SINGAPORE: A jumbo flat at Bukit Merah changed hands for S$1.53 million, setting a record for four-room flats. The property is located on the lower floors of Block 50 Moh Guan Terrace in Tiong Bahru, Bukit Merah.

What makes this resale particularly unusual, however, is that the flat’s lease started in 1973, the property portal 99.co reported. This means that the flat has only around 45 years and nine months left on its lease. This transaction is markedly different from other recent Housing and Development Board (HDB) resales, which fetched high prices because they had much longer leases remaining.

Nevertheless, there has been a consistent demand for flats in mature estates, particularly those that are larger.

“In many ways, this latest transaction also reflects how some buyers are increasingly prioritising space, heritage, and location over lease tenure alone,” 99.co pointed out.

Indeed, the record-breaking sale of the Moh Guan Terrace flat spans 1,615 sq ft, which means its price translates to S$947 per square foot.

Another thing that works in the flat’s favour is its location, especially since Tiong Bahru is one of the best-known heritage neighbourhoods, combined with the modernity of recent MRT lines, as well as retail and lifestyle attractions.

While unusual, the sale is not without precedent. In June 2023, a 1,894 sq ft 50-year-old four-room flat at the same address already sold for S$1.5 million. At the time, the high price raised some eyebrows, since Moh Guan Terrace did not even have an elevator. A few months later, a large 39-year-old resale flat on the 10th to 12th floors of Block 326, Ubi Avenue 1, similarly sold for a high price, changing hands for S$1.06 million.

In contrast, a five-room HDB flat at City Vue @ Henderson on 96A Henderson Road that still has 92 years and one month on its lease sold for an eye-watering S$1.728 million in April. /TISG

Read related: 4-room flat in Tiong Bahru fetches record breaking $1.5M price, despite being 50 years old

This article (4-room jumbo flat in Bukit Merah with only 45 years left on lease sells for S$1.53 million) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: There have been at least 40 Chinese-language videos that spread on platforms such as Douyin and WeChat since April, with people criticising Singapore, claiming that the city-state is ungrateful toward China and is too aligned with the United States.

A May 12 report in the South China Morning Post, however, says that the videos are likely to be propaganda deepfakes.

The report pointed to how the speakers in the video say almost exactly the same thing even as they appear in different settings, and several have even been flagged on WeChat over suspicions that they were AI-generated.

Nevertheless, some of the content has received more than 1,000 likes each.

But users on the platform have also caught on to the ruse and have shown how the scripts used are similar. 

What do the videos say?

The clips show individuals who accuse Singapore of being “disrespectful,” “greedy,” and “ungrateful” toward China, which is the city-state’s top trading partner. They also touch on politics in both superpowers, and claim that among all the countries, Singapore is the “most miserable.”

A person in one video said that Singapore “treats the US as a father figure, but the US sees them as an adopted child.”

Another accused the city-state of “constantly making things difficult” for China.

Others, meanwhile, say that as Hainan develops into a major free-trade hub, Singapore would be displaced.

When SCMP sought an official comment, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a joint reply that they are aware of the videos, some of which contain false claims about Singapore’s economy and energy reserves.

The ministries noted that while the videos are mainly shared on platforms that are not common to Singaporeans, the authorities are staying vigilant against misinformation and hostile information campaigns targeting Singaporeans.

“We have laws in place to guard against such risks. We complement this with public education to help Singaporeans become more well-informed and discerning consumers of online information.” 

Where exactly the videos have come from is yet unknown, but concerns of misinformation being spread remain, especially as repeated exposure can cause people to believe in untruths.

Nevertheless, deepfake videos have already spread in the past in Singapore, with some of them involving such high-profile officials as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. /TISG

Read also: PM Lee warns against deepfake videos of him promoting crypto scams

This article (Deepfake videos accusing Singapore of favouring the US over China spread online) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: As the Presidents of China and the United States are set to meet this week, Southeast Asia may well find itself caught in the middle of the two superpowers amid a backdrop of global uncertainty intensified in the past few months by the war in the Middle East.

According to the State of Southeast Asia: 2026 Survey Report released in April by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, the biggest concern in the region involves a growing distrust in an increasingly unpredictable US. Last year, it was China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea.

The change is likely due to the double whammy of President Trump’s tariffs in April 2025 and the war in the Middle East, which began when the US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28, 2026.

