S.African businessman gets 7 months' jail for cheating at RWS casino
A 33-year-old South African businessman has been sentenced to seven months' jail for cheating at the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) casino.
Sibongile Arthur Mgxashe had committed the offences at two different roulette tables on different days.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Gay Hui Yi told District Judge Thian Yee Sze that he first entered the casino at around 10:41pm on May 20 this year.
Mgxashe went to one of the roulette tables and placed his bet after the winning result was declared.
As a result, he received cash chips amounting to S$7,000.
Mgxashe received another S$7,000 in cash chips the next day by using a similar method to cheat at another roulette table.
However, he was soon detained by security as he was walking out of the casino.
Mgxashe originally faces six charges in total but four of them were taken into consideration.
He could have been sentenced to a maximum of 10 years' jail and fined for each cheating charge.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Tourist numbers hit marks for 6 months
Tourist numbers hit marks for 6 months
Singapore has been enjoying record visitor numbers for six consecutive months a sign that its tourism industry is recovering strongly from a slump caused by the recession last year.
The number of tourists coming here grew by 30 per cent last month compared with May last year, to reach 946,000 the highest total ever recorded for May, according to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Last December, visitor arrivals hit 972,000 the highest December number as well as the highest for any month on record.
Figures for January to April were also the highest for each of the months.
Mr Rostam Umar, executive director of communications at STB, attributed last month's good performance to a continued rebound in the global travel industry and regional economies and strong marketing and promotional initiatives undertaken by STB's regional offices.
He added: "Last month is also the first where we had both integrated resorts (IRs) in operation...visitors were keen to experience the new accommodation options, attractions, retail and dining establishments and casinos."
As for hotel-room revenue, STB estimates it at $164 million an increase of 45 per cent from a year ago. The average occupancy rate for last month was 85 per cent, up 17 percentage points from the previous year's.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Singapore has been enjoying record visitor numbers for six consecutive months a sign that its tourism industry is recovering strongly from a slump caused by the recession last year.
The number of tourists coming here grew by 30 per cent last month compared with May last year, to reach 946,000 the highest total ever recorded for May, according to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Last December, visitor arrivals hit 972,000 the highest December number as well as the highest for any month on record.
Figures for January to April were also the highest for each of the months.
Mr Rostam Umar, executive director of communications at STB, attributed last month's good performance to a continued rebound in the global travel industry and regional economies and strong marketing and promotional initiatives undertaken by STB's regional offices.
He added: "Last month is also the first where we had both integrated resorts (IRs) in operation...visitors were keen to experience the new accommodation options, attractions, retail and dining establishments and casinos."
As for hotel-room revenue, STB estimates it at $164 million an increase of 45 per cent from a year ago. The average occupancy rate for last month was 85 per cent, up 17 percentage points from the previous year's.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Monday, 28 June 2010
Youth Festival extended to 2 months for YOG
S'pore Youth Festival extended to 2 months in support of YOG
This year's Singapore Youth Festival which kicks off on Saturday will run for two months instead of one month. The organisers have extended the festival to support the Youth Olympic Games.
Celebrate friendship in the spirit of the Youth Olympics through music and dance.
The Youth Festival which carries the theme the "Torch of Friendship" hopes to leave a mark on athletes and officials.
Sum Chee Wah, director, Education Programmes, Education Ministry, said: "We would like as many athletes and officials to attend the concerts and outreach events as many as possible.
“They can expect to be welcomed by the vibrant performances of the students. We have arranged two outreach events. One is going to be at Raffles City, the other is going to be at the National Library. And these are events that are free. Theere will be a mixture of performances by students from primary schools and secondary schools.
International guests are also invited to attend two other concerts held in August.
More than 10,000 youths from over 70 schools will be taking part.
12-year-old Joy Tan from St Margaret's Primary School has been chosen to sing the theme song.
She said: “It's been a very good experience and I have learnt to control my nervousness and how to perform on stage.”
This year will also see a bigger foreign presence with nine groups from abroad taking part.
They include concert and display bands from Japan, Australia and Malaysia.
Mr Sum added: "The reason why we have engaged them is that we would like our own students to benchmark their own music and dance against the international standards.
“This is also part of globalisation. We would like our students to be exposed to different performances across the world so that they will get a snippet of the culture, art performances in other countries.”
Students from the Australian International School in Singapore will also be performing for the first time in the festival.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
This year's Singapore Youth Festival which kicks off on Saturday will run for two months instead of one month. The organisers have extended the festival to support the Youth Olympic Games.
Celebrate friendship in the spirit of the Youth Olympics through music and dance.
The Youth Festival which carries the theme the "Torch of Friendship" hopes to leave a mark on athletes and officials.
Sum Chee Wah, director, Education Programmes, Education Ministry, said: "We would like as many athletes and officials to attend the concerts and outreach events as many as possible.
“They can expect to be welcomed by the vibrant performances of the students. We have arranged two outreach events. One is going to be at Raffles City, the other is going to be at the National Library. And these are events that are free. Theere will be a mixture of performances by students from primary schools and secondary schools.
International guests are also invited to attend two other concerts held in August.
More than 10,000 youths from over 70 schools will be taking part.
12-year-old Joy Tan from St Margaret's Primary School has been chosen to sing the theme song.
She said: “It's been a very good experience and I have learnt to control my nervousness and how to perform on stage.”
This year will also see a bigger foreign presence with nine groups from abroad taking part.
They include concert and display bands from Japan, Australia and Malaysia.
Mr Sum added: "The reason why we have engaged them is that we would like our own students to benchmark their own music and dance against the international standards.
“This is also part of globalisation. We would like our students to be exposed to different performances across the world so that they will get a snippet of the culture, art performances in other countries.”
