All About Singapore

New kid on the block

2009-07-07T01:19:00.000-07:00

Journalists and foreign keglers had one thing in common with each other during the Asian Youth Games (AYG) this week.
Neither party were able to get close to New Hui Fen.
Just 17, the Singaporean double gold medallist is Plexiglas personified.
You can see her - in the lane next to you, in front of your little voice recorder - but you just cannot get to her.
Last week, Singapore's bullet- proof bowler took on Asia's best and emerged unscathed, clutching two gold medals from the singles and doubles events, as well as a silver in the girls' team event.
The media held no sway over her either.

Access to the Republic's young bowlers was already limited, owing to a strict 'hands-off' policy imposed by the Singapore Bowling Federation on the press.
And the few media sessions she conducted in recent days were filled with answers as consistent as her throws on the lanes.
'I feel honoured to win,' she droned repeatedly at such interviews, much to the chagrin of the scribes in attendance.
To be fair, reporters and fans alike often forget that the newest darling in Singapore sports is still a teen, a mere girl unused to overnight fame and its demands - even though she is packing away more medals than bowlers twice her age.
Her success, said coach A.K. Yong, is gleaned from hard work and her natural finesse for the sport.
'I used to call her 'Peacock Dancer',' recounted her former bowling coach at the Singapore Sports School.
He was referring to the way she sashays before a throw, her feet sliding elegantly along the floor, as if guided by a silent tempo.
'She was special because she was so graceful with her movement,' he added. 'She could also get good leverage when she released the ball, despite having such a high backswing.'
Hui Fen is studying for a sports science diploma at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). The course is part of a through-train programme offered by the Singapore Sports School.
The 65-year-old Yong, who has coached for over 25 years, counts Hui Fen among his best and brightest prodigies. He also revealed that she actually started out as a spinner.
Up till three years ago, the then-Sec 2 student preferred to impart a horizontal spin to the ball - a direct throwing technique preferred by some North Asian bowlers.
But when she grew older and stronger, Yong convinced her to give hook bowling a try.
This method, employed by most of the world's top keglers, uses a heavier ball that strikes the pins from an acute angle, and often delivers more consistent scores.
Most bowlers take at least a year to make such a switch. Hui Fen took six months.
At the 2006 National Schools Championships, the newly minted hook bowler was runner-up in the B Division Masters event. A year later, she slipped to third.
Last year, she finally won the event - and four other national schools titles to boot.
By then, she had already drawn the attention of the national selectors, who quickly drafted her into the national development squad.
Said Singapore coach Henry Tan: 'Her biggest strength is that she hates to lose.
'A lot of people focus on participating, and they're quite happy when they bowl their average scores. But, to Hui Fen, average means nothing.'
Happily, there is nothing average about her achievements in recent months.
First, there were her two gold medals at the Asian Intercity Bowling Championships in December - signalling her arrival on the international front. Success quickly followed again at the Malaysian Open Girls' Masters event in March, and now, on the biggest stage yet, the AYG.
Everyone now knows that Hui Fen can bowl a mean game.
But her real persona, the real New Hui Fen, remains a mystery to all but her family and close friends.
'She's just like any other teenager,' said her mother Florence New, 57. 'She has lots of friends and she loves going out for movies.'
Aside from bowling, her other passion is karaoke. She can hold a tune, said Mrs New, and her favourite singers are Taiwanese crooners David Tao and Jay Chou.
She is also described by her mother as a playful girl, one who loves to play pranks on her friends.
Fun, however, goes out the window when she picks up her 15-pound bowling ball and lines up a throw, her eyes steeling in concentration.
Bowling is serious business for Hui Fen, who barely tolerates the media, and has no time for failure.
'It's not like running, where you are done after one race,' she said in one of her more candid interviews last week.
'Bowling is a three- to six- hour event and it requires a lot of mental stamina. I like the pressure, I love the competition and I want to win.'

The Singapore Tourism Board Appoints New Director, Conventions and Meetings, for its Business Travel and MICE Group

2009-06-24T21:25:00.001-07:00

With effect from 22 June 2009, Mr Oliver Chong, Regional Director, Europe, is concurrently appointed as the new Director of Conventions and Meetings, Business Travel and MICE Group. He takes over this portfolio from Ms Catherine McNabb who will be fully seconded to the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) with effect from the same date. Ms McNabb was previously on concurrent part-time secondment to SYOGOC under the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports (MCYS) as Director, Marketing & Sponsorships.

Mr Chong assumed the position of Regional Director, Europe, in March 2007. In this portfolio, he oversees the operations and overseas marketing activities of three offices in Europe including London, Frankfurt and Moscow. Under his stewardship, STB’s Regional Offices in Europe strive to increase the contribution of the European markets to Singapore’s overall tourism performance by achieving strong growth in tourism receipts and visitor arrivals from these markets, and building a robust pipeline of business and leisure events.

