Live: Jeju Air plane crashes in South Korea; 179 presumed dead
A passenger plane carrying 181 people on board crashed while landing in Muan Airport on Dec 29.
Carmen Sin, Osmond Chia, David Fogarty, Lee Yulin, Fatimah Mujibah Published: Dec 29, 2024
Key summary
The accident took place at 9.03am (8.03am Singapore time) during the landing of Jeju Air Flight 2216.
The flight was carrying 175 passengers and six crew from the Thai capital Bangkok.
The crash is believed to have been caused by "contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear" as the plane attempted to land, Yonhap reported.
'What happened?': Flight attendant rescued in crash has no recollection of incident
A 33-year-old flight attendant, who was one of only two rescued from the crash, reportedly asked doctors why he was in hospital, reported The Korea Herald.
After doctors at Mokpo Hankook Hospital asked him about his condition, he responded with: "What happened? How am I here?"
The flight attendant, who has not been named, told doctors that the last thing he remembers is putting on a seatbelt before the landing, thinking the plane had almost landed.
He added that he has no recollection of what happened after that, and has injuries to his left shoulder and head. His role was to serve passengers near the back of the plane, added the news outlet.
Another woman who was rescued is also currently being treated at the same hospital.
QUICK TAKE
Wildlife control at airports paramount: Aviation lecturer
Mr Gary Ho, senior aviation management lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic, said wildlife control at airports is critical due to the significant risks that bird strikes pose.
Collisions between birds and planes can severely damage engines and airframes, and cost lives.
At Singapore's Changi Airport – located in a "biodiverse region" – wildlife control is paramount, with advanced detection systems, habitat management and regular monitoring in force to mitigate the risks of unwanted encounters, he said.
BREAKING
85 confirmed dead
The death toll now stands at 85, according to the South Korean fire agency.
'Jeju Air will spare no effort to respond to the accident': Airline
In a brief statement on Dec 29, Jeju Air said it "will spare no effort" to cope with the deadly crash of its flight which was carrying 181 passengers, reported news agency Yonhap.
"We are currently working to determine the exact cause and details of the situation," an airline official said, adding that the aircraft had been in operation for 15 years with no history of accidents.
A notice on the airline's website, which has since been coloured in black and white, also says: "We deeply apologise to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport. We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused."
Chinese envoy expresses condolences over tragedy
Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing has expressed his condolences to the victims of the crash and their families, reported Yonhap news agency.
In a post on social media platform X, he wrote that he was "deeply saddened" by the incident, which has left 179 of the 181 on board presumed dead.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families, and I extend on behalf of my colleagues our sympathies to those injured," he said.
The Chinese Embassy stands "in solidarity" with South Korea during this difficult time, he added.
BREAKING
All people on board, except two rescued, presumed dead: Yonhap
News outlet Yonhap, citing officials, reported that 179 of the 181 people on board are now presumed dead. Two people have been rescued – a crew member and a passenger.
Pilot attempted belly landing after landing gear failed: Local media
Moments before the deadly crash, the pilot of Jeju Air Flight 2216 had reportedly attempted a go-around – a standard aviation manoeuvre where pilots circle round for another try after an aborted landing.
It was on the second attempt that the landing gear malfunctioned, leading to an emergency belly landing near the end of the runway, reported the Korea Herald, citing the authorities.
A belly landing is an emergency landing where the aircraft hits the ground on its underside without its landing gear fully extended.
However, the plane was unable to slow down fully and smashed into the airport perimeter fences at speed, resulting in an instant fire.
'Unable to land due to bird stuck in wing': Passenger texts family minutes before crash
A passenger on board the doomed Jeju Air Flight 2216 on Dec 29 had sent a text message to a family member about the aircraft "not being able to land because of a bird on a wing", minutes before the incident, news outlet The Korea Herald reported.
"A bird is stuck in the wing, and we can't land. Just now. Should I leave my last words?"
The passenger has been unreachable since that last text message.
BREAKING
Death toll rises to 62
Fire authorities confirmed at least 62 fatalities in the Jeju Air crash.
At least 33 bodies recovered from crash
A fire official said at least 33 bodies have been found, but the number is not finalised, Reuters reported. Rescue operations are still under way.
A general election, and a Budget that will set the stage. The Republic's diamond jubilee. Big policy moves, including on job protections and retirement adequacy. ST looks at the key changes and events for Singapore in 2025.
