KOREA: According to Soompi, Lee Jong Suk is officially set to star in a new tvN drama, Seochodong. On Nov 5, his agency, ACE FACTORY confirmed his involvement in this legal series.
Seochodong, written by lawyer Lee Seung Hyun, will centre on a group of associate lawyers working in Seoul’s Seocho Judicial Town.
The storyline offers a realistic portrayal of legal cases inspired by everyday life, highlighting the personal and professional growth of lawyers.
Photo: Instagram/Lee Jong Suk
Challenges
Ahn Joo Hyung, a rational, fact-driven attorney with nine years of experience, will be portrayed by Lee Jong Suk in the drama.
Motivated by his interest in logic rather than a passion for justice, Ahn Joo Hyung has remained at the same firm throughout his career and holds a record for high earnings among associates.
Despite his success, he shows no interest in starting his own firm. However, challenges soon begin to disrupt his stable routine.
Actress Moon Ga Young was rumoured to be in negotiations earlier this month for the part of Kang Hee Ji, a second-year lawyer renowned for her integrity and faith in the transformational potential of assisting people.
Reunion for Lee Jong Suk and Park Seung Woo
Lee Jong Suk and director Park Seung Woo, with whom he previously collaborated on W, are collaborating on this project together.
Known for his distinct creative style, Park Seung Woo has also directed acclaimed dramas like Kairos and Adamas.
The 2022 MBC Drama Awards’ Grand Prize (Daesang) winner for Big Mouth, Lee Jong Suk, is already generating buzz for his Seochodong part. The drama is anticipated to have its tvN premiere in the first half of 2025.
In South Korea, Lee Jong Suk is a well-known model and actor. He became the youngest male model to join Seoul Fashion Week, having begun his career as a runway model at an early age.
SINGAPORE: Andrew MacDonald has officially resigned as director and chief casino officer at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) following his recent barring from Marina Bay Sands (MBS), his former workplace.
RWS’s parent company, Genting Singapore, announced that MacDonald stepped down to pursue personal interests, ending his tenure just months after his appointment on Feb 22.
MacDonald’s exit comes in the wake of a highly publicized Persona Non-Grata (PNG) notice issued by MBS, dated July 31, 2024.
The notice, which indefinitely prohibits MacDonald from entering any part of the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort—including its hotel, casino, mall, and convention centre—has sparked significant industry interest, given his nearly 12-year career in senior roles at MBS before joining RWS.
MacDonald publicly disclosed the ban on his social media channels in August, noting that he had been officially restricted from accessing MBS grounds.
Reports from Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) suggest that MBS’s decision to ban MacDonald may relate to concerns that he attempted to attract MBS patrons and employees to RWS.
According to IAG, MacDonald allegedly made several visits to MBS in late July, shortly before the issuance of the PNG notice.
However, MacDonald firmly denied these allegations, stating in an interview with IAG that his visits to MBS were solely social in nature.
MacDonald explained he visited MBS with his close friend Mike Sugrue, a former Crown Melbourne executive visiting from Australia, and that interactions with two high-profile players on-site were merely coincidental.
He also noted that during his visits—specifically on July 22 and July 26, when he dined at the Tong Dim Noodle Bar and observed the release of the 2Q24 financial results—some MBS executives assisted him with restaurant reservations.
The PNG order is highly unusual within Singapore’s casino industry, where only MBS and RWS operate under a duopoly agreement.
Restricting a senior executive from a rival property marks a rare, perhaps unprecedented, move in the tightly regulated casino sector.
In response to inquiries, an MBS spokesperson said at the time that any decision to restrict access is subject to stringent evaluation protocols, underscoring the seriousness with which the company views such actions.
However, the spokesperson declined to provide specific details behind the ban, citing confidentiality.
MacDonald initially departed MBS in late 2021 and joined RWS as chief casino officer about a year later. His departure from RWS now leaves industry analysts speculating about his next move.
SINGAPORE: Temasek Holdings and its subsidiary Tembusu Capital have reduced their stake in gateway services and food solutions provider SATS Ltd.