Prior to this position, Mr Chong was the Board’s Director for Events & Entertainment Clusters Development since August 2005. He steered the development of the events and entertainment clusters in Singapore, with the aim to transform Singapore into a global city for events across the arts, entertainment and sports sectors.
A veteran with the STB, Mr Chong began his career with the Board in 1993 as an Assistant Manager for Events, and has garnered vast and multi-faceted experience from the various portfolios he has held over the years. He was later posted to the STB office in London as Deputy Regional Director, a post which he held from 1996 to 1999, and where he was responsible for the implementation of overseas marketing activities and the cultivation of trade relations in the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries. Throughout the course of his career in the STB, he has also held other management positions such as Director of Cruise, Director of Tourism Shopping, and Director of Mega Events. During his tenure with the STB, he has been responsible for the successful execution of two mega events – the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards and the closing leg of the ASEAN-India Car Rally, both of which were hosted in Singapore in 2004. He was also recently part of the working team that negotiated successfully for Singapore to host the FORMULA 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

“The Singapore tourism industry is entering an exciting phase, with watershed developments such as the two Integrated Resorts, the Gardens by the Bay and the International Cruise Terminal coming on stream. Hence, I look forward to my new appointment and seek to galvanize my team in sustaining our leading position as an award-winning business events destination,” said Mr Chong.

Mr Chong holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration (Distinction) from Cornell University, USA (1993) under the then STPB (Singapore Tourist Promotion Board) Overseas Scholarship for Undergraduate Studies. He was also awarded the 10 Years Long Service Award in 2003 for his dedication and commitment to the Board over the past decade.
source : Singapore Tourism Board

Italy leads business mission to Singapore

2009-06-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

Asia remains a key target market for European nations looking to grow amid the current global economic downturn.
Italian businesses have their sights set on wooing Asia's growing middle-class, especially in markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. And they are looking to use Singapore as a springboard for regional expansion.

The Italian government has led a mission of some 80 businesses to Singapore. They are looking to position themselves for a recovery in the global economy, which they expect will be led by Asia powerhouses.

They say there are 120 Italian companies in Singapore, and hope to hit 150 in a few years' time.
However, they say that Asian economies need not fear an increased Italian presence, nor resort to protectionist measures.
President of the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade, Umberto Vattani, said: "There is a lot of attention for Asia. We are not here to compete. We are here to merge, and to gain an extra value in our normal activity. We believe that by joining forces and doing things together, we can both benefit."
The sectors of key interest for Italian firms include manufacturing, lifestyle, healthcare and clean technology. These are in line with Singapore's strategic growth areas, which suggest more opportunities for the island.
Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education, S Iswaran, said: "For our companies, I think the opportunities are two-fold. First is to work with Italian companies that have core capabilities and see how we can partner them to do more in this part of the world, in third countries as well as in Singapore. Second is to look at opportunities in Italy and beyond."
Singapore is Italy's largest Southeast Asian trading partner, while Italy is the island's fifth largest European trading partner. Bilateral trade was at about S$5.8 million for 2008.
Italian firms say Singapore is an ideal platform to reach other parts of the region, thanks to its strong business network, infrastructure, and the presence of other regional players in the country.
The Italian business mission will move on to Malaysia on Tuesday.
from: ChannelNewsasia.com

THE PC SHOW 2009

2009-06-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

The 19th International Showcase of the Latest Computer Hardware & Software

Profit from Singapore ’s longest-running IT and Consumer Electronics show

The PC Show is The Ultimate Sales Platform for Industry Players. With a track record spanning 18 years, it has been THE place where buyers and sellers meet and where high volume of sales is transacted.

Increasingly the event is also attracting international players to explore exciting business opportunities, generate new sales leads, strengthen business partnership with existing clients and build stronger branding exposure

The Best Performing IT Event

2008 Show Review
• More than 600 exhibitors
• Over 1.12 bargain hunters
• Over $51.7 million in sales

Who’s Who at the Exhibition

Exhibitors at The PC Show 2008 included:
Acer, Apple by EpiCentre, Canon, Compaq, Dell, Epson, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, along with local innovators like Amconics, Bizgram, Huaqi Information Technology, Singtel and Starhub.

Enjoy the PC Show Advantage

In a competitive marketplace, your brand and products can’t afford not to be seen at the most sales-focused IT event.
• a track record second to none, spanning 18 years
• the presence of well-known brand names aggressively vying for buyers’ dollars
• the exciting bargains that attract consumers to make on-the-spot buying decisions
• the best time to catch the families and the holiday crowd in June
• extensive event publicity through advertising, promotions and public relations

Generate sales, build stronger branding exposure and maximize your profits at The PC Show 2009.

Exhibit Profile

Computer Systems
1. Desktops
2. Laptops
3. Notebooks
4. PDAs
5. Workstations
6. Terminals
7. Pen-based

Peripherals
• Add-On-Cards
• Casing
• Keyboards
• Monitors
• Plotters
• Printers
• Motherboards
• Floppy Disk Drives
• Hard Disk Drives
• CD ROM
• Optical Disk Drives
• Storage & Memory Devices
• Tape Back-Up Systems
• Hardware & Software Locks
• Data Projection Systems

Imaging
• Point of Sales
• Bar Coding
• Optical Mass Storage
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Display Devices
• Image Capture Devices
• Digital Cameras

