News as it happens: Aug 17-21, 2026
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Scoot, the budget airline, is set to expand its network in China by introducing new thrice-weekly flights to Guiyang, a city in southwestern China. The first flights are scheduled to commence on October 26.
Meanwhile, the Carlton Hotel has repossessed the bridal studio's space, following its abrupt closure on August 14. This sudden closure led to 66 consumer complaints, totaling $271,000 in pre-payment losses within just four days.
The Singapore Arrival Card submission process is undergoing a major upgrade. The refreshed interface will support 19 different languages and feature a passport-scanning autofill option across the ICA website and mobile app. This enhancement aims to expedite the clearance process for travelers.
In Malaysia, the Cabinet has approved 17 recommendations to enhance security measures at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other border checkpoints. These measures come in response to several recent security incidents that have raised concerns.
On the international stage, US President Donald Trump has threatened "tremendous" punishment against any country that provides assistance or conducts business with Iran. This stance is part of a broader campaign aimed at imposing "economic warfare" on Iran.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.