NTU-built drones to fly at Singapore Airshow Uni researchers’ system allows UAVs to fly without crashing into each other Published on Feb 08, 2014 8:12 AM By Kenny Chee The air force's Black Knights will not be the only ones flying in formation at the Singapore Airshow. A group of drones built by the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will be showing off some fancy aerial moves as well. This has been made possible after a research team from the university developed a system to solve the tricky problem of getting drones to move together, without crashing into each other. A possible use of the system, which took over three years to build, could be to co-ordinate the drones as they search for survivors in a disaster zone. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) shows off an unmanned aerial vehicle developed with the National University of Singapore and Ngee Ann Polytechnic at the Singapore Airshow 2014. The air force's Black Knights will not be the only ones flying in formation at the Singapore Airshow. A group of drones built by the NTU will be showing off some fancy aerial moves as well. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
NTU launches 3 new undergraduate degrees in 2014 New courses include earth science, philosophy but uni to keep tech focus Published on Feb 10, 2014 7:51 AM By Sandra Davie Senior Education Correspondent Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is launching three new undergraduate degrees this year - philosophy, earth science and one merging engineering with business. The university, with an annual intake of 6,000 students, will offer 95 places in the three courses starting in August. There will be 30 spots for the Bachelor of Engineering with Business degree, another 30 for earth science, and 35 for philosophy. All are four-year honours programmes. While NTU provost Freddy Boey admitted that offering a philosophy degree may seem like an odd choice for a science and engineering institution, he said this one will be different. It will include courses such as philosophy of science and philosophy of technology. "Science and technology has transformed our lives and will continue to do so. But there has also been a downside, for instance issues on environmental sustainability and the ethical limits to the genetic modification of animals and human beings," he explained
Malays who chose to stay helped nation succeed: PM Photo: Ooi Boon Keong Moment of choice in 1965 was significant in making Singapore what it is today By Neo Chai Chin Published: 10 February, 4:06 AM SINGAPORE — The pioneer generation of Malays who chose to remain in Singapore during the separation from Malaysia enabled Singapore to grow into a unique multi-racial and multi-religious society, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The Separation in 1965 was a moment of choice for the Malay community, between joining Malaysia as part of the majority and remaining in Singapore as a minority, he said. Many chose to stay and Mr Lee paid tribute to them during his Malay speech at yesterday’s Pioneer Generation event at the Istana, saying that they helped build a modern nation with many opportunities and a high quality of life. “We are grateful for your confidence, loyalty and contributions,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the community has passed on to its children the values and ethos that will take Singapore forward. In his Mandarin speech, Mr Lee highlighted that the Pioneer Generation Package’s focus on healthcare would mean people have more resources for other needs, while also helping to reduce the burden on their children. The package is therefore not just a subsidy, but also a means to help pioneers live better in their old age, Mr Lee said. One of the guests at yesterday’s event, Mr Chng Bah Bee, 72, said the Package would give seniors assurance. A former port worker, Mr Chng said medication for his high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol cost over S$30 every three months, but that he and his wife, a cancer survivor, exercise daily and are well-covered by insurance bought by their children. “We took care of ourselves, and then the next generation,” he said. Meanwhile, Mr Lee also said Singapore owes its success to the pioneer generation, noting that the Republic had no natural resources when it became independent and the future was very bleak. But the pioneer generation persevered to ensure Singapore survived and grew, and their hard work set a strong foundation for the country’s development, he said. In paying tribute to the work of the older generation, Mr Lee said the package cannot fully repay Singapore’s pioneers for their contributions, but he hopes it will be accepted as a sincere gesture of thanks.