Multimedia
Media Sound Cards
CD Titles
Education
Computer Games

Media
• Cassette/Cartridge
• Accessories
• Disk Packs & Cartridges
• Diskettes
• Filing Systems
• Mouse
• Filters
• Optical Disk
• Tapes
• Toner Cartridges

Software
• Desktop Publishing
• Accounting
• Business
• Educational
• Entertainment
• Operating Systems
• Word Processing
• Management Presentation
• Graphics
• Customised Value Added Package
• Anti Virus
• Data Management
• Financial
• CAD/CAM/CAE
• Application (Off-the-shelf)
• Chinese Software
• Mailing List Management
• Networking
• Project Management
• Security
• Services
• Pen-based Software

Networking
• Local Area Networks Communications
• Electronic Mail
• Modems
• Telecommunications
• Wide Area Networking
• Cable/Writing
• Mobile Computing
• Online Service
• Digital-Cellular Phone
• Video Conferencing
• Mobile Communication

Others
• Consultancy Services
• Training
• Publications
• OEM Products
• Power Supplies

Date: 11 - 14 June 2009
Time: 12pm - 9pm
Venue: Suntec Level 1, 3, 4 & 6
By cisco SGC

Government to create framework for assessing town councils

2009-06-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

The National Development Ministry is seeking the views of residents on how they want town councils to be assessed.

The idea of a Town Council Management Report was first announced last December, when National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan spoke of creating a framework of Key Performance Indicators for the councils.

The ministry said the aim of the report is to give residents information about their estate, so they can better understand "some of the challenges and trade-offs involved in managing their town".

The report will also allow them to compare against other estates. Broad criteria to be included are cleanliness of the estate, maintenance, and how funds are managed. These could be expanded over time.

Town councils said the report would help identify areas where they are not doing well and they hope that with a better understanding of how a town is run, residents can give more constructive feedback.

Teo Ho Pin, coordinating chairman, PAP Town Councils & Mayor of North West Community Development Council, said: "For every service we provide to residents, it's based on how much service charge we collect.

"There is a certain constraint as to how much resource or finance we can put in to manage the town. So I think there must be a balance in expectations, the maintenance standards and the performance of town councils."

The ministry has met with all 16 town councils, and three public consultation exercises will begin from the end of this month, with the participation of HDB residents and council representatives.

A framework for the report will be announced in September, while the first set of results will be out in 2010.

Town councils were created 20 years ago to give residents more say in local estate matters and to foster a stronger community spirit.

At that time, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) also realised that a centralised management system did not sufficiently cater to local needs.
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia

Singapore warms up for GP season

2009-06-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

Motorsport fans will be treated to a number of special events and activities in Singapore this September as the city-state prepares for its second Formula One grand prix.

The Singapore GP season will run from 18 to 27 September and will feature shopping deals, exhibitions, live performances and more.
Motorsport fans will be treated to a number of special events and activities in Singapore this September as the city-state prepares for its second Formula One grand prix.
The Singapore GP season will run from 18 to 27 September and will feature shopping deals, exhibitions, live performances and more.

Highlights will include Asia on the Edge, an Asian lifestyle festival that will be held at the Arts House and around the Empress Place precinct.

There will also be a performance by pop opera group Il Divo, who will appear at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 21 September.

Margaret Teo of the Singapore Tourism Board said: 'Singapore has the unique advantage of staging a Formula One race right in the heart of the Marina area and in close proximity to Singapore River and Orchard Road.

'Through the Singapore GP season, we want to provide a total race experience for spectators and encourage them to explore our key tourism precincts, which are easily accessible and offer a wide range of lifestyle offerings.'

The Singapore grand prix will be held on the weekend of 25 to 27 September. Following the event in Singapore, there will be three more Formula One World Championship races in Suzuka, Sao Paulo and Abu Dhabi before the end of the season.

Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!

Highlights will include Asia on the Edge, an Asian lifestyle festival that will be held at the Arts House and around the Empress Place precinct.

There will also be a performance by pop opera group Il Divo, who will appear at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 21 September.

Margaret Teo of the Singapore Tourism Board said: 'Singapore has the unique advantage of staging a Formula One race right in the heart of the Marina area and in close proximity to Singapore River and Orchard Road.

'Through the Singapore GP season, we want to provide a total race experience for spectators and encourage them to explore our key tourism precincts, which are easily accessible and offer a wide range of lifestyle offerings.'

The Singapore grand prix will be held on the weekend of 25 to 27 September. Following the event in Singapore, there will be three more Formula One World Championship races in Suzuka, Sao Paulo and Abu Dhabi before the end of the season.

Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!

S'pore wins at Venice Biennale

2009-06-08T20:40:00.001-07:00

VENICE: Singapore film and video installation artist Ming Wong has won a Special Mention at the 53rd Venice Biennale on Saturday.

This is the first time that a Singapore work has won notice at the prestigious art event although the Republic has taken part in the Biennale five times since 2001.

The 37-year-old won for his work, Life Of Imitation, which focuses on the cinematic culture and films of Singapore and Malaysia in the 1950s and 1960s. The award was bestowed at the Giardini garden, one of the venues for the Biennale, during the opening ceremony.

Wong's work, curated by Tang Fu Kuen, 36, was singled out by the five-member international jury led by Italian academic Angela Vettese at the prestigious art event.

