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     Articles/Announcements/Surveys   (Latest on top)

 

          - Changi Airport is Best Airport in the World for past 20 years

          - Singapore and UK conclude landmark Open Skies Agreement

          - Singapore's seaport to be world's first Wi-Max-Ready by 2008

          - Media statement on Genting and the Sentosa Integrated Resort

          - Genting International and Star Cruises wins Sentosa IR bid

          - Three years of free Wi-Fi for Singapore from 1 Dec 2006

          - Changi Airport's Terminal 2 completes S$240m makeover

          - Traffic at Singapore Changi Airport in 1st half 2006

          - Las Vegas Sands awarded Integrated Resort Project at Marina Bay

          - Inaugural Changi Airline Awards

          - Food items individual travellers may bring into Singapore

          - $45-million Budget Terminal for low-cost carriers completed

          - New terminal for low-cost carriers to open on 26 March 2006

          - Changi Airport first outside Europe to welcome the Airbus A380

          - Changi Airport to introduce self-service check-in kiosks in 2006

          - The Singapore Flyer to be completed in early 2008

          - First Gate at Singapore Changi Airport ready for Airbus A380

          - Changi Airport's no-frills terminal ready in early 2006

          - Singapore Airlines to be first to fly Airbus A380

          - Changes in Singapore Aviation landscape

          - Updates on SARS

          - Singapore Tourism Board advisory on SARS

 

     NEWS SNIPPETS

     2008

 

New CEPAS-compliant ez-link card

The Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) next-generation e-payment system for public transit, Symphony for e-Payment (SeP), is ready for implementation...
With SeP, commuters will be able to use cards issued by any card issuer for transit purposes as long as the card complies with the CEPAS standard and includes the transit application. Commuters can eventually use CEPAS-compliant cards for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) payments in vehicles fitted with the new generation In-vehicle Unit (IU), Electronic Parking System (EPS) carparks and other electronic payment systems that support the CEPAS standard...

More.....

 

Pilot scheme makes it mandatory to give way to buses

To give more priority to buses on our roads the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will introduce a pilot scheme to make it mandatory to give way to all buses exiting at 23 selected bus stops located along three roads...

More.....

 

Increase in HIV testing In Singapore

In the first 10 months of 2008 (January-October), there were a total of 382 reported new HIV cases among Singapore residents. In comparison, there were 423 HIV cases notified for the whole of 2007. It can be expected that the total number of notified HIV cases in 2008 will exceed that of last year.
There has been an increase in the number of HIV tests done in Singapore in 2008, compared to 2007. The total number of HIV tests carried out for Singapore residents by local laboratories from January through September 2008 was 124,559, compared to 102,490 over the same time period in 2007. This represents a 22% increase this year...

More.....

 

Enhancing public health measures against Tuberculosis

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will place tuberculosis (TB) under the Sixth Schedule of the Infectious Diseases Act (IDA) with effect from 1 December 2008, This will further strengthen public health measures against the spread of the disease, especially amongst air travellers...
There were 700[2]new cases of TB notified among Singapore residents in the first 6 months of 2008, as compared to 1,256 cases last year. The projected incidence of TB in 2008 is 38.4 per 100,000, which is higher than the 35.1 per 100,000 in 2007...

More.....

 

Imposition of visa requirements for Nigerian Ordinary Passport holders

With effect from 1 December 2008, Nigerian nationals who are holders of Nigerian Ordinary Passports will require visas to enter Singapore.

More.....

 

 

More clinics to offer anonymous HIV testing

The Ministry of Health will increase the number of anonymous HIV test sites in Singapore from the current three - Anteh Dispensary, Cambridge Clinic, and the Action for AIDS Anonymous HIV Testing and Counseling Clinic - to seven, with effect from 1 November 2008...

More.....

     2007

     -  Singapore welcomes 10 millionth visitor

 

PrimaDeli allowed to resume factory operations

The outbreak of Salmonellosis linked to the Prima Deli factory has ceased. There have been no new cases with reported onset of illness following the factory closure on 4 Dec 07...
AVA will allow the company to resume its factory operations in two stages under supervision.
With immediate effect, Prima Deli will be allowed to produce food products that undergo high heat treatment such as baked products and frozen dough to be baked in the outlets. If there is no operational hygiene deficiency, full factory operation may be resumed to produce the other products containing ingredients not subjected to heat treatment such as cakes with toppings...

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Police advise festive revellers to remain vigilant against crime

Police would also like to advise revellers and shoppers to be vigilant against opportunists who might commit molest in crowds. Most of these molest cases happen in crowded areas where the suspect would touch the victim and move away. In some, the suspect would spray foam onto the victim and commit molest in the process...

More.....

 

 

Comfort and CityCab taxi fares to go up on 17 Dec 2007

Basic Fare

Current

Revised

Flag Down: $2.50 for 1st km

1km to 10km: $0.10 for every 210m

Above 10km: $0.10 for every 175m

Waiting time: $0.10 for every 25sec

Flag Down: $2.80 for 1st km

1km to 10km: $0.20 for every 385m

Above 10km: $0.20 for every 330m

Waiting time: $0.20 for every 45sec

More.....

 

Taxi enforcement update

In enforcement operations conducted over a 13 day period, 14 errant taxi drivers were nabbed at several spots such as Boat Quay, CHIJMES, Clarke Quay, Mustafa Centre, Orchard Towers and Shenton Way.
Of these, 6 taxi drivers were found overcharging and 8 were caught for refusing to convey passengers. None was found touting...

