Latest news with #prosperitygospel
The Herald
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Churches must face corruption demons — SACC president Sipuka
'As the church seeks to remove the splinter of corruption in government and society, we also need to reckon with the possible log in our own eye. 'We have witnessed pastors living in mansions while congregations struggle in poverty, church leaders demanding 'seed offerings' that promise miracles that never materialise, denominational officials who misappropriate funds meant for community development and churches that become family businesses rather than houses of worship. 'The prosperity gospel, which promises material wealth in exchange for financial contributions, has become a form of spiritual extortion that preys on the desperation of the poor.' If the church calls for action against corrupt individuals in government and business, it must also apply to clergy who engage in corruption, he said. The SACC is the biggest forum for churches in the country, with its members including the Catholic, Methodist, Grace Bible, Gereformeerde Kerk in Suid Afrika, Dutch Reformed, Presbyterian and Baptist churches. Sipuka said any suggestion for a different treatment for churches when dealing with corruption would be nothing less than clericalism, which unconsciously promotes the use of clerical status for selfish reasons. 'Worldwide, the church is regarded as a moral authority, and when it is also corrupt, its role as a beacon of goodness is discredited, and people's hope in the church to overcome the cancer of corruption is eroded.' He said the church's role in combating corruption is not optional; it is prophetic. Churches' financial records should be transparent, their governance structures accountable and lifestyles consistent with preachings. 'We must speak boldly against corruption, regardless of who is involved.' TimesLIVE
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
13 Shameless TV Shows That Don't Care If You're Offended
These shameless TV shows just don't care if you're offended. They're presented in no particular order. Some are from long ago, but some are still going strong. Starting with... Related Headlines All 6 Joker Actors Ranked Worst to Best The 12 Funniest Comedies We've Ever Seen The 13 Most Captivating Prison Movies We've Ever Seen This pretty-much always funny FX series about the idiot proprietors of a very unhygienic Irish pub has covered a gamut of topics that make people uncomfortable, from race to abuse to religion to child beauty pageants. What other sitcom staged a (fake) baby funeral? Audiences can't get enough: It's the longest-running live-action sitcom on television, after recently surpassing The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet. The brilliant story of a televangelist family with a slew of secrets mixes sex, violence and very big characters in endlessly inventive and unexpected ways, taking direct shots at the hypocrisy of many who preach the prosperity gospel. It also gets huge laughs out of gratuitous sequences like one last year that started with a home invasion, then turned to a guitarist spending some quality time with himself in bed, and escalated to a brutal brawl. And we've lost count of how many times we've seen Baby Billy's penis this season. But the most unexpected thing about the show, starring co-creator Danny McBride and a stellar ensemble cast, is that it actually seems to believe in God. It never makes fun of anyone's faith, just their hypocrisy. Another HBO series, Euphoria has drawn shock from the start for its blunt (and some would say exploitative) portrayals of teenage drug use and sexuality. In a 2022 story at the end of the show's second season, The New York Times noted that many of the show's young fans love the characters and plotlines, but not the man who created them, noting that Levinson "wrote all 18 hourlong episodes and directed all but three of them," and that fans routinely go on social media "to criticize his visions of the characters." Levinson has said the show is very autobiographical: "I feel like I'm watching a version of myself navigating the world at a young age,' Levinson said in a clip promoting the show when it debuted in 2019. After making stars of Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi, it returns soon for its long-delayed third season. Loudmouth Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), an unrepentant bigot, was only really offensive to people who didn't understand we were supposed to laugh at him, not with him. But the show's intentions were clear: All in the Family creator Norman Lear, who passed last year at 101, was one of Hollywood's most outspoken liberals, and wanted Archie Bunker to speak freely to show how ignorant his closed-minded notions sounded. But All in the Family also had the grace to present him as vulnerable character, capable of change. In one of its most famous episodes, 1972's "Sammy's Visit," Archie gets to know Sammy Davis Jr., who, to Archie's alarm, not only Black but Jewish. Davis highroads him by giving him a kiss on the cheek at the end of the