The China Post, 29 Apr 2009, APSINGAPORE -- Singapore's worst-ever recession likely bottomed in the first quarter, but the city-state faces a tepid recovery as global demand for its exports struggles to rebound, the central bank said Wednesday.
The country's economy could shrink as much as 9 percent this year as a “deep and prolonged” global downturn batters sales abroad, which account for about 60 percent of gross domestic product, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in a semiannual report.
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Thursday, April 30, 2009
Singapore M1 Money Supply Mar S$85.17 Billion Vs S$82.49 Billion Feb - MAS
Nadaq, 29 Apr 2009
SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- The Monetary Authority of Singapore Thursday released the following provisional money supply data for March 2009.
March '09 Year Ago February '09
M1 S$ 85.17 Bln S$ 68.88 Bln S$ 82.49 Bln
M2 S$349.44 Bln S$313.28 Bln S$340.38 Bln
M3 S$358.06 Bln S$322.71 Bln S$349.12 Bln
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SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- The Monetary Authority of Singapore Thursday released the following provisional money supply data for March 2009.
March '09 Year Ago February '09
M1 S$ 85.17 Bln S$ 68.88 Bln S$ 82.49 Bln
M2 S$349.44 Bln S$313.28 Bln S$340.38 Bln
M3 S$358.06 Bln S$322.71 Bln S$349.12 Bln
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Singapore refuses euthanasia meeting
The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 Apr 2009
Police in Singapore have refused permission for a meeting on voluntary euthanasia law reform planned by Exit International, a group founded by Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke.
Dr Nitschke said the meeting had been initially approved to take place on May 13 at the city state's national library, but police had made a decision on Wednesday not to issue a licence for the gathering.
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Police in Singapore have refused permission for a meeting on voluntary euthanasia law reform planned by Exit International, a group founded by Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke.
Dr Nitschke said the meeting had been initially approved to take place on May 13 at the city state's national library, but police had made a decision on Wednesday not to issue a licence for the gathering.
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Singapore invokes SARS-level health orders
Heraldsun.com.au, 30 Apr 2009
SINGAPORE invoked public health orders not used since the 2003 SARS crisis, ordering that all people coming from Mexico will be quarantined for a week to fight the spread of swine flu.
Singaporean nationals will be ordered to stay home for a week while tourists would be held in chalets and hotels, with violators subject to fines up to $S10,000 ($9279), the health ministry said.
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SINGAPORE invoked public health orders not used since the 2003 SARS crisis, ordering that all people coming from Mexico will be quarantined for a week to fight the spread of swine flu.
Singaporean nationals will be ordered to stay home for a week while tourists would be held in chalets and hotels, with violators subject to fines up to $S10,000 ($9279), the health ministry said.
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SINGAPORE: Evangelical Christians Take on Civil Society
IPS, 30 Apr 2009, Kalinga Seneviratne
"At the annual general meeting (AGM) end-March, the old guard, which has spearheaded its advocacy work, was voted out by a new group of women who have joined the association in the previous 3 months. Some 80 of the 120 members present at the meeting were all new members.
Six of the 11 members of the management committee of AWARE, including the president, vice-president, secretary, assistant secretary and treasurer, are new members - all Chinese Singaporean professionals and belonging to the same evangelical church."
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"At the annual general meeting (AGM) end-March, the old guard, which has spearheaded its advocacy work, was voted out by a new group of women who have joined the association in the previous 3 months. Some 80 of the 120 members present at the meeting were all new members.
Six of the 11 members of the management committee of AWARE, including the president, vice-president, secretary, assistant secretary and treasurer, are new members - all Chinese Singaporean professionals and belonging to the same evangelical church."
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Singapore elevates flu alert level from yellow to orange
M&C, 30 Apr 2009
Singapore - Singapore raised its flu alert level from yellow to orange and further stepped up infection control measures, although no cases of human swine flu have been confirmed in the city state so far, the Ministry of Health said in a statement Thursday.
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Singapore - Singapore raised its flu alert level from yellow to orange and further stepped up infection control measures, although no cases of human swine flu have been confirmed in the city state so far, the Ministry of Health said in a statement Thursday.
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Singapore 1Q Unemployment Rate Rises To 4-Yr High
The Wall Street Journal, 30 Apr 2009, Dow Jones
SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore's unemployment rate rose to a four-year high as the current economic downturn led firms in the manufacturing and the services sector to undertake steeper job cuts.
The island's seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose to 3.2% in the first quarter ended in March from 2.5% in the previous quarter, the Ministry of Manpower said Thursday in a statement.
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SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore's unemployment rate rose to a four-year high as the current economic downturn led firms in the manufacturing and the services sector to undertake steeper job cuts.
The island's seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose to 3.2% in the first quarter ended in March from 2.5% in the previous quarter, the Ministry of Manpower said Thursday in a statement.
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Interesting prospects ahead for the opposition
The Kent Ridge Common, 29 Apr 2009, Kelvin Teo
"Economics expertise aside, Kenneth is also tech-savvy in the sense that he understands the usefulness of an online media platform in supplanting his campaign. As a contributor to a prominent citizen journalist platform such The Online Citizen, he has articulated on certain changes that he has enivisioned such as 1) A minimum wage for old and young workers to prevent companies from importing cheap labor from other countries 2) Higher tax credits for lower income households 3) A reduction or suspension of GST that affects the lower income groups 4) Reduction in fee services and charges (school fees for instance) 5) Reductions in employee CPF 6) Massive investment in education and infrastructure (developing green technologies for instance).
It appears that Kenneth has not shown all the cards in his sleeve as yet, and what he has articulated on TheOnlineCitizen is a mere harbinger for things to come."
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"Economics expertise aside, Kenneth is also tech-savvy in the sense that he understands the usefulness of an online media platform in supplanting his campaign. As a contributor to a prominent citizen journalist platform such The Online Citizen, he has articulated on certain changes that he has enivisioned such as 1) A minimum wage for old and young workers to prevent companies from importing cheap labor from other countries 2) Higher tax credits for lower income households 3) A reduction or suspension of GST that affects the lower income groups 4) Reduction in fee services and charges (school fees for instance) 5) Reductions in employee CPF 6) Massive investment in education and infrastructure (developing green technologies for instance).
It appears that Kenneth has not shown all the cards in his sleeve as yet, and what he has articulated on TheOnlineCitizen is a mere harbinger for things to come."
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MM Lee: Those arriving from Mexico will be quarantined
AFP
"Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew said the government would "take no chances" following lessons learned from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) health scare that killed 33 people here in 2003.
"I don't know how many of our people are doing business in Mexico, but if they come back they will be quarantined," Lee, a former prime minister and now an influential member of the cabinet, was quoted as saying in The Straits Times."
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"Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew said the government would "take no chances" following lessons learned from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) health scare that killed 33 people here in 2003.
"I don't know how many of our people are doing business in Mexico, but if they come back they will be quarantined," Lee, a former prime minister and now an influential member of the cabinet, was quoted as saying in The Straits Times."
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Swine flu poses new risk to Singapore economy: c.bank
Reuters, 29 Apr 2009, Nopporn Wong-Anan
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The worst may be over for Singapore's economy after its deepest ever contraction in the first quarter, but the outbreak of swine flu clouds the outlook for this year, the central bank said on Wednesday.
The economy, which preliminary data showed tumbling at an annualized seasonally-adjusted pace of 19.7 percent in the first quarter, is poised for a slow recovery, in contrast to rebounds that followed previous downturns, the central bank warned.
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Related News:
Swine flu a risk to Singapore recovery: central bank - Mysinchew.com
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The worst may be over for Singapore's economy after its deepest ever contraction in the first quarter, but the outbreak of swine flu clouds the outlook for this year, the central bank said on Wednesday.
The economy, which preliminary data showed tumbling at an annualized seasonally-adjusted pace of 19.7 percent in the first quarter, is poised for a slow recovery, in contrast to rebounds that followed previous downturns, the central bank warned.
Read More
Related News:
Swine flu a risk to Singapore recovery: central bank - Mysinchew.com
Central bank: Singapore recession likely bottomed
Forbes.com, 29 Apr 2009, Associated Press
Singapore's worst-ever recession likely bottomed in the first quarter, but the city-state faces a tepid recovery as global demand for its exports struggles to rebound, the central bank said Wednesday.
The country's economy could shrink as much as 9 percent this year as a "deep and prolonged" global downturn batters sales abroad, which account for about 60 percent of gross domestic product, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in a quarterly report.
Read More
Singapore's worst-ever recession likely bottomed in the first quarter, but the city-state faces a tepid recovery as global demand for its exports struggles to rebound, the central bank said Wednesday.
The country's economy could shrink as much as 9 percent this year as a "deep and prolonged" global downturn batters sales abroad, which account for about 60 percent of gross domestic product, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in a quarterly report.
Read More
Singapore To Green Up Tall Buildings
Bernama.com, 29 Apr 2009
SINGAPORE, April 29 (Bernama) - Singapore today launched a new initiative that will literally green up high-rise buildings and skyscrapers in the city-state to make the island republic lusher and greener.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Natural Parks Board (NParks) introduced the Landscaping for Urban Spaces and High-Rises (LUSH) programme to help Singapore gain an additional 50 hectares of sky rise greenery by 2030.
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SINGAPORE, April 29 (Bernama) - Singapore today launched a new initiative that will literally green up high-rise buildings and skyscrapers in the city-state to make the island republic lusher and greener.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Natural Parks Board (NParks) introduced the Landscaping for Urban Spaces and High-Rises (LUSH) programme to help Singapore gain an additional 50 hectares of sky rise greenery by 2030.
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Are We Neglecting the Food Crisis?
Asia Sentinel, 29 Apr 2009, Alice Poon
If the global food shortage crisis has made consumers in developed countries feel the sting of surging food prices, it can at the same time be a direct cause of malnutrition and starvation for people in poor countries.
Some economists tell us that we are in for a protracted deflationary period. Others tell us that rampant inflation is what we should expect. But a trip to the supermarket these days does tell us that retail food prices have generally shot up by double-digit percentages. Yet consumer price indices that governments (at least those in North America) announce seem incredibly tame. While consumers in developed countries are still silently bearing food price surges with a reluctant grin, the picture will not be pretty if their income levels keep deteriorating and unemployment keeps rising.
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If the global food shortage crisis has made consumers in developed countries feel the sting of surging food prices, it can at the same time be a direct cause of malnutrition and starvation for people in poor countries.
Some economists tell us that we are in for a protracted deflationary period. Others tell us that rampant inflation is what we should expect. But a trip to the supermarket these days does tell us that retail food prices have generally shot up by double-digit percentages. Yet consumer price indices that governments (at least those in North America) announce seem incredibly tame. While consumers in developed countries are still silently bearing food price surges with a reluctant grin, the picture will not be pretty if their income levels keep deteriorating and unemployment keeps rising.
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Swiss Air Exit From Singapore
TradingMarkets.com, 28 Apr 2009
Swiss International Air Lines today is ending its flights between Bangkok and Singapore after decades of operation in response to the continued slump in traffic demand.
The carrier's code-share agreement with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to transfer its passengers to SIA's Bangkok-Singapore flights was also a factor behind the decision, Swiss executives in Bangkok said.
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Swiss International Air Lines today is ending its flights between Bangkok and Singapore after decades of operation in response to the continued slump in traffic demand.
The carrier's code-share agreement with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to transfer its passengers to SIA's Bangkok-Singapore flights was also a factor behind the decision, Swiss executives in Bangkok said.
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Singapore opens consulate in Batam
The Jakarta Post, 29 Apr 2009
BATAM, Riau Islands: The Singaporean ambassador to Indonesia, Ashok Mirpuri, inaugurated the Singaporean Consulate in Batam on Tuesday.
The move is intended to enhance economic ties between both countries, especially in developing the Special Economic Zone in Batam, Bintan and Karimun.
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BATAM, Riau Islands: The Singaporean ambassador to Indonesia, Ashok Mirpuri, inaugurated the Singaporean Consulate in Batam on Tuesday.
The move is intended to enhance economic ties between both countries, especially in developing the Special Economic Zone in Batam, Bintan and Karimun.
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Singtel leads international race for bank contract
The Australian, 28 Apr 2009, Mitchell Bingemann
SINGTEL, parent company of Optus, is leading a list of international telecommunications companies vying for a multi-million-dollar international carriage services contract with the Commonwealth Bank.
The bank was reviewing vendors in the international carriage market ahead of appointing a preferred supplier within the next 12 months, Commonwealth chief information officer Michael Harte said.
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SINGTEL, parent company of Optus, is leading a list of international telecommunications companies vying for a multi-million-dollar international carriage services contract with the Commonwealth Bank.
The bank was reviewing vendors in the international carriage market ahead of appointing a preferred supplier within the next 12 months, Commonwealth chief information officer Michael Harte said.
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eBay India & Singapore get seller discounts
Tamebay, 28 Apr 2009, Chris Dawson
eBay have announced that PowerSellers in India and Singapore will be eligible for discounts for cross border transactions on eBay.com, eBay.co.uk and eBay.de.
The discounts, starting in June, will be based on the site the seller sells most on to maximise savings. Sellers will only be eligible for discounts from one site and they’ll also have to meet the criteria for the site they receive the discount, although they can choose which site they receive discounts for.
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eBay have announced that PowerSellers in India and Singapore will be eligible for discounts for cross border transactions on eBay.com, eBay.co.uk and eBay.de.
The discounts, starting in June, will be based on the site the seller sells most on to maximise savings. Sellers will only be eligible for discounts from one site and they’ll also have to meet the criteria for the site they receive the discount, although they can choose which site they receive discounts for.
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Singapore unveils plan to improve workplace safety, health
Xinhua, 28 Apr 2009
SINGAPORE, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Singapore has launched a new national plan for workplace safety and health, local media reported on Tuesday.
According to local radio 938live, the plan's target is to bring the workplace fatality rate to below 1.8 deaths per 100,000 workers by the year 2018.
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SINGAPORE, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Singapore has launched a new national plan for workplace safety and health, local media reported on Tuesday.
According to local radio 938live, the plan's target is to bring the workplace fatality rate to below 1.8 deaths per 100,000 workers by the year 2018.
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Alzheimer's, asthma, cancer, malaria and TB focus of new Singapore grants
EurekAlert, 28 Apr 2009
Over 50 research grants totaling $24 million in U.S. dollars have been awarded to Singapore universities, research institutes and hospitals to fund studies related to asthma and other immune system disorders, infectious diseases, aging and cancer.
The extramural grants were awarded by the Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) of A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), the government agency driving Singapore's transformation into an international powerhouse in the biomedical and physical sciences.
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Over 50 research grants totaling $24 million in U.S. dollars have been awarded to Singapore universities, research institutes and hospitals to fund studies related to asthma and other immune system disorders, infectious diseases, aging and cancer.
The extramural grants were awarded by the Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) of A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), the government agency driving Singapore's transformation into an international powerhouse in the biomedical and physical sciences.
