A 68-year-old woman who was allowed to stay in Singapore as a prosecution witness in 2007, but failed to report for repatriation, has been jailed after living here illegally for more than 19 years. Chinese national Ding Hui Yun was sentenced on 21 Oct to six months' jail and a $2,000 fine, after pleading guilty to remaining in Singapore after her special pass expired. If you're a regular visitor to JB, you'll soon be able to keep a stash of ringgit in your OCBC savings account, and earn interest on it. From 23 Oct, OCBC Global Savings Account and Premier Global Savings Account holders can convert Singapore dollars into ringgit and hold up to RM50,000, reports Channel News Asia . The bank says there are no foreign currency transaction fees, and that the money can be spent with an OCBC debit card or withdrawn at ATMs in Malaysia. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Miss Universe Singapore Vion Erico Tan to miss Puerto Rico pageant over franchise row Vion Erico Tan was meant to fly to Puerto Rico on 6 Nov, her 24th birthday, to represent Singapore at Miss Universe. Now she won't be going. Miss Universe Singapore is one of six Southeast Asian titleholders who will sit out this year's pageant because of a dispute over who holds the franchise rights in their countries, reports The Straits Times . The other representatives not competing are from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Laos. "Since her crowning, our team has been actively preparing for her participation in Puerto Rico, and she was fully ready to carry Singapore with pride," the Miss Universe Singapore Organisation said on Thursday (22 Oct). Tan, in a lengthy Instagram post , said the news has "hit me harder than I can put into words" and that she needs time to process everything before sharing her next move. "This journey was never just about a crown or a competition," she said. "It was about the opportunity to carry Singapore's name onto an international stage, to share our culture, our stories, and the spirit of a small nation with big dreams." "That is what made this opportunity so meaningful to me," added Tan. More details on the franchise dispute in The Straits Times , here. Vion Erico Tan was meant to fly to Puerto Rico on 6 Nov, her 24th birthday, to represent Singapore at Miss Universe. Now she won't be going. Miss Universe Singapore is one of six Southeast Asian titleholders who will sit out this year's pageant because of a dispute over who holds the franchise rights in their countries, reports The Straits Times . The other representatives not competing are from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Laos. "Since her crowning, our team has been actively preparing for her participation in Puerto Rico, and she was fully ready to carry Singapore with pride," the Miss Universe Singapore Organisation said on Thursday (22 Oct). Tan, in a lengthy Instagram post , said the news has "hit me harder than I can put into words" and that she needs time to process everything before sharing her next move. "This journey was never just about a crown or a competition," she said. "It was about the opportunity to carry Singapore's name onto an international stage, to share our culture, our stories, and the spirit of a small nation with big dreams." "That is what made this opportunity so meaningful to me," added Tan. More details on the franchise dispute in The Straits Times , here. SIA to upgrade in-flight entertainment with up to 32-inch 4K screens and Bluetooth Bigger screens, Bluetooth, Starlink: What's new on SIA flights from 2027. (Photo: Singapore Airlines) Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers can look forward to bigger, sharper screens and faster Wi-Fi from 2027. The upgraded KrisWorld system will come on 41 retrofitted Airbus A350s and the airline's upcoming Boeing 777-9 jets, SIA said on Thursday (22 Oct) . Screens First class: 32-inch touchscreens on the retrofitted ultra-long-range A350s. Business class: 22-inch 4K OLED screens on the retrofitted A350s. Boeing 777-9: 4K screens of up to 16 inches in premium economy and 13 inches in economy. Entertainment and features More than 2,500 entertainment options, plus spatial audio and noise-cancelling headphones. Bluetooth pairing for personal headphones (on the retrofitted A350s, only in selected premium cabins). A redesigned interface with a mini-player, so you can keep watching while you browse. In first and business class, saved seat positions for dining and sleeping that carry over to future flights. Wi-Fi Starlink satellite internet will be rolled out from early 2027 on SIA's A380s and its retrofitted A350s. Free unlimited Wi-Fi will continue for premium cabins and for KrisFlyer and PPS Club members. You can read more about SIA's in-flight entertainment getting a major upgrade in the Straits Times , here. Bigger screens, Bluetooth, Starlink: What's new on SIA flights from 2027. (Photo: Singapore Airlines) Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers can look forward to bigger, sharper screens and faster Wi-Fi from 2027. The upgraded KrisWorld system will come