Bloomberg.com, 30 Jun 2009, Mark Lee
June 30 (Bloomberg) -- China postponed tomorrow’s deadline for personal-computer makers to include a state-backed anti- pornography software on new PCs after U.S. officials and business groups urged it to scrap the rule.
The government is delaying mandatory installation of the Green Dam Youth Escort software after PC makers demanded more time, the official Xinhua news agency said today. Wang Lijian, spokesman for the Beijing-based Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said Xinhua is releasing the details on its behalf.
Read More
Related:
China delays compulsory censorship software - The Age
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Singapore to help Bihar tackle drinking water shortage
Samay Live, 30 Jun 2009, IANS
Patna: Singapore will help the Bihar government tackle the severe water crisis in the state, officials said here. Experts from the Public Utility Board (PUB) of Singapore will use latest water management and technology for the purpose.
"A team of experts from Singapore will visit Bihar to study the problem of drinking water and would suggest to sort it out. The team of PUB would visit half a dozen of Bihar's cities including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga to study the ground situation related to problem of drinking water," Bihar's Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey said.
Read More
Patna: Singapore will help the Bihar government tackle the severe water crisis in the state, officials said here. Experts from the Public Utility Board (PUB) of Singapore will use latest water management and technology for the purpose.
"A team of experts from Singapore will visit Bihar to study the problem of drinking water and would suggest to sort it out. The team of PUB would visit half a dozen of Bihar's cities including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga to study the ground situation related to problem of drinking water," Bihar's Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey said.
Read More
Singapore hospitals to replace legacy archiving systems
futureGov, 30 Jun 2009, Kelly Ng
Singapore’s largest healthcare group has entered into a 10-year partnership with Microsoft to establish an integrated radiology management system. The long term goal is to develop an enterprise-wide clinical imaging solution.
Singapore’s largest healthcare group has entered into a 10-year partnership with Microsoft to establish an integrated radiology management system. The long term goal is to develop an enterprise-wide clinical imaging solution.
Read More
Singapore’s largest healthcare group has entered into a 10-year partnership with Microsoft to establish an integrated radiology management system. The long term goal is to develop an enterprise-wide clinical imaging solution.
Singapore’s largest healthcare group has entered into a 10-year partnership with Microsoft to establish an integrated radiology management system. The long term goal is to develop an enterprise-wide clinical imaging solution.
Read More
Singapore Workers Get Moderate Wage Increases
Bernama.com, 30 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE, June 30 (Bernama) -- Singapore employers were more restrained in granting salary increases to their workers last year due to the economic downturn and increased business costs, according to a 2008 report on wages.
The report, released today by the Manpower Ministry, said total wages comprising basic wages and bonuses in the private sector rose by 4.2 percent in 2008, down from the growth of 5.9 percent in 2007.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 30 (Bernama) -- Singapore employers were more restrained in granting salary increases to their workers last year due to the economic downturn and increased business costs, according to a 2008 report on wages.
The report, released today by the Manpower Ministry, said total wages comprising basic wages and bonuses in the private sector rose by 4.2 percent in 2008, down from the growth of 5.9 percent in 2007.
Read More
Malaysia unveils major liberalization in its economy to woo foreign investors
Los Angeles Times, 30 Jun 2009, Associated Press
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia took a big step Tuesday to liberalize its economy, relaxing a host of restrictions on foreign investment, including a controversial rule requiring businesses to be partly owned by ethnic Malays.
Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that listed companies will no longer be required to allocate 30 percent of their stake to Malays as part of an affirmative action program for the country's ethnic majority.
Read More
Related:
Malayisa Eases Investment Restrictions - The Wall Street Journal
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia took a big step Tuesday to liberalize its economy, relaxing a host of restrictions on foreign investment, including a controversial rule requiring businesses to be partly owned by ethnic Malays.
Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that listed companies will no longer be required to allocate 30 percent of their stake to Malays as part of an affirmative action program for the country's ethnic majority.
Read More
Related:
Malayisa Eases Investment Restrictions - The Wall Street Journal
Singapore set to takeover LNG terminal
Upstreamonline.com, 30 Jun 2009, Tan Hwee Hwee
The Singapore government will take over the development and ownership of Singapore’s first liquefied natural gas import terminal.
The decision was announced today by S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education at the Next Generation LNG – Asia Pacific 2009 conference.
To facilitate the takeover, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) will set up a new company, the Singapore LNG Corporation, to own the terminal and oversee its development.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Govt To Take Over LNG Terminal Proj - The Wall Street Journal
Supply shock on horizon for LNG market - Upstreamonline.com
Singapore Min: LNG Terminal May Cost $1 Bln-$1.5 Bln - The Wall Street Journal
Singapore takes over LNG project-minister - Reuters
Singapore government takes over development of first LNG terminal - Monsters & Critics
The Singapore government will take over the development and ownership of Singapore’s first liquefied natural gas import terminal.
The decision was announced today by S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education at the Next Generation LNG – Asia Pacific 2009 conference.
To facilitate the takeover, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) will set up a new company, the Singapore LNG Corporation, to own the terminal and oversee its development.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Govt To Take Over LNG Terminal Proj - The Wall Street Journal
Supply shock on horizon for LNG market - Upstreamonline.com
Singapore Min: LNG Terminal May Cost $1 Bln-$1.5 Bln - The Wall Street Journal
Singapore takes over LNG project-minister - Reuters
Singapore government takes over development of first LNG terminal - Monsters & Critics
Inaugural Asian Youth Games shrugs off H1N1 fear
The Jakarta Post, 30 Jun 2009, Agnes Winarti
The inaugural Asian Youth Games opened Monday in Singapore, amid heightened concern about the spread of the H1N1 strain of flu in the city-state.
Less than a week before the event kicked off, four soccer players from Hong Kong and one from the Philippines tested positive for the virus. Another 20 athletes from the Philippines and 17 from Hong Kong were also quarantined before they tested negative.
Read More
The inaugural Asian Youth Games opened Monday in Singapore, amid heightened concern about the spread of the H1N1 strain of flu in the city-state.
Less than a week before the event kicked off, four soccer players from Hong Kong and one from the Philippines tested positive for the virus. Another 20 athletes from the Philippines and 17 from Hong Kong were also quarantined before they tested negative.
Read More
Singapore M1 Money Supply May S$84.95 Billion Vs S$84.58 Billion April
Nasdaq
SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- The Monetary Authority of Singapore Tuesday released the following provisional money supply data for May 2009.
May '09 Year Earlier April '09Read More
M1 S$ 84.95 Bln S$ 71.91 Bln S$ 84.58 Bln
M2 S$350.15 Bln S$314.46 Bln S$349.24 Bln
M3 S$358.38 Bln S$323.81 Bln S$357.72 Bln
Singapore Bought GlaxoSmithKline's Relenza Flu Treatment
Reuters, 29 Jun 2009, Nopporn Wong-Anan
SINGAPORE, June 29 (Reuters) - The governments of Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and Singapore have bought GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK.L) Relenza flu treatment since the H1N1 outbreak began in April, a top GSK official said on Monday.
GSK Asia Pacific director Christophe Weber told Reuters the firm had advised governments to keep the inhaled Relenza drug at 30-50 percent of their overall flu drug stockpiles, which mainly comprise the Tamiflu capsule made by competitor Roche.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 29 (Reuters) - The governments of Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and Singapore have bought GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK.L) Relenza flu treatment since the H1N1 outbreak began in April, a top GSK official said on Monday.
GSK Asia Pacific director Christophe Weber told Reuters the firm had advised governments to keep the inhaled Relenza drug at 30-50 percent of their overall flu drug stockpiles, which mainly comprise the Tamiflu capsule made by competitor Roche.
Read More
Lee Hsien Yang To Chair S'pore Airport Authority
Bernama.com, 30 Jun 2009, Zakaria Abdul Wahab
SINGAPORE, June 29 (Bernama) - Lee Hsien Yang, the younger brother of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be appointed as the chairman of the newly-structured Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) effective this Wednesday.
The transport ministry said Monday its minister Raymond Lim made the appointment following the corporatisation of Changi Airport and the restructuring of CAAS from July 1.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 29 (Bernama) - Lee Hsien Yang, the younger brother of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be appointed as the chairman of the newly-structured Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) effective this Wednesday.
The transport ministry said Monday its minister Raymond Lim made the appointment following the corporatisation of Changi Airport and the restructuring of CAAS from July 1.
Read More
Las Vegas Sands finishes towers at Singapore project
Casino City Times, 29 Jun 2009, Amanda Finnegan
LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Las Vegas Sands has completed its three 55-story hotel towers at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, the company announced today. Sands will formally celebrate the topping off its $5.4 billion resort July 8.
Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson said the next step in the construction process will be placing the two-acre SkyPark on top the of the three hotel towers. The SkyPark will feature three swimming pools, several restaurants and bars, landscaped gardens and an observation deck.
Read More
LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Las Vegas Sands has completed its three 55-story hotel towers at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, the company announced today. Sands will formally celebrate the topping off its $5.4 billion resort July 8.
Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson said the next step in the construction process will be placing the two-acre SkyPark on top the of the three hotel towers. The SkyPark will feature three swimming pools, several restaurants and bars, landscaped gardens and an observation deck.
Read More
Walker's World: The new trade wars
UPI.com, 29 Jun 2009, MARTIN WALKER
ZURICH, Switzerland, June 29 (UPI) -- The Swiss franc is not what it used to be, and the country's central bank last week decided to break with tradition and intervene directly in the currency markets.
Other countries manipulate their currencies as a way to help their economies all the time. Selling your own currency into the markets lowers its price, which can help keep export prices low and make imports more expensive. That is what U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner accused China of doing during his Senate confirmation hearings earlier this year.
Read More
ZURICH, Switzerland, June 29 (UPI) -- The Swiss franc is not what it used to be, and the country's central bank last week decided to break with tradition and intervene directly in the currency markets.
Other countries manipulate their currencies as a way to help their economies all the time. Selling your own currency into the markets lowers its price, which can help keep export prices low and make imports more expensive. That is what U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner accused China of doing during his Senate confirmation hearings earlier this year.
Read More
Development on science, technology capabilities remains Singapore's priority
Xinhua, 30 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will continue to focus on the development of science and technology capabilities and do more to nurture local talents, a senior official said here on Monday.
Speaking at the opening of the International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies 2009, Singapore's Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defense Ng Eng Hen said that the country's economic strategy was to leverage on science and technology to connect with the rest of the world, to overcome earth-bound limitations, to leap-frog geographic regions and technological obsolescence.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will continue to focus on the development of science and technology capabilities and do more to nurture local talents, a senior official said here on Monday.
Speaking at the opening of the International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies 2009, Singapore's Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defense Ng Eng Hen said that the country's economic strategy was to leverage on science and technology to connect with the rest of the world, to overcome earth-bound limitations, to leap-frog geographic regions and technological obsolescence.
Read More
Traffic Police makes appointments for road safety campaigns
BrandRepublic, 30 Jun 2009, Kenny Lim
SINGAPORE - The Singapore Traffic Police has appointed Y&R and Starcom, as well as local shop O3 Advertising Interactive Solutions, for its annual road safety campaigns in the city-state.
Read More
SINGAPORE - The Singapore Traffic Police has appointed Y&R and Starcom, as well as local shop O3 Advertising Interactive Solutions, for its annual road safety campaigns in the city-state.
Read More
Indonesian Police Say Five Arrested Suspects Not Terrorists
Jakarta Globe, 29 Jun 2009, Farouk Arnaz
The National Police confirmed that five of the six alleged terrorism suspects arrested in Central Java and Lampung last week were not involved in terrorist activities, but could still be charged with falsifying documents and illegal entry as they were Singaporean nationals.
“They have not committed any terrorist acts here, although I do not know [about their activities] in their home country,” the National Police’s chief of detectives, Comr. Gen. Susno Duadji, told reporters on Monday, declining to reveal the names of the Singaporeans.
Read More
The National Police confirmed that five of the six alleged terrorism suspects arrested in Central Java and Lampung last week were not involved in terrorist activities, but could still be charged with falsifying documents and illegal entry as they were Singaporean nationals.
“They have not committed any terrorist acts here, although I do not know [about their activities] in their home country,” the National Police’s chief of detectives, Comr. Gen. Susno Duadji, told reporters on Monday, declining to reveal the names of the Singaporeans.
Read More
S$2.2b deals sealed at Singapore water week
Business Times (Malaysia), 29 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE: The just-concluded second Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) saw about S$2.2 billion (RM7.7 billion) worth of deals done by local and international water companies, nearly six times the amount achieved last year.
SIWW managing director, Michael Toh, said yesterday that despite trying economic conditions, the increase in the value of deals signed showed that the water industry was poised for further growth.
Read More
SINGAPORE: The just-concluded second Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) saw about S$2.2 billion (RM7.7 billion) worth of deals done by local and international water companies, nearly six times the amount achieved last year.
SIWW managing director, Michael Toh, said yesterday that despite trying economic conditions, the increase in the value of deals signed showed that the water industry was poised for further growth.
Read More
'I curse the day I was born a Singaporean'
Malaysiakini, 26 Jun 2009, Olinda Brazil
It is very amusing to see how Malaysians (probably of the minority races) have spasms of ecstasy when referring to Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) in Malaysian forums. From across the border in Malaysia, Singapore seems like Wonderland and LKY like a benevolent god.
As a Chinese Singaporean, born of Malaysian parents who took up citizenship here in Singapore, I can understand why they feel this way. The grouses are familiar: NEP, corruption and ineptitude in governance.
Let me provide an insight on how it is like to be a Singaporean. I must first stress that new immigrants or Permanent Residents (PRs) from Malaysia (like my parents) will not experience any disadvantages. It is the children of these people (like me) or new PRs' children (who will be Singaporean) who will feel the disadvantages most sorely, and curse the fact they were born in Singapore...
