Games Journalist | SG/UK Based
Articles by Nicolas Ng
Singapore semiconductor industry commits over S$500m to R&D as global chip race intensifies
SINGAPORE: Semiconductor industry players have committed more than S$500 million (US$390 million) to research and development projects in Singapore over five years from 2026. This exceeds the more than S$400 million spent on such efforts between 2020 and 2025, according to the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). It comes as the country looks to sharpen its edge in advanced chip technologies and help local firms compete in a capital-intensive industry.
Understanding the road to online radicalisation: Why platforms like Roblox are only one part of the puzzle
SINGAPORE: Gaming platform Roblox has come under the spotlight after it featured in recent cases involving self-radicalised youths in Singapore. In May, a 14-year-old boy who was preparing to carry out a mass-casualty stabbing attack was arrested by the Internal Security Department (ISD). In a separate case, another 14-year-old who recreated Islamic State attacks online was issued a restriction order in November.
Understanding the road to online radicalisation: Why platforms like Roblox are only one part of the puzzle
Religion 18 hours ago 'They want to destroy our country': Christian charity worker sounds alarm on Germany's radicalization crisis christiandaily.com • 18h Two prominent voices on Islamist radicalization in Germany are warning that the recent deadly attack on a Berlin Pride parade reflects a crisis far … LGBTQ+ Community 1 day ago What unites Islamists and right-wing extremists DW English - Hans Pfeifer • 1d Following the attack on a Berlin Pride festival, the focus in Germany is turning to...
Cyber talent harder to find as AI reshapes threat landscape
SINGAPORE: Artificial intelligence is changing the game for cybersecurity professionals, speeding up cyberattacks even as defenders race to keep up, said industry players. Organisations are under pressure to respond faster while building up expertise to use AI effectively, they told CNA on the sidelines of the DEF CON hacking conference – one of the world’s largest cybersecurity gatherings – in Singapore last week.
255 firms linked to Singapore’s critical infrastructure allegedly targeted in dark web leak
SINGAPORE: Documents leaked onto the dark web last year claim that 255 Singapore organisations linked to the country’s critical information infrastructure (CII) were infiltrated as part of clandestine cyber operations. The trove of 12,000 documents was leaked from a group allegedly conducting hacking operations while operating publicly as a cybersecurity firm. CNA is not naming the group for security reasons. One of the documents lists countries of interest, with Singapore among them.
DSTA widens defence technology search to new markets amid supply chain concerns
Singapore The Defence Science and Technology Agency will look at regions such as the Nordics, Eastern Europe, Japan and South Korea to diversify its sources of defence tech. File photo of an Singapore Armed Forces unmanned aerial vehicle drone that is deployed to support counter-terrorism operations. (Photo: Facebook/The Singapore Army) New: You can now listen to articles. This audio is generated by an AI tool.
SMEs offering dual-use technologies see growing demand at Singapore Airshow
Singapore Interest in technology that can be used in both the commercial and defence sectors has risen amid growing geopolitical tensions. An exhibition at the Singapore Airshow 2026. New: You can now listen to articles. This audio is generated by an AI tool.
Singapore’s quantum sector gains pace as global player Quantinuum sets up shop
SINGAPORE: Interest in Singapore’s quantum technology sector is surging, with local startups seeing growing investor attention and global players taking notice. Some companies say client interest has grown considerably over the past year, a sign that the country’s early investments in quantum research – more than S$700 million since 2002 – are starting to bear fruit.
Singapore nears goal of training 1,500 responders in psychological first aid
SINGAPORE: Singapore is on track to train 1,500 SGSecure Responders in psychological first aid by the end of this financial year, as part of a national push to build mental resilience on the frontlines and in the community. About 1,300 responders have already completed the course, which was launched in 2023 and run by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Participants are taught how to provide calm and compassionate support after a crisis.
What is behind the surge of obesity worldwide, and how is Singapore fighting back?
Singapore Obesity is associated with more than 230 medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver, according to doctors. New: You can now listen to articles. SINGAPORE: Obesity is not just a global problem, but one that is hitting Singapore hard. According to the latest Ministry of Health data from 2022, nearly 12 out of every 100 adults aged 18 to 74 in Singapore were obese - double the rate from 30 years ago.
Singapore aims to expand partnerships with like-minded countries to overcome US tariffs
Singapore is aiming to expand trade partnerships with other like-minded countries, in an effort to overcome the challenges of US tariffs. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who also chairs the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, was speaking to over 300 business leaders. This is the first in a series of engagements that the task force will have with the business community. Mr Gan added that unity will help Singapore maintain its standing in an increasingly uncertain environment.
