May 27 till July 24Great Singapore Sale 2011
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Friday, 27 May 2011
Bukit Timah Railway Station
Bukit Timah Railway Station gazetted as a conserved building
The Bukit Timah Railway Station has been officially gazetted as a conserved building as of Friday.
This follows the gazette of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station as a National Monument on April 8.
At their retreat on May 24 last year, the Prime Ministers of Singapore and Malaysia announced in their Joint Statement that the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) station would be relocated from Tanjong Pagar to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint (WTCP) by July 1, 2011.
Both leaders also agreed that the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Passenger Terminal building would be conserved given its historical significance and the old Bukit Timah Railway Station building at Blackmore Drive could also be conserved.
With the relocation of KTMB station from Tanjong Pagar to WTCP by July 1, both the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Railway Station will then cease to operate as KTMB railway facilities.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said the Bukit Timah Railway Station is an endearing local landmark and a key building of Singapore's railway history.
Its conservation serves as a physical reminder of Singapore's role as a transport hub in the region.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The Bukit Timah Railway Station has been officially gazetted as a conserved building as of Friday.
This follows the gazette of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station as a National Monument on April 8.
At their retreat on May 24 last year, the Prime Ministers of Singapore and Malaysia announced in their Joint Statement that the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) station would be relocated from Tanjong Pagar to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint (WTCP) by July 1, 2011.
Both leaders also agreed that the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Passenger Terminal building would be conserved given its historical significance and the old Bukit Timah Railway Station building at Blackmore Drive could also be conserved.
With the relocation of KTMB station from Tanjong Pagar to WTCP by July 1, both the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Railway Station will then cease to operate as KTMB railway facilities.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said the Bukit Timah Railway Station is an endearing local landmark and a key building of Singapore's railway history.
Its conservation serves as a physical reminder of Singapore's role as a transport hub in the region.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Thrills aplenty at RSAF Open House
Thrills aplenty at RSAF Open House
ALWAYS wanted to find out what it feels like to be in the hot seat of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) new F-15SG fighter jets? You may just get a chance to, if you visit the RSAF Open House at Paya Lebar Air Base over the weekend.
For the first time, members of the public will be able to get up close and personal with the F-15SG which the RSAF received in 2009 and even climb into the cockpit. But that is not all. Visitors will also get a chance to have a good look at the Spyder-SR ground-based air-defence system and the S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter for the first time.
Heating up the event will be the ever- popular aerial displays. Visitors will not only get to watch the F-15SG and F-16C/D jets take off from the runway, but also hear the rumble of their afterburners as they screech into heart-stopping aerial manoeuvres.
Demonstrations will also be put up by Singapore Armed Forces commandos, who will rappel from Super Puma helicopters, and the Red Lions parachute team. If you are lucky, you could also win a ride in the CH-47 Chinook utility helicopter, the DA-40 Diamond Star training aircraft, or the C-130 and Fokker-50 transport aircraft.
Register by entering a lucky draw which will be held near the main stage of the performance hall at the Open House. About 500 to 600 rides are up for grabs each day.
The RSAF Open House will be held at Paya Lebar Air Base on Saturday from 9.30am to 7pm, and Sunday from 8.30am to 7pm. Admission is free. For details, visit www.mindef.gov.sg/rsafopenhouse
~News courtesy of Omy~
ALWAYS wanted to find out what it feels like to be in the hot seat of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) new F-15SG fighter jets? You may just get a chance to, if you visit the RSAF Open House at Paya Lebar Air Base over the weekend.
For the first time, members of the public will be able to get up close and personal with the F-15SG which the RSAF received in 2009 and even climb into the cockpit. But that is not all. Visitors will also get a chance to have a good look at the Spyder-SR ground-based air-defence system and the S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter for the first time.
Heating up the event will be the ever- popular aerial displays. Visitors will not only get to watch the F-15SG and F-16C/D jets take off from the runway, but also hear the rumble of their afterburners as they screech into heart-stopping aerial manoeuvres.
