Singapore Local News, 2012-07-31

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Donations to Bugis MRT accident victims top S$66k An online initiative has raised at least S$66,000 for the families of the two workers killed in the Bugis MRT accident. The donation drive was launched by several prominent bloggers, including Mr Benjamin Lee (Mr Miyagi), Ms........     Press statement from the Prime Minister on changes to Cabinet and other appointments The following is a press statement from the Prime Minister on changes to the Cabinet and other appointments: The Prime Minister will make several changes to Cabinet and other appointments, effective from 1 Aug 2012 and further........ Press statement from Prime Minister on restructuring of MCYS and MICA and establishment of new ministries The Singapore Government announced today the restructuring of two ministries, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports and the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts. Three new ministries will take over their current........ NUS PhD student goes missing in France A PhD student from the Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) programme at the National University of Singapore has gone missing and the university is appealing for information on his whereabouts. Mr Cui Luchao, 27, has been on a research........ First colorectal hospital in Southeast Asia opens in Singapore The first hospital specializing in colorectal diseases in Singapore opened today. Owned by Indian healthcare delivery provider Fortis, the Fortis Colorectal Hospital (FCH), is also the first colorectal hospital in the South East........ First of three men in Bras Basah Complex murder jailed The first of three men charged in last year's Bras Basah Complex murder was sentenced to four years and one month jail yesterday. 21-year-old Muhammad Arsyil Johar, a full-time National Serviceman with the Singapore Civil Defence........ 4,191 new flats on offer in latest BTO launch Seven Build-To-Order projects have been launched by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) today with 4,191 new flats in both mature and non-mature estates on offer. And in a bid to increase the housing options available to........ City Harvest founder's bail doubled City Harvest Church founder Kong Hee, who is accused of misusing church funds to help his wife's music career, has had his bail doubled. A check with the courts showed that the bail is now set at S$1 million, twice the original........ SMRT bus services diverted due to NDP road closures SMRT bus services will be diverted due to road closures for NDP 2012 Preview and Parade on Aug 4 and 9. Bus services 75, 77, 106, 167, 171, 700, 700A, 857, 960 and 961 will not stop along the following roads: Bras Basah Road,........ More jobs created, fewer layoffs in Q2: MOM report Employment creation strengthened in the second quarter of this year, while layoffs eased for the second successive quarter. This has reversed the slight increase in unemployment registered a quarter ago. This according to the........

Kong Hee can travel: Court City Harvest Church founder Kong Hee, who is facing three charges of criminal breach of trust by an agent, was yesterday granted approval by the Court to travel, according to his lawyers. The approval is understood to be for a........     Lawrence Wong welcomes feedback from S'poreans about new ministry Mr Lawrence Wong, who will helm the new Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) from November 1, said he was excited about the opportunity to engage and work with Singaporeans...... 34th Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow to visit S'pore The Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, Mr Ai Ping, will visit Singapore as the 34th Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow from August 1 to 4...... Over S$66,000 raised for Bugis worksite accident victims Transient Workers Count Two (TWC2) has raised more than S$66,000 for the Bugis MRT worksite accident victims...... Hospital dedicated to treatment of colorectal diseases opens Fortis Colorectal Hospital officially opened its doors to patients on Tuesday...... Changes in Permanent Secretary appointments from Nov 1 There will be changes in Permanent Secretary appointments from November 1...... MCYS, MICA to be restructured to form 3 new ministries Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced that the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Ministry of Communications and Information (MICA) will be restructured to form three ministries...... Singapore reshuffles Cabinet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will make several changes to his Cabinet and other appointments, effective from August 1, 2012 and further changes effective from November 1, 2012...... NUS PhD student goes missing in France A PhD student from the Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) programme at the National University of Singapore has gone missing and the university is appealing for information on his whereabouts...... How long will Singapore's robust labour market last? Singapore's better job market figures mean people are in a better position to provide for their families, said Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin in his latest blog posting. However, he is concerned about how long the robust labour market i..... Company director gets writ of summons for alleged sexual harassment A Pacific Healthcare Holdings director has been served with a Writ of Summons for alleged sexual harassment...... HDB launches 7 BTO projects offering 4,191 new flats The Housing and Development Board (HDB) on Tuesday launched seven BTO projects, offering 4,191 new flats...... First of three men in Bras Basah Complex murder jailed The first of three men charged in last year's Bras Basah Complex murder was sentenced to four years and one month jail on Monday...... City Harvest founder's bail doubled City Harvest Church founder Kong Hee, who is accused of misusing church funds to help his wife's music career, has had his bail doubled...... IMH awarded ANCC accreditation The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has been awarded the American Nurse Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Accreditation with Distinction...... SMRT bus services diverted due to NDP road closures SMRT bus services will be diverted due to road closures for the NDP 2012 Preview and Parade on August 4 and 9...... More jobs created, fewer layoffs in Q2: MOM report Employment creation strengthened in the second quarter of 2012, while layoffs eased for the second successive quarter......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-30