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Big Singapore deep-tunnel reuse project honored
Water Technology Online, 28 Apr 2009
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND — A project built to meet Singapore’s water-reuse needs for the next century received the “Water Project of the Year” award April 27 at the annual Global Water Awards held in Zurich.
The Singapore Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) (pictured), the first phase of which was completed in 2008, carries wastewater from homes and businesses through a tunnel that is 48 kilometers (30 mi.) long and up to 6 meters (19.6 feet) in diameter.
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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND — A project built to meet Singapore’s water-reuse needs for the next century received the “Water Project of the Year” award April 27 at the annual Global Water Awards held in Zurich.
The Singapore Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) (pictured), the first phase of which was completed in 2008, carries wastewater from homes and businesses through a tunnel that is 48 kilometers (30 mi.) long and up to 6 meters (19.6 feet) in diameter.
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Singapore raises flu alert level to yellow
M&C, 29 Apr 2009
Singapore - Singapore stepped up measures to guard against the swine flu outbread and elevated the flu alert level from green to yellow after the World Health Organization decided to raise pandemic alert levels from phase 3 to 4.
'This is to brace ourselves to handle situations where there may be isolated imported cases but no sustained local transmission,' the Ministry of Health said in statement late Tuesday night.
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Related News:
Singapore upgrades alert level for swine flu - Xinhua
Singapore - Singapore stepped up measures to guard against the swine flu outbread and elevated the flu alert level from green to yellow after the World Health Organization decided to raise pandemic alert levels from phase 3 to 4.
'This is to brace ourselves to handle situations where there may be isolated imported cases but no sustained local transmission,' the Ministry of Health said in statement late Tuesday night.
Read More
Related News:
Singapore upgrades alert level for swine flu - Xinhua
Swine Flu Extends Reach, Sickens Hundreds in New York
Bloomberg.com, 29 Apr 2009, Tom Randall
April 29 (Bloomberg) -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said hundreds of students in his city are sick with suspected cases of swine flu, an indication the disease may be taking root in countries outside Mexico.
President Barack Obama asked Congress for $1.5 billion in new funding to brace for an outbreak, according to a White House spokesman. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency to help the most populous U.S. state prepare. New York, one of six states with 65 confirmed cases, has 45.
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April 29 (Bloomberg) -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said hundreds of students in his city are sick with suspected cases of swine flu, an indication the disease may be taking root in countries outside Mexico.
President Barack Obama asked Congress for $1.5 billion in new funding to brace for an outbreak, according to a White House spokesman. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency to help the most populous U.S. state prepare. New York, one of six states with 65 confirmed cases, has 45.
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New Zealand confirms more swine flu infections
Taiwan News, 29 Apr 2009, RAY LILLEY - Associated Press
New Zealand confirmed more swine flu cases Wednesday and Australia toughened rules on detaining people suspected of being infected, as Asian nations still free of the illness prepared for the worst but hoped for the best.
New Zealand's number of swine flu cases rose to 14, health officials said, and broadened to include one person who was not among a school group who recently returned from Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak that is spreading around the world.
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New Zealand confirmed more swine flu cases Wednesday and Australia toughened rules on detaining people suspected of being infected, as Asian nations still free of the illness prepared for the worst but hoped for the best.
New Zealand's number of swine flu cases rose to 14, health officials said, and broadened to include one person who was not among a school group who recently returned from Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak that is spreading around the world.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Singapore Post to Exit From Spring Global Mail Joint Venture
American Chronicle, 28 Apr 2009
TNT has signed an agreement with Singapore Post and Royal Mail on the exit of Singapore Post from the joint venture Spring Global Mail.
Spring Global Mail is a joint venture company formed in 2001 by TNT, Royal Mail Group and Singapore Post. The parties have agreed that Singapore Post will acquire the Asia-Pacific business of Spring Global Mail and at the same time will exit the global joint venture.
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TNT has signed an agreement with Singapore Post and Royal Mail on the exit of Singapore Post from the joint venture Spring Global Mail.
Spring Global Mail is a joint venture company formed in 2001 by TNT, Royal Mail Group and Singapore Post. The parties have agreed that Singapore Post will acquire the Asia-Pacific business of Spring Global Mail and at the same time will exit the global joint venture.
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TBWA Singapore resigns Resorts World Sentosa account
Brandrepublic, 28 Apr 2009, Kenny Lim
SINGAPORE – TBWA Singapore has resigned the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) account with immediate effect, citing "creative and strategic differences".
When contacted, a spokesperson at RWS did not want to comment further.
In a statement, Dan Paris, managing director of TBWA Group Singapore, said: “We have been working with Resorts World Sentosa for two years now and we have reached the point where it is time to move on and let someone more appropriate pick up from here.”
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SINGAPORE – TBWA Singapore has resigned the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) account with immediate effect, citing "creative and strategic differences".
When contacted, a spokesperson at RWS did not want to comment further.
In a statement, Dan Paris, managing director of TBWA Group Singapore, said: “We have been working with Resorts World Sentosa for two years now and we have reached the point where it is time to move on and let someone more appropriate pick up from here.”
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Hanging herself with her own rope?
The Kent Ridge Common, 28 Apr 2009, Kelvin Teo
"Whilst seeking to demolish the old AWARE’s CSE program, what Dr Thio had done at the same time was to cast aspersions on our education service indirectly. She never said it directly, but the inferences can be made. This is a rope she has tried to use to “hang” the old AWARE. But this indirect attack on the education establishment will prompt a response from the latter.
Thus, it didn’t come as a surprise that MOE came out to issue its stand on sexuality education in schools that run AWARE’s workshops. It has also requested Dr Thio to come up with facts to substantiate her claims"
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"Whilst seeking to demolish the old AWARE’s CSE program, what Dr Thio had done at the same time was to cast aspersions on our education service indirectly. She never said it directly, but the inferences can be made. This is a rope she has tried to use to “hang” the old AWARE. But this indirect attack on the education establishment will prompt a response from the latter.
Thus, it didn’t come as a surprise that MOE came out to issue its stand on sexuality education in schools that run AWARE’s workshops. It has also requested Dr Thio to come up with facts to substantiate her claims"
Read More
China's Gold Ambitions
Asia Sentinel, 28 Apr 2009, Philip Bowring
China's announcement that it has more than doubled its official gold holdings to over 1,000 tonnes is significant as much for the politics of its timing as for the news itself. Indeed it is only one of several recent announcements made to position China for greater influence as the world financial system faces the prospect of its biggest changes since the 1971 Smithsonian Agreement.
The more than doubling from 454 to 1054 tonnes in 2002 when it last gave figures is not exactly surprising. Even allowing for a more than doubling in the gold price over that time, gold's percentage in China's reserves has not changed significantly. Currently valued at some $30 billion, gold is still only a fraction of reserves of US$1.9 trillion.
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China's announcement that it has more than doubled its official gold holdings to over 1,000 tonnes is significant as much for the politics of its timing as for the news itself. Indeed it is only one of several recent announcements made to position China for greater influence as the world financial system faces the prospect of its biggest changes since the 1971 Smithsonian Agreement.
The more than doubling from 454 to 1054 tonnes in 2002 when it last gave figures is not exactly surprising. Even allowing for a more than doubling in the gold price over that time, gold's percentage in China's reserves has not changed significantly. Currently valued at some $30 billion, gold is still only a fraction of reserves of US$1.9 trillion.
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Singapore Ranked 26th In Global Quality Of Living Survey
Reuters, 28 Apr 2009, Belinda Goldsmith
SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - Vienna has beaten Zurich to be crowned the place with the best quality of living in an annual survey in which European cities dominated the top 10.
Singapore was the top-scoring Asian city, coming in 26th which was up six places from a year ago due to its growing importance as a financial center and its wide range of international and private schools.
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SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - Vienna has beaten Zurich to be crowned the place with the best quality of living in an annual survey in which European cities dominated the top 10.
Singapore was the top-scoring Asian city, coming in 26th which was up six places from a year ago due to its growing importance as a financial center and its wide range of international and private schools.
Read More
Indonesian Health Minister Says So-Called Swine Flu May be Man Made
Mathaba, 28 Apr 2009
Mathaba.Net - The recent outbreak of so-called Swine Flu has been revealed in several articles on this and other independent news networks, to be man-made according to various experts.
This is not the first time attempts to start a man-made pandemic have been launched, with HIV, Bird Flu, so-called Mad Cow Disease, and Syphilis among other diseases, all having been deliberately spread by Anglo-American military `research` laboratories.
Singapore and other Asian news networks have reported the cautious remarks of Indonesia's Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari as she said on Tuesday that deadly swine flu virus could have been man-made. She urged calm over its spread around the world.
Read More
Mathaba.Net - The recent outbreak of so-called Swine Flu has been revealed in several articles on this and other independent news networks, to be man-made according to various experts.
This is not the first time attempts to start a man-made pandemic have been launched, with HIV, Bird Flu, so-called Mad Cow Disease, and Syphilis among other diseases, all having been deliberately spread by Anglo-American military `research` laboratories.
Singapore and other Asian news networks have reported the cautious remarks of Indonesia's Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari as she said on Tuesday that deadly swine flu virus could have been man-made. She urged calm over its spread around the world.
Read More
Swine flu 'beyond containment'
World News Australia, 29 Apr 2009, AFP
The swine flu crisis has deepened with the death toll mounting above 150 in Mexico and at least 16 countries reporting confirmed or suspected infections.
The World Health Organisation warned meanwhile that the virus is now too "widespread to make containment a feasible" strategy.
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The swine flu crisis has deepened with the death toll mounting above 150 in Mexico and at least 16 countries reporting confirmed or suspected infections.
The World Health Organisation warned meanwhile that the virus is now too "widespread to make containment a feasible" strategy.
Read More
Singaporean Gets 18 Years in Indonesia Terror Plots
Jakarta Globe, 28 Apr 2009
A man accused of masterminding the attacks of a Palembang terrorist group has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Mohammad Hasan bin Saynudin, alias Fajar Taslim, was charged with involvement in the killing of a Christian high school teacher in Palembang, South Sumatra Province, and with planning to carry out murders and bombings elsewhere in Indonesia.
He has also said he and others plotted to hijack a plane and crash it into Singapore's Changi International Airport in 2001.
Read More
Related News:
Singaporean jailed in Indonesia over terrorism - AFP
Indonesian court sentences Singaporean for murder, attack plots - Earth Times
Singaporean terrorist gets 18 years in jail - Taiwan News
A man accused of masterminding the attacks of a Palembang terrorist group has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.Mohammad Hasan bin Saynudin, alias Fajar Taslim, was charged with involvement in the killing of a Christian high school teacher in Palembang, South Sumatra Province, and with planning to carry out murders and bombings elsewhere in Indonesia.
He has also said he and others plotted to hijack a plane and crash it into Singapore's Changi International Airport in 2001.
Read More
Related News:
Singaporean jailed in Indonesia over terrorism - AFP
Indonesian court sentences Singaporean for murder, attack plots - Earth Times
Singaporean terrorist gets 18 years in jail - Taiwan News
Riding Out the Economic Storm in Singapore
Time.com, 28 Apr 2009, Neel Chowdhury
The economic numbers could hardly appear more horrible for Singapore. Non-oil exports plummeted by 11% in March from the previous year, following even steeper falls the preceding two months. Since its 2008 peak the Singapore dollar has lost more than a tenth of its value against the U.S. dollar, making it one of the worst performing currencies in Asia so far this year. And, if this drumbeat of economic gloom wasn't enough, the Singapore government has repeatedly revised its economic growth projections, growing more vigorously pessimistic with each try. It now expects Singapore's gross domestic product to shrink by up to 9% in 2009, which would likely be the sharpest contraction in Asia this year.
Read More
The economic numbers could hardly appear more horrible for Singapore. Non-oil exports plummeted by 11% in March from the previous year, following even steeper falls the preceding two months. Since its 2008 peak the Singapore dollar has lost more than a tenth of its value against the U.S. dollar, making it one of the worst performing currencies in Asia so far this year. And, if this drumbeat of economic gloom wasn't enough, the Singapore government has repeatedly revised its economic growth projections, growing more vigorously pessimistic with each try. It now expects Singapore's gross domestic product to shrink by up to 9% in 2009, which would likely be the sharpest contraction in Asia this year.
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Four key witnesses to testify for David
The Jakarta Post, 28 Apr 2009
In an attempt to convince judges that David Hartanto Widjaja, an Indonesian student who died on the campus of Nanyang Technology University (NTU) in Singapore in March did not commit suicide, his family will present four additional key witnesses at a Coroner Court’s inquest in Singapore on May 20-26.
“One of the witnesses is a professor whose office is located next to Chan’s. The professor, named Chang Chong Wah, has said that he thought there was no reason at all for David to commit suicide because he was working on a high profile, PhD calibre project,” the team’s leader, Iwan Piliang, said in Jakarta on Monday.
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In an attempt to convince judges that David Hartanto Widjaja, an Indonesian student who died on the campus of Nanyang Technology University (NTU) in Singapore in March did not commit suicide, his family will present four additional key witnesses at a Coroner Court’s inquest in Singapore on May 20-26.
“One of the witnesses is a professor whose office is located next to Chan’s. The professor, named Chang Chong Wah, has said that he thought there was no reason at all for David to commit suicide because he was working on a high profile, PhD calibre project,” the team’s leader, Iwan Piliang, said in Jakarta on Monday.
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Weary Singapore is ready for swine flu
Telegraph.co.uk, 28 Apr 2009, Ben Bland
With Singapore's economy already forecast to shrink by as much as 10pc this year and memories of the SARS epidemic still fresh in many minds, people here are nervous but calm.
Though only 33 people died during the 2003 SARS outbreak in Singapore it hit the economy, which is partly reliant on tourism and business travel, hard.
While the US-Mexico border is open for business as usual with no special precautions, in Singapore, where there have been no reported cases of swine flu yet, temperature screening machines have been put in place at the airport.
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With Singapore's economy already forecast to shrink by as much as 10pc this year and memories of the SARS epidemic still fresh in many minds, people here are nervous but calm.
Though only 33 people died during the 2003 SARS outbreak in Singapore it hit the economy, which is partly reliant on tourism and business travel, hard.
While the US-Mexico border is open for business as usual with no special precautions, in Singapore, where there have been no reported cases of swine flu yet, temperature screening machines have been put in place at the airport.
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‘Opposition’ versus ‘ruling’ party on 2nd May and a simulation for the next General Elections
The Kent Ridge Common, 28 Apr 2009, Kelvin Teo
SINGAPORE - The momentum is gradually gathering prior to the AWARE EOGM showdown on 2nd May. Although the clouds of uncertainty still hang over the horizon, there is always the silver lining that we can take comfort in - a defining moment for the online community who is concerned with this issue.
The events that transpired started with a team of virtual unknowns’ election to AWARE’s exco. This unknown team is effectively the current ‘ruling’ party, while the old guards of AWARE has become an ‘opposition’ party. And it seems that this ‘ruling’ party has become all-too-familiar in terms of lacking in transparency, especially when confronted with questions regarding their objectives. They followed up with draconian methods such as exclusion of the past president from meetings, purging of the old guards’ colleagues from their positions and lastly, changing the office locks to prevent anyone whom they found undesirable from accessing the office. The ‘ruling’ party has the backing and assistance of a mentor too!
