<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
    <rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#">

        <channel>
            <title>Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world</title>
            <atom:link href="https://mothership.sg/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
            <link>https://mothership.sg</link>
            <description>Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world</description>
            <lastBuildDate>2026-07-11T10:45:04+00:00</lastBuildDate>
            <language>en-US</language>
            <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
            <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
            <generator>StaticEngine</generator>
            <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">60045542</site>

                <item>
                    <title>Man, 42, sent to hospital after allegedly slitting his own throat during dispute in Lavender</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/man-slit-throat-dispute-lavender/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-11T14:25:02</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Khine Zin Htet ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/man-slit-throat-dispute-lavender/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Investigations ongoing. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/Article-Cover-Pic-2000-x-1050-2026-07-11T140228.472.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A 42-year-old man was sent to the hospital after allegedly slitting his throat during a dispute.</p><p>The incident occurred at CT Hub 2 on the morning of Jul. 11,  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shinmindailynewsxinmingribao/posts/pfbid032JH9ei3dDH6cizhEnzX91ptvGRWCjMRpbJSMbtzQ3wY7n3ZgN6f8cfoAB28mje1Ll?rdid=8Ll5wAlUavOpeYSO#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Shin Min Daily News</em></a> reported.</p>
<p>An employee at a nearby coffee shop told <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260711-9348557" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Lianhe Zaobao</em></a> reporters that she heard a woman crying and screaming inside a nightclub there.</p><p>The employee claimed an argument occurred inside the club.</p><p>Police confirmed with <em>Mothership</em> that they received a call for assistance at Block 114 Lavender Street at about 9:35am.</p><p>Police investigations are ongoing, they added.</p><p>The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) also told <em>Mothership</em> they were alerted to the incident at about 9:40am and conveyed a person to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.</p><p>A <em>Shin Min</em> reporter who went to the scene observed numerous police vehicles, with officers carrying out investigations.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158357</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Chinese woman, 37, had delusions her ex-husband cheated & drugged her, jailed after Chinatown knife attack left 2 injured</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/chinese-woman-jailed-knife-attack-people-park-complex/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-11T13:06:08</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Khine Zin Htet ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/chinese-woman-jailed-knife-attack-people-park-complex/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ She was found to have Schizophreniform disorder.  ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/Article-Cover-Pic-2000-x-1050-2026-07-11T125025.542.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Suspecting that her ex-husband had cheated on and drugged her, a woman with schizophrenia brought a kitchen knife to a food stall he supplied ingredients to and injured two male employees.</p><p>Chinese national He Longfeng, 37, was sentenced to 23 months in prison on Jul. 10.</p>
<p>She originally faced four charges, including intentional injury with a dangerous weapon and intentional injury.</p><p>On Jul. 10, she pleaded guilty to two of them, with the remaining charges taken into consideration during sentencing, <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260710-9346204" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Lianhe Zaobao</em></a> reported.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Chinese woman, 37, had delusions her ex-husband cheated & drugged her, jailed after Chinatown knife attack left 2 injured' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2025/03/stabbing-peoples-park-complex/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p><h2>Bought knives</h2></p><p>He divorced her ex-husband, Shi Yanwen (transliteration), in 2019.</p><p>Shi worked at a food factory that was a supplier for "Gulixiang", a cooked food stall outside People's Park Complex in Chinatown.</p><p>Before the incident on Mar. 19, 2025, He finished her work at a Chinese medicine clinic and went to a shop at Hillion Mall, Bukit Panjang, to buy two knives.</p><p>While paying, she reportedly whispered to the clerk, "Don't tell anyone," and insisted on unwrapping the packaging on the spot.</p><p>The clerk later called the manager to inform him of what happened.</p><p><h2>Slashed two employees of food stall</h2></p><p>At around 8:46pm, He reached People's Park Complex and looked around the food stall for a while.</p><p>She then went to the shop next door, squatted down, and pulled a knife out of a plastic bag.</p><p>Then, she rushed into the food stall and slashed at a 42-year-old male employee who was working there.