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Strong demand for finance, accounting and banking professionals: survey Specialist recruitment firm Robert Half said the demand for skilled finance, accounting and banking professionals will remain strong in the last two quarters of this year. This, as Singapore's chief financial officers and senior........     Howard Shaw jailed 12 weeks Singapore - Former Singapore Environment Council executive director Howard Shaw has been jailed 12 weeks for having paid sex with a minor. Prosecutors had earlier sought a three-month jail term for Shaw, who admitted in June to paying a 17-year-old g..... Five youths plead guilty to culpable homicide in Downtown East killing Five youths involved in the Downtown East killing of polytechnic student Darren Ng Wei Jie pleaded guilty to a charge of culpable homicide each at the High Court today. The five are Ho Wui Ming, 22, Chen Wei Zhen, 21, Edward Tay........ Howard Shaw's verdict to be delivered later this afternoon Singapore - Prosecutors have sought a three-month jail term for former Singapore Environment Council executive director Howard Shaw for having paid sex with a minor. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) S. Sellakumaran noted the circumstances of the....... Singapore to meet water target before deadline Singapore will be able to meet its water requirements independently ahead of the 2061 expiration of a century-long supply agreement with Malaysia "if need be", the head of the city-state's water utility said. Desalination and........ New fund launched to enhance parent engagement Fifteen primary schools will receive a new Parent in Education Fund to better foster parent-school relationships. Schools will receive S$10,000 a year for up to three years and they can use the money to develop multiple........ SBS bus services affected by NDP road closures 18 SBS Transit Services will be affected on Aug 4 and 9. Roads around Marina Bay will be closed on those two days for the National Day Preview and Parade 2012. The affected bus services are 10, 14, 16, 36, 56, 57, 70M,........

City Gas to reduce gas tariff by 2.8 per cent for households Households will get a reprieve from the steady rise in gas tariffs from next month, with City Gas to reduce the gas tariff for the coming three months. City Gas announced yesterday that the gas tariff for households will be reduced........     New ERP rates at selected gantries on CTE & PIE New ERP rates at selected gantries will kick in from August 6...... Three awarded SAF Overseas Scholarship Three Officer Cadets have been awarded the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship...... Monthly claims for GPML to begin from August 2 Employers and self-employed women will be able to make monthly reimbursement claims for Government Paid Maternity Leave (GPML) from August 2...... Howard Shaw sentenced to 3 months' jail; out on bail pending appeal Former executive director of the Singapore Environment Council, Howard Shaw, has been sentenced to three months' jail for having paid sex with an underage girl...... Strong demand for finance, accounting and banking professionals: survey Specialist recruitment firm Robert Half said the demand for skilled finance, accounting and banking professionals will remain strong in the last two quarters of 2012...... Higher starting pay for fresh grads: survey Global management consulting firm Hay Group believes that despite sentiments of a slowdown emerging in the global economy, fresh graduates will fare better this year, with employers in Singapore offering a higher base salary compared to their 2011 co..... ESM Goh launches Parents in Education Fund Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will raise at least S$450,000 over the next three years to a new Parents in Education (PIE) Fund to enhance school-based parent partnership efforts in education...... Howard Shaw to be sentenced in online vice ring case Former executive director of the Singapore Environment Council, Howard Shaw, will be sentenced on Monday afternoon for having paid sex with an underage girl...... SBS bus services affected by NDP road closures 18 SBS Transit Services will be affected on August 4 and 9...... MediaCorp launches new loyalty initiative for consumers Fancy an exclusive lunch date with your favourite celebrities? Or getting complimentary tickets to concerts? Well, you can enjoy such privileges by being a member of MEclub - the first loyalty initiative launched by MediaCorp......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-29

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Singaporean pilot dies in Malaysia plane crash KUALA LUMPUR - A Singaporean pilot on a training flight died today when his single-seat plane crashed into an oil palm plantation in southern Malaysia, police said. The plane went down today in clear weather after taking off from a private........     Lower gas tariffs from August City Gas Pte Ltd announced today that the gas tariff for households will be reduced by 2.8 per cent, from 22.16 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 21.54 cents per kWh with effect from Aug 1 this year. The reduction in the average town gas bill........ Health programmes for Hong Kah North residents to benefit from health promotion grant SINGAPORE- The Hong Kah North constituency is one of the first constituencies to put the Constituency Health Promotion Grant to action and is working with the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to help residents benefit from a five-year health promotion pl.....

