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MICA (P) 057/10/2010 A PublICATIon of
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MiCa (P) 057/10/2010 a PubliCation of
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thursday September 1, 2011 www.todayonline.com we set you thinking
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Thank you, Mr President

Prime Minister and MPs pay tribute at farewell reception for Mr S r nathan, who steps down as President after 12 years
teo XuanWei
xuanwei@mediacorp.com.sg
SINGAPORE A career public servant who raised the standing of the Republics presidency, both domestically and internationally. And one who often quietly rendered help when (he) detected a need even if not all these activities were in the public eye or known to Singaporeans. For instance, personally sponsoring needy students through their tertiary education, as well as helping to obtain special medical care for accident victims who were unable to afford full treatment or rehabilitation. These contributions of Mr S R Nathan, 87, the Republics longestserving President, were lauded by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday as he hosted a farewell reception for Mr Nathan. Mr Lee noted that Mr Nathan has discharged his responsibilities with dignity and distinction. Mr Lee added: You have upheld the standing and prestige of the Office, and of Singapore in the world. Singaporeans will long remember your many contributions. Yesterday, Mr Nathan stepped
You have upheld the standing and prestige of the Office, and of Singapore in the world. Singaporeans will long remember your many contributions.
Prime Minister lee Hsien loong
down from the highest office in the land after 12 years. President-elect Tony Tan will be sworn in as Singapores seventh President today. The farewell reception was attended by some 250 guests, including Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament past and present Supreme Court judges, members of the diplomatic corps and senior civil servants. Apart from paying tribute to Mr Nathans championing of charitable work for the needy and disadvantaged such as through his support for the Community Chest and starting the Presidents Challenge in 2000
Mr Lee highlighted how Mr Nathan had helped to expand Singapores international space by building friendly ties with many countries, as well as opening business opportunities in new markets for firms here. Mr Lee also touched on how Mr Nathan had worked closely with the Government to refine the rules on the Presidents custodial powers of the second key, citing his particularly important leadership during the global financial crisis three years ago, where he approved the use of past reserves to fund the Resilience Package. Because you had followed developments closely, when the time came to make a decision, you were au fait with the situation and dangers, and understood the Governments aim, said Mr Lee, adding that the measures helped to stabilise the economy, saved jobs and ensured a quick and vigorous recovery once the crisis passed. He added that the episode was significant because it was the first time the Government had requested to draw on past reserves and Mr Nathan approved it. >> Continued on Page 2
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>> CoNtINued from page 1 Mr Lee said: The deliberate and responsible approach taken by both parties validated the working arrangements and set an important precedent on how the President and Government will deal with future crises. The Prime Minister also outlined the First Ladys contributions, pointing out how Mrs Umi Nathans warmth and kindness was apparent to the people. Being a former teacher herself, Mrs Nathan had a special affection for young people and a passion for helping them overcome challenges in life, Mr Lee noted. all that I dId was my duty: NathaN In his speech, Mr Nathan said of the final chapter in his five decades in public service: I saw all that I did as my duty and sought to discharge them to the best of my ability, in what were indeed exciting times of both growth and occasional ups and downs. He added: When I was sworn in as President in 1999, I said that I will be a President for all Singaporeans, with every community of Singaporeans as my parish. I have tried to live up to that, engaging the different races and religious groups in every way possible. I have supported a wide range of worthy causes and provided them patronage. While he was grateful for the tributes for his work, Mr Nathan said: I cannot say with certainty that some will not consider me undeserving of such compliments. He added that he was heartened by those who had come forth to support initiatives he had started, such as the Presidents Challenge. I hope our people, corporations and voluntary organisations will continue their support in such endeavours in the future,
thank you, Mr President
he added. Guests Today spoke to were full of praise for Mr Nathan. Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) MP Vikram Nair noted the years of selfless service Mr Nathan had given to the Republic, particularly during the Laju hijacking incident in 1974. The then-director of the Security and Intelligence Division in the Defence Ministry was among a group of government officers who volunteered to be held hostage by the terrorist Japanese Red Army in exchange for the release of civilians. Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP Denise Phua, who has been actively involved in helping those with special needs, said Mr Nathan had not only played a significant role in raising funds for worthy causes, but also raised the profile of the work done by social services agencies and highlighted groups in the community who needed a leg up. Said Ms Phua: As a President, he may not need to have done these, but this is his additional value-add that he carries to the presidency. Indeed, he has brought the presidency to the people, and that is special. Veteran MP Charles Chong related how he has seen first-hand Mr Nathans contributions in strengthening Singapores diplomatic ties when he travelled with the President, for instance, during a trip to Japan. Seeing how he had interacted and how he was received, even by the Emperor of Japan, I could see that as far as international relations is concerned, he had made significant contributions. Unfortunately, many Singaporeans may not be aware of it.
>> a seNtINel to good goverNaNCe CommeNt 16

mr s r Nathan with president-elect dr tony tan at the farewell reception at the Istana yesterday.
photo by doN woNg
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(Far left) minister for the environment and Water resources Vivian balakrishnan (in orange) with the sultan of Johor, sultan Ibrahim Ibni almarhum sultan Iskandar, at the Gunong pulai dam before the start of the ceremony. photo courtesy meWr (Left) mr tan Gee paw, chairman of pub (seated left of picture) signing the handing over documents with Johor state secretary obet tawil. Looking on are (from left) senior minister of state Grace Fu, Johor chief minister abdul Ghani othman, minister Vivian balakrishnan, sultan of Johor sultan Ibrahim Ibni almarhum sultan Iskandar and tengku mahkota of Johor Ismail Ibrahim. photo courtesy meWr
1961 water pact ends, handover on good terms

esther NG
estherng@mediacorp.com.sg
JOHOR For 50 years, four waterworks in Johor managed and operated by Singapores water agency PUB had been producing about 15 million gallons of water per day, equivalent to 30 swimming pools. Yesterday, the Skudai and Gunung Pulai water treatment plants as well as two pump houses in Pontian and Tebrau were handed back to Johors water authorities in a historic ceremony which marks the expiry of the 1961 Water Agreement between the neighbouring countries. The official proceedings were witnessed by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan and Sultan of Johor Ibrahim Iskandar. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Dr Balakrishnan reiterated that Singapore was on track to achieving water selfsufficiency by 2061, the year all water agreements with Johor run out. Two other water agreements with Malaysia signed in 1962 and 1990 respectively are still in force. Dr Balakrishnan noted that, in terms of moving towards selfsufficiency, Singapore is in a position of strength, with developments such as more reservoirs and improvements in NEWater and desalination technology. He said: We are on schedule (to reach self-sufficiency). We still have the 1962 agreement, supplemented by the 1990 agreement, in place and that will run all the way till 2061, That agreement, together with developments at a local level, puts us in a very safe position. As such, the return of the waterworks will not affect Singapore. Moreover, water from these works contributed to less than 5 per cent of Singapores water supply over the last decade, noted Dr Balakrishnan.
Dr Balakrishnan noted that, in terms of moving towards self-sufficieny, Singapore is in a position of strength, with developments such as more reservoirs and improvements in NEWater and desalination technology.
He added that the handover on good terms was symbolic of deepening ties between Singapore and Malaysia. Speaking to Malaysian media, Johor Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Othman said that, following the handover, the state will consider upgrading the water treatment plants. He said: The water treatment plants in Skudai and Gunung Pulai and the two water pumps in Tebrau and Pontian will be upgraded if necessary to meet the needs of our residents. After the handover, some of the 95 Malaysian employees previously hired by PUB will be transferred to other plants, while others chose to receive a golden handshake. The PUB said it has trained 60 workers since January to take over operations after the handover. For senior technical officer Palanivalak Muthusamy, who will be transferred to another plant in Kota Tinggi, the Gunong Pulai Waterworks holds many cherished memories. Apart from the fact that both his father and grandfather worked there, the 55-year-old met his wife at the plant and proposed to her at the dam there. He added: Many of us grew up together. We celebrated Christmas, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Chinese New Year like one big family.
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Development charges go up
hike is highest in the industrial sector
LINette LIm
linettelim@mediacorp.com.sg
SINGAPORE The generally healthy property market over the past six months and external developments have led to higher than expected revisions to the rate for development charges (DC). Yesterday, the Ministry of National Development (MND) as part of its halfyearly review released the latest DC rates, with charges for non-landed residential property increased by an average of 12.1 per cent while commercial property charges increased 21.7 per cent on average. The industrial sector saw the highest revision with rates going up by an average of 30.9 per cent. The increases in the rate of DC the tax payable by the developer when a property site is developed into a more valuable project will take effect from today. Jones Lang LaSalle head of research (South East Asia) Chua Yang Liang said: This latest round of DC revision has been higher than market expectations. Although there is sufficient empirical evidence to support the increase, the inflationary pres-
sure that is building up in certain sectors of the property market could be another reason. He added: The outflow of funds from the United States into Asia and localised policy shifts that drove investors into other non-residential sectors, are probably enough reasons to warrant the Chief Valuer to pursue a more aggressive or tighter policy stance on DC revision, as a tool to contain the pressure. Colliers International director (research & advisory) Chia Siew Chuin noted that it was unsurprising that sectors with the higher increase in DC rates were in the fringe and outlying locations. She added that this was likely to have been the result of the recent sale of a nonlanded site at Bendemeer Road/Whampoa East under the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme. The site was sold at S$774 per sq ft per plot ratio a 141.1-per-cent premium above the imputed land cost for the sector, Ms Chia pointed out. For the commercial use group, the average increase is 21.7 per cent, almost 10 percentage points above the average recorded in the previous revision in March. The largest spike is in the Paya Lebar Way/Eunos/Sims Ave area at 31.7 per cent.
development charges for non-landed residential property increased by an average of 12.1 per cent today fILe photo
The largest increase in the non-landed category was 39 per cent for the Serangoon Road, Whampoa, Bendemeer Road areas. Analysts noted that higher development charges may put a damper on enbloc trans-
actions as it will raise costs for developers. International Property Advisor chief executive officer Ku Swee Yong said that the segment of people most affected right now would be the owners of apartments and condos that are poised for collective sale as developers bidding for those sites will have to consider the increase in DC. Industrial property DC rates in the Tuas/Pioneer Road/Jurong/Sungei Kadut/ Mandai Estate/Woodlands area saw an increase of 55 per cent. Cushman & Wakefield Singapore vicechairman Donald Han noted that the industrial market saw rampant land sales activity in the last six months. Said Mr Han: At the back of vibrant developers strata title industrial sales which saw capital values increasing by 22 per cent for the whole of last year and 16 per cent for first seven months of this year developers have been busy chasing for development sites, which attributed to the rise in DC rates. Still, Mr Han said the increase in DC rates has little or no impact on industrial developments on GLS sites. GLS will continue to be of interest to developers as industrial projects are immune to shorter leasehold tenure of 30 to 60 years, he added.
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SINGAPORE President-elect Dr Tony Tan has resigned from his posts as chairman of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and deputy chairman of the Research Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC). His post as NRF chairman will be filled by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, with effect from today. Mr Teo has been NRFs deputy chairman since July 2009. In a letter accepting Dr Tans resignation, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is the RIECs chairman, paid tribute to Dr Tans leadership at the NRF. Singapores global reputation in research and innovation is due in no small part to your foresight in recommending the formation of the NRF and the RIEC in January 2006. The NRF introduced many initiatives that contributed significantly to our economy and society, Mr Lee said.
Dr tony tan resigns from posts at nRF and RIEC

Your invaluable contributions have accelerated Singapores transformation to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy ... I am happy that you will continue to champion entrepreneurship in your new role as President.
prime minister lee hsien loong in a tribute to dr tony tan
He noted that Dr Tan had initiated three Strategic Research Programmes Environmental and Water Technologies; Interactive Digital Media; and Biomedical SciencesTranslational and Clinical Research. Together with the Clean Energy SRP introduced later, these SRPs are on track to contribute more than S$30 billion to our economy and create over 43,000 new jobs by 2015. Under these SRPs, more than 150 scholarships were also awarded to Singaporeans to build a career in R&D, Mr Lee said. Among other things, Dr Tan was also instrumental in establishing important partnerships with renowned universities like MIT and Berkeley of the United States, ETH Zurich of Switzerland and Technion of Israel. They have set up research centres in the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) Singapore to undertake cutting-edge research, and host our researchers in some of the best research environments in the world, Mr Lee noted. Your invaluable contributions have accelerated Singapores transformation to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy ... I am happy that you will continue to champion entrepreneurship in your new role as President, Mr Lee said.
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Final vote tally For pe
With the addition of overseas votes, Presidentelect Dr tony tan has won 35.2 per cent of the total votes cast for Presidential Election. the final tally for Dr tan Cheng Bock is 34.85 per cent. this means that Dr tony tans final winning margin is 0.35 per cent 0.01 per cent more than before the overseas votes were counted. the final tally for Mr tan Jee Say is 25.04 per cent, while Mr tan Kin Lian gets 4.91 per cent. the overseas votes, which were counted at the Peoples Association headquarters yesterday, showed a similar voting pattern as the national count. A total of 3,375 out of 5,504 registered electors cast their votes overseas. Dr tony tan took 38.66 per cent of the overseas votes, higher than the 35.19 per cent he received from valid votes cast locally. Dr tan Cheng Bock gathered 35.29 per cent of the overseas votes, which is also higher than the 34.85 per cent he received from valid votes cast locally. the other two candidates saw a lower percentage of votes received overseas compared to the local count. observers say the results show that all four candidates appealed in the same way to both local and overseas Singaporeans.
Why I did not withdraw from election: tan Kin Lian

SINGAPORE His private surveys and information from a third-party survey indicated that he had a credible level of support, said former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian. That was why he did not withdraw from the four-cornered fight in the Aug 27 Presidential Election, Mr Tan, 63, said in a statement yesterday. Referring to some commentators who had said that he should have known the ground feel on Nomination Day and withdraw his candidacy then, Mr Tan said: As always, the wisdom of hindsight never fails but the truth was that on Nomination Day, the voters were still largely undecided on whom they would be voting, if at all. He added that he had banked on support from the more than one million NTUC Income policyholders, heartlanders and those he had spoken up for during the last financial crisis. Fewer than 5 per cent of the 2.1 million electorate voted for Mr Tan, causing him to lose the election deposit of S$48,000. The election had cost me and my donors a total of $120,000, including the loss of the deposit, and also a dent to my reputation, said Mr Tan. However, I have already managed the disappointment and will take a positive attitude towards this outcome, he added.
As always, the wisdom of hindsight never fails but the truth was that on Nomination Day, the voters were still largely undecided on whom they would be voting, if at all.
mr tan Kin lian
today File photo
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Discourage practice of CoV, industry body urges in letter

