Singapore Local News, 2011-07-31

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Inside the beautiful mind of a simple boy He has sat on the committee that awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and courts some of the most brilliant minds in the world to bring their expertise to the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which he is planning to transform into a varsity at.....

S'pore 'must attract able leaders to boost security' Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean said Singapore needs to attract exceptionally able and committed leaders to contribute to Singapore's safety and security, as leaders who can think ahead will be able to help the Home Team.....     Celebrity chef tours at MBS Marina Bay Sands (MBS), which has been posting record profits this year, has started a food tourism project to attract more visitors from the region...... Record number of entries at toy-making competition About 100 primary schools took part in Singapore's only toy-making competition...... Two arrested for stealing S$40,000 worth of exotic stingrays Two men were arrested for breaking into an aquarium and stealing 12 exotic stingrays worth S$40,000...... Grassroots organisations should focus on youth outreach National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said grassroots organisations will have to focus on youth outreach in the future...... Debate continues as HDB reviews pet ownership policy Some Town Councils said they receive regular complaints on cats in their neighbourhood...... Football: S'pore to face China PR, Jordan and Iraq Singapore will face China PR, Jordan and Iraq in the third round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Asian Qualifiers......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-30

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Job growth slows Against a backdrop of cautious business sentiment, the number of jobs created here slowed in the second quarter of the year: Between April and last month, 22,800 jobs were added to the economy, compared to 28,300 in the first three months of........

Lim Hwee Hua joins Jardine Cycle & Carriage Former Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Hwee Hua (picture), 52, has been appointed a non-executive director at Jardine Cycle & Carriage, the company announced yesterday as it unveiled a strong showing for the first half of the........     Tan Tock Seng Hospital celebrates 167th anniversary Tan Tock Seng Hospital celebrated its 167th anniversary on Saturday with a 350-kilometre charity bike ride...... Work begins on Eco-Link@BKE Work began on Saturday on Southeast Asia's first ecological corridor, Eco-Link@BKE, to connect Singapore's two biggest nature reserves across the expressway......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-29

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Poly student jailed, caned for raping girl, 13 A 24-year-old polytechnic student was sentenced to 13 years' jail and given 15 strokes of the cane, this morning, for raping a 13-year-old girl. The High Court heard that Wang Jianbin, a Chinese national who obtained citizenship........     Singapore unemployment rises Singapore's unemployment rate rose to 2.1 per cent in June from 1.9 per cent in March as employment growth slows and graduates enter the job market. The Manpower Ministry (MOM) says preliminary estimates showed that total employment........

Jail, caning for robbing Burger King A former Burger King employee who held up an employee with a bread knife and made off with S$6,000 was sentenced to five years in jail and ordered to be given 24 strokes of the cane yesterday. Charlie Cabo Perez, 32, a Filipino, pleaded guilty to arm.....     Swimming: Tao Li misses out on place in 50m butterfly world final Singapore's national swimmer Tao Li has failed to reach the final of the women's 50m butterfly at the World Championship in Shanghai...... ArtScience Museum revises ticketing structure Visitors to Singapore's ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands will no longer be denied same day re-entry...... More opportunities for young lawyers in Singapore Chief Justice (CJ) Chan Sek Keong said Singapore's role as a legal services hub in Asia will provide tremendous opportunities for young lawyers...... SMRT joins "Safe Roads Singapore 2011" initiative Public transport operator, SMRT, has joined the "Safe Roads Singapore 2011" campaign, an initiative in support of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety...... Poly student jailed, caned for raping girl, 13 A 24-year-old polytechnic student was sentenced to 13 years' jail and given 15 strokes of the cane, on Friday, for raping a 13-year-old girl...... Swimming: Tao Li into 50m butterfly semi-finals in world championships Singapore's Tao Li has qualified for the semi-finals of women's 50-metre butterfly event, to be held later Friday, at the ongoing World Swimming Championships in Shanghai...... Jobless man charged with cheating A jobless man was charged on Friday with one count of cheating another man, Kwek Chye Hock, of more than S$2,000 earlier this month...... M1 suffers SMS glitch in south-western S'pore Mobile operator, M1, said some of its customers in the south-western region of Singapore experienced problems with its Short Message Service (SMS) service on Friday morning...... PLA's General Zhang calls on Singapore Defence Minister The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Deputy Chief of General Staff, General Zhang Qinsheng called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence on Friday...... Ong Yew Huat is new National Heritage Board chairman Mr Ong Yew Huat has been appointed the new chairman of the National Heritage Board (NHB)...... Former director jailed for GST offences A former company director was sentenced to four months' jail on Friday for Goods and Services Tax (GST) offences...... Serial rental scammer surrenders to police A 41-year-old man, believed to be involved in at least five rental scams has surrendered himself to the police and arrested...... Singapore's jobless rate rises 2.1% in June Singapore's unemployment rate rose to 2.1 per cent in June from 1.9 per cent in March as employment growth slows and graduates enter the job market......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-28