</p><p>The employee raised his arms to defend himself, resulting in a cut to his arm.</p><p>Two other male colleagues rushed forward to stop her, attempting to take the knife from her and subdue her.</p><p>One of the shop assistants, 31, suffered a cut to his finger, while the other was bitten by He on the left arm.</p><p>While wielding the knife, He reportedly shouted that she was Shi's wife.</p><p>She claimed that her husband had not only cheated on her but also drugged her.</p><p>Police later arrived at the scene and recovered two knives as evidence.</p><p><h2>Injuries</h2></p><p>The 42-year-old employee suffered lacerations to both elbows and a stab wound to the abdomen.</p><p>He was given 17 days of hospitalisation leave after the surgery and was left with permanent scars on both arms and stiffness in his hands.</p><p>Meanwhile, the 31-year-old employee's fingers required four stitches.</p><p><h2>Suffers from schizophrenia</h2></p><p>A report from the Institute of Mental Health found that He suffers from Schizophreniform disorder, which was not diagnosed or treated before the incident.</p><p>The report indicated that her actions were strongly linked to her condition, which affected her self-control and led to her having delusions such as being believing she had been drugged by her ex-husband.</p><p>The defence pleaded for leniency on account of her mental disorder and noted that she had maintained a good record while working in Singapore for several years and had also participated in volunteer work.</p><p>The prosecution, however, pointed out that she openly committed a knife attack in a crowded public place, causing injury to innocent victims.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Chinese woman, 37, had delusions her ex-husband cheated & drugged her, jailed after Chinatown knife attack left 2 injured' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2025/03/chinese-national-charged-alleged-chopper-attack-chinatown/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158329</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Thinning hair, balding spots &amp; dandruff flakes: 3 S’poreans share how they deal with hair &amp; scalp woes</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/tk-trichokare-scalp-purifying-therapy/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-11T12:04:11</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Xueting Wu ]]>
                    </dc:creator>

                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Branded ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/tk-trichokare-scalp-purifying-therapy/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The insecurity is real. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image4-2.png"/> <p>Living in Singapore can be very hard on our scalp.</p><p>It’s not just the heat and humidity, but also the fast-paced lifestyle, that are some of the worst nightmares for our hair and scalp.</p><p><h2>Finding flakes everywhere</h2></p><p>For Diana, working in the airline industry in her 30s, she first noticed she had dandruff when she felt her scalp getting persistently itchy.</p>
<p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1125px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image10.jpg" alt="" width="1125" height="1999" class="wp-image-1158292 size-full" /> Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>“Despite washing my hair daily, I kept finding white flakes on my clothes and in my hair,” she said.</p><p>It got worse over time, and eventually led to her losing hair.</p><p>While dandruff does not directly cause hair loss, it can definitely contribute to it. If the itchiness causes one to scratch their scalp often, it can weaken the hair roots and lead to hair loss.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image12-1.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="480" class="wp-image-1158293 size-full" /> A 200-times magnified scalp scan of Diana’s scalp. The oil-clogged pores, ridden with layers of flakes, also obstructed new hair follicles from growing. Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>Diana’s condition hit her self-confidence hard, and she grew increasingly insecure about her appearance. Her self-consciousness made her stay away from others, even when she was indoors with her family.</p><p><h2>Loss of self-expression</h2></p><p>For Eugene, his hair loss has been a combination of a few factors.</p><p>A managing director at an IT firm in his 40s, the demands of his job induce much stress on a daily basis.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1080px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image13.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="1920" class="wp-image-1158294 size-full" /> Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>He also enjoys doing sports, which makes him sweat a lot — another big culprit in an oily and clogged scalp.</p><p>“Whenever I sweat, it becomes more obvious that I'm balding. Glaring bald patches appear whenever there is a lot of sweat and grease on my head, which made me realise the problem had worsened over recent months,” Eugene said.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image8-1.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="480" class="wp-image-1158295 size-full" /> A scan of Eugene’s scalp. Besides a layer of grease that’s visibly seen, he has sparse hair follicles that are far apart with little growth in between them. Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>It has also not been easy to find ways to make the balding look less obvious.