Higher MRT train and bus fares kick in
Increased fares for some train and bus trips have officially kicked in.
From Saturday (Dec 29), commuters pay six cents more on adult card fares for both modes of public transport.
Single-trip train fares and adult cash bus fares have increased by 10 cents, while the prices for monthly travel passes remain unchanged.
Card fare increases for students and senior citizens have been capped at one cent, and their cash fares remain the same as before.
The rise in fares for lower-wage workers and people with disabilities has also been capped at one cent.
The Public Transport Council announced the changes on Oct 30.
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
Monday 31 December 2018
Sunday 30 December 2018
Virtually Versailles @ ION Orchard
We invite you to experience Virtually Versailles: A Digital Exploration, a first-of-its-kind exhibition that brings the wonders and splendour of the Palace of Versailles right into our ION Art Gallery and ION Sky, free to the public!
Thursday 27 December 2018
The First Glowing Ocean in South East Asia
The First Glowing Ocean in South East Asia
23 November 2018 to 6 January 2019
Come experience five multisensory zones filled with glowing sea animals and stunning light art installations. Immerse yourself in an experiential journey with mesmerizing Sea Jellies, colourful corals and mysterious deep sea creatures brought to life in a mystical holographic experience like no other.
For more info, https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/shows-and-events/christmas/sea-aquarium
Penguins @ Jurong Bird Park
Nothing's just black and white with us penguins. We are more colourful than you imagine!
From an exclusive outdoor movie experience to a colourful world of animal enrichments and games, discover our vibrant personalities through these activities.
So come see us at Jurong Bird Park and we'll show you our true colours this Christmas!
Local Residents Exclusive!
Save up to 15% on Admission Tickets when you buy online!
Turtle and tortoise museum to relocate
Singapore's only turtle and tortoise museum to relocate to Yishun in 2019
The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum - which has been at the Chinese Garden for about 18 years - will relocate to the ORTO leisure park in Yishun next year.
Despite some "little hiccups" and delays, the construction of the new site is expected to be done in two weeks, owner Connie Tan told Channel NewsAsia on Wednesday (Dec 26).
When construction is completed, the current location at Chinese Gardens will close in preparation for the move to the north of Singapore, she said.
The lease for the museum at Chinese Garden was set to expire in March, but Ms Tan got a reprieve from government agencies after she penned a lengthy Facebook post to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong earlier this year.
On Dec 12, Ms Tan announced the move to the new location, which is slightly larger than the original site. It will feature enhanced amenities such as larger animal pens, which will mean more living space for the reptiles.
Ms Tan was hopeful that visitors will like the new premises in ORTO - formerly called Bottle Tree Park.
"ORTO ... is a haven for families. With the area complementing what we are, it will definitely be a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy themselves in," she said.
The construction costs at Yishun were reduced after several contractors helped to install lighting and electrical wiring at cost, Ms Tan said.
"I only had to pay for the materials used," she added.
However, Ms Tan still has to contend with rental and construction costs, which will come up to more than S$200,000. With about S$30,000 raised to date, she estimates that she needs another S$180,000.
To cope with the financial strain, entrance fees at the new location will be raised to S$10 for Singaporean citizens and S$6 for children and senior citizens.
Ms Tan has also made appeals to the public for donations to help fund the museum.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum - which has been at the Chinese Garden for about 18 years - will relocate to the ORTO leisure park in Yishun next year.
Despite some "little hiccups" and delays, the construction of the new site is expected to be done in two weeks, owner Connie Tan told Channel NewsAsia on Wednesday (Dec 26).
When construction is completed, the current location at Chinese Gardens will close in preparation for the move to the north of Singapore, she said.
The lease for the museum at Chinese Garden was set to expire in March, but Ms Tan got a reprieve from government agencies after she penned a lengthy Facebook post to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong earlier this year.
On Dec 12, Ms Tan announced the move to the new location, which is slightly larger than the original site. It will feature enhanced amenities such as larger animal pens, which will mean more living space for the reptiles.
Ms Tan was hopeful that visitors will like the new premises in ORTO - formerly called Bottle Tree Park.
"ORTO ... is a haven for families. With the area complementing what we are, it will definitely be a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy themselves in," she said.
The construction costs at Yishun were reduced after several contractors helped to install lighting and electrical wiring at cost, Ms Tan said.
"I only had to pay for the materials used," she added.
However, Ms Tan still has to contend with rental and construction costs, which will come up to more than S$200,000. With about S$30,000 raised to date, she estimates that she needs another S$180,000.
To cope with the financial strain, entrance fees at the new location will be raised to S$10 for Singaporean citizens and S$6 for children and senior citizens.
Ms Tan has also made appeals to the public for donations to help fund the museum.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Tuesday 25 December 2018
Monday 24 December 2018
Light projections, fireworks display at Marina Bay Countdown
Light projections, fireworks display and lots of other activities at Marina Bay Singapore Countdown
The community will take centre stage at this year's Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, whose dazzling light projections will feature artworks by students and beneficiaries of local schools and welfare organisations.
Revellers can head down to the Marina Bay precinct to catch the light projection shows every night from Dec 26 to Dec 31.
Landmarks lending their facades for the light projections include The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the ArtScience Museum and the Merlion.
Said Mr Jason Chen, 49, director of place management at the Urban Redevelopment Authority, which is presenting the countdown event: "This year, we wanted to do something different that involves community outreach, and with that intention, we reached out to schools and several voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs)."
Adapting the artworks into projection content also helps to raise awareness of the VWOs, he added, so members of the public who want to donate to these organisations can help the beneficiaries realise their dreams and aspirations.
From Dec 26 to 31, the facade of The Fullerton Hotel will be illuminated nightly with artworks by beneficiaries of the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) and the Metta Welfare Association (Metta).
Visitors can enjoy the whimsical projection shows at 15-minute intervals from 8pm to 10.30pm on Dec 26 to 30, and from 8pm to 11.30pm on New Year's Eve.
My House, by Muhammad Hasreen Muhd Hasron, 14, an APSN beneficiary, features his neighbourhood in Ang Mo Kio, and is among the artworks. Another is The Colourful School Bus by 15-year-old Lee Yang Lian, also an APSN beneficiary.
Other contributors include students and alumni of Metta School, as well as current resident artists of Arts@Metta, a service which aims to equip young people with special needs with life skills that promote integration, independence and employment.
The artworks include a painting of orchids by Mr Seah Chee Meng, 30, a resident batik artist at Arts@Metta, and a batik painting titled The Eye by Mr Luke Ng, 20, a graduate from Metta School.
At the ArtScience Museum, its facade will be lit with projections adapted from artworks by beneficiaries of social service organisation AWWA and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore from Dec 29 to Dec 31 between 8.15pm and 10.30pm.
The Merlion will also feature artworks created by students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts on Dec 29 and 30 from 8pm to 10.30pm, and on New Year's Eve from 8pm to 11.30pm.
The projections are part of the Build A Dream initiative to support the less fortunate in their personal development and in fulfilling their dreams.
The initiative is presented by the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, in partnership with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre.
Details about how to donate to the respective welfare organisations and schools are available on the event's website (www.marinabaycountdown.sg).
On New Year's Eve, an array of activities and programmes has been lined up to start from early evening and which will culminate in a spectacular seven-minute fireworks display set against Singapore's iconic city skyline at midnight.
Revellers can also enjoy live performances at Mediacorp's Let's Celebrate 2019 countdown concert at The Promontory as well as a series of free programmes at The Esplanade.
In addition, they can check out modern local gastronomical delights at the Food Truck Fest at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza from 5pm to 1am or indulge in thrilling rides and exciting games at the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival at the Bayfront Event Space from 4pm to 2am.