Jury member Homi K. Bhabha, the director of the humanities centre at Harvard University, said: 'I thought it was an extremely good piece, very clever in artistic terms and also socially perceptive.

'There was a splendid mix of both a sense of history and a sense of current and contemporary issues emerging.'

Berlin-based Singapore artist Wong, who said representing Singapore at the Venice Biennale has been the peak of his career, called this 'a big homecoming'.

Said Wong, whose works often explore the tensions of multicultural identities and representation: 'I do what I do because of where I come from, where I was born and where I grew up.'

National Arts Council chairman Edmund Cheng, who attended the event, said: 'We are all thrilled. I think this is a boost for artists and art groups in Singapore. In a way, we are coming of age. Our artists are getting more and more mature and I think our standing, both in the region and in the world, is being noticed.'

This latest cultural milestone caps a series of achievements by Singapore artists in the past year such as Singapore film-makers Eric Khoo and Ho Tzu Nyen's selection for competition at the past two Cannes film festivals.

Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.

by Tara Tan

Observers say Singapore’s future political system will be shaped by global trends

2009-06-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

As Singapore reaches the half—century mark of self—governance, Channel NewsAsia finds out from Singaporeans what they think lies ahead for the country’s political system.

From Third World to First World in just 50 years, Singapore has changed tremendously. But historians will tell you that the Singapore of the new millennium is more similar to the old Singapore than you may think.

Kwa Chong Guan, head of external programmes at S Rajaratnam School Of International Studies, said: "Singapore as a global city will increasingly look like Singapore in the 19th century with a transient migratory population...(of) only sojourners,and (they) stay for as long as they want to make money and fortune and then move on."

Hence, nurturing rootedness to the country — especially among a population with diverse views, cultures and values — will be a key priority for Singapore’s leadership going ahead.

Observers said what this will translate to, in terms of political leadership, are people not only with a long—term vision but who also can connect with the ground and bridge divides.

"So I think, in addition to having that technocratic ability to translate those visions, you will return to the point of 50 years ago — of very high touch politics where political leaders... will be people who understand the ground, who go down to grassroots and translate the visions to the grassroots and empathise (with the people)... what are the hopes, the desires, the anxieties of people on the ground," said Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, Dr Gillian Koh.

Observers said how the political system will evolve will depend on global trends.

Dr Koh offered two scenarios — either a more liberal government or political leaders who are grassroots mobilisers.

She said: "One is a system where you have a big picture and you leave everybody to themselves... a system where the rules of the game are very fair so that it’s a highly liberalised picture.

"The second picture is where you have a more communitarian model where, yes, you will still have the strategic vision, but the focus is on community building so that everyone feels that they don’t just have a place under the sun in Singapore, but they have a family (too)."

She added: "If we really face the full onslaught of the nightmare scenario on, say, climate change, this issue and its implications are not something that one government can deal with.

"It will take a global effort, a collective effort and if local governments are not able to respond, then you will have great dislocation... Then it’ll be up to citizens to say, ’Well, my government is not satisfying my ideal of how this issue is being dealt with’, then you’ll have a different outcome.

"If people feel that their local government is capable of mitigating certain factors within the local setting, then they are going to want a government that’s far more activist than a government that’s far more hands off."

As for younger, educated and global Singaporeans, they said they want to be more involved in Singapore’s political evolution.

Choo Zheng Xi, 23—year—old law undergraduate and chief editor of The Online Citizen, said: "I hope we evolve into a more representative democracy, more directly representative with a competitive political system and an engaged political culture where discussing politics becomes a part of our everyday lives and not just a show we watch on television."

"Increasingly the public is demanding greater transparency, greater accountability for the policies and things spent from government revenue and taxes. So, I think, as we move into a more educated community, I think we have to expect more diversity, as people are more exposed to different points of view and different values and beliefs," said Zaqy Mohamad, MP for Hong Kah GRC.

S Rajaratnam School Of International Studies’ Mr Kwa agrees. He said: "As we move into a globalised city state where our younger generation are more aware of global values — norms of transparency, accountability of government, human rights and the whole issue of security of the individual rather than just the state... — then the government has to respond to these new trends and demands."

Their sentiments echo the findings of a snap poll on channelnewsasia.com.

Most respondents said they want a broader representation of political parties in Parliament and more consultation in the formulation of government policies.

So, how will the aspirations of younger Singaporeans impact Singapore’s future political landscape?

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has already painted some broad strokes with the recently announced changes to the electoral system, aimed at allowing more diverse views including more opposition voices in Parliament.

These changes, observers said, will keep political leaders in sync with the aspirations of Singaporeans.

By Channel NewsAsia

Singapore Special Events 2009: Cultural, Culinary & High-Octane Events Keep Visitors on the Edge of Their Seats

2009-06-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

Things are heating up in Singapore and with fantastic travel deals and upcoming special events, there has never been a more perfect time to visit Asia’s lifestyle capital. Stylish new hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants are generating non-stop fun in the Lion City while several key happenings are raising the level of excitement including the following highlights:

Great Singapore Sale, Now through July 26, 2009
Bag amazing deals with the Great Singapore Sale with discounts of up to 70% off usual prices, from designer apparel to jewelry, watches and much more. During the Great Singapore Sale, attractive dining offers will also be offered island wide to keep shoppers in peak physical condition for a shopping marathon. MasterCard holders stand to receive additional exclusive privileges during the Great Singapore Sale. For details visit www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg.

