THE death of a cabby from a severe head injury two days after he was pushed and hit his head on the ground accident.
State Coroner Victor Yeo on Monday recorded a verdict of misadventure at an inquest into the death of relief Trans Cab driver Chew Peng Choon, 62, in September 2008.
The man who had pushed him was tried and acquitted of causing his death by doing a negligent act last November. But former financial controller Arun Rajan, 30, was back in the coroner's court as a potential defendant. He elected to remain silent.
Mr Arun, who was tipsy, had vomited inside Mr Chew's cab as he was the way way home to Tampines sometime past 1.30am on Sept 27, 2008.
Mr Chew then demanded an extra $50 to clean up the mess but Mr Rajan refused to pay, sparking an argument. Mr Rajan later withdrew $50 from a convenience store at a petrol kiosk along Tampines Avenue 9.
After paying $30 for his cab fare, Mr Chew continued to ask for the cleaning charges and also tried to punch Mr Arun.
While Mr Arun was walking away, Mr Chew took an object from his tax and confronted Mr Arun, who grabbed his fist and pushed him, causing the cabby to fall backwards He died two days later in hospital of a broken skull.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Enjoy Thaipusam 2010
The annual Thaipusam festival drew some 9,500 devotees this year - about 400 more than last year. And they all fulfilled their vows to the Hindu deity Lord Muruga.
Devotees walked the four-kilometre stretch from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road.
Organisers said more people took part this year because it was held over the weekend.
Most of the devotees carried pots filled with milk, called the paal kudam. Others shouldered kaavadis - tower-shaped spiked structures - as a form of thanksgiving or family tradition.
One devotee said: "My daughter-in-law wanted to carry the paal kudam. She made a vow and we followed her."
Another commented: "In our family, we usually come to the temple during Thaipusam when we have a newborn..."
The colourful festival is also a draw for tourists.
It is also common to see Singaporeans of other races taking part in the festival, a point also highlighted by the guest of honour who was at both temples to witness the procession.
Lim Hwee Hua, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Second Minister for Finance and Transport, said: "They have grown up together amidst diversity, (and have the) opportunity to experience each other's culture and that is really natural and that is really good.
"But what we would like to build into them is that elsewhere outside of Singapore, some of these differences can become a source of tension. We just want them to be aware of it.
"Celebrate the differences, but at the same time, respect that we are all born differently and we are all born of different backgrounds, different religious beliefs. So I believe that we should continue to build that consciousness, but allow the natural assimilation to continue in a very good way."
The Thaipusam procession, which began at midnight, continues for a 24-hour period.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Shamu: Don't jump to conclusion... errrr...
If my knowledge thru CSI and many crime related books didn't help improve my analytical skills - I'm a dam-fool.
IT IS not right or appropriate for the Singapore Government to determine guilt in the ongoing investigations related to a hit-and-run accident involving a Romanian embassy car, said Law Minister K. Shanmugam yesterday.
But it is right for the Government to investigate the facts, put them forward and take the appropriate steps, he told reporters after a dialogue with Yew Tee residents.
"There is no question of us not going through the facts carefully or trying to shield anyone, or not following due processes," he said, stressing the need for fairness.
Mr Shanmugam was replying to a question a resident had posed on the Government's apparent silence on the accident.
Earlier this month, Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo said that due process must be allowed to take its course for the case.
The accident occurred last month in Bukit Panjang. It left one man dead and two men injured. Mr Shanmugam said that the police would "investigate without fear or favour" and that, in the next step, the Attorney-General would "proceed only if he believes that a case can be made in court with witnesses beyond reasonable doubt".
IT IS not right or appropriate for the Singapore Government to determine guilt in the ongoing investigations related to a hit-and-run accident involving a Romanian embassy car, said Law Minister K. Shanmugam yesterday.
But it is right for the Government to investigate the facts, put them forward and take the appropriate steps, he told reporters after a dialogue with Yew Tee residents.
"There is no question of us not going through the facts carefully or trying to shield anyone, or not following due processes," he said, stressing the need for fairness.
Mr Shanmugam was replying to a question a resident had posed on the Government's apparent silence on the accident.
