Thursday, May 28, 2009
A medal for a Distinguished Friend
President S R Nathan conferred the Distinguished Friends of Singapore (DFS) Public Service Medal to Sir John Rose, the chief executive of Rolls-Royce at a ceremony at the Istana yesterday. The DFS Public Service Medal recognises senior executives for their significant contributions to the economic growth of Singapore.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ah Nehs are being attacked in Australia
A student from Andhra Pradesh who was among four students from India, assaulted by a group of teenagers this week, is battling for life in a hospital here.
Shravan Kumar, the 25-year old student is in a critical condition, said one of his close friends who also had a narrow escape during that attack.
"Doctors are still unsure if Kumar will survive and if he does, he will lose his vision or memory", Kumar's friend, Sinivas Gandhi, said.
A group of teenagers attacked four Indian students while they were partying here over the weekend, leaving Kumar in a serious condition. Sinivas said the attackers abused them and said they should go back to India.
They were hit with a screwdriver by the attackers who apparently were in drunken state.
While three were discharged after medical treatment, Kumar is still fighting for his life.
Kumar, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, came to Australia two years ago and was a student of automotive engineering at Cambridge International College here.
Sinivas said, the police had asked them to take care of their own security and even said that they "can't go on protecting each and everyone".
He said they were also asked to change their residence in a bid to protect themselves.
Violent attacks on Indians have been growing over the last few years and has raised serious concern for aspiring students who wish to study in Australia.
Shravan Kumar, the 25-year old student is in a critical condition, said one of his close friends who also had a narrow escape during that attack.
"Doctors are still unsure if Kumar will survive and if he does, he will lose his vision or memory", Kumar's friend, Sinivas Gandhi, said.
A group of teenagers attacked four Indian students while they were partying here over the weekend, leaving Kumar in a serious condition. Sinivas said the attackers abused them and said they should go back to India.
They were hit with a screwdriver by the attackers who apparently were in drunken state.
While three were discharged after medical treatment, Kumar is still fighting for his life.
Kumar, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, came to Australia two years ago and was a student of automotive engineering at Cambridge International College here.
Sinivas said, the police had asked them to take care of their own security and even said that they "can't go on protecting each and everyone".
He said they were also asked to change their residence in a bid to protect themselves.
Violent attacks on Indians have been growing over the last few years and has raised serious concern for aspiring students who wish to study in Australia.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The dark force is taking over...
Iran arrests 104 "devil worshippers"
(Reuters) - Iranian security forces have arrested 104 "devil worshippers" and seized drugs and alcohol during a party in a southern city, a semi-official news agency reported Monday.
"Cutting (their own) skin and sucking up the blood was among the indecent behaviour of the group," Mehr News Agency quoted Colonel Abbas Hamedi of Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the city of Shiraz as saying.
He said a Guards intelligence unit launched an investigation into the all-male group about one year ago, leading to their arrest Sunday evening.
"The group's aim was to promote irreligious behaviour," Hamedi, adding they had posted footage of their parties on the Internet.
The Islamic Republic, which bans alcohol and narcotics, last year said it would launch a crackdown on "indecent Western-inspired movements" such as rappers and satanists.
That move signaled a widening of a clampdown on "immoral" conduct launched in 2007 against women flouting rules dictating that they cover their heads and disguise the shape of their bodies in public, in line with Iran's Islamic system.
The crackdown against what clerics see as corrupt Western influence coincided with rising pressure on Iran by the West over its nuclear program. The United States and its allies say Iran wants to build an atomic bomb, which Tehran denies.
(Reuters) - Iranian security forces have arrested 104 "devil worshippers" and seized drugs and alcohol during a party in a southern city, a semi-official news agency reported Monday.
"Cutting (their own) skin and sucking up the blood was among the indecent behaviour of the group," Mehr News Agency quoted Colonel Abbas Hamedi of Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the city of Shiraz as saying.
He said a Guards intelligence unit launched an investigation into the all-male group about one year ago, leading to their arrest Sunday evening.
"The group's aim was to promote irreligious behaviour," Hamedi, adding they had posted footage of their parties on the Internet.
The Islamic Republic, which bans alcohol and narcotics, last year said it would launch a crackdown on "indecent Western-inspired movements" such as rappers and satanists.
That move signaled a widening of a clampdown on "immoral" conduct launched in 2007 against women flouting rules dictating that they cover their heads and disguise the shape of their bodies in public, in line with Iran's Islamic system.
The crackdown against what clerics see as corrupt Western influence coincided with rising pressure on Iran by the West over its nuclear program. The United States and its allies say Iran wants to build an atomic bomb, which Tehran denies.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Taking action today, while keeping an eye on tomorrow
President S R Nathan’s Address to Parliament on Monday and the policy statements by Cabinet ministers that followed this week threw up little that was entirely new. But they provided a clear blueprint of the Government’s priorities for the immediate future - and beyond. What then does all this say about this Government and its continual focus on what lies beyond the horizon? What can Singaporeans expect in the next few years? Insight looks between the lines at the Government’s agenda outlined this week.
I sees ‘nothing ground-breaking or awe-inspiring, in some respects’ about the directions and steps that the Government outlined this week when its agenda was presented via President S R Nathan’s Address at the opening of a new session of Parliament.
However, Assistant Professor Tan found them to be ‘comprehensive in outlining the Government’s priorities, key challenges, and commitment to get things done’.
‘In that sense, it was reassuring because substance in governance - getting things done effectively, efficiently and fairly - is far more important than form,’ he tells Insight.
‘It reaffirms the fundamental ethos of the Government and reiterates that there is no silver bullet in governance, which is always a work-in-progress.’
On Monday, President Nathan made clear that the Government’s immediate priority is to see Singapore through the current economic crisis and help Singaporeans cope.
The Government will help companies stay viable to keep jobs, help workers train for new jobs, and ensure children from lower-income families get opportunities to reach their full potential in education, he stressed.
It will also seek new markets and develop new capabilities in growth sectors.
So while there may appear to be little by way of new or major policy announcements or shifts, the reality is that there are existing strategies which are being fine-tuned.
Over this past week, details were released of a review of existing help schemes to make sure that no one falls through the cracks; two new higher learning institutions; investments in health care and other sectors to prepare for a greying population; and even a review of censorship guidelines to stay in tune as society changes.
These show, at one level, the Government’s preparedness to deal with short-term, urgent issues.
But on another level, there is a sophisticated gearing-up to groom Singapore and its people for the challenges ahead.
Dr Tan, who teaches law at the Singapore Management University (SMU), describes this as a ‘necessary, bifocal perspective’ to governance.
In other words, preparing for the upturn even while managing the severe impact of this recession.
Notes political observer Gillian Koh: ‘The Government thinks long term on the demographic trends, on ensuring long-term social mobility, and yet has said enough in these addenda to suggest that the political will is there to help all who need that little extra to survive the current crisis and eventually ride the long-term wave.’
Looking beyond the downturn
EVEN as President Nathan underlined the Government’s priority of helping to mitigate the negative effects of the recession on Singaporeans, SMU economist Davin Chor finds it noteworthy that he also reiterated the need to focus on long-term strategic issues.
Such a focus aims to position Singapore to succeed in the changed global economic landscape that will emerge once the world economy starts to pick up again.
‘One cannot assume for example that developed countries such as the United States will be vibrant growth engines, and that it will be business as usual once again,’ says Assistant Professor Chor.
‘This long-term perspective has been a trademark of the Singapore Government, and it was a timely reminder not to lose sight of this amid the current downturn,’ he adds.
It must be noted that massive schemes to save jobs and help workers pick up skills - whether to hold on to existing jobs or to better find new ones - have been in place for some months now.
Last December, the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur) began subsidising training for local workers and $650 million has been allocated to it.
Measures have been expanded and refined in response to feedback.
Earlier this month, Spur-Jobs was introduced to give companies a grant of up to $400,000 to hire and hang on to trained local workers by helping them cover costs of such items as job advertisements and recruitment services.
The Government is also spending $4.5 billion on Jobs Credit, which subsidises employers’ wage bill for local workers.
Government-backed loans have also seen a robust take-up rate, with $2.5 billion given out since December last year.
Thus it is no surprise that Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang says in his ministry’s addendum to the President’s Address that the various economic agencies will continue to lend companies a hand so they can better compete globally.
The Government will also step up efforts to help businesses expand in key markets as well as new markets such as in Latin America and Eastern Europe.
And even as the Government uses its strong fiscal position to mitigate the impact of the downturn here, Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam says it is stepping up investments ‘to transform Singapore into a high-capability economy, and a global city that stands out for its liveability’.
These investments include an expanded transport network, waterways and parks, to improve the living environment.
Preparing people through education
MR THARMAN also stressed that the Government will devote resources to building a cohesive, inclusive society.
It will keep fees in educational institutions and worker training schemes affordable, raise their standards, and ensure adequate social safety nets, including on health care.
Dr Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) at the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, says this focus on human development through education and health care is ‘extremely consistent with the basic philosophy of the PAP Government’.
‘Education has been the key to social mobility and progress at the individual and national level,’ she notes.
‘The investment is at all levels - our system of Institute of Technical Education and the polytechnics seek to enhance the prospects of all and not just those with high academic ability, allowing for multiple tracks for success.
‘If we can upgrade early education, that would be a great boost in these efforts,’ she adds.
Education Minister Ng Eng Hen, in his addendum, said expanded higher learning opportunities will boost the number of polytechnic places and help achieve a 30 per cent university participation rate for each cohort by 2015.
This expansion of the tertiary education base is very much in line with the Government’s long-term philosophy, notes Dr Chor.
‘It is very difficult to anticipate in a fast-changing economic environment which specific industries or countries will present growth opportunities,’ he explains.
