The United States has formally invited Russian president Vladimir Putin to attend the Group of 20 (G20) summit set to take place in Miami in December 2026, but Russia has yet to make a decision.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters about the invitation on Sep. 23 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly gathering.

"We think it’s an opportunity for him to engage not just with [U.S. President Trump] but with other world leaders," Rubio said. "We hope that’s an invitation he’ll accept."

The G20 is an annual forum bringing together many of the world's largest economies. Apart from the U.S. and Russia, it also involves the European Union, China, India, and the United Kingdom.

If Putin attends in December, it would be his first in-person appearance at the forum since 2019, and the first since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

He had skipped the summits, and other Russian officials went in his place, according to The New York Times.

Putin and Trump also have not met since their summit in Alaska in August 2025.

To solve problems

Explaining the invitation, Rubio said, "If you only meet people that you agree with, then these are very nice meetings, but nothing happens."

"In order to solve problems, you have to meet with people you disagree with or the people you might have some issues with."

He added that he believes that Trump and Putin have spoken "at least a dozen times" on the phone since Trump came into office in January 2025, and the U.S. will remain open to engaging with Russia.

The aim would be to reach a "result" or "outcome" through a meeting between the two leaders.

Speaking about the war between Russia and Ukraine, Rubio said that while the U.S. wants the war to end, only a "negotiated agreement" could stop the fighting.

"The sooner we can reach that agreement, the less things will be destroyed, and the less people are going to die on both sides. That’s what [Trump] wants," he added, as quoted by The New York Times.

Russia's response

On Sep. 24, a spokesperson from the Kremlin said no decision had been made about whether Putin will take part in the December G20 summit, Russia’s RIA Novosti reported.

"We certainly appreciate this kind invitation, we value it, and it will be reviewed and coordinated, after which an appropriate decision will be reached."

Other countries' response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier in September that if Putin was attending the December summit, he would be ready to travel and meet Putin there, The Guardian reported.

“We have to come. We have to meet, to speak and make decisions,” he said then, adding that what matters most is not the words between them, but results.

But some  European leaders have reacted strongly against the decision to invite Putin to the summit.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he feared Russia would view the invitation as "encouragement to ​continue ‌its aggressive policies," as quoted by The Guardian.

The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said it was "really very, very hard to understand this treatment of [Putin]".

A 32-year-old Singaporean man was charged after he allegedly participated in unlawful assemblies without a permit near Changi Prison and at the State Courts, where it is illegal to have such gatherings.

S Suraendher Kumarr was supporting the abolition of the death penalty.

He faced three charges under the Public Order Act.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he is a community worker with Workers Make Possible, an advocacy group that advocates for workers' rights.

The Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) website listed him as the vice-president of its board of directors.

Assemblies

In charge sheets seen by Mothership, Kumarr is accused of allegedly attending two public assemblies without a permit and one in a prohibited area.

On Feb. 3, 2025, at about 10:21am at the State Courts, Kumarr allegedly took part in an assembly publicising the cause of abolishing capital punishment in Singapore.

The assembly took place in a prohibited area, and he “ought reasonably to have known was prohibited”.

Kumarr also allegedly took part in candlelight vigils to mark the execution of convicted offenders sentenced to the death penalty in the vicinity of Changi Prison on two occasions.

On Jan. 23, 2025, at about 12:13am, he allegedly took part in the candlelight vigil marking the execution of Syed Suhail Bin Syed Zin, a 48-year-old convicted drug trafficker who was executed on the same day.

On Nov. 29, 2024, at about 12:23am, Kumarr also allegedly took part in the candlelight vigil marking the execution of Rahimi Bin Mehrzad, a 35-year-old convicted drug trafficker who was executed on the same day.

Bail

On Sep. 25, Kumarr arrived at the State Courts accompanied by Singaporean activist Kokila Annamalai at about 9:39am.

He wore a black shirt that had a watermelon cut into a peace-sign logo.

Kumarr’s lawyer sought permission for him to leave the country for his honeymoon in the United Kingdom, as he was a newlywed.

He will be departing on the same day.

Kumarr was granted a S$5,000 bail.

If found guilty of taking part in a public assembly without a permit, Kumarr could be fined up to S$3,000.

If found guilty of taking part in an assembly or procession that a person should reasonably know is prohibited, Kumarr could be fined up to S$5,000.