on 41 retrofitted Airbus A350s and the airline's upcoming Boeing 777-9 jets, SIA said on Thursday (22 Oct) . First class: 32-inch touchscreens on the retrofitted ultra-long-range A350s. First class: 32-inch touchscreens on the retrofitted ultra-long-range A350s. Business class: 22-inch 4K OLED screens on the retrofitted A350s. Business class: 22-inch 4K OLED screens on the retrofitted A350s. Boeing 777-9: 4K screens of up to 16 inches in premium economy and 13 inches in economy. Boeing 777-9: 4K screens of up to 16 inches in premium economy and 13 inches in economy. Entertainment and features More than 2,500 entertainment options, plus spatial audio and noise-cancelling headphones. More than 2,500 entertainment options, plus spatial audio and noise-cancelling headphones. Bluetooth pairing for personal headphones (on the retrofitted A350s, only in selected premium cabins). Bluetooth pairing for personal headphones (on the retrofitted A350s, only in selected premium cabins). A redesigned interface with a mini-player, so you can keep watching while you browse. A redesigned interface with a mini-player, so you can keep watching while you browse. In first and business class, saved seat positions for dining and sleeping that carry over to future flights. In first and business class, saved seat positions for dining and sleeping that carry over to future flights. Starlink satellite internet will be rolled out from early 2027 on SIA's A380s and its retrofitted A350s. Free unlimited Wi-Fi will continue for premium cabins and for KrisFlyer and PPS Club members. Starlink satellite internet will be rolled out from early 2027 on SIA's A380s and its retrofitted A350s. Free unlimited Wi-Fi will continue for premium cabins and for KrisFlyer and PPS Club members. You can read more about SIA's in-flight entertainment getting a major upgrade in the Straits Times , here. Singapore's air back to good-moderate range after 18 days of unhealthy haze Singapore's skyline has been shrouded in haze caused by fires in Indonesia. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images) You can take that run outdoors again, at least for now. After 18 days of unhealthy air, Singapore's 24-hour PSI dropped into the good to moderate range in every region by 3pm on Thursday (22 Oct), with readings of 71 to 99. At these levels, normal activities can go ahead. One-hour PM2.5 readings, a measure of the air right now, have been normal since 1am. But the fires in Indonesia are still burning, according to NEA satellite maps. The winds are currently pushing thick smoke towards Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Kalimantan and western Sarawak instead. More stories on the haze here: Why is it difficult to identify companies linked to fires? How can S'pore's haze law be strengthened? N95 masks available at all FairPrice outlets, pharmacies; other retailers to restock by end of week President berates countries that 'insult' Indonesia over wildfires Borneo burning: Life on the frontline of South East Asia's toxic haze Singapore's skyline has been shrouded in haze caused by fires in Indonesia. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images) You can take that run outdoors again, at least for now. After 18 days of unhealthy air, Singapore's 24-hour PSI dropped into the good to moderate range in every region by 3pm on Thursday (22 Oct), with readings of 71 to 99. At these levels, normal activities can go ahead. One-hour PM2.5 readings, a measure of the air right now, have been normal since 1am. But the fires in Indonesia are still burning, according to NEA satellite maps. The winds are currently pushing thick smoke towards Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Kalimantan and western Sarawak instead. More stories on the haze here: Why is it difficult to identify companies linked to fires? How can S'pore's haze law be strengthened? Why is it difficult to identify companies linked to fires? How can S'pore's haze law be strengthened? N95 masks available at all FairPrice outlets, pharmacies; other retailers to restock by end of week N95 masks available at all FairPrice outlets, pharmacies; other retailers to restock by end of week President berates countries that 'insult' Indonesia over wildfires President berates countries that 'insult' Indonesia over wildfires Borneo burning: Life on the frontline of South East Asia's toxic haze Borneo burning: Life on the frontline of South East Asia's toxic haze 'Your friend, The Weeknd': Singer thanks Tony Leung and Carina Lau for HK dinner 'Thank you for an incredible night,' wrote the The Weeknd on a menu in a personal note for Hong Kong celebrity couple Tony Leung and Carina Lau. (Photos: carinalau1208/IG). Canadian singer The Weeknd enjoyed a private dinner in Hong Kong with screen legend Tony Leung and his wife, actress Carina Lau, ahead of his concerts in the city. Lau shared photos of the evening on Instagram on 17 Oct, writing: "What a perfect weekend with The Weeknd!" The three posed with Victoria Harbour behind them, Leung in a casual blue shirt and jeans, and The Weeknd all in black. The menu included abalone pasta, wagyu beef tenderloin with prawn, and Alba white truffle. The singer left a handwritten note on the menu: "Thank you for an incredible night. Your friend, The Weeknd. To Carina & Tony." More on this story including The Weeknd's nod to Hong Kong films in Cinema Online . 