Singapore sending medical contingent to Egypt to assist Gaza relief efforts
Singapore is set to send a medical contingent to Egypt to support Gaza relief efforts, possibly in a few weeks' time. Comprising personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces and the Health Ministry, they will provide medical care to Palestinians and other civilians from Gaza, who are being treated in Egypt. An advance team has already departed for Egypt. Nicolas Ng reports.
Singapore leads move to set out guidelines for flying taxis, drones in Asia
SINGAPORE: A set of guidelines is in the works for flying taxis and drones in Asia, which industry players say marks a major milestone for the wider use of such technology. It could also help more firms to enter the market and provide services like drone deliveries for food and medicine, they added.
Singapore leads move to publish guidelines for flying taxis, drones in Asia
Singapore is leading a move to write a set of guidelines for flying taxis and drones in Asia. Industry players said this marks a major milestone for more widespread use of such technology. It could also help more companies enter the market to provide services, like drone deliveries for food and medicine. The reference materials will be published in July before being submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization in September. Nicolas Ng reports.
PM Wong says he is committed to strengthening Singapore's government-people partnership
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he is committed to strengthening the partnership between the government and people in Singapore to find solutions. He was speaking at an event marking the 40th anniversary of REACH, the government's feedback unit. With Singapore's society becoming more diverse, he has tasked REACH with moving beyond government-to-people dialogues. Nicolas Ng with more.
Shanmugam not taking action against sisters who disrupted Chong Pang Meet-The-People Session
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said he will not be taking action against the two sisters who disrupted his Meet-The-People Session. On Mar 12, the pair had disrupted Mr Shanmugam's engagement with his Chong Pang residents with shouts and offensive signs. They also called him a liar. Mr Shanmugam also revealed that the duo is being investigated for unrelated offences but declined to provide further details. Nicolas Ng reports.
Singapore will maintain open economy, invest in maritime sector to be more efficient: SM Lee
Singapore will maintain an open economy and foster the growth of international trade while doubling down on its maritime sector to be more efficient, competitive and trusted. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this at the Singapore Maritime Week, adding that this is how the country will prepare for a challenging geopolitical landscape. Nicolas Ng tells us more.
New scheme to help Singapore-based robotics companies to scale up
Singapore-based robotics companies can now get help to scale up and grow abroad. These tech start-ups can connect with industry leaders to gain insights through a new networking scheme. Nicolas Ng with more.
2,700 compromised devices found in Singapore as part of global botnet campaign
Singapore is considering a requirement for firms to get cybersecurity certifications before being granted access to sensitive systems. This, after taking part in a multinational operation that uncovered over 2,700 compromised devices locally. Nicolas Ng reports.
NRIC unmasking: Govt committed to continually improve to uphold Singaporeans' trust, says SM Teo
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean said the government is committed to continually improve in order to uphold the trust Singaporeans place in its authorities. He made this statement during a ministerial address in Parliament about the Bizfile website that inadvertently exposed full NRIC numbers to the public. Nicolas Ng reports.
NSF allowance to increase by about 4% to 5% for most servicemen from July
National servicemen from the armed forces, police and civil defence forces can look forward to a bigger allowance from July. NSFs typically start their service as recruits in the armed forces or civil defence force, or as trainee special constables in the police. Those of that rank will receive S$790 a month from July. Pay will increase around 4% to 5% — or around S$35 to S$75 more each month — across all ranks. Meanwhile, the new Central Manpower Base will progressively open from May.
20 fatalities in construction sector in 2024, up from 18 in previous year
20 people died working in the construction sector in 2024. That's up from 2023's 18 fatalities. The Manpower Ministry says that investigations into those fatal accidents uncovered basic non-compliance issues. Nicolas Ng follows a team of inspectors on a spot-check to find out some of the dangers construction workers can face.
New scheme for elderly Jalan Besar residents to learn about fire safety
A new network of neighbours in Jalan Besar GRC wants to educate elderly and vulnerable residents about fire safety. Volunteers will do house visits to teach them the basics about fire emergencies. Community groups say the area's higher density of elderly residents can be a challenge when there's a fire. They hope to reach over 170,000 residents. Nicolas Ng with more.
Trust Bank grows to fourth-largest retail bank with 1 million customers
Trust Bank has swelled to the fourth-largest retail bank by number of customers in Singapore, with a million sign-ups. But with digital banks still targeting to be profitable, market watchers are cautiously optimistic about their future. Nicolas Ng with this report.
S$150m AI programme can narrow gap between small and large firms: analysts
Industry watchers say the S$150 million grant announced to help firms adopt artificial intelligence solutions will help narrow the gap between smaller and larger enterprises. But they add that more help is needed to guide companies to select the right tools, or create products tailored to them. Nicolas Ng with this report.
