Autonomous driving firm WeRide has introduced its new five-seater self-driving vehicles into Singapore, likely to be deployed as community shuttles in Punggol by late 2025. This aligns with Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow’s statement in June that Singapore aims to roll out self-driving shuttles by the start of the fourth quarter this year. WeRide, based in Guangzhou, confirmed the arrival of the GXRs, which are already operating in cities like Beijing and Abu Dhabi. The Ministry of Transport is in talks with both WeRide and Pony.ai to supply vehicles for the Punggol trial. WeRide also runs an eight-seater autonomous bus at Resorts World Sentosa, which in July became the first in Southeast Asia to operate without onboard safety personnel. Partnerships with Grab and local operators, such as SMRT, point to wider rollouts in coming years. Initial Punggol trials will start without passengers, with safety officers onboard, before eventually shifting to remote operations.
Police in Singapore are appealing for urgent information on 11-year-old Muhammad Hairil Bin Muhammad Effendi, who has been missing since the late morning of August 29. Hairil, who has autism, was last seen at about 11.05am near Block 29 Marine Crescent. According to his family, his last known attire was grey shorts, with no shirt and no slippers. His father, Mr. Fendi, has requested the public to call him at 80256570 or the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 if they spot Hairil, and to stay with him until help arrives. As of the morning of August 30, Hairil had not yet been found. Police continue their investigations and have called for public vigilance, especially in the Marine Crescent and Marine Terrace areas. Authorities stress that all information provided will be kept strictly confidential. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZRoVVU84m/