Slightly hazier conditions

Slightly hazier conditions could be due to shift in wind direction: NEA

After two days of rain, Singapore experienced slightly hazier conditions on Thursday.

The 24-hr PSI for most of Thursday stayed within the moderate range, but there was a shift in wind conditions.

According to the National Environment Agency the winds were blowing from the southwesterly direction as opposed to the southeast on Wednesday.

It said the winds will fluctuate from both directions for the next few days.

Slightly hazy conditions can be expected as well as thundery showers in the afternoon.

The 24-hr PSI is expected to be in the moderate band of 51-100 on Friday.

However, the 24-hr PM2.5 levels may continue to rise.

The PM2.5 reading measures fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, as well as ultrafine particles and soot.

NEA also said that at this point, there are no plans for schools to remain shut when term starts next week.

～News courtesy of Channel Newsasia～

Singapore Food Festival returns for 20th year

Singapore Food Festival returns for 20th year

Get ready to feast on Friday, as the Singapore Food Festival returns for its 20th year.

Food lovers can savour some of Singapore's best delicacies at various places till July 28.

But food aside, the month-long culinary extravaganza will feature food-related events, such as cooking classes and a mini-film festival.

The food festival this year also aims to shed more light into the local culinary scene over the decades.

And for those who love to do it in style, they can savour gastronomic delights while enjoying panoramic views from the cable car.

The meals will be whipped up specially by three prolific local chefs - Mr Pung Lu Tin of Gim Tim Restaurant Group, Mr Tony Khoo from Singapore Chefs Association and Mr Derrick Ang, executive chef of The Mount Faber Leisure Group.

Mr Chew Tiong Heng, Executive Director of Precincts & Tourism Concept Development at the Singapore Tourism Board, said: "Since it's already 20 years in the running, what else can we do to surprise the visitors? So we decided to interpret the food festival from various angles.

"From the normal kind of food festival menu promotions in the restaurants, food tours, masterclasses, we have also included workshops where one can come and discuss anything about food and culture."

The Singapore Tourism Board is working with more than 20 dining, attractions and precinct partners for the festival.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Dry weather causes lake to shrink

Dry weather causes lake to shrink



RISING: When My Paper visited a lake - which had receded due to dry weather - at the Singapore Botanic Gardens yesterday, the water level had risen slightly, thanks to rain yesterday and on Tuesday. (PHOTO: VICTORIA BARKER/MY PAPER)

The dramatic shrinking of a lake at the Singapore Botanic Gardens on Sunday evening prompted retired civil servant Heng Cho Choon to wonder if the haze had a part to play in the receding water level.

Mr Heng, 70, visits the gardens once a month, and was concerned that the drying up of the lake could have detrimental effects on the plants and wildlife, such as the black swans, there.

"During the rainy season, the lake is typically quite full," he said, adding that the haze and spell of dry weather might have contributed to the water levels.

In response to My Paper queries, Dr Nigel Taylor, director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Parks Board, said that dry weather - but not haze - was indeed to blame for the receded water levels.

He said: "The water levels of our lakes vary depending on weather conditions, and they recede visibly in times of dry weather. The change in water levels is not associated with the haze.

"Our daily checks tell us that the swans have not been affected by the changing water levels."

Associate Professor Matthias Roth, at the National University of Singapore's Department of Geography, said that "a substantial body of water, like a lake, usually won't dry up completely".

When My Paper visited the eco lake in the Bukit Timah core of the gardens yesterday, the water level had risen slightly, thanks to afternoon rain yesterday and on Tuesday.

But the haze can affect plants.

Professor Wong Sek Man from the National University of Singapore's Department of Biological Sciences, who specialises in plant pathology, said compounds found in haze are "as harmful to plants as they are to humans".

"They can cause cell death, which results in wilting, reduction of crop yield and vigour of our greenery," he said.

Prof Wong added that because the intensity and duration of the haze depends on wind direction, it is difficult to pinpoint when these damaging effects might be seen.

"The longer the exposure, the worse the outcome. Some plants are stronger and can withstand more adverse conditions for a longer period of time," he said.
v Natural rainfall is the best remedy. But those concerned about their house plants can spray water on them to dilute and wash away haze compounds.

The National Environment Agency has assured that fires causing the haze do not result in toxic rain.

