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(Seven Days Archive)
2009-01-07- Chinese official media warns that 2009 may be a tumultuous year
China's official media has publicly said that 2009 may be a tumultuous year for the country due to the possible social instability from the rising number of migrant workers and university students dissatisfied with the job market. It called on the authorities to exercise caution in handling mass incidents to avoid possible clashes between the people and government officials. Beijing correspondent Yap Pheng Hui reports.
- Website operators in China cite difficulty in ridding internet of "unhealthy" content
The Chinese authorities have launched a one month nationwide campaign to clamp down on "vulgarity" on the internet. Despite pledges by website operators to delete pornographic and obscene content, they also acknowledge the difficulty involved in doing so. Lianhe Zaobao's Yu Zeyuan reports from Beijing.
- UNICEF: Spending on children should not be cut due to global economic crisis
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) jointly organised a two-day conference yesterday to discuss the welfare of children in the region. Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy recounted his experience of being told to drink extra milk in the principal's office as a child due to being underweight.
- RI plans to introduce its own "Raffles Diploma" as more graduates are being enrolled into top US universities
Raffles Institution (Junior College) (formerly known as Raffles Junior College) has seen more than 30 of its graduates last year being accepted into top US universities (including Stanford, Columbia and the University of Chicago) even before getting their A-level results. The institution plans to introduce its own "Raffles Diploma" next year.
- Foreign workers, volunteers and policemen patrol neighbourhood
In order to promote better relations between residents and the foreign workers living in the community, a group of foreign workers of different nationalities has begun joining in patrols of their neighbourhood and its surrounding areas together with grassroots volunteers and policemen to help convey to their countrymen tips on working and living in Singapore. They call themselves the Toh Guan Patriots.
- Hong Kong Tourism Board: Possible negative growth in number of visitors this year
The Hong Kong Tourism Board forecasts negative growth in its visitor arrivals this year due to the global economic crisis. This will be the first instance of negative growth since the SARS epidemic in 2003. Lianhe Zaobao's Tai Hing Shing reports.
- Young white-collar Chinese practicing thrift
Despite government measures to stimulate domestic spending to counter the effects of the global economic slowdown, young professionals in China are tightening their belts, rediscovering the value of thrift.
- Loan applications to banks go up as companies respond to government's $2.3b support package
The three major local banks have been seeing significantly more applications for loans over the past month with DBS seeing a threefold increase in applications for new loans or expansion of existing loans.
- Precision engineering companies form 6 consortia to expand sales, share risks and resources
Sixteen local precision engineering companies have formed 6 consortia to seek global opportunities in areas such as automotive sensors, medical equipment and consumer and industrial electronics. They have already received requests for quotations of around $60 million.
- Proper education of cyclists and more bicycle racks required
A pilot programme allowing cyclists and pedestrians to share footpaths has been carried out for some time in eastern Singapore. The authorities have widened the footpaths to allow both cyclists and pedestrians to use them safely. However, incidents in which cyclists refuse to give way or injured other users have occurred in other parts of Singapore. The authorities should step up their efforts to educate cyclists to be responsible and watch out for the safety of others.
- Singapore's investments in defence technology yields positive results
[Editorial] Britain's Defence News magazine reported in December 8 last year that ST Kinetics, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, was in negotiations with the British armed forces and may announce a GDP50 million (SGD330 million) deal to provide the latter with 100 Bronco all-terrain tracked carriers (ATTC). This was subsequently confirmed by the Britain's Ministry of Defence on December 18. This marks the first time Singapore is exporting its own military vehicles and validates the government's approach in investing in defence technology research to produce more state-of-the-art weapons and equipment.
- The status of education in Britain
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip graced the opening of a library in Britain recently. Zhao Zijun, a Chinese student studying in the UK, cites this example to illustrate the level of importance placed on education by Britain. He also expressed his admiration at how the British government does not intervene in the daily administration and operation of schools.
2009-01-06- PLA think tank:Mainland and Taiwan military must seize opportunity to build mutual trust
A People's Liberation Army (PLA) think tank has said in an article that the military of Mainland China and Taiwan must seize on the opportunity presented to build a mechanism of mutual confidence and boost cooperation. Luo Yuan, a fellow at the Academy of Military Science, said that both sides should put aside their difference in search of common interests. Lianhe Zaobao's Yu Zeyuan reports from Beijing.