Fewer motorcyle deaths this year SINGAPORE: -Fewer motorcyclists and their pillion riders died on the roads in the first six months of this year. Between January and June, there were 35 motorcyclist fatalities. In 2011, there were 53 for the same period. For the........     Youths break cupcake record in fundraising effort Youths from Ayer Rajah Constituency tasted sweet victory on Sunday when they set a new Guinness World Record involving cupcakes...... Singaporean pilot dies in Malaysia plane crash KUALA LUMPUR: A Singaporean pilot on a training flight died Sunday when his single-seat plane crashed into an oil palm plantation in southern Malaysia, police said...... 4,000 take part in 'Walk for our Children' About 4,000 children and their families helped to raise money for charity at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park on Sunday morning...... 5-year health promotion plan for Hong Kah ward Hong Kah North constituency has launched a five-year health promotion plan which covers exercise, food and lifestyle......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-28

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No hike for now: Aljunied-Hougang Town Council The Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) has no current plans to raise service and conservancy charges (S&CC), said the Workers' Party, a day after seven People's Action Party Town Councils announced they would be raising charges for the first ti.....     Law has special role in strengthening fabric of S'pore society: Chief Justice Chief Justice (CJ) Chan Sek Keong said today that the law has a special role in strengthening the fabric of Singapore society. He urged new lawyers to uphold the law and overcome the challenges they will face in the profession with........ North East District residents get employment handbook Residents living in the North East District will now have an additional toolkit to help them in their job search. North East CDC with the support from the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) has launched "My Handbook to........

S'porean acquitted of double murder in Sydney after 8 years in jail SYDNEY - An appeals court in Australia has acquitted Singaporean Ram Puneet Tiwary, who was twice convicted of murdering his two flatmates in Sydney. The 33-year-old has spent more than eight years behind bars and will likely walk free......     Faster recovery for Hepatitis C patients with new drug World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28 July and there's some news for Hepatitis C patients...... Law has special role in strengthening fabric of S'pore society: Chief Justice Chief Justice (CJ) Chan Sek Keong said on Saturday that the law has a special role in strengthening the fabric of Singapore society...... Employment handbook launched Residents living in the North East District will now have an additional toolkit to help them in their job search...... President Tony Tan underlines warmth of longstanding S'pore-UK ties President Tony Tan Keng Yam underlined the warmth of longstanding relations between the United Kingdom and Singapore, during a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by Queen Elizabeth II on Friday......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-27

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Taxis to be taken out of COE bidding process: LTA Taxis will be taken out of the Certificates of Entitlement (COE) bidding process from next month, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced today. This move takes into consideration the "influence that taxi operators may have on........     Seven town councils to increase S&CC Seven town councils will be increasing their Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) from September. The town councils are: Bishan-Toa Payoh, Chua Chu Kang, East Coast, Holland-Bukit Panjang, Tanjong Pagar, Tampines and West Coast......... Property agent suspended, fined S$15,000 A property agent has been suspended for seven months and fined S$15,000 by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). Thirty-four-year-old Su Yeow Hui, Anthony faced four charges of infringing the Code of Ethics and Professional Client........ S'porean student Tiwary acquitted of double murder SYDNEY - An appeals court in Australia has acquitted Singaporean student Ram Puneet Tiwary, who was twice convicted of murdering his two flatmates in Sydney. The 33-year-old has spent more than eight years behind bars and will likely go free......... 3 men charged with paid sex with underage girl Another three men have been charged with paid sex with an underage girl in the online vice ring scandal. Arjunan Kulasegaram, 37, faces one count of paying S$450 to the underage girl for sex in October 2010. Ban Yinh........ MOM to proceed with 30 charges in nursing home case Prosecution from the Manpower Ministry (MOM) will be proceeding with 30 of the 86 charges against Nightingale Nursing Home, Greenview Nursing Home and Civic Ambulance Services. The three organisations are expected to make a decision........ Man accused of attempted murder faces another charge The man who allegedly attempted to murder a 32-year-old woman at Anchorvale Link now faces a second charge. Chew Teck Lye, 41, is accused of attempting to murder Ms Goh Siew Chuan, by stabbing her in the abdomen at about 2.11pm on........ Educarers must get advanced certificates by 2016 All childcare centres have to ensure at least 75 per cent of their educarers attain either the Advanced Certificate in Early Years (ACEY) or the Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education by Jan 1, 2016. Educarers........ New iPhone app & pop song to promote use of Mandarin The 33rd Speak Mandarin Campaign kicked off with the launch of the new iHuayu iPhone application and a pop song. The free iPhone application provides bilingual terms that help executives and businessmen enhance their Mandarin........ New research training programme for nurses A new research training programme for nurses across different SingHeath institutions will be rolled out later this year. With an intake of 100 nurses, the programme will include tutorials as well as an online module that allows........ Private home prices up 0.4% in Q2 Prices of private residential properties in Singapore rose by 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of this year, rebounding from a 0.1 per cent fall in the first quarter. Real estate statistics released today by the Urban........ Health Minister Gan to attend Global Health Policy Summit Health Minister Gan Kim Yong will attend the Inaugural Meeting of the Global Health Policy Summit from Monday to Wednesday in London. The meeting will bring together 250 key decision-makers in healthcare from over 25 countries........ HDB's Q2 Resale Price Index up 1.3% The Housing and Development Board's (HDB) Resale Price Index (RPI) in the second quarter of this year is 194, an increase of 1.3 per cent over the previous quarter when it was 191.6. According to data released by HDB, there were........ NUS law prof faces corruption charges for 'sexual gratification' The National University of Singapore law professor embroiled in a "sex for grades" case was charged today. Tey Tsun Hang, 41, faces six corruption charges for allegedly showing favour to his student, Darinne Ko Wen Hui, between May........

