A 35-year-old engineer was proclaimed "Singapore's Happiest Person" on Thursday for his unwavering cheer and ability to inspire similar sentiments in others.
Andy Goh, nominated by his colleagues, emerged the winner of a search that started last month to find the happiest Singaporean in the stressed-out city-state.
A poll by Grey Group, an advertising firm, found that nine out 10 people living in South-East Asia's most affluent economy acknowledged being stressed.
The grim result prompted Philip Merry, chief executive of consulting firm Global Leadership Academy, to find the happiest Singaporean. Members of the public were asked to submit nominations.
Four judges waded through the 207 entries, narrowed them down to four and announced Goh the winner at the conclusion of a two-day New Science of Happiness and Well-Being Conference and the recipient of a two-night hotel stay in the Thai resort of Phuket.
Judge John Bittleston, an author, said all of the finalists were comfortable with themselves.
Goh was deemed to have best met the criteria set by the judges, including a "happy smiling disposition, ability to be happy no matter what life presents, a strong sense of community and belonging, a consistent happiness without ups and downs and a contributor to society by bringing happiness to others."
Monday, June 30, 2008
President, Lee Kuan Yew to represent Singapore at Beijing Olympics
Singapore is sending President SR Nathan and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to the Beijing Olympic Games in August, the foreign ministry said.
Lee, Singapore's first prime minister, will represent the city- state at the opening ceremony on August 8 and then return home for National Day, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Nathan will attend the games from August 12 to 16 "in support of Singapore's national team," the statement said.
Singapore, selected to host the inaugural International Youth Olympic Games in 2010, has strongly opposed calls from other states to boycott Olympic events in protest against China's recent crackdown in Tibet.
Lee, Singapore's first prime minister, will represent the city- state at the opening ceremony on August 8 and then return home for National Day, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Nathan will attend the games from August 12 to 16 "in support of Singapore's national team," the statement said.
Singapore, selected to host the inaugural International Youth Olympic Games in 2010, has strongly opposed calls from other states to boycott Olympic events in protest against China's recent crackdown in Tibet.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Singapore Expo is Home to Renowned International Trade Exhibitions and All Types of Events
Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre is the venue for many successful trade exhibitions, conventions, meetings, special occasions. The line up of all genres of events underscores its flexibility as a venue for success in business and trade. International and foreign based organizers and associations can hold their events here to ensure effective business networking.
Shows here see millions in trade done, and also bring global business visitors, and local and regional consumers into the venue.Singapore's strategic location, super infrastructure, world connectivity, fascinating tourist elements make this island the top choice for both business and leisure.
Singapore Expo also allows shows to expand seamlessly. The 10 multipurpose halls are 10,000sqm each, totaling 100,000sqm designed to suit exhibitions, conventions/meetings, banquets and performances. All halls are ground level, interlinked, pillarless, featuring 3.5G broadband.
The variety of events range from outdoor stunts in BikeAsia2008, to massive cooking and hospitality demo sets in FoodnHotelAsia2008, to apparel machinery in JIAM2008, and latest infocomm in CommunicAsia2008, to Conventions like Science of Happiness, Herbalife (17,000 delegates) to consumers' food, motor, pet shows, popular concerts and family entertainment.
Shows here see millions in trade done, and also bring global business visitors, and local and regional consumers into the venue.Singapore's strategic location, super infrastructure, world connectivity, fascinating tourist elements make this island the top choice for both business and leisure.
Singapore Expo also allows shows to expand seamlessly. The 10 multipurpose halls are 10,000sqm each, totaling 100,000sqm designed to suit exhibitions, conventions/meetings, banquets and performances. All halls are ground level, interlinked, pillarless, featuring 3.5G broadband.
The variety of events range from outdoor stunts in BikeAsia2008, to massive cooking and hospitality demo sets in FoodnHotelAsia2008, to apparel machinery in JIAM2008, and latest infocomm in CommunicAsia2008, to Conventions like Science of Happiness, Herbalife (17,000 delegates) to consumers' food, motor, pet shows, popular concerts and family entertainment.
