Paving the way for our current Finance Minister?

From Channelnewsasia

SINGAPORE: Fresh from the historic win of US President-elect Barrack Obama, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said it's possible for the country to have a minority race Prime Minister. But, in his first public comment on the subject, Mr Lee said he does not think it will happen anytime soon.

Speaking at a dialogue session with grassroots leaders from the Malay community on Saturday, Mr Lee also touched on the implications of protectionist policies for the local workforce, amidst the current downturn.

It was a historic day when Barrack Obama became the first elected African-American US President. But Mr Lee pointed out that Obama's victory does not mean race is no longer an issue in the US.

He noted poll results showed Republican John McCain secured most of the white votes while Obama scored with the Latin, Asian and African-American electorate.

And in Singapore, he believes the reality is that race-based voting patterns will remain.

Mr Lee said: "Can we one day have a non-Chinese, a Malay-Muslim Prime Minister? It's possible. Will it happen soon? I don't think so because finally you have to win votes and these sentiments. Who votes for whom and what makes him identify with that person? These are sentiments that do not disappear completely for a long time, even if people did not talk about it or even if people wish they did not feel it."

Mr Lee added that although the situation today is very different from 20 to 30 years ago, no country in the world is totally race or religion-blind.

PM Lee continued: "The population's attitudes have shifted because English is more of a common ground, because the new generation is better educated and I think they can see that there are successful people of all races.

“But to become a position where everybody is totally race-blind and religion-blind, I think that's very difficult. You will not find it in any country in the world.”

34-year-old Member of Parliament Zaqy Mohamad was more optimistic.

He said: "I agree with PM that a candidate for prime minister has to be based on ability and acceptance by the majority of Singaporeans. I think today with the younger generation who've gone through post-independence Singapore, I think they are a lot more accepting and race-blind.

“In my lifetime, I'm not sure I will see one, but I think if someone comes forth with the right ability and proven track record, it could be a reality."

Foreign workers was another hot topic.

Participants were concerned that they are taking up precious jobs from locals amidst the current downturn.

However, Mr Lee said that foreign workers took the brunt of job lay-offs in the last recession between 2001 and 2003 and if it wasn't for them, the unemployment rate among Singaporeans would have been much higher.

He said: "If we just send away the foreign workers now, it will do us harm. For example - companies which are already in difficulty and they hire half foreign workers and half Singaporeans and you tell them that foreign workers must go out. And when you take Singaporeans, his cost will go up and the company may close. And if the company closes, even the half who have jobs may lose their jobs.

“So I don't think it's that simple. You send out the foreign workers and the Singaporeans will take over the jobs and you get paid more. I think our interest is to protect the Singaporeans and look after the Singaporeans but we must do it intelligently, we cannot just react and do something without thinking."

Mr Lee also advised workers to hold on to regular jobs which contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) for better long term financial protection.

He cautions that even though contract or odd jobs may enable workers to take home more pay, it's much riskier given the current uncertain job market. - CNA/vm

You created a new username just to post this, since this is your first post. Neverthelesss, I give you the benefit of doubt.. so I already helped you sent email to Police and Transtar pointing to this post, they should be contacting you soon, so don't worry and be overly stressed over it ok?

Another one bites the dust, in less than 3 years.

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LIFEBRANDZ Ltd, a Singapore-based operator of bars and nightclubs, said it is closing its Ministry of Sound outlet in the city-state's Clarke Quay area, Bloomberg reported on Monday.

The licensing agreement LifeBrandz held with UK-based Ministry of Sound International Ltd. 'was terminated according to the terms' of the contract, the company said in a statement on Monday to the Singapore Exchange, without elaborating.

Operations at the Clarke Quay club ceased on Monday, according to the statement.

LifeBrandz will file a claim against Ministry of Sound International in Singapore's High Court, the statement said. No reason was given for the court action.

The company plans to 'redevelop the premises' into another entertainment area different from Ministry of Sound, said the Bloomberg report.

Two industry insiders told my paper that the barely-three-year-old superclub would be closed for rennovations and reopen with a brand-new concept and a new name.

A veteran DJ said he had been informed that the 40,000 sq ft venue at Clarke Quay would sport a band-cum-DJ concept in its next life, said my paper.

LifeBrandz is a Singapore mainboard-listed company that also runs The Balcony bar at The Heeren and a Cafe del Mar franchise in Sentosa.

It shut down its molecular gastronomy restaurant Aurum and its Italian eatery bice in May and June respectively. In August, restaurant-bar Barfly was taken over by Lunar, which LifeBrandz still runs.