RSAF to celebrate 45 years with displays at Singapore Airshow The Black Knights fly in the new Spear formation, where four aircraft form the spearhead and the remaining two the tail, while executing the Spear Transition to Swan manoeuvre during a media preview at Pulau Sudong. Photo: Channel NewsAsia Popular aerial display by the Black Knights set to make return after five years By John Leong Published: 09 February, 8:25 AM Updated: 09 February, 8:30 AM SINGAPORE — The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) celebrates its 45th anniversary this year and it will commemorate the occasion with visitors to the Singapore Airshow 2014, which opens its doors to the public next weekend. On show will be the ever-popular aerial display by the Black Knights, last seen at the Singapore Airshow in 2008, when the RSAF celebrated its 40th anniversary. The Black Knights, which is not a full-time aerobatics team, is also sporting a fresh look: The six F-16 Fighting Falcons now wear the Singapore flag’s crescent and stars on its fuselage, one of several changes the Black Knights have gone through over the years. The current batch is led by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Leong, a flying instructor in the 140 Squadron at Tengah Airbase ,who has clocked 4,000 hours on the F-5 and F-16 fighters. The 26-year veteran said Black Knights past and present are bonded by a common philosophy. He said: “The wisdom that they have given us, is not just the performance itself, but what the team symbolises — team excellence, professionalism, dedication, passion. And when everybody looks at us, they want to see that.” The aerial display of the Black Knights will be a major draw at the Singapore Airshow. Other aerobatics teams such as those from the US and South Korea will also be performing. Other aspects of the RSAF’s 45th anniversary celebrations at the Singapore Airshow will include a pavilion where visitors can learn how the RSAF works. The pavilion is divided into three zones. The first presents the RSAF’s heritage and transformation, while the second demonstrates its operational capabilities and the third showcases the RSAF’s people at work and at play. Also on display will be 17 types of RSAF aircraft and weapons systems, and a lucky few will get a chance to fly in a C-130 transport aircraft or Chinook helicopter. CHANNEL NEWSASIA
Inspiring sense of vigilance in S’pore youth a real challenge Deputy Director (Plans) of Nexus Judith Katherine d'Silva on 07 Feb... [More] To engage them, recent security threats, instead of only WWII events, should be highlighted, says Nexus Deputy Director By Xue Jianyue Published: 08 February, 4:02 AM SINGAPORE — Although Ms Judith Katherine d’Silva was born after World War II, tragic war stories told by her mother — about Ms d’Silva’s uncles dying during the Japanese Occupation, for instance — stayed fresh in her mind and reminded her of the necessity of Total Defence. However, these stories may not inspire the same sense of vigilance in the younger generation, said Ms d’Silva, who has been involved in engaging Singaporeans in Total Defence since 1999. “The current generation has not gone to war. It is a challenge for us to get people to understand it,” said the Deputy Director (Plans) at Nexus — the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) department in charge of Total Defence and National Education. Whenever war stories are brought up to young people, they will say “don’t keep on harping on that. It is so far away”, said Ms d’Silva, 61. She was speaking to TODAY ahead of this year’s Total Defence campaign, which starts next Saturday. People also have a misconception that Total Defence concerns external threats only. It involves protecting social cohesion, too, she said. To engage the next generation, Ms d’Silva felt that Singapore’s recent security challenges can be highlighted, instead of only the Japanese Occupation, which took place between 1942 and 1945. “It doesn’t mean (that) we forgot entirely about the past. It is just a shift in how you want to reach out to the young. You must get their attention first,” she said. One way Nexus has tried to involve more young people in Total Defence is through ciNE56, a short film competition. ciNE65 allows film-makers to express themselves through film on themes that revolve around national identity and sense of belonging, Ms d’Silva said. One misconception that many people have about Total Defence is that it is only about military and civil defence. These two pillars, she said, are simply more visible — compared with the social, psychological and economic defence pillars — because of the presence of hardware such as army vehicles. The rise of DRUMS — distortions, rumours, untruths, misinformation and smears on the Internet — has posed a new challenge for Singapore, with Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen saying in August that they could hamper Total Defence efforts. When asked what her department can do to address the impact of negative comments posted on social media have on social cohesion, Ms d’Silva said Nexus can continue our engagement efforts to build pride in, and a sense of belonging to, the country. “When we have the conviction that the peace we have enjoyed all these years is something we treasure and want to protect, we will know from deep within us how to behave and respond on social media.”
