Ad : Buy beautiful things at Home-tique
MyAppleMenu | Tomorrow | Reader | Singapore
You are here in the archive: SingaporeSurf > 2009 > June
by The Online Citizen Tweet
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has to stay operationally ready and will not shut down even with H1N1 cases among its personnel. Overseas training will also go on and there are no plans to change that. Deputy prime minister and defence minister Teo Chee Hean touched on this on Tuesday in an interview ahead of SAF Day. Tweet
by Jessica Yeo, Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Yawning Bread Tweet
by Diana Othman, Straits Times
Two in five private companies said that they would need to cut wages this year if business conditions worsened, when the Singapore economy contracted sharply by 4.2 per cent in the December quarter. Tweet
by Readings From A Political Duo-ble
While these statistics imply that Singaporeans generally perceive the government of doing a good job in combating corruption, it does not necessarily mean that they agree with the exorbitant salaries of the high level ministers and bureaucrats. Tweet
by Straits Times
The government will take over the development and ownership of Singapore's first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal on Jurong Island.
And despite the global economic downturn, which has weakened future demand and the commercial viability of the project, the government will still go ahead to build the terminal, said Mr S Iswaran, senior minister of state for trade and industry, and education. Tweet
by Cerelia Lim, The Online Citizen
Should the use of dialects be encouraged once more? This question was the focus of the Dialect Forum: The Forgotten Tongue hosted by the People’s Youth Association Movement at Toa Payoh Central Community Club on 27th June. Tweet
by Straits Times
The health ministry (MOH) is no longer telling Singaporeans to avoid countries where H1N1 is spreading rapidly. Instead, its website (www.moh.gov.sg) simply lists areas which have confirmed community spread of H1N1 or which have 'exported' the virus - and Singapore is among those named. Tweet
by Selina Lum, Straits Times
An internet start-up here has taken national broadcaster MediaCorp to court for making purportedly groundless threats of legal action. Hearing for RecordTV's pre-emptive lawsuit began in the High Court yesterday. Tweet
by Ng Sook Fun, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, Straits Times
We are in the midst of updating both the www.gov.sg and eCitizen portals. As part of the update, we will look into incorporating more Web accessibility features in these portals. Tweet
by Rosie Mei, Straits Times
Has anyone from the relevant agencies taken a stroll down Orchard Road since the $40 million upgrading effort? If they did, they would notice that the $40 million spent redoing the pavements, installing fancy street furniture and glass dividers is now plastered with thick layers of pigeon poo. Tweet
by Douglas Chua, Straits Times
We have no alternative but to change our mindset - be more open with the space we must share with others.
One thing I learnt in life is that there is no such thing as 'no alternative'. Tweet
by Raymund Koh, Straits Times
If Singaporeans do not demand a decent wage commensurate with the lifestyle here to enjoy a proper living, I am sure many would end up without a roof over their heads. It is time for employers to wake up and look at the issues that cause Singaporeans to shun certain jobs. Tweet
by Kevin Kwek, Straits Times
There is no social or government contract when you buy a property or choose to live in a particular location, for you to 'expect' things to be exactly how you want them.
But, maybe there should? Tweet
by Singapore Democrats
After 22 years, we are beginning to see more public events that address the Internal Security Act (ISA) detentions in 1987. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
These latest cases mean locally acquired ones now make up 54 per cent of all confirmed H1N1 cases in Singapore. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is proposing changes to Singapore's tax laws to meet the new internationally agreed standard on exchange of information for tax purposes. Tweet
by The Kway Teow Man
Truthfully, the situation today is not too bad. If we act now, we have a chance to keeping the housing situation in Singapore sane (as the rest of the world continues to spiral out of control after this present financial crisis); if we don't act, it will get worse and the poor will suffer. Tweet
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
While we may understand that MPs would like to celebrate National Day and show their patriotism and solidarity with the nation, we should also question if such spending is necessary, especially in these uncertain times. Tweet
by 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. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
Mr Lee Hsien Yang, chairman of Fraser & Neave, will head the corporatised Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Tweet
by Sam Ho, Sam's thoughts Tweet
by Straits Times
Singapore clocked its highest number of H1N1 cases in a day with 145 new patients on Sunday. Three of the now 599 confirmed cases are Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers from Presbyterian High, Westwood Secondary School, and Hai Sing Catholic School. Tweet
by Maria Almenoar and Wee Jun Kai , Straits Times
Some taxis are holding back from joining the queues at Changi Airport just before 5pm on weekends so that they can collect the higher surcharges which kick in after that time. Tweet
by Khairulanwar Zaini, The Online Citizen Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Nopporn Wong-Anan, Reuters
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. Tweet
by Mark Holsworth, Melbourne Art & Culture Critic
Singapore is not a noted internationally for its artists but that is no reason to ignore it. I won’t and I am trying to write more about Singapore’s art world. The art scene in Singapore is marginal, it has cultural, social and political problems but it is definitely improving. Tweet
by Antara
The provincial administration of Riau Islands has advised the public not to visit Singapore for the time being in view of the discovery of several swine flu cases in the city state.
"On behalf of the provincial administration I call on the public not to visit Singapore, if not absolutely necessary," the head of tourism and cultural affairs, Robert Iwan Loreux, said Saturday. Tweet
by Teo Wan Gek , Straits Times
The grave of Singapore's wartime hero Lim Bo Seng may become a national monument one day. His family has approached the National Heritage Board to accord the grave such status. Tweet
by Estelle Low and Teh Joo Lin, Straits Times
Based on interviews with 11 Aloha Loyang residents, some felt life could be better but others emerged from the fenced-up compound with more pleasant memories. Tweet
by Lee Xin En, Straits Times
From Wednesday, Malaysian low-cost airline Firefly will join six other Malaysian and Singapore carriers already flying the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Yawning Bread Tweet
by Paul Douglas' Blog Tweet
by Murmurs from the Heart Tweet
by The Star
Johor does not need to buy Newater from Singapore as it has enough supply of drinking water for its people. In fact, the state will continue to be generous and share its supply with both Singapore and Malacca.
Johor international trade and industry, energy, water, communications and environment committee chairman Tan Kok Hong said less than 4% of total rainwater in the state was used for drinking. Tweet
by 青年参考 Tweet
by Thoughts…Musings…Observations
Why are 2 countries which started off nearly at the same time so different? Tweet
by Leong Sze Hian , The Online Citizen Tweet
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
As I sat down for my last nostalgic meal there, I couldn’t help but wonder how many small coffeeshops will leave us once the recession ends and rents rise again. Tweet
by The Power Of SMS Tweet
by 游润恬, 联合早报
如果我们不去了解两国当初分家时，是如何志不同道不合不相为谋，又不理解双方为何对种族、宗教和语文课题都有各自的敏感之处，那我们就永远无法理解两国关系为何那么特殊，需要小心去呵护。 Tweet
by 韩山元, 联合早报
从这回在五福城举行的陈嘉庚与李光前生平事迹展，我们发现，新柔两地民间的友好合作，还有广阔的发展空间。 Tweet
by Alice Siew, Straits Times
During the June holidays, my husband and I flew to Macau, then travelled to Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Zhenzhen and Hong Kong. Imagine our surprise when we discovered there were two lanes for the elderly and mothers with babies in arms, not forgetting those in wheelchairs. Tweet
by Jennifer Tay, Straits Times
Are rape and violence the only way Channel 8 scriptwriters can draw audience sympathy for their characters?