SINGAPORE Supporting National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wans decision to stop releasing the median cashover-valuation (COV) data, the industry body representing property valuers here has urged the authorities to go a step further and discourage the practice of paying COV. The Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) cautioned yesterday in a statement from its president (valuation and general practice) Lim Lan Yuan that the practice will lead to a rapid rise in housing prices, encouraged by exuberant sentiments ahead of economic fundamentals. The SISV added: As cash over valuations arise from specific individual buying decisions and are not necessarily paid in all transactions, they should not be recognised as such in the market. We should discourage the practice of cash over valuations. The SISV reiterated that buyers and sellers should use market valuations or actual prices of recent transactions when negotiating the price of a HDB resale flat. While median COV data which had been published by the HDB until recently is now used by sellers as the basis for the right to ask for a cash amount in any resale transaction, the SISV said COVs should only be paid in isolated cases where the buyer is overly-anxious and feels pressured to pay a cash premium. The HDB stopped releasing such data in its most recent official quarterly statistics in July. Professional valuations already take into account market conditions but if COVs are consistently paid it will be subsequently incorporated into market value of the flat pushing up prices, said the SISV. It also noted that as housing loans are made on the basis of the market valuation of a property without taking into account the COV COVs may affect affordability for buyers as more cash will be required for the purchase. Last month, Mr Khaw had noted on his Facebook page that abolishing COV and relying on a professional valuer to set the price of resale flats was tried years ago. COV then went underground as under counter cash payment, he had noted.
s$4 for a trip by water taxi from

sharoN see
sharonsee@mediacorp.com.sg
Merlion Park to Marina Bay Sands

of Marina Bay Sands. Were very grateful that the opportunity for our patrons to arrive via water taxi just means there is another easy mode of transport available to them. Mr See Toh Yew Leong, general manager of the Singapore River Cruise, said: MBS is one of the most popular destinations around the Marina Bay area. We want to bring tourists and locals to the destination in the shortest and fastest time. During the transfer, they also get to do some sightseeing and enjoy the beautiful scenic view of the Singapore skyline. The Singapore River Cruise is a daily service that operates every 15 minutes from 9am to 10pm. Visitors arriving at MBS drop off at the North Jetty where the ArtScience Museum is located.
the new water taxi route will pick passengers up from Clarke Quay,boat Quay and the merlion park. photo by Wee teCk hiaN
SINGAPORE There is a faster way to cross the reservoir from the Merlion Park. Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is the latest destination on the water taxi route operated by Singapore River Cruise. At S$4, the journey from Merlion Park takes less than 10 minutes. Visitors can also choose to board the river taxi from Grand Copthorne Waterfront for S$16. This new route comes less than three weeks ahead of the opening of the two Crystal Pavilions in September. One pavilion will house a Louis Vuitton store, and the other will house international night clubs, Pangaea and Avalon. Louis Vuitton Island Maison opens on Sept 18, Avalon on Sept 16 and Pangaea on Sept 22. Mr John Postle, executive director of The Shoppes at MBS, said: The water taxi arrives to us at a perfect timing. The opening of the Crystal Pavilions for us symbolises the final opening component
ntUC will embrace more diversity but ensure unions remain united
SINGAPORE The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) will embrace more diversity while ensuring the unions remain united just as it did during the recent Presidential Election, where it did not adopt a top-down endorsement of any one candidate, but allowed each union to decide whom they wished to endorse. This means more ground-up consultation within unions and strengthening co-operation with tripartite partners, said NTUC secretary-general Lim Swee Say yesterday. He noted that the election was a good example of the labour movement embracing diversity to become an independent voice for workers in Singapore. Mr Lim said 75 per cent of the unions decided to endorse Dr Tony Tan as their preferred candidate, while the other 25 per cent remained neutral for various reasons. So, to us, such a diversity, I think ought to be respected, ought to be accommodated and yet, at the same time, just because there are differing views (between the 75 per cent and 25 per cent), this does not mean that the labour movement is divided, he said. He added that he hoped Singapore would not be divided when Dr Tan takes office as President today and when the new Parliament holds its first session on Oct 10. Mr Lim was speaking at the last of the 23 National Day observance ceremonies organised by the NTUC this year. sara Grosse
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SMRt files defence against lawsuit by family of thai girl who lost legs
transport operator argues that negligence led to her falling onto train tracks
tanya Fong
tanyafong@mediacorp.com.sg
SINGAPORE The SMRT has filed its defence in the S$3.4-million lawsuit brought against the transport operator by the family of the Thai girl whose legs were severed after she fell onto the Ang Mo Kio MRT Station tracks in April. In its defence papers, the SMRT reiterates that all the safety warnings and precautions such as the yellow lines were in place and that the distance which the train travelled after the driver slammed on the brakes were within safety specifications. The SMRT argues that 15-year-old Nitcharee Peneakchansaks negligence contributed to her falling onto the tracks at the MRT station on her own accord. It also claims that the girl was aware of the danger of the oncoming trains and that by standing behind the yellow safety line until the train had stopped, she would have been reasonably safe from falling onto the tracks. In court papers submitted by its lawyers from KhattarWong a copy of which was obtained by Today, the SMRT argues that the girl had failed to keep a proper lookout for the oncoming train and take reasonable care of her own well-being despite knowing the risks of falling. It adds that she had failed to stand behind the yellow safety line until the train had stopped despite clear warning signs displayed at the MRT station. Nitcharee was in Singapore to study English when she fell into the tracks at the train station, as the train was pulling into the station. One of her legs were severed while the other leg was so badly mangled that it had to be amputated later in hospital. Her plight led members of the public to donate more than S$400,000 but her family had told the media that the amount made up just a small proportion of her medical bills and they needed to take legal action. The teenagers father, Mr Kittanesh Peneakchanas, 56, an insurance agent in Thailand, is suing the SMRT for S$3.4 million. The writ was filed in the High Court
nitcharee and her father. today File photo
here in June through Singapore law firm Cosmas and Company. The family filed the lawsuit against the SMRT after Nitcharees family rejected its offer of S$5,000 in compensation, citing the future cost of her prosthetic legs and her medical bills as the main reason. It claimed that the SMRT did not have adequate safety measures in place. The SMRT refuted the claims in its defence papers, listing safety measures that include an acceptable distance between the edge of the platform and the safety yellow line, safety announcements which are broadcast before a train arrives, as well as clearly displayed warning signs at the MRT station to warn passengers against stepping beyond the yellow safety line until the train stops. The SMRT also argues that the absence of a barrier is not a danger or trap to minors and visitors as it had put in place these safety measures. Mr Peneakchanasak had also claimed that his daughter was fully conscious and that the platform was very crowded when the incident happened. The SMRT has also refuted this, saying that the incident happened on April 3, a Sunday, at 11am which was not the stations peak time and there was no need to deploy manpower to patrol the platform because it was not crowded. The Thai familys lawyer, Mr Cosmas Gomez, had earlier said that he would ask SMRT to release a copy of the CCTV video footage of the incident, which is expected to be a key part of the evidence in the case.
Man who fell off tanker: Body found

SINGAPORE A body believed to be that of the Singaporean shipping agent who fell off a ship 3.2km south-west of Bedok Jetty on Monday was found off East Coast Park yesterday afternoon, according to a Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) spokesperson. Mr Mohd Aidil, 26, had lost his balance and fallen overboard from the Singaporeregistered bunker tanker MT Lefkas at around 4pm that day. It is believed he was trying to catch a canned drink someone from a vessel next to his ship had tossed over to him when the incident happened. The MPA, together with Police Coast Guard craft had been combing the waters for Mr Aidil since and had expanded the search area from Sentosa to Changi East. The search area had initially been confined to the waters between Marina South Pier and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
teo XuanWei
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CANBERRA Australias highest court ruled yesterday that asylum-seekers cannot be sent to Malaysia, a major blow to the governments plan to stem an influx of people from poor, war-torn countries attempting to reach Australia by boat. The High Court reached a 6-1 majority decision to make permanent an injunction that has prevented Australia from transferring 800 asylum-seekers to Malaysia in return for Malaysia sending 4,000 registered refugees for resettlement. The ruling cannot be appealed. Australia has long attracted asylumseekers hoping to start a new life, with more than 6,200 arriving by boat last year. Most are from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran and Iraq, and use Malaysia or Indonesia as a starting point for a dangerous sea journey to Australia. The court said Malaysia has not signed the United Nations Convention on Refugees and the deal with Australia did not legally bind Malaysia to recognise the status of refugees under its domestic law. It said any suitable third country must have obligations under international or domestic law to protect asylum-seekers and refugees. The court also said Immigration Minister Chris Bowen had no legal power to remove from Australia asylum-seekers whose refugee claims have not yet been determined. Mr Bowen said the rate of asylum seekers reaching Australia by boat had slowed since the Malaysian deal was announced in May. He now expected people
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Australian high Court rules against refugee swap with Malaysia

smugglers would capitalise on the court ruling and boat arrivals would gather pace. Lets make no bones about it: Todays decision by the High Court is a profoundly disappointing one, Mr Bowen told reporters. It is a significant blow to our efforts to break the people smugglers business model. The government had sought urgent legal advice on the rulings ramifications and the government would consider its options, he said. Meanwhile, Malaysias government pledged in a statement to work closely with Canberra to determine their next move, adding it still believed the deal was the best way to tackle the menace of people traffickers in a way that protects the interests of Australia, Malaysia and above all, the immigrants involved. The ruling is a major policy setback for Prime Minister Julia Gillard, already trailing badly in opinion polls and facing defeat at the next election. Ms Gillards minority Labor government, which must fight an election by late 2013, struck the Malaysian deal to fight perceptions that she was soft on asylumseekers. A tough stance on boat people has helped swing election results in recent years. The court ruling came after two fires broke out yesterday at an immigration detention centre in Darwin. Both blazes were extinguished and no one was hurt, an immigration department spokesman said. Most of the protesters were Indonesian crew members from boats carrying asylumseekers to Australia, the official said. The protesters were upset that officials had not agreed to certain requests regarding how they could celebrate the end of the fasting month, said refugee advocate Ian Rintoul, who spoke by phone with detainees. He said the fire extensively damaged 20 rooms. agencies
asylum seekers at christmas island last month. reuters
Malaysia planning nuclear power PR campaign for public mandate

KUALA LUMPUR The Malaysian government is reportedly looking for a public relations agency to help build public support for nuclear power, as part of a plan to make the country ready for an alternative energy source by 2013. The Holmes Report, a New York-based publication that serves the public relations community, reported this week that the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation a government body formed in January to spearhead the deployment of nuclear energy is understood to have short-listed three firms for the sensitive project. It is understood that a formal pitch is yet to take place. A source involved in the process said that fees had not been confirmed, but were expected to be in the seven-figure range, the report said. The invitation for an international public relations effort to boost support for nuclear energy could spark controversy after the recent row over reports that Malaysia paid RM58 million (S$19.3 million) to FBC Media, a British-based public relations company, to burnish its international image on various international broadcast channels. It is understood Putrajaya has now ended its contract with FBC Media after an expose by London-based Sarawak Report revealed that Malaysian leaders routinely appeared in paid-for interviews on global television programmes. The latest plans to launch a publicity campaign for nuclear power comes in amid public concern about nuclear safety,
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The bottomline: Malaysia has to be nuclear-ready and get (the) mandate of the public by 2013, when the government will make the final decision and reveal the site.
the reported brief by the malaysia nuclear power corporation, to public relations companies
spurred by the ongoing crisis at the nuclear plant in Fukushima, Japan. According to briefing notes obtained by the Holmes Report, public relations counsel is being sought to ensure that stakeholders are able to make an informed decision about the proposed plan. The bottomline: Malaysia has to be nuclear-ready and get (the) mandate of the public by 2013, when the government will make the final decision and reveal the site, read the brief, according to the report. The Holmes Report also said boosting public support for nuclear power to above 50 per cent is a priority, along with managing concerns and issues. The brief indicates a substantial research component that will assess public opinion regarding nuclear energy and use these findings to devise a strategy to improve perceptions and support. The appointment is for an initial 24-month period, to be renewed on a yearly basis thereafter.
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Libyan rebels reject UN offer of observers

TRIPOLI Rebel leaders have rejected plans by the United Nations to send hundreds of international personnel into liberated Libya insisting that they will secure the country themselves. A leaked document drafted by a Libya task force reporting to Mr Ban Ki Moon, the UN Secretary-General, called for up to 200 military observers and 190 UN police to help stabilise the country. The observers were to oversee the process of dealing with forces who had surrendered after fighting for Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, while the police would also have helped train local forces under the new regime. It is thought that Jordan and Turkey had been approached over the role of heading the multinational force, which would also have protected a planned UN mission comprising dozens of civilian officials. However, leaders of the National Transitional Council (NTC), who have been in frequent contact with highlevel UN officials, have ruled out the possibility of foreign forces playing a major role. Mr Ian Martin, Mr Bans special adviser on post-conflict planning for Libya, told a meeting of global bodies engaged in the country: We are not now expecting a request for any United Nations military deployment. However, he added: We stand ready to bring the extensive experience the United Nations has developed from so many post-conflict contexts. Meanwhile, the NTC has set out steps leading to democratic elections monitored by the UN within 18 months. The plan goes into effect with a declaration of liberation which the NTC has not defined precisely, though NTC chairman Abdel Mustafa Jalil told reporters the conditions for such a declaration included the capture or death of Col Gaddafi. The NTCs constitution declaration for governing during the transitional period sets out the main guidelines for the way the country is to be overseen as it emerges from six months of war. agencies
Libyans looking at cartoons at martyrs square in tripoli as they celebrate their victory over col gaddafi. ap
Pakistan bans encryption software

