Singapore digest news (17.01-21.01)

Photo by S. Pronin

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Industry and trade

Container turnover of the port of Singapore increased by 1.6 in 2021%
The container turnover of Singapore, the world's second largest container port, grew by 1.6% in 2021, according to data published by the port operator PSA. Over the past year, the port has handled 37.5 million TEU, which is 1.6% more than a year earlier, and 0.7% more than in the pre-pandemic 2019.
Singapore is the second largest container port in the world after Shanghai, which last year increased turnover by 8% to more than 47 million TEU.
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Finance

Singapore has banned advertising of cryptocurrencies — these are investments with a high level of risk
Singapore will limit the promotion of cryptocurrencies. The Monetary Authority (MAS) of the country has adopted new rules that prohibit the advertising of digital money. According to the Singapore authorities, cryptocurrencies are a very risky investment or trading instrument.
Any service provider, company, agency or major intermediary working with virtual money should not advertise services related to digital assets in Singapore. Currently, the recommendations apply to organizations such as banks and other financial institutions, but soon they will be applicable to everyone who conducts any activity related to cryptocurrencies. The new rules prohibit the advertising of digital money in public transport, on websites, on social networks, on television, in print media, as well as in the interface of ATMs and self-service terminals. In addition, the Singapore authorities prohibit advertising cryptocurrencies and opinion leaders on social networks.
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Singapore may be ahead of Hong Kong in the fight for the first listing of a SPAC company
The Singapore Stock Exchange may place the securities of the first SPAC company on the trading floor as early as next week, overtaking its competitor from Hong Kong. This is reported by Nikkei Asia.
According to the publication, the first SPAC company traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange may be Vertex Technology Acquisition, supported by the Singapore state investment fund Temasek. It is expected that during its listing on January 20, the company can raise 200 million Singapore dollars ($148.6 million). Another contender for this title may be NovoTel les Alpha Acquisition, owned by the investment company Novo Tellus Capital Partners and expects to attract 150 million Singapore dollars ($111.5 million) during the listing.
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Technologies

In Singapore, scientists have developed "smart threads" for surgical sutures
Scientists from the National University of Singapore have developed special threads and called them "smart".
The task of the new suture material is the "ability" to monitor the condition of tissues at a depth of up to 50 mm, which allows for constant monitoring. The thread consists of three components:
1. silk veins for medical purposes, which is covered with a special polymer composition;
2. battery-free electronic sensor that will transmit data;
3. a wireless external reader that will receive this data.
"Smart threads" will notify in time about the appearance of an inflammatory process, infection or other situations that threaten the patient's health. One of the main advantages of the invention is that the use of "smart threads" does not require changes in the protocols of surgical interventions.
The "smart stitches" are removed in the same way as the usual ones: with the help of a minimally invasive surgical or endoscopic procedure.
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SINGAPORE'S S.E.A. AQUARIUM ON SENTOSA WILL BE THREE TIMES LARGER
One of the most famous attractions of Sentosa Island will soon undergo major reconstruction and rebranding: S.E.A. Aquarium, home to about 100,000 marine animals of more than 1,000 species, will be renamed the Singapore Aquarium (SGO), and its area will increase more than three times!
The renovated aquarium is conceived as a first-class educational and research center in the field of biodiversity, conservation, protection and restoration of vulnerable marine organisms and their habitats. The expanded SGO exposition will become an exciting multi-sensory space filled with the most modern digital innovations, immersive and interactive technologies, thanks to which visitors will be able to learn more about the evolution of marine creatures, various oceanic zones and unexplored depths, as well as about the unique coastal ecosystems of Singapore. In addition, SGO intends to create a platform for seminars and workshops in cooperation with both local researchers and invited scientists and experts.
During the works, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, S.A.E. Aquarium will continue to receive visitors.
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Singapore has created an eco-friendly packaging made of corn protein
Biodegradable packaging can kill microbes, and vegetables and fruits are stored in it for three days longer than in a regular one.
A team of American and Singaporean bioengineers has developed a universal biodegradable packaging for storing meat, fruits and vegetables. The technology is based on corn protein zein, as well as thyme oil and citric acid, which can kill microbes, according to the website of Nanyang Technological University.
Studies have shown that under the influence of harmful microbes, packaging begins to secrete antimicrobial compounds. They destroyed several bacteria dangerous to humans, such as E.coli, Listeria, as well as fungi.
Strawberries were wrapped in a film for testing, as a result, they remained fresh for a whole week. The other part of the berries was stored in a regular box and began to disappear after four days.
According to the developers, the biodegradable packaging is reusable, it can be used for several months.
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Education

Cyber security lessons in Singapore for students based on real-life scenarios
SINGAPORE - Cyber wellness lessons for secondary students under a new curriculum will weave in real-life scenarios to help them recognise and respond to inappropriate and hurtful content, said Minister of State for Education Sun Xueling.During a visit to Compassvale High School to observe one of these classes on Tuesday (January 18), Ms. Sun noted that students face various cyber threats and risks these days, such as cyberbullying, gambling addiction, fake news and fraud.
She told the media: "In our lessons, our teachers use real-life examples, use videos and screenshots to show our students that this may be part of the material they encounter."
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Culture

Singapore was named the most attractive place on Instagram
SINGAPORE, January 18. /tass/. Singapore is named the most attractive and popular destination on Instagram. This is evidenced by the results of a study published on Tuesday by the Big 7 Travel travel portal.
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Aviation industry

Tests on the use of cleaner aviation fuel in Singapore will begin in 2022
Singapore's aviation industry will test the use of cleaner aviation fuel next year.
The low-carbon fuel test will be conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the Singapore investment company Temasek.
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Recycling and green technologies

Combining Tradition and Technology for Sustainability in Singapore
E-payment has been gaining steam in Singapore with the proliferation of services. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the growth of this form of payment as businesses and banks encouraged consumers to switch to e-payment for contactless transactions. Given the ubiquity of a smartphone, most of us should be no stranger to e-payment services, and many might even be avid users of such services.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has been encouraging the gifting of used notes or switching to e-hongbaos The reasons are twofold: to support sustainability and to prevent overcrowding in banks during the pandemic. While some people can understand the rationale of not visiting a crowded bank branch amid a pandemic, switching to e-hongbaos in the name of sustainability may be hard for some to justify in abandoning the cultural tradition.
While the current practice of gifting hongbaos (red envelope) is part of the tradition, the sustainability imperative should not be neglected. Most of the red packets will most likely end up in the incinerator because these tend not to be easily recyclable due to their designs and materials.
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