Earlier this month, Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo said that due process must be allowed to take its course for the case.
The accident occurred last month in Bukit Panjang. It left one man dead and two men injured. Mr Shanmugam said that the police would "investigate without fear or favour" and that, in the next step, the Attorney-General would "proceed only if he believes that a case can be made in court with witnesses beyond reasonable doubt".
Saturday, January 16, 2010
ST Kinetics bids for US$3b India defence contracts
ST Kinetics, an arm of Singapore Technologies (ST) Engineering, said it has bid for five Indian defence contracts worth US$3 billion. 'If all five defence tenders we have bid for come through, we will have a revenue of $3 billion over five years,' Patrick Choy, chief marketing officer of ST Kinetics, told reporters.
ST Kinetics also said it will begin India trials of its 155MM Howitzer Towed guns for the army in a month. 'There are two programmes, towed guns and light guns,' Mr Choy told reporters. ST Engineering is the world's largest aircraft repair firm.
India is upgrading its largely Soviet-era arsenal to counter potential threats from Pakistan and China with a series of acquisitions.
The Indian army needs new weapons urgently as the Bofors howitzers were its last major acquisition, made back in 1986. India is now seeking heavy-lift helicopters, submarines, ships and artillery for its army, valued at millions of dollars, a KPMG report said this week.
ST Kinetics also said it will begin India trials of its 155MM Howitzer Towed guns for the army in a month. 'There are two programmes, towed guns and light guns,' Mr Choy told reporters. ST Engineering is the world's largest aircraft repair firm.
India is upgrading its largely Soviet-era arsenal to counter potential threats from Pakistan and China with a series of acquisitions.
The Indian army needs new weapons urgently as the Bofors howitzers were its last major acquisition, made back in 1986. India is now seeking heavy-lift helicopters, submarines, ships and artillery for its army, valued at millions of dollars, a KPMG report said this week.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Prataman Sympathies Haiti
The Singapore government said on Thursday that it will make a contribution of 50,000 U.S. dollars in support of the international community's humanitarian relief efforts for earthquake-hit Haiti.
According to Singapore's Minsitry of Foreign Affairs, the donation will be made through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Singapore President S R Nathan on Thursday also wrote to Haitian President Rene Preval to convey his sympathies to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the earthquake which struck Haiti causing widespread destruction and the loss of many lives. On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to convey my sympathy to all victims of the earthquake, especially to those who have suffered the tragic loss of their loved ones." Nathan said.
According to Singapore's Minsitry of Foreign Affairs, the donation will be made through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Singapore President S R Nathan on Thursday also wrote to Haitian President Rene Preval to convey his sympathies to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the earthquake which struck Haiti causing widespread destruction and the loss of many lives. On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to convey my sympathy to all victims of the earthquake, especially to those who have suffered the tragic loss of their loved ones." Nathan said.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Indian Human Spaceflight in 2013
India would be launching its first manned spacecraft by sending two astronauts into orbit in a Russian spaceship in 2013. This mission will be the precursor to Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) maiden human spaceflight planned to be launched in 2015. Government has already sanctioned Rs 95 crore to study all aspects of the manned space mission under which ISRO plans to send a two-member crew on a week-long sojourn in space.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be buying the Russian Soyuz spaceship launch its cosmonauts into orbit. Besides paying for the spacecraft India will also finance the training of the Russian cosmonaut who is to head the team of Indian cosmonauts, Vitaly Davydov, Deputy Head of Roskosmos, the governmental organization responsible for managing the Russian space program, is quoted as saying.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be buying the Russian Soyuz spaceship launch its cosmonauts into orbit. Besides paying for the spacecraft India will also finance the training of the Russian cosmonaut who is to head the team of Indian cosmonauts, Vitaly Davydov, Deputy Head of Roskosmos, the governmental organization responsible for managing the Russian space program, is quoted as saying.
Indian wants 'vyomanauts' for Indian spaceflight
Not so long ago, people in space were either astronauts or cosmonauts. Then the Chinese gave us
taikonauts. Now, another billion-strong nation with an ambitious space programme – India – is seeking a new breed of spacefarers: vyomanauts, according to Indian media.