This move involved the sale of 1.33 million shares through Fullerton Fund Management, an independently managed entity under the Temasek portfolio.
The share sale generated approximately S$5.32 million. Following the sale, Temasek’s ownership in SATS has been marginally reduced, now standing at 39.96% with 594.96 million shares.
This represents a slight decrease from the prior 40.05% shareholding, which included 596.29 million shares.
Meanwhile, Tembusu Capital’s stake in SATS also saw a small adjustment, with its holdings now at 39.94%, totalling 594.61 million shares.
Both entities remain among SATS’ principal stakeholders following the sale, retaining significant influence over the company’s future direction.
SATS, recognized as a major player in the aviation and food sectors across the region, has seen its shareholder structure subtly realigned with this transaction.
The implications of the sale on SATS’ operational strategy or market performance have yet to be fully assessed.
SINGAPORE: Singapore stocks fell on Tuesday’s open, Nov 5, following similar declines in overseas markets the night before.
The Straits Times Index (STI) dropped 0.3%, or 10.08 points, to 3,561.96 by 9:02 am, as reported by The Business Times.
In the broader market, 77 stocks declined compared to 50 that gained after a total of 51.9 million securities valued at S$70.6 million were traded.
Oceanus, a mainboard-listed seafood supplier, led the trading volume, falling 14.3% or S$0.001 to S$0.006 with 9.1 million shares exchanged.
Other frequently traded stocks included Thai Beverage, which rose 1%, or S$0.005, to S$0.515, and food and beverage group LifeBrandz, which remained unchanged at S$0.003.
Banking stocks were mostly down as the trading began. DBS dropped 0.6% or S$0.25, trading at S$38.81. OCBC also slipped 0.5% or S$0.07 to S$15.10, while UOB remained steady, trading flat at S$32.03.
On Monday, Wall Street closed lower as investors braced for possible volatility ahead of the upcoming US presidential election.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.6% to 41,794.6, while the broader S&P 500 lost 0.3%, closing at 5,712.69. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index also retreated by 0.3%, ending at 18,179.98.
In Europe, shares ended lower, primarily driven by declines in tech stocks, which outweighed gains in oil and bank shares.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 Index dropped 0.3%, closing at 509.21, with technology stocks leading the losses, down 1.1%. /TISG
SINGAPORE: A recent survey has revealed that nearly 40% of Singaporean respondents are living with pre-diabetes, a condition that often precedes Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and significantly increases the risk of its development.
Conducted by the NUS Lloyd’s Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) in partnership with Diabetes Singapore, the survey’s findings have sparked fresh concerns over public health and the need for increased diabetes awareness and preventive care.
Pre-diabetes, a state where blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, serves as a critical early warning for individuals.
Without proactive lifestyle adjustments, approximately 35% of those with pre-diabetes in Singapore are likely to progress to T2D within eight years, according to the report titled “Diabetes Perception,” released today.
Respondents diagnosed with pre-diabetes were often older, predominantly male, and typically had a higher body mass index (BMI) compared to those without diabetes.
The survey, conducted at various health screening events between June and October 2024, engaged close to 1,000 participants.
It sought to assess public understanding of diabetes, gauge awareness levels, and foster discussions among healthcare providers, policymakers, individuals with diabetes, and the broader community on advancing diabetes care.
The findings indicate a significant disconnect between individuals’ perceptions of their health and their actual diabetes status.
Among those who believed they were diabetes-free, nearly 42% were found to have pre-diabetes, while almost 6% were unknowingly living with diabetes.
Additionally, over half of respondents unsure about their diabetes status were found to have abnormal blood sugar levels, with nearly 40% having pre-diabetes and more than 10% having diabetes.
Even among those diagnosed with diabetes, awareness was strikingly low. Less than half of respondents identified as diabetic (64 out of 137) were aware of their condition, while nearly 70% of individuals with pre-diabetes believed they did not have diabetes.
The data highlights a significant gap in public awareness, suggesting that many Singaporeans are unknowingly at risk.
Professor Leonard Lee, Director of IPUR, emphasized the urgency of improving public awareness.