Demonstrations will also be put up by Singapore Armed Forces commandos, who will rappel from Super Puma helicopters, and the Red Lions parachute team. If you are lucky, you could also win a ride in the CH-47 Chinook utility helicopter, the DA-40 Diamond Star training aircraft, or the C-130 and Fokker-50 transport aircraft.
Register by entering a lucky draw which will be held near the main stage of the performance hall at the Open House. About 500 to 600 rides are up for grabs each day.
The RSAF Open House will be held at Paya Lebar Air Base on Saturday from 9.30am to 7pm, and Sunday from 8.30am to 7pm. Admission is free. For details, visit www.mindef.gov.sg/rsafopenhouse
~News courtesy of Omy~
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
SIA to set up new no-frills airline
SIA to set up new no-frills airline
Singapore Airlines has announced its intention to establish a new no-frills, low-fare airline which will operate wide-body aircraft on medium and long-haul routes.
It said the new airline is being established following extensive review and analysis.
SIA joins a growing number of low-cost carriers, such as Singapore-based Jetstar Asia and Malaysia's AirAsia, in introducing low-fare flights to medium and long-haul routes.
Such routes are typically to destinations further than five hours' flight from Singapore.
SIA said it will enable the group to serve a largely untapped new market and cater to the growing demand among consumers for low-fare travel. Operations are expected to begin within one year.
The airline will be wholly-owned by Singapore Airlines, but will be operated independently and managed separately.
SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said there is a new market segment being created and this will provide another growth opportunity for the group.
He said: "As we have observed on short-haul routes within Asia, low-fare airlines help stimulate demand for travel, and we expect this will also prove true for longer flights."
No further details were given as to whether the group plans to purchase new aircraft or use the existing ones in its fleet.
A new management team is expected to be set up for the new airline.
More details will be announced by the management team in due course, including its branding, products and services, and route network.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Singapore Airlines has announced its intention to establish a new no-frills, low-fare airline which will operate wide-body aircraft on medium and long-haul routes.
It said the new airline is being established following extensive review and analysis.
SIA joins a growing number of low-cost carriers, such as Singapore-based Jetstar Asia and Malaysia's AirAsia, in introducing low-fare flights to medium and long-haul routes.
Such routes are typically to destinations further than five hours' flight from Singapore.
SIA said it will enable the group to serve a largely untapped new market and cater to the growing demand among consumers for low-fare travel. Operations are expected to begin within one year.
The airline will be wholly-owned by Singapore Airlines, but will be operated independently and managed separately.
SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said there is a new market segment being created and this will provide another growth opportunity for the group.
He said: "As we have observed on short-haul routes within Asia, low-fare airlines help stimulate demand for travel, and we expect this will also prove true for longer flights."
No further details were given as to whether the group plans to purchase new aircraft or use the existing ones in its fleet.
A new management team is expected to be set up for the new airline.
More details will be announced by the management team in due course, including its branding, products and services, and route network.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Nostalgia draws many to railway station
Nostalgia draws many to railway station
LAST STOP: Tanjong Pagar Railway Station has seen an influx of people who arrive to snap photos or take take train rides before it moves on July1.
TANJONG Pagar Railway Station holds many memories for civil servant Cai Pei Fen.
Some 10 years ago, she and her father would go to the station to catch a train to Johor Baru once every few months. Those day trips were incredibly special for both of them, she said.
So, while the 28-year-old is glad that the building will be conserved, she is sad that the station will be relocated to Woodlands Train Checkpoint on July 1.
"We won't be able to take a train ride from Tanjong Pagar any more, which is a pity," she said.
The move was announced in May last year. The station building, constructed in 1932 and managed by Malaysian train operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), will be preserved as a national monument.
KTM will continue running its daily services to destinations like Kuala Lumpur from Woodlands.
Ms Cai plans to take her dad on one last train trip to Kuala Lumpur or Johor Baru next month, to celebrate Father's Day.