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SINGAPORE - The momentum is gradually gathering prior to the AWARE EOGM showdown on 2nd May. Although the clouds of uncertainty still hang over the horizon, there is always the silver lining that we can take comfort in - a defining moment for the online community who is concerned with this issue.
The events that transpired started with a team of virtual unknowns’ election to AWARE’s exco. This unknown team is effectively the current ‘ruling’ party, while the old guards of AWARE has become an ‘opposition’ party. And it seems that this ‘ruling’ party has become all-too-familiar in terms of lacking in transparency, especially when confronted with questions regarding their objectives. They followed up with draconian methods such as exclusion of the past president from meetings, purging of the old guards’ colleagues from their positions and lastly, changing the office locks to prevent anyone whom they found undesirable from accessing the office. The ‘ruling’ party has the backing and assistance of a mentor too!
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Don't Count Your Recoveries Before They're Hatched
Asia Sentinel, 28 Apr 2009
Although both China's president, Hu Jintao, and its prime minister, Wen Jiabao, have issued confident statements in recent days saying the country is largely on track to resume growth of as much as 8 percent for 2009, there are ample reasons to warn that increasing calls to investors to buy into the China story are premature.
Goldman Sachs is just one of the international investment banks leading the China charge, upgrading its forecast on April 22 to say the economy would expand by 8.3 percent in 2009, higher than the government's forecast of 8 percent. CLSA Asia Pacific Markets, usually the voice of caution, also upgraded its estimate from 5.5 percent annual growth to 7 percent. Morgan Stanley upgraded as well at about the same time, from 5.5 percent to 7 percent for the year,
But the world should have received a wakeup call on April 23 – just a day after Goldman's rosy forecast – when the State Energy Regulatory Commission released statistics showing that power output for the first three weeks of April fell 4 percent year on year after a drop of 1 to 2 percent in March. Industrial production accounts for 70 percent of energy usage. China is reporting first-quarter industrial output growth figures of 8.3 percent. With energy usage so closely tied to industrial production it is very difficult to figure out how production could rise that fast while energy use is falling.
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Although both China's president, Hu Jintao, and its prime minister, Wen Jiabao, have issued confident statements in recent days saying the country is largely on track to resume growth of as much as 8 percent for 2009, there are ample reasons to warn that increasing calls to investors to buy into the China story are premature.
Goldman Sachs is just one of the international investment banks leading the China charge, upgrading its forecast on April 22 to say the economy would expand by 8.3 percent in 2009, higher than the government's forecast of 8 percent. CLSA Asia Pacific Markets, usually the voice of caution, also upgraded its estimate from 5.5 percent annual growth to 7 percent. Morgan Stanley upgraded as well at about the same time, from 5.5 percent to 7 percent for the year,
But the world should have received a wakeup call on April 23 – just a day after Goldman's rosy forecast – when the State Energy Regulatory Commission released statistics showing that power output for the first three weeks of April fell 4 percent year on year after a drop of 1 to 2 percent in March. Industrial production accounts for 70 percent of energy usage. China is reporting first-quarter industrial output growth figures of 8.3 percent. With energy usage so closely tied to industrial production it is very difficult to figure out how production could rise that fast while energy use is falling.
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Flu and recession a toxic mix for airlines
Reuters UK, 28 Apr 2009, Doug Young
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Global airlines could face an even bumpier landing than during the 2003 SARS crisis if a new swine flu outbreak becomes a pandemic, hitting an industry that is already reeling from the global economic downturn.
Airline stocks in Asia continued a sell-off on Tuesday on concerns about the outbreak that began in Mexico, with Cathay Pacific (0293.HK) falling 1.7 percent in Hong Kong after dropping 8 percent the previous day.
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TAIPEI (Reuters) - Global airlines could face an even bumpier landing than during the 2003 SARS crisis if a new swine flu outbreak becomes a pandemic, hitting an industry that is already reeling from the global economic downturn.
Airline stocks in Asia continued a sell-off on Tuesday on concerns about the outbreak that began in Mexico, with Cathay Pacific (0293.HK) falling 1.7 percent in Hong Kong after dropping 8 percent the previous day.
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Singapore's Deep Tunnel Sewerage System wins Global Water Award 2009
JCN Network, 28 Apr 2009
Singapore, Apr 28, 2009 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore's Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) is fast gaining recognition on the global water stage with its second international award in less than a year.
Crowned 'Water Project of the Year' at the Global Water Awards 2009 in Zurich, Switzerland last night, the DTSS was selected as the water project with the most significant contribution to water technology and environmental protection. The annual Global Water Awards, organised by the Global Water Intelligence, is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious symbol of achievement in the global water industry.
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Singapore, Apr 28, 2009 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore's Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) is fast gaining recognition on the global water stage with its second international award in less than a year.
Crowned 'Water Project of the Year' at the Global Water Awards 2009 in Zurich, Switzerland last night, the DTSS was selected as the water project with the most significant contribution to water technology and environmental protection. The annual Global Water Awards, organised by the Global Water Intelligence, is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious symbol of achievement in the global water industry.
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Workers protest against unpaid wages
Macau Daily Times, 28 Apr 2009
More than 100 construction workers from China gathered outside Singapore's manpower ministry Monday to complain about unpaid wages and cancellation of their work permits, witnesses said.
The workers sat for about two hours at the steps of the ministry, at a busy intersection near the Chinatown district, and shouted at ministry officials and police officers to air their grievances.
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More than 100 construction workers from China gathered outside Singapore's manpower ministry Monday to complain about unpaid wages and cancellation of their work permits, witnesses said.
The workers sat for about two hours at the steps of the ministry, at a busy intersection near the Chinatown district, and shouted at ministry officials and police officers to air their grievances.
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No Swine Flu Cases In Singapore Yet
Bernama.com, 28 Apr 2009, Zakaria Abdul Wahab
SINGAPORE, April 28 (Bernama) -- As of yesterday, there was nothing to indicate the deadly swine flu had hit Singapore, but two cases were referred to the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) for further assessment, according to the Health Ministry.
In a statement here, the ministry said one of them was an American from California picked up for higher-than-normal temperature by thermal screening at the Changi Airport.
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SINGAPORE, April 28 (Bernama) -- As of yesterday, there was nothing to indicate the deadly swine flu had hit Singapore, but two cases were referred to the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) for further assessment, according to the Health Ministry.
In a statement here, the ministry said one of them was an American from California picked up for higher-than-normal temperature by thermal screening at the Changi Airport.
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Record fall in Singapore's property price index
Property-report.com, 27 Apr 2009, by Khalil Adis
Singapore´s private property price index plummeted 14.1 percent in the first quarter of 2009 representing a record drop quarter-on-quarter, the Urban Redevelopment Authority´s (URA) data shows.
The price index dropped from 162.8 points in the last quarter to 139.9 points in the first quarter largely due to great price declines in the core central and rest of central regions, where the price index for both areas have fallen by 16.2 percent and 17.0 percent respectively.
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Singapore´s private property price index plummeted 14.1 percent in the first quarter of 2009 representing a record drop quarter-on-quarter, the Urban Redevelopment Authority´s (URA) data shows.
The price index dropped from 162.8 points in the last quarter to 139.9 points in the first quarter largely due to great price declines in the core central and rest of central regions, where the price index for both areas have fallen by 16.2 percent and 17.0 percent respectively.
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Singapore 2010 Ramps Up Marketing Campaign
GamesBids.com, 28 Apr 2009
McCann Worldgroup Singapore, a leading global marketing communications organization headquartered in New York, will be supporting the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) by providing its expertise to develop the marketing campaign for the inaugural Singapore 2010 Youth Games.
McCann Worldgroup will collaborate with Singapore 2010 to formulate the overall marketing strategies and creative development and execution of all advertising campaigns for Singapore 2010.
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McCann Worldgroup Singapore, a leading global marketing communications organization headquartered in New York, will be supporting the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) by providing its expertise to develop the marketing campaign for the inaugural Singapore 2010 Youth Games.
McCann Worldgroup will collaborate with Singapore 2010 to formulate the overall marketing strategies and creative development and execution of all advertising campaigns for Singapore 2010.
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Swine flu epidemic enters dangerous new phase
The Associated Press, E. EDUARDO CASTILLO and PAUL HAVEN
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The swine flu epidemic entered a dangerous new phase Monday as the death toll climbed in Mexico and the number of suspected cases there and in the United States nearly doubled. The World Health Organization raised its alert level but stopped short of declaring a global emergency.
The United States advised Americans against most travel to Mexico and ordered stepped up border checks in neighboring states. The European Union health commissioner advised Europeans to avoid nonessential travel both to Mexico and parts of the United States.
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MEXICO CITY (AP) — The swine flu epidemic entered a dangerous new phase Monday as the death toll climbed in Mexico and the number of suspected cases there and in the United States nearly doubled. The World Health Organization raised its alert level but stopped short of declaring a global emergency.
The United States advised Americans against most travel to Mexico and ordered stepped up border checks in neighboring states. The European Union health commissioner advised Europeans to avoid nonessential travel both to Mexico and parts of the United States.
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Monday, April 27, 2009
Singapore says to improve disclosure on tax evasion
Reuters, 27 Apr 2009, Stanley White
TOKYO, April 27 (Reuters) - Singapore will revise its laws this year to improve disclosure on foreigners evading income taxes in their home countries, the island nation's finance minister told his Japanese counterpart according to a Japanese Finance Ministry official.
Singapore agreed at the beginning of March to bring its tax laws in line with Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) standards after the Paris-based group put it on a "grey list" of countries that have not signed international accords to combat tax evasion.
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TOKYO, April 27 (Reuters) - Singapore will revise its laws this year to improve disclosure on foreigners evading income taxes in their home countries, the island nation's finance minister told his Japanese counterpart according to a Japanese Finance Ministry official.
Singapore agreed at the beginning of March to bring its tax laws in line with Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) standards after the Paris-based group put it on a "grey list" of countries that have not signed international accords to combat tax evasion.
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Tiger Airways Resorts to Online Forums to Post False Praise
Mathaba, 27 Apr 2009
Mathaba.Net - Entities in the pay of the much maligned rogue low-cost carrier airline Tiger Airways to counter its terrible image on the Internet due to its zero-level customer service and theft of money from travelers, have been caught posting false praise to counter news articles that have exposed the renegade airline and called for its banning from Australian airspace.
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Mathaba.Net - Entities in the pay of the much maligned rogue low-cost carrier airline Tiger Airways to counter its terrible image on the Internet due to its zero-level customer service and theft of money from travelers, have been caught posting false praise to counter news articles that have exposed the renegade airline and called for its banning from Australian airspace.
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Singapore underground storage launch delayed to 2013
TankTerminals.com, 27 Apr 2009
Work on Singapore's underground oil storage rock caverns project, to be built on Jurong Island, is now scheduled to start at the end of this year.
The main construction award came about one and a half years after the tender was first called by Singapore's government agency JTC Corporation in late-2007.
Construction is finally set to start after JTC awarded a $594-million (S$890 million) 'design and build' contract to South Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction.
The first two Jurong Rock Caverns (JRC) providing 480,000 cubic metres (m³) of oil storage are expected to be ready in the first half of 2013, later than the originally planned 2010 start.
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Work on Singapore's underground oil storage rock caverns project, to be built on Jurong Island, is now scheduled to start at the end of this year.
The main construction award came about one and a half years after the tender was first called by Singapore's government agency JTC Corporation in late-2007.
Construction is finally set to start after JTC awarded a $594-million (S$890 million) 'design and build' contract to South Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction.
The first two Jurong Rock Caverns (JRC) providing 480,000 cubic metres (m³) of oil storage are expected to be ready in the first half of 2013, later than the originally planned 2010 start.
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Professor Chan Kap Luk to testify in David’s trial
The Jakarta Post, 27 Apr 2009
Professor Chan Kap Luk, the latest person to interact with David Hartanto Widjaja upon the time of his death, will attend the first coroner court hearing on the case as a witness in Singapore next week, according to press release published by the verification team on David’s team in Jakarta on Monday.
The hearing is a vital part on David’s family quest for justice and to clear his name. If the hearing decides that David’s death was indeed a suicide, then the case will be closed. But if the hearing concludes that foul play might have played a role in his death, then a further investigation will commence.
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Professor Chan Kap Luk, the latest person to interact with David Hartanto Widjaja upon the time of his death, will attend the first coroner court hearing on the case as a witness in Singapore next week, according to press release published by the verification team on David’s team in Jakarta on Monday.
The hearing is a vital part on David’s family quest for justice and to clear his name. If the hearing decides that David’s death was indeed a suicide, then the case will be closed. But if the hearing concludes that foul play might have played a role in his death, then a further investigation will commence.
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Singapore urges public to pass the soap
Reuters, 27 Apr 2009, Nopporn Wong-Anan
SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) - Singapore, one of cleanest nations in Southeast Asia, launched on Monday a campaign to teach people how to wash their hands properly to help curb the spread of disease.
The campaign was planned before governments around the world moved to contain the spread of the swine flu virus, which has so far killed 103 people in Mexico, and spread to the United States and possibly as far as New Zealand.
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SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) - Singapore, one of cleanest nations in Southeast Asia, launched on Monday a campaign to teach people how to wash their hands properly to help curb the spread of disease.
The campaign was planned before governments around the world moved to contain the spread of the swine flu virus, which has so far killed 103 people in Mexico, and spread to the United States and possibly as far as New Zealand.
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Singapore censors two films over sex, religion
Reuters, 19 Apr 2009, Wee Sui Lee
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore has censored two art films at its annual film festival because of their explicit sexual content and religious symbols.
"Princess," an animated film by Danish director Anders Morgenthaler, was withdrawn from the Singapore International Film Festival after the censor demanded the festival cut a "religiously offensive" scene. The film tells the story of a priest who tries to erase his dead sister's past as a porn star.
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SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore has censored two art films at its annual film festival because of their explicit sexual content and religious symbols.
"Princess," an animated film by Danish director Anders Morgenthaler, was withdrawn from the Singapore International Film Festival after the censor demanded the festival cut a "religiously offensive" scene. The film tells the story of a priest who tries to erase his dead sister's past as a porn star.
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Singapore Exchange eyes new fuel oil contract -trade
Reuters UK, 27 Apr 2009, Jennifer Tan
SINGAPORE, April 27 (Reuters) - The Singapore Exchange (SGX) (SGXL.SI) is developing a fuel oil futures contract to be traded on the exchange, and could launch it in the second half of this year, industry sources said on Monday.
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SINGAPORE, April 27 (Reuters) - The Singapore Exchange (SGX) (SGXL.SI) is developing a fuel oil futures contract to be traded on the exchange, and could launch it in the second half of this year, industry sources said on Monday.
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Swine flu raises travel concerns in Europe
The Associated Press, DANIEL WOOLLS
MADRID (AP) — The top EU health official urged Europeans on Monday to postpone nonessential travel to the United States and Mexico because of the swine flu virus, and Spanish health officials confirmed the first case outside North America.
