Category: Life & Style

In August 2025, NTU Singapore will introduce two novel undergraduate degree programs in robotics and advanced chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. These programs target the predicted global demand for roboticists and highly trained chemical engineering expertise, which is consistent with Singapore’s high-tech economic growth strategy.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics program seeks to provide students with industry-relevant, future-focused robotics capabilities that complement Singapore’s “Smart Nation” objectives. This program combines key robotics disciplines, offering a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI). This wide but specialised approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for opportunities in the fast-growing robotics industry.

The Double Major Bachelor of Engineering Science in Process Engineering and Synthetic Chemistry is a unique curriculum in Singapore that combines chemistry and chemical engineering capabilities. This multidisciplinary degree aims to fill the present skills gap by preparing graduates with a unique blend of chemical and engineering knowledge. These individuals will be critical in strengthening Singapore’s position as a hub for cutting-edge manufacturing and innovation. Both programs contain AI and machine learning courses, which prepare students to excel in a rapidly changing scientific and industrial context.

World leaders will meet in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 10 to 22 for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to address serious climate financing concerns. This year’s theme, known as “the finance COP,” aims to determine how much wealthier nations should spend to assist disadvantaged countries facing severe climate impacts. More than 40,000 attendees, including diplomats, scientists, environmentalists, and corporate leaders, will work together to win real climate finance commitments.

However, the recent election in the United States has raised questions about the country’s climate policies. Donald Trump’s reelection implies potential alterations in US climate action, which might affect the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and participation in COP meetings. Trump has previously referred to climate agreements as “unfair” and stated that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement in 2025, thus complicating global climate endeavours.

COP29 President-designate Mukhtar Babayev emphasised the importance of strong climate financing, saying, “Billions of people are counting on us to deliver adequate climate finance.” The meeting also highlights the 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions required by 2030 to satisfy the Paris goals.

At the Indian Space Conclave, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh revealed that India will launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission on December 4, marking a milestone in international space collaboration. The launch will take place from Sriharikota, where the two Proba-3 satellites from ESA arrived earlier this week to be integrated with the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

The Proba-3 mission, which focusses on monitoring the Sun’s corona, uses a novel formation flight with two satellites in very elliptical orbits. The satellites will be transported by a PSLV-XL rocket and will orbit Earth at distances ranging from 60,000 to 600 kilometres. This high-altitude orbit is required for six-hour formation flying periods at peak height, as it reduces the influence of Earth’s gravity and saves fuel for precise positioning.

Proba-3 will provide extended, uninterrupted views of the Sun’s weak corona, which is usually only visible during solar eclipses. Using millimeter-level precision, the mission will cast a shadow between the satellites to deflect direct sunlight, allowing for clear views of the Sun’s outer atmosphere. This level of precision in autonomous satellite creation is a significant leap in solar observation technology.

In an extraordinary event, snow fell in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jawf region for the first time in recorded history, converting the typically sun-soaked desert into a stunning winter landscape. Residents of Al-Jawf were surprised to find their familiar, parched terrain covered in snow, creating an almost surreal “winter wonderland.” There was not just snowfall following this unusual phenomenon; there was also torrential rain, hail, and even waterfalls, indicating an unusual weather event in the area.

A peculiar meteorological pattern, according to the Saudi Press Agency, was what caused the shift. This trend brought heavy rainfall to the normally dry valleys, revitalising the environment and generating widespread interest among meteorologists. Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been closely monitoring the unexpected weather conditions. The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has reported that a low-pressure system from the Arabian Sea has stretched towards Oman, bringing moist air to the Arabian Peninsula and causing this unusual weather shift.

Saudi weather authorities have issued warnings, predicting that the odd weather will continue in the following days, bringing additional rain, hail, gales, and thunderstorms. Residents are advised to be cautious until the weather stabilises, as these conditions may hinder visibility and travel.

The Travel Authority of Thailand (TAT) marks its 42nd appearance at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, introducing its new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ communication concept and initiatives promoting sustainable travel. Princess Ubolratana paid a special visit to the Thailand Stand, which will be on display at ExCel London from November 6-8, 2023, and participated in a ‘souvenir by the sea’ workshop, crafting bags out of abandoned fishing nets.

Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, officially opened the Thailand Stand, which promotes sustainability through decorations made of reused and recyclable materials. The booth design, which incorporates wicker and evocative images, embodies the essence of Thai culture and TAT’s dedication to building meaningful interactions with tourists.

Representatives from 22 hotels, 12 DMCs, and Thai airlines joined the Thai delegation to support TAT’s focus on sustainability through workshops such as keychain-making with throwaway bottle caps. The Amazing Thailand Press Conference introduced the new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ idea and presented the Responsible Tourism Awards 2023 winners.

To add to the impact, an ‘Amazing Thailand’ London Bus offered free hop-on, hop-off tours of key city attractions, and discounts at Thai restaurants.