Students from the Australian International School in Singapore will also be performing for the first time in the festival.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Preparations for YOG Opening Ceremony
Preparations for YOG Opening Ceremony get into high gear
"The Best Show on Earth in 2010" - that's how organisers are describing the Opening Ceremony for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
And to deliver on that, more than 20 choreographers and 7,000 youth performers are hard at work to transform the stage into a spectacle for billions around the world come August 14.
800 students gathered at Mandai Hill Camp on Friday morning to rehearse their performances for the YOG's Opening Ceremony.
Their spirits were not dampened when the heavy rain led to rehearsals being moved indoors.
Education Minister Ng Eng Hen was also there to give them an added boost.
"I'm very confident they will put up a spectacular show and the setting couldn't be better - with new Marina Bay Sands up. I think we are on track to wow the world but we have to work very hard to achieve that," said Dr Ng.
Hard work aside, the clock is also ticking away, as there are only 50 days to go.
But the students are not letting that get in their way, practicing even late into the night.
"The instructors have been really, really helpful, and really patient with us," said student Joseph Sim.
"Our parents are aware of this and our teachers are also making plans for us. They have already come forward with extra lessons if we have missed any," said student Soniya d/o Selvaraju.
Unlike the National Day Parade, the YOG Opening Ceremony will involve more students - 4,000 from 47 schools, and supported by 200 teachers.
Despite the large numbers, quality is not compromised.
The 7,000 performers are involved in both the Opening Ceremony on August 14 and Closing Ceremony on August 26.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
"The Best Show on Earth in 2010" - that's how organisers are describing the Opening Ceremony for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
And to deliver on that, more than 20 choreographers and 7,000 youth performers are hard at work to transform the stage into a spectacle for billions around the world come August 14.
800 students gathered at Mandai Hill Camp on Friday morning to rehearse their performances for the YOG's Opening Ceremony.
Their spirits were not dampened when the heavy rain led to rehearsals being moved indoors.
Education Minister Ng Eng Hen was also there to give them an added boost.
"I'm very confident they will put up a spectacular show and the setting couldn't be better - with new Marina Bay Sands up. I think we are on track to wow the world but we have to work very hard to achieve that," said Dr Ng.
Hard work aside, the clock is also ticking away, as there are only 50 days to go.
But the students are not letting that get in their way, practicing even late into the night.
"The instructors have been really, really helpful, and really patient with us," said student Joseph Sim.
"Our parents are aware of this and our teachers are also making plans for us. They have already come forward with extra lessons if we have missed any," said student Soniya d/o Selvaraju.
Unlike the National Day Parade, the YOG Opening Ceremony will involve more students - 4,000 from 47 schools, and supported by 200 teachers.
Despite the large numbers, quality is not compromised.
The 7,000 performers are involved in both the Opening Ceremony on August 14 and Closing Ceremony on August 26.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Glitz and glamour at Marina Bay Sands opening
Glitz and glamour at Marina Bay Sands opening
It was a day of glitz and glamour at the opening of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
Grammy award-winning star Kelly Rowland - the headline act of the outdoor concert - wowed the crowd.
She was among the artistes who put on a power-packed performance on Wednesday.
The slight drizzle did not dampen the mood, and it was a real musical fiesta there with the likes of singers JJ Lin and Kelly Rowland performing.
But the main highlight has to be the legendary Diana Ross who performed on Wednesday night to 2,500 selected VIPs at the Sands Grand Ballroom.
Guests to the grand opening were also treated to a dazzling display in the sky, parachute jumps, as well as a Tower Climb competition at the Marina Bay Sands.
21 professional climbers scaled one of the three 55-storey hotel tower of Marina Bay Sands. The race is part of MBS' opening festivities.
"I am definitely excited. This is such a milestone for Singapore and it puts us on the world map when it comes to entertainment and tourist industry," said Singapore celebrity Andrea De Cruz.
"I am very excited to be here to perform. Looking at the crowd, it really is such a huge deal, so I am amazed by everything," said Sylvia Ratonel, a finalist of the Singapore Idol 2010.
But some VIPs found themselves stuck in a queue which snaked out to the road.
"I'm surprised to be standing at the side of the road, queuing. But such is the nature of the event. I suppose it's packed and everyone wants to be here. We have to go through security and this is the process," said Michael Palmer, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.
However, guests were impressed with the grandeur of the integrated resort. And there's no doubt that it's already a Singapore icon.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
It was a day of glitz and glamour at the opening of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
Grammy award-winning star Kelly Rowland - the headline act of the outdoor concert - wowed the crowd.
She was among the artistes who put on a power-packed performance on Wednesday.
The slight drizzle did not dampen the mood, and it was a real musical fiesta there with the likes of singers JJ Lin and Kelly Rowland performing.
But the main highlight has to be the legendary Diana Ross who performed on Wednesday night to 2,500 selected VIPs at the Sands Grand Ballroom.
Guests to the grand opening were also treated to a dazzling display in the sky, parachute jumps, as well as a Tower Climb competition at the Marina Bay Sands.
21 professional climbers scaled one of the three 55-storey hotel tower of Marina Bay Sands. The race is part of MBS' opening festivities.
"I am definitely excited. This is such a milestone for Singapore and it puts us on the world map when it comes to entertainment and tourist industry," said Singapore celebrity Andrea De Cruz.
"I am very excited to be here to perform. Looking at the crowd, it really is such a huge deal, so I am amazed by everything," said Sylvia Ratonel, a finalist of the Singapore Idol 2010.
But some VIPs found themselves stuck in a queue which snaked out to the road.
"I'm surprised to be standing at the side of the road, queuing. But such is the nature of the event. I suppose it's packed and everyone wants to be here. We have to go through security and this is the process," said Michael Palmer, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.
