Singapore Also Can

[Bbn]

Pls stick to the topic under discussion. Your natural instinct to wander, ramble and meander self-destructs and short-circuits your capacity to think rationally. Too much short-circuiting is bad for your health.

Thank you my Chee Sin friend, by the way my comments are not aimed for you to read, they are informing people of your credentials.

[taneepak]

On human trafficking Malaysia fares better than Singapore, according to the US report, so Malasia Boleh! The Malaysian government is congratulating each other for a job well done.
Do you want evidence, Bbn?

[Bbn]

Dun wanna play wit u ,boo.

[taneepak]

Dun wanna play wit u ,boo.

I will spare you the embarrassment this time.
BTW, do you notice that I only refer readers to a website instead of reproducing the whole article? This is to give readers the option to ignore the referenced site instead of "force-feeding" them with the complete article.

[Loh]

I will spare you the embarrassment this time.
BTW, do you notice that I only refer readers to a website instead of reproducing the whole article? This is to give readers the option to ignore the referenced site instead of "force-feeding" them with the complete article.

I'm sorry to learn that as someone who professes to be independent thinking and knowledgeable, you've considered yourself being "forced-fed" with the reports. But just as what you've stated above "to give readers the option to ignore the referenced site", readers can similarly ignore my posts if they wish to. But the fact that they continue to follow events in Singapore will mean that they are still interested out of their own accord and not being "forced-fed" as you tried to imply.

[Loh]

Jul 2, 2010

By Cai Haoxiang and Rachel Chang

IN 10 YEARS' time, an economy with top-quality skills will boost the real median incomes of Singaporeans by 30 per cent from $2,400 to $3,100, Singapore will have more internationally competitive local companies and will be one of the most liveable cities in the world.

'We think we can raise incomes, raise the wage of the average worker, by one-third in the next 10 years. That means moving from a median wage of about $2,400 today to about $3,100 in 10 years time,' said Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a dialogue at Suntec City on Friday. Accounting for inflation, the figure is $3,800, he added.

Mr Tharman was speaking at the recommendations dialogue for the Economic Strategies Committee, organised by the Singapore Business Federation and attended by 600 businessmen.

He said that the next five to 10 years provide a 'whole wave of opportunities' for Singapore to play to its strengths in urban and water management. Singaporean companies can also capitalise on a wave of Asian demand in middle-class services like health, travel, education, entertainment and financial services.

'It's useful to ask ourselves where we want to be in 10 years' time, what is the sort of Singapore we want to see? And I'll just want to highlight three facets of that Singapore that the ESC thought of as being desirable and essential,' he said.

First, he said, the ESC wanted to see an economy that has top quality skills to raise incomes for the average Singaporeans by one-third in the next 10 years. To boost wages from $2,400 to $3,100, Singapore needs to become a leading hub in Asia for global businesses and high-value, complex manufacturing, and possess top-notch service standards, he said.


'We think we can raise incomes, raise the wage of the average worker, by one-third in the next 10 years. That means moving from a median wage of about $2,400 today to about $3,100 in 10 years time,' said Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. -- ST PHOTO: JOYCE FANG

[Loh]

The Straits Times
Jul 2, 2010

By Radha Basu, Senior Correspondent

MEULABOH (Aceh) - SINGAPOREANS were the first foreigners to set foot in tsunami-ravaged Meulaboh, Aceh, days after tragedy struck that sunny Sunday morning in December 2004. They came to bury the dead, help heal the wounded and begin the long hard task of rebuilding a town reduced to rubble.

On Friday, 5 1/2 years later, Foreign Minister George Yeo announced the completion of all major reconstruction projects in what grew to be the biggest humanitarian mission in the Republic's history.

And as Team Singapore pulled out, it left behind a modern hospital, spacious schools, brightly painted homes - and a people who are learning to hope again.

Mr Yeo was in the coastal Indonesian town - which lost a quarter of its 40,000 people to the tsunami - to hand over a $12 million general hospital funded by Singapore to the Indonesian authorities.

When Singapore first offered to help its neighbour and friend in those tense, tragic days after the tsunami, the Indonesian Government requested that it focus its efforts on Meulaboh.

Its bridges were broken. The arterial roads connecting it to Banda Aceh and Medan were clogged with debris. Its pier had been swept away.

Its main hospital, while largely spared by the waves, had been damaged by the earthquake. Bodies were piling up in the courtyard as survivors came to look for missing loved ones and tend to the injured.

On Friday, the same courtyard, rebuilt, like the rest of the hospital, came alive with music and dance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Yeo said that when he first visited Meulaboh nearly a year after the tsunami, there was still 'destruction everywhere'. 'Now, each time I come, I see progress,' he told the gathering.