episode, hilariously violating all kinds of bigoted taboos. The show was criticized for its countless dirty jokes and risque storylines, as well as for the piggish tendencies of Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) and the portrayal of Peggy Bundy (Katey Segal) as lazy and selfish. OK, but Married... With Children has aged very well as a sendup of saccharine-sweet sitcoms. It knew exactly what is was doing, and never endorsed or asked us to sympathize with the Bundys — who shared a name, after all, with a serial killer. The Simpsons debuted not long after Married... With Children on the then-fledgling Fox network. Yet it's somehow still going. In fact, it's the longest-running sitcom. The Simpsons inspired debate with many topics — from guns to drugs to politics — and also took a stand by presenting gay characters in a sympathetic light long before the majority of TV shows did. It tends to offend people on the right more than people on the left, and has never shied away from mocking Fox News. But we bet if offends random restaurant chains the most, with out-of-nowhere zingers like, "I'm so hungry I could eat at Arby's!" (That joke is from Season 9's "Das Bus," above.) We also love that The Simpsons even gives big moments to minor characters. When South Park decides to take on a target — from Kanye West to Harry and Megan to religions to sex education in schools — everyone involved should prepare to be savaged. The show's animation process is so streamlined that creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone can quickly weigh in on divisive and hot-button issues before other shows can even begin to process them. It's been going shamelessly strong since 1997. Dave Chappelle left no stereotype unmocked in brilliant sketches like "The Racial Draft," in which various races tried to claim people of mixed ethnicity. Every episode of Chappelle's Show had something to offend you, from Rick James' catchphrase to homeless crack addict Tyrone Biggums. Even Chappelle wasn't always sure people were laughing at the right things — he left while shooting the show's third season after an incident in which a white spectator laughed at a sketch about stereotypes in the wrong way, and made Chappelle question whether his show was subverting stereotypes, or adding to them. "When he laughed, it made me uncomfortable," Chappelle told Time. "As a matter of fact, that was the last thing I shot before I told myself I gotta take f—ing time out after this. Because my head almost exploded." Chappelle, of course, is one of the most successful standup comedians of all time, and continues to offend people. He continues to not care. This magnificent Amazon Prime Video show is like an R-rated Avengers, where almost all the superheroes are in it for the fame and fortune, sexual harassment runs rampant, and some are outright racists. The antiheroes known as The Boys are dead-set on stopping them, but even their leader, Billy (Karl Urban) is an antihero prone to saying offensive things and doing much more damage than he needs to. The mix of sex, violence, comedy and gore will be a huge turnoff to people who don't love it. But not us: We love it. Over 25 years, Family Guy has made jokes aplenty about race, religion, gay panic and even... Star Wars. Along the way its been accused of racism, homophobia, and sexism. It's utterly ruthless in pursuit of laughs and audiences have rewarded it not only with one of the longest runs on television, but also three spinoffs. The Kiefer Sutherland counterterrorism drama was criticized from the beginning for seeming to endorse and even encourage the use of torture to interrogate suspects. Many have argued that besides being reprehensible and inhumane, torture can in fact be counterproductive, and endanger Americans abroad. It's not just liberal critics making these arguments. In fact, The New Yorker reported that in November 2006, military and FBI interrogators met with the 24 creative team to "voice their concern that the show's central political premise—that the letter of American law must be sacrificed for the country's security—was having a toxic effect. In their view, the show promoted unethical and illegal behavior and had adversely affected the training and performance of real American soldiers.' 24 executive producer Joel Surnow shrugged it off, telling The New Yorker: "'We've had all of these torture experts come by recently, and they say, 'You don't realize how many people are affected by this. Be careful.' They say torture doesn't work. But I don't believe that.' last year, 24 star Kiefer Sutherland defended the show again, telling the Independent: 'If the United States military can be derailed by a television show, we've got a much bigger problem than 24. ... To use 24, a television show, as a scapegoat for the behavior of the United States military is just absolutely asinine.' As you're probably aware, the show just celebrated its 50 anniversary. It has had some of the most debated moments in TV history, and creator Lorne Michaels has made sure it weathered them all. In 1990, for example, the presence of host Andrew "Dice" Clay, known