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Man's journey from Singapore Air flight attendant to nasi lemak empire; Singapore has not launched ‘world's first floating prison': Singapore live news
Noorman Mubarak quit his cushy job as a flight attendant for Singapore Airlines in 2011 as he felt unfulfilled. Six years later, he found his calling when he took a chance and opened Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang at Yishun Park Hawker Centre. The business has grown into a 31-outlet chain featured in the Michelin Guide. More of his story in the blog below.
The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) has issued a statement to debunk claims made online that Singapore has launched 'the world's first floating prison'. Recent social media posts from Instagram users financian_ and had both stated Singapore had built a high-tech floating prison facility anchored 500 metres offshore.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates:
Man's journey from Singapore Air flight attendant to nasi lemak empire
When Noorman Mubarak opened Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang at Yishun Park Hawker Centre in 2017, it marked the start of a huge gamble for the then 38-year-old.
He had initially enjoyed a comfortable and glamorous job as a flight attendant for Singapore Airlines. But after seven years (2004 to 2011) he felt unfulfilled and that he was 'wasting his life serving coffee in the skies.'
A spell with an oil and gas company followed but by 2017 he was ready to build something of his own. Noorman decided to add a twist to the classic nasi lemak recipe – with help from his Indonesian wife – and Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang was born.
Business was slow and Noorman put in heavy hours juggling a full-time job with his new stall. Then, in 2021, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang was included in the Michelin Guide.
You can read the full story by Business Insider of how Noorman Mubarak grew Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang to a 31-outlet chain featured in the Michelin Guide, here.
Singapore has not launched 'world's first floating prison'
The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) has rubbished claims 'the world's first floating prison' has launched in Singapore.
A recent social media post from Instagram user financian_ wrote that Singapore had built "a high-tech facility anchored 500 meters offshore that's redefining the future of incarceration." The post added that it was "designed to house over 2,000 inmates" and "equipped with AI surveillance, biometric security, robotic patrols and no traditional bars – just geofenced digital boundaries."
An earlier post from Instagram user mirrored some of the claims but also suggested the floating prison was created by Singapore to "solve overcrowding and land issues" facing the country.
Both posts contain AI-generated images of the 'floating prison'.
SPS, in a statement, said it is aware of several social media posts circulating online that Singapore has launched the world's first floating prison. "This is untrue. Neither have we had any discussions or plans for such, nor is there a need."
"We urge members of the public not to spread misinformation, nor to be taken in by such wild stories, and refer instead to SPS's website and social media platforms for official information," added SPS.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Financian (@financian_)
F1 Singapore GP: Lewis Capaldi to perform at the Padang Stage
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is set to perform at Padang Stage in the Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix 2025.
The 'Someone You Loved' hitmaker was unveiled by organisers on 18 July and joins an already stellar cast of previously announced acts for this year's race which include G-Dragon, Elton John, Foo Fighters, CL, Alan Walker, Crowded House, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
More music acts revealed today by organisers include British electronic pop group Clean Bandit, Spice Girls member Melanie C, British singer-songwriter Maisie Peters, New Zealand indie electronic band The Naked and Famous, and American Idol contestant Haley Reinhart.
You can find a detailed entertainment map of where your favourite artists are performing at Singapore GP, here.
Felix Baumgartner, daredevil who once jumped from edge of space, dies age 56
Felix Baumgartner, who famously skydived from the edge of space, has died at the age of 56.
The Austrian – known as 'Fearless Felix' for his stunts – was killed in a motorised paragliding accident in Italy. Firefighters revealed his paraglider crashed into the side of a swimming pool in the city of Porto Sant Elpidio.
Baumgartner stunned the world in 2012 when he broke the sound barrier, using only his body, after jumping from a capsule hoisted more than 39km above Earth.
"When I was standing there on top of the world, you become so humble, you do not think about of breaking records anymore, you do not think of about gaining scientific data. The only thing you want is to come back alive,' he said following his record-breaking jump.
Trump promises legal action against WSJ for report on Epstein letter
Donald Trump says he intends to sue after the Wall Street Journal published a story which claims the US President had sent a "bawdy letter" to Jeffrey Epstein for the latter's 50th birthday in 2003.
WSJ reported that the letter bears Trump's name and contains several lines of typewritten text framed by the hand-drawn outline of a naked woman. A note is said to read "Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret."
Trump's supposed signature on the letter is "a squiggly 'Donald' below her waist, mimicking pubic hair," according to WSJ.
Tump, on his Truth Social platform, called the letter "fake" and promised legal action against the newspaper and Rupert Murdoch, who controls WSJ publisher, News Corp.
"The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch, personally, were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they printed by President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued," wrote Trump. "President Trump will be suing The Wall Street Journal, NewsCorp, and Mr. Murdoch, shortly."
