Christmas is upon us, and Hello Kitty fans have more reasons to celebrate this festive season.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Singapore has launched a new Hello Kitty holiday merchandise collection featuring a tea set, ceramic mug, stainless steel tumbler and bottle, with prices starting at S$24.90.

You can never have too many…

Here’s what you can expect from the collection:

A familiar favourite, the Tea for One set (S$32.90) comes with a 350ml teapot, a 400ml glass cup, along with a stainless steel tea strainer.

The 400ml ceramic mug (S$24.90) comes with a cute silicone lid, and is sure to be a perfect addition to your desk set-up.

For those who find themselves mostly shuttling from place to place, the 550ml tumbler (S$29.90) might just be for you. It also comes with a detachable fluffy charm.

But the best part is probably the double-wall insulation that keeps your drinks hot for up to 12 hours, or cold for up to 24 hours.

The same insulation is also found in the 600ml stainless steel bottle (S$29.90) so you can enjoy your favourite drinks on the go.

The collection is available from Nov. 6, 2026 at all Coffee Bean stores islandwide, except Marina Bay Sands.

This Coffee Bean-branded article is so kawaii-inducing that the writer has her eyes set on getting them for Christmas exchange.

He had just talked to his wife over WhatsApp at about 10am that morning on Nov. 4, telling her he would be home around 4pm to 5pm.

But at around 3:30pm, as he was riding his motorcycle home after work, he got into an accident with a bus and a lorry on the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE), and later died at the hospital.

The 49-year-old Malaysian had been a bus captain at SMRT for nearly three years, his wife told Shin Min Daily News.

1ThirdMedia Movement, a non-governmental organisation, identified him as Mohd Fakhruzan bin Zakaria.

According to its Facebook posts, the organisation handled the burial arrangements and the transport of the deceased's body to his home in Johor Bahru.

Besides his wife, Fakhruzan also leaves behind three children. They have two sons aged 10 and 13, and a daughter aged 18.

The accident

According to Shin Min, the bus and lorry involved in the accident were not driving along the same lane at the time.

The bus allegedly rear-ended Fakhruzan, and when it happened, the lorry was about to change lanes.

Videos of the aftermath, shared online, show a motorcycle flipped on its side, and an individual lying near it with blood stains around him.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) conveyed Fakhruzan unconscious to Woodlands Hospital, where he later died.

A 50-year-old bus driver was arrested for negligent driving causing death.

A careful rider

Fakhruzan's 46-year-old wife learnt the tragic news from her husband's friend over the phone.

She was not clear about the details except that a bus had rear-ended Fakhruzan, according to his friend.

"He is usually very careful when riding his motorcycle," she told Shin Min. "I would always remind him to be careful."

Took care of his family

The widow, a housewife, shared that Fakhruzan used to work as a private-hire vehicle driver in Malaysia.

Hoping to earn more money to support his family, he decided to commute across the border and find a job in Singapore.

As an SMRT bus captain, he would alternate between morning and night shifts.

His wife described him as a good husband and father who was responsible and took good care of his family.

"Everything happened so suddenly," she said. "I can't even think about what to do with life now. I also need to talk to his siblings."

Burial arrangements

As she did not have a passport, Fakhruzan's wife could not travel to Singapore to claim her husband's body.

Fakhruzan's brother went to Singapore to collect the body and handle the necessary rites before the transport to Malaysia.

In an update on Nov. 5, 10:25pm, 1ThirdMedia Movement wrote on Facebook that the journey of bringing Fakhruzan back to his family has been completed.

An Italian chef was fired by a Brisbane restaurant in Queensland, Australia, after refusing to put pineapples on pizza as he felt that it was an "insult to his culture".

The chef, Davide Tamburella, had refused to do so three times in the past four years, the BBC reported.

This incident was brought to light after he approached Australia's Fair Work Commission and claimed he had been unfairly dismissed.

Fired

Tamburella was fired in May 2026 about two weeks after he had a meeting with the restaurant's management, who supposedly had complaints about his behaviour.

On one occasion, he had reportedly refused to give guests ham and pineapple pizza at a function, BBC reported.

Tamburella said that any direction from management "need not be followed when it is offensive to his culture".

Lost unfair dismissal claim

He lost his unfair dismissal claim as the application had been filed too late, according to a ruling released by the commission on Nov. 3.

It stated that Tamburella had previously requested that his boss checked "how important it is for Italians not to put pineapple on a pizza".

According to BBC, the state of Queensland, where Tamburella was fired, produces all of Australia's commercially-grown pineapples.

As such, it is considered the country's pineapple heartland.

Other concerns

BBC reported that there had been separate concerns about Tamburella's communication style, use of foul language and "escalation of frustration in the workplace".

The ruling further stated that Tamburella struck a metal hand rail and fractured bones in his right hand in April 2026.

At the time, he hoped the restaurant would sponsor his visa allowing skilled workers to become permanent residents.

The tribunal heard that the restaurant ended the process after fired him.

Working at different restaurant

According to news.com.au, Tamburella is now working at a different restaurant in Brisbane.