Gain Insight in to the Tourism Sector in Singapore
A current analysis of the outlook on Singapore's tourism sector for 2007. Includes insight to its Airline and hotel lodging industries, as well as the tourism impact of its upcoming Integrated Resorts.
Singapore is a tiny bustling city-state of approximately 4.4 million people, with a highly developed economy, urban environment and multicultural society. In 2006, Singapore attracted 9.7 million international visitors - a 9% annual growth over 2005 figures - and received S$12.4 billion (approximately US$8.1 billion) in tourist receipts.
The author believes the island city could see substantial growth in tourism arrivals and tourist dollar revenues in calendar year 2007. We believe that the outlook for Singapore's tourism sector in the near term is positive.
The government of Singapore recently put forth a highly ambitious goal of 17 million visitor arrivals and S$30 billion (US$19.6 billion) in tourism receipts by the year 2015. The achievement of these objectives will be highly contingent upon the development of two multi-billion dollar integrated resorts - comprehensive leisure and entertainment complexes with casinos, hotel accommodation, restaurants, retail establishments, entertainment venues, convention and meetings space and other attractions
Singapore is a tiny bustling city-state of approximately 4.4 million people, with a highly developed economy, urban environment and multicultural society. In 2006, Singapore attracted 9.7 million international visitors - a 9% annual growth over 2005 figures - and received S$12.4 billion (approximately US$8.1 billion) in tourist receipts.
The author believes the island city could see substantial growth in tourism arrivals and tourist dollar revenues in calendar year 2007. We believe that the outlook for Singapore's tourism sector in the near term is positive.
The government of Singapore recently put forth a highly ambitious goal of 17 million visitor arrivals and S$30 billion (US$19.6 billion) in tourism receipts by the year 2015. The achievement of these objectives will be highly contingent upon the development of two multi-billion dollar integrated resorts - comprehensive leisure and entertainment complexes with casinos, hotel accommodation, restaurants, retail establishments, entertainment venues, convention and meetings space and other attractions
Monday, June 16, 2008
Positioning Singapore as a constantly reinventing destination
Singapore is well known as a tourist destination. So, is it still necessary to work towards the promotion of the place?
When posed this question, Mr Kiran Bhandari, Area Director - Southern India, Sri Lanka & Maldives, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Chennai, agrees that Singapore has been enjoying top-of-mind recall as a tourist destination. "However, as a destination, we are constantly reinventing," he adds, during a recent lunch-hour interaction at Business Line. "We continue to evolve and transform. As such, our role, then, is to bring out the different facets of Singapore as we aim to maintain our top-of-mind awareness amongst our target audience."
An example of this would be the new 'Uniquely Singapore Weekends' campaign that STB rolled out in Chennai last year, mentions Mr Bhandari. "While everyone knows about the great family experiences that Singapore offers, not many are aware of the extensive lifestyle experiences on offer in Singapore: right from high-quality clubbing, to numerous eateries which serve cuisines from across the world," he explains.
"Add to that the many world-class concerts and shows that come to Singapore. In addition, between Chennai and Singapore there are currently 49 flights a week – which results in greater variety of airfare options between the two cities!
When posed this question, Mr Kiran Bhandari, Area Director - Southern India, Sri Lanka & Maldives, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Chennai, agrees that Singapore has been enjoying top-of-mind recall as a tourist destination. "However, as a destination, we are constantly reinventing," he adds, during a recent lunch-hour interaction at Business Line. "We continue to evolve and transform. As such, our role, then, is to bring out the different facets of Singapore as we aim to maintain our top-of-mind awareness amongst our target audience."
An example of this would be the new 'Uniquely Singapore Weekends' campaign that STB rolled out in Chennai last year, mentions Mr Bhandari. "While everyone knows about the great family experiences that Singapore offers, not many are aware of the extensive lifestyle experiences on offer in Singapore: right from high-quality clubbing, to numerous eateries which serve cuisines from across the world," he explains.
"Add to that the many world-class concerts and shows that come to Singapore. In addition, between Chennai and Singapore there are currently 49 flights a week – which results in greater variety of airfare options between the two cities!