Read More
It is very amusing to see how Malaysians (probably of the minority races) have spasms of ecstasy when referring to Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) in Malaysian forums. From across the border in Malaysia, Singapore seems like Wonderland and LKY like a benevolent god.
As a Chinese Singaporean, born of Malaysian parents who took up citizenship here in Singapore, I can understand why they feel this way. The grouses are familiar: NEP, corruption and ineptitude in governance.
Let me provide an insight on how it is like to be a Singaporean. I must first stress that new immigrants or Permanent Residents (PRs) from Malaysia (like my parents) will not experience any disadvantages. It is the children of these people (like me) or new PRs' children (who will be Singaporean) who will feel the disadvantages most sorely, and curse the fact they were born in Singapore...
Read More
Monday, June 29, 2009
Indonesian Police Arrests Five More JI-Linked Singaporeans
Nasdaq
AKARTA (AFP)--Five Singaporeans and an Indonesian allegedly linked to key militants of the Jemaah Islamiyah, or JI, regional jihadi network have been arrested in Indonesia, police said Monday.
The suspects, five of whom are related, were arrested in a series of raids across Indonesia in the space of a week, national police criminal investigations chief Susno Duadji told reporters.
Read More
AKARTA (AFP)--Five Singaporeans and an Indonesian allegedly linked to key militants of the Jemaah Islamiyah, or JI, regional jihadi network have been arrested in Indonesia, police said Monday.
The suspects, five of whom are related, were arrested in a series of raids across Indonesia in the space of a week, national police criminal investigations chief Susno Duadji told reporters.
Read More
SingTel claims mio TV secures 100,000+ customers
Mis-Asia.com, 29 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE, 29 JUNE 2009 – Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) today has announced that its mio TV service now has more than 100,000 customers.
mio TV was launched 20 July 2007 and SingTel said it has since brought many new, innovative offerings and features to Singapore’s pay TV market, which was dominated by a single service provider for more than a decade.
Read More
SINGAPORE, 29 JUNE 2009 – Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) today has announced that its mio TV service now has more than 100,000 customers.
mio TV was launched 20 July 2007 and SingTel said it has since brought many new, innovative offerings and features to Singapore’s pay TV market, which was dominated by a single service provider for more than a decade.
Read More
Singapore Proposes Changes To Bank-Secrecy Laws
Onenet.pl Wiadomosci
The Singapore government is proposing changes to its tax laws to meet demands from the U.S. and Europe to clamp down on bank secrecy.
"Singapore will seek to amend its domestic laws to allow it to extend further cooperation on information exchange" via double-taxation agreements with other countries, the Finance Ministry said in a statement Monday. It is seeking public comments through July 28 on the amendments.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Proposes Changes To Bank-Secrecy Laws - Nasdaq
Singapore Plans to Amend Laws Related to Bank Secrecy - The Wall Street Journal
The Singapore government is proposing changes to its tax laws to meet demands from the U.S. and Europe to clamp down on bank secrecy.
"Singapore will seek to amend its domestic laws to allow it to extend further cooperation on information exchange" via double-taxation agreements with other countries, the Finance Ministry said in a statement Monday. It is seeking public comments through July 28 on the amendments.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Proposes Changes To Bank-Secrecy Laws - Nasdaq
Singapore Plans to Amend Laws Related to Bank Secrecy - The Wall Street Journal
The God of No Mercy
Malaysia-Today.net, 29 Jun 2009
A 45-minute documentary on Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore and one of the world's remaining political strongmen. The film was seized by government officials (on orders of the home ministry) when it premiered at a private screening on 17 May 2008. Directed by Seelan Palay.
Yesterday I viewed this well-researched and passionately produced doco on Singapore's Mr Hyde side, and figured it was high time Malaysians took a good hard look at the unwholesome aspects of Singapore's toy-townish tinsel and glitter image - especially those who express envy when comparing per capita incomes.
Read More
A 45-minute documentary on Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore and one of the world's remaining political strongmen. The film was seized by government officials (on orders of the home ministry) when it premiered at a private screening on 17 May 2008. Directed by Seelan Palay.
Yesterday I viewed this well-researched and passionately produced doco on Singapore's Mr Hyde side, and figured it was high time Malaysians took a good hard look at the unwholesome aspects of Singapore's toy-townish tinsel and glitter image - especially those who express envy when comparing per capita incomes.
Read More
Asian employment at risk in prolonged downturn
Forexyard.com, 29 Jun 2009, Reuters
MUMBAI/TOKYO, June 29 (Reuters) - Asian unemployment is running at lower levels than in major economies for now, but a reliance on exports and rising commodity prices mean an aversion to large layoffs may soon be put to the test.
Many Asian economies rely on exports to the United States and Europe to drive growth. But if demand is falling and consumers are losing their jobs, there can be little upside for suppliers.
Read More
MUMBAI/TOKYO, June 29 (Reuters) - Asian unemployment is running at lower levels than in major economies for now, but a reliance on exports and rising commodity prices mean an aversion to large layoffs may soon be put to the test.
Many Asian economies rely on exports to the United States and Europe to drive growth. But if demand is falling and consumers are losing their jobs, there can be little upside for suppliers.
Read More
MDA to spur Made-by-Singapore games
BrandRepublic, 29 Jun 2009, Kenny Lim
SINGAPORE - The Media Development Authority (MDA) has signed up several local partners to drive the creation and commercialisation of made-in-Singapore games for export.
Read More
SINGAPORE - The Media Development Authority (MDA) has signed up several local partners to drive the creation and commercialisation of made-in-Singapore games for export.
Read More
RMIT caught in Singaporean scam
Campus Review, 29 Jun 2009
RMIT is considering what legal action to take after it became embroiled in a scam which saw dozens of Singaporean students paying up to $16,000 each for degrees purporting to be from the university. Brooke's Business School was offering one-year courses leading to a fake RMIT bachelor of business degree for between $10,000 and $16,000. A valid three-year degree from a recognised RMIT partner costs around $25,000.
Link
RMIT is considering what legal action to take after it became embroiled in a scam which saw dozens of Singaporean students paying up to $16,000 each for degrees purporting to be from the university. Brooke's Business School was offering one-year courses leading to a fake RMIT bachelor of business degree for between $10,000 and $16,000. A valid three-year degree from a recognised RMIT partner costs around $25,000.
Link
Singapore leads Asia in new cases of Influenza A/H1N1
Xinhua, 26 Jun 2009
HONG KONG , June 28 (Xinhua) -- Singapore on Sunday confirmed 145 new cases of Influenza A/H1N1, leading the Asian region in new cases of the flu that the whole world is fighting against.
According to a statement issued by Singapore's Ministry of Health on Sunday night, a total of 145 new cases of the disease were confirmed, bringing the total number of such cases to 599 in the city state.
Read More
HONG KONG , June 28 (Xinhua) -- Singapore on Sunday confirmed 145 new cases of Influenza A/H1N1, leading the Asian region in new cases of the flu that the whole world is fighting against.
According to a statement issued by Singapore's Ministry of Health on Sunday night, a total of 145 new cases of the disease were confirmed, bringing the total number of such cases to 599 in the city state.
Read More
S'pore Business Federation Seek To Match NZ businesses with Spore firms for China Venture
Radio New Zealand News, 29 Jun 2009
The Singapore Business Federation, which represents the interests of more than 15,000 firms, is keen to match New Zealand firms with Singapore businesses that can offer links to the Chinese market.
Read More
The Singapore Business Federation, which represents the interests of more than 15,000 firms, is keen to match New Zealand firms with Singapore businesses that can offer links to the Chinese market.
Read More
Singapore 2010 Youth Games Gets New Sponsor
GamesBids.com, 28 Jun 2009
Fairmount Singapore, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' landmark property in Asia, has been appointed Official Hotel Partner for the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore August 14 to 26, 2010.
Read More
Fairmount Singapore, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' landmark property in Asia, has been appointed Official Hotel Partner for the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore August 14 to 26, 2010.
Read More
Singapore nanotechnology combats fatal brain infections
EurekAlert, 28 Jun 2009
Doctors may get a new arsenal for meningitis treatment and the war on drug-resistant bacteria and fungal infections with novel peptide nanoparticles developed by scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of Singapore and reported in Nature Nanotechnology.
The stable bioengineered nanoparticles devised at IBN effectively seek out and destroy bacteria and fungal cells that could cause fatal infections and are highly therapeutic.
Read More
Doctors may get a new arsenal for meningitis treatment and the war on drug-resistant bacteria and fungal infections with novel peptide nanoparticles developed by scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of Singapore and reported in Nature Nanotechnology.
The stable bioengineered nanoparticles devised at IBN effectively seek out and destroy bacteria and fungal cells that could cause fatal infections and are highly therapeutic.
Read More
Despite ban, Singapore guns arrive in India for trials
The Hindu, 29 Jun 2009, K.V. Prasad
NEW DELHI: The Defence Ministry could consider the option of acquiring 155mm light howitzers from an alternative supplier following its decision to “put on hold” acquisitions from Singapore Technologies among other firms.
The company was the only vendor left to supply the howitzers after the other seller pulled out from the bidding. Top sources in the Ministry said a decision would be taken in due course even as a consignment of the howitzer guns (Pegasus SLWH) from Singapore Technologies, arrived in India recently for field trials.
Read More
NEW DELHI: The Defence Ministry could consider the option of acquiring 155mm light howitzers from an alternative supplier following its decision to “put on hold” acquisitions from Singapore Technologies among other firms.
The company was the only vendor left to supply the howitzers after the other seller pulled out from the bidding. Top sources in the Ministry said a decision would be taken in due course even as a consignment of the howitzer guns (Pegasus SLWH) from Singapore Technologies, arrived in India recently for field trials.
Read More
Singapore to hold education roundtable
The Times Of India, 29 Jun 2009, Ashwamegh Banerjee
Every year, governments all over the world spend billions on reforms and improvements on education. Yet, some school systems are performing better than others. So, how do the world’s best performing school systems come out on top?
An International Education Roundtable (IER), to be held in Singapore from July 6 to 8, will bring together education ministers and senior government officials from Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the US for an open dialogue. India was invited to the IER but was unable to attend.
Read More
Every year, governments all over the world spend billions on reforms and improvements on education. Yet, some school systems are performing better than others. So, how do the world’s best performing school systems come out on top?
An International Education Roundtable (IER), to be held in Singapore from July 6 to 8, will bring together education ministers and senior government officials from Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the US for an open dialogue. India was invited to the IER but was unable to attend.
Read More
Blogger ethics: proper attribution > accountability
Ars Technica, 28 Jun 2009, John Timmer
A few years ago, Tim O'Reilly kicked off a bit of a firestorm when he suggested that there should be a blogger code of conduct and offered some helpful suggestions for items that might appear in that code. Not everyone agreed that blogging needed anything of the sort, and each of the proposed items attracted its own bit of criticism. The lack of agreement on a formal code (or even on whether such a thing should exist), however, doesn't necessarily mean that bloggers haven't adopted some form of informal behavioral standards. A survey of over 1,000 bloggers performed by researchers from Singapore suggests that informal codes do exist, despite the fact that bloggers themselves don't see accountability as a major goal.
Read More
A few years ago, Tim O'Reilly kicked off a bit of a firestorm when he suggested that there should be a blogger code of conduct and offered some helpful suggestions for items that might appear in that code. Not everyone agreed that blogging needed anything of the sort, and each of the proposed items attracted its own bit of criticism. The lack of agreement on a formal code (or even on whether such a thing should exist), however, doesn't necessarily mean that bloggers haven't adopted some form of informal behavioral standards. A survey of over 1,000 bloggers performed by researchers from Singapore suggests that informal codes do exist, despite the fact that bloggers themselves don't see accountability as a major goal.
Read More
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Malaysia Withdraw From Asian Youth Games (AYG)
Bernama.com, 28 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE, June 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's withdrawal from the Asian Youth Games (AYG) starting here tomorrow because of the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak has met with understanding from the host.
In a media briefing here today, the AYG Organising Committee co-chairman Oon Jin Teik said they respected Malaysia's decision not to send their contingent for the AYG from tomorrow until July 7.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's withdrawal from the Asian Youth Games (AYG) starting here tomorrow because of the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak has met with understanding from the host.
In a media briefing here today, the AYG Organising Committee co-chairman Oon Jin Teik said they respected Malaysia's decision not to send their contingent for the AYG from tomorrow until July 7.
Read More
Analysis: Singapore seeks to manage political change
Forbes.com, 27 Jun 2009, Reuters
SINGAPORE, June 28 (Reuters) - Resourceful, but resource-scarce, Singapore has nimbly changed with the times in its first 50 years of self-governance.
But the global economic slowdown has thrown the trade-dependent city-state into its worst recession and issues from unemployment to huge losses at two sovereign wealth funds have set fresh challenges for the People's Action Party (PAP), which marked a half-century in power this month.
Analysts say future risks include political change after the current generation of ageing leaders, possibly even from a split in the ruling party, and external threats such as conflict with neighbours and competition from cheaper manufacturing centres.
Read More
Related:
ANALYSIS-Singapore seeks to manage political change - ForexPros.com
SINGAPORE, June 28 (Reuters) - Resourceful, but resource-scarce, Singapore has nimbly changed with the times in its first 50 years of self-governance.
But the global economic slowdown has thrown the trade-dependent city-state into its worst recession and issues from unemployment to huge losses at two sovereign wealth funds have set fresh challenges for the People's Action Party (PAP), which marked a half-century in power this month.
Analysts say future risks include political change after the current generation of ageing leaders, possibly even from a split in the ruling party, and external threats such as conflict with neighbours and competition from cheaper manufacturing centres.
Read More
Related:
ANALYSIS-Singapore seeks to manage political change - ForexPros.com
Singapore Magic Duo Set New Official World Magic Record of 15 Illusions Performed in 5 Minutes
Webwire, 27 Jun 2009
Singapore - On 27 Jun 2009 at 9.40pm, Singapore celebrity magic duo, J C Sum & ’Magic Babe’ Ning set an official world record for “most number of grand illusions performed in 5 minutes” by presenting 15 illusions within the stipulated time period.