However, guests were impressed with the grandeur of the integrated resort. And there's no doubt that it's already a Singapore icon.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
How Marina IR can change S'pore tourism
How Marina IR can change S'pore tourism
INTEGRATED resort Marina Bay Sands will probably take three to seven years to reach a capacity that can help spur Singapore's tourism and convention industries, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday.
This length of time will be necessary because the resort is a very big project, he said.
Marina Bay Sands cost its owner, American casino-resort company Las Vegas Sands, US$5.5 billion (S$7.5 billion). People also have to come and see the resort for themselves and enjoy it before word of mouth can help bring in more customers, MM Lee noted.
He said: "Word has got to spread. And it can't spread at just one news conference or one display." But once it is running at full steam, it will increase the number of visitors who come here for conventions, and the amount of tourism trade, by many times, he said. By that time, it will also "transform the nightlife of Singapore", he said.
He was speaking to journalists during his first official visit to Marina Bay Sands yesterday, ahead of its opening today. He added that he wanted to visit the resort because he was interested to see "what are the bare-bone workings of it", so that he can form his own impressions of what he thought would be its chances of succeeding.
Mr Sheldon Adelson, the chairman of Las Vegas Sands, said that Mr Lee was being "a little too pessimistic". He said: "We'll be up and running at full speed by next year. A property like (Marina Bay Sands)...normally will take about a year to ramp (up)."
On the delay of Marina Bay Sands' opening, he said: "When you build a new property like this, everybody says (it'll) never open on time. But a property like this has to open in phases. We'll ramp up and do extremely well. The indications are very positive."
Originally, Marina Bay Sands was to have opened at the end of last year, but its first phase opened only on April 27. But Mr Adelson agreed that Mr Lee was right about the need for word on the development to get out so that people will get to know about it.
-News courtesy of Omy-
INTEGRATED resort Marina Bay Sands will probably take three to seven years to reach a capacity that can help spur Singapore's tourism and convention industries, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday.
This length of time will be necessary because the resort is a very big project, he said.
Marina Bay Sands cost its owner, American casino-resort company Las Vegas Sands, US$5.5 billion (S$7.5 billion). People also have to come and see the resort for themselves and enjoy it before word of mouth can help bring in more customers, MM Lee noted.
He said: "Word has got to spread. And it can't spread at just one news conference or one display." But once it is running at full steam, it will increase the number of visitors who come here for conventions, and the amount of tourism trade, by many times, he said. By that time, it will also "transform the nightlife of Singapore", he said.
He was speaking to journalists during his first official visit to Marina Bay Sands yesterday, ahead of its opening today. He added that he wanted to visit the resort because he was interested to see "what are the bare-bone workings of it", so that he can form his own impressions of what he thought would be its chances of succeeding.
Mr Sheldon Adelson, the chairman of Las Vegas Sands, said that Mr Lee was being "a little too pessimistic". He said: "We'll be up and running at full speed by next year. A property like (Marina Bay Sands)...normally will take about a year to ramp (up)."
On the delay of Marina Bay Sands' opening, he said: "When you build a new property like this, everybody says (it'll) never open on time. But a property like this has to open in phases. We'll ramp up and do extremely well. The indications are very positive."
Originally, Marina Bay Sands was to have opened at the end of last year, but its first phase opened only on April 27. But Mr Adelson agreed that Mr Lee was right about the need for word on the development to get out so that people will get to know about it.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Lower 2nd Link tolls from Aug
Lower Second Link tolls from Aug
From Aug 1, tolls will be reduced by 30 per cent at the Second Link at Tuas, the prime ministers of Singapore and Malaysia announced yesterday.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak met in Putrajaya yesterday, to follow up on bilateral issues discussed at their retreat in Singapore last month.
They had announced then that tolls would be reduced, but that the size of the cut had not been made public at the time.
Currently, tolls at the Second Link can come up to at least $9, more costly than tolls at the Causeway, which amount to about only $2.40. The cut in tolls is among a slew of measures that both countries will take to improve transport links between them.
-News courtesy of Omy-
From Aug 1, tolls will be reduced by 30 per cent at the Second Link at Tuas, the prime ministers of Singapore and Malaysia announced yesterday.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak met in Putrajaya yesterday, to follow up on bilateral issues discussed at their retreat in Singapore last month.
They had announced then that tolls would be reduced, but that the size of the cut had not been made public at the time.
Currently, tolls at the Second Link can come up to at least $9, more costly than tolls at the Causeway, which amount to about only $2.40. The cut in tolls is among a slew of measures that both countries will take to improve transport links between them.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Toll charges at 2nd Link to go down
Toll charges at Second Link to go down by 30% from Aug 1
Motorists using the Second Link got some good news from the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore on Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference after their meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, the leaders announced that both countries will reduce their toll charges at the Second Link by 30 per cent with effect from August 1.
A hint that toll charges would be reduced substantially was made when Prime Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Najib Razak met for their retreat in Singapore on May 24.
Another major development announced during that retreat was the land swap arrangement following the decision to relocate the Tanjong Pagar Railway station to the Woodlands train checkpoint by 1 July 2011.
In a joint statement, the leaders said they discussed the land swap issue and Singapore's offer was conveyed to Prime Minister Najib.
They had a productive meeting and discussed some initial responses.
They then agreed to study the matter further and to meet again in three months, after Hari Raya Adilfitri, to finalise the land swap decisions.
Prime Minister Najib said he will visit Singapore with the final decision.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Motorists using the Second Link got some good news from the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore on Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference after their meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, the leaders announced that both countries will reduce their toll charges at the Second Link by 30 per cent with effect from August 1.
A hint that toll charges would be reduced substantially was made when Prime Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Najib Razak met for their retreat in Singapore on May 24.
Another major development announced during that retreat was the land swap arrangement following the decision to relocate the Tanjong Pagar Railway station to the Woodlands train checkpoint by 1 July 2011.