Russia, Hong Kong and Taiwan said they would quarantine visitors showing symptoms of the virus amid a surging global concern about a possible pandemic.
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MADRID (AP) — The top EU health official urged Europeans on Monday to postpone nonessential travel to the United States and Mexico because of the swine flu virus, and Spanish health officials confirmed the first case outside North America.
Russia, Hong Kong and Taiwan said they would quarantine visitors showing symptoms of the virus amid a surging global concern about a possible pandemic.
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Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines posts slump in shipping volume
M&C, 27 Apr 2009
Singapore - Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), one of the world's leading container shippers, said Monday its cargo volume for the four weeks to April 3 slumped 22 per cent compared to the same period a year ago due to a decline in demand.
From March 7-April 3, NOL moved 155,400 40-foot equivalent units (FEU), down from 198,300 FEU in the same period a year earlier, the company said in a statement.
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Singapore - Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), one of the world's leading container shippers, said Monday its cargo volume for the four weeks to April 3 slumped 22 per cent compared to the same period a year ago due to a decline in demand.
From March 7-April 3, NOL moved 155,400 40-foot equivalent units (FEU), down from 198,300 FEU in the same period a year earlier, the company said in a statement.
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Private banks in Asia suffer hangover after party
Reuters UK, 27 Apr 2009, By Saeed Azhar and Tony Munroe
Private banks in Asia face tough times as rich clients burned by complex, high-margin products choose simpler investments and shun institutions that are worst-hit by the financial crisis.
Lower fees and shrunken asset levels will mean more job cuts as private banks can no longer afford the armies of often-inexperienced bankers built up during the boom years of 2004-2007 to serve Asia's growing pool of millionaires.
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Private banks in Asia face tough times as rich clients burned by complex, high-margin products choose simpler investments and shun institutions that are worst-hit by the financial crisis.
Lower fees and shrunken asset levels will mean more job cuts as private banks can no longer afford the armies of often-inexperienced bankers built up during the boom years of 2004-2007 to serve Asia's growing pool of millionaires.
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Asia on high alert for flu virus
BBC News, 27 Apr 2009
China has banned imports of pork products from Mexico and several US states as part of attempts to prevent a deadly flu virus entering the country.
Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia announced plans to screen travellers for symptoms of swine flu.
Asian governments are on high alert after the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a possible pandemic.
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China has banned imports of pork products from Mexico and several US states as part of attempts to prevent a deadly flu virus entering the country.
Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia announced plans to screen travellers for symptoms of swine flu.
Asian governments are on high alert after the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a possible pandemic.
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Macau Sands casino up for sale
AFP
HONG KONG (AFP) — Las Vegas Sands is considering selling one of its Macau casinos, a report said Monday, as revenues plummet in the world's biggest gaming market.
It plans to put the Sands Macao up for about 1.3 billion US dollars after failing to sell its luxury shopping centres in the southern Chinese territory, the South China Morning Post said without naming sources.
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HONG KONG (AFP) — Las Vegas Sands is considering selling one of its Macau casinos, a report said Monday, as revenues plummet in the world's biggest gaming market.
It plans to put the Sands Macao up for about 1.3 billion US dollars after failing to sell its luxury shopping centres in the southern Chinese territory, the South China Morning Post said without naming sources.
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SGX says short-selling helps markets
Reuters UK, 27 Apr 2009, Kevin Lim
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The Singapore Exchange (SGX) (SGXL.SI), one of the few bourses that did not ban short-selling last year, has reaffirmed its opposition to such restrictions, saying short-sellers helped improve market efficiency.
"Short-selling is a legitimate market activity and this is well-recognized both in financial literature and in international markets," SGX's head of risk management and regulation, Yeo Lian Sim, told the Reuters Global Financial Regulation Summit.
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SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The Singapore Exchange (SGX) (SGXL.SI), one of the few bourses that did not ban short-selling last year, has reaffirmed its opposition to such restrictions, saying short-sellers helped improve market efficiency.
"Short-selling is a legitimate market activity and this is well-recognized both in financial literature and in international markets," SGX's head of risk management and regulation, Yeo Lian Sim, told the Reuters Global Financial Regulation Summit.
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Pastors Galvanising Church Members To Support New Aware Team
The Kent Ridge Common, 27 Apr 2009, Kelvin Teo
Playing with words and a controversial precedent
SINGAPORE - It has now emerged that two pastors at the Church of Our Saviour (COOS) sent out emails calling on church members to join AWARE and support the new Exco members. Mr Shawn Tay, a pastor with the Choices Ministry responsible for ministering to homosexuals made an explicit call in his email message to all responsible females to sign up for membership with AWARE immediately, and also to attend this all-important EGM so as to vote against changing the Constitution.
Interestingly, Mr Derek Hong, senior Pastor of COOS, has corroborated Dr Thio Su Mien’s earlier revelation that homosexuality should be cast in a negative light as opposed to a neutral one. Quoting TheOnlineCitizen, Mr Derek Hong made a beckoning call to other women in their church to support their sisters in the new Exco. He sees the move by the new Exco as a necessity to ensure that the nation does not cross the line drawn by God.
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Playing with words and a controversial precedent
SINGAPORE - It has now emerged that two pastors at the Church of Our Saviour (COOS) sent out emails calling on church members to join AWARE and support the new Exco members. Mr Shawn Tay, a pastor with the Choices Ministry responsible for ministering to homosexuals made an explicit call in his email message to all responsible females to sign up for membership with AWARE immediately, and also to attend this all-important EGM so as to vote against changing the Constitution.
Interestingly, Mr Derek Hong, senior Pastor of COOS, has corroborated Dr Thio Su Mien’s earlier revelation that homosexuality should be cast in a negative light as opposed to a neutral one. Quoting TheOnlineCitizen, Mr Derek Hong made a beckoning call to other women in their church to support their sisters in the new Exco. He sees the move by the new Exco as a necessity to ensure that the nation does not cross the line drawn by God.
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Air India chief sacked over opposition to joint venture with Spore Airport Terminal Services
Rediff News, 27 Apr 2009, Surajeet Das Gupta & Anirban Chowdhury
With Arvind Jadhav, principal secretary, in the department of infrastructure development of the Karnataka government, emerging as the frontrunner in the race to replace Raghu Menon as the chairman and managing director of the state-owned National Aviation Company of India Ltd (Nacil), which runs Air India, informed sources said Menon lost the coveted job because of his opposition to the airline's proposed joint venture with Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) for ground handling.
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With Arvind Jadhav, principal secretary, in the department of infrastructure development of the Karnataka government, emerging as the frontrunner in the race to replace Raghu Menon as the chairman and managing director of the state-owned National Aviation Company of India Ltd (Nacil), which runs Air India, informed sources said Menon lost the coveted job because of his opposition to the airline's proposed joint venture with Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) for ground handling.
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Monday, April 27, 2009 Singaporean investors stake interest in Nigeria's economic projects
Ngr.guardiannews.com, 27 Apr 2009, Abosede Musari, Abuja
A GROUP of investors from Singapore has expressed interest in providing solar energy for electrification in Nigeria.
Led by the Head of Electronics and Precision Engineering Division at the Corporate Group International Enterprise in Singapore, Mr. Ian Lee, the group also showed particular interest in the construction industry.
Speaking at a meeting with officials of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), in Abuja at the weekend, Lee said the group was in Nigeria to seek investment opportunities for business.
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A GROUP of investors from Singapore has expressed interest in providing solar energy for electrification in Nigeria.
Led by the Head of Electronics and Precision Engineering Division at the Corporate Group International Enterprise in Singapore, Mr. Ian Lee, the group also showed particular interest in the construction industry.
Speaking at a meeting with officials of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), in Abuja at the weekend, Lee said the group was in Nigeria to seek investment opportunities for business.
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Asia on high alert for swine flu
Aljazeera.net, 27 Apr 2009
Asian governments, who in recent years have been at the forefront of deadly viral outbreaks, have gone on high alert to prevent the H1N1 swine flu from landing on their shores.
Battle-hardened from fights against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and bird flu epidemics, the authorities in several Asian countries have begun enforcing checks on passengers and pork products from Mexico.
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Asian governments, who in recent years have been at the forefront of deadly viral outbreaks, have gone on high alert to prevent the H1N1 swine flu from landing on their shores.
Battle-hardened from fights against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and bird flu epidemics, the authorities in several Asian countries have begun enforcing checks on passengers and pork products from Mexico.
Read More
Singapore airport scans arriving visitors for flu symptoms
Earth Times, 27 Apr 2009, DPA
Singapore - In light of the outbreak of swine flu cases in Mexiko and the United States since Monday all passengers arriving at Singapore's main Changi airport are being screened for flu symptoms. Thermal scanners at the arrival halls measure the temperature of passengers just before they undergo immigration checks, the Ministry of Health and the Civil Aviation Authority said in a joint statement.
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Singapore - In light of the outbreak of swine flu cases in Mexiko and the United States since Monday all passengers arriving at Singapore's main Changi airport are being screened for flu symptoms. Thermal scanners at the arrival halls measure the temperature of passengers just before they undergo immigration checks, the Ministry of Health and the Civil Aviation Authority said in a joint statement.
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It is the deadly "Spanish flu"
Getting at the truth, 26 Apr 2009
They call it “swine flu,” but it is the exact same virus as the “Spanish flu,” the influenza A virus strain of subtype H1N1, or A/H1N1, which killed 50 million.
This is the exact same virus which caused the influenza epidemic that swept the world in 1918 killed an estimated 50 million people. One fifth of the world’s population was attacked by this deadly virus. Within months, it had killed more people than any other illness in recorded history.
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Related Articles:
The most deadly flu epidemics called the "Spanish Flu"
They call it “swine flu,” but it is the exact same virus as the “Spanish flu,” the influenza A virus strain of subtype H1N1, or A/H1N1, which killed 50 million.
This is the exact same virus which caused the influenza epidemic that swept the world in 1918 killed an estimated 50 million people. One fifth of the world’s population was attacked by this deadly virus. Within months, it had killed more people than any other illness in recorded history.
Read More
Related Articles:
The most deadly flu epidemics called the "Spanish Flu"
Declining Property Values Sock Singapore Developers
The Wall Street Journal, 26 Apr 2009, PATRICIA KOWSMANN
SINGAPORE -- As property prices in Singapore continue to tumble, one of the country's biggest developers posted disappointing earnings while another said it will raise capital to protect itself against the downturn.
CapitaLand Ltd., Southeast Asia's largest developer by market capitalization, reported first-quarter net profit of 42.9 million Singapore dollars (US$28.8 million), an 83% fall from S$247.5 million a year earlier, when the company recorded divestment gains of S$141.4 million. Revenue for the period fell 23% to S$487 million from S$631.3 million.
Analysts said the severity of the earnings decline suggests the property market in Singapore and in the rest of Asia is unlikely to recover this year.
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SINGAPORE -- As property prices in Singapore continue to tumble, one of the country's biggest developers posted disappointing earnings while another said it will raise capital to protect itself against the downturn.
CapitaLand Ltd., Southeast Asia's largest developer by market capitalization, reported first-quarter net profit of 42.9 million Singapore dollars (US$28.8 million), an 83% fall from S$247.5 million a year earlier, when the company recorded divestment gains of S$141.4 million. Revenue for the period fell 23% to S$487 million from S$631.3 million.
Analysts said the severity of the earnings decline suggests the property market in Singapore and in the rest of Asia is unlikely to recover this year.
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Can a Christian political party possibly exist in Singapore?
The Kent Ridge Common, 27 Apr 2009, Kelvin Teo
SINGAPORE - In the wake of the AWARE saga, several permutations went through my mind, one of those centered on hypothetical scenarios in Singapore politics. This led to an interesting question - can a Christian political party exist in Singapore? This piece is by no means an academic dissertation, and is never meant to be exhaustive, but rather an articulation of my thoughts on the subject.
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SINGAPORE - In the wake of the AWARE saga, several permutations went through my mind, one of those centered on hypothetical scenarios in Singapore politics. This led to an interesting question - can a Christian political party exist in Singapore? This piece is by no means an academic dissertation, and is never meant to be exhaustive, but rather an articulation of my thoughts on the subject.
Read More
How Indian bloggers are challenging the status quo in business & politics like never before
Far Eastern Economic Review, 27 Apr 2009, Salil Tripathi
Indian bloggers and other online commentators are challenging the status quo in business and politics like never before. And they are redefining attitudes toward the media in a country whose celebrated protection of free speech has often been undermined by the libel laws of its common law legal system.
Most Indian businesses are growing accustomed to criticism from bloggers. Yet there are still some that, instead of mounting a PR offensive, send in their lawyers and try to stifle speech on the Internet. What they’re finding is that this approach is counterproductive—they may succeed in silencing an individual blogger, but a hundred more then take up the cause. Like Western companies before them, Indian companies must learn that trying to stifle speech instead of winning debates is a losing strategy.
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Indian bloggers and other online commentators are challenging the status quo in business and politics like never before. And they are redefining attitudes toward the media in a country whose celebrated protection of free speech has often been undermined by the libel laws of its common law legal system.
Most Indian businesses are growing accustomed to criticism from bloggers. Yet there are still some that, instead of mounting a PR offensive, send in their lawyers and try to stifle speech on the Internet. What they’re finding is that this approach is counterproductive—they may succeed in silencing an individual blogger, but a hundred more then take up the cause. Like Western companies before them, Indian companies must learn that trying to stifle speech instead of winning debates is a losing strategy.
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Minister: Singapore to take pro-active approach to deal with swine flu outbreak
Xinhua, 27 Apr 2009
SINGAPORE, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will take a pro-active stance in handling the possible outbreak of a swine flu pandemic surface, said a Singapore minister on Sunday.
According to Channel News Asia reports, Singapore's Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that the SARS epidemic has equipped the city state with the skills to handle a similar outbreak.
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SINGAPORE, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will take a pro-active stance in handling the possible outbreak of a swine flu pandemic surface, said a Singapore minister on Sunday.
According to Channel News Asia reports, Singapore's Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that the SARS epidemic has equipped the city state with the skills to handle a similar outbreak.
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Vietnam wants to boost legislative ties with Singapore
VOVNews.vn, 27 Apr 2009
Vietnam’s legislative body wants to increase the sharing of information and experience with its Singaporean counterpart in order to expand bilateral cooperation in a wider range, said a senior Vietnamese legislator.
The Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Assembly, Nguyen Duc Kien, made the statement at his working sessions with the Deputy Speakers of the Singapore Parliament held during his official visit to Singapore from April 22-25.
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Vietnam’s legislative body wants to increase the sharing of information and experience with its Singaporean counterpart in order to expand bilateral cooperation in a wider range, said a senior Vietnamese legislator.
The Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Assembly, Nguyen Duc Kien, made the statement at his working sessions with the Deputy Speakers of the Singapore Parliament held during his official visit to Singapore from April 22-25.
