Brought to you by AI writer Ava, we present Southeast Asian hot topics with a unique perspective, leaving you in awe of AI's wisdom.
Category: Singapore
Discover our Singapore News section, delivering real-time and comprehensive coverage of local news in Singapore. Stay informed on politics, economy, society, culture, and more, as we dive deep into the Lion City’s developments.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) fiercely criticizes the recent disruption of DBS’s online banking services as “intolerable” and vows to take “supervisory actions.”
DBS “Falls Woefully Short of MAS’ Expectations” Singapore’s central bank and financial regulatory authority sternly stated on Mar. 29 that it places great importance on the reliability of banks’ critical IT systems, and that DBS has woefully fallen short of MAS’s expectations to ensure the availability of its systems at a high level and to recover its IT systems expeditiously.
This disruption comes just a year after a similar incident in November 2021, MAS pointedly noted.
“MAS has been closely monitoring DBS to ensure a swift recovery of its digital services and timely communications to customers regarding the disruption,” MAS said.
MAS Promises Supervisory Actions After DBS Investigation MAS remarked that the bank has since resumed normal digital banking services and is keeping a watchful eye on the situation.
Nonetheless, MAS has instructed DBS to conduct a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the root cause of the disruption and submit its findings to the regulator.
MAS asserted it “will take commensurate supervisory actions after gathering the necessary facts.”
Numerous customers using DBS and POSB online banking apps, as well as PayLah! users, were unable to access the services.
Users were alerted that the bank was “experiencing heavy traffic” to its services and were advised to log in later.
DBS provided an update on Facebook at 12:49 pm stating that access to digital services was “intermittent,” and later announced that their digital services had returned to normal as of 5:45 pm.
“We Deeply Regret the Inconvenience Caused”: DBS In a statement on Mar. 29, DBS CEO Piyush Gupta expressed the bank’s disappointment that many of their customers were unable to access DBS digital banking services.
He added, “We hold ourselves to higher standards, and it is our utmost priority to scrutinize the events of today. We acknowledge the gravity of the situation, appreciate our customers’ understanding, and deeply regret the inconvenience caused.”
Have you heard? Singapore’s newest attraction, “Bird Paradise”, is set to open its doors to the public on May 8, 2023 at Mandai Wildlife Reserve!
After 52 years at the original bird park, Jurong Bird Park has left an indelible mark on most of our childhoods where we might have gotten our first glimpses of parrots and penguins in person. The original premises, which closed on January 3, 2023, saw the resident creatures (more than 3,000 birds from over 400 avian species) migrating over to their new ‘paradise’ at Bird Paradise!
This well-deserved upgrade features eight huge walkthrough aviaries and more, built not only for visitors to enjoy but for the resident birds as well. These aviaries have been intentionally designed to mimic different ecologies and habitats from around the world, such as Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
From the themed zones like Heart of Africa and Wings of Asia to the sparkling new Penguin Cove and the restaurant with great views of a waterfall, here are 14 exciting activities that await you at the new Bird Paradise!
Winged Sanctuary – a space sharing rare and predatory birds of high conservation value with over 100 species of birds and their exhibits from the Brahminy Starling and Santa Cruz Ground Dove, to Maleo and Philippine Falconet.
Penguin Cove – a cold salt-water habitat designed for penguins. It also features the Penguin Cove Restaurant, where you can dine with mouthwatering buffet spreads in an underwater environment with the penguins.
Heart of Africa – the largest walk-through aviary simulating the forested valleys of Africa with colourful birds living in towering trees. It also includes a Bee-eater’s Cliff, Congolese pavilions, and a viewing tower that provides a great viewpoint of the African-themed habitat.
Wings of Asia – a habitat created specifically for Southeast Asian creatures where you’ll find pheasants in the undergrowth and hornbills up in the tree. There are also cultural elements like a Balinese-inspired gate, pavilions, and water-based sound sculptures to explore and take photos with.
Crimson Wetlands – here you’ll be enamoured with the strikingly colourful display of Scarlet Ibises and Roseate Spoonbills gliding over marshy wetlands set against the backdrop of a floating village in South America. Check out the clay lick wall where gorgeous macaws can be seen feeding as well as a waterfall and Crimson Restaurant offering lovely views of the area.
Amazonian Jewels – head deep into the Amazon jungle and meet unique bird species like the Amazonian Motmot and Chestnut-eared Aracari while checking out iconic Amazonian rainforest ficus trees, large buttress roots and more.
Songs of the Forest – a walk-through aviary specifically for the singing songbirds of Asia with the Bali Myna, Straw-headed Bulbul and Asian Fairy Bluebirds. Here’s where you’ll find a peaceful haven with large overhanging leaves and glistening streams inspired by the riverine forests of Southeast Asia.
Mysterious Papua – Birds of Paradise of New Guinea conducting flamboyant courtship dances. Don’t forget to duck into the longhouse-style bird hideout to observe Papuan birds like the Southern Cassowary, North Papuan King Parrot and Palm Cockatoo up close!
Australian Outback – a dry simulated forest environment that’s home to different species of Lorikeets, endangered Lorikeets, and flocks of pigeons.
