Wednesday, August 31, 2005
News
Singapore's Women, Asia's 'Shopping Queens'
Women in the city-state are Asia's undisputed shopping queens with the top-earning 28 per cent having at least 1 billion Singapore dollars to spend each month, a regional survey said Tuesday.
PAP Leader's Banner Defaced
Black paint was used to smudge the picture of the People's Action Party's Sitoh Yih Pin, which was hung on an open field along Potong Pasir Avenue 1.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
News
KL To Go Ahead With Causeway Replacement
Malaysia has decided to build a bridge to replace the Causeway, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar has said.
Tie Up The Flag When Entering Singapore
Malaysians travelling into the island republic are given the option to remove or tie up the Jalur Gemilang attached to their vehicles.
LTA To Decide On Buangkok
Transport Minister Yeo Choew Tong stressed that the LTA would be "looking very carefully" if their requirement set down in 2003 for there to be at least 2,000 households within a 400m radius had to be "so precise."
Opinion
Monday, August 29, 2005
News
Stunning Bukit Batok Catholic Church Has Private Pool For Priest
Poor Need Some Form Of Welfare, Say MPs
Low-income families are becoming a worry for the government as it tries to balance helping this group without going down the slippery slope of welfarism.
Singapore Press: Johor Port Expansion May Hurt Singapore
Malaysia's Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor is on the expansion trail which could divert some container traffic from Singapore, reports the Business Times.
Opinion
We're Naughty By Nature Too!
Last week, I received a call telling me I had won a free makeover with 2 complimentary shots from Naughty By Nature...
Marching In The Rain = Very Tough?
In the spirit of building a "rugged society" that can walk/march in the rain, do sychronized dance in the mud, I implore the government not to open the Buangkok station for an indefinite time. Let them walk.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
News
Restoring Part Of Singaporeans' Jaded Dream
The 53-year-old Lee, who became Prime Minister a year ago, was making one of the most important speeches here in years.
Residents Bring Up 'White Elephant' Buangkok Station During Minister's Visit
Toilet Training Treads Tertiary Pathway
Singapore is to set up what is being hailed as the world's first tertiary education course on toilets.
Opinion
Singapore — Kickapoo
It's fruity and refreshing!
Saturday, August 27, 2005
News
MM Lee, Participants Of 1968 NDP Recount Heavy Downpour Experience
What has a heavy downpour at the National Day Parade in 1968 got to do with Singapore's success story?
PM Lee Reshuffles Singapore Cabinet
Following Dr Tony Tan's retirement, Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng will be appointed Deputy Prime Minister and continues to hold the home affairs portfolio.
Singapore Encourages Learning Of A Third Language
Bilingual Singapore is gearing up towards "trilingualism" among its population by encouraging students to learn a third language, apart from English and their own mother tongue, even if it is only for conversational purposes.
See Also: Mr. Sandman, Bring Me A Beach
Manhattan remains an island without beaches, real or artificial. Yet resourceful residents have for years shunned long rides to the seashore, adapting the idea of "going to the beach" to mean stretching out wherever they can strip down and oil up.
Singapore Investigates Film
A film director who could face charges over his documentary about an opposition politician said yesterday that police have asked him to surrender all remaining copies of the film and the equipment used to make it.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Ramblings
CD Ripping, Fair Use, And Other MP3 Stuff
The issues are definitely far from being non-complicated, as replied by IPOS.
News
Singapore Takes Seriously Any Info On Threats Against County: MHA
The Home Affairs Ministry says it has not received any specific information on an imminent terrorist threat against Singapore or its financial hub.
Singapore Plans Future In Science
The government believes a thriving research sector and patented discoveries will reduce its dependence on electronics industries.
Singapore Carves Niche In Stem Cell Research
South Korea stole headlines after creating the world's first cloned dog, but the tiny city-state of Singapore is quietly preparing to take the fruits of its stem cell research straight to the market.
