Suicides in Singapore reportedly rise to 22-year high

23 Sept 03:30 Key points summarised by AI

Singapore experienced a 26% surge in suicides in 2022, reaching a 22-year high with 476 deaths, reflecting significant 'unseen mental distress' across the city-state.
The increase was particularly concerning among youths aged 10-29, for whom suicide remained the leading cause of death, and the elderly aged 70-79, who saw a 60% rise in suicides.
Experts and local NGOs attribute this alarming trend to complex factors including social isolation, mental health challenges, social pressures, and economic uncertainties.
Organisations like Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) are committed to taking proactive steps and providing support to address the urgent situation and mitigate rising suicide numbers.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Yesterday 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.