'Thank you for an incredible night,' wrote the The Weeknd on a menu in a personal note for Hong Kong celebrity couple Tony Leung and Carina Lau. (Photos: carinalau1208/IG). Canadian singer The Weeknd enjoyed a private dinner in Hong Kong with screen legend Tony Leung and his wife, actress Carina Lau, ahead of his concerts in the city. Lau shared photos of the evening on Instagram on 17 Oct, writing: "What a perfect weekend with The Weeknd!" The three posed with Victoria Harbour behind them, Leung in a casual blue shirt and jeans, and The Weeknd all in black. The menu included abalone pasta, wagyu beef tenderloin with prawn, and Alba white truffle. The singer left a handwritten note on the menu: "Thank you for an incredible night. Your friend, The Weeknd. To Carina & Tony." More on this story including The Weeknd's nod to Hong Kong films in Cinema Online . Malaysia bans Waze for civil servants, urges public to switch to local app TuJu Malaysia has urged the public to uninstall Waze, citing concerns that users' personal and movement data could fall under Israeli jurisdiction. (Photo Illustration: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty) Malaysia wants its people to stop using Waze , though it won't force them to. Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin of the National Security Council said on Thursday (22 Oct) that the government was urging the public to uninstall the navigation app, because its terms of use are governed by Israeli law. That means users' personal and movement data could fall under Israeli jurisdiction. Civil servants have already been banned from using Waze on official duty. For everyone else, though, it's a choice. "If they are willing for their data to go to Israel, and any legal disputes to be decided by Israeli courts, that is a matter of their own discretion," he said. The government is promoting TuJu , a local alternative from the Malaysian Highway Authority, as a replacement. An updated version of the app, with features such as finding where you parked, is due on iPhones by the end of the year. However, a prominent Malaysian politician has already branded TuJu a 'national embarrassment' and a failure. More on this in the Malay Mail , here. Advertisement Advertisement Malaysia has urged the public to uninstall Waze, citing concerns that users' personal and movement data could fall under Israeli jurisdiction. (Photo Illustration: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty) Malaysia wants its people to stop using Waze , though it won't force them to. Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin of the National Security Council said on Thursday (22 Oct) that the government was urging the public to uninstall the navigation app, because its terms of use are governed by Israeli law. That means users' personal and movement data could fall under Israeli jurisdiction. Civil servants have already been banned from using Waze on official duty. For everyone else, though, it's a choice. "If they are willing for their data to go to Israel, and any legal disputes to be decided by Israeli courts, that is a matter of their own discretion," he said. The government is promoting TuJu , a local alternative from the Malaysian Highway Authority, as a replacement. An updated version of the app, with features such as finding where you parked, is due on iPhones by the end of the year. However, a prominent Malaysian politician has already branded TuJu a 'national embarrassment' and a failure. More on this in the Malay Mail , here. AI uncovers decade-old flaws in PHP, sending websites offline worldwide: What to know If a website you use went down this week, it may have been protecting itself. (Photo: Bernd Weißbrod via Getty Images). Websites around the world have gone offline after AI tools uncovered critical security flaws in PHP, a programming language that helps run an estimated 70 per cent of the world's websites, AFP reported . Security firm Wiz Research said it used AI to find weaknesses that had been hidden in PHP's code for more than a decade. The flaws were kept quiet while a fix was developed, and the fix was released on Wednesday (21 Oct). The PHP Foundation urged organisations to update immediately. Sites from the Paris police website to a Pokémon sleep tracker went offline as developers rushed to patch their code. OpenAI called it "one of the most impactful vulnerabilities in recent memory". Experts say there is no evidence so far that hackers exploited the flaws. But smaller sites may stay exposed for weeks or months. "There are sites, systems and people out there who will have no idea about this," Steve Kerrison of James Cook University's Singapore campus told AFP. The full AFP explainer covers what it could mean for users. If a website you use went down this week, it may have been protecting itself. (Photo: Bernd Weißbrod via Getty Images). Websites around the world have gone offline after AI tools uncovered critical security flaws in PHP, a programming language that helps run an estimated 70 per cent of the world's websites, AFP reported . Security firm Wiz Research said it used AI to find weaknesses that had been hidden in PHP's code for more than a decade. The flaws were kept quiet while a fix was developed, and the fix was released on Wednesday (21 Oct). The PHP Foundation urged organisations to update immediately. Sites from the Paris police website to a Pokémon sleep tracker went offline as developers rushed to patch their code. OpenAI called it "one of the most impactful vulnerabilities in recent memory".