The Straits Times looks at the key changes and events for Singapore in 2025.PHOTO: ST FILE
1. Economic growth and inflation
The economic growth rate of Singapore is anticipated to decelerate in 2025, with most of its key trading partners expected to experience slower growth.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry estimates economic growth will range from 1 per cent to 3 per cent in 2025, less than the 3.5 per cent for 2024.
Even if Singapore avoids US tariffs, the US-China trade war will elevate import prices globally, diminish global demand and reduce trade volumes, which in turn would hurt Singapore's gross domestic product growth.
Inflationary pressures from higher tariffs will complicate the management of monetary policies for Asian central banks, including the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and could affect the downward trend in core inflation seen here in recent years.
The US Federal Reserve raised its inflation forecast for 2025 from 2.1 per cent to 2.5 per cent – significantly above its 2 per cent target – and indicated that the central bank may implement only two rate cuts in 2025, down from the four forecast earlier.
2. Budget 2025
The annual Budget, which outlines the Government's spending plans, will also detail support for Singaporeans at various life stages.ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
The cost of living and job security are among the top concerns on people's minds, and they will be addressed at Budget 2025, which will be delivered by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Feb 18.
The annual Budget, which outlines the Government's spending plans, will also detail support for Singaporeans at various life stages.
This includes additional help for those in the sandwiched group who care for both young children and ageing parents, as well as for young people entering the workforce or starting families.
The Government has also said it will do more to address longer-term care and housing needs for the elderly, and to alleviate cost-of-living pressures for those with more young children.
On the jobs front, Budget 2025 will prioritise helping people enhance their skills and their earning potential. It will build on existing initiatives, such as through enhancements to SkillsFuture, PM Wong said at a press conference in November.
Two other key themes for the Budget are economic strategies for the next bound, and strengthening Singaporeans' sense of solidarity and unity as the country marks SG60 – 60 years of independence.
The Ministry of Finance has opened up public consultations along these broad themes as it prepares for the yearly Budget statement.
Some economists said they are expecting an election budget, with help for all segments of society and businesses.
3. Singapore marks 60 years of independence
Singapore will celebrate its 60th birthday in 2025.PHOTO: ST FILE
Celebrations for SG60 will kick off on New Year's Eve, at a countdown at Marina Bay, Sentosa, Singapore Sports Hub and 17 heartland locations.
Besides a year of commemorative events, turning 60 will be an occasion for Singaporeans to "strengthen our sense of shared values, our sense of purpose and also our sense of solidarity with one another", said PM Wong in November.
Programmes to encourage Singaporeans to reflect and live out values which have been key to the nation's development since independence – such as multiculturalism and resilience – include the Chingay Parade, Racial and Religious Harmony Month and the Singapore Pavilion showcase at Expo 2025 Osaka, said the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
There will also be platforms for Singaporeans to get involved and start ground-up initiatives, such as the SG60 Youth Engagements organised by the National Youth Council and People's Association, and consultations under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan exhibition.
People have been invited to share their views on SG60 – themed Building Our Singapore Together – as part of Budget 2025 consultations, such as on how to strengthen the collective Singaporean identity and better cultivate unity across diverse backgrounds.
The 60th anniversary also means an all-out National Day Parade at the Padang. The authorities have said the festivities will extend to Marina Bay and the heartland.
4. Going to the polls
Voters queueing outside a polling station in Jurong East to cast their ballots in the general election held on July 10, 2020.PHOTO: ST FILE
Singapore is slated to go to the polls by November 2025, though pundits expect the general election to be called months before that.
For months, political watchers have been looking out for the formation of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee – convened before each election – to get a better sense of when the election will be held.
Dates that have been bandied about for the hustings include April, May and July – when Singaporeans have had time to digest Budget 2025 announcements, and are likely to be in a reflective mood as the nation approaches its 60th birthday.
The upcoming election will be PM Wong's first as secretary-general of the PAP, a post he took on in December after Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong stepped down as party chief.
PM Wong has said that the coming election is a high-stakes one, where Singapore could end up with a much weaker government if there is just a modest swing in votes against the ruling party.
Political parties have meanwhile been gearing up for the battle, with potential candidates popping up alongside old-timers on constituency banners, at grassroots events and at walkabouts.
5. Increased parental leave
The increase in parental leave comes in response to feedback that parents would like more time with their children.PHOTO: ST FILE
The two additional weeks of voluntary paternity leave will also be made mandatory from April 1, 2025, which means employers must grant such leave applications.