The Cut Nyak Dhien Hospital was the 70th and last project to be funded by the Tidal Waves Asia Fund, set up with donations from the people, corporations and Government of Singapore.

Roughly two-thirds of the $89 million collected - was allocated to Indonesia. The fund was administered by Singapore Red Cross (SRC), which also build the hospital in collaboration with the Singapore government and Temasek Holdings.

While reconstruction work has officially ended, Singapore will continue to strengthen administrative capacity in Meulaboh, Mr Yeo said, adding that he was in talks with the World Bank to see how best to further help Meulaboh.

'So many people died... an administrative culture has got to be built up and all kinds of specialists must be trained. Where we can, within our resources, we should help, and will continue to do so,' he said.


Mr Yeo officiates the opening of the hospital Cut Nyak Dhien Meulaboh on Friday. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN

[Loh]

The Straits Times
Jul 5, 2010

By Sue-ann Chia

AS THE cool morning breeze blew across Woodlands Stadium on Sunday, almost 3,000 people swayed to a slow and steady rhythm.

Dressed in red and white, participants looked like they were rehearsing for a mass display in the upcoming National Day parade.

But the large gathering, which included Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, labour chief Lim Swee Say and several MPs, were there for another reason.

They were aiming for a place in the Singapore Book of Records as the largest mass qigong display.

And they did it with ease - smashing the previous record set by Ayer Rajah-West Coast constituency Sports Club last September.

Then, 765 people performed qigong together. On Sunday, there was more than triple the number of people - exactly 2,698.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre), labour chief Lim Swee Say and several MPs participated in the mass qigong display at the Woodlands Stadium on Sunday with an aim for a place in the Singapore Book of Records as the largest mass qigong display. -- ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA

[Loh]

Jul 5, 2010

Stem cell expert among four winners honoured this year

By Ang Yiying

TWO scientists who have made waves in the field of stem cell research - one of whom had mentored the other - were honoured yesterday at the Singapore Youth Awards.

Dr Loh Yuin Han, 33, received the youth award for his contributions to science and technology.

At the ceremony, his former mentor, Dr Ng Huck Hui, 38, who had won the same award in 2005, got the medal of commendation - given to past youth award winners who have surpassed their previous accomplishments.

The youth award, presented by the National Youth Council, is the nation's highest accolade for those aged 35 and under, recognising outstanding achievements in arts and culture, community and youth services, entrepreneurship, science and technology, and sports and adventure.

The other winners are film director Royston Tan, 33, entrepreneur and founder of PurpleClick Media Leonard Tan, 31, and Para- lympic swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, 18.

This year's youth award winners were picked from 93 nominations, while the medal of commendation was picked from nine nominations.

The winners of the Singapore Youth Award this year are (from left) entrepreneur Leonard Tan, film-maker Royston Tan, scientist Loh Yuin Han and athlete Yip Pin Xiu (not in photo). -- ST PHOTO: AIDAH RAUF

[Loh]

The Straits Times
Jul 5, 2010

By Frankie Chee

SINGAPORE paddler Wang Yuegu ended her three-year singles title drought on the international circuit on Sunday.

She beat China's Zhu Yuling 11-7, 17-15, 11-6, 11-1 to win the women's singles crown at the US$172,000 (S$241,000) Japan Open.

The tournament is the joint- fifth-most prestigious stop on the 16-leg International Table Tennis Federation Pro Tour, which is the sport's professional circuit.

The 30-year-old Wang's last victory on the Tour came in November 2006, when she triumphed in Germany. She also won the Japan Open that year.

More importantly, Sunday's result will help the world No.9 gain precious ranking points ahead of November's Asian Games. Having a higher ranking ensures a relatively easier draw in the Guangzhou Games, as it would mean she has a better chance of avoiding China's top players in the earlier rounds.

The Japan Open, which concluded on Sunday, missed such big names as world No.1 Liu Shiwen and world No.4 Ding Ning because they had featured in the China versus World Team Challenge which ended only one day before the Japanese competition.


Wang Yuegu (above) beat China's Zhu Yuling 11-7, 17-15, 11-6, 11-1 to win the women's singles crown at the US$172,000 (S$241,000) Japan Open. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

[Loh]

TODAY
05:55 AM Jul 03, 2010

Sprint relay quartet back in the running

by Shamir Osman

SINGAPORE - Walking out of the meeting room at the Singapore Sports Council headquarters on Friday, Annabel Pennefather wore a broad grin to match the clenched fist she was holding up.

The Singapore Hockey Federation president was delighted that the Republic's hockey men were given the nod to compete in November's Asian Games, following their appeal to the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC).

Pennefather was not alone in her joy on a night of surprises for Singapore sport - the men's football team also received approval to compete at the Asiad, as did the men's bowling team and the men's 4x100m relay team.

