China stocks in Singapore ended the day slightly higher as new economic data out of the mainland held down shares with monetary tightening fears mounting, dealers said.
The FTSE ST China Index rose 2.38 points or 0.5 pct to 451.91 points, according to preliminary closing figures. Gainers outnumbered losers 18 to 17 with 15 unchanged.
The broader Straits Times Index rose 1 pct or 31.0 points to close at 3,087.49
China said today its economy grew 10.6 pct from a year earlier in the three months to March, slower than the 11.9 pct growth in 2007.
And inflation remained high with the consumer price index hitting 8.0 pct for the first quarter, driven by a 21 pct rise in food prices. March inflation stood at 8.3 pct, down from 8.7 pct in February but well above the government's full-year target. Many analysts had been expecting the high figures.
A mainland official said today the government's top priority will be to control prices, raising the possibility of further monetary tightening measures.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Singapore. Asia Dive Expo sets standards in conservation awareness
Asia Dive Expo 2008 (ADEX) opens today at Suntec Singapore with a bold new agenda for the regional dive community – "Save The Seas, Be A Diver". ADEX this year focus on the need for greater awareness of marine conservation as it runs from 18-20 April 2008 at Halls 602 and 603. ADEX 2008 is opened today by Mr. Francis Lee, Chairman of Marine Roundtable Singapore Chapter.
This year has particular significance for the marine conservation movement. 2008 has been designated the International Year of the Reef (IYOR), a worldwide initiative to raise awareness of the value and importance of coral reefs. Singapore will be joining 50 countries around the world to improve understanding of the threats to these endangered reefs.
ADEX 2008 will welcome the presence and input of top international marine conservationists such as Richard Leck from the World Wildlife Fund's Coral Triangle Program, Christine Ward-Paige from Global Shark Awareness and Julian Hyde from Reef Check.
Said Herman Ho, Managing Director of ADEX organiser TMX Show Productions Pte Ltd, "The main attraction of ADEX this year is EcoVillage @ ADEX 2008, where a combination of exciting activities including seminars, film fests, photography competitions, educational tours, ADEX auctions and ADEX merchandise.
"The activities in EcoVillage @ ADEX are designed to foster a sense of environmentalism as a way of life amongst both adults and students. All proceeds from ADEX merchandise will be donated to a major marine conservation cause, the International Year of the Reef 2008." Herman added.
ADEX visitors can learn all about regional and even local marine conservation initiatives such as the Coral Nursery, a project launched to preserve and proliferate natural corals by The National Parks Board (NParks) and its partners Keppel Group, National University of Singapore and National Environment Agency.
Additionally, ADEX has lined up an exciting program of screenings, presentations, talks, seminars and activities which will educate and entertain on an array of dive-related subjects. Many of the films being screened earned plaudits at the Celebrate the Sea Festival, which awards the best of the dive industry's vibrant underwater film-makers.
"In line with ADEX's conservation theme this year, many of our presentations and screenings reflect an environmental consciousness and an awareness of the delicate nature of our planet's marine eco-systems," said Mr. Ho.
Aside from the educational aspects, as always at ADEX there will also be a generous number of prizes, giveaways, dollar deals and fun activities like the Scuba Tryouts where potential divers can learn the basics in a safe environment.
ADEX 2008 sees the return of regular major name exhibitors including Bauer Compressors Asia Pte Ltd., Beuchat International SA, and Coltri Sub Asia Pacific. They are joined this year by new names like Dive Junkie, EKO Asia Pacific, Innerspace Dive Explorers and OPTIMUS.
Amongst those destinations touting their pristine azure waters will be Christmas Island Tourism Association, Philippines Tourism Board, Santika – Thalassa Dive Resort, Minahasa Lagoon, Redang Kalong Resort and Walea Dive Resort.
Supporting ADEX again this year are leading dive and conservation related associations and organisations including the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA), the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), Divers Alert Network (DAN), the International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD), Scuba Schools International (SSI), the Singapore Underwater Federation (SUF) and the Singapore Environment Council (SEC).