Moreover, more than half of the respondents from the region said they would side with China over the US if they needed to choose between the two, whereas last year, 52% of the participants had chosen to side with the US.

A statement issued by the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after the summit held in the Philippines last week said the conflict in the Middle East is “a grave threat to… regional and global peace and stability.”

Southeast Asian countries have been particularly hard-hit by the fuel crisis that resulted from the conflict, due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for around 20% of the world’s energy supply, much of which is bound for Asia. As a result, nations in the region have been grappling with higher oil prices and scrambling to ensure an adequate supply for domestic use.

Amid present difficulties, Southeast Asian countries have not completely turned to China but appear to be keeping both superpowers at arm’s length, according to an opinion piece from The Lowy Institute. Instead, different nations have been turning to new partnerships, such as those Singapore has forged with Australia and New Zealand, and Vietnam’s moves toward Japan and South Korea. Even Russia has not been left out, with the Philippines and Vietnam looking to it as an alternate energy provider.

What Southeast Asia may be hoping for, at best, is for there to be no significant changes at all and for the maintenance of relative stability; in other words, for the superpowers not to make agreements that would be to the region’s detriment.

In a piece in Think China titled Why Southeast Asia wants a boring Trump-Xi summit, Stephen Olson, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, wrote, “For countries in Southeast Asia, the best realistic outcome would be an unremarkable Trump-Xi summit that simply buttresses stability and tamps down prospects for a further deterioration in the bilateral relationship.” /TISG

Read also: When superpowers meet: What’s at stake at the upcoming summit between the US and China

This article (Southeast Asia hopes for a ‘boring’ Trump-Xi summit as regional tensions rise) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Family Justice Courts have ordered a 63-year-old man to remain in a nursing home for at least two more years, ruling that his safety and medical needs outweighed his repeated pleas to return home and live independently.

The case centred on a frail and wheelchair-bound senior who suffers from multiple medical conditions and requires round-the-clock care. The man, who is unmarried and has no children, had argued that he wanted to leave the nursing home and return to the rented HDB flat he shared with his brother so he could continue living in familiar surroundings.

The court heard that before he was admitted to the nursing home in August last year, he had already been struggling with serious health issues. He had been unemployed for years and had depended on welfare payouts since 2009, relying heavily on government subsidies and community support services to get by.

For years, he also received assistance such as meal deliveries and home care services. However, those arrangements eventually stopped because of repeated disputes with service personnel rather than a lack of resources.

The man lived with his brother, who works long hours as a cleaner at a hawker centre. Court documents revealed that the siblings had a strained relationship and that the brother had made clear he was unwilling to take on caregiving responsibilities.

His condition deteriorated sharply in April 2025. Volunteers who visited the flat found it in an alarming state, with rubbish piled throughout the home, human waste on the floor and mattress, and maggots present in the unit. Although volunteers cleaned the flat, the conditions reportedly worsened again within two weeks.

The man later admitted that he could no longer use the toilet independently. While he could collect urine in bottles, he was unable to dispose of them himself.

Authorities subsequently arranged for him to be hospitalised. Medical professionals later assessed that he required continuous care and concluded that placement in a nursing home would be more appropriate.

The man resisted the move from the outset. He insisted he could continue living independently and repeatedly asked to be discharged home. He also suggested that the authorities arrange for a foreign domestic worker to care for him or that his brother assist him instead.

However, the court heard that he could not afford the cost of employing a domestic helper and that his brother was unable to take responsibility for his care, making both proposals impractical.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Protective Services division later applied for him to be placed in a nursing home under the Vulnerable Adults Act.

According to court proceedings, the man reacted strongly after his admission to the facility. He reportedly refused food, removed his urinary catheter, and had to be sent back to the hospital several times.

In January this year, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) sought a court order to extend his stay at the nursing home for a further two years.

The man objected to the application and appealed directly to the court for compassion, saying he wanted to return home and be with his brother.

“I want to leave the nursing home as soon as possible. I want to go home. The reason is that I want to be with my brother; that’s my home, there’s no other reason,” he told the court.

He also repeatedly voiced fears about remaining in the nursing home, saying he worried he would die there like his mother and brother.

MSF argued that the man continued to insist that the government hire a domestic helper for him despite lacking the means to pay for one. The ministry also noted that he continued expecting support from his brother even after the brother clearly stated he could not care for him.