He meant to say major FINANCIAL earthquake happened at US (not china lah). Shares drop at a magnitute of more than 9.1%.. More than one million people lost money...

After swimming and beach volleyball, TCS should come out with a new drama focusing on the new in-sports of the season. Table Tennis!

The story focuses on 3 girls (Ah Wei, Ah Ting and Ah Gu) who left their hometown to come to Singapore to study in some uni. Then first join tennis as their school ECA. 1st or 2nd episode must show they got rivary 2 factions inside the school tennis team, then they thought they very good so go and challenge the other faction, then lose and the penalty is to run around errm Little India in Bikini. After that, for some reason they feel demoralised and give up tennis, but their base balls skill there, suddenly they found they got potential in table tennis, then gana talent spotted to join the school table tennis team.

Then the story develops that there is a guy in the table tennis team (Ah Ning, need him for the sub-plot lah) whom was attracted to Ah Wei, but Ah Wei already got a boyfriend, who is from the school badminton team one (let's call him Ronald). But Ah Ning no give up, still continue to chase her. Then one day for no reason Ah Wei broke up with Ronald, she very sad so find solace with Ah Ning, so Ah Ning manage to win her heart. But all these while, Ah Ting actually like Ah Ning one,so she schemed to seduce him to bed, and suceeded. Ah the percise moment while they were "enjoying" themselves, Ah Wei popped into the room with a group of friends to give Ah Ning a birthday surprise (cause for some reason Ah Ning forgot to lock main door and bedroom door). Ah
Wei very sad again, so she focus her energy on table tennis, then become the table tennis team number 1.. then the whole team got 2nd in some inter varsity competition, which was the first medal for the school in 48 years.. so the principal declare one day off.

oh ya, the sub plot story.. happens that during the inter varsity competition, Ah Ning's coach has to sit in for another player (Yangtze) cause Yangtze's coach not feeling well. But Yangtze's match show too much 'balls' and overrun so the coach missed Ah Ning's match, causing him to lose to unknown player from some Bukit Gomblok University, then he very dejected and cried. The president of the table tennis team (Mdm Lee) buay song, say action will be taken to "those who neglected their duties", so sack the team manager. This sparked furious students to comment about the unfair sacking, and the news report was carried out in the varsity's gazette (on 250808)..which also ironically carried a full page ad congratulating Mdm Lee on her achievements in bringing a silver medal to the school a few pages later.

The stars of the show should be
Ah Wei - one of the Mediacorp 7 princess
Ah Ting - one of the 7 Mediacorp princess, but must cut hair short
Ah Gu - Chen Li Ping
Ah Ning - Christopher Lee

don't think so..  i think its because mtv taiwan has changed its program focus and now focus more those call in game shows.. which is totally boring and irrelevant in sg context.

http://www.osim.com/SG/product/ucrown.aspx

Here's the answer!

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/368702/1/.html

If the women paddlers secure a final slot after tomorrow's games, the final game is scheduled for Sunday, 17th Aug at 1930.

http://www.teamsingapore.com.sg/publish/teamsingapore/en/games/Olympics/Beijing2008/beijing_2008/schedule.detail.html?sportFilter=263

This happens to coincide with the National Day Rally

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/367942/1/.html

So which one will you watch? Or will there be special arrangements made?

The song that Joi Chua (蔡淳佳) sang on Superband today called Yi Lian (依恋) was on her album 等一个晴天, based on what I have searched on the net. Host Lin Pei Fen pointed out correctly..but Joi corrected her saying the album was actually on the 庆幸拥有蔡淳佳 album. Boo boo?

All the predictions are all those disastors, can he predict good stuffs like all the 4d and toto numbers from now till 2026? Or who will win Euro 08,12,16,20,24 and World Cup 10,14,18,22,26? Only then I will be convinced..

Concert on 26th Apr, 8pm at Singapore Indoor Stadium. Seat is at T12 Row:18 Seat(s):4-5. Selling at $138 each. (Total $276). Cheaper by $10 per ticket + $3 booking fees.Releasing tickets as need to travel overseas over that weekend, so have to give the concert a miss.Mail by post (registered add $2) if payment by Internet Transfer or meet either at CCK Area (office hours) or East Are

PM me or sms at 97978957

 

KW

The girl will be taught by her mother that hold hands will become pregnant.

Originally posted by meltz:

just saw “jolin” so call nude photo .. but can see is not jolin so i suspect her is fake .

her current gf vincy yeung one has leaked out too .. saw that also

                        and news state that maggie q video has already leaked out ..  but has been removed the moment is was posted at the forum ..
                        