This year has particular significance for the marine conservation movement. 2008 has been designated the International Year of the Reef (IYOR), a worldwide initiative to raise awareness of the value and importance of coral reefs. Singapore will be joining 50 countries around the world to improve understanding of the threats to these endangered reefs.
ADEX 2008 will welcome the presence and input of top international marine conservationists such as Richard Leck from the World Wildlife Fund's Coral Triangle Program, Christine Ward-Paige from Global Shark Awareness and Julian Hyde from Reef Check.
Said Herman Ho, Managing Director of ADEX organiser TMX Show Productions Pte Ltd, "The main attraction of ADEX this year is EcoVillage @ ADEX 2008, where a combination of exciting activities including seminars, film fests, photography competitions, educational tours, ADEX auctions and ADEX merchandise.
"The activities in EcoVillage @ ADEX are designed to foster a sense of environmentalism as a way of life amongst both adults and students. All proceeds from ADEX merchandise will be donated to a major marine conservation cause, the International Year of the Reef 2008." Herman added.
ADEX visitors can learn all about regional and even local marine conservation initiatives such as the Coral Nursery, a project launched to preserve and proliferate natural corals by The National Parks Board (NParks) and its partners Keppel Group, National University of Singapore and National Environment Agency.
Additionally, ADEX has lined up an exciting program of screenings, presentations, talks, seminars and activities which will educate and entertain on an array of dive-related subjects. Many of the films being screened earned plaudits at the Celebrate the Sea Festival, which awards the best of the dive industry's vibrant underwater film-makers.
"In line with ADEX's conservation theme this year, many of our presentations and screenings reflect an environmental consciousness and an awareness of the delicate nature of our planet's marine eco-systems," said Mr. Ho.
Aside from the educational aspects, as always at ADEX there will also be a generous number of prizes, giveaways, dollar deals and fun activities like the Scuba Tryouts where potential divers can learn the basics in a safe environment.
ADEX 2008 sees the return of regular major name exhibitors including Bauer Compressors Asia Pte Ltd., Beuchat International SA, and Coltri Sub Asia Pacific. They are joined this year by new names like Dive Junkie, EKO Asia Pacific, Innerspace Dive Explorers and OPTIMUS.
Amongst those destinations touting their pristine azure waters will be Christmas Island Tourism Association, Philippines Tourism Board, Santika – Thalassa Dive Resort, Minahasa Lagoon, Redang Kalong Resort and Walea Dive Resort.
Supporting ADEX again this year are leading dive and conservation related associations and organisations including the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA), the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), Divers Alert Network (DAN), the International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD), Scuba Schools International (SSI), the Singapore Underwater Federation (SUF) and the Singapore Environment Council (SEC).
Monday, September 22, 2008
Zuhrah’s boost for Singapore
Eight-year-old Zuhrah Akbar, a former student of Methodist College Colpetty Colombo, and now attending Eunos Primary in Singapore has written a brief article on Singapore's successful bid to stage the Youth Olympics in 2010, in Singapore's leading newspaper for students: 'What's Up.
Her article goes on to say: I was overjoyed to hear that Singapore has won the bid to host the Youth Olympics, A lot of people from different countries will come to Singapore to witness the event. I too can go to the Stadium to watch all the events. I am sure it will be an exciting event.
Zuhrah took an active interest in sports at Methodist College Colombo and was a keen member of the school's drama activities. Her pet subject is English. Her teacher at Methodist was Miss Dedunu Mendis.
Her article goes on to say: I was overjoyed to hear that Singapore has won the bid to host the Youth Olympics, A lot of people from different countries will come to Singapore to witness the event. I too can go to the Stadium to watch all the events. I am sure it will be an exciting event.
Zuhrah took an active interest in sports at Methodist College Colombo and was a keen member of the school's drama activities. Her pet subject is English. Her teacher at Methodist was Miss Dedunu Mendis.
China, Indonesia, Singapore, S. Korea: Asia Local Bond Preview
The following events and economic reports may influence trading in Asian local-currency bonds today. Yields are from the previous session.