Americans flocking eastern metropolis
Americans constituted the bulk of 1,26,543 foreign tourists visiting the city of joy last year, according to the Regional Tourist office here.
Americans constituted around 20,971 or 16.57 per cent of the total visitors. They were closely followed by the British, who constituted around 19,124 or 15.11 per cent of the total foreign tourists.
The third largest group of foreigners was from Japan. A total of 6799 Japanese tourists came here in 2007.
The other tourists were from countries like Australia, Nepal, Thailand, Canada, Germany, China, South Korea, Singapore, Bhutan, France, Myanmar, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland, Taiwan and Sweden, besides others.
In 2006, 98,307 foreign tourists came on a visit of which Americans constituted around 17408 or 17.71 per cent of the total tourists. The British were the second largest group consisting of 16,706 people or 16.99 per cent of the total.
Americans constituted around 20,971 or 16.57 per cent of the total visitors. They were closely followed by the British, who constituted around 19,124 or 15.11 per cent of the total foreign tourists.
The third largest group of foreigners was from Japan. A total of 6799 Japanese tourists came here in 2007.
The other tourists were from countries like Australia, Nepal, Thailand, Canada, Germany, China, South Korea, Singapore, Bhutan, France, Myanmar, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland, Taiwan and Sweden, besides others.
In 2006, 98,307 foreign tourists came on a visit of which Americans constituted around 17408 or 17.71 per cent of the total tourists. The British were the second largest group consisting of 16,706 people or 16.99 per cent of the total.
Monday, June 9, 2008
`India witnessing high growth in tourism’
India is attracting more foreign travellers and is witnessing a consistently high growth in the tourism sector for the past three years, the Rajya Sabha was informed Tuesday. Minister of Tourism Ambika Soni, however, said Singapore received more tourists than India last year.
Quoting the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), she said there were about 7.59 million international tourist arrivals in Singapore in 2006 as compared to 4.45 million foreign tourist arrivals in India.
Last year, an estimated five million tourists visited the country, as compared to 4.45 million in 2006 and 3.92 million in 2005.
"India has been achieving consistently a high growth rate of 13.3 percent, 13.5 percent and 12.4 percent in foreign tourist arrivals in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively," she said.
She said some of the important steps being taken to attract more foreign tourists in India include the integrated development of tourism infrastructure at tourist circuits and destinations, growth of hotel infrastructure particularly budget hotels and augmentation of air capacity.
The plan is to enhance availability of skilled manpower, according greater focus in emerging markets particularly in the regions of China, North-East Asia and South-East Asia.
Soni said no specific incentives have been provided to the tourists of any country, but the facility of long-term multiple entry tourist visas of five year duration has been introduced for the nationals of 18 countries.
These countries are France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Vietnam.
Quoting the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), she said there were about 7.59 million international tourist arrivals in Singapore in 2006 as compared to 4.45 million foreign tourist arrivals in India.
Last year, an estimated five million tourists visited the country, as compared to 4.45 million in 2006 and 3.92 million in 2005.
"India has been achieving consistently a high growth rate of 13.3 percent, 13.5 percent and 12.4 percent in foreign tourist arrivals in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively," she said.
She said some of the important steps being taken to attract more foreign tourists in India include the integrated development of tourism infrastructure at tourist circuits and destinations, growth of hotel infrastructure particularly budget hotels and augmentation of air capacity.
The plan is to enhance availability of skilled manpower, according greater focus in emerging markets particularly in the regions of China, North-East Asia and South-East Asia.
Soni said no specific incentives have been provided to the tourists of any country, but the facility of long-term multiple entry tourist visas of five year duration has been introduced for the nationals of 18 countries.
These countries are France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Vietnam.
MPC to develop RM1.5bil expo centre
SINGAPORE: Malaysia Pacific Corp Bhd (MPC) will be developing the Asia-Pacific Trade & Expo City (APTEC), billed as the largest trade, exposition and distribution centre in the region at its flagship RM6.3bil Lakehill Resort City, in Johor.
