Tuesday, April 30, 2002
Top Stories
Families Living In City Centre To Go Up 4 Times To 120,000: Mah
"The future of our city has to go beyond meeting functional needs of business community. A bustling city needs a large live-in population base."
News
SQ006 Final Report Does Not Vindicate Taipei Airport: Saftey Council
CAA should not have the false impression that the CKS airport had no role in the accident.
Taiwan Says Singapore Report On Crash "Misleading"
"It would be a waste of the huge investigation effort that has been expended on this accident, if blame and liability became the focus of attention instead, of safety improvement for the benefit of the whole of the traveling public throughout the world."
Technology
Singapore Most IT-Savvy Country: Survey
In a global survey of 75 countries by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Harvard University, Singapore came out tops as the nation which has the most wired Government and the most effective in promoting the use of IT among its citizens.
Monday, April 29, 2002
Top Stories
Cost Pressures May Weaken Singapore Recovery, PM Says
Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said on Monday cost pressures could weaken Singapore's recovery from recession and that unemployment was expected to remain high this year.
News
One Charity Call Cost 3 Times More Than Other
What additional effort is required to administer such a number?
No Shortage Of Phone Numbers In Singapore
Mobile service providers are required to recover and re-use discarded mobile numbers so that the nation's overall number resource pool continues to be not only sufficient but optimally-used as well.
Where Have All The Four-Room HDB Flats Gone?
Fewer on the market because take-up rate was not as badly hit by the Asian financial crisis as the five-room flats.
Singapore Defends Own SQ 006 Report
Transport Ministry says it has a right to conduct separate crash analysis after criticism from Taiwanese investigator.
NUS To Set Up Two New Campuses
Plans for a proposed fourth university took on a new slant yesterday, when the NUS said it would be setting up two more campuses by 2010.
Singapore Rapped Over Income Gap
Chee Soon Juan crticised the government for doing little to narrow the gap and being insensitive to Singaporeans hit by the country's worst ever downturn.
LRT Service Disruption Caused By Breakdown Of 2 Computers
The two-and-a-half-hour disruption to the Bukit Panjang LRT on Sunday evening was caused by the failure of both the main and standby computers, the first time this has ever happened.
Police Tell Chee To Hold Rally Indoors
The police have rejected Chee Soon Juan's application for a permit to hold an exhibition and rally outside the Istana on May Day, advising him to re-apply a licence to hold the event at an indoor venue.
Go-Ahead For Kranji Golf Course
Nature lovers and golfers have reached a compromise over National Service Resort and Counrty Club's new golf course in Kranji.
PAS Reports Sand Use In Reclamation
The Johor PAS Youth movement has lodged a police report calling on the authorities to conduct investigations on certain quarters believed to be supplying sand for Singaporeís reclamation works.
Tok Mat: Handle Singapore Issues Rationally
The on-going war of words and economic rivalry between Malaysia and Singapore must be handled with care and rationally to ensure mutual growth, said Pulai Umno division chairman Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat.
Entertainment
For Film Studio, Thai's The Limit
For Raintree Pictures, there's nothing to lose in making a Thai movie.
Sunday, April 28, 2002
News
The Challenge Of Keeping Overseas Singaporean In The Fold
SIF supports call to sustain the newfound solidarity and camaraderie among overseas Singaporeans.
NTUC Co-Ops To Absorb Part Of Planned GST Hike
Details as to how much of the GST would be absorbed and for how long are expected to be worked out after Friday's Budget Day.
Bt Panjang LRT Down For 2.5 Hours
Trains stopped running last night from about 5.15 pm until 7.50 pm, because of a computer breakdown.
Are You Getting Your SMS In Time?
There is currently no operating standards guideline to check SMS.
Merlion Gets New Home, With A View
Almost 30 years after it first stood at the mouth of the Singapore River, a Singapore icon settled yesterday into its new home, one with an unubstructed sea view.
Malacca Eyes Singapore Students As Tourists
Najib For Talks With Rumsfeld
Describing the republic as "only a small island", Defence Minister Datuk Seri najib Abdul Razak said Malaysia need not take offensive steps against Singapore.
Crash Report Gets Support Of US Expert
Former chairman of the US National Transportation Safety Board, Jim Hall, yesterday called for respect for the Taiwanese investigation report of the October 2000 crash of Singapore Airlines flight SQ006.
Safra Urged To Move Golf Course To Save Kranji Marshes
The Nature Society has suggested that Safra's new Kranji golf course be partially moved inland or resited in order to protect the area's marshland habitat.
Transport Minister Says ASC Report Falls Short In Analysis
"This is not a time to protect one's reputation. This is a time to reach out for the truth. So that we can learn from the accident and how to prevent further such accidents because lives are involved."
SQ006 Episode Will Not Mar Singapore-Taiwan Ties: DPM Lee
"Both sides have multi-faceted, good relations and this is a separate issue."
Technology
Entertainment
Crowd Rains On Stefanie's Sun
While the homegrown pop sensation shone in her first solo concert here with nifty footwork and flawless vocals, the self-conscious audience was a wet blanket.
Saturday, April 27, 2002
Top Stories
Singapore Airlines Disaster Reports Prove Contentious
Investigators in Taiwan and Singapore yesterday expressed ambivalent views on the probable causes of the fiery crash of a SIA jumbo jet.
To Ban Or Not To Ban
Censorship has become more complex with the Internet and globalisation. As a new committee sets out to review guidelines, some are calling for more consistency and transparency.
News
Turn Drab Town Centres Into Places That Inspire
Let the mayors live up to their names and make them accountable for the town centre facelifts.