The court heard that after receiving counselling and treatment at the nursing home, the man’s condition gradually improved. He reportedly began taking part in activities, interacting with other residents and showing signs of improved mood and emotional stability.

In delivering the judgment, the judge acknowledged that the law generally seeks to respect an individual’s personal choices and autonomy. However, the judge said intervention became necessary once all community-based care arrangements had failed and the man faced a serious risk of self-neglect.

The court ultimately ordered that he remain in the nursing home for another two years for continued treatment and counselling, after which the matter may be reviewed again.

The judge also expressed sympathy for the man’s desire to return home, noting that his attachment to the flat represented more than just a physical residence.

The court observed that the home symbolised familiarity, independence and dignity for the man, particularly given that he is still relatively young at 63 years old. Nonetheless, the judge said those considerations had to be balanced against the need to ensure his safety and proper care.

The case has attracted attention amid Singapore’s rapidly ageing population, with the judge warning that similar situations may become increasingly common in a “super-ageing” society and that finding a balance between “respecting choice” and “ensuring safety” may become a pressing societal challenge.

This article (Court rejects senior citizen’s request to return home, orders him to remain in nursing home for two more years) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A former investigation officer (IO) with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has been jailed for forging statements and signatures in active police criminal investigations, after internal checks uncovered irregularities across multiple case files.

S Vikneshvaran Subramaniam, 36, was sentenced on May 12 to 42 weeks’ jail after pleading guilty to four forgery charges, with five more taken into consideration. The case spanned about 18 months, from June 2021 to February 2023, while Vikneshvaran was attached to the Jurong Police Division as an investigation officer, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported (May 12).

Court proceedings revealed that he forged acknowledgement forms, witness statements, and accused persons’ statements across several investigations. Some interviews were allegedly conducted over the phone before being turned into documents falsely presented as official in-person statements. One forged document even carried a fake signature of an accused person.

Internal checks uncovered forged documents across multiple police case files

The offences came to light after a supervisor checked Vikneshvaran’s desk in January 2023 and found a duffel bag containing unreleased case exhibits. A deeper review of the cases he handled later uncovered more irregularities.

One incident involved an NRIC that should have been formally disposed of after a court case ended. Instead of applying for a fresh court order after the owner declined to collect the old card, Vikneshvaran signed the acknowledgement form himself to make it appear the item had been returned. The card was later found inside the duffel bag discovered at his desk.

Another case involved a victim who provided information over the phone. The statement was later recorded as though it had been formally taken at a police station, but the document remained unsigned.

Defence says grief, depression and mounting work pressure affected the former officer

The defence argued that Vikneshvaran had been struggling mentally after his father’s sudden death. His lawyer, Gino Hardial Singh of Abbots Chambers, told the court that the former officer suffered from prolonged grief disorder and major depressive disorder.

A report from the Institute of Mental Health said there was a contributory link between his mental condition and the offences due to impaired self-control. The defence also argued that mounting work pressure and accumulated case backlogs worsened his condition. No financial gain was involved in the offences.

Still, the court took a stern view. District Judge Ng Cheng Thiam said police officers are expected to uphold the law with complete honesty and integrity, adding that public confidence in institutions can be damaged when officers themselves break the law.

The judge also said the case had tarnished the SPF’s reputation and weakened confidence in the criminal justice process. The prosecution sought between nine and 10-and-a-half months’ jail, while the defence asked for five to six months. The final sentence landed between both positions.

SPF previously said affected cases were re-investigated and fresh statements were taken. Final case outcomes weren’t affected by the forged documents, according to the force.

The case also revealed how internal audits and supervisory checks remain key safeguards within Singapore’s law enforcement system. SPF said officers showing signs of underperformance are monitored more closely, while irregularities trigger immediate investigations and case reviews.

The case focuses on integrity and accountability inside Singapore’s justice system

Cases involving misconduct by enforcement officers do tend to attract strong public attention in Singapore because they directly affect institutional credibility. The justice system depends heavily on public confidence that records, statements and evidence are handled properly from the start.

When shortcuts enter that process, even without personal profit, the damage goes beyond paperwork. Mental health struggles and workplace pressure may explain how someone reached that point, but they still don’t erase the consequences.

This case also reinforces the point that high-pressure public service roles require both accountability and stronger support systems to prevent burnout from leading to misconduct.

