So Drama! Entertainment and FLY Entertainment Announce Strategic Partnership
So Drama! Entertainment and FLY Entertainment Announce Strategic Partnership
This creative collaboration is a bold commitment to homegrown storytelling. It features talents from FLY's esteemed artiste roster, with familiar faces such as Allan Wu, Carla Dunareanu, Edwin Goh, Irene Ang, Rachel Wan, Suhaimi Yusof, Chua Enlai, Patricia Mok and more. Audiences can catch them in series such as See You There, Then & Now, The Situation Report, and the upcoming The Office Survival Guide, set to launch later this year.
This partnership extends beyond casting to include co-investment in content, brand collaborations, and talent development. FLY's contributions in top-tier talent, production support and customised training for So Drama!'s talent pool will enhance the quality and reach of So Drama!'s flagship productions, bringing compelling storytelling to wider audiences.
With the FLY and So Drama! partnership, clients and sponsors can now leverage the strengths of both companies to create new business opportunities and better brand awareness through innovative media experiences.
Melvin Kuek, Executive Director at So Drama!, added, 'We've been quietly cooking up this collaboration for a while now — and the timing couldn't be more perfect with the launch of the Kakee app! The chemistry between So Drama! and FLY promises fresh possibilities for talent, brands, and bold new content that can become a strong differentiation factor for Kakee as an entertainment plaform. We're absolutely buzzing to dive in together and serve up stories that will delight audiences and shake up the Singapore entertainment scene.'
'This partnership is more than just a content deal — it's a bold declaration. We're championing Singaporean stories and putting local talent exactly where it belongs: in the spotlight,' said Irene Ang, Founder & CEO of FLY Entertainment. 'We're proud to co-create with So Drama! from casting and production to talent development. It's time our creatives take centre stage.'
FLY Entertainment has also teamed up with digital casting platform IAmCasting to discover and cast vibrant personalities and influencers for So Drama!'s Kakee Originals series. This collaboration reflects FLY's commitment to embracing digital innovation and shaping the future of talent discovery and next-gen storytelling.
Get the free-to-download Kakee app on the App Store or Google Play: https://go.kakee.sg/SDE-FLY
Hashtag: #MOU #partnership #SoDrama #FLYEntertainment
https://www.sodrama.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sodrama-entertainment/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
So Drama! Entertainment
So Drama! Entertainment aims to deliver compelling content on air, on screen and on stage. As a proudly Singaporean media and entertainment company, it has five established brands – Kakee, 88.3JIA, POWER 98, Music & Drama Company, and PIONEER – into which it injects fun and creativity, always. For more information, please visit http://www.sodrama.sg.
About Kakee
Kakee is a homegrown entertainment app where users are rewarded for enjoying a wide range of content - from various 88.3JIA and POWER 98 curated music streams, to exclusive proudly-made-in-Singapore videos, mobile games and contests. As Your Rewards & Entertainment Buddy, the more users listen, watch and play, the more they stand to win.
Get the free-to-download Kakee app now and follow @kakeesg on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for exciting rewards and experiences.
About FLY Entertainment
Founded in 1999 by Irene Ang, FLY Entertainment is Singapore's leading artiste management and entertainment agency. Representing a dynamic roster of top talents across film, television, theatre, digital media, and brand partnerships, FLY is known for discovering and nurturing some of Asia's most recognisable names in entertainment.
Beyond talent management, FLY offers full-service capabilities in content production, creative direction, brand partnerships, and event management — making it a one-stop hub for innovative and impactful storytelling.
Learn more at https://www.fly.com.sg/.
About IAmCasting
IAmCasting is a digital casting platform designed to revolutionise the way talents are discovered, cast, and connected across Asia's entertainment industry. Built for casting directors, producers, agencies, and brands, IAmCasting provides direct access to a growing pool of diverse talents — from actors and models to content creators and emcees.
IAmCasting simplifies the casting process while empowering talents to take control of their careers. Casting Reimagined.
