Lunar New Year celebrations kick off with light-up at Chinatown
With less than a month to go before the start of the Lunar New Year, festivities in Chinatown are already in full swing.
Thousands gathered to kick off the celebrations as they started off with a bang on Saturday.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was at the launch of the light-up, which marked the start of the six-week Chinatown Lunar New Year celebrations.
Over 700 performers took part in various musical and cultural performances, with this year's theme being "A Celebration of Spring".
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Laguna's World Classic golf course
Laguna's World Classic golf course expected to be ready by mid-2010
The Laguna World Classic golf course which replicates some of the world's most celebrated holes is expected to be ready by the middle of this year after a two-year delay.
The course will bring a whole new experience to players and spectators in Asia with its unique layout.
The stadium course, a first in Asia, gives spectators and golfers a spectacular view of the course from a single vantage point.
The project started in 2007 and was supposed to have been completed by 2008. But the delay gave Laguna more time to improve on the design of the estimated S$20 million course.
Top American golf course designer Andy Dye, who has designed 60 courses, spent a lot of time on the project and said it is his best work to date.
Dye's other works include Pebble Beach and Village Creek, and the American comes from a family of golf designers with over 70 years experience and having designed 17 of the world's top 100 golf courses.
He said: "It is special. It's going to be around for the next 80 years, it's the future of golf. We have got seven, eight pin positions on every green and we can stretch this out, we can make it play long, short, up, down. So the biggest challenge was to make sure we got it right."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The Laguna World Classic golf course which replicates some of the world's most celebrated holes is expected to be ready by the middle of this year after a two-year delay.
The course will bring a whole new experience to players and spectators in Asia with its unique layout.
The stadium course, a first in Asia, gives spectators and golfers a spectacular view of the course from a single vantage point.
The project started in 2007 and was supposed to have been completed by 2008. But the delay gave Laguna more time to improve on the design of the estimated S$20 million course.
Top American golf course designer Andy Dye, who has designed 60 courses, spent a lot of time on the project and said it is his best work to date.
Dye's other works include Pebble Beach and Village Creek, and the American comes from a family of golf designers with over 70 years experience and having designed 17 of the world's top 100 golf courses.
He said: "It is special. It's going to be around for the next 80 years, it's the future of golf. We have got seven, eight pin positions on every green and we can stretch this out, we can make it play long, short, up, down. So the biggest challenge was to make sure we got it right."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Opening of theme park, casino at RW
No fixed dates for opening of theme park, casino at Resorts World
The chairman of Resorts World Sentosa has refuted media reports which quoted him as saying on Tuesday that the Universal Studios theme park would be opened by the end of next week.
He also said authorities have yet to approve the casino licence.
Even so, Singapore's first integrated resort saw thousands of visitors on Wednesday at the opening of its four hotels.
The ribbon was cut at precisely 8.18 in the morning. Eight is seen as an auspicious number because it sounds like the Chinese word for prosperity.
The four hotels at Resorts World Sentosa may have finally opened their doors to the public, but the resort said no opening date has yet been set for the Universal Studios theme park despite some media reports.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The chairman of Resorts World Sentosa has refuted media reports which quoted him as saying on Tuesday that the Universal Studios theme park would be opened by the end of next week.
He also said authorities have yet to approve the casino licence.
Even so, Singapore's first integrated resort saw thousands of visitors on Wednesday at the opening of its four hotels.
The ribbon was cut at precisely 8.18 in the morning. Eight is seen as an auspicious number because it sounds like the Chinese word for prosperity.
The four hotels at Resorts World Sentosa may have finally opened their doors to the public, but the resort said no opening date has yet been set for the Universal Studios theme park despite some media reports.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Monday, 18 January 2010
Chingay Parade 2010
Some 2,000 dancers to add Samba flair to this year's Chingay Parade
One of Asia's largest street parades - the Chingay Parade in Singapore - will take place on February 19 and 20.
Members of the public can look forward to some samba fever at this year's parade.
A 2,000-strong samba segment from Singapore will be featured in the celebrations.
And for the first time, visitors can join in the party on the street by registering two hours before the event.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
One of Asia's largest street parades - the Chingay Parade in Singapore - will take place on February 19 and 20.
Members of the public can look forward to some samba fever at this year's parade.
A 2,000-strong samba segment from Singapore will be featured in the celebrations.
And for the first time, visitors can join in the party on the street by registering two hours before the event.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
First retail space at RW Sentosa
First retail space at Resorts World Sentosa to open on Jan 20
Visitors to Resorts World Sentosa will be able to shop there when the first of its retail belt opens in time, for its soft launch on Wednesday.
The shopping strip makes up about 20 per cent of the entire retail space at the integrated resort.