Furthermore, movies with violence will usually be rated at least PG or NC16, but similar violence on television shows are typically not even rated PG. Tweet
by Goh Meng Seng, Singapore Alternatives Tweet
by Rita Erlich, Brisbane Times
If food is an index of prosperity, Singapore is one of the richest nations in the world. Singaporeans eat with unbridled enthusiasm, discussing the next meal before they have finished the last, enjoying cuisines that make even cosmopolitan Australia look restrained. Tweet
by Yawning Bread
A 25-member committee has been formed to identify ideas how Singapore can grow economically, but it is stuffed with government ministers and corporate bigwigs. Intellectuals prone to question prevailing wisdom are conspicuous by their absence. Tweet
by Vicky Yang, The Online Citizen
Perhaps my experience was an exception in the larger scheme of H1N1 testing so far. “The Khaw Strategy” was a myth for the 9 hours I was at TTSH. Yet, the long-asserted conviction that the ground is well-prepared, seems to have fallen through that night. Tweet
by Ben Burrowes, Marketing Interactive
The huge stir which Burger King's new ‘Super Seven Incher' outdoor ad has created within the international blogging community has come as somewhat of a surprise to Religion - the Singapore agency which created the not-so subtle work. Tweet
by Lee Siew Hoon, Channel NewsAsia
After two quarters of downward adjustment, household electricity tariff will go up by 6.93 per cent or 1.25 cents per kilo watt hour (kWh) from July 1 to September 30. Tweet
by Lim Wei Chean, Straits Times
May saw the return of double digit decline in tourism arrivals just when tourism industry thought the worst was over when the rate of decline stopped falling so sharply in April. Tweet
by Lim Boo Chang, The Sun Tweet
by 艾娜
当这个纽约人告诉我们，新加坡的一厨一菜是他眼中的“街头”，背后其实有着他自己的文化比较和文化理解。 Tweet
by Oo Gin Lee, Techgoondu
The articles will appear under Red Nano’s archives a day after the news went to print. Tweet
by Jessica Jaganathan, Straits Times
Roche, the manufacturer of the drug, had asked that two more years be added to the five-year shelf-life of the drug in July last year. The HSA okayed the application after checks against the manufacturer's data to ensure that the drug would be as potent as ever. Tweet
by Mok Fei Fei, Channel NewsAsia
An online survey by recruitment consultancy Robert Walters found that three in five respondents were working between one and ten hours of overtime per week. Tweet
by Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia
Clinical evidence shows that the H1N1 situation in Singapore is past the tipping point. And the island state could move into a full mitigation phase as early as next week as flu cases spike, according to the National Scientific Committee which was tasked to study local cases and make recommendations for treatment guidelines. Tweet
by Yawning Bread
How do we ensure that the public space is sensitive to all religions? We shouldn't, I said. Tweet
by Alex Kennedy, Associated Press
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.
by Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militant leader Mas Selamat Kastari is still being detained in Malaysia due to security reasons.
by Straits Times
Smaller hospitals are the way to go, said health minister Khaw Boon Wan at a healthcare congress on Thursday.
by Straits Times
by 938 LIVE
by Jakarta Post
by So Good
Not sure why the people who designed this ad thought it would “work.” Sure, it’s getting attention, but all negative.
by Dan Mitchell, The Big Money
Burger King's increasingly obnoxious attempts to lure young dopes to its horrible food may have gone too far this time. Some (likely slightly older) dopes have come up with a print ad shamelessly evoking oral sex to peddle the "BK Super Seven Incher" in Singapore.
by New Straits Times
Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman said there were already "too many" gateways to Malaysia from its neighbouring countries. Adding more could pose a risk to national security, he said.
by Chia Hui Keng, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Straits Times
Mr John Ng's letter last Thursday ('Causeway bottleneck 1') pointed out that Malaysia faces the same traffic challenges, particularly during peak periods, yet it seems able to improve its system to ensure smooth-flowing traffic.
Travellers who used Woodlands Checkpoint over the past two weekends would have experienced traffic tailback from the new Malaysian checkpoint at Bukit Chagar to Singapore, which started as early as 8.30am and lasted more than half a day.
by Alicia Wong, Today
Following a "surge" in 993 calls, the Ministry of Health (MOH) had activated its contingency plans on Monday by supplementing the 993 ambulances with MaxiCabs.
by Yang Huiwen, Straits Times
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it had not been informed of any intention by a closely watched North Korean ship to call at Singapore's port.
by Singapore Democrats
by Channel NewsAsia
by Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia
Some S$26 million worth of construction work for museum galleries was awarded to an exhibition designer without competition, according to the Public Accounts Committee which scrutinises the use of public funds.
by Chia Woon Yee, Society for the Physically Disabled, Straits Times
As the Government continues to promote technology usage, government agencies should emulate MCYS and NCSS in adopting W3C standards to ensure all e-government services are universally accessible.
by Muhamad Rostam Umar, Singapore Tourism Board, Peter Tan, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Straits Times
With regard to the heritage value of Tiong Bahru, URA is mindful of maintaining the unique charm of the area. In fact, this was the reason why URA decided to conserve the flats at Tiong Bahru.
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
The Ministry of Education has said schools are well-equipped to implement home-based learning for students who have to take leave of absence when schools re-open on Monday.
by Goh Chin Lian, Straits Times
Foreign affairs minister George Yeo met his Malaysian counterpart Anifah Aman in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday for talks on bilateral issues, including on the Points of Agreement (POA), a document signed almost two decades ago.
by Channel NewsAsia
by Channel NewsAsia
by Random Thoughts Of A Free Thinker
by Channel NewsAsia
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
While I acknowledge the WP’s efforts in providing constructive criticism of government policies, their implicit support of the system only serves to enable the PAP to entrench the system further.
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
The Malaysian premier was reported by the country's official news agency Bernama on Monday as saying that Mr Lee was not accorded more than what he deserved.
by Straits Times
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Health minister Khaw Boon Wan has said schools will re-open and the Asian Youth Games and National Day celebrations will carry on.
by Channel NewsAsia
Health minister Khaw Boon Wan has spelt out measures in the country's tactics to battle the H1N1 virus as circumstances in the country change. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said as the numbers in the country escalate, agencies have to shift their resources to focus on detecting and treating infected cases, paying special attention to high-risk patients.
by Yawning Bread
The first thing that struck me when I saw the feature article in the Straits Times about Gay Pride events in China was why no similar kind of reporting has been done about pride events in Singapore.
by DPA
In its efforts to counter the demographic challenges of low fertility and an ageing population, Singapore's government leaves no stone unturned, even using death to sell marriage.
by 赖诗琳, 联合早报
全国中小学校下星期一正式开课，为抑制甲型流感，避免在学生群中开始传播来，多所学校已暂停接下来一周的课外活动。
by Gabriel Sim, The Wayang Party
by 环球网
6月19日，中国与新加坡军队举行的代号为“合作-2009”安保联合训练在广西桂林拉开帷幕。尽管此次训练的规模不大，但依然具有一定的象征意义，表明中新军事合作关系正在向深层次发展。由于台湾军队与新加坡军方有着较为密切的往来，所谓的“星光部队”一直在台岛内展开训练活动，大陆解放军与新加坡军队之间的联合训练，自然在台岛内引发了各种联想。
by 政治这YOUNG玩
by My Another Attempt To Blog...
by A Singaporean Renaissance
It would be really good if entry and exit barriers were lowered as far as possible.
by My Singapore News
How many of you agree that building more 2 and 3 room flats is a sign of progress? To me it is the clearest indicator that we are going down, getting poorer as a people.