“This study highlights existing gaps in awareness and knowledge and underscores the importance of regular health screenings,” he said.
“Many people are unaware of their blood glucose levels, which prevents them from taking action to manage their health.
This is particularly important for those with pre-diabetes, who are at higher risk of progressing to diabetes if they do not make lifestyle changes,” he added.
Mr Satyaprakash Tiwari, Director of Diabetes Singapore, echoed these concerns, noting that the partnership between Diabetes Singapore and IPUR has provided valuable insights into community needs.
“The study has demonstrated that prevention should come before reaction,” he said. “People need to go for regular screenings to better care for their health and reduce their vulnerability to diabetes.”
In response to these findings, IPUR and Diabetes Singapore have announced plans to develop and test new interventions and communication strategies to enhance diabetes prevention and management in Singapore.
Building on previous IPUR research, which suggests that cultivating a growth mindset may promote better diabetes care, this initiative aims to encourage a proactive approach toward managing this chronic disease.
Featured image by Depositphotos(for illustration purposes only)
SINGAPORE: A black-and-white colobus monkey named Mykel, who “escaped” from the Singapore Zoo six months ago, has been successfully recaptured and returned to the zoo.
Mykel, a 14-year-old monkey, was recently spotted in a park near Choa Chu Kang, and a coordinated response by the Mandai Wildlife Group, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), and the National Parks Board ensured the monkey’s safe return.
According to a spokesperson for the Mandai Wildlife Group, ACRES first reported the monkey’s location, allowing Mandai’s animal care and veterinary team to mobilize quickly.
The team arrived at the park on Thursday, Oct 31, and successfully captured Mykel, who was then transported back to the Singapore Zoo for a health assessment.
“Mykel appears to be in good health,” confirmed the Mandai spokesperson, noting that a full health check was conducted to confirm his condition.
The spokesperson explained that Mykel had separated from his group six months ago due to shifts in the social dynamics among the zoo’s colobus monkeys.
In response, zoo officials immediately launched a search operation, though Mykel had managed to evade capture until now.
The spokesperson also noted that changes within monkey groups could sometimes lead individual members to separate from the group, a natural behaviour that can occur in the wild.
It is believed that Mykel’s escape was facilitated by his use of a connecting rod, allowing him to cross the enclosure’s fencing.
Following this incident, the Mandai Wildlife Group has taken measures to prevent similar situations from happening in the future.
The zoo has strengthened the social stability within the monkey group and the security measures around their enclosure.
Additionally, caregivers have undergone enhanced training to identify and address early signs of social disruption among the animals.
“We are thoroughly reviewing our procedures to further improve the safety and security of our animals,” the spokesperson added.
The black-and-white colobus monkey is a distinctive species, recognized by its black fur and characteristic white U-shaped fur pattern along its sides and back.
Native to Africa, colobus monkeys are highly arboreal, preferring to stay in treetops rather than descending to the ground.
The species is currently classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, indicating a stable population.
SINGAPORE: An infectious disease expert in Singapore has raised concerns over findings that COVID-19 may lead to long-term cognitive impairment, including a decrease in IQ, especially in high-risk groups.
Reinfection, the expert told 8World, could exacerbate these cognitive declines.
He emphasized the importance of high-risk individuals receiving updated COVID-19 vaccines to mitigate the potential cognitive impacts of the virus.
The expert’s comments follow a series of studies from the United Kingdom that have uncovered significant cognitive declines in patients who have recovered from COVID-19.
One study indicated that the average IQ of patients dropped by approximately three points after recovery, with those who required intensive care experiencing a nine-point decline.
Additional findings from research conducted over two to three years post-infection suggest that cognitive decline in some patients can be as high as ten IQ points.
A study published in February by Imperial College London in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that, on average, COVID-19 patients who had recovered exhibited mild cognitive impairments, equivalent to a three-point IQ reduction.
This impairment was noted to persist for up to a year or longer compared to individuals who had never contracted the virus.