Social groups help to resell and give away leftover Chinese New Year festive foods
SINGAPORE: Chinese New Year festivities, which go on for about two weeks, are coming to an end, and some are ensuring that unsold snacks and fruits do not end up in the bin. Unpackt, a zero-waste grocery store and cafe, has managed to save over 100kg of mandarin oranges – a key part of Spring Festival celebrations as they symbolise good fortune, prosperity, and abundance – from being wasted.
Social groups ensure leftover Chinese New Year treats, imperfect oranges don't go to waste
Chinese New Year festivities are coming to an end and some are finding creative ways to ensure unsold snacks and imperfect mandarin oranges do not go to waste. Not only are the needy able to enjoy them, but buyers of these "ugly foods" can also enjoy cost savings. Rachel Teng and Nicolas Ng with more.
Over 4,000 performers, record 23 food-inspired floats come together for Chingay 2025
More than 4,000 performers are taking part in this year's Singapore Chingay Parade at the F1 Pit Building. The event also features a record number of 23 floats this year. The food-inspired floats celebrate Singapore's multiculturalism through its people's love for food. Chingay will also be nominated for the UNESCO cultural heritage list this year. Nicolas Ng reports.
Singapore to ease restrictions on unmanned aircraft from Feb 14
Drone operators in Singapore said upcoming regulatory changes will help cut costs. One firm said the move by the aviation authority addresses issues that commercial operators have faced for years. From Feb 14, the limit on the number of aircraft weighing above 250g that a company or individual can register will be removed. Operators can also fly their aircraft to 400ft above sea level on weekdays without special permission.
CNY message: Government committed to helping families at every stage of life, says PM Wong
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said that the Government is finding ways to better support caregivers and recognise their vital role in strengthening family bonds. In his Chinese New Year message, Mr Wong said his team is committed to supporting families at every stage of life and emphasised the importance of recognising the population's diversity. Nicolas Ng with more.
Unmanned devices brought in to help with police maritime operations
The Police Coast Guard's Special Task Squadron is bringing hi-tech to the high seas. It is introducing two unmanned devices, the Diodon and the Spyder, to help with maritime operations. Nicolas Ng with more.
Global trade tensions and shifts could benefit Singapore, but uncertainties remain in 2025: Analysts
SINGAPORE: Singapore is set for a more challenging growth outlook this year, after ending 2024 on a strong footing, analysts said. Singapore's growth forecast for 2025 is projected to slow to between 1 and 3 per cent, lower than the 4 per cent growth last year. Significant downside risks to the outlook include geopolitical tensions, an anticipated slowdown in China, and uncertainty in the United States when President-elect Donald Trump takes office, the observers added.
App stores in Singapore must implement measures to protect children from harmful content by March 31
App stores will have to implement measures in Singapore to determine if their users are minors, and cut children's access to harmful content. The Infocomm Media Development Authority's Code of Practice for App Stores kicks in from March 31. The code targets app distribution services -- or app stores -- with "significant reach or impact". They include those from tech companies Apple, Google, Huawei, Microsoft and Samsung. Nicolas Ng reports.
Content creators, performers add unique atmosphere to Singapore Comic Con
This year's Singapore Comic Con has featured 400 exhibitors, and that is not counting other content creators and performers at the venue, who bring along acts that range from wholesome music performances to outlandish acts like slapping fans for a small fee. Nicolas Ng finds out why these people turned up at the convention, and what they gained from it.
New design for park around Raffles Place station picked from 20 submissions
A makeover to recreate hilly terrain and fresh greenery will be coming to the Raffles Place Park in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District. It is a design that draws on the area's original landscape, before buildings sprung up around it. It was selected from 20 submissions and is expected to be completed in 2028. Nicolas Ng reports.
Fancy a trip to the underworld? Studios, media firms welcome IMDA’s new virtual production training support
SINGAPORE: Bringing to life a drive down to the underworld is not something studios in Singapore attempt often – but some have found a way to make it happen. Virtual production, a filmmaking method that combines virtual and physical worlds, has allowed production companies to create unique content and stand out from the competition. Since last year, 650 media professionals and 28 projects – including an upcoming Mediacorp Chinese drama, Perfectly Imperfect – have been trained in this technology.
Wet weather in Singapore batters businesses, ruins sports enthusiasts’ plans
SINGAPORE: A new outdoor paintball park at Orchid Country Club is ready to invite its first customers after its soft launch last week, but the weather has rained on its parade. Red Dynasty Paintball Park has seen hardly any take-ups so far at its new venue, with many enquiring about indoor options during the current rainy season.