She is one of many Singaporeans who want to take one last joyride from Tanjong Pagar.
LAST STOP: Tanjong Pagar Railway Station has seen an influx of people who arrive to snap photos or take take train rides before it moves on July1.
TANJONG Pagar Railway Station holds many memories for civil servant Cai Pei Fen.
Some 10 years ago, she and her father would go to the station to catch a train to Johor Baru once every few months. Those day trips were incredibly special for both of them, she said.
So, while the 28-year-old is glad that the building will be conserved, she is sad that the station will be relocated to Woodlands Train Checkpoint on July 1.
"We won't be able to take a train ride from Tanjong Pagar any more, which is a pity," she said.
The move was announced in May last year. The station building, constructed in 1932 and managed by Malaysian train operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), will be preserved as a national monument.
KTM will continue running its daily services to destinations like Kuala Lumpur from Woodlands.
Ms Cai plans to take her dad on one last train trip to Kuala Lumpur or Johor Baru next month, to celebrate Father's Day.
She is one of many Singaporeans who want to take one last joyride from Tanjong Pagar.
Mr Nazir Khan, 37, a sales assistant who has worked at the Habib Railway Bookstore in the station for 23 years, estimates a doubling in the number of visitors to the station in the past month.
"People come here to take a train or take pictures because the station's closing," he said.
When my paper visited yesterday, the station was bustling. At least 10 Singaporeans said they intended to book train tickets soon, purely for the experience.
Retiree Albert Lee, 68, said he and his wife plan to go to Johor Baru within the next two weeks.
"I haven't travelled on a train in more than 20 years. Since the station is moving, we thought we'll travel from Tanjong Pagar for the last time," he said.
Sales executive Eric Ooh, 40, was standing in line to buy three tickets to Johor Baru: two for him and his wife, and one for their seven-year-old son, Ryan.
"We'd like him to understand the history of the station and to experience a ride on a diesel train, which is different from that of an MRT train," he said.
Bridal photographers said that bookings for shoots at the station have been on the rise.
~News courtesy of Omy~Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Sg to stage Ultimate Footbag Challenge in June
Singapore to stage Ultimate Footbag Challenge in June
It's fun, easy to learn, and could soon be the next big craze among youths.
Called footbag, it's a game involving a small ball - slightly larger than a golf ball - and made of leather or cloth and filled with beads.
Anyone, both young and old, can pick up the simple moves to get started in the sport popular in the US and Europe.
Now Asia could be the next frontier for the sport, as Singapore stages the Ultimate Footbag Challenge on June 25 at Velocity.
And the sport is getting a leg-up from the Singapore Sepak Takraw Federation, with the two games sharing many similarities.
"Footbag can also be a training base for sepak takraw. The way that the footbag being kicked, being trained by youths... (it's) the same format... So I believe that footbag can be an instrument for sepak takraw trainers to use this footbag for the sepak takraw players," said Abdul Halim Kader, president of the Singapore Sepak Takraw Federation.
The Singapore competition is one of endurance, with the participants having to use their legs to keep the ball in the air for five minutes.
Besides Singapore, similar competitions will be held in Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. A regional winner will be picked through online voting and that lucky winner gets an all-expense paid trip to watch a live Real Madrid soccer match.
Many Singaporeans may take to the sport easily, as it is very similar to another local traditional game called "chap teh".
Still the organisers are not taking any chances and are organising two workshops to get everybody familiar with the intricacies of footbag.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
It's fun, easy to learn, and could soon be the next big craze among youths.
Called footbag, it's a game involving a small ball - slightly larger than a golf ball - and made of leather or cloth and filled with beads.
Anyone, both young and old, can pick up the simple moves to get started in the sport popular in the US and Europe.
Now Asia could be the next frontier for the sport, as Singapore stages the Ultimate Footbag Challenge on June 25 at Velocity.
And the sport is getting a leg-up from the Singapore Sepak Takraw Federation, with the two games sharing many similarities.