Over at The Float @ Marina Bay, the Star Island Singapore Countdown Edition, a multi-sensory fireworks musical, will wow the audience with performances by Taiko drummers, dancers and fire performers.
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
The community will take centre stage at this year's Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, whose dazzling light projections will feature artworks by students and beneficiaries of local schools and welfare organisations.
Revellers can head down to the Marina Bay precinct to catch the light projection shows every night from Dec 26 to Dec 31.
Landmarks lending their facades for the light projections include The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the ArtScience Museum and the Merlion.
Said Mr Jason Chen, 49, director of place management at the Urban Redevelopment Authority, which is presenting the countdown event: "This year, we wanted to do something different that involves community outreach, and with that intention, we reached out to schools and several voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs)."
Adapting the artworks into projection content also helps to raise awareness of the VWOs, he added, so members of the public who want to donate to these organisations can help the beneficiaries realise their dreams and aspirations.
From Dec 26 to 31, the facade of The Fullerton Hotel will be illuminated nightly with artworks by beneficiaries of the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) and the Metta Welfare Association (Metta).
Visitors can enjoy the whimsical projection shows at 15-minute intervals from 8pm to 10.30pm on Dec 26 to 30, and from 8pm to 11.30pm on New Year's Eve.
My House, by Muhammad Hasreen Muhd Hasron, 14, an APSN beneficiary, features his neighbourhood in Ang Mo Kio, and is among the artworks. Another is The Colourful School Bus by 15-year-old Lee Yang Lian, also an APSN beneficiary.
Other contributors include students and alumni of Metta School, as well as current resident artists of Arts@Metta, a service which aims to equip young people with special needs with life skills that promote integration, independence and employment.
The artworks include a painting of orchids by Mr Seah Chee Meng, 30, a resident batik artist at Arts@Metta, and a batik painting titled The Eye by Mr Luke Ng, 20, a graduate from Metta School.
At the ArtScience Museum, its facade will be lit with projections adapted from artworks by beneficiaries of social service organisation AWWA and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore from Dec 29 to Dec 31 between 8.15pm and 10.30pm.
The Merlion will also feature artworks created by students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts on Dec 29 and 30 from 8pm to 10.30pm, and on New Year's Eve from 8pm to 11.30pm.
The projections are part of the Build A Dream initiative to support the less fortunate in their personal development and in fulfilling their dreams.
The initiative is presented by the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, in partnership with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre.
Details about how to donate to the respective welfare organisations and schools are available on the event's website (www.marinabaycountdown.sg).
On New Year's Eve, an array of activities and programmes has been lined up to start from early evening and which will culminate in a spectacular seven-minute fireworks display set against Singapore's iconic city skyline at midnight.
Revellers can also enjoy live performances at Mediacorp's Let's Celebrate 2019 countdown concert at The Promontory as well as a series of free programmes at The Esplanade.
In addition, they can check out modern local gastronomical delights at the Food Truck Fest at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza from 5pm to 1am or indulge in thrilling rides and exciting games at the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival at the Bayfront Event Space from 4pm to 2am.
Over at The Float @ Marina Bay, the Star Island Singapore Countdown Edition, a multi-sensory fireworks musical, will wow the audience with performances by Taiko drummers, dancers and fire performers.
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
Public transport services extended for NYE
Public transport services extended for New Year's Eve
Those with plans for New Year's Eve will be able to take public transport home after their countdown events, as SMRT will be extending its train and selected bus services on Dec 31. The last train on the North-South Line terminating at Jurong East will depart from City Hall at 2.15am on Jan 1.
The train in the opposite direction, bound for Marina South Pier, will depart from City Hall at 1.57am.
On the East-West Line, trains terminating at Pasir Ris and Tuas Link will depart from City Hall at 2.15am.
Those travelling on the Circle Line towards Dhoby Ghaut will be able to catch the last train from HarbourFront at 1.38am.
The train in the opposite direction terminating at HarbourFront will depart Dhoby Ghaut at 1.41am.
The Bukit Panjang LRT service will depart Choa Chu Kang station at 3.20am and terminate at Bukit Panjang via Service A.
Selected SMRT bus services will also be extending their operation hours on New Year's Day to facilitate travel for passengers on the last trains.
The last bus for the following services will depart between 3am and 3.20am: 300, 301, 302, 307 and 983A from Choa Chu Kang interchange; 901, 911, 912 and 913 from Woodlands interchange; 859A and 883A from Sembawang interchange; and 920 and 922 from Bukit Panjang interchange.
Passengers may contact the SMRT customer hotline on 1800-336-8900 from 7.30am to 8pm daily or visit SMRT's website for more information.
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
Those with plans for New Year's Eve will be able to take public transport home after their countdown events, as SMRT will be extending its train and selected bus services on Dec 31. The last train on the North-South Line terminating at Jurong East will depart from City Hall at 2.15am on Jan 1.
The train in the opposite direction, bound for Marina South Pier, will depart from City Hall at 1.57am.
On the East-West Line, trains terminating at Pasir Ris and Tuas Link will depart from City Hall at 2.15am.
Those travelling on the Circle Line towards Dhoby Ghaut will be able to catch the last train from HarbourFront at 1.38am.
The train in the opposite direction terminating at HarbourFront will depart Dhoby Ghaut at 1.41am.
The Bukit Panjang LRT service will depart Choa Chu Kang station at 3.20am and terminate at Bukit Panjang via Service A.
Selected SMRT bus services will also be extending their operation hours on New Year's Day to facilitate travel for passengers on the last trains.
The last bus for the following services will depart between 3am and 3.20am: 300, 301, 302, 307 and 983A from Choa Chu Kang interchange; 901, 911, 912 and 913 from Woodlands interchange; 859A and 883A from Sembawang interchange; and 920 and 922 from Bukit Panjang interchange.
Passengers may contact the SMRT customer hotline on 1800-336-8900 from 7.30am to 8pm daily or visit SMRT's website for more information.
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
Saturday 22 December 2018
CW7 Mall of Medini - Tuas (S'pore - M'sia bus)
Causeway Link CW7 bus service
Mall of Medini/Leogland (Malaysia)- Tuas Link MRT (Singapore)
Friday 21 December 2018
ICA: Expect heavy traffic at checkpoints till Jan 1
ICA: Expect heavy traffic at checkpoints till Jan 1
A bomb hoax, two incidents of cars breaking down and rampant queue-cutting added to the severe congestion experienced at the Causeway last weekend.
Commuters should continue to expect heavy traffic from tomorrow till New Year's Day - especially at weekends - at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, added the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) yesterday, as it stressed that security will continue to be its top priority and that checks against potential threats will be stepped up during the festive period.
Several netizens took to the ICA's Facebook page to complain about the long queues to clear Customs and cross to Johor Baru last weekend. Some said they were stuck in jams lasting as long as six to eight hours. Even moving 100m on the Singapore side took 11/2 hours, related one commuter.
While there were angry complaints about many queue-cutters, some also urged the ICA to open up more Customs clearance booths.
Regular travellers have also noticed much longer waits during weekdays over this period, even when travelling as early as 5am.
Replying to queries from The Straits Times, the ICA said its officers "are working round the clock and doing their utmost to ensure that travellers' needs continue to be met without compromising security". "During this peak period, ICA officers have put in many overtime hours. All our available resources are being used. From time to time, during shift changes or redeployment of officers to other high traffic areas, certain counters may have to be temporarily closed," it added.
While it monitors the arrival and departure traffic conditions in real time and "adopts a multi-pronged approach in traffic management, including cross-deployment of officers and flexible use of lanes for clearance of conveyances", travellers also have a part to play.