Explore more at https://iamcasting.asia/.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
The Ingraham Angle - Thursday, July 3
All times eastern Legends & Lies: The Patriots Legends & Lies: The Patriots Legends & Lies: The Patriots FOX News Radio Live Channel Coverage
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Walt Disney Company (DIS): 'Stability Is Working,' Says Jm Cramer
We recently published . The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is one of the largest media and entertainment companies in the world. Its shares are up by 11% year-to-date primarily on the back of 34% in gains made since early May. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)'s shares soared after the firm's second-quarter earnings delivered the holy grail of metrics, streaming subscribers. The numbers saw the firm report 126 million subscribers which was higher than the 123.35 million that Wall Street had penciled in. In his previous remarks about The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), Cramer discussed how the firm is caught up in the generational divide between stock market investors. Here are his recent thoughts: 'Why doesn't Hugh Johnson get any credit [for improving performance], the CFO. Well look, the theme park's now [inaudible]. What's really interesting is they're now starting to talk about the cruise ships in 26′. I would have waited until 27′. But I do think that Disney had a great quarter, I think that Hugh Johnson plays a big role and James Gorman is going to play a big role. A packed theater of moviegoers watching a blockbuster film produced by the entertainment company. As for the generational divide, here's what Cramer said: 'We pivoted to interviewing Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, who traced out his plans now that the company owns all of Hulu. The stock was around $115 when Iger started talking, and by the end of the interview, at least partly by the day, it was at $118 and change. That's a tour de force performance, the kind of value added this network proudly provides. I felt great about it, but I could feel the contempt that many younger investors have for what I think is a very strong kind of journalism where we flesh out what really matters to an iconic big capitalization stock that has everything to do with linear television, ESPN, exciting movies, cruise ships, theme parks… Who doesn't want to know about that? Well, how about the people who just stopped going to Disney World with their parents, and it's the last place they would ever be caught dead at?' While we acknowledge the potential of DIS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘Growing Up' actor Andrew Seow's career pivot stuns fans; Kong Hee faces renewed criticism: Singapore live news
Andrew Seow, the actor who played Gary Tay in the beloved 90s drama "Growing Up", is now an auxiliary police officer with Aetos Security Management. Inspired by his father's legacy, Seow made the career switch at 55, undergoing formal training and joining the force through Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programme. Fans were delighted by a viral video of Seow re-enacting a scene from the show, this time in uniform. While he says he misses acting, Seow hinted at a surprise for longtime supporters. Kong Hee's recent interview has reignited debate over his past conviction and the culture of megachurches in Singapore. Critics say the City Harvest Church pastor failed to show genuine repentance, while supporters argue the video focused on spiritual renewal, according to Christianity Today. The controversy has sparked discussion across Chinese Christian communities in Asia and North America, exposing deep divides over prosperity gospel teachings and pastoral accountability. With Kong back in the spotlight, questions about leadership, transparency and forgiveness are once again front and centre. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singaporean megachurch pastor Kong Hee's reappearance in a widely viewed interview has reignited criticism, years after his conviction for misusing church funds to support his wife's pop career. The interview avoided direct mention of his legal troubles, prompting backlash from viewers who expected a more explicit apology, according to Christianity Today. Supporters say the focus was on healing and spiritual growth. The controversy has revived scrutiny of megachurch culture, with critics likening it to celebrity worship and questioning the theological foundations of prosperity preaching. City Harvest Church remains one of Singapore's largest congregations, despite its past scandals. Kong's leadership continues to polarise opinion. The debate highlights broader concerns about repentance, accountability, and the role of charismatic leaders in modern Christianity. Andrew Seow, once Singapore's favourite on-screen bad boy, is now patrolling the streets as an auxiliary police officer. The 55-year-old actor, famed for his role as Gary Tay in the 90s TV show "Growing Up", has joined Aetos Security Management. His decision was deeply personal. Seow credits his late father, an auxiliary officer during British rule, for inspiring the move. 'He asked me to do something meaningful,' Seow shared in a recent video. 