"Footbag can also be a training base for sepak takraw. The way that the footbag being kicked, being trained by youths... (it's) the same format... So I believe that footbag can be an instrument for sepak takraw trainers to use this footbag for the sepak takraw players," said Abdul Halim Kader, president of the Singapore Sepak Takraw Federation.
The Singapore competition is one of endurance, with the participants having to use their legs to keep the ball in the air for five minutes.
Besides Singapore, similar competitions will be held in Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. A regional winner will be picked through online voting and that lucky winner gets an all-expense paid trip to watch a live Real Madrid soccer match.
Many Singaporeans may take to the sport easily, as it is very similar to another local traditional game called "chap teh".
Still the organisers are not taking any chances and are organising two workshops to get everybody familiar with the intricacies of footbag.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
RWS fined S$530k for 4 breaches
RWS fined S$530,000 for four breaches under Casino Control Act
The Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore (CRA) has fined Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) S$530,000 for four breaches under the Casino Control Act and its regulations.
RWS was fined S$200,000 for reimbursing the entry levy payable by Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
On July 15 last year, a senior management staff of RWS gave cash to media representatives - who are Singapore citizens and permanent residents - to help them pay the entry levy payable by them to enter its casino premises to cover the launch of the Ladies Club.
CRA's Chief Executive, T Raja Kumar, said the disciplinary action serves to remind casino operators to act responsibly to uphold the integrity of social safeguards put in place by the authorities.
Separately, RWS failed to ensure that casino surveillance footage from 22 cameras between March 29 and April 2 last year was retained for the specified period required by CRA.
For this breach, RWS was fined S$150,000.
It was also fined S$30,000 for failing to ensure that casino surveillance footage from 18 cameras between March 29 and March 30 last year was retained for the specified period required.
This incident was self-reported by RWS.
Mr Raja Kumar said surveillance footage is an integral part of casino operations and the retention of such footage is critical for evidence gathering in regulatory and law enforcement.
Lastly, RWS was fined S$150,000 for failing to put in place a failure notification system to provide an audible as well as visual notification of specific failures in the casino surveillance system.
It has since put in place such a system.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore (CRA) has fined Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) S$530,000 for four breaches under the Casino Control Act and its regulations.
RWS was fined S$200,000 for reimbursing the entry levy payable by Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
On July 15 last year, a senior management staff of RWS gave cash to media representatives - who are Singapore citizens and permanent residents - to help them pay the entry levy payable by them to enter its casino premises to cover the launch of the Ladies Club.
CRA's Chief Executive, T Raja Kumar, said the disciplinary action serves to remind casino operators to act responsibly to uphold the integrity of social safeguards put in place by the authorities.
Separately, RWS failed to ensure that casino surveillance footage from 22 cameras between March 29 and April 2 last year was retained for the specified period required by CRA.
For this breach, RWS was fined S$150,000.
It was also fined S$30,000 for failing to ensure that casino surveillance footage from 18 cameras between March 29 and March 30 last year was retained for the specified period required.
This incident was self-reported by RWS.
Mr Raja Kumar said surveillance footage is an integral part of casino operations and the retention of such footage is critical for evidence gathering in regulatory and law enforcement.
Lastly, RWS was fined S$150,000 for failing to put in place a failure notification system to provide an audible as well as visual notification of specific failures in the casino surveillance system.
It has since put in place such a system.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Relocation of Tg Pagar Train Station from July 1
Relocation of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station from July 1
The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station will be relocated to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint with effect from July 1.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Railway Station will cease all operations on that date.
And all arrival and departure trains will terminate and start at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station will be relocated to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint with effect from July 1.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Railway Station will cease all operations on that date.
And all arrival and departure trains will terminate and start at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Thousands flock to USS for new Madagascar ride
Thousands flock to Universal Studios for new Madagascar ride
Thousands flocked to Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa on Monday morning for a feel of its newly-opened ride, Madagascar: A Crate Adventure.
Even if you've never seen the animated movie by DreamWorks, the nine-minute ride - one of the longest rides in Universal Studios Singapore - promises to be a blast for riders, especially the younger ones.
