The Straits Times

Cordlife will not be allowed to collect, test, process or store new cord blood with immediate effect. This comes after an audit by MOH revealed "significant lapses" in the company's processes. https://str.sg/cqc3

4 people were killed after a fire engulfed a high-rise residential building in Hong Kong. The fire in the Tai Po district north of the city has also left 2 in a critical condition. https://str.sg/vzf4

A renovation contractor who raped a woman in her home was sentenced to 12 years and 3 weeks in jail, and 13 strokes of the cane. He sexually assaulted the woman when returning to fix a light switch, claiming that the sex was consensual. https://str.sg/5aui

Integrated Shield Plan riders sold from April 2026 will no longer be allowed to cover minimum deductibles, as MOH targets rising premiums. The new riders are expected to cost a lot less, but policyholders will need to pay a larger portion of their bills: https://str.sg/q8mK

Malaysia says it has identified 11 active earthquake fault zones nationwide. 6 of them are in Peninsular Malaysia, including Bukit Tinggi in Pahang and Mersing in Johor. https://str.sg/LurU

The police have ordered TikTok and Facebook to disable a former ISA detainee's accounts over inflammatory posts inciting hatred between different racial and religious groups in Singapore. https://str.sg/jJNK

☁️ News for your morning! Singapore Countries should find ways to move forward even without US, but S'pore prefers its involvement: PM Wong READ: https://str.sg/buQR Baey Yam Keng suffers 'light abrasions' after collision with cyclist while running READ: https://str.sg/AoUMA British inventor James Dyson receives honorary degree from SUTD READ: https://str.sg/HhRu Stay in the know: https://str.sg/wyYP

The stronger ringgit has not stopped some Singaporeans from spending in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the firmer currency has made Singapore more attractive to Malaysians, who now need fewer ringgit to fund their shopping trips here. https://str.sg/F6Tn

Singaporeans should avoid travelling to flood-hit parts of southern Thailand including tourist hub Hat Yai, said MFA. Those in affected areas are advised to exercise vigilance, heed the advice of local authorities and register with the ministry online. https://str.sg/HZUg

CASE has received 15 complaints regarding the sudden closure of massage chain Wan Yang. Customers reported total losses of more than $29,000 in unused prepaid packages. https://str.sg/8Nyi

🌧 News for your morning! Singapore Singapore to open embassy in Addis Ababa as ties with Ethiopia grow READ: https://str.sg/L5Zk Over $10.6 million lost to job scams involving online tasks, web surveys since October READ: https://str.sg/a8sz Business S'pore High Court clears way for $3.5b suit against StanChart in 1MDB-linked claim to proceed READ: https://str.sg/M5qw Stay in the know: https://str.sg/wyYP

(For subscribers) Many travellers are buying eSIMs in order to enjoy seamless mobile data while on holiday. But with so many options on the market, it's hard to tell which offers the best value for money. We talk to experts to find out what exactly you are paying for: https://str.sg/Lhk9 #stheadstart

More than 1,000 tourists are stranded in Hat Yai due to severe flooding. The Thai city has been declared a disaster zone as it experiences its most severe deluge in 300 years. https://str.sg/LJY3

New bubble tea brand Cai Ca has replaced 6 former Gong Cha outlets here, almost 2 months after the Taiwanese chain's abrupt exit from Singapore. 🧋 The local brand by Gong Cha Singapore's former CEO, who also co-founded Mr Bean, offers soya milk tea drinks. https://str.sg/CBv9

All Singapore civil servants will get a year-end bonus of 1.3 months. Junior officers will get an additional one-time payment of $600. https://str.sg/JWC4K

📢 Singapore police will be conducting an exercise in the downtown area on Wednesday, Nov 26. Blank ammunition will be used, so do not be alarmed if you're in the area from 7pm to 10pm. https://str.sg/BPQu

5 new bus services will ferry residents living in Singapore's north-east to the city, starting from Dec 15. These City Direct services will operate during peak hours on weekdays. Details: https://str.sg/mhU4

An immersive Demon Slayer exhibition will arrive in Singapore for the first time in January 2026. ⚔️ Here's what fans of the Japanese anime can expect: https://str.sg/wsodx

Child sex offender Amos Yee has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, barely a week after being released on parole there. The 27-year-old Singaporean is likely to face deportation. If he returns, Mindef says he will be charged under the Enlistment Act. https://str.sg/JpDYm

☁️ News for your morning! Singapore Address concerns over AI's impact on jobs and livelihoods, and help workers adjust: PM Wong READ: https://str.sg/8Tqu Free verification tool to counter deepfake content to launch in 2026 READ: https://str.sg/ebQX 360-degree screen, AI assistant and robot: Digital village launched at Punggol Coast MRT station READ: https://str.sg/nob2 Stay in the know: https://str.sg/wyYP