😱 Ex-CEO of Singapore-based crypto platform Hodlnaut charged with fraud   Zhu allegedly instigated his employees to make misleading statements on the company's official Telegram group chat and in official emails sent directly to some of its users   READ: https://asia1.news/4e4dpmP   Follow @AsiaOnecom for all the latest updates.   It looks like there’s been a major development regarding the defunct crypto platform Hodlnaut.   According to the report, Zhu Juntao, the 36-year-old former CEO and co-founder, was charged in a Singapore court on May 26, 2026, with fraud by false representation.   Here are the key details from the case:   - The Charges: Zhu faces three charges for allegedly instigating employees to make misleading statements. These communications claimed Hodlnaut had no direct exposure to TerraUSD (UST) and hadn't suffered losses from its crash in 2022, despite the company later collapsing. - Medium of Fraud: The misleading information was reportedly spread through the company’s official Telegram group, direct emails to users, and Zhu’s personal X (formerly Twitter) account between May and July 2022. - Potential Penalties: If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in jail, a fine, or both, for each of the three charges. - Background: Hodlnaut once had over 30,000 users before halting withdrawals and going defunct in August 2022 due to financial difficulties.   The police also used this case to remind the public that cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and speculative, and that regulatory measures cannot always protect consumers from losses caused by fraud or service provider collapses.

😢 MyCK outlets at Ang Mo Kio, Chinatown to scale down after holding sales   The local brand had at least 19 stores island wide at its peak in 2017, but only eight outlets remain in operation as of 2026.   READ: https://asia1.news/4dJdbjA   Follow @AsiaOnecom for all the latest updates.   The homegrown Singaporean department store chain, myCK, is scaling down operations at two of its locations: the Ang Mo Kio outlet and its Chinatown flagship store.   Here are the key details from the report:   - Changes in Offerings: Both stores have been holding clearance sales for food and household essentials. The Ang Mo Kio branch will officially pivot to selling only clothing and shoes starting June 2, 2026. The Chinatown flagship will follow a similar path once its remaining daily essentials are sold out. - Declining Footprint: Founded in 1997, myCK reached a peak of 19 stores across Singapore in 2017. However, as of 2026, only eight outlets remain in operation. This follows the closure of two other branches in Jurong West earlier this year. - Impact on Locals: The stores are particularly popular among elderly residents in HDB estates who rely on the chain for prices that are often more affordable than those at major supermarkets. - Reason for Change: While the specific reason for scaling down wasn't detailed, the brand has been facing a significant reduction in its physical presence over the past decade.   If you regularly visit these branches for groceries or household items, you will need to look for alternative shopping options soon.

SINGAPORE: Former Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) employee Goh Meng Kwee was sentenced on 25 May 2026 to a total of two years and five months’ jail after receiving more than S$200,000 in bribes from contractors seeking business opportunities linked to wildlife attractions in Singapore. Goh, 53, was also ordered to pay a S$180,000 penalty. Court documents stated that he would serve an additional 18 weeks in jail if he failed to pay the amount. The offences took place between June 2014 and May 2018 while Goh was employed as a senior project manager in WRS’ exhibit design department. WRS, now known as Mandai Wildlife Group, manages major wildlife attractions including the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. Deputy public prosecutors Eric Hu and Tan Jun Ya told the court that Goh worked closely with the procurement department and was regarded internally as a “subject matter expert” on vendors and contractors. According to the prosecution, his recommendations on which companies should be awarded projects carried significant influence within the organisation. Court proceedings heard that Goh pleaded guilty to multiple corruption charges involving at least S$97,000 connected to three businessmen — Neo Chye Koon, Wong Chee Thiam and Ng Thiam Huat. Bribes linked to zoo projects The court heard that in 2016, Neo and Wong, then directors of stainless steel fabrication company Magnum Precision Industries, met Goh and agreed to provide inducements in exchange for business opportunities. Goh first became acquainted with Neo at a social gathering in 2016. One or two months later, he contacted Neo to inform him about available jobs at the Singapore Zoo. Goh subsequently arranged a meeting involving Neo and Wong. During the meeting, prosecutors said Goh offered to invite Magnum to tender for projects and guide the company through the tender process if he was paid S$50,000 for his “consultation services” and as an “entrance” fee. Neo and Wong later agreed to pay the amount in two cash payments of S$25,000 each. The prosecution told the court: “They decided to proceed with the payments as they felt that they stood no chance of securing higher-value jobs with WRS if they did not comply with the accused’s request.” In December 2016, Wong handed S$25,000 in cash to Goh. After receiving the payment, Goh provided Magnum with internal information, including WRS’ budget estimates for projects the company intended to bid for. Between April and December 2017, Magnum was awarded several projects worth more than S$440,000 in total. Neo and Wong, both then aged 54, were each sentenced to seven months’ jail in October 2023 after pleading guilty to graft offences linked to Goh. Further corruption involving contractors Separately, Goh also received more than S$70,000 in bribes from Ng Thiam Huat, who was then a director at United Channel Construction & Facility Services. Earlier proceedings heard that Ng secured multiple projects worth more than S$420,000 linked to the arrangement. Ng, then 57, was sentenced to 10 months’ jail in April 2023. The prosecution also pursued another corruption case involving S$50,000 connected to Tay Chun Hsiong and Fang Yih Uei. Following an earlier trial, Goh was convicted of the graft charge tied to the payment. On 25 May 2026, Tay, 49, was sentenced to seven months’ jail while Fang, 38, received a six-month jail term. Both men were convicted after the trial involving Goh. According to prosecutors, Fang withdrew S$50,000 in cash before passing it to Tay, who later handed the money to Goh in an envelope in May 2018. The prosecution told the court: “Tay and Fang gave S$50,000 as a reward to Goh for using his influence to recommend Tay’s company, Lantro, to Pico Art International for a project.” Court proceedings heard that Tay and Fang intend to appeal against both their convictions and sentences. Earlier conviction and additional penalty In March 2026, Goh was separately sentenced to five months’ jail and ordered to pay a S$20,000 penalty after he was convicted of another graft offence involving Ng Yeow Seng, 63. The court heard that Goh had accepted a S$20,000 bribe from Ng Yeow Seng. Ng Yeow Seng was earlier fined S$60,000. The prosecution informed the court on 25 May that it would appeal against Ng Yeow Seng’s sentence. If Goh fails to pay the separate S$20,000 penalty imposed in March, he will serve an additional four weeks in jail. Court records showed that Goh’s latest jail terms will run consecutively, resulting in a combined imprisonment period of two years and five months. Seven additional charges were also taken into consideration during sentencing following his convictions. His bail was set at S$200,000 on 25 May. Goh is expected to begin serving his sentence on 22 June.   https://theonlinecitizen.com/2026/05/26/former-wrs-manager-jailed-29-months-over-s-200-000-bribery-scheme-involving-contractors