~News courtesy of Omy~

Treats in store as Singapore Zoo turns 40

Treats in store as Singapore Zoo turns 40



SAY CHEESE: Former president S R Nathan with the Singapore Zoo's orang utans at the zoo's 40th-birthday celebration yesterday. There were performances and photo opportunities for guests. (PHOTO: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE)

Expect the Singapore Zoo to deliver a more interactive experience to better engage younger visitors.

That was one of the plans shared yesterday by Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) at an event to celebrate the zoo's 40th birthday.

Ms Claire Chiang, the chairman of WRS, which runs the zoo, said that the zoo of the future in Singapore and in other parts of the world would be one that is interactive.

She explained that the younger generation would have grown up with gadgets and prefer immediate access to information.

"(The zoo) has to be immersive, so you feel like you are going through a journey in the rainforest instead of being a passive observer," she said, adding that using social media could be one way to make the zoo experience more interactive.

The zoo is also going beyond children and reaching out to other demographics, such as youth and adults, to spread the animal-conservation message.

At the zoo's birthday celebration yesterday, there were performances and photo opportunities for guests with some of the animals, such as elephants and orang utans.

Among the guests yesterday was former president S R Nathan.

The Singapore Zoo opened its doors as an open-concept zoo in 1973. It is home to more than 2,800 specimens representing over 300 species, of which 26 per cent are endangered.

Besides the zoo, WRS also runs Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and the River Safari.

Fans of the zoo are in for a treat: For the whole of next month, all Singaporeans and permanent residents can enjoy 40 per cent off the entry price.

Ms Chiang said of the zoo's birthday: "Turning 40 is a monumental event and this is a time for us to reflect on all that we have accomplished with the Singapore Zoo, and what it means to our families, friends and international visitors."

～Info courtesy of Omy～

Singapore Botanic Gardens named top park in Asia

Singapore Botanic Gardens named top park in Asia: TripAdvisor survey



The Singapore Botanic Gardens has been named the top park in Asia based on feedback by travellers on online travel site, TripAdvisor. -- ST FILE PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

The Singapore Botanic Gardens has been named the top park in Asia based on feedback by travellers on online travel site, TripAdvisor.

The site announced the winners of its inaugural Travellers' Choice Attractions awards on Tuesday. These were determined based on the quality and quantity of travellers' reviews in each of the categories.

The awards honour 1,263 of the world's top landmarks, parks, museums and amusement and water parks, with winners found in 39 countries.

Universal Studios Singapore came in second in the list of top 10 amusement and water parks in Asia, losing out to Indonesia's Waterbom Bali. The Asian Civilisations Museum was named one of the top museums in the region, taking the twelfth spot, while the Singapore Flyer was named the top landmark in Singapore. TripAdvisor's chief marketing officer Barbara Messing said the top attractions were named based on feedback from millions worldwide and were meant to "inspire travellers setting out on summer trips".

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Blue skies for now, haze set to return

Blue skies for now, haze set to return

After days of unhealthy and hazardous PSI levels, Singaporeans were greeted with blue skies on Saturday afternoon.

Although the day's three-hour reading was at its highest at 10am when it reached 326, levels dropped to 73 at 5pm before raising to 82 at 8pm.

Singapore leaders have however urged citizens to be prepared for a prolonged period of haze.

The National Environment Agency said the improvement on Saturday was due to a temporary area free of dense haze upwind of Singapore and transient changes in local wind conditions.

Hazy conditions can still be expected on Sunday as dry conditions and winds blowing from the southwest or west persist.

The 24-hour PSI reading for Sunday is expected to be in the “very unhealthy” range of 201-300.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

RWS to close 3 outdoor attractions due to haze

RWS to close 3 outdoor attractions due to haze

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) will close three outdoor attractions -- Adventure Cove Waterpark, Crane Dance and Lake of Dreams -- until further notice in view of the haze.

However its other attractions and facilities, including Universal Studios Singapore (USS) and S.E.A. Aquarium, will remain open.

Visitors to USS can continue to enjoy attractions like the Transformers ride, Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase and other indoor shows, it said. Outdoor shows and entertainment will be adjusted for the haze condition.

RWS made the announcement on its Facebook page.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Tourism in Singapore suffers haze blow

Tourism in Singapore suffers haze blow



The tourism sector has taken a hit from the haze, with the Singapore Flyer and DUCKtours announcing they would suspend operations until conditions improve, after the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reached a record high of 371 at 1pm on Thursday.