</p><p>“I used to love changing my hairstyle every year, but now I find myself stuck with just one look, styled just to help ‘cover up’ the balding spots on my head. It not only looks boring, but has also really affected my confidence and self-expression,” he shared.</p><p><h2>Tried covering it up with a wig</h2></p><p>When Karen, a banker in her 30s, discovered she was losing hair about seven years ago, it occupied her mind a lot.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1333px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image15.jpg" alt="" width="1333" height="1999" class="wp-image-1158296 size-full" /> Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>The area where her hair was thinning was “very obvious”, and she became self-conscious about it during social settings, especially when she was being photographed or standing under strong lighting.</p><p>It got to the point that she bought a wig to wear on special occasions, just to make her hair look thicker and longer.</p><p>Using a wig to cover up her thinning hair, Karen ignored the problem for a long time, which only made it worse.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 447px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image6-1.jpg" alt="" width="447" height="333" class="wp-image-1158298 size-full" /> A scan of Karen’s scalp showing sparse hair follicle growth, thin and brittle in quality. Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p><h2>How they are treating it</h2></p><p>There may be no overnight fix for the hair and scalp concerns Diana, Eugene, and Karen face, but TK TrichoKare’s treatments have helped them take control of their hair and scalp health.</p><p>TrichoKare’s <strong>Scalp Purifying Therapy</strong> is aimed at non-invasive deep cleansing and strengthening the scalp for healthier hair growth.</p><p>The treatment is powered by premium European herbs, including tea tree (to soothe itchiness), magnolia (to protect the scalp from irritation), saw palmetto (to slow hair thinning), calendula (to soothe irritation), and nettle (to hydrate the scalp).</p><p>Fully customised to each individual’s hair and scalp condition, the treatment begins with a 200-times magnified Tricho-Scan and detailed scalp analysis to uncover the root cause of hair concerns and identify exactly what the scalp needs.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1333px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image3-1.jpg" alt="" width="1333" height="1999" class="wp-image-1158299 size-full" /> Analysing the scalp with a 200-times magnified Tricho-Scan. Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>This is followed by a herbal hair masque, massaged deep into the tissues of the scalp to eliminate excess sebum and unclog pores on the scalp.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1999px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image2.jpg" alt="" width="1999" height="1125" class="wp-image-1158300 size-full" /> Applying the herbal hair masque on the scalp. Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>A customised treatment essence with herbal properties intricately is then applied through a NanoMist Spray, to ensure the scalp pores fully absorb the nutrients.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image16.png" alt="" width="1000" height="525" class="wp-image-1158301 size-full" /> Applying a customised treatment essence through a NanoMist Spray. Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>A low-level light therapy wraps up the experience. It helps to detoxify the scalp, heal it from inflammation, and maintain the scalp’s pH balance, all at the same time.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1999px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image14.jpg" alt="" width="1999" height="1125" class="wp-image-1158302 size-full" /> Treating the scalp to a low-level light therapy. Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p><h2>The results</h2></p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image7-1.png" alt="" width="1000" height="525" class="wp-image-1158304 size-full" /> Photos from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>At the end, Diana, Eugene, and Karen got to see the difference on their scalp through a post-treatment scalp scan analysis.</p><p>Diana’s scalp initially had oil-clogged pores ridden with flakes that obstructed new hair follicles from growing. After the treatment, the white flakes reduced significantly.</p><p>Eugene went in with a layer of grease on his scalp, and his hair follicles were sparse and far apart with little growth in between them. Now, his scalp was visibly cleaner and less inflamed.</p><p>As for Karen, her previously sparse, thin, and brittle hair follicles appeared thicker and stronger afterwards.</p><p>Currently, TK TrichoKare is offering the Scalp Purifying Therapy treatment experience at a special promo price of S$48 nett only, which includes a free Nourishing Hair Bath shampoo and CompleteKare Mask conditioner (worth S$45 in total), and a S$10 GrabGifts eVoucher.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 768px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/image11.jpg" alt="" width="768" height="1376" class="wp-image-1158303 size-full" /> Photo from TK TrichoKare