Taiwan Says Singapore Gave 'Erroneous' Info On SQ 006 Crash
Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration accused Singapore Airlines and Singapore's Ministry of Transport of giving 'errroneous' information, to 'confuse the public' over the cause of the SQ 006 crash.
Taiwan Defends Investigation Into Plane Crash
Officials have dismissed criticism from Singapore, saying the nation just wants Taiwan to share more of the burden of compensating victims.
Singapore Filmmaker Launches Campaign To Save Local Patois
A Singapore filmmaker Saturday responded to a government push for citizens to speak proper English with a campaign of his own — to save the local patois known as Singlish.
SMRT Unsure When Trains To Changi Airport Will Be Reinstated
The SMRT says it does not know when its through train service from Boon Lay to Changi Airport can be reinstated.
Singapore Cries Foul Over Crash
Hardly had Taiwan's report, blaming pilot error for the crash, been released than Singapore officials claimed it was biased and inadequate.
Singapore Says Bets Are On For World Cup Soccer
The government-run Singapore Pools said on Friday that it would offer betting on foreign football matches from May 3.
Let's Hear More Views On CPF Cuts: Boon Heng
"These are only initial reactions so over the next few days, weeks, we will hear from Singaporeans how we should solve the problem of the unemployment of older workers."
Ez-Link Deposits Comprise Card Fee, Travel Deposit
The interests earned go towards defraying the operational expenses of EZ-Link but are insufficient to cover all the costs.
Skills, Not CPF Rate, Key Factor
Being cheap is not a sustainable solution, but going up the value chain is.
International Experts Point Out Unfairness
Instead of singling out pilot error, the ASC should have at least given due weight to the deficiencies of the airport.
Wait Goes On Due To Faulty MRT Trains
Commuters will have to continue waiting longer for trains and take the shuttle MRT service from Tanah Merah station to Changi Airport for an indefinite number of weeks.
Taiwan And Singapore Issue Reports On Crash Of Jumbo Jet
Air safety agencies in Taiwan and in Singapore issued conflicting reports today on the causes of the deadly crash of a Singapore Airlines jumbo.
Entertainment
No Need To Miss Saigon
More people are waking up to the crisp fresh flavours of Vietnamese food, as many trnedy eateries open, but is this just another foodie fad?
Friday, April 26, 2002
News
Report Gets Mixed Reaction From Crash Relatives
"Pilot's fault? Weather's fault? How about you, Taiwan side? You're so sure that your side didn't make a single mistake?"
Singapore Anger At Taiwan Crash Report
Singapore has criticised the Taiwanese investigation into the October 2000 crash, saying it "glossed over" problems at the airport.
No Immediate Need For Malaysia To Take Control Of Airspace Managed By Singapore: Dr M
The government could get the same returns without having to make large investments in equipment needed to manage air traffic control of the airspace.
SQ006 Crash Final Report Carries Little Weight In Legal Suits: Lawyers
"[The report] does not assign legal responsibility."
Merlion Crosses Esplanade Bridge As Part Of Move To New Home
Over a hundred people sacrificed their sleep to follow the Merlion's move early Thursday.
Pilot Group Says SIA Pilots Should Not Be Prosecuted
Mr Paul McCarthy, executive vice-president of the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Association, feared that other airports might not bother to make their airports safer because they might think they can just blame crashes on pilot errors.
Singapore Blasts Findings Of Taiwan Crash Probe Team
Jaspal Singh, deputy secretary of Singapore's Mnistry of Transport, said Taiwan's final report did not provide a "full and balanced picture".
Taipei Crash Report Cites Pilot Error
Pilot error was the chief probable cause, and confusing runway markers and broken taxiway lights had contributed to the crash of Singpaore Airlines Flight SQ006.
Singapore Bets On Human Resources
DID Reveals Scope Of Simulation
The Drainage and Irrigation Department has revealed guidelines for its computer model study on the effects of Singapore's land reclamation project in the Straits of Johor.
Entertainment
Hollywood-Style Theme Park For Johor
Universal Studios has finalised an agreement with Johor to set up a Hollywood-scale theme park near Second Link.
Thursday, April 25, 2002
Top Stories
Case Of Indonesian Militant Vs Singapore Postponed
South Jakarta's court postponed the hearing into Abu Bakr Bashir's complaint against Singapore until May 16 as no Singapore officials turned up for a second time.
News
MPH Reviewing Corporate Branding
MPH Limited has embarked on a branding review to develop a new name and brand identity for its corporate structure. This will not affect the MPH Bookstores retail businesses which will continue to use its bookshop name.
Chee Plans Rally Outside Istana
Opposition leader Chee Soon Juan is planning to hold a People Against Poverty rally outside the Istana on Wednesday to mark Labour Day.
Malaysia Catching Up Singapore In Business-Hub Game
The fruition of Malaysia's global competitveness as an investment destination can be witnessed in the multinational corporations' relocation of their regional headquarters from Singapore to Malaysia.
Goldman Says Singapore Pension Review Fears Overdone
Goldman Sachs analysts said the Singapore government could achieve its stated aim of increasing retirement savings in the pension scheme without negatively impacting real estate affordability.
New Viaduct To Ease Traffic At Telok Blangah
Singapore Visitor Arrivals Fall 3.5% In January To March
Indonesia remained the largest source of travellers.
Technology
Internet Banking Up 23% In Singapore
A surveyby ACNielsen.Consult said 52 per cent of the Republic's 750,000 adult Internet users are using online banking services.
Entertainment
Tuck Into Gourmet Sandwiches
Bad sandwiches may be a thing of the past if Moomba restaurant's new offshoot - The Moomba Tuckshop - maintains the high quality of its menu.
