Stories from Singapore

Changi Airport's Terminal 3 will undergo a major overhaul involving expansions and the implementation of new digital systems. A new system will also be introduced to transfer passenger baggage between Terminals 1 and 3. Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Xiao stated at the annual Changi Airline Awards that the upgrades aim to support growing passenger traffic efficiently. Passenger traffic at Changi Airport is expected to continue growing alongside developments in Terminal 5. ESA is conducting plasma-hot tests for the Space Rider vehicle's belly and flaps. Changi Airport will initiate a major upgrade for Terminal 3, with a project tender expected in the second half of 2026. This project is part of a $3 billion investment plan to accommodate a projected tripling of global air traffic by 2050. Terminal 3 originally opened in 2008.

Close to 250 athletes will receive support through the Sports Excellence or SPECS program in Singapore. This represents a 50% increase in the number of supported athletes compared to last year. The cohort includes more than 20 athletes such as Paralympian Therese Goh and hurdler Kelvin Kwak. Support aims to provide coaching and competition exposure ahead of the 2029 Commonwealth Games and ASEAN Para Games. A total of 107 athletes, including Paralympian Therese Goh and hurdler Kelvin Kwak, will join the largest scholarship cohort to date. Additionally, 87 athletes have been inducted into the SPEX Potential Program. Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Nioh stated that 200 more Team Singapore athletes will be supported with full-time equivalent training as the nation prepares for the 2029 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games.

The first DEF CON convention is taking place in Singapore to promote ethical hacking. Participants are engaging with technology through hands-on activities and capture the flag competitions. The event focuses on exposing attendees to new technical challenges outside their comfort zones. The event includes discussions on the history of the capture the flag contest, which originated at Defcon 33 years ago. The contest evolved from participants attacking each other on a network into a competitive game. Participants examine how attackers operate to inform product development and company strategies. The event includes discussions on historical attack methods and their impact on modern defense. Discussions at the event addressed the ethical use of hacking skills and the rise of shadow AI in the workplace.

Changi Prison Complex has launched a new facility featuring 81 video conferencing rooms. Senior Assistant Director for Reception Operations Ancoh Sian stated the facility aims to future-proof Singapore's court processes. The initiative is intended to reduce consumption and the facility's carbon footprint. The facility includes features such as wheelchair ramps to better assist individuals with disabilities. The facility is equipped with modern video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, to facilitate remote proceedings. Senior Minister of State for Law Murali Pillay stated that a foundational idea will guide the government as it adopts such technological solutions. Amended legislation now enables offsite proceedings for guilty pleas and sentencing. As part of a pilot program, lawyers can now arrange remote meetings with clients at this location.

The 25th-generation upgraded trains on Singapore's Northeast Line have been equipped with a new monitoring system designed to identify anomalies early for timely corrective action. Other upgrades include replacing map stickers with digital displays to provide clearer visual guidance for commuters. The upgrade process reportedly started 20 minutes ago. The upgrade process started in the morning, according to the report. The upgrade process began in 2019, with the final train returning to service last month. The Northeast line originally commenced service in 2003.

Changi Airport has become the ninth busiest international air cargo hub globally. A tender for the upgrade is expected to be called in the second half of 2026. The terminal originally opened in 2008. The expansion includes increasing baggage storage capacity and the SkyTrain fleet. New digital technologies will be rolled out for self-service check-in and security screening. A new system will also be implemented to transfer passenger baggage between Terminals 1 and 3. The investment aims to prepare for global air traffic, which is projected to nearly triple by 2050. Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Xiao announced upgrades to Changi Airport to support more passengers efficiently during peak periods. The airport handled over 2 million tons of cargo in the past 12 months, ranking as the ninth busiest international air cargo hub.

General Ronald Clark conducted a three-day introductory visit to Singapore to discuss enhancing defense cooperation. During the visit, Clark visited the Singapore Army Combat Service Support Command at Kranji Camp. He was briefed on the command's role as a logistics hub utilizing technology and innovation for Singapore Armed Forces operations. Clark also toured Safti City to observe how smart instrumentation and battlefield effects are used to improve training realism. Clark met with Senior Minister of State for Defense Zaki Muhammad to discuss enhancing defense cooperation. The meeting follows a reaffirmation of defense relations between Singapore and the United States. The visit follows the launch of a comprehensive strategic partnership in October. Luxon and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong are scheduled to hold an inaugural annual leaders' meeting tomorrow.

The association has updated systems to show only selected letters of a retail payee's registered account name during transfers. This change aims to safeguard privacy and strengthen protection against scams.

Dr. Nikhil Joshi, principal investigator at NUS Arc Lab, stated that the current building conservation project is establishing new standards and benchmarks. The team is working closely with government agencies to help them understand building mechanics. This collaboration aims to create a framework and guidelines for future conservation projects in Singapore. The handling company, Satz, has issued an apology regarding recent conservation projects. The apology follows discussions concerning guidelines for future conservation efforts. The She Shines project was inspired by a realization that women's journeys, including motherhood and children, are often supported by older women. The project aims to acknowledge this support and the need for such connections.

The Sambawang Hot Springs have been earmarked as a potential site for geothermal energy in Singapore. The study aims to provide a better understanding of how much geothermal energy could be integrated into the national energy mix. A study in the December 1 area measured high temperature gradients of approximately 122 degrees Celsius at a depth of 1.7 kilometers. Subsequent studies conducted at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have also investigated these thermal issues. Researchers at Nanyang Technological University noted that the extent of potential energy resources is currently difficult to determine. The survey aims to clarify if geothermal potential is unique to the North or exists in other parts of the country. Further mapping is required before making definitive claims regarding resource availability.