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Former Burger King worker jailed, caned for bread knife hold-up A former Burger King employee who held up a former colleague with a bread knife, and made off with S$6,000, was severely dealt with in court, today. Charlie Cabo Perez, 32, a Filipino, used to work as an assistant manager at the restaurant's........     Housebreaker nabbed after 14 years A serial housebreaker who targeted schools and eluded the authorities for 14 years was, today, jailed five years for his crimes. Alexander Paul Danker, 40, had broken into nine schools and a childcare centre. They include the........ UOB chairman is the richest person in Singapore SINGAPORE, July 28 (Reuters) - The chairman of United Overseas Bank , Wee Cho Yaw, is the richest individual in Singapore with a fortune of $4.2 billion, an increase of $600 million compared with last year, according to the latest rich list published..... Singapore billionaires richer than last year Singapore's 40 richest are now collectively worth US$54.4 billion, up 19 per cent compared with last year, according to the latest rich list published by Forbes Asia. The better numbers achieved by the country's wealthiest come despite a........ S'pore, M'sia conduct chemical spillage exercise The National Environment Agency (NEA) and Johor's Department of Environment (DOE) are conducting an emergency exercise at the Tuas Second Crossing. The exercise simulates the spillage of hazardous chemicals on both land and sea at the........ Bukit Panjang LRT to be upgraded The Bukit Panjang light rail transit (LRT) system will receive an upgrade after over a decade of service. Transport Minister, Lui Tuck Yew, announced this morning that the Land Transport Authority will be working with operator SMRT to buy 13........

SMRT expects profits to fall Public transport operator SMRT Corporation said yesterday that it was expecting profits to fall in the coming months, citing increasing cost pressures such as energy and staff expenses. In a statement, SMRT said that due to higher........     SingPost reports break-in at Mail Transit Room in Choa Chu Kang There has been a break-in at the Mail Transit Room of the SingPost office in Choa Chu Kang (CCK)...... Two men charged with transporting and buying contraband cigarettes A Malaysian and a Singaporean were charged in court on Thursday with transporting and buying contraband cigarettes from Malaysia to Singapore...... Former auxiliary officer jailed, fined for assisting loanshark A former auxiliary police officer was sentenced on Thursday to 10 weeks' jail and fined S$30,000 for helping a loanshark with his business...... Tuas Power launches lighting solutions programme for small businesses Energy provider Tuas Power has launched a "Lighting Solutions" programme to help smaller businesses save on energy bills. The initiative is aimed at encouraging companies to undergo audits to improve energy efficiency...... Liberalising bus services may lead to "cherry-picking": Lui Tuck Yew Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew has shot down the opposition National Solidarity Party's (NSP's) proposal to introduce more competition among public bus operators here...... Centre of gravity for economic, strategic weight shifting towards AsiaPac: Ng Eng Hen Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the centre of gravity for both economic and strategic weight is shifting towards the Asia Pacific...... Man sentenced to five years' jail for housebreaking Serial burglar Alexander Paul Danker did not just break into homes. He also broke into nine schools and a childcare centre where he managed to steal items such as computers and cameras...... STTA celebrates 80th anniversary To mark the Singapore Table Tennis Association's (STTA) 80th anniversary, STTA Thursday launched a coffee table book celebrating the achievements of its former and present sportsmen and women...... S'pore, M'sia conduct chemical spill exercise at Tuas The National Environment Agency (NEA) and Johor's Department of Environment (DOE) conducted an emergency exercise at the Tuas Second Crossing on Thursday morning...... More train cars for Bukit Panjang LRT to reduce waiting time Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew on Thursday announced measures to address the issues of overcrowding and frequent disruptions of the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (LRT) system......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-27