- China's central authorities approve move to accelerate urban and rural reforms and development in Chongqing
China's State Council agreed in an executive meeting held on the last day of 2008 to speed up rural and urban reform and development in Chongqing. The meeting stressed the importance of making Chongqing a new hub of development in the western region. Lianhe Zaobao's Chongqing correspondent Zhang Xiaozhong reports.
- Reverend Shi Ming Yi and former assistant to contest charges
The former head of Ren Ci Hospital Reverend Shi Ming Yi is facing ten charges involving fraud and criminal breach of trust. Four of the charges will be heard in court in April. Also to be jointly charged is his former personal executive Raymond Yeung Chi Hang.
- River Hongbao to invite members of the public to join in performance on 3rd day of CNY
Members of the public will also be part of the performances at this year's River Hongbao. Those interested are invited to register online at www.riverhongbao.sg.
- Eu Yan Sang suspends sales of herb packets after cigarette butt found
Eu Yan Sang announced last evening that it is pulling all stocks of its Xia Ku Cao herb packets off the shelves after receiving word that a cigarette butt was found in one of the packets. It has commenced investigations as to how this came about.
- Local Bronco tracked carrier makes inroads in 30 countries
The locally developed Bronco All Terrain Tracked Carrier has demonstrated its strong sales potential with more than 30 countries considering using it to replace their aging BV206 carriers. The Bronco is developed by ST Kinetics.
- Major Chinese banks lower rates for home loans
Major banks in China have lowered interest rates for home loans to lessen the impact of the financial crisis on home buyers.
- Plan to revitalise China's auto industry likely to be announced in first quarter
China hopes to introduce a plan to help revitalise its automotive industry and maintain its growth rate at around 10% in the first quarter of this year. Measures may include pegging taxes to capacity, preferential treatment for energy-efficient models and support for automotive financing and loans.
- End to soaring rentals for prime office space; industrial rentals beginning to fall
With the global financial tsunami, local office rentals have been greatly impacted with industrial space rentals also starting to fall.
- Cosco Corp expected to record a loss for Q4
Due to the poor business climate for the shipping industry and rising credit risks of shipbuilding customers, Cosco Corp issued a profit warning last week. Analysts expect the company to report a loss in the fourth quarter of 2008 with the future looking just as bleak.
- When the economic ferris wheel stops spinning
The Singapore Flyer came to a halt after encountering a technical fault a few days before Christmas, resulting in more than 170 passengers being stranded for more than six hours. The observation wheel subsequently suspended operations pending further investigation. Singapore's "economic ferris wheel" also stopped spinning recently as a result of the global financial tsunami. However, the government has recently launched a series of measures to alleviate the hardships of those "stranded" by the economic downturn and will do all it can to see Singapore safely through the financial turmoil.
- How will the Gaza conflict end?
[Editorial] The armed conflict in Gaza between Israeli and Hamas forces has entered into its eleventh day as the number of casualties continues to rise on both sides. This has been the most turmoil seen on the Gaza Strip in more than a decade. The international community should step up its mediation efforts to prevent this humanitarian disaster from taking a turn for the worse.
- Mainland and Taiwan need to plan "road map" for political exchanges
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has expressed his hope on numerous occasions for a peace treaty with Mainland China. With the significant warming of relations between Mainland China and Taiwan, Phoenix Satellite Television commentator Qiu Zhenhai suggested in this opinion piece that both sides need to set up a basic framework for political exchanges in order to allow future leaders to leverage on the current momentum.
2009-01-05- China to hold major military parade on October 1 to mark 60th anniversary of its founding
China is preparing to hold a major military parade on October 1 this year to mark the 60th anniversary of its founding. Despite the urging of some senior government officials to be disciplined on the budget, the amount of personnel and equipment involved is expected to surpass the last such military parade held. Lianhe Zaobao's Yu Zeyuan reports from Beijing.
- Chongqing enacts law that provides leeway for errors by government officials in order to boost innovation
Chongqing has established a mechanism which provides some tolerance of mistakes committed by government officials in order to encourage them to innovate and not fear testing out their ideas when implementing reforms. Government officials may be pardoned even if they incur losses in such efforts as long as these were not the result of pursuing their personal interests. Lianhe Zaobao's Chongqing correspondent Zhang Xiaozhong reports.