Actually, I believe that stopping to build 2 and 3 room flats was a mistake in the first place.
by Bernadette Low, SMRT Corporation, Today
SMRT’s aim during any service disruption is to recover service as soon as possible. However, at the initial stages, it may not be possible to determine how long the recovery will take. Hence, we seek passengers’ understanding if we are unable to provide accurate information at the onset on the time needed for service to recover.
by Lin Yanqin, Today
The H1N1 statistics may be rising fast - among them seven students aged 12 to 20 linked to Riverlife Church, a cluster reported over the weekend - but parents appear to think extending the school holidays is not quite necessary for now.
by New Paper
From $4 Cokes to five-minute video games that cost $12 a pop, there are some things that are simply overpriced in my view.
by Au Weihua, Straits Times
By claiming that Temasek outperformed such a high-profile investor, based on his company's stock price, this article may lead some readers to an inaccurate conclusion on Temasek's performance.
by Ng E-Jay, The Online Citizen
by Singapore Social Activist
It would indeed be sad if Singapore has unwittingly played itself into the hands of rogue states like North Korea and Myanmar.
by Bernama
by Mr Wang Says So
Since Changi Airport had lost, even a very little bit, therefore something - and someone, somewhere - needs to be blamed for the defeat. This time the blame goes to the airport toilets. And also to the management person in charge of the toilets - you can be sure about that. Whoever he is, he can say bye bye to his bonus.
by 菁鸟, 光华日报
一位在座的马来西亚友人多嘴地说：“如果今天敦马哈迪或敦阿都拉也有样学样，到新加坡访问，不厚此薄彼地会见人民行动党的领袖，也会见徐顺全博士及已故再也惹南逝世前筹组的改革党等反对党的领袖，大家打打关系，你认为情况会怎样？”
by Shuli Sudderuddin, Straits Times
by Yawning Bread
by Judith Tan , Straits Times
Did the German researcher who had flu symptoms attend the Lady Gaga concert last Sunday?
According to the health ministry (MOH), the 56-year-old did not. However, its spokesman did not reveal which concert he had gone to.
by Reuters
Singapore will take action against a North Korean ship that the United States is monitoring, if the vessel heads to its port with a cargo of weapons, the government said on Saturday.
by The Online Citizen
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
Increasing reports of insensitive evangelism have irked many Singaporeans and raised fears about a possible backlash.
by Joe Kwan, Straits Times
The situation used to be the other way round in the early 1980s when Singaporeans used to gripe about the slow and inefficient Malaysian immigration. Now I am among the many Singaporeans who would readily sing praises about Malaysia's efficient immigration clearance.
The ICA has to ask itself how things have reached such a level? How much is really due to stepped-up security?
by Santokh Singh and Veena Bharwani, New Paper
It seems most schools have seriously started gearing up for a longer break. Messages and e-mails have been sent out to teachers by heads of departments and principals asking them for their online lesson plans.
by Andrea Di Maio, Gartner
I’ve been in Singapore many times, although just for a few days each time, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it is one of my favorite destinations.
by Gulf News
by John Lucas, Today
by 华商网
据新加坡《联合早报》报道，根据新加坡官方数据，2007年有约2万4000对男女在新加坡结婚。在这群人当中，除了在本地土生土长的国人，也有来自他乡的新移民。和家乡相比，在本地恋爱和结婚有什么不同?不同地区的婚礼形式和要求又有什么区别?
by Desmond Wong, Channel NewsAsia
The best way for Singapore to mitigate this danger is to work with its partners in Indonesia, said environment and water resources minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
by BBC News | Asia-Pacific | World Edition
by Francis C. Nantha, Malay Mail
Kuan Yew’s ‘sand’ comment may have killed plan.
by Candida Ng, Reuters
Art-lovers and film buffs alike will get to compare real life with the reel comedy "Night at the Museum" when three Singapore museums keep their doors open into the small hours of the morning as part of the city-state's upcoming Night Festival in July.
by Mohamad Zaki Samsudin, Psychology, Religon & Politics
Both are strong leaders with almost absolute convictions on their own abilities and strengths. Both share the same leadership motive patterns of having high need for power and low need for affiliation. They care more about doing things they believe to be right; hence have very little concern about whether they are popular and conventional.
by 奶茶 大马时事博客
新加坡的历任领导，看到了人民要的是什么，简单来说，新加坡政府只做了三点，就是搞经济、拼民生，治安好！政府打造了许多个方面的专才，但也打造了政治上蠢材！
by P. Gunasegaram, The Star
Malaysia must not compromise its integrity and sovereignty to unreasonable demands from countries which drive bargains that are simply too hard. Lee and Singapore must realise that in negotiations, there must be give and take. A bridge connects two countries to each other, not just one to the other.
Where is the cooperation and goodwill from Singapore when it can’t even discuss and agree on the building of a bridge for mutual benefit without bringing in all manner of extraneous things?
by 星岛环球网
这是大陆首次与外军进行安保领域联合训练，观察家关注此一事态发展，是否影响今后台湾和新加坡的关系，以及新加坡星光部队在台训练是否生变。
by New Straits Times
Prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak gave his assurance yesterday that the Sultan of Johor would be consulted on the proposal for a third bridge to Singapore.
by Ng Baoying, Channel NewsAsia
Orchard Central said it will work with neighbouring malls to collectively draw shoppers and capitalise on the physical connectivity between the buildings.
by The Online Citizen
by Chee Siok Chin , Singapore Democrats
What happened at the Aung San Suu Kyi event at Speakers' Corner is yet another example of how authoritarian regimes make its people comply with policies that not only make no sense, but also make us look silly.
by Property Wire
A glut of new condo apartments in Singapore is adding to the property downturn as real estate investors adopt a wait and see attitude rather than jump into the market, it is claimed.
by Subbaraman Iyer, Serendipitous Moments
by ieatishootipost
by John Burton, Financial Times
One of Singapore’s most influential bureaucrats was on Thursday appointed to the top management post at the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), one of the world’s five biggest sovereign wealth funds.
by 杨松坚, 联合早报
希望百胜楼能成为热门好去处，一个充满人文气息、活力十足的新百胜楼。
by Today
by Farish A Noor, Today
I see this statement from the Johor royal family as domestic politicking, but with implications for ties with Singapore. It will require Mr Najib to act fast to contain the potential damage this might do to the deal.
by Chin Sau Ho, Ministry of Finance, Straits Times
by Adrian Tan, Straits Times
It would be liberating for Singapore if the best person for the job is selected to serve as a minister, regardless of whether or not he is a member of the ruling party.
by Straits Times
by Channel NewsAsia
by Lam Chun See, Good Morning Yesterday
by Bernama
The government has not decided whether to go ahead with the proposed building of the third bridge linking Malaysia and Singapore. Prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the matter was still at the proposal stage, and an indepth study must be carried out before implementing it to determine whether it would benefit both countries.
by Yawning Bread
Most names are pretty clear to Singaporeans; you will know straight away where each one is. But "Downtown", "Bayfront" and "Tan Kah Kee" would leave many of you scratching your heads.
by Wong Choon Mei, Suara Keadilan
In a move bound to be welcomed by Malaysians, regardless of their feelings for a third link to Singapore, the Sultan of Johor has given unpopular prime minister Najib Razak his due comeuppance by rejecting the proposed construction.
by Neil Chatterjee, Reuters
Singapore port terminals handled 20.3 percent fewer containers in May from a year ago but traffic edged up 0.7 percent from April, data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore shows.
by Channel NewsAsia
The Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) has appointed Lim Siong Guan as group president and chairman of its asset management arm.
by 李静仪, 联合早报
过去近三个月来，约有300个驾车者因被发现未让路给开离巴士站弯道的巴士，将面对罚款130元。
by Jessica Rowson, New Civil Engineer
Increasing demands on Singapore’s constrained sewerage system has seen its water authority radically rethink its strategy.
by 聯合新聞網
事實上，新加坡有一套吸引外來人才制度，加上穩定、安全、雙語教育、居住環境佳、沒有狗仔等，成功吸引富商、專才及演藝人員移居。
by Sparklette
I am compiling a list of greedy dining establishments that refuse to serve free water.
by 陈天明, 联合早报
很多新加坡人也许会质疑，新加坡本岛东西仅长42公里，南北23公里，海岸线193公里长，领海界线离岸约5.5公里，领海面积不过700平方公里，水深80米，为何需要这么多潜水艇？
by Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen
by Stephanie Chok, Straits Times
The article neglects the underlying push factors workers cite when leaving such exploitative jobs.
by Chua Lee Huang, Straits Times
by Today
The number of new citizens and permanent residents may have surged last year, but with the downturn shrinking employment growth, the increase in foreigners making Singapore their home is likely to slow down this year, according to the National Population Secretariat.
by Leong Wee Keat, Today
Two entrenched business practices of setting minimum bus fares and fuel surcharges could cost 16 tour coach agencies and a bus association a hefty fine.
