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1.  There're new opportunities for Singapore businessmen in the Southern African countries, says Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. But he says they must be entrepreneurial enough to tap them. PM Goh is cautiously optimistic about prospects in the region after a 10 day trip which took him to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana.

2.  South Africa wants to further consolidate its good relations with Asean member countries through more economic tie-ups and exchange programmes. Visiting South African President Nelson Mandela said such links include a recent agreement for Singapore to provide South African youths with technical assistance.

3.  A successor has been named for Malaysia's DRB-Hicom group of companies, following the death of former chief Yahaya Ahmad. He is Mohamed Saleh Sulong, former Deputy Chairman of the group which includes car-maker Proton. His appointment to Chairman follows two days of discussions between high-level government representatives and senior management.

4.  The United States and South Korea have called off their annual war games traditionally viewed by North Korea as preparation to invade it. The move's aimed at boosting confidence, and tempting Pyongyang into joining formal peace talks.

5.  Some 85 percent of 10 thousand 'A' level students have obtained full certificates, slightly less than last year. But bucking the trend - Raffles Junior College which saw its percentage passes go up, topping all junior colleges.

6.  After their schooling just what should young Singaporeans look for in the job market - short-term money or long-term prospects? The advise from the Education Minister don't just go for the dollar. He was speaking at the opening of the Career 97 fair today.

7.  Sweeping government changes in Russia. President Yeltsin says he'll give details in the coming days. Making the announcement during a State of the Nation address this afternoon, Mr. Yeltsin also promised to bring order to the country and fight corruption at the highest levels.

8.  China's moved to tighten its grip on the military with a draft law saying the army must pledge allegiance to the ruling Communist Party. Defence minister Chi Haotian says the national defence law is also expected to help the military guard against separatism and protect the government from political unrest. It aims to stop the overthrow of the government by an armed rebellion or riots. The draft law will be voted on before the national party congress closes next week. If passed, it would be the country's first basic law on defence matters.

9.  Thai police have detained 2 foreigners on suspicion of robbing and murdering a German man, last December. Police say, 37 year old Petter Bernert from Germany and 28 year old Thomas Bauhofer of Austria, were detained earlier this week, in Pattaya. They confessed during questioning. Two other foreign accomplices are still at large, say police.

Their victim: 28 year old Guido Raffenberg is believed to have been given a spiked beer, driven to a golf course, and then struck with a spade. The killers later decapitated Raffenberg and dumped the head in a field about 20 kilometers from the scene. Police found Raffenberg's body on January the 8th.

10. Ministers from 14 countries are now meeting in Maurtitius to launch a new grouping called the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation. Singapore is a member of this Association stretching from Australia to South Africa. Speaking at the meeting this afternoon, Foreign Minister Professor Jayakumar, said the diversity among the members of the grouping should be tapped.

Efforts could be made to explore new areas of cooperation not undertaken elsewhere. In this way, the new grouping would not be competing with other forums. The Association is working to increase cooperation in areas like tourism, human resource development, investment and trade.

11. The line-up for a new term of Government Parliamentary Committees is out and it includes new faces.

12. Candidates in the last General Election spent a total of more than 1.9 million dollars. That's almost twice the figure spent in the 1991 elections. Maria Siow on what the money was used for.

13. Taxi companies are no longer just providing basic ferrying services but are diversifying into specialized niches - niches where the clientele is willing to pay more than just that little extra.

14. The National Archives is moving out. From next month, you'll find it just down the street from where it used to be, in a home of its own.

15. Sport. The enthusiasm and response that Rugby got last year sees more funds going into the game. Tonight the Singapore Rugby Union received a $400 thousand dollar cheque from the Singapore Pools at its annual dinner.

16. In the S-league, Geylang United says there's a likelihood that Iranian star Mohammed Khakpour may just return to the eagles nest for this season.