In a joint statement, the leaders said they discussed the land swap issue and Singapore's offer was conveyed to Prime Minister Najib.
They had a productive meeting and discussed some initial responses.
They then agreed to study the matter further and to meet again in three months, after Hari Raya Adilfitri, to finalise the land swap decisions.
Prime Minister Najib said he will visit Singapore with the final decision.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
21 'spidermen' to scale glass facade of MBS
21 'spidermen' to scale glass facade of MBS
Teams of top rock climbers from around the world will compete to emerge as the best "Spidermen", in a building-climbing contest the first of its kind to be held here.
Tomorrow, 21 climbers will scale the glass facades of integrated resort Marina Bay Sands' three 200m-tall towers to reach the Sands SkyPark, in the World Championship Climb.
Each team comprises two men and a woman, who will have to conquer one tower each, one after another.
After the last climber completes the 55-storey ascent, all three team members have to race to the finish line near the infinity pool in the Sands SkyPark the rooftop level linking the three towers containing swimming pools, restaurants and a viewing deck.
The seven teams represent the United States, Canada, China, Europe, the Commonwealth, Asia and Singapore.
The contest will be held to mark the official opening of Marina Bay Sands tomorrow, but the resort plans to make it an annual affair.
The resort which opened 963 hotel rooms, conference rooms and a casino on April 27 will open the remaining 1,598 hotel rooms, and more shops and restaurants tomorrow.
As part of the opening, eight skydivers will jump off the Sands SkyPark and parachute into the waters in front of the resort's Event Plaza.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Teams of top rock climbers from around the world will compete to emerge as the best "Spidermen", in a building-climbing contest the first of its kind to be held here.
Tomorrow, 21 climbers will scale the glass facades of integrated resort Marina Bay Sands' three 200m-tall towers to reach the Sands SkyPark, in the World Championship Climb.
Each team comprises two men and a woman, who will have to conquer one tower each, one after another.
After the last climber completes the 55-storey ascent, all three team members have to race to the finish line near the infinity pool in the Sands SkyPark the rooftop level linking the three towers containing swimming pools, restaurants and a viewing deck.
The seven teams represent the United States, Canada, China, Europe, the Commonwealth, Asia and Singapore.
The contest will be held to mark the official opening of Marina Bay Sands tomorrow, but the resort plans to make it an annual affair.
The resort which opened 963 hotel rooms, conference rooms and a casino on April 27 will open the remaining 1,598 hotel rooms, and more shops and restaurants tomorrow.
As part of the opening, eight skydivers will jump off the Sands SkyPark and parachute into the waters in front of the resort's Event Plaza.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Butterflies to brighten up Orchard Road soon
Butterflies to brighten up Orchard Road soon
The latest attraction in Singapore's busiest shopping district, Orchard Road, will be a trail not for shopping, but for butterfly viewing.
Pockets of greenery in the Orchard area will be linked to form a green corridor that spans 4km, from Singapore Botanic Gardens to Fort Canning, called the Butterfly Trail.
Plants that attract butterflies mainly nectar plants that are a source of food and shelter for caterpillars and butterflies will be planted along this stretch over two years.
The Nature Society (Singapore) or NSS, which is spearheading the $400,000 project, aims to attract 50 species of butterflies, including the common birdwing and leopard lacewing, to move into the area, up from some 20 species that it has spotted there.
Its partners are the National Parks Board (NParks), the Singapore Tourism Board and the Orchard Road Business Association.
The presence of butterflies indicates good air quality, as they are not attracted to polluted areas, said Dr Geh Min, the NSS' immediate past president.
This trail will offer urban dwellers a chance to get closer to nature, she added.
"There are many nature trails in Singapore, but they might be a little out of the way for people who do not specially go on them. We hope that planting a trail along a shopping belt will make appreciating nature more accessible," Dr Geh said.
-News courtesy of Omy-
The latest attraction in Singapore's busiest shopping district, Orchard Road, will be a trail not for shopping, but for butterfly viewing.
Pockets of greenery in the Orchard area will be linked to form a green corridor that spans 4km, from Singapore Botanic Gardens to Fort Canning, called the Butterfly Trail.
Plants that attract butterflies mainly nectar plants that are a source of food and shelter for caterpillars and butterflies will be planted along this stretch over two years.
The Nature Society (Singapore) or NSS, which is spearheading the $400,000 project, aims to attract 50 species of butterflies, including the common birdwing and leopard lacewing, to move into the area, up from some 20 species that it has spotted there.
Its partners are the National Parks Board (NParks), the Singapore Tourism Board and the Orchard Road Business Association.
The presence of butterflies indicates good air quality, as they are not attracted to polluted areas, said Dr Geh Min, the NSS' immediate past president.
This trail will offer urban dwellers a chance to get closer to nature, she added.
"There are many nature trails in Singapore, but they might be a little out of the way for people who do not specially go on them. We hope that planting a trail along a shopping belt will make appreciating nature more accessible," Dr Geh said.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Thursday, 17 June 2010
Heavy downpour causes flash floods
Heavy downpour causes flash floods around S'pore
Flash floods caused by heavy rain on Wednesday morning left a trail of damage and disruption in parts of Singapore.
In just three hours, between 8am and 11am, 100 millimetres of rainfall were recorded. That is 60 per cent of the average rainful for June.
Hardest hit were the downtown areas, as businesses came to a halt, people scrambled for a way out, and the authorities swung into damage control.
Business at a cafe in Liat Towers in Orchard Road ground to a halt. Motorists and commuters are stuck in traffic in Thomson, while part of the CTE had to be closed for about two hours due to a fallen tree.
Bus services were disrupted for a few hours, from about 10am to 1pm.
The hardest hit was Orchard Road, as viewers sent in pictures of the early scenes when the skies opened. One showed the intersection between Orchard and Scotts Roads made it impassable for vehicles and pedestrians.