‘What we can say with more certainty, though, is that enhancing and expanding our country’s human capital is a more robust strategy for ensuring that Singapore will continue to have the talent and skills to identify and leverage on these opportunities as and when they come by.
‘This is also consistent with the vision of developing Singapore into a global city, as a strong educated workforce will help to enhance Singapore’s attractiveness as a hub of business and inventive activity,’ he adds.
But a higher pool of graduates carries with it higher demands for secure jobs and career progression.
Dr Tan observes that one sociological implication of having more graduates is that a larger cohort of Singaporeans would have higher expectations in terms of their professional careers.
Also of concern is the fact that a disproportionate number of those who are unprepared should they lose their jobs are tertiary-educated, a recent IPS survey found.
Some of them are in the middle-income band and would collapse if they were to lose their main source of income.
However, the new Singapore Institute of Applied Technology - which will manage joint degree programmes for polytechnic graduates - and the fourth university will focus on areas like the applied sciences, engineering and health sciences where jobs are expected to be in supply.
Dr Koh notes that the Government is responding to demands to widen access to tertiary studies, but has to ensure Singapore gets quality graduates in fields that will be relevant and that lead to well-paying jobs.
‘There is no guarantee of that in an uncertain world and we do not want disillusionment at the end of it,’ she says.
‘The challenge is to cultivate graduates who can be wealth generators themselves - people ready to create opportunities for themselves - not just salaried men and women.’
Preventing future problems now
LIKEWISE, the setting up of a third medical school and more training places for allied health professionals in the light of the ageing population.
This pre-emptive move has parallels in the Government’s strategy for dealing with health issues.
As Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan puts it: ‘Effective health care starts with prevention.’
Hence the priority placed on health screening and corrective programmes, such as those tackling smoking and obesity - conditions which are likely to give rise to other health problems.
This does not mean cures will be neglected, as resources are being devoted to educate people on making more informed decisions about end-of-life care, and building new capabilities in geriatrics and rehabilitation, as part of an overall approach to preparing for an ageing society.
This thinking that prevention is better than cure, that it is better to pre-empt problems now, is not confined to health.
‘The Singapore style of governance is inherently driven by the innate sense of perpetual vulnerability, and the objective of pre-emptive intervention where necessary so that the problems do not manifest more dangerously,’ says Dr Tan. This often means a holistic, integrated inter-agency - or whole-of-government - approach is applied to issues, as they are deemed most effective ‘if we are to tackle the causes, and not just symptoms, of problems’, he adds.
However, Dr Tan feels a whole-of-society approach should also be embraced if people are to feel they have a stake here.
And on the social side
THE Government has not neglected underlying, broader, social concerns, that may be aggravated by the current slump, in its addenda to the President’s Address.
Running through the various ministries’ programmes is a commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity, and a fair and just society, which the ruling People’s Action Party set out to achieve when it formed the Government 50 years ago in June 1959.
The headings in the various ministers’ addenda bear this out: ‘Providing hope and assurance for the needy’ (Community Development, Youth and Sports); ‘Preparing our children for life’ (Education); ‘Enhancing income security and lifelong employability’ (Manpower); and ‘Providing holistic and affordable health care and elder care’ (Ageing Issues).
Public housing will also remain a key pillar of Singapore’s social security system, with the National Development Ministry increasing the supply of new two-room and three-room flats, and rental flats, for lower-income families.
At the same time, much is being done to cater to a more vocal, informed citizenry.
On the media front, the Government is reconvening the Censorship Review Committee to make recommendations on updating content regulations and policies to allow for more choices in content ‘without compromising racial harmony, social cohesion, and strong family values’.
While the programmes may seem underwhelming to some, the call is being made for citizens to aspire to higher standards and to chip in to contribute to shaping how Singapore turns out in the future.
After all, Singapore remains a work-in-progress.
President Nathan highlighted the need to match a First World infrastructure and environment with gracious behaviour so Singapore becomes a more pleasant society to live in.
And as Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng noted in his comments on population policy, Singaporeans have contributed much to Singapore’s transformation over the past 40 years.
Calling on citizens - old and new - to chip in, he said: ‘Our forefathers and, more recently, the new immigrants have come here because of the promise and potential of Singapore: the promise that any individual who has made Singapore home could realise his or her aspirations, and the promise that Singapore will be a good home for them.’
The ball, it seems, is also in Singaporeans’ court to make sure that this promise and potential exists for the next generation.
I sees ‘nothing ground-breaking or awe-inspiring, in some respects’ about the directions and steps that the Government outlined this week when its agenda was presented via President S R Nathan’s Address at the opening of a new session of Parliament.
However, Assistant Professor Tan found them to be ‘comprehensive in outlining the Government’s priorities, key challenges, and commitment to get things done’.
‘In that sense, it was reassuring because substance in governance - getting things done effectively, efficiently and fairly - is far more important than form,’ he tells Insight.
‘It reaffirms the fundamental ethos of the Government and reiterates that there is no silver bullet in governance, which is always a work-in-progress.’
On Monday, President Nathan made clear that the Government’s immediate priority is to see Singapore through the current economic crisis and help Singaporeans cope.
The Government will help companies stay viable to keep jobs, help workers train for new jobs, and ensure children from lower-income families get opportunities to reach their full potential in education, he stressed.
It will also seek new markets and develop new capabilities in growth sectors.
So while there may appear to be little by way of new or major policy announcements or shifts, the reality is that there are existing strategies which are being fine-tuned.
Over this past week, details were released of a review of existing help schemes to make sure that no one falls through the cracks; two new higher learning institutions; investments in health care and other sectors to prepare for a greying population; and even a review of censorship guidelines to stay in tune as society changes.
These show, at one level, the Government’s preparedness to deal with short-term, urgent issues.
But on another level, there is a sophisticated gearing-up to groom Singapore and its people for the challenges ahead.
Dr Tan, who teaches law at the Singapore Management University (SMU), describes this as a ‘necessary, bifocal perspective’ to governance.
In other words, preparing for the upturn even while managing the severe impact of this recession.
Notes political observer Gillian Koh: ‘The Government thinks long term on the demographic trends, on ensuring long-term social mobility, and yet has said enough in these addenda to suggest that the political will is there to help all who need that little extra to survive the current crisis and eventually ride the long-term wave.’
Looking beyond the downturn
EVEN as President Nathan underlined the Government’s priority of helping to mitigate the negative effects of the recession on Singaporeans, SMU economist Davin Chor finds it noteworthy that he also reiterated the need to focus on long-term strategic issues.
Such a focus aims to position Singapore to succeed in the changed global economic landscape that will emerge once the world economy starts to pick up again.
‘One cannot assume for example that developed countries such as the United States will be vibrant growth engines, and that it will be business as usual once again,’ says Assistant Professor Chor.
‘This long-term perspective has been a trademark of the Singapore Government, and it was a timely reminder not to lose sight of this amid the current downturn,’ he adds.
It must be noted that massive schemes to save jobs and help workers pick up skills - whether to hold on to existing jobs or to better find new ones - have been in place for some months now.
Last December, the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur) began subsidising training for local workers and $650 million has been allocated to it.
Measures have been expanded and refined in response to feedback.
Earlier this month, Spur-Jobs was introduced to give companies a grant of up to $400,000 to hire and hang on to trained local workers by helping them cover costs of such items as job advertisements and recruitment services.
The Government is also spending $4.5 billion on Jobs Credit, which subsidises employers’ wage bill for local workers.
Government-backed loans have also seen a robust take-up rate, with $2.5 billion given out since December last year.
Thus it is no surprise that Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang says in his ministry’s addendum to the President’s Address that the various economic agencies will continue to lend companies a hand so they can better compete globally.
The Government will also step up efforts to help businesses expand in key markets as well as new markets such as in Latin America and Eastern Europe.
And even as the Government uses its strong fiscal position to mitigate the impact of the downturn here, Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam says it is stepping up investments ‘to transform Singapore into a high-capability economy, and a global city that stands out for its liveability’.
These investments include an expanded transport network, waterways and parks, to improve the living environment.
Preparing people through education
MR THARMAN also stressed that the Government will devote resources to building a cohesive, inclusive society.
It will keep fees in educational institutions and worker training schemes affordable, raise their standards, and ensure adequate social safety nets, including on health care.
Dr Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) at the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, says this focus on human development through education and health care is ‘extremely consistent with the basic philosophy of the PAP Government’.
‘Education has been the key to social mobility and progress at the individual and national level,’ she notes.
‘The investment is at all levels - our system of Institute of Technical Education and the polytechnics seek to enhance the prospects of all and not just those with high academic ability, allowing for multiple tracks for success.
‘If we can upgrade early education, that would be a great boost in these efforts,’ she adds.
Education Minister Ng Eng Hen, in his addendum, said expanded higher learning opportunities will boost the number of polytechnic places and help achieve a 30 per cent university participation rate for each cohort by 2015.
This expansion of the tertiary education base is very much in line with the Government’s long-term philosophy, notes Dr Chor.
‘It is very difficult to anticipate in a fast-changing economic environment which specific industries or countries will present growth opportunities,’ he explains.
‘What we can say with more certainty, though, is that enhancing and expanding our country’s human capital is a more robust strategy for ensuring that Singapore will continue to have the talent and skills to identify and leverage on these opportunities as and when they come by.
‘This is also consistent with the vision of developing Singapore into a global city, as a strong educated workforce will help to enhance Singapore’s attractiveness as a hub of business and inventive activity,’ he adds.
But a higher pool of graduates carries with it higher demands for secure jobs and career progression.
Dr Tan observes that one sociological implication of having more graduates is that a larger cohort of Singaporeans would have higher expectations in terms of their professional careers.