A survey released on Monday (25 May) revealed that only 37% of Singapore workers feel satisfied with their salary, even though most think they are paid fairly.   The findings also showed that younger workers are less likely to tolerate a poor pay outcome, unlike the older generation, who may prioritise stability.   👉 https://tsl.to/sgsalarysurvey   @mustsharenews   Based on the document provided, here are the key findings from the Jobstreet by SEEK Salary Pulse survey regarding the Singapore workforce:   1. Low Salary Satisfaction   - Low Benchmark: Only 37% of Singapore workers are satisfied with their current pay, ranking Singapore among the lowest in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. - Comparison: Indonesia reported the highest satisfaction at 66%, followed by the Philippines at 59%. - Fairness vs. Happiness: Interestingly, while 71% of Singaporeans feel they are paid "fairly" relative to the market, they remain unhappy due to factors like inflation and lack of increments.   2. Generational Divide   - Gen Z (Younger Workers): They are the most dissatisfied and the least likely to tolerate poor pay outcomes. Only 8% would let a rejected pay raise slide; most prefer to look for a new employer. - Baby Boomers (Older Workers): They are more likely to accept inadequate pay (36%), as they prioritize job security and stability over salary hikes.   3. The "Job-Hopping" Advantage   - Substantial Raises: Workers who switched companies were 5 times more likely to receive a salary increase of more than 10% compared to those who stayed with their current employer. - Loyalty vs. Growth: While 87% of people received their latest raise from their current boss, the findings suggest that staying loyal often limits the potential for a significant pay jump.   4. Impact on Performance   - Motivation: Salary satisfaction is a major driver of productivity. Satisfied workers are 3.7 times more likely to put in extra effort at work.   5. Expert Advice   - For Employers: Be transparent about pay and offer non-monetary benefits like flexible work arrangements or faster career progression if a salary increase isn't possible. - For Employees: Know your market worth, benchmark your salary, and speak up early about your expectations for raises or benefits.

Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed   Sacred fire saved from non-sacred fire on Miyajima.   Hiroshima Prefecture’s Miyajima Island, famed for the torii gate that stands in the water just off its coast, is home to one of Japan’s most beautiful and historically significant concentrations of shrines and temples. Among them, though, Daishoin Temple is especially noteworthy, as it’s the oldest Buddhist temple on the island, founded by traveling monk Kukai (a.k.a. Kobo Daishi) in the year 806. Located on Mt. Misen, along a popular hiking trail that leads up to the mountain’s peak, Daishoin receives many visitors. On the morning of May 20, though, a call came in to Japan’s 119 emergency response number reporting that the temple’s Reikado hall was on fire. Firefighters rushed to the scene, and after roughly two hours the blaze, which had also spread to part of the neighboring forest, was largely suppressed, but sadly, the hall burned to the ground. Thankfully, though, the Reikado’s fire was unharmed. To unravel this confusing situation, it’s helpful to know that Reikado translates as “Hall of the Sacred Flame,” and also that the building’s official name is Kiezu no Reikado, or “Hall of the Ever-burning Sacred Flame.” Housed within the hall was a flame that’s said to have been burning for more than 1,200 years. ▼ The Reikado’s sacred flame (prior to the fire on May 20) can be seen at the point queued in this video. After the hall caught on fire, a quick-thinking monk transferred the sacred flame to another section of the temple where no unwanted fires were occurring, preserving its streak as it progresses towards the 1,300-year mark. Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire, though the hiking trail as well as the ropeway to the top of the mountain were shut down as a precaution. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire. This isn’t the first time for the Seikado to burn down but its sacred flame to be saved, as the same scenario also unfolded in 2005, with the rebuilt hall then opening in 2006. Daishoin’s abbot Masahiro Yoshida, though, says that the newest rebuilding will likely take more than one year to complete.   https://soranews24.com/2026/05/22/japanese-temple-burns-to-the-ground-fire-burning-inside-for-1200-years-unharmed/