LAHORE Millions of Internet users in Pakistan will now be unable to send emails and messages without fear of the government snooping, after the authorities banned the use of encryption software. A legal notice sent to all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority, seen by the Guardian, orders the ISPs to inform authorities if any of their customers are using virtual private networks (VPNs) to browse the web. The legal notice urged ISPs to report customers using all such mechanisms including EVPNs (encrypted virtual private networks) which conceal communication to the extent that prohibits monitoring. Anyone needing to use this technology needs to apply for special permission, the notice said. Virtual private networks allow Internet users to connect to the Web undetected, meaning that they can access banned websites and send emails without fear of government interception. Pakistans 20 million Internet users had previously been banned from popular social networks such as Facebook because of blasphemous material about the Prophet Muhammad. Accessing the Internet on BlackBerry smartphones is also problematic, because of the devices high-security encryption software. All Internet traffic in the country travels through the Pakistan Internet Exchange, which can be intercepted by military and civil intelligence agencies. The recent move echoes a crackdown against encrypted communications in India and China. The authorities in Islamabad insisted that the ban on VPN access was intended to stem communications by terrorists. However, banks, call centres and many other businesses use encrypted connections to communicate with their branches and customers to protect sensitive data such as account numbers and passwords. This is like banning cars because suicide bombers use them, said Mr Shakir Husain, chief executive of Creative Chaos, a Karachi-based software company. You have to find out who these guys (extremists) are. This is a blanket, knee-jerk, response.
the guardian
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Comment&analysis
eugeNe K b taN
16
a sentinel to good governance

mr s r Nathan has had a key hand in defining how the elected presidency should fulfil its functions
system, just because the alarm is not activated does not mean it has not served its purpose. In fact, its non-activation may point to the fact that the alarm has deterred intruders. CoNteXt matters Many have tended to compare the presidency of Mr Nathan with his predecessor, the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong. The latter has been lionised for his well-known disagreements with the Government. No one had expected Mr Ong, who resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Peoples Action Party chairman to contest in the first presidential polls, to clash with the Government. As the first EP, Mr Ong had to work out a new relationship with the Government. The idea of the Head of State as a limited check and balance was alien at the time, and the government machinery took time to adjust to the new state of play. Mr Ong had to work out the rites of passage, so to speak, as the new watchdog. When Mr Nathan assumed office in September 1999, the differences the Istana under President Ong had with the Government were being ironed out. This was facilitated when the Istana and the Government agreed on a 1999 White
onight President S R Nathan hands over office to his successor after serving 12 years as Singapores Head of State. At 87, he is the oldest person to fill that post and he is also the Republics longestserving President. What is most visible to most people are the ceremonial trappings of the office. For example, foreign dignitaries call on him, ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Singapore present their letters of credence to him, and he officiates at the National Day Parade and the opening of a new session of Parliament. But not visible at all is the exercise of the Elected Presidents (EP) executive custodial powers. These matters of state are classified and covered under the Official Secrets Act and not even reported. Hence, it is no surprise that many view the Elected Presidency as a white elephant. Yet, it is most unfair. As an institutional watchdog, the EPs worth lies in it being a silent sentinel to good governance. Like a home alarm
Not visible at all is the exercise of the Elected Presidents executive custodial powers. These matters of state are covered under the Official Secrets Act and not even reported. Hence, it is no surprise that many view the EP as a white elephant. Yet, it is most unfair. As an institutional watchdog, the EPs worth lies in it being a silent sentinel to good governance.
Paper providing for the modalities with regards to determining and safeguarding the accumulated reserves. This away-from-the-publiceye dialogue and engagement on establishing working norms, rules and guidelines between the Istana and the Government, helped to set the stage for a cooperative working relationship. The lesson here is that the lack of overt conflict between the Cabinet and the Istana should not be seen as the former being overbearing on the latter, or the latter being deferential to the former. Context matters. shapINg the oFFICe Given the apparent tense relationship between the Government and President Ong, which only came to public attention at the end of the latters term, President Nathans tenure has helped to put the relationship on an even keel. In his 12 years, the Istana has helped developed the norms and accumulate valuable experience in the working of the EP institution. With the custodial functions of the EP fairly well established by now, Mr Nathan can take credit as a key hand in the development of the detailed rules and procedures to operationalise the offices functions. The drawdown of past reserves in 2009, to help tide Singapore through its worst recession since independence, is a good case in point. It was Mr Nathans decision in February 2009 to support the Governments decision to use our past reserves to fund the S$4.9 billion needed for two special schemes, one to help save jobs and the other to ease credit for businesses. This was an example of how the EP, as a check-and-balance institution, does not necessarily detract from working with the Government for the common good. President Nathan also initiated the Presidents Challenge in 2000 to encourage Singaporeans from all walks of life to help the less fortunate among us. This was initially a month-long campaign but it has now, in partnership with Singaporeans and the charity sector, become a year-long community-driven charity campaign. So far, it has raised more than S$100 million for beneficiaries who range from needy children and families to the elderly and the disabled. Mr Nathans support for the teaching, social work and nursing professions is also an example of how the EP can use the influence of the Istana to provide much-needed recognition and encouragement to such groups. the Last Word Unlike the courts which can explain its decisions through judgments, the EP has no such recourse. The office has been criticised, and some of the most strident and unfair criticisms were articulated during the Presidential Election. This is unfair not only to Mr Nathan but also the institution. In his amicable manner, on July 1, when announcing his decision not to seek re-election, President Nathan said: If I have fallen short, I would like the people of Singapore to know that this has not been for lack of effort or commitment. I have tried to do my best. No doubt I have earned my fair share of criticism. Anyone who takes on public responsibilities has to expect that. I have taken such comments whether made directly or via social media as made in good conscience, and well-intended. He did not choose to be overly defensive of his term. His to-be-published memoirs will help us have a better
photo by doN WoNg
understanding of the office. Each President brings a different value proposition to the table, and each President operates within the context of his term. Mr Nathan certainly did not see his role as being that of a countervailing power to the Cabinet Executive nor is that the role prescribed to the EP under the Constitution. While he sought to see his role from the perspective of his constitutional responsibilities, Mr Nathan also ensured that the EP did not marginalise the fundamental purpose the institution is designed to serve: That of ensuring the sustainability of Singapores good governance. He did so through his constructive relationship with the Cabinet. President Nathans track record of public service should inspire Singaporeans to step forward and serve. In his own words: Whatever the Constitution says about the powers of the Elected President, and however varied peoples perceptions of the office may be, ultimately the welfare of our country and people depends upon the way Singapore is governed and administered ... I believe that if those who serve in the Government or any other area of public administration meet the demands of their office to the best of their ability, and if they show wisdom and integrity in looking after the interests of Singapore, we can ask no more. Certainly, through his long career as a social worker, civil servant, diplomat, Head of State and now, the head of a research institute, public service has been President Nathans defining contribution. Eugene K B Tan is assistant professor of law at the Singapore Management University School of Law.
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comment&analysis
18
that 200% debt is cry for revolution

Japans new premier isnt known for fresh thinking or bold ideas but change is what its people must demand
reuters
WILLIam peseK
apan needs an Arab Spring. If youd told me 10 years ago, when I moved to Tokyo, that today Id be writing about an eighth leader, I never wouldve believed it. Yet here we are, analysing and philosophising about whether Mr Yoshihiko Noda will last longer than the last five. In April 2001, Mr Junichiro Koizumi grabbed the job from the hapless Yoshiro Mori.
Mr Koizumi stuck around for an unthinkably long five years. He talked big about economic reforms, promised even bigger and managed to get a few things done. Then Mr Koizumi turned the keys over to the forgettable Shinzo Abe, who then passed them to Mr Yasuo Fukuda and Mr Taro Aso. Political lightning struck in August 2009. Voters tossed out the Liberal Democratic Party that had been in power for roughly 54 years. The Democratic Party of Japan might have fared better if it picked someone other than political lightweight Yukio Hatoyama as Prime
Minister. Next came Mr Naoto Kan, who last week resigned to make room for yet another leader. Analysts and pundits are busy criticising politicians in Tokyo for going with the safe choice Mr Noda when Japan is navigating a world economy that is anything but. Yet lets put blame where it belongs: Japans 127 million people. Theres some truth in the old saw that people generally get the leaders they deserve. In Japans case, voters need to begin demanding more of leaders and speaking out forcefully for change. Instead, they offer nothing more than numbing silence. I just spent several days in India observing tens of thousands of aggrieved voters rallying behind a 74-year-old anti-corruption activist. Mr Anna Hazare isnt an extraordinarily charismatic man. Just as a young Tunisian man setting himself on fire precipitated protests that changed his nation forever, Mr Hazares hunger strike was the perfect gesture at the right time. Watching the crowds grow, I kept wondering why fed up Japanese arent taking to the streets en masse. Im not advocating violence or aggression of any kind; just a giant march or two to let politicians know that the status quo just wont do. Change will only come when politicians feel pressured. There are a couple of obvious reasons that the protests seen recently in India, Malaysia, Thailand and elsewhere arent occurring in Japan. One is affluence. For all Japans challenges recession, deflation, negligible wage growth households have trillions of dollars of savings. And Japans jobless rate is just 4.6 per cent compared with 9.1 per cent in the US. Another is cultural. In a nation where decorum and etiquette are obsessively observed, carrying banners and chanting in streets holds little appeal.
As Finance Minister, Noda was a one-trick policy-maker. Expect more of the same from Prime Minister Noda and lots of talk about raising taxes to pay for earthquake reconstruction. Mr Noda should first divert money from wasteful spending on public works projects, given the hit the economy will take as tax bills rise.
Yet the world is speeding up as Japan stands immobile, thanks to timid and ineffectual leaders. China leapfrogged over Japan to become the second-largest economy and its 9.5-per-cent growth is a sharp contrast to most developed nations. As deflation eats away at iconic Japanese companies such as Sony Corp, upstarts like Samsung Electronics of South Korea are booming. Even before the record earthquake and tsunami in March and the ensuing radiation crisis, Tokyo was dragging its feet. There was little willingness to reduce Japans huge public debt the worlds largest or figure out how to live without the stimulus of zero interest rates. There was no serious discussion about making the economy more competitive, preparing for an aging population, increasing the national birthrate or loosening immigration rules. In the days after the earthquake, it seemed Japan would be forced to disengage from autopilot and steer the economy in another direction. If the last five-plus months proved anything, its the durability of Japans inertia. Politicians have been preoccupied with getting rid of Mr Kan. Mission accomplished. Now what? In the devastated north-east, tens of thousands of people remain in crowded shelters and temporary homes. They are fearful of the fallout from radiation leaks in Fukushima and job prospects in the long run. All they are getting from Tokyo is petty politics as usual and economic policies that can only be described as tired. Bureaucrats continue to build on their little fiefdoms with little regard for the masses. As Finance Minister, Mr Noda was a one-trick policy-maker. The vast majority of his time and energy went into trying to weaken the yen and safeguard exports. The yen is strong because investors are souring on the dollar and euro. Mr Noda thought he could have his way with currency markets, and still does. What Mr Noda should do is encourage companies to work around disadvantageous exchange rates with increased innovation and productivity gains. Expect more of the same from Prime Minister Noda and lots of talk about raising taxes to pay for earthquake reconstruction. Mr Noda should first divert money from wasteful spending on public works projects, given the hit the economy will take as tax bills rise. Yet Mr Noda isnt known for fresh thinking or bold ideas. Remember, he was the safe choice. Its true what The Who long ago sang about new bosses and old bosses. Only this is no time for safe, and the Japanese people are growing antsy. Its time to demand change in the streets of Tokyo and Osaka the way average people did in Cairo and Tripoli. Its time the Japanese revolution began. bLoomberG William Pesek is a Bloomberg View columnist.
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comment&analysis
announced that he would be stepping down, effecting a smooth transition to known successor and current chief operating officer Tim Cook. Of course, Mr Jobs is not just any retiring CEO. He built a company that changed the course of history. Like many entrepreneurial founders, he did it by force of personality
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apples tricky next steps what history suggests

JuLIa KIrby
nd so it begins: Life for Apple after Mr Steve Jobs. Last Wednesday, the legendary chief executive officer
and personal vision, without much concern for consensus or committee. And like many more, he paid the price. He was forced out of Apple in 1985 after the board lost faith in his leadership. But unlike many executives before him, Mr Jobs found his way back to the CEO position and put
his company back in the game. Apples resurgence under his care was quite a feat, to say the least, and it speaks to Mr Jobs unique vision and capabilities. But now it is time for Apple as an organisation to pull off a feat of its own: It needs to continue on its successful trajectory without a visionary founder to rally behind. The company has had the luxury of having a personification of its innovative ethos now it must either allow someone else to take on that role, or learn to operate effectively without one. History shows that is not easy. Wang, the pioneering computer company started in 1951, did not survive the departure of its founder, Mr An Wang. Digital Equipment never flew high again after Mr Ken Olsen. And untold numbers of firms that had not attained the heights of these companies when they lost their founders fizzled more quietly. But history also shows it is possible for a firm to continue on a bold path after the loss of its founder. Sometimes this is because a new visionary leader manages to inspire. Mr Jeff Sonnenfeld notes in his 1991 book, The Heros Farewell (still the best book on CEO succession) about IBM, Sears and General Motors that their days of greatest glory were not under the reign of the founding entrepreneurs, but under the professional managers that followed them. Sometimes, too, organisations reach greater glory because they learn how to manage without a legend walking the halls. It should be possible, after all: It is the organisation itself that has been doing the real work all along. One mans labour is a drop in the bucket. Since the death of its founder Jim Casey, UPS has certainly shown this to be true. And postSam Walton, that is what WalMart hopes to achieve as well. The problem is that, in order to make the audacious moves that keep companies from succumbing to creative destruction, leaders need licence to act. And founder entrepreneurs have incredible licence. At Apple, Mr Jobs word can be law and not just in the narrow sense of organisational policy, but in the bigger sense of what deserves to be developed,
what customers covet and what constitutes cool. Again, this licence is not unlimited. Founders who misjudge markets lose their licence to operate. But the reality is that it often is not the quality of a particular idea, but the vigour behind its execution that makes something a big success. And a leader whose vision is unchallenged internally has a greater ability to marshal that energy. This is why Apple has been so lucky with Mr Jobs in charge. When a non-founder takes the helm, members of an organisation tend not to be completely convinced that the soul of the company resides in the new leader. The question of who is the true keeper of the flame is suddenly in play, and others in the firm, whether they aspire to the CEO role or not, anoint themselves.
Sometimes, too, organisations reach greater glory because they learn how to manage without a legend walking the halls.
An organisation without the mission zeal that results from internal unity can become disastrously prone to internecine battles. Whether Apples new leader can keep the company riding high is dependent on his own skills. Most important for Mr Cook is that he not assume that he has the same licence to act as his predecessor that he seeks instead to earn that respect. But Apples continued success is even more dependent on the organisation as a whole Mr Cooks direct reports, and their direct reports, and the legions of middle managers who are the lifeblood of the company. They must remain committed to the proposition that an Apple unified is more powerful than an Apple divided. They must find ways to make bold decisions they can collectively embrace. They must learn to project their own guiding light. 2011
harvard busIness pubLIshIng (dIstrIbuted by the new yorK tImes syndIcate)
Julia Kirby is an editor-at-large for Harvard Business Review.
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I SAY
A teachers first love

FRANCES ESS
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omeone found me on Facebook recently. He was from the first batch of pupils I taught in 1986. Within an hour, we discovered and friended more than 20 others from his batch. I was so glad. People always say that you cannot forget your first love. Most teachers never forget the first batch of pupils they taught. It was exactly 25 years ago. I was still a Miss Ong. Some of my pupils could not even understand Mandarin, let alone English. Some struggled, as they had come from the extended stream; when they were in Secondary 1, they were already 14 or 15 years old. Others were involved in gang activities and found it difficult to leave the gang. Yet, their determination to make something of their lives left a deep impression in my mind. They were too poor to have tuition and many lived in the oneroom flats along Old Airport Road. They were also humble, honest and happy.
They provided me an education that no amount of mass lectures can replace: Given a proper environment with tender, loving care and a good dose of discipline, a single seed can blossom into beautiful roses.
Ever eager to learn, they taught me that a good teacher is only as good as the pupils she has. They made me want to bring them on field trips every day (which I did during one September break, when I brought different groups of pupils to Pulau Ubin, the Central Business District and Bukit Timah Reserve). One group went with me to Pulau Ubin to collect weathered rocks every week until a policeman there asked what the value of the rocks was. We won a national geography competition using those rocks. It gave them
immense confidence as they realised that, with determination and hard work, they could be on par with pupils from Raffles Institution, St Josephs Institution or Chinese High School. Through Facebook, I discovered that many of them have become successful businessmen and women. They came from a challenging home environment and from a neighbourhood school where we survived on rudimentary facilities. We had, on record, the smallest audio-visual aids room. In spite of these obstacles placed in their lives, they persevered. This Teachers Day, I am honoured I was given this opportunity to teach this batch of pupils. I learnt from them that, with fortitude, they can have a successful life. They provided me an education that no amount of mass lectures can replace: Given a proper environment with tender, loving care and a good dose of discipline, a single seed can blossom into beautiful roses. All children can be educated if given a chance and the belief.
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Voices
thumbs up to Jurong town counciL
24
in the past, whenever something was faulty in my estate, the former town council took forever to solve the issue. At the recent General election, we were moved to the Jurong Group Representation constituency, and we got a new town council. After the Ge, i tested the system, i went around my estate, listing some faults that the last town council did not resolve. To my surprise, the new town council replied, and the faults were rectified within a week. i am impressed and wish to give my compliments and thumbs-up to the Jurong Town council. Letter from geraLd yong
isnt the presidentiaL eLection
A worry if PA thinks political rather than people

