Latest news with #NUS
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Muscles, fats and simple blood test can predict menopausal women's health
SINGAPORE – A simple blood test can predict which woman will have less muscle and will be walking more slowly later in life. It is also practical and cheaper than current methods of measuring muscle, such as the current gold standard magnetic resonance imaging scans or strength tests, which are also more time-consuming. This new insight from a longitudinal cohort study of midlife women in Singapore shone light on how muscle strength, visceral fat and their association with physical decline after menopause can potentially lead to downstream health impacts among women here. Researchers from the National University Hospital (NUH) and National University of Singapore (NUS) found that women with a lower creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio (CCR) – a marker derived from blood tests – had less muscle and walked more slowly as they age. Creatinine is a by-product of normal muscle function and energy use, and a higher level indicates higher skeletal muscle mass or poor kidney function. Cystatin C is a protein produced by the body's cells that is filtered out by the kidneys. A normal cystatin C level rules out poor kidney function. A low CCR of under 8.16 was associated with a lower muscle volume of 0.35 litres in the thigh, and a slower gait of 0.049m a second. This suggested that CCR could be a useful early warning sign for age-related muscle loss, which may lead to falls, frailty and reduced quality of life. The findings were published in Menopause, a monthly peer-reviewed journal, in March. The scientists involved in the study are from the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP) at NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The IWHP was initiated to identify and address the healthcare needs of midlife Singaporean women. It recruited a cohort of 1,200 Chinese, Malay and Indian women aged 45 to 69 between 2014 and 2016 – about 70 per cent of whom were post-menopausal. Their health metrics were then tracked over time. In the first study based on this cohort, published in international journal Maturitas in October 2023, the researchers shared a ranking of menopausal symptoms – with joint and muscular discomfort found to be the most reported symptom among women in Singapore. Called arthralgia, it had moderate or severe impact on a third of the midlife women of the cohort. A subsequent study, published in the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism journal in October 2024, found that women with both weak muscle strength and high levels of visceral fat – the deep belly fat around the internal organs – had the highest risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Their risk was 2.63 times higher than that of women who had normal muscle strength and lower fat levels. Having just one of these conditions also increased their risk, though to a lesser degree. The risk from having high visceral fat alone is 1.78 times higher. Among those with weak muscle strength, women with high visceral fat faced 2.84 times as much risk compared with those with low visceral fat. Explaining the impetus for the study, IWHP lead Yong Eu Leong said: 'Muscle... burns up fat. What about those who have weak muscles? Does it affect the risk for diabetes in the future?' The cohort's initial muscle and visceral fat measurements served as a baseline for researchers to track changes over the years. Researchers then analysed how changes in fat and muscle measurements taken about six years later – by then, about 90 per cent of the women were post-menopausal – related to whether women had developed diabetes. Professor Yong, who also heads the division of benign gynaecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NUH, noted that a large proportion of women in Singapore are 'skinny fat', where their body mass index is within the normal range, but that they have high levels of visceral fat and low muscle mass. 'One way (to know what your risks are) is to measure your walk and the speed at which you walk. If you cannot walk fast and straight, then your health is not so good. We wanted to see if we can develop a test that can predict gait speed. We wanted to look at molecules that actually measure muscle functions,' he said. 'These findings validated our previous (IWHP) research that showed that women should not just focus on weight loss, but on building muscle strength through exercise for diabetes prevention,' Prof Yong said. One participant of the IWHP, administrative assistant Sabarina Jumarudin, is living proof of the findings. The 59-year-old grandmother used to weigh 93kg and suffered from sleep apnoea. Since undergoing bariatric surgery at NUH in 2018, a procedure that modifies the digestive system to help people with obesity lose weight, she has lost more than 30kg. Mindful of keeping her weight down, Madam Sabarina walks to the MRT station every day instead of taking the shuttle service, and takes the stairs instead of the escalator to catch the train. 'On my way home, I usually take a longer route to ensure I clock at least 10,000 steps a day, and practise stretching and breathing exercises to strengthen my core,' she said. 'I realised that small but consistent changes do make a big impact on my health, so I do what I can on a daily basis, and it gives me confidence to not only stay healthy physically and mentally but also stave off diabetes,' she added. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Independent Singapore
5 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Where NUS and NTU outshine Oxbridge in global rankings