A 42-year-old man driving home towards Lorong Lew Lian on the night of Sep. 22 had a close shave when he narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a car heading directly towards him from the opposite direction.

The incident, which occurred at about 11:26pm, was posted online in an Instagram video by @eugeneng83.

Reacted without processing

Speaking to Mothership, Eugene Ng said the incident occurred at the cross junction of Boundary Road and Serangoon Central.

According to the video, his car had stopped at a traffic junction during a red light.

The caption stated he was the first car in line, waiting for his turn to move.

An incoming white car from the opposite direction then headed directly towards him.

The video showed Ng quickly moving his car out of the way, barely managing to do so before the white car passed by.

Opposite flow of traffic

Ng told Mothership that he believes the driver "did not stop for his red light as there were still cars turning right from my left traffic, and came towards me which is on the opposite direction".

Noting that the car was in the opposite flow of traffic when it drove past him, he added that he reported the incident to the traffic police on the morning of Sep. 23 after retrieving his dashcam footage.

"There was no time to sound the horn. No time to see the car plate. No time to even process what was happening," he added.

"I just reacted."

He pointed out in the caption that he moved out of the way just in time to avoid a head-on collision, and was thankful there was no car next to him.

When asked during a Bloomberg podcast why Singapore is on both the lists of wealthiest and unhappiest countries, former foreign affairs minister George Yeo quipped that unhappiness might be a precondition for achievement.

Yeo was speaking to Bloomberg host Mishal Husain alongside former Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani in a live edition of The Mishal Husain Show, touching on a range of topics from geopolitics to AI.

Happiness and wealth

In a clip from the podcast posted to Bloomberg's social media pages on Sep. 24, Husain pointed out that Singapore is in the top 20 list of wealthiest countries, but also ranked highly for unhappiness.

She then asked Yeo for his thoughts on why this might be so.

In response, Yeo recounted a reminder he said he constantly received from Singapore's first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, which was to "never promise happiness".

"We can promise economic development, infrastructure, education, whatever. But never promise happiness," Yeo continued.

Yeo then went on to share another anecdote from his time in the trade and foreign ministries.

Yeo was the minister for trade and industry from 1999 to 2004, and then minister for foreign affairs from 2004 to 2011.

Yeo shared that when surveys were conducted by the public service on which ministries had the best work-life balance, both the trade and foreign ministries turned out to have "terrible" work-life balance.

"But we had the highest morale," he said.

"So sometimes unhappiness maybe a precondition for achievement," Yeo quipped.

Mahbubani, who served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1993 to 1998, chimed in, saying that he agreed.

Husain replied that both Yeo and Mahbubani were "quite hardcore on this front".

While the exchange drew laughter and applause from the live audience, some users online were not as amused, with one user pointing out that "happiness" appears in Singapore's national pledge.

Other discussions

Beyond the question on Singapore's wealth and happiness, Husain also asked Yeo and Mahbubani about the challenges facing Singapore today.

Yeo pointed out that Singapore faces a "built-in contradiction" of having to remain united as a people while needing to be connected to the world, segueing into the topic of foreigners in Singapore.

"This town-gown tension will never disappear," Yeo remarked, referring to the relationship between Singaporeans and foreigners.

"The challenge for the government is how to ensure that despite all the changes in the world, social divisions are tackled, ahead of them being too difficult to solve," he continued.

Thai teenage rock sensation Nene Royal is coming to Singapore.

The Phuket-born 16-year-old girl is slated to open for American metal band Avenged Sevenfold's stop in Singapore, promoter Midas Promotions announced.

She recently clinched her victory on season 21 of America's Got Talent (AGT) on Sep. 22, becoming the first-ever Thai to do so.

The concert will be held on Oct. 13, 2026 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Tickets start at S$128.

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Who?

Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, began playing the guitar at the age of six, learning from online videos.

When she was nine years old, she began uploading videos of her playing guitar to Youtube, both solo as well as with her band, Ozone.

In fact, she has posted videos of Ozone playing songs by A7X in the past, such as their hit "Hail to the King".

She and her band would frequently busk at the Naka Weekend Market in Phuket on Sundays, reported the Bangkok Post.

AGT win

According to the Thai Enquirer, Nene Royal's bid for the competition was supported by the Thai government, with the goal of promoting Thai culture and soft power.

