THE good omen for Lewis Hamilton in Singapore started as far back as last Tuesday.
The roots of his superb and commanding win from start to finish in last night's SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, were sown when he first landed here late in the afternoon last Tuesday, and headed for a Mercedes-sponsored public appearance in Paragon.
Looking distinctly more relaxed than he was last year (when he was under pressure to win his first driver's world title and was constantly protected by minders), he showed how much more mature he has become since his explosive entry to the Formula One spotlight two years ago.
With his left leg dangling off his chair playfully as he bantered with the host, he even played 'rah-rah emcee' at one point, asking why the crowd's energy level had dipped at one point.
'Let's bring it up guys!', he raised his voice into the microphone.
Showbiz tips from his Pussycat Doll girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger perhaps? But they had broken up before the Singapore GP date, hadn't they?
Answering the final question that evening, he dropped the bombshell. That he and his Pussycat were reunited and still going strong. Do not believe previous worldwide reports, he said.
The New Paper went to town with it.
At a Bridgestone public appearance on Thursday, he may have been lacking in charisma to the more charming and funnier Jenson Button.
But he did seem intent on winning back the hearts of local fans who thought he was too uptight in Singapore last year (when he and McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen were the only drivers who failed to attend a welcome dinner by President SR Nathan and were panned by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and The New Paper too). How Can.... Don't Give FACE to our Prataman!
He told the media: 'The reception I've received in Singapore this year, this time round, is fantastic.
'It's much better than the reception I got last year, I guess, because I'm a bit more experienced now.'
From then on, it was Lewis 'I love Singapore' Hamilton. And it was 'We love you too, Hamilton' by Singapore.
After the final practice on Saturday evening, he criticised the improvements to Turn 10 at the end of the Padang straight.
He said: 'It is a lot worse now. Last year, it was a weird little corner but it was actually good, it was a quick left-right-left, but now it is big fat curves and there is no run-off and I'm sure in a race, someone will crash there.
'If someone were to blow a tyre and have an oversteer moment, slide and hit one of those kerbs, they would fly. It is not very safe.'
Then, Scherzinger - who had pulled out of the weekend's F1 Rocks concert at Fort Canning - made a surprise entrance at the pit building before Saturday night's qualifying.
Morale-booster
That must have given him an extra morale-booster.
And after qualifying on pole position, he was less irritated and said the bumps on the track were not as bad as last year, and that it gave the circuit some character.
Last night, with no driver going off at Turn 10, Hamilton declared the Singapore circuit 'great'.
Again, he paid tribute to Singapore's fans - all 250,000 of them over the past three days - after the race.
Still, as he correctly said later, it also came right for him here because of the enormous unseen team effort behind the scenes.
McLaren's engineering director Paddy Lowe had told The New Paper in an exclusive in yesterday's paper, of the way the team's engineers at trackside had slogged it out till 8.30am on Saturday morning just to make the final adjustments to the car's new upgraded 'For Singapore only' floorboard and front wing.
These parts had been slaved over by the remainder of McLaren's 300-strong team of engineers back in Woking in Surrey, England, for the past seven weeks (after Hamilton won his first race this season in Hungary in late July).
Last night, at Marina Bay, Hamilton roared to his second race win of the season in style as it all came right for him in Singapore.
And for Singapore, he did right all the way.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Prataman Star Award
Professor Miranda Yap
Executive Director, Bioprocessing Technology Institute
Executive Director, A*STAR Graduate Academy
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
“For her sustained, distinguished and strategic contributions to Singapore’s Biomedical Sciences landscape particularly in the areas of developing the biologics industry sector, building the research culture and nurturing young talent”
The winners of this year’s inaugural President’s Science and Technology Awards deserve to be applauded for their achievements and contributions to scientific research and development over the years. They are scientists who have displayed immense pride in their work and tireless dedication to their various fields of research such as biologics, eye diseases, and electrical and computer engineering, and made breakthrough discoveries that contributed much to our economy. These scientists have proven themselves to be fine examples and inspirations to their peers. I congratulate each of them for their successes.
Scientists in Singapore have, over the years, walked the path less trodden to develop science and technology R&D in Singapore. From our humble beginnings in the 1970s when R&D was limited to what the multi-national companies were doing as an extension of their successful manufacturing operations here in Singapore, we have become today a critical node in the global research landscape, attracting many industrial and scientific collaborators from around the world. Indeed, the superior quality of research being conducted in the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University and other public and private R&D institutes has broken new grounds, created new scientific knowledge and developed new growth industries for our economy. An example would be the biologics industry that was developed, to a large extent, through the efforts and commitment of Professor Miranda Yap – the winner of the inaugural President’s Science and Technology Medal.
As the forces of globalisation advance, Singapore’s ability to remain globally competitive will be critical. Building up our scientific talent pool is and will be our way forward. In R&D, it is people who will create knowledge and generate ideas to keep R&D at the cutting edge, and open up new growth areas. As we look forward to the future, we must continue to develop our scientific talent as well as attract other talent from around the world to anchor their research activities here. To do so, we will have to conscientiously create an environment that is open and supportive, and conducive for these knowledge-creators to develop themselves as well as make contributions to Singapore and the world.
I encourage all scientists in Singapore to persevere in their deep and long-term commitment to scientific research. Their labour and dedication have brought about tremendous benefits for both themselves and the nation. I trust that as they continue pursuing their passion, they will also ignite that same passion and inspire the next generation of scientists. Working together, I am confident that they will help create a brighter future for all of us.
S R NATHAN
Executive Director, Bioprocessing Technology Institute
Executive Director, A*STAR Graduate Academy
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
“For her sustained, distinguished and strategic contributions to Singapore’s Biomedical Sciences landscape particularly in the areas of developing the biologics industry sector, building the research culture and nurturing young talent”
The winners of this year’s inaugural President’s Science and Technology Awards deserve to be applauded for their achievements and contributions to scientific research and development over the years. They are scientists who have displayed immense pride in their work and tireless dedication to their various fields of research such as biologics, eye diseases, and electrical and computer engineering, and made breakthrough discoveries that contributed much to our economy. These scientists have proven themselves to be fine examples and inspirations to their peers. I congratulate each of them for their successes.
Scientists in Singapore have, over the years, walked the path less trodden to develop science and technology R&D in Singapore. From our humble beginnings in the 1970s when R&D was limited to what the multi-national companies were doing as an extension of their successful manufacturing operations here in Singapore, we have become today a critical node in the global research landscape, attracting many industrial and scientific collaborators from around the world. Indeed, the superior quality of research being conducted in the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University and other public and private R&D institutes has broken new grounds, created new scientific knowledge and developed new growth industries for our economy. An example would be the biologics industry that was developed, to a large extent, through the efforts and commitment of Professor Miranda Yap – the winner of the inaugural President’s Science and Technology Medal.
As the forces of globalisation advance, Singapore’s ability to remain globally competitive will be critical. Building up our scientific talent pool is and will be our way forward. In R&D, it is people who will create knowledge and generate ideas to keep R&D at the cutting edge, and open up new growth areas. As we look forward to the future, we must continue to develop our scientific talent as well as attract other talent from around the world to anchor their research activities here. To do so, we will have to conscientiously create an environment that is open and supportive, and conducive for these knowledge-creators to develop themselves as well as make contributions to Singapore and the world.
I encourage all scientists in Singapore to persevere in their deep and long-term commitment to scientific research. Their labour and dedication have brought about tremendous benefits for both themselves and the nation. I trust that as they continue pursuing their passion, they will also ignite that same passion and inspire the next generation of scientists. Working together, I am confident that they will help create a brighter future for all of us.
S R NATHAN
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Prataman to busy to attand RF Party Dinner
During the Reform Party dinner anniversary 25 September 2009, diners were surprised when a photo of Singapore President Mr S R Nathan suddenly appeared on the screen in front of them.
It turned out that Mr Nathan was invited for the dinner. As he was unable to attend, he sent his well wishes to the Reform Party:
http://www.temasekreview.com/wp-content/themes/church_10/images/thumbnails/reformdinner585.jpg
It turned out that Mr Nathan was invited for the dinner. As he was unable to attend, he sent his well wishes to the Reform Party:
http://www.temasekreview.com/wp-content/themes/church_10/images/thumbnails/reformdinner585.jpg
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Ah Neh Best Bankers in the World
DBS Group has appointed veteran banker Piyush Gupta as its new chief executive officer, ending a global search that has lasted several months.