And those who were caught in the downpour did not expect it to be so serious.
"Just like ... a river," one said.
"Never thought that a first-world country would flood like this," another commented.
Singapore's national water agency PUB maintains that its drainage systems are developed for Singapore's rapid urbanisation.
Yap Kheng Guan, 3P Network Director, PUB, said: "In 1984, when we expanded the Stamford Canal, it served this area and served us very well. So we have to really get down to this root of today's flooding."
He added: "You have to look at the nature of the flooding that has taken place. You compare it with the previous years, where we have 2,000 hectares of flooding. Now it's 66 hectares.
"There are still areas that will be subjected to floods. But the nature of the flood is very different from the previous flood. In the past, it used to be very extensive, and for a longer duration, and the depth of the water is a lot of worse. And those floods can be very disruptive and disabling.
"Nowadays, the flooding is more of a flash flood and within half an hour, it's all over."
The PUB said it will investigate the cause of the flood. But before that, the debris and water will have to be cleared from the drainage system.
Older buildings like Lucky Plaza will have to be cleared of the flood water. However underground, MRT trains did not see an extra flow of passengers or rainwater. That is because the PUB had advised the operator to ensure that the stations are flood-resistant.
A flight of stairs can prevent rainwater from overflowing into MRT stations underground.
PUB said such anti-flooding features are being built into MRT stations based on the highest flooding level ever recorded in the past 20 to 30 years.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Flash floods caused by heavy rain on Wednesday morning left a trail of damage and disruption in parts of Singapore.
In just three hours, between 8am and 11am, 100 millimetres of rainfall were recorded. That is 60 per cent of the average rainful for June.
Hardest hit were the downtown areas, as businesses came to a halt, people scrambled for a way out, and the authorities swung into damage control.
Business at a cafe in Liat Towers in Orchard Road ground to a halt. Motorists and commuters are stuck in traffic in Thomson, while part of the CTE had to be closed for about two hours due to a fallen tree.
Bus services were disrupted for a few hours, from about 10am to 1pm.
The hardest hit was Orchard Road, as viewers sent in pictures of the early scenes when the skies opened. One showed the intersection between Orchard and Scotts Roads made it impassable for vehicles and pedestrians.
And those who were caught in the downpour did not expect it to be so serious.
"Just like ... a river," one said.
"Never thought that a first-world country would flood like this," another commented.
Singapore's national water agency PUB maintains that its drainage systems are developed for Singapore's rapid urbanisation.
Yap Kheng Guan, 3P Network Director, PUB, said: "In 1984, when we expanded the Stamford Canal, it served this area and served us very well. So we have to really get down to this root of today's flooding."
He added: "You have to look at the nature of the flooding that has taken place. You compare it with the previous years, where we have 2,000 hectares of flooding. Now it's 66 hectares.
"There are still areas that will be subjected to floods. But the nature of the flood is very different from the previous flood. In the past, it used to be very extensive, and for a longer duration, and the depth of the water is a lot of worse. And those floods can be very disruptive and disabling.
"Nowadays, the flooding is more of a flash flood and within half an hour, it's all over."
The PUB said it will investigate the cause of the flood. But before that, the debris and water will have to be cleared from the drainage system.
Older buildings like Lucky Plaza will have to be cleared of the flood water. However underground, MRT trains did not see an extra flow of passengers or rainwater. That is because the PUB had advised the operator to ensure that the stations are flood-resistant.
A flight of stairs can prevent rainwater from overflowing into MRT stations underground.
PUB said such anti-flooding features are being built into MRT stations based on the highest flooding level ever recorded in the past 20 to 30 years.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Tiger Sky Tower not resumed operations
Tiger Sky Tower attraction has not resumed operations
The Tiger Sky Tower will still be closed to visitors on Sunday, said the attraction's operator.
Operations at the Sky Tower were suspended on Friday afternoon following a mechanical fault.
As a result, 36 people were stuck for about 2.5 hours in a gondola of Tiger Sky Tower on Sentosa's Imbiah Lookout.
Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team personnel were deployed to the gondola to assure the affected visitors while another team was deployed to assist the engineers in lowering the gondola to ground level.
All of them were safely brought down.
Anthony Vai, supervisor, Sentosa Attractions, said: “We had to send the cabin all the way to the tower's highest point where there is a platform which we were then able to reach by climbing the stairs within the tower's column. Once on the platform, we then used the ladder to climb to the cabin and check on the trapped visitors."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The Tiger Sky Tower will still be closed to visitors on Sunday, said the attraction's operator.
Operations at the Sky Tower were suspended on Friday afternoon following a mechanical fault.
As a result, 36 people were stuck for about 2.5 hours in a gondola of Tiger Sky Tower on Sentosa's Imbiah Lookout.
Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team personnel were deployed to the gondola to assure the affected visitors while another team was deployed to assist the engineers in lowering the gondola to ground level.
All of them were safely brought down.
Anthony Vai, supervisor, Sentosa Attractions, said: “We had to send the cabin all the way to the tower's highest point where there is a platform which we were then able to reach by climbing the stairs within the tower's column. Once on the platform, we then used the ladder to climb to the cabin and check on the trapped visitors."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Friday, 11 June 2010
New taxi payment card
New taxi payment card for The Regent Singapore guests
Guests staying at The Regent Singapore will no longer need to fork out cash for their taxi rides.
Instead, all they have to do is flash a card to the taxi driver and wait to receive the bill at the end of their hotel stay.
Called the Hotel Cabcharge card, the new offering by ComfortDelGro is a world's first.
Hotel guests are given the option of applying for the card when they check in.
Guests then present it at the end of any Comfort or CityCab taxi trip and the fare details will be sent electronically to the hotel billing system.