Showcase of vibrancy at Chingay 2014 Published on Feb 09, 2014 7:39 AM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...0209/ST_20140209_MZCHINGAY09ECGL_4026145e.jpg CHINA: The Fujian Ningde Huotong String Lions troupe displaying a local folk art from Fujian province with 1,000 years of history, which involves a performer using strings to control lion puppets. -- ST PHOTOS: LIM SIN THAI, DESMOND LIM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...0209/ST_20140209_MZCHINGAY09F4YR_4026174e.jpg ITALY: Maesta della Battaglia flag-wavers and musicians playing drums and trumpets while putting on a vibrant show as part of an international medley at the Chingay parade. -- ST PHOTOS: LIM SIN THAI, DESMOND LIM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...0209/ST_20140209_MZCHINGAY09RDVR_4026142e.jpg INDONESIA: Performers of the Gelar Tari Topeng, an Indonesian mask dance, which was accompanied by traditional gamelan music. A total of 500 performers from six foreign countries took part in the parade. -- ST PHOTOS: LIM SIN THAI, DESMOND LIM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...0209/ST_20140209_MZCHINGAY09ACKW_4026144e.jpg JAPAN: Members of the Japanese Association in Singapore carrying a mikoshi (Japanese float-like portable shrine) as part of a performance titled ''Japanese culture: Smile for you''. -- ST PHOTOS: LIM SIN THAI, DESMOND LIM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...0209/ST_20140209_MZCHINGAY09MZKL_4026175e.jpg President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife Mary waving at the crowds from the top of a float during the Chingay Parade yesterday. -- ST PHOTOS: LIM SIN THAI, DESMOND LIM Chingay this year saw twice as many foreign performers as last year, with many making the journey from South Korea, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and even Italy, to join in the annual parade. A total of 500 performers from the six countries took part. President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife Mary yesterday joined People's Association (PA) deputy chairman and labour chief Lim Swee Say and PA chief executive director Ang Hak Seng at the closing night of this year's event. More than 3,000 performers took part in the Chingay Parade's finale, Knit With One Heart, last night.
New air traffic control centre to increase Singapore’s air traffic capacity Singapore's new Air Traffic Control Centre. Photo: Ernest Chua New long range radar can track more planes at a longer range Published: 10 February, 2:02 PM SINGAPORE — To meet growing demands of air traffic in the region, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) today (Feb 10) unveiled its new Singapore Air Traffic Control Centre (SATCC) during the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit Lunch. The SATCC houses the new Long Range Radar and Display System III – or LORADS III – which maximises advances in aircraft navigation accuracy and functionality, said Mr Rosly Saad, Director of CAAS Air Traffic Services during a media preview of the new centre. In operation since Oct 16, LORADS III is one of the most advanced air control systems in the world, with multi-surveillance features that enable air traffic controllers to track up to 2,000 planes at any one time, within a distance of 500 nautical miles. Singapore’s previous system, LORADS II, could track 500 planes within a distance of 250 nautical miles. “With Automated Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast procedures, we can reduce the spacing between aircrafts close over the high seas so that we have higher capacity to bring aircrafts in more efficiently and faster,” said Mr Kwek Chin Lin, CAAS Head of Air Traffic Management Operations Systems. Singapore’s aviation sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of five per cent until the end of the decade. The CAAS has trained 300 air traffic controllers to operate LORADS III at its academy, with plans to recruit another 80 controllers by the end of this year. The system, which costs S$300 million, is linked to other air traffic control towers in Changi and Seletar.
Wise and strong leaders needed to avoid conflict - Second Defence Minister Published on Feb 10, 2014 1:00 PM Countries need wise and strong leaders who appreciate that there is more to gain through cooperation than conflict, said Second Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing. -- FILE PHOTO: ZAOBAO By Jermyn Chow COUNTRIES need wise and strong leaders who appreciate that there is more to gain through cooperation than conflict, said Second Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Security Conference on Monday, he said: "We also need courageous leaders who do not succumb to domestic pressures or nationalistic pursuits against the greater good of the region, including to right historical wrongs and perceived wrongs when the conditions are still premature." These leaders must not succumb to the notion that "might is right...The mark of a powerful country is not how it is able to use its might to get its way. The mark of a truly powerful country is how it is able to restrain itself and not have to use its might to get its way and yet convince others to come along its side." Mr Chan's comments come amid a diplomatic row between Singapore and Indonesia, following Jakarta's recent decision to name a navy ship after two Indonesian marines who bombed the MacDonald House here in 1965 that left three people dead and 33 hurt.