Other outdoor attractions saw slight dips in visitor numbers, while tour operators leading inbound groups to Singapore have had to adjust itineraries to carry out more activities indoors, although they have yet to receive cancellations.

Livelihoods of small-time vendors, such as trishaw drivers plying the streets, are also suffering a blow from the poor air quality.

The Singapore Flyer, which was placed into receivership last month, said it was closing to protect its employees, many of whom work outdoors.

"We will reassess the situation (this) morning and the Flyer will reopen as soon as pollution levels drop to a safe level," said Mr Tim Reid of Ferrier Hodgson, the Flyer's appointed receivers and managers.

Tenants at the Singapore Flyer TODAY spoke to said there has been a dip in their business since the start of this week.

A tenant who declined to be named said there has been an 80 per cent decrease in his business since Tuesday, adding that he would close his shop about two hours earlier.

Another tenant said his restaurant, which would usually be "half-filled" with customers at dinner time, was empty on Thursday.

"(We) may look into shortening (our) business (operating hours) if the Flyer is still not opened," he added.

DUCKtours - run by DUCK & HiPPO - were also cancelled in the afternoon on Thursday after the PSI exceeded 300.

"We called guests who made reservations and informed them of the cancellation due to hazardous weather. For pre-paid guests who are leaving Singapore and not able to reschedule, we arranged for a refund," said DUCK & HiPPO Deputy Director Pamela Wee.

She said they will monitor the haze and will cancel DUCKtours if it "reaches the point where it makes the touring un-enjoyable or uncomfortable".

Singapore River Cruise General Manager See Toh Yew Leong said that, although business was "a bit affected", operations are carrying on as usual. However, on Wednesday, it ended operations an hour earlier after the PSI hit 321.

Resorts World Sentosa reported "fewer visitors" to the Adventure Cove Waterpark.

A spokesperson said it has "tweaked the format" of its outdoor shows and entertainment at Universal Studios Singapore and will "exercise flexibility in deploying team members for outdoor duties".

Wildlife Reserves Singapore did not comment on Thursday but said in a statement the day before that it had seen a slight dip in visitor numbers to its four attractions - before the PSI soared over 300 - and it was keeping a close watch on its animals.

Inbound tourists appeared to be unfazed by the haze, with most tour agencies contacted by TODAY saying they have not received cancellations.

But CTC Travel's Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Alicia Seah said she expected cancellations if the situation worsens and that bookings and enquiries will drop by about 20 per cent in the next two weeks.

For now, the agency has "change(d) the tour itineraries appropriately and with consent from customers". For example, instead of outdoor walks at Chinatown, Little India and Merlion Park, customers are brought to indoor shopping malls or museums. Guides and customers were also given masks.

Ms Michelle Yin, Marketing Communications Manager at Chan Brothers Travel, said the company is monitoring the situation. "(We) will make necessary recommendations to (customers) to switch to more indoor activities should the haze prolong till then," she said, adding that no cancellations have been made.

A trishaw driver who only wanted to be known as Henry said he had not got any business since Monday. He usually earns S$10 to S$20 per trip, making about five trips a day.

"I don't have any more money to buy food at this rate. I can only afford a bowl of tau huay (beancurd)," he said.


~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Haze set to persist for next few days

Haze set to persist for next few days: Balakrishnan

Minister of Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said the haze is set to persist over the next few days, and whether a stop-work order will be issued will depend on the severity of the haze conditions.

Dr Balakrishnan was responding to questions from reporters on whether such an order was imminent, after the PSI hit hazardous levels on Wednesday night.

He said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has guidelines in place which all employers adhere to, and the MOM will give an update on Thursday.

Dr Balakrishnan said NEA's CEO Andrew Tan will be leading a Singapore team to Jakarta to attend an emergency haze meeting convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia.

He said Singapore expects to reach further agreement on concrete steps to tackle the haze, which it hopes the Indonesians will take.

A news briefing was called late on Wednesday after the PSI hit a record high of 321 at 10pm.

The PSI had been climbing all day on Wednesday, staying within the unhealthy range.

It has since dipped to 218 at midnight, and 195 at 1am on Thursday.

Dr Balakrishnan noted that this is the worst haze that Singapore has faced.

He said Singaporeans must not be too fixated with the PSI data.

Still, sports facilities and schools may be closed if needed.

He added that it's the mid-year school holidays now, so there's no urgent need to make that call now.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said dry weather conditions and prevailing winds blowing the haze into Singapore are expected to persist for the next few days.