More than 3000 people turned up to witness history being made at the Central promenade by the iconic Singapore River. The outdoor event was entitled “The Impossible Record” and was the closing highlight of the Singapore River Festival 2009, organized by the Singapore Tourism Board.
Read More
Singapore - On 27 Jun 2009 at 9.40pm, Singapore celebrity magic duo, J C Sum & ’Magic Babe’ Ning set an official world record for “most number of grand illusions performed in 5 minutes” by presenting 15 illusions within the stipulated time period.
More than 3000 people turned up to witness history being made at the Central promenade by the iconic Singapore River. The outdoor event was entitled “The Impossible Record” and was the closing highlight of the Singapore River Festival 2009, organized by the Singapore Tourism Board.
Read More
Taking an opposition position and career prospects
The Kent Ridge Common, 27 Jun 2009, Kelvin Teo
SINGAPORE – Years ago, a certain Jamie Han had what many believed to be a daring exchange with Mr Lee Kuan Yew during a dialogue with NUS students at the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum. The former remarked:”No matter how enlightened a despot is, ultimately, he’ll turn into a tyrant if there are no checks and balances in place.” Among the many reactions to the exchanges between Lee and Jamie, the most disturbing one is – Jamie’s career prospects is destroyed. Phrased another way, if one harbors oppositionist views and express them openly, his career prospects will go down the drain.
Read More
SINGAPORE – Years ago, a certain Jamie Han had what many believed to be a daring exchange with Mr Lee Kuan Yew during a dialogue with NUS students at the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum. The former remarked:”No matter how enlightened a despot is, ultimately, he’ll turn into a tyrant if there are no checks and balances in place.” Among the many reactions to the exchanges between Lee and Jamie, the most disturbing one is – Jamie’s career prospects is destroyed. Phrased another way, if one harbors oppositionist views and express them openly, his career prospects will go down the drain.
Read More
Saturday, June 27, 2009
H1N1 Turning Deadly - Thailand reports first 2 swine flu-related deaths
GMANews.TV, 27 Jun 2009
BANGKOK – Thai health officials announced on Saturday the country's first two swine flu-related deaths, while Australia reported its fifth. All three patients also had other health problems.
A 40-year-old Thai woman died June 20 at a Bangkok hospital, while a 42-year-old Thai man died Saturday at a hospital in southern Chonburi province, Public Health Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Paichai Warachit said.
Read More
BANGKOK – Thai health officials announced on Saturday the country's first two swine flu-related deaths, while Australia reported its fifth. All three patients also had other health problems.
A 40-year-old Thai woman died June 20 at a Bangkok hospital, while a 42-year-old Thai man died Saturday at a hospital in southern Chonburi province, Public Health Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Paichai Warachit said.
Read More
UOB CEO: Banks Should Go Back To Basics; Over-Regulation A Risk
The Wall Street Journal, 27 Jun 2009, Dow Jones
SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Banks must refocus in core fundamentals in running a business, but over-regulation is a risk that must be avoided, United Overseas Bank Ltd. (U11.SG) Chief Executive Wee Ee Cheong said Friday.
"No matter how sophisticated, no matter how complex, ours is an industry that is underpinned by the fundamental building blocks of confidence, integrity and trust. These are basic principles in running a bank - principles which may have been forgotten along the way," Wee said in an event held by the Association of Banks of Singapore.
Read More
SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Banks must refocus in core fundamentals in running a business, but over-regulation is a risk that must be avoided, United Overseas Bank Ltd. (U11.SG) Chief Executive Wee Ee Cheong said Friday.
"No matter how sophisticated, no matter how complex, ours is an industry that is underpinned by the fundamental building blocks of confidence, integrity and trust. These are basic principles in running a bank - principles which may have been forgotten along the way," Wee said in an event held by the Association of Banks of Singapore.
Read More
Australia reports fourth flu-related death
Xinhua, 27 Jun 2009
HONG KONG, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Australia reported the fourth death related to influenza A/H1N1 in the country Friday while the number of confirmed cases in Thailand soared to 1,132.
The death of a 71-year-old Melbourne woman was notified to Australian health department late Thursday night, Victoria's acting chief health officer Rosemary Lester said.
Lester said A/H1N1 flu is generally mild, but can affect those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Read More
HONG KONG, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Australia reported the fourth death related to influenza A/H1N1 in the country Friday while the number of confirmed cases in Thailand soared to 1,132.
The death of a 71-year-old Melbourne woman was notified to Australian health department late Thursday night, Victoria's acting chief health officer Rosemary Lester said.
Lester said A/H1N1 flu is generally mild, but can affect those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Read More
A Rich Country With Poor People
Asia Sentinel, 26 Jun 2009, Alice Poon
Many netizens have been thrilled by a news report saying that this year China’s GDP will surpass that of Japan. Some academics even predict that in 20 years, China’s GDP will overtake that of the United States to rank first in the world. The catch is that these glamorous statistics fail to cover up the fact that the rich and the poor are polarized.
Read More
Many netizens have been thrilled by a news report saying that this year China’s GDP will surpass that of Japan. Some academics even predict that in 20 years, China’s GDP will overtake that of the United States to rank first in the world. The catch is that these glamorous statistics fail to cover up the fact that the rich and the poor are polarized.
Read More
Going with the wind
The Star Online, 27 Jun 2009, Seah Chiang Nee
With an open door policy to meet economic demand, the government has allowed more than a million foreigners into this already over-crowded island.
Today one in three people are aliens, the majority of whom will leave one day.
Socio-political blogger Ng E-Jay forecast that at the current migrating rates, half of Singapore’s population could consist of foreigners in 11 years’ time.
“The number of foreigners is increasing at a much faster rate than that of citizens and PRs,” he said.
Read More
With an open door policy to meet economic demand, the government has allowed more than a million foreigners into this already over-crowded island.
Today one in three people are aliens, the majority of whom will leave one day.
Socio-political blogger Ng E-Jay forecast that at the current migrating rates, half of Singapore’s population could consist of foreigners in 11 years’ time.
“The number of foreigners is increasing at a much faster rate than that of citizens and PRs,” he said.
Read More
Friday, June 26, 2009
Goh Chok Tong: Retail Investors Can Trade In Govt Bonds From Wed
The Wall Street Journal, 26 Jun 2009, Dow Jones
SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore will allow retail investors to trade in Singapore government bonds starting Wednesday as demand for less complex financial instruments are increasing, the country's senior minister and chairman of the central bank Goh Chok Tong said Friday.
"Because of rising interest among individual investors to purchase SGS (Singapore Government Securities), from 1st July, individuals will be able to participate in SGS auctions by submitting bids through the ATMs, similar to bidding for an equity IPO (initial public offering)," Goh said.
Read More
SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore will allow retail investors to trade in Singapore government bonds starting Wednesday as demand for less complex financial instruments are increasing, the country's senior minister and chairman of the central bank Goh Chok Tong said Friday.
"Because of rising interest among individual investors to purchase SGS (Singapore Government Securities), from 1st July, individuals will be able to participate in SGS auctions by submitting bids through the ATMs, similar to bidding for an equity IPO (initial public offering)," Goh said.
Read More
Temasek Life Science Looking To Buy Land In Indonesia For Growing Rice
The Jakarta Post, 17 Jun 2009, Johannes Simbolon
Rice is the staple food of half of the world's population, including China and India, the world's most populous countries and fastest growing economies.
This is the reason behind the aggressive efforts by many countries that have limited land resources to secure use of land overseas to ensure future rice supplies for their citizens at home, or to benefi t from future increases in the price of the commodity.
Singapore's state owned firm Temasek is seeking to buy land in North Bolaang Mongondow, regency, North Sulawesi, where they plan to grow high-quality rice.
Read More
Related:
Letter: Clarification from Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory Ltd. - The Jakarta Post
Rice is the staple food of half of the world's population, including China and India, the world's most populous countries and fastest growing economies.This is the reason behind the aggressive efforts by many countries that have limited land resources to secure use of land overseas to ensure future rice supplies for their citizens at home, or to benefi t from future increases in the price of the commodity.
Singapore's state owned firm Temasek is seeking to buy land in North Bolaang Mongondow, regency, North Sulawesi, where they plan to grow high-quality rice.
Read More
Related:
Letter: Clarification from Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory Ltd. - The Jakarta Post
Singapore visitor arrivals fell 13 pct in May
Forbes.com, 26 Jun 2009, Reuters
SINGAPORE, June 26 (Reuters) - Visitor arrivals in Singapore fell for the 12th consecutive month in May, the government said on Friday, dropping 13 percent from a year ago as the global recession and outbreak of H1N1 flu discouraged travel.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said in a statement that 725,000 people visited the city-state last month compared with 834,000 a year ago.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Tourist Arrivals Fall In May - RTTNews
S'pore Records Double Digit Drop In May Tourist Arrivals - Bernama.com
Swine flu dents travel arrivals in Singapore - AFP
Singapore tourism plummets further in May - Monsters & Critics
Singapore visitor arrivals drop 13% in May - Xinhua
SINGAPORE, June 26 (Reuters) - Visitor arrivals in Singapore fell for the 12th consecutive month in May, the government said on Friday, dropping 13 percent from a year ago as the global recession and outbreak of H1N1 flu discouraged travel.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said in a statement that 725,000 people visited the city-state last month compared with 834,000 a year ago.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Tourist Arrivals Fall In May - RTTNews
S'pore Records Double Digit Drop In May Tourist Arrivals - Bernama.com
Swine flu dents travel arrivals in Singapore - AFP
Singapore tourism plummets further in May - Monsters & Critics
Singapore visitor arrivals drop 13% in May - Xinhua
GIC Denies Participating In UBS Stock Sale
The Wall Street Journal, 26 Jun 2009, Dow Jones
SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--The Government of Singapore Investment Corp. did not take part in a stock sale by UBS AG (UBS), the Singapore sovereign wealth fund said Friday.
"GIC did not participate in the capital raising exercise as we are already a large investor," spokesperson Jennifer Lewis told Dow Jones Newswires.
GIC now holds about 6% stake in UBS after injecting CHF11 billion into the banking giant last year. The stake was originally around 9%, but got gradually diluted after UBS's previous share offers and a move by the Swiss National Bank in October to put $60 billion into the bank.
Read More
Related:
GIC Didn't Participate In UBS Stock Sale - Easybourse
SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--The Government of Singapore Investment Corp. did not take part in a stock sale by UBS AG (UBS), the Singapore sovereign wealth fund said Friday.
"GIC did not participate in the capital raising exercise as we are already a large investor," spokesperson Jennifer Lewis told Dow Jones Newswires.
GIC now holds about 6% stake in UBS after injecting CHF11 billion into the banking giant last year. The stake was originally around 9%, but got gradually diluted after UBS's previous share offers and a move by the Swiss National Bank in October to put $60 billion into the bank.
Read More
Related:
GIC Didn't Participate In UBS Stock Sale - Easybourse
Singapore manufacturing rises for second month
Forbes.com, 26 Jun 2009, Associated Press
SINGAPORE -- Singapore's manufacturing rose for a second month in May as pharmaceutical production more than doubled amid signs a severe recession is loosening its grip on the Southeast Asian city-state.
Industrial production rose 2 percent from a year earlier and fell a seasonally adjusted 1.6 percent from April, the Trade and Industry Ministry said Friday. Manufacturing rose a revised 0.4 percent in April after falling the previous six months.
Read More
Related:
Singapore manufacturing rises for second month - Taiwan News
Singapore’s Production Unexpectedly Gains on Pharmaceuticals - Bloomberg.com
SINGAPORE -- Singapore's manufacturing rose for a second month in May as pharmaceutical production more than doubled amid signs a severe recession is loosening its grip on the Southeast Asian city-state.
Industrial production rose 2 percent from a year earlier and fell a seasonally adjusted 1.6 percent from April, the Trade and Industry Ministry said Friday. Manufacturing rose a revised 0.4 percent in April after falling the previous six months.
Read More
Related:
Singapore manufacturing rises for second month - Taiwan News
Singapore’s Production Unexpectedly Gains on Pharmaceuticals - Bloomberg.com
Singapore brand values hit by recession
BrandRepublic, 26 Jun 2009, Kenny Lim
SINGAPORE - Singaporean companies are failing to invest in their brands, according to a study by Brand Finance, with the city-state's top firms losing up to US$203 billion in intangible assets and brand value in the past year.
The Brand Finance Global Intangible Finance Tracker 2009 gauges the percentage of company value that is based on intangible assets. For the top 50 brands in Singapore, the survey concluded that 11 per cent of their combined ‘enterprise value’ of US$25 billion was vested in intangible assets, compared with 52 per cent in last year’s study.
Read More
SINGAPORE - Singaporean companies are failing to invest in their brands, according to a study by Brand Finance, with the city-state's top firms losing up to US$203 billion in intangible assets and brand value in the past year.
The Brand Finance Global Intangible Finance Tracker 2009 gauges the percentage of company value that is based on intangible assets. For the top 50 brands in Singapore, the survey concluded that 11 per cent of their combined ‘enterprise value’ of US$25 billion was vested in intangible assets, compared with 52 per cent in last year’s study.
Read More
EDB Poured Millions Into Vaccine Plant with GSK
Associated Content, 25 Jun 2009, Gary Davis
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EBD) is moving quickly. The EBD is part of a plan to launch a state-of-the-art vaccine plant. In addition to the overall development of the plant, EBD has added $20 million to a fund to teach people about green issues as well as public health
GlaxoSmithKline is moving quickly to manufacture vaccines at a primary manufacturing site. This underscores GlaxoSmithKline's commitment to Singapore and further is the company's largest investment in Asia.