Wednesday, April 24, 2002
Top Stories
Junk Mail From Mindef, What Next?
The incident illustrates how important it is for the Infocomm Development Authority to focus on the responsibilities of government agencies and to restrict them in the way they use our personal details.
Lower CPF For Over-40s?
Reduced rate may make them more employable, says labour chief.
News
Mock Exercise In JC Taken For Real
An emergency evacuation exercise in Yishun Junior College yesterday spooked residents and parents of students who took the mock explosions for the real thing.
Hong Kong Loses Out To Singapore In Best Business Survey
Hong Kong slipped from top spot to second due to concern over its growing deficit, openness to competition, and the adaptability of its labour force.
Singapore Politician Faces Bankruptcy, Vows To Fight
Singapore opposition politician Chee Soon Juan vowed to press on even as defamation suits brought against him by the island's two most senior leaders threaten to push him into bankruptcy and bar him from elections.
Arts Group Want Greater Transparency In Licensing
Artistes and arts groups want to see greater transparency when it comes to licensing of the arts, and even within the arts community.
Singapore Sets Up Body To Oversee Aviation Security
Singapore has set up a committee to oversee and implement security measures at its airports, the government said today, after an alleged militant was thought to have been planning to crash a plane into the country's international airport.
Officials Deny Singapore Story
Senior officials of the Ministry of National Defense have denied media reports that Singapore will scale down its military training cooperation with Taiwan.
Entertainment
Pure And Happy Angels
That's how Singapore-born shutterbug Leslie Kee tries to make people look like in his photographs. Maybe that's why celebs from Naomi Campbell to Ayumi Hamasaki adore him so.
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Top Stories
Admin Service Draws Few Private Sector Executives
Six years after a government drive to recruit private-sector executives to the elite Administrative Service, their number remains low.
News
First Episode Of TV Series Pulled Out
Mediacorp pulled out the first episode of its new True Files TV series at 8.30 last night on ritual killer Adrain Lim, after Singapore Broadcasting Authority received unfavourable feedback from the public.
Censorship Review Committee Likely To Relook Film Classificiation
The general consensus is that for films, censorship is likely to liberalise further — leaving the decision to judge whether a movie is watchable to the viewer.
Singaproe Rescues Merlion From Obscurity
"We really want to clean it up and once it's on its new site, restore it to its original glory."
Singapore's CPI Fell 0.9% In March From Year Ago
This is the fifth consecutive month in which prices have dropped year-on-year.
SMRT Pulls Trains From Airport Route
Singapore Mass Rapid Transit removed 21 new trains from service on Tuesday because of mechanical problems. The problem will cause delays to passengers coming from Changi International Airport.
Scientific Back-Up For Malaysian Claim
"If we were to make generalised comments on the issue, then Singapore would issue generalised comments also."
Singapore Land Plan Irks Malaysia
In recent weeks, the relationship has become increasingly strained by a series of trade disputes.
Singapore Military Ties Now A 'Threat'
A DPP legislator says Taiwan should end military cooperation with Singpaore if the city-state also wants to train in China's Hainan Province.
Technology
Entertainment
No Lah, Cock's Not Too Chicken To Mock
Despite its flaws, the movie is worth seeing simply because of its no-holds-barred take on Singaporean foibles.
Monday, April 22, 2002
Top Stories
Ez-Link Subsidy? What Subsidy?
Not when one pays $13 for a card with a total value of $13.
News
Malaysia's Berita Harian Takes Aim At Singapore
The grumbling goes on and on.
Taiwan To Issue Final Report On SQ006 Crash On Friday
Merlion To Move On Thursday
Two cranes will lift the statue over the Esplanade Bridge.
Entertainment
Film Fest Goers See Red
Air-con no enough, say Film Festival-goers watching their movies at Prince 1.
Sunday, April 21, 2002
Top Stories
Government Recognises Need For Data Protection
The government works with the private sector to promote industry self-regulation.
Singapore To Deal With Malaysian Media 'Calmly'
Singapore cannot be chasing after every allegation and falsehood in the Malaysian media because it has learnt that some of them are not interested in the truth, said Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
News
NRIC To Track Ez-Link Subsidies
The identity numbers are not individually linked to each card issued.
PAP Not Sending Threatening Signal On Speaking Up
Anyone who is not able to justify his accusations would have to be prepared to face rebuttals, among other actions, from the PAP.
Few Takers For Pay TV Licences
Only SingTel shows firm interest in entering the $200m market when SCV loses its monopoly in June; analysts cite small market as main deterrent.
High Court Tells Government Departments To Cut Jargon
Confrontation Not The Best Way To Solve Tudung Issue: Yaacob
Goh: Some Malaysian Newspapers Creating Mischief
Some of the newspapers were not interested in the facts and had not published replies by Singapore.
What Happened Next?
Rogue trader Nick Lesson relives being jailed in Singapore and contracting cancer.
Is Jalan Leban Too Laid-Back?
The Urban Redevleopment Authority wants to protect some old neighbourhoods from disappearing. One name it mentioned recently was Jalan Leban. But is this slice of history worth saving in modern Singapore?
Singapore Can Still Succeed Despite Competition
Some firms have moved their operations out but Singapore still has the ability to pull in foreign investments, says PM Goh.
Entertainment
Parkway Remade
A makeover and fresh retailing blood may be just what 19-year-old Parkway Parade needs in order to rejuvenate itself.
Saturday, April 20, 2002
Top Stories
Changing Tax
The government is hoping a new tax plan will help right the economy. It may not be enough.