The Singapore Food Festival, July 17 – 26, 2009
The annual Singapore Food Festival celebrates the country’s status as Asia’s food Mecca and offers a delicious insight into the country’s famed hawker food and culinary culture. From July 17 through July 26, visitors can enjoy Singapore’s local culinary treasures such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Koay Teow, Chilli Crab and much more, complemented by an array of international flavors ranging from French to Middle Eastern cuisine. The Singapore Food Festival includes culinary workshops, food competitions and special celebrations. This year’s highlights include a special “Food Street” event from July 17-25 offering the country’s legendary hawker dishes; a bustling “Singapore River Market” where visitors can enjoy local delights while taking in the scenic waterfront district; and the world’s longest “Peranakan Buffet Line.” The Peranakan or the Straits Chinese is an ethnic group indigenous to Singapore possessing its own unique brand of cuisine and culture that is thriving in the Lion City. For more information and a calendar of events visit www.singaporefoodfestival.com.sg

One City Three Festivals 2009
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, 14 August – 27 September (Kampong Glam), 15 August – 26 September (Geylang Serai)
Mid Autumn Festival, 19 September – 17 October 2009(Chinatown)
Deepavali, 18 September – 25 October 2009 (Little India)
Singapore is a multi-cultural city and its ethnic districts flourish with color and energy during the months of September to November.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, is the most important celebration for Muslims as it signifies the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Hari Raya comes alive in various areas around Singapore and districts such as Kampong Glam, the historic seat of Malay royalty. Featured festivities during Hari Raya include the lighting of festive lights, cultural performances, showcase of delicious Malay cuisine and food and shopping bazaars.

The Mid Autumn Festival is a cornucopia of colorful cultural performances and highlights include a mass lantern walk and celebration; nightly stage shows of Chinese opera; and festive street stalls serving tasty Chinese-Singaporean treats. The Mid Autumn Festival is celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide and is an auspicious occasion for gathering and reunion for family and friends. Signature items served during this period include mooncakes.

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights is the most important occasion in the Hindu calendar, where Hindus around the world celebrate the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. During this festival, the temples and streets of Little India are lit with streamers and dazzling lights. Other highlights include Deepavali festive street light-ups, cultural performances and food and shopping bazaars.

Visit www.visitsingapore.com/1city3fest for updates on festival events and other highlights.

2009 Formula 1™ SINGTEL Singapore Grand Prix, September 25-27, 2009
Set in the heart of the city, the world’s only FORMULA ONE™ night race at the Marina Bay street circuit promises thrilling high-speed action. Watch as sleek race machines speed down the streets, past some of the city’s most iconic and historic monuments. This is one event not to be missed. Nothing else comes close. Complementing the world’s only FORMULA 1™ night race, the Singapore Grand Prix Season takes place from September 18-27, presenting a slew of exhilarating race-themed events, intoxicating parties and irresistible retail and dining experiences, all with an Asian touch. Be prepared for adrenalin-pumping and breath-taking events that will rev you up to the world-class FORMULA ONE™ action! For more information, visit www.visitsingapore.com/sgpseason or www.singaporegp.sg.

Christmas in the Tropics, Mid-November, 2009 – January 2, 2010
Spend Christmas in the Tropics in Singapore which features colorful activities galore including traditional pantomimes; magnificent Christmas decorations and light displays along Orchard Road, the country’s premier shopping and entertainment district; colorful parades; and a Christmas gift market that stays open until midnight offering specialty food, drink and retail outlets. For more information on Christmas in the Tropics visit www.visitsingapore-usa.com.

ZoukOut 2009, December 12, 2009
Asia’s largest 24-hour beach dance party on Sentosa Island returns this December with a line-up of world-class DJs spinning beats for the masses. Organized by Zouk, the premier entertainment and nightclub owners in Singapore, ZoukOut drew more than 25,000 partygoers last year. For more information on ZoukOut 2009 visit www.zoukout.com

In addition to this line-up of exciting events, Singapore is also offering a “2009 Reasons To Enjoy Singapore” promotion, a global marketing campaign under which visitors can enjoy travel packages and promotions that offer quality and exciting experiences at value-for-money prices including attractive airfare, hotel packages and much more.

For more information on upcoming events and the “2009 Reasons To Enjoy Singapore” promotion visit www.visitsingapore-usa.com

About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore’s key service sectors – tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through the “Uniquely Singapore” brand. For more information, please visit www.visitsingapore-usa.com.

Singapore arts thriving in financial crisis

2009-06-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

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.

As the city-state presses ahead with plans to become an Asian arts hub, the Singapore Repertory Theatre is staging Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" with a Singaporean, Adrian Pang, in the lead.

It's a far cry from the 2007 festival, when British luminary Sir Ian McKellen left audiences spellbound with his performance in "King Lear".

