Aviva is becoming one of the few big corporations here to sponsor sports events in a big way and hot on the heels of its support for the F1 Powerboat Grand Prix 2004 over the weekend, it is now coming forward with US$170,000 to replace Yonex-Sunrise as the main sponsor for the 5-star Singapore Open this year.

This is great news for Singapore badminton when more companies are willing to compete for sponsorship and our fans here will again be able to witness top-class badminton played by many of the world's best players from Nov 15 - 21.

Do come by for a visit during that time as it is still relatively warm weather here and I just read that Singapore has now been promoted from 9th position to the No.1 city in the world by travellers, on account of its cleanliness and easy transportation. I might add safety as one of the reasons.

I append a report from today's Straits Times for your info:

SEPT 21, 2004
BADMINTON
Susilo, Li Li set sights on Aviva Open
By Marc Lim

FORGET the US, German and even the five-star Denmark Open.

Singapore's best hopes for the Aviva Open Singapore - Ronald Susilo and Li Li - have been given permission to skip a hectic month on the road in order to rest and prime themselves for the five-star US$170,000 (S$288,000) event at the Singapore Badminton Hall and the Singapore Indoor Stadium from Nov 15 to 21.

Li Li and Susilo, who both competed at last month's Athens Olympics, will return to competitive action at the China Open only on Nov 9, but their priority will still be the Aviva Open.

As Singapore Badminton Association president Lim Swee Say, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for National Development, said at a press conference yesterday: 'We expect them to be in good form throughout the year, but for the Aviva Open, we want them to be in peak condition.'

The tournament has become an important fixture in Singapore's sports calendar, with attendances increasing from 12,000 in 2001 to 23,000 last year.

And part of the reason is the fine form showed by Singapore's shuttlers - especially Susilo, who lost in the 2002 final and last year's quarter-finals to China's Chen Hong.

'The tournament is special to me because of all the support that the fans have given us,' said Susilo, who bowed out in the quarter-finals of the Olympics despite beating world No 1 Lin Dan in the first round.

'It's been a hectic season for us and the rest will do us good. We want to be able to give our best in front of our home crowd.'

The world's top players are expected to be at the Aviva Open, with ranking points for next year's World Championships in California up for grabs.

As for Li Li, who lost to world No 1 Gong Ruina in the first round in Athens, she will be looking forward to stepping up a gear after competing mainly in satellite tournaments previously, while trying to earn Olympic qualifying points.

'It will be a tough challenge,' said Li Li, who won the Cheers Asian Satellite Badminton Championships last week.

'But I am keen to test myself against the top players again.'

For sponsor Aviva, the tournament will be its first foray into badminton, after previously sponsoring the Asian Bowling Tour and last weekend's UIM Formula One Powerboat Championship.

Said Aviva Asia Pte Ltd managing director Charles Andersen: 'We feel that badminton reaches out more to the grassroots and also that the sponsorship comes at a timely moment, with the Singapore players playing well.'

The insurance company has also been hit by 'Susilo fever' since it announced it would sponsor the Singapore Open this year.

More than 10 of its staff were at the National Stadium during the press conference yesterday to meet the player.

To all our foreign badminton fans and BFers, we welcome you to visit Singapore for the Singapore Open. You can kill many birds with one stone.

First, you will definitely be able to enjoy world class badminton in our very comfortable, aircon Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Second, you can trust the votes of many travellers' who rated Singapore as the world's best city to visit. The attached latest Conde Nast Traveller annual survey results attest to it.

Third, the warm weather should be welcomed by our friends from the colder climes. But do expect occasional showers here and there.

Four, the food is great and relatively inexpensive, especially if you are from the US, Canada, UK or Down Under. People of different races live harmoniously together enjoying different cuisines at common tables in hawker centers or food courts is a sight to behold! The same family could find members ordering different food according to their taste and preference - Malay, Indian, Chinese or Western food. Of course there are many more specialities from different countries, both from the East and the West.

Five, now there are budget airlines to fly you from Singapore to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and even Hongkong.

Just to assure you again of Singapore's suitability, read on ...