This article (Ex-SPF investigation officer jailed for forging witness statements and signatures) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Various economies in Asia have been lifted up by a tech boom in recent years. Taiwan has become a semiconductor superpower, South Korea has been boosted by memory chips and electronics, Singapore is a tech hub with a huge AI push, and China’s electric vehicles and digital platforms have been popular across the globe.

With the war in the Middle East depriving the world of between 10 million and 20 million barrels of oil every day, these Asian economies may run into trouble, especially in the event of a prolonged conflict.

Countries in Asia and the Pacific have been the canary in the coal mine for the energy crisis, since they are heavily dependent on oil and gas from the Middle East, but the great demand for AI may be some economies’ saving grace.

Asia’s tech giants

According to a report from the United Nations, the global market is expected to grow 25-fold from 2023 to 2033, when it is likely to reach US$4.8 trillion (S$6.11 trillion). Moreover, an estimate from Morgan Stanley says that AI infrastructure spending may surpass US$3 trillion (S$3.81 trillion) through 2028.

For Asia’s tech giants, such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore, the current challenges are manifold, given their heavy energy imports, export dependence, and exposure to shipping chokepoints.

China is the largest oil importer in the world, which makes the price and supply of oil extremely important. However, in comparison to other economies, China is in a better position, given the country’s higher domestic energy production, large strategic reserves, and huge coal capacity. Additionally, China’s rapid EV adoption and diversified suppliers tend to work in its favour.

AI as the winning edge

A recent CNN report pointed out that despite the challenges faced by Asia’s tech giants, the amount of money poured into AI investments outweighs current threats. 

“Semiconductor companies will be able to pass on these additional costs to the end customers. The supply demand for semiconductors is very skewed, so having the product is more important, and they have very strong pricing power,” the report quoted Jason Lui, head of Asia-Pacific equity and derivative strategy at French bank BNP Paribas, as saying.

The Asia-Pacific tech research coordinator at Bank of America, Simon Woo, meanwhile, pointed out that if key  US tech companies maintain their AI investing, Asian tech companies will continue to do well.

The report pointed out, however, that economies in Asia with fewer resources will suffer disproportionately from the energy crisis, creating a widening gap between countries. /TISG

Read also: Asia hit hardest by energy crisis but could benefit in the long run

This article (AI could become Asia’s buffer against deepening energy crisis, analysts say) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A Tiong Bahru HDB flat with just 45 years remaining on its 99-year lease has been sold for an eye-watering S$1.53 million, setting a new record for the highest resale price achieved by a four-room HDB flat in Singapore.

The unit is located at Block 50 Moh Guan Terrace and is the second flat in the same block to cross the S$1.5 million mark.

According to HDB resale data, the flat is an adjoining unit spanning between the first and third floors. It measures about 1,615 square feet, making it significantly larger than a standard four-room HDB flat. The transaction worked out to around S$947 per square foot.

This is not the first time Block 50 Moh Guan Terrace has made headlines for record-breaking resale prices. In June 2023, another adjoining four-room unit in the same block changed hands for S$1.5 million, which at the time set a new national record for a four-room HDB resale flat.

Property analysts have pointed to the unusually large size of the units at Block 50, along with the estate’s central location and close proximity to amenities in the popular Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, as key factors driving buyer demand and pushing prices upward.

The latest transaction adds to a growing trend of million-dollar HDB resale deals across Singapore.

Last month, a five-room flat at City Vue@Henderson in the Redhill area was resold for a record-breaking S$1,728,000, setting a new all-time high for HDB resale prices in Singapore.

This article (4-room resale flat sold for staggering S$1.53M despite only having 45 years left on lease) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Singapore is widening the way people can contribute to national defence, and this time, not everyone needs to wear a uniform.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has launched a new volunteer platform called SG Defence, bringing together 10 civilian- and military-linked volunteer schemes under a single network.

The initiative comes as Singapore pushes for what MINDEF described as a “whole-of-society response” to a more complex security climate, in which defence is viewed as extending beyond the domain of soldiers and National Servicemen to include educators, designers, museum guides and community advocates.

SG Defence aims to double the volunteer pool within five years

According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA)’s report, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad launched the network on May 12. The new structure creates space for almost 400 additional civilian volunteers across different schemes. The effort aims to grow Singapore’s current defence volunteer pool from about 1,500 people to 3,000 within the next three to five years.