And 22-year-old United Kingdom-based weightlifter Helena Wong (53kg class) will also make history when she flies the Republic's flag at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, becoming the first woman weightlifter to represent the country at these Games.

"I didn't really believe it when I heard that I was going to the Commonwealth Games, I'm both relieved and happy," Wong told MediaCorp.

The relay quartet of Amirudin Jamal, Gary Yeo, Elfi Mustapa and Lee Cheng Wei, who became the first Singapore team to go under 40-sec with their time of 39.82sec at last December's SEA Games in Laos, qualifying for both the Asian and Commonwealth Games in the process, were broken up subsequently, forcing the new team to re-qualify.

But the new management committee, led by Tang Weng Fei, at the Singapore Athletic Association, had the foursome reinstated, thus automatically qualifying for both the Games.

In perhaps the biggest surprise of the night, 34-year-old UK Shyam, the national men's 100m record-holder (10.37sec), has been added to the squad of seven sprinters - the others being Calvin Kang and Poh Seng Song. The lot will have to race off at a later date to select the six to travel.

"I'm happy the team's effort has been recognised, and it's good that it's clear that the fastest six runners will compete. Now that it's settled, we can concentrate on training harder," said Yeo.

Shyam though, was surprised at his inclusion. "I love the sport and I still compete for fun, but I don't know if I'm good enough - you need to train seriously to be able to hit fast times.

"I clocked 10.90sec recently and although that was in the rain, I don't think it will be good enough for the big games," he said.

The last time Shyam was in serious training with a view to representing the country was five years ago.

Meanwhile, preparations have already begun for the men's football team: The Asian Games squad are in Myanmar for two friendly matches.

Said team manager Eugene Loo: "The Asian Games will provide our players with a wonderful opportunity to compete against some of the top teams in Asia in a competitive environment."


The Singapore contingents

Commonwealth Games (New Delhi, Oct 3-14): 71 athletes, up from the 63 in Melbourne in 2006

Asian Games (Guangzhou, Nov 12-27): 226 athletes, up from the 132 at the 2006 Doha Games

[Loh]

TODAY
05:55 AM Jul 05, 2010

by Ong Dai Lin

SINGAPORE - Foreign Minister George Yeo has asked Singaporeans to be patient, reiterating the need for due process in resolving the two hit-and-run accidents involving former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu.

Romanian prosecutors said last week that Ionescu will face trial for charges of homicide, causing physical injuries and making false statements.

Mr Yeo said this latest development is in accordance with Romanian law and the Eastern European country is keeping the Singapore authorities informed on the progress of the case.

He said the Republic "will extend all our assistance which is within our law and which is required by their law".

"So, observing due process is absolutely important, both in Singapore and in Romania. It means going through what is required step by step and, sometimes, holding back our desire to make comments or to do things which we may regret later," he said.

Mr Yeo was speaking to reporters at a People's Association event at Bedok Reservoir.

The date of Ionescu's trial has not been set and he will remain in custody until then.

Ionescu, 50, is alleged to have hit three pedestrians in two hit-and-run accidents in December while driving a car belonging to the Romanian Embassy in Singapore.

One of the victims, a Malaysian, died, while two others suffered injuries.

Ionescu has publicly denied he was the driver, claiming the car was stolen.

While Romanian prosecutors have stated that the claim "does not conform to reality", he will fight the charges against him, his lawyer Maria Vasi was quoted by the media as saying.

She has also been quoted as saying her client is keen to compensate the victims - only because he was supposed to oversee the use of the embassy car.

[Bbn]

I'm sorry to learn that as someone who professes to be independent thinking and knowledgeable, you've considered yourself being "forced-fed" with the reports. But just as what you've stated above "to give readers the option to ignore the referenced site", readers can similarly ignore my posts if they wish to. But the fact that they continue to follow events in Singapore will mean that they are still interested out of their own accord and not being "forced-fed" as you tried to imply.

I prefer it your way, Loh, post the article and allow people to read or ignore it. the last thing is people reading articles,
twisting or misquoting facts and posting it. Most educated people are able to judge what they see without having someone to spoonfeed them with a summary.Its not as if we are teaching schoolchildren.

Another way is to summarise but quote or make reference to the source and allow people to verify the source if they have doubts. Posting a link is not much use, most people look at a thread and dont bother to check out the link.Most people are busy, they scan thru an article and go on to the next, few people have time to check links unless their lives depend on it.

[Bbn]

The Straits Times
Jul 5, 2010

By Frankie Chee

SINGAPORE paddler Wang Yuegu ended her three-year singles title drought on the international circuit on Sunday.

She beat China's Zhu Yuling 11-7, 17-15, 11-6, 11-1 to win the women's singles crown at the US$172,000 (S$241,000) Japan Open.