Today understands that they could be fined around $1.7 million for allegedly fixing bus fares to Malaysia. Operators who spoke to Today on the condition of anonymity said the amount had been mentioned in letters sent by the Competition Commission of Singapore on Tuesday.
by Today
From June 27, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will extend the Mandatory Give Way to Buses scheme to four bus bays in Choa Chu Kang. These bus bays are located along Choa Chu Kang Road opposite Phoenix LRT Station and along Choa Chu Kang Drive.
by Straits Times
A minor storm has broken out over a German researcher who caught the H1N1 virus after a trip to Philadelphia. In a statement on Wednesday, the A*Star scientist denied that he had continued to work and socialise for a week, despite having symptoms, before he sought help, which the Ministry of Health (MOH) had said on Tuesday.
by Sgpolitics.net
What we need is a more conducive environment for people to reproduce, which include managing stress levels in society (a problem ironically brought about partly by the aggressive pro-foreigner policy), keeping the cost of living from ballooning, and providing comprehensive social nets for families struggling to balance career and child-raising, as well as for single parents who have bravely taken the responsibility for their own choices.
by Channel NewsAsia
by Diana Othman, Straits Times
Singapore's population grew 5.5 per cent last year to reach 4.84 million, due largely to the influx of foreigners.
by Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia
by Yasmine Yahya, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's exports continued to fall in May, but not as much as analysts expected.
by Undurlah
by Under A Pipala Tree
by Straits Times
UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin on Tuesday dismissed outright the possibility of Malaysia selling sand to Singapore. The MP for Rembau said he did not believe Malaysians, particularly Umno, would find a deal linking the sand issue to the building of a third bridge connecting the two countries acceptable.
by Goh Chin Lian, Straits Times
More people are leaving their Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings untouched instead of making a withdrawal on turning 55.
by Today
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Tuesday that these stations were not included in the naming exercise four years ago, but since the pace of the development around these two stations is picking up, they will be fitted out and opened together with other CCL stations.
by Jeffrey Law, Straits Times
by Chia Hui Keng, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Straits Times
Unlike the airport, vehicular traffic at the land checkpoints is largely free-flowing and often unpredictable since it is determined solely by the traveller. The modes of transport of travellers at the land checkpoints are also varied, ranging from motorcycles to buses. This in turn means that the design and location of immigration and security stations and the processes and procedures are also different between the airport and land checkpoints.
by Singapore Angle
It's important to have a good policy. But it's also important to implement it in a way that will not cause a lot of fear and resentment. Particularly when it's in sectors that you can't wave away manpower problems by importing foreigners.
by Hedged.biz
It is not a bad performance for an effectively long only private equity, strategic investment mandate.
by 余琴, 浙江在线
据悉，为了吸引更多优质的国际学生就读公立院校，新加坡政府实行了向中国学生发放高达80%助学金的政策，且无需还款，只要在入学前和政府签订毕业后在新加坡工作三年的协议即可，对于个别优异的学生甚至给予学费全免和提供额外生活费用，优秀的学生还有机会申请各种企业奖学金，这对于国际学生无疑具有强大的吸引力。
by Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's Home Affairs Ministry (MHA) has placed two Singaporeans on Restriction Orders under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
See Also: Release of ISA Detainee and Issuance of Restriction Orders under the Internal Security Act, 16 June 2009, by Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Government.
by Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia
The Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (EMAS) will be extended to 10 major arterial road corridors by 2013.
by Straits Times
The Express Bus Agencies Association (EBAA) and 16 companies have been asked to show cause for fixing prices of express bus tickets from Singapore to various destinations in Malaysia from 2006 to 2008.
by Straits Times
by Singapore Social Activist
The town council report certainly seems to be another exercise by the ruling party to remind Singaporeans of the unwritten social contract it has with them - “I give you prosperity (in this case spruced up estates which will command better resale value for your HDB house) while you give me your votes”.
by SAKMONGKOL AK47
by My Singapore News
by Imagine...
What a pathetic and sorry stunt indeed.
by Mr Wang Says So
A beautiful friendship is possible between Malaysia and Singapore. It really just depends on the deaths of these two men.
by Hantulaut
Lee must be a grudging old man and is still sore. The least he could do is to pay a courtesy call on his old foe and let bygones be bygones.Mahathir, rightfully, must have been slighted by Lee's lack of statesmanship.
by 新军事网
by 栖雁雅筑
两个都是耄耋的老者了，今儿活着不相见，还留待黄泉见吗？故老马为此感到特别伤心。他把伤心化为愤恨，又将愤恨提炼成醋溜，使得他的部落格里溢满了酸醋味。他如果真是气顶，也可以效法李氏，到新国去访问，尽拜访其他人，就不要见李氏一人，作为报复呀；可惜，他恐怕没有这个魅力吧，声誉输了人，还有什么好说的？
by Alfred Siew, Techgoondu
by Financial Standard
There is a new threat to Australia's aspirations to become Asia's financial hub and it is "virtual", after Singapore announced this month that it plans to spend big on IT to build an "online economy".
by Joceline Tan, The Star
Singapore leaders have been observing Malaysia’s politics with some concern since the 2008 election and they are not taking the Pakatan claims about capturing Putrajaya lightly.
by Goh Ban Lee, The Sun
Penang could and should learn from Singapore about public transport. The world is also learning from the island state. In fact, Penang could learn from the republic about housing, open space and landscaping, public safety, pedestrian walkways and cleanliness, just to name the obvious ones.
Most important of all, Penang and for that matter Malaysia should learn from Singapore about compliance with municipal rules.
by Alfred Siew, Techgoondu
Singapore’s free islandwide Wi-Fi service will be extended for another four years, until 2013, in a move that will delight users who have enjoyed not just free surfing on the go, but increased competition in telecom services as a result of the free offering.
by Readings From A Political Duo-ble
by The Online Citizen
by Straits Times
Some employers of foreign workers say they are grappling with a problem of job-hopping China workers.
by Mahathir Mohamad
by Aaron Low, Straits Times
The latest quarterly labour market data paint a picture as dismal as when Sars hit Singapore six years ago.
by Straits Times
Former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad yesterday poured fresh vitriol on Singapore, calling minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew a 'little Emperor' and describing the republic as a 'new Middle Kingdom'.
In a no-holds-barred tirade on his blog Che Det that coincided with the tail-end of an official visit by Mr Lee to Malaysia, he slammed Singapore for putting itself in the centre of the region, and also took issue with other topics such as the Iskandar development in Johor and the supply of water.
by Zul Othman, Today
A new twist has emerged in the ongoing saga at The Grangeford. TODAY has learnt that more than 200 sub-tenants at the condominium in Leonie Hill were in danger of having their power cut off because former master tenant Ideal Accommodation did not pay the electricity bill.
by Lee Keng Fatt, New Straits Times
by Eveline Danubrata, Reuters
In the Chinese culture, owning a fish is considered a good investment because the Mandarin characters for fish and water are associated with wealth and plenty.
by Malaysia Star
by Forbes
by Derek Thompson, The Atlantic
There's a problem with turning Singapore into a sexy pin-up for health care wonks: it breaks a lot of rules.
by Alicia Wong, Today
Just as Apple created the basic iPhone, then spawned an entire business of developers building applications for it, Singapore will be taking its accolade-winning e-Government model to another new level.