The changes are being made in response to feedback that parents would like more time with their children, and to encourage dads to play a bigger role, PM Wong said in announcing the move at his first National Day Rally speech in August 2024.
In short, mums will get 16 weeks of maternity leave, while dads get four weeks of paternity leave. On top of that, parents will have 10 weeks of leave to be shared between them. This works out to around 7½ months of paid leave for parents of Singaporean babies.
To give employers time to adjust, changes to the shared parental leave scheme will be made in two phases, starting with six weeks of shared leave from April 1, 2025, then the full 10 weeks from April 1, 2026.
6. Changes to CPF system
Among the changes to the Central Provident Fund system in 2025 is the closing of the Special Account for those aged 55 and above.PHOTO: ST FILE
The Special Account for those aged 55 and above will be closed from the second half of January 2025, one of a slew of changes to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) system in the new year.
With the closure, Special Account funds for affected CPF members will be transferred to their Retirement Account, up to the full retirement sum. Any remaining monies will be transferred to their Ordinary Account.
Other changes are aimedat helping CPF members better meet their retirement needs.
For seniors who continue to work, CPF contribution rates for members aged from above 55 to 65 will be raised by 0.5 percentage point for employers and 1 percentage point for employees.
The grant cap for the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme will also be increased to $2,000 a year and the age cap will be removed. Meanwhile, the Enhanced Retirement Sum for 2025 will be raised to $426,000, four times the basic retirement sum.
The monthly salary ceiling for CPF contributions will also go up to $7,400,before being raised to $8,000 in 2026, which will help middle-income Singaporeans save more for retirement.
7. More protection for platform workers
Under the new Platform Workers Act, gig workers will get greater labour protections, with more adequate work injury compensation and the ability to save more for their housing and retirement needs.PHOTO: ST FILE
Singapore's gig economy is set to undergo a major shift when the Platform Workers Act comes into force from Jan 1, 2025.
Under the new law, which was passed in September 2024, ride-hailing drivers and freelance delivery workers who rely on online matching platforms for income will be placed under a distinct legal category of their own.
They will get greater labour protections, with more adequate work injury compensation and the ability to save more for their housing and retirement needs via the CPF scheme.
Industrial relations in the sector will also enter a new chapter as platform workers, who cannot unionise, will be able to form representative bodies called platform work associations.
Through these bodies, workers will be able to negotiate and sign legally binding collective agreements with operators and gain access to various avenues of redress, including the right to strike.
However, these protections come at a cost and consumers can expect to pay more come 2025, with ride-hailing companies here already raising platform fees in anticipation.
The start of the Platform Workers Act is the culmination of more than three years of study, consultation and debate.
8. Next Draft Master Plan to be unveiled in June 2025
A Recreation Master Plan will be unveiled under the Draft Master Plan to support and grow the way Singaporeans play.PHOTO: ST FILE
The URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 will be unveiled in June and will detail development plans for the next 10 to 15 years.
The masterplan, which dictates what a piece of land can be used for and how densely it can be developed, is reviewed every five years to ensure current and future needs can be met in land-scarce Singapore.
The new development blueprint is expected to give details on where new homes and amenities will be built in Singapore, and which existing areas might be redeveloped.
A Recreation Master Plan will be unveiled under the Draft Master Plan to support and grow the way Singaporeans play.
More details on how places with rich heritage and identity will be improved are also expected.
The URA has been seeking public feedback on identity corridors such as the Historic East, which includes Geylang and Changi roads, as it works on plans to make these corridors more accessible and strengthen their character.
Ovais Subhani, Shermaine Ang, Sue-Ann Tan, Kok Yufeng and Ng Keng Gene contributed to this report.
askST Jobs: What are the hottest skills that anyone can pick up?
Digital literacy is one of the most essential skills to pick up.ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO
In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up for The Straits Times' Headstart newsletter.
Q: Which key new skills should I pick up in 2025?
A: Digital literacy is one of the most essential skills to pick up, says Dr Samson Tan, director for learning and professional development at the Institute for Adult Learning.
"As generative AI (artificial intelligence) and digital tools become integral to work processes, individuals effectively leveraging these technologies will stand out."
Beyond having technical know-how, workers will have to find specific ways to apply these technologies to their existing work processes, Dr Tan adds.
Likewise, Mr Foo See Yang, managing director and country head of recruitment firm Persolkelly Singapore, says workers must be comfortable with evolving technologies.