OFFICERS DOING THEIR UTMOST
Our checkpoint officers will continue to monitor arrival and departure traffic conditions and ensure optimal deployment of resources to handle peak-hour traffic. The ICA will also continue to work with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints.
THE IMMIGRATION AND CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY, which urged motorists to observe lane discipline "at all times".
The traffic snarl last weekend was "exacerbated by motorists who failed to observe lane discipline through rampant queue-cutting", ICA said. "Additionally, cars had broken down on the Causeway on two occasions during this period, and there was one bomb hoax incident. These led to severe congestion for both arriving and departing traffic."
Around 400,000 travellers use the land checkpoints daily, and this increases to about 430,000 during the year-end school holidays and festive periods.
"This year is no exception," the ICA warned in a statement yesterday. It will continue to take the necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible, "without compromising security".
Urging motorists to observe lane discipline "at all times", ICA said: "Our checkpoint officers will continue to monitor arrival and departure traffic conditions and ensure optimal deployment of resources to handle peak-hour traffic. The ICA will also continue to work with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints."
Some netizens said there were stuck in jams for about six hours at the Tuas Checkpoint on Friday evening and early Saturday morning, while others said they were in four to five hour jams at the Woodlands Checkpoint on Saturday afternoon.
It advised motorists to better plan their journeys, and to check ICA's Facebook page and information from traffic cameras available online on the prevailing traffic situation at the checkpoints.
The ICA also reminded travellers not to bring in prohibited items such as firecrackers, pop-pops or little firecracker boxes, and chewing gum. If they bring in dutiable or controlled items such as meat products and potted plants, they should "proactively" make declarations prior to checks.
"The ICA strives to ensure expeditious checkpoint clearance for all travellers. However, security must still be our top priority. We seek travellers' patience and understanding in this," it added.
~Straits Times~
A bomb hoax, two incidents of cars breaking down and rampant queue-cutting added to the severe congestion experienced at the Causeway last weekend.
Commuters should continue to expect heavy traffic from tomorrow till New Year's Day - especially at weekends - at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, added the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) yesterday, as it stressed that security will continue to be its top priority and that checks against potential threats will be stepped up during the festive period.
Several netizens took to the ICA's Facebook page to complain about the long queues to clear Customs and cross to Johor Baru last weekend. Some said they were stuck in jams lasting as long as six to eight hours. Even moving 100m on the Singapore side took 11/2 hours, related one commuter.
While there were angry complaints about many queue-cutters, some also urged the ICA to open up more Customs clearance booths.
Regular travellers have also noticed much longer waits during weekdays over this period, even when travelling as early as 5am.
Replying to queries from The Straits Times, the ICA said its officers "are working round the clock and doing their utmost to ensure that travellers' needs continue to be met without compromising security". "During this peak period, ICA officers have put in many overtime hours. All our available resources are being used. From time to time, during shift changes or redeployment of officers to other high traffic areas, certain counters may have to be temporarily closed," it added.
While it monitors the arrival and departure traffic conditions in real time and "adopts a multi-pronged approach in traffic management, including cross-deployment of officers and flexible use of lanes for clearance of conveyances", travellers also have a part to play.
OFFICERS DOING THEIR UTMOST
Our checkpoint officers will continue to monitor arrival and departure traffic conditions and ensure optimal deployment of resources to handle peak-hour traffic. The ICA will also continue to work with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints.
THE IMMIGRATION AND CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY, which urged motorists to observe lane discipline "at all times".
The traffic snarl last weekend was "exacerbated by motorists who failed to observe lane discipline through rampant queue-cutting", ICA said. "Additionally, cars had broken down on the Causeway on two occasions during this period, and there was one bomb hoax incident. These led to severe congestion for both arriving and departing traffic."
Around 400,000 travellers use the land checkpoints daily, and this increases to about 430,000 during the year-end school holidays and festive periods.
"This year is no exception," the ICA warned in a statement yesterday. It will continue to take the necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible, "without compromising security".
Urging motorists to observe lane discipline "at all times", ICA said: "Our checkpoint officers will continue to monitor arrival and departure traffic conditions and ensure optimal deployment of resources to handle peak-hour traffic. The ICA will also continue to work with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints."
Some netizens said there were stuck in jams for about six hours at the Tuas Checkpoint on Friday evening and early Saturday morning, while others said they were in four to five hour jams at the Woodlands Checkpoint on Saturday afternoon.
It advised motorists to better plan their journeys, and to check ICA's Facebook page and information from traffic cameras available online on the prevailing traffic situation at the checkpoints.
The ICA also reminded travellers not to bring in prohibited items such as firecrackers, pop-pops or little firecracker boxes, and chewing gum. If they bring in dutiable or controlled items such as meat products and potted plants, they should "proactively" make declarations prior to checks.
"The ICA strives to ensure expeditious checkpoint clearance for all travellers. However, security must still be our top priority. We seek travellers' patience and understanding in this," it added.
~Straits Times~
Sunday 16 December 2018
Heavy showers, thunderstorms expected over Christmas period
Heavy showers, thunderstorms expected over Christmas period
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over the next two weeks, putting a dampener on Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The last two weeks of December could see six to eight days of short-duration thundery showers, occurring mostly in the afternoon and evening, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said in a media advisory on Friday (Dec 14).
A monsoon surge is also expected over one or two days towards the last week of the year, bringing with it occasional windy conditions and more intense thunderstorms at times.
Daily temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius on most days. Temperatures could possibly reach a minimum of 23 degrees Celsius with intense rainfall.
The upcoming weather forecast is a continuation of the wet conditions seen in the first two weeks of December, when thundery showers fell over many parts of the island on most afternoons.
The highest daily total rainfall of 73.4mm was recorded near Lim Chu Kang on Dec 5.
Floods were also reported over several places near Dunearn Road and Eng Neo Road on Dec 12.
Source: CNA/aj
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over the next two weeks, putting a dampener on Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The last two weeks of December could see six to eight days of short-duration thundery showers, occurring mostly in the afternoon and evening, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said in a media advisory on Friday (Dec 14).
A monsoon surge is also expected over one or two days towards the last week of the year, bringing with it occasional windy conditions and more intense thunderstorms at times.
Daily temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius on most days. Temperatures could possibly reach a minimum of 23 degrees Celsius with intense rainfall.
The upcoming weather forecast is a continuation of the wet conditions seen in the first two weeks of December, when thundery showers fell over many parts of the island on most afternoons.
The highest daily total rainfall of 73.4mm was recorded near Lim Chu Kang on Dec 5.
Floods were also reported over several places near Dunearn Road and Eng Neo Road on Dec 12.
Source: CNA/aj
Friday 14 December 2018
Firefly may not be able to return to Changi
Firefly may not be able to return to Changi
Firefly suspended operations to Singapore from Dec 1, 2018, as it did not have approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to make the move.
Malaysian carrier Firefly may not be able to return to operating flights from Changi Airport.
The Malaysia Airlines subsidiary had applied for airport slots in Seletar Airport, hence its slots at Changi have been given up and redistributed to other airlines, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday.
Firefly suspended operations to Singapore from Dec 1, as it did not have approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to make the move. CAAM had said that regulatory issues need to be resolved between the civil aviation authorities of both countries over the proposed move, as well as outstanding airspace issues.
Malaysia has protested against new flight procedures that will be implemented at Seletar next year, claiming the flight paths will stunt the development of the Pasir Gudang area.
Mr Ignatius Ong, Firefly's chief executive, has said in news reports that he is appealing to the Malaysian government for help to get back Firefly's slots at Changi Airport.