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Contractor jailed six years for housebreaking A contractor was jailed six years, today, for breaking into newly-completed flats over a four-year period and stealing cash and valuables worth nearly S$44,000. Tan Zhen Kwang, a Malaysian national, faced 35 charges of housebreaking and theft........     New flyover opens Sunday The new flyover spanning the Woodsville junction will open to traffic at 10am on Sunday. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) says the 400-metre flyover will connect motorists directly from Jalan Toa Payoh to Jalan Kolam Ayer leading to Kallang........ Green corridor master plan sought The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), today, said there will be a competition for architects and design planners to come up with a master plan for the green corridor. The corridor refers to the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway........ Man allegedly licked molest victim's face A 54-year-old man was charged today with using criminal force and molesting two women, including allegedly licking the face of one of his victims. Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahim, who is unemployed, allegedly committed the offences on two separate........ Man accused of molesting his two maids A 43-year-old man was charged today with seven counts of molesting his two Indonesian maids on various occasions in March, last year. Ahmad Basiron, who is self-employed, allegedly outraged the modesty of the two maids, aged 24 and 25, at........ Andrew Kuan collects forms Presidential hopeful, Mr Andrew Kuan, turned up at the Elections Department, this morning, to collect the forms in his bid for the presidency. He arrived before 11am with two friends - one a 63-year-old retiree and the other in his 40s......

Presidential hopeful Tan Jee Say's email account hacked His email has been hacked but presidential hopeful Tan Jee Say is taking it in his stride. An email, purportedly originating from Mr Tan's Yahoo account, was sent to various recipients claiming that he needed a loan because he had........     China key to S'pore diversifying risks in globalised economy: DPM Teo SINGAPORE : Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Wednesday said China is key to Singapore diversifying its risks in a globalised economy, and that is why Singapore also supports China's intention to make more use of the renminbi for greater stabili..... Two men charged with having sex with underaged girls Two men were charged separately in court on Wednesday with allegedly having sex with underaged girls...... Man jailed for housebreaking and theft A 39-year-old contractor was jailed six years on Wednesday for breaking into newly-completed flats over a four-year period and stealing cash and valuables worth S$43,946...... S'pore-made games set to enter Chinese market SINGAPORE : Singapore-made games are set to enter the Chinese market of 60 million gamers...... Academy launched to enhance professionalism of art & music teachers SINGAPORE : The Education Ministry (MOE) has launched an academy to enhance the professionalism of art and music teachers...... Green corridor master plan sought The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said a competition will be organised for architects and design planners to come up with a master plan for the green corridor...... SLA to work to boost supply of geospatial professionals The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) will work with the Ministry of Education (MOE), industry and training institutions to boost the supply of geospatial professionals in Singapore...... Lim Hng Kiang to attend Sumatra Governors' Forum Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang will be in Palembang to attend the Sumatra Governors' Forum on Thursday...... Woodsville junction flyover to open on July 31 The new flyover spanning the Woodsville junction will open to traffic on Sunday at 10am...... 43-year-old man charged with molesting maids A 43-year-old man was charged on Wednesday with molesting his two Indonesian maids on various occasions in March last year...... Man charged with committing outrage of modesty A 54-year-old man was charged on Wednesday with using criminal force and committing outrage of modesty of two women...... China's vice-premier in S'pore to discuss bilateral cooperation Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan is in Singapore to attend the 13th Suzhou Industrial Park and the 4th Tianjin Eco-city Joint Steering Councils, along with the 8th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation meetings...... Andrew Kuan picks up forms for presidential bid The former chief financial officer of JTC Corp, Andrew Kuan, has embarked on his second attempt to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility to run for the upcoming Presidential Election due by the end of next month...... S'pore shoppers becoming more price-sensitive Singaporean shoppers are becoming more price-sensitive and value-conscious as they deal with the impact of rising costs of living...... NTU could test new type of solar cells in China The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is exploring the possibility of testbedding a new type of solar cells with Singbridge in Guangzhou Knowledge City in China......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-26

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Emergency teams suggested for hospitals, public buildings The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) says it's looking to extend the requirement of having in-house Company Emergency Response Teams (Certs) to public and industrial buildings by 2012. It's proposing that the requirement cover public and........     Man's help needed in rental scam Police are looking for the man shown in the picture to assist with investigations into a series of flat rental scams reported at Blk 123 Rivervale Drive. Since last November, at least three cases of flat rental scams have been reported at the....... More calls received by SOS on loanshark, gambling matters The number of calls for help relating to loanshark and gambling issues has increased. This is according to the latest annual report issued by the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), which provides 24-hour counselling and emotional........ Presidential hopeful Tan Jee Say's email hijacked If you get an email from presidential hopeful Tan Jee Say about needing a loan because he's been robbed and stuck in UK, ignore it. According to TOC, Mr Tan has confirmed he is fine and is in Singapore (not in UK). Mr Tan added he........