More.....

 

MOH advise public to discard chocolate cakes from Prima Deli

MOH and theAgri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) conducted joint inspections of Prima Food Pte Ltd which produces the chocolate cakes for all Prima Deli retail outlets.
Food and environmental samples were taken for laboratory analysis. Preliminary results on 03 December 2007 for the food samples are suggestive of Salmonella as the likely causative agent...
As at 03 December 2007, there were a total of 106 cases including six hospitalised cases, all of whom have been discharged. Six cases tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis. The last case had onset of illness on 26 November 2007.

More.....

 

HIV cases on the rise in 2007

Out of the164 Singaporeans detected to be HIV infected in the first six months, about 93% of the new cases detected this year were males and 7% were females.
Sexual transmission remains the main mode of HIV transmission among Singaporeans.  Of the 164 cases reported in the first 6 months of 2007, 155 cases acquired the infection through the sexual route, with heterosexual transmission accounting for 67% of infections, homosexual transmission 24% and bisexual transmission 3%.  Intravenous drug use (4 cases) accounted for 2%...

More.....

 

 

Road closures for ASEAN Summit meetings

Apart from the meetings held in Shangri-La Hotel, there will be several other key events, which the Leaders and delegates will attend as part of the official programme. They include the following:
a Gala Dinner at Raffles City Convention Centre on Tuesday, 20 Nov 2007 .
b Reception at the Asian Civilisations Museum on Wednesday, 21 Nov 2007.
c Dinner at Istana on Wednesday, 21 Nov 2007...
As part of the security and traffic arrangements, Police will deploy resources to conduct roadblocks and security checks at and around all the event venues.

More.....

 

Stiffer measures to deter errant taxi drivers

  • Stiffer penalties for errant taxi drivers
  • Taxi advisories for the public
  • More taxi stands within the Central Business District (CBD) / Street hail of taxis on CBD roads disallowed from 1 March 2008
  • Enhanced taxi QoS requirements fully phased in from 1 January 2008
  • Taxi Mystery Customer Audit kicked off

More.....

 

Crackdown on errant taxi drivers

Over a five day period from 30 October - 3 November 2007, 26 taxi drivers were found overcharging, seven were found touting while the rest were caught for refusing to convey passengers, in enforcement operations conducted at several spots such as Sentosa, Clarke Quay, Orchard Towers and Boat Quay...

More.....

 

S$40 million infrastructure upgrade for Orchard Road

With the planned landscape and infrastructural enhancements, Singapore’s premier shopping street will have state of the art lighting highlighting its lush tree-lined boulevard, new creative spaces for staging events and a more integrated and engaging pedestrian mall...
Orchard Road's infrastructure works will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to businesses and the public, while access points to buildings will be maintained at all times...
Works are expected to be completed by April 2009.

More.....

 

Travellers to declare currency or bearer negotiable instruments over S$30,000

From 1 November 2007 onwards, persons who move into or out of Singapore physical currency1 or bearer negotiable instruments2 (CBNI) the total value of which exceeds SGD 30,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) will be required to give a report by filling up a form and submitting it to the authorities.
The form is available at all checkpoints, police establishments, Singapore Visitors Centres and branches of Singapore Post...

More.....

 

Singapore Airlines A380 enters commercial service

The Singapore Airlines A380 enters commercial service today (25 Oct 2007), with its first flight – SQ380 – from Singapore to Sydney, Australia...
The majority of the seats on the two legs of this flight were sold on eBay, the global online marketplace, with all proceeds donated to charities...

More.....

 

Annual Firewalking Festival 2007

The Annual Fire Walking Festival will be held on Monday, 29 October 2007 between 12.30am and 12noon...

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The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill passed

The new section 376C (Commercial sex with minor under 18 outside Singapore) will have extra-territorial effect so that it would be an offence for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents to solicit or engage in commercial sex with minors under 18 in other countries...
Feedback received highlighted concerns over female sexual abuse of male minors. On further consideration, we accept that these younger male children could be exploited by older women. Consequently, we have decided to make it an offence for a woman to engage in penile penetrative sexual acts with a male minor under 16 and to have commercial sex with a male minor under 18...
Whilst prostitution per se is not an offence, new section 376B (Commercial sex with minor under 18) will make it an offence for a person to solicit, communicate or obtain sexual services from a minor under 18 years of age...

More.....

 

Experience Changi Airport's new Terminal 3 on microsite

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has launched a dedicated microsite1 for Changi Airport's Terminal 3 or T3 to provide visitors the opportunity to explore Changi's newest and largest terminal from anywhere in the world.
Themed "Explore Paradise", the microsite is an interactive one-stop link for visitors to intimately discover T3 through virtual tours, fun downloads, visuals and contests. Visitors can also obtain informative details of the new terminal from the microsite...

More.....

 

New 550-bed Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

MOH is building a regional hospital in Yishun to better serve residents from the Northern region of Singapore. Spanning over 3.4 hectares, the 550-bed hospital will offer a comprehensive range of medical and healthcare services.
The new public sector hospital will be named Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, following the promise of a donation of $125 million from the family of the late banker and philanthropist Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat...

More.....

 

Start of road works for Singapore Formula One Race

A series of road works will be undertaken in the city centre, which includes road widening works along Raffles Boulevard from Nicoll Highway to Temasek Avenue.
Other works in the city centre will include modifications to existing roads, such as the removal of road kerbs and traffic islands along the confirmed F1 track alignment...