One in three students at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a foreigner. The attraction is clear: NUS ranks fourth globally—behind only the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon—in computer science and information systems in the 2025 QS World University Rankings By Subject. In electrical and electronic engineering, both NUS and NTU share the fourth spot with Harvard, trailing just MIT, Stanford, and the University of California, Berkeley, according to the same source. Either or both of the universities excel in other fields as well, including law, medicine, and architecture. With their strong showing in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, could NUS and NTU be seen as the Oxford and Cambridge of Asia? Sticklers may disagree, and not without reason. For one, NUS and NTU are located far closer together than the dreaming spires of Oxford are to Cambridge. More importantly, they cannot yet rival the rich Oxbridge tradition in the arts and humanities. Still, in many other fields, they are catching up—or have already overtaken—and that progress is clearly reflected in the rankings. NUS and NTU are ranked eighth and 12th respectively, just behind Oxford and Cambridge, which come in at fourth and sixth. The strong performance of Singapore's universities is no longer a novelty. This marks the third consecutive year NUS has held eighth place. NTU, which ranked 15th in 2025, has returned to 12th, a position it surpassed in 2018 and 2020 when it ranked 11th. Splitting the two Singapore institutions in this year's rankings is the University of Hong Kong at 11th. See also Singapore experts weigh in on the Covid-19 situation NUS is the only Asian university in the global top 10. The only other non-Anglo-American presence is ETH Zurich of Switzerland, in seventh. The broader Asia-Pacific region has a growing presence in the top 20: China's Peking University and Tsinghua University are ranked 14th and 17th, while Australia's University of Melbourne and the University of New South Wales are 19th and 20th. NUS, NTU: Areas of excellence The Singapore universities are no longer known solely for their engineering prowess. NUS ranks 10th globally in law—making it the only non-Anglo-American university in the top 10 for legal studies. NTU stands at 82nd. In medicine, NUS ranks 18th—the highest for any Asian university—while NTU is 84th. NTU, however, shines in communication and media studies, coming in fourth behind the University of Amsterdam, Harvard, and the University of Texas at Austin. NUS ranks 14th in this field. While Oxford and Cambridge still reign supreme in the arts and humanities, NUS is gaining ground. It ranks second globally in art history, eighth in linguistics, ninth in architecture, 15th in English language and literature, and 17th in history. See also SATIRE: Pokemon GO releases sad news for its Singapore fans This academic success is underpinned by scale and diversity. With over 33,000 students, NUS has the second-largest student body among the top 10 universities—trailing only University College London, which has over 45,000 students. NTU has more than 25,000 students. International students and staff International students and staff contribute significantly to the success of both institutions. Foreigners make up 36% of the student body at NUS and 33% at NTU. The faculty is even more international, with 65% of staff at both universities coming from overseas. In comparison, Harvard has around 24,300 students, including 6,700 international students, and over 4,400 faculty and staff, only 27% of whom are international. Oxford has over 22,000 students, more than 9,000 of them from abroad, and 6,500 faculty and staff, with 44% from overseas. The international students and staff carry weight in the QS World University Rankings. QS applies the following weightage when ranking universities: Academic reputation: 30% Citations per faculty: 20% Employer reputation: 15% Employment outcomes: 5% Faculty-student ratio: 10% International faculty ratio: 5% International research network: 5% International student ratio: 5% International student diversity: 0% See also SP overcharges bill, claims they 'overestimated' $1500 There's an old story about Benjamin Jowett, the 19th-century Master of Balliol College, Oxford, who once declared, 'I am the Master of this College; what I don't know isn't knowledge.' Today, such a claim would be inconceivable. From NUS to NTU, Oxford to Harvard, the global groves of academe are constantly striving for the next breakthrough, the next frontier of knowledge. Top 20 in QS World University Rankings 2026: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Imperial College London Stanford University University of Oxford Harvard University University of Cambridge ETH Zurich National University of Singapore University College London California Institute of Technology (Caltech) University of Hong Kong Nanyang Technological University University of Chicago Peking University University of Pennsylvania Cornell University Tsinghua University University of California, Berkeley University of Melbourne University of New South Wales
Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Muscles, fats and simple blood test can predict menopausal women's health