Mr Gupta is currently Citibank's CEO for South East Asia-Pacific, covering ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand and Guam.
Analysts, whom Channel NewsAsia spoke to on Tuesday, said the certainty of a new CEO will help DBS prepare for growth ahead, amid signs that the worst of the market downturn is over.
Alfred Chan, analyst at Fitch Ratings Singapore, said: "The appointment of this CEO is rather timely since the signs of deterioration are abating and there is definitely increased opportunity for lending and other businesses.
"How this will translate for the bank depends on what the CEO will say once he steps into DBS bank."
Analysts also said concerns over Mr Gupta's lack of experience in the India and China markets – where DBS has long-term ambitions – are unfounded.
They said it is not his geographical expertise that counts, but rather the experience he brings from a large multinational lender that should be the focus.
Roger Tan, vice-president, SIAS Research, said: "Citibank has had good strategies in branding itself for the past few years. It's also implementing good operational strategies.
"If he can bring all these ideas into DBS, branding DBS, improving the operational excellence within DBS, it will make the bank stronger than what it is now."
Mr Gupta's appointment is subject to regulatory approval and he is expected to join DBS in November.
Singaporeans welcome U!
Mr Gupta is currently Citibank's CEO for South East Asia-Pacific, covering ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand and Guam.
Analysts, whom Channel NewsAsia spoke to on Tuesday, said the certainty of a new CEO will help DBS prepare for growth ahead, amid signs that the worst of the market downturn is over.
Alfred Chan, analyst at Fitch Ratings Singapore, said: "The appointment of this CEO is rather timely since the signs of deterioration are abating and there is definitely increased opportunity for lending and other businesses.
"How this will translate for the bank depends on what the CEO will say once he steps into DBS bank."
Analysts also said concerns over Mr Gupta's lack of experience in the India and China markets – where DBS has long-term ambitions – are unfounded.
They said it is not his geographical expertise that counts, but rather the experience he brings from a large multinational lender that should be the focus.
Roger Tan, vice-president, SIAS Research, said: "Citibank has had good strategies in branding itself for the past few years. It's also implementing good operational strategies.
"If he can bring all these ideas into DBS, branding DBS, improving the operational excellence within DBS, it will make the bank stronger than what it is now."
Mr Gupta's appointment is subject to regulatory approval and he is expected to join DBS in November.
Singaporeans welcome U!
Ah Neh Murder Ram Tiwary Says - I NOT GUILTY
At the start of this retrial on Monday for the murder of his two flatmates in 2003, Ram Puneet Tiwary stood up in court and when asked to enter a plea replied confidently: 'Not guilty.'
Those words began a three-week trial in which a Sydney court will once again try to determine what happened that year on Sept 15, when police were called to the apartment where Tiwary lived and found his flatmates dead.
The men, Mr Tony Tan Poh Chuan, 27, and Mr Tay Chow Lyang, 26, had been bludgeoned to death and Tiwary, then 23, was found shaking with blood on his hands. He was convicted of murder, but a retrial was ordered by the Court of Appeal after it ruled that the trial judge had instructed the jury improperly with regard to how they should view certain pieces of evidence.
On Monday, however, the prosecution in the case said it would show beyond a reasonable doubt that Tiwary murdered Tan and Tay, and that the issue of rental for the apartment he shared with the two students was at the centre of the case.
Crown Prosecutor John Kiely alleged that Tiwary had not been paying his share of the rent of the suburban Barker Street apartment where the men lived, going by notes found in Mr Tay's handwriting. The notes stated outstanding sums owed by Tiwary.
Mr Tay had been in charge of settling the A$2,172.60 (S$2,640) rent each month, before collecting his housemates' share. However, Mr Tan and Mr Tay were due to complete their studies and return to Singapore at the end of the semester, leaving Tiwary in the 'stressful situation' of taking on the rent himself, said Mr Kiely. He added: 'There were no more time-outs.'
Referring to items found on the victims, the prosecutor pointed out that both the dead men's wallets appeared intact and contained cash. 'It would appear that robbery was not a motive in this case,' he said.
When the authorities arrived at the scene, they found Tiwary running towards them. He told them that he had been asleep and that he heard his flatmates screaming. When he later came out of his bedroom, they were lying motionless, covered in blood, he said.
Forensic examinations found Mr Tan's blood and strands of hair on a baseball bat owned by Tiwary. Spots of blood found on Tiwary also came from Mr Tan. Mr Kiely said that although the evidence of the case is largely circumstantial, this did not necessarily mean that it was a weak case. He said: 'Sometimes, circumstantial cases can be more convincing and more powerful.'
The case, scheduled to run for three weeks, resumes this morning, when the 12 jury members will be taken to the scene of the murders to get a clearer idea of the apartment's layout, as well its surrounding areas. Video evidence of Tiwary being interviewed by the police will also be screened in court.
I Am Sleeping Lah!
Those words began a three-week trial in which a Sydney court will once again try to determine what happened that year on Sept 15, when police were called to the apartment where Tiwary lived and found his flatmates dead.
The men, Mr Tony Tan Poh Chuan, 27, and Mr Tay Chow Lyang, 26, had been bludgeoned to death and Tiwary, then 23, was found shaking with blood on his hands. He was convicted of murder, but a retrial was ordered by the Court of Appeal after it ruled that the trial judge had instructed the jury improperly with regard to how they should view certain pieces of evidence.
On Monday, however, the prosecution in the case said it would show beyond a reasonable doubt that Tiwary murdered Tan and Tay, and that the issue of rental for the apartment he shared with the two students was at the centre of the case.
Crown Prosecutor John Kiely alleged that Tiwary had not been paying his share of the rent of the suburban Barker Street apartment where the men lived, going by notes found in Mr Tay's handwriting. The notes stated outstanding sums owed by Tiwary.
Mr Tay had been in charge of settling the A$2,172.60 (S$2,640) rent each month, before collecting his housemates' share. However, Mr Tan and Mr Tay were due to complete their studies and return to Singapore at the end of the semester, leaving Tiwary in the 'stressful situation' of taking on the rent himself, said Mr Kiely. He added: 'There were no more time-outs.'
Referring to items found on the victims, the prosecutor pointed out that both the dead men's wallets appeared intact and contained cash. 'It would appear that robbery was not a motive in this case,' he said.
When the authorities arrived at the scene, they found Tiwary running towards them. He told them that he had been asleep and that he heard his flatmates screaming. When he later came out of his bedroom, they were lying motionless, covered in blood, he said.
Forensic examinations found Mr Tan's blood and strands of hair on a baseball bat owned by Tiwary. Spots of blood found on Tiwary also came from Mr Tan. Mr Kiely said that although the evidence of the case is largely circumstantial, this did not necessarily mean that it was a weak case. He said: 'Sometimes, circumstantial cases can be more convincing and more powerful.'
The case, scheduled to run for three weeks, resumes this morning, when the 12 jury members will be taken to the scene of the murders to get a clearer idea of the apartment's layout, as well its surrounding areas. Video evidence of Tiwary being interviewed by the police will also be screened in court.
I Am Sleeping Lah!
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Protest with COW head is OK in Mudland!
The Home Minister today defended and justified last Friday's cow-head demonstration after meeting with Malay-Muslim representatives of Shah Alam's Section 23 at his office here today.
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein pointed out that the residents felt victimized and had no intention to stir racial emotion.
“They are not getting off scot-free. They felt victimised and feel that there is another valid explanation on their part. There was no intention on their part to cause racial divide. They, the organisers, who are sitting left and right of me, didn’t even know that somebody was going to bring the head of the cow during that demonstration.” he said.
He added that the residents only wanted their voices to be heard but it was unfortunate that “the publicity they received was negative because it was linked with racial and religious sentiments.”
A group, claiming to be Muslim residents of Section 23 in Shah Alam, the new site of a Hindu temple, held a demonstration outside the Selangor state secretariat last Friday, dragging a severed cow-head, an animal sacred in Hinduism, which they stomped on and spat at under the gaze of the riot police.