Letter from chan chi yung
THE stand taken by the Peoples Association (PA) on why opposition Members of Parliament cannot be advisers to grassroots bodies is disturbing because of its implications. For instance, that opposition MPs exist only to oppose the Government instead of playing the roles of offering alternative views, holding the Government accountable and representing their constituents. In that case, ruling party MPs who oppose the Governments policies during Parliamentary or internal debates, which are often said to be conducted robustly, should not take the advisers role, even if they are forced to vote according to party Whip. Other implications: The taxpayer-funded PA is set up to further the Governments goals above all other aims, such as serving the community, while opposition MPs will oppose, for no good reason, community efforts such as active-ageing and anti-dengue programmes. It seems only Peoples Action Party (PAP) members are qualified to become advisers even if they are voted out and that the PA is not apolitical, after all. The name Peoples Association is then a misnomer; it should be the Governments Association. I fail to see how the PAs stand is in line with oft-stated exhortations to have a
supposed to be non-partisan?
i read Minister Yaacob ibrahims comment, in the article Pe showed strong support for PAP (Aug 31), that the results of the Presidential election showed there was strong support for the Peoples Action Party. isnt the Presidential election supposed to be non-partisan? As we have heard Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong say, the President should remain above politics. i urge government leaders to speak cautiously on such matters. To make such conclusive remarks on the election results may be superficial. i believe in the judgement of singaporeans and that we voted based on the credentials of each presidential candidate, neutral to political parties. Letter from iVy Lam bee Lian
former aljunied mp george yeo shaking hands with the workers partys Low thia Khiang at a nomination centre during nomination day on april 27. today fiLe photo
harmonious political system. Instead, it feeds the perception that most government bodies are political and controlled by the PAP for partisan interests.
to serve residents is to respect their mandate

Letter from nicholas Loh huashan
THE revelation of the dispute between the Workers Party and the Peoples Association (PA) in Aljunied Group Representation Constituency and Hougang as well as its wider implications are worrying. The General Election (GE) has been held and elected Members of Parliament have been given the mandate by the people in their constituency to serve them. Therefore, is it not unfair and disrespectful towards the peoples mandate
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for the PA, a publicly-funded statutory board, to choose to work with the political opponents of elected MPs whose offer to serve had been rejected by the constituents? Why is the PA, an organisation meant to serve the people, going against the wishes of the majority of Aljunied and Hougang residents? Additionally, shouldnt priority in the use of constituency resources, such as common areas, go to whomever the constituents have chosen to serve them? Singapore society has been polarised already, and such ground rivalry is not in the best interests of the country and its people. Given the call for national reconciliation, unity and fairness after the bruising GE, a bold reform of grassroots-level politics is needed.
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Political stability is the Governments responsibility

Letter from edwin yeo tee yeok
LOOKING back at the Singapore Business Federations statement reported in Send strong message on economic stability (Aug 25), the SBF was right that political stability is an important prerequisite to economic stability. However, to suggest by implication or otherwise that Singaporeans should favour the incumbent solely for the sake of political continuity is misguided. The responsibility to ensure political stability rests heavily on the Government of the day. If the Government implements good, pro-Singaporean policies and is able to connect well with the people and if the political leaders serve with compassion and a sense of fairness, there is no reason why voters will not continue to support the incumbent. The results at the General Election have given the Government a report card on its performance on those counts. The ball is firmly in the Governments court to ensure that it continues to serve the nation well and thereby continue to give good reasons for the electorate to support it. Only then will there be political stability in Singapore.
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swim queen Tao Li has parted with coach Barry Prime, her second split in as many years. Does singapore know how to
make a champion? Join us tomorrow on Talkback, after the 8am news. call us at 6691 1938 and share your views.
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Singapore
starhub could follow suit amid rising data usage by consumers
Tan Weizhen
weizhen@mediacorp.com.sg
Today Thursday sepTember 1, 2011
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M1 to phase out unlimited data plans

TheoreTical broadband speeds Typical broadband speed range 0.6 to 4.8 mbps 0.7 to 6.7 mbps 1.4 to 3.7 mbps 1.7 to 4.8 mbps
the usage of data to grow with the rising popularity of smartphones and tablets among consumers. Ms Chan said that, given such a trend, telcos here may have to consider usagebased data pricing, to ensure that network quality for their customers remains optimal. Analysts Today spoke pointed out that it was just a matter of time before telcos stop offering unlimited data plans. Operators in the United States and Europe are already phasing out such plans. Gartner analyst Foong King Yew said: Telcos can give unlimited data but radio spectrum is a limited resource. It is just like
m1 singTel
up to 7.2 mbps up to 21 mbps up to 7.2 mbps up to 21 mbps
SINGAPORE Telco M1 has sounded the death knell for its unlimited mobile data plans, as analysts noted the unsustainability of such plans amid rising data usage globally. M1 yesterday introduced four new plans which will be launched today that are tiered to bundled data ranging from 4GB to 50GB. These plans would allow customers to pick plans based on what they spend, M1 said in a press release. In response to Todays queries, an M1 spokesperson explained that customers who had subscribed to its existing data plans including its unlimited data plans can continue these plans until their contracts end. On why it was no longer offering unlimited data plans, the spokesperson said: We are changing the way we sell our mobile broadband plans, mainly to enhance
our customers surfing experience across any new plan they choose, and allow them to pay for what they use. Previously, M1 customers could choose between five unlimited data plans, ranging between S$15.69 for a 1Mbps plan and S$59.40 for a 21Mbps plan. Currently, for unlimited data plans, StarHub users pay between S$27.10 for a 2Mbps plan and S$70.80 for a 21Mbps plan. SingTel does not offer unlimited data plans. And it appears that StarHub could soon follow in M1s footsteps. StarHub vice-president (personal solutions) Joanna Chan told Today: Globally, mobile operators expect
electricity. Besides, if everything is flat rate, those who use less end up subsiding those who abuse the usage. Nevertheless, Mobile and Wireless Technologies Services Research senior research manager Alex Chau pointed out that most users do not actually need that much data to require unlimited data plans. In another move, M1 also revealed its range of average broadband speeds yesterday. SingTel was the first telco here to do so in June, in response to complaints by telco customers that actual broadband speeds were a far cry from advertised speeds. Analysts noted that the range published by M1 was so broad that it was meaningless. Said Mr Fong: To be fair, it is difficult to nail down the range. But then it gets meaningless for consumers to compare average speeds across telcos. He suggested publishing typical speeds by peak and off-peak hours instead as typically, peak hours result in slower speeds. On the range published by M1, a SingTel spokesperson said: It means SingTel customers have a more accurate indication of the speeds they are actually getting.
singapore
tan Weizhen
weizhen@mediacorp.com.sg
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adults can set an example for children to speak good english

SINGAPORE The Speak Good English Movements (SGEM) campaign this year will urge Singaporeans to speak well when they interact with children so as to set an example for them to speak good English. How one speaks affects those listening, especially young children as they are curious learners and tend to mimic what they hear, according to the SGEM, now in its 11th year. And by being a good role model, adults can help themselves too. SGEM chairman Goh Eck Kheng said: The advantages of this message are twofold. When we make the effort to speak well around young children, we not only help our children but also ourselves as we will be consciously making the effort to speak better. At a media briefing yesterday to announce this years campaign, Mr Goh added that its target demographic of parents is divided into two groups : Those who cannot speak well at all and those who can but are sloppy in the way they speak. With the slogan How You Speak Makes a Difference, the campaign has 30 partners, up from 20 in previous years, for a bigger outreach. New partners include OnePeople.sg and game company Eye Power Games,with existing partners such as radio station 938LIVE. Mr Ramesh Ganeson, director of OnePeople.sg, which promotes racial harmony, said: Be it locals or new citizens, language brings people together. It is especially important now as Singapore becomes more diverse. (We should) cultivate (the habit in) children from when they are young. This years campaign will be launched on Sept 10. There will be a carnival at the Jurong Regional Library from Sept 10 to 11, with games and activities for children.
The advantages of this message are two-fold. When we make the effort to speak well around young children, we not only help our children but also ourselves as we will be consciously making the effort to speak better.
sGem chairman Goh eck Kheng
mediacorp to host public
broadcasters conference
public broadcasters from all over the world will gather here next month for the public Broadcasters international conference to share experiences, solutions and best practices in the wake of the challenges faced by the industry. Marking its 20th anniversary, the conference will be hosted by MediaCorp and held at resorts World sentosa from oct 26 to 29. issues to be discussed include funding issues, strategies to navigate the digital age, the impact of new media, the digital switchover and the role of public broadcasters in extreme situations such as natural disasters. Ms paula Kerger, president and chief executive officer of public Broadcast service (Usa), will deliver the keynote address. other distinguished speakers include Ms Christine Wilson, executive director of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Jose Marquitos, vice-president of radio e Televisao de portugal and representatives from British Broadcasting Corporation, France Televisions and Japan Broadcasting Corporation. said MediaCorp deputy Ceo Chang Long Jong: We are happy to host the delegates of public Broadcasters international 2011. We strongly believe the conference will provide an excellent opportunity for all to gain insights into our future together as public broadcasters.
appreciation movement for private sector teachers

SINGAPORE Teachers from the private education sector will receive some appreciation on Teachers Day this year alongside their public sector counterparts, with a new movement launched by the Education Services Union (ESU) and industry stakeholders to thank the 30,000 employees in the private sector. The appreciation movement, launched for the first time, aims to give greater recognition to employees in the private education sector, similar to the recognition traditionally given to those in the public sector. This will be done through initiatives such as getting private institutions to give a day off to their employees or treat their staff to a Singapore Flyer experience. The movement to be held every September is targeting non-teaching staff as well, such as the kitchen assistants and clerks who are working behind the scenes in the private education services industry to help grow and groom our future generations, said the ESU in a statement yesterday. So far, 39 organisations and one association of private schools and colleges have confirmed their participation. Said ESU executive secretary Zainudin Nordin, who is an adult educator himself: These unsung heroes and heroines are part of an essential team of working people who are behind the quality, world-class education services synonymous with the Singapore brand. He added: Without them, Singapore would not be able to realise its vision of becoming a globally-recognised, worldclass education hub. Ms Sabrina Long, head of department for 3D design at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts one of the participating schools, said her team of teachers and herself appreciated the gesture. For the private education sector to be included in a teachers appreciative movement, I think it is a sign that the education sector is becoming more mature and inclusive and the recognition that there are many private institutions which also offer excellent academic choices for students, she said.
nG JinG ynG
screen doors for elevated east-West line stations
all 23 elevated MrT stations on the east-West Line are now fitted with half-height screen doors. The 1.6m doors were introduced in 2009 to enhance commuter safety. The Land Transport authority said work has started on the remaining 10 stations (admiralty, ang Mo Kio, Choa Chu Kang, Khatib, Kranji, Marsiling, sembawang, Woodlands,Yew Tee andYio Chu Kang) on elevated stations on the north-south Line. The doors will be installed by June next year.
Yishun, Bukit Batok and Bukit gombak stations have already been fitted with the doors. it takes between four and six months to install the doors at each station, as works can only be carried out during non-operational hours between 1.30am and 4am. The LTa said it had worked closely with its contractors and the sMrT within these constraints to complete the retrofitting as quickly as possible without compromising safety.
channel neWsasia
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singapore
SINGAPORE From today, all workplaces in Singapore will be covered under the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH Act). This means all companies and employees here will need to take reasonablypractical measures to ensure their workplaces are safe. First announced in 2005, the WSH
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Firms, employees must ensure workplaces are safe

BeWAre, THe BAd gUyS Are liSTening PAge 56
Act was extended to factories in 2006 and another six sectors in 2008 before the latest extension which brings all workplaces under its purview from next month. The Manpower Ministry said this latest extension brings on board more than 100,000 organisations with over 1.6 million employees, or about half of the Singapore work force. channel newsasia
This means all companies and employees here will need to take reasonablypractical measures to ensure their workplaces are safe.
Hsa suspends licences of 14 tobacco retailers

SINGAPORE The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has suspended the tobacco licences of 14 tobacco sellers for selling tobacco to underaged youths. They were prosecuted and convicted between March and July and their licences will be suspended for six months from Sept 1 to Feb 29 next year. Two of the 14 licensees cancelled their licences before the suspension was to take effect and will not be able to sell tobacco products or apply for a new tobacco retail licence during the six-month period. Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, anyone caught selling tobacco products to those under 18 can be fined up to S$5,000 for the first offence and up to S$10,000 for the second or subsequent offence.
The tobacco retail licence will be suspended for six months for the first offence and revoked for the second.
The tobacco retail licence will also be suspended for six months for the first offence and revoked for the second. Those who sell tobacco products to underaged youths in school uniform or those below 12 years old will have their tobacco retail licence immediately revoked, even for the first offence. Members of the public who have information on the illegal sale of tobacco products to those underaged should call the HSA hotline for the tobacco regulation branch at 6213-8930 or 6213-8931 during office hours.
man charged with 3 counts of criminal breach of trust
The former accounts manager of an airfreight company has been charged with three counts of criminal breach of trust involving nearly s$590,000. Mohd azmi ishak, 36, formerly of itochu Logistics, allegedly spent the money from november 2008 until april this year. The court heard that the firm used to entrust him with pre-signed cheques for company expenses. The accused is repre-
sented by Mr alfred Lim and Mr Josephus Tan. The prosecution said the amount Mohd azmi had allegedly taken had not been recovered. However, Mr Lim told District Judge Lim Tse Hwa that restitution was in the process of being made. Mohd azmi was offered bail of s$50,000 and the pre-trial conference will be held on nov 24. if convicted, he can be jailed up to 15 years and fined on each charge. shaffiQ alkhatib
maid accused of taking s$400k in cash, valuables
a maid has been hauled to court for allegedly stealing what is believed to be the largest amount a domestic helper has stolen from an employer here. indian national Kirandeep Kaur, 25, is accused of stealing more than s$400,000 worth of cash and valuables from a flat at Block 80, Holland road, on March 28. she allegedly made off with
items including cash amounting to more than s$31,000 and five diamond bangles worth s$124,000 in all. she also allegedly stole six watches, three jewellery sets and 18 pieces of jewellery like gold chains and rings. Kaur was charged with the offence earlier this month and her case has been adjourned to nov 2. if convicted of theft, she can be jailed up to seven years and fined.
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Xinjiang attacks foiled as Zardari visits region
URUMQI China has thwarted attacks by suspected Uighur militants in its restive far western Xinjiang region, state media said yesterday as Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited a trade fair where he promised to work with Beijing to fight terrorism. Mr Zardari was in Xinjiangs capital Urumqi nearly a month after officials blamed an attack on militants trained in Pakistan. China tightened security in Urumqi ahead of the fair, deploying armed SWAT teams and baton-wielding riot police through the old part of the city which is dominated by Uighurs, a predominantly Muslim community with ties to Central Asia and increased checks on flights bound for the region. Urumqi Communist Party boss Zhu Hailun said that separatists, religious extremists and terrorists have been plotting to sabotage the expo, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. Police arrested a man at Urumqi airport on Aug 7 who tried to take a knife aboard a flight, and was suspected of planning to carry out an attack during the flight, the report said. There have been many similar cases of attacks being blocked by police,
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rust spots appear on Chinas solid gold olympic mascots