Experts say there is no evidence so far that hackers exploited the flaws. But smaller sites may stay exposed for weeks or months. "There are sites, systems and people out there who will have no idea about this," Steve Kerrison of James Cook University's Singapore campus told AFP. The full AFP explainer covers what it could mean for users. Japan is famed for hosting big events. So what went wrong at the Asian Games? Japan has a reputation for running major events like clockwork. (Photo: Getty Images) Organisers of this year's Asian Games in Nagoy a have admitted the event was hit by a string of "unexpected issues". There were accommodation shortages and transport mix-ups, and the North Korean anthem was played for South Korea's men's hockey team, the BBC reported . Organisers decided not to build an athletes' village to save money. Instead, they housed participants in hotels and container-style units. When late additions pushed the number of delegation members from 15,000 to 17,000, an Italian cruise ship with 1,500 cabins was brought in to fill the gap. Athletes were also bussed to the wrong venues, and Japan ended up sending a formal apology to South Korea. "Hosting and managing an event of this scale was a major challenge for us," deputy director general of the Games, Takaaki Omi told the BBC, adding that organisers responded quickly to feedback. Kozo Tomiyama, a sports events expert at Osaka University, warned that the problems could hurt Japan's chances of attracting future competitions. But the director general for the Olympic Council of Asia has highlighted the 54 new world records achieved at the Games. More of this story in the BBC , here. Japan has a reputation for running major events like clockwork. (Photo: Getty Images) Organisers of this year's Asian Games in Nagoy a have admitted the event was hit by a string of "unexpected issues". There were accommodation shortages and transport mix-ups, and the North Korean anthem was played for South Korea's men's hockey team, the BBC reported . Organisers decided not to build an athletes' village to save money. Instead, they housed participants in hotels and container-style units. When late additions pushed the number of delegation members from 15,000 to 17,000, an Italian cruise ship with 1,500 cabins was brought in to fill the gap. Athletes were also bussed to the wrong venues, and Japan ended up sending a formal apology to South Korea. "Hosting and managing an event of this scale was a major challenge for us," deputy director general of the Games, Takaaki Omi told the BBC, adding that organisers responded quickly to feedback. Kozo Tomiyama, a sports events expert at Osaka University, warned that the problems could hurt Japan's chances of attracting future competitions. But the director general for the Olympic Council of Asia has highlighted the 54 new world records achieved at the Games. More of this story in the BBC , here. PHOTOS: PM Wong meets Singaporeans in Qatar and the UAE Prime Minister Lawrence Wong caught up with Singaporeans living and working in Qatar and the UAE. (Photo: MDDI) Wherever you may be in the world, Singapore will always be home, said PM Wong in a Facebook post where he shared snaps of his catch up with Singaporeans in Qatar and the UAE. (Photo: MDDI) PM Wong has thanked Singaporeans in Qatar and the UAE for "looking out for one another, and for flying our flag high." (Photo: MDDI). PM Wong said Singaporean communities in Qatar and the UAE help to build bridges between Singapore and their host countries. (Photo: MDDI). You can read PM Lawrence Wong's Facebook post , here. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong caught up with Singaporeans living and working in Qatar and the UAE. (Photo: MDDI) Wherever you may be in the world, Singapore will always be home, said PM Wong in a Facebook post where he shared snaps of his catch up with Singaporeans in Qatar and the UAE. (Photo: MDDI) PM Wong has thanked Singaporeans in Qatar and the UAE for "looking out for one another, and for flying our flag high." (Photo: MDDI). PM Wong said Singaporean communities in Qatar and the UAE help to build bridges between Singapore and their host countries. (Photo: MDDI). You can read PM Lawrence Wong's Facebook post , here. Pope Leo's lung cancer surgery a success, no further treatment needed: Vatican Pope Leo XIV blesses the crowd during the weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on 21 Oct. (Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images) Less than two weeks after lung cancer surgery, Pope Leo XIV has been told he needs no further treatment . That raises the question of whether a demanding trip to South America next month can still go ahead. The Vatican said on Wednesday (21 Oct) that the cancer removed from his left lung was localised, and that no further therapy was needed. The trip, planned to include Peru, Uruguay and Argentina and at least 14 flights, has not been officially confirmed. His surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News he saw "no clinical reasons" to cancel. Dr Juanita Mora of the American Lung Association, who was not involved in his care, told CNN that the pope's recovery has been much faster than normal. He would still need regular scans for years to check that the cancer has not returned, she said. CNN has more on what doctors would advise before he travels . Advertisement Advertisement Pope Leo XIV blesses the crowd during the weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on 21 Oct. (Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images) Less than two weeks after lung cancer surgery, Pope Leo XIV has been told he needs no further treatment . That raises the question of whether a demanding trip to South America next month can still go ahead. The Vatican said on Wednesday (21 Oct) that the cancer removed from his left lung was localised, and that no further therapy was needed. The trip, planned to include Peru, Uruguay and Argentina and at least 14 flights, has not been officially confirmed. His surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News he saw "no clinical reasons" to cancel. Dr Juanita Mora of the American Lung Association, who was not involved in his care, told CNN that the pope's recovery has been much faster than normal. He would still need regular scans for years to check that the cancer has not returned, she said. CNN has more on what doctors would advise before he travels . At least $249,000 lost to scammers who hijack WhatsApp accounts to ask for loans At least $249,000 has been lost in about 1.5 months to scammers who take over WhatsApp accounts and pose as the owners to ask their contacts for money. (Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images) If a friend or relative messages you on WhatsApp asking for a loan, call them before you send anything. Police say scammers are hijacking WhatsApp accounts and posing as their owners to ask for money, and at least $249,000 has been lost in 128 cases since September. The messages usually come with an excuse: the sender can't make a bank transfer, has reached a limit, or needs help paying someone. Some parents have received requests that appeared to come from their children, for payment for an AI or exchange programme. To protect yourself, police advise : Turning on two-step verification in WhatsApp Removing any linked devices you don't recognise Downloading the ScamShield app to filter suspicious messages and block scam calls The Straits Times has more on the rise of impersonation scams in Singapore. At least $249,000 has been lost in about 1.5 months to scammers who take over WhatsApp accounts and pose as the owners to ask their contacts for money. (Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images) If a friend or relative messages you on WhatsApp asking for a loan, call them before you send anything. Police say scammers are hijacking WhatsApp accounts and posing as their owners to ask for money, and at least $249,000 has been lost in 128 cases since September. The messages usually come with an excuse: the sender can't make a bank transfer, has reached a limit, or needs help paying someone. Some parents have received requests that appeared to come from their children, for payment for an AI or exchange programme. To protect yourself, police advise : Turning on two-step verification in WhatsApp Turning on two-step verification in WhatsApp Removing any linked devices you don't recognise Removing any linked devices you don't recognise Downloading the ScamShield app to filter suspicious messages and block scam calls Downloading the ScamShield app to filter suspicious messages and block scam calls The Straits Times has more on the rise of impersonation scams in Singapore. Temasek, GIC deny ex-Indonesian minister's claim they triggered market collapse Former Indonesian trade minister Muhammad Lutfi claimed in an Instagram video that Temasek and GIC pushed MSCI to threaten a downgrade. (Photo: Reuters) Temasek and GIC have denied claims by former Indonesian trade minister Muhammad Lutfi that they helped bring about the recent collapse of Indonesia's stock market . In an Instagram video, Lutfi alleged that Singapore's two biggest state investors had pressured index provider MSCI to threaten Indonesia with a downgrade , so that they could buy Indonesian assets cheaply. Last week, MSCI said it expects to remove Indonesia from its global indexes unless governance improves, and Indonesian stocks then suffered