🤯 Retired Supreme Court judge Choo Han Teck to chair new Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony

The Council replaces the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, as the new Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act comes into effect, also on Tuesday.

READ: https://asia1.news/4gN8ecw

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🤝 Singapore law to protect racial harmony to take effect from Sept 15

New Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony will also begin its term the same day

READ: https://asia1.news/4hpcRK2

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🌳 Japan's biomass energy boom threatens further deforestation in Indonesia

A surge in Indonesia's wood pellet and chip production is driving a new wave of deforestation, threatening the vast archipelago's remaining tropical forests, vital biodiversity hot spots and the land of Indigenous peoples, according to new satellite analysis from environmental nongovernmental organisations.

READ: https://asia1.news/3VdL2M5

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😷 Singapore records unhealthy air quality in central, eastern and western regions

Singapore's 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranged from 87 to 115 at 4pm, with the central region hitting 115, followed by the eastern and western regions, which both recorded 101.

READ: https://asia1.news/4hqS5K0

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🇷🇺 Russians are still fleeing abroad, citing fears of a new mobilisation and a loss of freedom

"For me, it is a question of survival", said a recent university graduate who relocated to the Armenian city of Yerevan.

READ: https://asia1.news/4yyxgSu

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🥟 Crystal Jade closes Great World outlet, marks restaurant chain's third closure this year

Crystal Jade said the closure of its Great World outlet was to ensure that the business "remains aligned with evolving market conditions and business priorities".

READ: https://asia1.news/46oJr8F

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🇨🇳 China state newspaper blasts Anthropic's calls to slow AI as 'Cold War' tactic

"This 'silent AI Cold War' is hypocritical and short-sighted", according to China's state newspaper Global Times.

READ: https://asia1.news/4ysoSny

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🇰🇵 North Korea says its recent live-fire drill demonstrated 'huge destructive power'

The test included firing different types of weapons simultaneously, likely aiming at developing the ability to overwhelm South Korean and US air defences.

READ: https://asia1.news/4rbpLyF

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💰 'He knelt and cried': Toa Payoh chef allegedly stole repeatedly, owes boss over $70k

A chef allegedly fled after confessing to stealing stall takings from his employer. The employee, who had previously been forgiven for similar offences, is said to owe his boss more than $70,000.

READ: https://asia1.news/4h0k55L

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🚚 SMEs to benefit from greater heavy vehicle parking flexibility under new service

The new lodgement service is an alternative way for heavy vehicle owners to meet the overnight parking requirements.

READ: https://asia1.news/4yCQuGR

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🚨 6 jailed over $4.9m armed robbery, involving machetes, during poker game at King Albert Park GCB

In November 2023, the two masterminds who conceived the heist learnt about poker games taking place in a Good Class Bungalow (GCB) at King Albert Park through their friend who had participated in them.

READ: https://asia1.news/3UMO0XS

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😮 Trump downplays report China entities helped Iran before attack that killed US troops

When asked if he would raise the surveillance issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump deflected by equating US and Chinese surveillance activities.

READ: https://asia1.news/3UVgGhg

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🎸 My Chemical Romance hints at possible first new album in 15 years

Are My Chemical Romance finally giving fans The Foundations of a new era? 🤔

READ: https://asia1.news/4xsZNbb

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☀️ Good morning! Here are some stories you might have missed yesterday:

🇨🇳 China state newspaper blasts Anthropic's calls to slow AI as 'Cold War' tactic https://asia1.news/4yDCY5P

🧐 New warnings about the risks of AI to humanity revive a long-running debate https://asia1.news/4yI9Uu1

😔 Himalayas approaching tipping point, millions of livelihoods at stake https://asia1.news/4AesuLO

🚙 Grab to expand autonomous vehicle fleet fivefold in Singapore, eyes rollout beyond Punggol

In its Monday (Sept 14) statement, Grab said it is working with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) to broaden its AV service coverage within Punggol and beyond, subject to regulatory approvals.

READ: https://asia1.news/4h82QQf

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😰 Bomb threat at popular Singaporean shopping spot Mid Valley Southkey in JB sparks police sweep

The bomb scare at Johor Bahru comes just a day before the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur faced its own bomb threat on Monday (Sept 14).

READ: https://asia1.news/4xJmvfH

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😷 Singapore wakes up to unhealthy air quality, central region PSI hits 154

At 7am, 24-hour PSI for all regions are in the unhealthy range.

READ: https://asia1.news/4hsTAHy

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🏠🚇 PSD reviewing paper that alleges civil servants disproportionately bought homes near unannounced MRT stations

The Public Service Division said that it is looking at the data and methodology within the academic working paper and will refer any issue to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau "if there is a material basis to do so".

READ: https://asia1.news/4dfyZE8

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Houthis attack Saudi Arabia as Gulf-Iran talks are postponed

As the Yemen conflict intensifies, US President Donald Trump weighs pressure from Gulf allies to intervene against his goal of avoiding a new military front.

READ: https://asia1.news/4h1dfgo

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🚨 Pokemon-themed job scam resurfaces, leaving victims at least $71,000 out of pocket

Do not be enticed to complete "tasks" or be lured by the promise of easy commissions payment, or you could end up with a depleted bank account.

READ: https://asia1.news/4xsvQIv

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