Read More
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EBD) is moving quickly. The EBD is part of a plan to launch a state-of-the-art vaccine plant. In addition to the overall development of the plant, EBD has added $20 million to a fund to teach people about green issues as well as public health
GlaxoSmithKline is moving quickly to manufacture vaccines at a primary manufacturing site. This underscores GlaxoSmithKline's commitment to Singapore and further is the company's largest investment in Asia.
Read More
Singaporeans upset at swine flu school closure plan
ABC Radio Australia, 26 Jun 2009
Singapore earlier this month advised its people to defer non-essential travel to Australia's state of Victoria, because of the-then rapid spread of swine flu.
Now, Singapore health authorities are planning for a worst-case scenario, including closing schools. Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan says school closures will be on a case-by-case basis. Singapore has over 200 cases of H1N1, and only a third of parents questioned by a local radio station were in favour of extending school holidays, and keeping children away for another week. Others felt swine flu was not as urgent as the SARS respiratory disease outbreak in 2003.
Click HereTo Listen.
Singapore earlier this month advised its people to defer non-essential travel to Australia's state of Victoria, because of the-then rapid spread of swine flu.
Now, Singapore health authorities are planning for a worst-case scenario, including closing schools. Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan says school closures will be on a case-by-case basis. Singapore has over 200 cases of H1N1, and only a third of parents questioned by a local radio station were in favour of extending school holidays, and keeping children away for another week. Others felt swine flu was not as urgent as the SARS respiratory disease outbreak in 2003.
Click HereTo Listen.
Hisham explains why Mas Selamat isn’t extradited
The Star Online, 26 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE’s Jemaah Islamiah (JI) militant leader Mas Selamat Kastari will not be extradited to the republic because of ongoing investigations into his connection with terrorist networks, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
The Home Minister said Mas Selamat, who was recaptured in Skudai, Johor, in April after a dramatic escape from a high security prison in Singapore in February last year, was arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) as he was deemed a threat to the country.
Read More
SINGAPORE’s Jemaah Islamiah (JI) militant leader Mas Selamat Kastari will not be extradited to the republic because of ongoing investigations into his connection with terrorist networks, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
The Home Minister said Mas Selamat, who was recaptured in Skudai, Johor, in April after a dramatic escape from a high security prison in Singapore in February last year, was arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) as he was deemed a threat to the country.
Read More
YES to civil servant, NO to government executive
The Kent Ridge Common, 26 Jun 2009, Kelvin Teo
SINGAPORE - I was trawling through some of the online exchanges involving Mr Philip Yeo during a rare foray by him into the blogosphere. He made an interesting statement – that the government should replace the title of “civil servant” with “government executive”. This remark came against the backdrop of vitriolic bashing of Singapore’s civil service by certain netizens online.
Read More
SINGAPORE - I was trawling through some of the online exchanges involving Mr Philip Yeo during a rare foray by him into the blogosphere. He made an interesting statement – that the government should replace the title of “civil servant” with “government executive”. This remark came against the backdrop of vitriolic bashing of Singapore’s civil service by certain netizens online.
Read More
165 ornamental fish worth Rs 2L sent back to Singapore
The Times Of India, 26 Jun 2009
CHENNAI: Customs officials at the Chennai airport on Thursday sent back at least 165 ornamental fish, found in a suitcase, to Singapore. The officials found the suitcase on Wednesday night and alerted the bomb detective and disposal squad (BDDS). According to sources, the fish are worth Rs 2 lakh in the international market.
Read More
CHENNAI: Customs officials at the Chennai airport on Thursday sent back at least 165 ornamental fish, found in a suitcase, to Singapore. The officials found the suitcase on Wednesday night and alerted the bomb detective and disposal squad (BDDS). According to sources, the fish are worth Rs 2 lakh in the international market.
Read More
Union backs Singapore telco's bid for Eircom
Irishtimes.com, 25 Jun 2009, CIARÁN HANCOCK
THE Communication Workers Union has given its support to a bid for Eircom by Singapore Technologies Telemedia (STT).
This comes just one week after the employee share ownership trust (Esot) backed STT’s bid to acquire Eircom.
The union, which represents more than 5,000 workers at Eircom, said STT’s offer was “the only credible option” for the future of the heavily indebted Irish telecoms company.
Read More
Related:
Eircom Confirms Proposal From Singapore Technologies Telemedia - Bloomberg.com
THE Communication Workers Union has given its support to a bid for Eircom by Singapore Technologies Telemedia (STT).
This comes just one week after the employee share ownership trust (Esot) backed STT’s bid to acquire Eircom.
The union, which represents more than 5,000 workers at Eircom, said STT’s offer was “the only credible option” for the future of the heavily indebted Irish telecoms company.
Read More
Related:
Eircom Confirms Proposal From Singapore Technologies Telemedia - Bloomberg.com
Panel: Singapore SMBs lack business continuity plans
Computerworld, 25 Jun 2009, Jack Loo
There is a general lack of awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore of business continuity management (BCM) strategy and measures, said key executives from the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) at a seminar today hosted jointly by the SBF and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME).
Read More
There is a general lack of awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore of business continuity management (BCM) strategy and measures, said key executives from the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) at a seminar today hosted jointly by the SBF and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME).
Read More
Las Vegas Sands finishes towers at Singapore project
Las Vegas Sun, 25 Jun 2009, Amanda Finnegan
Las Vegas Sands has completed its three 55-story hotel towers at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, the company announced today. Sands will formally celebrate the topping off its $5.4 billion resort July 8.
Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson said the next step in the construction process will be placing the two-acre SkyPark on top the of the three hotel towers.
Read More
Las Vegas Sands has completed its three 55-story hotel towers at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, the company announced today. Sands will formally celebrate the topping off its $5.4 billion resort July 8.
Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson said the next step in the construction process will be placing the two-acre SkyPark on top the of the three hotel towers.
Read More
Singapore Arts Festival IN REVIEW
Bangkok Post, 26 Jun 2009, AMITHA AMRANAND
The festival has been accused by the media and the public for having grown too "avant-garde" and out of touch with the people. Our tour guide for the third and last press trip of the festival said that in the last three years, the event has become irrelevant to her. Also a sculptor and art teacher, she recalled that the festival she grew up with once enlivened the city with accessible and fun shows or outdoor installations.
"Now I think artists are so concerned with breaking boundaries that they forget about the content," she said.
Read More
The festival has been accused by the media and the public for having grown too "avant-garde" and out of touch with the people. Our tour guide for the third and last press trip of the festival said that in the last three years, the event has become irrelevant to her. Also a sculptor and art teacher, she recalled that the festival she grew up with once enlivened the city with accessible and fun shows or outdoor installations.
"Now I think artists are so concerned with breaking boundaries that they forget about the content," she said.
Read More
Expats in Asia best paid: Poll
China Daily, 26 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE: Want the good life despite the dire economy? Head east, according to a survey showing some of the world's highest-paid expatriates live in Asia and the Middle East.
A third of all expats in Russia - the highest proportion in the world - earn more than $250,000 a year, followed closely by expats in Japan and Qatar, according to the 2009 Expat Explorer survey, commissioned by HSBC Bank International, the offshore financial services arm of HSBC Holdings.
Read More
SINGAPORE: Want the good life despite the dire economy? Head east, according to a survey showing some of the world's highest-paid expatriates live in Asia and the Middle East.
A third of all expats in Russia - the highest proportion in the world - earn more than $250,000 a year, followed closely by expats in Japan and Qatar, according to the 2009 Expat Explorer survey, commissioned by HSBC Bank International, the offshore financial services arm of HSBC Holdings.
Read More
Video: Police Brutality Against Iranian Demonstators
Liveleak.com
Police Drag Man By His Hair and Beat Him With Batons
Extreme Police Violence in Iran
More Bloodied Victims of the Brutal Iranian Regime
Plaincloth police attacked a protester with axe
Police fire at Protesters
Young girl killed by police sniper
Amateur Cameraman Films Police on Rooftop Firing Into Crowd
Film of police brutality in Iran
Police Drag Man By His Hair and Beat Him With Batons
Extreme Police Violence in Iran
More Bloodied Victims of the Brutal Iranian Regime
Plaincloth police attacked a protester with axe
Police fire at Protesters
Young girl killed by police sniper
Amateur Cameraman Films Police on Rooftop Firing Into Crowd
Film of police brutality in Iran
Online ethics and the bloggers' code revealed by NTU survey
EurekAlert, 25 Jun 2009, Mithu Mukherjee
Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore and Washington DC (June 25, 2009) – Whatever their reason for posting their thoughts online, bloggers have a shared ethical code, according to a recent study published in the journal New Media Society, published by SAGE. Key issues in the blogosphere are telling the truth, accountability, minimizing harm and attribution, although the extent to which bloggers follow their own ethical ideals can depend on the context and intended audience.
Read More
Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore and Washington DC (June 25, 2009) – Whatever their reason for posting their thoughts online, bloggers have a shared ethical code, according to a recent study published in the journal New Media Society, published by SAGE. Key issues in the blogosphere are telling the truth, accountability, minimizing harm and attribution, although the extent to which bloggers follow their own ethical ideals can depend on the context and intended audience.
Read More
Flight Centre Ends Dealing With SIA Over Commision Dispute
Brisbanetimes.com.au, 26 Jun 2009, Matt O'Sullivan
FLIGHT CENTRE has severed its formal ties with Singapore Airlines, after failing to agree on commissions for encouraging customers to book the Asian carrier's fares.
Flight Centre and Singapore Airlines have been at loggerheads for months, with the latter claiming it was asked to pay a total commission of 13 per cent on ticket sales.
The travel agency had been urging staff not to offer Singapore Airlines fares to customers, instead steering them towards one of its preferred carriers.
Read More
Related:
Flight Centre Cuts Ties With Singapore Airlines - Bernama.com
FLIGHT CENTRE has severed its formal ties with Singapore Airlines, after failing to agree on commissions for encouraging customers to book the Asian carrier's fares.
Flight Centre and Singapore Airlines have been at loggerheads for months, with the latter claiming it was asked to pay a total commission of 13 per cent on ticket sales.
The travel agency had been urging staff not to offer Singapore Airlines fares to customers, instead steering them towards one of its preferred carriers.
Read More
Related:
Flight Centre Cuts Ties With Singapore Airlines - Bernama.com
Indonesia anti-terror unit detains Singaporeans
Reuters, 25 Jun 2009, Telly Nathalia
JAKARTA, June 25 (Reuters) - Indonesia's anti-terror police have detained two Singaporeans linked to the Jemaah Islamiah militant group and possibly involved in a plot to attack Changi airport, a police source and media reports said on Thursday.
One Singaporean was arrested in Lampung province in Sumatra and another in Central Java province on Sunday, the state Antara news agency reported.
Read More
Related:
Police Detain Suspected Terrorist’s Wife and Son - Jakarta Globe
Indonesia anti-terror unit detains Singaporeans - The Malaysian Insider
JAKARTA, June 25 (Reuters) - Indonesia's anti-terror police have detained two Singaporeans linked to the Jemaah Islamiah militant group and possibly involved in a plot to attack Changi airport, a police source and media reports said on Thursday.
One Singaporean was arrested in Lampung province in Sumatra and another in Central Java province on Sunday, the state Antara news agency reported.
Read More
Related:
Police Detain Suspected Terrorist’s Wife and Son - Jakarta Globe
Indonesia anti-terror unit detains Singaporeans - The Malaysian Insider
North Korea Ship May Refuel In Singapore Adding To The Island's Dilemma
BBC News, 25 Jun 2009, Jonathan Head
US officials have said they believe the Kang Nam 1 could be heading to Burma, carrying weapons in defiance of a United Nations embargo.
However the ship may be forced to refuel in Singapore - in which case the Singaporean authorities would face a dilemma over whether to try to inspect its cargo - a move North Korea has warned it would view as an act of war.
Read More
Related:
Singapore port says no request by tracked North Korean vessel - Earth Times
US officials have said they believe the Kang Nam 1 could be heading to Burma, carrying weapons in defiance of a United Nations embargo.
However the ship may be forced to refuel in Singapore - in which case the Singaporean authorities would face a dilemma over whether to try to inspect its cargo - a move North Korea has warned it would view as an act of war.
Read More
Related:
Singapore port says no request by tracked North Korean vessel - Earth Times
Burger King Singapore ad draws ire for overt sexual references
QSR Web, 25 Jun 2009, Christa Hoyland
Bloggers worldwide have criticized Burger King for one of its latest advertising efforts, an ad running in Singapore promoting the BK Super Seven Incher. In the ad, a blond woman looks surprised as she points an elongated sandwich to her open, red-lipsticked mouth.
Read More
Related:
New Ad for Burger King’s Super Seven Incher “overtly blow-jobby” - Creative Loafing
Singapore: Infamous Burger King ad - Global Voices Online
Bloggers worldwide have criticized Burger King for one of its latest advertising efforts, an ad running in Singapore promoting the BK Super Seven Incher. In the ad, a blond woman looks surprised as she points an elongated sandwich to her open, red-lipsticked mouth.
Read More
Related:
New Ad for Burger King’s Super Seven Incher “overtly blow-jobby” - Creative Loafing
Singapore: Infamous Burger King ad - Global Voices Online
US Fed extends dollar swap deals with 13 central banks
AFP
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The US Federal Reserve said Thursday it was extending into 2010 dollar swap deals with 13 central banks as part of modifications to a range of liquidity programs.
The extended deals were with the central banks of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Britain, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and the European Central Bank.
Read More
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The US Federal Reserve said Thursday it was extending into 2010 dollar swap deals with 13 central banks as part of modifications to a range of liquidity programs.
The extended deals were with the central banks of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Britain, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and the European Central Bank.
Read More
SingTel cuts CEO’s pay after drop in profit
Business Times (Malaysia), 25 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) cut chief executive officer Chua Sock Koong’s pay by 5.3 per cent last financial year, after profit fell.