'I said, 'Okay, let me try.'' The career switch wasn't just symbolic. Seow enrolled in Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programme, trained in firearms, and now serves with full police powers. Fans were stunned but supportive. A viral Instagram clip shows Seow re-enacting a scene from "Growing Up", this time in uniform, with content creator Zaki Hussain. Seow says he misses acting but not the spotlight. 'I miss my fans,' he smiled. 'And for those waiting – I've got a surprise coming.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zaki Hussain (@zakiv4) Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has a message for businesses: stop waiting for US tariffs to vanish. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan warned that bipartisan support for tariffs in Washington means they're likely to stick around, even if Trump doesn't. Gan urged firms to brace for higher export costs and stricter supply chain scrutiny, especially in sectors like steel, autos, and pharmaceuticals. He advised setting up separate production lines for US-bound goods and diversifying into new markets. The US is pushing for 'fair and balanced trade', which includes reshoring critical industries and demanding more imports from trading partners. Gan said this shift is structural, not political. Singapore, which faces a baseline 10 per cent tariff, has ruled out retaliation. Instead, it's doubling down on ASEAN integration and WTO reform to preserve open trade. Gan's bottom line: adapt now or risk being sidelined in a more fragmented global economy. Read on DPM Gan saying tariffs aren't going anywhere here. Singapore is set to welcome 1,600 millionaires in 2025, a sharp drop from 3,500 in 2024, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report. The city-state still ranks sixth globally for net inflows, with an estimated US$8.9 billion in accompanying wealth. The decline reflects a broader trend: traditional destinations like Singapore, Australia, and Canada are seeing waning appeal, while new players like Thailand and the UAE rise. Bangkok, in particular, is gaining traction with its luxury real estate, international schools, and growing financial sector. Analysts cite Singapore's stricter investor visa rules and high property prices as possible deterrents. Since 2023, the Global Investor Programme requires a minimum S$10 million investment, quadruple the previous threshold. Still, Singapore's fundamentals remain strong: political stability, robust financial regulation, and Southeast Asian market access continue to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong is pushing for a regional upgrade, proposing that Indonesia's Riau Islands join the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The move would revive the Sijori Growth Triangle, first envisioned in 1989. Gan's pitch – 'three is better than two' – was made at the ASEAN Conference 2025, where he met Malaysian and Indonesian trade ministers to discuss trilateral cooperation. The expanded SEZ would link Singapore's capital and infrastructure, Johor's land and labour, and Riau's resources. The goal is to attract more foreign direct investment and offer businesses greater flexibility, especially amid rising US tariffs and global supply chain shifts. Gan emphasised that ASEAN must shape its own destiny in a multipolar world. But success depends on more than geography. Malaysian officials warn that wage gaps and talent outflow to Singapore could undermine the SEZ's promise. Johor's median wage is just one-seventh of Singapore's. Gan acknowledged the challenges, urging businesses to innovate while governments harmonise policies. 'The government can do what a government can do, but business must be done by businessmen,' he said. Read on Singapore's push for trilateral SEZ with Malaysia and Indonesia here. Singapore and Malaysia have secured spots in the top 15 of the 2025 Global Peace Index, reaffirming their reputations as two of the safest places to live. Singapore ranks 6th globally, while Malaysia comes in at 13th, both ahead of countries like Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. The annual index, compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace, evaluates 163 countries based on 23 indicators, including crime rates, political stability, and militarisation. Singapore's high ranking reflects its low crime rate, efficient law enforcement, and strong social cohesion. Malaysia's rise is attributed to improved domestic security and a steady political climate. Both countries outperform regional and global peers, making Southeast Asia a standout for safety and liveability. Read on why the Southeast Asian neighbours are among the safest places to live here. Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder of Telegram, has revealed he's fathered more than 100 children, and they're all set to inherit his US$13.9 billion fortune. In a candid interview with Le Point, the 40-year-old tech billionaire said he's the legal father of six children and the biological father of over 100 more via sperm donation across 12 countries. But there's a twist: none of them will see a cent for 30 years. Durov insists his heirs must 'build themselves up alone' before accessing their inheritance. 