The tongue-twisting term comes from the Sanskrit for sky or space (vyoma, pronounced veeohma). The closest Sanskrit word to astronaut would have been vyomagami, for something that passes in the sky. The other word for an Indian spacefarer that had been bandied about was gaganaut (gagan is also Sanskrit for sky). But "vyoma is very good", says Choudury Upender Rao, a professor of Sanskrit studies at the
Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. "It's an appropriate choice."
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now in the process of choosing four vyomanauts from a pool of 200 fighter pilots, P. Madhusoodanan of the Indian Air Force told DNA, a daily newspaper, this week.
India's first crewed space mission is scheduled for 2015, designs for which were unveiled last year by Madhavan Nair, former chairman of ISRO. The three-person vehicle will initially carry two vyomanauts into 275-kilometre low-Earth orbit. Before this flight, ISRO will launch its second moon mission in 2013.
taikonauts. Now, another billion-strong nation with an ambitious space programme – India – is seeking a new breed of spacefarers: vyomanauts, according to Indian media.
The tongue-twisting term comes from the Sanskrit for sky or space (vyoma, pronounced veeohma). The closest Sanskrit word to astronaut would have been vyomagami, for something that passes in the sky. The other word for an Indian spacefarer that had been bandied about was gaganaut (gagan is also Sanskrit for sky). But "vyoma is very good", says Choudury Upender Rao, a professor of Sanskrit studies at the
Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. "It's an appropriate choice."
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now in the process of choosing four vyomanauts from a pool of 200 fighter pilots, P. Madhusoodanan of the Indian Air Force told DNA, a daily newspaper, this week.
India's first crewed space mission is scheduled for 2015, designs for which were unveiled last year by Madhavan Nair, former chairman of ISRO. The three-person vehicle will initially carry two vyomanauts into 275-kilometre low-Earth orbit. Before this flight, ISRO will launch its second moon mission in 2013.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Just For Laughes - Local version
Details Of Telecast
Title: Just For Laughs Gags Asia Channel: Mediacorp Channel 5 & HD5
Date: Starts 12 Jan 2010.
Episode 1 (Premiere Time): 9.00PM – 9.30PM
Description: Tune in to the world premiere of Just For Laughs Gags Asia – Made In Singapore on Channel 5! Get set to laugh out loud with bone tickling gags and priceless reaction from your fellow Singaporeans.
Happy Laughing!!
No more Ang Mohs but Ah Nehs, Mats and Cinas.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
India lets work together for the better
India is hosting its global Diaspora in a three-day meet. More than 1000 participants, including a delegation from Singapore, are in the country to discuss ways to enhance trade opportunities and cultural relations.
More than 200,000 Indian expatriates living in Singapore are making their presence felt in business and cultural life of the country.
According to Singapore's Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, the Indian Diaspora has played an important role in enhancing bilateral relations.
A fourth generation Indian, Minister Balakrishnan feels the Diaspora can act as a soft power to project India's growing economic strength.
He said: "We want to remind the Indian government as well as Indian businesses that we continue to be a viable, focal point for Indians who want to do business in Asia Pacific, especially in Southeast Asia.
So it is really about opportunities both for Singapore companies in India and Indian companies in Singapore."
More than 4,000 Indian companies are operational in Singapore. Bilateral trade has been growing at over 30 per cent annually.
And with the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement that came into effect from January 1, the trade is set to grow even more.
The FTA agreement, considered the world's largest, will slash tariffs for over 4,000 product lines over a staggered period, by 2016 making imports from ASEAN countries, including Singapore much easier.
Vijay Iyengar, chairman, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "We are looking at opportunities in India. Every state of the country is here and more and more states are coming to make their presentations at the Global Diaspora meet. This itself shows that the states are seeing the importance of this event and for us to interact with different businessmen of each state is a very important thing."
The Indian government is also encouraging the expatriates to invest in the country.
India is one of the world's biggest recipients of expatriate remittances.
Their savings totalled nearly US$50 billion last year.
But the Prime Minister has asked the Diaspora to turn their savings into investment through Foreign Direct Investment into the country.
The government has opened an "Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre" to promote two-way interaction between the overseas Indian community and Indian businessmen.