for a misogynistic in-character routine, led cast member Nora Dunn and scheduled musical guest Sinead O'Conner to sit out the show. But Clay's presence was nothing compared to the 1992 episode in which O'Connor delivered a stunning performance of Bob Marley's "War" — before tearing up a picture of the Pope to protest abuse in the Catholic Church. (A decades later, an investigation by The Boston Globe would reveal that sexual abuse in the church had indeed been covered up.) SNL has also drawn criticism for booking polarizing hosts from Donald Trump to Elon Musk, and provided plenty of envelope-pushing moments with guests from Sydney Sweeney to Katy Perry. We could do a whole gallery devoted to its controversies... So we did. You might also like these two other lists about one of our favorite TV shows: the 13 Best Saturday Night Live Sketches Ever, and the 15 Best SNL Characters, Ranked. Main image: SNL. NBC Related Headlines All 6 Joker Actors Ranked Worst to Best The 12 Funniest Comedies We've Ever Seen The 13 Most Captivating Prison Movies We've Ever Seen
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Growing Up' actor Andrew Seow's career pivot stuns fans; Kong Hee faces renewed criticism: Singapore live news
Andrew Seow, the actor who played Gary Tay in the beloved 90s drama "Growing Up", is now an auxiliary police officer with Aetos Security Management. Inspired by his father's legacy, Seow made the career switch at 55, undergoing formal training and joining the force through Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programme. Fans were delighted by a viral video of Seow re-enacting a scene from the show, this time in uniform. While he says he misses acting, Seow hinted at a surprise for longtime supporters. Kong Hee's recent interview has reignited debate over his past conviction and the culture of megachurches in Singapore. Critics say the City Harvest Church pastor failed to show genuine repentance, while supporters argue the video focused on spiritual renewal, according to Christianity Today. The controversy has sparked discussion across Chinese Christian communities in Asia and North America, exposing deep divides over prosperity gospel teachings and pastoral accountability. With Kong back in the spotlight, questions about leadership, transparency and forgiveness are once again front and centre. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singaporean megachurch pastor Kong Hee's reappearance in a widely viewed interview has reignited criticism, years after his conviction for misusing church funds to support his wife's pop career. The interview avoided direct mention of his legal troubles, prompting backlash from viewers who expected a more explicit apology, according to Christianity Today. Supporters say the focus was on healing and spiritual growth. The controversy has revived scrutiny of megachurch culture, with critics likening it to celebrity worship and questioning the theological foundations of prosperity preaching. City Harvest Church remains one of Singapore's largest congregations, despite its past scandals. Kong's leadership continues to polarise opinion. The debate highlights broader concerns about repentance, accountability, and the role of charismatic leaders in modern Christianity. Andrew Seow, once Singapore's favourite on-screen bad boy, is now patrolling the streets as an auxiliary police officer. The 55-year-old actor, famed for his role as Gary Tay in the 90s TV show "Growing Up", has joined Aetos Security Management. His decision was deeply personal. Seow credits his late father, an auxiliary officer during British rule, for inspiring the move. 'He asked me to do something meaningful,' Seow shared in a recent video. 'I said, 'Okay, let me try.'' The career switch wasn't just symbolic. Seow enrolled in Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programme, trained in firearms, and now serves with full police powers. Fans were stunned but supportive. A viral Instagram clip shows Seow re-enacting a scene from "Growing Up", this time in uniform, with content creator Zaki Hussain. Seow says he misses acting but not the spotlight. 'I miss my fans,' he smiled. 'And for those waiting – I've got a surprise coming.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zaki Hussain (@zakiv4) Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has a message for businesses: stop waiting for US tariffs to vanish. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan warned that bipartisan support for tariffs in Washington means they're likely to stick around, even if Trump doesn't. Gan urged firms to brace for higher export costs and stricter supply chain scrutiny, especially in sectors like steel, autos, and pharmaceuticals. He advised setting up separate production lines for US-bound goods and diversifying into new markets. The US is pushing for 'fair and balanced trade', which includes reshoring critical industries and demanding more imports from trading partners. Gan said this shift is structural, not political. Singapore, which faces a baseline 10 per cent tariff, has ruled out retaliation. Instead, it's doubling down on ASEAN integration and WTO reform to preserve open trade. Gan's bottom line: adapt now or risk being sidelined in a more fragmented global economy. Read on DPM Gan saying tariffs aren't going anywhere here. Singapore is set to welcome 1,600 millionaires in 2025, a sharp drop from 3,500 in 2024, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report. The city-state still ranks sixth globally for net inflows, with an estimated US$8.9 billion in accompanying wealth. The decline reflects a broader trend: traditional destinations like Singapore, Australia, and Canada are seeing waning appeal, while new players like Thailand and the UAE rise. Bangkok, in particular, is gaining traction with its luxury real estate, international schools, and growing financial sector. Analysts cite Singapore's stricter investor visa rules and high property prices as possible deterrents. Since 2023, the Global Investor Programme requires a minimum S$10 million investment, quadruple the previous threshold. Still, Singapore's fundamentals remain strong: political stability, robust financial regulation, and Southeast Asian market access continue to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong is pushing for a regional upgrade, proposing that Indonesia's Riau Islands join the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The move would revive the Sijori Growth Triangle, first envisioned in 1989. Gan's pitch – 'three is better than two' – was made at the ASEAN Conference 2025, where he met Malaysian and Indonesian trade ministers to discuss trilateral cooperation. The expanded SEZ would link Singapore's capital and infrastructure, Johor's land and labour, and Riau's resources. The goal is to attract more foreign direct investment and offer businesses greater flexibility, especially amid rising US tariffs and global supply chain shifts. Gan emphasised that ASEAN must shape its own destiny in a multipolar world. But success depends on more than geography. Malaysian officials warn that wage gaps and talent outflow to Singapore could undermine the SEZ's promise. Johor's median wage is just one-seventh of Singapore's. Gan acknowledged the challenges, urging businesses to innovate while governments harmonise policies. 'The government can do what a government can do, but business must be done by businessmen,' he said. Read on Singapore's push for trilateral SEZ with Malaysia and Indonesia here. Singapore and Malaysia have secured spots in the top 15 of the 2025 Global Peace Index, reaffirming their reputations as two of the safest places to live. Singapore ranks 6th globally, while Malaysia comes in at 13th, both ahead of countries like Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. The annual index, compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace, evaluates 163 countries based on 23 indicators, including crime rates, political stability, and militarisation. Singapore's high ranking reflects its low crime rate, efficient law enforcement, and strong social cohesion. Malaysia's rise is attributed to improved domestic security and a steady political climate. Both countries outperform regional and global peers, making Southeast Asia a standout for safety and liveability. Read on why the Southeast Asian neighbours are among the safest places to live here. Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder of Telegram, has revealed he's fathered more than 100 children, and they're all set to inherit his US$13.9 billion fortune. In a candid interview with Le Point, the 40-year-old tech billionaire said he's the legal father of six children and the biological father of over 100 more via sperm donation across 12 countries. But there's a twist: none of them will see a cent for 30 years. Durov insists his heirs must 'build themselves up alone' before accessing their inheritance. 'I want them to live like normal people,' he said, adding that all his children will have equal rights. The move is part of a recently drafted will, which Durov says was prompted by the risks of 'defending freedoms' through his encrypted messaging platform. Telegram, with over 1 billion users, has drawn scrutiny from global regulators for its role in hosting unmoderated content. Durov's unconventional family tree stems from a 15-year sperm donation journey, which began as a favour to a friend. He now hopes to 'open source' his DNA so his children can find each other. Read on the Telegram billionaire founder's legacy plan here. Wild orcas have been observed offering prey to humans, in what scientists are calling a potential attempt to bond, play or study us. The findings come from a 20-year global study of killer whale behaviour. The killer whales approached humans voluntarily, dropped food in front of them, and in most cases, lingered to watch the response. Some even repeated the gesture when ignored. The offerings ranged from harbour seals to seaweed, and occurred in waters off California, Norway, New Zealand and beyond. Researchers say this may be the first time wild predators have used prey to interact with humans. The study suggests orcas may be testing social behaviours, much like they do within their pods. It's a behaviour more commonly seen in pets than in apex predators. Read on the wild orca's use of food offering in an attempt to bond with humans here. Kazakhstan has banned face coverings in public, joining a growing list of Central Asian nations restricting Islamic dress. The law, signed by President Tokayev, targets garments that obscure the face and hinder identification. While the law avoids religious language, Tokayev's comments suggest a cultural motive. 