Madam Sabarina Jumarudin, a participant of the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP) at NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, with IWHP lead Yong Eu Leong. PHOTO: NUHS SINGAPORE – A simple blood test can predict which woman will have less muscle and will be walking more slowly later in life. It is also practical and cheaper than current methods of measuring muscle, such as the current gold standard magnetic resonance imaging scans or strength tests, which are also more time-consuming. This new insight from a longitudinal cohort study of midlife women in Singapore shone light on how muscle strength, visceral fat and their association with the physical decline after menopause can potentially lead to downstream health impacts among women here. Researchers from the National University Hospital (NUH) and National University of Singapore (NUS) found that women with a lower creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio (CCR) – a marker derived from blood tests – had less muscle and walked more slowly as they age. Creatinine is a by-product of normal muscle function and energy use, and a higher level indicates higher skeletal muscle mass or poor kidney function. Cystatin C is a protein produced by the body's cells that is filtered out by the kidneys. A normal cystatin C level rules out poor kidney function. A low CCR of under 8.16 was associated with a lower muscle volume of 0.350 litres in the thigh, and a slower gait of 0.049 metres per second. This suggested that CCR could be a useful early warning sign for age-related muscle loss, which may lead to falls, frailty and reduced quality of life. The findings were published in Menopause, a monthly peer-reviewed journal, in March 2025. The scientists are from the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP) at NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The IWHP was initiated to identify and address the health care needs of midlife Singaporean women. It recruited a cohort of 1,200 Chinese, Malay, and Indian women aged 45 to 69 years between 2014 and 2016 – about 70 per cent of whom were postmenopausal . Their health metrics were then tracked over time. In the first study based on this cohort, published in international journal Maturitas in October 2023, the researchers shared a ranking of menopausal symptoms – with joint and muscular discomfort found to be the most reported symptom among women in Singapore. Called arthralgia, it had moderate or severe impact on a third of the midlife women of the cohort. A subsequent study, published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism in October 2024, found that women with both weak muscle strength and high levels of visceral fat – the deep belly fat around the internal organs – had the highest risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Their risk was 2.63 times higher than that of women who had normal muscle strength and lower fat levels. Having just one of these conditions also increased risk, though to a lesser degree. The risk from having high visceral fat alone is 1.78 times higher. Among those with weak muscle strength, women with high visceral fat had a 2.84 times higher risk compared to those with low visceral fat. Explaining the impetus for the study, IWHP lead Yong Eu Leong said: 'Muscle... burns up fat. What about those who have weak muscles? Does it affect the risk for diabetes in the future?' The cohort's initial muscle and visceral fat measurements served as a baseline for researchers to track changes over the years. Researchers then analysed how changes in fat and muscle measurements taken about six years later – by then, about 90 per cent of the women were postmenopausal – related to whether women had developed diabetes. Professor Yong, who also heads the division of benign gynaecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NUH, noted that a large proportion of women in Singapore are 'skinny fat', where their body mass index is in the normal range, but they have high levels of visceral fat and low muscle mass. ' One way (to know what your risks are) is to measure your walk and the speed at which you walk. If you cannot walk fast and straight, then your health is not so good. We wanted to see if we can develop a test that can predict gait speed. We wanted to look at molecules that actually measure muscle functions,' he said. 'These findings validated our previous (IWHP) research that showed that women should not just focus on weight loss, but on building muscle strength through exercise for diabetes prevention,' Prof Yong said. One participant of the IWHP, administrative assistant Sabarina Jumarudin, is living proof of the findings. The 59-year-old grandmother used to weigh 93kg and suffered from sleep apnoea. Since she underwent the bariatric surgery at NUH in 2018, a procedure that modifies the digestive system to help people with obesity lose weight, she lost more than 30kg. Mindful of keeping her weight down, Madam Sabarina walks to the MRT station every day instead of taking the shuttle service, and takes the stairs instead of the escalator to catch the train. 'On my way home, I usually take a longer route to ensure I clock at least 10,000 steps a day, and practising stretching and breathing exercises to strengthen my core,' she said. 'I realised that small but consistent changes do make a big impact on my health, so I do what I can on a daily basis, and it gives me confidence to not only stay healthy physically and mentally but also stave off diabetes,' she added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
From Singapore to Seoul: Top 10 Asian universities to study abroad in 2026