Also of concern is the fact that a disproportionate number of those who are unprepared should they lose their jobs are tertiary-educated, a recent IPS survey found.
Some of them are in the middle-income band and would collapse if they were to lose their main source of income.
However, the new Singapore Institute of Applied Technology - which will manage joint degree programmes for polytechnic graduates - and the fourth university will focus on areas like the applied sciences, engineering and health sciences where jobs are expected to be in supply.
Dr Koh notes that the Government is responding to demands to widen access to tertiary studies, but has to ensure Singapore gets quality graduates in fields that will be relevant and that lead to well-paying jobs.
‘There is no guarantee of that in an uncertain world and we do not want disillusionment at the end of it,’ she says.
‘The challenge is to cultivate graduates who can be wealth generators themselves - people ready to create opportunities for themselves - not just salaried men and women.’
Preventing future problems now
LIKEWISE, the setting up of a third medical school and more training places for allied health professionals in the light of the ageing population.
This pre-emptive move has parallels in the Government’s strategy for dealing with health issues.
As Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan puts it: ‘Effective health care starts with prevention.’
Hence the priority placed on health screening and corrective programmes, such as those tackling smoking and obesity - conditions which are likely to give rise to other health problems.
This does not mean cures will be neglected, as resources are being devoted to educate people on making more informed decisions about end-of-life care, and building new capabilities in geriatrics and rehabilitation, as part of an overall approach to preparing for an ageing society.
This thinking that prevention is better than cure, that it is better to pre-empt problems now, is not confined to health.
‘The Singapore style of governance is inherently driven by the innate sense of perpetual vulnerability, and the objective of pre-emptive intervention where necessary so that the problems do not manifest more dangerously,’ says Dr Tan. This often means a holistic, integrated inter-agency - or whole-of-government - approach is applied to issues, as they are deemed most effective ‘if we are to tackle the causes, and not just symptoms, of problems’, he adds.
However, Dr Tan feels a whole-of-society approach should also be embraced if people are to feel they have a stake here.
And on the social side
THE Government has not neglected underlying, broader, social concerns, that may be aggravated by the current slump, in its addenda to the President’s Address.
Running through the various ministries’ programmes is a commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity, and a fair and just society, which the ruling People’s Action Party set out to achieve when it formed the Government 50 years ago in June 1959.
The headings in the various ministers’ addenda bear this out: ‘Providing hope and assurance for the needy’ (Community Development, Youth and Sports); ‘Preparing our children for life’ (Education); ‘Enhancing income security and lifelong employability’ (Manpower); and ‘Providing holistic and affordable health care and elder care’ (Ageing Issues).
Public housing will also remain a key pillar of Singapore’s social security system, with the National Development Ministry increasing the supply of new two-room and three-room flats, and rental flats, for lower-income families.
At the same time, much is being done to cater to a more vocal, informed citizenry.
On the media front, the Government is reconvening the Censorship Review Committee to make recommendations on updating content regulations and policies to allow for more choices in content ‘without compromising racial harmony, social cohesion, and strong family values’.
While the programmes may seem underwhelming to some, the call is being made for citizens to aspire to higher standards and to chip in to contribute to shaping how Singapore turns out in the future.
After all, Singapore remains a work-in-progress.
President Nathan highlighted the need to match a First World infrastructure and environment with gracious behaviour so Singapore becomes a more pleasant society to live in.
And as Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng noted in his comments on population policy, Singaporeans have contributed much to Singapore’s transformation over the past 40 years.
Calling on citizens - old and new - to chip in, he said: ‘Our forefathers and, more recently, the new immigrants have come here because of the promise and potential of Singapore: the promise that any individual who has made Singapore home could realise his or her aspirations, and the promise that Singapore will be a good home for them.’
The ball, it seems, is also in Singaporeans’ court to make sure that this promise and potential exists for the next generation.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Oily Indian food
MP Fatimah Lateef (middle), seen here with President Nathan (second from right) and First Lady (left) and mosque officials at a community event where briyani rice was cooked from scratch.
Who says politicians can't cook?
Besides doing their state duties aside, some of our local politicians actually wieldimpressive culinary skills!
Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State (Community Development, Youth and Sports), is famous for her chicken rice. And late President Mr Ong Teng Cheong whipped up a mean fried rice.
Joining the 'Politicians can cook' club is Dr Fatimah Binte Abdul Lateef, Member ofParliament for Marine Parade GRC, who will share her cooking skills with cookery students in a People's Association class.
She will don the chef's apron on May 30 at Geylang Community Club and churn out Healthy Chicken Briyani, a refreshing salad and kesari (dessert).
Monday, May 18, 2009
Prataman open 11th Parliament with his Speech
Prataman said the government's immediate priority is to see Singapore through this economic crisis.
Opening the second session of the eleventh Parliament on Monday evening, he said the best strategy is still to help companies to stay viable and continue employing workers.
He said Singapore must also keep up the effort to up-skill and re-skill workers to become more employable and productive in a changing economy.
Mr Nathan added that when the financial crisis struck, Singapore was in a strong position because it had made the necessary preparations. It had strengthened its revenue base, budgeted within its means and accumulated reserves for a rainy day.
This allowed the country to take decisive measures such as implementing the SPUR scheme and the Resilience Package to help companies and workers to save jobs.
Mr Nathan said that when the economic crisis clears, the world will be changed, with a growing consensus that it is in for an extended period of slow growth.
He added that economic troubles could have social and political consequences too, as there have been strikes and large demonstrations held in Europe. While such economic woes have not led to serious tensions between countries, this could happen.
Mr Nathan said that relations among ASEAN remain good, although several ASEAN countries are preoccupied with domestic problems and priorities.
He added that Singapore will face a challenging environment in the aftermath of the economic crisis, as the redrawn global landscape will be less benign and predictable.
President Nathan added that Singapore needs to review specific strategies for growing different sectors of the economy to adapt to the changed environment. So it will have to develop new markets, adapt to changing trends and master new capabilities in manufacturing, services and other emerging industries.
Singapore must also consider new factors such as reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions to achieve sustainable development and stay ahead as an Asian country with a high quality of life.
But even as Singapore promotes economic growth, it must also strengthen social cohesion.
President Nathan said for lower-skilled, less-educated workers, the government will continue to help them and their families. They will be trained, while their children will get every opportunity to reach their full potential in education.
President Nathan said that Singapore must also bring in new people with diverse skills and experiences to contribute to the economy and society, and help grow the population in the long run.
While he hoped that Singaporeans will appreciate the contributions of non-citizens and new citizens, newcomers must also make the effort to integrate into the society.
On the health front, he said that Singapore must respond to the threat of the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus as rationally, vigorously and cohesively as it did to SARS.
As for Mas Selamat's recent recapture, Mr Nathan said it reminded Singapore to continue building trust and confidence between the different communities through the Community Engagement Programme.
President Nathan added that the recent AWARE saga also highlighted the need for all groups to practise tolerance, restraint and mutual respect and that Singaporeans must remain cohesive and continue to build a common Singaporean identity with each new generation.
He also said that education is key to Singapore's future. Singapore will be strengthening its higher education sector to meet growing aspirations, and train the skilled professional and creative manpower needed.
Two new institutions will be created. The first will be a new institute which will partner foreign universities that offer degree courses to open more direct routes for polytechnic graduates to obtain degrees.
The second will be a new university, which will be set up in close partnership with one leading university each from the US and China.
On the international front, President Nathan said that Singapore's diplomacy must adjust to new realities. While the US will continue to be the leading power in the world, China and India will play growing roles in Asia.
Hence, stable relations between the US and China will be vital to solving many international issues and to integrating an emerging Asia into the global community.
The President said that Singapore must also participate actively at international forums like the UN and IMF, and do its part in international efforts to further the common interests of nations.
He added that Singapore will continue to build the 3rd generation SAF to defend Singapore, and contribute to regional security.
In creating a first class home, President Nathan said that it is not enough to have a first-world infrastructure and environment. Singapore should have people who are courteous to one another and welcoming to visitors and new citizens. They should also be worthy ambassadors of Singapore overseas.
He added that standards of social behaviour must be raised to make Singapore a more pleasant place to live in.
On Singapore's political system, President Nathan said that for it to continue working well, the country must find outstanding, younger men and women to lead the nation.
He added that Singapore can continue to deliver high quality government, provided it keeps its system up-to-date and the leaders stay in touch with new trends and a new electorate.
President Nathan said that Singapore has come a long way since 1959 when it became a self-governing state. Its success has been the result of right policies, good government and a united people.
He said that the present situation is graver than any experienced before, but Singapore is well prepared for it. It has been through crises before and always emerged stronger, and this adversity is another opportunity to temper and bond the people.
He called on Singaporeans to build on "what we have achieved, coming through with flying colours once more, and making Singapore shine as a country where we work and play together, overcome challenges shoulder to shoulder, and build our future as one people". - CNA
He is working!
Opening the second session of the eleventh Parliament on Monday evening, he said the best strategy is still to help companies to stay viable and continue employing workers.
He said Singapore must also keep up the effort to up-skill and re-skill workers to become more employable and productive in a changing economy.
Mr Nathan added that when the financial crisis struck, Singapore was in a strong position because it had made the necessary preparations. It had strengthened its revenue base, budgeted within its means and accumulated reserves for a rainy day.
This allowed the country to take decisive measures such as implementing the SPUR scheme and the Resilience Package to help companies and workers to save jobs.
Mr Nathan said that when the economic crisis clears, the world will be changed, with a growing consensus that it is in for an extended period of slow growth.
He added that economic troubles could have social and political consequences too, as there have been strikes and large demonstrations held in Europe. While such economic woes have not led to serious tensions between countries, this could happen.