Calling all thrill-seekers Imagine cars dashing down a steep incline at top speed in an adrenaline-filled race, except that, instead of the loud roar of powerful engines, laughter and whoops of excitement fill the air. No, this is no Formula One race and you do not need........     Taxis out of COE bidding process from August Taxis will be taken out of the COE bidding process from August this year...... M Ravi files letters of complaints to Law Society Lawyer M Ravi has filed letters of complaint against the President of the Law Society, Wong Meng Meng, and a member of the Society, Wong Siew Hong...... SAF officer jailed for conspiring to cheat casino A specialist army officer has been sentenced to two years' jail for conspiring with four accomplices to cheat Marina Bay Sands of nearly S$150,000 between July and August in 2011...... Seven town councils to increase service and conservancy charges Seven town councils will increase their Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) for flats, shops/offices and market/cooked food stalls from September 2012...... Minister for Transport to make official visit to Brazil Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Lui Tuck Yew will make an official visit to Brazil from 28 July to 6t August...... President Tony Tan visits Team Singapore athletes in London The Singapore Olympic team received a surprise visit in London ahead of the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony later on Friday...... Olympics: S'pore women aiming to blaze a trail in London Three Singaporean women, one aim: to blaze a trail for their respective sport at the London Olympics. The trio are gymnast Lim Heem Wei, canoeist Geraldine Lee and weightlifter Helena Wong...... S'porean Ram Tiwary acquitted of double murder SYDNEY: An appeals court in Australia has acquitted Singaporean Ram Puneet Tiwary, who was twice convicted of murdering his two flatmates in Sydney...... 3 men charged with paid sex with underage girl Another three men have been charged with paid sex with an underage girl in the online vice ring scandal...... MOM to proceed with 30 charges in nursing home case Prosecution from the Manpower Ministry (MOM) will be proceeding with 30 of the 86 charges against Nightingale Nursing Home, Greenview Nursing Home and Civic Ambulance Services...... New iPhone app & pop song to promote use of Mandarin The 33rd Speak Mandarin Campaign kicked off on Friday with the launch of the new iHuayu iPhone application and a pop song...... Property agent suspended, fined S$15,000 A property agent has been suspended for seven months and fined S$15,000 by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA)...... No gap in childcare sector: Halimah Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Halimah Yacob, said there is no gap in the early childhood education sector even though it is overseen by two ministries...... New research training programme for nurses A new research training programme for nurses across different SingHealth institutions will be rolled out later this year...... Man accused of attempted murder faces another charge The man who allegedly attempted to murder a 32-year-old woman at Anchorvale Link now faces a second charge...... Private home prices up 0.4% in Q2 Prices of private residential properties in Singapore rose by 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of this year, rebounding from a 0.1 per cent fall in the first quarter...... Gan Kim Yong to attend Global Health Policy Summit Singapore's Health Minister Gan Kim Yong will attend the Inaugural Meeting of the Global Health Policy Summit from July 30 to August 1 in London...... NUS professor charged in sex-for-grades case A National University of Singapore (NUS) Associate Professor from the Law Faculty has been charged in court over the sex-for-grades case...... HDB's Q2 Resale Price Index up 1.3% The Housing and Development Board's (HDB) Resale Price Index (RPI) rose in the second quarter to 194, an increase of 1.3 per cent over the previous quarter when it was 191.6......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-26

