Singapore in 2 Mins for the Week of Jan 16

Full-Time employment steady for fresh poly graduates, pay rises in 2025

In 2025, full-time permanent employment for fresh polytechnic graduates in Singapore remained steady, with 54.2 per cent securing such jobs, slightly down from 54.6 in 2024. However, the median starting salary rose to S$3,000 per month from S$2,900 previously. Overall employment within six months of graduation was 90 per cent, a minor dip from 90.4. Humanities and social sciences graduates saw the highest median pay. The results from the Graduate Employment Survey by the five polytechnics reflect broader labour-market uncertainty and shifting employer preferences toward practical skills and internship experience. Graduates unable to find employment yet were included in broader employment categories. Career support and job opportunities continue to be emphasised amid competitive hiring conditions.

Alarm clock sounds disrupt Tiong Bahru residents

Residents in the conserved Tiong Bahru estates of Blocks 55 and 56 have been disturbed for over a month by loud alarm-clock sounds that ring up to eight times a day, including at night. The intermittent noise, believed to originate from an unoccupied unit in Block 55, has disrupted work-from-home routines and sleep, prompting several police reports and complaints to Tanjong Pagar Town Council and the Housing Board. Affected residents describe random timings and loud volume, with some forced to use earphones or file multiple reports. Authorities are investigating the nuisance.

Pilot brings SG Culture Pass offerings to nursing homes

A pilot programme will bring SG Culture Pass arts activities to nursing homes, starting with a blow-painting workshop for residents at Sree Narayana Mission in Yishun. The initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Agency for Integrated Care aims to make culture more accessible for seniors with mobility challenges. Additional tailored programmes will be introduced.

Two Scoot flights on Jan 15 cancelled amid Iranian airspace closure

Two Scoot flights scheduled for Jan 15 – TR596 (Singapore to Jeddah) and TR597 (Jeddah to Singapore) were cancelled due to the temporary closure of Iranian airspace amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran. Scoot’s parent, Singapore Airlines Group, said the cancellations were precautionary, prioritising passenger and crew safety. Although SIA and Scoot do not usually fly over Iranian airspace, the closures affected regional flight operations and routing, prompting the airline to monitor developments closely and adjust future flight paths if needed. Iran’s airspace reopened about five hours later, after having been restricted to flights to and from that country.

WWF-Singapore and EDB launch programme to protect Asia’s mangroves

WWF-Singapore and the Singapore Economic Development Board have launched a programme to support blue carbon projects protecting mangroves and seagrass across Asia. It aims to develop scalable technology and methods for estimating biomass and generating high-quality carbon credits, helping these ecosystems attract investment and contribute to Singapore’s climate goals.

Singaporean distance runner Keane Ko trains in Slovenia to pursue his dreams

Singaporean distance runner Keane Ko is training in Slovenia to chase national records and qualify for major events, benefiting from personalised coaching, cooler climate, and elite training partners. Based there while working remotely, he faces financial challenges but remains committed to improving his performance in events like the 3,000m steeplechase and marathon.

Ex-actor Edmund Chen charged with grievously injuring motorcyclist

Former actor Edmund Chen, 63, has been charged in Singapore with driving without reasonable consideration, following a March 2025 accident where his vehicle collided with a motorcycle on the Ayer Rajah Expressway. The motorcyclist suffered grievous injuries. Chen will return to court to plead and faces possible fines, a driving ban, or imprisonment.

SIA flight returns to Hokkaido after technical issue, passengers stuck on board for 5 hours

A Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight bound for or departing from Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport was forced to return to the airport due to a technical issue, leaving more than 300 passengers stuck onboard for over five hours. During the delay, passengers remained on the aircraft, awaiting resolution of the issue. SIA arranged hotel accommodation and land transport for affected travellers after the situation was resolved. The extended wait sparked frustration among customers, though the airline’s prompt arrangements aimed to mitigate inconvenience.

Over 10,000 jobs to be offered with launch of year-long job fair initiative in East Coast

A new year-long jobs initiative called East Side Best Careers was launched on Jan 14 to connect East Coast GRC residents with more than 10,000 job opportunities, alongside internships and skills support. The program aims to reduce job-search stress by bringing employers, career guidance and training resources directly into the community. Organised with partners including the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), the initiative will feature career fairs and employer engagements throughout the year.

CASE warns against buying BTS concert tickets from unofficial sources

Singapore’s Consumers Association (CASE) has cautioned fans against purchasing BTS 2026 World Tour Singapore concert tickets from unofficial sellers after spotting listings on Carousell before official sales began. CASE president Melvin Yong highlighted a listing advertising tickets at $88, even though ticket details and sale dates have yet to be released. The association warned that buying from unauthorised online sellers risks scams, and that some official ticketing terms state that resale tickets could be voided. Fans are therefore advised to buy only through official and authorised ticketing channels and not to make advance payments to unverified sellers.