Mr Nathan said that relations among ASEAN remain good, although several ASEAN countries are preoccupied with domestic problems and priorities.
He added that Singapore will face a challenging environment in the aftermath of the economic crisis, as the redrawn global landscape will be less benign and predictable.
President Nathan added that Singapore needs to review specific strategies for growing different sectors of the economy to adapt to the changed environment. So it will have to develop new markets, adapt to changing trends and master new capabilities in manufacturing, services and other emerging industries.
Singapore must also consider new factors such as reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions to achieve sustainable development and stay ahead as an Asian country with a high quality of life.
But even as Singapore promotes economic growth, it must also strengthen social cohesion.
President Nathan said for lower-skilled, less-educated workers, the government will continue to help them and their families. They will be trained, while their children will get every opportunity to reach their full potential in education.
President Nathan said that Singapore must also bring in new people with diverse skills and experiences to contribute to the economy and society, and help grow the population in the long run.
While he hoped that Singaporeans will appreciate the contributions of non-citizens and new citizens, newcomers must also make the effort to integrate into the society.
On the health front, he said that Singapore must respond to the threat of the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus as rationally, vigorously and cohesively as it did to SARS.
As for Mas Selamat's recent recapture, Mr Nathan said it reminded Singapore to continue building trust and confidence between the different communities through the Community Engagement Programme.
President Nathan added that the recent AWARE saga also highlighted the need for all groups to practise tolerance, restraint and mutual respect and that Singaporeans must remain cohesive and continue to build a common Singaporean identity with each new generation.
He also said that education is key to Singapore's future. Singapore will be strengthening its higher education sector to meet growing aspirations, and train the skilled professional and creative manpower needed.
Two new institutions will be created. The first will be a new institute which will partner foreign universities that offer degree courses to open more direct routes for polytechnic graduates to obtain degrees.
The second will be a new university, which will be set up in close partnership with one leading university each from the US and China.
On the international front, President Nathan said that Singapore's diplomacy must adjust to new realities. While the US will continue to be the leading power in the world, China and India will play growing roles in Asia.
Hence, stable relations between the US and China will be vital to solving many international issues and to integrating an emerging Asia into the global community.
The President said that Singapore must also participate actively at international forums like the UN and IMF, and do its part in international efforts to further the common interests of nations.
He added that Singapore will continue to build the 3rd generation SAF to defend Singapore, and contribute to regional security.
In creating a first class home, President Nathan said that it is not enough to have a first-world infrastructure and environment. Singapore should have people who are courteous to one another and welcoming to visitors and new citizens. They should also be worthy ambassadors of Singapore overseas.
He added that standards of social behaviour must be raised to make Singapore a more pleasant place to live in.
On Singapore's political system, President Nathan said that for it to continue working well, the country must find outstanding, younger men and women to lead the nation.
He added that Singapore can continue to deliver high quality government, provided it keeps its system up-to-date and the leaders stay in touch with new trends and a new electorate.
President Nathan said that Singapore has come a long way since 1959 when it became a self-governing state. Its success has been the result of right policies, good government and a united people.
He said that the present situation is graver than any experienced before, but Singapore is well prepared for it. It has been through crises before and always emerged stronger, and this adversity is another opportunity to temper and bond the people.
He called on Singaporeans to build on "what we have achieved, coming through with flying colours once more, and making Singapore shine as a country where we work and play together, overcome challenges shoulder to shoulder, and build our future as one people". - CNA
He is working!
The end of Tamil Tigers
Sri Lanka – Following more than a quarter-century of civil war, Sri Lanka faces the daunting task of trying to reconcile and rebuild after its troops routed the last Tamil Tiger separatist rebels Monday and killed their feared leader.
One of the world's most sophisticated insurgencies, the Tamil Tigers and their leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, were brought down by a string of fatal misjudgments and an unrelenting government onslaught aimed at crushing the rebellion at all costs.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who plans to officially declare victory Tuesday in a speech to parliament, has promised a power sharing deal with the Tamil minority. But the end of the war, which killed more than 70,000 people and displaced 265,000 others, could complicate efforts to forge a lasting peace.
The destruction of the rebels' conventional forces does not mean the threat is over. Insurgents hiding in the jungles of the east have emerged periodically to attack government forces and civilians, and the rebels had sleeper cells planted in Colombo and other towns.
The Tamil Tigers also retain a vast international smuggling network and the financial support of some of the 800,000 Tamil expatriates. At least one top rebel leader, Selvarasa Pathmanathan, the reputed smuggling mastermind, remains at large.
"Now (there) is a historic opportunity, and hopefully things will change. But the demonstrable record so far is not particularly encouraging," said Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, a political analyst and executive director of the Colombo-based Center for Policy Alternatives.
In Washington, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said the U.S. is "relieved that the immense loss of life and killing of innocent civilians appears to be over," and he urged Sri Lanka to build a tolerant society and help those hurt by the fighting.
While Velupillai Prabhakaran (Ve-LU-pi-lay PRAH-bah-ka-ran) was a hero to some, his group was branded a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union. It was accused of waging hundreds of suicide attacks, including the 1991 assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and forcibly recruiting child soldiers.
In recent months, government forces ousted the rebels from their stronghold in the north and cornered the retreating fighters in a tiny strip along the northeast coast.
On Monday morning, the troops closed in, the military said.
Prabhakaran and his deputies drove an armor-plated van accompanied by a bus filled with rebel fighters toward the tightening cordon, sparking a two-hour firefight, two military officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.
Troops eventually fired a rocket at the van, ending the battle, and pulled out Prabhakaran's body as well as those of Soosai, his naval commander, and Pottu Amman, his feared intelligence chief, the officials said. Prabhakaran's son, Charles Anthony, was also killed, along with 250 rebel fighters, the military said.
State television broke into its regular programming to announce Prabhakaran's death, and Rajapaksa confirmed the news in a phone call to India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Indian foreign affairs spokesman Vishnu Prakash said.
"We can announce very responsibly that we have liberated the whole country from terrorism," army chief Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka said.
Fonseka and the commanders of the other security forces formally informed Rajapaksa in a televised ceremony Monday evening. They were then promptly promoted.
The chubby Prabhakaran turned what was little more than a street gang in the late 1970s into one of the world's most feared insurgencies, fighting for an independence for minority Tamils after years of marginalization at the hands of the Sinhalese majority.
He demanded unwavering loyalty, gave his followers vials of cyanide to bite in case of capture, and created a suicide squad known as the Black Tigers.
Full-fledged war broke out in 1983 after the rebels killed 13 soldiers in an ambush, sparking anti-Tamil riots that human rights groups say killed as many as 2,000 people.
At the height of his power, Prabhakaran controlled a virtual country in the north that had its own border control, police force, tax system and law school. He commanded a rebel army of thousands backed by artillery, a navy and a nascent air force.
Prabhakaran was renowned as a master strategist, but made a series of fatal miscalculations that eventually proved his downfall. The assassination of Gandhi alienated his supporters in India, where millions of Tamils live. His stubborn line during negotiations convinced the government it could never reach a peace deal, and a Tamil boycott he enforced in the 2005 election ensured victory for the hard-line Rajapaksa, who later vowed to destroy the rebels.
The Tamil Tigers were also badly weakened when their top commander in the east defected along with thousands of fighters.
The divergent reactions to the rebel defeat highlighted the challenge Sri Lanka faces in healing its scars. State TV played Sinhalese nationalist songs and many Sinhalese poured into the streets in celebration.
On the beaches surrounding the southern port city of Galle, overjoyed Sri Lankans ignited chains of firecrackers. Groups of motorbike riders raced through the city streets, waving flags. As night fell on the nearby beach town of Unawatuna, a group of 30 children paraded near the beach, banging homemade drums and singing.
"We are happy today to see the end of that ruthless terrorist organization and its heartless leader. We can live in peace after this," said Lal Hettige, 47, a Sinhalese businessman.
But Tamils feared the government would not be magnanimous in victory.
"The general triumphalist mood is only an indication that Tamils may never get their due place," said S. Prasanna, a sales representative.
Many other Tamils refused to speak on the record after what they said was years of police raids, harassment, arbitrary detentions and even abductions.
"I believe the arrests and detentions will only increase from now on," a 34-year-old Tamil businessman said. "The government will be suspicious with everybody, thinking the Tigers may have come out and mingled with the civilians."
Though Rajapaksa promised political compromise, the defeat of the rebels leaves a vacuum in the Tamil leadership.
Prabhakaran killed many community leaders seen as a challenge to his authority. Others moved abroad, while many of those who remained active in politics either allied themselves with the government or were linked to the rebels and effectively sidelined.
The bloody end to the war could also complicate peace efforts.
Diplomats had appealed for a humanitarian truce to safeguard civilians trapped in the war zone, but the government refused.
The battle killed at least 7,000 Tamil civilians and wounded 16,000 between January and May 7, according to the United Nations. Health officials said more than 1,000 others were killed in heavy shelling in the last week of fighting.
EU foreign ministers called Monday for an independent war crimes investigation into the deaths, declaring: "Those accountable must be brought to justice."
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Prataman called to work
The Singapore government will outline some of its key priorities for the remaining term of office when President S.R. Nathan opens the second session of its 11th Parliament tomorrow at 8.30pm.
Top on the agenda, according to political watchers, will be steps the government will take to help Singaporeans ride out the economic downturn and rally Singaporeans to work hand in hand with the government to tackle this crisis.
The government has already announced some key measures among them, the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR), the Jobs Credit Scheme and measures to help small and medium enterprises get financing from banks and financial institutions.
Following the President's address, the various ministries are expected to release their addenda to the speech.
These addenda will outline some of the key plans for the coming period.
Such plans are expected to take into account the prevailing economic conditions and various global developments like the latest outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus, the on-going challenges to defeat terrorism and Singapore's preparations for various major events like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in November this year and the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.