Firefly has incurred significant losses due to the suspension of flights to Singapore, its second largest destination from Subang after Penang, Malaysian daily New Straits Times reported.
Firefly had in 2014 agreed to shift operations from Changi to a new passenger terminal in Seletar Airport, that would handle turboprop flights, which Firefly operates. Mr Khaw said it had inspected Seletar and was pleased with it.
~Courtesy of Straits Times~
Firefly suspended operations to Singapore from Dec 1, 2018, as it did not have approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to make the move.
Malaysian carrier Firefly may not be able to return to operating flights from Changi Airport.
The Malaysia Airlines subsidiary had applied for airport slots in Seletar Airport, hence its slots at Changi have been given up and redistributed to other airlines, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday.
Firefly suspended operations to Singapore from Dec 1, as it did not have approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to make the move. CAAM had said that regulatory issues need to be resolved between the civil aviation authorities of both countries over the proposed move, as well as outstanding airspace issues.
Malaysia has protested against new flight procedures that will be implemented at Seletar next year, claiming the flight paths will stunt the development of the Pasir Gudang area.
Mr Ignatius Ong, Firefly's chief executive, has said in news reports that he is appealing to the Malaysian government for help to get back Firefly's slots at Changi Airport.
Firefly has incurred significant losses due to the suspension of flights to Singapore, its second largest destination from Subang after Penang, Malaysian daily New Straits Times reported.
Firefly had in 2014 agreed to shift operations from Changi to a new passenger terminal in Seletar Airport, that would handle turboprop flights, which Firefly operates. Mr Khaw said it had inspected Seletar and was pleased with it.
~Courtesy of Straits Times~
Eateries nominated for inaugural World Restaurant Awards
Singapore eateries Sungei Road Laksa and Burnt Ends nominated for inaugural World Restaurant Awards
Two Singapore establishments have been named among the nominees for the first-ever World Restaurant Awards.
In a list revealed on Thursday (Dec 13), Sungei Road Laksa in Jalan Berseh has been nominated in the House Special category for establishments defined by a particular dish. It is up against 19 other nominees such as Hong Kong establishment Yat Lok, known for its roast goose.
Modern Australian barbecue restaurant Burnt Ends in Teck Lim Road, which has one Michelin star, has been nominated in two categories - No Reservations Required, for restaurants that accept walk-in diners, and the more quirky category of Tweezer-free Kitchen of the Year, for a more "hands-on" style of plating.
Fellow nominees for the No Reservations Required category include The Bombay Canteen in India, and Clamato in Paris. Other Tweezer-free Kitchen of the Year nominees include Bo.Lan in Thailand, and Mocoto in Brazil.
Other award categories include Restaurant of the Year; Off-Map Destination of the Year, for restaurants in remote locations; and Ethical Thinking, an award recognising environmental policy, staff welfare and community engagement.
A panel of 100 judges that represent 36 countries includes the likes of chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, and film-makers. High-profile names include Danish chef Rene Redzepi of Noma in Denmark; Italian chef Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy; American restaurateur David Chang of the Momofuku restaurant group; and Canadian-born chef May Chow of Little Bao in Hong Kong.
Representing Singapore on the panel is Japanese food journalist Kyoko Nakayama, who has been based here for five years.
Julien Royer, chef-owner of French restaurant Odette, which debuted on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list at No.28 this year (2018). The 2018 awards ceremony was held in Bilbao. Singapore will host the annual restaurant awards next year (2019). Related Story
Singapore to host The World's 50 Best Restaurants awards in 2019
Food writer and broadcaster Andrea Petrini, who chairs the judging panel, said: "It's important to pay attention to the full scale of the world's great restaurants and chefs, but also to bring these awards into the 21st century by acknowledging the cultural nuances of today. For example, the pivotal role social media plays in the restaurant industry and, with tongue in cheek, to subvert current fashion with the 'Small Plate' awards such as 'Red Wine Serving restaurant', 'Tattoo-free Chef of the Year', and 'Tweezer-free Kitchen of the Year'."
The newly launched restaurant awards are being produced by IMG - an events, media, fashion and sports company which operates in more than 30 countries - in partnership with restaurant journalist Joe Warwick and Mr Petrini.
The award ceremony will take place in Paris on Feb 18 next year.
~Courtesy of Straits Times~
Two Singapore establishments have been named among the nominees for the first-ever World Restaurant Awards.
In a list revealed on Thursday (Dec 13), Sungei Road Laksa in Jalan Berseh has been nominated in the House Special category for establishments defined by a particular dish. It is up against 19 other nominees such as Hong Kong establishment Yat Lok, known for its roast goose.
Modern Australian barbecue restaurant Burnt Ends in Teck Lim Road, which has one Michelin star, has been nominated in two categories - No Reservations Required, for restaurants that accept walk-in diners, and the more quirky category of Tweezer-free Kitchen of the Year, for a more "hands-on" style of plating.
Fellow nominees for the No Reservations Required category include The Bombay Canteen in India, and Clamato in Paris. Other Tweezer-free Kitchen of the Year nominees include Bo.Lan in Thailand, and Mocoto in Brazil.
Other award categories include Restaurant of the Year; Off-Map Destination of the Year, for restaurants in remote locations; and Ethical Thinking, an award recognising environmental policy, staff welfare and community engagement.
A panel of 100 judges that represent 36 countries includes the likes of chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, and film-makers. High-profile names include Danish chef Rene Redzepi of Noma in Denmark; Italian chef Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy; American restaurateur David Chang of the Momofuku restaurant group; and Canadian-born chef May Chow of Little Bao in Hong Kong.
Representing Singapore on the panel is Japanese food journalist Kyoko Nakayama, who has been based here for five years.
Julien Royer, chef-owner of French restaurant Odette, which debuted on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list at No.28 this year (2018). The 2018 awards ceremony was held in Bilbao. Singapore will host the annual restaurant awards next year (2019). Related Story
Singapore to host The World's 50 Best Restaurants awards in 2019
Food writer and broadcaster Andrea Petrini, who chairs the judging panel, said: "It's important to pay attention to the full scale of the world's great restaurants and chefs, but also to bring these awards into the 21st century by acknowledging the cultural nuances of today. For example, the pivotal role social media plays in the restaurant industry and, with tongue in cheek, to subvert current fashion with the 'Small Plate' awards such as 'Red Wine Serving restaurant', 'Tattoo-free Chef of the Year', and 'Tweezer-free Kitchen of the Year'."
The newly launched restaurant awards are being produced by IMG - an events, media, fashion and sports company which operates in more than 30 countries - in partnership with restaurant journalist Joe Warwick and Mr Petrini.
The award ceremony will take place in Paris on Feb 18 next year.
~Courtesy of Straits Times~
Christmas on A Great Street
Christmas on A Great Street
Disney Magical Moments Orchard Road
This Christmas, Orchard Road’s iconic festive light-up gets the Disney touch of imagination and wonderment. Check out all four themes of Disney Magical Moments featuring popular and beloved Disney characters.
Christmas Village at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
Great vibes await at The Christmas Village, with exciting activities including a Duplex Carousel, workshops, great local nosh curated by Timbre+ and a countdown to Christmas on Christmas Eve.
One of Singapore’s most popular neighbourhoods and a world-class destination for avid shoppers and discerning visitors alike, Orchard Road’s buzzing atmosphere amps up as Christmas comes to town.
Living up to its billing as Christmas on A Great Street, Orchard Road transforms into a wonderland filled with bright lights, enchanting decorations, irresistible festive buys and endless bustle from holiday makers.
2018’s theme for the street light-up taps into the magic of Disney, with popular characters from movies like Disney's Frozen and Disney•Pixar's Toy Story and evergreens like Mickey Mouse & Friends and Disney Princess coming to life in a spectacle of wonder and imagination.