As more students look beyond traditional study destinations in the West, Asia has firmly established itself as a global education powerhouse. From high-tech campuses in Singapore to research-intensive universities in China, the continent now hosts some of the world's most competitive academic institutions. The QS World University Rankings 2026 reflects this shift, with several Asian universities climbing into the global top 50. But rankings alone don't tell the whole story. For students considering studying abroad, factors like language of instruction, cost of living, campus environment, and city life all play a role in shaping the experience. Whether you're drawn to the cultural depth of Beijing, the fast-paced energy of Seoul, or the structured modernity of Singapore, this list offers a diverse snapshot of Asia's top universities — and what life might look like while studying there. National University of Singapore (NUS) QS Global Rank #8 NUS is the highest-ranked Asian university in the 2026 QS global rankings. It offers a wide range of programs across science, engineering, humanities, business, and law. English is the primary language of instruction. Singapore is a global financial and technology hub with excellent public transport, strict laws, and a high cost of living. It's considered one of the safest cities in the world. International students benefit from diverse communities, well-regulated housing, and multiple part-time work options under student visas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo The University of Hong Kong (HKU) QS Global Rank #11 HKU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in English and is well-regarded for medicine, law, social sciences, and business. It maintains strong academic links with Western institutions. Hong Kong is densely populated and fast-paced, with a mix of Eastern and Western cultural influences. It's relatively expensive but offers subsidized student accommodation. The MTR (metro) system is efficient, and part-time work is permitted under specific conditions. Nanyang Technological University , Singapore (NTU) QS Global Rank #12 NTU is known for its strengths in engineering, natural sciences, and technology. It also has programs in business and social sciences, many of which are taught in English. As with NUS, NTU students live in a clean, urban environment with access to strong digital infrastructure, green spaces, and multicultural exposure. The city-state's small size makes most areas easily reachable within an hour. Peking University QS Global Rank #14 Peking University offers programs across a wide range of disciplines including science, economics, literature, and international relations. Many graduate programs are available in English, though undergraduate courses are primarily in Chinese. Beijing is China's capital and a major political and cultural center. It offers historical landmarks, a large international community, and a wide range of affordable dining options. Air pollution and language barriers may be challenges for some students, but metro access and campus amenities are extensive. Tsinghua University QS Global Rank #17 Tsinghua is a leading institution for engineering, technology, and public policy. Some programs, particularly at the graduate level, are conducted in English. Located in the Haidian district (Beijing's academic hub), Tsinghua offers access to libraries, student dormitories, and innovation centers. Beijing's cost of living varies widely depending on location, and Mandarin proficiency is helpful for daily life. Fudan University QS Global Rank #30 Fudan is known for social sciences, medicine, and management. It has several English-taught master's and undergraduate programs catering to international students. Shanghai is a global financial hub with modern infrastructure and a significant expat population. It's more expensive than other Chinese cities, but students benefit from public transport, international food options, and part-time job availability for certain visa categories. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) QS Global Rank #32 CUHK offers undergraduate and graduate programs in English and Chinese. It has a collegiate system and a strong reputation in humanities, education, and biomedical sciences. Located in the New Territories, CUHK provides a quieter campus life than central Hong Kong universities. Students have access to green spaces, hiking trails, and relatively lower-cost living than in the city center. However, commute times to urban areas are longer. The University of Tokyo QS Global Rank #36 The University of Tokyo offers programs in sciences, engineering, economics, and literature. While many undergraduate courses are in Japanese, there are English-taught graduate and international programs (e.g., PEAK). Tokyo is one of the most populous and organized cities globally. It is safe, clean, and offers a mix of traditional and modern culture. Costs for housing can be high, especially near the city center, and part-time jobs are common among students, though some Japanese proficiency is often required. Seoul National University QS Global Rank #38 SNU is South Korea's most prestigious university, offering strong programs in engineering, medicine, business, and the humanities. Many graduate programs are available in English. Seoul is a tech-savvy, fast-paced city with extensive public transit and relatively affordable student housing. Korean is essential for daily life, although many younger people and institutions accommodate English speakers. South Korea allows international students to work part-time under certain visa conditions. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) QS Global Rank #44 HKUST specializes in science, engineering, and business. Its programs are research-oriented and conducted in English. It also has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. The campus is located on the outskirts of the city, offering scenic sea views and a quieter environment. Students can access the main city areas within an hour. Like other Hong Kong universities, it offers subsidized dormitories, though the cost of living off-campus is high. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra apologises for leaked phone call; 2 Zika cases in Woodlands: Singapore live news