BEIJING For patriotic fans of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, they were billed as the perfect purchase limited edition versions of the games five mascots, crafted in 99.9 per cent fine gold. But as gold prices soared in recent years, hopes that the golden mascots might prove a good investment have turned to dismay after owners discovered that the commemorative items were starting to rust. One angry customer told Chinas state broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV) that he had paid nearly 2,900 (S$5,691) for 38 of the golden Fuwa, or good luck dolls which showed the five Beijing Games mascots engaged in a variety of Olympic sports. The man, identified as Mr Chen from the eastern province of Jiangsu, said he had bought the dolls through the Bank of China, complete with a certificate of authenticity from the 29th Olympic Games Organising Committee. The certificate described the mascots as being made of 99.9 per cent fine gold with a limited circulation of 10,000 pieces, giving Mr Chen confidence that he was making a sound investment. Following the CCTV programme, which mirrored a host of similar reports in other Chinese newspapers of disgruntled customers in Nanjing, Shenzhen and
Pakistan will have even greater cooperation with China at fighting terrorism and together we will strike against terrorist forces.
pakistan president asif ali Zardari
Mr Zhu said. Hopefully we have intervened in time to nip the violence in the bud. Xinjiang sits astride south and central Asia and China sees it as a vital bulwark in this volatile part of the world, making it all the more jumpy about unrest there. In a meeting on Tuesday with Xinjiang party boss Zhang Chunxian, Mr Zardari promised to work closely with China in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan will have even greater cooperation with China at fighting terrorism and together we will strike against terrorist forces, he was quoted as saying by the Peoples Daily. In 2009, Mr Zardari endorsed Chinas policies in Xinjiang, after Muslim Uighurs rioted against Han Chinese residents, killing at least 197 people. reuters
the mascot showing rusting spots.

the daily telegraph
Shanghai, the Bank of China had agreed to refund the purchase price of the mascots. But the manufacturer, the Shenzhen Eastern Gold Jade Co, said it had no plans to offer refunds, offering instead to repair any rust-spots which it put down to flaws in its electro-gilding technology.
the daily telegraph
Aquino urges China to boost investment in the Philippines

BEIJING The President of the Philippines urged Chinese companies yesterday to invest more in his country despite a territorial spat and pledged they would receive open and equal access. President Benigno Aquino III, starting a weeklong visit to China, said the economic climate is ideal for Chinese companies to invest in his countrys growing tourism, agriculture and infrastructure industries. China is an economic power. I now invite the Chinese business community to take part in this opportunity to invest in an emerging economic force in South-east Asia, Mr Aquino told the Philippines-China Economic and Trade Forum. Mr Aquino is leading 300 business leaders on a visit during which the two nations are expected to agree to a five-year plan to boost trade six-fold to US$60 billion (S$72.2 billion). The biggest hurdle in relations has been tensions over rival claims to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, where the Philippines is exploring for oil and gas. Mr Aquino told Chinese President Hu Jintao that the dispute requires a regional solution and that their differences should not deter us from moving forward, his spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. agencies
Japan pm drafts new cabinet line-up
Japans newly-elected Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is expected to pick outgoing ruling democratic Party of Japan (dPJ) secretary-general Katsuya okada as Chief Cabinet Secretary, the business daily Nikkei has reported. Mr Noda, set to form his Cabinet tomorrow, is also expected to reappoint two of his rivals in the partys leadership race, Trade Minister Banri Kaieda and Agriculture
Minister Michihiko Kano. Minister in charge of the nuclear crisis Goshi Hosono and reconstruction Minister Tatsuo Hirano are also expected to stay, the report said. The Nikkei named six-term lower House member osamu Fujimura and the deputy chairman of dPJs policy research group Koriki Jojima as other possible Cabinet pickups. reuters
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BANGKOK The Thai Cabinet has appointed more core Red Shirt members to political positions, saying it is the best way to assimilate them into the conventional political system and ensure they will act as a conduit of information from the grassroots. The Cabinet assigned several co-leaders of the red-clad United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship as assistants, advisers, secretaries and assistant secretaries to several ministers on Tuesday, reported Bangkok Post. The appointments were seen as an attempt to appease the group, as none of its members were given ministerial positions. They join about 10 other key Red Shirt members who have already been appointed to political positions. Government spokeswoman Thitima
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red Shirts appointed to advisory posts in Thailand

Chaisaeng said the postings would benefit the country. From now on, there is no need to worry that these people will take to the streets in protest, she said. In an interview with The Nation newspaper, Red Shirt leader Kokaew Pikulthong said his group will act as bodyguard to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Puea Thai government.
Mr Kokaew said the presence of the Red Shirts would make Ms Yinglucks opponents think twice about destabilising the government. Although Puea Thai won victory in the election, it is difficult to anticipate how long the government will last, he said. Some factions in the military who dislike the government might seek opportunities to stage a coup detat ... If the Red Shirts (remain) strong, the military cannot intervene in the government, he added.
SuSpecTed Suicide aTTack in pakiSTan
a firefighter spraying vehicles at the site of a bomb blast in the pakistani city of Quetta yesterday. police said the suspected suicide car bomb attack killed 10 people. two women and two children were among the dead and about 20 more were wounded in the blast. about 10 cars caught fire after the explosion, which also damaged nearby houses. there was no claim of responsibility.
reuters
Syria accused of torturing detainees

DAMASCUS At least 88 people, including 10 children, have died in detention in Syria since the uprising against the regime began in March in what amounts to systematic persecution on a vast scale, according to Amnesty International. The majority of victims were tortured or ill-treated, with injuries ranging from beatings, burns and blunt-force traumas to whipping marks, electrocution, slashes and mutilated genitals. Amnesty documented the names, dates and places of arrest of victims, while independent forensic pathologists have established possible causes of death in some cases by examining film of the bodies. Those who died in custody over the last few months are believed to have been detained because they took part in protests, or were suspected of involvement in them. Amnestys report was released yesterday after at least seven people were killed when thousands protested outside mosques following prayers to mark the end of the fasting month. A 13-year-old boy was among those killed when government forces opened fire in the southern province of Deraa. There were further deaths and injuries in the capital Damascus and the city of Homs, where people poured on to the streets to demand the removal of President Bashar Assad in defiance of tanks and troops. Syrian security forces also raided houses in central Syria yesterday to search for antigovernment protesters, activists and residents said. In Washington, the Obama administration has announced a new set of sanctions on Syria. The regulations ban Americans from doing business with Mr Assads Foreign Minister and two other senior officials. The Treasury Departments action also blocks any assets the Syrian officials may have in the United States. The US already had imposed sanctions on more than 30 Syrian officials including Mr Assad and firms, and banned any US import of Syrian oil or petroleum products.
agencies
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chinese, russian firms rebuilding crumbling infrastructure around economic zone

PYONGYANG Destitute North Koreas push to breathe new life into economic relationships with its neighbours China and Russia appears to be bearing fruit in its far north where foreigners are busy helping rebuild a crumbling infrastructure. A top local official told reporters on Tuesday that China and Russia had invested heavily in the region in order to gain access to its three east coast ports in the towns of Rajin and Songbon, which are the main centres for the secretive Norths Rason Special Economic Zone. Rason is situated well geographically, and provides favourable conditions for investment, the citys Vice-Mayor Hwang Chol Nam said through an interpreter. Over 100 Chinese bulldozers and diggers were seen working on a new mountain road connecting the Chinese border post of Jing Xin and the North Korean ports, while a new railway line linking the area with Russia is all but complete. The ports would more than halve the distance Chinese firms need to ferry goods from landlocked Yanji in Jilin province to the major industrial centre of Dalian, which is also a shipping hub for north-east China. Impoverished and squeezed by international sanctions for conducting a series of nuclear and missile tests from 2006, North Korea has reached out to Moscow and Beijing for help to fill the gap left by the drying up of South Korean and the United States economic assistance. Mr Hwang said that the North had also agreed in principle with a Chinese company to build a coal-fired power plant in the socalled Rason Special Economic Zone. We have finished all the feasibility studies, he told reporters visiting the area, adding he hoped construction on the new thermal plant would start next year. Asked the name of the Chinese company, he said: Its a secret. reuters
New N Korea road, rail links
Seoul names former envoy to steer North Korean policy

SEOUL South Koreas President Lee Myung Bak has put a former ambassador to China in charge of North Korean affairs, in a move that may signal an easing of policies towards Mr Kim Jong Ils regime before next years elections. Mr Yu Woo Ik takes over from Mr Hyun In Taek as Unification Minister, Mr Lees office said on Tuesday. Mr Hyun helped implement the harder stance towards North Korea that Mr Lee promised when he was elected in 2008. He has been vilified by North Koreas state-run Korea Central News Agency as a traitor and inventor of the confrontation policy. The appointment comes amid signs of a thaw in relations between the civil war foes, which soured last year over attacks blamed on North Korea that killed 50 South Koreans. The two countries last month agreeing to try to revive talks on the Norths nuclear weapons. Mr Lee may also be seeking a more moderate policy as he tries to restore his partys popularity before elections next year. The relationship with North Korea has deteriorated too much and people think Mr Lee is responsible for that, said Mr Paik Hak Soon, director of inter-Korean relations at the Sejong Institute outside Seoul. People are questioning whether the current policy on North Korea risks creating a military confrontation at a time when the global economy is in trouble. Mr Yu was ambassador to China from December 2009 to May this year, and Mr Lees chief of staff in 2008. He said yesterday that his appointment will not mark a change in policy towards North Korea, though he may seek ways to deal more flexibly with it, according to the Yonhap News Agency. bloomberg
All aboard for a cruise, North Korean-style

RAJIN When you think of taking a cruise, usually it is the Bahamas, Fiji or the Maldives that generally come to mind. How about North Korea? On Tuesday, the secretive state launched itself into the glitzy world of cruise tourism when about 130 passengers set sail from the rundown port of Rajin, near the China-Russia border, for the scenic Mount Kumgang resort near the South Korean border. Isolated North Koreas State Tourism Bureau has teamed up with a Chinese travel company to run the countrys first cruise aboard an ageing 9,700 tonne vessel which once plied the waters off the east coast of the divided peninsula shuttling passengers between North Korea and Japan. Some 500 North Koreans, about half dressed in dark worker clothes and the others in office and traditional attire, waved off the ship in a strictly choreographed performance on the potholed dock. The spectators waved North Koreans flags and fake flowers, and let off a blast of paper fireworks to mark the occasion. Carnival music blared from two minivans with speakers on their roofs. Vice-Mayor Hwang Chol Nam of Rason City, of which Rajin port is a part, gave a speech lauding the venture as part of the regions push to attract tourism. Any country, people from America, Japanese, Singaporean can come to Rason, thats the reality today, and thats the same for the Kumgang Special Economic Zone, he told reporters aboard the vessel. If any foreign companies have an interest in conducting tours they just need to contact our companies. reuters
the spectators waved north korean flags and fake flowers, and let off a blast of paper fireworks to mark the occasion. ap
philippines slams ex-us envoy
a guide on how to deal with bad hats in indias police
Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del rosario yesterday called the former United States ambassador to Manila a dismal failure over her leaked comments criticising the countrys democracy icon Corazon Aquino, a rare public rebuke against one of Manilas strongest allies. A 2009 US Embassy cable from Wikileaks quoted former Ambassador Kristie Kenney as saying Mrs Aquinos credibility as a moral crusader was tarnished because she associated herself with ousted President Joseph Estrada in protest movements against then-leader Gloria Arroyo. Mrs Aquino, the mother of current President Benigno Aquino III, died of cancer in 2009. Mr Albert del rosario said that, Ms Kristie Kenneys criticism of our champion of democracy was most unfortunate. ap
A human rights group has launched a campaign to help the public overcome its fear of Indias police, which has been tainted by allegations of extra-judicial killings, corruption, extortion, rape and sexual assault. The Commonwealth Human rights Initiative has published a pamphlet to spell out peoples rights and explain how to hold the force to account. It is now available at all
police stations in New delhi. It says officers are not allowed to demand free rides on public transport, take goods without paying or force someone to go to the police station if they are not under arrest. If officers act unlawfully, complaints can be made to senior officers. the daily
telegraph
taiwanese hospitals fined over transplants involving hiv donor
another two tibetan monks sentenced over colleagues death
A Chinese court has sentenced two more Tibetan Buddhist monks to up to 13 years in prison for helping a 16-year-old colleague set himself on fire penalties aimed apparently at discouraging such acts. Tsering Tenzin was sentenced to 13 years and Tenchum to 10 years, the state-owned Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday.
They were accused of plotting, instigating and helping fellow monk rigzin Phuntsog set himself on fire in an act of protest against Chinas control on Tibetan Buddhism. Another monk was earlier jailed for 11 years for hiding Phuntsog and depriving him of medical attention for 11 hours. ap
Two top Taiwanese hospitals were fined NT$150,000 (s$6,220) each for negligence after five patients received organs donated by a man who was HIV positive, AFP reported. The National Cheng Kung University Hospital and the National Taiwan University Hospital will also face criminal charges and more fines if the patients contract the HIV virus from the transplants, said the health department. The family of the 38-year-old donor, unaware that he was a HIV carrier, decided to donate his organs after he died last week. Hospital workers performing standard blood tests found that the man was HIV positive, but the message was wrongly relayed and doctors went ahead with procedures to transplant his organs to other patients.
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POSSUM KINGDOM LAKE (Texas) Wildfires sweeping through parts of Texas and Oklahoma have destroyed dozens of homes and forced hundreds of people to evacuate.
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Irene likely to be among Wildfires wreck homes in Texas, oklahoma 10 costliest disasters in US
NEW YORK Hurricane Irene will most likely prove to be one of the 10 costliest catastrophes in United States history, and analysts said that much of the damage might not be covered by insurance. Industry estimates put the cost of the storm at US$7 billion (S$8.4 billion) to US$10 billion, largely because the hurricane pummelled an unusually wide area of the East Coast. Beyond deadly flooding that caused havoc in upstate New York and Vermont, the hurricane flooded cotton and tobacco crops in North Carolina, temporarily halted shellfish harvesting in Chesapeake Bay, sapped power and kept commuters from their jobs in the New York metropolitan area and pushed tourists off Atlantic beaches in the peak of summer. While insurers have typically covered about half of the total losses in past storms, they might end up covering less than 40 per cent of the costs associated with Hurricane Irene, according to an analysis by the Kinetic Analysis Corporation, which studies the economic impact of natural disasters. That is partly because so much damage was caused by flooding which is excluded from many standard policies, and because deductibles have risen steeply in coastal areas in recent years, requiring some homeowners to cover US$4,000 worth of damage or more before insurers pick up the loss. Especially now that the economy is tight, and people dont have money sitting around ... maybe people cant even get loans from the banks, said Mr Jan Vermeiren, chief executive of Kinetic Analysis. In relief efforts, US National Guard helicopters on Tuesday rushed food and water to a dozen towns in the north-eastern state of Vermont that were cut off after the rainy remnants of the hurricane washed out roads and bridges. Up to 28cm of rain from the weekend storm turned placid streams into churning torrents that splintered buildings, knocked homes off their foundations and took giant bites out of the asphalt across the countryside. At least three people died in Vermont. Meanwhile, the US National Hurricane Centre is watching Tropical Storm Katia, which will be a major hurricane north-east of the Caribbeans northern Leeward Islands by Sunday. Katia has had top winds of 95 kmh but hurricane specialist Richard Pasch said it is not yet possible to predict its path with certainty. aGeNCIes Although officials do not yet know what ignited the blazes, a summer heat wave and drought have left both states with the perfect fuel: Parched ground and dry vegetation. Were in severe drought conditions, so just the tiniest little spark can start a wildfire, Texas
Forest Service spokeswoman April Saginor said. Firefighters working through the night were expected to make progress yesterday on a fastmoving blaze in North Texas that destroyed at least 20 homes in a lakeside community. In Oklahoma City, the wildfire destroyed up to 12 homes and damaged power lines to more than 7,000 homes and businesses. No major injuries have been reported in either blaze. Air tankers and helicopters were brought in to help fight the fires. ap
a helicopter drops water on a fire in possum Kingdom lake, texas. ap
Airline pilots forgetting how to fly