The act was carried out by a group of 50 protestors who oppose the relocation of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple to Section 23 from Section 19, claiming the area is mainly occupied by Malay-Muslims.
The 150-year-old temple was built on a plantation which over the years was developed into housing estates by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS). No provisions were made to relocate the temple, which is now in the middle of a Muslim majority area.
Hishammuddin told reporters that the police allowed the demonstrators to proceed because the numbers of protestors were small.
“They said that they were very conscious and all that they wanted to do was to voice their unhappiness about the willingness of the state government to listen to their requests. I was told that even the Hindus there are not so passionate that it is built there (section 23),” he said.
Hishammuddin refuted claims that the protest was organised by Umno and said that the location allocated by the state government is not suitable because Section 23 is predominantly Malay.
However, a check last week showed the neighbourhood was multi-racial, with Indians making up more than a quarter of those who live there.
“If I wanted to use the issue to create chaos in Selangor, I can but we didn’t take such actions,” Hishammuddin said.
He tried to play down the cow-head incident by pointing out that there were previous incidents where a pig-head was used.
“I have it in my records to show there were cases where a pig-head was used by irresponsible parties including leaving the head in front of an Umno building covered by an Umno flag,” he said, but offered no details of such an act.
The Umno vice-president warned irresponsible parties not to provoke racial sentiments because it goes against the concept of 1 Malaysia.
Hishammuddin told reporters that the residents had met with Hindu Sangam two days ago and both parties will be releasing a media statement tomorrow.
“If it can be resolved quickly and can be done with both sides understanding each other ... why would we want to penalise anybody?” he said, suggesting he was not in favour of legal action to be taken against any of the protestors.
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein pointed out that the residents felt victimized and had no intention to stir racial emotion.
“They are not getting off scot-free. They felt victimised and feel that there is another valid explanation on their part. There was no intention on their part to cause racial divide. They, the organisers, who are sitting left and right of me, didn’t even know that somebody was going to bring the head of the cow during that demonstration.” he said.
He added that the residents only wanted their voices to be heard but it was unfortunate that “the publicity they received was negative because it was linked with racial and religious sentiments.”
A group, claiming to be Muslim residents of Section 23 in Shah Alam, the new site of a Hindu temple, held a demonstration outside the Selangor state secretariat last Friday, dragging a severed cow-head, an animal sacred in Hinduism, which they stomped on and spat at under the gaze of the riot police.
The act was carried out by a group of 50 protestors who oppose the relocation of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple to Section 23 from Section 19, claiming the area is mainly occupied by Malay-Muslims.
The 150-year-old temple was built on a plantation which over the years was developed into housing estates by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS). No provisions were made to relocate the temple, which is now in the middle of a Muslim majority area.
Hishammuddin told reporters that the police allowed the demonstrators to proceed because the numbers of protestors were small.
“They said that they were very conscious and all that they wanted to do was to voice their unhappiness about the willingness of the state government to listen to their requests. I was told that even the Hindus there are not so passionate that it is built there (section 23),” he said.
Hishammuddin refuted claims that the protest was organised by Umno and said that the location allocated by the state government is not suitable because Section 23 is predominantly Malay.
However, a check last week showed the neighbourhood was multi-racial, with Indians making up more than a quarter of those who live there.
“If I wanted to use the issue to create chaos in Selangor, I can but we didn’t take such actions,” Hishammuddin said.
He tried to play down the cow-head incident by pointing out that there were previous incidents where a pig-head was used.
“I have it in my records to show there were cases where a pig-head was used by irresponsible parties including leaving the head in front of an Umno building covered by an Umno flag,” he said, but offered no details of such an act.
The Umno vice-president warned irresponsible parties not to provoke racial sentiments because it goes against the concept of 1 Malaysia.
Hishammuddin told reporters that the residents had met with Hindu Sangam two days ago and both parties will be releasing a media statement tomorrow.
“If it can be resolved quickly and can be done with both sides understanding each other ... why would we want to penalise anybody?” he said, suggesting he was not in favour of legal action to be taken against any of the protestors.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Ah Neh Rapist
An Indian-born fashion designer convicted of sexually abusing a string of teenage girls and women was sentenced to a minimum of 59 years in jail by a Los Angeles judge.
Anand Jon Alexander, 35, whose clothes had reportedly been worn by stars celebrities including Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige, was found guilty of 16 sex crimes, including forcible rape and sexual battery, at a trial in November.
Alexander represented himself at Monday's sentencing hearing, where he broke down in tears as he requested a new trial. The judge rejected his request.
Prosecutors at Los Angeles Superior Court had accused him of preying on a string of girls and women aged between 14 and 21 over a six-year period from 2002 to 2007.
Nine women testified against Alexander during his trial. Most of the designer's victims were aspiring models lured into meetings with Alexander and forced into sex, prosecutors said.
Alexander is also the subject of an indictment made up of similar allegations in New York, as well as an ongoing probe in Dallas.
Anand Jon Alexander, 35, whose clothes had reportedly been worn by stars celebrities including Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige, was found guilty of 16 sex crimes, including forcible rape and sexual battery, at a trial in November.
Alexander represented himself at Monday's sentencing hearing, where he broke down in tears as he requested a new trial. The judge rejected his request.
Prosecutors at Los Angeles Superior Court had accused him of preying on a string of girls and women aged between 14 and 21 over a six-year period from 2002 to 2007.
Nine women testified against Alexander during his trial. Most of the designer's victims were aspiring models lured into meetings with Alexander and forced into sex, prosecutors said.
Alexander is also the subject of an indictment made up of similar allegations in New York, as well as an ongoing probe in Dallas.
Happy Teachers' Day
President’s Award for Teachers 2009
Four exemplary teachers received the 2009 President’s Award for Teachers from President S.R. Nathan at the Istana during the Teachers’ Day reception on Tuesday, 1 September 2009. They are:
* Mr Terry Tan Chee Liang , Anglo-Chinese School (Primary);
* Miss Cardoza Sharon Ann, Farrer Park Primary School;
* Mdm Wong Lai Fong, Anderson Secondary School, and;
* Miss Lucy Oliver Fernandez, Catholic High School (Secondary)
The annual President’s Award for Teachers recognises the commitment of teachers towards the total development of students and to nation-building. This year’s recipients are inspiring teachers who have demonstrated passion, innovation and dedication in teaching. From translating abstract concepts through computer games and imbuing values education in the teaching of Mathematics, to organising breakfast meetings and ferrying a pupil to school daily, these teachers played multiple roles of educator, innovator, nurturer and mentor to prepare their students for the future.
About 9,000 nominations for the Award were received from principals, teachers, students, parents and former students, a record high since the Award was introduced in 1998. The nominees included 2,421 teachers from 257 schools. A Selection Panel, chaired by Mrs Josephine Teo, Chairman for the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, and comprising prominent members of the community and senior officers from the Ministry of Education, selected the four recipients. The members of the selection panel are listed in Annex B.
Applauding the award recipients for their outstanding contribution to teaching, Mrs Josephine Teo said, “Teachers have the potential to transform our school experience. We are privileged in Singapore to have so many of such transformational teachers. They are not just passionate about imparting knowledge, but also care deeply about nurturing our children as whole persons. At the same time that we recognise the four PAT recipients, I would like to affirm the thousands of teachers out there who are making a huge difference to our education system.”
Four exemplary teachers received the 2009 President’s Award for Teachers from President S.R. Nathan at the Istana during the Teachers’ Day reception on Tuesday, 1 September 2009. They are:
* Mr Terry Tan Chee Liang , Anglo-Chinese School (Primary);
* Miss Cardoza Sharon Ann, Farrer Park Primary School;
* Mdm Wong Lai Fong, Anderson Secondary School, and;
* Miss Lucy Oliver Fernandez, Catholic High School (Secondary)
The annual President’s Award for Teachers recognises the commitment of teachers towards the total development of students and to nation-building. This year’s recipients are inspiring teachers who have demonstrated passion, innovation and dedication in teaching. From translating abstract concepts through computer games and imbuing values education in the teaching of Mathematics, to organising breakfast meetings and ferrying a pupil to school daily, these teachers played multiple roles of educator, innovator, nurturer and mentor to prepare their students for the future.