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Sunday, April 26, 2009
G20 Decisions May Help Singapore Economy
PRWeb, 26 Apr 2009
Singapore (PRWEB) April 26, 2009 -- GuideMeSingapore.com will be releasing a report analyzing the impact of the G20 meeting in United Kingdom on the Singaporean economy. Andrew Chen, founder of the site, summarized the upcoming report's findings as follows:
The G20 meeting focused primarily on fostering international economic cooperation in confronting the financial downturn. It took concrete measures to discourage protectionism, encourage free trade, and made a joint commitment of over $1.1 trillion in fiscal stimulus to resuscitate the global economy. Most of this amount will be used to boost financing through the IMF and will be directed to emerging markets. This is good news for Singapore as increased global trade has historically correlated with strong performance of the Singaporean economy. Restoration of growth in emerging markets will lead to increased business opportunities in Singapore given the country's close ties to most emerging markets in Asia.
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Singapore (PRWEB) April 26, 2009 -- GuideMeSingapore.com will be releasing a report analyzing the impact of the G20 meeting in United Kingdom on the Singaporean economy. Andrew Chen, founder of the site, summarized the upcoming report's findings as follows:
The G20 meeting focused primarily on fostering international economic cooperation in confronting the financial downturn. It took concrete measures to discourage protectionism, encourage free trade, and made a joint commitment of over $1.1 trillion in fiscal stimulus to resuscitate the global economy. Most of this amount will be used to boost financing through the IMF and will be directed to emerging markets. This is good news for Singapore as increased global trade has historically correlated with strong performance of the Singaporean economy. Restoration of growth in emerging markets will lead to increased business opportunities in Singapore given the country's close ties to most emerging markets in Asia.
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Singapore sets up National Integration Council
Xinhua, 26 Apr 2009
SINGAPORE, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Singapore has set up the National Integration Council with the aim of promoting and fostering social integration among its nationals.
The 20-member council, chaired by Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, is made up of seven Cabinet ministers and leaders from the community and private sectors, according to a Channel NewsAsia report on Sunday.
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SINGAPORE, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Singapore has set up the National Integration Council with the aim of promoting and fostering social integration among its nationals.
The 20-member council, chaired by Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, is made up of seven Cabinet ministers and leaders from the community and private sectors, according to a Channel NewsAsia report on Sunday.
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Asia moves to ward off new flu virus
Reuters, 27 Apr 2009
April 26 (Reuters) - Asia, a continent that has battled deadly viruses such as the H5N1 bird flu and SARS in recent years, began taking steps over the weekend to ward off a new flu virus.
The swine flu virus has killed up to 81 people in Mexico and infected 11 others in the United States. More than 1,300 are believed to be infected in Mexico.
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April 26 (Reuters) - Asia, a continent that has battled deadly viruses such as the H5N1 bird flu and SARS in recent years, began taking steps over the weekend to ward off a new flu virus.
The swine flu virus has killed up to 81 people in Mexico and infected 11 others in the United States. More than 1,300 are believed to be infected in Mexico.
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WHO declares US, Mexico swine flu a public health emergency
The Economic Times, 26 Apr 2009
WASHINGTON/GENEVA: The Geneva-based World Health Organisation Saturday declared the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and the US a "public health emergency of international concern".
At least 20 deaths in Mexico have been confirmed as swine flu, among a total of 60 deaths that have occurred there. Hundreds of more non-fatal cases have been reported, and schools, museums and other public places have been closed to prevent the spread.
In the US, at least eight cases in Texas and California have been confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control.
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WASHINGTON/GENEVA: The Geneva-based World Health Organisation Saturday declared the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and the US a "public health emergency of international concern".
At least 20 deaths in Mexico have been confirmed as swine flu, among a total of 60 deaths that have occurred there. Hundreds of more non-fatal cases have been reported, and schools, museums and other public places have been closed to prevent the spread.
In the US, at least eight cases in Texas and California have been confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control.
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S'pore to pump-prime the economy with $20 billion spending on infrastructure this year
Business Times (Malaysia), 26 Apr 2009
SINGAPORE: Singapore, expected to be emerging Asia's worst hit economy this year, plans to spend between S$18 billion and S$20 billion (S$1 = RM2.41) on infrastructure projects in 2009, a government minister said yesterday.
In 2010 and 2011, the government would continue to invest another S$15 to S$17 billion each year in building and infrastructure projects, Grace Fu Hai Yien, Senior Minister of state for National Development, told a seminar on Asia infrastructure.
Fu said the 2009 spending included construction of a new cruise liner terminal, new roads and parks, and the upgrading of schools, sports facilities and public housing estates.
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Questions the new AWARE exco must tackle before the EOGM and lessons we can learn
The Kent Ridge Common, 26 Apr 2009, Kelvin Teo
SINGAPORE - The plot surrounding the new AWARE executive committee members’ takeover plans has further unfolded with their mentor, Dr Thio Su Mien coming out of the darkness into the broad daylight. Following their rise to the leadership, events came and went at a dizzy speed. As of now, all eyes will be focused on the 2nd May EOGM, which is a showdown between AWARE’s old guards and the new exco members. That being said, there are certain questions that the new AWARE exco must tackle. The benefits of pondering over such questions is that they allow us to reflect on their implications on our society.
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SINGAPORE - The plot surrounding the new AWARE executive committee members’ takeover plans has further unfolded with their mentor, Dr Thio Su Mien coming out of the darkness into the broad daylight. Following their rise to the leadership, events came and went at a dizzy speed. As of now, all eyes will be focused on the 2nd May EOGM, which is a showdown between AWARE’s old guards and the new exco members. That being said, there are certain questions that the new AWARE exco must tackle. The benefits of pondering over such questions is that they allow us to reflect on their implications on our society.
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Saturday, April 25, 2009
Singapore shuns help from Indonesian police over student's death
The Jakarta Post, 25 Apr 2009
JAKARTA: Indonesian police said Friday a team of officers, currently in Singapore offering assistance into the investigations surrounding the controversial death of Indonesian student David Hartanto, had been turned down.
"The team was sent first and foremost to provide assistance to the Singapore police but apparently they *police* do not require such assistance," Indonesian police spokesman Insp. Gen. Abubakar Nataprawira said.
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JAKARTA: Indonesian police said Friday a team of officers, currently in Singapore offering assistance into the investigations surrounding the controversial death of Indonesian student David Hartanto, had been turned down.
"The team was sent first and foremost to provide assistance to the Singapore police but apparently they *police* do not require such assistance," Indonesian police spokesman Insp. Gen. Abubakar Nataprawira said.
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Singapore Airlines no longer flying out of Vancouver
News1130, 24 Apr 2009, Andrea Macpherson
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - After 20 years of operations in Vancouver, tomorrow will be the last flight for Singapore Airlines.
Sales manager for Western Canada Michael Wraight says the office will remain operating until the end of May. "And all the staff will be let go, we will have two people representing the company.
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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - After 20 years of operations in Vancouver, tomorrow will be the last flight for Singapore Airlines.
Sales manager for Western Canada Michael Wraight says the office will remain operating until the end of May. "And all the staff will be let go, we will have two people representing the company.
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Wimax Forum takes place in Singapore next week
Indiatelevision.com, 25 Apr 2009
MUMBAI: WiMax Forum Congress Asia 2009, the second annual edition of WiMax Forum event, will be held in Singapore from 28-29 April.
This year’s Congress Asia has a speaker line-up of more than 100 people including 29 operators. Part of WiMax Forum’s series of global tradeshows, the event positions itself as being the largest and most successful WiMax event in the region with more than 4,000 high-level representatives in attendance from the entire WiMax ecosystem across Asia and throughout the globe.
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MUMBAI: WiMax Forum Congress Asia 2009, the second annual edition of WiMax Forum event, will be held in Singapore from 28-29 April.
This year’s Congress Asia has a speaker line-up of more than 100 people including 29 operators. Part of WiMax Forum’s series of global tradeshows, the event positions itself as being the largest and most successful WiMax event in the region with more than 4,000 high-level representatives in attendance from the entire WiMax ecosystem across Asia and throughout the globe.
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China, Singapore ink MoU on education co-op
People's Daily Online, 25 Apr 2009
China and Singapore signed on Friday a revised government-to-government Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on education cooperation.
The MoU was signed by China's Minister of Education Zhou Ji and his Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen, and witnessed by visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong.
The signing of the new MoU, almost 10 years after the launch of the first MoU on education exchanges between the two countries, will further bolster education cooperation in areas such as school twinning programs, school leader and teacher exchanges and professional sharing conferences and seminars.
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China and Singapore signed on Friday a revised government-to-government Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on education cooperation.
The MoU was signed by China's Minister of Education Zhou Ji and his Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen, and witnessed by visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong.
The signing of the new MoU, almost 10 years after the launch of the first MoU on education exchanges between the two countries, will further bolster education cooperation in areas such as school twinning programs, school leader and teacher exchanges and professional sharing conferences and seminars.
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Dr Thio Su Mien, what can you teach the ignorant ones, really?
The Kent Ridge Common, 25 Apr 2009, Kelvin Teo
SINGAPORE - Dr Thio Su Mien has now emerged from behind the scenes to elucidate on her role in mentoring the current members of AWARE’s executive committee. And she has given an interesting exposé into the motivations behind her actions.
According to Dr Thio, her interest in AWARE was piqued when she discovered that the old AWARE comprehensive sexuality program ,which is run in certain schools, regarded homosexuality as a neutral word, not a negative one. Apparently, she felt that homosexuality should be regarded in a negative light. If not, there would come a time when there will a proliferation of homosexuality, according to her beliefs.
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SINGAPORE - Dr Thio Su Mien has now emerged from behind the scenes to elucidate on her role in mentoring the current members of AWARE’s executive committee. And she has given an interesting exposé into the motivations behind her actions.
According to Dr Thio, her interest in AWARE was piqued when she discovered that the old AWARE comprehensive sexuality program ,which is run in certain schools, regarded homosexuality as a neutral word, not a negative one. Apparently, she felt that homosexuality should be regarded in a negative light. If not, there would come a time when there will a proliferation of homosexuality, according to her beliefs.
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Where money holds sway
The Star Online, 25 Apr 2009, Seah Chiang Nee
The large salaries paid to the elite is pushing many Singaporeans towards an unhealthy chase for the dollar.
THE trial of a high-living Buddhist monk who owns three properties and loves luxurious cars has shown how far Singapore has fallen under a money culture.
It is the latest of an ongoing debate whether this affluent city is over-paying its leaders in government, big business, big charities and religion.
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The large salaries paid to the elite is pushing many Singaporeans towards an unhealthy chase for the dollar.
THE trial of a high-living Buddhist monk who owns three properties and loves luxurious cars has shown how far Singapore has fallen under a money culture.
It is the latest of an ongoing debate whether this affluent city is over-paying its leaders in government, big business, big charities and religion.
Read More
Agility Opens HQ, Expanded Hub in Singapore
The Journal of Commerce, 24 Apr 2009, Thomas L. Gallaghe
Agility opened an Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore along with an expanded regional distribution center to strengthen its presence and provide a platform for further growth.
The new regional HQ will consolidate many of the regional and global management teams for business units such as logistics, operations and transformation, fairs and events, IT, project logistics, chemicals, and oil and gas.
Read More
Related News:
Agility's chairman & MD, Tarek Sultan, joins EDB International Advisory Council
Agility opened an Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore along with an expanded regional distribution center to strengthen its presence and provide a platform for further growth.
The new regional HQ will consolidate many of the regional and global management teams for business units such as logistics, operations and transformation, fairs and events, IT, project logistics, chemicals, and oil and gas.
Read More
Related News:
Agility's chairman & MD, Tarek Sultan, joins EDB International Advisory Council
Hana Fin posts Q1 loss, to spin off card operation
Reuters, 24 Apr 2009, Kim Yeon-hee
SEOUL, April 24 (Reuters) - South Korea's Hana Financial Group (086790.KS) said on Friday it swung to a loss in the first quarter, reflecting hefty charges against its exposure to a display parts maker and deteriorating interest margins.
Hana, in which Singapore Temasek Holdings [TEM.UL] and Goldman Sachs (GS.N) hold a combined 18 percent stake, posted a 325 billion won ($243 million) net loss in the quarter ended March, versus a 234.7 billion won profit a year earlier.
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SEOUL, April 24 (Reuters) - South Korea's Hana Financial Group (086790.KS) said on Friday it swung to a loss in the first quarter, reflecting hefty charges against its exposure to a display parts maker and deteriorating interest margins.
Hana, in which Singapore Temasek Holdings [TEM.UL] and Goldman Sachs (GS.N) hold a combined 18 percent stake, posted a 325 billion won ($243 million) net loss in the quarter ended March, versus a 234.7 billion won profit a year earlier.
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G-8's first bankruptcy - UK
Asia Times Online, 25 Apr 2009, Chan Akya
From the beginning of the current financial crisis in mid-2007, the UK has been in the forefront of disclosing poor performance from its financial institutions, admitting to significant policy errors, and embarking on reckless monetary expansion.
Even forgetting the factors that led the economy into the crisis, it is the combination of factors being put into place today that will ensure that the economy stays down and finally lead to a sovereign bankruptcy; in most likelihood the first one of the Group of Eight countries. Russia brought the number in this select club of so-called leading industrialized nations up to eight when it joined the Group of Seven - the others being the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Canada.
The UK has a higher chance of busting through its debt financing requirements, and so being rejected by the international financial community, than any other G-8 nation.
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From the beginning of the current financial crisis in mid-2007, the UK has been in the forefront of disclosing poor performance from its financial institutions, admitting to significant policy errors, and embarking on reckless monetary expansion.
Even forgetting the factors that led the economy into the crisis, it is the combination of factors being put into place today that will ensure that the economy stays down and finally lead to a sovereign bankruptcy; in most likelihood the first one of the Group of Eight countries. Russia brought the number in this select club of so-called leading industrialized nations up to eight when it joined the Group of Seven - the others being the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Canada.
The UK has a higher chance of busting through its debt financing requirements, and so being rejected by the international financial community, than any other G-8 nation.
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Call to Ban Tiger Airways from Australia, ANZAC Offense
Mathaba, 24 Apr 2009
Tiger Airways arguably qualifies as the world's worst "low-cost"airline, with the real costs due to cancellations without notification and other illegal practices with resulting high risks to travelers, making it's title as a low-cost airline disputable, according to Australian travel affairs editor at this news network.
Australians are complaining in increasing numbers, and calls for an investigation and banning of the airline as well as highly punitive fines in order to show Australia is not "fair game" for unscrupulous operators, and to send a message to other airlines to respect Australian consumer rights.
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Tiger Airways arguably qualifies as the world's worst "low-cost"airline, with the real costs due to cancellations without notification and other illegal practices with resulting high risks to travelers, making it's title as a low-cost airline disputable, according to Australian travel affairs editor at this news network.
Australians are complaining in increasing numbers, and calls for an investigation and banning of the airline as well as highly punitive fines in order to show Australia is not "fair game" for unscrupulous operators, and to send a message to other airlines to respect Australian consumer rights.
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Tiger Airway prowls on the Sydney-Melbourne route
The Age, 24 Apr 2009
The budget airline has its sights set on infrequent flyers for its new Melbourne-Sydney service. Clive Dorman reports.