It's Not Privacy But What You Do With The Data
When bureaucrats use quantifiable and classifiable data about us to make decisions, even if they have no sinister motivation, they may define us wrongly or unfairly by ignoring contextual details that could make all the difference.
News
Singapore Businessman Wants Differences Thrashed Behind Closed Doors
Difference between Singapore and Malaysia should be resolved behind closed doors, as these "barrages" may give global investors a different perception of both nations and impede the flow of foreign direct investments.
PAP's Libel Actions Make People Afraid To Speak Up
This type of punitive behaviour is not healthy for a maturing democracy.
Singapore Attracts Investors With Quality, Not Price
Singapore will never have the luxury of cheap land due to its small size.
Chinese TV: 'Make It More Educational And Less Lurid'
With extra channel in the picture, quantity's up but not necessarily quality, says advisory committee.
Entertainment
Toast To A Good Match
Various vintners and chefs combined their talents at this year's World Gourmet Summit to produce a commendable pairing of wine and food.
Flower Power
British Peter O'Bryne's deep fascination with orchids has taken him around South-east Asia to scour for the flora and compile a book on his findings.
Friday, April 19, 2002
News
Parents To Sue Singapore Government
Four fathers whose daughters were suspended from school for wearing the tudung in Singapore will be filing legal action against the Singapore government and its Education Ministry.
Singaporean Tourist Arrivals In Malacca On The Rise
"I believe Singaporeans are a matured lot as they will not allow diplomatic conflict to affect them."
Thursday, April 18, 2002
Top Stories
Singapore To Grow 3.2% This Year, 5.1% In 2003
The International Monetary Fund said it expects Singapore's economy to grow a firm 3.2 per cent this year, in line with projections by private sector economists and other multilateral institutions.
Port Of Tanjung Pelepas Not A Threat To Singapore: Yeo
Singapore has never regarded the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor as a threat to its seaport but more as rivals in a healthy competition.
News
Open Up Access To Local ATMs If Competition Needed
Artistic Differences
Hongkong and Singaproe may have many similarities but both their arts festivals have developed in their very own distinct directions.
Kedah Matches Perak's Business-Park Offer To Singapore
George Yeo welcomed the keen competition between the states and said this would boost Malaysia's growth dynamics.
Hong Kong Activist Can't Be Lawyer For Singapore Opposition Leader
Chee said Judicial Commissioner Tay Yong Kwang dismissed his petition on grounds that the case against him was not complex enough for him to engage a Queen's Counsel.
Campaign To Get Singaporeans To Speak Proper English Launched... Again
Singapore authorities on Thursday launched a national campaign to urge its citizens to speak proper English for the third year running, maintaining it was vital for economic competitiveness.
Singapore Environment Group To Shame Shark Eaters
Environmentalists have recruited an award-winning underwater film maker to try to help weane people off shark fin, considered a delicacy in Asia.
Pay For Shopping, Cab Fare Via Your Cellphone
Paying your Citycab fare or shopping bills in Suntec City can now be done with your mobile phone.
Singapore's Last Unique Animals Face Extinction
Singapore's only unique wild animals — one of the world's largest squirrels and a monkey that lives high in the forest canopy — are perilously close to extinction, a researcher said Thursday.
Entertainment
Giving Pho A New Twist
Nam Quoc Nguyen, named most promising chef at the World Gourmet Summit, tells how he has refined the dish.
Wednesday, April 17, 2002
Top Stories
Why PM Goh Did Not Receive His Baby Bonus
Was anyone surprised that the Singapore stork failed to bite the Baby Bonus bait?
News
Lowering Land Costs: Governemnt's Dilemma
If the committee is serious about coming up with bold measures to reduce business costs, it should look at ways to reduce high land costs.
Why Do Ez-Link Card Buyers Have To Give NRIC?
One-Cent Coins To Go To Charity
Singapore mint wants to collect one-cent coins to give to charity.
Queueing For Four Nights, To Get Flat Of Choice
The process begins only on Saturday but early birds have been camping outside the Sengkang HDB office since Tuesday.
Catch-All Centre For The Arts
Regional arts research gets a boost with the formation of the new Contemporary Asian Arts Centre.
Budget Day: All The News, Before 5pm
The entire budget statement will be delivered when financial markets are still open - allowing investors to react immediately to market-sensitive announcements.
'Malaysia And Singapore Can Lead The Way'
Singapore and Malaysia, with its experience and know-how, can together penetrate the Asean market.
Getting To The Root Of Declining Singapore Demand
"It so happens that the recent drop in demand seemed to coincide with the strained Malaysia-Singapore relations over the reclamation issue but the connection between the two factor shas yet to be proven."
Gurkhas Guard Singapore From Terror
There days, Nepalis not Singaporeans guard some of the city's most sensitive sites.
Wrong Target
The US has returned to Southeast Asia in search of villians but is finding itself involved in local disputes that may have little to do with international terrorism.
Technology
Let Me E-File By Apple Mac
The Interne tis ubiquitous and end users should not be forced to use a particular platform or device.
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
Top Stories
Apologise For Privacy Violation
Instead of issuing more and more official double talk, the only honourable thing to do is apologise and pledge not to do it again.
Politicians Try To Calm Trade Jitters Over KL-Singapore Row
The businessmen spoke out at a meeting in KL between Malaysia's Trade Minister and her visiting Singapore counterpart.
News
Was Charity Show Just A TV Ratings Booster?
Please do not use the kindness of Singaporeans to boost ratings.
Esplanade Starts Dress Reherasals In July
The Theatres On The Bay development will be inviting members of the public to watch performances while it fine-tunes its systems.