Tang wins big in New Zealand Motor Racing Andrew Tang taking pole position on the podium yesterday. On his left... [More] Andrew Tang and his car decked in Team Singapore colours Andrew Tang and his proud parents Against a reputed international field, Singapore teenager emerges tops to win motor racing title By IAN DE COTTA Published: 10 February, 4:06 AM SINGAPORE — Andrew Tang flew the Singapore flag high in Feilding, New Zealand, yesterday when he beat an international field of 22 other drivers to land the prestigious Toyota Racing Series (TRS). Entering the fifth and final round of the series at the 59th New Zealand Grand Prix with a narrow seven-point lead, the 19-year-old’s third-place finish was enough to rake in the points to win the title in a five-way fight. The Neale Motorsport driver’s feat, in a car decked with Team Singapore colours, broke the 10-year stranglehold Kiwis had on the TRS since it was launched in 2005. His total of 791 points from of 15 races was 11 more than his nearest rival, Britain’s Jann Mardenborough, who finished second in the 35-lap race behind New Zealand’s Nick Cassidy. The TRS pits some of the best young international drivers gearing up for motor racing’s top leagues and Tang’s title is the highest achieved by a Singapore driver in any competition. He has come some way after receiving a challenge from Ron Dennis three years ago to measure up, just before the McLaren team principal placed the teenager in the team’s Young Driver Development Programme in July 2012. But although he has made steady progress since then, especially after switching to open wheel from kart last year, the TRS title was never on his radar. He finished 15th out of 23 drivers last year, five spots behind 2013 Rookie of the Year Mardenborough, and was only targeting a top-five finish this time. Speaking to TODAY from Feilding, Tang said: “I didn’t think it was possible because the field was very competitive and they have much more experience. “But when I won the second race in the first round, it lifted my confidence and Andy (team principal Andrew Neale) kept encouraging me to keep my focus, saying I could do it.” Neale’s guidance was the fuel that drove Tang to two more wins, nine podiums, five fastest laps and one pole along the way. But the TRS chequered flag only came into view on Saturday, when the Singaporean won the Dan Higgins Memorial Trophy, the first of the final three races that culminated in yesterday’s New Zealand Grand Prix. That final race, won previously by F1 luminaries like Stirling Moss and world champions Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill, eluded him but it did not dampen the mood in the team. A jubilant Neale, who had worked at former F1 outfit BAR Racing and only set up Neale Motorsport last year, said Tang’s talent is coming together. “Andrew works hard and has learnt a lot in terms of working with engineers and the car, and needs to keep up the momentum with high-level racing,” said the Kiwi, who also worked with Tang in European competitions last year. “It has been an amazing debut in the TRS for us because it is a competitive series with a lot of drivers aiming to get into F1. If Andrew continues to work hard and keep learning new cars, he’ll get there.” But racing in the TRS almost did not happen for Tang, let alone winning it. He was due to start National Service in the Singapore Police Force on Feb 4, and a decision was reached to enter him for only four rounds before returning for enlistment. When it became evident Tang was on the threshold of securing the title, his parents made a last-minute request to allow him to race in the final round, which was granted by the SPF. He will be now be given a new enlistment date when he returns tomorrow. Singapore Sports Council chief executive Lim Teck Yin paid tribute and said Tang has endured sacrifices that are now beginning to bear fruit. The sports authorities are also helping the teenager with his development and Lim said: “He worked very hard and has done Singapore proud. He is determined and has great potential and we will sit down with him when he returns and look at the plans that have been mapped out for his future.” Final standings (top 5): 1. Andrew Tang (Singapore) 791 points 2. Jann Mardenborough (Britain) 780 points 3. Damon Leitch (New Zealand) 708 points 4. Steijn Schothorst (Holland) 632 points 5. Martin Rump (Estonia) 623 points
Myanmar's Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services calls on Dr Ng Eng Hen Published on Feb 10, 2014 3:48 PM By Lee Jian Xuan Myanmar's Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win called on Singapore Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen on Monday afternoon. Vice-Senior General Soe, who is in Singapore from Feb 9 to 12 for his introductory visit, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng and Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh, after inspecting the Guard of Honour. He will also visit the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday. The Defence Ministry said in a media statement: "Vice-Senior General Soe Win's visit underscores the warm bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Myanmar. In addition to high-level exchange of visits, the two defence establishments also interact at multilateral forums such as Shangri-La Dialogue, the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus."