Checks by the BBC found that its menu does not have pineapple.

Leong Ching, the Vice Provost for Student Life at National University of Singapore (NUS), has passed away.

She was also National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) Professor in Behavioural Public Policy and NUS Dean of Students from Jan. 2020 to Jan. 2021.

Leong's research interests included water policies, environmental behaviour, public sector reform, and communications strategies, according to her profile page on NUS.

She had graduate degrees in philosophy, information technology and journalism.

She was a journalist prior to becoming an academic.

Veteran diplomat Tommy Koh shared about her passing on Facebook on Nov. 6.

Koh remembered Leong for her kindness and shared that she recently got promoted at work.

Her death saddened and shocked many who left comments on Koh's post.

Tributes from Ministers

Senior Minister K Shanmugam described Leong as “a dear friend”, having worked with her when he was a backbencher.

He said she was a “kind, generous and lively person”, and that he was very saddened to “see someone with so much potential pass away so suddenly at such a young age”.

Lee said Leong was known for her kindness and care for her students, as well as her deep passion for issues ranging from public policy to sustainability.

He recalled what he described as a wonderful conversation with her about the role of universities in an AI-transformed future, the uncertainties and anxieties of navigating uncharted territory, and what shapes different societies’ responses.

At the end of their conversation, Leong pointed him to William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus”, encouraging him to read it.

Rest in peace, Prof Leong.

A 31-year-old man told ICA officers he had two One Piece trading cards. They found 105, worth about S$400,000.

According to Immigration & Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) Facebook, ICA officers detected a large quantity of assorted One Piece trading cards during a baggage screening at Changi Airport Terminal 4.

When asked if he had anything to declare, the man said he that had two pieces of trading cards.

The officers then observed anomalies in one of his bags during their screening.

105 pieces of One Piece cards, worth about S$400,000, and a luxury branded bracelet was found.

The case was referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation, ICA said.

ICA reminded travellers to declare and pay duty and/or GST on newly acquired items that exceed the duty-free concession or GST import relief.

Related

South African comedian Trevor Noah recently concluded his three-day show in Singapore, held from Nov. 3 to 5.

In addition to cracking jokes on stage, Noah also spent some time at The Sports Arina, a pickleball court at Singapore Expo.

He played among local pickleball enthusiasts, including Singaporean actress Jaime Teo.

In an Instagram post from Nov. 5, Teo described Noah as a "very encouraging partner" although they both were "trashed".

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jaime Teo (@jmeteo)

According to the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), a pickleball skill rating system, Noah was given a score of 3.92.

This ranks him as an intermediate player, just 0.08 points short of an advanced player.

Pretty good.

Chinese restaurant Peach Garden has launched a new dim sum menu, where diners can enjoy 50 per cent off on weekdays and 30 per cent off on weekends and public holidays.

The promotion is available at The Heeren, OCBC Centre, and Thomson Plaza from Nov. 5 onwards.

New menu

One highlight is the Siew Mai Platter (S$18++), which consists of six types of dim sum: siew mai with fish roe, coriander and water chestnut, XO sauce scallop, black pepper beef, cheese and smoked duck, and chilli crab.

Other new items include a strawberry-flavoured Little Piglet and fresh milk-flavoured Little Lamb dim sums.

As well as these mango-flavoured Yellow Ducklings.

These dim sum go for S$8.80++ for five pieces.

There are also the Happy Savoury Crispy Bun (S$9.80++), Mao Shan Wang Avocado Bo Lo Bun (S$9.80++) and Vegetarian Assorted Mushroom Black Truffle Dumpling (S$8.80++).

Win up to S$1,000 in vouchers

Peach Garden is also holding the “Oink Oink Meh Meh Challenge” for customers who order the Little Piglet and Little Lamb dim sum items.

In one breath, participants will have to imitate a piglet’s “oink” or a lamb's “meh” for as long as possible.

They will be timed by a staff member.

The top five winners will be announced on Peach Garden’s Instagram and Facebook on Dec. 31.

The first-place winner will be awarded S$1,000 in vouchers, while the remaining four will receive vouchers worth S$500, S$300, S$200 and S$100 respectively.

Promotion details

The promotion is only available for dine-in customers, with blackout dates and other terms and conditions still in place.

All prices are subject to GST and service charge.

The new dim sum platters are available daily while stocks last.

A Singaporean woman linked to transnational scam syndicate Prince Holding Group has been arrested.

44-year-old Chen Xiuling, also known as Karen Chen, was arrested at Changi Airport on Nov. 5, the police said in a media release.

She was handed two charges in court on Nov. 6: one for instigating another person to falsify accounts, and another for an attempt to cheat.

According to the police, Chen was the director of several Singapore-registered companies believed to be owned by Chen Zhi, the founder and chairman of Prince Holding Group, including Skyline Investment Management Pte Ltd and Capital Zone Warehousing Pte Ltd.

She allegedly submitted false documents involving these two companies.

Prince Holding Group was sanctioned by the U.S. and UK in October 2025, with the U.S. designating Chen Zhi as a Specially Designated National, blocking his assets.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) then seized over S$150 million in assets linked to Prince Holding Group that same month.