In a separate social media post, Trump also announced that he is directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce more Epstein documents amid public outcry for a client list.
Women property agents subjected to sexual harassment in Singapore
A property agent was in a Jurong West HDB flat speaking to the owner about selling his home when he suddenly locked the door – and tried to force her to have sex.
Another property agent is mailed a handwritten letter at the office where the writer said he would engage her services to buy a flat – but only if she had sex with him.
These are just some of the stories bravely revealed by female property agents about the incidents of sexual harassment and indecent proposals they have experienced during the course of their work.
You can read the full report from the Straits Times, here.
Cathay Cineplexes nearing its end in Singapore?
Cathay Cineplexes, one of Singapore's oldest cinema chains, has not ruled out closing its cinemas due to "ongoing financial challenges".
Mm2 Asia, which owns and operates Cathay Cineplexes, said in a bourse filing on Thursday (17 July) that it is evaluating all available options – including winding up the cinema business.
The operator was notified, on 15 July, by solicitors representing Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) for outstanding rental and related payments for leased premises at Century Square and Causeway Point. The sum of over $2.6 million has to be paid by 5 August.
There are currently four Cathay Cineplexes remaining in Singapore with outlets at Causeway Point, Century Square, Downtown East and 321 Clementi.
Coldplay 'kiss cam' clip fuels latest viral internet controversy
A tech CEO has found himself at the centre of a viral internet story after footage shown on a stadium jumbotron at a Coldplay concert may have outed an alleged affair with a co-worker.
Fortune reports that Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, and his chief people officer, Kristin Cabot, appear to be the couple shown in footage snuggling at the concert in Boston earlier this week.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is heard saying "Oh look at these two" while the couple appear on the big screen. The woman then quickly covers her face and the man tries to avoid the cameras.
Martin jokes saying: "Either they're having an affair or they're very shy."
If the couple are Astronomer's Byron and Cabot, internet sleuths have reported the CEO is married but not to the woman in the video.
CNN has also picked up on the story, adding that it is not the first time a kiss cam at a concert has led to a tricky situation.
$12.7m Toto jackpot shared among 12 Group 2 winners
A jackpot of over $12.7 million in the latest Toto draw on 17 July was split among 12 people after no one won the top prize. The 12 lucky Group 2 winners walked away with almost $1.2m each.
The winning numbers from Thursday night's draw were 7, 8, 17, 29, 32 and 42 while that additional number was 1.
The jackpot had snowballed to $12.7m after the last three draws did not feature a Group 1 winner. The jackpot amount will be rolled over only up to the fourth draw – and shared among the winners in Group 2 if there is no Group 1 winner in this final draw.
You can find out more details about where the Group 2 winning tickets for the 17 July Totdraw were sold on the Singapore Pools website, here.
When Noorman Mubarak opened Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang at Yishun Park Hawker Centre in 2017, it marked the start of a huge gamble for the then 38-year-old.
He had initially enjoyed a comfortable and glamorous job as a flight attendant for Singapore Airlines. But after seven years (2004 to 2011) he felt unfulfilled and that he was 'wasting his life serving coffee in the skies.'
A spell with an oil and gas company followed but by 2017 he was ready to build something of his own. Noorman decided to add a twist to the classic nasi lemak recipe – with help from his Indonesian wife – and Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang was born.
Business was slow and Noorman put in heavy hours juggling a full-time job with his new stall. Then, in 2021, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang was included in the Michelin Guide.
You can read the full story by Business Insider of how Noorman Mubarak grew Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang to a 31-outlet chain featured in the Michelin Guide, here.
The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) has rubbished claims 'the world's first floating prison' has launched in Singapore.
A recent social media post from Instagram user financian_ wrote that Singapore had built "a high-tech facility anchored 500 meters offshore that's redefining the future of incarceration." The post added that it was "designed to house over 2,000 inmates" and "equipped with AI surveillance, biometric security, robotic patrols and no traditional bars – just geofenced digital boundaries."
An earlier post from Instagram user mirrored some of the claims but also suggested the floating prison was created by Singapore to "solve overcrowding and land issues" facing the country.
Both posts contain AI-generated images of the 'floating prison'.
SPS, in a statement, said it is aware of several social media posts circulating online that Singapore has launched the world's first floating prison. "This is untrue. Neither have we had any discussions or plans for such, nor is there a need."
"We urge members of the public not to spread misinformation, nor to be taken in by such wild stories, and refer instead to SPS's website and social media platforms for official information," added SPS.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Financian (@financian_)
F1 Singapore GP: Lewis Capaldi to perform at the Padang Stage
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is set to perform at Padang Stage in the Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix 2025.