Al Qaeda May Hit 'Asian Fiancial Hub'
Al Qaeda, the international terrorist organisation, is planning to attack a major financial hub in Asia to destabilise the region economically and trigger panic among investors, said a Financial Times report on Friday, quoting France's top terrorist investigator Jean-Louis Bruguiere. The newspaper listed Tokyo, Sydney or Singapore as the probable targets.
Islamic Moderation In Singapore Thrives In A Secular Environment
Singapore is a unique example of how Islamic moderation could be made possible by a politically and economically secular environment.
Circle Line's Lorong Chuan Challenge
Works behind schedule as residents worry about dust, noise; LTA also faces contractor's claims.
One Policy That Singapore Won't Change
Why Gay Factor Can't Be Ignored
"The gay advocacy issue is different from the public health issue," Dr Balaji Sadasivan said.
Opinion
If You Break The Rules, Face The Fall-Out — Don't Put The Blame On Others
Surely, there must be respect and observance of law and order to maintain public safety?
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Ramblings
Never Heard Of The Internet, Is It?
This guy was arrested coming into Singapore with, allegedly, "two video CDs and two DVDs [suspected to be uncensored and obscene] lodged between his buttocks."
Apparently, this guy do not know how to download from the internet.
News
MOH To Investigate Discrimination Against HIV Patients At Workplace
Singapore School Receives Top Marks As A 'Mini-UN'
Shanghai Singapore International School represents some of the dynamic globalization developments in the city and it has played a vital role in meeting the academic needs of the expatriate community over the past nine years.
Singapore's Temasek Seeks Guarantees From Bank Of China For Investment — Report
Temasek Holdings is seeking to buy up to 10 percent of the Bank of China for about three billion USD, but is demanding guarantees against a sudden deterioration in the state lender's finanaces, the Financial Times reported.
Opinion
All Singaporeans Who Own MP3 Players And iPods Are Criminals
So technically, does that mean a policeman can pull you off the streets when they see you listening to your iPod, and arrest you for breaking the Singapore copyright law?
Thank Kew For The Video Clip And Understanding Us
Let's get this out of the way. It is the job of PM Lee and any leader of a country to "know what is happening in the people's lives." I think that's the very bare minimum.
Burger King & Mary's Little Lamb
Here I am, enjoying an early lunch, trying out a succulent lamb burger, and this ad sitting on my tray reminds me of Mary's Little Lamb! How sadistic is this?
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Opinion
Random Searches
There are rights to a citizen, and they're not there for fun, terrorism or not.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
News
'Johor's Crime Rate Not As Serious As Perceived'
Johor's crime rate is lower than that of Singapore. This is Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman's answer to Singaporean investors who have doubts about doing business across the Causeway.
Singapore, Australia To Co-Operate
Australia must co-operate more closely with countries such as Singapore to defeat the long-term security challenges posed by terrorism, ministers from each country said today.
Singapore's Housing Costs Increase Consumer Prices
Consumer prices in Singapore rose in July, after declining in June for the first time in two years, because of higher costs for housing, food and education, the government said Tuesday.
LTA Must Pay, Says Paralysed Cyclist's Family
The family of hte 40-year-old cyclist who was paralysed from the neck down after crashing into a metal barrier at a pedestrian bridge in Tampines, is demanding compensation from the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
Opinion
Why PM Lee Cried When Mentioning 1968 NDP?
All The Hoo-Ha
Talkis cheap. Let's see the results in this coming year(s).
Monday, August 22, 2005
News
Telekom Malaysia Invests In Singapore
Telekim believes that the deal is "not so much for growth, but synergy and product innovation and cross border transactions."
Singapore Plans More Financial, Services Investments
Singapore plans to invest more in its financial center and service industrices to reinvent the city, making it more "vibrant" and attractive to investors, said Prime Minister Le Hsien Loong.
Can Andrew Kuan Plug The Leaky Opposition Sampan?
Some opposition parties are now saying they want Andrew Kuan. This, despite Mr Kuan's earlier remark that he has 'no aspiration at this moment to join an opposition party.'
Singapore's One-China Policy Remains Unchanged: PM
Stressing that China's emergence has strengthened Singapore's confidence in the future of Chinese language and culture in the country, he said that Chinese-Singaporeans appreciate their Chinese heritage and identity more, and understand the importance of learning Chinese.