China: The central bank yesterday ordered commercial banks to set aside more reserves for the third time this year. Gross domestic product rose 10.6 percent in the three months to March 31 from a year earlier and consumer prices climbed 8.3 percent in March, close to the fastest pace in 11 years, the statistics bureau said yesterday.
The finance ministry will sell 28 billion yuan ($4 billion) in five-year bonds tomorrow. The Agricultural Development Bank of China will auction tomorrow 10 billion yuan of debt maturing in seven years.
The yield on the 4.07 percent bond due March 2018 fell 2.3 basis points to 4 percent, according to China Interbank Bond Market. A basis point is 0.01 percentage point.
India: Annual inflation slowed to 7.23 percent in the week ended April 5, from 7.41 percent in the previous week, economists said before a report today at noon.
The yield on the 7.99 percent bond due July 2017 rose 7 basis points to 8.08 percent, according to the central bank's trading system.
Indonesia: Money supply growth data for February are due as early as today.
The yield on the 9 percent bond due September 2018 slid 10 basis points to 11.95 percent, according to the Inter Dealer Market Association.
Malaysia: The government will sell 100 million ringgit ($31.7 million) of six-month bills and 80 million ringgit of three-month bills today. The securities yielded 3.436 percent and 3.457 percent respectively at the previous sales on April 3.
The yield on the 4.24 percent bond due February 2018 jumped 2 basis points to 3.79 percent, according to the central bank.
Philippines: The nation had a balance of payments surplus of $1.7 billion in the first quarter, boosted by remittances, exports and overseas investment, the central bank said yesterday.
The yield on the 5 7/8 percent note due January 2018 climbed 13 basis points to 7.61 percent, according to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.
Singapore: Non-oil domestic exports grew 0.4 percent in March from a year earlier, following a 7.3 percent gain in February, economists said before a government report today.
The yield on the 3 3/4 percent bond maturing September 2016 increased 4 basis points to 2.345 percent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
South Korea: The jobless rate rose in March as builders and manufacturers shed workers. Unemployment edged up to 3.1 percent from 3 percent in February, the statistics office said yesterday.
The yield on the 5 1/4 bond due March 2013 was unchanged at 4.98 percent, according to Korea Securities Dealers Association.
Sri Lanka: The central bank will today report February trade data. It offered to add as much as 2.5 billion rupees ($23 million) to the banking system yesterday by buying government bonds at the reverse-repurchase rate of 12 percent.
The yield on the 7.5 percent bond due March 2009 fell 5 basis points to 18.5 percent, according to People's Bank.
Taiwan: The benchmark Taiex stock index gained the most in almost a week yesterday.
The yield on the 2 3/8 percent bond maturing in March 2018 climbed 1.7 basis points to 2.47 percent, according to Gretai Securities Market.
Thailand: The central bank will sell 70 billion baht ($2.2 billion) of 14-day bills tomorrow. Household debt rose 70 percent in the past seven years as low interest rates encouraged borrowing, the Nation reported, citing Anuk Serechetapongse, an economist with the central bank.
The yield on the 5 1/8 percent bond maturing March 2018 jumped 5 basis points to 4.49 percent, according to the Thai Bond Market Association.
China: The central bank yesterday ordered commercial banks to set aside more reserves for the third time this year. Gross domestic product rose 10.6 percent in the three months to March 31 from a year earlier and consumer prices climbed 8.3 percent in March, close to the fastest pace in 11 years, the statistics bureau said yesterday.
The finance ministry will sell 28 billion yuan ($4 billion) in five-year bonds tomorrow. The Agricultural Development Bank of China will auction tomorrow 10 billion yuan of debt maturing in seven years.
The yield on the 4.07 percent bond due March 2018 fell 2.3 basis points to 4 percent, according to China Interbank Bond Market. A basis point is 0.01 percentage point.
India: Annual inflation slowed to 7.23 percent in the week ended April 5, from 7.41 percent in the previous week, economists said before a report today at noon.
The yield on the 7.99 percent bond due July 2017 rose 7 basis points to 8.08 percent, according to the central bank's trading system.
Indonesia: Money supply growth data for February are due as early as today.
The yield on the 9 percent bond due September 2018 slid 10 basis points to 11.95 percent, according to the Inter Dealer Market Association.