Dr Balakrishnan said Singaporeans may need to make adjustments to their daily routines.

He said those with respiratory and cardiac problems and children should not exert themselves.

He noted that the only real solution is to deal with the source of the problem, which is the indiscriminate burning of land in Indonesia.

Singapore has urged Indonesia to take action to tackle the haze problem, and has also offered to help.

Dr Balakrishnan said Indonesia must stop new fires.

"We are publishing the high-resolution satellite pictures, including the coordinates of all hotspots, and NEA is going to update this on a daily basis. We are still urging the Indonesian authorities to publish the concession maps so that we can link the hotspots specifically to the individual companies," he said.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Air quality in moderate range as haze eases

Singapore's air quality in moderate range as haze eases



The haze in Singapore eased on Tuesday afternoon, with the PSI reading back in the moderate range.

At 4pm, the reading was 85, continuing its slide since late morning.

The day started with the air quality in the unhealthy range.

At 6am, the three-hour PSI reading was 109, and it peaked at 123 at 11am.

It dipped after that, going below the 100 mark to 95 at 2pm.

A PSI reading of above 100 puts the air quality in the unhealthy range.

For the first time this year, the reading went above 100 on Monday at 3pm.

At 10pm on Monday, the reading was 155, the highest in 16 years.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Haze hits unhealthy level in Singapore

Haze hits unhealthy level in Singapore



The haze in Singapore climbed into the unhealthy range on Monday afternoon as the three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit 111 at 4pm.

The PSI reading first crossed the 100 mark at 3pm, when it was recorded at 105.

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA) website, PSI readings of 50 and below denote "good" air quality, "moderate" for 51-100 and "unhealthy" for 101-200.

The PSI reading has been rising steadily on Monday.

At 2pm, the PSI reading was 100, up from 95 at 1pm and 80 at noon.

The last time the PSI went over 100 was on October 21, 2010, when it hit 106.

Under NEA's health advisory, those with existing heart or respiratory ailments should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity while the general population should reduce vigorous outdoor activity when the PSI reading reaches unhealthy levels.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Swim with sharks at RWS

Swim with sharks at RWS



Swimming with sharks may not seem a great idea to many but Resorts World Sentosa is encouraging its visitors to do so!

From 15 June, the integrated resort is introducing new underwater programmes at its aquarium to let people take a dive of faith.

For S$238, you can dive into the Sea Trek Adventure -- a 20-minute journey where you walk among all types of marine life, besides sharks.

You have to wear a wetsuit and helmet and experienced divers will guide you.

And don't worry about being a fish out of water.

Rezza Khan, team manager (dive operations) at Resorts World Sentosa Marine Life Park, said: "Children as young as eight years old and adults as old as 93 years old can participate in the programme. You do not need to be a diver, you do not need to be a swimmer. As long as you can breathe and you can walk, you can participate."

A cheaper alternative will set you back S$88, where you immerse yourself in a tank and come face-to-face with sea creatures.

For experienced divers, the integrated resort has an Open Ocean Dive programme, where participants head to a 12-metre depth to marvel at sea creatures.

The cost? S$1,280.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Universal Studios

City Skyline

Great Singapore Sale till 28 July

It’s the 20th Anniversary of the Great Singapore Sale, and there’s no better time to shop!

From 31 May to 28 July 2013, experience eight weeks of fabulous shopping and enjoy great deals on just about everything, everywhere – from fashion to watches, jewelry, electronics, toys and more, all over Singapore!

Besides shopping, this is also the perfect time to indulge in other delectable offers and promotions, from dining to beauty and wellness and even staycations, for a total lifestyle experience.

Highlights include:

- Great value deals islandwide
- The Great Singapore Sale 20th Anniversary $20,000 Biggest Spender Reward
- Exclusive privileges from MasterCard® – Official Card of the Great Singapore Sale 2013
- Fantastic prizes in the SPH Shop & Win Draw
- Uniquely Singapore offerings including GET SINGAPORE brands, Singapore Fashion Designers' Brands, and Explore Singapore  
- Chinatown Walking Tours
- Special tourist privileges
- Exciting events and promotions at the malls

Other consumer events including the Singapore International Jewelry Expo, Art Apart Fair, Singapore Food Festival, World Street Food Congress and more.

It’s eight weeks of fun and excitement for everyone, so be sure to check out the Great Singapore Sale!

~News courtesy of GreatSingaporeSale.com.sg~