PM Lee Says Singapore Needs To Foster Innovation To Grow Economy
PM Lee Wants Singapore's Service Culture To Be Improved
He said it was not just for tourists, but for a gracious society.
Singapore Needs To Reinvent Itself Into Vibrant Global City: PM Lee
PM Lee Announces Help For Lower Income, Older Singaporeans
For those still in the workforce, their Medisave accounts will also be made more flexible, but they must have enough balance in their accounts.
Government To Put Every Singaporean Through Post-Secondary Training
PM Lee Calls On All Singaporeans To Help Remake Country
Singapore PM: Nation Should Follow Vegas
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday said his country should take a cue from freewheeling Las vegas, as he outlined his economic vision in his second annual address to the nation, but veered away from discussing politics and free speech.
Opinion
Express-ing Desire To Pedal
Opening up expressways to long-distance cycling would be a shot in the arm for the sport.
After The Rally, How To Keep Spirit Alive?
What role will ordinary Singaporeans play in this next exciting phase of Singapore's development?
NDR 2005
I find that NDRs are very happy occasions because on the big issues I have no major disagreements with the government.
Power Reporting
Wow. At 2320pm, 1 hr+ after the speech, CNA has already concluded that Singaporeans are iinspired by Mr Lee's vision.
National Day Rally 2005 That Touched Me Most
Of all the topics covered, what touched me most was the remaking of Singapore and a new emphasis on our service sector.
McDonald's: You Know You Don't Want To
McDonald's will have to start working on its delivery service without compromising on the condition and quality of the food.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Ramblings
No, We Cannot Refuse Random Bag Searches In MRT
In response to my earlier letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs on whether MRT passengers have a right to refuse random searches, Mr Jarrod Pereira, Assistant Director, Operations (Security & Counter Terrorism) gave a simple reply: passengers never had that right.
"It is inaccurate to state that passengers have a right to refuse the [security] check by leaving the station," Mr Pereira said. "Rather, the MRT staff have a right to refuse entry to passengers that refuse to be checked." If you want to take the MRT, you'll have to agree to be searched.
In fact, with the introduction of the "special armed police unit" that will patrol the MRT system, passengers who refuse to be searched will be detained by "MRT staff and security guards... till the arrival of the police." You will probably not have a pleasant time.
Even if you do not carry any illegal items with you, refusal of searches alone may not be legal. (I didn't pose any legal questions in my earlier e-mail, nor am I a lawyer, so this is only my layman interpretation of the Rapid Transit Systems Act (Chapter 263A).) After all, "[25.] Any person who wilfully does or omits to do anything in relation to any railway as a result of which the safety of any person travelling or being upon the railway is endangered, or is likely to be so endangered, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both."
In New York City, the location of the 9-11 attack, passengers need not subject themselves to random searches. "Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly has said that you are free to 'turn around and leave' any subway system where police are conducting random searches." In London, those who refuse will simply "be banned from travelling."
In Singapore, you will be detained.
So, beware. Don't carry any illegal (not that you should in the first place) or any embarassing things with you when you travel in the MRT trains. If you are chosen to be searched, you cannot refuse.
News
Government Launching Major Initiative To Improve Service Standards In Singapore
Johor Fine With Crooked Bridge
Johor has reiterated that it still wants a bridge, straight or otherwise, to replace the existing Causeway which links it with Singapore.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
News
Back To The Future
Even a country as modern as Singapore is determined not to forget those who died there in the Second World War.
Opinion
Why Andrew Kuan Remained In JTC After Appraisal
If the issue is whether the staff's performance meets the standard expected by the Corporation, it is only fair that the person be given time to improve.
PM Lee, Second Year And Beyond
Citizens not only becoming more demanding, but also more active in complex global city-state.
Friday, August 19, 2005
News
New NKF Board Announces Cut In Dialysis Cost In Preliminary Review
In its first progress report, the new board assessed that there was scope to reduce the current cost.