She wowed the judges with her guitar skills and powerful vocals, performing rock classics such as "Zombie" by The Cranberries and "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden.

The latter earned her a Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B, sending her directly to the final.

She ultimately won the competition with her rendition of "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes.

With her victory, she brought home a prize of US$1 million (S$1.28 million).

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Avenged Sevenfold in Singapore

She will be sharing the stage in Singapore with Avenged Sevenfold, also known to fans as "A7X".

Debuting with a metalcore sound in the early 2000s, the band gradually adopted elements of traditional heavy metal and hard rock and garnered a worldwide fan following.

They were nominated for their first Grammy Award in 2018.

A7X is currently touring Asia, with other stops in Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Bangkok.

Their Singapore stop will be their first time here in 11 years.

This is not the first time that Nene Royal will be sharing the stage with one of her heroes.

On the AGT finale show on Sep. 23, she played together with nu-metal band Linkin Park.

As Singapore expands its connections abroad, it must also build stronger capabilities at home, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Sep. 25.

This means giving Singapore businesses and people a stake in the progress and prosperity brought about by the trust forged with other countries, said Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade).

Speaking on the second day of the FutureChina Global Forum 2026 held in Singapore, DPM Gan discussed how cooperation between Singapore and China can help to strengthen resilience in each country and in Southeast Asia.

He highlighted that the two countries have spent decades building trust through mutually beneficial cooperation.

"We should now draw on that trust to build capabilities in Singapore and across Asean," he said.

Making opening up work better

Gan began his speech pointing out how the traditional model where opening up drives development is now strained.

"Geopolitical rivalry has made countries more concerned about dependencies and economic security," he said.

Singapore and China have both benefited from trade and investment, which has opened markets for businesses and enabled workers to have better jobs.

In response, businesses and workers have asked whether they have a fair share in the gains from openness and growth, as well as technological change, Gan noted.

Rather than looking inward and closing up to protect local businesses, he believes Singapore needs to make openness work better for its businesses and people.

Building capabilities at home

Gan observed that Southeast Asia today faces a harder path to industrial upgrading.

This is due to intensifying competition, the growth of automation, and digital platforms that bring not only new markets but also new competition.

More trade and investment, by themselves, will not be enough now, Gan said.

"We must also help local enterprises move up the value chain to benefit from these opportunities, and workers acquire the skills to take on new roles."

When Singapore becomes the Asean chair in 2027, it will work together with fellow member states to deepen integration and strengthen the region's capacity to respond to change, Gan committed.

Additionally, he believes a stronger and more resilient Asean should be a shared priority for Singapore and China, because greater prosperity in the region will give their businesses growing markets, more resilient supply chains, and stronger partners.

The Asean-China Free Trade Area 3.0, he said, offers Singapore a framework to work with China and its Asean partners in areas such as the digital and green economies and supply-chain connectivity.

"The task now is to translate these commitments into practical opportunities for enterprises and workers across the region."

He gave examples of investors in transport connectivity projects working with local suppliers to improve quality standards, production methods, and products.

Technology partners can also help smaller firms adopt digital tools, while developing local capabilities to adapt and maintain them, he added.

Competitive niche

While talking about strengthening cooperation, Gan emphasised that the aim is not for every economy to do exactly the same thing.

Instead, it should help businesses across the region build a competitive niche in the value chains, and help workers to see pathways to progression.

Such interactions keep regional integration more relevant and resilient, he said.

"When local firms gain from customers and capabilities, and workers gain better opportunities, they will have a reason to support continued trade and investment."

Singapore—China cooperation

Gan also outlined the opportunities Singapore and China can seize together in AI and the green economy.

He brought up the Singapore—China Digital Policy Dialogue, a platform where both countries can exchange perspectives on AI governance and data, and build confidence in the responsible use of this technology.

In terms of the green economy, Gan said that China has deep technological and manufacturing capabilities, while Singapore brings strengths in areas such as finance, connectivity, and project implementation.

They have established a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor in Tianjin, combining trials of alternative fuels and digital solutions with workforce development.

This project helps businesses and workers prepare for changes in the maritime sector, Gan added.

"This is the kind of cooperation we will pursue – cooperation that builds capabilities, and supports participation in new areas of growth."

Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), the parent company of CP Foods, has gifted 16-year-old Thai rocker Nene Royal, who was crowned the winner of America's Got Talent (AGT) 2026, and her family with a 98 sqm luxury condominium unit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Winner of AGT 2026

Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn 'Praew' Umloy, won the talent competition on Sep. 24, taking home the US$1 million (~S$1,279,230 million) prize.

She is also the first Thai contestant to win the competition.

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According to The Bangkok Post, Nene taught herself to play the guitar through online videos and began playing when she was only seven years old.

She was known in Phuket for busking at the Naka Weekend Market.

Her breakthrough came on Jul. 8, 2026, when AGT posted a video of her performing "Zombie" by The Cranberries on its YouTube channel.

The video has garnered over 20.8 million views at the time of writing.

CP gifts Nene and her family a condominium unit

Following Nene's victory, CP senior chairman Dhanin Chearavanont announced that his family had gifted Nene and her family a condominium at Mulberry Grove The Forestias in Bangkok.

According to The Bangkok Post, the property is estimated to be worth between 25 million (~S$955,681) and 36 million baht (~S$1,376,161).

The gift was presented ahead of Nene's trip to the U.S. for the AGT final.

In a statement, the Chearavanont family said the gift was inspired by Nene's story and the support she had received from her family.

"Despite the challenges along the way, her parents and family have remained by her side, supporting and encouraging her with love and determination as she pursued her dreams and reached this important milestone."

Dhanin told Nene's parents that Nene's journey could inspire a new generation to "dare to dream, take action, persevere through challenges and believe in their own potential".

He also emphasised the importance of family support in helping her reach this milestone.

He said he hoped the condominium would serve not only as a home, but also as a place where Nene and her family could build new opportunities and make a positive contribution to society.

The Chearavanont family said the gift was made from one family to another and came with no obligations attached.

Mulberry Grove The Forestias comprises six buildings ranging from seven to eight storeys, with 269 residential units spread across more than 16 rai (~25,600 sqm).

The unit given to Nene's family has a living area of around 99 sqm, and comprises two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The Chearavanont family had also previously provided Nene with financial support for her education and other expenses related to her participation in AGT 2026.

The support was reportedly worth about 10 million baht (~S$382,411).

A 62-year-old Singaporean woman was charged on Sep. 25 for allegedly taking part in unlawful public assemblies demonstrating support for Falun Gong on six occasions from October 2024 to February 2026.

Ng Chye Huay faced six charges under the Public Order Act.

Demonstrations

In charge sheets seen by Mothership, on Oct. 12, 2024, at about 4:45pm, Ng allegedly took part in a demonstration supporting Falun Gong at Merlion Park.

She did not have a permit.

This was followed by five other alleged demonstrations of similar nature on Jun. 25, Oct. 10, Oct. 25, and Nov. 24, 2025, at the same location.

On Feb. 14, 2026, at about 3pm, she also took part in similar demonstrations at Anderson Bridge.

Dispute

Ng’s lawyer said she was disputing all the charges.

She did not indicate a plea.

Her case was scheduled for a pre-trial conference on Oct. 26

If found guilty of taking part of an unlawful public assembly, Ng could be fined up to S$3,000.

Prior offences

According to reports from media outlets advocating Falun Gong, Ng was previously on trial after being charged with unlawful assembly and handing out VCDs without a licence in 2004.

Ng also had prior convictions of similar offences in 2001, 2005, and 2007.

Additionally, in July 2020, Ng was issued a 12-month conditional warning for participating in a public assembly without a permit.

Falun Gong

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a Chinese spiritual practice that combines meditative exercises.

The practice stems from moral teachings linked to Buddhism and Taoism.

In 1999, China cracked down on practitioners following a ban on Falun Gong.

While practising Falun Gong in Singapore is legal, any public demonstration with at least five people without a police permit is illegal.

Two three-room public housing flats that were combined into a single unit was marketed for sale for S$2.18 million on Sep. 19, 2026.

A listing of the 1,465 sq ft corner unit with five bedrooms can be found on the Propertyguru website.

The combined units sold as one unit is located at Block 93B Telok Blangah Street 31.

The listing raised eyebrows and questions not just because of its asking price — the unit had more than 91 years left on its lease.

As its lease started in late 2017, it has not completed at least two five-year minimum occupancy cycles before being put on sale.