About 9,000 nominations for the Award were received from principals, teachers, students, parents and former students, a record high since the Award was introduced in 1998. The nominees included 2,421 teachers from 257 schools. A Selection Panel, chaired by Mrs Josephine Teo, Chairman for the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, and comprising prominent members of the community and senior officers from the Ministry of Education, selected the four recipients. The members of the selection panel are listed in Annex B.
Applauding the award recipients for their outstanding contribution to teaching, Mrs Josephine Teo said, “Teachers have the potential to transform our school experience. We are privileged in Singapore to have so many of such transformational teachers. They are not just passionate about imparting knowledge, but also care deeply about nurturing our children as whole persons. At the same time that we recognise the four PAT recipients, I would like to affirm the thousands of teachers out there who are making a huge difference to our education system.”
Monday, August 31, 2009
Why no one dress up like Prataman ?
Maha Bodhi's charity drive
Student dressed up as Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, President Barack Obama, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, and even cartoon duo the Supermario Brothers took to the stage as part of Maha Bodhi School's Teachers' Day celebrations on Monday.
The event, held in conjunction with The New Paper's Be Yourself Day, was graced by President S R Nathan.
The president was presented with a cheque for $13,888 - money raised by the school's staff and students for the President's Challenge, an annual charity drive which has 37 beneficiaries.
The sum was raised over three days last week during a school-wide donation drive.
This is the fifth year that the Special Assistance Programme (SAP) school in Ubi has held a fundraising drive in conjunction with The New Paper's Be Yourself Day, which encourages students and staff to come to school dressed creatively.
'Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew is my idol because he's smart and always helps people. I hope to become as clever as he is,' said Bronson Cheng, 10, who came in MM Lee's signature all-white outfit.
Said President Nathan: 'The 'be yourself' theme is important because it allows students to discover what their ambitions are, though the real message will probably sink in only later in life.'
TNP Be Yourself Day is into its eighth year and has raised more than $1 million for the President's Challenge to date.
Student dressed up as Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, President Barack Obama, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, and even cartoon duo the Supermario Brothers took to the stage as part of Maha Bodhi School's Teachers' Day celebrations on Monday.
The event, held in conjunction with The New Paper's Be Yourself Day, was graced by President S R Nathan.
The president was presented with a cheque for $13,888 - money raised by the school's staff and students for the President's Challenge, an annual charity drive which has 37 beneficiaries.
The sum was raised over three days last week during a school-wide donation drive.
This is the fifth year that the Special Assistance Programme (SAP) school in Ubi has held a fundraising drive in conjunction with The New Paper's Be Yourself Day, which encourages students and staff to come to school dressed creatively.
'Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew is my idol because he's smart and always helps people. I hope to become as clever as he is,' said Bronson Cheng, 10, who came in MM Lee's signature all-white outfit.
Said President Nathan: 'The 'be yourself' theme is important because it allows students to discover what their ambitions are, though the real message will probably sink in only later in life.'
TNP Be Yourself Day is into its eighth year and has raised more than $1 million for the President's Challenge to date.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
President on a Eating Contest! Me Faint!
Gods Grief!
Eating, Food Contest by Our HIGHEST statesman! Prataman!
Singapore's "Perfect Meal" has finally been served. It was created by the winning chef in Channel NewsAsia's reality TV programme, also titled The Perfect Meal, for some VIPs.
Singapore's President Nathan hosted 15 guests to the four-course meal, presented by chef Muhammad Haikal Johari.
Every dish had to be either inspired by, or a reinvention of, typical dishes that Singaporeans eat every day.
Najib Ali, guest, The Perfect Meal, said: "Every piece of chicken that I tasted was something that I'd never had in my mouth, for all the chicken rice I've eaten in my whole entire life."
Jenny Chua, guest, The Perfect Meal, said: "In the dessert, there were pieces of chillies - caramelised chillies, no doubt, but pieces of chillies. And then there's pandan flavour, there's chocolate flavour and done together in a very good combination."
Haikal's former foes in the competition became his allies for this final round.
The kitchen wars had seen six established chefs being given a fixed budget of S$200 and five hours to shop, cook and present a three-course meal each week.
But that was not their only challenge. They had to get to grips with unfamiliar surroundings, and tools, as well.
Muhammad Haikal Johari, winner, The Perfect Meal, said: "We chefs are always being intimidated by latest gadgets. But at the end of the day, all these gadgets are very helpful."
Chef Haikal has helmed his own restaurant in Bangkok for the last three years.
President Nathan said: "Haikal is prominent in Thailand and it's a reflection of how our people have made their mark on their own effort without too much support from locals."
Eating, Food Contest by Our HIGHEST statesman! Prataman!
Singapore's "Perfect Meal" has finally been served. It was created by the winning chef in Channel NewsAsia's reality TV programme, also titled The Perfect Meal, for some VIPs.
Singapore's President Nathan hosted 15 guests to the four-course meal, presented by chef Muhammad Haikal Johari.
Every dish had to be either inspired by, or a reinvention of, typical dishes that Singaporeans eat every day.
Najib Ali, guest, The Perfect Meal, said: "Every piece of chicken that I tasted was something that I'd never had in my mouth, for all the chicken rice I've eaten in my whole entire life."
Jenny Chua, guest, The Perfect Meal, said: "In the dessert, there were pieces of chillies - caramelised chillies, no doubt, but pieces of chillies. And then there's pandan flavour, there's chocolate flavour and done together in a very good combination."
Haikal's former foes in the competition became his allies for this final round.
The kitchen wars had seen six established chefs being given a fixed budget of S$200 and five hours to shop, cook and present a three-course meal each week.
But that was not their only challenge. They had to get to grips with unfamiliar surroundings, and tools, as well.
Muhammad Haikal Johari, winner, The Perfect Meal, said: "We chefs are always being intimidated by latest gadgets. But at the end of the day, all these gadgets are very helpful."
Chef Haikal has helmed his own restaurant in Bangkok for the last three years.
President Nathan said: "Haikal is prominent in Thailand and it's a reflection of how our people have made their mark on their own effort without too much support from locals."
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Prataman Meets China Envoys
Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan, who is in Singapore on a four-day visit, called on President S R Nathan and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on Tuesday.
Mr Wang called on Mr Nathan at the Istana, where the two leaders spoke of bilateral ties. This was followed by a call on Mr Lee.
Separately, the mayor of Tianjin Municipality Huang Xingguo called on Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at the Istana on Tuesday afternoon.
During the meeting, Mr Goh and Mr Huang took stock of the steady progress of the eco-city since their last meeting.
Mr Goh also affirmed the strong commitment and support of the Singapore government to make the eco-city project a success.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Indian Industry Core Group, led by the new president, Venu Srinivasan, also called on the senior minister at the Istana.
During the meeting, Mr Goh and members of the group exchanged views on the recent economic developments in India and Southeast Asia and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral economic ties.
Mr Wang called on Mr Nathan at the Istana, where the two leaders spoke of bilateral ties. This was followed by a call on Mr Lee.
Separately, the mayor of Tianjin Municipality Huang Xingguo called on Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at the Istana on Tuesday afternoon.
During the meeting, Mr Goh and Mr Huang took stock of the steady progress of the eco-city since their last meeting.
Mr Goh also affirmed the strong commitment and support of the Singapore government to make the eco-city project a success.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Indian Industry Core Group, led by the new president, Venu Srinivasan, also called on the senior minister at the Istana.
During the meeting, Mr Goh and members of the group exchanged views on the recent economic developments in India and Southeast Asia and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral economic ties.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Lets welcome Foreign Talents
Foreign Talent lawyers and doctors!!!
While PAP government welcomes Foreign Talent in respective fields, law and medicine. They are unknowingly creating stress and unhappiness. We need to ensure our standard
Singapore Won’t ‘Turn Back,’ Will License New Foreign Law Firms
Singapore, which allowed six foreign law firms to practice local corporate law in December, will award more licenses as soon as next year if local economic conditions permit it, Law Minister K. Shanmugam said.
“The direction has been set and we don’t intend to turn back,” he said in an interview. The government will review the progress of its liberalization program in the first six months of 2010 and could award more licenses then if the market can “digest them,” he said.