Chua, 51, earned S$3.38 million (S$1 = RM2.42) in the year ended March 31, with base pay of S$1.35 million and a bonus of S$1.95 million, the company said in its annual report, released yesterday.
Read More
SINGAPORE: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) cut chief executive officer Chua Sock Koong’s pay by 5.3 per cent last financial year, after profit fell.
Chua, 51, earned S$3.38 million (S$1 = RM2.42) in the year ended March 31, with base pay of S$1.35 million and a bonus of S$1.95 million, the company said in its annual report, released yesterday.
Read More
Singapore Economic Strategies Committee to draw on wide range of views
Xinhua, 25 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Singapore outlined on Thursday the composition and scope of an Economic Strategies Committee (ESC), which aims to develop strategies for Singapore to build capabilities and maximize opportunities as a global city.
The ESC, which will be chaired by Singapore Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, comprises members drawn from the government, the labor movement and the private sector. The 25-member Committee is aimed at bringing a wide range of views and fresh ideas, according to a statement by Singapore's Ministry of Finance.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Singapore outlined on Thursday the composition and scope of an Economic Strategies Committee (ESC), which aims to develop strategies for Singapore to build capabilities and maximize opportunities as a global city.
The ESC, which will be chaired by Singapore Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, comprises members drawn from the government, the labor movement and the private sector. The 25-member Committee is aimed at bringing a wide range of views and fresh ideas, according to a statement by Singapore's Ministry of Finance.
Read More
Singapore Resorts World cuts 2010 visitor forecast
Business Times (Malaysia), 25 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Resorts World, which plans to open Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios theme park early next year, has slashed its 2010 visitor forecasts in the face of a global economic downturn.
The resort, which will also feature four hotels and a casino when it opens in the first quarter, expects to see as few as 12 million visitors next year, down from an initial forecast in 2007 of 15 million, Resorts World spokeswoman Krist Boo said yesterday.
Read More
Singapore's planned Resorts World at Sentosa expects fewer visitors - Earth Times
Singapore's Resorts World cuts 2010 arrivals forecast, eyes first quarter open - Los Angeles Times
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Resorts World, which plans to open Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios theme park early next year, has slashed its 2010 visitor forecasts in the face of a global economic downturn.
The resort, which will also feature four hotels and a casino when it opens in the first quarter, expects to see as few as 12 million visitors next year, down from an initial forecast in 2007 of 15 million, Resorts World spokeswoman Krist Boo said yesterday.
Read More
Singapore's planned Resorts World at Sentosa expects fewer visitors - Earth Times
Singapore's Resorts World cuts 2010 arrivals forecast, eyes first quarter open - Los Angeles Times
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Doctors given expired Tamiflu in Singapore
Techgoondu, 25 Jun 2009, Oo Gin Lee
Singapore’s Ministry of Health has sent expired Tamiflu supplies to the general practitioner’s in Singapore. Tamiflu, which comes in boxes of 10 pills each, is the anti-viral drug for th H1N1 flu. According to the report and to my own sources as well, these Tamiflu meds hve expiry dates of 2007, and was manufactured in 2003. MOH has added a sticker that says that these meds can be used beyond their shelf life - to 2010.
Read More
Singapore’s Ministry of Health has sent expired Tamiflu supplies to the general practitioner’s in Singapore. Tamiflu, which comes in boxes of 10 pills each, is the anti-viral drug for th H1N1 flu. According to the report and to my own sources as well, these Tamiflu meds hve expiry dates of 2007, and was manufactured in 2003. MOH has added a sticker that says that these meds can be used beyond their shelf life - to 2010.
Read More
50 CIMB Traders In Singapore Under Quarantine For H1N1 Risk
Nasdaq
SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- Fifty traders in Singapore from stockbroking house CIMB-GK Securities have been told to stay home after one of them came down with the H1N1 flu virus.
"We have one confirmed case from the securities side. We are monitoring the situation and have activated our business contingency procedures," a CIMB-GK spokeswoman told Dow Jones Newswires.
Read More
Related:
CIMB sends Singapore brokers home on H1N1 risk - Reuters
SINGAPORE -(Dow Jones)- Fifty traders in Singapore from stockbroking house CIMB-GK Securities have been told to stay home after one of them came down with the H1N1 flu virus.
"We have one confirmed case from the securities side. We are monitoring the situation and have activated our business contingency procedures," a CIMB-GK spokeswoman told Dow Jones Newswires.
Read More
Related:
CIMB sends Singapore brokers home on H1N1 risk - Reuters
Mas Selamat Not Extradited To Singapore Due To Security Reason
Bernama.com, 25 Jun 2009
KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- The government did not extradite Singapore Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militant leader, Mas Selamat Kastari, to the island state due to security reason, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Thursday.
He said Mas Selamat, who was captured in Johor in April this year after escaping from a high security prison in Singapore in February last year, was a arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) as he is deemed a threat to the country.
Read More
KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- The government did not extradite Singapore Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militant leader, Mas Selamat Kastari, to the island state due to security reason, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Thursday.
He said Mas Selamat, who was captured in Johor in April this year after escaping from a high security prison in Singapore in February last year, was a arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) as he is deemed a threat to the country.
Read More
Singapore Armed Force (SAF) steps up measures against H1N1 Virus
Webnewswire.com, 25 Jun 2009
In view of the community spread of the H1N1 virus in Singapore and confirmed cases among Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel, the SAF is putting in place additional measures which have been planned for against the H1N1 virus. These measures will ensure that the SAF maintains its operational readiness, our servicemen will be protected against the H1N1 virus, and the training of our servicemen will continue.
Read More
In view of the community spread of the H1N1 virus in Singapore and confirmed cases among Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel, the SAF is putting in place additional measures which have been planned for against the H1N1 virus. These measures will ensure that the SAF maintains its operational readiness, our servicemen will be protected against the H1N1 virus, and the training of our servicemen will continue.
Read More
UK Tax Rise Could Increase Immigration to Singapore
PRWeb, 25 Jun 2009
Singapore (PRWEB) June 25, 2009 -- GuideMeSingapore.com has released an analysis of the recently proposed tax changes in UK and its potential impact on UK residents who are considering immigration to Singapore.
As the UK economy faces its worst years since the Second World War, the UK chancellor - Alistair Darling - unveiled his 2010 budget in April. The budget includes a 25% tax rise on those earning above £150,000. The tax rate for these payers will rise to 50% from its current level of 40% starting in 2010. As reported by BBC, the chancellor also scrapped tax relief on top earners' pensions.
Read More
Singapore (PRWEB) June 25, 2009 -- GuideMeSingapore.com has released an analysis of the recently proposed tax changes in UK and its potential impact on UK residents who are considering immigration to Singapore.
As the UK economy faces its worst years since the Second World War, the UK chancellor - Alistair Darling - unveiled his 2010 budget in April. The budget includes a 25% tax rise on those earning above £150,000. The tax rate for these payers will rise to 50% from its current level of 40% starting in 2010. As reported by BBC, the chancellor also scrapped tax relief on top earners' pensions.
Read More
David family feels unfairly treated by Singapore court
The Jakarta Post, 25 Jun 2009
The case of David Hartanto Wijaya, an Indonesian student who died at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in March, is entering a crucial stage, but the family continues to suspect an unfair process.
David’s family filed a request in April to the Singaporean coroner court to consider the case as a murder, challenging conclusions made by the NTU and Singaporean police that David had committed suicide.
Read More
The case of David Hartanto Wijaya, an Indonesian student who died at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in March, is entering a crucial stage, but the family continues to suspect an unfair process.
David’s family filed a request in April to the Singaporean coroner court to consider the case as a murder, challenging conclusions made by the NTU and Singaporean police that David had committed suicide.
Read More
Concerns over Temasek's investment in China Construction Bank as lending irregularities were uncovered.
The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 Jun 2009
Three major Chinese banks have said the nation's top auditor had uncovered lending irregularities in their business, adding the findings would not impact their financial results.
The National Audit Office found violations last year by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China Construction Bank and China CITIC Bank, the lenders said in separate statements.
China Construction Bank and China CITIC Bank said some branches had been found to have extended loans that violated government rules.
Read More
Related:
Temasek to increase its China Construction Bank stake - China Economic Review
600 million dollars paid by Temasek for stake in China's CCB - TopNews
Temasek to invest $600 mln in China's CCB - source - Reuters
Three major Chinese banks have said the nation's top auditor had uncovered lending irregularities in their business, adding the findings would not impact their financial results.
The National Audit Office found violations last year by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China Construction Bank and China CITIC Bank, the lenders said in separate statements.
China Construction Bank and China CITIC Bank said some branches had been found to have extended loans that violated government rules.
Read More
Related:
Temasek to increase its China Construction Bank stake - China Economic Review
600 million dollars paid by Temasek for stake in China's CCB - TopNews
Temasek to invest $600 mln in China's CCB - source - Reuters
DBS Vickers Securities to take six firms to a roadshow in Thailand
The Nation, 25 Jun 2009, Siriporn Chanjindamanee
DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) will take six mid-cap companies to a roadshow in Singapore to be held by DBS Group from next Tuesday to Thursday.
The six companies are Thai Union Frozen Products (TUF), Quality Houses (QH), Supalai (SPALI), Delta Electronics (Thailand) (Delta), Indorama Polymers (IRP) and Precious Shipping (PSL).
Read More
DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) will take six mid-cap companies to a roadshow in Singapore to be held by DBS Group from next Tuesday to Thursday.
The six companies are Thai Union Frozen Products (TUF), Quality Houses (QH), Supalai (SPALI), Delta Electronics (Thailand) (Delta), Indorama Polymers (IRP) and Precious Shipping (PSL).
Read More
Firefly to link Singapore to Alor Setar and Kota Baru
The Star Online, 25 Jun 2009
PETALING JAYA: Firefly has announced the addition of two new flights — to Alor Setar and Kota Baru — from Singapore.
Its marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said almost all visitors from Alor Setar and Kota Baru who travel to Singapore for business or leisure only travelled via Penang or Kuala Lumpur, which was time consuming.
“This direct flight will give them the best alternative to travel to Singapore,” she added.
Read More
Related:
Firefly: Singapore flights to contribute 10pc to revenue - Business Times (Malaysia)
PETALING JAYA: Firefly has announced the addition of two new flights — to Alor Setar and Kota Baru — from Singapore.
Its marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said almost all visitors from Alor Setar and Kota Baru who travel to Singapore for business or leisure only travelled via Penang or Kuala Lumpur, which was time consuming.
“This direct flight will give them the best alternative to travel to Singapore,” she added.
Read More
Related:
Firefly: Singapore flights to contribute 10pc to revenue - Business Times (Malaysia)
Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier USS Ronald Reagan Arrives in Singapore for Port Visit
Navy Compass, 24 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE—Two ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group arrived in Singapore June 24.
The strike group’s flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) moored pierside at Changi Naval Base for their first port visit of their 2009 Western Pacific deployment.
Read More
SINGAPORE—Two ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group arrived in Singapore June 24.
The strike group’s flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) moored pierside at Changi Naval Base for their first port visit of their 2009 Western Pacific deployment.
Read More
Singapore and China united on terror risk
China Daily, 25 Jun 2009, Peng Kuang
GUILIN: China and Singapore launched their first bilateral military drill on Wednesday.
Code-named Cooperation 2009, the counter-terrorism training exercise in Guilin, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, involved the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and focused on anti-nuclear, biological and chemical threats. Each army sent 61 troops to the nine-day training session.
Read More
GUILIN: China and Singapore launched their first bilateral military drill on Wednesday.
Code-named Cooperation 2009, the counter-terrorism training exercise in Guilin, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, involved the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and focused on anti-nuclear, biological and chemical threats. Each army sent 61 troops to the nine-day training session.
Read More
$100M GE-Singapore water tech center opens
Water Technology Online, 24 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE — Executives from GE Water & Process Technologies and the National University of Singapore (NUS) on June 23 celebrated the opening of the new NUS-GE Singapore Water Technology Center, according to a June 23 GE Water.
The two companies are investing US$100 million (145.6 million Singapore dollars) in the center, which will develop technologies and solutions to meet the demand from customers in various industry segments, including power generation, as WaterTech Online® reported.
Read More
SINGAPORE — Executives from GE Water & Process Technologies and the National University of Singapore (NUS) on June 23 celebrated the opening of the new NUS-GE Singapore Water Technology Center, according to a June 23 GE Water.
The two companies are investing US$100 million (145.6 million Singapore dollars) in the center, which will develop technologies and solutions to meet the demand from customers in various industry segments, including power generation, as WaterTech Online® reported.
Read More
Lawyer doesn't know fugitive Joko Tjandra is in Singapore
The Jakarta Post, 25 Jun 2009
Otto Cornelis Kaligis, the lawyer for Banking Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) scandal fugitive Joko Soegiarto Tjandra, said Wednesday he did not know if his client was in Singapore, as announced by the Attorney General’s Office.
“Yes, I’m in Singapore now, but not in contact with Joko Tjandra. I’m here as a lawyer for the family of David Widjaja,” Kaligis told The Jakarta Post, referring to an Indonesian student who died in Singapore recently.
Read More
Otto Cornelis Kaligis, the lawyer for Banking Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) scandal fugitive Joko Soegiarto Tjandra, said Wednesday he did not know if his client was in Singapore, as announced by the Attorney General’s Office.
“Yes, I’m in Singapore now, but not in contact with Joko Tjandra. I’m here as a lawyer for the family of David Widjaja,” Kaligis told The Jakarta Post, referring to an Indonesian student who died in Singapore recently.
Read More
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
S'pore rated 11th as emigration choice, New Zealand at top spot
Visabureau.com, 24 Jun 2009
The NatWest survey was conducted for in conjunction with the Centre for Future think tank.
New Zealand knocked Canada out of the top spot this year, the bank reported. It follows another survey released in October by Alliance & Leicester International, which also ranked New Zealand first for quality of life and cost of living.