More.....

 

Changi Airport is Best Airport in the World for past 20 years

Singapore Changi Airport marks a page in the Business Traveller United Kingdom (UK) magazine for being the longest "Best Airport in the World" title holder for the past 20 consecutive years...

More.....

 

Singapore and UK conclude landmark Open Skies Agreement

Singapore and the United Kingdom (UK) have concluded a landmark Open Skies Agreement (OSA) on 2 October 2007, removing all restrictions on air services operated by carriers of both countries.
With this agreement, Singapore Airlines (SIA) will now be able to operate as many services as the Singapore-UK market could support...
Similarly, UK carriers will be able to operate any number of services beyond Singapore to any other city in the world. These rights, which will be effective from end-March 2008, come nearly two decades after Singapore first made its request to the UK...

More.....

 

Singapore's seaport to be world's first Wi-Max-Ready by 2008

By early 2008, all ships in Singapore can have access to mobile wireless broadband, allowing real-time and data-intensive communications between the ships and their customers and business partners...
WISEPORT is one of the initial projects under the Infocomm@SeaPort programme, which aims to provide a mobile wireless broadband network within 15km from Singapore's southern coastline...

More.....

 

Summary of key amendments to the Penal Code

It will be made an offence to engage in penetrative acts such as oral and anal sex with a minor under the age of 16, with or without the consent of the minor;

It will be made an offence to obtain commercial sex from a minor under the age of 18, or communicate with any person for such a purpose; and

A new offence of sexual grooming of minors under the age of 16 will be introduced...

More.....

 

Cancellation of licence for public lecture by Prof Emeritus Douglas Sanders

Our laws are an expression and reflection of the values of our society and any public discourse in Singapore on such matters should be reserved for Singaporeans.
Foreigners will not be allowed to interfere in our domestic political scene, whether in support of the gay cause or against it.

More....

 

Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act passed

Clause 11 of the Bill makes it mandatory for anyone physically carrying currency and bearer negotiable instruments or CBNI, above S$30,000, into or out of Singapore, to declare this to the authorities at the checkpoints...

The threshold amount of S$30,000 is based on the recommendation by the FATF, and includes not only currency in circulation, but also bearer negotiable instruments such as travellers cheques, money orders, cheques, bonds and promissory notes...
Hence, for clarity, a crossed cheque made payable to a specific person with the word “bearer” deleted is not considered a bearer negotiable instrument because only the person named on the cheque can receive the amount stated on it.
The new measure would be non-discriminatory and will be imposed on all travellers, including citizens, residents and foreigners, entering and exiting the country.
The penalties for non-declaration and false declaration are a maximum fine of S$50,000 or a term of imprisonment of up to 3 years or both...

More.....

 

1 to 2 cents increase in bus fares and no increase in rail fares

The PTC approved a 1 to 2 cent increase in adult EZ-Link fares for buses. Senior citizen concessionary EZ-Link bus fares, which are flat fares pegged to the lowest adult EZ-Link fare band will also increase by 2 cents...
There will be no increase to all rail fares, some EZLink adult bus fares, as well as cash fares for buses, child/student fares and the prices of monthly student/NS men concession passes...

More.....

 

Safety and security measures for Formula One races

"For the safety of spectators, safety barricades will be lined up around the perimeter of the race circuit. This is similar to the arrangement adopted by most of the countries hosting F1 races...
"To ensure security for the event, Police will conduct checks on bags and personal belongings at designated access points to prevent smuggling of any weapons or prohibited items. Spectators who refuse to have their bags check can be denied entry. Spectators who appear to be highly intoxicated could also be denied entry..."

More.....

 

Police investigating illegal Myanmese assembly at Orchard MRT Station

"On 25 Aug 2007, a group of Myanmese dressed in similar white attire had assembled around Orchard MRT Station.
"The intent of the assembly, which did not have a police permit, was to show support for fellow Myanmese who had been protesting back in Myanmar...

More.....

 

Changi Airport to be corporatised

"After careful consideration, the government believes that it is necessary to corporatise Changi Airport and to re-structure CAAS’ existing regulatory and strategic functions under a new regulatory body...
"Corporatisation will enhance Changi Airport’s ability to compete in this changed landscape. In being more nimble the new entity will further strengthen Changi’s position as a premier air hub...
"Corporatisation is a complex process. We will plan carefully and explore all possible options. The entire process is expected to take 18 to 24 months..."

More.....

 

Drug addiction situation in Singapore

"The drug addiction situation in Singapore is under control, even though 999 drug abusers were arrested in the first half of this year, compared to 446 over the same period last year.
"Of the total number of abusers arrested, Buprenorphine abusers formed the majority, at 41%, with heroin abusers at 30% and synthetic drug abusers at 25%.
"One reason for the increase of 553 abusers is that the Central Narcotics Bureau gazetted Buprenorphine as a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in August last year..."

More.....

 

Singapore Airlines A380 First Flight Charity Auction Starts

"The Singapore Airlines A380 flies its First Flight from Singapore to Sydney on Thursday 25 October and the return leg on Friday 26 October.
"A majority of seats on both legs of the First Flight will be auctioned on eBay, the global online marketplace, progressively over two weeks from Monday evening (Singapore time), 27 August 2007..."

More.....