WASHINGTON Airline pilots are becoming so reliant on cockpit computers that they are forgetting basic procedures, aviation experts have warned. A draft study found pilots can abdicate too much responsibility to automated systems, resulting in significantly weaker flying skills. Both airlines and regulators commonly discourage or even prohibit pilots from turning off their aircrafts autopilot systems. The result has left pilots with significantly less opportunities to maintain their flying proficiency by flying manually. Mr Rory Kay, an airline captain and co-chairman of a United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory committee on pilot training, said on Tuesday that the airline industry is suffering from automation addiction. Were seeing a new breed of accident with these state-of-the art planes, he said. Were forgetting how to fly. The FAA study examined 46 accidents and major incidents, 734 voluntary reports by pilots as well as data from more than 9,000 flights in which a safety official had ridden in the cockpit to observe pilots in action. It found that in more than 60 per cent of accidents and 30 per cent of major incidents, pilots had trouble flying the plane manually or made mistakes with automated flight controls. The research showed increasing pilot errors included not recognising that either the autopilot or the auto-throttle which controls power to the engines had been disconnected. Other aviators in the FAA study failed to take the proper steps to recover from a stall in flight, or to monitor and maintain airspeed.
the daIly teleGraph
Wikileaks site comes under attack

LONDON The WikiLeaks website crashed on Tuesday in an apparent cyber-attack after its accelerated publication of tens of thousands of once-secret United States State Department cables raised new concerns about the exposure of confidential US embassy sources. WikiLeaks.org is presently under attack, the group said on Twitter late on Tuesday. One hour later, the site and the cables posted there were inaccessible. WikiLeaks updated its Twitter account to say that it was still under a cyber-attack and directed followers to search for cables on a mirror site or a separate search system, cablegatesearch.net. It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attack. The attack comes after current and former American officials said the disclosure in the past week of more than 125,000 sensitive documents by WikiLeaks is creating a fresh source of diplomatic setbacks and embarrassment for the Obama administration. Officials said the recently released cables also endangered informants and jeopardised US foreign policy goals. The United States strongly condemns any illegal disclosure of classified information, said Ms Victoria Nuland, a State Department spokeswoman. In addition to damaging our diplomatic efforts, it puts individuals security at risk, threatens our national security and undermines our effort to work with countries to solve shared problems. We remain concerned about these illegal disclosures and about concerns and risks to individuals, she added. WikiLeaks fired back at the criticism even as its website came under cyberattack. Dear governments, if you dont want your filth exposed, then stop acting like pigs. Simple, the group posted on Twitter. ap
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Laser beams couLd be used to create rain in humid conditions
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bonn streetwaLkers to be taxed via converted parking meters
Firing laser beams into humid air could give scientists control over when and where rain falls, a new study claims. researchers from the University of Geneva used lasers to create water droplets in the air, in a development which could eventually lead to man-made weather systems, according to a study in the Nature Communications journal. Although the technique, known as laserassisted water condensation, does not work
in dry air, scientists were able to generate the droplets in very humid conditions over the rhone river in Switzerland. The drops created just thousandths of a millimetre across were nowhere near heavy enough to fall as rain but the experts hope that by making them hundreds of times larger they will be able to create or prevent rainfall in the right conditions.
the daiLy teLegraph
The German city of Bonn has introduced parking meters for prostitutes in an attempt to tax the worlds oldest profession. Prostitutes working the streets of the old West German capital now have to buy tickets from converted roadside vending machines that once dispensed tickets to drivers. A nights ticket will cost 6 (S$10.40), irrespective of the number of clients they have. The machines also tell users the times of day when a ticket
is necessary: Between 8.15pm and 6am daily. A Bonn city council spokeswoman said the move is an act of tax fairness as prostitutes in fixed establishments such as brothels and sauna clubs already pay tax. Following complaints from residents that their roads and gardens were being used as locations for sexual acts, the city allocated six closed-off parking places for the prostitutes and their clients.
the daiLy teLegraph
Fireworks at moscow music FestivaL
Fireworks exploding above st basils cathedral during a rehearsal for the spasskaya tower international military music festival at moscows red square on tuesday. military bands from several countries were expected to participate in the third such annual event that started yesterday. reuters
rick Perry emerges as republican front-runner

WASHINGTON Governor Rick Perry has emerged top of a crowded field of Republicans who want to challenge United States President Barack Obama in next years presidential election, according to recent polls. With the first state primary elections and caucuses still months away, Mr Perry has drawn even with or passed Mr Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts Governor and businessman, in less than three weeks since announcing his candidacy. Mr Romney had been cruising atop the list of Republican hopefuls when his stiffest competition came from the likes of fellow Republicans like Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Ms Bachmann, leader of the small-government, anti-tax Tea Party caucus of House Republicans, had won the important Iowa Straw Poll on Aug 13, but Mr Perry was already stealing her message by announcing his candidacy the same day in a speech to a conservative group in South Carolina. Since then, he has eclipsed Ms Bachmann and appears to be in a two-person race with Mr Romney. Although Mr Perry still has not sold Republican party leaders, he is rapidly attracting deeper support among its voters. An Associated Press-GFK poll last month showed that among Republicans who back the Tea Party, 80 per cent view Ms Bachmann favourably while 74 per cent see Mr Perry positively. Among those Republicans who do not back the coalition, only 37 per cent have positive impressions of Ms Bachmann and 48 per cent of Mr Perry. And a Gallup tracking poll last week showed Mr Perry outdistancing Mr Romney among Republicans by 20 per cent to 17 per cent. ap
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Hosted by
GOES WASHING MACHINE SHOPPING

and reduce detergent use. DRUM DESIGN Apart from getting your clothes clean, the drums in washing machines are also designed to minimise damage to fabrics and to prolong their lifespan. Instead of the conventional drum which is covered with holes for water flow, some employ a different method of water circulation and have a smoother drum surface to prevent fabric snags. There are also those which use smaller holes further depressed into the walls of the drum, which minimises fabric contact. A GENTLE GUSH The design of water flow and circulation also contributes to how clean and gentle the wash is. Some machines use powerful water currents that move in such a way that they push up the clothes and encourage the circulation of water and detergent. Others use a variation of waterfalls to achieve the same effect. For those with sensitive skin, some machines run a final warm rinse to remove traces of detergent. When it comes to the drum design and water flow, it is hard to determine in the stores what suits you best. Do consult the retail assistants, narrow down some models that you prefer, and read reviews on them online before making your decision. EXTRA FEATURES Many machines now have technology to remove bacteria and fungus. This is especially useful if you dry your clothes indoors, or perspire a lot (perspiration is odourless until it is broken down by bacteria to release fatty acids, which then release unpleasant odours). Some washing machines use silver ions which supposedly destroy bacteria and create an invisible protective shield around your clothing to keep them fresher-smelling until they are washed again. Those prone to allergies may also benefit from smart features that detect the amount of detergent residue that remains in the last rinse cycle. The optimum rinsing programme is then automatically set to ensure a final, thorough cleaning. Some washing machines also have dedicated baby wash modes that pay special attention to the elimination of bacteria, germs and detergent using high temperature rinses. Lastly, it is important to clean your washing machine regularly but if its too much of a hassle for you, some machines have self-cleaning functions hot steam is blasted at high spin speed to ensure that toxic substances are cleared out of every corner of the tub. A wide range of washing machines, priced from S$269, are available at Harvey Norman.
washing machine is essential for most of us and given that it is one of those appliances we expect to last at least five to 10 years, its important to do some research beforehand so that we purchase the right one. The latest washing machines are packed with intelligent features that help make laundry an easier undertaking but at the same time, there may be functions that are redundant for you and which only add unnecessary cost to the machine. Read on to find out what are available and what works for you. FUNDAMENTAL DECISIONS First, think about whether you want a front or top loading washing machine. One with a front swing door makes it easier for the loading of heavy, bulky items such as bedding. Also, you can use the empty top as a countertop this is especially useful if you have a small laundry area. Top-loaders, on the other hand, are good for those who have problems bending down. Plus, there are also some models that allow you to open the cover mid-wash, if you need to toss some forgotten item into it. Noise is another big issue. If you have a baby at home, or simply do not want a loud, rumbling machine to ruin your weekends, look for models with quiet motors. Most machines now have some form of noise reduction capability, whether it is achieved through the elimination of belts and gears or via a gentler vibration. Also consider how easy it is to use. Some machines may have an excellent list of functions but an intimidating panel of buttons prevents you from utilising them anyway. There are also washing machines with intelligent systems that automatically figure out your wash load, amount of detergent to be used, water temperature, etc. ENERGY AND WATER SAVING Energy efficiency should be a priority. Look out for environmentally friendly labels as well as functions such as standby power-off features which cut electricity supply to the machine when it is powered off, even without having to switch off your main switch. Also look for water-saving features. Some washing machines use powerful water mists to wet laundry at the beginning of the cycle not only does this help to reduce the amount of water used, a mist of water dissolve detergents more effectively and helps minimise residue on fine fabrics. There are also specially-designed drums without conventional holes, which help conserve water
Tell us what to look out for when shopping for washing machines!
Email your tip, in no more than 50 words, to smartshopper@mediacorp.com.sg by 12pm on Sept 7 with your full name as in NRIC, NRIC number and contact number, and you could be the lucky one to win a $50 shopping voucher from Harvey Norman! The winning tip will be published in the next Smart Shopper feature on Sept 15.
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Shopper tip of the week

How to choose a smart kitchen appliance
A good set of headphones should fit snugly and play music according to your preferred acoustics. Choose a set that blends with your wardrobe and dressing style. A docking station should enable you to access all the music files in your MP3 player and have add-on features that you need.
>> Contributed by Aloysius Liang, SXXX7192H
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World
LONDON A pill that prevents sunburn could be on the shelves within less than five years after British scientists discovered how coral shields itself against harmful ultra-violet rays. Coral does not suffer from sunburn despite living in shallow water in tropical areas because it is able to produce its own natural sunscreen. By studying the compounds which protect it from ultraviolet rays, researchers hope to develop a tablet which can protect our skin and eyes without the need for dark glasses or the application of sun cream. If their work progresses as they hope it will, scientists from Kings College London said the first sunscreen pill could be available within five years.
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Sunblock in a pill could be available within five years

The tablet might have to be prescribed by doctors to prevent the risk of people overdosing which could lead to vitamin D deficiency and cause weak bones. Coral converts compounds produced by algae living inside it to make a sunscreen which protects both the coral and the algae from sunburn, the researchers discovered. Fish which feed on the coral also gain protection from the sun but the human digestive system wipes out the compounds before they can offer us any benefit. But Dr Paul Long, who is leading the research, hopes to engineer the compounds in the lab so that they survive long enough in our bodies to enter the bloodstream and offer us some level of protection from ultraviolet rays. the daily telegraph
Japanese peoples long life not just due to diet