'It's much better to wear clothes in the national style,' he said, calling black robes 'alien' to Kazakh traditions. The ban comes amid rising tensions over religious expression, including a hijab ban in schools and protests from Muslim communities. Critics argue the state is policing personal identity under the guise of secularism. Other countries in the region have passed similar laws, often citing extremism and public safety. China, for example, has banned Islamic names in Xinjiang, while Tajikistan has outlawed the hijab entirely. As secularism tightens its grip, Muslim women across Central Asia face increasing pressure to conform to state-approved cultural norms. A new COVID-19 variant is making waves, not for its severity, but for its sting. Nicknamed 'Nimbus', the NB.1.8.1 variant is now one of the most dominant strains in the US, accounting for over 37 per cent of cases. Its most talked-about symptom? A sore throat so painful it's been dubbed 'razor blade throat'. Patients describe it as feeling like swallowing shards of glass. But infectious disease experts say this isn't a new symptom, just a new name for an old foe. The variant is a descendant of Omicron, and while it spreads quickly, it doesn't appear to cause more severe illness or hospitalisations. Vaccines remain effective, especially for high-risk groups. Doctors recommend treating the sore throat with over-the-counter meds, lozenges, saltwater gargles, and hydration. And yes, COVID tests still work for this variant. Bottom line? The pain is real, but the panic doesn't have to be. Singapore has been named one of the top countries in Asia-Pacific for life-work balance, placing third in Remote's 2025 global index. The ranking reflects improvements in statutory leave and overall well-being. The index scores countries on a 100-point scale, factoring in healthcare access, safety, inclusivity, and average working hours. Singapore's score of 57.85 places it 25th globally and third in APAC. New Zealand and Australia lead the region, with Singapore close behind thanks to policy enhancements and a strong social support system. Malaysia also made gains, jumping 20 spots year-on-year. Meanwhile, the US and several Asian economies continue to struggle, weighed down by long hours and limited worker protections. China ranks 52nd out of 60. The report underscores a growing global shift, where flexibility and well-being are becoming more valued than hustle culture. Singapore has rolled out new property rules to curb speculative flipping, raising seller's stamp duty (SSD) rates and extending the holding period for private homes. SSD now applies for up to four years, with rates climbing to 16 per cent for sales within the first year. The changes affect all purchases made from Friday (4 July). The move follows a spike in sub-sales, especially of uncompleted units. Authorities say the trend threatens market stability and affordability. The announcement jolted the market, with developer stocks sliding and analysts scrambling to reassess July's launch pipeline. The government says the changes aim to stabilise the market, not punish genuine buyers. But with mortgage rates falling, speculation may have been poised to rise again. Read on how the SSD changes reshape the property scene here. US President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill has officially cleared Congress, marking the first major legislative win of his second term. The US$4.5 trillion package, dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' makes permanent his 2017 tax cuts, slashes Medicaid and food assistance, and boosts military and border security funding. It also raises the debt ceiling by US$5 trillion, prompting warnings from fiscal watchdogs. The bill's passage was anything but smooth. Vice President JD Vance broke a Senate tie, while House Speaker Mike Johnson wrangled dissenters in a marathon overnight session. Trump himself worked the phones, mixing charm and pressure to sway holdouts. The final vote came after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a record-breaking 8-hour speech opposing the bill. Critics argue the legislation redistributes wealth upward, guts the social safety net, and risks long-term economic instability. Supporters hail it as a fulfilment of Trump's campaign promises and a reset of America's fiscal priorities. With midterms looming, both parties are gearing up to weaponise the bill's impact. Trump is expected to sign the bill on Friday (4 July) with a celebratory flyover. But the real fireworks may come in 2026, when voters weigh in on the consequences. Read on some of the key takeaways and impact of