The unusual step is being taken to commemorate not only the 70th year of India's independence, but also the 50th anniversary of the creation of ASEAN earlier this month. India has collectively invited all leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations , the group of ten countries in that region, to be the chief guests at its 2018 Republic Day celebrations.

From smart sensors for lighting and rubbish bins, to helping the elderly embrace technology - Singapore's Smart Nation vision encompasses a lot, but it hasn't really captured the imagination of the people. What would help? SINGAPORE: It was just three years ago, in 2014, that Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled the Smart Nation vision for the country .

An RSAF F-15SG from the Peace Carvin V Detachment taking off from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force will take part in this year's Exercise Red Flag - Nellis air combat exercise in the United States, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release on Monday .

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will deliver his 2017 National Day Rally speech on Sunday at the Institute of Technical Education at Ang Mo Kio. In a press statement on Monday, the Prime Minister's Office said Mr Lee will speak in Malay and Mandarin from 6.45pm to 7.30pm.

The wedding of Johor Princess Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Ibrahim and Dennis Muhammad Abdullah will take place at Istana Bukit Serene, followed by the solemnisation ceremony. SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean and Mrs Teo will be in Johor as Special Representatives of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for a royal wedding on Monday .

The two servicemen were on the way to Khatib camp when they stopped to help an injured motorcyclist on Saturday . SINGAPORE: Two full-time national servicemen were commended by the Singapore Army on Sunday for "contributing beyond call of duty" after they provided aid to a motorcyclist injured in an accident.

Mr Chan Chun Sing said Singapore must remain principled and pragmatic and take a long-term view if it wants to be taken seriously. It must also be conscious about the forces that are always evolving, and make adjustments as and when needed.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks at a National Day dinner at his ward in Teck Ghee on Aug 12. SINGAPORE: Singapore's productivity could improve a little bit more this year, having achieved 1 per cent growth in 2016, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday . Speaking at a National Day dinner at his ward in Teck Ghee, Mr Lee pointed out that 2016 was the first time in several years that a positive productivity figure had been achieved.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan enjoying a performance by students at PCF Sparkletots' newest childcare centre at Hillion Mall. At over 21,500 sq ft, the operator's second-largest childcare centre can accommodate up to 287 children.

A man trying out Virtual Reality googles at the Seniors for Smart Nation launch at Kolam Ayer Community Centre. SINGAPORE: As we head into the final third of 2017, it has become clear that one of the striking themes cutting across national-level discussions this year is the deliberate need for Singapore to truly charge forward in becoming a Smart Nation.

Singapore's economy grew at a faster pace in the second quarter than previously estimated by the government, as a recovery in global trade helped to buoy manufacturing.

JAKARTA: The Kendal Industrial Park's total investment value has reached US$360 million so far, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said on Thursday . Speaking at a National Day reception in Jakarta, Mr Teo said that the industrial park - also known as Park by the Bay - has also provided employment for 4,000 Indonesians.

Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong has said the city state needs to "go all out" to fight the soaring number of diabetes cases. In his National Day message this year, delivered on 8 August at Gardens by the Bay, the PM called the war on diabetes something that would "benefit us in the long term" .

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak poses with Chinese President Xi Jinping before a meeting ahead of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on May 13. Under the Najib government, Malaysia is rapidly growing closer to China. At a recent session of the Shangri-La Dialogue Asia security conference in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis paraphrased Winston Churchill's famous quote, telling the audience: "Bear with us.

SINGAPORE: A total of 4,323 people received National Day honours on Wednesday in recognition of their significant contributions to the nation. Heading the list is the chairman of the Public Service Commission Eddie Teo, who received the Order of Nila Utama .

DFS Group has partnered with Hennessy and Singapore's Changi Airport Group to deliver a modern version of one of the iconic Cognac brand's most lauded blends - Hennessy X.X.O - at Changi Airport's DFS shop. The premium spirit is composed "solely of eaux-de-vie selected for their remarkable potential," according to the DFS Group.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Soldiers unload relief packages from a C-130 plane of the Republic of Singapore Air Force which landed at the Laguindingan airport yesterday, August 7. The relief packages consisted of 30 five-man tents, 3,120 packets of field rations, 200 blankets, three sets of medical supply, 1080 bottled water, 64 pieces of dynamo lights, and three water filtration units.