Instead of being the sole provider of public services, it must evolve to become “an open IT platform to nurture an ecosystem of IT services”, said senior minister Goh Chok Tong who urged “transformational shifts” in the way e-Government is thought about.
by Leong Wee Keat, Today
Older jobseekers cite qualifications and skills as other obstacles
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
With its “growth-at-all-cost” model of economic management, our Government is taking its pro-foreigner policies to the extreme, and its policies often leaves its own citizens feeling like second class residents living in a hotel rather than a home.
by Channel NewsAsia
by Asia Sentinel
Israel, Singapore among the major offenders.
by Irene Chan, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's retail sales fell for a seventh straight month in April as consumers reined in spending on big ticket items amid the deepening economic recession.
by Ng E-Jay, The Online Citizen
Recent proposals to amend the Maintenance of Parents Act suggests an act by the government to pass the buck of caring for the elderly to their children, but this puts an inconsiderable strain especially on lower-income groups.
by Straits Times
A total of 12,760 jobs were lost in the first quarter, government data showed on Monday, pushing Singapore's overall unemployment rate to a three-year high of 3.3 per cent.
by Allan Koay, The Star
The Ah Beng has gone global and is now internationally recognised as a cultural figure in Malaysia and Singapore.
by 林安庆, 联合早报
客工引起的一些问题，是人力部早前的政策造成的。
by Chan Li Leen, Malaysia Star
Singapore minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew had been too quick to judge Penang when he was there only for a day, said Gerakan deputy president Datuk Chang Ko Youn.
by Reme Ahmad, Straits Times
Two veteran politicians met for the first time on Sunday in the capital of the Malaysian state of Kelantan. Minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew met with Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat for an hour at Kota Darul Naim, Kelantan's government complex that houses the office of the chief minister and the state assembly hall.
by Netina Tan Chiew Pheng, Straits Times
Nominated ministers will undermine the accountability, representativeness and effectiveness of the Cabinet.
by Channel NewsAsia
Malaysia's opposition Islamic state of Kelantan wants to emulate Singapore's success in fighting graft and keeping the city clean.
by Channel NewsAsia
Singapore has confirmed seven more cases of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total number of confirmed cases here to 34.
by 星洲日報
雖然許多人對於大馬行動黨與新加坡行動黨之間的黨史淵源深感興趣，不過，檳州首席部長林冠英與新加坡內閣資政李光耀的會面，卻只專注於談政府事務而少談政黨。
by Malaysia Star
The Johor state government will work with the Prime Minister’s Department to analyse all aspects in the construction of the third bridge linking Malaysia and Singapore, if it is approved.
by Malaysia Star
Comments by Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew that Penang’s infrastructure is found wanting have led to the Chief Minister and his predecessor pointing fingers at each other.
by New Straits Times
The state government should improve its infrastructure as it is inferior in comparison with those in Ipoh and Seremban. This was the view of Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, said chief minister Lim Guan Eng.
by Gerald Giam
by The Stat
by The Herald
by 易富网
by Today
by Tony Sitathan, Asia Times
by Singapore Democrats
The Singapore shame continues.
by Channel NewsAsia
by Tempo
by Associated Press
This speck on the map leapt from poverty to First World riches in a generation. Now its halcyon years of breakneck growth may be over.
by Matthias Chang, Future Fastforward
Malaysians must be vigilant. Lee Kuan Yew cannot be trusted and while Singapore is our neighbour and a member of ASEAN, we must never forget that Singapore has never ceased to dictate terms to Malaysia whenever she perceives Malaysia as being weak.
by My Paper
Taxi drivers are taking care to avoid places such as hospitals and airports because they are afraid they would catch the Influenza A (H1N1) virus there.
by The Online Citizen
The invoking of the Sedition Act in the persecution of the Christian couple for distributing offensive tracts may seem overly harsh – setting a dangerous precedent for the future.
by Tessa Wong & Jessica Lim, Straits Times
With belts being tightened and consumer spending dropping in the past few months, credit card companies and banks have been going all out to tempt shoppers with irresistible buys during the annual Great Singapore Sale (GSS).
by Corrine Ng, Today
We would like to clarify that the Travel Concession Scheme, which is granted by the public transport operators and administered by TransitLink, is applicable to international schools registered with the Ministry of Education. However, the student must be a Singapore citizen and below 21 years of age at the time of application to be eligible for the student concession card.
by Leow Si Wan, Straits Times
While the World Health Organisation raised its alert level for the Influenza A (H1N1) virus and declared a global pandemic yesterday, Singapore's Health Ministry (MOH) will not be upping its measures. This is because Singapore had already been on high alert and had put in place adequate measures to curb the spread of the virus.
by Lediati Tan, New Paper
Disabled man hit by MRT train doors stranded after train leaves with wheelchair.
by William Claxton, Straits Times
The IT industry is promoting a myth that Singapore leads the world in automation. Small and medium-sized businesses like mine can only call it 'fake automation'.
by Gan Gim Teck, Straits Times
Taxi companies should look into how they can improve ridership, on their own.
by Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia
by Bernama
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today he did not see any reason why Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew would want to see him.
by Farrah Naz Karim, New Straits Times
Prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s idea of a new bridge to link eastern Johor to Singapore has been embraced by Singapore. The republic’s nod for the project was conveyed by its minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew during his meeting with Najib on today.
by Chan Heng Chee, Embassy Of Singapore, Washington, Washington Post
In his May 23 letter, "Don't Follow Singapore's Lead," Chee Soon Juan of the Singapore Democratic Party asserted that rehabilitation of terrorists detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Singapore entails beatings and torture. He also said that there have been deaths of detainees in their cells and that there is no mechanism for looking into detainees' well-being. These assertions are false.
by Heng-Cheong Leong, MyAppleMenu
I'm taking a break. SingaporeSurf will return on either June 11 or 12, 2009.
by Chua Hian Hou, Straits Times
A SingTel spokesman said the company will reveal pricing details closer to the phone's July launch date.
by Hasnita Majid, Channel NewsAsia
by Lam Chun See, Good Morning Yesterday
by Jimmy Yap, The Singapore iPhone Guide
by Kent Ridge Common
by Reico Wong, Straits Times
Singapore must find more niche areas to position itself to face a new world after the global economic storm, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday.
by Channel NewsAsia
by P.R. Venkat, Wall Street Journal
"GIC will play a very cautious role, low risks and low returns," Lee Kuan Yew said. "Temasek takes a more active interest...and higher risks."