Myanmar's Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services calls on Dr Ng Eng Hen Published on Feb 10, 2014 3:48 PM Some pictures of the visit: http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20140210/sjc01myanmar210e.jpg Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief Vice-Senior General Soe Win (left) calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) at the Ministry of Defence, on Feb 10, 2014. -- PHOTO: MINDEF http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20140210/sjc02myanmar210e.jpg Vice–Senior General Soe Win (centre) inspecting the Guard of Honour at Mindef. -- PHOTO: MINDEF
Indian national involved in Little India riot given 15 weeks jail, first to be senten Published on Feb 10, 2014 3:15 PM Police officers examining the wrecked private bus at the aftermath of the Little India riot in the early hours on Dec 9, 2013. A 32-year-old Indian national was sentenced to 15 weeks in jail on Monday for his role in last December's Little India riot - the first among 25 accused to be dealt with. -- ST FILE PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN By Hoe Pei Shan A 32-year-old Indian national was sentenced to 15 weeks in jail on Monday for his role in last December's Little India riot - the first among 25 accused to be dealt with. Chinnappa Vijayaragunatha Poopathi, who was originally accused of rioting, pleaded guilty last Friday to an amended charge of continuing to be in an assembly after it had been ordered to disperse under Section 151 of the Penal Code. Deputy chief district judge S. Jennifer Marie ordered Chinnappa's imprisonment to take effect from his arrest date on Dec 8. He could have faced up to two years in jail and/or a fine, as opposed to up to seven years in jail and caning for rioting.
Sovereignty vital for small nations such as Singapore We must reinforce the sense of Singaporean identity, by highlighting our Housing and Development Board heartlands and taking pride in local food and culture. Photo: Bloomberg By Tan Wu Meng and Soon Sze-Meng Published: 10 February, 4:06 AM In the collective histories of nations and communities, there are days of death which live on in infamy. America has 9/11. Spain has the Madrid train bombings of March 11, 2004. In London, the July 7, 2005 attacks on public transport. Indonesia has seen its share: Bali in 2002, as well as the 2003 Jakarta Marriott Hotel and 2004 Australian Embassy bombings. In all of these, innocent civilians were killed. In Singapore, we remember March 10, 1965, when two Indonesian marines detonated a bomb at MacDonald House that killed three Singapore civilians and injured 35. Hence, it is troubling and saddening that the navy of Indonesia, a country with which Singapore has had many years of good bilateral relations, chose to name a ship after the two marines who carried out the attack. Perhaps it was a younger generation of Indonesian officers, who did not quite realise the implications of such naming. In any case, Singapore has exercised our sovereign right to protest, calmly and confidently. NO SMALL MATTER History reminds us that sovereignty is no small matter for smaller nations. Back in 416 BC, Athens attacked the island of Melos. As Thucydides put it: “Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” In modern times, small wealthy Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in 1990. In the late 2000s, Ukraine faced energy security vulnerabilities. Sovereignty is no mere academic concept. It is a matter of life and death for a nation and its people. Eloquent advocacy at international tribunals may decide restitution for the survivors of conflict, but sovereignty determines whether rightful possession is preserved in the first place, and whether a people have the chance to govern themselves and shape their own destiny. A country can thrive only if it has relevance to others and the strength to defend itself. Singapore’s sovereignty is anchored by a cohesive society, economic progress and our military strength. Economic growth is not an end in and of itself. It allows the redistribution of wealth through social spending, while investing in public infrastructure and defence hardware and manpower. Military strength, in turn, is supported by investment, to equip and train our national servicemen and regulars. No matter how cordial our neighbourly relations today, a strong defence is insurance against unexpected changes in the geopolitical climate. A cohesive society ensures that every able citizen is ready and willing to defend their fellow Singaporeans — instead of making a beeline to Changi Airport at the first sign of serious trouble. The collective steel of social cohesion can be the X-factor in a conflict. During the Nazis’ strategic bombing Blitz against Britain during World War II, stoic British cohesion helped the island nation hold out against challenging odds. REINFORCE