A new fare war will be waged this winter when Singapore's Tiger Airways begins flying between Australia's two biggest cities, nearly two years after it set up its domestic operation in Australia.
Until now there has been only a two-way contest on the Melbourne Tullamarine-Sydney route between Qantas and Virgin Blue, while Qantas subsidiary Jetstar provides additional competition flying from Melbourne's Avalon airport to Sydney.
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The budget airline has its sights set on infrequent flyers for its new Melbourne-Sydney service. Clive Dorman reports.
A new fare war will be waged this winter when Singapore's Tiger Airways begins flying between Australia's two biggest cities, nearly two years after it set up its domestic operation in Australia.
Until now there has been only a two-way contest on the Melbourne Tullamarine-Sydney route between Qantas and Virgin Blue, while Qantas subsidiary Jetstar provides additional competition flying from Melbourne's Avalon airport to Sydney.
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Bad Service From Tiger Airways - A Letter From An Unhappy Customer
Mathaba, 24 Apr 2009
Warning! Do Not Fly Tiger Airways!
By Mr Lindsay
Letter I wrote to Tiger Airways, no reply of course. Below links, I have never seen an airline with so many complaints. Mobile Phone bill was 3000bht just for being on hold.
Tony Davis
CEO Tiger Airways
Address: Changi Airport Post Office
P O Box 82
Singapore 918143
Fax: 61 x xxxxxxxx Confirmation no: JK75CL
Dear Mr. Tony Davis,
I have just returned home to Bangkok after the most stressful trip to Perth (I am Australian) & I thought you may be interested in Customer feedback. If not then that wouldn’t surprise me from what we had to endure........
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Warning! Do Not Fly Tiger Airways!
By Mr Lindsay
Letter I wrote to Tiger Airways, no reply of course. Below links, I have never seen an airline with so many complaints. Mobile Phone bill was 3000bht just for being on hold.
Tony Davis
CEO Tiger Airways
Address: Changi Airport Post Office
P O Box 82
Singapore 918143
Fax: 61 x xxxxxxxx Confirmation no: JK75CL
Dear Mr. Tony Davis,
I have just returned home to Bangkok after the most stressful trip to Perth (I am Australian) & I thought you may be interested in Customer feedback. If not then that wouldn’t surprise me from what we had to endure........
Read More
Singapore Production Falls More-Than-Expected 33.9%
Bloomberg.com, 24 Apr 2009, Shamim Adam
April 24 (Bloomberg) -- Singapore’s industrial production fell for a sixth straight month in March as electronics and pharmaceuticals manufacturers cut output amid declining orders.
Manufacturing, which accounts for about a quarter of Singapore’s economy, dropped 33.9 percent from a year earlier, following a revised 15.1 percent decline in February, the Economic Development Board said today. The median estimate of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News was for a 24 percent fall.
Read More
Related News:
Singapore Industrial Output Plunges In March - RTTNews
April 24 (Bloomberg) -- Singapore’s industrial production fell for a sixth straight month in March as electronics and pharmaceuticals manufacturers cut output amid declining orders.
Manufacturing, which accounts for about a quarter of Singapore’s economy, dropped 33.9 percent from a year earlier, following a revised 15.1 percent decline in February, the Economic Development Board said today. The median estimate of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News was for a 24 percent fall.
Read More
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Singapore Industrial Output Plunges In March - RTTNews
Singapore private home prices fall 14.1 pct in Q1
Forbes.com, 24 Apr 2009, Reuters
SINGAPORE, April 24 (Reuters) - Singapore private home prices fell 14.1 percent in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the previous quarter, as the city-state plunged into its worst ever recession, government data showed on Friday.
The drop marked the third quarterly decline in residential property prices, following a 6.1 percent slide in the last quarter of 2008 and a 2.4 percent fall in the quarter before that.
Read More
Related News:
Singapore 1Q Private Property Prices Fall 14.1% On Qtr,Worst On Record - Nasdaq
SINGAPORE, April 24 (Reuters) - Singapore private home prices fell 14.1 percent in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the previous quarter, as the city-state plunged into its worst ever recession, government data showed on Friday.
The drop marked the third quarterly decline in residential property prices, following a 6.1 percent slide in the last quarter of 2008 and a 2.4 percent fall in the quarter before that.
Read More
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Singapore 1Q Private Property Prices Fall 14.1% On Qtr,Worst On Record - Nasdaq
Thais say suffered in Singapore "jungle brothel"
Reuters UK, 24 Apr 2009, Nopporn Wong-Anan
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - They were promised well-paid jobs in fine restaurants in Singapore. But a group of five Thai women, including a mother and a daughter, say they ended up being forced to sleep with hundreds of men before police rescued them.
"I thought I would come here to work in a hotel, but they put me in hell," said Pon, a mother of two in her late 30s, recalling her three days of working in a "jungle brothel" before a police raid rescued her and two Thai friends.
Read More
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - They were promised well-paid jobs in fine restaurants in Singapore. But a group of five Thai women, including a mother and a daughter, say they ended up being forced to sleep with hundreds of men before police rescued them.
"I thought I would come here to work in a hotel, but they put me in hell," said Pon, a mother of two in her late 30s, recalling her three days of working in a "jungle brothel" before a police raid rescued her and two Thai friends.
Read More
The aftermath of Dr. Thio’s revelation
The Kent Ridge Common, 24 Apr 2009, Lester Lim
Now that Dr. Thio Su Mien has come out of from behind the scenes to reveal the key role she has played in the recent takeover of AWARE, the intentions of the new executive committee of the organization are made even more lucidly clear.
Dr. Thio has revealed that she was pivotal in encouraging all four women to take up positions in the AWARE exco, contradicting initial claims in an televised interview by Ms. Lau that it was completely a unpremeditated move. At the same time, the claim that all four women had not known each other prior to the AGM despite coming from the same church and having a similar point of contact does not sit easily.
Read More
Now that Dr. Thio Su Mien has come out of from behind the scenes to reveal the key role she has played in the recent takeover of AWARE, the intentions of the new executive committee of the organization are made even more lucidly clear.
Dr. Thio has revealed that she was pivotal in encouraging all four women to take up positions in the AWARE exco, contradicting initial claims in an televised interview by Ms. Lau that it was completely a unpremeditated move. At the same time, the claim that all four women had not known each other prior to the AGM despite coming from the same church and having a similar point of contact does not sit easily.
Read More
Tiger Airways' ANZAC Day rip-off exposed
Crikey, 24 Apr 2009, Ben Sandilands
Tiger Airways launched a blatant Anzac Day rip off this morning leaving itself open to prosecution under the Crimes Act and by the ACCC.
It announced a special ANZAC Day sale "with more than 30,000 FREE seats" for travel between 1 June and 30 September.
Two problems. The use of the term ANZAC is protected under Australian law from commercial exploitation except under very limited and specific conditions which include the prior approval of the Veterans Affairs department.
And under ACCC rules an advertised free seat or fare means $0.00, not $0 plus airport charges and GST of between $22.08 and $35.13 plus a "convenience fee" of $5.
The ACCC’s rule on domestic air fares and the law in relation to GST prohibit the breaking out of that tax and other sub components of a fare and compel the advertising of the full price of the goods or services being offered to the consumer.
News Link
Related News:
Tiger Airways announces a special ANZAC Day sale - Peanuts!Online
Free seats offer from Tiger - MICEBTN
Tiger Airways launched a blatant Anzac Day rip off this morning leaving itself open to prosecution under the Crimes Act and by the ACCC.
It announced a special ANZAC Day sale "with more than 30,000 FREE seats" for travel between 1 June and 30 September.
Two problems. The use of the term ANZAC is protected under Australian law from commercial exploitation except under very limited and specific conditions which include the prior approval of the Veterans Affairs department.
And under ACCC rules an advertised free seat or fare means $0.00, not $0 plus airport charges and GST of between $22.08 and $35.13 plus a "convenience fee" of $5.
The ACCC’s rule on domestic air fares and the law in relation to GST prohibit the breaking out of that tax and other sub components of a fare and compel the advertising of the full price of the goods or services being offered to the consumer.
News Link
Related News:
Tiger Airways announces a special ANZAC Day sale - Peanuts!Online
Free seats offer from Tiger - MICEBTN
Thaicom's chairman resigned over differences between management & Temasek
The Nation, 24 Apr 2009, USANEE MONGKOLPORN
Thaicom's executive chairman, Dumrong Kasemset, has tendered his resignation, saying it is time to leave after getting the company's businesses into stable growth mode.
Shin Corp owns more than 41 per cent of Thaicom. Cedar Holdings and Aspen Holdings, which are controlled by the Singapore state's investment arm Temasek Holdings, together own more than 96 per cent of Shin Corp.
A source from the Shin group said Dumrong's resignation could stem from the different working attitudes of Thaicom's management and Temasek.
Read More
Thaicom's executive chairman, Dumrong Kasemset, has tendered his resignation, saying it is time to leave after getting the company's businesses into stable growth mode.
Shin Corp owns more than 41 per cent of Thaicom. Cedar Holdings and Aspen Holdings, which are controlled by the Singapore state's investment arm Temasek Holdings, together own more than 96 per cent of Shin Corp.
A source from the Shin group said Dumrong's resignation could stem from the different working attitudes of Thaicom's management and Temasek.
Read More
Tiger Airways snubs Queensland in free flight offer
The Courier-Mail, 24 Apr 2009
MORE than 30,000 free seats on flights across Australia are being promoted by a low-cost Singapore based airline - but Queensland is missing out.
Tiger Airways says it is commemorating ANZAC day by offering the seats across selected domestic routes but has snubbed the Sunshine State in its promotion.
Read More
MORE than 30,000 free seats on flights across Australia are being promoted by a low-cost Singapore based airline - but Queensland is missing out.
Tiger Airways says it is commemorating ANZAC day by offering the seats across selected domestic routes but has snubbed the Sunshine State in its promotion.
Read More
Universal Studios Singapore aggressive search for foreign workers
e-Travel Blackboard, 24 Apr 2009
Universal Studios Singapore is set to embark on an 11-city audition world tour, in search of the world’s best stunt performers, stilt walkers, puppeteers, vocal impersonators, singers, dancers and celebrity look-alikes.
The talent search kicks off in Singapore next Monday and Tuesday, before moving to Kuala Lumpur (May 4-5), Hong Kong (May 10-11), Manila(May 15-16), Australia's Gold Coast (May 20-21), Melbourne (May 25-27), Auckland (May 31-June 1), Orlando (June 6-7), Toronto (June 13-14), Salt Lake City (June 18-19) and Hollywood (June 23-25).
Read More
Universal Studios Singapore is set to embark on an 11-city audition world tour, in search of the world’s best stunt performers, stilt walkers, puppeteers, vocal impersonators, singers, dancers and celebrity look-alikes.
The talent search kicks off in Singapore next Monday and Tuesday, before moving to Kuala Lumpur (May 4-5), Hong Kong (May 10-11), Manila(May 15-16), Australia's Gold Coast (May 20-21), Melbourne (May 25-27), Auckland (May 31-June 1), Orlando (June 6-7), Toronto (June 13-14), Salt Lake City (June 18-19) and Hollywood (June 23-25).
Read More
Chartered Semi Swings To 1Q Loss On Lower Sales, Margins
The Wall Street Journal, 23 Apr 2009, DJ Newswire
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. (CHRT) swung to a first-quarter net loss on lower sales and margins.
The Singapore-based chip foundry posted its third consecutive quarterly loss, but forecast second-quarter results better than Wall Street was expecting.
"The improvement in customer orders and the resulting sequential growth expectation into the second quarter are definitely encouraging signs," said Chief Executive Chia Song Hwee.
Read More
Related News:
Chartered Semiconductor Reports Narrower-Than-Forecast Loss - Bloomberg.com
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. (CHRT) swung to a first-quarter net loss on lower sales and margins.
The Singapore-based chip foundry posted its third consecutive quarterly loss, but forecast second-quarter results better than Wall Street was expecting.
"The improvement in customer orders and the resulting sequential growth expectation into the second quarter are definitely encouraging signs," said Chief Executive Chia Song Hwee.
Read More
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Chartered Semiconductor Reports Narrower-Than-Forecast Loss - Bloomberg.com
CapitaLand profit falls 83 pct,says no swift turnaround
Reuters, 24 Apr 2009, Kevin Lim
SINGAPORE, April 24 (Reuters) - CapitaLand (CATL.SI), Southeast Asia's largest developer, said on Friday first quarter net profit fell 83 percent and warned that it may book losses on investment properties under development in the next quarter.
"We do not expect a quick and sharp turnaround in global property markets," CapitaLand CEO Liew Mun Leong said in a statement.
Read More
Related News:
Capitaland posts net profit drop of 83 per cent for first quarter - Trend Capital
Capitaland posts net profit drop of 83 per cent for first quarter - Earth Times
SINGAPORE, April 24 (Reuters) - CapitaLand (CATL.SI), Southeast Asia's largest developer, said on Friday first quarter net profit fell 83 percent and warned that it may book losses on investment properties under development in the next quarter.
"We do not expect a quick and sharp turnaround in global property markets," CapitaLand CEO Liew Mun Leong said in a statement.
Read More
Related News:
Capitaland posts net profit drop of 83 per cent for first quarter - Trend Capital
Capitaland posts net profit drop of 83 per cent for first quarter - Earth Times
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Singapore Navy Joins Combined Task Force 151
Dvidshub.net, 23 Apr 2009, Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian K. Fromal
MANAMA, Bahrain - A Singaporean counterpiracy task group joined Combined Task Force 151 this week and began conducting operations alongside other coalition naval forces off the coast of Somalia.
Commanded by Navy Col. Bernard Miranda, the Singaporean task group includes the Landing Ship Tank, RSS Persistence, and joins other naval forces from the U.S. and UK who are currently conducting counterpiracy operations as part of CTF 151.
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MANAMA, Bahrain - A Singaporean counterpiracy task group joined Combined Task Force 151 this week and began conducting operations alongside other coalition naval forces off the coast of Somalia.
Commanded by Navy Col. Bernard Miranda, the Singaporean task group includes the Landing Ship Tank, RSS Persistence, and joins other naval forces from the U.S. and UK who are currently conducting counterpiracy operations as part of CTF 151.
Read More
Singapore police calls for witnesses through online TV
futureGov, 23 Apr 2009, Alice Kok
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has teamed up with Singapore Press Holdings’ online television service, Razor TV, in an effort to appeal for crime witnesses through short video clips.
These clips entitled “i-Witness” comprise 12 episodes a month, co-hosted by SPF’s younger officers and Razor TV hosts. The clips are meant to appeal to the public for information on unsolved crime cases.
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The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has teamed up with Singapore Press Holdings’ online television service, Razor TV, in an effort to appeal for crime witnesses through short video clips.
These clips entitled “i-Witness” comprise 12 episodes a month, co-hosted by SPF’s younger officers and Razor TV hosts. The clips are meant to appeal to the public for information on unsolved crime cases.