2 in 3 from NTU hired before they graduate Students graduating from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) this year have ridden the wave of a tight job market, with two-thirds of the record 9,066-strong cohort securing jobs before graduation. In a preliminary study........     Cybercrime, terrorism among transnational crimes ASEAN needs to tackle: DPM Teo Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean said cybercrime is one of the transnational crimes ASEAN countries need to tackle...... NTU rated 5-star university The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is the first university in Singapore to be rated five stars under a new QS Stars rating system...... North Korea Foreign Minister to visit Singapore North Korea's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Pak Ui Chun, will make an official visit to Singapore from July 27 to 29...... SCDF proposes expanding CERT requirements The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it's looking to extend the requirement of having in-house Company Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to public and industrial buildings by 2012...... Renowned architect to design condo at Bishan Central Renowned architect Moshe Safdie has been appointed by CapitaLand Residential Singapore as the lead designer for its condominium at Bishan Central...... S'pore achieves best ever showing at International Math Olympiad Singapore students have achieved their best ever showing at the International Mathematics Olympiad...... Six loanshark runners arrested in two separate cases Police have arrested five youths and a 38-year-old man for suspected involvement in loansharking activities...... Police looking for rental scam suspect Police are looking for a man whom they believe can help them with their investigations into a series of flat rental scams reported at Blk 123 Rivervale Drive...... Most hawkers maintained prices in last 3 months The majority of hawkers in Singapore had maintained the prices of their food and drinks in the last three months...... Loan shark and gambling crisis calls increase The number of calls for help related to loan shark and gambling issues has increased...... S'pore helps Danang in urban transport planning Singapore and the World Bank are helping the Vietnamese city of Danang plan its urban transport system......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-25

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Singapore's inflation quickens to fastest pace since January Singapore's inflation accelerated to the fastest pace since January as food and housing costs increased, sustaining pressure on the central bank to allow the currency to appreciate and contain price gains. The consumer price index........

Romance on the move Forty couples celebrated love and marriage on four SBS Transit buses yesterday. Called "Love is 24/7" to symbolise love all year round, the event was organised by the Family Life Champions of Boon Lay, Clementi, Pioneer and West Coast divisions. Mini.....     Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan to visit Singapore SINGAPORE : Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan will lead a delegation of Ministers and senior officials to Singapore on a three-day visit starting Tuesday, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean...... Two-thirds of NTU fresh grads secured jobs before convocation A record 9,066 students are graduating from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) this year...... Online registry launched for casual workers in hotel industry SINGAPORE : An online registry is now available for the hotel industry's casual workers...... 4,200 Honda cars in Singapore affected by recall Some 4,200 Honda cars sold by Kah Motor in Singapore are affected by a global recall involving 200,000 passenger cars...... 23 of 30 injured S'poreans to return home Twenty-three of the 30 Singaporeans involved in the sand dune accident in Perth will be heading home...... Man dies in road accident along PIE Two accidents along Singapore's expressways killed one and injured another early Monday morning...... Man jailed 8 weeks for sex with underaged girl A 23-year-old man made his underaged girlfriend pregnant after having sex with her on three separate occasions between May 2009 and April 2010...... Nurses' pay to be reviewed Health Minister Gan Kim Yong has said his ministry is currently undertaking a review of salaries for nurses in Singapore...... Man dies in road accident along PIE A man in his forties died in a road accident Monday morning...... Ex-casino dealer jailed 2 years for CBT A former casino dealer has been sentenced to two years' jail for criminal breach of trust, after pleading guilty to the offence...... Safety of workers on lorries to be enhanced From August 1, heavy lorries transporting workers on the cargo deck must be fitted with higher railings and canopies, to better enhance the safety of workers...... ERP rates to be adjusted at 3 gantries The Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates at three gantries will be adjusted from August 1, following a quarterly review of traffic conditions...... Tour bus rolls down Australia dune, S'poreans hurt PERTH, Australia: A four-wheel-drive tour bus carrying mostly Singaporeans has rolled down a sand dune north of Perth in Australia, leaving five injured people in hospital on Monday, police said......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-24

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NDP organisers harness technology to improve safety This year's National Day Parade operations team has added a "mobile clinic" and moving "eyes-on-the-ground" to help it respond faster in case of an emergency. Making its first appearance at this year's National Day Parade is the........     S'pore govt REACH-es out to netizens The government feedback unit is working with the relevant agencies to respond thoroughly to issues that have been raised by netizens on its feedback portal REACH. Concerns on housing, a hot topic during the recent General Election,........ Years to correct supply-demand imbalance for HDB flats: Khaw National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan expects to take three to five years to substantively solve the imbalance between the supply and demand for HDB resale flats. He said he is confident that resale flat prices will stabilise........ One Community Walk returns with over 85,000 participants After the success of the inaugural event in 2010, the One Community Walk (OCW) returned today to bring more residents together and raise money for charity. For the first time, FairPrice Foundation is working with the People's........ Police arrest murder suspect A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of another man. Police said they received a call at about 10.30pm yesterday that a man was injured at Block 15, Lorong 7, Toa Payoh. The 51-year-old........ S'pore must be vigilant against extremism: DPM Teo Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Teo Chee Hean, has described Friday's shooting and bomb attacks in Norway as "vicious". He said there is "almost a model" for people who are of that mind to........