Third-best place to live in terms of quality of life in the NatWest survey, after New Zealand and Canada, was France, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, the USA, China, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Read More
The NatWest survey was conducted for in conjunction with the Centre for Future think tank.
New Zealand knocked Canada out of the top spot this year, the bank reported. It follows another survey released in October by Alliance & Leicester International, which also ranked New Zealand first for quality of life and cost of living.
Third-best place to live in terms of quality of life in the NatWest survey, after New Zealand and Canada, was France, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, the USA, China, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Read More
Singapore Company Gets Around India's Ban On It's Howitzers Gun
Thaindian News, 24 Jun 2009, IANS
New Delhi, June 24 (IANS) India recently received a consignment of 155 mm light howitzers from Singapore Technologies (ST) Kinetics despite a temporary ban on procurements from the company and six others on corruption charges, a leading defence journal says.
The 35 cartons of “cargo” that landed in Mumbai on May 29 were booked from Singapore by air charter service Chapman Freeborn, which confirmed the shipment, Aviation Week said.
Read More
New Delhi, June 24 (IANS) India recently received a consignment of 155 mm light howitzers from Singapore Technologies (ST) Kinetics despite a temporary ban on procurements from the company and six others on corruption charges, a leading defence journal says.
The 35 cartons of “cargo” that landed in Mumbai on May 29 were booked from Singapore by air charter service Chapman Freeborn, which confirmed the shipment, Aviation Week said.
Read More
Singaporization of American education and Americanization of Singapore education?
The Kent Ridge Common, 24 Jun 2009, Kelvin Teo
INTERNATIONAL – In a series of proposed reforms to the American education system, President Barack Obama looks set to take a leaf out of our book – our education system. Obama was concerned that American kids are falling behind in their math and science standards as reflected by standardized test scores when compared with other developed nations. It is known that Singapore kids outperform their American counterparts when it comes to standardized test scores. This led Obama to remark:”Singapore’s middle-schoolers outperform ours three to one. Just a third of our thirteen and fourteen-year olds can read as well as they should. ”
Read More
INTERNATIONAL – In a series of proposed reforms to the American education system, President Barack Obama looks set to take a leaf out of our book – our education system. Obama was concerned that American kids are falling behind in their math and science standards as reflected by standardized test scores when compared with other developed nations. It is known that Singapore kids outperform their American counterparts when it comes to standardized test scores. This led Obama to remark:”Singapore’s middle-schoolers outperform ours three to one. Just a third of our thirteen and fourteen-year olds can read as well as they should. ”
Read More
Police arrest Singaporean terrorist suspect in Lampung
The Jakarta Post, 24 Jun 2009
Lampung Police have arrested a Singaporean terrorist suspect and member of a terrorist network led by Mas Selamat bin Kastari, Antara state newswire reported Wednesday.
Lampung Police chief of detectives Comr. Darmawan Sutawijaya on Wednesday said officers had caught the suspect, identified only as Syamsul, at a house in Kedamaian village, Bandarlampung, on Sunday following three months of intensive investigations.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Airport Terror Plotter Caught - The Jawa Report
Wanted Terrorists Caught, Sought in the Philippines - Jakarta Globe
Lampung Police have arrested a Singaporean terrorist suspect and member of a terrorist network led by Mas Selamat bin Kastari, Antara state newswire reported Wednesday.
Lampung Police chief of detectives Comr. Darmawan Sutawijaya on Wednesday said officers had caught the suspect, identified only as Syamsul, at a house in Kedamaian village, Bandarlampung, on Sunday following three months of intensive investigations.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Airport Terror Plotter Caught - The Jawa Report
Wanted Terrorists Caught, Sought in the Philippines - Jakarta Globe
Rwandan Officials in Singapore to Tap Skills
allAfrica.com, 24 Jun 2009, Edmund Kagire
Kigali — A delegation of Rwandan officials is in Singapore for a week long experience that will enhance their skills and knowledge in supporting socio-economic development in Rwanda and Africa in general.
The officials are part of the group from developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, that has travelled to S. East Asia under the third South-South study visit, organised by the World Bank Human Development Department for the Africa Region (AFTHD) and the government of Singapore.
Read More
Kigali — A delegation of Rwandan officials is in Singapore for a week long experience that will enhance their skills and knowledge in supporting socio-economic development in Rwanda and Africa in general.
The officials are part of the group from developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, that has travelled to S. East Asia under the third South-South study visit, organised by the World Bank Human Development Department for the Africa Region (AFTHD) and the government of Singapore.
Read More
Singapore’s Hyflux to develop seawater desalination plants in Libya
The Malaysian Insider, 24 Jun 2009, Bernama
SINGAPORE, June 24 – Hyflux Ltd (Hyflux), a global integrated environmental solutions company listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, today announced that it will develop two seawater desalination plants in Libya.
In a statement, the company said it had entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with General Desalination Company (GDC), the commercial arm of the Libyan Ministry of Utilities.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 24 – Hyflux Ltd (Hyflux), a global integrated environmental solutions company listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, today announced that it will develop two seawater desalination plants in Libya.
In a statement, the company said it had entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with General Desalination Company (GDC), the commercial arm of the Libyan Ministry of Utilities.
Read More
Internet Users Warned Of Hack On Personal ID
Berita Wilayah, 24 Jun 2009, Bernama
SINGAPORE, June 24 (Bernama) -- IT security and control firm Sophos has again warned internet users not to place their personal information on the internet as it could be used by the unscrupulous to commit identity fraud.
The warning comes after popular social networking website Facebook was discovered to have contained a flaw that could have allowed hackers to access sensitive profile information about any of the site's 200 million-plus users.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 24 (Bernama) -- IT security and control firm Sophos has again warned internet users not to place their personal information on the internet as it could be used by the unscrupulous to commit identity fraud.
The warning comes after popular social networking website Facebook was discovered to have contained a flaw that could have allowed hackers to access sensitive profile information about any of the site's 200 million-plus users.
Read More
Amid spread, Singapore changes tack on pandemic influenza
ReliefWeb, 23 Jun 2009
MANILA, 23 June 2009, 1600 hrs—With two visiting youth football teams under quarantine and the number of cases growing, the Singapore Government has raised its alert level and acknowledged that further spread of the Pandemic H1N1 2009 virus is inevitable. "We have crossed the tipping point beyond which local transmissions will grow rapidly," said Minister for Health Mr Khaw Boon Wan.
To counter this threat, the Minister said the Government was shifting its resources to detect and treat infected cases, paying particular attention to high-risk patients.
Read More
MANILA, 23 June 2009, 1600 hrs—With two visiting youth football teams under quarantine and the number of cases growing, the Singapore Government has raised its alert level and acknowledged that further spread of the Pandemic H1N1 2009 virus is inevitable. "We have crossed the tipping point beyond which local transmissions will grow rapidly," said Minister for Health Mr Khaw Boon Wan.
To counter this threat, the Minister said the Government was shifting its resources to detect and treat infected cases, paying particular attention to high-risk patients.
Read More
Funding tops concerns of Singapore shipowners
Lloyd's List, 24 Jun 2009, Marcus Hand
SHIP financing is the top concern of Singapore shipowners, even as trade is seen as bottoming out.
Singapore Shipping Association president SS Teo said its members’ utmost concern was ship financing, with many having a variety of financing requirements.
Read More
SHIP financing is the top concern of Singapore shipowners, even as trade is seen as bottoming out.
Singapore Shipping Association president SS Teo said its members’ utmost concern was ship financing, with many having a variety of financing requirements.
Read More
Indonesian Fugitive in Bali Bank Corruption Case Hiding In Singapore
The Jakarta Post, 24 Jun 2009
Djoko Soegiarto Tjandra, a fugitive in the Bank Bali corruption case, is suspected to have flown to Singapore from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, an official at the Attorney General Office (AGO) said Wednesday.
"According to our information, Djoko Tjandra is already in Singapore," Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Marwan Effendy told Antara news agency.
Read More
Djoko Soegiarto Tjandra, a fugitive in the Bank Bali corruption case, is suspected to have flown to Singapore from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, an official at the Attorney General Office (AGO) said Wednesday.
"According to our information, Djoko Tjandra is already in Singapore," Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Marwan Effendy told Antara news agency.
Read More
Asians worry about money, but still indulge
Reuters, 24 Jun 2009, Miral Fahmy
SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) - Times are tough these days and money is a worry, but many Asians believe the best way to weather the global economic crisis is to indulge in little luxuries, according to a new regional survey.
The economic downturn started a long way away from Asia, but it has caused 86 percent of people in the world's most populous region to worry about their finances, and spurred 80 percent to save for the future, according to the annual "Eye on Asia" survey, by global marketing communications firm Grey Group.
The survey is one of the largest snapshots of opinions and trends in Asia, polling more than 33,000 people from 16 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Read More
SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) - Times are tough these days and money is a worry, but many Asians believe the best way to weather the global economic crisis is to indulge in little luxuries, according to a new regional survey.
The economic downturn started a long way away from Asia, but it has caused 86 percent of people in the world's most populous region to worry about their finances, and spurred 80 percent to save for the future, according to the annual "Eye on Asia" survey, by global marketing communications firm Grey Group.
The survey is one of the largest snapshots of opinions and trends in Asia, polling more than 33,000 people from 16 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Read More
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Singapore’s Consumer Prices Fall for Second Month on Transport
Bloomberg.com, 23 Jun 2009, Shamim Adam
June 23 (Bloomberg) -- Singapore’s consumer prices fell for a second month in May as transport and recreation costs dropped amid an economic slump that’s hurt demand for goods and services.
The consumer price index declined 0.3 percent from a year earlier, after falling 0.7 percent the previous month, the Department of Statistics said in a statement today. That compares with the median forecast for a 0.9 percent drop in a Bloomberg News survey of six economists. Prices rose 0.6 percent from April, without adjusting for seasonal factors.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Consumer Prices Decline Further In May - RTTNews
Singapore prices fall in second month of deflation - Forbes.com
June 23 (Bloomberg) -- Singapore’s consumer prices fell for a second month in May as transport and recreation costs dropped amid an economic slump that’s hurt demand for goods and services.
The consumer price index declined 0.3 percent from a year earlier, after falling 0.7 percent the previous month, the Department of Statistics said in a statement today. That compares with the median forecast for a 0.9 percent drop in a Bloomberg News survey of six economists. Prices rose 0.6 percent from April, without adjusting for seasonal factors.
Read More
Related:
Singapore Consumer Prices Decline Further In May - RTTNews
Singapore prices fall in second month of deflation - Forbes.com
Former ABC reporter Peter Lloyd out of Singapore jail
The Australian, 23 Jun 2009, aap
FORMER ABC foreign correspondent Peter Lloyd, jailed for drug offences in Singapore, has been released from Changi prison.
Lloyd has spent the past six months in prison for possessing the drug ice and drug paraphernalia.
He was sentenced to 10 months in jail but the ABC says he has been released early because of good behaviour.
It is not known when he will return to Australia.
Link
Related:
Freedom beckons for Lloyd - Brisbanetimes.com.au
Ex-ABC correspondent Lloyd released - ABC News
ABC journo Peter Lloyd released from Singapore jail - Heraldsun.com.au
Ex-ABC journo Peter Lloyd out of Singapore jail - AdelaideNow
Ex-ABC journo Peter Lloyd out of Singapore jail - News.com.au
Lloyd released from Changi prison - Sky News
Lloyd freed from Changi jail - BigPond
Ex-ABC journo Peter Lloyd out of Singapore jail - Daily Telegraph
Former ABC correspondent released from jail - The West Australian
Australian TV journalist freed from Singapore jail - AFP
Australian journalist released from Singapore prison - TopNews.in
Singapore prison releases Australian journalist - Taiwan News
FORMER ABC foreign correspondent Peter Lloyd, jailed for drug offences in Singapore, has been released from Changi prison.
Lloyd has spent the past six months in prison for possessing the drug ice and drug paraphernalia.
He was sentenced to 10 months in jail but the ABC says he has been released early because of good behaviour.
It is not known when he will return to Australia.
Link
Related:
Freedom beckons for Lloyd - Brisbanetimes.com.au
Ex-ABC correspondent Lloyd released - ABC News
ABC journo Peter Lloyd released from Singapore jail - Heraldsun.com.au
Ex-ABC journo Peter Lloyd out of Singapore jail - AdelaideNow
Ex-ABC journo Peter Lloyd out of Singapore jail - News.com.au
Lloyd released from Changi prison - Sky News
Lloyd freed from Changi jail - BigPond
Ex-ABC journo Peter Lloyd out of Singapore jail - Daily Telegraph
Former ABC correspondent released from jail - The West Australian
Australian TV journalist freed from Singapore jail - AFP
Australian journalist released from Singapore prison - TopNews.in
Singapore prison releases Australian journalist - Taiwan News
Pandemic Might Be as Severe as Hong Kong Flu, World Bank Says
Bloomberg.com, 23 Jun 2009, Jason Gale
June 23 (Bloomberg) -- The pandemic sparked by swine flu may be as severe as the Hong Kong flu of 1968-69 that cost an estimated 0.7 percent of global gross domestic product, according to the World Bank.
The new H1N1 flu strain might reduce second-quarter GDP by as much as 2.2 percent in Mexico if disruptions to businesses, including those in the restaurant, hotel and transportation industries, persist in the Mexico City region, the Washington- based lender said.
Read More
June 23 (Bloomberg) -- The pandemic sparked by swine flu may be as severe as the Hong Kong flu of 1968-69 that cost an estimated 0.7 percent of global gross domestic product, according to the World Bank.
The new H1N1 flu strain might reduce second-quarter GDP by as much as 2.2 percent in Mexico if disruptions to businesses, including those in the restaurant, hotel and transportation industries, persist in the Mexico City region, the Washington- based lender said.