Another Round Of Petrol Price Hikes Coming?
Caltex upped its prices last night, a month after the last hike.
Singapore - A Garden City
It's easy to see why Singapore is known for its clean, green, tropical environment.
Merlion's Move Delayed
Singapore Tourism Boad, citing 'technical developments', has postponed the move to next week.
Sweeping Tax Cuts Not Enough For Singaproe: Bank
Pervasive government influence in the private sector and investor pessimism about Southeast Asia could weigh down Singapore's efforts to remain competitive dspite its announcement of sweeping tax cuts, a report said today.
Singapore Denies Reclamation Caused Collision
Singaproe Buying Less Camerons Greens
Singapore has reduced the purchase of vegetables from Cameron Highlands and is turning to Thailand, the Cameron Highlands Indian Farmers Association said yesterday.
Mahathir Seeks To Resolve Reclamation Dispute With Singapore Peacefully
Mahathir acknowledged Singapore's right to conduct the reclamation work within its territorial waters, but said that it should not be allowed to change the depth of the seabed and that study of its potential impact was required.
Monday, April 15, 2002
Top Stories
Why The Malaysian Media Clamour Over Tekong?
Pulau Tekong's reclamation is not the only instance of biased reporting in the Malaysian media.
News
Where Do Ez-Link Deposits Go?
This seems to be a clear example of conflict of interest, or of how government agencies are making money where they shouldn't.
Broadcasters Have Final Say On What TV Shows To Air
The PAC is purely an advisory committee. In the end, it is up to the broadcaster to decide what programmes will be aired, and up to the viewers to make their choice.
Farecard Refund Claims Causing Delays
Long delays are common at sales counters because of customers who claim refunds for their old farecards while buying the ez-link cards.
Chee Says QCs Will Defend Him For Free
Baby Blues Or Bonus?
Four married ocuples - two with children and two without - tell why birth pangs give them joy, or the jitters.
Time For Good Faith And Sincerity
Shorn of diplomatic dressing, Singapore's recent actions and its posture appear as little more than a heavy-hearted concession to fateful regional geopolitics.
Singapore's Trade Minister To Visit Malaysia
George Yeo will visit Malaysia from Tuesday to Saturday to 'reaffirm and strengthen' business ties and explore opportunities.
Sunday, April 14, 2002
Top Stories
Job Ads Slide Eases In March
The number of newspaper job ads continued to slide in March but the 32 per cent year-on-year fall was less severe than the 69 per cent in February.
News
Long Queues For Ez-Link Card Continue For Second Day
Queues remained long despite steps taken to relieve the situation.
Ethnic Self Help Groups Have Not Deepened Fault Lines: PM Goh
FairPrice Trying Out New No-Frills Discount Concept
Two outlets, in Woodlands and Hougang, converted to the new format.
Reclamation Works Did Not Cause Mishap
Investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing and, in the interim, baseless speculation is unhelpful.
Many Still Flocking To JB To Shop
Size Matters In Suburban Shopping
Some neighbourhood complexes are feeling the crunch as consmers flock to bigger ones with a wider product range.
Proposed Tax Changes Not Instant Fix For Job Market
Assessment of job situation still same, says Minister Lee.
Singapore Has 'Right Of Way' To Johor Lighthouse
"We do not know whether they have encroached or not because we have an arrangement for Singapore staff to be on Pulau Pisang to man the lighthouse. And Singapore has opened a path for its use."
Tan Soo Khoon Wants To See Singaporeans Speak Up More Freely
While Parliament is one place for such frank opinions, he said, it has to go beyond the confines of the Parliament House for it to be effective.
'We Have Right To Voice Concern'
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said Kuala Lumpur has always emphasised the importance of forging good relations with its neighbours but the friendly attitude should not perceived as being weak.
Country Needs To Get More Aggressive
Malaysia does not seem to have a medium- or long-term game plan of how to compete in this new world of globalisation and the looming economic behemoth of China. Singapore, of course, has it all figured out.
Neighbourliness The Bett ErPolicy
It can be safely argued that proportionately many more Malaysians feel hard done by Singapore than the other way round. the onus has to be on Singapor ebeing seen to be making amends.
Long Queues At Sales Counter As Ez-Link Card Offiically Launched
While the Ez-link card may be easy to use, it is not so easy to buy.
Technology
Singapore To See Big Jump In PDA Sales This Year
Due mainly to the government and private sector push to boost PDAs' usage.
Entertainment
Seafood Joints Set For Battle
New chain of four eateries at Turf City levies no service charge, giving East Coast restaurants a run for their money.
Saturday, April 13, 2002
Top Stories
Singapore To Meet IT Challenge With Review Of Censorship
"The state cannot decide for each child which movie to watch, or what cyber games to play, beyond putting in place some general system of classification to guide or restrict access."
Mahathir Insists Objections Are Valid
"If Singapore says it is baseless, then it has to show us how it is baseless."
News
Easing The Long Queues For Ez-Link Cards
TransitLink will recall workers and open more counters to cope with hordes of people buying new card.
Workers' Party Slams Proposal To Raise GST
THis will hit the poor hardest and is merely a means to ensure that the government has a steady source of revenue.
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid
If all else fails, perhaps the best way to get singles to marry and have babies is to drum into them the loneliness of being single and childless.
Home Affairs Working On Booklet On ISA: Wong Kan Seng
The aim is to address a lack of awareness about why a person is detained under the ISA and not produced before a court of law.
Singaporeans Will Never Go Thirsty: Environment Minister
The government will do whatever is necessary to ensure there will always be enough water to meet the needs of domestic consumption and industry.