Soak in the Christmas cheer, discover the perfect gift for your loved ones, and celebrate the joys of the season with your family and friends. Here’s a peek into the magic and merriment that awaits you.
Light-up ceremony
Christmas comes to Singapore early every year, with festivities getting into full swing at Singapore from mid November to get everyone into the holiday mood. The official light-up ceremony happens on 10 November 2018, transforming the buzzing lifestyle precinct of Orchard Road into a wonderland of light, sound and colour.
Whether you’re an aspiring street photographer hoping to capture great moments or a family looking for an enchanting spectacle, you’re bound to find an unforgettable moment at Orchard Road. The lights and decorations stay up until 1 January 2019, so you’ll have more than a month to take in the sensory feast.
Captivating street décor
Disney-themed Christmas lights along Orchard Road
It’s the 35th year of the Christmas festive light-up along Orchard Road, and marking the occasion is special magic from Disney and Disney•Pixar. Mickey Mouse and a whole cast of popular characters serve as the inspiration for the festivities you experience along Orchard Road, stretching from Tanglin Mall to Scotts Road and up to Plaza Singapura. The celebrations span four distinct zones across the entire 2.88km stretch, each boasting their own thematic decorations.
Visitors to the Tanglin and Scotts Road zone will be awash in pink with Disney Princess holding court, while the Orchard Road zone will see Mickey Mouse and Friends adornments greeting festive revellers. Catch the overhead lights of lovable characters from the popular Disney's Frozen and Disney•Pixar's Toy Story movies at the Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut zones respectively.
Don’t just look up at the overstreet arches – do keep an eye out for the five Disney set pieces, spaced out along Orchard Road’s pedestrian walkways. They’re great spots to commemorate the season with a snapshot for the ‘gram. Even the shopping malls are dressed for the occasion, with Wheelock Place and Orchard Central adorning their facades with Disney-themed decorations.
Christmas Village
Happening at Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza, the Christmas Village will be jam-packed with exciting activities, including various games, photo ops with roving Christmas characters, workshops and live performances. If you’re visiting with your little ones, be sure to take a spin on the Duplex Carousel. Also, the STB mascot, Merli, will be making its debut appearance so do look out for Merli and not miss out on this exclusive photo op.
Pop-up paradise
The Christmas Village will see some of the world’s most globally beloved brands coming together to bring you an unforgettable Yule experience. Expect to be enchanted by interactive experiences courtesy of Uniqlo, pop-up stores from Owndays and Oppo, and a Haagen Daaz café space serving a brand new seasonal ice cream flavour.
Christmas countdown party
The festivities reach a crescendo on Christmas Eve, with the Christmas Countdown Party at Orchard Road. Now in its second year, this evening of festivities will feature live performances from local bands and dance groups.
The season of giving
Orchardgateway exterior mall façade with Christmas décor
An all-year round retail paradise for discerning shoppers, Orchard Road’s multitude of offerings get even more rewarding during the Christmas season. Shoppers looking to indulge in luxury brands can pop by Paragon, while youths and the young at heart should visit Cineleisure Orchard or 313@Somerset for their range of street wear and fashion-forward apparel.
Be awed by the striking modern architecture of ION Orchard, which houses a treasure-trove of global labels and fashion boutiques. Then, take a stroll to TANGS, the heritage store that stocks international brands and artisanal local products. During the festive season, great deals and special buys abound at Orchard Road. Festive shopping is made sweeter with many malls offering visitors S$30 vouchers with a minimum of S$300 spend on their Mastercard credit and debit cards.
~Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board~
Disney Magical Moments Orchard Road
This Christmas, Orchard Road’s iconic festive light-up gets the Disney touch of imagination and wonderment. Check out all four themes of Disney Magical Moments featuring popular and beloved Disney characters.
Christmas Village at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
Great vibes await at The Christmas Village, with exciting activities including a Duplex Carousel, workshops, great local nosh curated by Timbre+ and a countdown to Christmas on Christmas Eve.
One of Singapore’s most popular neighbourhoods and a world-class destination for avid shoppers and discerning visitors alike, Orchard Road’s buzzing atmosphere amps up as Christmas comes to town.
Living up to its billing as Christmas on A Great Street, Orchard Road transforms into a wonderland filled with bright lights, enchanting decorations, irresistible festive buys and endless bustle from holiday makers.
2018’s theme for the street light-up taps into the magic of Disney, with popular characters from movies like Disney's Frozen and Disney•Pixar's Toy Story and evergreens like Mickey Mouse & Friends and Disney Princess coming to life in a spectacle of wonder and imagination.
Soak in the Christmas cheer, discover the perfect gift for your loved ones, and celebrate the joys of the season with your family and friends. Here’s a peek into the magic and merriment that awaits you.
Light-up ceremony
Christmas comes to Singapore early every year, with festivities getting into full swing at Singapore from mid November to get everyone into the holiday mood. The official light-up ceremony happens on 10 November 2018, transforming the buzzing lifestyle precinct of Orchard Road into a wonderland of light, sound and colour.
Whether you’re an aspiring street photographer hoping to capture great moments or a family looking for an enchanting spectacle, you’re bound to find an unforgettable moment at Orchard Road. The lights and decorations stay up until 1 January 2019, so you’ll have more than a month to take in the sensory feast.
Captivating street décor
Disney-themed Christmas lights along Orchard Road
It’s the 35th year of the Christmas festive light-up along Orchard Road, and marking the occasion is special magic from Disney and Disney•Pixar. Mickey Mouse and a whole cast of popular characters serve as the inspiration for the festivities you experience along Orchard Road, stretching from Tanglin Mall to Scotts Road and up to Plaza Singapura. The celebrations span four distinct zones across the entire 2.88km stretch, each boasting their own thematic decorations.
Visitors to the Tanglin and Scotts Road zone will be awash in pink with Disney Princess holding court, while the Orchard Road zone will see Mickey Mouse and Friends adornments greeting festive revellers. Catch the overhead lights of lovable characters from the popular Disney's Frozen and Disney•Pixar's Toy Story movies at the Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut zones respectively.
Don’t just look up at the overstreet arches – do keep an eye out for the five Disney set pieces, spaced out along Orchard Road’s pedestrian walkways. They’re great spots to commemorate the season with a snapshot for the ‘gram. Even the shopping malls are dressed for the occasion, with Wheelock Place and Orchard Central adorning their facades with Disney-themed decorations.
Christmas Village
Happening at Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza, the Christmas Village will be jam-packed with exciting activities, including various games, photo ops with roving Christmas characters, workshops and live performances. If you’re visiting with your little ones, be sure to take a spin on the Duplex Carousel. Also, the STB mascot, Merli, will be making its debut appearance so do look out for Merli and not miss out on this exclusive photo op.
Pop-up paradise
The Christmas Village will see some of the world’s most globally beloved brands coming together to bring you an unforgettable Yule experience. Expect to be enchanted by interactive experiences courtesy of Uniqlo, pop-up stores from Owndays and Oppo, and a Haagen Daaz café space serving a brand new seasonal ice cream flavour.
Christmas countdown party
The festivities reach a crescendo on Christmas Eve, with the Christmas Countdown Party at Orchard Road. Now in its second year, this evening of festivities will feature live performances from local bands and dance groups.
The season of giving
Orchardgateway exterior mall façade with Christmas décor
An all-year round retail paradise for discerning shoppers, Orchard Road’s multitude of offerings get even more rewarding during the Christmas season. Shoppers looking to indulge in luxury brands can pop by Paragon, while youths and the young at heart should visit Cineleisure Orchard or 313@Somerset for their range of street wear and fashion-forward apparel.