Clifford Chance LLP and the five other new licensees have increased the lawyers they have in Singapore by 20 percent from last year, Shanmugam said. With a collapse in corporate finance work, U.S. and U.K. firms have been expanding their arbitration and India practices in Singapore. The Southeast Asian city state hopes more lawyers will strengthen its financial sector.
“If you look at Hong Kong, New York, London, it’s no coincidence that they’re all leading financial industry centers,” Shanmugam, 50, said. “Legal services really grew to support the financial services industry.”
London-based firms have expanded in Singapore even as they’ve cut jobs at home, with Clifford Chance setting up a dispute resolution practice and raising the number of lawyers in its Singapore office to 50 from 38. Allen & Overy LLP hired all 10 lawyers from Singapore firm Venture Law LLC, bringing its total to 44.
London-based Norton Rose LLP hired Wilson Ang from Linklaters LLP’s Hong Kong office to set up a regulatory practice in Singapore, where it has 55 lawyers. That will expand next year when it absorbs the Singapore office of Sydney-based Deacons Australia.
“We see Singapore as one of the most important hubs connecting a number of places from India to Australia and from Tokyo through to Jakarta, and also to Shanghai and Sydney,” said Norton Rose’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Martyr.
As of last month there were 95 foreign law firms with offices in Singapore, a 13 percent increase from a year earlier, according to the Law Ministry. That’s more than the 66 such firms in Hong Kong, according to the Chinese city’s Law Society. The number of lawyers working for foreign firms in Singapore rose 12 percent to 757 in July from a year earlier, while there were 1,100 foreign lawyers in Hong Kong.
Singapore’s liberalization aims to develop the city as a top arbitration center, an area where Hong Kong “has been ahead of us,” Shanmugam said. The Southeast Asian city offers tax incentives for growth in arbitration work, set up a hearing facility and attracted institutions like the American Arbitration Association.
State Policy
“You’ve got a very focused, coherent, state policy designed to improve the prospects of Singapore becoming a regional arbitration hub,” said Doug Peel, a partner at New York-based White & Case LLP’s Singapore office. “This has helped us decide to move an international arbitrator to Singapore, who will lead the development of the practice.”
London-based Herbert Smith LLP and Los Angeles-based Latham & Watkins LLP were the other successful applicants from the 20 firms who bid for a license to practice corporate law and employ locally qualified lawyers in Singapore on Sept. 15, the day Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. filed for bankruptcy.
Still, the firms made commitments to double their revenue, staffing and profits in Singapore in five years, and Shanmugam, said in the Aug. 7 interview that the government “must assume they’ll do their very best.”
Capital markets work restarted about two and a half months ago after stopping in September, with particular pent-up demand in India following the elections there, according to Mark Nelson, Singapore managing partner of Latham & Watkins. Foreign firms are banned from practicing in India.
DLA Piper LLP, the world’s biggest law firm by headcount with 3,600 attorneys and 67 offices, was “very disappointed” not to get a Singapore license last year, though it may be difficult to meet commitments made then, said Martin David, its Singapore managing partner.
Fee pressures are intense, with a U.K. firm saying that it was discounting by 20 percent and one of the largest Singapore firms saying a competitor was offering 75 percent discounts.
Sustainable Recovery?
“The market’s slowly coming back but whether that’s sustainable remains to be seen,” David said, adding that DLA plans to apply for a Singapore license as soon as possible.
Law firms said they have benefited from government property tax rebates and cash handouts to lower wage costs. Singapore’s economy is recovering after shrinking 6.5 percent in the first half of 2009 from a year earlier, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Aug. 9.
Singapore will eventually be as open as Hong Kong where all foreign firms are able to practice local law, said David Longstaff, a partner at Jones Day’s Singapore office. The economic crisis may slow the pace of liberalization, he said.
Singapore “isn’t as big a legal market as Hong Kong or London but there’s no question that it’s already the legal center of Southeast Asia and just needs to build on that,” Longstaff said. The Washington-based firm applied for a license, and would do so again, he said.
“I think this is just the beginning.”
****************************************************
Doctors from abroad form growing pool in Singapore
Tue, Aug 18, 2009
The Straits Times
By Salma Khalik, Health Correspondent
MORE foreign-trained doctors are choosing to work in Singapore as hospitals step up recruitment to cope with the growing health-care demands of an ageing population.
In the past three years, more than half of new doctors here have come from overseas, including 1,000 foreign-trained doctors who have returned to Singapore after completing their studies.
Some hospitals are also recruiting overseas. KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), for example, has hired 15 doctors through six recruitment exercises in Britain, Malaysia, Australia and the Philippines since 2007.
While PAP government welcomes Foreign Talent in respective fields, law and medicine. They are unknowingly creating stress and unhappiness. We need to ensure our standard
Singapore Won’t ‘Turn Back,’ Will License New Foreign Law Firms
Singapore, which allowed six foreign law firms to practice local corporate law in December, will award more licenses as soon as next year if local economic conditions permit it, Law Minister K. Shanmugam said.
“The direction has been set and we don’t intend to turn back,” he said in an interview. The government will review the progress of its liberalization program in the first six months of 2010 and could award more licenses then if the market can “digest them,” he said.
Clifford Chance LLP and the five other new licensees have increased the lawyers they have in Singapore by 20 percent from last year, Shanmugam said. With a collapse in corporate finance work, U.S. and U.K. firms have been expanding their arbitration and India practices in Singapore. The Southeast Asian city state hopes more lawyers will strengthen its financial sector.
“If you look at Hong Kong, New York, London, it’s no coincidence that they’re all leading financial industry centers,” Shanmugam, 50, said. “Legal services really grew to support the financial services industry.”
London-based firms have expanded in Singapore even as they’ve cut jobs at home, with Clifford Chance setting up a dispute resolution practice and raising the number of lawyers in its Singapore office to 50 from 38. Allen & Overy LLP hired all 10 lawyers from Singapore firm Venture Law LLC, bringing its total to 44.
London-based Norton Rose LLP hired Wilson Ang from Linklaters LLP’s Hong Kong office to set up a regulatory practice in Singapore, where it has 55 lawyers. That will expand next year when it absorbs the Singapore office of Sydney-based Deacons Australia.
“We see Singapore as one of the most important hubs connecting a number of places from India to Australia and from Tokyo through to Jakarta, and also to Shanghai and Sydney,” said Norton Rose’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Martyr.
As of last month there were 95 foreign law firms with offices in Singapore, a 13 percent increase from a year earlier, according to the Law Ministry. That’s more than the 66 such firms in Hong Kong, according to the Chinese city’s Law Society. The number of lawyers working for foreign firms in Singapore rose 12 percent to 757 in July from a year earlier, while there were 1,100 foreign lawyers in Hong Kong.
Singapore’s liberalization aims to develop the city as a top arbitration center, an area where Hong Kong “has been ahead of us,” Shanmugam said. The Southeast Asian city offers tax incentives for growth in arbitration work, set up a hearing facility and attracted institutions like the American Arbitration Association.
State Policy
“You’ve got a very focused, coherent, state policy designed to improve the prospects of Singapore becoming a regional arbitration hub,” said Doug Peel, a partner at New York-based White & Case LLP’s Singapore office. “This has helped us decide to move an international arbitrator to Singapore, who will lead the development of the practice.”
London-based Herbert Smith LLP and Los Angeles-based Latham & Watkins LLP were the other successful applicants from the 20 firms who bid for a license to practice corporate law and employ locally qualified lawyers in Singapore on Sept. 15, the day Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. filed for bankruptcy.
Still, the firms made commitments to double their revenue, staffing and profits in Singapore in five years, and Shanmugam, said in the Aug. 7 interview that the government “must assume they’ll do their very best.”
Capital markets work restarted about two and a half months ago after stopping in September, with particular pent-up demand in India following the elections there, according to Mark Nelson, Singapore managing partner of Latham & Watkins. Foreign firms are banned from practicing in India.
DLA Piper LLP, the world’s biggest law firm by headcount with 3,600 attorneys and 67 offices, was “very disappointed” not to get a Singapore license last year, though it may be difficult to meet commitments made then, said Martin David, its Singapore managing partner.
Fee pressures are intense, with a U.K. firm saying that it was discounting by 20 percent and one of the largest Singapore firms saying a competitor was offering 75 percent discounts.
Sustainable Recovery?