Malaysia: The government will sell 100 million ringgit ($31.7 million) of six-month bills and 80 million ringgit of three-month bills today. The securities yielded 3.436 percent and 3.457 percent respectively at the previous sales on April 3.
The yield on the 4.24 percent bond due February 2018 jumped 2 basis points to 3.79 percent, according to the central bank.
Philippines: The nation had a balance of payments surplus of $1.7 billion in the first quarter, boosted by remittances, exports and overseas investment, the central bank said yesterday.
The yield on the 5 7/8 percent note due January 2018 climbed 13 basis points to 7.61 percent, according to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.
Singapore: Non-oil domestic exports grew 0.4 percent in March from a year earlier, following a 7.3 percent gain in February, economists said before a government report today.
The yield on the 3 3/4 percent bond maturing September 2016 increased 4 basis points to 2.345 percent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
South Korea: The jobless rate rose in March as builders and manufacturers shed workers. Unemployment edged up to 3.1 percent from 3 percent in February, the statistics office said yesterday.
The yield on the 5 1/4 bond due March 2013 was unchanged at 4.98 percent, according to Korea Securities Dealers Association.
Sri Lanka: The central bank will today report February trade data. It offered to add as much as 2.5 billion rupees ($23 million) to the banking system yesterday by buying government bonds at the reverse-repurchase rate of 12 percent.
The yield on the 7.5 percent bond due March 2009 fell 5 basis points to 18.5 percent, according to People's Bank.
Taiwan: The benchmark Taiex stock index gained the most in almost a week yesterday.
The yield on the 2 3/8 percent bond maturing in March 2018 climbed 1.7 basis points to 2.47 percent, according to Gretai Securities Market.
Thailand: The central bank will sell 70 billion baht ($2.2 billion) of 14-day bills tomorrow. Household debt rose 70 percent in the past seven years as low interest rates encouraged borrowing, the Nation reported, citing Anuk Serechetapongse, an economist with the central bank.
The yield on the 5 1/8 percent bond maturing March 2018 jumped 5 basis points to 4.49 percent, according to the Thai Bond Market Association.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Singapore, Malaysia & China dominate Cityscape Asia Awards
Singapore, Malaysia & China dominate Cityscape Asia Awards
Real estate awards now look forward to Abu Dhabi - 'a future model of sustainable development'
The significant progress made by Asia's real estate sector over the past year was celebrated last night at the inaugural Cityscape Asia Real Estate Awards, marked with an elaborate gala dinner attended by over 300 industry professionals at Singapore's Pan Pacific hotel. The Awards an adjunct to the Cityscape Asia real estate exhibition and conference recognised winners in 12 separate categories spanning Corporate Social Responsibility, Urban design and master-planning through to the best developments in Waterfront, Retail, Commercial, Residential, and Mixed Use Project (with a Built and Future award in each category).
Projects from Singapore, Malaysia and China were dominant picking up four awards each in a clean sweep for the region's developers.
Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) collected the Award for Best Urban Design and Master-planning for its work on the Bras Basah.Bugis Arts, Culture Learning and Entertainment District, while local developers to chime in included Capital Land Commercial Ltd (Built Waterfront Development: Clarke Quay), City Developments Limited (Future Retail: City Square Mall) and UOL Group (Built Residential for Newton Suites).
Winning projects from Malaysia included ZLG SDN BHD for the BOH Visitor Centre in the Cameron Highlands (Corporate Social Responsibility), Kesas Kenangan Sdn Bhd for Setia Eco Gardens in Johor Bahru (Built Commercial), TTDI Harta SDN BHD for the Laman Seri Business Park in Shah Alam and Bandaraya Developments Berhad for The Troika in Kuala Lumpur.
The People's Republic of China also made a strong showing with the Xiang Shan International Yacht Club's, Deep Blue Marina in Xiamen being selected as the best Future Waterfront Development while Financial Street Holding Co. Ltd's was recognised with the Award for the best Built Retail for Seasons Place in Beijing. China also made a clean sweep in the Mixed Use category with Chongbang Group receiving the plaudit for its already built Life Hub @ Daning in the Zhabei District of Shanghai, while Capital Land (China Investment Company Ltd), scored with Raffles City at 1 Dongzhimen Nan Da Jie in Beijing.
