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Australia has begun enforcing a world-first ban on social media use for children under 16<\/a>, while Singapore has taken a more measured approach<\/a> by prohibiting smartphones on secondary school campuses. The Singapore policy aims to balance digital literacy with healthy boundaries<\/a>, allowing students to use technology for learning while reducing distractions and exposure to online harms. The Ministry of Education introduced the ban earlier this year, citing concerns about excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and the mental health impact of constant connectivity.<\/p>\n By contrast, Australia\u2019s sweeping ban<\/a> requires platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to block underage users or face hefty fines<\/a>, a move that has sparked pushback from tech companies<\/a> and critics. Malaysia is preparing to follow suit<\/a> with its own under-16 ban in 2026, though enforcement details remain unclear and privacy concerns loom. Experts warn that outright bans may drive youths to alternative platforms or create risks in age verification, while Singapore\u2019s school-based restrictions highlight a more moderate path that addresses safety without cutting off digital development entirely.<\/p>\n Singapore will build hospitals more quickly and at lower cost<\/a> under a new design framework announced by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung<\/a>. The Healthcare Facility Design Standards (HFDS) will harmonise design principles across public hospitals<\/a>, reducing duplication and streamlining processes. Officials say this approach will accelerate planning and construction, cutting down the long timelines seen in past projects such as the Woodlands Health Campus, which took a decade to complete.<\/p>\n By standardising hospital designs, the framework also lowers costs and allows resources to be redirected toward patient care and innovation. With rising healthcare demand from an ageing population, faster delivery of facilities<\/a> is critical to meet future needs. Ong Ye Kung described HFDS as a major step in infrastructure planning, ensuring consistency, sustainability and more reliable healthcare environments for Singaporeans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n