“The market’s slowly coming back but whether that’s sustainable remains to be seen,” David said, adding that DLA plans to apply for a Singapore license as soon as possible.
Law firms said they have benefited from government property tax rebates and cash handouts to lower wage costs. Singapore’s economy is recovering after shrinking 6.5 percent in the first half of 2009 from a year earlier, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Aug. 9.
Singapore will eventually be as open as Hong Kong where all foreign firms are able to practice local law, said David Longstaff, a partner at Jones Day’s Singapore office. The economic crisis may slow the pace of liberalization, he said.
Singapore “isn’t as big a legal market as Hong Kong or London but there’s no question that it’s already the legal center of Southeast Asia and just needs to build on that,” Longstaff said. The Washington-based firm applied for a license, and would do so again, he said.
“I think this is just the beginning.”
****************************************************
Doctors from abroad form growing pool in Singapore
Tue, Aug 18, 2009
The Straits Times
By Salma Khalik, Health Correspondent
MORE foreign-trained doctors are choosing to work in Singapore as hospitals step up recruitment to cope with the growing health-care demands of an ageing population.
In the past three years, more than half of new doctors here have come from overseas, including 1,000 foreign-trained doctors who have returned to Singapore after completing their studies.
Some hospitals are also recruiting overseas. KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), for example, has hired 15 doctors through six recruitment exercises in Britain, Malaysia, Australia and the Philippines since 2007.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
SCHOLARS: Our Future, the rock and the light of Singapore
1 This year marks the 44th year of our independence. We are a young nation state, with less than half a century of existence as an independent nation. Over that short period, our people have built a modern nation where many opportunities are available to those willing to work hard. Singapore is also a home where people of many races and religions live together in harmony and look forward to a better future for themselves and their families.
2 Life has not always been like this. As a young nation, we had our fair share of tumultuous years – grappling with racial tensions, security threats and economic downturns. We overcame each and every crisis by staying united as a nation. It is during such difficult times that we demonstrated our resilience, adaptability and indomitable spirit.
3 The achievements and successes we celebrate today are also the result of the vision the founding leaders had for the nation, their courage in implementing changes and their passion in serving their fellow citizens.
4 We will continue to need visionary, brave and passionate leaders with the ability and the heart to build a successful and vibrant Singapore. That is the key purpose behind the award of the President’s Scholarship, the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the country. They are given to this year’s most outstanding young men and women from our schools. The award recipients are talented and passionate individuals who have excelled in both academic and non-academic achievements. They have also distinguished themselves as top students in their cohort through their leadership qualities, sound character and a commitment to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.
5 Selecting President’s Scholars is a highly rigorous process. Headed by the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, the President’s Scholarship Selection Board this year interviewed 15 talented and outstanding young men and women. From this year, all candidates being considered for the President’s Scholarships would be put through an Assessment Centre, where they would go through a series of exercises that presented challenges and scenarios related to public service work. The Assessment Centre exercises provided the Selection Board with a better all-rounded perspective of the candidates and added further rigour to the selection process for President’s Scholars.
6 I am happy to announce that this year, the President’s Scholarships are conferred on six outstanding young men and women. They are Miss Gan Su Yi, Miss Claire Soon Jing Min, Miss Tan Bao Jia, Mr Jonathan Au Yong Kok Kong, Mr Nicolas Tay Weizhe and Mr Alexander Joseph Woon Wei-Ming. Miss Gan will be reading Economics at University College London. Miss Soon will head for Oxford University to read History and join the Foreign Service when she returns. A PSC China Scholar, Miss Tan will be reading Economics at Peking University. Mr Au Yong, who is a concurrent holder of the Singapore Police Force Overseas Scholarship, will be reading Ethics, Politics and Economics at Yale University. Mr Tay, a Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholar, will be reading International Relations and History at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Mr Woon, who will be reading Law at Cambridge University, will join the Legal Service after he returns. This year’s batch of six President’s Scholars are a good mix of male and female scholars and going to a good spread of universities in the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom and the United States.
7 The President’s Scholarship demands a commitment from you to serve your nation and fellow citizens, regardless of race, religion or socio-economic background. When you are abroad, bear in mind that you represent Singapore. Continue to do us proud by excelling not just in your studies but in engaging yourselves in university and community life, helping the less able and less fortunate.
8 Broaden your horizons by seizing all opportunities to learn new things about the world and about yourself. By staying in touch with community life and engaging in community work overseas, you will continue to acquire knowledge about, and empathy for, the concerns of ordinary people – something you will need when you return home to serve your fellow Singaporeans as public servants.
9 I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the families, principals and teachers of our President’s Scholars. The achievements of the Scholars today bear testimony to the good work you have done in their lives, in nurturing them to be who and what they are.
10 Once again, my congratulations to Miss Gan Su Yi, Miss Claire Soon, Miss Tan Bao Jia, Mr Jonathan Au Yong, Mr Nicolas Tay and Mr Alexander Woon. I am sure all of you will do Singapore proud by being good ambassadors of Singapore and by living up to the hopes and expectations we have placed on you. I wish you success in your studies and look forward to you serving with distinction in your careers with the Singapore Public Service.
2 Life has not always been like this. As a young nation, we had our fair share of tumultuous years – grappling with racial tensions, security threats and economic downturns. We overcame each and every crisis by staying united as a nation. It is during such difficult times that we demonstrated our resilience, adaptability and indomitable spirit.
3 The achievements and successes we celebrate today are also the result of the vision the founding leaders had for the nation, their courage in implementing changes and their passion in serving their fellow citizens.
4 We will continue to need visionary, brave and passionate leaders with the ability and the heart to build a successful and vibrant Singapore. That is the key purpose behind the award of the President’s Scholarship, the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the country. They are given to this year’s most outstanding young men and women from our schools. The award recipients are talented and passionate individuals who have excelled in both academic and non-academic achievements. They have also distinguished themselves as top students in their cohort through their leadership qualities, sound character and a commitment to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.
5 Selecting President’s Scholars is a highly rigorous process. Headed by the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, the President’s Scholarship Selection Board this year interviewed 15 talented and outstanding young men and women. From this year, all candidates being considered for the President’s Scholarships would be put through an Assessment Centre, where they would go through a series of exercises that presented challenges and scenarios related to public service work. The Assessment Centre exercises provided the Selection Board with a better all-rounded perspective of the candidates and added further rigour to the selection process for President’s Scholars.
6 I am happy to announce that this year, the President’s Scholarships are conferred on six outstanding young men and women. They are Miss Gan Su Yi, Miss Claire Soon Jing Min, Miss Tan Bao Jia, Mr Jonathan Au Yong Kok Kong, Mr Nicolas Tay Weizhe and Mr Alexander Joseph Woon Wei-Ming. Miss Gan will be reading Economics at University College London. Miss Soon will head for Oxford University to read History and join the Foreign Service when she returns. A PSC China Scholar, Miss Tan will be reading Economics at Peking University. Mr Au Yong, who is a concurrent holder of the Singapore Police Force Overseas Scholarship, will be reading Ethics, Politics and Economics at Yale University. Mr Tay, a Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholar, will be reading International Relations and History at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Mr Woon, who will be reading Law at Cambridge University, will join the Legal Service after he returns. This year’s batch of six President’s Scholars are a good mix of male and female scholars and going to a good spread of universities in the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom and the United States.
7 The President’s Scholarship demands a commitment from you to serve your nation and fellow citizens, regardless of race, religion or socio-economic background. When you are abroad, bear in mind that you represent Singapore. Continue to do us proud by excelling not just in your studies but in engaging yourselves in university and community life, helping the less able and less fortunate.
8 Broaden your horizons by seizing all opportunities to learn new things about the world and about yourself. By staying in touch with community life and engaging in community work overseas, you will continue to acquire knowledge about, and empathy for, the concerns of ordinary people – something you will need when you return home to serve your fellow Singaporeans as public servants.
9 I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the families, principals and teachers of our President’s Scholars. The achievements of the Scholars today bear testimony to the good work you have done in their lives, in nurturing them to be who and what they are.
10 Once again, my congratulations to Miss Gan Su Yi, Miss Claire Soon, Miss Tan Bao Jia, Mr Jonathan Au Yong, Mr Nicolas Tay and Mr Alexander Woon. I am sure all of you will do Singapore proud by being good ambassadors of Singapore and by living up to the hopes and expectations we have placed on you. I wish you success in your studies and look forward to you serving with distinction in your careers with the Singapore Public Service.