Ease Of Selling Informatiion Is Unhealthy
The ease with which Singapore companies can trade an individual's details for money is surely unhealthy for our reputation as a financial centre.
Wider Use Planned For Ez-Link Smart Card
Users will be able to use the contactless bus and MRT card to pay for carpark and ERP charges and buy things in future.
Friday, April 12, 2002
News
Singapore Consumer Tax Hike Worries Retailers
Retailers are hoping that a rush for big items ahead of the changes, and as shoppers get used to the increase after that, will even out the initial losses in business.
Hong Kong Mulls Next Move As Singapore Unveils Tax Cuts
Tax experts disagree on how big a blow the move would be.
Singapore Says Malaysia's Reclamation Worries Unfounded
"Mah Bow Tan has assured me that there was no basis whatsoever for the Malaysians' complaints."
Full-Time Mother Or Full-Time Career Woman?
The biggest different [between Japan and Singapore] is the role of women inraising their children, especially during the period of infancy.
Thursday, April 11, 2002
Top Stories
Singapore Unveils Tax Changes In Bid To Stay Competitive
Singapore proposed sweeping changes to its tax system on Thursday through cuts in corporate and personal taxes and higher consumer taxes, aiming to boost its competitiveness and growth while maintaining a balanced budget. The proposals were welcomed by businesses and investors, but met with scepticism among lower income earners and job seekers.
News
A Savvy Tax Package, But Could It Be Bolder Still?
The need to increase GST is questionable - unless there are new expenditure-heavy policies in the pipeline that we don't know about yet.
Is Privacy Protected By Law?
There do not seem to be any laws in place aimed at protecting the privacy of citizens.
New Life For Anak Bukit
Once bustling with street hawkers, the sleepy enclave along Upper Bt Timah is slated for a makeover.
PM Tells How Note From KL Can Help
Goh Chok Tong urged KL to send an offiical note spelling out its concerns over land-reclamation work here.
DPM Lee To Deliver Singapore Budget On 3 May
The budget is expected to include the tax changes recommended by the taxation subgroup of the Economic Review Committee.
Experts: Project May Lead To More Accidents
Maritime experts see the recent collision that occurred near Singapore'e Pulau Tekong reclamation area near Pasir Gudang Port as the beginning of more such calamities linked to the project.
Entertainment
Artistic Dining
Chefs Zhang Jin Jie and Arun Sampanthavivat demonstrate well how food can become an art form.
The Late Show
It's round 'bout midnight and you need a kopi fix. Never fear, there's a kopitiam near.
'I Not Stupid' Grosses $3.6m At Box Office
'I Not Stupid' has become the second biggest local film of all time in Singapore.
Wednesday, April 10, 2002
Top Stories
Singapore Economy Ready To Rise
Singapore's economy looks to have bottomed out after government figures released Wednesday show a 2.6 percent year-on-year contraction in the March quarter.
News
Ez-Link Card On Sale Ahead Of Official Launch On Saturday
Cable Pact With SingTel Paves Way For StarHub-SCV Merger
The merger is one step closer to reality following the removal of a major obstacle involving the lease of Singtel's phone lines.
Malaysia Airports Makes Overtures To 50 Airlines
Tax breaks and passenger pick-up and drop-off rights are among hte perksit may offer, to lure airlines from Changi.
Singapore Seen Keeping Easy Monetary Policy
Singapore's fledgling economic recovery will not immediately trigger any official chnage in the government's stance on the Singaproe dollar, its main monetary tool, analysts said on Wednesday.
Chee Gets More Time To Secure Lawyers
Chee Soon Juan has more time to apply for two Queen's Counsel to be his lawyers in his legal tussle.
Still Awaiting Singapore's Reply
"We have submitted [the new proposal] and Singapore has asked for time to respond."
Technology
E-Filing Tax Returns Takes Too Long
I can only conclude that the technological infrastructure of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore is not efficient enough to handle such a high volume of Internet traffic.
Entertainment
Let People Watch What They Want
If the PAC continues to play nanny, an enlightened society cannot develop.
Maths In Art You Can Touch
Children can try making kaleidoscopes and play with geometric puzzles at the Art Museum's Art Educaiton Gallery.
Tuesday, April 9, 2002
News
Wider Usage For 7m EZ-Link Cards
LTA pressing for them to be accepted in taxis, carparks, vending machines, retail outlets.
Baby Bonus Not A Reason To Have A Child
We decided to start our family when we felt we were ready.
After Bubble Tea, Now Comes Blended Tonic
With local firms rebranding traditional fare, expect a range of tonic drinks, blended with herbs and fruit juices.
Film-Rating System Here Is Maturing
More movies are being given the NC-16 rating these days, thanks to a maturing film rating system.
Proposals On Tax Changes Tomorrow
The Economic Review Committee's sub-committee studying policies related to taxation, the Central Provident Fund system, wages and land will release its recommendations on taxation.
Singaproeans Ignore MP's Call To Boycott Shopping Acrossing Causeway
Johor Tourism Department had observed no change in the number of arrivals from Singapore since Saturday.
Average HDB Household Pays $44 To $118 In GST Monthly: Stats Dept
Mobile Phone Users Want Callers To Pay: Poll
About 95 per cent say it is fairer to make callers pay for mobile phone charges than to share the cost with the recipients.
Singapore Minister: Keep Clam Over Disputes
A Singaporean leader has urged political leaders and media in Malaysia and the republic to keep calm and help prevent widening any on-going disputes between both countries.
Entertainment
Visual, Sensual Arts Attack
This year's fest boasts a breathtaking line-up of international artistes, and the chance to pick some of their brains.
