was making her way to her vehicle. Lady Gaga unexpectedly appeared at Maxwell Food Centre. She made an appearance while in the middle of her four performances at the Singapore National Stadium, which began on May 18. Excited over Lady Gaga On May 24, she has one more performance, and it is not surprising that everyone in Singapore is excited about her being here. Singer-songwriter Lady Gaga was born on March 28, 1986. Her real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, and she is very talented and renowned. She sings, writes her own songs, and acts too. She's become a huge influence in popular music, known for constantly changing her image and showing incredible talent across the entertainment world. Starting her career by signing with Interscope Records in 2007, Lady Gaga quickly gained worldwide fame with her debut album, The Fame (2008), and its expanded version, The Fame Monster (2009). These albums were packed with hit after hit, like Just Dance , Poker Face , Bad Romance, Telephone, and Alejandro. True global superstar She's a true global superstar, having sold an estimated 124 million records, making her one of the best-selling music artists ever. Notably, she's the only female artist with four singles that have each sold at least 10 million copies worldwide. Six of her main albums went straight to number one on the big US music chart, the Billboard 200. And not only that, but six of her songs also hit the very top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beyond music, Lady Gaga's impact is clear. Back in 2011, Forbes magazine actually said that Lady Gaga was the highest-earning female musician and 'the most powerful celebrity' overall! And then, Time Magazine thought she was so influential that they put her on their list of the 100 most important people in the world, not just once, but twice – in 2010 and again in 2019. See also BTS's Suga made a donation to a hospital in Daegu for his birthday
The Star
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Lady Gaga spices things up at food centre
Testing the local grub: Lady Gaga (in black) having a quiet meal before signing a fan's vinyl as she was leaving. — The Straits Times/ANN Even Mother Monster cannot resist sampling some of Singapore's local food. According to photos and videos posted on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Xiaohongshu, American pop star Lady Gaga was spotted having lunch at Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown on Tuesday during a break between her four National Stadium concerts. Fully clad in black, the 39-year-old was seated with her entourage and her fiance, American entrepreneur Michael Polansky, at a table in front of the Fortune Popiah stall. As she was leaving the famed hawker centre, she stopped briefly to sign an eager male fan's vinyl of her new album Mayhem, before her team escorted her into a black limousine. A small group of onlookers had gathered by then, with some screaming her name and cheering. Another ecstatic fan, who goes by itsfiqqy on TikTok, took to the platform to commemorate the moment. He wrote: 'Sixteen years of being a Little Monster and I saw her right in front of me while I was going for a coffee break at Maxwell Food Centre. Felt surreal!' In November 2024, British-Albanian pop star Dua Lipa – who staged two concerts at the Singapore Indoor Stadium – also visited Maxwell Food Centre before taking to Instagram to reminisce about the slate of local delights she had shared with her crew. Lady Gaga is in town for a run of Asia-exclusive shows to promote Mayhem on May 18, 19, 21 and 24. A bevy of celebrities were spotted at her earlier two sets, including K-pop girl group Babymonster, Hong Kong actress Gigi Leung, Malaysian actress Angelica Lee, Taiwanese singer Elva Hsiao, Taiwanese actress Joe Chen and veteran Hong Kong actor Simon Yam. — The Straits Times/ANN
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.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
American pop star Lady Gaga spices things up at Singapore's Maxwell Food Centre
Lady Gaga was spotted having lunch at Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. - HUOZANGCHANGTIANHOU/XIAOHONGSHU SINGAPORE: Even Mother Monster cannot resist sampling some of Singapore's local makan. According to photos and videos posted on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Xiaohongshu on May 20, American pop star Lady Gaga was spotted having lunch at Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown, during a break between her four National Stadium concerts. Fully clad in black, the 39-year-old was seated with her entourage and her fiance, American entrepreneur Michael Polansky, at a table in front of the Fortune Popiah stall. As she was leaving the famed hawker centre, she stopped briefly to sign an eager male fan's vinyl of her new album Mayhem, before her team escorted her into a black limousine. A small group of onlookers had gathered by then, with some screaming her name and cheering. In November 2024, British-Albanian pop star Dua Lipa – who staged two concerts at the Singapore Indoor Stadium – also visited Maxwell Food Centre before taking to Instagram to reminisce about the slate of local delights she had shared with her crew. Lady Gaga is in town for a run of Asia-exclusive shows to promote Mayhem on May 18, 19, 21 and 24. A bevy of celebrities were spotted at her earlier two sets, including K-pop girl group Babymonster, Hong Kong actress Gigi Leung, Malaysian actress Angelica Lee, Taiwanese singer Elva Hsiao, Taiwanese actress Joe Chen and veteran Hong Kong actor Simon Yam. - The Straits Times/ANN
