UK could target parts of Chinese state under new foreign influence rules

SummaryResearchers from China will gain access to half a million UK GP records through the UK Biobank, despite concerns from western intelligence agencies regarding the authoritarian regime's potential to accumulate health data. The UK Biobank, which contains extensive medical information from 500,000 volunteers, provides data to universities, scientific institutions, and private companies, with one in five successful access applications originating from China. Preparations are underway to transfer these records, highlighting the ongoing debate over data...

SINGAPORE: President Tharman Shanmugaratnam dissolved parliament on April 15, 2025, leading to Singapore's 14th General Election. Nomination Day is set for April 23, with the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) expected to contest all 97 seats against potential candidates from 11 parties, including two opposition alliances. Voter concerns focus on the cost of living and job security, with a return to physical election rallies anticipated as this will be Singapore’s first General Election since the...

SINGAPORE: Labour unionist Patrick Tay will once again represent the People’s Action Party (PAP) in the Pioneer single-seat ward for the next General Election. Mr Tay, the incumbent MP, aims to continue community support and initiatives following a successful tenure marked by significant voter backing in the 2020 elections. The People's Action Party anticipates competition from the Progress Singapore Party in the upcoming elections as they prepare for a new electoral landscape.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uJUSl9FBZA Full Article

SINGAPORE: Gastroenteritis Investigation Findings The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that investigations into gastroenteritis cases during a national preparedness exercise found no link to ready-to-eat (RTE) meals, with only 0.2% of consumers affected. Laboratory tests and environmental swabs revealed no foodborne pathogens, and the meals were deemed safe despite some students from the School of the Arts falling ill. The distribution of these meals, intended for over 100,000 students and...

US President Donald Trump criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping's motivations during Xi's five-day tour of Southeast Asia, suggesting it is aimed at undermining the United States amidst the ongoing trade war. Xi's visit, which commenced in Hanoi, involved meetings with top Vietnamese officials and a focus on strengthening trade relations, resulting in numerous cooperation agreements, particularly on enhancing supply chains. The backdrop of this diplomatic engagement highlights the escalating tensions and competition between the two...

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 FASTFrom growing up in a wealthy family to losing it all when she was just 15, group CEO and founder of The Parentinc, Roshni Mahtani Cheung, is our guest on this episode of How I Made It.She tells Andrea Heng how she built her business...