their biggest fall since 1998. Lutfi's claims "have no basis and are patently untrue", said Fock Wai Hoong of Temasek Global Investments. He added that no one from Temasek had ever contacted MSCI or influenced its decisions. GIC said the allegations about the fund and its staff were "untrue", and that it had invested in Indonesia for more than 30 years. Bloomberg's full story has more details on Indonesia's bid to avoid a downgrade. Former Indonesian trade minister Muhammad Lutfi claimed in an Instagram video that Temasek and GIC pushed MSCI to threaten a downgrade. (Photo: Reuters) Temasek and GIC have denied claims by former Indonesian trade minister Muhammad Lutfi that they helped bring about the recent collapse of Indonesia's stock market . In an Instagram video, Lutfi alleged that Singapore's two biggest state investors had pressured index provider MSCI to threaten Indonesia with a downgrade , so that they could buy Indonesian assets cheaply. Last week, MSCI said it expects to remove Indonesia from its global indexes unless governance improves, and Indonesian stocks then suffered their biggest fall since 1998. Lutfi's claims "have no basis and are patently untrue", said Fock Wai Hoong of Temasek Global Investments. He added that no one from Temasek had ever contacted MSCI or influenced its decisions. GIC said the allegations about the fund and its staff were "untrue", and that it had invested in Indonesia for more than 30 years. Bloomberg's full story has more details on Indonesia's bid to avoid a downgrade. 'He always wanted people to hug him': Family of jailed father remember baby Trevor Family of man jailed over baby son's death still struggling to accept what happened. (Photo: Getty Images) She remembers him smiling. To his grandmother, eight-month-old Trevor was a happy baby who loved being carried, with "a face like a 'big biscuit'". "He always wanted people to hug him," added Trevor's aunt. The two women spoke to The Straits Times after Trevor's parents, Neo Jia Ming, 27, and Chloe Gan Ci Xuan, 23, were jailed on 21 Oct over his death in September 2024 after months of abuse. Neo was sentenced to 16 years' jail and Gan to 15 years and three months. Neo's mother, who gave her surname as Koh, said she saw her grandson only occasionally because of work. The last time was a few weeks before he died, when she bathed him and saw no bruises. "Till now, I'm still not able to accept it," said Neo's sister, who told ST that the case did not match the brother she knew. The Malay Mail has more on the family's memories of baby Trevor. Family of man jailed over baby son's death still struggling to accept what happened. (Photo: Getty Images) She remembers him smiling. To his grandmother, eight-month-old Trevor was a happy baby who loved being carried, with "a face like a 'big biscuit'". "He always wanted people to hug him," added Trevor's aunt. The two women spoke to The Straits Times after Trevor's parents, Neo Jia Ming, 27, and Chloe Gan Ci Xuan, 23, were jailed on 21 Oct over his death in September 2024 after months of abuse. Neo was sentenced to 16 years' jail and Gan to 15 years and three months. Neo's mother, who gave her surname as Koh, said she saw her grandson only occasionally because of work. The last time was a few weeks before he died, when she bathed him and saw no bruises. "Till now, I'm still not able to accept it," said Neo's sister, who told ST that the case did not match the brother she knew. The Malay Mail has more on the family's memories of baby Trevor. Korean director thanks SGIFF for standing firm as contested thriller opens festival SGIFF opens with 'The Assassin(s)' after South Korean party demanded it be pulled. (Photo: Variety). The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has opened with the South Korean political thriller 'The Assassin(s)', two weeks after the country's main opposition party asked the festival to drop it. On 6 Oct, the People Power Party wrote to SGIFF on behalf of all 109 of its lawmakers, arguing that the film distorts history. The film is set around the 1974 assassination of South Korea's first lady, Yuk Young-soo. Its critics say its open ending implicates her husband, then-President Park Chung-hee, or his government. The film's producers say it does not name anyone as being behind the attack. At the gala screening at Marina Bay Sands on Wednesday (21 Oct), director Hur Jin-ho thanked the festival "for protecting artistic freedom and the freedom of expression in cinema". Festival chair Boo Junfeng said SGIFF stood by its decision: "It is not always easy to remain steadfast in the face of pressure, but I suppose choosing the path of least resistance isn't quite in our DNA." The full Variety story has more on the backlash the film faced at home. Advertisement Advertisement SGIFF opens with 'The Assassin(s)' after South Korean party demanded it be pulled. (Photo: Variety). The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has opened with the South Korean political thriller 'The Assassin(s)', two weeks after the country's main opposition party asked the festival to drop