SEPT 21, 2004
Travellers rate S'pore as world's best city
SINGAPORE has been voted the world's best city to visit in the latest annual survey by Conde Nast Traveller, an award-winning United States-based travel magazine.

Readers of the publication's British edition, who did the voting, see it as the cleanest and easiest city to get around.

The Republic catapulted from ninth spot last year to the top of the list.

The island also scored in the favourite country to visit category, where it came fourth, with readers saying it is the safest in the world. This after not even making it to the top 20 last year.

The Singapore Tourism Board's director of corporate communications, Miss Shirley Tan, said of the rankings: 'This is great news.'

Changi Airport, which did not figure in last year's top 10, was voted the best in the world.

The rankings, which are into their seventh year, are recognised worldwide as a benchmark for the travel industry.

Conde Nast Traveller has a circulation of about 83,000.

Singapore Airlines got the vote as the best airline for business travel, and was No. 2 in the long-haul leisure travel category.

SilkAir was ninth in the short-haul leisure travel section.

Raffles Hotel was named as the best leisure hotel in Asia.

Shangri-La Singapore was No. 13, but took pole position in the business hotel category.


TOP 10 CITIES TO VISIT

1. Singapore
2. Sydney
3. Barcelona
4. Rome
5. Paris
6. Bangkok
7. New York
8. San Francisco
9. Venice
10. Dubai


TOP 10 COUNTRIES

1. Australia
2. Thailand
3. New Zealand
4. Singapore
5. Italy
6. India
7. Malaysia
8. Canada
9. Japan
10. France

SOURCE: CONDE NAST TRAVELLER

Your report about the best cities can't be serious! Paris in the top 10?! :confused: this is a joke :p

Anyway, I won't be able to make it :rolleyes: not that I wouldn't like to, but I'm somehow on the other side of the Earth! ;)

Your report about the best cities can't be serious! Paris in the top 10?! :confused: this is a joke :p

Anyway, I won't be able to make it :rolleyes: not that I wouldn't like to, but I'm somehow on the other side of the Earth! ;)

Sorry Seven, Paris has to take fifth place for the time being. Remember Singapore was 9th before it caught up again. Of course I agree that human bias prevail and by and large, the voter are from the UK, it seems, although the mag is US-based.

Actually, if you take a closer look at the survey, Australia stands out as the top country and Sydney as the second best city to visit. I suppose that's one reason why so many Singaporeans love to visit Australia, as she offers some things very different here - great nature, the great barrier reef, mountains, valleys, sheep, farm stay, vineyards, Gold Coast etc, etc. and the British connection.

But don't despair. Many Singaporeans love Paris too, particularly for your French culture, Picasso, red wine, Burgundy, etc, just as they love London, Vancouver and California! :)

You know, I just rejoin a choir which will perform French songs as one part of its concert programme in end-Oct, although most of the lyrics are sung in English! We encounterd absolute difficulty in pronouncing French! :D Such songs include "Under Paris Skies (Sous Le Ciel De Paris), Moulin Rouge, Dirait-on, French Love Medley (Hymne A L'amour, La Vien Rose), A French Serenade (Belle Nuit 'O Lovely Night', Plaisier d'amour 'The Pleasure of Love'), French Swing Medley (Mon Coeur Est Un Violon/Michelle/La Mer), Paris Medley (April In Paris, The Last Time I Saw Paris, I Love Paris).

So, not to worry, we love Paris! :p

I should ask my Spore friend to assign Loh as a Singapore Tourism Promoter :) hehehe.. Hey Loh.. i will be coming next month on the 16th.

Loh, in fact I meant Paris should NOT be in the top 10, but maybe I'm biased on this one! :p
I suppose many people love Paris, but that's because they don't know the better places! ;)
(btw red wine doesn't come from Paris but from south of France)

Actually I'm impressed by your knowledge of Paris, I don't know any of the songs you are citing :eek:

So congrats for your cultural knowledge! :)

I think Sporeans love Australia is because the CARS are cheaper there , Properties as well and Australia offers wide range of education from High School , Colleges and Universities not saying that Spore dont offer quality education , maybe the study environment is better.. got 4 Seasons and also.. from what i heard NUS is harder to go in. Anyway its few hrs flight to Australia from Spore.