As for its casino and the Universal Studio theme park, the company is hoping to open both in time for the Lunar New Year.
Last minute touches are being made to greet guests when Singapore's first integrated resort opens. With just four of its six hotels and 10 restaurants opened, there is already strong interest from both locals and tourists.
Andrew Hickey, vice president (Rooms), Resorts World Sentosa said: "We had over 5,000 room nights booked in the first days of our reservations centre opening. (There is a) strong local demand from the overseas travel trade.
"Chinese New Year is already booked out. Indicators are very very strong. Weekends are filling up obviously".
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Visitors to Resorts World Sentosa will be able to shop there when the first of its retail belt opens in time, for its soft launch on Wednesday.
The shopping strip makes up about 20 per cent of the entire retail space at the integrated resort.
As for its casino and the Universal Studio theme park, the company is hoping to open both in time for the Lunar New Year.
Last minute touches are being made to greet guests when Singapore's first integrated resort opens. With just four of its six hotels and 10 restaurants opened, there is already strong interest from both locals and tourists.
Andrew Hickey, vice president (Rooms), Resorts World Sentosa said: "We had over 5,000 room nights booked in the first days of our reservations centre opening. (There is a) strong local demand from the overseas travel trade.
"Chinese New Year is already booked out. Indicators are very very strong. Weekends are filling up obviously".
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Frequent visitors to Malaysia
Frequent visitors to Malaysia can "fast track" through immigration
Singaporeans who travel frequently to Malaysia can now "fast track" through immigration.
If they have recently entered Malaysia at least four times in a month, they can apply for a special pass which allows clearance through either Woodlands (above) or Tuas checkpoint without having to fill up the white immigration card.
With the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) pass - a sticker embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification chip that is stuck in the passport - they can zip through immigration clearance in Malaysia without worrying if their passport has been stamped.
The MACS pass costs RM30 (S$12.50) and is valid for one year. Spouses and children of frequent travellers can also apply for the pass.
For application details, visit www.imi.gov.my.
-Information courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Singaporeans who travel frequently to Malaysia can now "fast track" through immigration.
If they have recently entered Malaysia at least four times in a month, they can apply for a special pass which allows clearance through either Woodlands (above) or Tuas checkpoint without having to fill up the white immigration card.
With the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) pass - a sticker embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification chip that is stuck in the passport - they can zip through immigration clearance in Malaysia without worrying if their passport has been stamped.
The MACS pass costs RM30 (S$12.50) and is valid for one year. Spouses and children of frequent travellers can also apply for the pass.
For application details, visit www.imi.gov.my.
-Information courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Malaysian fuel price by car size
Malaysian fuel price by car size
The bigger your car, the more you will have to pay for petrol from May 1.
This is because the Malaysian government is going to change the way fuel is subsidised.
It is planning for a fuel pricing mechanism that will ensure only targeted groups, particularly those from the lower-income, will receive fuel subsidy.
Also, foreigners who drive into the country to fill up their tanks will not be eligible for subsidy and will have to pay more for fuel.
“The bigger the engine, the higher petrol will cost,” Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said yesterday.
The move was based on the assumption that those in the lower income group would normally drive a car with a lower engine capacity and thus be eligible for the subsidy, he said.
“For RON95 petrol, the subsidy is 30 sen per litre. The current price of RON95 petrol is RM1.80 compared with the actual price of RM2.10.
“Malaysians who are not eligible are those who drive a higher engine capacity car or non-Malaysians. They will have to pay RM2.10 or more for RON95,” he told a press conference after launching the new corporate identity of the F&N soft drinks division here yesterday.
-News courtesy of The Star-
The bigger your car, the more you will have to pay for petrol from May 1.
This is because the Malaysian government is going to change the way fuel is subsidised.
It is planning for a fuel pricing mechanism that will ensure only targeted groups, particularly those from the lower-income, will receive fuel subsidy.
Also, foreigners who drive into the country to fill up their tanks will not be eligible for subsidy and will have to pay more for fuel.
“The bigger the engine, the higher petrol will cost,” Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said yesterday.
The move was based on the assumption that those in the lower income group would normally drive a car with a lower engine capacity and thus be eligible for the subsidy, he said.
“For RON95 petrol, the subsidy is 30 sen per litre. The current price of RON95 petrol is RM1.80 compared with the actual price of RM2.10.
“Malaysians who are not eligible are those who drive a higher engine capacity car or non-Malaysians. They will have to pay RM2.10 or more for RON95,” he told a press conference after launching the new corporate identity of the F&N soft drinks division here yesterday.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Friday, 8 January 2010
Resorts World Sentosa F&B
Resorts World Sentosa to have over 60 F&B outlets
An army of 2,700 workers will operate at Resorts World Sentosa to ensure guests do not go hungry.