'I want them to live like normal people,' he said, adding that all his children will have equal rights. The move is part of a recently drafted will, which Durov says was prompted by the risks of 'defending freedoms' through his encrypted messaging platform. Telegram, with over 1 billion users, has drawn scrutiny from global regulators for its role in hosting unmoderated content. Durov's unconventional family tree stems from a 15-year sperm donation journey, which began as a favour to a friend. He now hopes to 'open source' his DNA so his children can find each other. Read on the Telegram billionaire founder's legacy plan here. Wild orcas have been observed offering prey to humans, in what scientists are calling a potential attempt to bond, play or study us. The findings come from a 20-year global study of killer whale behaviour. The killer whales approached humans voluntarily, dropped food in front of them, and in most cases, lingered to watch the response. Some even repeated the gesture when ignored. The offerings ranged from harbour seals to seaweed, and occurred in waters off California, Norway, New Zealand and beyond. Researchers say this may be the first time wild predators have used prey to interact with humans. The study suggests orcas may be testing social behaviours, much like they do within their pods. It's a behaviour more commonly seen in pets than in apex predators. Read on the wild orca's use of food offering in an attempt to bond with humans here. Kazakhstan has banned face coverings in public, joining a growing list of Central Asian nations restricting Islamic dress. The law, signed by President Tokayev, targets garments that obscure the face and hinder identification. While the law avoids religious language, Tokayev's comments suggest a cultural motive. 'It's much better to wear clothes in the national style,' he said, calling black robes 'alien' to Kazakh traditions. The ban comes amid rising tensions over religious expression, including a hijab ban in schools and protests from Muslim communities. Critics argue the state is policing personal identity under the guise of secularism. Other countries in the region have passed similar laws, often citing extremism and public safety. China, for example, has banned Islamic names in Xinjiang, while Tajikistan has outlawed the hijab entirely. As secularism tightens its grip, Muslim women across Central Asia face increasing pressure to conform to state-approved cultural norms. A new COVID-19 variant is making waves, not for its severity, but for its sting. Nicknamed 'Nimbus', the NB.1.8.1 variant is now one of the most dominant strains in the US, accounting for over 37 per cent of cases. Its most talked-about symptom? A sore throat so painful it's been dubbed 'razor blade throat'. Patients describe it as feeling like swallowing shards of glass. But infectious disease experts say this isn't a new symptom, just a new name for an old foe. The variant is a descendant of Omicron, and while it spreads quickly, it doesn't appear to cause more severe illness or hospitalisations. Vaccines remain effective, especially for high-risk groups. Doctors recommend treating the sore throat with over-the-counter meds, lozenges, saltwater gargles, and hydration. And yes, COVID tests still work for this variant. Bottom line? The pain is real, but the panic doesn't have to be. Singapore has been named one of the top countries in Asia-Pacific for life-work balance, placing third in Remote's 2025 global index. The ranking reflects improvements in statutory leave and overall well-being. The index scores countries on a 100-point scale, factoring in healthcare access, safety, inclusivity, and average working hours. Singapore's score of 57.85 places it 25th globally and third in APAC. New Zealand and Australia lead the region, with Singapore close behind thanks to policy enhancements and a strong social support system. Malaysia also made gains, jumping 20 spots year-on-year. Meanwhile, the US and several Asian economies continue to struggle, weighed down by long hours and limited worker protections. China ranks 52nd out of 60. The report underscores a growing global shift, where flexibility and well-being are becoming more valued than hustle culture. Singapore has rolled out new property rules to curb speculative flipping, raising seller's stamp duty (SSD) rates and extending the holding period for private homes. SSD now applies for up to four years, with rates climbing to 16 per cent for sales within the first year. The changes affect all purchases made from Friday (4 July). The move follows a spike in sub-sales, especially of uncompleted units. Authorities say the trend threatens market stability and affordability. The announcement jolted the market, with developer stocks sliding and analysts scrambling to reassess July's launch pipeline. The government says the changes aim to stabilise the market, not punish genuine buyers. But with mortgage rates falling, speculation may have been poised to rise again. Read on how the SSD changes reshape the property scene here. US President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill has officially cleared Congress, marking the first major legislative win of his second term. The US$4.5 trillion package, dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' makes permanent his 2017 tax cuts, slashes Medicaid and food assistance, and boosts military and border security funding. It also raises the debt ceiling by US$5 trillion, prompting warnings from fiscal watchdogs. The bill's passage was anything but smooth. Vice President JD Vance broke a Senate tie, while House Speaker Mike Johnson wrangled dissenters