Trump's "big, beautiful bill" here. Singapore's opposition party the Workers' Party (WP) has dismissed People's Action Party's (PAP) criticism of Pritam Singh's podcast interview as baseless. WP insists the interview was candid, constructive and well-received by Singaporeans. The WP said on Thursday (3 July) that Singh's remarks were patriotic and did not denounce Singapore. They say the podcast showcased how opposition voices can engage respectfully on national issues. WP challenged the notion that foreign media engagement is taboo, citing PAP's own history of international interviews. They called out the double standard and demanded clarity on any supposed restrictions. The party also addressed past allegations of foreign influence, reiterating that no promises or deals were made with Malaysian figures. They say the PAP is recycling old controversies for political gain. WP says the podcast episode strengthened democratic discourse, not weakened it. The controversy stems from Pritam's 24 June interview on Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian podcast, which PAP claims crossed a line in airing domestic issues abroad. Read on WP rebuffing PAP's 'water's edge' doctrine here. Singaporean megachurch pastor Kong Hee's reappearance in a widely viewed interview has reignited criticism, years after his conviction for misusing church funds to support his wife's pop career. The interview avoided direct mention of his legal troubles, prompting backlash from viewers who expected a more explicit apology, according to Christianity Today. Supporters say the focus was on healing and spiritual growth. The controversy has revived scrutiny of megachurch culture, with critics likening it to celebrity worship and questioning the theological foundations of prosperity preaching. City Harvest Church remains one of Singapore's largest congregations, despite its past scandals. Kong's leadership continues to polarise opinion. The debate highlights broader concerns about repentance, accountability, and the role of charismatic leaders in modern Christianity. Andrew Seow, once Singapore's favourite on-screen bad boy, is now patrolling the streets as an auxiliary police officer. The 55-year-old actor, famed for his role as Gary Tay in the 90s TV show "Growing Up", has joined Aetos Security Management. His decision was deeply personal. Seow credits his late father, an auxiliary officer during British rule, for inspiring the move. 'He asked me to do something meaningful,' Seow shared in a recent video. 'I said, 'Okay, let me try.'' The career switch wasn't just symbolic. Seow enrolled in Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programme, trained in firearms, and now serves with full police powers. Fans were stunned but supportive. A viral Instagram clip shows Seow re-enacting a scene from "Growing Up", this time in uniform, with content creator Zaki Hussain. Seow says he misses acting but not the spotlight. 'I miss my fans,' he smiled. 'And for those waiting – I've got a surprise coming.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zaki Hussain (@zakiv4) Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has a message for businesses: stop waiting for US tariffs to vanish. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan warned that bipartisan support for tariffs in Washington means they're likely to stick around, even if Trump doesn't. Gan urged firms to brace for higher export costs and stricter supply chain scrutiny, especially in sectors like steel, autos, and pharmaceuticals. He advised setting up separate production lines for US-bound goods and diversifying into new markets. The US is pushing for 'fair and balanced trade', which includes reshoring critical industries and demanding more imports from trading partners. Gan said this shift is structural, not political. Singapore, which faces a baseline 10 per cent tariff, has ruled out retaliation. Instead, it's doubling down on ASEAN integration and WTO reform to preserve open trade. Gan's bottom line: adapt now or risk being sidelined in a more fragmented global economy. Read on DPM Gan saying tariffs aren't going anywhere here. Singapore is set to welcome 1,600 millionaires in 2025, a sharp drop from 3,500 in 2024, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report. The city-state still ranks sixth globally for net inflows, with an estimated US$8.9 billion in accompanying wealth. The decline reflects a broader trend: traditional destinations like Singapore, Australia, and Canada are seeing waning appeal, while new players like Thailand and the UAE rise. Bangkok, in particular, is gaining traction with its luxury real estate, international schools, and growing financial sector. Analysts cite Singapore's stricter investor visa rules and high property prices as possible deterrents. Since 2023, the Global Investor Programme requires a minimum S$10 million investment, quadruple the previous threshold. Still, Singapore's fundamentals remain strong: political stability, robust financial regulation, and Southeast Asian market access continue to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong is pushing for a regional upgrade, proposing that Indonesia's Riau Islands join the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The move would revive the Sijori Growth Triangle, first envisioned in 1989. Gan's pitch – 'three is better than two' – was made at the ASEAN Conference 2025, where he met Malaysian and Indonesian trade ministers to discuss trilateral cooperation. The expanded SEZ would link Singapore's capital and infrastructure, Johor's land and labour, and Riau's resources. The goal is to attract more foreign direct investment and offer businesses greater flexibility, especially amid rising US tariffs and global supply chain shifts. Gan emphasised that ASEAN must shape its own destiny in a multipolar world. But success depends on more than geography. Malaysian officials warn that wage gaps and talent outflow to Singapore could undermine the SEZ's promise. Johor's median wage is just one-seventh of Singapore's. Gan acknowledged the challenges, urging businesses to innovate while governments harmonise policies. 'The government can do what a government can do, but business must be done by businessmen,' he said. Read on Singapore's push for trilateral SEZ with Malaysia and Indonesia here. Singapore and Malaysia have secured spots in the top 15 of the 2025 Global Peace Index, reaffirming their reputations as two of the safest places to live. Singapore ranks 6th globally, while Malaysia comes in at 13th, both ahead of countries like Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. The annual index, compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace, evaluates 163 countries based on 23 indicators, including crime rates, political stability, and militarisation. Singapore's high ranking reflects its low crime rate, efficient law enforcement, and strong social cohesion. Malaysia's rise is attributed to improved domestic security and a steady political climate. Both countries outperform regional and global peers, making Southeast Asia a standout for safety and liveability. Read on why the Southeast Asian neighbours are among the safest places to live here. Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder of Telegram, has revealed he's fathered more than 100 children, and they're all set to inherit his US$13.9 billion fortune. In a candid interview with Le Point, the 40-year-old tech billionaire said he's the legal father of six children and the biological father of over 100 more via sperm donation across 12 countries. But there's a twist: none of them will see a cent for 30 years. Durov insists his heirs must 'build themselves up alone' before accessing their inheritance. 'I want them to live like normal people,' he said, adding that all his children will have equal rights. The move is part of a recently drafted will, which Durov says was prompted by the risks of 'defending freedoms' through his encrypted messaging platform. Telegram, with over 1 billion users, has drawn scrutiny from global regulators for its role in hosting unmoderated content. Durov's unconventional family tree stems from a 15-year sperm donation journey, which began as a favour to a friend. He now hopes to 'open source' his DNA so his children can find each other. Read on the Telegram billionaire founder's legacy plan here. Wild orcas have been observed offering prey to humans, in what scientists are calling a potential attempt to bond, play or study us. The findings come from a 20-year global study of killer whale behaviour. The killer whales approached humans voluntarily, dropped food in front of them, and in most cases, lingered to watch the response. Some even repeated the gesture when ignored. The offerings ranged from harbour seals to seaweed, and occurred in waters off California, Norway, New Zealand and beyond. Researchers say this may be the first time wild predators have used prey to interact with humans. The study suggests orcas may be testing social behaviours, much like they do within their pods. It's a behaviour more commonly seen in pets than in apex predators. Read on the wild orca's use of food offering in an attempt to bond with humans here. Kazakhstan has banned face coverings in public, joining a growing list of Central Asian nations restricting Islamic dress. The law, signed by President Tokayev, targets garments that obscure the face and hinder identification. While the law avoids religious language, Tokayev's comments suggest a cultural motive. 