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CHERISH Award extended to pre-schools & PSEIs For the first time, the CHERISH (CHampioning Efforts Resulting in Improved School Health) Award is extended to pre-schools and post-secondary education institutions (PSEIs). CHERISH is a holistic framework that promotes a........     Man jailed 2 years, fined for involving students in moneylending activities A former salesman who roped in students to assist him in illegal moneylending activities by distributing pamphlets was jailed for two years and fined S$480,000 today. 40-year-old Roland Phang Keng Ming had employed 144 people, 100........ Man jailed for cheating friend of S$878,000 A bankrupt who cheated his friend of almost S$878,000 has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' jail. For more than two years, 37-year-old Lee Chee Heng meticulously wiped out his friend's savings, and caused him to incur debts........ Up to S$3m funding to improve energy efficiency of buildings Developers and building owners may get more funding from the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) to improve energy efficiency in their buildings. Under the enhanced Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing........ Fire at Singapore Polytechnic food court A fire broke out at a food court in Singapore Polytechnic (SP) today. There were no reported injuries or casualties. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they received a call at 12.57pm and arrived within five........ Govt seeks public views on population challenges The Government is seeking public views as it sets out policy directions to deal with demographic challenges. For the first time, the National Population and Talent Division has made available a document online at www.population.sg........ Singapore's manufacturing output up 7.6% in June The Republic's biomedical sector bolstered an otherwise weakening performance in manufacturing last month. The Economic Development Board (EDB) said total manufacturing output grew 7.6 per cent from a year earlier...... Singapore's rich grow wealthier, says Forbes Asia Despite an uncertain global economic outlook, the rich in Singapore have grown wealthier this past year, according to the latest Singapore Rich List published by Forbes Asia. Singapore's 40 richest are now collectively worth........ Many S'poreans don't protect online accounts: survey Many Singaporeans are not protecting their online accounts, according to Assurity Trusted Solutions that surveyed 346 Singaporeans in April. The survey showed that most of the respondents were not following cyber-safe practices such........ Baidu migrates tech with joint research lab Leading Chinese language Internet search provider Baidu this morning officially opened its Baidu-I2R (I-squared R) Research Centre, or BIRC, a joint laboratory established by the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R). The........ Baidu, A*STAR open joint laboratory Chinese language internet search provider Baidu and Singapore's research institute A*STAR have opened their joint laboratory here. The laboratory, called the Baidu-I2R Research Centre (BIRC), aims to develop language processing........

More help for freelancers, musicians Freelancers in the media industry and musicians will benefit from several enhancements to existing schemes run by the Media Development Authority (MDA). Yesterday, the MDA also said that, together with the labour movement, it will........     Man arrested for giving previous residential address to loansharks A 48-year-old man has been arrested for providing false contact information when obtaining loans from loansharks...... Man jailed 2 years, fined for involving students in moneylending activities A former salesman who roped in students to assist him in illegal moneylending activities by distributing pamphlets was jailed for two years and fined S$480,000 on Thursday...... Police issue crime prevention reminder for Geylang Serai Hari Raya Bazaar Police are advising the public to remain vigilant against crime in crowded places...... Olympics: S'pore athletics duo gaining experience for 2015 SEA Games The Singapore Athletics Association has sent two sprinters to the 2012 London Olympics...... Fire at Singapore Polytechnic food court A fire broke out at a food court on Thursday afternoon at Singapore Polytechnic...... CHERISH Award extended to pre-schools & PSEIs For the first time, the CHERISH (CHampioning Efforts Resulting in Improved School Health) Award is extended to pre-schools and post-secondary education institutions (PSEIs)...... Man jailed for cheating friend of S$878,000 A bankrupt who cheated his friend of almost S$878,000 has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' jail...... Up to S$3m funding to improve energy efficiency of buildings Developers and building owners can expect more funding from the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings...... Public urged to get tested for Hepatitis B & C Health expert groups are urging the public to get tested for Hepatitis B and C...... Govt seeks public views on population issues The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) has released an issues paper to ramp up its public engagement on Singapore's population challenges going forward...... Many S'poreans don't protect online accounts: survey Many Singaporeans are not protecting their online accounts, according to Assurity Trusted Solutions that surveyed 346 Singaporeans in April...... Baidu, A*STAR open joint laboratory Chinese language internet search provider Baidu and Singapore's research institute A*STAR have opened their joint laboratory here......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-25

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Police appeal for information on teenager last seen at Hougang Ave 3 Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a teenage boy. Muhammad Amirrul Bin Yunus, who is a 15-year-old boy, was last seen on July 13, 2012 at about 11.00am, at Blk 17 Hougang Avenue 3. Amirrul was........     MND reports discrepancy in purchase to CPIB The Ministry of National Development (MND) confirmed today that it has reported the discrepancy in the procurement of 26 foldable bicycles to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). The ministry said: "MND confirms that........ New standard ticket scheme for rail travellers TransitLink is introducing an enhanced standard ticket scheme for travellers on the MRT and LRT from Nov 1 this year. With the new standard ticket, a lower deposit of 10 cents will be required instead of the current S$1...... Singapore's central bank narrows inflation forecast Singapore's central bank is narrowing its inflation forecast for this year because it expects housing rentals and COE premiums to remain high. It now forecasts inflation of between 4.0 per cent and 4.5 per cent, compared to the........ S'porean nabbed in Manila for drug possession claims innocence MANILA - A Singaporean arrested in the Philippines for carrying illegal drugs claims he is innocent. Forty-two-year-old Danny Ng Boon Eng was arrested at Manila's international airport last week. Ng denised being a drug courier,........ PSB funding increased to S$630 million over five years The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) today announced a 35 per cent increase in funding for Public Service Broadcast (PSB) programmes. It will provide S$630 million over five years to implement the PSB........ MDA offers more grants to develop S'pore media talent More help will be given to develop media talent in Singapore, announced the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) this morning. MDA announced enhancements to two schemes today, one to help local musicians kick start their........ 6th City Harvest member charged; cases adjourned for 5 weeks