India is growing rapidly and the Diaspora is a part of the larger network that can amplify the country's success and create more opportunities for the Indian companies as well as Indian entrepreneurs.
The Global Diaspora meet has provided a platform for overseas Indians to exchange ideas and support India's development.
More than 200,000 Indian expatriates living in Singapore are making their presence felt in business and cultural life of the country.
According to Singapore's Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, the Indian Diaspora has played an important role in enhancing bilateral relations.
A fourth generation Indian, Minister Balakrishnan feels the Diaspora can act as a soft power to project India's growing economic strength.
He said: "We want to remind the Indian government as well as Indian businesses that we continue to be a viable, focal point for Indians who want to do business in Asia Pacific, especially in Southeast Asia.
So it is really about opportunities both for Singapore companies in India and Indian companies in Singapore."
More than 4,000 Indian companies are operational in Singapore. Bilateral trade has been growing at over 30 per cent annually.
And with the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement that came into effect from January 1, the trade is set to grow even more.
The FTA agreement, considered the world's largest, will slash tariffs for over 4,000 product lines over a staggered period, by 2016 making imports from ASEAN countries, including Singapore much easier.
Vijay Iyengar, chairman, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "We are looking at opportunities in India. Every state of the country is here and more and more states are coming to make their presentations at the Global Diaspora meet. This itself shows that the states are seeing the importance of this event and for us to interact with different businessmen of each state is a very important thing."
The Indian government is also encouraging the expatriates to invest in the country.
India is one of the world's biggest recipients of expatriate remittances.
Their savings totalled nearly US$50 billion last year.
But the Prime Minister has asked the Diaspora to turn their savings into investment through Foreign Direct Investment into the country.
The government has opened an "Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre" to promote two-way interaction between the overseas Indian community and Indian businessmen.
India is growing rapidly and the Diaspora is a part of the larger network that can amplify the country's success and create more opportunities for the Indian companies as well as Indian entrepreneurs.
The Global Diaspora meet has provided a platform for overseas Indians to exchange ideas and support India's development.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Peacok meets Dragon
Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar is expected to visit China from January 6 to hold dialogue with the Chinese military leadership to discuss the long-pending border issue, steps to improve coordination along the Line of Actual Control and increasing bilateral military cooperation.
In the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Secretary to Beijing, Kumar is likely to be accompanied by senior Army officials from Eastern Command which looks after the Chinese border in the northeast, Defence Ministry sources said.
During the visit, which comes in the backdrop of recent military incursions by the Chinese PLA along the LAC, Kumar is expected to hold meetings with the top Chinese military leadership and is likely to discuss some new confidence building measures, the long-pending boundary dispute and the steps to improve coordination along the LAC, they added.
If these two country sneeze, the whole world catches cold.
In the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Secretary to Beijing, Kumar is likely to be accompanied by senior Army officials from Eastern Command which looks after the Chinese border in the northeast, Defence Ministry sources said.
During the visit, which comes in the backdrop of recent military incursions by the Chinese PLA along the LAC, Kumar is expected to hold meetings with the top Chinese military leadership and is likely to discuss some new confidence building measures, the long-pending boundary dispute and the steps to improve coordination along the LAC, they added.
If these two country sneeze, the whole world catches cold.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Prataman's Advisor
President S R Nathan has appointed Bobby Chin Yoke Choong as a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers for a term of six years.
Mr Chin sits on the board of several companies and is currently the chairman of the Tote Board.
Temasek Holdings Chairman S Dhanabalan has also been reappointed as Council member for a term of four years.
Singapore Exchange Limited Chairman J Y Pillay remains as head of the Council.
The Council advises the President in the exercise of his custodial and discretionary powers. For example, the President consults the Council before he considers the budget of the Government and key government-linked bodies.
Council of Presidential AdvisersAddress: Istana Orchard Road Singapore (238823)
Tel: 68355332Fax: 67353135
Email Address: istana_cpa@istana.gov.sg
To discharge its constitutional duties to the President to safeguard Singapore's past reserves and uphold the integrity of the public service.