Mr. Lee said the recent decision to name former BHP Billiton Ltd. Chief Executive Charles Goodyear to succeed current Temasek CEO Ho Ching was because the government was seeking a fresh mind.
by Lawrence Ferber, Advocate.com
For Singaporean filmmaker Zihan Loo, the love that dare not speak its name doesn't require words.
by Paradise Storm
The then prime minister of Malaya Tunku Abdul Rahman made a decision to end our ties seems to be the best decision for Singapore. Singapore is without resources and rely mostly on trading. Yet, they can survive and bring Singapore forward. Malaysia has plenty of resources yet we seem to be nowhere.
by 仁可何也的BLOG
原来新加坡就是这样把一种信念植入人们心中的。
by 安娜私房话
by 沁心阁
像新加坡那样富裕的国家的领导人，比起地位或威严，更注重“务实”。
by 联合早报
新加坡截至5月底的外汇储备增加到1717亿6000万美元，高过一个月前的1701亿美元，但低于去年同期的1758亿美元。
by Portworld
Malaysia's Dialog Group Berhad is building a storage terminal capable of handling VLCCs in Malaysia's southernmost state of Johor, reportedly in a bid to compete with Singapore as a regional fuel-trading hub.
by 李静仪, 联合早报
总长5.7公里的环线第三阶段五个地铁站上个月28日启用后，不少居住在东北廊道的乘客在实龙岗转换站转车，使用环线到碧山转搭南北线前往市区方向。一些原本乘坐巴士的乘客也改用地铁上下班。
这间接导致原本就已拥挤不堪的南下列车的情况进一步恶化，特别是在早上繁忙时段。
by 林佩碧, 联合早报
我国植物园最近被《时代周刊》点名为“亚洲最佳城市森林”，也在米其林今年首次为亚洲国家出版的《新加坡绿色指南》（Michelin Green Guide Singapore ）中，摘下了米其林三星的最高荣誉。带着这些荣誉，今年庆祝开园150周年的新加坡植物园，正探讨向联合国教科文组织（UNESCO）提出申请，把植物园列为世界遗产的可能性。
by Sara Webb, Reuters
Singapore Airlines, the world's leading carrier by market value, is only keen on acquisitions in China in the longer-term, when the regulatory environment is proper, its CEO said on Tuesday. Asked if the carrier was looking at acquisitions in China, Chew Choon Seng told Reuters: "Not at this point in time, but in the longer-term, yes."
by The Wayang Party
Our government will continue to invest in the country to bring “development” to the blood-thirsty generals and its inner circle of cronies, leaving the rest of the populace improverished, hungry and deprived.
by Jeremy Au Yong, Straits Times
Employers planning to hire will outnumber those looking to shed workers in the third quarter of the year, according to a survey. This marks a turnaround in hiring sentiments by Singapore bosses for the first time this year, said global human resource consultancy Manpower Inc.
by Straits Times
by Fang Zhi Yuan and Lim Siow Kuan, The Wayang Party
Singapore is used to dealing with Barisan Nasional since independence. As the saying goes, ‘it is safer to sleep with the devil you know than an unknown angel’. How should Singapore realign its foreign policy and tricky bilateral ties with Malaysia if the Pakatan Rakyat were to assume power one day, which is no longer a far-fetched proposition?
by Rick Wallace, The Australian
Despite the number of Victorian swine flu victims topping 1000 in figures released last night, environment minister Gavin Jennings denied his state was unsafe to visit.
by Sameera Anand, FinanceAsia
Nomura research on Temasek reckons changes are likely under incoming CEO Charles Goodyear and comments on the firm's returns on its financial sector investments.
by Salma Khalik, Straits Times
Singapore is fighting the biggest outbreak of locally transmitted malaria it has seen in possibly more than a decade. Over the past five weeks, at least 15 people have been infected with malaria locally, with the latest case only known on Monday.
by The Online Citizen
The government’s latest exercise in newspeak.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
It is a great shame that our authorities are dragging their feet on the serious issue of human trafficking in Singapore, but are instead focussed obsessively on pump-priming the economy without regard to the environmental or social consequences of their policies.
by Channel NewsAsia
by Neil Chatterjee, Reuters
The chairman of the Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC), the city-state's biggest sovereign wealth fund, said on Monday the fund will be cautious and take few risks.
His comments came after the country's other sovereign fund Temasek saw big losses on its investments in Western banks.
by 新浪網
by AFP
Former Singapore prime minister Goh Chok Tong visited Myanmar, officials said, amid international pressure on the military regime to halt its trial of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.
The visit comes just days after the Singaporean government said that expelling Myanmar from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was not the way to bring about reform in the army-ruled country.
by Gillian Murdoch, Reuters
If a tree falls in one of Southeast Asia's rainforests, is smuggled overseas, made into a table or chair, and years later thrown into the street, can the pieces be put together again?
by Asia Sentinel
In reality, the latest reforms are nothing more than Trojan horse politics, designed to head off the growing clamor for more alternative voices and to sow discord between Singapore's spattering of brave but fractious opposition politicians.
by Felicia Wong, Straits Times
Singaporeans can look forward to nine long weekends next year as all public holidays except one fall on the weekend, Friday or Monday.
by Patrick Barta and Joel Millman, Wall Street Journal
by Conrad Raj, Today
As a nation that has always prided itself on setting the benchmark, why not let Temasek set a new standard for transparency, pro-active disclosure and public communication that other SWFs can benchmark against?
by 南方都市报
廉洁高效“很诱人”。
by 凤凰新媒体
by Daryll Nanayakara, My Paper
Some students at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) are seeing red over how a number of their schoolmates are trying to evangelise by approaching them in pairs on their campus in Clementi Road.
by Straits Times
A total of 14 people, all but one of whom are foreign workers, fell ill last month and were found to have malaria. One full-time national serviceman was also among the clusters. Twelve of them have been discharged as of last Saturday.
by Dow Jones
Singapore Airlines Ltd.'s chief executive Sunday said the business environment remains challenging due to the slowing global economy and conditions in the crude oil market.
by Aaron Low, Straits Times
The foreign-versus-local debate dominated a community dialogue on Sunday, with both sides expressing dismay.
by Jessica Cheam, Straits Times
Tiong Bahru residents worry that Hotel 81's presence might give area a sleazy image.
by Bryan Tan, Straits Times
Promoting taxi ridership goes against the pro-environment campaign to encourage more to switch to mass transport. Doing so also aggravates road congestion as taxis form a significant portion of traffic volume.
by Aussie Pete
by Malaysia Today
Concerns are high that the 85-year old Singapore leader might use his observations here not just to boost Najib’s prestige, but also to score points back home in his city state.
by Diary Of A Singaproean Mind
The attempt to spin away Temasek's losses leaves much to be desired. Every explanation just leaves more unanswered questions.
by Nathaniel Forbes, ZDNet Asia
I really appreciate the work done by these doctors and nurses. They have to be full-suited the whole day, don’t seem to get much rest and are probably not paid enough for the risks they have to take.
by Reuters
Singapore Airlines will honour all existing contracts for plane orders, its CEO said on Sunday. Chew Choon Seng also told Reuters on the sidelines of an aviation meeting in Kuala Lumpur that the Airbus A330 was a good plane.
by New Straits Times
Singapore minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew is to visit Malaysia tomorrow and tour several states and meet a number of Malaysian leaders, businessmen, opinion leaders and senior journalists.
by 李韵琳, 联合早报
公开的秘密有什么理由不公开？在没有秘密的社会越尝试保密，越有人要去挖掘和揭发。
by Desmond Wong, Channel NewsAsia
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
Why is this economically advanced city so backward in political development?
by AFP
Singapore expressed concern Friday over a controversial "Buy American" plan in US efforts to stimulate recovery, saying some nations were exploiting gray areas in global trade rules.