"This includes basic proficiency in digital tools, as well as a deeper understanding of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics.
"The growing reliance on automation and data-driven decision-making across sectors is the primary trend driving this focus."
Under the wider umbrella of digital literacy, data literacy is one specific skill that even basic knowledge of can significantly improve a worker's competitiveness, Mr Foo adds. He notes that understanding how to interpret and use data allows employees to make more informed decisions and navigate the increasing amount of data that influences all industries.
The ability to code or proficiently use digital tools like spreadsheets, content management systems or project management software can also set individuals apart.
"As these skills are becoming more universal across industries, they enable greater efficiency and adaptability in work environments," Mr Foo says.
Dr Tan says another key area to brush up on is digital communication, which has become indispensable in hybrid and globalised work environments.
"Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack and virtual presentation platforms require technical familiarity and demand clear, concise and engaging communication.
"The ability to convey ideas effectively, adapt to diverse audiences and foster collaboration is now critical for professional success, whether working with teams or engaging clients."
With workplaces increasingly needing tech-savvy capabilities, cognitive flexibility and strong interpersonal skills, workers will need to be more agile and adaptable than ever before, Mr Foo notes.
In a similar vein, leadership skills such as motivating teams, fostering trust and managing conflict are essential to navigating workplaces these days, Mr Foo says.
"Even basic knowledge in these areas can significantly impact team dynamics and productivity.
"As organisations embrace flatter hierarchies and more team-based structures, leaders who can inspire and manage people effectively are increasingly in demand."
Dr Tan says another area of focus lies in fostering creative and strategic thinking. "In an increasingly automated world, creativity and strategic insight remain uniquely human strengths," he says.
"This skill also amplifies the impact of digital literacy and communication, providing the framework for their effective application in any context."
He adds that while technical skills open doors to immediate opportunities, transferable skills ensure long-term career resilience.
Q: How do I ensure that new skills I've learnt are meaningful and relevant?
To this end, workers should focus on three key strategies, Mr Foo says.
"First, continuous learning and feedback are essential. Regularly seeking feedback from supervisors and colleagues allows employees to evaluate how their new skills align with their job performance and organisational needs.
"Engaging in continuous learning also helps keep knowledge up to date with evolving industry standards, ensuring that individuals remain competitive and relevant."
It is also crucial to stay informed about industry trends and networking by joining professional groupings or attending industry conferences, for instance.
"This will enable workers to identify which skills are most in demand and ensure that their learning efforts are aligned with the evolving needs of the industry," Mr Foo says. He adds: "Finally, candidates should focus on the real-world application of their skills."
This involves identifying areas within their existing work that can be enhanced if they gain specific new skills or knowledge.
"By implementing what they've learnt in their daily tasks or in side projects, they can directly assess how these skills translate into actionable results or improvements in their work," Mr Foo says.
More than 30 years after making darts history, 70-year-old 'Singapore Slinger' Paul Lim continues to achieve new feats
SINGAPORE: The year was 1990. And in about a minute at Lakeside Country Club in Surrey, England, Paul Lim accomplished the extraordinary.
It is a feat which has lived in the record books of darting history – the first player to hit a perfect nine-dart finish at a world championship.
The accomplishment landed him £52,000 – about US$92,600 then – and while he was eliminated in the quarter-finals, Lim won the hearts of darts fans worldwide.
Fast forward 34 years, and Lim was back where it all started.
His features were no longer as youthful, his vision was no longer as sharp, and his polo t-shirt bore the flag of a different country. But it's the same man – the "Singapore Slinger".
In the past decades, Lim has travelled the globe, but his story started in England.
After he completed his National Service in the 1970s, Lim packed his bags and headed to London.
"I went through different jobs just to survive," he told CNA. "Eventually I was able to hunt down a hotel because I wanted to be a chef."
With the help of the hotel's head chef, Lim enrolled himself in a cookery course.
"Every morning I would go to college ... After I finished college, I would go back to the hotel and work from afternoon to dinner service, which was about 10 to 11 at night," he recalled.
It was at a local pub where he was first introduced to darts by other chefs.
They competed every Friday night, with everybody chipping in with 50 pence. The winner's prize? A bottle of whisky.
Playing a number of sports as a youngster meant that Lim had good hand-eye coordination, and he was quickly drawn to the dartboard.
"I found that darts is a very interesting sport ... I straightaway bought a dartboard and put it in the apartment," he said.