Personnel
The present Chairman of the CPA is Mr J Y Pillay, Chairman of the Singapore Exchange Limited. The other members are Mr Po’ad Bin Shaik Abu Bakar Mattar, Mr Yong Pung How, Mr S Dhanabalan, Mr Goh Joon Seng and Mr Bobby Chin Yoke Choong. The two alternate members are Mr Lim Chee Onn and Mr Stephen Lee Ching Yen. > Mrs TEE Teow Lee (Asst Secretary (Admin) )
Mr Chin sits on the board of several companies and is currently the chairman of the Tote Board.
Temasek Holdings Chairman S Dhanabalan has also been reappointed as Council member for a term of four years.
Singapore Exchange Limited Chairman J Y Pillay remains as head of the Council.
The Council advises the President in the exercise of his custodial and discretionary powers. For example, the President consults the Council before he considers the budget of the Government and key government-linked bodies.
Council of Presidential AdvisersAddress: Istana Orchard Road Singapore (238823)
Tel: 68355332Fax: 67353135
Email Address: istana_cpa@istana.gov.sg
To discharge its constitutional duties to the President to safeguard Singapore's past reserves and uphold the integrity of the public service.
Personnel
The present Chairman of the CPA is Mr J Y Pillay, Chairman of the Singapore Exchange Limited. The other members are Mr Po’ad Bin Shaik Abu Bakar Mattar, Mr Yong Pung How, Mr S Dhanabalan, Mr Goh Joon Seng and Mr Bobby Chin Yoke Choong. The two alternate members are Mr Lim Chee Onn and Mr Stephen Lee Ching Yen. > Mrs TEE Teow Lee (Asst Secretary (Admin) )
Saturday, December 19, 2009
MM Lee sees great potential in increasing bilateral trade with Ah Nehs
India and Singapore have great potential to increase bilateral trade, according to Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
Speaking at a Singapore Symposium in New Delhi, organised by the Institute of South Asian Studies and the Confederation of Indian Industry, Mr Lee said he also sees India playing a greater role in South East Asia.
Singapore is India's largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
After the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) became operational four years ago, Singapore investments in India have increased considerably, and bilateral trade has been growing at over 30 per cent annually.
Singapore is keen on setting up a multi-product special economic zone in India, but the plan has been delayed.
Singapore contributes nine per cent to India's FDI inflow. Mr Lee said that this investment could be much higher if India takes care of its bottlenecks in trade and infrastructure that are hampering the development of the country.
"Free your bureaucracy from successive control, allow your entrepreneurs to expand," said Mr Lee. "And if you can get your infrastructure in place, then you can have massive FDI inflows, which will provide tens, if not hundreds of millions of jobs."
Mr Lee also said India and China are helping the smaller countries in Asia tide over the economic crisis. The economic progress made by both Asian giants has created better trading opportunities for their smaller neighbours.
Mr Lee said: "Asia has a less disadvantage, or is less affected by American setback because of India and China. These two big countries have the population and the internal dynamics to keep growing.
"They have kept growing at around eight per cent. So that has kept the region, at least South East Asia, more buoyant than other regions."
Mr Lee is in India on a four-day official visit. He earlier met India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and the two leaders reviewed the substantial progress made in bilateral relations over the past few years.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Chinese Minister meets Prataman at Istana
China's Minister for State Administration of Religious Affairs Wang Zuo An met President S R Nathan at the Istana on Friday afternoon.
Also present at the meeting were leaders from the Inter-Religious Organisation and religious leaders from China and Singapore.
Meanwhile, the joint Singapore-China Religious and Cultural Exhibition, which is on-going at Suntec City till next Tuesday, showcases the multi-religious and multi-cultural aspects of both countries.
The exhibition has been organised to foster friendship and enhance understanding between the followers of the different religious beliefs.
Also update on the Singapore Pavilion for Shanghai Expo 2010?
Also present at the meeting were leaders from the Inter-Religious Organisation and religious leaders from China and Singapore.
Meanwhile, the joint Singapore-China Religious and Cultural Exhibition, which is on-going at Suntec City till next Tuesday, showcases the multi-religious and multi-cultural aspects of both countries.