In these tough times, arts establishment figures say, imported stars are just too expensive, opening the stage door for performers such as Pang just as government financial support for the sector is paying off.

Multi-million-dollar subsidies for the arts are intact, while museums and performance centres built or refurbished in recent years are now drawing growing numbers of local and foreign visitors.

"In some ways, the recession may redress the imbalance of expensive foreign to local and Asian works presented in many venues," said Benson Puah, chief executive officer of the Esplanade, Singapore's main performing arts complex.

"This is not necessarily a negative development arising from the crisis," he told AFP.

In the month-long Singapore Arts Festival which began on May 15 -- an event that draws thousands of visitors to Singapore every year -- foreign acts are still taking part in the festival, but domestic artists and productions are enjoying top billing too.

Thanks to a thriving nightlife and vibrant arts scene, Singapore has shed its image as a cultural desert to become one of Asia's hippest destinations alongside Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Puah said there are fewer large foreign touring companies coming to Singapore but the gaps are being filled by local works, artists and performers.

The Singaporean film industry is also hoping to benefit from the fallout from the recession.

Kenneth Tan, director of the Singapore Film Commission, said the city-state is well-placed to attract international producers, who are increasingly looking to Asia to cut costs and gain a foothold in emerging markets.

"It is vital to note that there are substantial media funds grounded in Singapore, with approximately 1.3 billion Singapore dollars (867 million US) in funds available here for media projects," he said.

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) received a record 1.2 million dollars (800,000 US) in donations at its 30th anniversary dinner this year.

"With the global economic downturn significantly impacting SSO?s Endowment Fund, the SSO is no longer able to draw on its returns to fund its operating expenditure," said Odile Benjamin, a senior member of the SSO.

The National Heritage Board (NHB) said its museums welcomed more than 652,000 visitors in the last quarter of 2008, a rise of nearly 50 percent over the same period in 2007.

The NHB also received record donations in 2008, in the form of cash as well as heritage pieces. Chinese artist Wu Guanzhong, considered a master of 20th century Chinese painting, donated paintings valued at 73.8 million dollars (49.2 million US).

"Our exhibitions can provide solace and enjoyment as well as an educational experience for visitors in difficult times like these," said the board's chief executive officer Michael Koh.

The National Arts Council says it plans to provide more funding for artists to help them weather the tough economic climate.

"We are also looking at the possibility of investing more to develop the capabilities of our artists and arts groups," the government body said recently.

Financial aid such as bursaries, scholarships and direct grants, which totalled 12.7 million dollars in 2008, to artists and groups will be maintained, the council said, adding it was hoping to tap corporate donors too.

"We continue to work closely with the private sector to find more creative initiatives that are in line with their corporate objectives and budget, and to encourage them to continue taking a stake in the long-term development of Singapore arts," it said.

Composer and musician August Lum, 24, welcomed the news.

"A lot of people in the industry believe that people will continue to need enjoyment and entertainment, but looking at the attendances, people are still going out to watch shows," he said.
By Philip Lim

2007 Singapore Art Festival Opening

2009-05-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

Singapore River Festival to be held in June instead of September

2009-05-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

The annual Singapore River Festival will now be held in June instead of September. The Singapore Tourism Board said this is to reach out to travellers and families with children during the holiday break.

30 per cent more establishments are taking part this year.
And for the first time, stakeholders — Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Empress Place and Robertson Quay have come together to present more parties and entertainment events.
Highlights include a romantic dance musical set by the river, aerial performances and dining promotions that go late into the night.
STB said last year, over 180,000 people visited the river during the festival.
The nine—day event kicks off on 19 June. — CNA/vm

Chinese New Year in Singapore

2009-05-20T02:23:00.000-07:00

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Singapore's a great place to celebrate the Chinese New Year. During this celebration amidst fun and festivities, cymbals clashing and lions dancing, the island ushers in the new year under the relevant Chinese zodiac sign.

Take a walk in Chinatown

The hub of all activity during New Year of course, is Chinatown. Sense the excitement in the air in this historic quarter weeks before the New Year, as enterprising merchants line Terengganu Street and Pagoda Street with their colourful stalls.

Get your traditional New Year cookies, like love letters, here. Or buy pussy willow, red-paper decorations or baskets of mandarins for good luck. If you're married and want to join in an age-old tradition, get some hong bao -- small red

envelopes -- to give to those who are young and single. Don't forget to slip in some dollar notes in the Hong bao before you give it away...

Singapore River Hong Bao Carnival

Chinatown isn't the only place to celebrate New Year. The annual Singapore River Hong Bao carnival, held at Marina Promenade is also worth a visit.

The River Hong Bao is a huge and lively fair, featuring a mind-boggling variety of food, traditional a

rts and folklore from ancient China. You will find the entire fairground decorated with floats of mythical creatures, legendary heroes, Chinese gods, pagodas and cherry blossoms.

Visiting performers, artisans and craftsmen, flown in from select provinces in China perform nightly cultural performances, displaying their skills in everything from acrobatics to finger painting to Chinese calligraphy.

You can even have your palm r

ead, or get a special Chinese zodiac reading of your birth sign. If you were born in the Year of the Snake, for instance, you may be told that you have much wisdom and place great trust on your own intellect. You are determined, and rarely need to worry about money …

Chingay Away!