Costing RM1.2bil to RM1.5bil, APTEC will have a four million sq ft complex on 23.5 acres and will be the anchor and key attraction for the proposed freehold Lakehill Resort City near the Port of Pasir Gudang.It will comprise a permanent global trade and expo centre showcasing wholesale consumer products, a shopping mall, two serviced apartment towers, a three-star hotel and office suites.
MPC chief executive officer Bill Ch'ng said APTEC would serve as a catalyst in the development of Iskandar Malaysia into a regional and distribution hub, targeting Asia-Pacific's population of 800 million.
"We aim to recreate in Malaysia a success story even better than that of Shenzhen-Hong Kong, with a similar strategic partnership for Iskandar Malaysia-Singapore synergy," he said at Cityscape Asia 2008 on Monday.
This was the first time that MPC showcased the 484-acre Lakehill Resort City (part of MPCB's 905-acre Nusa Damai at the eastern zone of Iskandar Malaysia) to the foreign investment and property market at the three-day business-to-business real estate exhibition.
Ch'ng said Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore had the potential to forge the same synergistic advantage as "Shenzhen and Hong Kong", which achieved economic success under their partnership arrangement.
APTEC is to generate over 50,000 direct jobs and more than 200,000 indirect employment opportunities in the supporting services and businesses, such as new products, manufacturing, financial services, banking and logistics.
"We are confident APTEC will be a platform for greater regional collaboration between Asean countries. It will also boost the influx of domestic and foreign investments into Iskandar Malaysia, thus bringing greater socio-economic benefits to Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore," Ch'ng said, adding that some parties had expressed interest in taking direct equities in Lakehill Resort City and APTEC.
Costing RM1.2bil to RM1.5bil, APTEC will have a four million sq ft complex on 23.5 acres and will be the anchor and key attraction for the proposed freehold Lakehill Resort City near the Port of Pasir Gudang.It will comprise a permanent global trade and expo centre showcasing wholesale consumer products, a shopping mall, two serviced apartment towers, a three-star hotel and office suites.
MPC chief executive officer Bill Ch'ng said APTEC would serve as a catalyst in the development of Iskandar Malaysia into a regional and distribution hub, targeting Asia-Pacific's population of 800 million.
"We aim to recreate in Malaysia a success story even better than that of Shenzhen-Hong Kong, with a similar strategic partnership for Iskandar Malaysia-Singapore synergy," he said at Cityscape Asia 2008 on Monday.
This was the first time that MPC showcased the 484-acre Lakehill Resort City (part of MPCB's 905-acre Nusa Damai at the eastern zone of Iskandar Malaysia) to the foreign investment and property market at the three-day business-to-business real estate exhibition.
Ch'ng said Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore had the potential to forge the same synergistic advantage as "Shenzhen and Hong Kong", which achieved economic success under their partnership arrangement.
APTEC is to generate over 50,000 direct jobs and more than 200,000 indirect employment opportunities in the supporting services and businesses, such as new products, manufacturing, financial services, banking and logistics.
"We are confident APTEC will be a platform for greater regional collaboration between Asean countries. It will also boost the influx of domestic and foreign investments into Iskandar Malaysia, thus bringing greater socio-economic benefits to Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore," Ch'ng said, adding that some parties had expressed interest in taking direct equities in Lakehill Resort City and APTEC.
Monday, June 2, 2008
BikeAsia 2008 stunts and Sophia Loren thrill all at Singapore Expo - home of renowned international trade exhibitions and conventions
Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre welcomes BikeAsia 2008, the first international trade show in Singapore dedicated to bicycles, motorcycles, accessories and components. With Italian screen idol Ms Sophia Loren gracing the opening ceremony together with Minister of State for Trade & Industry Mr Lee Yi Shyan, all eyes were on the beautiful Ms Sophia Loren as she cut the ribbon this morning, with the VIP group also including Mr Roberto Fabbri, MD of BikeAsia, and Dr G. Guidi, President of EICMA and ANCMA, organiser of the world's largest two wheeler show, Milan Motorcycle Show.