BONDS UNDER TENSION But three sustained trends are diluting our social cohesion. Wealth inequality has increased social distance between successful and less-well-off Singaporeans. Growth in non-resident labour and immigration has strained national identity; there is a difference in culture between the new immigrant and the grandchild of pre-1965 immigrants. Our ageing population challenges existing business models and current notions of labour policy. Increased spending on healthcare and social support is needful and the right thing to do, but social cohesion will be tested as more of a youthful workforce’s tax dollars are redistributed to their seniors. To preserve our social cohesion, we must share the benefits of progress with all Singaporeans. MediShield Life and the Pioneer Generation Package will come with fiscal costs. Yet, for more Singaporeans to accept redistribution, there must, in turn, be a willingness to share — to accept higher premiums or personal contributions so that others will not fall behind. This tension must be addressed, to create a virtuous circle rather than a vicious cycle. There are three areas where social cohesion can be strengthened, to ensure willing redistribution as part of a fair and just society. First, we must reinforce the sense of Singaporean identity. We can highlight our Housing and Development Board heartlands and take pride in local food and culture. We should continue recognising local heroes from different fields: The men and women who braved Everest’s peak; the gutsy soldier who lost his legs but stands taller than us in courage; the nurses who faced airborne death daily during the SARS crisis. What binds a nation is not bricks and mortar, but a sense of community arising from extended relationships and trust. EXPAND OUR COMMON SPACES Second, we must protect and build more common spaces so that Singaporeans of all backgrounds can come together — hawker centres, parks without admission fees and attractions at low cost. Values and social cohesion are nurtured from childhood. Even while we provide each child with tailored education to maximise his potential, we must help students with differing gifts mix together as peers, so younger Singaporeans do not judge a person’s worth by school stream or academic certificate. While every school can and must be a good school, there is a special responsibility for independent schools to ensure access for students of all backgrounds. If a fundraising machinery can marshal resources to construct a swimming pool, it can also support bursaries such that no deserving student is afraid to apply, for fear that he might not win a scholarship or not fit in. Third, we must ensure that the rule of law applies to all and continues to be seen to be applied to all. Legal Aid and other measures must maintain access to legal assistance and support, for equal justice operates not only at adjudication, but also at the point of entry to the justice system. Singapore celebrates Total Defence Day on Feb 15. It is a little more than a year before our 50th anniversary as an independent nation. Social cohesion, economic progress and military strength undergird our existence as a sovereign state. All three must be in synergy. ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Tan Wu Meng is a medical doctor working in a public sector hospital. Soon Sze Meng is a Senior Director in a multinational corporation. Both are Singaporeans.
$1 million boost for Chinese opera R&D grant aims to raise standards, promote art form in Singapore Published on Feb 11, 2014 8:19 AM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...20140211/ST_20140211_MPWKFUND11B_4027748e.jpg Peking opera artistes Phan Wait Hong (above), 102, and Hor Chim Or, 95, will receive the Chinese Opera Institute's first Prestige Awards, as two of Singapore's oldest practitioners in Chinese opera. -- PHOTOS: BT FILE, CHINESE OPERA INSTITUTE http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...20140211/ST_20140211_MPWKFUND11A_4027747e.jpg Peking opera artistes Phan Wait Hong, 102, and Hor Chim Or (above), 95, will receive the Chinese Opera Institute's first Prestige Awards, as two of Singapore's oldest practitioners in Chinese opera. -- PHOTOS: BT FILE, CHINESE OPERA INSTITUTE By Leong Weng Kam Senior Writer A million-dollar research and development fund is being set up by the Chinese Opera Institute (COI) to raise standards and promote the traditional performing art form in Singapore. The Chinese Opera Research and Development Grant, as it is called, will be open to opera troupes here as well as individuals involved in the art, including performers, directors, scriptwriters and researchers. "We want to give the performing art a boost with financial support before the young of today lose interest in this traditional performing art form completely," said COI chairman Lim Fang Hua, 66, yesterday. Singapore has nearly 70 amateur Chinese opera troupes, which represent seven genres and perform in Chinese dialects such as Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien and Hainanese. Many troupes need help to upgrade, modernise and renew themselves. Background story GLAD TO BE RECOGNISED At my age, I am happy that I can still sing and perform and that the young is recognising me with the award. - Mr Hor Chim Or, 95