 

Singapore conducts major multi-agency maritime security exercise

"Led by the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Coastal Command (COSCOM), this annual exercise involves some 2,000 personnel from the RSN, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Army, as well as the Police Coast Guard (PCG), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)..."

More.....

 

Sleight Of hand culprit nabbed

On 19 August 2007 at about 3.15pm, an Iranian man was arrested for an offence of theft by sleight of hand. The man had earlier managed to steal money from foreigners by asking to see their foreign currency.

More.....

 

Singapore Fireworks Celebrations 2007

"The Singapore Fireworks Celebrations has lined up two fireworks displays, on 17 and 18 Aug, at the Marina Bay area to tie in with this year's National Day celebrations..."

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Formula One (F1) levy on hotel room revenues

"Following consultation with the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has decided on the following rates for the Formula One (F1) levy on hotel room revenues:
a. 30% of the total revenues from rooms and room packages for trackside hotels; and
b. 20% of the total revenues from rooms and room packages for all other tourist hotels[1]..."

More.....

 

Good growth for Changi Airport in first half of 2007

"More than 17.7 million passengers went through Changi Airport in the first six months of the year, representing a 5.4% increase over the same period last year..."

More.....

 

Inaugural F1 Singapore Grand Prix to be held on 28 Sep 2008

"A fortnight ago, on 27 July 2007, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA, or the World Motor Sports Council) set the date of the first Singapore Grand Prix as 28 September 2008.
"The 5.05km long street circuit offers a number of overtaking opportunities, fast turns and technically challenging sections for F1 race drivers, which, in turn, will present viewers with compelling race action to keep them on the edge of their seats.
"More than 70 per cent of the street circuit is made up of Singapore’s existing road network. The Paddock building will house the control tower, garages for the teams, hospitality lounges, Press Room and other facilities..."

More.....

 

New dog licensing rules from 1 Sep 2007

"All licensed dogs must be microchipped with an ISO compliant microchip.
"Dogs that were licensed before 1 Sep 07 will be exempted from the requirement. However, owners of such dogs are strongly encouraged to have their dogs microchipped for better traceability...
"Under the new Rules1, the annual licence fee for all unsterilised dogs (both male and female) is $70 while the licence fee for sterilised dogs is $14..."

More.....

 

 

Iconic Hotel Phoenix closes on 1 August 2007

"In line with the major construction that is happening on our neighbouring sites, the owners of Hotel Phoenix Singapore will be discontinuing operations at the Hotel on 1 August 2007 for a refurbishment.

"While we are sad to do so after 35 years of operations, we believe the refurbishment of Hotel Phoenix will add value to the rejuvenation of Orchard Road and contribute to the Government's vision of strengthening Orchard Road's appeal as a major retail, commercial and entertainment belt..."

More.....

 

Rehabilitation regime for first and second-time abusers of cannabis and cocaine

"The aim of the treatment and rehabilitation regime is to give first and second time abusers a chance at rehabilitation without the stigmatisation of a criminal record...

"Recalcitrant abusers with two previous records for consumption of cannabis or cocaine or that of opiates, synthetic drugs or buprenorphine who are arrested again for the consumption of any of these drugs would be liable for long term imprisonment under the Long Term (LT) Imprisonment Regime, if convicted..."

More.....

 

Minister answers questions on Singapore permanent residents

"In 2006, about 57,000 persons were granted permanent residency status in Singapore. These new permanent residents (PRs) came predominantly from Asian and South-East Asian countries...

"In 2006, about 13,000 persons were granted Singapore Citizenship (SC). These new SCs came predominantly from Asian and South-East Asian countries..."

More.....

 

Passports (Amendment) Bill passed

"Thus, this Bill repeals the existing Act, and re-enacts a new Passports Act which introduces measures against the abuse and misuse of Singapore passports and travel documents, as well as foreign travel documents...

"Clause 45 of the Bill makes it compulsory for Singaporeans, or a person who has parental responsibility for a Singaporean aged 16 and below, to report the loss or theft of a passport within 14 days when he first knows of the fact...

"Clause 23 of the Bill allows the Controller to refuse passports to persons for law enforcement reasons, such as to persons who have been placed under supervision under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This will ensure that they do not indulge in drug-related activities overseas. Others who may be refused passports include those who are the subject of warrants of arrest issued for seizeable offences...

"A person who is found guilty of giving away his Singapore passport or travel document and is reckless as to whether it will be misused by another person for travel or for identification purposes will face a fine of up to $5,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both..."

More.....

 

Five Vietnamese nationals arrested for stealing spree

"Police arrested two men and three women, aged 22 - 37 at the airport yesterday after they were found with nine pieces of luggage containing more than 350 pieces of new garments...

"Preliminary investigations revealed that about 30 of the items in their possession were found to be stolen from shops in the Orchard area..."

More.....

 

Changi Airport launches new lifestyle magazine Changi Class

Singapore Changi Airport has launched a new magazine for passengers, entitled Changi Class. Changi Class replaces the fortnightly tabloid, Changi Express. The complimentary monthly publication will be available at Changi Airport's Departure Transit Malls from 5 July 2007..."

More.....

 

     - Thieving cabby nabbed by police

 

Tightening of security of Non-Biometric Passports

"ICA will be tightening the security of non-biometric passports by adopting the same security measures as those implemented on the Singapore biometric passport (BioPass).

"Hence, with effect from 1 September 2007 (Saturday), photo update services for non-biometric passports will no longer be available. Non-biometric passport holders who no longer resemble their passport photo are advised to update their photos before 1 September 2007...