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>If you’d like to give the treatment a try, you can make an appointment via TK TrichoKare’s <a href="https://tk-hair.com/mothership-advertorial-july-award-winning-scalp-purifying-therapy-48nett/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">website</a> or <a href="https://wa.link/dejou0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WhatsApp</a>.</p><p><em><strong>This branded article by TK TrichoKare made this writer feel less alone in worrying about her own scalp.</strong></em></p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158291</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Ryanair passenger, 61, nearly sucked out of shattered window during flight, wife allegedly held onto his legs for 5 minutes</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/ryanair-passenger-nearly-sucked-out-wife-held-on-legs/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-11T11:47:18</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Khine Zin Htet ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/ryanair-passenger-nearly-sucked-out-wife-held-on-legs/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The man was treated in the hospital for friction burns. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/Article-Cover-Pic-2000-x-1050-2026-07-11T114131.351.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A 61-year-old Serbian man onboard a Ryanair plane on Jul. 10 was nearly sucked head-first out of a shattered window in mid-air.</p><p>He was reportedly saved by his wife and fellow passengers holding onto him.</p>
<p>Tracking data showed the plane was in the air for about 10 minutes when it abruptly descended 2,700m, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgk65knkyzdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>BBC</em></a>.</p><p>Passengers reportedly told local media that pieces of the jet's engine smashed the window, though this has not been confirmed by the airline.</p><p>The incident took place on Ryanair flight FR18799, which was going from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany.</p><p><h2>Treated for friction burns</h2></p><p>The man's wife reportedly held onto his legs for around five minutes to stop him from being sucked out.</p><p>Passengers also told local media the man was hanging out as far as his shoulders from the window before other passengers managed to pull him back inside.</p><p>The man is now being treated in the hospital for friction burns.</p><p>"He is in shock, remains conscious," said Michalis Giannakos, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Employees.</p><p><h2>Ryanair statement</h2></p><p>In a statement, Ryanair said the flight bound for Memmingen returned "shortly after take-off when a passenger window dislodged in flight".</p><p>"The aircraft landed normally and passengers returned to the terminal. One passenger requested and received medical assistance on the ground in Thessaloniki," the Irish budget airline said.</p><p>“In order to minimise any delay, a replacement aircraft was arranged to bring passengers to Memmingen, which departed Thessaloniki at 9:53am local time this morning,” the airline said, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/10/ryanair-passenger-almost-sucked-out-of-shattered-window-during-flight" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Guardian</em></a>.</p><p><h2>Passengers recount experience</h2></p><p>While Ryanair did not comment on the cause of the incident, passengers on board the flight told local media the window was smashed by pieces of the jet's engine.</p><p>"We immediately realised there had been a decompression. There were screams... for a moment I thought someone had accidentally opened the emergency door," one passenger said.</p><p><blockquote><p>"The masks dropped and there was a strong smell. The head and shoulders of one passenger were outside the window. Fortunately, he hadn't taken off his seat belt."</p></blockquote></p><p>Another passenger said they thought the plane was "going down" and described the decompression as "extreme".</p><p>"It felt like we couldn't breathe. The man who was injured was bleeding and then lost consciousness several times, most likely because of the lack of oxygen and the shock," the passenger said.</p><p><h2>Investigations ongoing</h2></p><p><em>BBC</em> reported that the aircraft is believed to have been an 18-year-old plane that was operated by Ryanair's subsidiary Malta Air.</p><p>Thessaloniki airport's operator Fraport Greece said that the Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority is investigating the incident.</p><p>The operator added that it is "fully co-operating" with all relevant stakeholders and has "activated the established emergency response procedures following the aircraft's forced return".</p><p>The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) also said it was aware of the incident and would provide any assistance to investigators, <em>BBC</em> reported.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158320</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Taxi driver, 73, who lost consciousness while driving on ECP dies</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/taxi-driver-lost-consciousness-ecp-dies/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-11T10:52:30</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nurshahiylia Sidin ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/taxi-driver-lost-consciousness-ecp-dies/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ He had been taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital where he subsequently died. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/taxidriverecpdies.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A 73-year-old taxi driver who lost consciousness while driving along the East Coast Parkway (ECP) on Jul. 6 has died, the police said.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Taxi driver, 73, who lost consciousness while driving on ECP dies' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/07/woman-son-taxi-ecp-lose-consciousness/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe>