   1. Jolin so called pictures were supposely shots of her in a black lingerie, but it has been proven to be fake and taken by a jolin wannabe.. the lingerie shots did not have the tatoo that Jolin has on her left arm

2. Vincy Yeung one was 3 photos of her in the shower, a lot of online sites did not post it due to legality issues, she is apparently around 16 when she started to date Edison..so the photos may be deemed as "child porn" in some countries.

 

3. Maggie Q one was suppose to be a "doggy style" but yup, was removed as soon as it was posted.

Damage as of yesterday

Update: 40 more pictures of Bobo Chan were posted yesterday evening.

Rumours heard so far

1. Cecilia is pregnant with her 2nd child

2. Edison Chen is droppedd from the movie Jump (Confirmed)

3. Gillian Chung has attempted sucide twice, though her band mate Charlene Choi has denied this

4. Bobo Chan wedding to HK rich guy Philip Jin Zi Yao has been called off (Confirmed)

 

From Asia One.

S'pore favourite Orang Utan, Ah Meng dies

Ah Meng will be reposed at the Zoo's Garden with a View from 9-11am on Feb 10 where the public can visit her for the last time. -ST

Fri, Feb 08, 2008
The Straits Times

THE Singapore Zoo's most famous and well-loved Orang Utan, Ah Meng has passed away on Friday due to old age. She was approximately 50 years old.

She was born in Sumatra, Indonesia around 1960 and came to the Zoo when she was about seven years old.

In 1982, Ah Meng's big break came when she became the star attraction of the Zoo's 'Breakfast with an Orang Utan' programme.

The loveable Orang Utan rose to fame quickly, and has been featured in numerous travel films and print articles.

In 1992, Ah Meng became the first and only non-human recipient of the Singapore Toursim Promotion Board's (STB) Special Ambassador award for her contributions.

In her lifetime, Ah Meng has also rubbed shoulders with foreign dignitaries and famous celebrities including Prince Philip and Michael Jackson.

The Zoo's curator, Mr Alagappasamy or Sam has taken care of Ah Meng since she first came to the Zoo is extremely saddened by her departure and though it may 'take a long time' for him to adjust not having her around, he is 'very happy to have had the opportunity to take care of Ah Meng and her family all these years'.

Group CEO of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Ms Fanny Lai said: 'We mourn the passing of Ah Meng. She has touched the hearts of everyone who has met her and contributed immensely in helping promote awareness of how each and every one of us can play a role in anti-poaching, anti-deforestation and conservation matters'.

Ah Meng leaves behind two sons Hsing Hsing, Satria, and two daughers, Medan and Sayang and six grandchildren.

She will be reposed at the Zoo's Garden with a View from 9-11am on Feb 10 where the public can visit her for the last time. Her memorial service will take place shortly after at 11am.

Yo all need some help. I got an old cloth stuff doll which is of great sentimental to me. However, is is quite damaged due to wear and tear. I was wondering if anybody knows of any shops or person in Singapore that does doll repairs? Searched on the internet found only US sites that specialise in this. All help is greatly appreciated. Tks!

Yo all need some help. I got an old cloth stuff doll which is of great sentimental to me. However, is is quite damaged due to wear and tear. I was wondering if anybody knows of any shops or person in Singapore that does doll repairs? Searched on the internet found only US sites that specialise in this. All help is greatly appreciated. Tks!

I thought she clarified in a previous interview that she was not a Pastor in CHC?

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/266824/1/.html

Witness 1 location and drove by another where the new ERP has been implemented.

1. BKE after dairy farm road towards PIE - Jam and stretched up to KJE as ever. No significant improvement

2. Ophir entrance to ECP (Changi) - Jam too, made worse with accident that causes massive Jam. Frankly, there is simply no better alternative roads for people living in the east, as Geylang road is already jam packed.. and nicoll highway congregates to very much smaller roads like mounbatten or old airport (detoured) road.

LTA will say, give it some time...

Which is more gay?

1) The hot topic of repealing 377a
2) Or the revalation that Dumbledore is gay?
3) Or the revalation that Copperfield is NOT GAY apparently as he is accused of the rape of a female.

I remember reading previously that there were rumours that Mr Lee Hsien Yang is slated as the next CEO of F&N. Was I correct?

Anywayz, as long as my Coke Light no increase price, who also can lah!

F&N CEO quits, citing differences of opinion with board
By Loh Kim Chin, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 05 October 2007 2034 hrs

Fraser and Neave (F&N)

SINGAPORE: Diversified Fraser and Neave (F&N) said on Friday that its CEO, Han Cheng Fong, has resigned with immediate effect.

In a statement to the Singapore Exchange on Friday, F&N said that Dr Han's resignation was due to differences of opinion with the company's board of management.

