January 15, 2026 – Singapore Headlines

Story gist: 86.9% of students scored at least 5 passes in Singapore’s 2026 GCE O-Level results. The 2025 GCE O-Level results will be released on January 14.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets provided no coverage, omitting potential progressive emphasis on equity gaps or achievement disparities and conservative focus on declining standards or merit. Center outlets like Singapore News and CNA delivered neutral, factual reports: pass rate statistic and release date announcement, with straightforward tone and no opinion or emphasis.

Story gist: Singapore authorities probe a transnational baby trafficking ring linked to Indonesia. Adoption agencies in Singapore face expectations to verify the origin of babies they handle.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Vietnam+ emphasize Singapore’s proactive ‘probing’ of the transnational ring, focusing on investigative action. Center outlets like CNA stress the Indonesian ring’s details and due diligence requirements for agencies, maintaining neutral procedural tone. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting potential emphases on border security, adoption regulations, or institutional accountability.

Story gist: Singapore’s passport was ranked the world’s most powerful for 2026 in a global index. It topped the list for visa-free access to the highest number of destinations.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN frames the story as ‘The world’s most powerful passports for 2026,’ emphasizing a global list. Center outlet The Straits Times highlights ‘Singapore passport again ranked world’s most powerful,’ focusing on repeat national success. Right-leaning outlets omit coverage entirely, absenting any perspective on the ranking.

Story gist: Jasmin Lau stated in Singapore that students need not own or use mobile phones, as parents can call schools during emergencies. More Singapore schools are installing mobile phone lockers for students to store their devices.

Bias summary: No left- or right-leaning outlets covered the story. Center outlet The Star frames it neutrally, focusing on schools installing lockers to keep devices away during school time, emphasizing policy implementation tied to Lau’s statement. Absent left perspective may overlook student privacy or access concerns; right may omit parental rights or discipline emphases.

Story gist: Singapore’s United Overseas Bank plans to build its headquarters at Vietnam’s International Financial Center. Vietnam’s Standing Deputy Prime Minister visited UOB.

Bias summary: No left- or right-leaning outlets covered the story, leaving progressive economic cooperation angles and conservative investment risk perspectives absent. Center outlet (Yahoo Finance Singapore) frames it via the deputy prime minister’s visit to UOB, emphasizing diplomatic ties and official engagement rather than the headquarters construction details.