HDB

Singaporean actor Thomas Ong has moved into a 38 sq m two-room Flexi HDB flat, downsizing from larger accommodation. The bedroom sits just two steps from the front door, and he says he can clean the entire home in under 30 minutes. Ong, 56, says the compact space 'suits him very well', and local media coverage of his modest lifestyle choice has drawn wide public interest.

Singapore's Ministry of Finance says more than one million HDB households will receive double U-Save utilities rebates and S&CC rebates in October. The payouts form part of ongoing support measures to help households offset utility bills and service and conservancy charges. Attention has turned to eligibility details and how the October disbursement will reach households across Singapore.