Pioneers' health-care package 'has right focus': Experts Benefits plug gap arising from lack of medical insurance, savings: Experts Published on Feb 11, 2014 8:14 AM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...0211/ST_20140211_CYPIONEER11B3X3_4027861e.jpg Mrs Mary Chew says the package is a privilege and a surprise, and something good to fall back on. Her husband Philip says that the package will help him pay for MediShield premiums for a longer period. -- ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...0211/ST_20140211_CYPIONEER11B0PX_4027888e.jpg For Mr John Morrice, the package means medical benefits for his wife will continue after his death. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...20140211/ST_20140211_CYPIONEER11_4027846e.jpg Mrs Jayamani Chandrashagaran feels that the Government should help only those in need. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI By Tham Yuen-C And Charissa Yong When Singapore's pioneer generation started working, there was no Medisave, no MediShield and no Medifund. Salaries were low and people had to retire at an earlier age. As a result, they may not have saved enough to pay for their medical care. Given these circumstances, the health-care benefits provided by the Pioneer Generation Package give them what they need most, said health-care and ageing experts as well as MPs yesterday. Said Dr Ng Wai Chong, medical director of the Hua Mei Centre for Successful Ageing: "In that era, not everybody had the good fortune of getting an education.
Black and whites at old Seletar airbase to get new lease of life Published on Feb 11, 2014 6:59AM http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/s...20140211/ST_20140211_KASELETAR11_4027600e.jpg The 32 colonial bungalows will also be gazetted for conservation. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20140211/selaerospace11020005e.jpg View of the disused swimming pool at one of the old black and white bungalows located at Park Lane inside Seletar Aerospace Park. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/20140211/selaerospace11020004e.jpg Colonial bungalows at the former Seletar airbase, which have been vacant in recent years, and two former military buildings at The Oval and Park Lane be gazetted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority for conservation. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO By Karamjit Kaur, Aviation Correspondent The black and white bungalows at the former Seletar airbase were built to house officers from Britain's Royal Air Force before the outbreak of World War II. Now they could house offices, schools, restaurants, spas and sports facilities under plans being drawn up by the Government, The Straits Times has learnt. All 32 bungalows, which have been vacant in recent years, and two former military buildings at The Oval and Park Lane will also be gazetted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority for conservation. Despite the planned makeover, JTC Corporation is intending to maintain the colonial charm of the structures. "This will add vibrancy to the area and the ambience will also be preserved with the decision to zone it as a heritage site," said JTC's aerospace director Leow Thiam Seng.
NUS researchers invent cancer-screening tool; trials conducted on more than 500 patie Published on Feb 10, 2014 5:11 PM Professor Ho Khek Yu (left), head of Department of Medicine in NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and Associate Professor Huang Zhiwei, from the Department of Biomedical Engineering in NUS Faculty of Engineering, demonstrate the detection of a malignant tumour in the stomach, on Feb 10, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM By Linette Lai Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have invented a screening tool to make cancer diagnosis less subjective. Once inserted into a patient's body, the tool is able to immediately recognise whether a particular patch of tissue it is touching might be cancerous without the need for a biopsy. As such, the tool can be used to alert patients even before cancer cells start to emerge in them. The tool is currently being used in clinical trials, and has been tested on more than 500 patients so far. Although it focuses more on diagnosing gastrointestinal cancers, it has also been tested on cervical cancer, for instance. Plans are underway for commercialisation of the technology in less than five years.