Guests then pay the taxi fares as part of the final hotel bill when they check out.
They pay a 10 per cent administrative fee on top of the metered fare.
This will be shared between ComfortDelGro and the hotel to defray operating costs.
ComfortDelGro said it took about three months to integrate its Cabcharge card system to The Regent's reservation and billing system.
It says it's in discussion with close to a dozen other hotels on the system.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Guests staying at The Regent Singapore will no longer need to fork out cash for their taxi rides.
Instead, all they have to do is flash a card to the taxi driver and wait to receive the bill at the end of their hotel stay.
Called the Hotel Cabcharge card, the new offering by ComfortDelGro is a world's first.
Hotel guests are given the option of applying for the card when they check in.
Guests then present it at the end of any Comfort or CityCab taxi trip and the fare details will be sent electronically to the hotel billing system.
Guests then pay the taxi fares as part of the final hotel bill when they check out.
They pay a 10 per cent administrative fee on top of the metered fare.
This will be shared between ComfortDelGro and the hotel to defray operating costs.
ComfortDelGro said it took about three months to integrate its Cabcharge card system to The Regent's reservation and billing system.
It says it's in discussion with close to a dozen other hotels on the system.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
S'pore River Festival to feature anchor event
S'pore River Festival to feature anchor event
The Singapore River will be abuzz with activities - from free performances to fashion shows - at the end of this month.
They're part of the third Singapore River Festival, which kicks off on 25 June with events along the river and at the various quays - Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Empress Place.
Other highlights - a bumboat parade, mobile live performances, an interactive art installation by the river, as well as promotional deals.
For the first time, the nine-day festival will have an anchor core event, 'AIR'.
'AIR' combines different performance arts disciplines, from theatre, dance to acrobatics, in a unique aerial performance setting.
'AIR' is a pun on the Malay word which means water - to highlight the performance on and above the river surface
Stan Lee, executive creative director, Muse Inc Singapore, says: "We're using steel wire rigging to fly artists, where you'll see performance dancing on the water surface at one moment and fly and spin the next.
"It's actually to tell the Singapore heritage story, from the days where Singapore was a Malay fishing village, to the arrival of the British, to the immigrants, where our forefathers are."
Other supporting events will take place along the river and at the various quays including a bumboat parade, mobile live performances, an interactive art installation by the river, and promotional deals.
The Singapore River Festival runs from June 25 to July 3.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The Singapore River will be abuzz with activities - from free performances to fashion shows - at the end of this month.
They're part of the third Singapore River Festival, which kicks off on 25 June with events along the river and at the various quays - Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Empress Place.
Other highlights - a bumboat parade, mobile live performances, an interactive art installation by the river, as well as promotional deals.
For the first time, the nine-day festival will have an anchor core event, 'AIR'.
'AIR' combines different performance arts disciplines, from theatre, dance to acrobatics, in a unique aerial performance setting.
'AIR' is a pun on the Malay word which means water - to highlight the performance on and above the river surface
Stan Lee, executive creative director, Muse Inc Singapore, says: "We're using steel wire rigging to fly artists, where you'll see performance dancing on the water surface at one moment and fly and spin the next.
"It's actually to tell the Singapore heritage story, from the days where Singapore was a Malay fishing village, to the arrival of the British, to the immigrants, where our forefathers are."
Other supporting events will take place along the river and at the various quays including a bumboat parade, mobile live performances, an interactive art installation by the river, and promotional deals.
The Singapore River Festival runs from June 25 to July 3.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Airport offers mail service for prohibited items
Changi Airport offers mail service for prohibited items
Singapore's Changi Airport is offering a first-of-its kind service in Asia. It's giving travellers the option to post hand-carried items like liquids and aerosols that are not allowed on flights.
Travellers can use the Speedpost@Changi service and mail the prohibited items home or to the hotel they're staying in.
They must fit either of two standard Speedpost envelope sizes.
The limit for liquids is 200ml.
Alan Tan, head Aviation Security, Changi Airport Group, said: “A lot of passengers may not be familiar with travel restrictions and even those who are familiar may even forget to pack in these items into their check in baggage.
“So at pre-flight screenings, when they discover these items, it will have to be disposed off. To some of them, these items may be of high value or sentimental value, so it's actually quite painful and quite an unpleasant experience.
Travellers share this sentiment.
One traveller Zachary Davidson, said: "I lost a knife my grandfather had given me back in the States in the bag scan and never got it back and never have it again. So, it's pretty great because it’s irreplaceable. I mean, if it's minor then there's no need to do it, but it's something nice."
Another traveller May Romen said: "I've seen people get really angry when they have to throw away their expensive perfume or anything else. So that's probably a good initiative, so at least people have the opportunity to not lose the product.”
Besides saving items of special value, it also saves money.
Mr Tan added: "There's a particular customer from Singapore who had six cans of sardines and then decided to post back home. I think it makes economic sense for them because it saved them S$10 at the end of the day. One can of sardine costs like S$3, 6 cans is S$18 and posting it back is just S$10 so it saved them S$8."
The service is being tried out for two months at the transit area of Terminal 1.
Changi Airport Group and SingPost will look at the operational issues, passenger feedback and demand and then decide if they should extend the service to the rest of the airport.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Singapore's Changi Airport is offering a first-of-its kind service in Asia. It's giving travellers the option to post hand-carried items like liquids and aerosols that are not allowed on flights.
Travellers can use the Speedpost@Changi service and mail the prohibited items home or to the hotel they're staying in.
They must fit either of two standard Speedpost envelope sizes.
The limit for liquids is 200ml.
Alan Tan, head Aviation Security, Changi Airport Group, said: “A lot of passengers may not be familiar with travel restrictions and even those who are familiar may even forget to pack in these items into their check in baggage.