in a marathon overnight session. Trump himself worked the phones, mixing charm and pressure to sway holdouts. The final vote came after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a record-breaking 8-hour speech opposing the bill. Critics argue the legislation redistributes wealth upward, guts the social safety net, and risks long-term economic instability. Supporters hail it as a fulfilment of Trump's campaign promises and a reset of America's fiscal priorities. With midterms looming, both parties are gearing up to weaponise the bill's impact. Trump is expected to sign the bill on Friday (4 July) with a celebratory flyover. But the real fireworks may come in 2026, when voters weigh in on the consequences. Read on some of the key takeaways and impact of Trump's "big, beautiful bill" here. Singapore's opposition party the Workers' Party (WP) has dismissed People's Action Party's (PAP) criticism of Pritam Singh's podcast interview as baseless. WP insists the interview was candid, constructive and well-received by Singaporeans. The WP said on Thursday (3 July) that Singh's remarks were patriotic and did not denounce Singapore. They say the podcast showcased how opposition voices can engage respectfully on national issues. WP challenged the notion that foreign media engagement is taboo, citing PAP's own history of international interviews. They called out the double standard and demanded clarity on any supposed restrictions. The party also addressed past allegations of foreign influence, reiterating that no promises or deals were made with Malaysian figures. They say the PAP is recycling old controversies for political gain. WP says the podcast episode strengthened democratic discourse, not weakened it. The controversy stems from Pritam's 24 June interview on Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian podcast, which PAP claims crossed a line in airing domestic issues abroad. Read on WP rebuffing PAP's 'water's edge' doctrine here. Singaporean megachurch pastor Kong Hee's reappearance in a widely viewed interview has reignited criticism, years after his conviction for misusing church funds to support his wife's pop career. The interview avoided direct mention of his legal troubles, prompting backlash from viewers who expected a more explicit apology, according to Christianity Today. Supporters say the focus was on healing and spiritual growth. The controversy has revived scrutiny of megachurch culture, with critics likening it to celebrity worship and questioning the theological foundations of prosperity preaching. City Harvest Church remains one of Singapore's largest congregations, despite its past scandals. Kong's leadership continues to polarise opinion. The debate highlights broader concerns about repentance, accountability, and the role of charismatic leaders in modern Christianity. Andrew Seow, once Singapore's favourite on-screen bad boy, is now patrolling the streets as an auxiliary police officer. The 55-year-old actor, famed for his role as Gary Tay in the 90s TV show "Growing Up", has joined Aetos Security Management. His decision was deeply personal. Seow credits his late father, an auxiliary officer during British rule, for inspiring the move. 'He asked me to do something meaningful,' Seow shared in a recent video. 'I said, 'Okay, let me try.'' The career switch wasn't just symbolic. Seow enrolled in Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programme, trained in firearms, and now serves with full police powers. Fans were stunned but supportive. A viral Instagram clip shows Seow re-enacting a scene from "Growing Up", this time in uniform, with content creator Zaki Hussain. Seow says he misses acting but not the spotlight. 'I miss my fans,' he smiled. 'And for those waiting – I've got a surprise coming.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zaki Hussain (@zakiv4) Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has a message for businesses: stop waiting for US tariffs to vanish. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan warned that bipartisan support for tariffs in Washington means they're likely to stick around, even if Trump doesn't. Gan urged firms to brace for higher export costs and stricter supply chain scrutiny, especially in sectors like steel, autos, and pharmaceuticals. He advised setting up separate production lines for US-bound goods and diversifying into new markets. The US is pushing for 'fair and balanced trade', which includes reshoring critical industries and demanding more imports from trading partners. Gan said this shift is structural, not political. Singapore, which faces a baseline 10 per cent tariff, has ruled out retaliation. Instead, it's doubling down on ASEAN integration and WTO reform to preserve open trade. Gan's bottom line: adapt now or risk being sidelined in a more fragmented global economy. Read on DPM Gan saying tariffs aren't going anywhere here. Singapore is set to welcome 1,600 millionaires in 2025, a sharp drop from 3,500 in 2024, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report. The city-state still ranks sixth globally for net inflows, with an estimated US$8.9 billion in accompanying wealth. The decline reflects a broader trend: traditional destinations like Singapore, Australia, and Canada are seeing waning appeal, while new players like Thailand and the UAE rise. Bangkok, in particular, is gaining