Read More
Singapore Power's SP Ausnet Faces $800 Million Class Action On Bushfires
ABC News, 23 Apr 2009, Rachel Brown
A faulty powerline that is believed to have sparked the fatal Kinglake bushfire is the subject of a class action against power company SP AusNet.
A prominent SC says if the power distributor is responsible, it could be up for $800 million in damages.
Read More
Related News:
Bushfires: Singapore Company Faces Up To A$800 Million Class Action - Bernama.com
A faulty powerline that is believed to have sparked the fatal Kinglake bushfire is the subject of a class action against power company SP AusNet.
A prominent SC says if the power distributor is responsible, it could be up for $800 million in damages.
Read More
Related News:
Bushfires: Singapore Company Faces Up To A$800 Million Class Action - Bernama.com
Freight ship grounded off Singapore after collision
Reuters, 23 Apr 2009, Neil Chatterjee
SINGAPORE, April 23 (Reuters) - An Iranian-flagged freight ship was aground on Thursday after colliding with a container ship in the busy shipping lanes off Singapore, the port authority said. The ship, carrying a cargo of maize and on its way to Vietnam when it struck an Indonesian-flagged container vessel outside Singapore port's waters late on Wednesday, was towed to shallow waters to avoid sinking. The container ship carried on its way.
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Related News:
Ships collide near Singapore port; no injuries - Taiwan News
SINGAPORE, April 23 (Reuters) - An Iranian-flagged freight ship was aground on Thursday after colliding with a container ship in the busy shipping lanes off Singapore, the port authority said. The ship, carrying a cargo of maize and on its way to Vietnam when it struck an Indonesian-flagged container vessel outside Singapore port's waters late on Wednesday, was towed to shallow waters to avoid sinking. The container ship carried on its way.
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Related News:
Ships collide near Singapore port; no injuries - Taiwan News
Singapore continues to grow on everybody else's land
Asia Sentinel, 23 Apr 2009
It may just be that Lee Kuan Yew wanted to be more than the mayor of a relatively small Asian city, befitting his status as an Asian statesman, but for four decades, the Lion City has been growing inexorably. Indonesian companies want to help. They are fighting a 2007 ban on sand extraction and, according to the country's trade ministry, they may be getting some traction. The ministry is reviewing the ban.
"So far we are trying to get responses from the public," said Albert Yousuf Tobagu, director of mining export commodities at the ministry. "We are including regional administrations and relevant government institutions as part of our recommendation to the ministerial meeting to make a decision on whether or not to lift the export ban on sea sand."
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It may just be that Lee Kuan Yew wanted to be more than the mayor of a relatively small Asian city, befitting his status as an Asian statesman, but for four decades, the Lion City has been growing inexorably. Indonesian companies want to help. They are fighting a 2007 ban on sand extraction and, according to the country's trade ministry, they may be getting some traction. The ministry is reviewing the ban.
"So far we are trying to get responses from the public," said Albert Yousuf Tobagu, director of mining export commodities at the ministry. "We are including regional administrations and relevant government institutions as part of our recommendation to the ministerial meeting to make a decision on whether or not to lift the export ban on sea sand."
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Singapore Inflation Slows to 21-Month Low as Recession Deepens
Bloomberg.com, 23 Apr 2009, Shamim Adam
April 23 (Bloomberg) -- Singapore’s inflation slowed to a 21-month low in March as a weakening economy eroded demand and transport and communication costs eased.
The consumer price index rose 1.6 percent from a year earlier, after gaining 1.9 percent the previous month, the Department of Statistics said today. That matched the median forecast of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Prices declined 0.4 percent from February, without adjusting for seasonal factors.
Read More
Related News:
Singapore's CPI rises 1.6 pct in March on-year - TMCnet.com
Singapore Consumer Price Inflation Eases Further In March - RTTNews
April 23 (Bloomberg) -- Singapore’s inflation slowed to a 21-month low in March as a weakening economy eroded demand and transport and communication costs eased.
The consumer price index rose 1.6 percent from a year earlier, after gaining 1.9 percent the previous month, the Department of Statistics said today. That matched the median forecast of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Prices declined 0.4 percent from February, without adjusting for seasonal factors.
Read More
Related News:
Singapore's CPI rises 1.6 pct in March on-year - TMCnet.com
Singapore Consumer Price Inflation Eases Further In March - RTTNews
Singapore visitor arrivals drop 13.2 % in March
AFP
SINGAPORE (AFP) — Singapore said that visitor arrivals fell 13.2 percent in March from a year ago as the global economic downturn hits travel.
The city-state welcomed 790,000 people last month, down 121,000 from March 2008, the Singapore Tourism Board said.
Hotel room revenue was also hit, declining 33.3 percent to 125 million Singapore dollars (83.3 million US) year on year, it said.
Read More
Related News:
Singapore visitor arrivals drop in March - Inquirer.net
Singapore's visitor arrivals tumble 13 per cent in March - Earth Times
Changi posts -11.1% passenger fall in March – 22/04/09 - TheMoodieReport.com
Singapore tourism drops 13 percent in March - Forbes.com
SINGAPORE (AFP) — Singapore said that visitor arrivals fell 13.2 percent in March from a year ago as the global economic downturn hits travel.
The city-state welcomed 790,000 people last month, down 121,000 from March 2008, the Singapore Tourism Board said.
Hotel room revenue was also hit, declining 33.3 percent to 125 million Singapore dollars (83.3 million US) year on year, it said.
Read More
Related News:
Singapore visitor arrivals drop in March - Inquirer.net
Singapore's visitor arrivals tumble 13 per cent in March - Earth Times
Changi posts -11.1% passenger fall in March – 22/04/09 - TheMoodieReport.com
Singapore tourism drops 13 percent in March - Forbes.com
East Timor's SWF puts Temasek and GIC to shame
The Age, 23 Apr 2009 Eric Ellis
"The Timor fund is a minnow in the world's sovereign fund ocean, but its returns make it one of the world's best-performing sovereign wealth fund in the past year.
Its performance has shamed whale SWFs like the Norway pension fund, Singapore's Temasek and the Government Investment Corporation, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, all hammered after huge, ill-fated punts in US and European banks and property.
Temasek lost 31 per cent of its $350 billion-plus portfolio last year, a loss that claimed its executive officer, a member of Singapore's long-ruling Lee family, while Norway took a $140 billion hit on its $440 billion fund, wiping out most of the gains it made since it started investing North Sea oil royalties in the 1990s."
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"The Timor fund is a minnow in the world's sovereign fund ocean, but its returns make it one of the world's best-performing sovereign wealth fund in the past year.
Its performance has shamed whale SWFs like the Norway pension fund, Singapore's Temasek and the Government Investment Corporation, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, all hammered after huge, ill-fated punts in US and European banks and property.
Temasek lost 31 per cent of its $350 billion-plus portfolio last year, a loss that claimed its executive officer, a member of Singapore's long-ruling Lee family, while Norway took a $140 billion hit on its $440 billion fund, wiping out most of the gains it made since it started investing North Sea oil royalties in the 1990s."
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Crisis of global capitalism hits Singapore hard
China Worker, 23 Apr 2009, Raviechandren - CWI Malaysia
Singapore was once regarded as a ‘Tiger economy’ along with other countries in Asia when referring to its robust and unperturbed economic growth. Its economic success, with a per capita income of over US$24,000, was attributed to its free market capitalism, with about three-quarters of its income coming from external trade and investments.
The PAP (People Action Party), which has ruled Singapore since it became a nation state in 1965, has developed this tiny country to be a favourable business island for the free market, by imposing some measure of state capitalism. This was accompanied by its pro-business policies and neo-liberalism which has subjugated workers’ rights and independent trades union, as well as other fundamental democratic rights.
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Singapore was once regarded as a ‘Tiger economy’ along with other countries in Asia when referring to its robust and unperturbed economic growth. Its economic success, with a per capita income of over US$24,000, was attributed to its free market capitalism, with about three-quarters of its income coming from external trade and investments.
The PAP (People Action Party), which has ruled Singapore since it became a nation state in 1965, has developed this tiny country to be a favourable business island for the free market, by imposing some measure of state capitalism. This was accompanied by its pro-business policies and neo-liberalism which has subjugated workers’ rights and independent trades union, as well as other fundamental democratic rights.
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The issues involving the separation of conjoined twins
The Kent Ridge Common, 23 Apr 2009, Kelvin Teo
"One pertinent question that arises is if there is any medical necessity to proceed with the operation in the first place. The same question can be asked of the decision to separate the Iranian twins. Indeed, such an ethical question was asked by Dr Ian Kerridge, a Professor of Bioethics, in an interview with Medscape. In fact, Dr Kerridge felt that there wasn’t any medical necessity to operate on the Iranian twins because there wasn’t a marked reduction in life expectancy in their case although there is a risk of one developing an illness, which would also happen to the other, resulting in the reduction of life span."
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"One pertinent question that arises is if there is any medical necessity to proceed with the operation in the first place. The same question can be asked of the decision to separate the Iranian twins. Indeed, such an ethical question was asked by Dr Ian Kerridge, a Professor of Bioethics, in an interview with Medscape. In fact, Dr Kerridge felt that there wasn’t any medical necessity to operate on the Iranian twins because there wasn’t a marked reduction in life expectancy in their case although there is a risk of one developing an illness, which would also happen to the other, resulting in the reduction of life span."
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In Singapore, a More Progressive Islamic Education
The New York Times, 22 Apr 2009, NORIMITSU ONISHI
SINGAPORE — After starting the day with prayers and songs in honor of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, the students at the Madrasa Al Irsyad Al Islamiah here in Singapore turned to the secular. An all-girls chemistry class grappled with compounds and acids while other students focused on English, math and other subjects from the national curriculum.
Teachers exhorted their students to ask questions. Some, true to the school’s embrace of new technology, gauged their students’ comprehension with individual polling devices.
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SINGAPORE — After starting the day with prayers and songs in honor of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, the students at the Madrasa Al Irsyad Al Islamiah here in Singapore turned to the secular. An all-girls chemistry class grappled with compounds and acids while other students focused on English, math and other subjects from the national curriculum.
Teachers exhorted their students to ask questions. Some, true to the school’s embrace of new technology, gauged their students’ comprehension with individual polling devices.
Read More
Further restrictions on rights in Singapore
Amnesty International, 23 Apr 2009
On 13 April Singapore’s parliament passed a new Public Order Act, which further restricts the human right to freedom of peaceful assembly and enhances policing powers to the exclusion of adequate safeguards to prevent abuse.
The government stated that the Act was needed in advance of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held in Singapore during November, when heads of state from member countries will meet. It claimed that such legislation was needed to combat the threat of terrorist acts during the summit.
Amnesty International recognises the security concerns and the challenges of policing such a large event. However, this development has the potential of further constricting freedom of peaceful assembly in Singapore, which is already compromised. This law should be amended to ensure full compliance with international human rights standards.
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On 13 April Singapore’s parliament passed a new Public Order Act, which further restricts the human right to freedom of peaceful assembly and enhances policing powers to the exclusion of adequate safeguards to prevent abuse.
The government stated that the Act was needed in advance of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held in Singapore during November, when heads of state from member countries will meet. It claimed that such legislation was needed to combat the threat of terrorist acts during the summit.
Amnesty International recognises the security concerns and the challenges of policing such a large event. However, this development has the potential of further constricting freedom of peaceful assembly in Singapore, which is already compromised. This law should be amended to ensure full compliance with international human rights standards.
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S'pore to gun for the arms industry as head of US-based defense company invited to EDB's international advisory board
Saudi Gazette, 22 Apr 2009
RIYADH - Tarek Sultan, chairman and managing director of Agility, has accepted an invitation to join world business leaders on the Singapore Economic Development Board’s (EDB) International Advisory Council (IAC) to contribute to the strategic economic development of the Lion City.
“I am very honored to be invited to join the Economic Development Board’s International Advisory Council. This is a unique forum comprising of international business leaders who have an opportunity to contribute to Singapore’s continued economic growth and prosperity.”
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RIYADH - Tarek Sultan, chairman and managing director of Agility, has accepted an invitation to join world business leaders on the Singapore Economic Development Board’s (EDB) International Advisory Council (IAC) to contribute to the strategic economic development of the Lion City.
“I am very honored to be invited to join the Economic Development Board’s International Advisory Council. This is a unique forum comprising of international business leaders who have an opportunity to contribute to Singapore’s continued economic growth and prosperity.”
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S'pore investors shunned S'pore-listed China stocks
Guardian.co.uk, 22 Apr 2009, Reuters
SINGAPORE, April 22 (Reuters) - Investors have shunned Singapore-listed Chinese firms after a series of corporate scandals, but the indiscriminate selling has thrown up some cheap gems that offer exposure to the world's fastest-growing major economy.
A lack of trust in published accounts for Chinese firms in Singapore has sent valuations of their stocks, known colloquially as S-chips, plunging to low-single-digit price-earnings multiples even for relatively sound companies that pay regular dividends.
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SINGAPORE, April 22 (Reuters) - Investors have shunned Singapore-listed Chinese firms after a series of corporate scandals, but the indiscriminate selling has thrown up some cheap gems that offer exposure to the world's fastest-growing major economy.
A lack of trust in published accounts for Chinese firms in Singapore has sent valuations of their stocks, known colloquially as S-chips, plunging to low-single-digit price-earnings multiples even for relatively sound companies that pay regular dividends.
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PSA CEO says container shipping trade has hit bottom
Alibaba.com, 22 Apr 009
SINGAPORE, April 21 - Ports operator PSA [PSA.UL] said on Tuesday a slump in container shipping trade has hit bottom but many ports are likely to face overcapacity and increasing competition before global volumes rebound.
"I'm quietly confident that physical trade in terms of containers has actually bottomed... and the trend moving ahead is likely to be positive," said Kuah Boon Wee, Southeast Asia chief executive of PSA International, which operates ports around the world.
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SINGAPORE, April 21 - Ports operator PSA [PSA.UL] said on Tuesday a slump in container shipping trade has hit bottom but many ports are likely to face overcapacity and increasing competition before global volumes rebound.
"I'm quietly confident that physical trade in terms of containers has actually bottomed... and the trend moving ahead is likely to be positive," said Kuah Boon Wee, Southeast Asia chief executive of PSA International, which operates ports around the world.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Temasek's foray into overcrowded Indian pay-TV industry faces squeeze
Televisionpoint.com, 22 Apr 2009
"Foreign-owned or affiliated companies in India's pay-TV industry last year generated about $ 1.2 billion in sales compared with about $ 500 million in China. The country's pay-TV market is one of the world's largest, with more than 94 million customers generating $ 5.89 billion in revenue a year, about 29 per cent from adverting and the remainder from subscriptions.
Large foreign investors have rushed to capture part of the pie, including News Corp, Viacom, Time Warner, Walt Disney and Singapore government investment company Temasek.
However, the industry has become overcrowded. MPA estimates there are 350 channels in India competing for space on distribution systems capable of carrying only about 150 each. This has sharply increased the cost of carriage, the price of being carried on a cable system."