Lim, without pointing his finger at the United States, also said it might be difficult to pin down countries that took steps that bordered on protectionism, at the World Trade Organization, the global trade watchdog.
by Roberta Rampton, Reuters
Exports from Asia are beginning to show signs of stability after "falling off a cliff" earlier this year, but recovery will hinge on world markets remaining open to trade, Singapore's trade minister said on Friday.
by 秦丁：中国农民的绝版青春
by Andrew Loh / Khairulanwar Zaini, The Online Citizen
A week after changes to the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme were announced by the Prime Minister, the opposition parties seem unsure of how to react.
by The Online Citizen
by 洪菁云，新传媒, 联合早报
根据近几年的收听率调查，晚间方言新闻的指数与白天相比较低。也有不少听众对我们一次过连续播放6种方言新闻提出了意见。而且，过去也有不少年长听众反映，他们更需在白天收听新闻资讯，因此希望方言新闻能从晚间时段调整到早晨或下午时段。
by New Paper
School-leavers say they watch porn between classes or during recess.
by The Wayang Party Club
The PAP has cleverly made use of the mainstream media to give its MPs a complete makeover such that their flaws are conveniently forgotten and positive attributes magnified a million times.
by Maria Almenoar, Straits Times
On average, there were 893,674 taxi trips made a day in the first three months of the year, the lowest in five years, after recovering steadily from a post-Sars low.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
These schemes allow for more voices to be heard, but always under the watchful eye of the ruling clique, who on one hand give token space to groups whom they deem acceptable, whilst simultaneously clamping down harder on specific groups that they deem a threat to their political hegemony.
by The Online Citizen
It seems that even our Members of Parliament are helpless in demanding transparency from these two funds.
by Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia
by Jonathan Watts, The Guardian
China and Singapore are pooling expertise and finance to build a green urban community in north-east China, with the capacity for 350,000 people, naer the western shore of the Bohai, one of the most polluted seas in the world.
by Asia Sentinel
The citizens of Singapore were apparently not worthy of being told of how their money is being mismanaged.
by AFP
by The Wayang Party Club
by Fiona Chan, Straits Times
Uncertainty may have been one of the reasons behind Temasek Holdings' decision to sell off its stake in British bank Barclays in December and January despite the huge loss it would make, fund managers said on Thursday.
by Christie Loh, Today
“It is not Temasek’s policy to respond to them ... (Temasek) advises the public to take steps to verify the information independently, before acting on any such reports,” said Mr Goh Yong Siang, senior managing director of international and strategic relations at Temasek.
But market watchers pointed out that members of the public have few avenues to turn to for official information.
by Peter Stein, Wall Street Journal
Temasek came under fire from a few Singapore lawmakers recently for offloading its stake in Bank of America at a loss of about $4.6 billion. (Click here to see Temasek’s response.) Given how well Barclays share have performed since Temasek decided to cut its losses, it will be interesting to see if this part of its portfolio rebalancing proves as controversial.
by Jeremy Koh and Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
by Au Yaipang, Yawning Bread
Forget principles of social and legal justice. Forget scientific evidence. Forget objectivity. Belief is everything. This is the kind of "secular state" Thio wants.
by Au Yaipang, Yawning Bread
Aside from the nitty-gritty of financial transactions, what is worrying is how quickly assurances that "we are long term investors" are jettisoned.
The gap between the "no need to worry, it's only paper losses" rhetoric and billions in real losses is so wide, there is an urgent need for Temasek to explain itself.
by Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia
by Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia
by Simply Gab
by Irene Chan, Channel NewsAsia
Temasek scored a perfect 10 points in the latest Linaburg-Maduell transparency index. The index, developed by the US-based Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, rates transparency in respect to SWFs.
by Ong Dai Lin, Today
by R M Cutler, Asia Times
Hopes that surging share prices in Singapore over the past three months point to an early recovery may be short-lived. A decline in exports, the city's life-blood, is picking up pace even after 13 months of falls, and stock declines this week may herald a longer pull back.
by Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia
by Chemical Generation Singapore
This debate over detention and trial technicalities sounds like a good starting point for the pro and anti-ISA stakeholders to retain but reform the ISA.
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Over 60,000 civil servants in Singapore will not be getting any mid-year annual variable component this year. The Public Service Division said this is due to the uncertain economic outlook.
by Cheryl Ong, Straits Times
From July 1, basic library members will be able to sign out six library items - this includes books and up to two CDs and DVDs - from the library.
by Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen
Both the Merrill and BoA losses came to light only after securities filings in other countries or when international news agencies reported them – and were not voluntarily disclosed by Temasek or the government.
by 简桥, 联合早报
我不说方言重要，但方言自有方言难以言喻的传神魅力。
by waterwater
by Peijing Teh, Inquivision: Perspective Of A Singaporean Humanist
by Who Moved My Singapore Cheese
"Their school don't care. They return to their country or find other things to do after the 2yrs in JC."
by Proprietary Trader
by Jane Croft and John Burton, Financial Times
By contrast, Abu Dhabi-based International Petroleum Investment Corp generated a healthy profit from its Barclays investment.
by 蔡涵涟, 联合早报
如果电台当局是为了节省开支而取消晚间方言新闻，政府应考虑津贴方言新闻。几分钟的新闻制作费，政府绝对负担得起。为了让老人获得一些信息，更了解政策，这笔钱是值得花的。
by Jovita Chua, New Paper
by Han Yongming, New Paper
Singaporeans should stop acting like crybabies. That is Jurong Junior College (JJC) badminton coach Haden Hee's return shot to detractors of his school's foreigner-dominated badminton squad.
See Also: They Represent School To Bond With Local Students, by Yoo Seung Hee, and Cap On DSA Students?, by Khoo Kian Boon.
by Au Yaipang, Yawning Bread
In a way, the augmented NCMP scheme is a step towards proportional representation. The legitimacy of parliamentarians elected under proportional representation is based on the fact that significant fractions of the electorate voted for them, not because they won in such and such a constituency.
So yes, I support the enhanced scheme. It goes a little way to a more representative system. It is far from satisfactory, and it does not address bigger issues of an uneven playing field as I have discussed in Latest electoral changes only treat the symptoms. But I think it would be churlish to reject it.
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
Temasek’s reckless investment decisions and its lack of transparency and accountability in the way it manages the nation’s wealth is but the tip of the iceberg: The real ship-sinker is the PAP Government’s refusal to use our accumulated surpluses to provide a comprehensive safety net for the poor, aged and needy, whilst maintaining an undemocratic regime of self-serving paternalism.
by George Yeo, Beyond SG
In Chinese historical terms, 20 years is not a long time. Only after almost a century is the official history of the Qing Dynasty now being written up in China. While one might reasonably argue that the student uprising at Tiananmen could have been put down with less bloodshed, few doubt that China could be where it is today without strong and decisive leadership.
Strong and decisive? Or is it just cowardly?
by Reuters
by Steve Slater, Reuters
Singapore state investor Temasek sold its stake in British bank Barclays Plc several months ago at a big loss, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
After spending over 1 billion pounds on the shares in the last two years, unlisted Temasek may have lost over 800 million pounds ($1.3 billion) on the investment, according to calculations by Reuters.
by Gerard Wong, Straits Times
If your upcoming reservist stints include military exercises that require you to spend several days and nights out in the field, then please, please make sure your full pack is well-stocked with basic medicines for common ailments such as fever, flu, diarrhoea, nausea, and even ointments for rashes.
Because if you ever fall sick or find yourself suffering from the runs during the field exercise, the medic who is assigned to your exercise will not be able to provide you with much help or relief.
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's tripartite National Wages Council (NWC) has urged employers, unions and the government to press on with concerted actions to cut costs, save jobs and enhance competitiveness.
by Straits Times
THE suspension of the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme will be extended for another six months due to the prevailing market uncertainties, said the Ministry of National Development on Wednesday.
by Channel NewsAsia
by The Wayang Party Club
by Karamjit Kaur, Straits Times
by Philip Lim, AFP
The most severe recession in Singapore's history is proving a boon for the arts scene, as local works and performers share the limelight at the annual arts festival with foreign productions.
by Yen Feng, Straits Times
Potential divides emerging within Singapore society must be handled carefully to preserve the nation's social cohesion amid a global recession, said second minister for finance and transport Lim Hwee Hua on Wednesday.
by Kelvin Teo, Kent Ridge Common
Like those who were concerned over the badminton showdown between JJC and RJC, there were repeated calls to exercise a strict cap or quota on the number of foreign employees a company can hire. Like local badminton players losing out on the opportunity to represent their school, local employees fear losing their rice bowls to foreign employees. If the calls remained unheeded, such unhappy sentiments against foreigners will rear its ugly head. The events at the badminton final provided a stark reminder to all.
by Singapore Peak Oil
by The Wayang Party Club
by Lim Huay Chih, Ministry of Education, Straits Times
Phase 2 recognises the contributions and ties that parents have with schools and communities.