traction with its luxury real estate, international schools, and growing financial sector. Analysts cite Singapore's stricter investor visa rules and high property prices as possible deterrents. Since 2023, the Global Investor Programme requires a minimum S$10 million investment, quadruple the previous threshold. Still, Singapore's fundamentals remain strong: political stability, robust financial regulation, and Southeast Asian market access continue to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong is pushing for a regional upgrade, proposing that Indonesia's Riau Islands join the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The move would revive the Sijori Growth Triangle, first envisioned in 1989. Gan's pitch – 'three is better than two' – was made at the ASEAN Conference 2025, where he met Malaysian and Indonesian trade ministers to discuss trilateral cooperation. The expanded SEZ would link Singapore's capital and infrastructure, Johor's land and labour, and Riau's resources. The goal is to attract more foreign direct investment and offer businesses greater flexibility, especially amid rising US tariffs and global supply chain shifts. Gan emphasised that ASEAN must shape its own destiny in a multipolar world. But success depends on more than geography. Malaysian officials warn that wage gaps and talent outflow to Singapore could undermine the SEZ's promise. Johor's median wage is just one-seventh of Singapore's. Gan acknowledged the challenges, urging businesses to innovate while governments harmonise policies. 'The government can do what a government can do, but business must be done by businessmen,' he said. Read on Singapore's push for trilateral SEZ with Malaysia and Indonesia here. Singapore and Malaysia have secured spots in the top 15 of the 2025 Global Peace Index, reaffirming their reputations as two of the safest places to live. Singapore ranks 6th globally, while Malaysia comes in at 13th, both ahead of countries like Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. The annual index, compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace, evaluates 163 countries based on 23 indicators, including crime rates, political stability, and militarisation. Singapore's high ranking reflects its low crime rate, efficient law enforcement, and strong social cohesion. Malaysia's rise is attributed to improved domestic security and a steady political climate. Both countries outperform regional and global peers, making Southeast Asia a standout for safety and liveability. Read on why the Southeast Asian neighbours are among the safest places to live here. Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder of Telegram, has revealed he's fathered more than 100 children, and they're all set to inherit his US$13.9 billion fortune. In a candid interview with Le Point, the 40-year-old tech billionaire said he's the legal father of six children and the biological father of over 100 more via sperm donation across 12 countries. But there's a twist: none of them will see a cent for 30 years. Durov insists his heirs must 'build themselves up alone' before accessing their inheritance. 'I want them to live like normal people,' he said, adding that all his children will have equal rights. The move is part of a recently drafted will, which Durov says was prompted by the risks of 'defending freedoms' through his encrypted messaging platform. Telegram, with over 1 billion users, has drawn scrutiny from global regulators for its role in hosting unmoderated content. Durov's unconventional family tree stems from a 15-year sperm donation journey, which began as a favour to a friend. He now hopes to 'open source' his DNA so his children can find each other. Read on the Telegram billionaire founder's legacy plan here. Wild orcas have been observed offering prey to humans, in what scientists are calling a potential attempt to bond, play or study us. The findings come from a 20-year global study of killer whale behaviour. The killer whales approached humans voluntarily, dropped food in front of them, and in most cases, lingered to watch the response. Some even repeated the gesture when ignored. The offerings ranged from harbour seals to seaweed, and occurred in waters off California, Norway, New Zealand and beyond. Researchers say this may be the first time wild predators have used prey to interact with humans. The study suggests orcas may be testing social behaviours, much like they do within their pods. It's a behaviour more commonly seen in pets than in apex predators. Read on the wild orca's use of food offering in an attempt to bond with humans here. Kazakhstan has banned face coverings in public, joining a growing list of Central Asian nations restricting Islamic dress. The law, signed by President Tokayev, targets garments that obscure the face and hinder identification. While the law avoids religious language, Tokayev's comments suggest a cultural motive. 