More.....

 

Changi Airport's Terminal 3 to start operations on 9 Jan 2008

"Airlines, airport agencies, ground handlers, shop tenants and other airport business partners operating at Changi Airport's new Terminal 3 can start to move in and set up their offices and systems to prepare for operations...
"Terminal 3 and its associated works cost S$1.75 billion. It will have a handling capacity of 22 million passengers per year, bringing the total annual passenger handling capacity of Changi Airport to about 70 million..."

More.....

 

 

Pilot project allowing cycling on all footways in Tampines

"Land Transport Authority (LTA), Traffic Police (TP) and the Tampines Grassroots Organisations (GROs) will be conducting a study in the Tampines Town to assess the feasibility of allowing cycling on footways with effect from 27 May 2007.
"The study will last for one year and end on 30 May 2008...
"Currently, under Rule 28 of the Road Traffic Rules, enacted in 1981, cycling on footways is prohibited. Like any other vehicles, bicycles are to be ridden on the roads and cyclists are required to abide by all relevant traffic rules and regulations..."

More.....

 

Changes to childcare subsidies for PRs

"From 1 January 2008, PR children aged 2 months to below 7 years will only be eligible for half the current amount of centre-based child care subsidy.
"From January 2009, such children will not be eligible for the subsidy..."

More.....

 

Inuka the polar bear to remain in Singapore

"During a committee meeting on January 27, 2007, Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s Animal Welfare & Ethics Committee (AWEC) has made a recommendation that Inuka the polar bear should remain in Singapore and not be relocated to a temperate country following his mother’s demise...
"AWEC and Singapore Zoo, nevertheless, will continue to keep an open view. With new discoveries every so often in veterinary science, captive animal breeding and management around the world, there will be a need to again assess the situation at that point in time when Sheba passes on...

More.....

     - Singapore Public Holidays 2008

     - Inaugural Singapore Day at Central Park in New York

 

Inaugural Singapore Business Events Awards

"The inaugural Awards ceremony will be held some time in early August 2007 and thereafter, it will be held annually...

"The Awards will recognise industry players that are innovative in organising business events and whose expertise and service levels meet global standards..."

More.....

 

Experience lifestyle yachting with an Azurea membership

Kingfisher Marine announces the launch of Azurea, an new membership scheme that provides easy and affordable access to the exclusive world of lifestyle yachting...

Azurea is specifically designed for the busy professional who wants to simply climb on board with his family or friends and go boating!
The scheme removes all of the uncertainties associated with chartering and relieves members of all the responsibilities and expense normally associated with ownership.

More.....

 

New restrictions for hand-carry luggage on flights departing Singapore

"Singapore will be implementing new aviation security measures for hand-carry luggage on flights departing Singapore from 8 May 2007 (Tuesday), 1200hrs..."

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Impact of the two Integrated Resorts in 2010

"Together with the two IRs, these will help us achieve our target to attract 17 million visitors and generate S$30 billion in tourism receipts by the year 2015...

"In terms of manpower, the two IRs combined are expected to create some 50,000 to 60,000 additional jobs throughout the economy when both are fully operational..."

More.....

 

Man to be charged for importing pellet guns

"When asked, the man did not declare any items. Subsequent screening revealed images that appeared to be guns within his baggage. A physical check of his check-in carton revealed 20 sets of pellet guns and 5 bottles of pellets. He was subsequently detained for investigation.

"Police investigated a total of 38 cases involving airsoft guns in 2006. Since the beginning of this year (2007), Police have investigated 21 such cases. Most of these airsoft guns were detected at the airport and other checkpoints, as well as the Singapore Post Centre..."

More.....

 

Pre-bookings for flights on Singapore Flyer

"Fly high for the best view of Singapore for the affordable price of just $29.50! Singaporeans can now snap up the experience of a life-time on the Asia's latest world-class iconic attraction - the Singapore Flyer - at a fraction of the price of tickets on other observation wheels around the world...

"The iconic landmark attraction is set to usher in 2008 with a big bang when operations take flight early 1st quarter..."

More.....

 

Changes to Bus Lane Scheme from 1 April 2007

ADJUSTMENTS TO BUS LANE HOURS

Days

Existing Operation Hours

New Operation Hours

Mondays to Fridays

7.30am to 9.30am

7.30am to 9.30am
(No Change)  

4.30pm to 7.00pm

5.00pm to 8.00pm

 

Saturdays

7.30am to 9.30am

No Longer Applicable

11.30am to 2.00pm

Indicated by a continuous yellow line

More.....

 

$30-million Songs of the Sea opens on Sentosa

"The attraction will run two shows every night, 365 days a year. The open-air styled viewing gallery can comfortably seat 2,500 visitors. Each show lasts 25 minutes..."

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$5.2 billion Resorts World at Sentosa slated to open in early 2010

"Resorts World at Sentosa will welcome some 10 million tourists, excluding local visitors, by 2015, generating S$15 billion in tourism receipts, half of Singapore’s target.
"Spending per diem on entertainment and sightseeing is expected to be more than six times higher than current spending levels...
"In anticipation of the increase in tourist traffic to Sentosa Island, Resorts World at Sentosa is also committed to significantly enhance the existing infrastructure of the island by building a new three-lane bridge, adjacent to the existing Sentosa Gateway Bridge...

More.....