<p><h2>Died in hospital</h2></p><p>In an update, the police told <em>Mothership</em> they were alerted at about 12:50pm that day to an accident involving a taxi that was believed to have self-skidded.</p><p>The 73-year-old male driver had been taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), where he subsequently died.</p><p>Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) also confirmed it received a call for assistance along the ECP towards the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) at about 12:50pm on Jul. 6, and conveyed one person to TTSH.</p><p><h2>What happened</h2></p><p>The driver had been ferrying a passenger and her young son from Jewel Changi Airport towards Crawford Lane when he became unresponsive at the wheel.</p><p>Winnie Lee, 36, who was seated in the back of the ComfortDelGro taxi with her six-year-old son, recounted how the taxi had begun veering towards the road shoulder while travelling along the ECP.</p><p>She said the driver had appeared sleepy, and when she asked if he was all right, he replied that he was fine.</p><p>When she suggested he pull over to rest, he responded by asking: "Where do I stop?"</p><p>That was the driver's last response before he became unresponsive, Lee said.</p><p>Police investigations into the accident are ongoing.</p><p><em>Mothership</em> has reached out to ComfortDelGro for comment on the driver's death.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158311</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>MHA clarifies: Eating, drinking & smoking while driving not offences, but can be if it results in accident</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/mha-eating-driving/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-10T17:19:14</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Gawain Pek ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/mha-eating-driving/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Best to have both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/eat-drive-offence.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>It could soon be an <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/07/holding-mobile-phone-driving-offence/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">offence</a> to hold a phone in your hand while driving, regardless of whether you are using it or not.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='MHA clarifies: Eating, drinking & smoking while driving not offences, but can be if it results in accident' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/07/holding-mobile-phone-driving-offence/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe>
<p>The Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, tabled in Parliament on Jul. 7, will remove the need for traffic police to prove that the phone was being used while held.</p><p>But what if you want to get a quick bite, take a sip of water, or light up a cigarette while on the road?</p><p>Will that be an offence?</p><p><h2>Calibrated approach</h2></p><p>Responding to <em>Mothership</em>'s queries, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said it has taken a "calibrated approach" in the Bill's proposed amendments and "focused on the use of mobile communication devices while driving".</p><p>"That has been associated with a greater risk of driver distraction as compared to eating, drinking, or smoking," MHA explained.</p><p>The Road Traffic Act was first amended in 2014 to make it an offence to hold and use any type of mobile communication device while driving.</p><p>The law was expanded to include surfing the web, visiting social media platforms and downloading material and not just prohibiting calling or texting.</p><p>The Jul. 7 Bill will make it an offence for drivers to <em>hold</em> a mobile communication device while their vehicle is in motion.</p><p>Prove of usage will be removed under the Bill's proposed amendments.</p><p>A mobile communication device refers to a mobile phone, or any wireless handheld device or wearable device designed or capable of being used for communication, and includes tablets and smart watches.</p><p><h2>Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel</h2></p><p>However, MHA cautioned that motorists should "focus on operating their vehicle and avoid being distracted while driving".</p><p>The ministry said:</p><p><blockquote><p>"While the acts of eating, drinking or smoking while driving are not offences in and of themselves, the driver may still be liable for offences such as driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration, or reckless or dangerous driving, if such actions result in the driver driving carelessly or recklessly, or contribute to an accident."</p></blockquote></p><p>Remaining fully focused on the road and maintaining proper control of their vehicle at all times is still the driver's responsibility, MHA emphasised.</p><p>Drivers should refrain from engaging in behaviour that "distract them" or "compromise the safety" of themselves and other road users.</p><p><h2>AI videos?</h2></p><p>The changes proposed in the Bill will also allow traffic police to enforce the offence using camera footage or photographic and video evidence submitted by the public, improving the detection of such offences.</p><p>In response to queries about the reliability and authenticity of photographic and videographic evidence submitted by the public in the age of artificial intelligence, MHA said the traffic police "considers all available evidence... and the facts of each case before determining whether an offence has been committed".