To Loh,

When was your second picture taken ? (Day ?) Because the place looks so empty. And do I need a permit to take a pictures ?

Anyway badminton is starting to popularize in Singapore. Maybe Susilo is the main factor. At the Singapore Satellite, everyone crowded around him like he was a star.

I should ask my Spore friend to assign Loh as a Singapore Tourism Promoter :) hehehe.. Hey Loh.. i will be coming next month on the 16th.

Good, look forward to seeing you! Can you play on Sunday 17th? 4 - 6 pm, venue to be decided later, probably NUS. This time I can meet you at your office, Suntec City to have lunch or coffee. :)

Loh, in fact I meant Paris should NOT be in the top 10, but maybe I'm biased on this one! :p
I suppose many people love Paris, but that's because they don't know the better places! ;)
(btw red wine doesn't come from Paris but from south of France)

Ya, I misread your message. BUT why shouldn't Paris be in the top ten? :confused:

Effel Tower has been beckoning us all so often that we can't resist. Understand that they have fresh programmes catering to young couples high up there! That rules me out unfortunately! :(

To Loh,

When was your second picture taken ? (Day ?) Because the place looks so empty. And do I need a permit to take a pictures ?

Anyway badminton is starting to popularize in Singapore. Maybe Susilo is the main factor. At the Singapore Satellite, everyone crowded around him like he was a star.

Sorry, that was last year's Open and it must be during the preliminaries, probably in the morning that I took that pic with a film camera. That could be the reason why it was empty and also the SIS, unlike the SBA Hall, is very big indeed. At the recent Asian Satellite I used a digital cam but no flash is allowed. I guess they may continue to allow no flashlight photography.

Yes, Susilo has created much interest among sports loving people and even the corporations are beginning to take notice and want to join in the win-win situation, such as newbie, Aviva. Ronald will skip the US Open unfortunaltely to prepare for the home championships. :)

Ya, I misread your message. BUT why shouldn't Paris be in the top ten? :confused:

Effel Tower has been beckoning us all so often that we can't resist. Understand that they have fresh programmes catering to young couples high up there! That rules me out unfortunately! :(
Hehe, just a natural reaction! :o the only time in my life I visited Paris and saw the Eiffel tower was when I was five years old, so I'm not really well placed to judge in fact... it's just that Paris has a rather bad reputation around here. :rolleyes:

Anyway, back to the topic : nice pics of Singapore, it seems like a colourfull city! :)
It's good to see Singapore Open will have a big sponsor!

hahahhaha noo i live just near paris, and i can understand why it's in the top ten , ahhh seven we should ban you for being so cruel with YOUR capital hahhahaha lol :D
no this is a very beautiful city,
im glad to see that singapore is n°1 cuz normally i'll go to malaysia, singapore and thailand for holidays in 2 years hihihihi =)

hahahhaha noo i live just near paris, and i can understand why it's in the top ten , ahhh seven we should ban you for being so cruel with YOUR capital hahhahaha lol :D
no this is a very beautiful city,
im glad to see that singapore is n°1 cuz normally i'll go to malaysia, singapore and thailand for holidays in 2 years hihihihi =)
Have you been to many other places to compare? :rolleyes: ;)
Sorry, I am nothing near patriotic and I don't consider Paris as "MY" capital, only the capital of the country I live in. ;)

Anyway, if you visit Thailand and Singapore, you will be able to compare Paris to Bangkok and Singapore, both being in the top ten list that Loh posted! :)

Have you been to many other places to compare? :rolleyes: ;)
Sorry, I am nothing near patriotic and I don't consider Paris as "MY" capital, only the capital of the country I live in. ;)

Anyway, if you visit Thailand and Singapore, you will be able to compare Paris to Bangkok and Singapore, both being in the top ten list that Loh posted! :)

Oh, I can tell you that each city will have its own charm and distinctiveness. That's why travel is such a great thing cause you learn a little about how others interact, live, work and play! You are there in person and I recommend that you should travel as much as you can when you are young and able "to see the world"!