"And I could practice whether it was snowing, whether it was raining, whenever I wanted. I spent a lot of time doing that, and I eventually just became good."
A number of years later, Lim returned to Singapore where he worked as a chef at the now-defunct Marco Polo hotel. During his time back, he competed in his first Singapore Open and won the tournament.
But the opportunity to further his career as a head chef of a French restaurant came knocking and Lim moved to Papua New Guinea.
A CHANGE OF SCENERY
Lim enjoyed the change in environment.
"It was different but I've always loved the sea, I loved fishing and Papua New Guinea is a great place for that," he said.
Lim represented Papua New Guinea in his first international competition, the Asia-Pacific Cup, where he won his event.
It was during that tournament that he met American darts player Jerry Umberger, who recommended that Lim move to the United States and compete in the professional darts circuit.
"He said that in the USA we have the darts circuit where there is prize money. Every week there's a tournament somewhere in America and you just have to find where to go," recalled Lim.
Lim first moved to Boston. But with the weather proving too cold, he settled down in California and worked at a pub restaurant as a chef.
"It was in a darting environment so it really kind of suited me very well ... I worked from Monday to Thursday and on Friday I would fly to tournaments," he said.
"I didn't know how I was going to be doing (on the circuit) ... so I had to have a job to sustain my travel and pay my rent and things like that."
As Lim made a name for himself on the circuit, sponsors eventually came on board.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
Prior to that historic showing at the 1990 World Championship, Lim had never made it past the early stages of the competition.
But that year, everything changed.
"It was a blast. I can't describe it. Until this very day, I still get goosebumps thinking about it," said Lim, who represented the United States at that tournament.
He remembers his achievement vividly to this day.
The money he earned, which far exceeded the amount awarded to the tournament winner, also came in handy for Lim, who used it to start his own darts business.
Over the years, he has continued to compete in major tournaments while working as a consultant for an electronic darts company.
But Lakeside Country Club has always had a special place in his heart.
"I was excited to be back there again after so many years," he said, this time wearing the Singapore flag.
Going into this year's WDF World Darts Championship, Lim's goal was to take it one game at a time – and he saw off challenge after challenge.
"What's going to happen, you never know. But I go with the intent that I want to do well," he said.
Lim first beat the Netherlands' Moreno Blom 2-0, then Hong Kong's Leung Kai Fan 3-2.
The match against Leung, a close friend of Lim's, was particularly tough, he said. Prior to the tournament draw, Leung had invited Lim to stay at his home and prepare for the event.
"He's the guy I spent time with and he's the guy who looked after me ... It's always difficult," added Lim.
Lim's fairytale run continued, as he beat Scotland's Gary Stone 3-2, Dutchman Jarno Bottenberg 4-3 and American Jason Brandon 5-0.
"I always think one step at a time. If I win one step at a time, I'll be in the final," said Lim.
But he fell short in his bid to become the oldest darts world champion on Dec 8. McGuirk took home the winner's cheque of £50,000 (US$63,500), while Lim collected £16,000.
"I did prove a point that age is not really a vital thing," he said.
POWERED BY PASSION
Things have changed over the years, admitted Lim. These days, he no longer has as much stamina to compete in a full-day tournament.
"Stamina is very important," he said. "(A) 70-year-old gets tired a lot easier. The funny thing is I have gone through this (sport) for over 40 years now and I've never felt that I could get tired. Until maybe when I was about 68."
Earlier this year, he switched to using glasses after experiencing blurred vision.
"It was a struggle to get used to it," Lim admitted. "I kept practising with my glasses on at home until it became secondary."
While physical problems can be an issue when it comes to darts, having a strong mindset is key, he stressed.
"A lot of people can be great dart players but if your mindset is weak, you're going (to be) rattled ... and you're going to do everything differently."
He wants to continue competing for as long as he can.
"At the back of my mind, I know one day it will stop. But as of right now, I just don't feel that day is coming," said Lim.
What helps is that Lim enjoys not just the competitive nature of darts but interacting with supporters.
"In every sport, (it is) for yourself but you've got to think about the fans out there and the people that support you. It gives me a lot of joy, it really does," he added.
"(People ask me): 'How come you're always smiling?' It's supposed to be a happy moment. I'm able to play a sport that I love, and I'm able to make a living out of it. What else would you want to ask for?"
When he decides to call it a day competitively, Lim intends to keep promoting the sport.