Defence volunteering expands beyond uniforms

The volunteer roles stretch far beyond military drills, as some volunteers may work directly with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) through the SAF Volunteer Corps, while others could support SAFRA community programmes or help shape exhibitions at the National Service Gallery through creative and design work.

There are also opportunities at places such as the Singapore Discovery Centre and Singapore’s military museums, where volunteers can serve as guides and help explain Singapore’s defence history to visitors.

New network opens roles for civilians, PRs and foreigners

MINDEF said the programme is open to all Singapore residents aged 16 and above, including new citizens, permanent residents and foreigners. Applicants must generally commit to at least six months, although requirements vary by scheme.

MINDEF said the network will continue expanding, with more volunteer opportunities expected to be added over time.

For decades, defence participation in Singapore has largely centred around National Service obligations for male citizens and permanent residents. SG Defence switches some attention towards voluntary civic participation instead. It also demonstrates how modern security planning increasingly includes public education, digital outreach and community resilience alongside traditional military readiness.

The expansion may also help younger Singaporeans or non-uniformed residents feel they have a place in the national defence story, especially those whose skills sit outside combat or operational roles.

Singapore’s security challenges have also changed in recent years, as cyber threats, misinformation, regional tensions, and emergency preparedness now affect daily life in ways many residents can see firsthand. As such, the wide-ranging volunteer push seems to have been designed to make participation in defence feel more accessible to ordinary residents.

The idea may not turn every volunteer into a soldier, but it does widen the definition of service. And in a country where national defence has long been tied closely to uniforms and enlistment, this switch alone says quite a bit about where Singapore’s thinking is heading next.

This article (MINDEF launches Singapore’s new SG Defence volunteer network to residents, including foreigners and PRs, amid evolving security threats) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: An Indian content creator living in Singapore has received a lot of attention after her recent Instagram video, where she highlighted the fact that picking fruit that fell from public trees can come at a very high price.

“Mango / $5000 fine #Singapore #Indian currency 3.74 lakhs,” wrote Priyanka Sinha (@ppriyankasinha) in the caption of her May 9 post.

In it, she showed fallen mangoes on what appeared to be the grounds of an HDB block, as well as those that are still on a tree.

Her post seems to have puzzled other Instagram users, who asked about the reason why people would be fined for picking the fruit. 

A couple of commenters wrote that “India is the best,” where the laws aren’t as strict as they are in Singapore. The post created quite a stir in India, where it was covered by a number of local media outlets.

Since it’s mango season in Singapore as well as other parts of Asia, including India, Ms Sinha’s warning is a timely one for those who may be unaware that under the city-state’s Parks and Trees Act, fruit growing on public land is considered government property. You can neither collect fruit that falls to the ground nor pluck fruits that are still on trees without permission from the National Parks Board (NParks). Otherwise, as she pointed out, people may face fines of up to S$5,000.

The law does not just apply to fruit, however, since even cutting the leaves of plants found on public ground is not permitted.

In January 2018, a worker from Bangladesh was seen taking leaves from a Syzygium myrtifolium tree, which is also known as the Kelat Oil or Red Lip tree. After pictures of a notice of offence that he had been issued were shared on social media, his employer appealed to NParks on his behalf, and his composition fine was reduced to a warning.

Other offenders have not been so lucky. An individual who took two Kopsia singapurensis saplings, which are critically endangered, was slapped with a S$3,000 fine.

In 2019, Lawrence Wong, who was then Minister of National Development, said in Parliament, “NParks manages most of the trees on state land. Members of the public who wish to pluck fruit from trees, or  collect fruit that has dropped from trees on state land, should approach NParks for permission.” /TISG

Read also: Singaporean man warns against Aljunied durian vendor with ‘unethical’ sales tactics

This article (Indian woman in Singapore warns of $5000 fine for picking up fallen mangoes) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

MALAYSIA: Malaysia’s Budi95 fuel subsidy began with a 300-litre monthly quota, reduced to 200 litres in March, and may soon drop to 150 litres. Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said consumption data shows most Malaysians use less than the current threshold. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that 90% of RON95 users remain unaffected by the reduction.

Petrol subsidies have become a daily concern among Malaysians as inflation fears intensify. With limited access to public transportation, social media users voice frustration over potential cuts. Speculation surrounding subsidy reductions continues to spread online, fueling widespread dissatisfaction. 