The Chingay Parade is the biggest parade in Singapore. Originating as a procession to mark the Chinese New Year festivities, the parade has evolved into an international event, featuring everything from Taiwanese acrobats to salsa dancers.

Chingay features hundreds of performers from all over the world. For 2001, the parade took place on February 10, with a preview-cum-rehearsal the day before. The procession wound its way from City Hall to Suntec City in the heart of the civic district.

Besides featuring traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances and acrobatics, Chingay has become a showcase of Singapore's mul

tiracial and international character.

In past years, renowned performing troupes have hailed from Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and Korea. Another traditional staple of Chingay is the spectacular floats, which use everything from the most delicate orchids to the latest computer technology.

Chingay is truly when Chinese New Year in Singapore becomes an all-out, multi-national party. Don't miss it!

And Have a Happy New Year!

Analysts agree Singapore’s political system will evolve to adapt to changing needs

2009-05-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

Analysts said Singapore’s political system will have to change to adapt with the times. They were responding to President S R Nathan’s opening address in Parliament on Monday evening.
Observers said it will also be an increasingly uphill task to find new leaders who can serve the growing demands of Singaporeans.

The recent AWARE incident is just one example of how Singaporeans who feel strongly about an issue can come together and bring about change, according to political analyst, Professor Bilveer Singh.

He cited other examples such as the NKF issue and people responding to the actions of Singapore Table Tennis Association President, Lee Bee Wah, after the table tennis coach incident.

He said that Singaporeans are not politically innocent and can be mobilised to act in a group if there’s a strong catalyst in the form of an economic or social issue — for example, a widening income gap or if more companies are hiring foreigners over Singaporeans.

Professor Bilveer said while the government is aware such changes are coming, it would prefer things to take place more gradually.

Analysts also agreed with President S R Nathan that Singapore needs to induct fresh leaders in touch with the new generation. But they also pointed out that the same leaders would also have to meet the needs of older Singaporeans.

Davin Chor, assistant professor, economics, Singapore Management University, said: "There will be a lot of competing needs. These new leaders have to be very cautious in order to serve the country better. There’s also the issue of the country having more foreign—born Singaporeans who are becoming naturalised. What are their priorities, what are their interests?"

Economically, analysts said the schemes to help Singaporeans upgrade skills and the Jobs Credit scheme are likely to be around for a while as it will take some time for the economy to recover.

By Channel NewsAsia

Culture of Singapore

2009-05-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

As Singapore is a small and relatively modern amalgam of Chinese, Malay, Indian and European immigrants, the culture of Singapore expresses the diversity of the population as the various ethnic groups continue to celebrate their own cultures while they intermingle with one another. For example, one can find a Malay wedding taking place beside a Chinese funeral at a void deck, on the ground floor of a HDB apartment block. This can be said to be due to the policies of the HDB which tried to make sure all public housing have a diverse mix of races. However, Singapore has achieved a significant degree of cultural diffusion with its unique combination of these ethnic groups, and has given Singapore a rich mixture of diversity for its young age. Singapore has several distinct ethnic neighborhoods, including Little India, Chinatown and Kampung Glam, formed by the Raffles Plan of Singapore in the early 19th century to segregate the new immigrants into specific areas. Although the population are no longer segregated in distribution, mainly due to the policies of the Housing Development Board and the ruling People’s Action Party, these ethnic neighborhoods retain unique elements of their specific culture. The usage of such neighborhoods is mostly commercial or for cottage industry specific to the culture of its ethnic neighborhood and no longer plays a large part in housing the population, although it was once used for that purpose. Hence, these neighborhoods have patronage of all races who wish to either eat or buy something specific to that culture. For example, Little India is known and patronized by all races within the population for its thalis—South Indian “buffets” that are vegetarian and served on the traditional banana leaves. These neighborhoods are accessible by public transport, especially by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). In other parts of the country, such segregation is discouraged by government policy. The policies of the Housing Development Board are designed to encourage a mix of all races within each housing district, with a quota system in place to achieve a minimum of minorities in each block. This effect can be observed in all parts of the country; for example a store devoted to selling Malay food might be right next to stores selling Chinese or Indian goods. The aim is to foster social cohesion and national loyalty, which Lee Kuan Yew felt was crucial for sustaining Singapore after independence when he was Prime Minister. There is a weighty emphasis on racial harmony and subsequent case study of historical events, such as the 1964 Race Riots.

Religion

Singapore is a multi-religious country, the roots of which can be traced to its strategic location; after its declaration as a port, a wide variety of nationalities and ethnicities from places as far as Arabia immigrated to Singapore. More than 40% of the Singaporeans adhere to Buddhism, the main faith of the Chinese population of Singapore. Other Chinese are followers of Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Christians constitute about 14% of the population of Singapore. Most Malays are Muslims, who constitute about 15% of the population, while most Indians are Hindus, constituting 7%. There is also a sizable number of Muslims and Sikhs in the Indian population. As a result of this diversity, there are a large number of religious buildings including Hindu temples, churches and mosques, some of which have great historical significance. There are also some Sikh temples and Jewish synagogues. These interesting buildings often became prominent architectural landmarks in cosmopolitan Singapore. In addition, about 14% of Singaporeans do not belong to any religion and consider themselves as "free-thinkers".