I'm disappointed that our friend SS should choose to miss Singapore when he was so near! :mad: Please make it a point to drop by when you're in KL or Bangkok the next time, promise! :)

I think Sporeans love Australia is because the CARS are cheaper there , Properties as well and Australia offers wide range of education from High School , Colleges and Universities not saying that Spore dont offer quality education , maybe the study environment is better.. got 4 Seasons and also.. from what i heard NUS is harder to go in. Anyway its few hrs flight to Australia from Spore.

How can I disagree with the much-travelled Ants! You are absolutely right!

Singapore cars generally cost about three times more than in most countries. For example, a 1500cc Korean car, say a Hyundai, can cost about Sing$60,000 (it used to be 10 to 20% more) and parking fees are high especially in the Central Business District (CBD). And during peak hours in the morning and afternoon, you have to pay to enter the CBD and other specified buzy areas. Yet every young person who just started work aspires to own a car as quickly as possible. ;) And no matter how many additional cars the government allows on the roads, it will never be enough to satisfy everybody. :o

I think owning a car and maintaining it in Hong Kong and Tokyo is not cheap either, simply because of the scarcity of land. Therefore housing is not cheap too in land-scarce Singapore, yet about 90% of the population here own a home, albeit mostly government-built high-rise apartments.

But, we've got to work and live for something, right? The real question is how you manage your money. Should you spend more than you earn by borrowing or save a certain percentage of your income and spend the rest on priorities, etc. :D

I'm disappointed that our friend SS should choose to miss Singapore when he was so near! :mad: Please make it a point to drop by when you're in KL or Bangkok the next time, promise! :)
??? Are you referring to Syaoran_Style's future trip? because he said he IS intending to go to Singapore...

??? Are you referring to Syaoran_Style's future trip? because he said he IS intending to go to Singapore...

Really? Good, when's he coming? Not in two years' time, I hope. :D

Really? Good, when's he coming? Not in two years' time, I hope. :D

LoL i'm coming in 2 years...i couldn't come this year cuz my mum want to bring us to see family =// so she tells me we will be able to go in 2 years =p

LoL i'm coming in 2 years...i couldn't come this year cuz my mum want to bring us to see family =// so she tells me we will be able to go in 2 years =p

Not to worry, we'll wait for you. BTW whereabout is "family"? Aren't you or your parents now French citizens? Perhaps your relatives or grandparents live in another country as so many Asians do? :)

LoL i'm coming in 2 years...i couldn't come this year cuz my mum want to bring us to see family =// so she tells me we will be able to go in 2 years =p


Just tell us when you are around.. either in Spore, Hk, Thailand , Msia or Philippines.. just Pm me..

Not to worry, we'll wait for you. BTW whereabout is "family"? Aren't you or your parents now French citizens? Perhaps your relatives or grandparents live in another country as so many Asians do? :)

My parents are from morocco, like my mother didn't see her family since 4 years, i must go with her maybe for 2 weeks, but i ask her to go in HK with my neighboor in july ... now she 's between yes and no .. but i have some month to convince her hahahha i can be very persuasive loool
i went to morocco last year ... it was so boring :(

Just tell us when you are around.. either in Spore, Hk, Thailand , Msia or Philippines.. just Pm me..
Don't worry ants lool you'll be the first to know of my arrival in an asian country :D

Aviva is very aggresive nowadays.. manage to take over Yonex Sunrise as a major sponsor for the year's Spore Open. Don't know how much they bid for major sponsor of the event.

Aviva is very aggresive nowadays.. manage to take over Yonex Sunrise as a major sponsor for the year's Spore Open. Don't know how much they bid for major sponsor of the event.

I believe at least US$170,000 (the total prize money) for sure! They have already sponsored some other major sports events here recently and I'm not surprised that they might have a budget of at least S$500,000 for this year.

I hope they can sponsor the Open for a few more years and raise the prize money to 6-star. :D

I believe at least US$170,000 (the total prize money) for sure! They have already sponsored some other major sports events here recently and I'm not surprised that they might have a budget of at least S$500,000 for this year.

