Zhaki Abdullah

Correspondent

Zhaki first joined The Straits Times in 2015, where he was a transport journalist and regular columnist writing about millennial and parenting issues. Following a three-year stint with CNA, Zhaki rejoined ST in 2022 and now covers the health beat, with occasional forays into the environment, science, tech and Muslim affairs sectors.

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Latest articles

Five volunteers given weakened dengue virus in study to help develop treatments and vaccines

Between March and May 2026, the participants received a weakened strain of the DENV-3 serotype of the dengue virus.

Singapore opens synthetic biology lab to grab share of potential $80b global market

ST20260611_202663000810/Jasel Poh/azastar11

Dr Sze Tan, Executive Director, A*STAR SIFBI, Professor Jay Keasling, Lead Principal Investigator of the A*STAR SIFBI-NUS Synthetic Biology Joint Lab, Mr Beh Kian Teik, Chief Executive Officer, A*STAR, Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, and Professor Matthew Chang, Director, NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), at the the launch of A*STAR SIFBI and NUS Synthetic Biology Joint Lab on Jun 11, 2026.

Govt ready to help hawkers if needed, watching impact of rising costs on food prices: Grace Fu

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu (foreground, second from right) and Sembawang GRC MP Gabriel Lam (foreground, centre) launching a support scheme called Brew Specials at 313 KPT coffeeshop at Block 313A Sembawang Drive on June 6.

Two new procedures at National Heart Centre Singapore to identify hidden heart diseases

Cardiovascular Ageing and Longevity Programme director Angela Koh and National Heart Centre Singapore cardiology department consultant Keh Yann Shan.

Ghost sharks, carnivorous sponges: Over 1,100 marine species discovered under global initiative

Between April 2025 and March 2026, a record 1,121 species were discovered by scientists across 13 expeditions in various less-explored regions of the ocean.

More males in Singapore getting HPV vaccine amid growing awareness of benefits

This comes as a growing number of countries recommend the vaccine for both genders.

OpenAI commits $300m to boost AI skills, offer tools and solutions for businesses in Singapore

(From left) Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, Mr Chng Kai Fong, MDDI Permanent Secretary (Digital Development and Information), Ms Denise Dresser OpenAI chief revenue officer, and Ms Sandy Kunvatanagarn, head of public policy, SEA, OpenAI, during the MDDI-OpenAI MOU signing on May 20.

Risk of another pandemic crisis remains, Ong Ye Kung tells attendees at Geneva event

Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung speaking on global pandemic preparedness and response at an event held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, organised by the Communicable Diseases Agency Singapore (CDA), Robert Koch Institute (RKI), and the World Health Organization.

‘Living’ lab models by NUS Dentistry team could make developing medical treatments safer, faster

Associate Professor Vinicius Rosa, NUS Faculty of Dentistry, using a light source to shine at the hydrogel at his lab in the National University Centre For Oral Health Singapore on April 30, 2026.

NUS study finds photosynthesis could treat dry eye disease

In preclinical studies, the novel eye drops created by the team outperformed Restasis, an existing treatment for dry eye disease.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.