Read More
Goh Chok Tong: govts should embrace culture of transparency
futureGOV, 23 Jun 2009, Kelly Ng
Many countries in Asia resist adopting better governance measures because it is the inefficiency and lack of transparency when issuing government licenses and permits that enable them to reap personal gains, a top Singaporean Minister has declared.
The citystate’s Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said that good governance is the foundation for successful e-government, which in turns makes government more effective. However in order for a government to make the transformation to an e-government model, it needs to embrace “a culture of transparency, accountability and incorruptibility.”
Read More
Many countries in Asia resist adopting better governance measures because it is the inefficiency and lack of transparency when issuing government licenses and permits that enable them to reap personal gains, a top Singaporean Minister has declared.
The citystate’s Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said that good governance is the foundation for successful e-government, which in turns makes government more effective. However in order for a government to make the transformation to an e-government model, it needs to embrace “a culture of transparency, accountability and incorruptibility.”
Read More
CapitaLand Says China Land Too Expensive to Make Acquisitions
Bloomberg.com, 23 Jun 2009, Liza Lin and Chia-Peck Wong
June 23 (Bloomberg) -- CapitaLand Retail Ltd. said China land remains too expensive for it to make acquisitions and the unit of Southeast Asia’s biggest developer will instead focus on completing its shopping mall projects in the country.
“I don’t think it’s the right time” to buy more land in China, Lim Beng Chee, chief executive officer of CapitaLand Ltd.’s retail unit, said in an interview in Singapore.
Read More
June 23 (Bloomberg) -- CapitaLand Retail Ltd. said China land remains too expensive for it to make acquisitions and the unit of Southeast Asia’s biggest developer will instead focus on completing its shopping mall projects in the country.
“I don’t think it’s the right time” to buy more land in China, Lim Beng Chee, chief executive officer of CapitaLand Ltd.’s retail unit, said in an interview in Singapore.
Read More
Temasek Foundation Spend $547K To Sponsor Principals From Indonesia For 10 Days Training In Spore
Jakarta Globe, 23 Jun 2009, Anita Rachman
The tables have been turned for principals and top education officials from across the country as they take their seats this morning in Singapore for a crash course on management skills that Education Ministry officials say are in many cases lacking.
Singapore’s National Institute of Education is running an intensive 10-day training program to help 120 school leaders from around the country to sharpen skills such as interpersonal communication, supervision and organizational techniques.
Surya Dharma, the director of educators at the ministry, said the Singapore institute’s training had been funded by Singapore-based Temasek Foundation, with a price tag of Rp 5.7 billion ($547,200).
Read More
The tables have been turned for principals and top education officials from across the country as they take their seats this morning in Singapore for a crash course on management skills that Education Ministry officials say are in many cases lacking.
Singapore’s National Institute of Education is running an intensive 10-day training program to help 120 school leaders from around the country to sharpen skills such as interpersonal communication, supervision and organizational techniques.
Surya Dharma, the director of educators at the ministry, said the Singapore institute’s training had been funded by Singapore-based Temasek Foundation, with a price tag of Rp 5.7 billion ($547,200).
Read More
Swine flu tolls leaps past 52,000 cases
AFP
GENEVA (AFP) — The World Health Organisation on Monday reported a huge leap in the swine flu pandemic toll to more than 52,000 people infected and 231 dead.
The toll has risen by more than 7,873 cases and 51 deaths since Friday, highlighting the steady spread of the A(H1N1) virus.
The Philippines has reported the first swine flu death in Asia, Iran joined the countries reporting their first cases, while Singapore quarantined a Hong Kong football team.
Read More
GENEVA (AFP) — The World Health Organisation on Monday reported a huge leap in the swine flu pandemic toll to more than 52,000 people infected and 231 dead.
The toll has risen by more than 7,873 cases and 51 deaths since Friday, highlighting the steady spread of the A(H1N1) virus.
The Philippines has reported the first swine flu death in Asia, Iran joined the countries reporting their first cases, while Singapore quarantined a Hong Kong football team.
Read More
2nd Pinoy athlete in Singapore shows flu-like symptoms
ABS-CBN News Online, 22 Jun 2009
MANILA - Another Filipino football player is under observation by Singaporean health authorities after he exhibited flu symptoms, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping said Monday.
Angping said the footballer has already been taken to the children’s clinic after he developed fever.
Read More
MANILA - Another Filipino football player is under observation by Singaporean health authorities after he exhibited flu symptoms, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping said Monday.
Angping said the footballer has already been taken to the children’s clinic after he developed fever.
Read More
ST Telemedia considers buying Eircom
Financial Times, 22 Jun 2009, John Burton
ST Telemedia said on Monday that it was considering a bid for Eircom, the Irish telecoms group, in what would be its first significant acquisition outside Asia in several years.
The Singapore state-owned telecoms group said it was currently in the process of evaluating a potential investment in Eircom through Eircom Holdings, the Irish company’s Australia-based parent.
Read More
ST Telemedia said on Monday that it was considering a bid for Eircom, the Irish telecoms group, in what would be its first significant acquisition outside Asia in several years.
The Singapore state-owned telecoms group said it was currently in the process of evaluating a potential investment in Eircom through Eircom Holdings, the Irish company’s Australia-based parent.
Read More
Monday, June 22, 2009
Malaysia Did Not Overwelcome LKY
Bernama.com, 22 Jun 2009
PUTRAJAYA, June 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia did not overwelcome Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew during his eight-day visit to the country, early this month, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The prime minister said Lee was not accorded more than what he deserved.
Najib said he did not think Lee wanted to interfere in the country's internal affairs when the latter made some comments.
Read More
PUTRAJAYA, June 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia did not overwelcome Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew during his eight-day visit to the country, early this month, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The prime minister said Lee was not accorded more than what he deserved.
Najib said he did not think Lee wanted to interfere in the country's internal affairs when the latter made some comments.
Read More
Singapore Launches Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize
Bernama.com, 22 Jun 2009, Zakaria Abdul Wahab
SINGAPORE, June 22 (Bernama) -- Singapore today launched the inaugural Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize which seeks to recognise the achievements of an outstanding individual or organisation who has greatly contributed to the improvement of urban life quality.
Read More
Related:
naugural Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize to Recognise Outstanding International Initiatives for City Excellence - ACNNewswire
SINGAPORE, June 22 (Bernama) -- Singapore today launched the inaugural Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize which seeks to recognise the achievements of an outstanding individual or organisation who has greatly contributed to the improvement of urban life quality.
Read More
Related:
naugural Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize to Recognise Outstanding International Initiatives for City Excellence - ACNNewswire
Shipper NOL moves 21 pct less cargo in 4 wks to May 29
Reuters, 22 Jun 2009, Neil Chatterjee
SINGAPORE, June 22 (Reuters) - Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) (NEPS.SI), the world's seventh-biggest container shipper, said on Monday it carried 21 percent fewer containers in the four weeks to May 29 versus a year ago.
Read More
Related:
Fall in cargo volume eases at Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines - Earth Times
SINGAPORE, June 22 (Reuters) - Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) (NEPS.SI), the world's seventh-biggest container shipper, said on Monday it carried 21 percent fewer containers in the four weeks to May 29 versus a year ago.
Read More
Related:
Fall in cargo volume eases at Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines - Earth Times
Singapore suspends decision on RP football squad’s fate
The Daily Tribune, 23 Jun 2009, Julius Manicad
The Singapore Health Minitry yesterday withheld its decision whether to send the Philippine football team home after one of its players was found positive of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.
Reporting all the way from Singapore, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping said his appeal to reduce the quarantine period of the 17-man football team also has yet to be decided.
Read More
The Singapore Health Minitry yesterday withheld its decision whether to send the Philippine football team home after one of its players was found positive of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.
Reporting all the way from Singapore, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping said his appeal to reduce the quarantine period of the 17-man football team also has yet to be decided.
Read More
Singapore Leading The Way In Water Research
redOrbit, 22 Jun 2009
For generations, officials at the Public Utilities Board (PUB) deliberated over whether the island-state would have ample water to support its endurance and development in the future.
But this is no longer a burden for Khoo. With the help of new technology, the prosperous but resource-deprived nation can now produce much of its own water and is paving the way to be a very instrumental role in an up and coming new industry that recycles used waste water. The new industry is worth 100 billion US dollars.
Read More
For generations, officials at the Public Utilities Board (PUB) deliberated over whether the island-state would have ample water to support its endurance and development in the future.
But this is no longer a burden for Khoo. With the help of new technology, the prosperous but resource-deprived nation can now produce much of its own water and is paving the way to be a very instrumental role in an up and coming new industry that recycles used waste water. The new industry is worth 100 billion US dollars.
Read More
Singapore Will Help Thailand To Strengthen Asean
Bernama.com, 22 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE, June 22 (Bernama) -- Singapore will work closely with Thailand to strengthen the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which the latter chairs.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said they needed to implement the Asean Charter expeditiously and make steady progress on Asean integration.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 22 (Bernama) -- Singapore will work closely with Thailand to strengthen the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which the latter chairs.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said they needed to implement the Asean Charter expeditiously and make steady progress on Asean integration.
Read More
Voting for status quo or ruling party?
The Kent Ridge Common, 22 Jun 2009, Kelvin Teo
SINGAPORE – The past general elections have seen huge turnouts for the opposition rallies. The ruling PAP party on the other hand had meagre turnouts. Some even went to the extent of saying that while people can be heard cheering during opposition rallies, most of the noises made during the PAP rallies are by the crickets chattering, other than the speakers of course.
If turnout at rallies is used as a benchmark, the conclusion is that the support will be overwhelmingly in favor of the opposition. But it may not be that simple.
Read More
SINGAPORE – The past general elections have seen huge turnouts for the opposition rallies. The ruling PAP party on the other hand had meagre turnouts. Some even went to the extent of saying that while people can be heard cheering during opposition rallies, most of the noises made during the PAP rallies are by the crickets chattering, other than the speakers of course.
If turnout at rallies is used as a benchmark, the conclusion is that the support will be overwhelmingly in favor of the opposition. But it may not be that simple.
Read More
Singapore tries hard to counter demographic challenges
Thesundaily.com, 22 Jun 2009
Figures just released by the National Population Secretariat showed that Singapore's birth rate dipped slightly to 1.28 children per woman in 2008, down from 1.29 a year earlier and far below the replacement level of 2.1.
"Without new citizens and permanent residents, we are going to be the last of the Mohicans. We will disappear," said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, warning against a dependence on foreigners for raising the fertility rate.
"We've got to make this breakthrough internally. If we don't make the 2.1 [population replacement ratio], we will always be dependent," the founding father of modern Singapore said.
Read More
Figures just released by the National Population Secretariat showed that Singapore's birth rate dipped slightly to 1.28 children per woman in 2008, down from 1.29 a year earlier and far below the replacement level of 2.1.
"Without new citizens and permanent residents, we are going to be the last of the Mohicans. We will disappear," said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, warning against a dependence on foreigners for raising the fertility rate.
"We've got to make this breakthrough internally. If we don't make the 2.1 [population replacement ratio], we will always be dependent," the founding father of modern Singapore said.
Read More
60 mn Asians below poverty line due to recession: Official
Thaindian News, 22 Jun 2009
Singapore, June 22 (DPA) The president of the Asian Development Bank warned Monday that the global economic downturn might lead to a significant increase of poverty in Asia.
“Instead of breaking out from poverty, we expect that more than 60 million people in developing Asia… will remain below the $1.25 a day absolute poverty line in 2009, as a result of the global recession,” Haruhiko Kuroda said in Singapore.
Read More
Singapore, June 22 (DPA) The president of the Asian Development Bank warned Monday that the global economic downturn might lead to a significant increase of poverty in Asia.
“Instead of breaking out from poverty, we expect that more than 60 million people in developing Asia… will remain below the $1.25 a day absolute poverty line in 2009, as a result of the global recession,” Haruhiko Kuroda said in Singapore.
Read More
Singapore Schools Dominate 2009 World Scholar's Cup
PRWeb, 21 Jun 2009
Nearly 100 high school and middle school teams from 13 countries gathered in Singapore last weekend to compete at the 2009 World Finals of the World Scholar's Cup.
Events at the tournament included essays, team debates, written exams, and a grueling Scholar's Bowl in which students worked together to answer questions in front of an audience. All events centered on this year's curriculum theme: the Fall of Empires.
Read More
Nearly 100 high school and middle school teams from 13 countries gathered in Singapore last weekend to compete at the 2009 World Finals of the World Scholar's Cup.
Events at the tournament included essays, team debates, written exams, and a grueling Scholar's Bowl in which students worked together to answer questions in front of an audience. All events centered on this year's curriculum theme: the Fall of Empires.
Read More
Singaporeans urged to do their best to weather downturn
People's Daily Online, 22 Jun 2009
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday urged Singaporeans to make joint efforts to work through the economic downturn, as a society and country.
According to TV broadcaster Channel News Asia, Lee spoke at a community event that the economic crisis has caused bonuses dropping and unemployment going up in the country.
Read More
Related:
Singaporeans urged to do their best to weather downturn - Xinhua
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday urged Singaporeans to make joint efforts to work through the economic downturn, as a society and country.
According to TV broadcaster Channel News Asia, Lee spoke at a community event that the economic crisis has caused bonuses dropping and unemployment going up in the country.
Read More
Related:
Singaporeans urged to do their best to weather downturn - Xinhua
Top management changes at Singapore's GIC
FinanceAsia.com, 22 Jun 2009, Sameera Anand
Tony Tan has been appointed chairman of GIC real estate, in addition to his current roles as GIC deputy chairman and executive director and chairman of GIC special investments. Tan will replace Richard Hu, who is retiring.
Lee Ek Tieng, the chairman of GIC asset management, which is responsible for GIC's investments in equities, fixed income, foreign currencies, commodities and marketable alternatives, will also retire and will be replaced by Lim Siong Guan. Lim has also been appointed GIC group president.