- Interview with new NUS Business School Dean Prof Bernard Yeung: Reflecting on education following the financial tsunami
Lianhe Zaobao interviews Professor Bernard Yeung, the new Dean of the NUS Business School.
- Sales of furniture and appliances roaring in run up to Chinese New Year
With three weeks left to Chinese New Year, retailers have been seeing good sales of furniture and appliances, even as economic conditions remain bleak.
- How Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan helped drive forward China's reform and opening up
Second part of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's interview with Chinese business publication 21st Century Herald in which he share his views on China's reform and opening-up.
- China's PMI sees slight rebound
China's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), an indicator of the performance of its manufacturing sector, saw a slight rise in December but remained anaemic.
- China's media advertising revenues continue to rise
Despite the global economic slowdown, China's media advertising revenues have continued to rise, growing by 20% this year.
- BreadTalk opens its 100th store in Dalian
Local bakery chain BreadTalk recently opened its 100th store in Dalian. The chain expects half of its revenue or profit to come from its China operations either this year or next. Lianhe Zaobao's Shanghai correspondent Ho Sheo Be reports.
- China Zaino subsidiary gives $100 million interest-free loan to chairman
Questions on the state of its corporate governance have surfaced following the disclosure that the Chinese subsidiary of Singapore-listed China Zaino made an interest-free loan of RMB530.1 million ($113.13 million) to its executive chairman.
- Does Singapore not have its own history?
Singapore's history started even before the discovery of the island by Sir Stamford Raffles around 500 years ago. Despite its image as a modern metropolis, Singapore does have a relatively long history even if one starts measuring its age from 1819, when it first started serving as a British trading outpost. More needs to be done to boost awareness among Singaporeans about their country's rich history.
- Other than government and market, is there a third solution to the financial tsunami?
The global financial tsunami continues to take its toll on many industries. After a series of bailouts, including a USD20 billion cash injection into Citigroup, the world's largest bank, the US government now has to tackle the woes of its auto industry and protect the livelihoods of 4 million workers. But how many more bailouts can the US government afford? Huo Taohui, a Hong Kong scholar and director of a private institution in Singapore, explores a third alternative to government intervention and market power that can help the world overcome the current financial crisis.
- Newspapers in education reach another level
[Editorial] The launch of the new student paper zbCOMMA this Wednesday marks a new era in the use of newspapers to help Singapore students acquire a deeper and more precise mastery of the Chinese language.
2009-01-04- Parents of kids affected by tainted milk detained for planning press conference
Unhappy about the compensation scheme, five parents of children who were affected by milk tainted with melamine had planned to hold a press conference but were detained by the local police at a labour reeducation farm in the outskirts of Beijing. They were released last Friday evening. Lianhe Zaobao's Beijing correspondent reports.
- Quemoy and Matsu Islands may become duty-free zone
The opening up of direct transportation links between Mainland China and Taiwan has brought a direct impact to the Quemoy and Matsu Islands. As the islands closest to the Mainland, they had benefited under the limited links allowed prior to this. To help the local economy, Taiwanese authorities are exploring a plan to make them a duty-free zone that will trade in high-end items such as international brands and gems.
- Do China's independent films find more success overseas than in China?
Lianhe Zaobao looks at the state of independent films and filmmakers in China and how they have been faring abroad and locally.
- Friends and colleagues arrive in Bangkok to look for two missing Singaporeans
Two Singaporeans are still missing following a blaze at a club in Bangkok. Their families have provided their DNA samples and dental records to the authorities to help in verification of identity.
- Foreign workers protest unpaid wages at MOM; settlement arrived at with employer
A group of 224 foreign workers from China protested outside the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) over unpaid wages. With the intercession of MOM, 171 of the workers have gone back to work while 53 have chosen to go back to their home country. Two others have turned down the settlement terms. Their cases will be referred to Labour Court for adjudication.
- Huge crowds throng Chinatown on first day of CNY shopping
Chinatown was a buzz of festive activity yesterday as stalls opened for the first day of Chinese New Year shopping.
- Warehouse sales more popular now as economy slows down
Many retailers have resorted to warehouse sales to drive up their business in the run-up to the Chinese New Year. Lianhe Zaobao talks to some of the businesses who have adopted this approach.