TOKYO It is not just the sushi and it is definitely not the sake. Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world but the reasons, says a new analysis, have as much to do with equality and public health measures as diet. A baby girl born in Japan today can expect to live to the age of 86 and a boy to nearly the age of 80. But it has not always been so. According to a paper in a Lancet medical journal series on healthcare in Japan, this is a rise of 30 years from the expected lifespan in 1947. While the Japanese diet has contributed, it is far from being the only factor. The remarkable improvement in Japanese health began with the rapid economic growth of the late 50s and 60s. The government invested heavily in public health, introducing universal health insurance in 1961, free treatment for tuberculosis and cutting childhood deaths through vaccination and treatment of intestinal and respiratory infections. Following the control of infectious diseases, Japan tackled its high death rate from stroke with salt reduction campaigns and the use of drugs to control blood pressure. But beyond the initiatives by past governments, there are attitudes and cultural practices among the people of Japan that have also helped, says the article by Professor Kenji Shibuya of the department of global health policy at the University of Tokyo, and his colleagues. First, Japanese people pay attention to hygiene in all aspects of their daily life, they said. Second, they are health conscious. In Japan, regular check-ups are the norm. Third, Japanese food has a balanced nutritional benefit and the diet of the Japanese population has improved in tandem with economic development over the past five decades. However, the downside of Japans success in keeping its people healthy is that the population is unbalanced and becoming more so. At the moment, 23 per cent of the population is over the age of 65. Other problems include drinking and smoking among overworked business people and a high suicide rate partly attributable to rising unemployment. Unless these issues are tackled, the paper suggests, Japan could lose its position at the top of the longevity table.
the guardian
papaya leaves can cure dengue fever: study
researchers in Malaysia have discovered that papaya leaves are a possible cure for dengue fever, Bernama reported yesterday. The study, initiated by dr S Kathiresan of the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology University in Kedah, found that leaves of the papaya fruit are high in complex vitamins that might help the bone marrows boost blood platelet production. Severe dengue can result in
life-threatening haemorrhagic fever which results in bleeding and low blood platelet levels. dr Kathiresan said mice that were fed ground papaya leaves in an experiment showed a significantly higher platelet count after 72 hours. According to Bernama, the consumption of papaya leaves or even the juice from the pengaga plant (also known as pennywort) is known to be a local folk remedy for dengue.
agencies
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BUSINESS
SINGAPORE The domestic loan book of banks in Singapore grew by 27.8 per cent in July on an annual basis, the fastest in the 12 years that comparable data has been available from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Cumulative loans outstanding of banks including DBS Group Holdings, OverseaChinese Banking Corp and United Overseas Bank reached S$381.8 billion at the end of the month, led by advances for general commerce and the agricultural, mining, quarrying and manufacturing industries. From a month ago, bank lending here gained 2 per cent. DMG and Partners Research said in a report that the 2.7 per cent month-on-month increase in business loans in July was sharply lower than Junes 4.1 per cent because of softer growth in manufacturing loans, loans to financial institutions and general commerce loans. Whilst business loans were the star performers year-to-date, the house expects slowing business loans going forward, on the back of global uncertainties reducing investments by corporates. Housing loans to consumers rose 1.3 per cent to S$122.9 billion from June, central bank data showed. Loans to professionals and private individuals amounted to S$3.9 billion in July, slightly up from S$3.87 billion in June. Building and construction loans were S$60.55 billion, compared with S$59.17 billion in June and S$48.71 billion in July last year. Manufacturing loans was S$16.17 billion, slightly up from S$16.15 billion in June. aGeNCIes
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Singapore bank loans up 27.8% in July
housing loans rose 1.3 per cent to s$122.9 billion from June. today FILe photo
6 Spore firms in Forbes Asias Best Under a Billion list

SINGAPORE Six Singapore companies are ranked among the top 200 Asia-Pacific corporations in Forbes Asias Best Under a Billion list for this year. They include ARA Asset Management, warehousing and services firm CWT, Ezion Holdings, Leader Environmental Technologies, Miclyn Express Offshore and engineering firm PEC. The list ranks public companies in the Asia-Pacific region with annual revenues between US$5 million (S$6 million) and US$1 billion. The companies are also evaluated for return on equity. Forbes said the firms, selected from an initial field of more than 15,000 companies, had recorded both sales and earnings growth amid the economic
asCott Gets CoNtraCts to maNaGe 2 ChINa propertIes
On average the companies on our list have a 13 per cent debt-to-equity ratio. In fact, 67 of these companies carry no debt at all.
Forbes
volatility that began in 2008. Most navigated the global credit crunch with little to no debt on their balance sheets. On average the companies on our list have a 13 per cent debt-to-equity ratio. In fact, 67 of these companies carry no debt at all, it added. Chinese and Hong Kong
firms dominated the list with 65 companies from the two regions making the list. Forbes added that among the 65 companies, 21 were also in the list last year. On average, Chinese and Hong Kong companies saw a 43-per-cent increase in sales over the last three years, while earnings per share grew 50 per cent over the same time. Some of the star performers include Chinese online trading platform Alibaba.com and 361 Degrees International, which manufactures sporting goods. India, with 35 firms ranked, represented the second-largest number of companies that found a place in the list. Taiwan came in third place with 25 entries. Vietnam made the biggest jump with 10 companies, nine more than last year.
CapitaLand said yesterday its serviced residence business unit, The Ascott, has signed contracts to manage two properties in China. The 181-unit Ascott Financial City Chengdu, the first Ascottbranded serviced residence in Chengdu, is slated to open in 2014. The 187-unit Somerset Wangjing Beijing, in the citys
Wangjing business area, is scheduled to open in 2013, CapitaLand said in a statement to the Singapore Exchange. With the new projects, Ascott is on track to achieve 12,000 apartment units in the country by 2015, from the current 7,000, the statement said, without disclosing the financial details of the contracts.
doW JoNes
CCm WINs s$100.5m CoNtraCts From hdb, orIoN-oNe
Home-grown general contractor CCM Group announced yesterday it has secured two contracts worth a combined S$100.5 million from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and Orion-One Residential. The HDB contract, worth S$68.2 million, is for the construction of 491 residential units in Jurong West Neighbourhood 2. The contract commences on
Sept 5 and is expected to be completed by December 2013. The Orion-One contract, worth S$32.3 million, is for the construction of a 23-storey residential apartment building with a five-storey multi-storey car park, swimming pool, communal facilities and a sky terrace in Jalan Ampas. The contract begins Oct 15 and is expected to be completed by October 2013.
BreadTalk may raise prices to counter higher costs

steLLa Lee aNd amaNda FeNG
stellalee@mediacorp.com.sg
SINGAPORE Singapore-listed bakery BreadTalk said yesterday it is considering raising product prices to offset higher production costs and wheat prices, which have risen by 20 per cent over the past two months. Input costs are going up and there are no signs of that softening. If these do get out of hand, we will have to revise our prices, said BreadTalk Group chairman George Quek. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the bakery chains new S$64.08 million headquarters in Paya Lebar, Mr Quek added that he is banking
Input costs are going up and there are no signs of that softening. If these do get out of hand, we will have to revise our prices.
breadtalk Group chairman George Quek
on consumption holding up, even with rising inflation. Also at the ceremony was Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan, who said that while the United States and
some European countries had deep-seated, structural difficulties to address, emerging economies and Asia remain as bright spots for now, with continued investments and consumption. He said economic cycles have become more volatile and compressed and that businesses here must learn to accept the situation and devise ways to stay afloat. Reflecting his advice, BreadTalk said it is seeking opportunities and partnerships with suppliers for the procurement of frozen dough and noodles. The company, which also operates noodle store RamenPlay, currently uses such frozen dough and noodles in its meals. The group also hopes to add 1,000 new outlets in Asia, especially in China.
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Business
rachel Kelly
rachel@mediacorp.com.sg
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singapore Mercantile exchange seeks growth on first anniversary

SINGAPORE The Singapore Mercantile Exchange (SMX), which celebrated its first anniversary yesterday, is in discussions with other exchanges in the region to help it expand. We have a tie-up with the ICDX Indonesia and we are talking to a few other regional exchanges in this geography, and specifically people are looking out to Singapore to associate for some understanding on these segments, said Mr Vaidyalingam Hariharan, interim CEO of SMX. There are currently 12 contracts on the SMX. So far, volumes have remained relatively modest, with 400,0000 contracts worth S$16 billion traded. Volumes on SMX have grown from the low thousands at the end of last year, to an average of 15,000 lots traded daily at the moment. We are planning to launch new contracts or Asia centric contracts and contracts which have got Asia as either the largest consumer or producer in any commodity. The exact number will be out in the next few months, said Mr Hariharan. SMX, which kicked off trading last year on Aug 31, will also launch the worlds first international Black Pepper Futures Contract later this year. Phillip Futures sales director Thair Hussain said of the SMXs volume: For any exchange this is a modest volume. He added that trading volumes will increase substantially with the sugar and black pepper futures contracts.
us blocks AT&T deal

aFternoon latest
NEW YORK The Obama administration sued to block AT&Ts US$39-billion (S$47-billion) acquisition of wireless rival T-Mobile on concerns it would harm competition. AT&T, led by chief executive Randall Stephenson, plans to fight the governments decision in court. Shares of AT&T, the No 2 United States carrier behind Verizon Wireless, fell as much as 5.4 per cent. If AT&Ts purchase of the No 4 carrier T-Mobile falls through, it may have to pay a huge break-up fee and benefits, such as spectrum grants, worth an estimated US$6 billion to Deutsche Telekom. The Justice Department yesterday said eliminating TMobile as a competitor would
be disastrous for consumers, particularly because the smaller provider is considered a pioneer in low-cost service plans. The lawsuit is a serious attempt to halt a fundamentally flawed deal, not a tactic to wring outsized concessions from AT&T, a source familiar with the lawsuit said, adding that the companies would have to give up so much to win approval. Were the merger to proceed, there would only be three providers with 90 per cent of the market, and competition among the remaining competitors on all dimensions, including price, quality and innovation, would be diminished, said Deputy Attorney General James Cole. The department said it is open to negotiations with the company, but most likely it will be up to the courts. reuters
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nyse top 5 by volume

name vol price change
11,613.50 (+0.46%) us
nasdaq 2,579.46 (+0.13%) s&p500 1,218.89 (+0.49%)
bank of america sprint nextel at&t Ford motor general electric
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overnight
us marKets Wall st ends worst month on upbeat note
Stocks ends the worst month in more than a year on an up note yesterday, with sharp gains in the last several days still not enough to repair the damage from a United States credit downgrade and fears of a slide back into recession. Sentiment turned dramatically in recent days on expectations the Federal Reserve will again intervene to support the economy. With yesterdays gains, the Dow was back in the black for the year. Almost two stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange.
europe
Ftse100 5,394.53 (+2.39%) daX 5,784.85 (+2.50%) cac40 3,256.76 (+3.07%)
all figures correct as at 8am this morning
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todAy thursdAy sePtember 1, 2011
Business
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Japan factory output falls short of expectations

TOKYO Japans industrial production fell short of expectations in July as a strong yen, power shortages and slowing global economy compounded the struggle to recover from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said yesterday that industrial production climbed 0.6 per cent from the previous month. In its previous report, the ministry had projected a 2.2-per-cent rise in July following a robust 3.8-per cent-gain in June. The Nikkei 225 stock average closed little changed at 8,955.20 while most other Asian markets gained. The worlds third-largest economy relies on exports to drive growth and any downturn in overseas demand threatens to undermine progress made since the disaster. The tsunami wiped out much
of Japans north-east coast, damaging factories and disrupting critical supply chains for key Japanese industries like cars and electronics. The car industry has yet to completely bounce back. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said in a separate report yesterday that industry-wide production in July fell by 8.9 per cent from the same month last year. The outlook for the coming months is mixed. The ministry expects industrial production to jump 2.8 per cent last month, then fall by 2.4 per cent this month. AP
sony, Toshiba, Hitachi to combine LCD operations, plan iPO

TOKYO Japanese electronics makers Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi will merge their liquidcrystal display (LCD) operations into a venture to be called Japan Display KK, using about S$3.1 billion of governmentbacked funds to fend off growing competition from rivals in South Korea and Taiwan. They aim to complete the merger by the spring of next year and have forecast sales of 750 billion (S$11.8 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 2016. The three partners are also planning an initial public offering by March 2016, according to the ventures biggest shareholder. We set up this entity to ensure that Japanese companies can maintain their competitive edge in the LCD panel space going forward, said Mr Kimikazu Noumi, president and CEO of Innovation Network Corp of Japan (INCJ), a government-backed investment fund which will hold a 70-per-cent stake in the new company. INCJ will invest about 200 billion in the merged unit. Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi will each hold a 10 per cent stake, the three firms said yesterday. The new display company will focus on developing nextgeneration displays, including thinner organic light-emitting diode displays with higher resolution. The merger is expected to create the worlds largest maker of small panels used in smartphones and tablet PCs, leapfrogging global leaders Sharp and Samsung Electronics. Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi together controlled 21.5 per cent of the market for small and medium-sized displays last year, ahead of Sharp with 14.8 per cent or Samsung Mobile with 11.9 per cent, research firm DisplaySearch estimates.
AGeNCIes
uKs Tesco pulls out of Japan

LONDON Tesco said yesterday it will exit the Japanese market, joining a growing list of Western grocery behemoths who have struggled to entice shoppers in the Asian economic powerhouse. Japan is the smallest of Tescos international retail businesses, with 129 leasehold-owned, small stores in the Greater Tokyo area. This represents less than 0.5 per cent market share in the capital, the company said. We have concluded that we cannot build a sufficiently scalable business, chief executive Philip Clarke said, adding that the division made a small operating loss last year. It has proven very difficult to shift consumers from the stores that they use. You are competing with some extremely large Japanese retailers, both national and regional. Tesco, which first entered the Japan market in 2003, said it will carry out a formal sale process over the coming months, during which the Japanese business will continue to trade. Mr Clarke said more than half of the Japanese stores are profitable and is confident the business will attract a buyer, but declined to comment on valuation. Tescos exit from Japan follows French grocery rival Carrefours departure in 2005. United States-based Walmart Stores entered the Japanese market nine years ago and now operates 414 stores there, but has posted losses in the country for seven straight years. doW JoNes
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Business
olam international buys suGar mill and power plant in india for s$89 million
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Olam international, a commodities supplier partly owned by Temasek Holdings, said yesterday it has acquired all the shares of Hemarus industries, a company that owns a sugar mill and a power plant in india, for us$73.8 million (s$88.7 million). Hemarus owns a sugar milling facility that can crush up to 3,500 met-
ric tonnes of sugar cane per day and a 20 megawatt co-generation plant. Olam plans to invest us$6.6 million to raise the plants sugar milling capacity to 5,000 tonnes per day, the commodities supplier said. Olams president for the sugar business, Mr Devashish Chaubey said: This acquisition is another step
forward in our plans to build a configuration of sugar milling assets in large sugar producing countries that have a comparative cost advantage. The company made its first investment in india in 2008 acquiring Giridharilal sugar and Allied industries. Olam shares closed up 11.16 per cent to s$2.59 yesterday. dow Jones
sharp fall in consumer confidence in the West

LONDON Debt crises and financial market turmoil have triggered sharp falls in consumer confidence in Europe and the United States, threatening to plunge western economies into a downward spiral. Pessimism among Britons has reached levels usually seen in a recession while US consumer confidence tumbled to the lowest in two years. Consumer confidence in the US fell sharply by almost 15 points to 44.5 last month from July, according to the monthly gauge from the economic indicators research organisation the Conference Board. This is the lowest level since April 2009 and worse than analysts had expected. A closely watched index measuring United Kingdom consumer confidence from GfK NOP Social Research dropped for the third month in a row to hit -31 last month, 13 points below a year ago and one point lower than July. The index also hit -31 in April this year but bounced
It has only been as low on two other occasions. On both occasions the decline in consumer confidence mirrored a slide into recession.
back the following month boosted by sunny weather and the royal wedding. It has only been as low on two other occasions during the downturn of 2008-2009 and in the early months of 1990. On both occasions the decline in consumer confidence mirrored a slide into recession, noted Mr Nick Moon, managing director of GfK NOP Social Research. In the euro zone, business and consumer confidence declined for the sixth month. The European Unions economic sentiment index fell by 5 points to 97.3 for the EU and by 4.7 to 98.3 for the 17 countries using the euro taking the index below its long-term average of 100. the Guardian
uBs expands private banking team in Asia