Pinkie Lee's NDP Message
No Baby bonus, no tax incentives this time round - only his complains and unhappiness!
Monday, August 10, 2009
1,600 guests attend National Day reception at Istana
Now Lets us EAT!
President S R Nathan and Mrs Nathan hosted a National Day reception at the Istana on Monday to mark Singapore's 44th birthday.
The reception is an annual affair. About 1,600 guests attended this year's reception. They included Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and other members of the Cabinet.
Also present were MPs, community and grassroots leaders, as well as members of the diplomatic corp.
Local band Electrico was there to entertain guests with this year's National Day theme song "What Do You See".
President S R Nathan and Mrs Nathan hosted a National Day reception at the Istana on Monday to mark Singapore's 44th birthday.
The reception is an annual affair. About 1,600 guests attended this year's reception. They included Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and other members of the Cabinet.
Also present were MPs, community and grassroots leaders, as well as members of the diplomatic corp.
Local band Electrico was there to entertain guests with this year's National Day theme song "What Do You See".
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
10 challenges for Singapore
IN A National Day dinner speech yesterday, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong listed 10 challenges arising from Singapore's success, and which the next generation will have to face:
1 Maintaining high rates of economic growth
Singapore's economy has grown from $2 billion 50 years ago to $250 billion.
Mr Goh warned: "Just remember, the world is a very competitive place and our economy has matured."
2 Improving living standards which are already high
More than 90 per cent of Singaporeans own their homes, which are equipped with electricity and modern sanitation facilities.
This is an improvement by leaps and bounds over the housing situation 50 years ago, when thousands of Singaporeans lived in slums and squalor.
3 Providing better transport at affordable prices
Students now travel in air-conditioned cars, buses or trains, unlike in the past.
In the future, the Government would have to satisfy people's higher expectations of comfort, convenience and congestion-free travel along with providing affordable fares, Mr Goh said.
4 Stamping out diseases of affluence at affordable health-care rates
People live longer now and more develop diseases linked to an affluent lifestyle, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and kidney failure, instead of infectious diseases.
Such illnesses are also more expensive to treat, said Mr Goh.
5 Helping to keep workers employed till age 75
In 50 years, Singaporeans' life expectancy has risen from 60 to 80 years of age, and the retirement age has been raised from 55 to 62.
With advances in health care, life expectancy will probably increase to 90 years in the future and people would have to work till the age of 75 to have enough savings "for a cosy retirement of 15 years", Mr Goh said.
The challenge would be to motivate and train older people to continue working, he said.
6 Getting young people to marry and have children
Development has led to a plunge in birth rates here.
Fewer women are getting married, and those who do are giving birth to fewer babies.
7 Supporting an ageing population
This will be a problem as an increasing number of old people will live longer, while fewer young people will be around to work and support them, Mr Goh said.
Now, 9 per cent of the population is aged above 65. By 2030, this will double to 20 per cent.
8 Getting more land
In the last 50 years, Singapore's land area has expanded by more than 20 per cent through reclamation.
As the population and economy continue to grow, more land would be needed, and its use balanced between the economy, housing and recreation.
9 Preventing a brain drain
Hundreds of students go overseas to study and more are not returning home.
Singapore needs to find ways to bond them to Singapore, so that most will return home and contribute, Mr Goh said.
10 Keeping a multi-religious society cohesive
Singaporeans are getting more religious, Mr Goh noted.
They have to guard against forming religious enclaves and mix with those of other faiths to prevent society from becoming divided, he said.
To work till 75... poor Sinkies...
1 Maintaining high rates of economic growth
Singapore's economy has grown from $2 billion 50 years ago to $250 billion.
Mr Goh warned: "Just remember, the world is a very competitive place and our economy has matured."
2 Improving living standards which are already high
More than 90 per cent of Singaporeans own their homes, which are equipped with electricity and modern sanitation facilities.
This is an improvement by leaps and bounds over the housing situation 50 years ago, when thousands of Singaporeans lived in slums and squalor.
3 Providing better transport at affordable prices
Students now travel in air-conditioned cars, buses or trains, unlike in the past.
In the future, the Government would have to satisfy people's higher expectations of comfort, convenience and congestion-free travel along with providing affordable fares, Mr Goh said.
4 Stamping out diseases of affluence at affordable health-care rates
People live longer now and more develop diseases linked to an affluent lifestyle, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and kidney failure, instead of infectious diseases.
Such illnesses are also more expensive to treat, said Mr Goh.
5 Helping to keep workers employed till age 75
In 50 years, Singaporeans' life expectancy has risen from 60 to 80 years of age, and the retirement age has been raised from 55 to 62.
With advances in health care, life expectancy will probably increase to 90 years in the future and people would have to work till the age of 75 to have enough savings "for a cosy retirement of 15 years", Mr Goh said.
The challenge would be to motivate and train older people to continue working, he said.
6 Getting young people to marry and have children
Development has led to a plunge in birth rates here.
Fewer women are getting married, and those who do are giving birth to fewer babies.
7 Supporting an ageing population
This will be a problem as an increasing number of old people will live longer, while fewer young people will be around to work and support them, Mr Goh said.
Now, 9 per cent of the population is aged above 65. By 2030, this will double to 20 per cent.
8 Getting more land
In the last 50 years, Singapore's land area has expanded by more than 20 per cent through reclamation.
As the population and economy continue to grow, more land would be needed, and its use balanced between the economy, housing and recreation.
9 Preventing a brain drain
Hundreds of students go overseas to study and more are not returning home.
Singapore needs to find ways to bond them to Singapore, so that most will return home and contribute, Mr Goh said.
10 Keeping a multi-religious society cohesive
Singaporeans are getting more religious, Mr Goh noted.
They have to guard against forming religious enclaves and mix with those of other faiths to prevent society from becoming divided, he said.
To work till 75... poor Sinkies...
Monday, August 03, 2009
3 Ah Nehs fight for Terrority in Tekka Market
Three men were involved in a fight on Sunday morning outside the newly—opened Tekka Market on Serangoon Road.
Police received a call at about 8am, but the fight had already broken up by the time they arrived.
No weapons were found at the scene, but eye—witnesses said knives were used.
An Indian man in his 30s was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Police said he was conscious when he was sent there.
Two other Indian men made their own way to the hospital.
Most shoppers inside Tekka Market did not seem to notice the commotion outside.
The market re—opened on Saturday after 15 months of renovation costing over S$10.5 million.
During the 15—month refurbishment period, some tenants moved to a temporary market at nearby Race Course Road.
Some tenants have reported an increase in rent by up to 20 per cent.
However, they are confident the spanking new facility will attract more customers.
Police received a call at about 8am, but the fight had already broken up by the time they arrived.
No weapons were found at the scene, but eye—witnesses said knives were used.
An Indian man in his 30s was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Police said he was conscious when he was sent there.
Two other Indian men made their own way to the hospital.
Most shoppers inside Tekka Market did not seem to notice the commotion outside.
The market re—opened on Saturday after 15 months of renovation costing over S$10.5 million.
During the 15—month refurbishment period, some tenants moved to a temporary market at nearby Race Course Road.
Some tenants have reported an increase in rent by up to 20 per cent.
However, they are confident the spanking new facility will attract more customers.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Welcome to Prataman's House
Usually closed to the public, the Istana grounds are open on five occasions – Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and National Day. Admission is free for citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners pay an entrance fee of $1 per person. For the first time in months, I feel proud to be a citizen.
I arrived at the Istana Gate. There a queue had formed in front of a small booth. A lady volunteer was gesticulating to the approaching visitors, “citizens and permanent residents this side”, referring to her left (my right). Apparently the booth was a ticket booth and, as a citizen, I could skip it. However I couldn’t help but notice there were more people at the booth than skipping it. Istana can Earn Money!
A male volunteer stood at the gate. Out came the pink card - checked IC!
Past the gate, another ritual greeted me. This should be no surprise. I laid my bag onto the conveyor belt and crossed the gate. Luckily, it did not beep.
Long Qssssss
I didn't know... He is so popular!