SingTel On Prowl For Regional Acquisitions
More Schemes For Lower Income Group May Be Announced In ND Rally: MPs
Those in the 20th percentile, who earn less than S$1,200, are expected to benefit the most from the Prime Minister's speech.
The Dealings Before The Demolition
12 accept LTA offer, moves to help eligible owners buy flats early.
Opinion
Licence Not Revoked Automatically If Cabbie Has Criminal Record
The decision to revoke a vocational licence is on a case-by-case basis.
Entertainment
Fann Wong Leads A Charmed Life
Fann Wong is in love and, boy, she simply looks radiant.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
News
Singapore Seeks To Reinvent As Fun Business Center
Singapore government is trying to cast off its safe-but-dull image by building casinos and exotic venues to entertain tourists and lure lucrative business travellers as part of a plan to make the city-state the venue of choice for international conferences.
Singapore Arrests Three For Music Piracy
Singapore police say they have arrested three people, including a student, in the city-state's first online music piracy case.
Clarifications On President's Role
Lessons Learnt From The NKF Saga?
Time for the three kidney foundations to work together, says KDF chairman.
Neighbors Calling: Malaysian Government Gets A Large Slide Of M1
Underlining how deals get clinched when ties get warmer, the Malaysian government yesterday bought a sizeable stake in local telco MobileOne (M1).
TM To Buy Up To 30% Stake In M1
Singapore's NKF Requests CAD Help In Probe Into "Matters Of Grave Concern"
The interim board of the National Kidney Foundation has come across certain "matters of grave concern" in the course of its work over the last one month. An NKF statement says it has requested the assistance of the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) to look into these matters.
Singapore's Internet Controls Shun Filters
Singapore maintains some of the world's tightest restrictions on free expressions on the internet, but unlike other regimes, it doesn't do it with technological filters. Instead Singapore controls the web through an unusual mix of legal pressures and access restrictions, according to a new study from three universities.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
News
Kuan Hit By Second Blow
First, his election hopes were floored — now he faces legal woes.
At Forty, Singapore Craves More Of The Same
The dilemma facing the PAP is how to relax the political system without loosing its grip on power over the island and its people.
Opinion
A Price Too High To Pay?
In trying to ensure that Singaporeans do not inadvertently elect a president who is not up to the job, our leaders may have — equally inadvertently — ensured that the elected presidency will forever remain a misnomer.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
News
Singapore Minister To Push Open Skies Talk
Singapore Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong is back in Australia.
Downer In SingAir Access Talks
A review of aviation policy considering whether to allow Singapore Airlines to fly the trans-Pacific route was expected to be ready in two or three months, the federal government said today.
Opinion
Protecting Privacy Of IC Data
It is time that we adopt best practices in the safeguarding of identity cards and IC numbers.
Let Us Ride Our Own CPF Bike
Learn to let go, Singapore.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Ramblings
Random Searches On Singapore MRT Trains
I've send the following e-mail to Ministry of Home Affairs...
Hi,
Previously, MRT passengers are subjected to random searches of bags and belongings when entering MRT stations. It was stated then that passengers can choose not to have their bags searched by disagreeing to the search and leave the station.
However, in today's report by Channel NewsAsia <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/163270/1/.html>, "Special armed police unit begins MRT patrols", it is reported that:
"Bags and items being checked onboard trains will soon become a common sight for the 1.2 million commuters using the MRT daily."
This implies that bags and belongings will no longer be searched just at the entrance to stations, but also inside moving trains. Does this mean a change in policy in regarding the passengers' right to refuse searches? Can any passengers decline random searches and leave the MRT train and station without incurring any harm on themselves due to the "shoot to kill" policy by the armed police unit? What is the proper procedure, if available, for refusing random searches?
Thanks. I look forward to your clarifications.
Leong Heng Cheong
News
Special Armed Police Unit Begins MRT Patrols
New Hospital To Open Before 2010 To Help Ease Patient Load At TTSH
Parliament Okays Bill To Let Private Sector Build And Sell HDB Flats
The successful tenderer will also have the flexibility to decide on the design of the flats, the flat mix and their pricing.
What's Behind The Election Divide?