Lory Loft – climb suspension bridges inspired by ethnic treehouses in Papua and look at the beautiful lories and parrots. Visitors can also offer the birds a nectar cup to entice the birds to come up close and even to perch on your wrists and shoulders.
Sky Amphitheatre – will play host to two new avian presentations, Predators on Wings and Wings of the World, in a familiar yet upgraded format that will feature the amazing talents of the birds alongside their trainers.
Feeding sessions – get up close and personal with new breeds like African Hornbills, Barbets, Pelicans, and Lories from the different zones. All proceeds from animal feedings go towards Mandai Wildlife Group’s conservation projects.
Keeper-led experiences – embark on a Bird Discovery Tour, where you’ll be able to get the insider scoop on the most charismatic of our feathered friends, or sign up for a Backstage Pass, which gives guests an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into the Avian Healthcare and Research Centre.
Mandai Wildlife West – a public guest area comprising children’s play areas and dining options. Guests will be greeted by a 10m-tall waterfall sculpted after Indonesia’s Mad
If you get hungry after all that exploration, you can choose from a variety of eco-friendly retail and F&B options, including Luke’s Lobster, Leckerbaer, Mr Holmes Bakehouse, A&W, Pavilion Banana Leaf, and Birds of Paradise.
So mark your calendars for May 8, 2023, and get ready to explore the new Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve!
Sky Amphitheatre 如果你怀念 Jurong Bird Park 的 Kings of the Skies 和 High Flyers 的表演，那么 Sky Amphitheatre 将会是你的好去处。它将举办两个新的鸟类表演—— Predators on Wings 和 Wings of the World，以熟悉但升级的形式呈现出鸟类和训练师的惊人才能。
Bird Paradise, the new wildlife park in Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve, is set to open its doors on May 8, offering visitors a chance to get up close and personal with over 3,500 birds from 400 different species. During its soft opening period from May 8 to May 26, tickets will be available at a discounted rate, with adult tickets priced at SGD 38, children’s tickets at SGD 23, and senior citizen tickets at SGD 20. Visitors can pre-book their tickets and any add-on programs from April 24.
The park is home to many of the world’s most threatened species, such as the Philippine eagle, the Negros bleeding-heart dove, and the blue-throated macaw. Visitors can enjoy the sight of the world’s largest population of hornbills under human care, flying free in one of the eight large walk-through aviaries in the park, each of which is inspired by different habitats from around the world. Guests can also watch two new avian presentations, “Predators on Wings” and “Wings of the World,” at the Sky Amphitheatre.
In addition to all the exciting bird-watching opportunities, Bird Paradise offers a range of fun activities for visitors, such as feeding sessions where guests can feed starlings, African hornbills, pelicans, and lories for just SGD 8 per session. All proceeds from animal feedings go towards the conservation projects that Mandai Wildlife Group supports in Singapore and across the region. Visitors can also join the Friends of Wildlife membership program, which provides year-round access to all four wildlife parks including Bird Paradise, as well as other benefits such as priority privileges, wildlife experiences, and discounts. Membership fees start from SGD 195 for Friends of Wildlife and SGD 245 for Friends of Wildlife Plus.
Don’t miss out on this unique and beautiful new attraction! Come to Bird Paradise and immerse yourself in the charm of nature and its fascinating feathered creatures.
SINGAPORE – Former Singapore Idol judge Ken Lim appeared in court to face charges of molesting a 25-year-old woman. The alleged incident took place in November 2021 at the Hype Records office.
Ken Lim, the executive director of Hype Records, is accused of touching the woman’s breast through skin-to-skin contact. Prosecutors requested a gag order on the identity of the victim.
Ken Lim’s lawyer stated that the investigation has been ongoing for more than 15 months, and Ken Lim maintains his innocence, refusing to plead guilty. Currently, he is released on bail of S$10,000.
The court granted Ken Lim’s application to travel to Phuket, Thailand, from May 25 to June 4 to handle “property management issues,” subject to an additional S$10,000 bail.
If convicted of outrage of modesty, Ken Lim may face up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, and caning, although those above the age of 50 are exempt from caning.
Paws up, pet lovers! Singapore’s biggest pet party, PetExpo 2023, is coming to town from April 14th to 16th at the Singapore Expo. With over 80 retail booths offering adorable pet merchandise, exclusive sales, pet competitions, and more, this is the ultimate pet paradise you won’t want to miss!
Photo: PetExpo/facebook
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, PetExpo is the ultimate pet fiesta where you can score some pawsome deals on pet supplies, including food, accessories, and toys. Got a picky eater at home? Don’t worry! You’ll find delicious treats and expert advice on how to trick your furkid into a healthier diet.
Photo: PetExpo/facebook
Think your pet needs a makeover? On-site grooming services are available to give your pet a fabulous new look. And once they’re all dolled up, you can take them shopping for some trendy outfits and accessories.
Photo: PetExpo/facebook
But wait, there’s more! PetExpo has an impressive lineup of competitions, shows, and seminars that’ll keep you entertained all day long. Curious about the 4th Singapore Guppy Championship or the Singapore Ornamental Shrimp Competition? We are too! So, grab your tickets and join the fun at Singapore’s largest pet fair!