And aren't these "contributions" merely an indirect way of saying "money"?
by Ng Sheau Jiuan, Clerk of Parliament, Straits Times
Our periodic reviews show that the demand for full texts of speeches made in Parliament during previous terms is not high and largely comprises academic and legal research requests. To better meet research needs and technical support requirements of online access, parliamentary reports, together with other legal resources, are placed on LawNet, which offers various subscription options suited to the user's need.
In other words, we find that there are people that are willing to pay us money for things that should be in public domain, so we are not putting 'em in public domain. We like money.
by Amarjit S. Wasan, Straits Times
It took 90 minutes to cross the Singapore checkpoint and get on the Causeway, and another hour thereafter to arrive at and clear the immigration and customs counters at JB. The return journey was a little less unpleasant, but it also took 90 minutes in all. We spent six hours on the road that evening to attend a two-hour wedding function in JB.
With no opportunities to collect rents from duty-free shops and restaurants, I doubt there will be any changes anytime soon.
by Ong Kwee Hong, Straits Times
by Pearly Tan, New Paper
What started out as a supplement to textbooks seems to have become a necessity for many students.
by Channel NewsAsia
Although officers found the shop hygienic and clean, the licensee occasionally dried the noodles in the sun before packing them for sale.
by Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia
The Ministry of Health has confirmed Singapore's eighth H1N1 flu case. The patient is a 15-year-old Singaporean student studying in India.
by FutureGov
Singapore wants to sell its e-government model to the world. But do other countries want or need what Singapore is offering?
by Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia
Speaking at the ASEAN-South Korea Summit on Tuesday, Mr Lee Hsien Loong urged countries to persevere with reforms and consolidation, especially in support of free trade.
by Singapore Democrats
The reversal, the Singapore Democrats understand, was because the government did not want the bad publicity that the ban would attract as it was part of a worldwide project.
by The Wayang Party Club
by Donaldson Tan, The Online Citizen
The build-in checks and balances in the ISA are still inadequate to address the rights and justice of the suspects and detainees as afforded by the Singapore Constitution. Although it has been claimed that the very nature of clandestine activities would make disclosure of intelligence a threat to national security, this is still no reason to violate the legal right to the presumption of innocence.
by Eveline Danubrata, Reuters
Dining at top-notch restaurants just got more meaningful with a charity drive that hopes to turn gourmet meals across Asia into food for children in one of the world's poorest nations, East Timor.
by Gary Hoover, Hoovers World
Singapore seems to have set a goal to become the most advanced and livable city in the world. I think they just may make it. If they haven’t already.
by Julietta Jameson, WAToday
Eighteen months and an economic downturn later, Singapore Airlines is continuing the expansion of its global A380 services out of Changi with the addition of Paris to its itinerary.
by Singapore BMX
by Saeed Azhar, Reuters
Singapore state investor Temasek's new CEO Charles Goodyear may cut the fund's large holdings in banks and trim stakes in other firms such as SingTel as he reallocates money to energy and consumer sectors, Nomura said in a report.
Temasek's portfolio value slumped S$58 billion ($40 billion) or 31 percent in the eight months to November to $87 billion, as a turmoil in global markets slashed the value of its investments in financials such as Merrill Lynch and Barclays.
by Jonathan Koh, The Online Citizen
While most blogs thrive in the internet’s unbridled nature, credible blogging is an art that needs to be mastered, so says the speakers at a blogging seminar held last week.
by Singapore Democrats
To the PAP, any group that poses a serious challenge to its rule is labeled either a communist, a communalist or a religious extremist. And it never fails to play the racial card whenever it suits its purpose.
by David Tan, The Star
Singapore’s low-cost carrier SilkAir’s business strategy is to focus on growing the capacity for the five destinations that it currently flies to in Malaysia.
by 洪丙昌, 联合早报
我非常的不明白，为什么有关当局每次都要等有人投诉之后才考虑要不要给不谙英语的年老国人或外来旅客方便，而不是一开始就让人方便？而且每次都用同一套标准答案来回答：“不方便用太多种语言的指示牌、由于空间有限，难以容纳华文指示牌……”等等敷衍搪塞的话。
by Lee Kim Hua, Ministry Of Community Development, Youth And Sports, Today
Notwithstanding this, parents should be aware that it may be tiring for young children to be away from home for too long. It may also raise the fees for the majority of parents who may not require extended hours if the longer hours are mandated.
by 星洲日報
亞洲航空直飛檳城和新加坡的首航班機，今日（週一，6月1日）載著180名乘客從新加坡起飛，於上午11時45分降陸檳城國際機場，見證亞航又開創新的航線。
by Khalil Adis, Property Report Asia
by ALB Legal News
Not since Singapore Inc opened its doors for business some 40 years have so many new law firms entered the market. The past 12 months alone have seen no less than nine international firms make the move, with more tipped to open later this year.
by Se Young Lee and P.R. Venkat, Wall Street Journal
by MacRyu
Since about a year or so ago, iShop’s performance has been going down the drain.
by V.P. Nair, Straits Times
If the opposition is to be legitimate and pragmatic and play a useful part in Singapore's future development, it should not be government-appointed but truly chosen by the people. This will not be achieved by increasing the number of NCMPs.
by New Paper
by Tan Weizhen, Straits Times
Two hundred tenants living in 140 apartments in a condominium off Orchard Road were caught totally off-guard after being told on Sunday night that they have to clear out by tomorrow (Wed).
Their landlord, Ideal Accommodation, had known for at least a month that the tenants - a mix of mostly-young expatriate and local professionals and college students - would have to leave, but kept the news from them.
by Today
Did Malaysia know that Mas Selamat Kastari had entered the country months ago, butallowed him to remain free so that he might lead the authorities to other militants - as a media report suggests?
by Au Yaipang, Yawning Bread
Overlapping pieces of legislation and multiple layers of licences and permits are becoming all too common in Singapore, as the government adds more and more powers to its arsenal of control. Somehow, the tape that was put up on Hong Lim Park symbolised all that was wrong about this little place even as people gathered to protest all that was wrong about Burma.
by Vina Mubtadi, 938Live
by Nurfika Osman, Jakarta Globe
Safe again on Indonesian soil, teenage model Manohara Odelia Pinot outlined a horrific story of sexual abuse, confinement and torture at the hands of her Malaysian prince husband after returning to Jakarta on Sunday, following a dramatic weekend escape from him in Singapore.
by Chen Shiyin, Bloomberg
Temasek Holdings Pte. will invest S$437.5 million ($303 million) for a 13.76 percent stake in Olam International Ltd., a Singapore-based agricultural commodities supplier.
by Times They Are A-Chaingin'
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Club
by 暖香阁
新加坡人充分相信政府的心态让我敬佩．
by 公孙小白
作为管理层、管理机构，他们会心甘情愿地将这项功劳归拢到你一个外籍教练身上吗？
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
Even if WP manages to get in significant number of NCMPs into Parliament during the next General Elections, to me it will be a pyrrhic victory gained at the expense of democratic ideals. They would have insulted Singaporeans who have made monumental sacrifies over the past 5 decades in their struggles against the PAP and for democracy, and they would have insulted themselves.
by Nicholas Yong, Straits Times
Being transparent about military armaments will help avoid misunderstandings and increase trust and confidence for the Asia-Pacific, suggested deputy prime minister and defence minister Teo Chee Hean at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday.
by Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen
by Satish Cheney, Channel NewsAsia
Expect more H1N1 cases, says Mr Khaw. It is just a matter of time before the communal spread of the virus will take place, as patients would have had contact with numerous people in the community.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.