Singapore, Malaysia to strengthen bilateral defence relations Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (third from right) had a meeting with and hosted Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (fourth from right) to dinner this evening. Photo: MINDEF Published: 10 February, 10:12 PM SINGAPORE — Singapore and Malaysia have reaffirmed the longstanding defence relationship between the two countries and agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein held discussions this evening (Feb 10) at a dinner hosted by Dr Ng. Mr Hishammuddin is in Singapore from today to Thursday, and will visit the Singapore Airshow 2014 tomorrow. During his visit, Mr Hishammuddin will call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and meet with Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam and Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew. MINDEF said Mr Hishammuddin’s visit underscores the warm defence and bilateral ties between Singapore and Malaysia. The Singapore Armed Forces and the MAF share a long history of cooperation, and interact regularly through bilateral exercises such as the Land Exercise Semangat Bersatu and the Naval Exercise Malapura. CHANNEL NEWSASIA
SIA, Airbus may tie up for pilot training programme Collaboration said to be in response to soaring regional demand for pilots Published on Feb 12, 2014 8:21 AM Singapore Airlines (SIA) is likely to offer pilot training to other carriers in collaboration with European planemaker Airbus. -- ST FILE PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN By Karamjit Kaur Aviation Correspondent Singapore Airlines (SIA) is likely to offer pilot training to other carriers in collaboration with European planemaker Airbus. The Straits Times understands that the two have plans to enter into a partnership to tap soaring demand for pilots, especially in Asia. This could involve setting up a joint-venture firm, industry players said. When asked if there were plans to offer third-party pilot training in a tie-up with Airbus, SIA spokesman Nicholas Ionides said: "We are planning an announcement tomorrow, details of which will be revealed in the morning." SIA's flight school, the Singapore Flying College, currently trains pilots from the group and also accepts individuals paying their own way.
Singapore "much like Seoul": Korean pilot performing at Singapore Airshow Published on Feb 11, 2014 8:45 PM By Lee Jian Xuan Despite not being used to the weather here, Captain Lee Sang-Wook of the Korean Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatics squad still finds Singapore a "beautiful city". The 32-year-old Seoul native, who spoke to The Straits Times last Thursday, said he found the heat "a little difficult to deal with" after arriving from wintry Korea, where temperatures are currently at sub-zero. That aside, he added, through a translator: "Singapore is a very beautiful city and country, much like Seoul. I feel at home here." The eight pilots from the team are closely monitoring the temperature and humidity here, to ensure that weather conditions do not affect their performance when they take to the skies this week in a 20-minute aerial stunt, he said. The Black Eagles aerobatic team of South Korean Air Force (ROKAF) perform with their T-50 aircraft during the Singapore Airshow in Singapore on Feb 11, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS Youngest RSAF Black Knight maintains calm to cope with pre-show excitement Published on Feb 11, 2014 8:41 PM By Lee Jian Xuan As the date of the Singapore Airshow draws near, Captain Devdutt Sasidharan of the RSAF's Black Knights is striving to maintain his cool as the pre-show excitement builds up. "I try to treat every flight as a training flight, to not have the pressure of performing in front of an audience. When I step into the cockpit, I try to be calm and focus on the task at hand," said Captain Sasidharan, who at 28 is the youngest of the six Black Knight pilots performing this year. He is flying the role of right wingman on the squad. Flying with more experienced pilots has also pushed him to up his game, he said. "Being the youngest, I don't have that many flying hours compared to them, so I have to match up to their standards." Republic of Singapore Airforce aerobatic team Black Knights flies in formation during the start of Singapore Airshow on February 11, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: ROSLAN RAHMA Proud to be involved in Singapore Airshow for the first time: Indonesian pilot Published on Feb 11, 2014 8:40 PM By Lee Jian Xuan Flying to Singapore is nothing new for Indonesian Jupiter pilot Captain Apri Arfianto, who has trained here six times, but the 32-year-old will be participating in the Singapore Airshow for the first time. This week's airshow will be the Indonesian Jupiters' third international appearance - they have performed in Brunei and Malaysia previously. "I'm very proud to take part in such a big Asian airshow... it's been my most challenging experience so far," said Captain Apri, who flies as the left wingman in his six-man squad. To stay in tip-top physical condition, he makes sure that he has enough rest and goes for a brisk jog for about 15 to 20 minutes daily. The Indonesian Jupiter Aerobatic Team performs at the Singapore Airshow 2014 on Feb 11. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
