[Post 746] Driving schools taking action against bots booking practical lessons

Summary

Driving schools in Singapore are taking action against a growing army of Internet bots paid for by students to reserve and book lesson slots on their websites. This comes amid a post-COVID wave of sign-ups and an apparent lack of available sessions for hands-on driving. At least one driving school has put up a notice recently warning people against using these services on Telegram and other sites like Carousell. Claudia Lim reports.

[Post 745] Bus and train fares for adults to climb by 10 cents per journey from Dec 28

Summary

Public transport fares have risen for a third consecutive year. Bus and train fares for adults will climb by 10 cents per journey, starting from Dec 28. Concession card fares for groups, such as students and senior citizens, will see a smaller increase of four cents per journey. Singapore will fork out an additional $250 million to help cushion the hike for commuters. At its annual fare review exercise, the Public Transport Council said the adjustment was driven by growth in core inflation and wages, but was moderated partially by a drop in energy prices from their peak in 2022. Charlotte Lim reports.

[Post 744] Schools exploring catering services, vending machines amid shortage of canteen stallholders

Summary

Multiple schools in Singapore are still finding it difficult to get stallholders to fill their canteens. Currently, around 40 schools are looking for operators, with a handful missing more than one stall. Stallowners staying the course are struggling with rising costs and getting on in years. Meanwhile, catering services are being looked at as a way to cope with the lack of canteen stalls in more schools. So far, at least three schools have made the switch to caterers. CNA's Rebecca Metteo reports

[Post 743] Ask Work It: Why did HR withdraw a job offer?

Summary

After months of anticipation, you finally hear back from HR only to learn that the indicative job offer has been withdrawn. What might have caused such a u-turn and could you have done anything different? 

[Post 742] Singapore to ration electricity as a 'last resort' during emergencies

Summary

The Energy Market Authority will ration Singapore's electricity supply during an emergency, but this will be done as a "last resort". This is among new measures to ensure the country's energy security and stability. A central gas buying entity (Gasco) will also be formed by year-end. Fully owned by the government, it will undertake all future natural gas contracts. MPs questioned if this would hinder the freedom of current generation companies to decide who they buy from. Singapore's power sector currently needs around six to seven million tonnes of natural gas annually. Nasyrah Rohim reports.

[Post 741] Behind Bars: What life is like in Singapore's Changi Prison | Full series

Summary

We take a look at how Changi Prison inmates receive medical treatment, live in senior- and infirm-friendly cells and work at a call centre to stay employable - all from behind bars. 

[Post 740] The must-see spots for mainland Chinese travellers in Hong Kong

Summary

A basketball court, an old police station - why are these unlikely destinations becoming the latest hotspots for mainland China tourists in Hong Kong? Shifts in the age, priorities and perspectives of mainland tourists in Hong Kong are posing unique challenges for businesses in capturing their attention and spending.