Straits Times Launches National Current Affairs Competition with Record Participation from Singapore Students

Over 7,400 Singaporean students are competing in the 2026 "What's The News?" current affairs quiz. Winners will take home a $4,000 cash prize.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 5:20 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

Inauguration of the 2026 Preliminary Round

Singapore’s premier current affairs competition for youth, "What’s The News?", officially began its 2026 season on April 9 with a high-stakes preliminary round. The competition, designed to foster a deeper understanding of global events among students, saw a significant surge in interest this year. Over 7,400 participants from secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics, and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) have registered—a notable increase from the 6,000 students who participated during the inaugural run in 2025.

Testing Knowledge with Global and Regional Current Affairs

The opening phase of the competition involves a 30-question online quiz that students must complete within a strict 30-minute window. The assessment covers a diverse array of topics, reflecting the breadth of modern news cycles. Students at River Valley High School and other participating institutions faced questions ranging from regional policy changes, such as Malaysia’s proposed vaping ban, to diplomatic cultural rapport between Japan and South Korea, and even the Oxford English Dictionary’s 2025 word of the year.

Pedagogical Impact and Ownership of Learning

Educators involved in the program have noted the positive impact on student engagement. Ms. Candida Ho, from River Valley High School, emphasized that the competition affirms the value of engaging with current affairs beyond standard classroom requirements. By participating, students develop a stronger sense of ownership over their learning and gain confidence in their ability to analyze complex global issues. Participants highlighted that the competition serves as a vital reminder of the importance of staying informed not just for academic success, but to understand the fundamental "why" behind world events.