Keep evolving to meet changing demands: DPM Teo to PSC Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has urged the Public Service Commission (PSC) to continue to evolve to meet the demands of a new globalised economy. Speaking at the presentation of PSC scholarships to 72 students yesterday, he said it will.......     Two men arrested for suspected loansharking activities Police have arrested two men for suspected involvement in loansharking activities...... 111 suspects nabbed in islandwide crime bust A total of 111 suspects were nabbed in an islandwide operation led by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)...... Years to correct supply-demand imbalance for HDB flats: Khaw National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said it will take 3 to 5 years to "substantively resolve" the problem of high resale flat prices and for prices to stabilise...... NDP organisers harness technology to improve safety This year's National Day Parade operations team has added a "mobile clinic" and moving "eyes-on-the-ground" to help it respond faster in case of an emergency...... S'pore govt REACH-es out to netizens The government feedback unit is working with the relevant agencies to respond thoroughly to issues that have been raised by netizens on its feedback portal REACH...... S'pore must be vigilant against extremism: DPM Teo Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Teo Chee Hean, has described Friday's shooting and bomb attacks in Norway as "vicious"...... Police arrest murder suspect A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of another man...... NTUC FairPrice donates S$1m at One Community Walk for needy families After the success of the inaugural event in 2010, the One Community Walk (OCW) returned on Sunday to bring more residents together and raise money for charity......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-23

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Singapore strongly condemns Norway attacks Singapore has strongly condemned the bombing in Oslo and shooting on the island of Utoeya on Friday. The twin shooting and bomb attacks in Norway left dozens dead as a Norwegian gunman disguised as a policeman opened fire at a youth camp and a.......

TODAY journalists score at MediaCorp News Awards TODAY journalists took home half of the awards given out this year at the annual MediaCorp News Awards ceremony yesterday. Journalists Leong Wee Keat and Neo Chai Chin won Journalist of the Year and Young Journalist of the Year........     Scholarships, master classes to spur creative industries growth Singapore has set its sights on becoming Asia's creative hub...... 2,000 runners get a taste of Olympic spirit Some 2,000 people had a taste of the Olympic spirit on Saturday morning in the Olympic Day Run. The event was held at East Coast Park...... DPM Teo urges PSC to continue to evolve to meet changing demands Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has urged the Public Service Commission (PSC) to continue to evolve to meet the demands of a new globalised economy...... Singapore strongly condemns Norway attacks Singapore has strongly condemned the bombing in Oslo and shooting on the island of Utoeya on Friday......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-22

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Kleptomaniac jailed six weeks A kleptomaniac, who had twice avoided jail for shoplifting previously, was today jailed six weeks as her condition had nothing to do with her latest crime. Goh Lee Yin, 30, had been convicted of shoplifting in 2005 and 2007. She........     S'pore private home prices up 2% in Q2 Private home prices in Singapore rose at a slower pace of 2 per cent in the second quarter, according to statistics from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). This was in line with the flash estimates which showed a 1.9 per cent........ More establishments allowing employment beyond 62: MOM The Manpower Ministry (MOM) said the proportion of private establishments that allowed their local employees to work past 62 increased significantly last year. Close to eight in 10 private establishments allowed their local........ Guidance issued for charities engaged in business activities The office of the Commissioner of Charities has issued guidance for charities which engage or intend to engage in business activities. It's part of a wider effort to help charities improve their governance. The........