 

 

Beware of snatch thieves in streets and common areas

"Since the beginning of the year, there have been 124 cases of snatch theft reported. Of these cases, 67 cases involved the stealing of handphones...
"More recently on 6 Mar at about 6.45am, a teenaged male victim lost his handphone to a snatch thief when he was hit on the back of the head whilst walking near Tampines St 41. The culprit picked up the $100 mobile phone that the victim dropped and fled with it..."

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Expanding our MRT Network

MR RAYMOND LIM, MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND SECOND MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

"Beyond this, the LTA is completing its feasibility studies for a new 33-station Downtown Line that will link the eastern and north western corridors to the Marina Bay.
"When the Downtown Line is up, residents in Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah, Bedok Reservoir and Macpherson can take the train to see the bright lights of the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort...
"As part of our long-term planning for a future Singapore of 6.5 million population, we expect that we will need to at least double our current rail network of 138 km for a 50% increase in population. That means putting in the equivalent of at least 7 North-east Lines..."

More.....

     - Media statement on Genting and the Sentosa Integrated Resort

 

 

Check your eligibility for Singapore PR or citizenship online

"The Naturalisation Eligibility Tool is a free online self-assessment system, to assist foreigners working and staying in Singapore to assess if they are eligible for either Singapore Permanent Residence (SPR) or Singapore Citizenship (SC)...
"Overseas foreigners are also able to use the system although theirs will only be a hypothetical assessment. These overseas foreigners are given the option to provide their contact particulars to enable ICA to contact them if necessary..."

More.....

     - Singapore River HongBao 2007

 

Number of traffic summonses for speeding going down"

In 2005, as part of Police’s overall enforcement strategy, more resources were diverted to ensure greater police presence on our roads to deter motorists from flouting traffic rules.
"The public had by then become more aware of the PSLC deployment through Traffic Police’s website and radio.
"This contributed to the number of summonses issued for speeding falling 37% to 51,800 in 2005 as compared to 2004. In 2006, the number of summonses issued for speeding decreased 13% to 45,130 compared to the 51,800 summonses issued in 2005..."

More.....

 

Singapore's postal sector to be fully liberalised from 1 April 2007

"To ensure that our security concerns of mail integrity and accountability are met, SingPost will continue to hold the full set of letterbox masterdoor keys...
"As national stamps carry the country's name and to prevent consumer confusion over which PPL the national stamp belongs to, SingPost will continue to be the only one to issue these stamps...
"For greater operational efficiency, Singapore will keep a centralised postal code management system. SingPost will continue to manage this centralised system, while providing access to the postal codes database to all interested PSOs..."

More.....

 

Thaipusam Festival 2007

From 6 P.M. On Wed, 31 Jan 2007 to 2 A.M on Fri, 2 Feb 2007

More....

     - Crazy Horse Paris in Singapore to close

     - Chinatown light-up and bazaar for Chinese New Year

     - PTC revises premium bus service scheme

     - Singapore Airlines to review creative agency

 

 

Public transport operators to handle lost & found properties

"With effect from 1 January 2007, the public bus and taxi companies, namely, SBS Transit Ltd, SMRT Buses Ltd, Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd, Yellow-Top Cab Pte Ltd, CityCab Pte Ltd, SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd, Trans-Cab Services Pte Ltd, Smart Automobile Pte Ltd and Premier Taxis Pte Ltd, will handle all properties found in their vehicles and handle all reports on lost and found properties made by their customers and drivers..."

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     2006

     - The Neptune restaurant closes after 34 years in business

     - Marina Bay and Orchard Road countdown 2006/2007 events

     - Web surfing in Singapore largely back to normal

     - Damaged undersea cables cause slow Internet access in Singapore

     - Singapore hit by heavy rain and flash floods

     - Central and northeast Singapore experience tremors

 

     - Genting International and Star Cruises wins Sentosa IR bid

 

     - Tanglin Village attracts businesses with its rustic charm

 

     - Three years of free Wi-Fi for Singapore from 1 Dec 2006

     - New lighting plan for the City Centre

 

Chingay 2007

23 - 24 Feb 2007

More.....

     - MP suggests using half-height platform screen doors in MRT stations

     - US President’s Visit to Singapore

     - Scenic Changi Point coastline opens to the public

     - Singapore ranks 5th in 2006 Corruption Perceptions Index

     - Police bust foreign housebreaking syndicate

     - Singapore Zoo adds braille interpretives for visually handicapped

     - 15 sleight-of-hand cases reported since January 2006

 

 

 

Two Years of Free Wi-Fi for Singapore

"Come 2007, Singaporeans will be ushering the new year with at least 24 months, or two years, of free (basic tier) wireless connectivity at up to 512 kbps speeds almost everywhere - thanks to IDA's 'Wireless@SG' programme...

"The three operators are extending this two-year free offering with unlimited usage to all residents and visitors in Singapore, including tourists and business travellers. The sign-up details will be made known from December 2006 by the operators..."

More.....

     - NETS launches debit card payment service for the taxi market

 

IBM to build smartcard e-payment infrastructure for MRT network

"The high-performance and high-speed backend infrastructure is expected to double the present capacity and will be capable of handling about 10 million financial transactions per day...

"The e-Symphony incorporates the Contactless E-Purse Application Standard (CEPAS) and will therefore allow multiple suppliers to issue the contactless smart cards, which are currently issued only by EZ-link. This could bring about competition among the suppliers and in turn reduce the cost of smart cards to benefit users..."