- MM Lee talks about China's path of reform and opening up
Transcript of an interview with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew carried out by Chinese financial publication 21st Century Business Herald in which MM Lee shares his views on China's development following the implementation of reform and opening up policies 30 years ago.
- What China has gained and lost following reform and opening up
Second part of transcript of interview with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
- Euro still no threat to the US dollar a decade later
1 January 2009 marks the tenth anniversary of the introduction of the Euro. Lianhe Zaobao looks at how the currency is doing and the conditions needed for it to supplant the US dollar as the preferred global currency.
- Wish list for the 2009 Budget
The Government Budget will be unveiled on 22 January 2009. Lianhe Zaobao looks at some of the things Singaporeans are wishing for but cautions that the "goodies" they look forward to should not come at the expense of Singapore's long-term development.
- Dr Hong Hai: All knowledge is interlinked at the highest highest levels
Former Member of Parliament and dean of the Nanyang Business School Dr Hong Hai sits for an interview with Lianhe Zaobao. He talks about his experience of "relearning" the Chinese language, his study of Chinese culture and traditional Chinese medicine and the application of the "yin-yang" principle in modern corporations.
- From a comma to a full stop
Columnist Lee Huay Leng looks at how student newspapers and publications have nurtured generations of Singaporeans. Rather than profit-making ventures, such publications are significant in that they shape the landscape of the nation's future.
2009-01-03- Taiwan rings in a new year filled with challenges and uncertainties
The word "chaos" was the word most associated with 2008 by the Taiwanese. What will 2009 hold for the island? With the number of unemployed hitting 510,000 and another 200,000 workers currently on unpaid leave, Taiwan will need to steel itself for a challenging and volatile year ahead.
- Taiwanese bakery chain creates buzz among residents in Shanghai
Taiwan's bakery chain Cafe 85 Degrees Celcius has created a buzz among Shanghai residents with a variety of breads, cakes and coffees that it offers through its 28 outlets located throughout Shanghai. The bakery chain is expected to increase the number of its outlets around the Yangtze River Delta area to between 80 to 100 by the end of this year. More Taiwanese and foreign brands are planning to expand their operations to China to take advantage of the measures by the Chinese government to boost domestic demand. These include retailers such as Uniqlo, H&M and C&A, all hoping to duplicate the runaway success of Ikea in China.
- Another option for commuters travelling between Singapore and JB
KTM is adding four more trips between Singapore and Johor daily, as well as a new train stop at Danga City Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in JB.
- Keen competition to become parent volunteers at popular primary schools
Parents fight for limited volunteer opportunities at popular primary schools in order to qualify their children for registration in Phase 2B of the Primary One Registration Exercise. Lianhe Zaobao takes a look at this uniquely Singapore phenomenon.
- Prof Arthur Lim: Bringing light into the lives of many
Internationally-renowned ophthalmologist Professor Arthur Lim believes that doctors should always put their patients' needs before monetary returns. Doctors should also impart their skills and knowledge to younger doctors, who would in turn be able to help more people. He sits for an interview with Lianhe Zaobao.
- Transactions at Yiwu go up close to 70% last year
Yiwu in China is known as the "supermarket to the world" for the number of foreign buyers who visit to buy from the many Chinese factory representatives there. Unexpectedly, it saw an increase in the overall sales figures in 2008, with RMB49.23 billion in transactions, rising 6.83% over the previous year.
- Market players: 2009 will be a critical year for shipping and shipbuilding sectors
The Baltic Dry Index, which tracks commodity shipping costs, plunged more than 700 points at one point recently, after hitting a record high of 11,793 points in June of last year. Many market players believe that 2009 will be a critical year for the global shipping and shipbuilding industries as conditions continue to worsen due to falling demands as a result of the global financial crisis. However, Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) President Teo Siong Seng remains optimistic about the outlook for the shipping industry and believes that confidence in the financial system will recover and spending will increase as early as the middle of next year. This will contribute to a steady rise in cargo shipping volume in the second half of next year.
- CBRE: Unique F&B outlets will be bright spots in gloomy retail rental market
According to the latest report by CB Richard Ellis (CBRE), food and beverage outlets (F&B) with unique themes will be bright spots in the gloomy retail mall rental market as the economic downturn results in more people cutting down on their spending.