"Amazing! It's exciting, especially for the kids, they can see all the characters in the Madagascar movie," said one guest.
"We thought it was a little bit tame. But the music was fabulous and the characters were very nicely done," said another.
"The nice thing about Madagascar: A Crate Adventure is that it really is a ride that's available for three generations - from kids to adults to grandparents. Everyone can ride it, so it's a great addition to Universal Studios Singapore," said John Hallenbeck, VP of Park Operations, Universal Studios Singapore.
The ride took about three years to conceptualise and create.
"Water rides are the most difficult attractions to create because water is fluid and unpredictable, whereas roller coasters and other mechanical type rides are easy to engineer," said Kevin Barbee, executive designer, Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa.
With this new launch, organisers now say it's all systems go for the grand opening of Universal Studios Singapore on May 28.
～News courtesy of The Star～
Thousands flocked to Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa on Monday morning for a feel of its newly-opened ride, Madagascar: A Crate Adventure.
Even if you've never seen the animated movie by DreamWorks, the nine-minute ride - one of the longest rides in Universal Studios Singapore - promises to be a blast for riders, especially the younger ones.
"Amazing! It's exciting, especially for the kids, they can see all the characters in the Madagascar movie," said one guest.
"We thought it was a little bit tame. But the music was fabulous and the characters were very nicely done," said another.
"The nice thing about Madagascar: A Crate Adventure is that it really is a ride that's available for three generations - from kids to adults to grandparents. Everyone can ride it, so it's a great addition to Universal Studios Singapore," said John Hallenbeck, VP of Park Operations, Universal Studios Singapore.
The ride took about three years to conceptualise and create.
"Water rides are the most difficult attractions to create because water is fluid and unpredictable, whereas roller coasters and other mechanical type rides are easy to engineer," said Kevin Barbee, executive designer, Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa.
With this new launch, organisers now say it's all systems go for the grand opening of Universal Studios Singapore on May 28.
～News courtesy of The Star～
Fly high safely at skydiving centre
Fly high safely at skydiving centre
Thrill seekers itching to try out Singapore's first indoor skydiving facility should jump at the opportunity without fear.
That is because there are measures in place to ensure the safety of participants or fliers, as they are called said the facility's managing director, Mr Lawrence Koh.
Skydiving simulator iFly Singapore makes use of four fans the size of aeroplane propellers, located at the top of a wind tunnel, to generate powerful winds that are pushed to the bottom of the tunnel.
There, the winds are funnelled up through an inlet contractor, creating a gust strong enough to keep a flier afloat in mid-air, hence replicating the sensation of skydiving.
The facility does not have a backup generator, but even if the fans were to malfunction suddenly, the winds blowing at up to 300kmh would decelerate at a comfortable rate, explained Mr Koh.
Gravity will then take over, pulling fliers slowly and safely down to ground level.
A total of 11 male instructors will put fliers through their paces, accompanying them in the wind tunnel at all times.
Every instructor had to meet rigorous selection criteria before undergoing five weeks of intensive training, in compliance with guidelines set by the International Bodyflight Association.
iFly Singapore, located in Sentosa, is up and ready to go, but the attraction has one last hurdle to clear before getting the thumbs-up from the authorities.
Mr Koh, a former team leader of the Singapore Red Lions Parachuting Display Team, said he needs to obtain a public entertainment licence from the Singapore Police Force.
The $25-million facility has been riddled with delays and was originally slated to open in the second half of last year. Mr Koh hopes to open it to the public on Wednesday.
In the event of a no-go, the attraction will still open that day to VIPs and "test fliers".
The facility hopes to attract some 100,000 fliers and more than half a million visitors to a host of restaurants in the first year. Each adult ticket starts at $89 for two 45-second sessions, that is, about $1 per second of "flying".
Mr Koh said the sum is relatively affordable, compared to the cost of actual skydiving trips. To enjoy their sport, skydivers have to travel to countries such as Malaysia, as there are no drop zones in Singapore.