More.....

 

Recent outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in two schools

"There has been an increase in the number of persons attending the polyclinics for acute diarrhoea over the past three weeks...

"However, in view of the recent outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in two schools affecting a large number of school children, the Ministry would like to advise the public to be vigilant about diarrhoeal illnesses..."

More.....

     - Annual Firewalking Festival 2006

     - National Museum to re-open officially in December 2006

 

     - Singapore withdraws circulation approval for Far Eastern Economic Review

 

     - Police bust foreign syndicate using cloned ATM cards

     - Changi Airport's Terminal 2 completes S$240m makeover

     - Bus and train fares to increase by between 1 and 3 cents

     - Police may not allow some IMF/WB civil society representatives to enter Singapore

 

 

     - Singapore tightens security ahead of IMF/World Bank meetings

 

Proposed Spaceport Singapore to offer commercial suborbital spaceflights

"The focal point of the proposed Spaceport Singapore will be suborbital spaceflights. As each suborbital vehicle reaches its maximum altitude of 100 kilometers, passengers will experience up to five minutes of continuous weightlessness, all the while gazing at the blackness of space set against the horizon of Earth..."

More.....

 

New personalised employment pass not tied to any employer

The Ministry of Manpower will introduce a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) from 1 January 2007 to help us better attract and retain global talent...

The PEP allows the holder to remain in Singapore for up to six months in between jobs to evaluate new employment opportunities. This helps us to retain selected global talent who would otherwise have to leave Singapore...

The PEP will be issued only once with a validity of 5 years. It will be nonrenewable. A PEP holder will retain the dependant privileges of his original EP type and the minimum annual basic salary requirement of S$30,000 will continue to apply throughout the 5-year duration...

More.....

     - New "R18" rating for cabaret shows

     - Circulation Of Foreign Newspapers In Singapore

     - Traffic at Singapore Changi Airport in 1st half 2006

     - Police arrest Malaysian for smuggling counterfeit S$1 coins

 

Subutex a Class A Controlled Drug from 14 Aug 2006

"From 14 August 2006, doctors will not be permitted to prescribe and dispense any take-home dosages for existing patients.

"All patients who require Subutex will have to consume their medication under direct visual observation of the pharmacist, doctor and/or his treatment team on a daily basis1 ..."

More.....

 

Subutex to be classified as a controlled drug

"While some heroin addicts appeared to have benefited from Subutex, many others seem to have merely shifted their addiction from heroin to Subutex.

"In addition, many more who have never tried drugs before have become new addicts. Within 4 years of introduction, we now have at least 3800 Subutex users, 45% of them Malay, 43% Chinese and 10% Indian...."

More.....

     - No outdoor demonstrations and processions during IMF/WB meetings

 

Exit permit rules relaxed for National Servicemen from 1 Aug 2006

"Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) will henceforth be exempted from applying for exit permits for short overseas trips of less than 3 months...

"NSmen who have completed their Operationally-Ready National Service Training Cycle and have been phased into the MINDEF Reserve (MR) will no longer be required to notify the MNC of their overseas trips of more than 24 hours and less than 6 months..."

More.....

     - North East Line resumes normal operation after partial stoppage on 24 Jul 2006

 

New Singapore biometric passports from 15 Aug 2006

"To facilitate a smooth transition to the BioPass system, ICA will have to close some of its passport application services counters from 9 Aug 2006...

"This will allow ICA to install and test the BioPass systems before its actual launch. As such, only limited passport application avenues will be available from 10 to 14 August 2006..."

More.....

 

Singapore Crime Situation - First half 2006

"Crimes involving handphones being stolen, which was one of the key concerns in 2005, decreased significantly, from 2,423 to 1,962 cases, in the first half of 2006...

"The drop in handphone crimes, despite the continued high mobile phone penetration rate in Singapore3 , may be in part due to enhanced public education on such crimes as well as tighter enforcement against errant second-hand handphone dealers..."

More.....

     - Police bust Orchard Underpass counterfeit syndicates

 

 Singapore to hold large-scale flu pandemic exercise

21-22 Jul 2006

"This large scale exercise will involve over 1,000 personnel from MOH, the Ministry of Education (MOE), home-front and related agencies such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA), Maritime Port Authority (MPA) and the People's Association..."

More.....

     - SMRT taxi fares to go up from 17 July 2006

     - Police arrest 77 foreigners illegally working as masseuses

      - Newton Food Centre reopens after nine-month makeover

 

 

Smoking ban in eating places starts today (1 Jul 2006)

Food outlets such as hawker centres, coffeeshops, cafes and fast food restaurants will be smoke-free from 1st July. To protect patrons from second-hand smoke, smokers are reminded to light up only at designated smoking corners.

Under this new regulation, smoking is banned within the indoor refreshment areas (IRA) of all foodshops (Eg. Coffeeshops, Cafes, Restaurants). They can designate up to 20% of the floor area in their outdoor refreshment areas (ORA) as a smoking corner upon NEA’s approval....

More.....

 

Singapore as A Leading Wealth Management Hub

Mr Ong Chong Tee, Deputy Managing Director, MAS

"Rising wealth in Asia, and the focus on Asian growth prospects have seen total assets under management in Singapore's fund management industry grow from about S$280 billion in 2000 to much more than S$600 billion now.