I hope they can sponsor the Open for a few more years and raise the prize money to 6-star. :D

Aviva is one of the Major sponsor of Bowling Tours in South East Asia. Probably they are going more into sports now.

Aviva is one of the Major sponsor of Bowling Tours in South East Asia. Probably they are going more into sports now.
Bowling tours??? :confused: Does this exist? Is it a professional "sport" in Asia???
I must admit bowling is just about non-existant in France...

Anyway, Singapore Open was already a 5* last year, so I suppose Aviva's sponsorship is more or less equivalent to Yonex Sunrise... (or are they hoping to go up to 6* this year already?)

Bowling tours??? :confused: Does this exist? Is it a professional "sport" in Asia???
I must admit bowling is just about non-existant in France...

Anyway, Singapore Open was already a 5* last year, so I suppose Aviva's sponsorship is more or less equivalent to Yonex Sunrise... (or are they hoping to go up to 6* this year already?)

Oh yes, bowing is quite popular in Singapore as it is in Malaysia. In fact, Singapore has much more success in bowling than badminton and some of our bowlers have achieved world-class standards much earlier and some have even won world titles as well as gold medals in the regional games.

Bowling is such a successful sport that it is included as one of the sports in our Sports School, although only now that I read that they are going to build a bowling alley within the school. Hitherto, the students train in many of the bowling centres outside of the school.

Surprised to note that you don't have professional bowling in France but we have been shown on TV quite a number of competitions in the US and this part of the world.

One thing Singapore lacks is professional cycling, which I think you must have in France, judging from the numerous occasions that Frenchmen have won international competitions. ;)

I wasn't aware professional bowlers existed, though I could have guessed maybe by knowing it has some importance in the US... (I saw "The Big Lebowski" :p)

Professional cycling is quite developped in France, though less than in Spain.
The problem with cycling is that it is all about who has the best doping program, even in amateur races all the best ones are positive... :rolleyes:

Loh, Can you get the sponsors to ask for different TV views of the games?

The camera is set too high and the players don't look like they are moving around court. Also the speed of the shuttle cannot be appreciated from the high camera angle.

Of course, this is in the sponsor's own interest as it will keep the TV audiences' interest up and increase brand name exposure!

BTW, cars are much cheaper to buy in HK than in S'pore.
To get a new Toyota Corolla on the road, it should be less than 18k USD.
Our cost of petrol is high being nearly 1.5USD per litre.

Loh, Can you get the sponsors to ask for different TV views of the games?

The camera is set too high and the players don't look like they are moving around court. Also the speed of the shuttle cannot be appreciated from the high camera angle.

Of course, this is in the sponsor's own interest as it will keep the TV audiences' interest up and increase brand name exposure!

BTW, cars are much cheaper to buy in HK than in S'pore.
To get a new Toyota Corolla on the road, it should be less than 18k USD.
Our cost of petrol is high being nearly 1.5USD per litre.

Hi Cheung

Nice to hear from you. I've never written to the TV people before, but I shall try to convey your message across to them.

I was thinking why don't you come over to Singapore for the Open. Do you think you can steal some leave from your job and your better half (and Cheung Jr) to attend at least the Semis and the Finals, held on Sat and Sun afternoons I believe, now that the budget airlines are competing fiercely for business. We can arrange some sightseeing and badminton game for you as an added incentive! ;)

Good to note that cars are cheaper in HK. I think there is one country which has more expensive cars. Can't remember the name. But our petrol costs lessthan HK's, being at $1.50 per litre, but in Sing Dollars! I guess being a free port and having many top oil companies here with petrochemical plants at our Jurong Island, helps stabalise the price.
:D

Loh, Can you get the sponsors to ask for different TV views of the games?

The camera is set too high and the players don't look like they are moving around court. Also the speed of the shuttle cannot be appreciated from the high camera angle.

Of course, this is in the sponsor's own interest as it will keep the TV audiences' interest up and increase brand name exposure!