Parliament will debate the President's address during the week of May 25.
Top on the agenda, according to political watchers, will be steps the government will take to help Singaporeans ride out the economic downturn and rally Singaporeans to work hand in hand with the government to tackle this crisis.
The government has already announced some key measures among them, the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR), the Jobs Credit Scheme and measures to help small and medium enterprises get financing from banks and financial institutions.
Following the President's address, the various ministries are expected to release their addenda to the speech.
These addenda will outline some of the key plans for the coming period.
Such plans are expected to take into account the prevailing economic conditions and various global developments like the latest outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus, the on-going challenges to defeat terrorism and Singapore's preparations for various major events like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in November this year and the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.
Parliament will debate the President's address during the week of May 25.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Prataman's Japan Trip Round Up
His Excellency Mr. S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore, and Mrs. S R Nathan paid a visit to Japan as State Guests from May 9 (Saturday) to 16 (Saturday), 2009. (They were received as State Guests from May 11 to 15, 2009 according to the Cabinet Decision on April 10, 2009.)
This was the first state visit to Japan in history by the President of Singapore. Following the visit by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Singapore in 2006, the state visit by President Nathan this time signifies the amicable relations between Japan and Singapore, and that both nations recognize each other as valuable partners.
President Nathan and his delegation enhanced the interest between the people of Japan and Singapore, and further promoted exchanges through their visit this time. President Nathan deepened his friendship with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress as well as with Prime Minister Taro Aso. In addition, His Excellency Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, as a member of the official suite, held a Japan-Singapore Foreign Ministerial Meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirofumi Nakasone, while the delegation exchanged views with Japanese Diet members.
State Guests and Official Suite from Singapore
Led by President S R Nathan and his wife Mrs. S R Nathan, the delegation from Singapore was comprised of ten official suite members including Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yong-Boon Yeo and his wife Mrs. Jennifer Yeo, Senior Minister of State of the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education Grace Fu, Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli, and Members of Parliament Mr. Charles Chong and Mr. Seah Kian Peng.
Itinerary
(1) As State Guest, President Nathan attended the Welcoming Ceremony held at the Imperial Palace, made a State Call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, attended a State Banquet held at the Imperial Palace, as well as paid a visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the House of Councillors, received a farewell call by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and received a courtesy visit by Prime Minister Taro Aso at the State Guest House.
(2) Other events they attended included the honorary doctorate conferment ceremony at Keio University, the dinner hosted by the Japan-Singapore Parliamentary Friendship League, the dinner co-hosted by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City and Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the dinner co-hosted by Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City and Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the luncheon with the Hiroshima Singapore Association (HSA). Moreover, the delegation paid visits to Panasonic Center Tokyo, Urasenke Tradition of Tea, Sento Gosho (Sento Imperial Palace), Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine.
(3) In addition, an event with the Singaporean community in Japan, a dinner inviting Japanese nationals related to Singapore and a luncheon inviting Japanese nationals that had been received awards by Singapore were hosted in Tokyo during their visit.
This was the first state visit to Japan in history by the President of Singapore. Following the visit by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Singapore in 2006, the state visit by President Nathan this time signifies the amicable relations between Japan and Singapore, and that both nations recognize each other as valuable partners.
President Nathan and his delegation enhanced the interest between the people of Japan and Singapore, and further promoted exchanges through their visit this time. President Nathan deepened his friendship with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress as well as with Prime Minister Taro Aso. In addition, His Excellency Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, as a member of the official suite, held a Japan-Singapore Foreign Ministerial Meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirofumi Nakasone, while the delegation exchanged views with Japanese Diet members.
State Guests and Official Suite from Singapore
Led by President S R Nathan and his wife Mrs. S R Nathan, the delegation from Singapore was comprised of ten official suite members including Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yong-Boon Yeo and his wife Mrs. Jennifer Yeo, Senior Minister of State of the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education Grace Fu, Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli, and Members of Parliament Mr. Charles Chong and Mr. Seah Kian Peng.
Itinerary
(1) As State Guest, President Nathan attended the Welcoming Ceremony held at the Imperial Palace, made a State Call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, attended a State Banquet held at the Imperial Palace, as well as paid a visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the House of Councillors, received a farewell call by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and received a courtesy visit by Prime Minister Taro Aso at the State Guest House.
(2) Other events they attended included the honorary doctorate conferment ceremony at Keio University, the dinner hosted by the Japan-Singapore Parliamentary Friendship League, the dinner co-hosted by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City and Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the dinner co-hosted by Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City and Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the luncheon with the Hiroshima Singapore Association (HSA). Moreover, the delegation paid visits to Panasonic Center Tokyo, Urasenke Tradition of Tea, Sento Gosho (Sento Imperial Palace), Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine.
(3) In addition, an event with the Singaporean community in Japan, a dinner inviting Japanese nationals related to Singapore and a luncheon inviting Japanese nationals that had been received awards by Singapore were hosted in Tokyo during their visit.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Indian billionaire has big plans here
More Rich Fuckers are Here!
INDIAN billionaire Bhupendra Kumar Modi moved into his $15.46 million penthouse at Marina Bay yesterday and immediately set about unpacking some ambitious plans for his new home country.
The founder and chairman of conglomerate Spice Group – it has interests in telecommunications, technology, financial services and entertainment – has set up two funds worth more than $100 million to invest here.
The tycoon also wants to open a 24/7 ‘Hollywood meets Bollywood’ entertainment centre at one of two floating crystal pavilions coming up at the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.
Speaking to The Straits Times at his 63rd storey apartment at The Sail @ Marina Bay, Dr Modi said he plans to spend ‘tens of millions’ on the project and is in talks with Sands to either buy or lease a pavilion.
‘We are getting designers from Hollywood and from Bollywood to design it,’ he said, adding that the IR could use his design or do its own.
But the idea is to entice Hollywood and Bollywood stars to entertain crowds here on a regular basis.
Dr Modi, 60, also owns a film production company and wants to attract directors. Indian star Anil Kapoor has been lined up to act in a movie to be shot here.
The businessman, who relocated the global headquarters of Mumbai-based Spice Corp to Singapore last year, said he is here to stay.
His new home sprawls across 5,834 sq ft and has spectacular Marina Bay views that match the apartment’s colour scheme of cream and baby blue.
Everything in the apartment – from the interior design, custom-made furniture, prints, paintings and even the coffee-table books in the living room – was planned by a design team from Beverly Hills, where he was based previously.
An integrated high-tech system ensures round-the-clock entertainment at a click.
Dr Modi is moving here with his family, but says his son Dilip, 33, who is the group president for global operations at Spice Corp, wants to stay on his own at a family owned apartment in The Claymore, a condominium in the Orchard Road area.
Dr Modi bought the The Sail apartment last August, but his investment took a huge hit with the slump in the property market here.
Unfazed, he said: ‘It is a home. I am not here to sell it. I will be using it also to entertain people. That way, I can justify the cost.’
Dr Modi plans to hold meetings as well as parties at his penthouse. He even broached the idea of inviting girl band Pussycat Dolls to a party, although he does not know them personally.
While Dr Modi himself expects to spend about 100 days a year in Singapore, his penthouse – ‘like a hotel suite’ and a 24/7 entertainment zone – will be open 365 days of the year to friends, business associates and celebrities, he said.
Dr Modi said that his two new funds involve nuts and bolts investment strategy and their share of risk-taking.
One fund is a special-situation real estate vehicle. This will target half-completed projects here or projects that are delayed due to a lack of funds.
‘The world is going through a special situation…you need people to take special risks,’ he said. ‘We are looking for 25 per cent returns…high risks, high returns. We are not looking for immediate returns. We are willing to wait two, three years.’
His team is assessing about 20 possible projects. Dr Modi said they are keen on joint ventures, and Marina Bay Sands is certainly on his radar screen.
He also said he is discussing a deal to buy a residential building in the eastern part of Singapore.
The other fund will focus on investment in entertainment.
‘Singapore is very much the right place for me,’ said Dr Modi. It is cosmopolitan, secular, very secure, has a growing population, well-connected.’
INDIAN billionaire Bhupendra Kumar Modi moved into his $15.46 million penthouse at Marina Bay yesterday and immediately set about unpacking some ambitious plans for his new home country.
The founder and chairman of conglomerate Spice Group – it has interests in telecommunications, technology, financial services and entertainment – has set up two funds worth more than $100 million to invest here.
The tycoon also wants to open a 24/7 ‘Hollywood meets Bollywood’ entertainment centre at one of two floating crystal pavilions coming up at the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.
Speaking to The Straits Times at his 63rd storey apartment at The Sail @ Marina Bay, Dr Modi said he plans to spend ‘tens of millions’ on the project and is in talks with Sands to either buy or lease a pavilion.
‘We are getting designers from Hollywood and from Bollywood to design it,’ he said, adding that the IR could use his design or do its own.
But the idea is to entice Hollywood and Bollywood stars to entertain crowds here on a regular basis.
Dr Modi, 60, also owns a film production company and wants to attract directors. Indian star Anil Kapoor has been lined up to act in a movie to be shot here.
The businessman, who relocated the global headquarters of Mumbai-based Spice Corp to Singapore last year, said he is here to stay.
His new home sprawls across 5,834 sq ft and has spectacular Marina Bay views that match the apartment’s colour scheme of cream and baby blue.
Everything in the apartment – from the interior design, custom-made furniture, prints, paintings and even the coffee-table books in the living room – was planned by a design team from Beverly Hills, where he was based previously.
An integrated high-tech system ensures round-the-clock entertainment at a click.
Dr Modi is moving here with his family, but says his son Dilip, 33, who is the group president for global operations at Spice Corp, wants to stay on his own at a family owned apartment in The Claymore, a condominium in the Orchard Road area.