Thailand has announced 2025 as the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year,” a substantial drive to boost its status as a leading worldwide tourism and sports destination. Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, made the news at the Amazing Thailand Press Conference, held during the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024. Mr. Sorawong described the effort as both a celebration and a warm welcome to travellers from all over the world to create unforgettable experiences in Thailand.

To meet its tourism target of £75.55 billion (3.4 trillion Baht) in 2025, Thailand is undertaking significant investments to boost its status as a top destination. “The tourism industry is essential for Thailand’s economy, benefiting communities and positively impacting lives across the country,” says Mr. Sorawong.

The government’s ‘Ignite Thailand’ vision aims to raise citizens’ prosperity while also improving the visitor experience. This strategy includes infrastructure renovations, simpler visa processing, and the ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ policy to create a unified ASEAN travel network.

Key events such as the Amazing Thailand Countdown, MotoGP races, and the Songkran Festival are also expected to attract international visitors.

Following Donald Trump’s stunning victory against Kamala Harris in the US presidential election, world leaders rushed to congratulate him, expressing hope for renewed collaboration and global stability.

Mao Ning, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, emphasised the country’s continuous commitment to “mutual respect” while dealing with US-China ties. Russia’s response, however, was cautious, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that future relations will be dependent on Trump’s “concrete actions.”

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s “historic comeback,” describing it as a recommitment to the US-Israel connection. In contrast, Hamas has asked Trump to reassess America’s support for Israel, which it sees as detrimental to regional stability.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed hope that Trump’s leadership will foster peace. NATO Chief Mark Rutte also hailed Trump’s return, seeing it as a sign of the alliance’s strength.

EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen and British PM Keir Starmer emphasised a strong transatlantic agenda and long-term UK-US ties. Leaders from France, Germany, Japan, and Turkey expressed their desire for prosperity, security, and deeper ties.

Other leaders, including those from Egypt, India, and South Korea, emphasised the possibilities for partnership on global issues ranging from security to economic growth, reflecting widespread expectations for stronger US engagement on the world stage.

Thailand’s visa-free immigration program for Indian people, which was originally scheduled to end on November 11, 2024, has been extended indefinitely. Under this arrangement, Indian visitors are allowed to enter Thailand without a visa and remain for a maximum of 60 days; local immigration offices can grant an additional 30-day stay. By making Thailand’s rich cultural experiences, breathtaking scenery, and legendary hospitality more accessible to Indians, the expanded policy seeks to improve travel convenience.

As indicated by TAT, this move has already been confirmed. Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi welcomes the policy by expecting to uplift bilateral travel and tourism between the two nations. While it simplifies Indian tourists’ access to Thailand, the absence of Thai visas promotes its economy.

The number of tourists without visas going to Thailand has various benefits. It will enhance the economy of the country by providing more money for accommodation, food, local excursions, and transport. At the same time, the number of tourists expected would create employment in the tourist industry of Thailand, contributing to the local economy while creating jobs. This policy plan again reminds people of Thailand as one of the best tourist destinations while underscoring its intentions to develop greater tourism relationships with India.

Axiom Space, a U.S.-based space firm, is now looking into the potential use of Indian launch vehicles for their journey to the International Space Station. This project is in line with Axiom’s larger objective of building a private space station that might eventually take the place of the International Space Station, which NASA plans to retire around 2030.

While no contracts have been signed, Pearly Pandya, director of international government business at Axiom, stated that discussions are ongoing with the ISRO and private Indian launch companies to determine the most appropriate partnerships and diversify the company’s supply chain.

Pandya suggested that Indian rockets may be utilised to transport raw materials required for the development of Axiom’s space station. The corporation is also looking into agreements with European countries to increase its supply chain choices. This strategic move comes after India and the US inked the Space Flight Agreement in August.

India’s private space sector has grown significantly after the government opened it up to private operators and established a $119 million fund to promote businesses. Private companies such as Skyroot and Agnikul are currently developing rockets, while investment in the Indian space industry has increased, reaching $126 million by 2023.

Singaporean parents have reason to celebrate as the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) announced a proposal to add 40,000 new infant and childcare slots over the next five years. This plan, which is set to run from 2025 to 2029, would provide relief to many urban parents looking for dependable childcare options.

The ECDA, which was founded on April 1, 2013, functions independently under the supervision of Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). According to CNA, ECDA will cooperate with five anchor operators to build these new childcare spaces around Singapore to increase access to affordable, high-quality preschool facilities.

Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, stated that the expansion will improve government-funded preschool availability from 65% to 80% in the medium term, making child care more accessible to Singaporean families.

In addition to expanding places, the Singapore government will cap full-day childcare rates at SGD 640 and SGD 680 per month for anchor and partner operators beginning January 1, 2025. Low-income households will also receive increased subsidies, spending only 2% of their monthly household income on anchor-run institutions.