Be awed by the striking modern architecture of ION Orchard, which houses a treasure-trove of global labels and fashion boutiques. Then, take a stroll to TANGS, the heritage store that stocks international brands and artisanal local products. During the festive season, great deals and special buys abound at Orchard Road. Festive shopping is made sweeter with many malls offering visitors S$30 vouchers with a minimum of S$300 spend on their Mastercard credit and debit cards.
~Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board~
Tuesday 13 November 2018
Multi-biometrics screening at checkpoints from April 2019
ICA to introduce multi-biometrics screening at checkpoints from April 2019
Travellers with faded fingerprints will soon not have to worry about getting stuck during immigration clearance.
From April 2019, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will progressively deploy a new screening system which uses three biometric identifiers - fingerprints, facial and iris - to complement fingerprint matching for immigration clearance. ICA said this is more accurate and is useful for travellers with deteriorated fingerprints due to ageing, scarring or genetics.
The new system will be available at all checkpoints.
"With the BioScreen-Multi Modal Biometric Screening System, travellers can be authenticated using any of the three biometric identifiers," the agency said in a statement on Monday (Nov 12).
"This will enable more efficient immigration clearance for travellers who may face difficulties using their fingerprints."
After handing over their passports, travellers put two thumbs on a fingerprint scanner and concurrently look at a camera which scans their faces and eyes. A green tick on a screen indicates the process is completed.
When asked if the process will take the same amount of time as current procedures, ICA said: “As part of the trial, we will try to fine-tune the final outcome to achieve a more effective clearance process.”
The system is being trialled at manual and automated counters at Woodlands, Tuas and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal checkpoints.
"A robust biometrics database of travellers, comprising facial images, fingerprint and iris, will be useful for post-incident investigation and data analytics purposes in the event of a security incident," ICA added.
FACIAL RECOGNITION
Meanwhile, the ICA has also been beefing up security at Singapore's borders with the use of facial recognition cameras, which have been deployed at Woodlands Checkpoint since 2012.
The cameras, found at strategic locations like entrances, queue lines and immigration counters, are used to identify wanted persons, including during post-incident investigations.
Since 2012, the system has identified persons wanted for offences like possessing multiple identities and previously overstaying in Singapore, although ICA declined to reveal exact figures due to operational security.
"More than 280,000 travellers pass through Woodlands Checkpoint every day," Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Lian Lee Siong from ICA told reporters on Monday.
"With this facial recognition technology, we will be able to process large volumes of passengers more efficiently and securely."
The cameras have also been used during stepped-up checks in the lead-up to the ongoing ASEAN Summit, and other major events like the Trump-Kim summit. ICA is also in the midst of deploying the cameras at other checkpoints like Changi Airport.
HOW IT WORKS
ICA works with other security agencies like the police to upload pictures of wanted persons into its database, which currently contains a few hundred thousand images.
The system can simultaneously compare faces of multiple travellers to those in the database and automatically flag wanted persons to officers in the command centre. These officers make a final identification before alerting their colleagues on the ground.
Officials said this process takes three to five seconds, which means suspects trying to flee the country will be nabbed even before reaching the immigration counter.
"If someone commits a crime inland and attempts to depart Singapore through our checkpoints, all we need is just a photograph of him and our system will be able to sieve him out from the crowd," DAC Lian said.
The system is smart enough to identify suspects using old photos, or if their features were altered or obstructed. For example, officials showed a real-life example of a wanted person being identified despite dying her hair a different colour.
It can also detect objects based on physical features like colour, size and dimension, meaning officers can identify suspects based on the colour of his T-shirt, or other security risks like unattended baggage.
"This provides you ways of identifying and verifying a person-of-interest even without an image," said Dr Naresh Kumar, a director at the Office of the Chief Science and Technology Officer, which helped produce the system.
"With the attributes and descriptors, we are able to nail down the person. This keeps our checkpoints safe and secure."
If officers need to look back in time, the system can trawl up to a year of old footage and automatically show instances of the suspect passing through.
As far as privacy is concerned, ICA said in a statement that only authorised officers are allowed to enter the command centre and operate the cameras.
"In addition, the user access rights are restricted such that users only have access to perform their assigned duties," it added. "Any officer found to have abused the system will be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law."
MOBILE AND BODY-WORN CAMERAS
Besides the fixed cameras, ICA has also deployed mobile and body-worn cameras equipped with facial recognition technology.
The mobile cameras, which have been used for several Home Team operations since July 2017, are usually for large-scale events like festive celebrations, when prior intelligence has indicated the possible appearance of a wanted person.
These cameras can be set up within 10 minutes and is useful when it is not practical for officers to patrol the ground for long hours. They can send alerts to officers' mobile phones through a secure wireless network.
Another option is the body-worn cameras, which officers can use in low-light conditions or when faced with infrastructural challenges, like on board a cruise or inside a vehicle.
These cameras are also connected to officers' mobile phones and can automatically match faces to a remote database.
"The body-worn cameras allow roving officers on patrol within the checkpoints to accurately and swiftly detect persons-of-interest before they reach the immigration counters," ICA said.
Source: CNA/hz(ra)
Travellers with faded fingerprints will soon not have to worry about getting stuck during immigration clearance.
From April 2019, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will progressively deploy a new screening system which uses three biometric identifiers - fingerprints, facial and iris - to complement fingerprint matching for immigration clearance. ICA said this is more accurate and is useful for travellers with deteriorated fingerprints due to ageing, scarring or genetics.
The new system will be available at all checkpoints.
"With the BioScreen-Multi Modal Biometric Screening System, travellers can be authenticated using any of the three biometric identifiers," the agency said in a statement on Monday (Nov 12).
"This will enable more efficient immigration clearance for travellers who may face difficulties using their fingerprints."
After handing over their passports, travellers put two thumbs on a fingerprint scanner and concurrently look at a camera which scans their faces and eyes. A green tick on a screen indicates the process is completed.
When asked if the process will take the same amount of time as current procedures, ICA said: “As part of the trial, we will try to fine-tune the final outcome to achieve a more effective clearance process.”
The system is being trialled at manual and automated counters at Woodlands, Tuas and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal checkpoints.
"A robust biometrics database of travellers, comprising facial images, fingerprint and iris, will be useful for post-incident investigation and data analytics purposes in the event of a security incident," ICA added.
FACIAL RECOGNITION
Meanwhile, the ICA has also been beefing up security at Singapore's borders with the use of facial recognition cameras, which have been deployed at Woodlands Checkpoint since 2012.
The cameras, found at strategic locations like entrances, queue lines and immigration counters, are used to identify wanted persons, including during post-incident investigations.
Since 2012, the system has identified persons wanted for offences like possessing multiple identities and previously overstaying in Singapore, although ICA declined to reveal exact figures due to operational security.
"More than 280,000 travellers pass through Woodlands Checkpoint every day," Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Lian Lee Siong from ICA told reporters on Monday.
"With this facial recognition technology, we will be able to process large volumes of passengers more efficiently and securely."
The cameras have also been used during stepped-up checks in the lead-up to the ongoing ASEAN Summit, and other major events like the Trump-Kim summit. ICA is also in the midst of deploying the cameras at other checkpoints like Changi Airport.
HOW IT WORKS
ICA works with other security agencies like the police to upload pictures of wanted persons into its database, which currently contains a few hundred thousand images.
The system can simultaneously compare faces of multiple travellers to those in the database and automatically flag wanted persons to officers in the command centre. These officers make a final identification before alerting their colleagues on the ground.
Officials said this process takes three to five seconds, which means suspects trying to flee the country will be nabbed even before reaching the immigration counter.