In response to public interest, the property agent claimed that he received 50 enquiries within three days of marketing the combined unit.

HDB's response

In response to Mothership's queries, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) confirmed that the combined units have received approval for sale as a single unit.

The units were combined under the Conversion Scheme.

Under the scheme, eligible owners may purchase an adjoining three-room or smaller flat on the open market, subject to prevailing citizenship and household nucleus requirements.

HDB said the flat owners purchased the first three-room flat from HDB in December 2017, and they subsequently decided to purchase the adjoining unit in August 2021.

The adjoining unit belonging to the neighbour was sold during its minimum occupation period "due to the family’s circumstances" and approval was obtained from HDB.

Two flats should cost S$1.54 million

HDB noted that the listing price of S$2.18 million "is significantly higher than what comparable transactions in the area would suggest".

Based on the data, transactions for individual comparable three-room flats range from around S$673,000 to S$771,000 over the past six months, according to HDB.

HDB added: "Based on the upper end of this range, the total price of two such flats would amount to around S$1.54 million."

The current listed price is more than S$600,000, or over 40 per cent, above this amount, HDB also said.

HDB added: "Should a transaction proceed at this price on a willing buyer-willing seller basis, it will likely entail a substantial cash-over-valuation, which must be paid fully in cash upfront."

HDB said it has not received a resale application for this flat.

HDB will review conversion scheme

In its response, HDB also said it understands the concerns of the public regarding this listing and will review the Conversion Scheme:

Purchasing a flat is a long-term financial commitment. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to do thorough research, evaluate their housing options carefully, and plan their finances prudently so they do not end up over-paying. We urge buyers to refer to resale transaction data on HDB InfoWEB and available housing options on the HDB Flat Portal.

The government remains committed to keeping public housing affordable and accessible. We understand the concerns that members of the public have shared with us regarding this flat listing, and will do a review of the Conversion Scheme.

What is Conversion Scheme?

The Conversion Scheme was introduced in 1993.

It allows eligible owners of three-room or smaller HDB flats who require more living space to combine their flat with an adjoining unit to form a larger flat.

Under the scheme, eligible owners may purchase an adjoining three-room or smaller flat on the open market, subject to prevailing citizenship and household nucleus requirements.

They must also seek HDB’s assessment on the structural feasibility of combining the units before submitting their purchase application.

If approved, they can proceed to complete the purchase and combine the two units into a single flat under one lease.

The combined flat can subsequently be sold on the open market after meeting the new Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

If you were a fan of local television drama "Growing Up", this one's for you.

Actress Amy Cheng, who played the wife of eldest Tay son Gary (Andrew Seow), shared a series of photos on Instagram on Sep. 21 showing several cast members of the popular 1990s drama reuniting over a meal.

Among those who joined Cheng were Irin Gan, who played eldest Tay daughter Vicky, as well as Lim Kay Tong and Wee Soon Hui, who portrayed Mr and Mrs Tay.

Ivan Tay, who played Gary's best friend Kheng Joo in the series, was also at the gathering.

One of the show's executive producers, Ng Say Yong, was present as well.

"A very easy afternoon with colleagues from our MediaCorp days — catching up, laughing and talking about the work we still love," Cheng wrote in her post. "The ease and camaraderie were still there... well, at least on my part."

The show started in 1996.

Missing from the reunion photos are the other three Tay children: Seow, Steven Lim, who played David, and Jamie Yeo, who played Tammy.

The reunion drew an enthusiastic response from fans in the comments.

One commenter said the post "healed" him:

"They don't make TV shows like that anymore. Growing Up was formative to my childhood. I wish they rebooted the series with a new generation of Tays during the 90s to the present day."

Responding to the comment, Cheng said: "All of us (including cast members who were not present as well as crew members across the years) appreciate the fact that stories from this series have connected in different ways."

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Background

"Growing Up" ran for six seasons from 1996 to 2001.

The drama series followed the Tay family as they navigated life in Singapore against the backdrop of the country's changing landscape from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The cast's last publicly known reunion was on a "CNA On The Red Dot" special in 2021.

Lim Kay Tong, Wee and Yeo appeared in person, while Steven Lim joined the reunion via video call from Bangkok.

Seow and Gan were not present at that reunion.

It was also previously reported that Seow, who left showbiz after his last television role in 2006, joined Aetos Security Management as an auxiliary police officer.