When the integrated resort is fully operational, it will have more than 60 F&B outlets.
Some of the world's best chefs have been roped in, including 25 Michelin-star culinary stalwart, Joel Robuchon. He is opening not one, but three restaurants at the resort.
The F&B team at the integrated resort has a mammoth culinary task. They have to whip up about 40,000 meals daily for about 12 or 13 million visitors expected annually.
And to win the gastronomical challenge - they are taking astronomical steps.
John Sloane, vice president, Culinary Operations, Resorts World Sentosa said: "We will have 191 chefs just in the central kitchen doing the production. On a daily basis, we will move about 900 kilos of beef, one tonne of chicken, two tonnes of vegetables and numerous other items."
The selection of dishes also came after a lengthy period of R&D.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
An army of 2,700 workers will operate at Resorts World Sentosa to ensure guests do not go hungry.
When the integrated resort is fully operational, it will have more than 60 F&B outlets.
Some of the world's best chefs have been roped in, including 25 Michelin-star culinary stalwart, Joel Robuchon. He is opening not one, but three restaurants at the resort.
The F&B team at the integrated resort has a mammoth culinary task. They have to whip up about 40,000 meals daily for about 12 or 13 million visitors expected annually.
And to win the gastronomical challenge - they are taking astronomical steps.
John Sloane, vice president, Culinary Operations, Resorts World Sentosa said: "We will have 191 chefs just in the central kitchen doing the production. On a daily basis, we will move about 900 kilos of beef, one tonne of chicken, two tonnes of vegetables and numerous other items."
The selection of dishes also came after a lengthy period of R&D.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Ceramics exhibition
Ceramics exhibition kicks off at Asian Civilisations Museum
A new exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum is showcasing European interest in Japanese and Chinese porcelain.
The Egawa Donation, a collection of Japanese and Chinese-inspired ceramics, features 84 exhibits, including 68 European ceramics which show the Asian influence.
The collection also has some of the European ceramics donated by a Japanese couple.
In 17th and 18th century Europe, porcelain wares from China and Japan were highly sought after luxury goods that were coveted by royalty and the wealthy.
The exhibition runs till end May.
Museum's website
http://www.acm.org.sg/home/home.asp
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
A new exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum is showcasing European interest in Japanese and Chinese porcelain.
The Egawa Donation, a collection of Japanese and Chinese-inspired ceramics, features 84 exhibits, including 68 European ceramics which show the Asian influence.
The collection also has some of the European ceramics donated by a Japanese couple.
In 17th and 18th century Europe, porcelain wares from China and Japan were highly sought after luxury goods that were coveted by royalty and the wealthy.
The exhibition runs till end May.
Museum's website
http://www.acm.org.sg/home/home.asp
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Driving into Sentosa
Visitors travelling to Sentosa by car will soon have to pay more
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has revised its pricing strategy for vehicles entering the island in an attempt to encourage more to use public transport.
This is aimed at improving traffic conditions in view of the opening of Resorts World Sentosa later this month.
Private vehicles entering Sentosa from January 18 will pay a charge, which varies according to the time and day.
For example, it will cost S$6 to enter the island between 7am and just before noon on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, it will cost S$7 between 7am and 7pm.
Currently, each private vehicle is charged S$2 and each passenger in the vehicle must pay an additional S$2 when entering Sentosa.
Parking will also become more expensive with the implementation of time-based charges.
The measures are part of SDC's traffic management plan to encourage car pooling.
"If you have a highly occupied vehicle, you pay less per head. If it's one or two people in the vehicle, you pay more. I would encourage you, if you're on your own or a couple of friends, to use public transport; it's cheaper and it's easier," said Mike Barclay, CEO of SDC.
To entice visitors to use the Sentosa shuttle bus service, its fare has also been reduced from S$3 to S$2. There are also plans to introduce a public bus service in Sentosa.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has revised its pricing strategy for vehicles entering the island in an attempt to encourage more to use public transport.
This is aimed at improving traffic conditions in view of the opening of Resorts World Sentosa later this month.
Private vehicles entering Sentosa from January 18 will pay a charge, which varies according to the time and day.
For example, it will cost S$6 to enter the island between 7am and just before noon on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, it will cost S$7 between 7am and 7pm.
Currently, each private vehicle is charged S$2 and each passenger in the vehicle must pay an additional S$2 when entering Sentosa.
Parking will also become more expensive with the implementation of time-based charges.
The measures are part of SDC's traffic management plan to encourage car pooling.
"If you have a highly occupied vehicle, you pay less per head. If it's one or two people in the vehicle, you pay more. I would encourage you, if you're on your own or a couple of friends, to use public transport; it's cheaper and it's easier," said Mike Barclay, CEO of SDC.