Monday, April 8, 2002
Top Stories
Tap-And-Go Fare Card System Starts Saturday
After a two-week delay, caused by a software glitch, the green light has been given for the launch of the ez-link smart card.
News
Government Will Ensure No 'Severe Impact' On HDB Owners
The government will have to make sure those who have bought HDB flats will not be 'severely impacted' by possible changes to the use of CPF savings, said Minister for National Develoment Mah Bow Tan.
Debates In The House Just For Show, So Why Bother
Do not let the interests of the nation be subservient to the interests of a political party.
Does Singapore Really Need More Babies?
Whhy do we need a large population?
More Protection Of Privacy Needed
I am appalled that personal data was offered without the express consent of th eperson whose data was used for what was essentially a direct marketing campaign.
HDB Starts Pulling Out The Stops To Woo Buyers
With 13,700 flats still unsold, walk-in buyers can view show flats, take a bus tour and make a booking on the spot.
'Singapore Was Ready To Go To War'
"Maybe [Lee Kwan Yew] was just joking, but the point is that the water supply from Johor is very important to them."
The Media's Not A Diplomat
Singapore seems to expect our journalists to come from obscure rags that are openly patronised by the Department of Information.
Are You Addicted To Sex?
In strait-laced Singapore the government is providing its citizens with a website designed to let them find out if their desires have become compulsive.
SMRT Launches 'Keep Left' Scheme Islandwide
SMRT has launched the "Keep Left" scheme islandwide for commuters taking the escalators at train stations after their resounding approval.
Characteristics Of Some Districts To Be Preserved
Small hubs of activity that have a distinct character will be kept and enhanced under a new "identity plan" announced by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan on Monday.
Consider Protest, Singapore Told
The works carried in waters around Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin by Singapore were not only narrowing the shipping routes but also affecting marine life and the livelihood of Malaysian fishermen.
Entertainment
Flavour Of The Year - Again
Two culinary talents here win summit's excellence awards for second year running in a field of 51 contestants.
Sunday, April 7, 2002
Top Stories
No More Baby Policies For Now
The government will wait before deciding whether to implement new policies to encourage families to have more babies, said Mah Bow Tan.
Government To Review CPF, GST Changes 'With Care'
DPM Lee said that the ideas for changes were still at an inception stage.
Malaysia 'Has Nothing To Lose'
Malaysia yesterday reacted coolly to Singapore's intention to rely less on Malaysia for its water supply and said it had nothing to lose if new sources were found.
News
Reclamation Victims Urged To Sue Singapore
Legal actuion should be taken as protests made to Singapore had not met any positive response.
Going... Going... Gone?
Urbanisation could mean the end of two breeds of mammals unique to Singapore, once common in the rainforests here.
Up To Singapore, Says DPM
"It is up to them if they want to look at other sources of water supply. It will not affect us negatively or jeopardise ties between us."
Singapore MP Asks Shoppers To Boycott JB
Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the MP's remarks were irrational and emotional, without taking into consideration the close ties among the people on both sides of the causeway.
Syed Albar: Protest Letters Were Sent To Singapore Over Relcamation Flap Despite Mah's Denials
Realism In Diplomacy
The supply of water is legally immutable in the Water Agreements but not the price or mechanism of it.
Saturday, April 6, 2002
Top Stories
Not In People's Interest To Lift The Whip
Voters elect MPs based on their parties and want to be assured they remain faithful to their platforms, says PM.
News
New Education Models For JC, Upper Secondary Students
Such models must still uphold existing standards and cater to students with different abilities and talents.
Malaysia Ready To Discuss Package Of Issues With Singapore
Malaysia is now waiting for the island republic to inform KL of its readiness.
Singapore: No Reason To Consult Malaysia
DAP deputy chairman Karpal Singh said Malaysians had a legitimate right to voice their protests against the reclamation exercise.
Troubled Waters At Singapore's Port
PSA Corp., vying with Hong Kong to be the world's busiest container terminal port, needs to cut charges and revamp operations to keep customers after losing another shipping company to a Malaysian rival, analysts said.
Fertitilty Rates Still Falling, Baby Bonus Scheme Not Delivering
The scheme started a year ago, and yet Singapore's total fertility rate fell to a historic low in 2001.
Not All Details Sent To SDU
SDU and the Ministry of Defence are working to review the current working arrangement.
Changes To CPF Savings Won't Solve Problem
If housing prices had not gone up by such huge leaps, which were fuelled mainly by the government jacking up land prices, perhaps we would still have enough savings in our CPF account for our old age.
Longer Term For Nominated MPs
Their terms will be stretched, so as to confine the selection process to twice in a full parliamentary term.
Orchard Road's New Kid On The Block
To be ready by the end of the month, The Atrium @ Orchard is integrated with an MRT station and offers office and retail space.
Hip But Not Happening
Why are the Malays, the young and the professionals staying away from community centres?
Entertainment
Choose-Your-View Soccere On TV
Diehard World Cup fans will be kept busy switching channels, with SCV showing all matches from four different angles.
Friday, April 5, 2002
Top Stories
Singapore Aims To Cut Dependence On Malaysian Water
Goh Chok Tong said on Friday that Singapore should cut its dependence on Malaysian water, a constant source of tension, to improve bilateral relations.
Get Ready For Big Changes In Key Areas
Major overhaul coming up will affect how you pay for your flat, save for retirement or even set aside retrenchment money.
News
Singapore Uncovers Plane Crash Plot
A Singapore member of an Islamic militant group linked to al-Qaida is suspected of planning to hijack a plane and crash it into the city-state's Changi Airport.