Language

There are four official languages in Singapore: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. In general, English tends to be the language spoken widely in the business, education and government sector of Singapore. Bu

t colloquially, the Singaporean also speaks a diverse and mixed language that can involve English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil, depending on the circle one is associated with, the age group, the race and the location. The English used is primarily British English, with some American English influences. The local colloquial dialect of English is known formally as Singapore Colloquial English (though it is more commonly called "Singlish"), and has many creole-like characteristics, having incorporated much vocabulary and grammar from various Chinese dialects, Malay, and Indian languages. Singlish is basically identical to Manglish (the English dialect of Malaysia), and is the usual language on the streets, but is frowned upon in official contexts, and this matter has been brought up in recent years in the Parliament and the ruling party. English used among the population generally became more widespread after the implementation of English as a first language medium in the Singapore education system in 1980. Mandarin Chine

se is the second most commonly-spoken language among the Singaporean Chinese population. It became widespread after the start of the Speak Mandarin campaign during 1980, which aims to make Mandarin the common speech tongue among the Chinese in Singapore. In 1990s, effort was taken to target the English-educated Chinese. Colloquially (on street), the Mandarin in Singapore is spoken in a mixed way similar to Singlish, in which Mandarin is often mixed with other Chinese dialects, English or Malay words. Such colloquial Dialect is known as Singdarin.

Performing arts

Singapore is emerging as a cultural centre for arts and culture, including theatre and music.

As a cosmopolitan and multi-racial society, Singapore is often identified with the "gateway between the East and W

est". In the past decade, there is an emergence of several performing arts groups in Singapore, especially in theatrical arts. A number of productions were staged successfully and several groups, such as Theatre Works, have performed overseas. In recent years, more and more contemporary dance companies were formed as dancers from pioneering companies become individual artists. The Singapore government encourages a product-oriented arts scene within its master plan to include arts as a commodity for its economy, true explorations and innovation exist but at a level that is not well funded. However, the local scene of constructive arts critics is still much under developed and often subjective in tone. Most prominent event

s and venues are government operated and normally with an international focus. For indigenous artistic works, it's best to explore and find out about local private arts companies. Another festival that is going strong is the Singapore Youth Festival organised by the Ministry of Education, in fact, it has become a magnet that provide bread and butter works for local performing artists to work for most local schools to compete for the gold! Funding for these arts companies are divided into different class, some are government inititiated companies and may received direct funding from the government (eg Singapore Symphony Orchestra) while others will need to apply for funding through the National Arts Council. At the moment, major grants are given to mainly western and ethnic cultural companies to signify them as the flagship companies of Singapore. Due to the limited physical space of Singapore, arts groups and companies are also relatively dependent on housing arrangement and provision by the government. So far, the issue on space is still one of the major factors that influence performing arts making in Singapore. A much more vibrant local scene may evolved if this issue can be carefully resolved. Singapore hosts an annual Singapore Arts Festival when international and local artists gather in the country to perform in a wide variety of events including music, dance and theatre. The Singapore Arts Festival has become an event for Singapore to showcase its ability to buy international renowned performing arts products. In 2003, the Esplanade – “Theatres on the Bay”, a centre for performing arts, was opened. The Esplanade is also known as "The Durian", due to its resemblance to the fruit. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and LASALLE College of the Arts are the two main arts institutions offering full-time programmes for the performing arts in Singapore. Institutions including government schools nowadays receive good funding for their arts programmes.

Culture

Singapore is a small and relatively modern amalgam of an indigenous Malay population with a third generation Chinese majority, as well as Indian and Arab immigrants with some intermarriages. There also exist Eurasian and Peranakan (known also as 'Straits Chinese') communities. Singapore has also achieved a significant degree of cultural diffusion with its unique combination of these ethnic groups, and this has given Singapore a rich mixture of diversity for its young age. One of the prime examples is in Singapore cuisine, often a cultural attraction for tourists.

The English used is primarily British English, with some American English influences. The local colloquial dialect of English is Singlish, which has many creole-like characteristics, having incorporated vocabulary and grammar from various Chinese dialects, Malay, and Indian languages. Singlish is spoken commonly on the streets, but the government frowns upon its use in official contexts. English became widespread in Singapore after it was implemented as a first language medium in the education system, and English is the most common language in Singapore literature. Singapore has several ethnic neighbourhoods, including Little India and Chinatown. These were formed under the Raffles Plan to originally segregate the immigrants, but now have a diverse patronage whose main intentions are to either eat or buy something specific to that culture. Many places of worship were also constructed during the colonial era, a practice encouraged by the British to promote religious tolerance. Sri Mariamman Temple, the Masjid Jamae Mosque and the Church of Gregory the Illuminator are among those that were built during the colonial period. Work is now underway to preserve these religious sites as National Monument of Singapore. The policy for the primarily commercial ethnic neighbourhoods stands in contrast to the housing policies of the Housing and Development (HDB). HDB policies attempt to promote a mix of all races within each housing district in order to foster social cohesion and national loyalty.