Viruses know no borders, PM Wong says; Lady Gaga stuns fans at Maxwell with surprise lunch stop: Singapore live news
The World Health Organisation's (WHO) Pandemic Agreement has officially been adopted, marking a historic step toward global pandemic preparedness. Despite the United States withdrawing from negotiations, Singapore reaffirmed its commitment, advocating for stronger international health collaboration. PM Lawrence Wong praised the agreement, stating that multilateral cooperation is essential in tackling future health crises. China stepped up as the WHO's largest donor with a US$500 million pledge. The agreement, reached after three years of discussions, demonstrates that diplomacy and coordination can bridge gaps in health security. As nations prepare for future risks, Singapore's steadfast backing of the WHO's efforts ensures that global health governance remains a priority.
Lady Gaga didn't just come to Singapore to perform – she came to connect. On her day off between concerts, the superstar made an unannounced visit to Maxwell Food Centre, sparking a mini fan frenzy. Dressed in black and seated at table 171, Gaga mingled with fans, signed autographs, and even paused to give a young fan a cherished moment. One lucky Little Monster walked away with a signed 'Mayhem' vinyl and memories to last a lifetime. Her spontaneous stop, shared widely on social media, shows her down-to-earth charm in contrast to her megastar status. Gaga's visit echoes other celeb stops at Maxwell, proving once again that local food courts are the new red carpet.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement has been officially adopted, with Singapore strongly backing the move amid a shifting global health landscape. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly, emphasised the need for multilateral cooperation in tackling future pandemics.
The agreement, reached after three years of intense negotiations, aims to enhance global pandemic preparedness and strengthen international health security. Wong reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to WHO efforts, stressing that viruses know no borders, making joint action essential.
While China reinforced its financial support for the WHO, pledging up to US$500 million, the United States withdrew from the agreement, citing concerns over the WHO's COVID-19 response and governance transparency.
Despite the US absence, the agreement passed without opposition, marking a significant step toward coordinated health security strategies worldwide. Singapore's early $24 million pledge underscores its dedication to strengthening pandemic preparedness.
With the agreement in place, PM Wong urged nations to find common ground, ensuring that health crises are tackled collaboratively, not in isolation.
Read on Singapore's commitment to WHO's Pandemic Agreement here.
Pop royalty met street food chic when Lady Gaga surprised fans at Singapore's Maxwell Food Centre, turning a casual Tuesday lunch (20 May) into a scene straight out of a music video. Clad in all-black and platform boots, Gaga was spotted dining with her team at table 171 – right beside the popular nasi lemak stall The Green Leaf.
Fans who happened to be nearby couldn't believe their luck. One emotional diner exclaimed, 'I just wanna hug her,' while another watched wide-eyed as Gaga greeted a boy and woman with her signature grace. TikTok clips and XiaoHongShu posts flooded social media as crowds formed, trying to catch a glimpse of the pop icon.
On her table: a curious combo of Evian, beer, and a Milo dinosaur – because even global superstars love local flavour. Her low-key charm and high-impact presence echoed similar visits by other artists like Dua Lipa, who also stopped at Maxwell last December.
The pop sensation wasn't just posing – she was present. As she exited, fans called out to her, and in one viral moment, she signed a fan's 'Mayhem' vinyl, making their day and sparking envy across social media. That fan? Seen jumping for joy, clutching the signed album like a trophy.
With two more shows left in Singapore, Little Monsters everywhere are on high alert. Maxwell may have fed her, but it's Gaga who fed the fandom – one vinyl at a time.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement has been officially adopted, with Singapore strongly backing the move amid a shifting global health landscape. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly, emphasised the need for multilateral cooperation in tackling future pandemics.
The agreement, reached after three years of intense negotiations, aims to enhance global pandemic preparedness and strengthen international health security. Wong reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to WHO efforts, stressing that viruses know no borders, making joint action essential.
While China reinforced its financial support for the WHO, pledging up to US$500 million, the United States withdrew from the agreement, citing concerns over the WHO's COVID-19 response and governance transparency.
Despite the US absence, the agreement passed without opposition, marking a significant step toward coordinated health security strategies worldwide. Singapore's early $24 million pledge underscores its dedication to strengthening pandemic preparedness.
With the agreement in place, PM Wong urged nations to find common ground, ensuring that health crises are tackled collaboratively, not in isolation.
Read on Singapore's commitment to WHO's Pandemic Agreement here.
Pop royalty met street food chic when Lady Gaga surprised fans at Singapore's Maxwell Food Centre, turning a casual Tuesday lunch (20 May) into a scene straight out of a music video. Clad in all-black and platform boots, Gaga was spotted dining with her team at table 171 – right beside the popular nasi lemak stall The Green Leaf.
Fans who happened to be nearby couldn't believe their luck. One emotional diner exclaimed, 'I just wanna hug her,' while another watched wide-eyed as Gaga greeted a boy and woman with her signature grace. TikTok clips and XiaoHongShu posts flooded social media as crowds formed, trying to catch a glimpse of the pop icon.
On her table: a curious combo of Evian, beer, and a Milo dinosaur – because even global superstars love local flavour. Her low-key charm and high-impact presence echoed similar visits by other artists like Dua Lipa, who also stopped at Maxwell last December.
The pop sensation wasn't just posing – she was present. As she exited, fans called out to her, and in one viral moment, she signed a fan's 'Mayhem' vinyl, making their day and sparking envy across social media. That fan? Seen jumping for joy, clutching the signed album like a trophy.
With two more shows left in Singapore, Little Monsters everywhere are on high alert. Maxwell may have fed her, but it's Gaga who fed the fandom – one vinyl at a time.
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