Istana Main Gate
I arrived at the Istana Gate. There a queue had formed in front of a small booth. A lady volunteer was gesticulating to the approaching visitors, “citizens and permanent residents this side”, referring to her left (my right). Apparently the booth was a ticket booth and, as a citizen, I could skip it. However I couldn’t help but notice there were more people at the booth than skipping it. Istana can Earn Money!
A male volunteer stood at the gate. Out came the pink card - checked IC!
Past the gate, another ritual greeted me. This should be no surprise. I laid my bag onto the conveyor belt and crossed the gate. Luckily, it did not beep.
Long Qssssss
I didn't know... He is so popular!
Istana Main Gate
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Just for Laughes
Ah Neh bought a new mobile. He sent a message to everyone from his Phone Book & said,'My Mobile No. Has changed. Earlier it was Nokia 3310. Now it is 6610'
Ah Neh : I am a Proud, coz my son is in Medical College.
Friend: Really, what is he studying.
Ah Neh: No, he is not studying, they are Studying him
Ah Neh : Doctor, in my dreams, I play football every night.
DR: Take this tablet, you will be ok.
Ah Neh : Can I take tomorrow, tonight is final game
Ah Neh : If I die, will u remarry?
Wife: No! I'll stay with my sister. But if I die will u remarry?
Ah Neh : No, I'll also stay with your sister.
Ah Neh : People consider me as a 'GOD'
Wife: How do you know??
Ah Neh : When I went to the Park today, everybody said, Oh GOD! U have come again
Ah Neh complained to the police: 'Sir, all items are missing,except the TV in my house.'
Police: 'How the thief did not take TV?'
Ah Neh : 'I was watching TV news...'
Ah Neh comes back 2 his car & find a note saying 'Parking Fine'
He Writes a note and sticks it to a pole 'Thanks for complement.'
How do you recognize Ah Neh in School?
He is the one who erases the notes from the book when the teacher erases the board.
Once Ah Neh was walking he had a glove on one hand and not on other. So the man asked him why he did so. He replied that the weather forecast announced that on one hand it would be cold and on the other hand it would be hot.
Ah Neh in a bar and his cellular phone rings. He picks it up and Says 'Hello, how did you know I was here?'
Ah Neh : Why are all these people running? Man - This is a race, the winner will get the cup Ah Neh - If only the winner will get the cup, why others running?
Teacher: 'I killed a person' convert this sentence into future tense
Ah Neh : The future tense is 'u will go to jail'
Ah Neh told his servant: 'Go and water the plants!'
Servant: 'It's already raining.'
Ah Neh : 'So what? Take an umbrella and go.'
A man asked Ah Neh why Ahmad Badawi goes walking in the Evening and not in the morning
Ah Neh replied Ahmad Badawi is PM not AM
Ah Neh : I am a Proud, coz my son is in Medical College.
Friend: Really, what is he studying.
Ah Neh: No, he is not studying, they are Studying him
Ah Neh : Doctor, in my dreams, I play football every night.
DR: Take this tablet, you will be ok.
Ah Neh : Can I take tomorrow, tonight is final game
Ah Neh : If I die, will u remarry?
Wife: No! I'll stay with my sister. But if I die will u remarry?
Ah Neh : No, I'll also stay with your sister.
Ah Neh : People consider me as a 'GOD'
Wife: How do you know??
Ah Neh : When I went to the Park today, everybody said, Oh GOD! U have come again
Ah Neh complained to the police: 'Sir, all items are missing,except the TV in my house.'
Police: 'How the thief did not take TV?'
Ah Neh : 'I was watching TV news...'
Ah Neh comes back 2 his car & find a note saying 'Parking Fine'
He Writes a note and sticks it to a pole 'Thanks for complement.'
How do you recognize Ah Neh in School?
He is the one who erases the notes from the book when the teacher erases the board.
Once Ah Neh was walking he had a glove on one hand and not on other. So the man asked him why he did so. He replied that the weather forecast announced that on one hand it would be cold and on the other hand it would be hot.
Ah Neh in a bar and his cellular phone rings. He picks it up and Says 'Hello, how did you know I was here?'
Ah Neh : Why are all these people running? Man - This is a race, the winner will get the cup Ah Neh - If only the winner will get the cup, why others running?
Teacher: 'I killed a person' convert this sentence into future tense
Ah Neh : The future tense is 'u will go to jail'
Ah Neh told his servant: 'Go and water the plants!'
Servant: 'It's already raining.'
Ah Neh : 'So what? Take an umbrella and go.'
A man asked Ah Neh why Ahmad Badawi goes walking in the Evening and not in the morning
Ah Neh replied Ahmad Badawi is PM not AM
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Major art events at the Istana
AS PART of Singapore's National Day celebrations, the Istana will be open to the public on Sunday, August 2, and will include the annual Istana Art Event.
This year the Istana Art Event will include an art competition and the 'Canopy of Dreams' installation which features 1,000 umbrellas covered in designs by students from pre-schools, primary schools, secondary schools, a special-needs school and a polytechnic.
Canopy of Dreams is based on the idea of a rainforest 'providing shelter to all' and the umbrellas represent the people of Singapore 'weathering' hard times together.
'The Istana Art Event is one of SAM's key community outreach platforms and an opportunity to show Singapore how art can bring people together in a joyous and accessible way,' says Director-Designate, Singapore Art Museum, Mr Tan Boon Hui. 'The Museum believes that art should be for all and the Istana Art Event demonstrates this.'
The On-The-Spot Art Competition is open to everyone from the age of 5 years and older with winners from each category receiving a cash prize from President S R Nathan. The competition's theme is based on this year's National Day Parade - Come Together: Reaching Out. Reaching Up.
Families will also be able to enjoy a number of art and heritage activities created by The Singapore Art Museum, Asian Civilisations Museum, National Museum of Singapore and Philatelic Museum.
Entertainment will be provided by the SAF Music and Drama Company, Swiss Cottage Secondary School's NCC Command Band Swiss Winds and Maha Bodhi School Band, as well as Singabeat by the People's Association.
Due to the recent H1N1 flu outbreak, organisers have requested that people who feel unwell or have 'flu-like' symptoms refrain from visiting the Istana Open House.
Entry to the grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs; other visitors need to pay a $1 fee per person and entry is via the Istana's main gate on Orchard Road. For an additional fee of $2, visitors can also tour selected rooms to view various gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister.
Schools and organised art groups are requested to pre-register for the On-The-Spot Art Competition by Sunday, July 26. Contact nhb_sam_programs@nhb.gov.sg for more information.
This year the Istana Art Event will include an art competition and the 'Canopy of Dreams' installation which features 1,000 umbrellas covered in designs by students from pre-schools, primary schools, secondary schools, a special-needs school and a polytechnic.
Canopy of Dreams is based on the idea of a rainforest 'providing shelter to all' and the umbrellas represent the people of Singapore 'weathering' hard times together.
'The Istana Art Event is one of SAM's key community outreach platforms and an opportunity to show Singapore how art can bring people together in a joyous and accessible way,' says Director-Designate, Singapore Art Museum, Mr Tan Boon Hui. 'The Museum believes that art should be for all and the Istana Art Event demonstrates this.'
The On-The-Spot Art Competition is open to everyone from the age of 5 years and older with winners from each category receiving a cash prize from President S R Nathan. The competition's theme is based on this year's National Day Parade - Come Together: Reaching Out. Reaching Up.
Families will also be able to enjoy a number of art and heritage activities created by The Singapore Art Museum, Asian Civilisations Museum, National Museum of Singapore and Philatelic Museum.
Entertainment will be provided by the SAF Music and Drama Company, Swiss Cottage Secondary School's NCC Command Band Swiss Winds and Maha Bodhi School Band, as well as Singabeat by the People's Association.
Due to the recent H1N1 flu outbreak, organisers have requested that people who feel unwell or have 'flu-like' symptoms refrain from visiting the Istana Open House.
Entry to the grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs; other visitors need to pay a $1 fee per person and entry is via the Istana's main gate on Orchard Road. For an additional fee of $2, visitors can also tour selected rooms to view various gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister.
Schools and organised art groups are requested to pre-register for the On-The-Spot Art Competition by Sunday, July 26. Contact nhb_sam_programs@nhb.gov.sg for more information.
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