"Growth in private banking assets under management has also been strong, with anecdotal feedback suggesting Singapore private banking AUM averaging 20% per annum over the past few years to about US$200 billion currently...
"Our reputation for high standards of regulation and supervision and a robust legal and judicial framework, is trusted by financial intermediaries and clients alike to conduct wealth management activities..."

More.....

     - Singapore's first wheelchair-accessible buses launched

 

Changes To Conditions For Massage Establishments

Under the new requirements, establishments administering foot-reflexology, physiotherapy, traditional massage or curative massage must ensure that the massage services are conducted in full view of the public and satisfy the following new requirements before they are exempted from the provisions of the Act...

To safeguard public health and safety, masseuses, therapists and reflexologists who are working or will be working in licensed massage establishments may be required to undergo and pass a medical health screening before they can be allowed to work for any licensed establishment for massage...

More.....

     - Chinese national found murdered in Ang Mo Kio salon

 

Hawker centres, coffeeshops and cafes prepare for smoking ban

Smoking ban will be extended to hawker centres, coffeeshops and cafes come 1st July.

To protect patrons from second-hand smoke, foodshop operators can set up smoking corners for those who want to light up. To date, close to half of the affected outlets have decided to set up smoking corners in their outdoor refreshment areas...

More.....

 

Police arrest four African suspects in advance fee fraud scam

"...the victim was told that the buyers' funds were in blackened United States currency 'notes' held at the South African Embassy in Singapore. The victim was told to pay the suspect a sum of USD2,100 purportedly as 'late charges' to secure the release of the funds..."

More.....

     - Their Majesties The Emperor & Empress of Japan visit Singapore

 

Landmark design of Changi Airport's Terminal 3 unveiled

Terminal 3 will also employ state-of-the-art technologies to create a seamless environment for passengers transferring between the three terminals at Changi Airport.
These include a new People Mover System with a total of seven train stations located at various points within the three terminals, and a high-speed baggage system to facilitate quick transfers of bags between terminals...

More.....

     - Las Vegas Sands awarded Integrated Resort Project at Marina Bay

     - Six foreigners arrested for theft from ATMs; S$370,000 cash seized

 

     - Inaugural Changi Airline Awards

 

The Challenge Posed by HIV/ AIDS to Singapore Businesses

In Singapore, the number of HIV-positive people has climbed steadily from the first case detected here in 1985 to 2,641 by December 2005. Three out of four (74.77%) who are infected are actively employed...

In 2005, out of the 255 new cases reported, a great majority (87%) comprised the age group of 20 - 59 years old, with those aged 20 - 49 years accounting for as much as 70% of all new cases...

More.....

     - Polling Day 6 May 2006 is a public holiday

 

Singapore's largest retail & lifestyle centre, Vivocity, to open in October 2006

Largest multi-experiential retail and lifestyle venue in Singapore

More.....

 

Boat Asia 2006

20 - 23 Apr 2006

More.....

     - 2-day Flu Pandemic Exercise to take place in July 2006

     - Expat survey shows Singapore best place in the world for Asians to live

 

Amended Enlistment Act requires males 13 years & older to get exit permits

MINDEF will require pre-enlistees aged 13 to 16˝ to apply for Exit Permits if they intend to be away from Singapore for 3 months or more...

Those who require Exit Permits of 2 years or more will be required to furnish a bond...

The penalty regime for Exit Permit offences for those aged 13 to 16˝ will be only a fine of up to $2,000, with no custodial sentences...

We will thus be introducing a new offence in the Enlistment Act under which parents and guardians can be made liable for the Exit Permit offences of their children or wards of ages 13 to 16˝ so that the penalty can be imposed on their parents or guardians when the circumstances warrant it. The penalty regime for the offence will also be a fine of up to $2,000.

More.....

 

     - 203 buildings in Syed Alwi Road area to be conserved

 

 

     - Expatriate fined for verbally abusing immigration officers

     - Old Ford Motor Factory gazetted as a national monument

Casino Control Bill 2006

To discourage locals from developing into problem gamblers, Section 116 of the Bill shall require the casino operators to collect an entry levy from Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents for every consecutive 24 hours in the casinos or $2,000 for an annual membership.

This levy will also underscore the message that gambling is an expense and not a means to get rich...
Section 108 of the Bill shall prohibit casino and junket operators from extending credit to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, unless they maintain a credit balance of at least $100,000 with the casino operator at the start of their gaming which would qualify them as premium players.
Automated Teller Machines or ATMs shall be prohibited within the casinos under Section 109 of the Bill so that patrons will not have easy access to their savings accounts to gamble continuously.
Minors are also another potentially vulnerable group who may fall prey to the glamour of the casino, without realising the possible dangers of gambling. Sections 130 to 137 of the Bill will prohibit persons below the age of 21 years from entering the casinos...

More.....

     - Thaipusam Festival 2006

     - Food items individual travellers may bring into Singapore

     - Five illegal immigrants nabbed entering Singapore by sea

     - Singapore Public Holidays 2007 - Tentative List

 

     - Singapore and US begin testing of e-Passports

 

Singapore carries out first large-scale anti-terror drill

"Ever since September 11 and the arrest of the Jemaah Islamiyah members in Singapore, we have stepped up our security measures...

"Exercise Northstar V is the largest scale exercise we have conducted so far. We simulated a scenario with multiple bomb explosions and a chemical agent release in 4 MRT stations and 1 bus interchange, to stretch ourselves and test our capabilities..."

More.....

     - $45-million Budget Terminal for low-cost carriers completed

    2000 - 2005