Graham Wood, Exhibition Director of Cityscape Asia said the strength of the winning projects reflected the 'overwhelming progress in Asia's real estate sector over the past year.'
"Regional development has matured significantly, which is reflected not only in the quality but also their social & environmental impact. Sustainability is now a key issue for many of the leading developers and it is appropriate that the next Cityscape event will take place in Abu Dhabi, a future model of sustainable development," commented Wood.
A panel of international judges rated each project on its contribution to world architecture, culture, invention and imagination, respect for the people and environmental awareness and appropriateness in the emerging and recently developing countries in the Asian region.
Cityscape Asia 2008 runs until 17 April 2008 in Singapore's Suntec Exhibition and Conference Centre. The event is showcasing iconic architecture and property investment opportunities throughout the region and beyond to an audience of regional and international investors, real estate developers, architects and designers, governments and senior professionals.
This year Cityscape Asia features 114 exhibitors from 17 countries, including a strong showing from UAE major developers Limitless and Union Properties. In total 6,000 real estate professionals are expected to participate in the three-day event.
Cityscape Asia also hosts the International Property Investment and Development Conference with more than 50 speakers including CEOs, managing directors and government officials examining the opportunities in Asia including real estate investment trusts, derivatives and an Asian investment property databank. Key UAE-based speakers include, Philip Atkinson, Regional Director of Limitless, Binod Shankar, Director of finance at Meraas and John Thomas, Associate Director of Mubadala Development
Real estate awards now look forward to Abu Dhabi - 'a future model of sustainable development'
The significant progress made by Asia's real estate sector over the past year was celebrated last night at the inaugural Cityscape Asia Real Estate Awards, marked with an elaborate gala dinner attended by over 300 industry professionals at Singapore's Pan Pacific hotel. The Awards an adjunct to the Cityscape Asia real estate exhibition and conference recognised winners in 12 separate categories spanning Corporate Social Responsibility, Urban design and master-planning through to the best developments in Waterfront, Retail, Commercial, Residential, and Mixed Use Project (with a Built and Future award in each category).
Projects from Singapore, Malaysia and China were dominant picking up four awards each in a clean sweep for the region's developers.
Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) collected the Award for Best Urban Design and Master-planning for its work on the Bras Basah.Bugis Arts, Culture Learning and Entertainment District, while local developers to chime in included Capital Land Commercial Ltd (Built Waterfront Development: Clarke Quay), City Developments Limited (Future Retail: City Square Mall) and UOL Group (Built Residential for Newton Suites).
Winning projects from Malaysia included ZLG SDN BHD for the BOH Visitor Centre in the Cameron Highlands (Corporate Social Responsibility), Kesas Kenangan Sdn Bhd for Setia Eco Gardens in Johor Bahru (Built Commercial), TTDI Harta SDN BHD for the Laman Seri Business Park in Shah Alam and Bandaraya Developments Berhad for The Troika in Kuala Lumpur.
The People's Republic of China also made a strong showing with the Xiang Shan International Yacht Club's, Deep Blue Marina in Xiamen being selected as the best Future Waterfront Development while Financial Street Holding Co. Ltd's was recognised with the Award for the best Built Retail for Seasons Place in Beijing. China also made a clean sweep in the Mixed Use category with Chongbang Group receiving the plaudit for its already built Life Hub @ Daning in the Zhabei District of Shanghai, while Capital Land (China Investment Company Ltd), scored with Raffles City at 1 Dongzhimen Nan Da Jie in Beijing.
Graham Wood, Exhibition Director of Cityscape Asia said the strength of the winning projects reflected the 'overwhelming progress in Asia's real estate sector over the past year.'
"Regional development has matured significantly, which is reflected not only in the quality but also their social & environmental impact. Sustainability is now a key issue for many of the leading developers and it is appropriate that the next Cityscape event will take place in Abu Dhabi, a future model of sustainable development," commented Wood.