Patients whose COVID-19 symptoms had not resolved demonstrated an even more significant decline, equating to an IQ loss of six points, with intensive care patients showing an equivalent drop of nine points.
Researchers associated with this study explained that those with lingering symptoms exhibited more severe cognitive issues, impacting memory, reasoning, and executive functions.
Interestingly, patients infected with the early B.1.1.7 strain experienced greater cognitive deficits than those infected later, such as during the Omicron wave, suggesting that the connection between COVID-19 and cognitive decline may have weakened over the pandemic.
In another recent study published in The Lancet in September, teams from the University of Oxford and the University of Leicester found similar results, reporting an average IQ reduction of ten points in individuals two to three years after infection.
Notably, vaccinated individuals who had received two or more COVID-19 vaccine doses demonstrated better cognitive performance than unvaccinated counterparts.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health introduced updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna/Spikevax vaccines last week to target the new JN.1 COVID-19 variant.
The ministry has recommended that people aged 60 and above, vulnerable individuals aged six months and older, and nursing home residents receive these updated vaccines.
Health authorities have also advised medical staff and those working closely with high-risk patients to consider vaccination, with eligibility for a booster dose starting five months after a previous shot.
SINGAPORE: A recent survey by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has revealed that a significant number of parents in Singapore may be uninformed about optimal nutrition and feeding practices for infants and young children.
Over 40% of parents admitted they lack awareness of the appropriate foods their children should consume in the early months of life, with many unknowingly engaging in feeding practices that could have long-term effects on their children’s health.
The survey also highlighted the common practice of allowing young children to use mobile phones during meals.
About 40% of parents reported letting their children view screens while eating, a habit experts caution against, as it can impact a child’s eating behaviour and development.
According to KKH experts, around 42.5% of young children are exposed to electronic devices during mealtimes.
They warn that screens can distract children, leading them to eat too quickly or overconsume, which can increase the risk of obesity and other health issues.
Beyond screen exposure, the survey raised several misconceptions parents have about infant feeding.
Common mistakes include limiting the types and textures of food too much, introducing sugary drinks, and adding salt or other seasonings to a child’s diet too early.
Experts also found that some parents encourage their children to finish their plates even when full, potentially disrupting children’s ability to self-regulate hunger.
Dietitians at KKH advise that children between the ages of 12 to 24 months can tolerate a small amount of salt, but sugary drinks and fruit juices should be avoided due to the risk of developing a preference for sweet flavours, which can lead to obesity and tooth decay.
To foster healthy eating habits, experts recommend that young children eat the same nutritious foods as their families, participate in family meals, and use age-appropriate utensils like forks, spoons, and drinking glasses instead of bottles.
A balanced diet that includes a variety of meats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help ensure adequate nutritional intake without the need for supplements such as vitamins, fish oils, or probiotics.
KKH experts emphasize that cultivating positive eating habits from infancy can have a lasting impact, shaping a child’s health and eating behaviour well into adulthood.
Featured image by Depositphotos(for illustration purposes only)
SINGAPORE: A recent survey by the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) indicates that a four-day work week is unlikely to be widely adopted by Singaporean employers.
According to the poll, 95% of the 330 employers surveyed said they would not consider implementing such a schedule within their organizations.
The survey, conducted between Sept 30 and Oct 7, 2024, aimed to assess employer attitudes toward the concept, which has garnered international attention as an approach to improving work-life balance.
The SNEF defines a four-day work week as one where employees work up to 36 hours over four days—compared to the traditional five-day, 44-hour week—while maintaining full compensation.
However, nearly 80% of respondents expressed no interest in adopting this model, citing concerns that their business operations would not permit a shortened schedule, particularly in sectors requiring round-the-clock service.
Only a small portion, 5%, expressed intent to introduce a four-day work week, while 16% were somewhat open to the idea.
Employers reluctant to implement a four-day work week pointed to three main challenges:
First, the nature of their business operations, particularly those requiring continuous service; second, concerns over productivity levels, which they felt would not compensate for the reduced work hours; and third, an anticipated rise in costs to cover additional manpower needed to maintain service levels.