Public Service must retain its core values: DPM Teo Even as the Public Service transforms itself to better serve the people, it will retain its core values of integrity, service and excellence, and public officers "must guard against behaving in any way that can erode the trust that Singaporeans........     2 in 3 NTU graduates found jobs even before graduation Two in three graduates of this year's cohort at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) found jobs even before they graduated...... ASX, SGX working together to enhance market connectivity The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the Singapore Exchange (SGX) will establish a presence in each other's co-location data centre...... Olympics: S'pore shooting, sailing aiming to gain experience in London Sailing and shooting are two sports in which Singapore has always performed well on the international stage...... Police appeal for information on teenage boy last seen at Hougang Ave 3 Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a teenage boy...... Thai Princess Sirindhorn given Distinguished Honorary Fellow Award Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was on Wednesday conferred a Distinguished Honorary Fellow Award by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore...... MND refers Brompton bicycles purchase to CPIB The Ministry of National Development (MND) has referred the controversial purchase of 26 Brompton bicycles to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB)...... New standard ticket scheme for rail travellers TransitLink is introducing an enhanced standard ticket scheme for travellers on the MRT and LRT from November 1 this year...... A look into the City Harvest Church saga Several senior members embroiled in the City Harvest Church financial scandal have been charged with misappropriating S$24 million to allegedly fund the music career of Sun Ho, wife of the church's founder...... More funding for Public Service Broadcast content The government (MICA) will raise its funding for Public Service Broadcast (PSB) programmes to S$630 million over the next five years...... S'porean nabbed in Manila for drug possession claims innocence MANILA: A Singaporean arrested in the Philippines for carrying illegal drugs claims he is innocent...... Olympics: Team S'pore moves into Olympic village The Singapore contingent at the London Olympic Games have officially moved into the Olympic village...... 6th City Harvest Church executive charged City Harvest Church executive, Serina Wee, is the sixth and the latest person in the financial scandal case to be charged......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-24

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Three youths arrested for stealing buses Three male youth between the ages of 15 and 17 have been arrested for a series of theft of school buses at Defu Industrial Estate. Two school buses - a 40-seater and a 20-seater - were reported stolen from the car park of Defu........     Man gets additional 6 months' jail for contraband cigarette activities A man has been sentenced to an additional six months' jail for his involvement in contraband cigarette activities at the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) Building. Indonesian Atlis Suryanto, 41, admitted to transporting........ Hotel workers set to get pay increases Some 3,000 locals working in Singapore hotels are set to get pay increases with the implementation of a new wage model. The new wage model was launched today by the labour movement's Hospitality and Consumer Business Cluster...... Bigger bonuses not enough to retain people: report Recruiting firm Hays said potential bonuses of up to six months are not enough to retain people in their current jobs. In a report released today, Hays said job candidates are more accepting of the reality that bonuses are not what........ More than S$23,000 collected for DTL mishap victims: TWC2 Non-governmental organisation Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) announced that more than S$23,000 has been collected as of Monday evening to help the families of the two Chinese workers who died in the accident at the construction site of the........ First local study on impact of weight loss in men Losing weight can help improve erectile dysfunction and increase testosterone levels in men, according to a study conducted by Changi General Hospital (CHG). The 24-week study, which is the first of its kind in Asia, was completed........ Search continues for Nat Ho's father The search is ongoing for Mr Daniel Ho Shih Meng, father of local artiste Nathaniel Ho. Mr Ho posted to his Twitter account yesterday afternoon that his father had gone missing, asking his followers to help look out for him if they........