The 'Someone You Loved' hitmaker was unveiled by organisers on 18 July and joins an already stellar cast of previously announced acts for this year's race which include G-Dragon, Elton John, Foo Fighters, CL, Alan Walker, Crowded House, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
More music acts revealed today by organisers include British electronic pop group Clean Bandit, Spice Girls member Melanie C, British singer-songwriter Maisie Peters, New Zealand indie electronic band The Naked and Famous, and American Idol contestant Haley Reinhart.
You can find a detailed entertainment map of where your favourite artists are performing at Singapore GP, here.
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is set to perform at Padang Stage in the Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix 2025.
The 'Someone You Loved' hitmaker was unveiled by organisers on 18 July and joins an already stellar cast of previously announced acts for this year's race which include G-Dragon, Elton John, Foo Fighters, CL, Alan Walker, Crowded House, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
More music acts revealed today by organisers include British electronic pop group Clean Bandit, Spice Girls member Melanie C, British singer-songwriter Maisie Peters, New Zealand indie electronic band The Naked and Famous, and American Idol contestant Haley Reinhart.
You can find a detailed entertainment map of where your favourite artists are performing at Singapore GP, here.
Felix Baumgartner, daredevil who once jumped from edge of space, dies age 56
Felix Baumgartner, who famously skydived from the edge of space, has died at the age of 56.
The Austrian – known as 'Fearless Felix' for his stunts – was killed in a motorised paragliding accident in Italy. Firefighters revealed his paraglider crashed into the side of a swimming pool in the city of Porto Sant Elpidio.
Baumgartner stunned the world in 2012 when he broke the sound barrier, using only his body, after jumping from a capsule hoisted more than 39km above Earth.
"When I was standing there on top of the world, you become so humble, you do not think about of breaking records anymore, you do not think of about gaining scientific data. The only thing you want is to come back alive,' he said following his record-breaking jump.
Felix Baumgartner, who famously skydived from the edge of space, has died at the age of 56.
The Austrian – known as 'Fearless Felix' for his stunts – was killed in a motorised paragliding accident in Italy. Firefighters revealed his paraglider crashed into the side of a swimming pool in the city of Porto Sant Elpidio.
Baumgartner stunned the world in 2012 when he broke the sound barrier, using only his body, after jumping from a capsule hoisted more than 39km above Earth.
"When I was standing there on top of the world, you become so humble, you do not think about of breaking records anymore, you do not think of about gaining scientific data. The only thing you want is to come back alive,' he said following his record-breaking jump.
Trump promises legal action against WSJ for report on Epstein letter
Donald Trump says he intends to sue after the Wall Street Journal published a story which claims the US President had sent a "bawdy letter" to Jeffrey Epstein for the latter's 50th birthday in 2003.
WSJ reported that the letter bears Trump's name and contains several lines of typewritten text framed by the hand-drawn outline of a naked woman. A note is said to read "Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret."
Trump's supposed signature on the letter is "a squiggly 'Donald' below her waist, mimicking pubic hair," according to WSJ.
Tump, on his Truth Social platform, called the letter "fake" and promised legal action against the newspaper and Rupert Murdoch, who controls WSJ publisher, News Corp.
"The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch, personally, were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they printed by President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued," wrote Trump. "President Trump will be suing The Wall Street Journal, NewsCorp, and Mr. Murdoch, shortly."
In a separate social media post, Trump also announced that he is directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce more Epstein documents amid public outcry for a client list.
Donald Trump says he intends to sue after the Wall Street Journal published a story which claims the US President had sent a "bawdy letter" to Jeffrey Epstein for the latter's 50th birthday in 2003.
WSJ reported that the letter bears Trump's name and contains several lines of typewritten text framed by the hand-drawn outline of a naked woman. A note is said to read "Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret."
Trump's supposed signature on the letter is "a squiggly 'Donald' below her waist, mimicking pubic hair," according to WSJ.
Tump, on his Truth Social platform, called the letter "fake" and promised legal action against the newspaper and Rupert Murdoch, who controls WSJ publisher, News Corp.
"The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch, personally, were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they printed by President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued," wrote Trump. "President Trump will be suing The Wall Street Journal, NewsCorp, and Mr. Murdoch, shortly."
In a separate social media post, Trump also announced that he is directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce more Epstein documents amid public outcry for a client list.
Women property agents subjected to sexual harassment in Singapore
A property agent was in a Jurong West HDB flat speaking to the owner about selling his home when he suddenly locked the door – and tried to force her to have sex.
Another property agent is mailed a handwritten letter at the office where the writer said he would engage her services to buy a flat – but only if she had sex with him.