Social work association seeks to improve industry image, standards The only professional body for social workers here, the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW), will be setting up an online portal to get social workers to share best practices. This is part of the association's 10-year........     Football: S'pore has an edge in World Cup qualifier, says M'sian coach The crunch match between arch rivals Singapore and Malaysia is just a day away as the Asian Zone FIFA World Cup qualifier second round takes place tomorrow (July 23)...... NUH partners Frontier Healthcare to offer diabetic care SINGAPORE : The National University Hospital (NUH) is partnering a private medical group, Frontier Healthcare, to offer a care programme for diabetics...... Enhancing skills of professionals in museum, heritage sector SINGAPORE : Plans are afoot to enhance the skills of professionals in Singapore's museum and heritage sector...... TV and print win big at MediaCorp News Awards Singapore's leading media company MediaCorp celebrated the best in journalism at its 6th News Awards on Friday evening...... New chief executive of PUB appointed SINGAPORE : National water agency PUB will have a new man at the helm in December...... Man jailed 15 months for using fake S$50 note SINGAPORE : He had complained to a friend about his financial difficulties in August last year and was given two counterfeit S$50 notes...... Singaporeans need a president they can trust says Tan Cheng Bock Singapore: The President is the only Singaporean leader voted by all Singaporeans and as such, they need a president whom they can trust and who will put nation above politics, said Dr Tan Cheng Bock...... Application for returning Singaporeans to re-join schools opens July 25 The centralised school placement exercise for returning Singaporeans who want to re-join the local school system next year opens on July 25...... Recalcitrant shoplifter sentenced to jail, fine Thirty-year-old Goh Lee Yin had been convicted of shoplifting on two occasions, in 2005 and 2007...... Tan Cheng Bock submits forms for Certificate of Eligibility for Presidential Election Singapore: Presidential hopeful Dr Tan Cheng Bock has stressed his political independence at a media conference held after he submitted forms to run in the Presidential Election...... Prices of HDB resale flats up a steeper 3.1% in Q2 Prices of HDB resale flats rose a steeper 3.1 per cent in the second quarter compared to the 1.6 per cent increase seen in the first quarter...... Promoting healthcare by remote The government is looking to encourage greater adoption of tele-health, with the advancement of info-technology (IT)...... Guidance issued for charities engaged in business activities The office of the Commissioner of Charities has issued guidance for charities which engage or intend to engage in business activities...... Almost 100 organisations benefit from charity book donation Ninety-six non-profit and voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) Friday received 47,000 library books and magazines at the National Library Board's (NLB) annual Charity Book Donation...... More establishments allowing employment beyond 62: MOM The Manpower Ministry (MOM) said the proportion of private establishments that allowed their local employees to work past 62 increased significantly last year......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-21

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Drug mule jailed, given eight strokes of cane A drug mule who had escaped the gallows for importing heroin to Singapore was sentenced to 18 years' jail and given eight strokes of the cane, today, in the Court of Appeal. Khor Soon Lee, 36, was first charged with importing 27.86 grams of........     Down Syndrome boy accidentally hanged himself An intellectually disabled boy accidentally hanged himself while playing with a nylon rope, in January, the Coroner's Court heard, today. An inquest into the death of Yuen Kai Lek, 14, revealed that the teenager had no intention to take his own...... Worker who climbed crane jailed five weeks A construction worker with a pay dispute was jailed five weeks, today, for criminal trespass after climbing to a crane tower control cage 30 metres above ground to air his grievances. Yang Wei, 27, could have lodged a complaint with........ Singapore customs seizes 1.2 million contraband cigarettes A three-day operation by Singapore Customs (SC) netted 1.2 million contraband cigarettes, crippling a distribution network operating in Bedok, Hougang and Yishun. Four men were arrested between July 5 and 7 with more than 60,000........ MCYS to reinforce social work sector The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) will continue to aid the social work sector as it expects to see Singaporeans with more complex needs. The Acting MCYS Minister, Major-General Chan Chun Sing, made these........ Those with autism have much to offer: Danish social entrepreneur A Dane who has been helping those with autism find jobs in his country, told a Singapore audience, today, there is much potential in such employees which can benefit companies. Thorkil Sonne was speaking at the 4th Singapore........

3 bids for every BTO flat for July A total of 11,548 applications were received for the 3,556 flats on offer in this month's Build-To-Order (BTO) launch as of 5pm yesterday, according to the Housing and Development Board website. This works out to about three bids........     Missing S'porean found in shallow grave in Selangor JOHOR BAHRU: A Singaporean who was reported missing by his wife, about six months ago, was finally located on Wednesday in a shallow grave at a rubber estate in Selangor, Malaysia...... PAC launched for adult educators The Education Services Union (ESU) launched a new community for adult educators, professional trainers and lecturers on Thursday...... Some Singaporeans don't see the need for insurance: AIA A survey by American International Assurance Singapore (AIA) showed that only a little more than one in 10 Singaporeans are adequately insured...... Hiring trends in S'pore slowing down: Hudson Report After aggressive hiring in the last two years, companies in Singapore are being a little more cautious in their hiring, said human resource firm Hudson on Thursday...... Football: Malaysia Tigers in Singapore for World Cup qualifier Malaysia's football team arrived in Singapore on Thursday...... Singaporeans in Indonesia advised to stay vigilant Singapore's Home Affairs Ministry advises Singaporeans in Indonesia and those travelling there to exercise vigilance and be mindful of their personal safety...... Attracting more social workers remains MCYS' priority: Chan Chun Sing Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Chan Chun Sing said attracting more social workers remains an urgent priority of the ministry...... S'pore students have a more cosmopolitan outlook: Education Minister Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said students in Singapore schools have a more cosmopolitan outlook and interact easily with people from all over the world, something other countries are trying to emulate...... Worker jailed five weeks for criminal trespass Twenty-seven-year-old construction worker, Yang Wei, could have lodged a complaint with the Manpower Ministry after his employer did not pay him his salary of S$5,000...... 60,000 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes seized in 3-day blitz Singapore Customs (SC) has crippled an illegal cigarettes distribution network in Bedok, Hougang and Yishun with the arrest of four men...... S'pore a springboard for South Asian diaspora: PM Lee Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore is well positioned to be a springboard for the South Asian diaspora to engage the rest of Asia and the world......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-20