Andrew Kuan To Quit As PAP Member
"It's time to move on."
Where's That Yellow Ribbon Now?
He paid his dues in prison but when he tried to start a new life, his taxi licence was revoked.
Singapore President Wins New Term As Elections Panel Disqualifies Rival
The deicision by the election committee at the weekend to reject Mr Kuan was expected after several unflattering disclosures about the former corporate finance executive were made in the state-guided media.
Opinion
No-Contest Is Disturbing
If the eligibility criteria is such that for two consecutive elections not a single Singaporean was able to pose a challenge for the country's top post, then perhaps we may have to consider whether the criteria needs to be reviewed.
Entertainment
Singapore Serves Spicy Eats, Sexy Slings
Singapore proves an essential destination for anyone on a culinary tour of Asia, with Chinese, Indian and Malaysian flavors mingling together for big tastes in one tiny city-state.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
News
Opinion
Why Singapore Didn't Need A Presidential Election Anyway
Let him keep the office, but though a walkover, any claim of representing the people's choice is denied.
Thoughts On The CBD Riot
Fear the blog.
Two More "Facts"
I'm not so sure the media's coverage was entirely fair to Kuan.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Top Stories
No Contest For Singapore's Presidential Poll, Only SR Nathan Eligible
The Presidential Elections Committee issued only one Certificate of Eligibility to contest the poll — to incumbent President SR Nathan.
Ramblings
Time to haul all the reservists and active soldiers for yet another round of propaganda... er... national education? The Discovery Center (not to be confused with the Science Center) is relaunching.
Clearest Sign Yet That General Election Is Coming
#1: Goodies are announced. ("Lee Kuan Yew said that the government is going to grants to CPF for HDB home purchases and Medifund.")
#2: Promises Of Better Times. ("Lee Kuan Yew said Singapore will likely do better in the next five years than it did in the last five.")
(As reported by Channel News Asia)
News
Singaporeans Not The Only Ones Attending Meet The MP Sessions
The MPs say up to 20 percent of the residents they see every week are foreigners, accompanied by Singaporeans, applying for permanent residence.
PM Lee's Year Of Reaching Out
One year on, has Singapore changed?
MRT Disrupted, Stations Evacuated At Hougang
A homemade hamper sparked off a security scare at Hougang station and disrupted train services along the North East Linee for over two hours yesterday.
Changing Istana
This office was the final check against a rogue government. Now, government wants to safeguard this office.
Government Looking Into Asset Top-Ups For Lower-Skilled Singaporeans
Singapore Plans To Tweak Casino Rules
Singapore will modify some rules for the city-state's first casino-resorts after consulting bidders including Harrah's Entertainment Inc. and Las vegas Sands Corp.
Opinion
Friday, August 12, 2005
News
Rare Protest In Singapore
Riot police have broken up a rare demonstration in Singapore of four people demanding greater transparency and accountability in the state-managed pension fund and other government-linked agencies.
Singapore Airlines Becomes Major Foreign Carrier In China
By increasing its daily flights from Singapore to Beijing, Singapore Airlines has become one of the msot important airline companies in China.
Singapore's SPH To Cut 72 Long-Serving Staff
Porperty Owners Shocked At Short Quit Notice
Owners of homes and businesses who have been given one month to vacate their five-storey Hock Kee House in Paya Lebar Road were shocked when they were told the news last night.
JTC Was Not Satisfied With Kuan's Work
Ex-bosses say they let him stay despite performance as JTC is employer with "heart."
Protesters Sent Packing
The group were protesting against a lack of transparenc and accountability in three government organisations.
Opinion
I Love Singapore
Happy National Day, Hock Kee House.
I'm Wondering...
All these does not reflect well on the president-hopeful. And it sure as hell reflects much worse on the organisations that hired him.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Top Stories
George Yeo's Sentimental Malaysian Journey
Though we found George Yeo a really tough nut to crack on controversial issues concerning bilateral relations, he opened up quite easily about all the places he remembered across the Causeway.
Ramblings
The basic premise of a news website is to ensure that readers do read the news they want — and, along the way, some advertisements.