“So at pre-flight screenings, when they discover these items, it will have to be disposed off. To some of them, these items may be of high value or sentimental value, so it's actually quite painful and quite an unpleasant experience.
Travellers share this sentiment.
One traveller Zachary Davidson, said: "I lost a knife my grandfather had given me back in the States in the bag scan and never got it back and never have it again. So, it's pretty great because it’s irreplaceable. I mean, if it's minor then there's no need to do it, but it's something nice."
Another traveller May Romen said: "I've seen people get really angry when they have to throw away their expensive perfume or anything else. So that's probably a good initiative, so at least people have the opportunity to not lose the product.”
Besides saving items of special value, it also saves money.
Mr Tan added: "There's a particular customer from Singapore who had six cans of sardines and then decided to post back home. I think it makes economic sense for them because it saved them S$10 at the end of the day. One can of sardine costs like S$3, 6 cans is S$18 and posting it back is just S$10 so it saved them S$8."
The service is being tried out for two months at the transit area of Terminal 1.
Changi Airport Group and SingPost will look at the operational issues, passenger feedback and demand and then decide if they should extend the service to the rest of the airport.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
More tourists coming to S'pore
More tourists coming to S'pore, staying longer with opening of IRs
More tourists are coming to Singapore and staying longer since the opening of the country's two integrated resorts (IRs).
Even though both attractions are only partially opened, in-bound tour agencies said business has spiked by as much as 40 per cent.
Many tourists are also extending their stays here by another night or two.
They are also giving other attractions a miss to check out Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
One company described the IRs as "exciting properties" which tourists would want to see "even if they are not complete".
Both IRs have had a slew of hiccups since its opening.
RWS' Universal Studios Singapore lost its main ride, the Battlestar Galactica, to technical faults barely a week after the theme park opened in March. The ride remains closed.
Tour East Singapore general manager Yvonne Wong said: "Tourists just want to have a feel of the theme park first even if it's not fully open or some rides aren't working, because it's the newest in the region and has some unique rides."
She said the fact that they cannot try Battlestar Galactica now doesn't bother them.
"If they like the place, they can come back. The desire is based on the experience of the whole theme park, and not one or two rides," said Wong.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
More tourists are coming to Singapore and staying longer since the opening of the country's two integrated resorts (IRs).
Even though both attractions are only partially opened, in-bound tour agencies said business has spiked by as much as 40 per cent.
Many tourists are also extending their stays here by another night or two.
They are also giving other attractions a miss to check out Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
One company described the IRs as "exciting properties" which tourists would want to see "even if they are not complete".
Both IRs have had a slew of hiccups since its opening.
RWS' Universal Studios Singapore lost its main ride, the Battlestar Galactica, to technical faults barely a week after the theme park opened in March. The ride remains closed.
Tour East Singapore general manager Yvonne Wong said: "Tourists just want to have a feel of the theme park first even if it's not fully open or some rides aren't working, because it's the newest in the region and has some unique rides."
She said the fact that they cannot try Battlestar Galactica now doesn't bother them.
"If they like the place, they can come back. The desire is based on the experience of the whole theme park, and not one or two rides," said Wong.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Arts Festival draws to a close on Sunday
S'pore Arts Festival draws to a close on Sunday
The month-long Singapore Arts Festival draws to a close this Sunday.
A sneak peek on Monday evening of the festival's upcoming closer saw some 300 people rehearsing a dance.
The massive line-dance project enables Singaporeans from all walks of life to participate and express themselves.
The event also brings together Singapore's line-dance groups and pairing them with other dancers as well as film-makers.
Over the last few decades, the Singapore Arts Festival has played an important role in showcasing and promoting the arts in Singapore.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The month-long Singapore Arts Festival draws to a close this Sunday.
A sneak peek on Monday evening of the festival's upcoming closer saw some 300 people rehearsing a dance.
The massive line-dance project enables Singaporeans from all walks of life to participate and express themselves.
The event also brings together Singapore's line-dance groups and pairing them with other dancers as well as film-makers.
Over the last few decades, the Singapore Arts Festival has played an important role in showcasing and promoting the arts in Singapore.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Monday, 7 June 2010
Exhibition on Sg history
Exhibition showcases Singapore's history after self-government
The year was 1960 - a year of optimism and promise after Singapore achieved self-government.
And the spirit of that year will be revived in an exhibition assembled by two young curators.
There was this grand piano belonging to Zubir Said - the man who gave Singapore its National Anthem 'Majulah Singapura'.
He used it to compose the familiar tune in 1959.
And there was a portrait done in 1992 showing Mr Lee Kuan Yew taking the oath of office as Singapore's first prime minister in 1959.
These are some of about 300 displays of the new exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore - 'Singapore 1960'.
It looks at the history of Singapore in that one significant year.
The two curators behind the exhibition want to capture the sense of promise and potential of a young society.
Ms Priscilla Chua, Assistant Curator of National Museum of Singapore, said: "It's been very interesting what we find out from our research. 1960 was a very vibrant and dynamic year where there was this real sense of hope and optimism, I mean, people really believed there was this destiny they all shared and they were working towards it - towards their future."
The curators found the experience personally rewarding.
Mr Jason Toh, Curator of National Museum of Singapore, said: "The issue that keeps cropping up is the issue of multi-culturalism. In school, I used to think why sing such cheesy songs about being one nation and that sort of thing. After working on this exhibition, I can understand why this was such a big issue at that time."
For Jason, the collection of 'sarong kebayas' stands out - as it says something about the quest for a common identity.
Mr Jason Toh added: "In 1960, there were articles calling for a national dress whether or not sarong kebaya can be representative of that national dress, regardless of your race you can be wearing the sarong kebaya and look good in it."
The exhibition is open from 3 June to 22 August.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The year was 1960 - a year of optimism and promise after Singapore achieved self-government.