</p><p>"Those who knowingly submit false information will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law," it also said.</p><p><h2>Penalites</h2></p><p>While the Bill proposes to amend the law when it comes to holding a phone while driving, the penalties will remain unchanged for such an offence.</p><p>First-time offenders prosecuted in court face a maximum fine of S$1,000, up to six months' jail, or both.</p><p>Repeat offenders may be fined up to S$2,000, jailed for up to 12 months, or both.</p><p>Offences committed in school zones, silver zones, or Friendly Zones Streets incur two additional demerit points and an additional S$100 fine.</p><p>Under the current law, a driver commits an offence if he or she holds a mobile communication device and uses any of its communicative or other functions while the vehicle is in motion.</p><p>No proof of harm is required.</p><p>In response to previous media queries, MHA said, "There is no reason for a driver to hold a handphone while the vehicle is in motion, at the risk of distracting the driver and endangering road users. And as such, it would be considered an offence."</p><p>The Bill will be tabled for its second reading at the next Parliament sitting.</p><p>It will be put to a vote in Parliament following the third reading.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158235</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Man leaves paper bag with S$20,000 cash on S'pore bus, Yishun interchange staff return full amount</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/20000-cash-left-in-singapore-bus-sbs-transit-staff-return/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-10T17:11:22</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Sarah Choo ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/20000-cash-left-in-singapore-bus-sbs-transit-staff-return/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ He explained that the S$20,000 was meant for his workers' salaries. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/tn-22.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A man alighted from a Singapore bus to discover he had accidentally left behind a paper bag containing S$20,000 in cash.</p><p>Thanks to the swift response of an SBS Transit bus captain and interchange staff, they successfully recovered the bag, winning praise online for their honest deed.</p>
<p><h2>S$20,000 cash in a paper bag</h2></p><p>In a Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YAKnUob5J/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">post</a> by the transport operator, the passenger, surnamed Ma, was distressed to realise he had left his paper bag on a bus and called Yishun Interchange for help.</p><p>Assistant Interchange Supervisor Lalastella Tse, who received the frantic call, admitted she was "shocked at the large amount" of money involved.</p><p>Tse quickly worked with the operations control centre to trace the bus Ma had taken, identifying it as service 851.</p><p><h2>Found by fellow passenger</h2></p><p>At the same time, bus captain Giam Ming Huat had already been alerted to the lost bag by another passenger.</p><p>Giam retrieved the bag and kept it safe until he returned to the interchange.</p><p>Ma later arrived at the interchange to verify his belongings and found the full amount intact.</p><p>He explained that the S$20,000 was meant for his workers' salaries.</p><p>Expressing his gratitude, Ma said: "I was really surprised by how quickly the staff handled my case and found my bag. I’m truly grateful for their help!"</p><p>Netizens have since applauded the SBS Transit staff for their honesty, professionalism, and quick teamwork.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158226</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Taiwan fried chicken staff filmed barefoot stomping on raw chicken skin & joking that he was 'exfoliating' it</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/taiwan-fried-chicken-employee-filmed-stomping-on-chicken-skin/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-10T17:04:28</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Izza Sofia ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/taiwan-fried-chicken-employee-filmed-stomping-on-chicken-skin/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Netizens renamed the restaurant's Google listing "Barefoot Fried Chicken Specialist" and "Foot Reflexology Shop." ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/Untitled-design-18.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A fried chicken chain in Taiwan faced a food safety investigation after a video surfaced of an employee stomping barefoot on raw chicken skin while joking to the camera that he was "exfoliating" it.</p><p>The video showed a shirtless male employee standing in a basin filled with chicken skin and repeatedly stomping on it.</p>
<p>Several other basins containing what appeared to be more chicken skin were also visible in the background.</p><p>The restaurant involved is Wu Liang Wu Fried Chicken's Taiping branch in Taichung, according to <a href="https://udn.com/news/story/120911/9617079?from=udn-relatednews_ch2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>UDN</em></a>.</p><p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"></p><p><p lang="zh" dir="ltr">台中伍兩五炸雞爆食安爭議　踩雞皮影片引發撻伐　食安處介入稽查、業者稱涉事食材已報廢 <a href="https://t.co/uHphwPEaBU">pic.twitter.com/uHphwPEaBU</a></p></p><p>— 記者爆料網 (@zhe_wang71411) <a href="https://x.com/zhe_wang71411/status/2075102719501558240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2026</a></p></blockquote></p><p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p><p><h2>Consumers furious</h2></p><p>The video drew immediate backlash, with many saying they would never eat at the restaurant again.