A panel of international judges rated each project on its contribution to world architecture, culture, invention and imagination, respect for the people and environmental awareness and appropriateness in the emerging and recently developing countries in the Asian region.
Cityscape Asia 2008 runs until 17 April 2008 in Singapore's Suntec Exhibition and Conference Centre. The event is showcasing iconic architecture and property investment opportunities throughout the region and beyond to an audience of regional and international investors, real estate developers, architects and designers, governments and senior professionals.
This year Cityscape Asia features 114 exhibitors from 17 countries, including a strong showing from UAE major developers Limitless and Union Properties. In total 6,000 real estate professionals are expected to participate in the three-day event.
Cityscape Asia also hosts the International Property Investment and Development Conference with more than 50 speakers including CEOs, managing directors and government officials examining the opportunities in Asia including real estate investment trusts, derivatives and an Asian investment property databank. Key UAE-based speakers include, Philip Atkinson, Regional Director of Limitless, Binod Shankar, Director of finance at Meraas and John Thomas, Associate Director of Mubadala Development
SIFF judge Dustin Nguyen rates local indie films
The 21st Singapore International Film Festival (SIFF) was held in Singapore from April 4-14, with an exciting line up of independent films from the region, Asian cinema and world cinema.
Dustin Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American actor who shot to fame in the 1987 TV drama series 21 Jump Street and who starred in the 2005 Australian independent film Little Fish, was invited by the SIFF committee to be a member of the festival's official judging panel.
The Jakarta Post caught up with Nguyen on the sidelines of the SIFF to get his perspective of the festival and the Indonesian independent films he watched and judged as a SIFF jury member.
Dustin Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American actor who shot to fame in the 1987 TV drama series 21 Jump Street and who starred in the 2005 Australian independent film Little Fish, was invited by the SIFF committee to be a member of the festival's official judging panel.
The Jakarta Post caught up with Nguyen on the sidelines of the SIFF to get his perspective of the festival and the Indonesian independent films he watched and judged as a SIFF jury member.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Yen, Singapore's Dollar, Indian Rupee: Asia Currency Preview
The following events and economic reports may influence trading in Asian currencies today.
Exchange rates are from the previous session.
Japanese yen: Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura will talk to reporters at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Ministry of Finance's top bureaucrat Hiroki Tsuda will hold a news conference at 5 p.m.
The finance ministry will release at 8:50 a.m. its report on foreign and Japanese investment flows in overseas and domestic securities during the week ended April 12.
The yen traded at 101.56 at 3:53 p.m. in Singapore yesterday.
Singapore's dollar: Non-oil domestic exports edged up 0.4 percent in March from a year earlier, economists said in a Bloomberg News survey before a report at 1 p.m. Overseas sales climbed 7.3 percent in February.
The Singapore dollar was at S$1.3554.
Indian rupee: The wholesale price index rose 7.23 percent in the week ended April 5 after gaining 7.41 percent the previous week, economists said before a report at noon.
The rupee was at 39.9575.
Hong Kong dollar: The jobless rate was at 3.3 percent in March, unchanged from February's rate, economists said before a report at 4:15 p.m.
Exchange rates are from the previous session.
Japanese yen: Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura will talk to reporters at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Ministry of Finance's top bureaucrat Hiroki Tsuda will hold a news conference at 5 p.m.
The finance ministry will release at 8:50 a.m. its report on foreign and Japanese investment flows in overseas and domestic securities during the week ended April 12.
The yen traded at 101.56 at 3:53 p.m. in Singapore yesterday.
Singapore's dollar: Non-oil domestic exports edged up 0.4 percent in March from a year earlier, economists said in a Bloomberg News survey before a report at 1 p.m. Overseas sales climbed 7.3 percent in February.
The Singapore dollar was at S$1.3554.
Indian rupee: The wholesale price index rose 7.23 percent in the week ended April 5 after gaining 7.41 percent the previous week, economists said before a report at noon.
The rupee was at 39.9575.
Hong Kong dollar: The jobless rate was at 3.3 percent in March, unchanged from February's rate, economists said before a report at 4:15 p.m.
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