'It's much better to wear clothes in the national style,' he said, calling black robes 'alien' to Kazakh traditions. The ban comes amid rising tensions over religious expression, including a hijab ban in schools and protests from Muslim communities. Critics argue the state is policing personal identity under the guise of secularism. Other countries in the region have passed similar laws, often citing extremism and public safety. China, for example, has banned Islamic names in Xinjiang, while Tajikistan has outlawed the hijab entirely. As secularism tightens its grip, Muslim women across Central Asia face increasing pressure to conform to state-approved cultural norms. A new COVID-19 variant is making waves, not for its severity, but for its sting. Nicknamed 'Nimbus', the NB.1.8.1 variant is now one of the most dominant strains in the US, accounting for over 37 per cent of cases. Its most talked-about symptom? A sore throat so painful it's been dubbed 'razor blade throat'. Patients describe it as feeling like swallowing shards of glass. But infectious disease experts say this isn't a new symptom, just a new name for an old foe. The variant is a descendant of Omicron, and while it spreads quickly, it doesn't appear to cause more severe illness or hospitalisations. Vaccines remain effective, especially for high-risk groups. Doctors recommend treating the sore throat with over-the-counter meds, lozenges, saltwater gargles, and hydration. And yes, COVID tests still work for this variant. Bottom line? The pain is real, but the panic doesn't have to be. Singapore has been named one of the top countries in Asia-Pacific for life-work balance, placing third in Remote's 2025 global index. The ranking reflects improvements in statutory leave and overall well-being. The index scores countries on a 100-point scale, factoring in healthcare access, safety, inclusivity, and average working hours. Singapore's score of 57.85 places it 25th globally and third in APAC. New Zealand and Australia lead the region, with Singapore close behind thanks to policy enhancements and a strong social support system. Malaysia also made gains, jumping 20 spots year-on-year. Meanwhile, the US and several Asian economies continue to struggle, weighed down by long hours and limited worker protections. China ranks 52nd out of 60. The report underscores a growing global shift, where flexibility and well-being are becoming more valued than hustle culture. Singapore has rolled out new property rules to curb speculative flipping, raising seller's stamp duty (SSD) rates and extending the holding period for private homes. SSD now applies for up to four years, with rates climbing to 16 per cent for sales within the first year. The changes affect all purchases made from Friday (4 July). The move follows a spike in sub-sales, especially of uncompleted units. Authorities say the trend threatens market stability and affordability. The announcement jolted the market, with developer stocks sliding and analysts scrambling to reassess July's launch pipeline. The government says the changes aim to stabilise the market, not punish genuine buyers. But with mortgage rates falling, speculation may have been poised to rise again. Read on how the SSD changes reshape the property scene here. US President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill has officially cleared Congress, marking the first major legislative win of his second term. The US$4.5 trillion package, dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' makes permanent his 2017 tax cuts, slashes Medicaid and food assistance, and boosts military and border security funding. It also raises the debt ceiling by US$5 trillion, prompting warnings from fiscal watchdogs. The bill's passage was anything but smooth. Vice President JD Vance broke a Senate tie, while House Speaker Mike Johnson wrangled dissenters in a marathon overnight session. Trump himself worked the phones, mixing charm and pressure to sway holdouts. The final vote came after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a record-breaking 8-hour speech opposing the bill. Critics argue the legislation redistributes wealth upward, guts the social safety net, and risks long-term economic instability. Supporters hail it as a fulfilment of Trump's campaign promises and a reset of America's fiscal priorities. With midterms looming, both parties are gearing up to weaponise the bill's impact. Trump is expected to sign the bill on Friday (4 July) with a celebratory flyover. But the real fireworks may come in 2026, when voters weigh in on the consequences. Read on some of the key takeaways and impact of Trump's "big, beautiful bill" here. Singapore's opposition party the Workers' Party (WP) has dismissed People's Action Party's (PAP) criticism of Pritam Singh's podcast interview as baseless. WP insists the interview was candid, constructive and well-received by Singaporeans. The WP said on Thursday (3 July) that Singh's remarks were patriotic and did not denounce Singapore. They say the podcast showcased how opposition voices can engage respectfully on national issues. WP challenged the notion that foreign media engagement is taboo, citing PAP's own history of international interviews. They called out the double standard and demanded clarity on any supposed restrictions. The party also addressed past allegations of foreign influence, reiterating that no promises or deals were made with Malaysian figures. They say the PAP is recycling old controversies for political gain. WP says the podcast episode strengthened democratic discourse, not weakened it. The controversy stems from Pritam's 24 June interview on Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian podcast, which PAP claims crossed a line in airing domestic issues abroad. Read on WP rebuffing PAP's 'water's edge' doctrine here.