Dr Modi bought the The Sail apartment last August, but his investment took a huge hit with the slump in the property market here.
Unfazed, he said: ‘It is a home. I am not here to sell it. I will be using it also to entertain people. That way, I can justify the cost.’
Dr Modi plans to hold meetings as well as parties at his penthouse. He even broached the idea of inviting girl band Pussycat Dolls to a party, although he does not know them personally.
While Dr Modi himself expects to spend about 100 days a year in Singapore, his penthouse – ‘like a hotel suite’ and a 24/7 entertainment zone – will be open 365 days of the year to friends, business associates and celebrities, he said.
Dr Modi said that his two new funds involve nuts and bolts investment strategy and their share of risk-taking.
One fund is a special-situation real estate vehicle. This will target half-completed projects here or projects that are delayed due to a lack of funds.
‘The world is going through a special situation…you need people to take special risks,’ he said. ‘We are looking for 25 per cent returns…high risks, high returns. We are not looking for immediate returns. We are willing to wait two, three years.’
His team is assessing about 20 possible projects. Dr Modi said they are keen on joint ventures, and Marina Bay Sands is certainly on his radar screen.
He also said he is discussing a deal to buy a residential building in the eastern part of Singapore.
The other fund will focus on investment in entertainment.
‘Singapore is very much the right place for me,’ said Dr Modi. It is cosmopolitan, secular, very secure, has a growing population, well-connected.’
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ah nehs cry racist by airline
Indian flyers complain of 'racist' treatment by Air France
The Statesman/Asia News Network
Complaining of a "harrowing time", over 50 Indian passengers flying Air France yesterday said they were confined to a small airport lounge in Paris for several hours without food and water after their aircraft developed a snag and alleged they were victims of "racial" profiling, a charge denied by the airlines.
After arriving in India late May 11, passengers alleged they were confined to a small lounge at Charles de Gaulle airport from 10pm on May 10 until 7am the following morning with hardly any food and water.
This was after their aircraft, which took off from the French capital with 169 passengers and 12 crew on board, developed a technical problem and returned to the airport after a four-hour flight. The passengers complained that they were victims of racial profiling, as while non-Indian passengers were taken to hotels shortly after their plane returned to the airport, Indian passengers were left to spend the whole night in the lounge.
They said they had to sleep on the floor near the immigration counter and were just given a bottle of water and a sandwich each.
"We were kept in a room with no food or water and we were told we could not leave. We spent a whole night over there in that condition," Vineeta Sengupta, a passenger who was on board flight AF-218, said.
"No one would have been treated the way we were treated," she said adding "we were made to sleep on the floor".
Another passenger claimed officials there had even threatened that they would be handed over to the police if they did not stop protesting. "When we said we would complain, one of the officials looked at me, up and down, and then said that we could complain if we wanted to. It is very shameful that we were treated like this," one of the passenger said.
The passengers, 54 in all, were later taken out of the airport on a group visa as being in transit they did not have a visa for Paris.
Refuting the allegations, the airlines said in a statement here that "passengers were taken care of by the Air France ground staff who spoke fluent English and passengers were also provided with food and water".
It said the pilot while en route from Paris to Mumbai noticed some vibrations from the cargo hold of the Airbus A-330, carrying 169 passengers and 12 crew members. The plane returned to Paris where it was checked but "no abnormalities were found".
While passengers with valid transit visas were put up at nearby hotels for the night, the airline staff mediated with the immigration authorities to issue transit visas to those who did not have them. This turned out to be a time consuming process, the airline said, adding that all passengers were sent to Mumbai by another aircraft the next day.
The Statesman/Asia News Network
Complaining of a "harrowing time", over 50 Indian passengers flying Air France yesterday said they were confined to a small airport lounge in Paris for several hours without food and water after their aircraft developed a snag and alleged they were victims of "racial" profiling, a charge denied by the airlines.
After arriving in India late May 11, passengers alleged they were confined to a small lounge at Charles de Gaulle airport from 10pm on May 10 until 7am the following morning with hardly any food and water.
This was after their aircraft, which took off from the French capital with 169 passengers and 12 crew on board, developed a technical problem and returned to the airport after a four-hour flight. The passengers complained that they were victims of racial profiling, as while non-Indian passengers were taken to hotels shortly after their plane returned to the airport, Indian passengers were left to spend the whole night in the lounge.
They said they had to sleep on the floor near the immigration counter and were just given a bottle of water and a sandwich each.
"We were kept in a room with no food or water and we were told we could not leave. We spent a whole night over there in that condition," Vineeta Sengupta, a passenger who was on board flight AF-218, said.
"No one would have been treated the way we were treated," she said adding "we were made to sleep on the floor".
Another passenger claimed officials there had even threatened that they would be handed over to the police if they did not stop protesting. "When we said we would complain, one of the officials looked at me, up and down, and then said that we could complain if we wanted to. It is very shameful that we were treated like this," one of the passenger said.
The passengers, 54 in all, were later taken out of the airport on a group visa as being in transit they did not have a visa for Paris.
Refuting the allegations, the airlines said in a statement here that "passengers were taken care of by the Air France ground staff who spoke fluent English and passengers were also provided with food and water".
It said the pilot while en route from Paris to Mumbai noticed some vibrations from the cargo hold of the Airbus A-330, carrying 169 passengers and 12 crew members. The plane returned to Paris where it was checked but "no abnormalities were found".
While passengers with valid transit visas were put up at nearby hotels for the night, the airline staff mediated with the immigration authorities to issue transit visas to those who did not have them. This turned out to be a time consuming process, the airline said, adding that all passengers were sent to Mumbai by another aircraft the next day.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ah Neh guard tries to save girl but drown
A MALAYSIAN security guard, who jumped into the Singapore River to save an intoxicated woman, drowned because of his 'courageous' effort, a coroner said yesterday.
On Dec 19 last year, Mr Saran Saunthara Pandian, 19, was patrolling the Riverside View apartments at Robertson Quay when he heard Ms Nur Iffah Osman, 24, shouting for help after she fell into the river some time past 2am.
At a coroner's inquiry into his drowning, the court heard that earlier on, Ms Iffah had met some friends at dbl O pub in Mohamed Sultan Road. Her younger sister was also there.
At around 2am, Ms Iffah asked Mr Zulkifli Ramli, 21, her sister's boyfriend, to accompany her to a nearby 7-Eleven to get some drinks, but she changed her mind and wanted to sit somewhere for a talk. Both then walked to the staircase leading to the river where they sat and chatted. Ten minutes later, Mr Zulkifli decided to call his girlfriend. As he walked up the stairway, he heard Ms Iffah shout for help, followed by a splash.
She was said to have stood up to call her former boyfriend, but lost her balance and fell into the river. A poor swimmer, Mr Zulkifli rushed to the platform of the staircase and stretched out his hand to her while shouting for help.
Mr Saran then appeared and, after removing his shoes and walkie-talkie, jumped into the river to save the woman.
Ms Iffah managed to swim towards Mr Zulkifli and grab his hand. She was pulled to safety.
On realising that Mr Saran was struggling and shouting for help, Mr Zulkifli raised the alarm and used Ms Iffah's cellphone to call the police. He then helped Ms Iffah, who was believed to be in shock, to get a taxi to go to her friend's home. He then went to find her sister.
Later, navy divers tried to look for Mr Saran, but to no avail. His body was found the next day floating near Tan Tye Place near Clarke Quay.
Mr Saran's parents and elder brother, Vijih, 23, also a security guard in the same company, were in court yesterday for the inquiry. Vijih said his brother was a friendly and helpful person, and had been working in Singapore for only seven to eight months. He added that his parents still could not get over his brother's death.
Brave Ah neh!
On Dec 19 last year, Mr Saran Saunthara Pandian, 19, was patrolling the Riverside View apartments at Robertson Quay when he heard Ms Nur Iffah Osman, 24, shouting for help after she fell into the river some time past 2am.
At a coroner's inquiry into his drowning, the court heard that earlier on, Ms Iffah had met some friends at dbl O pub in Mohamed Sultan Road. Her younger sister was also there.
At around 2am, Ms Iffah asked Mr Zulkifli Ramli, 21, her sister's boyfriend, to accompany her to a nearby 7-Eleven to get some drinks, but she changed her mind and wanted to sit somewhere for a talk. Both then walked to the staircase leading to the river where they sat and chatted. Ten minutes later, Mr Zulkifli decided to call his girlfriend. As he walked up the stairway, he heard Ms Iffah shout for help, followed by a splash.
She was said to have stood up to call her former boyfriend, but lost her balance and fell into the river. A poor swimmer, Mr Zulkifli rushed to the platform of the staircase and stretched out his hand to her while shouting for help.
Mr Saran then appeared and, after removing his shoes and walkie-talkie, jumped into the river to save the woman.
Ms Iffah managed to swim towards Mr Zulkifli and grab his hand. She was pulled to safety.
On realising that Mr Saran was struggling and shouting for help, Mr Zulkifli raised the alarm and used Ms Iffah's cellphone to call the police. He then helped Ms Iffah, who was believed to be in shock, to get a taxi to go to her friend's home. He then went to find her sister.
Later, navy divers tried to look for Mr Saran, but to no avail. His body was found the next day floating near Tan Tye Place near Clarke Quay.
Mr Saran's parents and elder brother, Vijih, 23, also a security guard in the same company, were in court yesterday for the inquiry. Vijih said his brother was a friendly and helpful person, and had been working in Singapore for only seven to eight months. He added that his parents still could not get over his brother's death.
Brave Ah neh!
Prataman gets Doc Award in Japan
Singapore President SR Nathan has been conferred an honorary doctorate by Tokyo's Keio University.
