Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Singapore

Singapore Singpass Scam: 21-Year-Old Arrested After Work Permit Holders Allegedly Sold Access for S$50

SINGAPORE — A 21-year-old man has been arrested over an alleged scheme in which Singpass access belonging to work permit holders was used to create e-wallet accounts that later handled thousands of dollars in scam proceeds, adding to growing concerns over criminals exploiting digital identities and payment accounts. According to police information reported by AsiaOne and The Straits Times, the suspect allegedly accessed the Singpass accounts of work permit holders and used them to apply for e-w

August 27, 2026

Business

Google DeepMind Hires Barret Zoph as AI Talent War Intensifies — And His Career Has Come Full Circle

Google DeepMind is bringing veteran artificial intelligence researcher Barret Zoph back into the Google fold, adding another twist to one of the most closely watched talent battles in the global AI industry. Zoph, a co-founder and former chief technology officer of Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab, said he is joining Google DeepMind as vice president of research, according to Reuters. The appointment puts him inside Alphabet’s flagship AI organization at a moment when Google is reshaping Dee

August 27, 2026

Entertainment

Singapore Family Rescues Chick Trapped in Marine Terrace HDB Drain, Reunites It With Mother Hen

A desperate cry from beneath an HDB block turned an ordinary Sunday outing into an unexpected wildlife rescue in Singapore. SINGAPORE — What began as a routine trip out to buy food became a heartwarming rescue mission for a Marine Terrace family after they discovered a tiny chick trapped inside a drain beneath an HDB block. The incident happened on Sunday, August 23, at around 4pm in the Marine Terrace area on Singapore's east coast. Connie Tay and her daughter had initially heard chicks call

August 27, 2026

Business

Trump Escalates Canada Trade War as Carney Hits Back With Dollar-for-Dollar Tariffs

WASHINGTON — The trade confrontation between the United States and Canada has entered a more dangerous phase after U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized America's northern neighbor and signaled that Washington has little intention of backing down from its escalating tariff campaign. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, August 26, Trump declared that it was time to “teach Canada you can't do this anymore,” arguing that the United States could obtain most of what it needs from other co

August 27, 2026

Business

Oil Prices Extend Losses as Hormuz Talks Ease Supply Fears — But a New Fuel Warning Is Emerging

Oil prices fell again on Thursday, August 27, as fresh diplomatic efforts involving Iran, Oman and Qatar raised hopes that disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz could ease — but dangerously low diesel inventories and continuing Middle East tensions are keeping the global energy market on edge. Brent crude futures dropped 60 cents, or 0.7%, to $87.24 a barrel as of 0004 GMT, marking a fourth consecutive session of losses. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 56 cents, also about 0.7%, t

August 27, 2026

Philippines

Ombudsman Puts 107 Government Officials Under Lifestyle Check; More May Be Added to List

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has placed 107 government officials and employees under lifestyle checks, with the number expected to grow as investigators widen their scrutiny of agencies handling significant government revenues and transactions. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed the ongoing checks during the deliberations on the Office of the Ombudsman’s proposed 2027 budget at the House of Representatives. Among the agencies being closely examined are the

August 27, 2026

Business

Bank of Korea Delivers Back-to-Back Rate Hikes as Inflation Pressure Refuses to Fade

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea's central bank has raised interest rates for the second consecutive meeting, signaling that the battle against stubborn inflation and growing financial stability risks is far from over. The Bank of Korea (BOK) increased its benchmark seven-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 3.00% on Thursday, August 27, following a similar increase in July. The move marks a sharp continuation of the central bank's tightening cycle after its first rate hike in three-and-a-

August 27, 2026

Business

BIR Cracks Down on Unregistered Sabong Betting Systems, Seizes and Seals 297 Machines in Major Operation

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has intensified its crackdown on unregistered betting equipment used in cockpit arenas, sealing or confiscating 297 betting machines, computerized units, servers, and other devices found during simultaneous enforcement operations at 11 cockpits in Metro Manila and South Luzon. The operation, carried out on August 8, was conducted in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following covert verification by BIR revenue

August 27, 2026

Philippines

Iloilo Cracks Down on Illegal Fishing: 7 Boats Caught in Just Two Days, ₱910,000 in Boats and Gear Seized

ILOILO, Philippines — Seven fishing boats were apprehended in northern Iloilo during a two-day anti-illegal fishing crackdown, as authorities intensified patrols against prohibited fishing activities in the province's municipal waters. The operations, carried out on August 22 and 23, targeted alleged trawl fishing and round haul seine fishing, locally known as “baling,” in the municipalities of San Dionisio and Concepcion. Authorities reported seizing boats and fishing equipment valued at at le

August 27, 2026

Philippines

BSKE Postponement Gains Momentum: Will the November 2026 Elections Still Push Through?

MANILA, Philippines — The fate of the November 2, 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) is increasingly uncertain as Congress considers proposals that could extend the terms of barangay and youth officials and potentially push back the nationwide polls. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said lawmakers are actively deliberating measures related to the issue, signaling that the scheduled November elections could still be affected by legislation. “Tinatalakay ’yan sa Kongreso. Hin

August 27, 2026