The tournament is the joint- fifth-most prestigious stop on the 16-leg International Table Tennis Federation Pro Tour, which is the sport's professional circuit.

The 30-year-old Wang's last victory on the Tour came in November 2006, when she triumphed in Germany. She also won the Japan Open that year.

More importantly, Sunday's result will help the world No.9 gain precious ranking points ahead of November's Asian Games. Having a higher ranking ensures a relatively easier draw in the Guangzhou Games, as it would mean she has a better chance of avoiding China's top players in the earlier rounds.

The Japan Open, which concluded on Sunday, missed such big names as world No.1 Liu Shiwen and world No.4 Ding Ning because they had featured in the China versus World Team Challenge which ended only one day before the Japanese competition.


Wang Yuegu (above) beat China's Zhu Yuling 11-7, 17-15, 11-6, 11-1 to win the women's singles crown at the US$172,000 (S$241,000) Japan Open. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

Wang Yi Gu is actually a proponent of the playing style of legend Deng Ya Ping , a lost art nowadays.

[taneepak]

I'm sorry to learn that as someone who professes to be independent thinking and knowledgeable, you've considered yourself being "forced-fed" with the reports. But just as what you've stated above "to give readers the option to ignore the referenced site", readers can similarly ignore my posts if they wish to. But the fact that they continue to follow events in Singapore will mean that they are still interested out of their own accord and not being "forced-fed" as you tried to imply.

I prefer it your way, Loh, post the article and allow people to read or ignore it. the last thing is people reading articles,
twisting or misquoting facts and posting it. Most educated people are able to judge what they see without having someone to spoonfeed them with a summary.Its not as if we are teaching schoolchildren.

Another way is to summarise but quote or make reference to the source and allow people to verify the source if they have doubts. Posting a link is not much use, most people look at a thread and dont bother to check out the link.Most people are busy, they scan thru an article and go on to the next, few people have time to check links unless their lives depend on it.

Well, each one has his own opinion. But I think Bbn's opinion is "coloured" by his support for Loh which is mainly driven by going against "my way"!
Loh, how lucky for you to have such a faithful friend.

[Bbn]

Well, each one has his own opinion. But I think Bbn's opinion is "coloured" by his support for Loh which is mainly driven by going against "my way"!
Loh, how lucky for you to have such a faithful friend.

Empty vessels make most noise, I learned that in Elementary school.

As Loh said, if you dont like his style ,dont be kepo or busybody just ignore it, or get a life.

[Cheung]

Hi Cheung

Welcome to Singapore in advance!

There are more places to visit in S'pore than say 5 years ago and a number of the old attractions have been unpgraded. If you google "Tourist places in Singapore" you may find some agreeable suggestions.

For one with a young family I think the following places would be interesting:

* Singapore Botanic Gardens, esp the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

http://www.google.com.sg/search?hl=e...jacob&gs_rfai=

* Sentosa Island, which has many attractions including the new (Genting) Resorts World Singapore's "Universal Studios" which you can spend at least a half day there. You can take a mono train ride to RWS from Vivo City, a modern shopping complex where you can also spend some time in, like taking meals at the Food Republic on the top floor and let your child wade in the pool on the open deck. From here you can catch a bird's eye view of RWS.

The RWS currently runs a show called "Voyage de la Vie" which is touted as "A Theatrical Circus Spectacular". There are some circus acts such as magic, juggling, acrobatics, apart from the song and dance.

http://www.rwsentosa.com/

Children also like to ride the luge and visit the Underwater World.

* Singapore Zoo and Night Safari for children who like animals, although the two China giant pandas will arrive only next year.

http://www.newasia-singapore.com/pla...200705319.html

Or if you like nature, you can go for walks in our nature reserves and beach parks like Changi Beach Park, apart from our Botanic Gardens. Or you may wish to go for a 'high rise' walk such as what I had posted here recently on Alexandra Bridge.

Or the MacRitchie Reservoir Park which has a tree top walk bridge.
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.p...d=49&Itemid=75

Not forgetting our newest attraction at Marina Bay, which has many recent additions, including the Double Helix Bridge, the Marina Bay Barrage, and of course Marina Bay Sands, the integrated resort with the Skypark where you can get a glimpse of the surroundings.

As for badminton, it can be easily arranged at my club which now has four new courts. Our group plays on Wed (8-10 pm) and Sun (3-6 pm). Other days can also be arranged specially for you with advance notice.

Thanks.

Yes. Singapore does feel more "interesting" now It's been more than 20 years since my last visit. Even Sentosa that time was rather staid. Well this time it's for different reasons - friends, family and children - rather than for ones ownself.

Where is the good place to get Laksa and Cendol near the Clarke Quay? I heard good hawker stalls have been moved around by the government so it's hard to find a few good stalls in one centre nowadays.