PAP cadres vote in new members for Central Executive Committee
Singapore's ruling party has chosen their next set of leaders. The People's Action Party cadres voted to keep familiar faces at the helm, with only one new member, Chee Hong Tat, co-opted into the Central Executive Committee. Nicolas Ng with more.
New camp for SAF personnel at Shoalwater Bay Training Area
Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel got a taste of a new base in the recent Exercise Wallaby in Queensland, Australia. Camp Tilpal was designed to take advantage of the training area, which has been expanded to five times the size of Singapore. About 6,200 personnel took part in the exercise spread over nine weeks, starting from Sep 8. Nicolas Ng looks at how the SAF finds ways to make it a home away from home.
RSAF's Heron-1 unmanned aerial vehicle joins Exercise Trident in Australia for first time
Troops participating in Exercise Trident in Queensland, Australia have a new pair of eyes watching over them. The Republic of Singapore Air Force's Heron-1 unmanned aerial vehicle is taking part for the first time. It will be performing an airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission at the bilateral training event. The Heron-1 is capable of staying in the air for more than 24 hours, which is perfect for keeping an eye in the sky over key areas.
RSS Persistence among two of Singapore navy's landing ship tanks at Exercise Trident in Australia
More than 650 Singapore navy personnel are participating in the 10th Exercise Trident in Queensland, Australia. Two of the navy's four landing ship tanks will be facilitating ship-to-shore operations. Nicolas Ng gets on board the RSS Persistence for this report.
More e-sports events to come to Singapore as Counter-Strike 2 tournament wraps up
European team G2 Esports beats Team Spirit as one of the biggest Counter-Strike 2 tournaments in the world came to an end at Singapore's Resorts World Sentosa. While the winner walked away with a US$500,000 (S$660,000) prize, Singapore also stands to win big. Organiser BLAST says it is already planning to bring more tournaments to Singapore in the future, based on the success of its first outing here. Nicolas Ng with more.
BLAST Premier: High-profile e-sports tournament hosts over 10,000 fans in Singapore
Doors have opened at the Resorts World Convention Centre for one of the world's biggest e-sports tournaments. BLAST is set to host over 10,000 fans in Singapore, with more than half coming from abroad. This is the first time one of e-sports' highest-profile events is held in Singapore. All of the footage has to go from Singapore to over 150 territories across the world. It also has to be translated into 28 languages. Nicolas Ng meets some fans and finds out what it takes to produce the event.
Singapore's digital economy contributed 17.7% to GDP in 2023: IMDA
Singapore's digital economy contributed 17.7 per cent to GDP last year, surpassing that of the finance and insurance sector and on par with the manufacturing sector, according to a report by the Infocomm Media Development Authority. But only 4.2 per cent of SMEs adopted AI, compared with 44 per cent uptake for larger firms. Chloe Teo and Nicolas Ng report.
Health Ministry to synergise roles of TCM practioners, GPs, in Healthier SG
The Health Ministry is working to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine into the national preventive health scheme - Healthier SG. To help achieve that, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says his ministry will launch an accreditation framework for TCM practitioners by 2026. Nicolas Ng with more.
Tightening international cooperation key to stopping scams: GASA
Tightening international cooperation is the key to stopping scams, according to the Managing Director of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance Jorij Abraham. He sat down with CNA's Nicolas Ng to talk about sharing of real-time scam information across the globe, the future of scams, and what Singaporeans should brace themselves for.
Singapore software game developers seek to crack global market
SINGAPORE: Inspired by the recent success of a popular Chinese action role-playing game, developers in Singapore are aiming to get a stronger foothold in the global video games market. Chinese blockbuster game Black Myth: Wukong took the world by storm when it was released in August, selling 18 million copies in the first two weeks.
Inspired by Black Myth: Wukong, local software game developers aim to crack global market
Local game developers are aiming to get a stronger foothold in the global video games market using intellectual property drawing from local cultural norms. They've been inspired by Black Myth: Wukong - a popular Chinese video game that has taken the world by storm. But at least one publisher providing investment and marketing for games says inspiration needs to be tempered with caution. Nicolas Ng was at gamescom Asia to find out more.
Continued Government support for Singapore's fast-growing gaming industry
Singapore's fast-growing gaming industry will continue to see strong Government support. Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan says the country is keen to level up as a regional media and entertainment hub. But industry experts say the challenge is to better deliver such support to smaller companies. Nicolas Ng with more.
International cooperation takes center stage at Singapore International Cyber Week
Finding a way to make cybersecurity standards work across borders was something that took priority in closed door discussions at Singapore International Cyber Week. Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo said this when she spoke to the media at the end of the four-day event. Nicolas Ng reports.
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