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Singtel's first-half net profit rose by 23 per cent to about S$1.17 billion from last year's S$954 million. The sale of a 3.3 per cent stake in New Delhi-based Airtel boosted the telco's gain. However, Singtel's operating revenue dropped by five per cent, because of unfavourable foreign exchange rates.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has said that Total Defence is especially necessary in today's interconnected world. What affects a domain quickly spills over into another, including the physical and virtual realms. He added that its six pillars - military, social, civil, economic, psychological and digital defence - must work together to safeguard Singapore's peace and stability. Dr Ng was speaking at the annual Total Defence awards ceremony, where 170 National Service Advocate Awards were presented.

All eyes will be on US President Joe Biden's meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Bali next week. The sideline talks will be the first time both leaders are sitting down face-to-face since Mr Biden took office last year.

More companies are recognising mental well-being as a key aspect of workplace health. At the Singapore Health Awards, more than twice as many winning organisations implemented mental well-being programmes for their employees compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social workers aspiring to help youths in need can look forward to a new academy that provides relevant training courses and programmes. Starting next year, the academy will provide new professionals with skills and knowledge in youth development. The Youth Development Academy is set up by Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Its training courses were designed and developed with the Youth Work Association Singapore. It covers areas such as technology and youth engagement techniques.

G20 Leaders' Summit in Bali, Indonesia: What to look out fo

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said a split between the world's two superpowers -- the United States and China -- will be "disastrous" for Asia, considering the region's deep economic ties with the Chinese. He warned there could be more uncertainties ahead as Beijing embarks on its COVID exit strategy. Panelists also spoke about the need for allies of the US and China to hold them accountable for their global leadership roles.

Hundreds of residents in flood-hit southeast Australia have been rescued by helicopter and boat. Emergency crews deployed more than a dozen helicopters to rescue trapped people from rooftops in the worst-hit towns in the state of New South Wales state. Although rains have eased in many flooded areas, rescuers warned the danger has not yet passed. New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said the federal government will deploy another 100 defence personnel for relief efforts.

Less than a week to go before the World Cup officially kicks off in Doha this Sunday (Nov 20). Host nation Qatar is set to go head-to-head against Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament. A total of 64 matches will be played, with the finals to be held on Dec 18.

Hong Kong officials are investigating the playing of a protest song during the men's final of the Sevens Series rugby tournament in South Korea. The incident has riled Hong Kong authorities as the song is banned in the city. The song is considered the unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy movement. It was banned in 2020 after China imposed sweeping national security laws on the city state. Hong Kong police said China's national anthem should have been played at the match instead.

October private home sales have reached the lowest since the circuit breaker period in April 2020. Industry watchers attributed this to a lack of major launches. New apartments sold by developers fell to 312 units -- a third of the 987 units sold in September. Market observers expect home sales to remain muted for this year. They said developers are holding back on new launches during the holiday season. Analysts said economic uncertainties could pose a risk to home sales in 2023.

Architects will soon get career support through a new joint work plan. It will build capability and incorporate outreach programmes to attract and retain young talent. Speaking at the Board of Architects Presentation Ceremony, National Development Minister Desmond Lee said there is a need to keep talent in the industry. During the presentation ceremony, nearly 260 new architects were admitted to the board.

How to make sure that no one's left behind in a meritocracy. That's a question posed to students at a Forward Singapore engagement session aimed at renewing the social compact. Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling said it cannot be just about taxing those on the top, but also changing what it means to succeed. Around 90 students from various institutes of higher learning attended the session.

Singapore's labour movement and its affiliates are calling for more protection of platform workers in three key areas. They want to ensure that these workers have long-term financial adequacy, sufficient medical and injury coverage, as well as better representation. These are specifically for those self-employed delivery workers, private-hire car drivers, as well as taxi drivers. A committee set up to look into these issues will be releasing recommendations next week. At a dialogue session, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon called on all parties to work closely.

Four Tasmanian Devils - Crumpet, Snickers, Jesse and Panini - have made Night Safari Singapore their new home. The four females, all aged around three years old, were introduced to the public on Tuesday (Nov 15) during the launch of Night Safari's new Tasmanian

Survivors of family violence will get stronger support soon, as more recommendations by a taskforce set up to tackle the issue are implemented. Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling gave this update at a conference on managing family violence. From April, those who need help can call a 24-hour emergency response team. It is made up of social service professionals, who will have the authority to issue emergency protection orders at the scene. A resource guide on managing child protection cases has also been launched. It will help professionals coordinate efforts across agencies.

Global leader in sleep technology, ResMed, has opened its biggest-ever advanced manufacturing plant in Singapore. Located in Tuas, the facility is expected to quadruple its output of masks and ventilators that help patients to breathe. It is also providing nearly 1,000 jobs within Singapore's medical and manufacturing sector.

Security officers can now expect new career paths as the industry gears towards digitalisation. This is part of a refreshed roadmap that ensures officers are equipped and ready for new operating models.

Boeing expects regional budget flights to lead the way in aviation recovery in Southeast Asia. It projects that more than 3,000 smaller, single-aisle planes will be ordered in the next 20 years, compared to more than 700 widebody planes. It unveiled its outlook for the commercial market in the region on Nov 16.

Persons with intellectual disabilities can get their eyes and teeth checked for free at a new centre. Located near Farrer Road MRT, it is operated by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS). The MINDS Hub Central will also help caregivers navigate legal and financial issues, and provide information on jobs, healthcare and accommodation in the community. This is the first such hub here. Plans are in place to open two more over the next two years.

From Jan 3, officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will be the first line of defence at the border, taking over duties from the police. This is on top of immigration and cargo clearance roles.