So, why oh why, must some idiot websites (I'm looking at you, Today) have all sort of fancy UI stuff that made browsing headlines difficult, increase page loading time, made it impossible to change font sizes, and, occasionally, crashed my browser?
Don't know how to keep it simple, eh?
News
Training Cycle For NSmen To Be Cut From 13 To 10 Years
Surprise Bid Stirs Singapore Presidential Poll
The emergence of a possible contender in Singapore's upcoming presidential elections has created a stir in what was seen as a second term shoo-in for the government-backed candidate.
Opinion
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Ramblings
Empty Malls — Is That Possible?
We — me and my family — went for an early dinner over at Sembawang Shopping Center just as the parade telecast begins on television. And the mall has significant less people than your usual weekend holiday crowd.
In fact, we didn't even need to queue up when making payment at Giant supermarket.
Is the National Day Parade really such a draw that people really do stay home to watch TV? I thought these kinds of things only happens when Chow Yun Fat was on television back in the 1970s.
News
Better CTE Traffic Flow After Evening ERP
After more than a week in operation, the Land Transport Authority concluded that the Electronic Road Pricing along the northbound Central Expressway have improved traffic flow.
Singapore GDP Grows 18% In Second Quarter
Singapore's economy grew at an annualised, seasonally adjusted rate of 18.0 percent in the second quarter, its fastest pace since the third quarter of 2003, and above an advance government estimate of 12.3 percent, official data showed on Wednesday.
MPs Widen Their Net With SMS
Some members of the People's Action Party are going high-tech to reach Singaporeans.
Padang Transformed For Singapore's 40th Birthday Celebrations
PM Lee Emphasises Importance Of Electing The Right Person As President
"The best way to do that is to be completely open about your record, what you have done, where you have been, what your experiences are, how you've handled situations and therefore why you may be qualified, so people can make a judgement."
Opinion
NDP Bag Explorer
You want to know what is inside this year's goodie bag, don't you?
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
News
Singapore, Turning 40, Seeks New 'Buzz' To Be Mid-Life Crisis
Singapore, today celebrating 40 years of independence with displays by mine-clearing robots, fighter jets and tanks, may be facing a mid-life crisis: slowing growth and a people more concerned with managing wealth than making it.
Battle Begins Early For Andrew Kuan
Mr Kuan has already offended a lawyer who will study if his statements are defamatory.
Opinion
Can One-Party System Stand The Test Of Time?
National Day
i find it a curious social phenomenon that Singaporeans continue to find inspirational value in the National Day parade.
Singapore's 40th Birthday
As one of those who fell in love with Singapore, I would like to say Happy Birthday Singapore!
One Reason To Live In An Opposition-Controlled Constituency
Rustic is the new cool!
Monday, August 8, 2005
Ramblings
Work With Us, Says Government, To Make Singapore Safe
Singaporeans must work with the government to keep the country safe, says Tony Tan.
Great. But how about Singaporeans having a say on what kind of security is appropriate and what are the risks we are willing to take?
Do we want big tall fences on our islands? Do we want to be searched in MRT stations? Do we want no predictability on how much time we need to schedule in order to clear the customs at our borders?
News
Singapore's Unemployment Rate Rises
Singapore's jobless rate rose to 3.4 percent in the second quarter, the government said Monday, as the city-state's job-hunting graduates joined its unemployment ranks.
Kuan Joined JTC To Boost Chances
Andrew Kuan joined JTC Corporation as its group chief financial officer in June 2001, in a calculated move to boost his chances.
Singaporeans Must Work With Government To Keep Country Safe: DPM Tan
Singaporeans have to work with the government to keep Singapore safe and secure. Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan said although the government was taking all the necessary measures to safeguard Singapore, Singaporeans could not leave it to the government to protect the country.
Entertainment
Singapore Bags Top Prize In Cooking Contest At Chinese Food Festival
After cooking seven Chinese dishes in four hours, a Singapore culinary team defeated Taiwan's team to win the World Culinary Contest at the 2005 Taipei Chinese Food Festival yesterday.