"I want to bring joy to other people (through) darts and I think it's good for them," he said.
"I'm living proof. I'm 70 years old right now, I can still move around and I'm happy doing it ... My passion actually makes me feel younger."
Pegasus Spyware Infections Proliferate Across iOS, Android Devices
Researchers have discovered seven new Pegasus spyware infections targeting journalists, government officials, and corporate executives that started several years ago and span both iPhone and Android devices, demonstrating that the range of the notorious spyware may be even greater than once thought.
Researchers from iVerify discovered multiple devices compromised by Israeli company NSO Group's spyware via attacks initiated between 2021 and 2023 that affect Apple iPhone iOS versions 14, 15, and 16.6, as well as Android, they revealed in a blog post published on Dec. 4. The infections were discovered in May during a threat-hunting scan of 2,500 devices from iVerify users who opted in to the checks.
Specifically, the investigation uncovered multiple Pegasus variants in five unique malware types across iOS and Android. The researchers detected forensic artifacts in diagnostic data, shutdown logs, and crash logs found on the devices.
"Our investigation detected 2.5 infected devices per 1,000 scans — a rate significantly higher than any previously published reports," Matthias Frielingsdorf, Verify co-founder and iOS security researcher, wrote in the post. Each of the infections "represented a device that could have been silently monitored, its data compromised without the owner's knowledge," he wrote.
"The discovery supported our thesis about the prevalence of spyware on mobile devices — it was hiding in plain sight, undetected by traditional endpoint security measures."
Pegasus Spyware Reach Underestimated?
The findings also demonstrate that security researchers, in general, may have underestimated the reach of mobile spyware, particularly Pegasus, Rocky Cole, co-founder and COO of iVerify, tells Dark Reading.
Pegasus, developed by NSO Group — an adversary that iVerify tracks as "Rainbow Ronin" — is a particularly nasty piece of spyware that allows the controller to exploit OS vulnerabilities and leverage zero-click attacks to access and extract whatever they want from an exploited mobile device. Attackers can intercept and transmit messages, emails, media files, passwords, and detailed location information without a user's knowledge or interaction.
Pegasus gained initial notoriety in 2021 when security researchers found that it was being used by state-sponsored actors in illegal surveillance against journalists, politicians, human rights advocates, and other persons of interest to government intelligence agencies. Since then, numerous other infections have surfaced that show how governments have wielded the spyware, with journalists in particular in the crosshairs.
Now iVerify's discovery suggests that state-sponsored actors not only are using mobile spyware in a narrow way to surveil the most high-profile of targets, but also could be spying on people within typically targeted populations who wouldn't seem likely to be on their radar, Cole says.
"Previously considered a rare and highly targeted threat, Pegasus was found to be more prevalent and capable of infecting a wider range of devices, not just those belonging to high-risk users," he says.
Moreover, as iVerify's investigation uncovered multiple Pegasus infections across several iOS versions, some dating back years, it's clear that traditional security measures often fail to detect such threats. This suggests that mobile device users themselves must be included in the detection of malware so they have "the power to understand and defend against threats that were previously invisible," Frielingsdorf wrote.
Hunt Your Own Device Threats
Cole says that best practices for preventing spyware infections before they occur include regularly updating devices to the latest OS as soon as possible, as spyware often exploits unpatched vulnerabilities. And though EDR may not pick up every infection, it can be a useful tool for organizations to use alongside more proactive device-specific threat-hunting to "help detect and respond to threats in real time," he says.
Organizations also should educate employees, Cole adds, especially those in high-risk roles, about the risks and best practices for mobile security as an essential protection against spyware infections.
The 2024 World Chess Championship in Singapore, still ongoing at the time of writing, is livestreamed to millions. The showdown between world champion Ding Liren and 18-year-old challenger Gukesh Dommaraju receives global media coverage. Recent Nobel Laureate Demis Hassabis – a former child chess prodigy himself – was in town to open their first game.
Charismatic top players such as Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura – the current World Number 1 and 3 – do not fit the conventional image of chess grandmasters. Chess influencers stream games and analyses, making chess dynamic and entertaining even for casual viewers.
Technology – from internet chess platforms to social media – has made it easy for people to learn, play and connect online. The surge of popularity can also be attributed to the chance convergence of factors, like the COVID-19 pandemic – during which lockdowns and movement restrictions drove more people to play chess – and the 2020 Netflix series The Queen's Gambit.