Conversely, for the few employers who supported the four-day work week, the primary motivations were to strengthen their organization’s appeal to talent, enhance employee well-being, and improve job satisfaction.
These proponents believe a shorter work week could offer a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent while contributing positively to employee morale.
The survey results reveal Singaporean employers’ challenges in shifting towards a four-day work week, even as global interest grows. SNEF’s findings highlight that while there is some openness to the idea, operational and productivity concerns remain significant obstacles for the majority of employers across various sectors and organizational sizes in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: Bukit Batok SMC member of parliament Murali Pillai praised the outstanding performance of Singapore’s men’s and women’s teams, who secured an impressive eighth-place finish at the recently concluded World Masters Hockey World Cup in the over 40s category.
The tournament was held from Oct 12 to 21 at the Hartleyvale Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa.
“I am delighted to note that both our women’s and men’s over 40 hockey teams did phenomenally well at the World Masters Hockey World Cup 2024 last month.
Both of them secured a credible 8th place!” shared MP Pillai on his Facebook page on Nov 2.
The men’s team, led by head coach Packrisamy Kanan, defied expectations as they survived the group stage and reached the quarterfinals.
The women’s team started strongly with wins against Germany and host nation South Africa and also advanced to the knockout round.
“As our Malay friends would say, they displayed ‘Semangat’! What great ambassadors for active ageing and healthier living!” added the Bukit Batok SMC MP, who is also the adviser to the Singapore Hockey Federation.
In the round-robin stage, Singapore’s men’s team finished second on six points, behind leaders Germany in Group C.
Singapore began their campaign with a 5-0 loss against Germany before bouncing back with a 6-2 win against Alliance.
Singapore men’s team faced a setback in their third match, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Kenya, their second loss of the competition.
However, they swiftly rebounded with a resounding 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Malaysia in their final group match, which salvaged their campaign and boosted their morale.
Singapore’s campaign faced a challenging quarter-final hurdle, succumbing to a dominant New Zealand side with a 10-0 defeat.
The team then navigated a tough classification phase, enduring consecutive setbacks against formidable opponents France (0-5) and Malaysia (2-3) in a valiant effort to salvage their tournament standing.
“We may be a small country, but we’re a proud nation, and we love our hockey,” said the Singapore men’s team captain, Thiruchelvam Ranjan, in a post-tournament interview with the Singapore Hockey Federation.
Ranjan added that their achievements and results in the tournament were a testament to the time and effort put in by everyone involved in the team.
“Competing in our 40s is a different animal compared to our 20s. But what a privilege to be still playing the game we love, for the place we call home,” added Ranjan.
World Masters Hockey World Cup 2024 – Singapore women’s team (Photo credit: Singapore Hockey Federation)
The Singapore women’s team was coached by Wayne Blazejczyk, and they delivered a commendable performance on the group stage, finishing in second position with six points.
They clinched victories against opponents Germany (1-0) and Alliance (2-0), and suffered a 3-0 loss to Group C leaders, USA.
In the quarter-finals, the Singapore women’s team encountered a formidable Australia, who delivered a 6-0 defeat before clinching the gold medal.
Undeterred, the team pressed on in the classification matches, only to face stern tests against Wales (0-3) and USA (1-3), ultimately concluding their tournament journey with a gritty display of determination and resilience.
Team manager Maxine Chia lauded the team’s achievement: “Our goal was to reach the quarterfinals, which we have accomplished.
This was an excellent result for Singapore considering the limited pool of 23 players we have to choose from, compared to nations like Australia where between 5,000 and 7,000 women are registered to play Masters hockey.”
Head coach Blazejczyk believed that the players had done well in the tournament to meet their ambitious goal of reaching the quarter-finals and being among the top eight teams in the world.
“Our challenge now is to get more women playing at Masters level to give us a greater pool of talent to choose from for the next World Cup.
This will allow us to improve this year’s performance and push Singapore further up the world rankings,” head coach Blazejczk said.
The women’s team head coach emphasised that their long-term goal is to compete against top countries and triumph over them in future competitions.