The exhibition has been organised to foster friendship and enhance understanding between the followers of the different religious beliefs.
Also update on the Singapore Pavilion for Shanghai Expo 2010?
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Goodbye Ram Tiwary
You don't look Indian to me...
The former Singaporean student found guilty of murdering two of his flatmates in Australia, has been jailed for a maximum 48 years.
With parole and time already served the earliest Ram Tiwary can expect to be released is 2042.
It was the climax to a murder investigation which began more than six years ago when the bodies of Singaporean students Tony Tan Poh Chuan and Tay Chow Lyang were found in the apartment they shared with Tiwary in this house.
Both young men had been clubbed to death with a baseball bat.
The horrific nature of the killings sent shock waves through the nearby University of New South Wales, where many of the students were also Asian.
Initially there were fears the murders were racially motivated.
But eight months later in a surprise breakthrough, police charged their flatmate Ram Tiwary with their deaths.
Then 23, Tiwary was on a scholarship awarded him by the Singapore armed forces.
Protesting his innocence, he was later found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
However, an appeal court later ordered a re-trial on the grounds the judge had misdirected the jury.
The second trial, which lasted 26 days, again found Tiwary guilty.
And today he was told he could expect to spend the next 33 years of his life behind bars.
The judge said both murders were violent and savage which elevated the gratvity of the crime.
In the case of Tan, the second victim, this was not a spontaneous attack, he said, rather an execution to prevent him giving evidence against the offender.
The prosecution earlier claimed that Ram Tiwary had the "motive, opportunity and capacity" to carry out the murders.
The fact that he also owed Mr Tay several thousand dollars in back rent, might also have provided a motive.
Tiwary’s relatives, who earlier admitted they were still "terribly distraught," were not in court today. Nor were relatives of the dead men.
But the convicted Singaporean is unlikely to let things rest.
His defence team would not confirm whether he is likely to appeal, but Tiwary’s courtroom demeanour suggested he was unmoved by the length of his sentence.
He offered no response before or after the sentence was handed down.
Monday, December 14, 2009
MM Lee on 4-day official visit to India
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew will be making an official visit to New Delhi from Monday until Thursday.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said he will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as key Indian ministers and business leaders.
Mr Lee will also participate in a dialogue session at the Singapore Symposium, which is jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Institute of South Asian Studies of Singapore.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said he will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as key Indian ministers and business leaders.
Mr Lee will also participate in a dialogue session at the Singapore Symposium, which is jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Institute of South Asian Studies of Singapore.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Prataman on Holiday
President SR Nathan has left on a private visit to Spain and will be away till the 16th of the month.
During his absence, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Speaker of Parliament, will act for the President till the 5th of December.
Mr J Y Pillay, Chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers, will act for the President from 6 to 16 December.
Do they get some of his Pay too?
During his absence, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Speaker of Parliament, will act for the President till the 5th of December.
Mr J Y Pillay, Chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers, will act for the President from 6 to 16 December.
Do they get some of his Pay too?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Another Medal for so and so...
The Chief of the Defence Staff of the French Armed Forces (FAF), General (GEN) Jean-Louis Georgelin, was conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [or Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President S R Nathan at the Istana this afternoon.
The medal was awarded to GEN Georgelin for his significant contributions in strengthening the excellent defence ties between the FAF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Under his leadership, professional military exchanges and defence collaborations between the two forces have grown in scope and depth. In particular, GEN Georgelin's support for the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Advanced Jet Training detachment in Cazaux has enabled RSAF pilots to hone their flying skills and benefit professionally from regular contact with their French counterparts. GEN Georgelin has also been instrumental in ensuring the smooth progress of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) Frigate Programme, providing invaluable training opportunities for the RSN frigate crew. These professional and personal interactions have enhanced the mutual understanding and rapport between the officers and men of the two armed forces.
GEN Georgelin, who is in Singapore for a two-day visit from 25 to 26 November 2009, called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Desmond Kuek and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the Istana before the investiture. Guests at the investiture included Mr Teo, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, LG Kuek, as well as other senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and France.