Chen Zhi was also caught and extradited to China at the start of 2026.

The SPF has seized or frozen a total of over S$700 million in assets related to Prince Holding Group to date, according to its media release.

Illicit activities

The police stated on Nov. 5 that Skyline submitted a business plan and false agreement to JTC Corporation for approval to take over the lease of a property in September 2022.

Chen also allegedly instigated an officer from Capital Zone Warehousing to falsify said agreement, with intent to defraud.

She is also believed to have submitted the false agreement to attempt to cheat JTC Corporation.

CNA reported that when Chen was charged in court on Nov. 6, the prosecution sought a six-day remand for Chen to investigate further.

They argued that she would be able to communicate with other individuals linked to Prince Holding Group and ongoing investigations.

Chen objected and asked to rest at home, but the judge ordered that she remain in remand.

If found guilty of instigating another person to falsify accounts, Chen could be jailed for up to 10 years, fined, or both.

As for the offence of attempted cheating, Chen could receive up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine.

A 94-year-old Singaporean driver who crashed into a motorcyclist along Upper Thomson Road was fined S$5,000 and disqualified from driving for five years.

The man, Goh Boon Kang, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without reasonable consideration to other road users and causing grievous hurt to the victim.

According to the charge sheet seen by Mothership, the accident took place near the junction of Jalan Angklong at around 9:45am on Sep. 2, 2025.

Goh was making a discretionary right turn and failed to give way to a motorcyclist coming from his left, The Straits Times reported.

Footage played in court showed the motorcyclist being thrown off his motorbike onto the road.

Another motorcyclist also nearly crashed into Goh's car but managed to stop in time.

The 58-year-old victim suffered multiple leg fractures as a result of the collision.

He was warded at Tan Tock Seng Hospital for 32 days before being transferred to a hospital in Malaysia to continue his treatment.

Goh, who used a walking stick in court, was allowed to sit during the proceedings.

Medical checks for older drivers

Under the Road Traffic Act, motorists aged 65 and above who wish to keep their driving licences must undergo medical assessments.

In a written parliamentary reply in July 2026, Senior Minister K Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, said the three-yearly assessment covers a motorist's medical history, vision, hearing, movement and any physical or mental abnormalities.

The assessment is done by a Singapore-registered medical practitioner using a checklist developed by the Traffic Police, based on the Singapore Medical Association's "Fitness to Drive" guidelines.

Large crowds and heavy traffic are expected in Little India during the upcoming Deepavali celebrations, particularly on Nov. 7, the eve of Deepavali.

In an advisory on Nov. 6, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) warned of heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic along Serangoon Road during this period.

The police also reminded the public that drinking alcohol in public during restricted hours, misusing sparklers and illegally discharging fireworks are offences.

Members of the public are also advised to remain vigilant and safeguard their belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Pedestrian crossing closures

To facilitate crowd and traffic management, the pedestrian crossing at Birch Road, in front of Anguilla Mosque, will be closed from 4pm on Nov. 7 to 4am on Nov. 8.

Pedestrians can instead use the crossings near Kitchener Link or Baboo Lane.

The pedestrian crossing at Campbell Lane may also be closed if necessary, with alternative crossings available near Sungei Road or Dunlop Street.

Directional signs will be placed at affected crossings, while auxiliary police officers will be deployed to regulate traffic and assist pedestrians.

Motorists are also advised to use alternative routes and drive with caution.

No public drinking from Nov. 6 to 10

Under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, Little India and Geylang are declared as Liquor Control Zones.

Public drinking will be prohibited in these areas from 10:30pm on Nov. 6 to 7am on Nov. 10.

The boundaries of the Little India Liquor Control Zone (LCZ) are shown in the map below:

The periods during which public drinking is prohibited in LCZs are also summarised in the table below:

Those caught consuming alcohol in public during the restricted hours within a LCZ may face a fine of up to S$1,500.

Repeat offenders may face a fine of up to S$3,000, imprisonment of up to 4.5 months, or both.

Retailers who sell alcohol outside permitted trading hours may also have their liquor licences revoked.

Police warn against illegal fireworks

SPF reminds the public that the illegal possession, discharge and importation of fireworks are offences under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021.

Under the Act, fireworks are classified as explosives, and their illegal discharge poses a danger to the public and their property.

A total of 45 people were investigated for fireworks-related offences between January and December 2025.

Individuals convicted of such offences may face up to three years' imprisonment and a fine of up to S$50,000, while entities may face a fine of up to S$100,000.

Misuse of sparklers can also lead to penalties

The police also warned against misusing sparklers, including combining multiple sparklers together, as such acts pose fire hazards and could cause serious injuries.

Those convicted of rash or negligent conduct involving dangerous or harmful substances that is likely to cause injury or endanger life may face up to one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.

If the act causes hurt to another person, the offender may face up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Keep your belongings safe

The police shared several crime prevention tips for those heading to Little India:

• Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in crowded areas.
• Ensure your bag is closed and sling it in front of you.
• Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket.

Those who require urgent police assistance can approach a police officer or call 999.