Over on the social media platform X, one user suggested that subsidy cuts stem from reduced fuel usage, though many Malaysians have only lowered spending due to the crisis. He warned that the domestic economy will slow as subsidies shrink, a sentiment echoed widely across social media. Users fear reduced allowances will worsen inflation and place heavier burdens on households already struggling.

Following that, another noted that visiting one’s hometown could easily exhaust the subsidy quota. He highlighted that Malaysia’s high car prices, once justified by cheaper fuel, now worsen the burden. Social media users also compared Kuala Lumpur’s inadequate public transport system to Bangkok and Singapore, stressing that reduced subsidies combined with poor infrastructure leave Malaysians with few affordable commuting options. 

One more user criticised Anwar’s administration, claiming it is cutting corners “left, right and centre,” slowing business activity in Malaysia. He argued that after deep reductions, the government will present the narrative that the nation is on the right track, despite spending and productivity being weaker than before. 

Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong clarified that his remarks on petrol subsidies were taken out of context. He expressed regret for sparking what he called a “media circus,” acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue. Liew stressed that subsidy discussions must be handled carefully, as public sentiment remains tense amid fears of inflation and reduced allowances.

Despite this, concerns remain strong among Malaysians. Social media platforms continue to buzz daily with dissatisfaction over subsidy issues, reflecting widespread unease. Some users question why a senior official would make remarks that triggered such a storm, especially on a topic as sensitive as fuel subsidies. 

This article (Malaysians worry as BUDI95 petrol subsidy could reportedly drop to 150 litres) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A recent online discussion had Singaporeans swapping the funniest and most unexpected culture shocks they experienced while travelling abroad.

It all started after one Singaporean shared how their first long overseas trip completely changed the way they looked at everyday life back home.

“The first time I went overseas for a longer trip, I realised how many normal Singapore things aren’t actually normal elsewhere,” the user wrote. “People walked so slowly, shops closed ridiculously early, and nobody seemed stressed about missing trains.”

They also admitted they were stunned seeing people casually jaywalk without a shred of fear.

Keen to hear more stories, they asked people to share the “funniest or biggest culture shock“ they experienced outside Singapore.

Slower pace of life

A lot of commenters admitted they did not realise how fast-paced Singapore life actually was until they left the country.

One Singaporean recalled a surprisingly awkward lift experience while visiting the United States.

“In the States, I pressed the close button after everyone boarded the lift,” the commenter shared. “Then an elderly American asked me, ‘What’s the rush?’”

That was when the commenter suddenly realised that most people there simply allowed the lift doors to close naturally instead of repeatedly pressing the button the second everyone stepped in.

Another shared, “Probably because of how fast we walk. When I was in Japan, the automatic doors opened when I was right at the door, so I had to wait a few seconds for it to open.”

A third individual wrote that in the countries they visited, people there actually enjoyed a “slower pace of life, cheaper private transportation, larger living spaces, more outdoor areas, a wider variety of hobbies, more personal time outside of work, etc.”

Public transportation etiquette

Public transport rules and habits in other countries also surprised a lot of Singaporeans.

One person shared their experience living in South Korea for about seven months.

They said they once gave up their seat on a crowded train to an elderly woman, thinking it was the polite thing to do.

“Once I gave up my seat to a 70+ yr lady in a packed train, but no matter what, she kept declining it. Apparently, the seat I was on was not allocated to the elderly, so she had to refuse it. Additionally, on the train, there is a section solely dedicated to the elderly, and even when no old person was using it, no one dared to use it due to the rules.”

Another Singaporean added that South Korea also has a system for pregnant women.

“In South Korea, pregnant women have the pregnant tag issued by the hospital. So you can give up your seat to them. Very thoughtful. Prevents misunderstandings. Like giving up your seat to a lady who is not pregnant but is well… on the heavy side.”

A third user added, “While in Hong Kong, the priority seat also prioritises MONKS! Not just the disabled, elderly, or pregnant ladies…but MONKS as well !! Hahaha, that was super interesting, in my opinion.”

Monolithic countries

Some Singaporeans said they felt strange visiting countries where almost everyone has the same ethnicity.

One user explained, “Every time I go to a non-multicultural country, I’m just like, damn… where the minorities at? Everyone’s just… Japanese. In Singapore, even if the majority are Chinese, you still see many people of different races walking around. Malays, Indians, some Caucasians, other SEA countries… the scene is always super mixed.”