He accepted the award on the fourth day of his week-long state visit to Japan.
Professor Yuichi Anzai, president of Keio University, presented President Nathan an honorary degree of Doctor of Media and Governance.
It was given in recognition of his outstanding and significant contribution to ties with Japan and beyond the region.
Known for his proficiency in Japanese, President Nathan addressed the audience briefly in the local language.
"Distinguished guest, I express my appreciation from my heart for this honour. Thank you," Mr Nathan said in Japanese.
Singaporean universities have exchange relations with various Japanese universities, among them Keio University.
Keio is one of Japan's prestigious private universities with a history of 150 years. The hall where the award ceremony took place is regarded as Japan's oldest hall dedicated to public speech.
There, Mr Nathan looked back at Japan's milestones, including the economic difficulties faced in the last two decades.
He said: "As Japan has done, time again, since the Meiji era and after World War II, my call to young Japanese is to go out again into the world that is marked by technological innovations and scientific discoveries and profound change.
"Bring back ideas to revitalize your country and your economy and take the next economic leap that Japan must endeavour to re-establish its pre-eminence among the leading nations of Asia in the 21st century."
Earlier Tuesday, President Nathan met Japanese lawmakers and business executives, who had received awards from him on National Day.
He accepted the award on the fourth day of his week-long state visit to Japan.
Professor Yuichi Anzai, president of Keio University, presented President Nathan an honorary degree of Doctor of Media and Governance.
It was given in recognition of his outstanding and significant contribution to ties with Japan and beyond the region.
Known for his proficiency in Japanese, President Nathan addressed the audience briefly in the local language.
"Distinguished guest, I express my appreciation from my heart for this honour. Thank you," Mr Nathan said in Japanese.
Singaporean universities have exchange relations with various Japanese universities, among them Keio University.
Keio is one of Japan's prestigious private universities with a history of 150 years. The hall where the award ceremony took place is regarded as Japan's oldest hall dedicated to public speech.
There, Mr Nathan looked back at Japan's milestones, including the economic difficulties faced in the last two decades.
He said: "As Japan has done, time again, since the Meiji era and after World War II, my call to young Japanese is to go out again into the world that is marked by technological innovations and scientific discoveries and profound change.
"Bring back ideas to revitalize your country and your economy and take the next economic leap that Japan must endeavour to re-establish its pre-eminence among the leading nations of Asia in the 21st century."
Earlier Tuesday, President Nathan met Japanese lawmakers and business executives, who had received awards from him on National Day.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Top India writer carries MM Lee's Balls
One of India's most prominent businessmen, Narayana Murthy, has said the accountability of India's political system must be improved for the country to move forward.
His comments came as the country is holding the world's largest democratic elections.
Mr Murthy, the founder of IT company Infosys, was in Singapore to launch a book.
Nasdaq-listed Infosys employs about 100,000 people in 22 countries. But its founder lives in a three-bedroom house and drives a 1.5-litre Opel Astra. Mr Murthy does not watch TV nor party.
He said the reason he started business is because as a young man, entrepreneurship was the best way he could serve his community.
And he said Minister Mentor Lee is his hero.
"Singapore is a real example of a country that has transformed herself from a third world country to a first world country in my own lifetime. All in, an environment of peace and harmony in a multicultural world, thanks of course to a cadre of aspirational and value-based leadership which has indeed led by example," said Mr Murthy.
"Singapore serves as a great example for all countries, both developing and developed. I'm so happy that my hero, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, is releasing the book here in Singapore," he added.
Mr Murthy believes the transparency and accountability of India's political system must be improved for the country to move forward.
And these are some of the views detailed in his book titled "A Better India: A Better World", which was launched by Minister Mentor Lee on Monday.
Mr Lee said: "There are limitations in the Indian constitutional system and the Indian political system that prevents it from going at high speed.
"I did not realise it until we engaged India closely. Since then we have realised that whatever the political leadership may want to do, it must go through a very complex system at the centre, and then even a more complex system in the various states.
"And the amount of work that is on the shoulders of these Ministers makes it necessary for each man, each Minister to be like Mr Murthy but Mr Murthy is a rare individual.
"So Indians will go at a tempo which is decided by their constitution, by their ethnic mix, by their voting patterns and the resulting coalition governments, which makes for very difficult decision making."
Mr Lee had told Mr Murthy previously that India needed political leaders like him. But Mr Murthy said he has no political ambition.
His comments came as the country is holding the world's largest democratic elections.
Mr Murthy, the founder of IT company Infosys, was in Singapore to launch a book.
Nasdaq-listed Infosys employs about 100,000 people in 22 countries. But its founder lives in a three-bedroom house and drives a 1.5-litre Opel Astra. Mr Murthy does not watch TV nor party.
He said the reason he started business is because as a young man, entrepreneurship was the best way he could serve his community.
And he said Minister Mentor Lee is his hero.
"Singapore is a real example of a country that has transformed herself from a third world country to a first world country in my own lifetime. All in, an environment of peace and harmony in a multicultural world, thanks of course to a cadre of aspirational and value-based leadership which has indeed led by example," said Mr Murthy.
"Singapore serves as a great example for all countries, both developing and developed. I'm so happy that my hero, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, is releasing the book here in Singapore," he added.
Mr Murthy believes the transparency and accountability of India's political system must be improved for the country to move forward.
And these are some of the views detailed in his book titled "A Better India: A Better World", which was launched by Minister Mentor Lee on Monday.
Mr Lee said: "There are limitations in the Indian constitutional system and the Indian political system that prevents it from going at high speed.
"I did not realise it until we engaged India closely. Since then we have realised that whatever the political leadership may want to do, it must go through a very complex system at the centre, and then even a more complex system in the various states.
"And the amount of work that is on the shoulders of these Ministers makes it necessary for each man, each Minister to be like Mr Murthy but Mr Murthy is a rare individual.
"So Indians will go at a tempo which is decided by their constitution, by their ethnic mix, by their voting patterns and the resulting coalition governments, which makes for very difficult decision making."
Mr Lee had told Mr Murthy previously that India needed political leaders like him. But Mr Murthy said he has no political ambition.
Prataman meets Japanese Emperor Akihito
Singapore's President SR Nathan has begun his first state visit to Japan. Eat Air AGAIN!
Mr Nathan met Japanese Emperor Akihito at a welcome ceremony at the Imperial Palace where he also inspected a guard of honour.
Mr and Mrs Nathan also met members of the Japanese royal family, including Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako.
President Nathan will receive an Honorary Degree from Keio University on Tuesday.
He will also be visiting Kyoto and Hiroshima during his time in Japan.
This is a first state visit to Japan by a Singapore Head of State since both countries established diplomatic ties in 1966.
The Japanese emperor and empress have visited Singapore three times, most recently in 2006.
Mr Nathan met Japanese Emperor Akihito at a welcome ceremony at the Imperial Palace where he also inspected a guard of honour.
Mr and Mrs Nathan also met members of the Japanese royal family, including Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako.
President Nathan will receive an Honorary Degree from Keio University on Tuesday.
He will also be visiting Kyoto and Hiroshima during his time in Japan.
This is a first state visit to Japan by a Singapore Head of State since both countries established diplomatic ties in 1966.
The Japanese emperor and empress have visited Singapore three times, most recently in 2006.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
S'pore JI Leader Mas Selamat Captured In M'sia
Mas Selamat Kastari, the suspected leader of the Jemaah Islamiah militant group, who escaped from a Singapore detention centre here last year has been caught in Malaysia, according to local media reports today.
The fugitive, who had been hunted on a massive scale by the city-state authorities since he slipped out of the Whitley Road detention centre on Feb 27, was captured on April 1 while hiding in Johor, The Straits Times said quoting sources.
The report said Mas Selamat, 48, was nabbed in the outskirts of Johor Baharu and is now being held by the Malaysian authorities for interrogation.
He was the alleged mastermind of a plot to hijack a plane and crash it into Singapore's Changi Airport.
He fled Singapore in 2001 but was captured by the Indonesian police on Bintan island in 2006, and later repatriated to the city-state.
The paper said a senior Malaysian government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest and said that Mas Selamat was being held under the country's Internal Security Act.
However, the officer declined to say when the terrorist would be handed over to the Singapore authorities.
The report also said that the terrorist was tracked down based on intelligence provided by Singapore's Internal Security Department, and a joint operation by Malaysia and Singapore's security agencies eventually led to his arrest.
It is still not known how Mas Selamat slipped out of Singapore or when he entered Malaysia after the escape.
The report said the fugitive had stayed in Johor all this time and had not travelled further north.
The capture of Mas Selamat brings to an end one of the largest manhunts ever undertaken by Singapore for a terrorist on the run.
The fugitive, who had been hunted on a massive scale by the city-state authorities since he slipped out of the Whitley Road detention centre on Feb 27, was captured on April 1 while hiding in Johor, The Straits Times said quoting sources.
The report said Mas Selamat, 48, was nabbed in the outskirts of Johor Baharu and is now being held by the Malaysian authorities for interrogation.
He was the alleged mastermind of a plot to hijack a plane and crash it into Singapore's Changi Airport.
He fled Singapore in 2001 but was captured by the Indonesian police on Bintan island in 2006, and later repatriated to the city-state.
The paper said a senior Malaysian government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest and said that Mas Selamat was being held under the country's Internal Security Act.
However, the officer declined to say when the terrorist would be handed over to the Singapore authorities.
The report also said that the terrorist was tracked down based on intelligence provided by Singapore's Internal Security Department, and a joint operation by Malaysia and Singapore's security agencies eventually led to his arrest.
It is still not known how Mas Selamat slipped out of Singapore or when he entered Malaysia after the escape.