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has apologised after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen triggered political backlash and provoked widespread anger. The conservative Bhumjaithai party, a key ally in her coalition government, withdrew its support on Wednesday (18 June), saying Paetongtarn's conduct in the call had wounded the country and the army's dignity. Two local Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32, according to a joint update by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on 19 June. After being notified of the cases, NEA began wastewater testing and mosquito surveillance in the surrounding residential area. The results revealed persistent Zika virus signals, which suggest this is an area with likely Zika transmission. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore's universities continue to impress on the global stage, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) maintaining its position at eighth place in the Britain-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also made significant progress, climbing three spots to 12th place following an 11-position jump last year. The rankings, which assess 1,500 institutions worldwide, continue to be dominated by US and Britain universities, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) holding the top spot for the 14th consecutive year. NUS remains the highest-ranked university in Asia. The QS rankings are based on nine indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, employment outcomes and sustainability. NUS president Tan Eng Chye said, "We are particularly heartened to be ranked amongst the best in Asia for academic reputation, and to have made notable advances in employer reputation and international research partnerships." NTU president Ho Teck Hua said, "NTU's strong showing in this year's QS rankings reflects its constant efforts to reimagine itself amidst a rapidly changing world." For more on the rankings of other Singapore universities, read here. Two local Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32, according to a joint update by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on 19 June. After being notified of the cases, NEA began wastewater testing and mosquito surveillance in the surrounding residential area. The results revealed persistent Zika virus signals, which suggest this is an area with likely Zika transmission. NEA's surveillance efforts, which include the use of gravitraps in HDB estates to catch Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, are part of regular operations to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. As of 12 June, seven Zika cases have been reported in Singapore in 2025, with the latest confirmed on 11 June. The agency advised residents to seek medical advice early if they show symptoms such as rash, fever, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. While there is no specific treatment for Zika, the CDA advised pregnant women to consult their obstetricians promptly due to the risk of congenital issues like microcephaly in babies. For more information on the Woodlands Zika cases, read here. Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has apologised after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen triggered political backlash and provoked widespread anger. Paetongtarn said the call was made from her personal phone and she had no idea it would be recorded and made public. She said the government was ready to support the country's military in all ways. The conservative Bhumjaithai party, a key ally in her coalition government, withdrew its support on Wednesday (18 June), saying Paetongtarn's conduct in the call had wounded the country and the army's dignity. With the loss of Bhumjaithai's 69 MPs, Paetongtarn is left clinging to a razor-thin parliamentary majority, and Thailand could be heading for yet another snap election. The controversial phone call – in which Shinawatra addressed Hun Sen as 'uncle' and referred to a Thai army commander as her 'opponent' – sparked outrage online, particularly on Pheu Thai page and Royal Thai Army page. She is facing intense pressure to resign. For more on Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's phone call, read here. Microsoft is planning another wave of job cuts, with thousands of roles – particularly in sales – expected to be affected. According to sources familiar with the matter, the layoffs are likely to be announced in early July, shortly after the company's fiscal year ends in June. The cuts are also not expected to be limited to just one department. The reductions are part of the company's latest move to trim its workforce amid heavy spending on artificial intelligence. This follows a separate round of layoffs in May that saw 6,000 roles axed, mostly in product and engineering. Sales and marketing staff were largely spared then. However, in April, Microsoft informed employees that it would increasingly rely on third-party vendors to handle software sales for smaller clients. For more on the expected Microsoft job cuts, read here. Amazon has officially joined the growing list of companies warning that artificial intelligence will reshape the workforce — and not always in a good way. In a memo released on Tuesday (17 June), CEO Andy Jassy said the tech giant expects AI-driven efficiency gains to lead to a leaner corporate workforce in the years ahead. While there are no immediate layoffs, the writing is on the