</p><p>Online commenters flooded the shop's Google reviews with one-star ratings and renamed the listing "Barefoot Fried Chicken Specialist" and "Foot Reflexology Shop".</p><p>Some former customers also left comments demanding refunds, per <em>UDN</em>.</p><p><h2>Shop apologises, says chicken skin was discarded waste</h2></p><p>The restaurant issued an apology statement on <a href="https://www.threads.com/@qxevtnuko_31/post/DajMof5kqql" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Threads</a> on Jul. 9, saying that the chicken skin in the video was scrapped food waste that had not been sold to customers, and that the employee had filmed it as a prank without realising it would be shared publicly.</p><p>The statement said the employee had been dismissed and that the company would pursue legal action against him.</p><p>It also said the restaurant would strengthen staff training and was cooperating fully with authorities.</p><p><h2>Unconvinced</h2></p><p>According to <em>UDN</em>, the apology did little to win back public trust.</p><p>Many commenters questioned the "discarded waste" explanation given the large quantity of chicken skin visible in the video.</p><p>One commenter wrote: "This much and you're telling us it's waste? Great PR."</p><p>Another said: "I don't believe it for a second. The person in the video is clearly the boss. Consumers can all see it."</p><p>A third questioned: "Can any test even detect whether something has been stomped on with feet?"</p><p><h2>Authorities investigating</h2></p><p>According to <a href="https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20260709001809-260405?chdtv" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>China Times</em></a>, food safety authorities have opened an investigation and will send inspectors to the restaurant.</p><p>If the restaurant is found to have violated the Good Hygiene Practice guidelines, it will be ordered to rectify the issues within a set period.</p><p>Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$200 million (S$2,414 to S$8,046) under Taiwan's Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158132</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Woman in China reverses husband's vegetative state by biting his toes daily to stimulate his nerves</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/chinese-woman-wake-husband-vegetative-state-biting-toes/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-10T16:55:20</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Sarah Choo ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/chinese-woman-wake-husband-vegetative-state-biting-toes/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ After seven years of perseverance, he recently turned to his wife and told her, "I love you.” ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/tn-21.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A woman in China has helped her husband break out of a vegetative state in an unorthodox fashion: By biting his toes to stimulate his nerves.</p><p>The reversal in physical and mental function culminated into the husband, Zhao Jinqian, regaining consciousness and whispering to his wife, Song Mei, saying, "I love you."</p>
<p>Zhao had been left with severe brain damage after surviving a 6m fall while rescuing a toddler in Henan province, <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3359910/china-husband-says-i-love-you-after-wife-wakes-him-vegetative-state-biting-his-toes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>South China Morning Post</em></a> reported.</p><p><h2>Rescued a trapped toddler</h2></p><p>Zhao had climbed onto a warehouse roof to save a trapped three-year-old child in October 2019.</p><p>During the rescue, the waterproofing construction worker fell 6m to the ground, holding the child in his arms, and using his body to shield the child as they plunged to the ground.</p><p>While the child escaped unharmed, Zhao took the full impact of the blow, landing head-first.</p><p>He sustained severe brain injuries, multiple fractures, and lung damage, <a href="https://www.sohu.com/a/1046187536_120347736" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Elephant News</em></a> reported.</p><p>Doctors said his survival was a miracle, but noted that his chances of ever regaining consciousness were "vanishingly small".</p><p><h2>Financial and physical toll</h2></p><p>The medical expenses exhausted most of his family's savings.</p><p>They had lived modestly with their two children before the incident.</p><p>Song, 45, resigned from her job as a kindergarten art teacher to become Zhao's full-time caregiver, keeping the family afloat by selling her paintings online.</p><p>She took to a daily routine of cleaning and massaging him, talking to him, and reportedly slept for fewer than four hours a night for several years.</p><p>The father of the rescued child also contributed financially to Zhao's care, despite having limited means himself.</p><p><h2>Gradual recovery</h2></p><p>To aid his nerve recovery, doctors advised Song to stimulate her husband's fingers and toes.</p><p>Song accidentally bit Zhao’s toe one day and noticed a faint physical reflex.</p><p>From then on, she began covering his foot with a plastic food bag and biting his toes daily for several years, a practice she credits with eventually bringing him back to consciousness.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1440px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/bite.gif" alt="" width="1440" height="1080" class="size-full wp-image-1158172" /> Video from 大河报开封新闻/Douyin