The medal was awarded to GEN Georgelin for his significant contributions in strengthening the excellent defence ties between the FAF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Under his leadership, professional military exchanges and defence collaborations between the two forces have grown in scope and depth. In particular, GEN Georgelin's support for the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Advanced Jet Training detachment in Cazaux has enabled RSAF pilots to hone their flying skills and benefit professionally from regular contact with their French counterparts. GEN Georgelin has also been instrumental in ensuring the smooth progress of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) Frigate Programme, providing invaluable training opportunities for the RSN frigate crew. These professional and personal interactions have enhanced the mutual understanding and rapport between the officers and men of the two armed forces.
GEN Georgelin, who is in Singapore for a two-day visit from 25 to 26 November 2009, called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Desmond Kuek and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the Istana before the investiture. Guests at the investiture included Mr Teo, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, LG Kuek, as well as other senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and France.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Prataman meets Russian President DMITRY MEDVEDEV
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is on a State Visit to Singapore at the invitation of President S R Nathan from 15-16 November 2009. President Medvedev called on President Nathan and received a call by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew at the Istana today. He was also hosted to a state banquet by President Nathan.
At the call on President Nathan, both leaders agreed that bilateral relations were warm and friendly. There was potential to strengthen relations even further, in areas such as increasing people-to-people relations. To give impetus to bilateral relations, the leaders discussed the establishment of an Inter-Governmental Commission which would be co-chaired at a high level. The Inter-Governmental Commission is expected to explore and promote broad-based cooperation in a variety of fields. President Nathan and President Medvedev also discussed the outcome of the recently-concluded APEC Economic Leaders Summit.
At the call by Minister Mentor Lee, both leaders had a good discussion on international and regional issues. President Medvedev also conferred an Order of Friendship award on Minister Mentor Lee for “outstanding contribution to the development of Russia-Singapore relationship”.
He also meet Pinkie and Lau Goh.
At the call on President Nathan, both leaders agreed that bilateral relations were warm and friendly. There was potential to strengthen relations even further, in areas such as increasing people-to-people relations. To give impetus to bilateral relations, the leaders discussed the establishment of an Inter-Governmental Commission which would be co-chaired at a high level. The Inter-Governmental Commission is expected to explore and promote broad-based cooperation in a variety of fields. President Nathan and President Medvedev also discussed the outcome of the recently-concluded APEC Economic Leaders Summit.
At the call by Minister Mentor Lee, both leaders had a good discussion on international and regional issues. President Medvedev also conferred an Order of Friendship award on Minister Mentor Lee for “outstanding contribution to the development of Russia-Singapore relationship”.
He also meet Pinkie and Lau Goh.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Singapore receives Panda gift from China
SINGAPORE is getting a pair of black and white furry envoys from China to mark the milestone of 20 years of diplomatic relations.
Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao announced on Wednesday at an Istana state banquet that a pair of giant pandas will be delivered to Singapore, as he expressed confidence that Singapore-Sino relations will reach 'a new high'.
The endangered creatures, which China rarely sends overseas, will arrive here in 2011 and Chinese diplomacy experts believe it is a sign of deepening friendship between the two nations.
'It reflects the importance of Singapore in China's foreign policy. Beijing does not send out pandas lightly,' said international relations analyst Shi Yinhong of Renmin University.
Singapore joins an exclusive club of overseas panda hosts, becoming only the seventh country since 1994 to receive the black and white creatures from China.
The pair of pandas, a one-year-old female and a two-year-old male, are from the Wolong panda reserve in China's south-western Sichuan province.
Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao announced on Wednesday at an Istana state banquet that a pair of giant pandas will be delivered to Singapore, as he expressed confidence that Singapore-Sino relations will reach 'a new high'.
The endangered creatures, which China rarely sends overseas, will arrive here in 2011 and Chinese diplomacy experts believe it is a sign of deepening friendship between the two nations.
'It reflects the importance of Singapore in China's foreign policy. Beijing does not send out pandas lightly,' said international relations analyst Shi Yinhong of Renmin University.
Singapore joins an exclusive club of overseas panda hosts, becoming only the seventh country since 1994 to receive the black and white creatures from China.