Cheung

I've emailed Aviva at your suggestion and received the following reply from Adeline, their executive in charge. Let's hope the Sports Council will revert and followup with our feedback.

Aviva's Reponse:


Hi Mr Loh,

Thank you for contacting Aviva. We are pleasantly surprised to receive such
forthcoming feedback from badminton fans in Singapore and overseas, and it
is our company's pleasure to lend our support to developing this sport.

You have rightly noted that the TV coverage depends on the camera crew, who are of course more qualified and experienced in this area. As the title
sponsor, we would like badminton fans to enjoy the experience of a good
quality tournament, whether it's live at the stadium or via TV broadcasts.

We will take your feedback to the Singapore Sports Council and if need be,
they may contact you. Thank you once again for taking the time to give us
your feedback.

best regards,
Adeline Ng
Brand & Communications Executive, Marketing
Aviva Ltd
4 Shenton Way SGX Centre 2 #01-01
Singapore 068807
Phone : (65) 68277547 Fax : (65) 68277569 Mobile :
Internet : adeline_ng@aviva-asia.

Cheung

I've emailed Aviva at your suggestion and received the following reply from Adeline, their executive in charge. Let's hope the Sports Council will revert and followup with our feedback.

Aviva's Reponse:


Hi Mr Loh,

Thank you for contacting Aviva. We are pleasantly surprised to receive such
forthcoming feedback from badminton fans in Singapore and overseas, and it
is our company's pleasure to lend our support to developing this sport.

You have rightly noted that the TV coverage depends on the camera crew, who are of course more qualified and experienced in this area. As the title
sponsor, we would like badminton fans to enjoy the experience of a good
quality tournament, whether it's live at the stadium or via TV broadcasts.

We will take your feedback to the Singapore Sports Council and if need be,
they may contact you. Thank you once again for taking the time to give us
your feedback.

best regards,
Adeline Ng
Brand & Communications Executive, Marketing
Aviva Ltd
4 Shenton Way SGX Centre 2 #01-01
Singapore 068807
Phone : (65) 68277547 Fax : (65) 68277569 Mobile :
Internet : adeline_ng@aviva-asia.
That's a nice reply! :)
They seem to be willing to make efforts...

Aviva does have some connections with Espn Asia. Where Aviva Bowling tour is shown on Espn. Maybe we do have a higher chance of Badminton shown on t.v more often.

??? Are you referring to Syaoran_Style's future trip? because he said he IS intending to go to Singapore...

www.singaporebadmintonopen.com/en/news

great job Loh. i dont think they need that angle just to 'show' the sponsors brands. they can use a more suitable position that show the best aspects of badminton and then focus out once in a while to the crowds around the brand names just like in Basketball or stuff. the camera doesnt have to show players when the take a 'towel-down' right so i think times like these would be a great idea to give props to the sponsors and the audience alike.

just my 2 cents

A little gossips for you guys:) . Aviva paid S$350,000 for the event this year. They will be the title sponsorship for Singapore Open for 2004-2006. Next year sponsorship will be S$450,000 and in 2006, its S$500,000:eek: . Sad case is that, Singapore top player Ronald Susilo wont be attending the event due to injuries:crying: .

A little gossips for you guys:) . Aviva paid S$350,000 for the event this year. They will be the title sponsorship for Singapore Open for 2004-2006. Next year sponsorship will be S$450,000 and in 2006, its S$500,000:eek: . Sad case is that, Singapore top player Ronald Susilo wont be attending the event due to injuries:crying: .
that's great news! S$500,000 alone will make the Singapore Open into a 6* event.

volks, got any other insider information you can tell us? :)

volks, got any other insider information you can tell us? :)Hey guys, in fact the total sponsorship this year is S$480,000. Coz S$350,000 is sponsored by title sponsor AVIVA. The rest comes from sub-sponsors. Its said to be the hottest badminton open that ever held in Singapore.Hope it'll be a blast by then. Too bad Ronald Susilo wont be there...Any bets on who will win???
There's also plans to engage these star players to give selected AVIVA OPEN FANS some personal badminton coaching.But for that it's yet to be finalise.