But the beer-to-property conglomerate maintained that the differences had nothing to do with the financial position or performance of F&N or its subsidiaries.

When contacted, F&N's company secretary Anthony Cheong also told Channel NewsAsia that Dr Han's departure was not triggered by the impending change of F&N chairmanship, contrary to some media reports.

Former SingTel Group CEO Lee Hsien Yang is due to take over the chairmanship from Michael Fam when he retires on October 15. Mr Lee is currently a consultant with F&N.

Dr Han has been F&N's CEO since February last year.

F&N said it is looking for a successor. Meanwhile, the board's chairman will oversee the management until a successor is appointed. - CNA/ir

I seriously hope SMRT displays the timetable of 966 at the bus stops, or even better, implement something like SBST’s IRIS. I used to commute from Marine Parade to Teck Whye, return usually take 190 than change 966 at Bukit Panjang.. always a pain when you cross the bridge halfway then 966 run away..

if u happen to stand near the driver seat, you will notice that these buses are fitted with CD players at the bottom left of the dashboard, I believe this is what the bus driver use to make the announcement, as I have seen one fiddling it with the Cd-player before I heard the announcement. What he did was that he selected a track for playing.

In My Inbox:

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fred Hilmer has asked that the following message be sent to all Singapore alumni following the announcement of the closure of our campus in Singapore.

Jennifer Bott, Chief Executive
UNSW Foundation

Dear alumnus

I regret to tell you that we have decided to close our campus in Singapore. The announcement was made to staff and students earlier today, and I expect will be covered in the media tomorrow.

This difficult decision has been reached after an intensive review of the project, which was sparked by lower-than-expected initial enrolments and disappointing demand for the August semester. The review showed that the operation is not financially viable. In these circumstances, it would have been irresponsible to continue.

The decision follows extensive discussions with the Economic Development Board.

I can assure you that we are speaking with every staff member and student on an individual basis to ensure the best possible outcome for each of them.

The media release issued today is provided below.

We look forward to your continued involvement with UNSW.

Fred Hilmer
Vice-Chancellor

UNSW ASIA TO CLOSE

The University of New South Wales will close its campus in Singapore, Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer announced today.

The campus will be closed on 28 June 2007, the end of the current semester.

The decision has been reached after extensive discussions with Singapore’s Economic Development Board and follows lower than anticipated enrolments.

“We have been fully committed to the success of this enterprise, and are disappointed to have to make this decision,” Professor Hilmer said.

“We particularly regret the disruption to students and the consequences for staff.

“However an intensive review of our operations in Singapore clearly indicates that to continue would involve an unacceptable level of risk to our institution.

”We are taking the decision to close at the end of the current semester, because to attempt to continue would not be in the best interest of the students,” Professor Hilmer said.

UNSW was invited by the Singapore Economic Development Board in 2004 to establish what would have been the first private comprehensive university in Singapore.

“The University Council and senior management of the time accepted this invitation in good faith, and after taking extensive expert advice,” Professor Hilmer said.

”UNSW Asia was to be the first comprehensive research and teaching institution to be established by an Australian university overseas.

“This was an initiative with potentially significant benefits to both Singapore and the University.

“However the lower than anticipated enrolments and current demand have highlighted financial and operational issues that make the operation unsustainable.”

“As with any pioneering venture, there is a fuller appreciation of the risks involved once the venture becomes operational.”

The University’s first priority is the welfare of the students currently studying at the University’s campus at Tanglin, said Professor Hilmer.

“All enrolled students will be offered a place at UNSW’s home campus in Sydney, providing scholarships to help with travel and accommodation costs. And we will work with those who are unable to accept a place in Sydney to meet their needs.”

Students were informed of the decision today. A team of advisers will work with students on a case-by-case basis to develop the best solution for each student’s particular situation.

Discussions with affected staff are also underway, following a general meeting with UNSW Asia staff members.

The UNSW Asia campus currently has 148 enrolled students, with some 100 of these being Singapore residents. The anticipated enrolment for the initial intake in 2007 was 300 students. Second semester enrolments were anticipated at 480 students but it is clear that this target would not be met.

Professor Hilmer said that UNSW looks forward to continuing its cooperative relationships in Singapore and will maintain its presence in Singapore, through activities such as foundation schooling for university entry, research collaborations, University of New South Wales school competitions and joint programmes with Singapore institutions.

Media contact, Sydney: Judy Brookman, UNSW Director of Communications, ph + 61 2 9385 3249, mob 0421 061 251, j.brookman@unsw.edu.au

Date issued: Wednesday 23 May, 2007.[/b]