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"Foreign-owned or affiliated companies in India's pay-TV industry last year generated about $ 1.2 billion in sales compared with about $ 500 million in China. The country's pay-TV market is one of the world's largest, with more than 94 million customers generating $ 5.89 billion in revenue a year, about 29 per cent from adverting and the remainder from subscriptions.
Large foreign investors have rushed to capture part of the pie, including News Corp, Viacom, Time Warner, Walt Disney and Singapore government investment company Temasek.
However, the industry has become overcrowded. MPA estimates there are 350 channels in India competing for space on distribution systems capable of carrying only about 150 each. This has sharply increased the cost of carriage, the price of being carried on a cable system."
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Design For S$160 million National Heart Centre Unveiled
Building.co.uk, 22 Apr 2009, Dan Stewart
UK architect's Singapore and Weybridge offices collaborate with local firm to produce iconic design
Broadway Malyan has released images of a £73m hospital building it has designed in Singapore.
The National Heart Centre is a 35,299 sq m building that will sit in the Outram campus of Singapore General Hospital.
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UK architect's Singapore and Weybridge offices collaborate with local firm to produce iconic design
Broadway Malyan has released images of a £73m hospital building it has designed in Singapore.
The National Heart Centre is a 35,299 sq m building that will sit in the Outram campus of Singapore General Hospital.
Read More
Singaporeans less willing to take up temporary work: survey
TradingMarkets.com, 22 Apr 2009
SINGAPORE, Apr 22, 2009 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- RBWTF | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- A recent survey showed that Singaporeeans are less willing than their counterparts elsewhere to take up temporary work, local media reported on Wednesday.
According to local radio 938live, the survey, conducted by recruitment consultancy Robert Walters, found that about 33 percent of Singapore respondents would be happy to take on a contract role, which is lower than the average of 55 percent for all respondents in the survey.
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SINGAPORE, Apr 22, 2009 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- RBWTF | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- A recent survey showed that Singaporeeans are less willing than their counterparts elsewhere to take up temporary work, local media reported on Wednesday.
According to local radio 938live, the survey, conducted by recruitment consultancy Robert Walters, found that about 33 percent of Singapore respondents would be happy to take on a contract role, which is lower than the average of 55 percent for all respondents in the survey.
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Nearly Quarter of Singapore Firms Cut Employees: Survey
English.cri.cn, 22 Apr 2009, Xinhua
A recent survey showed that nearly a quarter of companies in Singapore have undertaken layoffs in February, local media reported on Tuesday.
According to local radio 938live, the Compensation Watch Survey, which polled 50 organizations by human resource consultancy Hewitt Associates, also showed that some 70 percent of organizations have implemented control measures on compensation costs, including salary freeze.
As a response to the economic downturn, 8 percent of organizations have implemented temporary shutdown, and 14 percent have implemented mandatory leave to control working hours.
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A recent survey showed that nearly a quarter of companies in Singapore have undertaken layoffs in February, local media reported on Tuesday.
According to local radio 938live, the Compensation Watch Survey, which polled 50 organizations by human resource consultancy Hewitt Associates, also showed that some 70 percent of organizations have implemented control measures on compensation costs, including salary freeze.
As a response to the economic downturn, 8 percent of organizations have implemented temporary shutdown, and 14 percent have implemented mandatory leave to control working hours.
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Singapore joins global dengue vaccine trial
CCTV.com, 22 Apr 2009, Xinhua
SINGAPORE, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Singapore medical researchers aim to recruit about 1,200 people to join the global clinical trials to test a dengue vaccine over the next six months, local media reported on Tuesday.
According to local radio 938 live, this will make Singapore the latest country in Asia-Pacific to join in the global dengue vaccine clinical trial conducted by the French drugs company Sanofi Pasteur. The study has been joined by countries such as Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
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SINGAPORE, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Singapore medical researchers aim to recruit about 1,200 people to join the global clinical trials to test a dengue vaccine over the next six months, local media reported on Tuesday.
According to local radio 938 live, this will make Singapore the latest country in Asia-Pacific to join in the global dengue vaccine clinical trial conducted by the French drugs company Sanofi Pasteur. The study has been joined by countries such as Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
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Singapore 2010 Youth Olympics organizers revamp website and launch youth microsite
Aroundtherings.com, 22 Apr 2009
The newly revamped Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games website (www.singapore2010.sg) was revealed today to reporters. The updated website promises a new look reflecting the energy and excitement of Singapore 2010, a more user-friendly interface, a quicker loading time and greater ease of information-sharing through platforms such as digg.com and del.ici.ous.
One of the exciting new additions to the website is the WhyOhGee youth microsite (www.whyohgee.sg). The name came from a list of suggestions from 80 young people who brainstormed for a name that would resonate with their peers. "WhyOhGee" was the popular choice for its vibrance and youth appeal, and because it sounds like "Y-O-G", the acronym for the Youth Olympic Games.
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The newly revamped Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games website (www.singapore2010.sg) was revealed today to reporters. The updated website promises a new look reflecting the energy and excitement of Singapore 2010, a more user-friendly interface, a quicker loading time and greater ease of information-sharing through platforms such as digg.com and del.ici.ous.
One of the exciting new additions to the website is the WhyOhGee youth microsite (www.whyohgee.sg). The name came from a list of suggestions from 80 young people who brainstormed for a name that would resonate with their peers. "WhyOhGee" was the popular choice for its vibrance and youth appeal, and because it sounds like "Y-O-G", the acronym for the Youth Olympic Games.
Read More
Singapore’s e-filing rate hits record high
futureGov, 22 Apr 2009, Jianggan Li
In a report released early today, Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) said it had recorded a 91 per cent e-filing rate at the online filing deadline on 18 Apr 09.
The rate, which set a new record, was an increase of 4 per cent from last year, where 87 per cent of taxpayers filed their tax returns online. Out of 1,059,000 taxpayers who filed their returns, 962,000 did it through electronic means.
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In a report released early today, Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) said it had recorded a 91 per cent e-filing rate at the online filing deadline on 18 Apr 09.
The rate, which set a new record, was an increase of 4 per cent from last year, where 87 per cent of taxpayers filed their tax returns online. Out of 1,059,000 taxpayers who filed their returns, 962,000 did it through electronic means.
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Singapore to compress databases into a central one
ThirdFactor, 21 Apr 2009
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has announced plans to combine the five databases of biometric information, now holding the information of all their citizens and visitors, into one central database to streamline and standardize access to the information, according to a Channel News Asia article.
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Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has announced plans to combine the five databases of biometric information, now holding the information of all their citizens and visitors, into one central database to streamline and standardize access to the information, according to a Channel News Asia article.
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Southeast Asia's Foreign Workers Will Continue To Have Some Jobs
Asia Sentinel, 22 Apr 2009, Jermiah M. Opiniano and Isagani De La Paz
Professors studying labor migration in Asia say countries in the region will scuttle to protect their economies from the global financial crisis but avoid edging out foreign workers as a global financial collapse seeps into real sectors, relatively good news for Indonesia and the Philippines, which have millions of workers overseas.
One of them is Dr. Yap Mui Teng of the Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy under the National University of Singapore, who says that while Singapore will experience a "sharp economic downturn that is the most severe in the country's history," the Southeast Asian financial hub will still need foreign workers.
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Professors studying labor migration in Asia say countries in the region will scuttle to protect their economies from the global financial crisis but avoid edging out foreign workers as a global financial collapse seeps into real sectors, relatively good news for Indonesia and the Philippines, which have millions of workers overseas.
One of them is Dr. Yap Mui Teng of the Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy under the National University of Singapore, who says that while Singapore will experience a "sharp economic downturn that is the most severe in the country's history," the Southeast Asian financial hub will still need foreign workers.
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OECD estimates S'pore attracted US$370 Billion as a tax haven
Dar Al Hayat, 21 Apr 2009, Michel Morkos
"Meanwhile, the OECD estimates that the 116-square-kilometer Jersey island attracts 500 billion dollars in assets of approximately 32 thousand companies, whose accounts are mostly mail boxes. Switzerland attracts 1,500 billion dollars, compared with 1,300 billion dollars for Britain, 740 billion dollars for Luxemburg, 670 billion dollars for the Caribbean and Central America, 370 billion dollars for Singapore, 370 billion dollars for the United States and 150 billion dollars for Hong Kong."
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"In the opinion of the American expert Raymond Baker, tax havens get 5% of their resources from crime proceeds, 30% from corruption, while the remaining percentage comes from embezzlement, fraud and tax evasion. Hence, tax havens are not only open to outlaws and mafia gangs, but also to the elite and highly educated customers. Among them are the multinational high-income people who refuse to pay their due taxes and prefer that senior wage earners in their companies do so instead."
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"Meanwhile, the OECD estimates that the 116-square-kilometer Jersey island attracts 500 billion dollars in assets of approximately 32 thousand companies, whose accounts are mostly mail boxes. Switzerland attracts 1,500 billion dollars, compared with 1,300 billion dollars for Britain, 740 billion dollars for Luxemburg, 670 billion dollars for the Caribbean and Central America, 370 billion dollars for Singapore, 370 billion dollars for the United States and 150 billion dollars for Hong Kong."
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"In the opinion of the American expert Raymond Baker, tax havens get 5% of their resources from crime proceeds, 30% from corruption, while the remaining percentage comes from embezzlement, fraud and tax evasion. Hence, tax havens are not only open to outlaws and mafia gangs, but also to the elite and highly educated customers. Among them are the multinational high-income people who refuse to pay their due taxes and prefer that senior wage earners in their companies do so instead."
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Criminalizing attempts aimed at provoking discrimination against sexual minorities
The Kent Ridge Common, 21 Apr 2009, Kelvin Teo
SINGAPORE - Much has been written about the anti-homosexuality history of the newcomers in AWARE’s executive committee together with their supporters, especially their links to the Church of Our Saviour, a charismatic anglican church. The concern with the Church of Our Saviour is that its history has been laden with the anti-homosexuality rhetoric, which explains the alarm of members within the gay community in the wake of the latest developments at AWARE.
When the Singapore government opened its doors of employment to homosexuals to positions within the civil service, the senior pastor of the Church of Our Saviour, Mr Derek Hong, was visibly opposed to such an action. Mr Hong made a passionate speech, vowing to mobilize churches in Singapore to stand up against the homosexual issue, and highlighted his goal of making Singapore a nation of righteous Christians without contamination of the homosexual lifestyle.
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SINGAPORE - Much has been written about the anti-homosexuality history of the newcomers in AWARE’s executive committee together with their supporters, especially their links to the Church of Our Saviour, a charismatic anglican church. The concern with the Church of Our Saviour is that its history has been laden with the anti-homosexuality rhetoric, which explains the alarm of members within the gay community in the wake of the latest developments at AWARE.
When the Singapore government opened its doors of employment to homosexuals to positions within the civil service, the senior pastor of the Church of Our Saviour, Mr Derek Hong, was visibly opposed to such an action. Mr Hong made a passionate speech, vowing to mobilize churches in Singapore to stand up against the homosexual issue, and highlighted his goal of making Singapore a nation of righteous Christians without contamination of the homosexual lifestyle.
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Inconsistencies in Josie Lau’s Television Interview
The Kent Ridge Common, 20 Apr 2009, Lester Lim
SINGAPORE– Emerging from the recent saga of AWARE, new president Josie Lau appeared on Channel News Asia for her first ever televised interview. Anchoring the discussion on Talking Point were Debra Soon, Chief Editor for MediaCorp TV news, and P N Balji, an Editorial Consultant.
There are however, several possible inconsistencies surrounding the televised interview that seemed to contradict the understood state of affairs concerning the recent unexpected takeover of AWARE by the new exco.
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SINGAPORE– Emerging from the recent saga of AWARE, new president Josie Lau appeared on Channel News Asia for her first ever televised interview. Anchoring the discussion on Talking Point were Debra Soon, Chief Editor for MediaCorp TV news, and P N Balji, an Editorial Consultant.
There are however, several possible inconsistencies surrounding the televised interview that seemed to contradict the understood state of affairs concerning the recent unexpected takeover of AWARE by the new exco.
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Saudi Prince looks to sell Singapore Raffles hotel
Hospitality Biz India, 21 Apr 2009
According to hotelexecutive.com, Singapore’s Raffles Hotel has been put up for sale by its owner, Prince Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia for a price tag of up to 300 million Pounds. The Fairmont Raffles Hotel International group, part of the Prince’s Kingdom Holding Company, is seeking buyers during the global downturn.
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According to hotelexecutive.com, Singapore’s Raffles Hotel has been put up for sale by its owner, Prince Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia for a price tag of up to 300 million Pounds. The Fairmont Raffles Hotel International group, part of the Prince’s Kingdom Holding Company, is seeking buyers during the global downturn.
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MPA lures Bengal Tiger to Singapore
Cargonews Asia, 22 Apr 2009
It took several years of persuasion but in the end the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) managed to convince container feeder services provider Bengal Tiger Line (BTL) to relocate its headquarters from Cyprus to Singapore, Business Ties Singapore reported.
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It took several years of persuasion but in the end the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) managed to convince container feeder services provider Bengal Tiger Line (BTL) to relocate its headquarters from Cyprus to Singapore, Business Ties Singapore reported.
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Asia tourism reels as firms cut back business travel
Reuters, 21 Apr 2009, Susan Fenton
HONG KONG (Reuters) - At a plush Hong Kong airport hotel, the only sign of activity comes from the dining-room where a queue of locals fill up their plates at a dinner buffet offered at a promotional rate to Hong Kong residents.
Before the slowdown, the hotel lobby would have been filled with business travelers working on laptops or having a drink at the bar. These days, the empty lobby bears testament to the effects of the global slump on Hong Kong's $20.4 billion tourism sector.
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HONG KONG (Reuters) - At a plush Hong Kong airport hotel, the only sign of activity comes from the dining-room where a queue of locals fill up their plates at a dinner buffet offered at a promotional rate to Hong Kong residents.
Before the slowdown, the hotel lobby would have been filled with business travelers working on laptops or having a drink at the bar. These days, the empty lobby bears testament to the effects of the global slump on Hong Kong's $20.4 billion tourism sector.
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June start for Firefly's Singapore route
Business Times (Malaysia), 21 Apr 2009
COMMUNITY airline Firefly expects to start operating the Singapore route in June this year following the decision by Malaysia and Singapore to further liberalise air travel between the two countries.
"We just got the approval today from the Transport Ministry and we also have been approved as the designated airline to fly into Singapore," said Firefly managing director Eddy Leong after launching WOW Bargains, the promotional tickets and packages to the airline's newly-launched routes in Petaling Jaya today.
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Related News:
Firefly may start flying to Singapore in June - The Star Online
COMMUNITY airline Firefly expects to start operating the Singapore route in June this year following the decision by Malaysia and Singapore to further liberalise air travel between the two countries.
"We just got the approval today from the Transport Ministry and we also have been approved as the designated airline to fly into Singapore," said Firefly managing director Eddy Leong after launching WOW Bargains, the promotional tickets and packages to the airline's newly-launched routes in Petaling Jaya today.
Read More
Related News:
Firefly may start flying to Singapore in June - The Star Online
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