To entice visitors to use the Sentosa shuttle bus service, its fare has also been reduced from S$3 to S$2. There are also plans to introduce a public bus service in Sentosa.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Resorts World Sentosa opening
Resorts World Sentosa to open on Jan 20
One of Singapore's integrated resorts, Resorts World Sentosa, will begin opening its doors in phases from January 20.
The resort said its four hotels - Crockfords Tower, Hotel Michael, Festive Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel Singapore - will be opened on that day.
Resorts World Sentosa began operations at two of its four hotels on Tuesday, and employees and their families were the resort's main guests before the hotels' public opening.
Resorts World Sentosa's chief executive, Tan Hee Teck, said the phased schedule would allow the resort and its 10,000 employees to run in operations and deliver the expected guest experience.
The integrated resort (IR) said it is working closely with the authorities to obtain approvals for Universal Studios Singapore, which will open next.
As for the casino's opening date, it will be announced when the IR gets notice of its casino licence.
Together, the four hotels offer a combined inventory of 1,350 rooms and 10 restaurant outlets at their opening.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
One of Singapore's integrated resorts, Resorts World Sentosa, will begin opening its doors in phases from January 20.
The resort said its four hotels - Crockfords Tower, Hotel Michael, Festive Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel Singapore - will be opened on that day.
Resorts World Sentosa began operations at two of its four hotels on Tuesday, and employees and their families were the resort's main guests before the hotels' public opening.
Resorts World Sentosa's chief executive, Tan Hee Teck, said the phased schedule would allow the resort and its 10,000 employees to run in operations and deliver the expected guest experience.
The integrated resort (IR) said it is working closely with the authorities to obtain approvals for Universal Studios Singapore, which will open next.
As for the casino's opening date, it will be announced when the IR gets notice of its casino licence.
Together, the four hotels offer a combined inventory of 1,350 rooms and 10 restaurant outlets at their opening.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Monday, 4 January 2010
Logo exhibition
Logo exhibition opens later this month at the National Library
What does Tiger Balm have in common with the People's Action Party? They both have easy to recognise logos.
And they'll be part of an exhibition tracking the evolution of iconic Singapore trademarks and symbols later this month.
Logos are now such a part of every day life they have evolved in tandem with technology.
Jackson Tan, vice-president, The Design Society, said: “Let's say we talk about 40 years ago most of the application was on print. Then television came along in the 70s and 80s as a mass media and you started to see how the logos started to evolve to be able to be used on the television. Now we have the internet and you can see how it has changed in the digital age as well and how the logos have evolved.”
The Design Society was set up by industry professionals to promote and educate designers and the public and to document and archive significant Singapore works.
The society will hold a design conference plus an exhibition of iconic Singapore logos and trademarks at the National Library from January 23-29.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
What does Tiger Balm have in common with the People's Action Party? They both have easy to recognise logos.
And they'll be part of an exhibition tracking the evolution of iconic Singapore trademarks and symbols later this month.
Logos are now such a part of every day life they have evolved in tandem with technology.
Jackson Tan, vice-president, The Design Society, said: “Let's say we talk about 40 years ago most of the application was on print. Then television came along in the 70s and 80s as a mass media and you started to see how the logos started to evolve to be able to be used on the television. Now we have the internet and you can see how it has changed in the digital age as well and how the logos have evolved.”
The Design Society was set up by industry professionals to promote and educate designers and the public and to document and archive significant Singapore works.
The society will hold a design conference plus an exhibition of iconic Singapore logos and trademarks at the National Library from January 23-29.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
S'pore consulate in Johor Bahru
Opening of Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
The Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, has commenced operations. Apart from facilitating interaction and cooperation between Singapore and Johor Darul Takzim, the Consulate-General will provide consular services for Singaporeans visiting, living and working in Johor. The Consulate-General will also process applications for nationals requiring visas to enter Singapore.
The address and contact details of the Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Bahru are:
Suite 35.02, Level 35
Johor Bahru City Square Office Tower
106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook
80000 Johor Bahru
Tel: +60-7-226 5012
Fax: +60-7-226 5013
The Consulate-General will open daily from Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm. It will be closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
The Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, has commenced operations. Apart from facilitating interaction and cooperation between Singapore and Johor Darul Takzim, the Consulate-General will provide consular services for Singaporeans visiting, living and working in Johor. The Consulate-General will also process applications for nationals requiring visas to enter Singapore.
The address and contact details of the Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Bahru are:
Suite 35.02, Level 35
Johor Bahru City Square Office Tower
106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook
80000 Johor Bahru
Tel: +60-7-226 5012
Fax: +60-7-226 5013
The Consulate-General will open daily from Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm. It will be closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Saturday, 2 January 2010
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