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>After seven years of perseverance, on Jun. 30, while in his hospital bed, Zhao turned to his wife and whispered, “Song Mei, I love you.”</p><p>Medical staff also noted that during his cognitive and writing therapy sessions, his wife's name remains the only word he can successfully write.</p><p>Reflecting on the recovery, Song wrote on social media:</p><p><blockquote><p>“Everyone says the road ahead is difficult, but husband and wife are meant to weather hardship together. I do not know the best cure, but I am willing to keep going through all the long years.”</p></blockquote></p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158107</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Fewer but more stable marriages in S'pore in 2025: MSF survey</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/fewer-marriages-2026-family-trend-report/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-10T16:00:25</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Constance Tan ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/fewer-marriages-2026-family-trend-report/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ There was a dip in the proportion of dissolved marriages before the 10th anniversary. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/marriage-divorce-rate-singapore.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Recent cohorts of married couples in Singapore have greater stability, but there has been 6.2 per cent fewer marriages in 2025 compared to 2024, a family trends survey by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) found.</p><p><h2>More stable marriages</h2></p>
<p>According to a Jul. 10 media release by MSF, the cumulative proportion of marriages that ended in divorce before the 10th anniversary dipped from 17 per cent in the 2005 marriage cohort to 13.5 per cent for the 2014 cohort.</p><p>The 10th year anniversaries were used as a benchmark as data have shown marriages are most vulnerable between the five and 10-year marks.</p><p>According to the survey, a vast majority of Singaporeans reported strong and fulfilling relationships.</p><p>Some 94.9 per cent of married Singaporeans reported being happy with their marriage.</p><p>About 92.8 per cent felt that their relationship was going well and 78.3 per cent said they frequently confide in their spouse.</p><p>Some 88.3 per cent of respondents said they rarely or never considered ending their marriage.</p><p><h2>Family resilience</h2></p><p>There was also a correlation between higher marital quality and higher family resilience, the study showed.</p><p>On the resilience scale, 90.7 per cent of families reported moderate to high family resilience scores, an increase from 85.9 per cent in 2023.</p><p>Some 89.6 per cent of respondents also reported having a close-knit family, up from 86 per cent in 2023.</p><p>Furthermore, 69 per cent of Singaporeans said they maintained close ties with their extended family in 2025, up from 67.5 per cent in 2023.</p><p>Respondents who reported having close-knit families also reported higher family resilience, the survey found.</p><p>Some 95.2 per cent of respondents between 15 and 64 years of age agreed it was their responsibility to care for their parents, an increase from 93.1 per cent in 2023.</p><p>Those who were willing to support family members, either financially, emotionally or physically, tended to report higher family resilience.</p><p>About 92.2 per cent of caregivers said they were able to manage their caregiving responsibilities.</p><p><h2>Caregiving by fathers</h2></p><p>It was also found that more fathers are involved in caring for their children.</p><p>There was a notable increase in take-up rates of government-paid paternity leave, from 47 per cent for children born in 2016 to 61 per cent for children born in 2024.</p><p>About 54 per cent of fathers also took childcare leave in 2024, up from 49 per cent in 2016.</p><p>Uptake of government-paid maternity leave, meanwhile, remained consistently high between 74 and 79 per cent.</p><p>Since Apr. 1, shared parental leave provisions have been increased from six weeks to 10 weeks.</p><p><h2>Early childhood</h2></p><p>MSF said it continues to expand the capacity of and make preschools more affordable for families with young children.</p><p>Through subsidies and fee caps introduced in 2025, the industry median infant care fee for Singaporean children decreased from S$1,275 in 2021 to S$1,235 in 2025.</p><p>Childcare fee also decreased from S$760 in 2021 to S$680 in 2025.</p><p>The number of full-day infant care centres has also nearly tripled over the past 10 years, while the number of full-day childcare places has nearly doubled.</p><p>As such, the cohort enrolment rate of children aged three to four years has risen from 73 per cent in 2015 to 91 per cent in 2025.</p><p>Enrolment of children aged five to six years old has also increased from 86 per cent in 2015 to 93 per cent in 2025.</p><p><h2>Support for families</h2></p><p>The results from the annual survey highlight the importance of support for families, said MSF.</p><p>Speaking during the 2026 National Family Festival Appreciation Event on Jul. 10, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said the ministry would be signing several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with key corporate partners, including Mandai Wildlife Group and NTUC Women and Family.</p><p>The partnerships and collaborations will contribute towards promoting family-friendly campaigns and drive family-focused programmes.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1157632</post-id>
                </item>

        </channel>
    </rss>