"If someone commits a crime inland and attempts to depart Singapore through our checkpoints, all we need is just a photograph of him and our system will be able to sieve him out from the crowd," DAC Lian said.
The system is smart enough to identify suspects using old photos, or if their features were altered or obstructed. For example, officials showed a real-life example of a wanted person being identified despite dying her hair a different colour.
It can also detect objects based on physical features like colour, size and dimension, meaning officers can identify suspects based on the colour of his T-shirt, or other security risks like unattended baggage.
"This provides you ways of identifying and verifying a person-of-interest even without an image," said Dr Naresh Kumar, a director at the Office of the Chief Science and Technology Officer, which helped produce the system.
"With the attributes and descriptors, we are able to nail down the person. This keeps our checkpoints safe and secure."
If officers need to look back in time, the system can trawl up to a year of old footage and automatically show instances of the suspect passing through.
As far as privacy is concerned, ICA said in a statement that only authorised officers are allowed to enter the command centre and operate the cameras.
"In addition, the user access rights are restricted such that users only have access to perform their assigned duties," it added. "Any officer found to have abused the system will be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law."
MOBILE AND BODY-WORN CAMERAS
Besides the fixed cameras, ICA has also deployed mobile and body-worn cameras equipped with facial recognition technology.
The mobile cameras, which have been used for several Home Team operations since July 2017, are usually for large-scale events like festive celebrations, when prior intelligence has indicated the possible appearance of a wanted person.
These cameras can be set up within 10 minutes and is useful when it is not practical for officers to patrol the ground for long hours. They can send alerts to officers' mobile phones through a secure wireless network.
Another option is the body-worn cameras, which officers can use in low-light conditions or when faced with infrastructural challenges, like on board a cruise or inside a vehicle.
These cameras are also connected to officers' mobile phones and can automatically match faces to a remote database.
"The body-worn cameras allow roving officers on patrol within the checkpoints to accurately and swiftly detect persons-of-interest before they reach the immigration counters," ICA said.
Source: CNA/hz(ra)
Monday 12 November 2018
Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup popular in Peranakan cuisine. Laksa consists of rice noodles or rice vermicelli with chicken, prawn or fish, served in spicy soup based on either rich and spicy curry coconut milk or on sour asam (tamarind or gelugur). Laksa is found in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Southern Thailand.
The type of laksa is based upon the soup base employed in its recipe; either rich and savoury coconut milk, fresh and sour asam (tamarind, gelugur or kokum), or the combination of the two.
There are three basic types of laksa: curry laksa, asam laksa, and other variant that can be identified as either curry or asam laksa.
Curry laksa is a coconut milk curry soup with noodles, while asam laksa is a sour, most often tamarind-based, soup with noodles. Thick rice noodles also known as laksa noodles are most commonly used, although thin rice vermicelli (bee hoon or mee hoon) are also common, and some recipes might create their own rice noodle from scratch. Some variants might use other types of noodles; Johor laksa for example uses spaghetti, while a fusion recipe might use Japanese udon noodle.
Laksa lemak, also known as nyonya laksa (Malay: Laksa nyonya), is a type of laksa with a rich coconut gravy. Lemak is a culinary description in the Malay language which specifically refers to the presence of coconut milk which adds a distinctive richness to a dish. As the name implies, it is made with a rich, slightly sweet and strongly spiced coconut gravy. Laksa lemak is usually made with a fish-based gravy (with vegetarian food stalls omitting fish) and quite similar to Thai laksa (Malay: Laksa Thai), perhaps to the point that one could say they are one and the same.
Asam laksa is a sour, fish and tamarind-based soup. Penang Asam Laksa listed at number 26th on World's 50 most delicious foods compiled by CNN Go in 2011. Asam is the Malay word for any ingredients that makes a dish tastes sour (e.g. tamarind, gelugur or kokum). Laksa typically uses asam keping, known as kokum in the English speaking world, which is a type of dried slices of sour mangosteens.
The modern Malay spelling is asam, though the spelling assam is still frequently used.
The main ingredients for asam laksa include shredded fish, normally kembung (small mackerel of the Rastrelliger genus), and finely sliced vegetables including cucumber, onions, red chillies, pineapple, lettuce, common mint, daun kesum (Vietnamese mint or laksa mint), and pink bunga kantan (torch ginger). Asam laksa is normally served with either thick rice noodles or thin rice noodles (vermicelli). And topped off with petis udang or "hae ko" (蝦膏), a thick sweet prawn/shrimp paste.
Source: Wikipedia and Facebook
The type of laksa is based upon the soup base employed in its recipe; either rich and savoury coconut milk, fresh and sour asam (tamarind, gelugur or kokum), or the combination of the two.
There are three basic types of laksa: curry laksa, asam laksa, and other variant that can be identified as either curry or asam laksa.
Curry laksa is a coconut milk curry soup with noodles, while asam laksa is a sour, most often tamarind-based, soup with noodles. Thick rice noodles also known as laksa noodles are most commonly used, although thin rice vermicelli (bee hoon or mee hoon) are also common, and some recipes might create their own rice noodle from scratch. Some variants might use other types of noodles; Johor laksa for example uses spaghetti, while a fusion recipe might use Japanese udon noodle.
Laksa lemak, also known as nyonya laksa (Malay: Laksa nyonya), is a type of laksa with a rich coconut gravy. Lemak is a culinary description in the Malay language which specifically refers to the presence of coconut milk which adds a distinctive richness to a dish. As the name implies, it is made with a rich, slightly sweet and strongly spiced coconut gravy. Laksa lemak is usually made with a fish-based gravy (with vegetarian food stalls omitting fish) and quite similar to Thai laksa (Malay: Laksa Thai), perhaps to the point that one could say they are one and the same.
Asam laksa is a sour, fish and tamarind-based soup. Penang Asam Laksa listed at number 26th on World's 50 most delicious foods compiled by CNN Go in 2011. Asam is the Malay word for any ingredients that makes a dish tastes sour (e.g. tamarind, gelugur or kokum). Laksa typically uses asam keping, known as kokum in the English speaking world, which is a type of dried slices of sour mangosteens.
The modern Malay spelling is asam, though the spelling assam is still frequently used.
The main ingredients for asam laksa include shredded fish, normally kembung (small mackerel of the Rastrelliger genus), and finely sliced vegetables including cucumber, onions, red chillies, pineapple, lettuce, common mint, daun kesum (Vietnamese mint or laksa mint), and pink bunga kantan (torch ginger). Asam laksa is normally served with either thick rice noodles or thin rice noodles (vermicelli). And topped off with petis udang or "hae ko" (蝦膏), a thick sweet prawn/shrimp paste.
Source: Wikipedia and Facebook
Tuesday 6 November 2018
Saturday 3 November 2018
S'pore Airlines to begin non-stop flights to Seattle next September
Singapore Airlines to begin non-stop flights to Seattle next September
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will begin non-stop flights to Seattle on Sep 3 next year, its fourth non-stop destination in the United States.
The move comes amid efforts by SIA to expand its operations and network reach in the US, where it already flies non-stop to San Francisco and New York, the airline said in a press release on Thursday (Nov 1). SIA will begin non-stop flights to Los Angeles on Friday.
“Our new non-stop flights to Seattle are another demonstration of our commitment to expand our operations in the important US market and grow our network reach," said SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong.
"The new services will also further strengthen the Singapore hub by providing customers faster and more convenient connectivity from key markets such as Southeast Asia, South Asia and Australasia to North America,” Mr Goh said.
The non-stop Singapore-Seattle flights will operate three times a week after it is launched in September next year, before increasing to four times per week the following month.
