Singapore Local News, 2011-12-31

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Prime Minister's 2012 New Year message 2011 was a significant year for Singapore. Singaporeans went to the polls twice, and elected a new government and President. Having made a significant political transition, we are all now adjusting to new norms in a changed environment. We........

An S$850,000 gift to the needy from MUIS Singapore - The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has given more than S$850,000 from its zakat assistance fund to almost 2,210 needy families to help them cope with higher costs of living, the council said in a statement yesterday......     President Tony Tan launches 20,000 wishing spheres into Marina Bay It was a reflective start to the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown...... Parents urged to pay attention to children's moral and national education Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has urged parents to pay attention to their children's moral and national education on top of encouraging them to do well in their studies...... Social capital will define S'pore's success as a nation: PM Lee Singaporeans must strengthen their values of tolerance, mutual respect and empathy, as their country's success as a nation is increasingly defined not just in economic terms but also by the country's social capital...... S'pore faces challenge of population growth: PM Lee Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore must find workable solutions to keep its society vibrant and forward-looking, maintain its economic vitality and strengthen the Singapore core, as it faces the challenge of population growth...... S'pore's economy grew 4.8% in 2011 Singapore's economy grew 4.8 per cent in 2011, significantly slower than the dramatic rebound of 14.7 per cent growth in 2010...... More Singaporeans choosing staycations over holidays abroad This year-end, more Singaporeans are choosing staycations over holidays abroad...... Chinese national caught for trying to sneak into S'pore A 50-year-old Chinese national was caught at Woodlands Checkpoint for trying to sneak into Singapore......