Such trips can set a skydiver back by about $500 per jump, not including airfare and accommodation, he said.
With iFly, "I hope to share this feeling of joy, flight and freedom with everyone", he added.
~News courtesy of Omy~
Thrill seekers itching to try out Singapore's first indoor skydiving facility should jump at the opportunity without fear.
That is because there are measures in place to ensure the safety of participants or fliers, as they are called said the facility's managing director, Mr Lawrence Koh.
Skydiving simulator iFly Singapore makes use of four fans the size of aeroplane propellers, located at the top of a wind tunnel, to generate powerful winds that are pushed to the bottom of the tunnel.
There, the winds are funnelled up through an inlet contractor, creating a gust strong enough to keep a flier afloat in mid-air, hence replicating the sensation of skydiving.
The facility does not have a backup generator, but even if the fans were to malfunction suddenly, the winds blowing at up to 300kmh would decelerate at a comfortable rate, explained Mr Koh.
Gravity will then take over, pulling fliers slowly and safely down to ground level.
A total of 11 male instructors will put fliers through their paces, accompanying them in the wind tunnel at all times.
Every instructor had to meet rigorous selection criteria before undergoing five weeks of intensive training, in compliance with guidelines set by the International Bodyflight Association.
iFly Singapore, located in Sentosa, is up and ready to go, but the attraction has one last hurdle to clear before getting the thumbs-up from the authorities.
Mr Koh, a former team leader of the Singapore Red Lions Parachuting Display Team, said he needs to obtain a public entertainment licence from the Singapore Police Force.
The $25-million facility has been riddled with delays and was originally slated to open in the second half of last year. Mr Koh hopes to open it to the public on Wednesday.
In the event of a no-go, the attraction will still open that day to VIPs and "test fliers".
The facility hopes to attract some 100,000 fliers and more than half a million visitors to a host of restaurants in the first year. Each adult ticket starts at $89 for two 45-second sessions, that is, about $1 per second of "flying".
Mr Koh said the sum is relatively affordable, compared to the cost of actual skydiving trips. To enjoy their sport, skydivers have to travel to countries such as Malaysia, as there are no drop zones in Singapore.
Such trips can set a skydiver back by about $500 per jump, not including airfare and accommodation, he said.
With iFly, "I hope to share this feeling of joy, flight and freedom with everyone", he added.
~News courtesy of Omy~
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Hottest weekend of 2011 so far
Hottest weekend of 2011 so far
Bad news for those hoping that the scorching heat will be over soon: The National Environment Agency (NEA) said it will remain until the end of next month.
An NEA spokesman said that the daily maximum temperatures recorded over the past weekend have been the highest so far this year.
"Climatologically, May and June are the hottest months of the year," said the spokesman.
Sunday's highest reading of 35.3 deg C came very close to matching the hot-test day in May on record. That was in 2005, when the mercury rose to 35.4 deg C.
Singapore's hottest day was on March 26, 1998, when the temperature soared to 36 deg C.
Retiree Raymond Lim, 81, who lives in a terrace house in Kembangan, found the heat unbearable.
He said: "The weather has been terrible. I couldn't sleep last night and I'm perspiring right now, even with two fans aimed at me."
Project coordinator Barbara Latimer, 20, is also hoping the heat will go away soon.
Ms Latimer, who lives in a condominium in East Coast, said: "The weather has been very temperamental. It will be hot for a few days, then (the rain) will pour down like it's the monsoon season."
She added that she always feels like she is "getting sunburnt" when she steps outdoors.
The long-term average daily maximum temperature for this month is expected to be 31.6 deg C, said the NEA spokesman. He added that the weather this week is expected to be mostly warm, with isolated showers in the afternoon on a few days.
Associate Professor Matthias Roth, from the National University of Singapore's department of geography, said: "Singapore is currently in transition between the north-east and south-west monsoons.
"The weather is relatively dry and winds are low, adding to the heat."