The pair of pandas, a one-year-old female and a two-year-old male, are from the Wolong panda reserve in China's south-western Sichuan province.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Buzy month for SG leaders this November 2009
Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived here on Wednesday for a state visit and the Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
President Hu released a statement upon arrival at the Singapore Changi International Airport, saying he was ready to work for new progress in bilateral relations through this visit.
In the statement, Hu said China and Singapore were friendly neighbors and the two peoples enjoyed a time-honored and profound friendship.
Hu said, since the two countries established diplomatic ties in October 1990, the bilateral relationship had made rapid progress, with fruitful practical cooperation and close coordination in international and regional affairs.
During the state visit, at the invitation of Singapore President S. R. Nathan, Hu will meet with Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other senior officials, and will also have extensive contacts with people of various sectors.
China is now the third largest trade partner of Singapore, while Singapore is the 10th largest trade partner of China. Bilateral trade reached 52.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2008, up 10.5 percent over the previous year. In October last year, the two countries signed a free trade agreement, which came into force two months later.
In Singapore, Hu will also attend the Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Cooperation (APEC) and elaborate China's proposition on economic, trade and other major issues.
"I look forward to attending the 17th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to exchange views with leaders of other APEC members on deepening Asia-Pacific cooperation and making contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity," Hu said in the statement.
Hu will also address the APEC CEO Summit on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.
Under the theme "Sustaining Growth, Connecting the Region," leaders at the Singapore meeting will address the major issues related to overcoming the global financial crisis and promoting a sustainable economic recovery in the post-crisis world.
Established in 1989, APEC has 21 members, which account for about 41 percent of the world's population, 56 percent of world GDP and about 49 percent of world trade.
APEC's 21 member economies are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, China's Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
APEC has developed into a premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC 2009 will focus on overcoming the economic crisis and positioning member economies for a sustainable recovery in the post-crisis world.
The annual APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, inaugurated in November 1993, was designed to set the strategic policy direction for APEC.
At the end of the meeting, the APEC Economic Leaders' declaration will be issued, outlining the shared views of leaders on key topics and setting the strategic direction of APEC for the forthcoming year.
The Chinese leader flew into Singapore from Malaysia where he concluded a one-day state visit.
President Hu released a statement upon arrival at the Singapore Changi International Airport, saying he was ready to work for new progress in bilateral relations through this visit.
In the statement, Hu said China and Singapore were friendly neighbors and the two peoples enjoyed a time-honored and profound friendship.
Hu said, since the two countries established diplomatic ties in October 1990, the bilateral relationship had made rapid progress, with fruitful practical cooperation and close coordination in international and regional affairs.
During the state visit, at the invitation of Singapore President S. R. Nathan, Hu will meet with Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other senior officials, and will also have extensive contacts with people of various sectors.
China is now the third largest trade partner of Singapore, while Singapore is the 10th largest trade partner of China. Bilateral trade reached 52.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2008, up 10.5 percent over the previous year. In October last year, the two countries signed a free trade agreement, which came into force two months later.
In Singapore, Hu will also attend the Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Cooperation (APEC) and elaborate China's proposition on economic, trade and other major issues.
"I look forward to attending the 17th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to exchange views with leaders of other APEC members on deepening Asia-Pacific cooperation and making contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity," Hu said in the statement.
Hu will also address the APEC CEO Summit on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.
Under the theme "Sustaining Growth, Connecting the Region," leaders at the Singapore meeting will address the major issues related to overcoming the global financial crisis and promoting a sustainable economic recovery in the post-crisis world.
Established in 1989, APEC has 21 members, which account for about 41 percent of the world's population, 56 percent of world GDP and about 49 percent of world trade.
APEC's 21 member economies are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, China's Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
APEC has developed into a premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC 2009 will focus on overcoming the economic crisis and positioning member economies for a sustainable recovery in the post-crisis world.
The annual APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, inaugurated in November 1993, was designed to set the strategic policy direction for APEC.
At the end of the meeting, the APEC Economic Leaders' declaration will be issued, outlining the shared views of leaders on key topics and setting the strategic direction of APEC for the forthcoming year.
The Chinese leader flew into Singapore from Malaysia where he concluded a one-day state visit.
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