- Roads should be named after pioneers
A reader writes to the Forum urging the authorities to henceforth name all roads after early national leaders and those who had made contributions to society (including pioneers of the Chinese community) to encourage an awareness of history and an appreciation of the past among Singaporeans.
- Goodwill and pragmatism mark current state of Mainland China and Taiwan relations
Chinese President Hu Jintao gave six proposals on improving ties with Taiwan in a speech on New Year's eve. Some elements of the proposals show signs of a constructive and new approach, which is fairly congruent to previous positions articulated by Ma Ying-jeou and the Kuomintang.
- Deciphering Hu Jintao's six-point proposal for improving ties with Taiwan
Respected Mainland China expert Professor Shaw Chong-Hai of Taiwan's Chinese Culture University examines President Hu Jintao's six proposals for improving relations between the Mainland and Taiwan, believing that the proposals hold within them the potential for breakthroughs and goodwill.
2009-01-02- Taiwan responds positively to Hu Jintao's 6-point proposal
Taiwan's presidential office responded positively yesterday to the six-point proposal made by Chinese President Hu Jintao concerning improving ties between Mainland China and Taiwan. The island has urged more exchanges between both sides to explore new opportunities and a formal end to the hostilities that remain. Lianhe Zaobao's Taipei correspondent reports.
- Phrase used by Hu Jintao in speech baffles translators and foreign journalists
The phrase "bu zheteng" used recently by Chinese President Hu Jintao in his speech to commemorate the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up has baffled professional translators and foreign journalists. The colloquial phrase has spawned many translated versions on the internet such as "don't flip flop", "don't get sidetracked", "don't sway back and forth", "no dithering" and "no major changes". However, none of the above translations have been able to express the full meaning of the phrase, leading some to predict that "bu zheteng" might be included into the English dictionary alongside "taikonaut" and many others one day.
- More than 200 smokers warned on first day of extended no-smoking ban
Starting yesterday, smoking has been banned in another nine categories of public places, with offenders facing the possibility of fines.
- Gan Kim Yong:Employers have the responsibility of taking care of the welfare of foreign workers
Acting Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong says that employers have the responsibility to take care of their employees, regardless of whether they are local or foreign.
- Means testing in public hospitals kicks in quietly
Patients at public hospitals yesterday were mostly unsure of the implementation of the means-testing programme and many were not informed by hospital staff during admission.
- Youth.SG launches FEED ME campaign to encourage youths to express themselves
Youth portal Youth.SG has launched the FEED ME campaign with seven celebrity ambassadors with the aim of encouraging young Singaporeans to share and realise their ideals.
- Cooperation between Tiger Airways and Incheon scrapped
Tiger Airways' plan to establish a budget carrier with the Korean city of Incheon has been called off due to the bleak global economic outlook. Despite that, Tiger Airways is going ahead with its original plan to expand its fleet over the next few years.
- 90% of economists polled say China will grow 7% this year
With the global financial crisis yet to bottom out and the US economy deteriorating, all eyes are on the possibly impact these developments will have on China. Su Rong reports from Shanghai.
- China's "most awesome" financial figures of 2008 unveiled
China's Securities Daily has chosen the "most awesome" figures (in both the positive and negative sense) from China's economic and financial spheres, recounting some of the most memorable business events of 2008.
- REITs lose shine as average value drops by 68%
The REITs market, which started in Singapore in 2002, has always been supported by the booming stock and property markets. However, it lost much of its lustre in 2008 with prices down 68% on average compared to the previous year.
- Increase training facilities for the intellectually disabled
A reader writes in to ask for more facilities and opportunities to be made available to the intellectually disabled who are physically active to undergo training or exercise.
- An experience much appreciated
Lianhe Zaobao Beijing correspondent Han Yong Hong writes about her three-year experience covering major events and developments in China. She credits China for its resilience in overcoming the series of crises and natural disasters that occurred over 2008. The article was published in the People's Daily.
- Beware of becoming an IT victim
Thefts through information technology are becoming more common and IT users need to take precautions to avoid being compromised by these products.
- Service sector should take advantage of global financial crisis to reinvent itself
[Editorial] The tourism and services industries have been hit hard by the global economic downturn. Operators should take this opportunity to reinvent themselves by improving service levels and worker attitudes.
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