He emphasised that if global warming "continues the way it has" for the last 30 years, slightly higher temperatures could be expected worldwide.
General practitioner C. C. Lim said that while no special measures need to be taken to curb the effects of the heat, it is important to drink enough fluids.
He said: "Be well-hydrated, especially if you're suffering from diarrhoea, and do not exercise in the midday sun."
~News courtesy of OMY~
Bad news for those hoping that the scorching heat will be over soon: The National Environment Agency (NEA) said it will remain until the end of next month.
An NEA spokesman said that the daily maximum temperatures recorded over the past weekend have been the highest so far this year.
"Climatologically, May and June are the hottest months of the year," said the spokesman.
Sunday's highest reading of 35.3 deg C came very close to matching the hot-test day in May on record. That was in 2005, when the mercury rose to 35.4 deg C.
Singapore's hottest day was on March 26, 1998, when the temperature soared to 36 deg C.
Retiree Raymond Lim, 81, who lives in a terrace house in Kembangan, found the heat unbearable.
He said: "The weather has been terrible. I couldn't sleep last night and I'm perspiring right now, even with two fans aimed at me."
Project coordinator Barbara Latimer, 20, is also hoping the heat will go away soon.
Ms Latimer, who lives in a condominium in East Coast, said: "The weather has been very temperamental. It will be hot for a few days, then (the rain) will pour down like it's the monsoon season."
She added that she always feels like she is "getting sunburnt" when she steps outdoors.
The long-term average daily maximum temperature for this month is expected to be 31.6 deg C, said the NEA spokesman. He added that the weather this week is expected to be mostly warm, with isolated showers in the afternoon on a few days.
Associate Professor Matthias Roth, from the National University of Singapore's department of geography, said: "Singapore is currently in transition between the north-east and south-west monsoons.
"The weather is relatively dry and winds are low, adding to the heat."
He emphasised that if global warming "continues the way it has" for the last 30 years, slightly higher temperatures could be expected worldwide.
General practitioner C. C. Lim said that while no special measures need to be taken to curb the effects of the heat, it is important to drink enough fluids.
He said: "Be well-hydrated, especially if you're suffering from diarrhoea, and do not exercise in the midday sun."
~News courtesy of OMY~
Monday, 9 May 2011
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Rates for hotel rooms continue to rise
Rates for hotel rooms continue to rise
Rates for hotel rooms in Singapore continue to rise even with the increase in supply, according to a report by hospitality consultant CBRE Hotels.
Hotel room rates in 2010 increased 11.3 per cent with mid-tier hotels registering the highest increase at 22.4 per cent to S$168.50 per night, according to the Singapore Tourism Board.
CBRE Hotels expects room rates to increase between 10 to 15 per cent this year.
Hotel occupancy rates have also benefited from the increase in visitor arrivals to Singapore which hit an all-time high of 11.6 million last year.
CBRE Hotels said hotel occupancy rates hit 85.6 per cent for 2010, and levels will be at least 83 per cent and as much as 86 per cent this year.
It expects that the additional 1,500 hotel rooms which will be added to the market this year will be matched by the good level of increased demand.
Revenue per available room (RevPar) grew by 24.7 per cent in 2010 to S$181.64 and is likely to grow between 7.5 to 10 per cent this year.
Rates for economy hotels grew the most at 41.8 per cent and upscale hotel rates climbed 28.3 per cent.
The report also mentioned that the supply of boutique hotels is likely to grow with investors showing keen interest in converting conservation buildings for this niche market.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Rates for hotel rooms in Singapore continue to rise even with the increase in supply, according to a report by hospitality consultant CBRE Hotels.
Hotel room rates in 2010 increased 11.3 per cent with mid-tier hotels registering the highest increase at 22.4 per cent to S$168.50 per night, according to the Singapore Tourism Board.
CBRE Hotels expects room rates to increase between 10 to 15 per cent this year.
Hotel occupancy rates have also benefited from the increase in visitor arrivals to Singapore which hit an all-time high of 11.6 million last year.