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Cop jailed for abusing position Police officer, Sheik Faisal Shaik Abdul Kader, helped to convict Fong Quay Sim, 69, last year, of poisoning her husband with arsenic. Today, as he appeared in court to be jailed two weeks for abusing his position to access the police computer.......     Spike and steal thief given six years' corrective training He had been spiking women's drinks over an 18-year period. Mohd Haslam Ismail, 48, won't be doing that for the next six years after being packed off for corrective training for his latest offence. Last month, District Judge........ Gynaecologist fined S$10,000 A gynaecologist at Raffles Hospital has been fined $10,000 and censured for performing an unapproved procedure on his patient. Dr Koh Gim Hwee, 49, used what's called Hegar dilators to forcibly induce labour in one of his........ 10 questioned in counterfeit contact lenses sold here Ten people have been questioned in the first known case of counterfeit health products being sold by legitimate retailers, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Today, it said it had found counterfeit coloured contact lenses........ Clementi loanshark runners nabbed A spate of attacks by loansharks in Clementi West, this month, saw the arrests of two suspects, yesterday evening. The police said in a press statement today that officers from Clementi Police Division arrested two men, aged 19 and........ 100,000 to watch NDP celebrations at Marina Bay and RWS This year's National Day celebrations will extend beyond The Float@Marina Bay to include some 100,000 Singaporeans around the Marina Bay waterfront and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). Titled "NDP 2011 Celebrations", the event will........

Rise in emergency air evacuations to Singapore Even as competition from Malaysia and Thailand in medical tourism intensifies, emergency air evacuations to the Republic have gone up, in what industry players see as part of a larger trend where more serious cases from overseas are being........     Veteran policeman sentenced to two weeks' jail He was the police investigating officer in a high-profile case involving an elderly woman who was convicted last year of poisoning her husband with arsenic...... MOE to help students acquire critical skills BALI: Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said his ministry will make changes to expand opportunities for students to acquire critical skills for the future...... Toa Payoh serial housebreaker arrested Police have arrested a man who is believed to have broken into at least six flats in Toa Payoh housing estate...... COEs up in car categories COE premiums continued its general uptrend for cars in the latest bidding exercise on Wednesday...... Malaysia general conferred Singapore's highest military award The former Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces was conferred Singapore's highest military award the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) on Wednesday afternoon...... Integrated ticketing service TicketCube launched Show-goers can expect greater convenience with the launch of an integrated ticketing service in the heart of Singapore's Orchard Road...... Housebreaker arrested within 8 hours Police have arrested a 45-year-old man who is believed to be involved in a break-in at Blk 620 Hougang Avenue 8 on Wednesday afternoon...... Gynaecologist fined for performing unacceptable procedure A gynaecologist at Raffles Hospital has been fined S$10,000 and censured for performing a procedure on his patient which wasn't within the norms of acceptable medical practice...... Counterfeit coloured contact lenses sold at shops The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said it found counterfeit coloured contact lenses being sold in local optical shops in June...... EDB presents scholarships for undergraduate studies Deputy Prime Minister, Teo Chee Hean, who is also the Minister-in-Charge of the Civil Service, said Singapore's lead investment agency, the Economic Development Board (EDB) plays an important role in attracting talent and innovation into Singapore...... NDP 2011 celebration to extend beyond The Float@Marina Bay This year's National Day celebrations will extend beyond The Float@Marina Bay to include some 100,000 Singaporeans around the Marina Bay waterfront and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS)......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-19