Italian stunt master Sergio Canobbio mesmerised visitors with his motorbike stunts on a complicated obstacle arrangement. Live motorbike and bicycle performances will be held throughout this 4-day event. Taking the largest booth is Piaggio Asia while Ducati showcased its latest models, with Cannondale presenting their never-seen-before products. Other highlights include Singapore BikeAsia Mountain Bike Cross Country Marathon 100-km Race starring endurance specialist Tinker Juarez, reigning US champion and Olympian.
Such is the range of activities and events at Singapore's largest exhibition and convention centre – Singapore Expo, the venue for many successful trade exhibitions, conventions, meetings, and special events.
Shows here see millions in trade done, and also bring global business visitors, and local and regional consumers into the venue. Singapore's strategic location, world class infrastructure, connectivity, and fascinating tourist elements make this island the top choice for both business and leisure.
With such an environment for business success, Singapore Expo also allows shows to expand seamlessly. The 10 multipurpose halls are 10,000sqm each, totaling 100,000sqm designed to suit exhibitions, conventions/meetings, banquets and performances. All halls are ground level, interlinked, pillarless, featuring wireless and fastest 3.5G broadband technology and highly sophisticated projection, visual, video, sound, lighting and special effects systems. Said Mr Keith Oliver, General Manager of Singapore Expo, "With such a great venue, our clients have everything they require in the latest venue services and facilities. They can fully concentrate on making their show a success. Singapore Expo can accommodate the expansion and growth of events due to the flexibility of space usage here."
The variety of events range from outdoor stunts in BikeAsia 2008, to cooking and hospitality demo sets in Food and Hotel Asia 2008, to apparel machinery in JIAM 2008, and latest infocomm in CommunicAsia 2008, to Conventions like Science of Happiness, Herbalife (17,000 delegates) to consumers' food, motor, retail shows, popular concerts and family entertainment.
Italian stunt master Sergio Canobbio mesmerised visitors with his motorbike stunts on a complicated obstacle arrangement. Live motorbike and bicycle performances will be held throughout this 4-day event. Taking the largest booth is Piaggio Asia while Ducati showcased its latest models, with Cannondale presenting their never-seen-before products. Other highlights include Singapore BikeAsia Mountain Bike Cross Country Marathon 100-km Race starring endurance specialist Tinker Juarez, reigning US champion and Olympian.
Such is the range of activities and events at Singapore's largest exhibition and convention centre – Singapore Expo, the venue for many successful trade exhibitions, conventions, meetings, and special events.
Shows here see millions in trade done, and also bring global business visitors, and local and regional consumers into the venue. Singapore's strategic location, world class infrastructure, connectivity, and fascinating tourist elements make this island the top choice for both business and leisure.
With such an environment for business success, Singapore Expo also allows shows to expand seamlessly. The 10 multipurpose halls are 10,000sqm each, totaling 100,000sqm designed to suit exhibitions, conventions/meetings, banquets and performances. All halls are ground level, interlinked, pillarless, featuring wireless and fastest 3.5G broadband technology and highly sophisticated projection, visual, video, sound, lighting and special effects systems. Said Mr Keith Oliver, General Manager of Singapore Expo, "With such a great venue, our clients have everything they require in the latest venue services and facilities. They can fully concentrate on making their show a success. Singapore Expo can accommodate the expansion and growth of events due to the flexibility of space usage here."
The variety of events range from outdoor stunts in BikeAsia 2008, to cooking and hospitality demo sets in Food and Hotel Asia 2008, to apparel machinery in JIAM 2008, and latest infocomm in CommunicAsia 2008, to Conventions like Science of Happiness, Herbalife (17,000 delegates) to consumers' food, motor, retail shows, popular concerts and family entertainment.
Rock with Mayday
Get ready to rock with renowned Taiwanese band Mayday (pic) at Genting – City of Entertainment on April 19 at 8pm.
The rock band was formed in 1998 and has five members – lead singer Ashin, guitarist / band leader Monster, guitarist Stone, bass player Masa and drummer Guanyou.
In 1999, the band released a single, Peter and Mary, and soon became a hit in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
The rock band was formed in 1998 and has five members – lead singer Ashin, guitarist / band leader Monster, guitarist Stone, bass player Masa and drummer Guanyou.
In 1999, the band released a single, Peter and Mary, and soon became a hit in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
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