'It's much better to wear clothes in the national style,' he said, calling black robes 'alien' to Kazakh traditions. The ban comes amid rising tensions over religious expression, including a hijab ban in schools and protests from Muslim communities. Critics argue the state is policing personal identity under the guise of secularism. Other countries in the region have passed similar laws, often citing extremism and public safety. China, for example, has banned Islamic names in Xinjiang, while Tajikistan has outlawed the hijab entirely. As secularism tightens its grip, Muslim women across Central Asia face increasing pressure to conform to state-approved cultural norms. A new COVID-19 variant is making waves, not for its severity, but for its sting. Nicknamed 'Nimbus', the NB.1.8.1 variant is now one of the most dominant strains in the US, accounting for over 37 per cent of cases. Its most talked-about symptom? A sore throat so painful it's been dubbed 'razor blade throat'. Patients describe it as feeling like swallowing shards of glass. But infectious disease experts say this isn't a new symptom, just a new name for an old foe. The variant is a descendant of Omicron, and while it spreads quickly, it doesn't appear to cause more severe illness or hospitalisations. Vaccines remain effective, especially for high-risk groups. Doctors recommend treating the sore throat with over-the-counter meds, lozenges, saltwater gargles, and hydration. And yes, COVID tests still work for this variant. Bottom line? The pain is real, but the panic doesn't have to be. Singapore has been named one of the top countries in Asia-Pacific for life-work balance, placing third in Remote's 2025 global index. The ranking reflects improvements in statutory leave and overall well-being. The index scores countries on a 100-point scale, factoring in healthcare access, safety, inclusivity, and average working hours. Singapore's score of 57.85 places it 25th globally and third in APAC. New Zealand and Australia lead the region, with Singapore close behind thanks to policy enhancements and a strong social support system. Malaysia also made gains, jumping 20 spots year-on-year. Meanwhile, the US and several Asian economies continue to struggle, weighed down by long hours and limited worker protections. China ranks 52nd out of 60. The report underscores a growing global shift, where flexibility and well-being are becoming more valued than hustle culture. Singapore has rolled out new property rules to curb speculative flipping, raising seller's stamp duty (SSD) rates and extending the holding period for private homes. SSD now applies for up to four years, with rates climbing to 16 per cent for sales within the first year. The changes affect all purchases made from Friday (4 July). The move follows a spike in sub-sales, especially of uncompleted units. Authorities say the trend threatens market stability and affordability. The announcement jolted the market, with developer stocks sliding and analysts scrambling to reassess July's launch pipeline. The government says the changes aim to stabilise the market, not punish genuine buyers. But with mortgage rates falling, speculation may have been poised to rise again. Read on how the SSD changes reshape the property scene here. US President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill has officially cleared Congress, marking the first major legislative win of his second term. The US$4.5 trillion package, dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' makes permanent his 2017 tax cuts, slashes Medicaid and food assistance, and boosts military and border security funding. It also raises the debt ceiling by US$5 trillion, prompting warnings from fiscal watchdogs. The bill's passage was anything but smooth. Vice President JD Vance broke a Senate tie, while House Speaker Mike Johnson wrangled dissenters in a marathon overnight session. Trump himself worked the phones, mixing charm and pressure to sway holdouts. The final vote came after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a record-breaking 8-hour speech opposing the bill. Critics argue the legislation redistributes wealth upward, guts the social safety net, and risks long-term economic instability. Supporters hail it as a fulfilment of Trump's campaign promises and a reset of America's fiscal priorities. With midterms looming, both parties are gearing up to weaponise the bill's impact. Trump is expected to sign the bill on Friday (4 July) with a celebratory flyover. But the real fireworks may come in 2026, when voters weigh in on the consequences. Read on some of the key takeaways and impact of Trump's "big, beautiful bill" here. Singapore's opposition party the Workers' Party (WP) has dismissed People's Action Party's (PAP) criticism of Pritam Singh's podcast interview as baseless. WP insists the interview was candid, constructive and well-received by Singaporeans. The WP said on Thursday (3 July) that Singh's remarks were patriotic and did not denounce Singapore. They say the podcast showcased how opposition voices can engage respectfully on national issues. WP challenged the notion that foreign media engagement is taboo, citing PAP's own history of international interviews. They called out the double standard and demanded clarity on any supposed restrictions. The party also addressed past allegations of foreign influence, reiterating that no promises or deals were made with Malaysian figures. They say the PAP is recycling old controversies for political gain. WP says the podcast episode strengthened democratic discourse, not weakened it. The controversy stems from Pritam's 24 June interview on Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian podcast, which PAP claims crossed a line in airing domestic issues abroad. Read on WP rebuffing PAP's 'water's edge' doctrine here.
