Asia Pacific

A significant trial of the daily weight-loss pill orforglipron has shown promising results, helping participants shed an average of 7.3kg (16lbs) over nine months while also reducing blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Conducted by Eli Lilly, this phase 3 clinical trial positions orforglipron as a potential new treatment option in the ongoing fight against obesity and diabetes. The findings underscore the pill's effectiveness, contributing to its candidacy among new medications aimed at addressing these health issues. Full Article

SINGAPORE: Mr Chia Song Hwee will succeed Mr Tan Chong Meng as chairman of JTC Corporation on July 1, after being appointed chairman-designate starting May 1. Mr Tan, who led JTC through the pandemic and oversaw significant developments, will continue his leadership in other roles, including chairing the National University Health System board. The Ministry of Trade and Industry expressed gratitude for Mr Tan's contributions and welcomed Mr Chia, confident in his ability to further JTC's mission. Full Article

The article discusses the Trump administration's overreach in its dealings with major US institutions, suggesting that their aggressive tactics have led to a lack of significant pushback from entities like China, Harvard, and the Supreme Court. The piece highlights the involvement of prominent figures associated with Trump, such as JD Vance, Elon Musk, Russell Vought, Stephen Miller, and RFK Jr., who are characterized as fanatics. Written by Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor and a professor at UC Berkeley, the commentary reflects on the power dynamics and challenges faced by these institutions. Full Article

SINGAPORE: A man was arrested in Hougang on Thursday (Apr 17) after allegedly slashing a person and injuring three police officers during his apprehension. The police responded to multiple calls at around 1.10pm, finding the 22-year-old suspect running naked, who had previously attacked a 31-year-old man. While officers attempted to arrest him, he allegedly assaulted them with a wooden plank, resulting in minor injuries for three officers; he was charged with causing grievous harm and resisting arrest, with investigations ongoing. Full Article

Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FASTSINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) announced four new candidates, including Mr. Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik for Sengkang GRC and Mr. Kenneth Tiong for Aljunied GRC, at a press conference unveiling their manifesto. Ms. Siti Alia Abdul Rahim Mattar, a lawyer, and Ms. Eileen Chong Pei Shan, involved in social impact, were also introduced as candidates. The party's campaign slogan, focusing on issues like the rising cost of living, was launched...

Read a summary of this article on FAST.SINGAPORE: An 84-year-old woman, Dionne Marie Hanna, featured in the Netflix documentary "Con Mum," faces multiple fraud charges totaling about S$500,000. She allegedly deceived her biological son and other victims through false promises of investment opportunities and inheritance claims. Remanded without bail, Hanna's next court date is scheduled for May 16, and she has yet to indicate her plea regarding the five counts of fraud by false representation.Source: CNA/dv(sf)Sign up for our newslettersGet our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inboxSubscribe hereGet the CNA appStay updated with notifications for breaking...

SINGAPORE: Commuters on the North-South Line faced delays on Wednesday (Apr 16) after a platform screen door at Braddell MRT station fell onto the north-bound track around 11:15 AM. SMRT cordoned off the affected platform for safety, advising passengers to add 15 minutes to their travel time while providing shuttle train services between Bishan and Toa Payoh, along with free bus services. By 12:40 PM, normal train operations resumed, and free bus services were ceased after successful recovery efforts by SMRT staff and engineers. Full Article

Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FASTThe former vice president of the Law Society Chia Boon Teck resigned after he was heavily criticised for his comments about a rape victim.Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Mark Yeo, director at Fortress Law Corporation and Sugidha Nithiananthan, director of advocacy and research at AWARE, about the dangers of victim-blaming.(L-R) Hosts Otelli Edwards, Steven Chia and guests Sugidha Nithiananthan and Mark Yeo. (Photo: CNA/Tiffany Ang)Here's an excerpt from...

Beijing is strategically positioning itself to counter Donald Trump's trade policies, as it has become clear that China is the main target of U.S. tariffs. According to Patrick Wintour, the Chinese government appears to have devised a plan to withstand and potentially thrive amid Trump's economic aggression, emphasizing its commitment to multilateral trade and stability as a global partner, which has been cautiously acknowledged by Europe. This suggests that China's economy may emerge in a stronger position than America's as the tariff wars progress. Full Article

UK civil servants are enhancing security protocols for handling sensitive trade documents due to concerns over the potential impacts of US trade policy amid Donald Trump's tariff war. The Guardian reports that British officials have revised document-handling guidelines, applying higher classifications to certain trade negotiation papers to prevent unauthorized access by American entities. This move reflects growing tensions in the "special relationship" between the UK and the US, highlighting the need for greater protection of sensitive information. Full Article