Stories from Singapore

Maristella High School will transition to a co-educational model in 2027. The primary section will have 330 vacancies for the upcoming June registration exercise, which is an increase of 60 vacancies compared to 2025.

Singapore is one of the countries that still allows corporal punishment for certain violations. In schools, corporal punishment has been implemented with restrictions, such as only for cases where the level of violence is severe or repetitive, and limited to male students. Reactions from parents and the education community are divided. Some voices support it, arguing that moderate punishments are ineffective, while criticism is also.

Singapore is inducting a record number of athletes into its Sports Excellence or Specs program. A total of 250 athletes will receive support under the initiative. The program aims to increase investment in national athletes.

Jeff Moss, the founder of Defcon, discussed ethical hacking and the importance of the convention for practice. He noted that the event provides a space for people to begin practicing skills, such as in the lock picking village.

The corporate income tax rebate announced in Budget 2026 will be increased to 50%. The minimum benefit and benefits cap will also be raised for eligible companies. Eligible businesses will receive this enhanced support starting at the end of April 2026. Additionally, the energy efficiency grant will be expanded to all sectors and extended until March 31, 2028, to support the adoption of energy-efficient equipment. The Singaporean government is providing a $600 rebate for all eligible citizens. Officials stated the government is prepared to build sufficient buffers and respond swiftly to problems. The measure aims to ensure no citizen bears financial burdens alone. This follows previous discussions regarding corporate income tax rebates in the region.

More than 60 primary schools in Singapore will reduce their Primary 1 intake for the year 2027. There are 17 decommissioned schools currently under consideration for reuse. The source noted that some schools previously owned by missionaries may be available for this purpose. The discussion included the history of certain schools previously owned by missionaries. Matthew Matthews from the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab discussed the impact of educational systems and student pressure. Some parents suggest smaller cohorts could benefit community building and reduce teacher workloads. Over 60 schools in Singapore will see a reduction in student intake during the upcoming registration exercise in June. Officials suggest smaller classes may reduce teacher burnout and allow for more focus on student mental health.

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.