House Leader Explains Why Parliament Takes 5 Months To Convene
Government needed time to flesh out and think through its strategies to restructure Singapore.
No Need To Consult KL On Land Reclamation: Singapore
Mah Bow Tan: The reclamation works that we do are a result of our own need for land. So I do not see why we have to consult Malaysia.
Corporate, Income Taxes To Be Cut
The resulting loss in government revenue would be partially offset by higher indirect taxes like the Goods and Services Tax.
KL Waits For A Date With Singaproe For More Talks
Singapore has not fixed a date for a meeting with Malaysia to discuss unresolved issues under the new package deal, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Albar said yesterday.
Malaysia Should Send A Note, Not Talk Through Media
Singapore too has feelings, reminds MP, urging Malaysia to quit sparring through media on land-reclamation issue.
PSA Customers Keep Options Open As PTP Dangles Lure
While the Johor port offers cheaper rates, Singapore is far superior in terms of connectivity, say shipping lines.
Panel Sees TV Standards Fall In Ratings Race
Watchdog report on programming notes more shows of dubious value being aired as the media war here heats up.
Technology
Singapore's All-In-One Electronic Wallet
Sharp and NETS will co-develop a new dual-interface smartcard, having both contact and contactless functionalities.
Entertainment
Making A Delectable Discovery
Renaissance Hotel's Dynasty Restaurant scores with its dim sum done with a twist.
Forever Thai
Get the basics of Thai cuisine right, and you'll have satisfied customers bringing their friends, families and boss's dog for meals, again and again.
Thursday, April 4, 2002
Top Stories
Indonesian Court Delays Hearing Of Libel Suit Against Singapore
An Indonesian court on Thursday postponed hearing a 100 million dollar libel suit filed by a militant Muslim cleric against the Singapore government after representatives of the island republic failed to show up in court.
Singapore May Up GST To Lower Income Tax
Singaporeans may soon have to pay more tax for goods and services in order to keep personal income and corporate taxes low, Lee Hsien Long said.
News
Muslim Cleric Calls Singapore's Lee A "Toungue Of The U.S."
"It's clear that Lee Kuan Yew is a tongue of the United States and it's clear that the U.S. is waging a war against Islam."
Wednesday, April 3, 2002
News
Elections Not Fair, Says NCMP
The general election may be over, but political undercurrents persist.
Why Are People Cynical About Politics? Are We Missing Something? - Former Speaker Tan Soo Khoon
Open 24 Hours Once, Denny's Now Closed
Restaurant chain is served winding-up notice after it fails to repay parent company Lam Soon $1 million in loans.
Time Not Right For An Equal Opportunities Commission: Manpower Minister
Singapore should stick to mediation between employers, unions and the Ministry to resolve disputes for now.
PSA Loses Shipping Gaint Evergreen To Malaysia
Evergreen said that lower costs at PTP were a key factor for making the switch.
Technology
iMac Promotion
Purchase the brand new iMacs and pay in installment, interest free.
More Filing Tax Returns On Net
More than 450,000 people, or 25 percent increase over last year, have opted for the paperless option of filing.
Tuesday, April 2, 2002
Top Stories
Malaysia's Reclamation Claims 'Not Logical'
MP hits out at Malaysia and its media for their barrage of criticisms over Singapore's land-reclamation works.
Singapore Dream? Some Would Rather Be In New York
Rooting talented young people here is much harder when they're pursuing a Global Dream to work and thrive abroad.
News
Why Pick On Civil Servants?
A flood of criticisms from MPs must set civil servants pondering.
GK Goh Sees 2-Pt Corporate Tax Cut, Hike In GST
Comfort Ready To Run Public Bus Services
Already a big player on the private-bus scene, Singapore's top taxi operator wants to compete with SBS and Tibs too.
MP Criticises Malaysia For Using Media To Handle Bilateral Disputes
Mr R Ravindran on Tuesday accused Malaysia of increasingly using its media to handle bilateral disagreements.
Hong Kong's Rights Observer Slams Singapore
A HK rights activist on Tuesday criticised the defamation suits filed against bankrupt politician J.B. Jeyaretnam and urged the island-state to allow for greater freedom of speech.
Singapore Politician Ends Legal Battle By Making Apology
J.B. Jeyaretnam on Tuesday ended a series of defamation suits brought against him by publicly apologising in the High Court.
Freedom Of The Press Comes Under Attack In Asia
News organizations have recnetly been under official fire from several Asian countries, including those noted for press freedom.
Monday, April 1, 2002
News
Most Remember To Dial '6' First
Three quarters of the calls to fixed lines made before noon yesterday were eight-digit ones starting with '6'.
Don't Agree With Government? Speak Up And Be Counted
"Twenty years have been wasted mainly in trying to contain the opposition, instead of spending that time to open up our society and allow more freedom."
MPs Voice Concerns On Jobs, Jobs, And Jobs
They speak up for older workers and those desperate to find work, but there are also some who refuse job offers.
Singapore Property Sector Shows Signs Of Recovery: Report
"The increase in activities was mainly due to healthy demand in the residential sector, as well as a return of confidence to the general property market."
Singapore Sees Marginal Rise In February Tourist Arrivals
The 0.8 per cent jump reverses a decline reported in January.
Sued Singaporean Politician Considers Apology Offer
J. B. Jeyaretnam could end a series of law suits brought against him by members of the ruling party with a public apology, the High Court heard on Monday.
First Day Of Debate In New Singapore Parliament
The government of this tightly controlled island nation must stop viewing creative outlets simply as a means to spur future economic growth, said Chin Tet Yung.