Sunday, August 7, 2005
Opinion
We Know What Is Good And You Don't
Boy, isn't that a dangerous thought?
Saturday, August 6, 2005
News
Singapore's Air Hub Status Under Threat, Official Warns
Singapore's status as one of Asia's main air hubs is threatened by the emergence of larger long-range aircraft and the upgrading of rival airports in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Dubai, a senior official said.
Opinion
Effective Only If Enforced
It is evident that signboards and laws can be effective only if there is enforcement.
Friday, August 5, 2005
News
SPH Makes Fresh Request For Access To Detained Journalist
Singapore's Anti-Death Penalty Concert To Go Ahead
Police have approved Singapore's first convert against the death penalty but demanded that no posters bearing the face of a recently hanged Indian origin drug trafficker would be displayed, organisers said.
China Arrests Hong Kong Reporter For Spying For Taiwan
China formally arrested Hong Kong journalist Ching Cheong on Friday on a charge of spying for rival Taiwan, the official Xinhua news agency said. This is an indication that the 55-year-old China chief correspondent for Singapore's Straits Times could be indicted soon.
Potential Presidential Candidate Andrew Kuan Submits Application Form
Andrew Kuan is former chief financial officer of Jurong Town Corporation.
It's Not A Waste Of Money
Marina Bay rebranding went beyond choice of name: URA.
Singapore Rebel Urges Free-Speech Podcasting
The Singapore Democratic Party, an opposite party, tested the city-state's authoritarianism by launching a podcast on its web site that denounces the ruling People's Action Party ahead of the country's 40th anniversary independence day celebrations.
Possibly The First Singaporean Political Podcast
Chee Soon Juan talks about what his platform for the coming election is.
Thursday, August 4, 2005
News
Korea And Singapore Sign FTA In Seoul
Contest Sitll Possible For Singapore's Presidential Election
Singapore To Hold Presidential Election On Aug 27
The incumbent, S.R. Nathan, a former ambassador to Washington and internal security chief, said on July 12 he would run for a second term, and the 81-year-old is unlikely to face opposition.
Opinion
Night Life Of A Different Sort In Singapore
It was quite an eye-opener actually to see how Malays, as a minority group, organise themselves and take care of their own welfare.
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
News
Turning 40, Singapore Leaders Ease Up On Social Engineering Without Ceding Political Control
While the economy has leaped forward, political reform has been glacial.
Opinion
There Is No Baby Nursing Room In Sentosa
Attention: Sentosa Management! When you spend $140 million on the new Sentosa Express... consider spending some for a "baby nursing room."
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
News
On The Set With Singapore's Not-So-Dangerous Bad Boy
Sinking into a plush sofa of a luxury hotel suite now used as a movie production office, the young director Royston Tan contemplated his nickname in the industry. Ah yes, he hears it a lot, he said, his lips turning up to form a tentative and somewhat embarrassed smile. But, he insisted, "I'm reeeeeaaaaally pretty gentle, actually."
Women Sent To Work As Prostitutes In Singapore From Batam
The police busted the syndicate following a tip-off saying there were weekly shipments of women being sent to Singapore from the international ferry harbor of Sekupang, Batam.
Gay Australians Warned Against Flouting Singapore Laws
Homosexual Australians travelling to Singapore were warned by the foreign ministry that they face jail for having gay sex in the island republic.
The Road-Price Of Forgetting
Evening electronic road-pricing was implemented along the Central Expressway yesterday and it was clear that some motorists had forgotten about it.
Monday, August 1, 2005
News
Alternative Routes Congested As Evening ERP On CTE Starts
But traffic along the northbound CTE relatively smoother than before.
Finance Ministry Seeks Views On Double Taxation Agreements
Plug Cargo Leakage Via Singapore
Better co-ordination between agencies is needed to curb the 25% to 30% leakage of Malaysian air cargo for both import and export that are being airfreighted through Singapore.
Smoking Ban At Coffee Shops, Hawker Centres From July Next Year
Singaporeans will soon not have to endure second-hand smoke when the ban starts at coffee shops and hawker centres next year.
