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SINGAPORE: Taxi drivers and private-hire drivers could be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at bus stops and bus lanes in the future, if recommendations from two industry associations are accepted. The recommendations by the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and National Taxi Association (NTA) are in response to a call by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for feedback on the Land Transport Master Plan 2040. The master plan should "actively involve chauffeured services as part of a seamless and well-connected public transport network", the two associations said in media release on Wednesday (Dec 19). They reasoned that with Singapore facing an ageing population, workplace decentralisation, a rise in freelance workers or workers with dynamic work arrangements and families with growing childcare demand, there will be a need for more flexible or shorter transportation. "Rigidity arising from fixed routes, fixed locations of MRT stations and bus stops … [Read more...] about Allow taxis, private-hire drivers to use bus stops and lanes: Industry associations

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on Monday (Dec 17) said that it respects the High Court's ruling to allow a gay Singaporean father to adopt his biological son, but that the ministry will consider if the relevant policies need to be reviewed. MSF's comments come after the man, a 46-year-old pathologist,on Monday won the right to adopt his five-year-old biological son who was born via a surrogate in the United States, in a landmark court ruling for Singapore. READ: Gay father permitted to adopt biological son born via surrogacy, in first for Singapore "MSF respects the court’s decision," said an MSF spokesperson. "We will study the Grounds of Decision carefully, and consider if the relevant policies and legislation need to be reviewed and further strengthened." The pathologist is in a long-term relationship with another man. Sex between men is criminal in Singapore and same-sex marriages are not legally recognised. After the boy was born in … [Read more...] about Court ruling on gay father’s adoption appeal: MSF says to consider if policies need to be reviewed

You’ve been good all year, spending less on holidays , buying only one new handbag (and an affordable one at that) and limiting yourself to just two pairs of shoes at a recent sample sale. And now you’ve saved up a small sum that, combined with your bonus, amounts to a rather decent figure. Well, you deserve a reward for all that good behaviour. And we can think of no better way to spoil yourself than with shiny wearables – from the best brands, of course. Here’s our edit of the season’s finest and most lust-worthy jewellery, from rings and bracelets to earrings and necklaces. HARRY WINSTON In the 20th century, American jeweller Harry Winston earned a reputation as the “King of Diamonds” among royalty, celebrities and ladies-who-lunched. It’s easy to see why when you feast your eyes on this pair of platinum earrings: The fire from the 16 round brilliant and four pear-shaped diamonds is just dazzling. They’ll hold their own when paired with other jewels in your … [Read more...] about Time to splurge: Our picks of the best jewels worthy of your year-end bonus

Sure, scoring that famous designer bag with a mile-long waitlist can definitely earn you top bragging rights. But there’s also satisfaction to be had in being approached a stranger who’s dying to know where you got that gorgeous bag she can’t quite put a finger on – it’s a testament to your own personal good taste. But where do you start? We’ve listed five under-the-radar labels that are slowly but surely, making a name for themselves as bag makers. The best part: They don't cost an arm and a leg (and a mortgage). MLOUYE Turkish label Mlouye’s bags are crafted from sustainably sourced leather. And, as designer Meb Rure, puts it, they aim “to deliver functional and unexpected results.” Take, for example, the Naomi shoulder bag, a favourite among street-style followers. Also available as a belt bag, its twisted polygons hide a roomy interior, which means you’ll have no problem stuffing it with your daily essentials with room to spare. We also expect the newly … [Read more...] about Trendsetter: Designer bags for less than S$1,000 from almost-famous labels

Actor Alfonso Ribeiro of The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air fame is suing two video game developers in an attempt to stop them from selling his sitcom character’s signature dance. The 47-year-old played Carlton Banks, the cousin of Will Smith’s lead character in the 90s sitcom, during which time the character became known for frequently dancing to Tom Jones’ It’s Not Unusual, swinging his arms in a particular fashion. The dance move became known as “the Carlton”. Filing two lawsuits on Dec 17, Ribeiro said the companies have “unfairly profited” from using his likeness and “protected creative expression”, CNN reported. Companies named include Fortnite developer Epic Games Inc. and Take-Two Interactive Software Inc, creator of the NBA 2K series, and a number of its subsidiaries. In the games, characters can perform dances, or “emotes”, some of which are available for purchase. Ribeiro called for the developers to be disallowed from using, selling or displaying the dance, … [Read more...] about Carlton from Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air sues Fortnite developers over dance move