wall: jobs that can be automated may soon disappear. The trend towards AI superiority can already be felt in the job market. Shopify's CEO said new hires must prove AI can't do the job better. Duolingo plans to replace contractors with AI, while Salesforce won't be hiring engineers in 2025 because their current hires are getting more done with AI tools. Christian Schneider, the CEO of New York-based startup fileAI, told BI that he's already seeing job losses in corners of the tech industry, and he expects AI to exacerbate the trend. "I'm totally expecting a tightening. I think when we look into tech layoffs, it's so apparent that something is changing," said Schneider. That said, it's not all doom and gloom. Experts say while some jobs will vanish, others will evolve – and workers may find themselves moving into more people-centric roles or overseeing AI-generated results rather than doing the grunt work. For more on AI reshaping the work force, read here. Three Australian men suspected of gunning down a man in a Bali villa were briefly held in Singapore before being deported back to Indonesia. On 14 June, two masked men stormed a villa in Badung and fatally shot 32-year-old Australian Zivan Radmanovic. Another man, 34-year-old Sanar Ghanim, was seriously injured in the same attack. The suspects, believed to have worn masks, then fled the scene and linked up with a third accomplice, who helped them escape. One of the suspects, a 27-year-old identified only by his initials DFJ, was arrested at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport while trying to board a flight to Cambodia via Singapore. DFJ is alleged to have played a key role in planning the attack and escape. The other two men (also identified by their initials), 22-year-old MC and 27-year-old PMT, managed to leave for Cambodia after transiting through Singapore on 16 June. However, Cambodian authorities denied them entry, and they were placed on a return flight to Indonesia, again transiting through Singapore. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed it took the pair into custody during their stopover and deported them to Indonesia on 17 June, in accordance with international civil aviation protocols. For more on the suspects, read here. A 42-year-old cyclist is under police investigation for wilful trespass after he was hit by a bullet on 15 June while cycling through a restricted zone in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live firing. The incident occurred while the SAF was conducting an exercise at Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km away from where the man was injured. The bullet struck his lower left back and was later removed at National University Hospital the same day. The injury was not life-threatening, and the man is currently stable after surgery. The Ministry of Defence has reminded everyone that these live-firing areas are strictly off-limits under the Military Manoeuvres Act, and signs are clearly posted to warn people to stay out for their own safety. The Woodcutter's Trail, which lies within CCNR is an unofficial route that's popular among cyclists for its challenging slopes and winding paths. Though there are warning signs around the park, some cyclists and hikers have been known to ignore them, reported The Straits Times. For more on the investigation on the cyclist, read here. Singapore's universities continue to impress on the global stage, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) maintaining its position at eighth place in the Britain-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also made significant progress, climbing three spots to 12th place following an 11-position jump last year. The rankings, which assess 1,500 institutions worldwide, continue to be dominated by US and Britain universities, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) holding the top spot for the 14th consecutive year. NUS remains the highest-ranked university in Asia. The QS rankings are based on nine indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, employment outcomes and sustainability. NUS president Tan Eng Chye said, "We are particularly heartened to be ranked amongst the best in Asia for academic reputation, and to have made notable advances in employer reputation and international research partnerships." NTU president Ho Teck Hua said, "NTU's strong showing in this year's QS rankings reflects its constant efforts to reimagine itself amidst a rapidly changing world." For more on the rankings of other Singapore universities, read here. Two local Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32, according to a joint update by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on 19 June. After being notified of the cases, NEA began wastewater testing and mosquito surveillance in the surrounding residential area. The results revealed persistent Zika virus signals, which suggest this is an area with likely Zika transmission. NEA's surveillance efforts, which include the use of gravitraps in HDB estates to catch Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, are part of regular operations to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. As of 12 June, seven Zika cases have been reported in Singapore in 2025, with the latest confirmed on 11 June. The agency advised residents to seek medical advice early if they show symptoms such as rash, fever, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. While there is no specific treatment for Zika, the CDA advised pregnant women to consult their obstetricians promptly due to the risk of congenital issues like microcephaly in babies. For more information on the Woodlands Zika cases, read here. Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has apologised after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen triggered political backlash and provoked widespread anger. Paetongtarn said the call was made from her personal phone and she had no idea it would be recorded and made public. She said the government was ready to support the country's military in all ways. The conservative Bhumjaithai party, a key ally in her coalition government, withdrew its support on Wednesday (18 June), saying Paetongtarn's conduct in the call had wounded the country and the army's dignity. With the loss of Bhumjaithai's 69 MPs, Paetongtarn is left clinging to a razor-thin parliamentary majority, and Thailand could be heading for yet another snap election. The controversial phone call – in which Shinawatra addressed Hun Sen as 'uncle' and referred to a Thai army commander as her 'opponent' – sparked outrage online, particularly on Pheu Thai page and Royal Thai Army page. She is facing intense pressure to resign. For more on Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's phone call, read here. Microsoft is planning another wave of job cuts, with thousands of roles – particularly in sales – expected to be affected. According to sources familiar with the matter, the layoffs are likely to be announced in early July, shortly after the company's fiscal year ends in June. The cuts are also not expected to be limited to just one department. The reductions are part of the company's latest move to trim its workforce amid heavy spending on artificial intelligence. This follows a separate round of layoffs in May that saw 6,000 roles axed, mostly in product and engineering. Sales and marketing staff were largely spared then. However, in April, Microsoft informed employees that it would increasingly rely on third-party vendors to handle software sales for smaller clients. For more on the expected Microsoft job cuts, read here. Amazon has officially joined the growing list of companies warning that artificial intelligence will reshape the workforce — and not always in a good way. In a memo released on Tuesday (17 June), CEO Andy Jassy said the tech giant expects AI-driven efficiency gains to lead to a leaner corporate workforce in the years ahead. While there are no immediate layoffs, the writing is on the wall: jobs that can be automated may soon disappear. The trend towards AI superiority can already be felt in the job market. Shopify's CEO said new hires must prove AI can't do the job better. Duolingo plans to replace contractors with AI, while Salesforce won't be hiring engineers in 2025 because their current hires are getting more done with AI tools. Christian Schneider, the CEO of New York-based startup fileAI, told BI that he's already seeing job losses in corners of the tech industry, and he expects AI to exacerbate the trend. "I'm totally expecting a tightening. I think when we look into tech layoffs, it's so apparent that something is changing," said Schneider. That said, it's not all doom and gloom. Experts say while some jobs will vanish, others will evolve – and workers may find themselves moving into more people-centric roles or overseeing AI-generated results rather than doing the grunt work. For more on AI reshaping the work force, read here. Three Australian men suspected of gunning down a man in a Bali villa were briefly held in Singapore before being deported back to Indonesia. On 14 June, two masked men stormed a villa in Badung and fatally shot 32-year-old Australian Zivan Radmanovic. Another man, 34-year-old Sanar Ghanim, was seriously injured in the same attack. The suspects, believed to have worn masks, then fled the scene and linked up with a third accomplice, who helped them escape. One of the suspects, a 27-year-old identified only by his initials DFJ, was arrested at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport while trying to board a flight to Cambodia via Singapore. DFJ is alleged to have played a key role in planning the attack and escape. The other two men (also identified by their initials), 22-year-old MC and 27-year-old PMT, managed to leave for Cambodia after transiting through Singapore on 16 June. However, Cambodian authorities denied them entry, and they were placed on a return flight to Indonesia, again transiting through Singapore. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed it took the pair into custody during their stopover and deported them to Indonesia on 17 June, in accordance with international civil aviation protocols. For more on the suspects, read here. A 42-year-old cyclist is under police investigation for wilful trespass after he was hit by a bullet on 15 June while cycling through a restricted zone in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live firing. The incident occurred while the SAF was conducting an exercise at Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km away from where the man was injured. The bullet struck his lower left back and was later removed at National University Hospital the same day. The injury was not life-threatening, and the man is currently stable after surgery. The Ministry of Defence has reminded everyone that these live-firing areas are strictly off-limits under the Military Manoeuvres Act, and signs are clearly posted to warn people to stay out for their own safety. The Woodcutter's Trail, which lies within CCNR is an unofficial route that's popular among cyclists for its challenging slopes and winding paths. Though there are warning signs around the park, some cyclists and hikers have been known to ignore them, reported The Straits Times. For more on the investigation on the cyclist, read here.