They added, “In Japan, that’s really not the case. Everywhere you go, it’s really 90% Japanese. For some reason, it felt very uncanny to be surrounded entirely by people of the same race. I don’t know if it was some kind of internal tribal instinct, but seeing so many people who are clearly descended similarly was oddly frightening the first time I went.”

Shops closing early

Some Singaporeans also said they were quite shocked to find out that shops in other countries close pretty early.

One shared, “In Norway, all shops close on Sundays, except for some bars and restaurants. Some shops even open as late as 12 p.m. and close as early as 3-4 p.m.”

Another commented, “I have to plan my grocery run because supermarkets aren’t open on Sundays and are only open for half a day on Saturdays. Can’t really do it during weekdays, as it was closed by 6 p.m.”

A third said, “Moving somewhere in Europe or North America and discovering shops close early, banks don’t open on weekends, and lunch can somehow take two hours.”

Prepaid electricity….exists?

Others shared that they only learned about prepaid electricity systems when they travelled or lived abroad.

One user wrote, “I once rented a small house in the UK with a prepaid electricity meter. You basically go to a mama shop, buy a prepaid £20 card, slot it into the meter, and get it credited.”

Another recounted, “Brunei, stayed at a friend’s place. There was a heavy storm that night, and there was a blackout. Thought it was caused by the storm, but it turned out to be my friend forgetting to top up his electric meter. Apparently, all electricity in Brunei was switched to prepaid instead of postpaid because no one was paying their electric bill.”

Read also: ‘The whole city is running on the same daily script’: Local asks anyone else feel like Singapore is an NPC city sometimes

This article (Singaporeans reveal the biggest culture shocks they encountered overseas: ‘Discovering shops close early and lunch can somehow take two hours’) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s K-pop calendar just got crowded! That’s what happens when a South Korean girl group, Babymonster, decides to perform in Singapore on Nov 28 as part of their Choom world tour.

The concert will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, marking the group’s return about a year after their first full concert here in May 2025.

Same-day concert clash with Le Sserafim leaves fans torn apart

The concert timing, however, immediately caught fans’ attention because the show also falls on the same day as Le Sserafim’s upcoming Pureflow concert in Singapore. The overlap of the two concerts has already sparked online debate among fans about exactly where they will be held, especially among those who support both groups.

According to a May 12 report by Channel NewsAsia (CNA) Lifestyle, Babymonster members Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rora, and Chiquita are expected to perform in Singapore, but Rami’s participation remains uncertain, as she is currently on hiatus due to health concerns.

Venue mystery grows around Le Sserafim’s Singapore stop

Ticket prices and sales details haven’t yet been announced either. Venue speculation has also become part of the conversation. Since Babymonster secured the Singapore Indoor Stadium, fans have been wondering where Le Sserafim’s concert will be held. The National Stadium and Arena @ Expo are among the venues being discussed online.

Responding to CNA Lifestyle, organisers behind Le Sserafim’s Singapore stop said the venue announcement is expected in June.

The scheduling clash says plenty about how competitive the live entertainment space has become in Singapore. Major K-pop acts are now treating the country as a regular tour stop rather than a bonus destination squeezed into broader Asian tours. This also means fans are increasingly facing overlapping concert schedules, rising ticket costs, and difficult choices among acts.

Babymonster charges back into Singapore after record album sales

Babymonster appears to be arriving with strong momentum as the group released its latest mini-album Choom on May 4. According to YG Entertainment, the album sold 387,871 copies on its first day on South Korea’s Hanteo Chart, making it the group’s biggest opening sales record so far.

In comments shared with CNA Lifestyle, the members described Choom as a more energetic and dance-focused release compared with their earlier hip-hop-heavy style. They also pointed to the song’s sudden beat change during the chorus as one of its strongest moments.

Not to mention, Singapore’s concert scene has become increasingly packed over the past two years, especially for Korean acts. Fans may enjoy having more choices, but overlapping dates also create tougher competition for attention, spending and venue availability.

A practical fix may simply come down to planning earlier coordination of schedules between organisers, because let’s face it, fans can only be in one venue at a time.

This article (Babymonster and Le Sserafim K-pop concerts to clash in Singapore on Nov 28) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.