Read More
Tony Tan has been appointed chairman of GIC real estate, in addition to his current roles as GIC deputy chairman and executive director and chairman of GIC special investments. Tan will replace Richard Hu, who is retiring.
Lee Ek Tieng, the chairman of GIC asset management, which is responsible for GIC's investments in equities, fixed income, foreign currencies, commodities and marketable alternatives, will also retire and will be replaced by Lim Siong Guan. Lim has also been appointed GIC group president.
Read More
SIA should laugh off the flying lemon of Shanghai
Cargonews Asia, 22 Jun 2009
Essentially, there are three obstacles to any SIA involvement in China Eastern. The first is the regulatory regime that makes investing in a mainland state-owned entity so exciting. The second is that as China's weakest carrier, it would be an insanely high-risk investment to buy into an airline on its knees in a market that has collapsed.
But even in the unlikely event that SIA revives its bid for a 24 percent stake in China Eastern - as was casually suggested by Singapore supremo Lee Kuan Yew recently - it still won't have a majority share. Only if the Shanghai carrier hands over the complete management reins to SIA will the deal be "compatible with success", as a Yankee consultant would say.
Read More
Essentially, there are three obstacles to any SIA involvement in China Eastern. The first is the regulatory regime that makes investing in a mainland state-owned entity so exciting. The second is that as China's weakest carrier, it would be an insanely high-risk investment to buy into an airline on its knees in a market that has collapsed.
But even in the unlikely event that SIA revives its bid for a 24 percent stake in China Eastern - as was casually suggested by Singapore supremo Lee Kuan Yew recently - it still won't have a majority share. Only if the Shanghai carrier hands over the complete management reins to SIA will the deal be "compatible with success", as a Yankee consultant would say.
Read More
Singapore Air Show gears up for 2010
e-Travel Blackboard, 22 Jun 2009
With over eight months to go, over 90% of the exhibition space for the Singapore Air Show 2010 has already been filled by more than 700 exhibiting companies globally.
More than 60 of the top 100 global aerospace companies including Boeing, BAE Systems, Honeywell, Rolls Royce, KMW, Megadoor, Wesco and HEICO will participate in the Singapore Air Show 2010.
Read More
With over eight months to go, over 90% of the exhibition space for the Singapore Air Show 2010 has already been filled by more than 700 exhibiting companies globally.
More than 60 of the top 100 global aerospace companies including Boeing, BAE Systems, Honeywell, Rolls Royce, KMW, Megadoor, Wesco and HEICO will participate in the Singapore Air Show 2010.
Read More
Tatas hire Jurong International as maste planner for SEZ
Mydigitalfocus.com, 21 Jun 2009
Tata Realty & Infrastr-ucture (TRIL), Tata Group’s real estate and infrastructure development arm, has hired Singapore-based Jurong International as the master planner for its special economic zone (SEZ) project in Gopalpur (Orissa).
“We have shortlisted Jurong for this important project,” said a Tata group official. Jurong offers design and build, consultancy, construction, and facilities management services and its India office is located in Hyderabad.
Read More
Tata Realty & Infrastr-ucture (TRIL), Tata Group’s real estate and infrastructure development arm, has hired Singapore-based Jurong International as the master planner for its special economic zone (SEZ) project in Gopalpur (Orissa).
“We have shortlisted Jurong for this important project,” said a Tata group official. Jurong offers design and build, consultancy, construction, and facilities management services and its India office is located in Hyderabad.
Read More
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Influenza A: Community spread in Singapore a matter of time
The New Straits Times Online, 21 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE says it may be a matter of time before the city-state sees more Influenza A (H1N1) cases arising from local transmission.
The republic recorded 23 new cases yesterday, comprising eight local cases and 15 with travel history, including an Asian Youth Games (AYG) athlete from the Philippines.
“These cases may signal the start of community spread,” according to the Health Ministry which announced that up to midnight yesterday, the republic’s confirmed cases had already reached 126 (104th to 126th cases).
Read More
SINGAPORE says it may be a matter of time before the city-state sees more Influenza A (H1N1) cases arising from local transmission.
The republic recorded 23 new cases yesterday, comprising eight local cases and 15 with travel history, including an Asian Youth Games (AYG) athlete from the Philippines.
“These cases may signal the start of community spread,” according to the Health Ministry which announced that up to midnight yesterday, the republic’s confirmed cases had already reached 126 (104th to 126th cases).
Read More
North Korean ship with suspicious cargo heads for Myanmar
ITAR-TASS, 21 Jun 2009
TOKYO, June 21 (Itar-Tass) - The Kang Nam ship flying the North Korean flag is now being followed by US armed forces, since it is suspected of carrying cargoes, related to ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.
It is supposedly heading for Myanmar, reported on Sunday South Korean news channel YTV, referring to sources at the South Korean intelligence service.
Read More
Related:
U.S. Destroyer Shadows N. Korean Ship - The New York Times
North Korean Ship With Suspicious Cargo Heads For Myanmar - Bernama.com
TOKYO, June 21 (Itar-Tass) - The Kang Nam ship flying the North Korean flag is now being followed by US armed forces, since it is suspected of carrying cargoes, related to ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.
It is supposedly heading for Myanmar, reported on Sunday South Korean news channel YTV, referring to sources at the South Korean intelligence service.
Read More
Related:
U.S. Destroyer Shadows N. Korean Ship - The New York Times
North Korean Ship With Suspicious Cargo Heads For Myanmar - Bernama.com
Tropical Singapore an oasis for water research
Mysinchew.com, 21 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE (AFP) - Khoo Teng Chye, the amiable chief of Singapore's water agency, says he has been sleeping soundly since taking office five years ago.
Unlike his predecessors at the Public Utilities Board (PUB), Khoo does not have to fret about whether the wealthy but resource-starved island-state will have enough water for its long-term survival and development.
Read More
SINGAPORE (AFP) - Khoo Teng Chye, the amiable chief of Singapore's water agency, says he has been sleeping soundly since taking office five years ago.
Unlike his predecessors at the Public Utilities Board (PUB), Khoo does not have to fret about whether the wealthy but resource-starved island-state will have enough water for its long-term survival and development.
Read More
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Filipino athlete confirmed for A(H1N1) flu in Singapore
Philstar.com, 20 Jun 2009, Xinhua
SINGAPORE (Xinhua) - One athlete from the Philippines football team who arrived here on Thursday has been confirmed for Influenza A/H1N1, Singapore's Health Ministry said today.
The ministry said that the athlete who arrived here for the Asian Youth Games developed symptoms on Friday afternoon.
Read More
Related:
Singapore quarantines Philippine football team over flu - Monsters & Critics
Philippine footballers quarantined in Singapore - AFP
SINGAPORE (Xinhua) - One athlete from the Philippines football team who arrived here on Thursday has been confirmed for Influenza A/H1N1, Singapore's Health Ministry said today.
The ministry said that the athlete who arrived here for the Asian Youth Games developed symptoms on Friday afternoon.
Read More
Related:
Singapore quarantines Philippine football team over flu - Monsters & Critics
Philippine footballers quarantined in Singapore - AFP
The ISD bogeyman
The Kent Ridge Common, 20 Jun 2009, Kelvin Teo
SINGAPORE – The Internal Security Department (ISD) has a significant place in Singapore’s history. Synonymous with Operations Coldstore and Spectrum, it would be fair to say that the ISD has played a key role in our political events that shifted in favor of the PAP. Operation Coldstore saw the incarceration of members from the opposition Barisan Socialis party. During Operation Spectrum, some of those whom are arrested were assisting the opposition Worker’s Party.
The ISD’s involvements in both events have left behind a chilling legacy, and was instrumental to the development of a fear factor, especially for someone who expresses support or is sympathetic to the opposition’s cause. It became some sort of a bogeyman who is allegedly involved in a series of behind-the-scenes machinations to specially deal with individuals who sit on the opposition side of the fence to that of the ruling party.
Read More
SINGAPORE – The Internal Security Department (ISD) has a significant place in Singapore’s history. Synonymous with Operations Coldstore and Spectrum, it would be fair to say that the ISD has played a key role in our political events that shifted in favor of the PAP. Operation Coldstore saw the incarceration of members from the opposition Barisan Socialis party. During Operation Spectrum, some of those whom are arrested were assisting the opposition Worker’s Party.
The ISD’s involvements in both events have left behind a chilling legacy, and was instrumental to the development of a fear factor, especially for someone who expresses support or is sympathetic to the opposition’s cause. It became some sort of a bogeyman who is allegedly involved in a series of behind-the-scenes machinations to specially deal with individuals who sit on the opposition side of the fence to that of the ruling party.
Read More
Singapore kicks off annual active ageing carnival
Xinhua, 20 Jun 2009
SINGAPORE, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The annual carnival aiming to encourage senior Singaporeans to age actively kicked off on Saturday.
Now in its third year, the Active Ageing Carnival 2009 features a variety of fun activities ranging from those that stimulate the mind to those that build the body, and from those that calm the spirit to those that seniors can enjoy together with family and friends.
Read More
SINGAPORE, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The annual carnival aiming to encourage senior Singaporeans to age actively kicked off on Saturday.
Now in its third year, the Active Ageing Carnival 2009 features a variety of fun activities ranging from those that stimulate the mind to those that build the body, and from those that calm the spirit to those that seniors can enjoy together with family and friends.
Read More
'Olive Depression' - A Local Film Worth Watching!
Brief Synopsis:
The Olive Depression documents the weeks before a teenage boy enters military service He is determined not to mentally accept what is required of him by law. He opts to prepare himself by maintaining his melancholy about something against what it means to be human. However, seeing the depression of his best friend who enters the army before him and the worry of his parents lead him to question his principles. As he strives not to succumb to the government's world view, he finds it increasingly difficult to be contented and sad at the same time.
Watch it at:
Sinema Old School - 11 Mount Sophia
25 Jun 2009, 2.30pm
Check ticket price here:
http://www.sinema.sg/oldschool/calendar/the-olive-depression/
Photos prove student (David Widjaja) did not commit suicide: Forensics expert
The Jakarta Post, 20 Jun 2009
A forensics expert insists that recently revealed photographs of the body of David Hartanto Widjaja, an Indonesian student who died at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on March 2, prove he died defending himself against knife attacks.
Djaja Surya Atmadja, a noted forensic expert from the University of Indonesia who had seen the photographs, said Friday that all wounds on the body emphasized the fact David had not committed suicide as reported.
The photographs, which The Jakarta Post also obtained, show several defense wounds that have never been revealed in or out of the Singaporean court, Djaja says.
Read More
A forensics expert insists that recently revealed photographs of the body of David Hartanto Widjaja, an Indonesian student who died at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on March 2, prove he died defending himself against knife attacks.
Djaja Surya Atmadja, a noted forensic expert from the University of Indonesia who had seen the photographs, said Friday that all wounds on the body emphasized the fact David had not committed suicide as reported.
The photographs, which The Jakarta Post also obtained, show several defense wounds that have never been revealed in or out of the Singaporean court, Djaja says.
Read More
Singapore Armed Force promotes 208 warrant officers
Webnewswire, 20 Jun 2009
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is promoting 208 warrant officers this year. These warrant officers received their certificates of promotion from Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek at a ceremony held at The Chevrons this evening.
Read More
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is promoting 208 warrant officers this year. These warrant officers received their certificates of promotion from Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek at a ceremony held at The Chevrons this evening.
Read More
Lee Kuan Yew keeps corruption at bay
Mysinchew.com, 20 Jun 2009, TUNKU ABDUL AZIZ
I may be fairly described as a dyed in the wool admirer of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s Minister Mentor. I am pleased that his recent visit to our country went well. He was received and treated as an honoured visitor, in the grand palaces and everywhere else he went, as well he should, because Lee undoubtedly played an important and historic role in the creation of Malaysia as a political entity. That is a historical fact.
I am glad that Lee gave Mahathir a wide berth. It would have left a bad taste in the mouth if he had asked to meet the bitter old man of Malaysian politics.
Read More
I may be fairly described as a dyed in the wool admirer of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s Minister Mentor. I am pleased that his recent visit to our country went well. He was received and treated as an honoured visitor, in the grand palaces and everywhere else he went, as well he should, because Lee undoubtedly played an important and historic role in the creation of Malaysia as a political entity. That is a historical fact.
I am glad that Lee gave Mahathir a wide berth. It would have left a bad taste in the mouth if he had asked to meet the bitter old man of Malaysian politics.
Read More
Singapore's Mr Sandman
Malaysia-Today.net, 20 Jun 2009
For a small dot on the world map it has become a tough nut to crack, a pain in the arse and invariably suffering from serious overdose of the kiasu syndrome.
As they say success breeds arrogance and Singapore is not short of it, the sense of feeling being above everyone else and the lore of the animal kingdom, survival of the fittest.
Read More
For a small dot on the world map it has become a tough nut to crack, a pain in the arse and invariably suffering from serious overdose of the kiasu syndrome.
As they say success breeds arrogance and Singapore is not short of it, the sense of feeling being above everyone else and the lore of the animal kingdom, survival of the fittest.
Read More
Jitters over religion hard sell
The Star Online, 20 Jun 2009, Seah Chiang Nee
Increasing reports of insensitive evangelism have irked many Singaporeans and raised fears about a possible backlash.
Stereotyped as a society that only worships money, Singapore is surprisingly seeing a surge of religiosity – or simply put, too much religion.
In a recent high profile trial, a Christian couple were jailed eight weeks under the Sedition Act for distributing and possessing anti-Muslim and anti-Catholic tracts.
Read More
Increasing reports of insensitive evangelism have irked many Singaporeans and raised fears about a possible backlash.
Stereotyped as a society that only worships money, Singapore is surprisingly seeing a surge of religiosity – or simply put, too much religion.
In a recent high profile trial, a Christian couple were jailed eight weeks under the Sedition Act for distributing and possessing anti-Muslim and anti-Catholic tracts.
Read More
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)