Lawyer's behaviour becomes talking point The bizarre behaviour of lawyer M Ravi at the Speakers' Corner on Sunday has become a talking point online, with some raising concern over his condition and whether his actions brought the legal profession into disrepute......     More conflicting information surfaces in trial of Seah Hock Thiam More conflicting information emerged on day two of the trial involving Esun International's President Seah Hock Thiam...... Feedback sought on Income Tax (Amendment) Bill The Ministry of Finance will be conducting a public consultation on the draft Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2012. The public consultation will run from 24 July to 13 August...... Integrity, service & excellence remain core values of S'pore public service Integrity, service and excellence will remain core values of the Singapore public service, even as it transforms itself to better serve the public...... Singapore sends 4 shuttlers to London 2012 Olympics Singapore is sending four shuttlers -- two singles players and a doubles pair -- to the 2012 London Olympics...... Man gets additional 6 months' jail for contraband cigarette activities A man has been sentenced to an additional six months' jail for his involvement in contraband cigarette activities at the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) Building...... Hotel workers set to get pay increases Some 3,000 locals working in Singapore hotels are set to get pay increases with the implementation of a new wage model...... Hiring expectations to dip in next 3 months: Hudson Report There will be fewer job vacancies in the next three months, as companies are expected to reduce hiring, according to a recent survey by recruitment firm Hudson...... Bigger bonuses not enough to retain people: report Recruiting firm Hays said potential bonuses of up to six months are not enough to retain people in their current jobs...... Woman found dead in Toa Payoh A 67-year-old woman was found dead at the foot of Block 209 Toa Payoh North on Tuesday morning...... Appeal for information on whereabouts of 2 persons Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of two individuals......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-23

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Man jailed for hurting his prostitute lover A man was sentenced today to four months' jail for hurting his prostitute lover and acting as a lookout for prostitutes. 50-year-old Ng Chye Ming was a lookout for prostitutes soliciting in Geylang in December 2010. He........     Yellow Ribbon Project champion embroiled in court case A champion of the Yellow Ribbon Project, which helps reformed offenders start afresh, is embroiled in a court case. Seah Hock Thiam, an ambassador for Industrial & Services Co-operative Society, is accused of abetting Mohamad Azmi........ Man jailed for hurting his prostitute lover A man was sentenced today to four months' jail for hurting his prostitute lover and acting as a lookout for prostitutes. Ng Chye Ming was a lookout for prostitutes soliciting in Geylang in December 2010. He got to know........ Yellow Ribbon Project champion embroiled in court case A champion of the Yellow Ribbon Project, which helps reformed offenders start afresh, is embroiled in a court case. Seah Hock Thiam, an ambassador for Industrial & Services Co-operative Society, is accused of abetting Mohamad Azmi........ M Ravi's actions leave online community puzzled It's been an eventful few days for M Ravi. First, a Law Society representative turned up in court to submit a medical letter stating that the lawyer is "unfit to practise". Then, it emerged that a police report was lodged........ Singapore inflation edges higher to 5.3% in June Inflation in Singapore continues to climb with housing and transport costs topping the increase. The consumer price index, a key gauge of inflation, rose to 5.3 per cent year-on-year in June, according to a statement from the........ McDonald's to charge for extra nugget sauce Consumers who want extra sauce at McDonald's will now have to pay 30 cents for each additional packet of nugget sauce. In a Facebook post today, the fast food chain announced that it is introducing the "new condiments policy" from........ 3,000 volunteers needed for study on spread of influenza An ongoing study on the spread of influenza in the community needs more volunteers. 354 participants from 118 households have signed up so far, but researchers need 3,000 volunteers for the study. The study started in........ Regional community-based mental health programme launched Singapore's first regional mental health network was launched for the northern region of Singapore this morning. The Temasek Cares-iCommunity@North programme will provide integrated and community-based care and support to the........ More young people who email SOS self-harm More young people who email the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) are engaging in self-harming behaviour, the SOS said today. It has seen a surge in email traffic to its SOS Email Befriending service in recent years, with 774 people........

Employers want makeover for National Wages Council Two months ago, the National Wages Council (NWC) broke from tradition when it recommended a minimum quantum of S$50 in raises for workers earning below S$1,000. By doing so, it departed from its norm for nearly three........     Pay for extra nuggets sauce: S'pore McDonald's The next time you want extra dipping sauce for your McDonald's nuggets - prepare to pay for it...... DPM Teo urges govt scholars to stay focused on serving S'pore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has called on government scholars to stay focused on serving the nation...... Asian tycoons battle over failed TV venture SINGAPORE - Two of Southeast Asia's biggest tycoons, Ananda Krishnan of Malaysia and James Riady of Indonesia, faced off in a Singapore court Monday over a failed pay-television venture in Indonesia...... Singapore Navy conducts successful missile firing The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has successfully conducted a live-firing of an anti-missile missile in the South China Sea...... Man jailed for hurting his prostitute lover A man was sentenced on Monday to four months' jail for hurting his prostitute lover and acting as a lookout for prostitutes...... Yellow Ribbon Project champion embroiled in court case A champion of the Yellow Ribbon Project, which helps reformed offenders start afresh, is embroiled in a court case...... Fire breaks out at Gul Road A fire broke out at No. 20, Gul Road on Monday afternoon...... Singapore inflation edges higher to 5.3% in June Inflation in Singapore continues to climb with housing and transport costs topping the increase...... Regional community-based mental health programme launched Singapore's first regional mental health network was launched for the northern region of Singapore on Monday morning...... 3,000 volunteers needed for study on spread of influenza An ongoing study on the spread of influenza in the community needs more volunteers......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-22