These are just some of the stories bravely revealed by female property agents about the incidents of sexual harassment and indecent proposals they have experienced during the course of their work.
You can read the full report from the Straits Times, here.
A property agent was in a Jurong West HDB flat speaking to the owner about selling his home when he suddenly locked the door – and tried to force her to have sex.
Another property agent is mailed a handwritten letter at the office where the writer said he would engage her services to buy a flat – but only if she had sex with him.
These are just some of the stories bravely revealed by female property agents about the incidents of sexual harassment and indecent proposals they have experienced during the course of their work.
You can read the full report from the Straits Times, here.
Cathay Cineplexes nearing its end in Singapore?
Cathay Cineplexes, one of Singapore's oldest cinema chains, has not ruled out closing its cinemas due to "ongoing financial challenges".
Mm2 Asia, which owns and operates Cathay Cineplexes, said in a bourse filing on Thursday (17 July) that it is evaluating all available options – including winding up the cinema business.
The operator was notified, on 15 July, by solicitors representing Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) for outstanding rental and related payments for leased premises at Century Square and Causeway Point. The sum of over $2.6 million has to be paid by 5 August.
There are currently four Cathay Cineplexes remaining in Singapore with outlets at Causeway Point, Century Square, Downtown East and 321 Clementi.
Cathay Cineplexes, one of Singapore's oldest cinema chains, has not ruled out closing its cinemas due to "ongoing financial challenges".
Mm2 Asia, which owns and operates Cathay Cineplexes, said in a bourse filing on Thursday (17 July) that it is evaluating all available options – including winding up the cinema business.
The operator was notified, on 15 July, by solicitors representing Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) for outstanding rental and related payments for leased premises at Century Square and Causeway Point. The sum of over $2.6 million has to be paid by 5 August.
There are currently four Cathay Cineplexes remaining in Singapore with outlets at Causeway Point, Century Square, Downtown East and 321 Clementi.
Coldplay 'kiss cam' clip fuels latest viral internet controversy
A tech CEO has found himself at the centre of a viral internet story after footage shown on a stadium jumbotron at a Coldplay concert may have outed an alleged affair with a co-worker.
Fortune reports that Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, and his chief people officer, Kristin Cabot, appear to be the couple shown in footage snuggling at the concert in Boston earlier this week.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is heard saying "Oh look at these two" while the couple appear on the big screen. The woman then quickly covers her face and the man tries to avoid the cameras.
Martin jokes saying: "Either they're having an affair or they're very shy."
If the couple are Astronomer's Byron and Cabot, internet sleuths have reported the CEO is married but not to the woman in the video.
CNN has also picked up on the story, adding that it is not the first time a kiss cam at a concert has led to a tricky situation.
A tech CEO has found himself at the centre of a viral internet story after footage shown on a stadium jumbotron at a Coldplay concert may have outed an alleged affair with a co-worker.
Fortune reports that Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, and his chief people officer, Kristin Cabot, appear to be the couple shown in footage snuggling at the concert in Boston earlier this week.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is heard saying "Oh look at these two" while the couple appear on the big screen. The woman then quickly covers her face and the man tries to avoid the cameras.
Martin jokes saying: "Either they're having an affair or they're very shy."
If the couple are Astronomer's Byron and Cabot, internet sleuths have reported the CEO is married but not to the woman in the video.
CNN has also picked up on the story, adding that it is not the first time a kiss cam at a concert has led to a tricky situation.
$12.7m Toto jackpot shared among 12 Group 2 winners
A jackpot of over $12.7 million in the latest Toto draw on 17 July was split among 12 people after no one won the top prize. The 12 lucky Group 2 winners walked away with almost $1.2m each.
The winning numbers from Thursday night's draw were 7, 8, 17, 29, 32 and 42 while that additional number was 1.
The jackpot had snowballed to $12.7m after the last three draws did not feature a Group 1 winner. The jackpot amount will be rolled over only up to the fourth draw – and shared among the winners in Group 2 if there is no Group 1 winner in this final draw.
You can find out more details about where the Group 2 winning tickets for the 17 July Totdraw were sold on the Singapore Pools website, here.
A jackpot of over $12.7 million in the latest Toto draw on 17 July was split among 12 people after no one won the top prize. The 12 lucky Group 2 winners walked away with almost $1.2m each.
The winning numbers from Thursday night's draw were 7, 8, 17, 29, 32 and 42 while that additional number was 1.
The jackpot had snowballed to $12.7m after the last three draws did not feature a Group 1 winner. The jackpot amount will be rolled over only up to the fourth draw – and shared among the winners in Group 2 if there is no Group 1 winner in this final draw.
You can find out more details about where the Group 2 winning tickets for the 17 July Totdraw were sold on the Singapore Pools website, here.