CBRE Hotels said hotel occupancy rates hit 85.6 per cent for 2010, and levels will be at least 83 per cent and as much as 86 per cent this year.
It expects that the additional 1,500 hotel rooms which will be added to the market this year will be matched by the good level of increased demand.
Revenue per available room (RevPar) grew by 24.7 per cent in 2010 to S$181.64 and is likely to grow between 7.5 to 10 per cent this year.
Rates for economy hotels grew the most at 41.8 per cent and upscale hotel rates climbed 28.3 per cent.
The report also mentioned that the supply of boutique hotels is likely to grow with investors showing keen interest in converting conservation buildings for this niche market.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Security heightens following Osama's death
Singapore heightens security measures following Osama's death
Singapore has heightened all security measures at its borders and checkpoints in light of Osama bin Laden's death.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said this was to guard against the entry of terrorist operatives as well as regional elements affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
It added that security presence and alert level have also been increased within Singapore at key establishments, and that the situation would be kept under review.
The ministry said Osama's killing by the US could be expected to draw retaliatory attacks from jihadist terrorists from or close to the Al-Qaeda Core and other jihadist terrorists who are keen to avenge his death.
To this end, the possibility that regional groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda, like Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), might carry out retaliatory attacks against US assets in this region, including those in Singapore could not be discounted.
Such groups might also act against allies of the US, and countries seen to be close to the US.
In view of the recent evidence that JI-related terrorist elements in Indonesia and this region pose an active and persistent threat - including the finding of large bombs in Indonesia on Good Friday and grenades in Kuala Lumpur a couple of weeks ago - the ministry said it would be prudent for Singapore to be extra vigilant to guard against this threat.
It added that other governments have also announced tighter security measures.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said: "Our checkpoints are a key area where we must have stepped up vigilance and extra security. On the lookout, and particularly taking a bit of time, Singaporeans and other travellers may be slightly inconvenienced as a result of that."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Singapore has heightened all security measures at its borders and checkpoints in light of Osama bin Laden's death.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said this was to guard against the entry of terrorist operatives as well as regional elements affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
It added that security presence and alert level have also been increased within Singapore at key establishments, and that the situation would be kept under review.
The ministry said Osama's killing by the US could be expected to draw retaliatory attacks from jihadist terrorists from or close to the Al-Qaeda Core and other jihadist terrorists who are keen to avenge his death.
To this end, the possibility that regional groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda, like Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), might carry out retaliatory attacks against US assets in this region, including those in Singapore could not be discounted.
Such groups might also act against allies of the US, and countries seen to be close to the US.
In view of the recent evidence that JI-related terrorist elements in Indonesia and this region pose an active and persistent threat - including the finding of large bombs in Indonesia on Good Friday and grenades in Kuala Lumpur a couple of weeks ago - the ministry said it would be prudent for Singapore to be extra vigilant to guard against this threat.
It added that other governments have also announced tighter security measures.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said: "Our checkpoints are a key area where we must have stepped up vigilance and extra security. On the lookout, and particularly taking a bit of time, Singaporeans and other travellers may be slightly inconvenienced as a result of that."
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
PUB issues flash flood warning
PUB issues flash flood warning
The MET Services extended its heavy rain warning on Wednesday.
It said thundery showers with gusty winds over many areas of Singapore are expected to last between 4 and 5.15pm.
PUB, the national water agency, reported earlier on flash floods at Bishan Street 13, in front of Kuo Chuan Presbyterian School have subsided.
Floods are also reported in several areas in Ang Mo Kio.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The MET Services extended its heavy rain warning on Wednesday.
It said thundery showers with gusty winds over many areas of Singapore are expected to last between 4 and 5.15pm.
PUB, the national water agency, reported earlier on flash floods at Bishan Street 13, in front of Kuo Chuan Presbyterian School have subsided.
Floods are also reported in several areas in Ang Mo Kio.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Monday, 2 May 2011
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