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Businessman pleads guilty to killing karaoke patron with ice pick A businessman who plunged an ice pick into the heart of another patron at a karaoke billiard saloon in Geylang in 2009, pleaded guilty today, to culpable homicide in the High Court. The altercation first occurred when David How Kim Fwee, 64,........     Dr Tony Tan: "Singaporeans first" policy for higher education, is not "Singaporeans only" When it comes to higher education, former Deputy Prime Minister and presidential hopeful, Dr Tony Tan, said he favoured a "Singaporeans first" policy. But he made it clear this was different from a Singaporeans only policy...... Former cleaner jailed, fined for cheating, helping loansharks Former cleaner, Lewis Kam Boon Kiat, 37, used to earn only S$350 monthly. But because he wanted to apply for a credit card from Maybank, the now-jobless man lied in his application, claiming that he was a manager who earned more........ Voters' change of address Voters who have changed their NRIC address since Jan 1, will be allowed to vote at a polling station nearer their new address in the upcoming Presidential Election. The Elections Department says the Registration Officer will........ New regulations to improve crane safety The Manpower Ministry is introducing new initiatives, in September, to improve crane safety at workplaces in Singapore. Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Hawazi Daipi says one key factor is the enhancement of the regulatory framework........

SIA appoints CEO for new low-fare airline Singapore Airlines (SIA) yesterday named Mr Campbell Wilson (picture) as the chief executive of its new low-fare airline, which will be plying medium- and long-haul routes. SIA had announced in May that the airline will be up and........     Ex-security company manager jailed for cheating For two and a half years, a former operations manager of a security company cheated his then-employer into paying salary to his wife for work she did not perform...... Govt steps up protection for children and youths Changes made under the Children and Young Persons (Amendment) Bill will take effect from July 20, 2011...... NUS names bursary after Ong Pang Boon To pay tribute to the former minister in Singapore's first Cabinet, the National University of Singapore (NUS) announced the Ong Pang Boon bursary...... 3 Singaporean youths to work with China scientists on climate study Three Singaporean youths will get to work with scientists in China on how to combat climate change after winning this year's HSBC/National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Youth Environmental Award...... S'pore ranks first at International Physics Olympiad Singapore has been ranked first at the International Physics Olympiad...... Man jailed, fined for cheating and assisting loansharks A former cleaner was jailed and fined on Tuesday for cheating and assisting loansharks...... Doctor charged with molesting woman A doctor, formerly attached to Changi General Hospital, has been charged with molesting a woman at the hospital on January 1 this year...... Writ of Election for PE expected from Aug 3 SINGAPORE : Candidates aspiring to contest the forthcoming Presidential Election can expect the Writ of Election to be issued anytime from August 3...... Dr Tony Tan believes in 'Singaporeans first' education policy Former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Tony Tan, said he believes in a higher education policy that puts Singaporeans first...... Voters with new addresses can vote near home at Presidential Election Voters who have changed their NRIC address since the January 1, 2011, will be allowed to vote at a polling station nearer their new address in the upcoming Presidential Election...... MOM to introduce new initiatives to improve crane safety at workplaces The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is introducing new initiatives to improve crane safety at workplaces in Singapore in September......

Singapore Local News, 2011-07-18

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Educating all children - without exception Education is one of the most important issues on Singapore's national agenda: It takes up about one-fifth of the Government's annual budget. The Minstry of Education invests a significant amount of resources in making the educational landscape........

Little ones go green Pre-school students who participated in the Little Green Ambassadors programme, which aims to encourage children to cut down on the use of plastic bags, received their certificates at an awards ceremony on Saturday. The ceremony honoured the top five.....     Guide to Singapore's biodiversity launched SINGAPORE : A comprehensive guide to Singapore's biodiversity was launched on Monday...... Former StanChart consultant swindles more than S$105,000 A personal financial consultant with Standard Charted Bank, who was tasked to advise customers on its wealth management products, abused her position and siphoned off monies from their bank accounts instead...... S'pore-Malaysia World Cup Qualifier live on Channel 5 MediaCorp TV's Channel 5 will telecast the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Singapore and Malaysia, "Live."..... Feedback sought for sports masterplan The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) has said it will work closely with the public, private and people sectors to jointly develop a sports masterplan - dubbed Vision 2030 - for the next 20 years...... Better to release more BTO flats per launch: Khaw Boon Wan National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said it's more effective to release a larger number of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats per launch as it gives home buyers greater choice and improves their chances of selecting a unit...... GP repeats inappropriate prescription of medication Despite giving an undertaking in 2009 not to commit misconduct again, a general practitioner continued to inappropriately prescribe hypnotic and codeine-containing medication...... Three teens arrested for loansharking activities Three teenagers were arrested about 30 minutes after they splashed paint on a unit at Clementi Ave 3 on Sunday afternoon...... More vibrant S'pore arts and culture scene in 2010 Latest statistics issued by the government showed that there was a 16 per cent increase in the number of arts activities last year to almost 34,000 compared to 2009......