The report said the fugitive had stayed in Johor all this time and had not travelled further north.
The capture of Mas Selamat brings to an end one of the largest manhunts ever undertaken by Singapore for a terrorist on the run.
Friday, May 08, 2009
President SR Nathan, please save your reputation
President SR Nathan has generally been well-regarded by Singaporeans despite not being elected by them to office. However, recent events have severely dented that respect and Mr Nathan must move quickly to avoid further damage to his reputation.
Firstly, as Mr Low asked in Parliament, how did Mr Nathan agree so quickly to using the reserves? What is the process used to evaluate such requests? What are the reasons for him agreeing to the government's request?
Mr Nathan is the custodian of Singapore's reserves. Under the disastrous leadership of Ho Ching, Temasek has lost $58 billion of Singaporeans' hard-earned money. Who knows what happened to GIC which is under the control of Lee Kuan Yew?
Mr Nathan, as President, you must take the initiative to release the above information for the public to know. Without a Freedom of Information Act, ordinary citizens have no other way to demand the disclosure of such information from the government.
You are a very close friend of Lee Kuan Yew. But he is not your boss. You do not need to save face for them by covering up their mistakes. Please remember your duty to the citizens of Singapore.
Firstly, as Mr Low asked in Parliament, how did Mr Nathan agree so quickly to using the reserves? What is the process used to evaluate such requests? What are the reasons for him agreeing to the government's request?
Mr Nathan is the custodian of Singapore's reserves. Under the disastrous leadership of Ho Ching, Temasek has lost $58 billion of Singaporeans' hard-earned money. Who knows what happened to GIC which is under the control of Lee Kuan Yew?
Mr Nathan, as President, you must take the initiative to release the above information for the public to know. Without a Freedom of Information Act, ordinary citizens have no other way to demand the disclosure of such information from the government.
You are a very close friend of Lee Kuan Yew. But he is not your boss. You do not need to save face for them by covering up their mistakes. Please remember your duty to the citizens of Singapore.
Britain's Sikh police want bullet-proof turbans
Sikh police officers in Britain want the government to develop bullet-proof turbans to allow them to serve as firearms officers without having to remove their headwear, it was reported Friday.
Sikh officers are exempt from a legal obligation to wear crash helmets because of their religion's requirement to wear a turban, but this means they cannot wear the protective headgear of firearms officers.
Inspector Gian Singh Chahal, vice-chairman of the newly formed British Police Sikh Association, said the Home Office needs to make provisions for Sikhs to recognise their role in the police force, the Guardian reported.
"Sikh officers have been prohibited from becoming firearms officers because our religion does not allow us to remove the turban," he was quoted as telling the journal Police Review.
"There has been some research done into producing a ballistic material [for turbans].
"We would like to follow any opportunity where we could manufacture a ballistic product, made out of a synthetic fibre, that would ensure a certain degree of protection, so Sikh police officers could take part in these roles."
Sikh officers are exempt from a legal obligation to wear crash helmets because of their religion's requirement to wear a turban, but this means they cannot wear the protective headgear of firearms officers.
Inspector Gian Singh Chahal, vice-chairman of the newly formed British Police Sikh Association, said the Home Office needs to make provisions for Sikhs to recognise their role in the police force, the Guardian reported.
"Sikh officers have been prohibited from becoming firearms officers because our religion does not allow us to remove the turban," he was quoted as telling the journal Police Review.
"There has been some research done into producing a ballistic material [for turbans].
"We would like to follow any opportunity where we could manufacture a ballistic product, made out of a synthetic fibre, that would ensure a certain degree of protection, so Sikh police officers could take part in these roles."
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
India's college graduates are educated but lack practical skills
Washington Post Service
NEW DELHI -- Barely eight months after leaving prestigious Delhi University with an undergraduate degree in commerce, Reena Dubey is back in the classroom, poring over a textbook on debt recovery and taking notes on India's banking industry.
''I studied economics, accounting, trade, corporate tax planning and industrial law for three years. But I was still clueless when I graduated,'' said Dubey, 22. ``All my education was bookish and theoretical.''
Hoping to secure an entry-level job as a credit-card collection agent, Dubey enrolled this month in a skills-building course offered by New Delhi's Avsarr training academy for new graduates who want to work in India's booming banking and retail industries.
''India's job market has changed, but my degree has not equipped me for it,'' she said.
3.2M GRADS PER YEAR
Dubey's deflating discovery mirrors the experience of most of the 3.2 million Indians who receive undergraduate degrees each year. The Confederation of Indian Industry says that 25 percent of technical graduates and 15 percent of other graduates can be readily employed in the jobs that the recent boom has generated in telecommunications, banking, retail, health care and information technology.
''The stark reality is that our education system churns out people, but industry does not find them useful,'' said T.K.A. Nair, principal secretary to the prime minister, addressing a recent New Delhi conference on linking education to employability. ``The necessary development of skills is missing in our education.''
About 69 percent of unemployed Indians are educated but lack skills, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry. Only 6 percent of the workforce has a professional certification other than a degree, a figure the Labor Ministry says it hopes to boost to 12 percent within five years. In February, the government announced an ambitious plan to address the skills gap by improving vocational training and encouraging cooperation between educational institutions and industry.
MANY OF WORKING AGE
The problem is compounded by demographic changes that experts say will greatly expand the country's working-age population in coming years.
Today, about 54 percent of Indians are younger than 30. Census projections suggest that the proportion of Indians in the 15-to-64 age group will increase steadily, from 62.9 percent in 2006 to 68.4 percent in 2026. By 2020, the average age in India is expected to be 31, compared with 37 in China and 48 in Japan. Census reports say that India is entering the advantageous ''demographic dividend'' phase just as China leaves it.
In a report last year, however, the Finance Ministry said that if that growing workforce does not develop skills soon, the country could instead face ''a demographic nightmare'': a surplus of educated people and a shortage of qualified workers as labor requirements continue to shift from agriculture to industry.
NEW DELHI -- Barely eight months after leaving prestigious Delhi University with an undergraduate degree in commerce, Reena Dubey is back in the classroom, poring over a textbook on debt recovery and taking notes on India's banking industry.
''I studied economics, accounting, trade, corporate tax planning and industrial law for three years. But I was still clueless when I graduated,'' said Dubey, 22. ``All my education was bookish and theoretical.''
Hoping to secure an entry-level job as a credit-card collection agent, Dubey enrolled this month in a skills-building course offered by New Delhi's Avsarr training academy for new graduates who want to work in India's booming banking and retail industries.
''India's job market has changed, but my degree has not equipped me for it,'' she said.
3.2M GRADS PER YEAR
Dubey's deflating discovery mirrors the experience of most of the 3.2 million Indians who receive undergraduate degrees each year. The Confederation of Indian Industry says that 25 percent of technical graduates and 15 percent of other graduates can be readily employed in the jobs that the recent boom has generated in telecommunications, banking, retail, health care and information technology.
''The stark reality is that our education system churns out people, but industry does not find them useful,'' said T.K.A. Nair, principal secretary to the prime minister, addressing a recent New Delhi conference on linking education to employability. ``The necessary development of skills is missing in our education.''
About 69 percent of unemployed Indians are educated but lack skills, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry. Only 6 percent of the workforce has a professional certification other than a degree, a figure the Labor Ministry says it hopes to boost to 12 percent within five years. In February, the government announced an ambitious plan to address the skills gap by improving vocational training and encouraging cooperation between educational institutions and industry.
MANY OF WORKING AGE
The problem is compounded by demographic changes that experts say will greatly expand the country's working-age population in coming years.
Today, about 54 percent of Indians are younger than 30. Census projections suggest that the proportion of Indians in the 15-to-64 age group will increase steadily, from 62.9 percent in 2006 to 68.4 percent in 2026. By 2020, the average age in India is expected to be 31, compared with 37 in China and 48 in Japan. Census reports say that India is entering the advantageous ''demographic dividend'' phase just as China leaves it.
In a report last year, however, the Finance Ministry said that if that growing workforce does not develop skills soon, the country could instead face ''a demographic nightmare'': a surplus of educated people and a shortage of qualified workers as labor requirements continue to shift from agriculture to industry.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Some Cricket news for our Indians
South Africa: Mahela Jayawardene struck an unbeaten 52 to guide Kings XI Punjab to a nail-biting six-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on Sunday.
The Sri Lankan batsman hit seven fours in his 41-ball knock as Punjab surpassed Kolkata's competitive 153-3 in a last-ball finish at St. George's Park.
The Sri Lankan batsman hit seven fours in his 41-ball knock as Punjab surpassed Kolkata's competitive 153-3 in a last-ball finish at St. George's Park.
Needing seven from the final over by Kolkata paceman Ajit Agarkar, Jayawardene hit a four while Irfan Pathan (19 not out) fetched the winning runs for Punjab.
The victory helped Punjab climb to the second position in the points table while the struggling Kolkata continued to languish at the bottom with their sixth defeat from eight matches.
The Yuvraj Singh-led Punjab have now won four of their seven matches in this Twenty20 competition.
Punjab were off to a disappointing start with Ishant Sharma claiming Kumar Sangakkara for a duck in the first over but a slew of dropped catches and poor fielding did Kolkata no favours.
Simon Katich (34) was dropped on five by Chris Gayle while debutant Sunny Sohal also thrived on a grassed chance to make a fine 26-ball 25 on debut.
Kolkata's innings was built around Brad Hodge who top-scored with an unbeaten 70 off just 43 balls and shared key partnerships with Sourav Ganguly (22) and Morne van Wyk (18 not out).
The Australian smashed 10 fours and a six in a late assault that saw Kolkata put on 101 runs in their last 10 overs.
Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was the most successful bowler with 2-27 from four overs.
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