And the spirit of that year will be revived in an exhibition assembled by two young curators.
There was this grand piano belonging to Zubir Said - the man who gave Singapore its National Anthem 'Majulah Singapura'.
He used it to compose the familiar tune in 1959.
And there was a portrait done in 1992 showing Mr Lee Kuan Yew taking the oath of office as Singapore's first prime minister in 1959.
These are some of about 300 displays of the new exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore - 'Singapore 1960'.
It looks at the history of Singapore in that one significant year.
The two curators behind the exhibition want to capture the sense of promise and potential of a young society.
Ms Priscilla Chua, Assistant Curator of National Museum of Singapore, said: "It's been very interesting what we find out from our research. 1960 was a very vibrant and dynamic year where there was this real sense of hope and optimism, I mean, people really believed there was this destiny they all shared and they were working towards it - towards their future."
The curators found the experience personally rewarding.
Mr Jason Toh, Curator of National Museum of Singapore, said: "The issue that keeps cropping up is the issue of multi-culturalism. In school, I used to think why sing such cheesy songs about being one nation and that sort of thing. After working on this exhibition, I can understand why this was such a big issue at that time."
For Jason, the collection of 'sarong kebayas' stands out - as it says something about the quest for a common identity.
Mr Jason Toh added: "In 1960, there were articles calling for a national dress whether or not sarong kebaya can be representative of that national dress, regardless of your race you can be wearing the sarong kebaya and look good in it."
The exhibition is open from 3 June to 22 August.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
MBS projects daily visitorship of 80,000
Marina Bay Sands projects daily visitorship of 80,000
Marina Bay Sands celebrates it grand opening in 20 days, and it has projected visitor numbers to go as high as 80,000 a day.
Staff at Marina Bay Sands are stepping up on preparations for the big day, where an influx of visitors are expected to throng the hotel to see the much-touted Sky Park.
"There's been lots of intense training to make sure everything will go well. We create the first impression, and we want to create an impression that will last their entire stay," said Rekha Kaur, assistant manager of Guest Services at Marina Bay Sands.
The integrated resort's (IR) staff strength currently stands at 7,300.
But the management isn't stopping there. It is hiring 200 more to ensure the best experience for guests.
"The challenge that we faced in the beginning was trying to recruit staff. But at the end, we managed to accomplish that with a lot of recruitment ads going out. And now we're full power with all our staff," said Gregory Tan, chief concierge at Marina Bay Sands.
The Rise Restaurant at the IR has been drawing in the crowds since it opened in April.
Staff are not resting on their laurels, but constantly honing their service skills.
"There's going to be a lot of foot traffic. The occupancy is going to drastically jump from 900 plus rooms to 2,600 rooms. So my breakfast covers are going to jump from the usual 300 to 400, or perhaps to the thousands easily," said Tan.
Meanwhile, workers are putting final touches to the rooms.
Some 230 luxury suites at the IR will be ready by the grand opening on June 23, with the rates starting from about S$800 per night.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Marina Bay Sands celebrates it grand opening in 20 days, and it has projected visitor numbers to go as high as 80,000 a day.
Staff at Marina Bay Sands are stepping up on preparations for the big day, where an influx of visitors are expected to throng the hotel to see the much-touted Sky Park.
"There's been lots of intense training to make sure everything will go well. We create the first impression, and we want to create an impression that will last their entire stay," said Rekha Kaur, assistant manager of Guest Services at Marina Bay Sands.
The integrated resort's (IR) staff strength currently stands at 7,300.
But the management isn't stopping there. It is hiring 200 more to ensure the best experience for guests.
"The challenge that we faced in the beginning was trying to recruit staff. But at the end, we managed to accomplish that with a lot of recruitment ads going out. And now we're full power with all our staff," said Gregory Tan, chief concierge at Marina Bay Sands.
The Rise Restaurant at the IR has been drawing in the crowds since it opened in April.
Staff are not resting on their laurels, but constantly honing their service skills.
"There's going to be a lot of foot traffic. The occupancy is going to drastically jump from 900 plus rooms to 2,600 rooms. So my breakfast covers are going to jump from the usual 300 to 400, or perhaps to the thousands easily," said Tan.
Meanwhile, workers are putting final touches to the rooms.
Some 230 luxury suites at the IR will be ready by the grand opening on June 23, with the rates starting from about S$800 per night.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Weekend crowds flock back to beaches
Weekend crowds flock back to beaches
It is business as usual at the beaches that were hit by an oil spill off Singapore's shores on May 25.
At East Coast beach, many hit the water, after having stayed away during the cleanup work.
The weekend crowd returned after the National Environment Agency gave the all-clear and declared the water safe for beach-goers.
Many found the beach clean.
Even though the authorities had said some tar balls could wash up on the shoreline, no one appeared to have come across any.
One person said: "It is quite safe. You can see for yourself. The last few days, no people came here. But, now it is okay."
Another commented: "I believe it is safe...definitely. I believe the authorities will handle the situation quite well - as long as it is clear, I believe it is okay to swim."
A third noted: "It looks okay, but you never know. I am not taking the risk. My children are only playing on the sand."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
It is business as usual at the beaches that were hit by an oil spill off Singapore's shores on May 25.
At East Coast beach, many hit the water, after having stayed away during the cleanup work.
The weekend crowd returned after the National Environment Agency gave the all-clear and declared the water safe for beach-goers.
Many found the beach clean.
Even though the authorities had said some tar balls could wash up on the shoreline, no one appeared to have come across any.
One person said: "It is quite safe. You can see for yourself. The last few days, no people came here. But, now it is okay."
Another commented: "I believe it is safe...definitely. I believe the authorities will handle the situation quite well - as long as it is clear, I believe it is okay to swim."
A third noted: "It looks okay, but you never know. I am not taking the risk. My children are only playing on the sand."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
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