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Flood prevention plans need to evolve: Environment Minister Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore has to "build in buffers", and be prepared to adjust its flood prevention plans as new climate data emerges. Earlier this week, national water........     NTUC recommends 6 months of paid maternity leave Another priority for the NTUC is promoting better work-life balance for mothers. In response to calls by the National Population and Talent Division for ideas to boost Singapore's falling fertility rate, the labour movement is........ Providers of eldercare facilities must win community over: Gan Kim Yong Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong has urged providers of eldercare facilities to work closely with the community so that residents will accept them and not view them as a burden or liability. On its part, the government has to engage........ NTUC looks to provide more job opportunities for mature PMEs Singapore's labour movement is working with employers to provide more meaningful job opportunities for members who are mature professionals, managers and executives (PMEs). At its U Live Symposium today, it offered 15 PME job........ Singapore leaders express sadness over Brunei air force helicopter crash Singapore leaders have expressed sadness over the tragic loss of life in the accident involving the Royal Brunei Air Force in Ulu Belait on Borneo island on Friday. Twelve military personnel were killed when the helicopter they were........ M Ravi plans to issue Letter of Demand to Law Society Lawyer M Ravi said he intends to issue a Letter of Demand to the Law Society on Monday......

Fingerstyle guitarist set to rock local music scene Fingerstyle is probably one of the more difficult techniques in playing the guitar......     Flood prevention plans need to evolve: Environment Minister Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore has to "build in buffers", and be prepared to adjust its flood prevention plans as new climate data emerges...... S$700,000 raised in Race Against Cancer A record 8,500 runners took part in a race Sunday morning to help raise S$700,000 in the fight against cancer...... Yachting: S'pore finishes 3rd in Clipper Round the World Yacht Race The Singapore yacht competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has clinched an overall third spot in the final leg of the global sailing event...... Mass cat walk at Bukit Panjang It was a mass cat walk at Bukit Panjang on Sunday as several pet owners took their feline companions out for a brisk walk...... NTUC recommends 6 months of paid maternity leave Another priority for the NTUC is promoting better work-life balance for mothers...... Health Minister Gan on MediShield enhancements Health Minister Gan Kim Yong has stressed the importance of insurance in a country's healthcare financing...... Providers of eldercare facilities must win community over: Gan Kim Yong Providers of eldercare facilities should work closely with the community, so that residents will accept such facilities and not view them as a burden or liability...... NTUC looks to provide more job opportunities for mature PMEs Singapore's labour movement is working with employers to provide more meaningful job opportunities for members who are mature professionals, managers and executives (PMEs)...... S'pore leaders express sadness over Brunei air force helicopter crash Singapore leaders have expressed sadness over the tragic loss of life in the accident involving the Royal Brunei Air Force in Ulu Belait on Borneo island on Friday......

Singapore Local News, 2012-07-21

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S'porean arrested at Manila airport for drug possession A Singaporean man was arrested at Manila airport on Friday night after authorities found more than 8 kg of the illegal drug methamphetamine hydrochloride in his possession. Philippine airport authorities said the man reportedly........     Free admission to museums in August, every year For the whole month of August, admission to the permanent galleries and selected exhibitions at the National Heritage Board's (NHB) museums and institutions will be free for Singaporeans and PRs. NHB said this free admission........

Old Serangoon bus interchange to make way for community space The old Serangoon bus interchange will undergo a S$3.9 million facelift......     "Be Nice" hopes to promote graciousness among S'poreans A small act of kindness can go a long way...... Rising trend of loanshark harassers using fire a concern More loanshark harassers are using fire as a form of intimidation, and police said that this is a cause for concern...... Students debate S'pore's foreign policy, ties with neighbours Should Singapore's foreign policy better take into account the sensitivities and interests of its neighbours?..... Myanmar looks to S'pore model to develop skilled workforce YANGON: Authorities in Myanmar are looking to the Singapore model as the country ramps up efforts to develop a skilled workforce...... Growing demand for pre-school professionals The pre-school sector will offer 3,000 more jobs in the next five years as childcare centres ramp up operations...... Free admission to museums in August For the whole month of August, admission to the permanent galleries and selected exhibitions at the National Heritage Board's (NHB) museums and institutions will be free for Singaporeans and PRs...... S'porean arrested at Manila airport for drug possession A Singaporean man was arrested at Manila airport on Friday night after authorities found more than eight kilogrammes of the illegal drug methamphetamine hydrochloride in his possession...... Motorcyclist hurt in accident involving bus A motorcyclist sustained leg injuries after an accident on Saturday morning......