The rising global tide has not left Singapore behind. Grassroots chess events have proliferated, with initiatives such as the Aliwal Chess Club gaining attention even on mainstream media.
Participation among young children and youth has similarly surged, with year-on-year increments in enrolment for chess courses and tournaments organised by the Singapore Chess Federation and private operators.
PARENTS MAY HOPE FOR COGNITIVE BENEFITS
Some parents may be wondering if this might be a good time to sign their children up to learn chess. Many who do believe that it can shape young minds in profound and positive ways, or hope it can enhance academic performance.
It is easy to understand why. After all, a game of chess is fundamentally about strategic thinking and problem-solving.
Players plan multiple moves ahead and anticipate consequences. A typical three- to four-hour game requires concentration and patience, increasingly rare qualities in our digital world of instant gratification and short attention spans.
At higher levels of competition, preparation involves knowing and adapting to one's opponents, taking into account their style of play, strengths and weaknesses, and their possible preparation against oneself. These skills should transcend the chessboard.
RESEARCH DOESN'T BACK UP OUR BELIEFS
However, a sense of healthy scepticism with regards to these seemingly logical beliefs is important. Just as in chess, one should assess positions objectively and analyse even "obvious" moves and captures.
Surprisingly, there are only a handful of rigorous and well-designed research studies on the effects of chess on children. And they suggest no effect when it came to attention, focus or creativity.
The most important study was on primary school children in Bangladesh in 2016, conducted by Monash University researchers, led by Associate Professor Lee Wang Sheng, my former Raffles Institution chess teammate and one of the top players of Asia in his youth. The primary positive effect was that the children who learned assessed risks better and were less risk-averse than those who did not.
The Monash University study and another large-scale trial conducted on over 4,000 children in England also found no significant evidence that learning chess enhances mathematical abilities, reading nor science.
In adults, playing chess (and other games such as mahjong and weiqi) is associated with better cognitive health, reducing the risk of dementia as well as slowing cognitive decline. However, most of the published research studies are small and not designed to demonstrate a causal relationship.
CONSIDER THE EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Where chess can benefit players is in the social platform it provides for children and adults from diverse backgrounds to connect. The sport transcends age, ethnicity, language and cultural barriers, creating a meritocratic and inclusive environment.
I remember going to chess clubs as a teenager – then mainly in community centres – after school and over the weekends, playing games for fun or participating in local tournaments. Social status did not matter – one was respected for one's skills and sportsmanship. I made many acquaintances and friends over chess, many of whom I remain in touch with or work closely with today.
Maintaining one's composure under pressure, and coping with loss and failure – often repeatedly at a young age – are invaluable experiences for building resilience.
Such losses are "safe failures" and can teach children to view setbacks as stepping stones for growth rather than reasons to give up. Moreover, being able to objectively track one's improvement with effort – by achieving better results in tournaments or defeating formerly formidable opponents – boosts self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the game.
These emotional and social development benefits are not unique to chess, of course, but present in many other sports and interactive games.
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ALL SPORTS AND GAMES HAVE POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS
But just like these other sports and games, chess is not without potential drawbacks.
The risk of children and youth becoming overly competitive or experiencing undue pressure is always present, especially if parents or coaches emphasise winning too strongly. Excessive focus and time spent on chess can also lead to reduced physical activity, a narrower range of interests, and in some cases, poorer academic performance.
I found Basic Military Training during National Service gruelling because of the lack of physical fitness. At various points in junior college and university, my results were subpar, usually after taking time off for overseas chess tournaments. My parents and some of my teachers expressed concern about my academic progress, but (perhaps) wisely chose to support and respect my passion for the sport.
It is important to ensure that chess supplements, rather than replaces, a well-rounded lifestyle that includes physical exercise, diverse social interactions and other recreational activities.
SO, SHOULD I SIGN MY CHILD UP FOR CHESS?
From my admittedly biased perspective, there is little harm and much potential benefit in introducing children to chess.
However, it is essential not to have unreasonable expectations about the cognitive or academic benefits of the game, and children should never be pressured to continue if interest wanes. If they develop a passion for the game, providing a supportive environment and offering opportunities – be it enrolling in school chess clubs or participating in local age-group events – can at the minimum enhance their skills and broaden their interests.
For some – which include my fellow chess enthusiasts and myself – it can be a transformative experience that positively shapes lives.
Professor Hsu Li Yang is the President of the Singapore Chess Federation and Vice Dean of Global Health at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore.