it. On 6 Oct, the People Power Party wrote to SGIFF on behalf of all 109 of its lawmakers, arguing that the film distorts history. The film is set around the 1974 assassination of South Korea's first lady, Yuk Young-soo. Its critics say its open ending implicates her husband, then-President Park Chung-hee, or his government. The film's producers say it does not name anyone as being behind the attack. At the gala screening at Marina Bay Sands on Wednesday (21 Oct), director Hur Jin-ho thanked the festival "for protecting artistic freedom and the freedom of expression in cinema". Festival chair Boo Junfeng said SGIFF stood by its decision: "It is not always easy to remain steadfast in the face of pressure, but I suppose choosing the path of least resistance isn't quite in our DNA." The full Variety story has more on the backlash the film faced at home. OCBC Bank to let customers hold up to RM50,000 in S'pore accounts and earn interest Money can be spent with an OCBC debit card or withdrawn at ATMs in Malaysia. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images) OCBC customers will be able to hold up to RM50,000 (about $15,700) in their Singapore savings accounts and earn interest on it from 23 Oct, Channel News Asia reports . Customers with an OCBC Global Savings Account or Premier Global Savings Account will be able to convert Singapore dollars into ringgit with no foreign currency transaction fees, then spend it with their debit cards or withdraw it at ATMs in Malaysia. Balances will earn 1 per cent interest a year until 30 Jun 2027, then 0.5 per cent, with no minimum balance. OCBC, as per CNA, will be the first non-Malaysian bank to let customers hold ringgit in a Singapore-based savings account. Until now, that has mostly been possible only through e-wallets such as YouTrip and Wise, which don't pay interest. The bank expects demand to grow once the RTS Link opens . "Singaporeans are savvy and rate-conscious," said Tan Siew Lee, OCBC's head of group wealth management. Money can be spent with an OCBC debit card or withdrawn at ATMs in Malaysia. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images) OCBC customers will be able to hold up to RM50,000 (about $15,700) in their Singapore savings accounts and earn interest on it from 23 Oct, Channel News Asia reports . Customers with an OCBC Global Savings Account or Premier Global Savings Account will be able to convert Singapore dollars into ringgit with no foreign currency transaction fees, then spend it with their debit cards or withdraw it at ATMs in Malaysia. Balances will earn 1 per cent interest a year until 30 Jun 2027, then 0.5 per cent, with no minimum balance. OCBC, as per CNA, will be the first non-Malaysian bank to let customers hold ringgit in a Singapore-based savings account. Until now, that has mostly been possible only through e-wallets such as YouTrip and Wise, which don't pay interest. The bank expects demand to grow once the RTS Link opens . "Singaporeans are savvy and rate-conscious," said Tan Siew Lee, OCBC's head of group wealth management. Chinese national who overstayed 19 years turns herself in with husband Kept in Singapore as a witness, she never left: Woman jailed after 19-year overstay. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images) When Ding Hui Yun stood before the judge, she asked for two things: a lighter sentence, and to be sent home with her husband so they could look after each other on the flight. The 68-year-old Chinese national had lived in Singapore illegally for 19 years, two months and 23 days. In 2007, she had been allowed to stay here on a special pass as a prosecution witness after an earlier immigration offence. She then failed to report for repatriation, the court heard, because she wanted to avoid debtors back in China. Earlier this month, unable to support herself any longer, she turned herself in to ICA along with her husband. On Wednesday (21 Oct), she was sentenced to six months' jail, the maximum term, and a $2,000 fine. Her husband is due to plead guilty next week to a similar charge. You can read the full story in the Malay Mail , here. Kept in Singapore as a witness, she never left: Woman jailed after 19-year overstay. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images) When Ding Hui Yun stood before the judge, she asked for two things: a lighter sentence, and to be sent home with her husband so they could look after each other on the flight. The 68-year-old Chinese national had lived in Singapore illegally for 19 years, two months and 23 days. In 2007, she had been allowed to stay here on a special pass as a prosecution witness after an earlier immigration offence. She then failed to report for repatriation, the court heard, because she wanted to avoid debtors back in China. Earlier this month, unable to support herself any longer, she turned herself in to ICA along with her husband. On Wednesday (21 Oct), she was sentenced to six months' jail, the maximum term, and a $2,000 fine. Her husband is due to plead guilty next week to a similar charge. You can read the full story in the Malay Mail , here.