The Airbus A350-900 aircraft will be used on the route, fitted with 42 business class, 24 premium economy class and 187 economy class seats.
SIA will operate 53 flights per week to the US by December 2018, including 27 non-stop Singapore-US services. With the introduction of the new Seattle flights next year, the total frequency will increase to 57 flights per week.
The Singapore-Seattle tickets will be made available for sale progressively from Nov 7 through the various distribution channels, it added.
SIA resumed the world's longest commercial flight after five years last month, with a near-19 hour non-stop from Singapore to New York.
Singapore Airlines had abandoned the marathon Newark and Los Angeles routes in 2013 when high fuel prices made the use of four-engine Airbus A340-500 jets uneconomic.
Source: CNA/ic(aj)
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will begin non-stop flights to Seattle on Sep 3 next year, its fourth non-stop destination in the United States.
The move comes amid efforts by SIA to expand its operations and network reach in the US, where it already flies non-stop to San Francisco and New York, the airline said in a press release on Thursday (Nov 1). SIA will begin non-stop flights to Los Angeles on Friday.
“Our new non-stop flights to Seattle are another demonstration of our commitment to expand our operations in the important US market and grow our network reach," said SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong.
"The new services will also further strengthen the Singapore hub by providing customers faster and more convenient connectivity from key markets such as Southeast Asia, South Asia and Australasia to North America,” Mr Goh said.
The non-stop Singapore-Seattle flights will operate three times a week after it is launched in September next year, before increasing to four times per week the following month.
The Airbus A350-900 aircraft will be used on the route, fitted with 42 business class, 24 premium economy class and 187 economy class seats.
SIA will operate 53 flights per week to the US by December 2018, including 27 non-stop Singapore-US services. With the introduction of the new Seattle flights next year, the total frequency will increase to 57 flights per week.
The Singapore-Seattle tickets will be made available for sale progressively from Nov 7 through the various distribution channels, it added.
SIA resumed the world's longest commercial flight after five years last month, with a near-19 hour non-stop from Singapore to New York.
Singapore Airlines had abandoned the marathon Newark and Los Angeles routes in 2013 when high fuel prices made the use of four-engine Airbus A340-500 jets uneconomic.
Source: CNA/ic(aj)
Thursday 1 November 2018
Apam Balik
Apam balik (English: 'turnover pancake') or terang bulan (English: 'bright moon') or martabak manis (English: 'sweet martabak') common in Southeast Asia. It is usually sold at specialist roadside stalls throughout Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
The pancake's batter is made from a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, baking soda, coconut milk and water. The batter is cooked upon a thick round iron frying pan in plenty of palm margarine to avoid it sticking to the pan.
Then other ingredients are sprinkled as filling; the most common or traditional is crushed peanut granules with sugar and sweetcorn kernels (available from cans), but modern innovations such as chocolate sprinkles and cheddar cheese are also available. Then, the pancake is folded (hence the name: "turnover pancake") and cut into several pieces.
The texture of the apam balik can vary depending on the amount of batter and type of pan used, from one that is akin to a crispier form of crumpets to small thin light pancake shells that break when bitten (the latter is usually called apam balik nipis, 'thin apam balik').
The dish has been declared a heritage food by the Malaysian Department of National Heritage.
~wikipedia~
The pancake's batter is made from a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, baking soda, coconut milk and water. The batter is cooked upon a thick round iron frying pan in plenty of palm margarine to avoid it sticking to the pan.
Then other ingredients are sprinkled as filling; the most common or traditional is crushed peanut granules with sugar and sweetcorn kernels (available from cans), but modern innovations such as chocolate sprinkles and cheddar cheese are also available. Then, the pancake is folded (hence the name: "turnover pancake") and cut into several pieces.
The texture of the apam balik can vary depending on the amount of batter and type of pan used, from one that is akin to a crispier form of crumpets to small thin light pancake shells that break when bitten (the latter is usually called apam balik nipis, 'thin apam balik').
The dish has been declared a heritage food by the Malaysian Department of National Heritage.
~wikipedia~
No more plastic straws at Resorts World Sentosa
No more plastic straws at Resorts World Sentosa
Since Oct 1, dining establishments and five themed attractions across Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) have stopped providing customers with plastic straws in a bid to reduce single-use plastics.
The latest move will save more than three million, or 1.2 tonnes of, plastic straws a year, RWS said in a press release on Monday (Oct 27).
The places that have stopped providing plastic straws include Universal Studios Singapore and the SEA Aquarium, as well as the resort's celebrity chef restaurants and the Malaysian Food Street food hall, RWS said.
Paper straws, said to be biodegradable and more environmentally friendly, will be available upon request, RWS added. Those with special needs and may require straws to consume drinks will be provided with the straws.
SEA Aquarium's marine conservation group, Guardians of the SEAA, will lead educational outreach efforts to create awareness among RWS employees on the issue of plastic pollution, the press release said.
The group is also working with James Cook University and non-profit organisation Zero Waste SG to engage members of the public on the cause.
"RWS supports the national effort towards becoming a Zero Waste Nation, and is looking into ways to reduce other forms of single-use plastics such as bottled water," RWS said.
RWS joins other businesses in Singapore in their bid to reduce single-use plastics. KFC Singapore has stopped providing plastic caps and straws for drinks at its 84 outlets since its announcement in June this year.
Burger King has stopped providing dine-in customers at its 42 outlets with plastic straws and lids for their cold drinks since Oct 15.
Source: CNA
Since Oct 1, dining establishments and five themed attractions across Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) have stopped providing customers with plastic straws in a bid to reduce single-use plastics.
The latest move will save more than three million, or 1.2 tonnes of, plastic straws a year, RWS said in a press release on Monday (Oct 27).
The places that have stopped providing plastic straws include Universal Studios Singapore and the SEA Aquarium, as well as the resort's celebrity chef restaurants and the Malaysian Food Street food hall, RWS said.
Paper straws, said to be biodegradable and more environmentally friendly, will be available upon request, RWS added. Those with special needs and may require straws to consume drinks will be provided with the straws.
SEA Aquarium's marine conservation group, Guardians of the SEAA, will lead educational outreach efforts to create awareness among RWS employees on the issue of plastic pollution, the press release said.
The group is also working with James Cook University and non-profit organisation Zero Waste SG to engage members of the public on the cause.
"RWS supports the national effort towards becoming a Zero Waste Nation, and is looking into ways to reduce other forms of single-use plastics such as bottled water," RWS said.
RWS joins other businesses in Singapore in their bid to reduce single-use plastics. KFC Singapore has stopped providing plastic caps and straws for drinks at its 84 outlets since its announcement in June this year.
Burger King has stopped providing dine-in customers at its 42 outlets with plastic straws and lids for their cold drinks since Oct 15.
Source: CNA
Monday 29 October 2018
Roti John
Roti john is an omelette sandwich founded by a Malay who lived in Singapore during the British colonial times before being widely popular throughout the Malay Peninsula in present-day Malaysia.
Roti is the Hindi, Urdu and Malay word for bread, and more generally for any bread-based or bread-like food, including sandwiches and pancakes. The origin of john in the name is allegedly due to the Western origin of the baguette and British colonial rule in British Malaya and Singapore island.
The ingredients include minced meat (chicken or mutton), onion, egg, tomato-chilli sauce and a baguette-type loaf.
~Wikipedia~
Roti is the Hindi, Urdu and Malay word for bread, and more generally for any bread-based or bread-like food, including sandwiches and pancakes. The origin of john in the name is allegedly due to the Western origin of the baguette and British colonial rule in British Malaya and Singapore island.
The ingredients include minced meat (chicken or mutton), onion, egg, tomato-chilli sauce and a baguette-type loaf.
~Wikipedia~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)