The Straits Times

Almost all current Integrated Shield Plan (IP) rider plans will cease sales come April 2026, when the new MOH requirements take effect. Only 2 plans out of 28 presently available ones can continue to be sold to new policyholders. https://str.sg/f637

Najib has been sentenced to 15 years’ jail by Malaysia's High Court after being found guilty in the 1MDB case. He was also fined RM11.4 billion, in default of which he would serve an additional 40 years in prison. https://str.sg/KgTr

💼 Starting an internship but not sure if you’re being paid fairly? While most industries offer stipends in the range of $1,000 to $2,000, internship remuneration in Singapore can vary widely depending on the industry and how specialised the position is. What you need to know: https://str.sg/hnuM #stheadstart

DEVELOPING: Former Malaysia prime minister Najib Razak has been found guilty of abusing his power in the 1MDB trial. The case involved the alleged misappropriation of about $727 million linked to the state fund. https://str.sg/KgTr

Several Singapore Airlines flights to and from New York have been cancelled due to a snowstorm in the US city and neighbouring regions. Details: https://str.sg/iwWkZ

🥶 A cold snap has brought subfreezing temperatures to South Korea. Seoul recorded a morning low of -11.8 deg C on Dec 26, the lowest temperature so far this winter. https://str.sg/9BVw

Shawn Loo Zhi Jian, the man who allegedly took drugs with ex-lawyer M. Ravi, has been charged in court. The 40-year-old Singaporean allegedly arranged a gathering with M. Ravi to consume methamphetamine at an Upper Boon Keng Road flat on Dec 24. https://str.sg/avGc

⛈ News for your morning! Singapore EZ-Link app to be terminated on Jan 8, integrated into SimplyGo app READ: https://str.sg/hRng Man and teenager arrested for allegedly snatching cash from an elderly man READ: https://str.sg/xiMv Asia Malaysia's Najib to face verdict in mega 1MDB graft trial READ: https://str.sg/nkJR Stay in the know: https://str.sg/wyYP

A 40-year-old Singaporean man who allegedly consumed drugs with former lawyer M. Ravi prior to his death will be charged today. M. Ravi died in hospital after he was found unconscious in the early hours of Dec 24. https://str.sg/m68w

⚠️ There is a major delay on the North-South Line between Ang Mo Kio and Woodland MRT stations due to a train fault, said SMRT. Commuters should expect additional travelling time, or consider taking the free bus services at affected stations. https://str.sg/JVeXR

A 43-year old woman was arrested for her suspected involvement in a case of graffiti at a Salvation Army branch in Bukit Timah. Scribbles had been found on at least 3 parked vehicles and some walls on Christmas morning. https://str.sg/davF

3 professors and a teaching assistant in South Korea who took exams on behalf of their students were fined. They did so in an attempt to prevent their department from being shut down. One professor took 29 tests for students, grading them all himself. https://str.sg/nHZz

(For subscribers) 😴 A good night’s sleep is not just about the number of hours you log.  One study found that people with heavily disrupted sleep were 2 to 3 times more likely to test lower in executive function, working memory and processing speeds a decade or so later. REM sleep is essential for a healthy brain. Tips for better sleep: https://str.sg/zYWC (via The New York Times)

Former lawyer M. Ravi had consumed a drug with a friend before he was found unconscious at home, said the police. The friend has been arrested for suspected drug-related offences. https://str.sg/rkToq

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck Taiwan’s southeastern coastal county of Taitung. The quake shook buildings in the capital, Taipei, but there was no immediate report of damage. https://str.sg/gpnp

❄️ There may be no white Christmas for South Korea, but temperatures are forecast to dip below 0 deg C on Dec 25. Roads are expected to be icy, increasing the risk of accidents. https://str.sg/CnYRX

Take note: It will cost 30 cents more to take a Grab ride from Jan 1, 2026. Passengers will pay $1.20, up from the current 90 cents. The new fee will only apply to transport rides, with other services remaining unchanged. https://str.sg/DQbu

South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster is taking legal action against competitor Blue Elephant for copying the design of its sunglasses. Gentle Monster claims that Blue Elephant replicated at least 30 products, selling them at 20% of the price. https://str.sg/fNMf

Former lawyer M. Ravi has been found dead in the early hours of Dec 24. ST understands that the police are investigating a case of unnatural death. https://str.sg/ebnF

⛈ News for your morning! Singapore 2026 outlook: What’s next for transport – and the top stories of 2025 READ: https://str.sg/wVAMG More jail time for man linked to case involving husbands who had their wives drugged and raped READ: https://str.sg/7rSs Asia Australian state passes tougher gun, anti-terror laws after Bondi Beach shooting READ: https://str.sg/q35C Stay in the know: https://str.sg/wyYP