SINGAPORE UBS has hired more than 100 people in Asia for its private banking arm over the past two months. The hires include Mr Alun Branigan, a former founding partner of emerging markets private equity firm Actis, as head of a corporate advisory group that targets ultra high net worth clients. CEO of UBS Wealth Management Asia Kathryn Shih said in an internal note to staff that UBS hired more than 100 employees in July and last month alone, taking the number of new hires across the region to date to 300. Mr Branigan, who will be based in Singapore, was previously head of his own consultancy business. He was also previously the head of the investment
UBS hired more than 100 employees in July and last month alone, taking the number of new hires across the region to date to 300.
banking team for Asia ex-Japan at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein. Other recent hires include Mr Stephen Lam, who joined UBS as country team head for Taiwan from Citigroup, and Mr David Hayward-Evans, who is head of philanthropy and valuesbased investing for Asia-Pacific. Mr Hayward-Evans was previously with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
CheunG KonG seeKs to pay 5% yield for spore bond
Cheung Kong (Holdings) seeks to pay a low 5 per cent yield for its planned singapore dollar-denominated bond, according to a term sheet that was released yesterday. The company plans to sell
a benchmark Reg s senior perpetual bond this week. The company has hired DBs and JP Morgan to arrange the deal, it said, adding that the proceeds will be for general corporate purposes.
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SME
samson paper Ceo attributes his success to his understanding of how business is conducted in mainland
steLLa Lee
stellalee@mediacorp.com.sg
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Setting sights on opportunities in China

SINGAPORE Singapore is just too small for entrepreneurs like Dennis Lee (picture). Having tried his hand at business ventures ranging from trading in corporate gifts to childrens products, the one-time shipyard worker and Queenstown Secondary Technical School graduate headed for China. I saw opportunities in China, said the 54-year-old simply. Mr Lee also anticipated a huge domestic market about to start consuming. Working on instinct, he then set his sights on Samson Paper Holdings, a paper merchant based in Hong Kong that trades in and markets a range of paper packaging products. After making an investment in the company in 1997, he decided to join the business, working his way up to become chief executive officer of the company. Paper is still very much an indispensable commodity. In anything you buy, paper is a significant cost, explains Mr Lee, who reiterates often that paper packaging is used everywhere. Samson Paper is currently Hong Kongs largest paper merchant with a 30 per cent market share. The company has nearly 90 per cent of its business in China, with 23 and has 20 per cent of its pulp production supplied to Samson Paper. Indeed, one of the secrets of his success is that he understands how business is done in China. Guanxi, or the Chinese way of business networking, is a concept that any businessman working in China will have to be acquainted with. Speaking about his own experience, Mr Lee revealed that the acquisition of a mill in 2007 could not have materialised without the help of local government contacts. They were looking for a big player to take over the mill, he said. Having convinced the sellers to sell him the mill, Mr Lee then set upon transforming the troubled mill. With little modern infrastructure, the priority was to provide better logistics and machine upgrading. Today, the mill, which has an annual paper production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes, has more than tripled its annual output since 2007 to 400,000 tonnes. Samson Paper and UPP have around 2,000 employees combined, most of whom are Chinese nationals. Mr Lee added that, in doing business with the Chinese, we must have the right attitude towards them, (which is) to first trust them. Issues of business trust and integrity on the mainland typically surface because the Chinese have yet to reach a stage where business is viewed as an equable transaction, he says. But he believes this will change. They need to go to through a learning curve as well, said Mr Lee.
For his efforts in building up the company, Mr Lee was recognised at this years Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards in Hong Kong, taking home the title of Entrepreneur of the Year, in recognition of his efforts in expanding the family-run firm into a conglomerate.
photo Courtesy dennis Lee
sales distribution offices in the entire Asian region, employing about a 1,000 people. For his efforts in building up the company, Mr Lee was recognised at this years Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards in Hong Kong, taking home the title of Entrepreneur of the Year, in recognition of his efforts in expanding the family-run firm into a conglomerate.
Mr Lee is optimistic about Samsons future prospects and plans to expand further into the northern Chinese hinterland. Samson reaps cost savings from raw paper pulp supplied by a paper mill acquired for 385 million yuan (S$72.6 million) under the company Universal Pulp and Paper (UPP). The mill, based in Zaozhuang, Shandong, currently employs about 1,000 employees,
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Digital
commentary
James Lyne
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Beware, the bad guys are listening

T
oday, your mobile phone knows where you are, where you are supposed to be and who you should be talking to. We can now instantly connect our real lives to digital information purchasing tickets, sharing business data or connecting with friends who happen to be nearby. While we may worry about malware and phishing attacks on our smartphones and tablets, new functionality also breeds new opportunities for the bad guys. Augmented reality, for example, connects location information with a users social media friends, enabling them to identify digital contacts nearby. Unfortunately, users are generally more scrupulous about their real friends than they are with their digital connections. This in turn opens up new prospects for social engineering, such as knowing when you are away from your home for crime purposes. The more applications and new capabilities we use, the more we increase the attack surface area for cyber criminals. We can expect our lives to come under greater scrutiny with mobiles becoming the combination of a passport, personal record store and social life. However, mobile devices are not just smaller versions of the PC, even though they increasingly perform identical tasks. The underlying operating systems, from Android to Apple iOS, use fundamentally different architectures to PCs and manufacturers have introduced new concepts based on traditional operating systems over many years of computing. Modern mobile platforms tend to have capabilities that can isolate applications. The access control and permission systems have also undergone drastic reform from the conventional OS. Rather than a permissions system based on access to arbitrary items like registry keys, they instead focus on more human access permissions, such as whether an application needs to access your location data or SMS messages. These capabilities show great promise for producing a more secure, usable OS but they are, as yet, far from perfect. Many of these controls do not come with smart, secure defaults, or just rely on the user to edit the permissions (and we all recognise the tendency for users to just click okay). These capabilities are not bad news however, as security vendors can manage them to bolster the security of the device. There have of course been examples never been affected by malware. The reality is that, until recently, most of us were just not placing data that was worth stealing. Now that smartphones contain valuable assets, the bad guys are paying attention. We can expect a significant increase in the volume of malware over the coming years. Anti-virus capabilities will be important, though the defence technologies will work differently from the PC, focusing more on reputation and behaviour rather than traditional content security. Anti-malware capabilities will be increasingly required. The most interesting area is perhaps data protection to avoid those awkward accidental email forwards and continuous encryption of data as it flows between different devices. Recent events and changes in mobile technology indicate that it is likely that the threats on these devices will both diversify and significantly increase in number in the short term. We must then be ready to address them with available security controls as they evolve over time. James Lyne is director of Technology Strategy at global IT security and data protection firm Sophos.
today FiLe photo
of malicious code but this is minimal when compared to those targeting the PC. Android, in particular, has suffered more attacks from malicious code due to its more open application market, although even those with a strong security reputation like BlackBerry have been victims too. While malware attacks for mobile devices are undoubtedly different, they are still entirely possible. Mobile malware weve seen to date includes fake Internet banking applications which steal your credentials and your money, and in some cases your bank authentication token code sent by a bank via SMS. Many users assume their mobile devices are eminently secure as theyve
GooGLe+ hits a (Facebook) waLL
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the amount of time United States users spend on googles new social network has grown more slowly, indicating that it may struggle to make headway against Facebook. Users on average spent 5 minutes and 47 seconds on google+ last week, up about 4 per cent from the previous week, according to Experian Hitwise, which tracks internet statistics.
US visits to google+ fell by 5.5 per cent to 1.16 million, after rising by 2.6 per cent during the same period, said Experian Hitwise. Still, google has not opened up the service to everyone yet, so its too early to judge user numbers, said Mr Michael gartenberg, an analyst with gartner, the technology research firm.
google+ is the companys latest effort to help it compete against Facebook, the worlds most popular social site. While the new service offers some good features for sharing content with friends, Facebook is an entrenched rival with more than 750 million users, said an analyst.
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Big names do not faze Lions
Avramovics men will not be cowed by Camachos Real Madrid credentials
ASIAN WORLd CuP quALIFIeR, POOL A China vs Singapore
SHAMIR OSMAN
shamir@mediacorp.com.sg
SINGAPORE As a Real Madrid player, he chalked up nine league titles and a couple of European trophies. He went on to manage the Galacticos of Real Madrid and guided Spain to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup. But tomorrow, when China host Singapore in the opening Group A clash in the third round of Asias World Cup qualifiers, Jose Antonio Camacho will just be a man screaming on the sidelines at Kunmings Toudong Stadium in a language his Chinese players will not understand, as far as the Lions are concerned. Big name or not, Camacho does not strike fear within Radojko Avramovics 22man squad, who believe the pressure is piled high on their opponents. Camacho is a big name, but knowing Raddy, I dont think he will care who is sitting on the other bench at all, Singapore hitman Aleksandar Duric told Today in a telephone interview from Kunming. We players certainly dont care. Spaniard Camacho took over the reins of the Chinese team on Aug 14, a big-name signing charged to awaken the sleeping Asian giants. Duric, 41, asserts that while Camacho will look to implement changes in the Chinese team, it will take time for it to bear fruit. Team-mate Shaiful Esah echoed the
What we have is hunger. We want to prove that Singapore football can match the best in Asia. We want to win this game, and make history by qualifying for the fourth round of the qualifiers, and we are all willing to work for each other to get a good result.
Singapore Lion left-back Shaiful esah
sentiment. Said the Lions left-back: He might change the Chinese system of play and the players might be confused by it. Of course, players also tend to play well in the first game of the new coach to stake their claim for a spot in the first XI. China made the World Cup finals in 2002 but have failed to feature in the last two editions. The 40,000-capacity Toudong Stadium tomorrow will be full of excited partisan support but Shaiful believes the Lions wont be cowed. What we have is hunger. We want to prove that Singapore football can match the best in Asia. We want to win this game, and make history by qualifying for the fourth round of the qualifiers, and we are all willing to work for each other to get a good result, said the 25-year-old. According to Duric, the Lions will not park the proverbial bus in front of the
Singapore goal. We are always looking to score goals, because scoring is important for the teams confidence. But we are aware that we are playing away and that China are a team full of good individuals. We need to work as a unit if we are to achieve anything, he said. The Tampines Rovers forward has been singled out by Camacho in the Chinese press, along with fellow forward Qiu Li, as the players who could threaten Chinas goal. While flattered, Duric tips his hat to Camacho for his professionalism. He may have only been in charge for a short time, but it is clear China are preparing well under him ... they are watching tapes of our recent matches and are taking this game seriously, said Duric. The other teams in the group are Iraq and Jordan. They will take on Iraq at the Jalan Besar Stadium four days after the crunch tie with China. Iraq also have a big name as coach, recently appointing Brazilian legend Zico on a year-long contract. Big names or not, Duric has a good feeling about Singapores chances. This campaign is not just about Fridays game, it is a long campaign, but I have a feeling there will be several upsets in this group, he said.
Ex-Lions urge players to focus and play without fear

SINGAPORE A disputed penalty stood between Singapore and what would have been a credible draw with China in an Asian Cup qualifier in 2006, and the lessons learned that August night in Tianjin still hold true. So believes that man whose challenge in the box was harshly adjudged to have been a foul, the resulting converted penalty helping China escape with a 1-0 victory. Former Singapore skipper Aide Iskandar remembers that day vividly, and warns the current batch of Lions of the dangers that lie ahead should they fail to learn from history. Singapore take on China in Kunming tomorrow in their opening Group A match in the third round of Asias World Cup qualifiers and Aide said yesterday: The current team that we have should come away with a good result, especially after the performances against Malaysia and Thailand. But they need to concentrate for every single second of the game until the referee blows the final whistle, and they need to show teamwork, those things are vital. Five years ago in Tianjin, Singapore played like a unit for 90 minutes, showing good teamwork and strong commitment against a China side featuring a number of players with European club experience. But a lack of concentration allowed the Chinese to slip inside the Lions penalty box during added time, leading to the penalty. Alongside Aide in defence that day was S Subramani. The former defender urged the Lions to play without fear. Every single player on the pitch that day did his part and played to instruction: That is what the current players must do on Friday, he said. The boys must not go into the game thinking they are going to lose. We have players who will give us a chance to come away with a good result, but it is all a matter of mindset. They must believe they can get a result. Aide believes there could be much to cheer about tomorrow. Its tough but definitely not impossible to leave Kunming with a good result, especially considering that China are a team in transition, with a new coach in Jose Camacho, he pointed out. We should capitalise on that, but the team must concentrate until the referee blows the final whistle. SHAMIR OSMAN
Catch the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between China and Singapore live on Channel 5 on Friday at 7.55pm.
The Lions during a training session for tomorrows game against China.
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Chelsea sign Raul Meireles

portugese midfielder seals move to stamford bridge after submitting transfer request
aFterNooN Latest
Hargreaves switches to City

LONDON Manchester City made Owen Hargreaves the most unexpected signing of the summer transfer window when the injury-plagued midfielder joined on a oneyear deal. The Canadian-born Hargreaves was released by English champion Manchester United at the end of last season after failing to complete a match in three years because of knee, shoulder and hamstring trouble. However, the 30-year-old former England midfielder has proved his fitness to City, where he will likely be a backup to Netherlands international Nigel de Jong in the big-spending clubs star-studded squad. Hargreaves is City manager Roberto Mancinis sixth summer signing - and could be a shrewd one if he manages to avoid any more injuries that have derailed a career that peaked during the 2006 World Cup when he was arguably Englands best performer in Germany. In a statement announcing the freetransfer signing, City acknowledged injury has taken its toll on Hargreaves career. But the club was still prepared to take a gamble on the player, signing him to a short contract. The Italian coach has managed to cut the wage bill at City, though, selling winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to Premier League rival Queens Park Rangers on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. ap
LONDON Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles left Liverpool for Premier League rivals Chelsea for an undisclosed fee just before the transfer window closed this morning (Singapore time). Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Raul Meireles from Liverpool on a four-year contract, the London club said on their website. The 2010 league champions turned their attentions to the 28-year-old after a massive bid of 40 million (S$78.2 million) for Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was turned down by London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Chelseas move for Meireles was almost a carbon-copy of their late deadlineday signing of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres for 50 million in January. Meireles was transferred to the Stamford Bridge club just hours after Liverpool confirmed he had submitted a written transfer request. He was at Anfield for just over a season
meireles was a key player for Liverpool last season but has since lost his place. Getty ImaGes
and made 44 appearances for the Merseyside club. The highly-rated Meireles began his career with hometown club Aves before moving to top-flight Boavista where he spent one season before joining Porto in 2004 where he flourished and guided the club to a domestic treble in 2005-06. Two more league titles followed in 2008 and 2009 as Meireles also established himself in the national side.
He played every game during qualifying for the 2010 World Cup and caught Liverpools eye by scoring in a 7-0 rout of North Korea in the finals in South Africa. After a low-key start in English football, Meireles suddenly burst into life in January by scoring five times in six games. He becomes Chelseas sixth signing since the end of last season, following Juan Mata, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Oriol Romeu and Ulises Davila. ap
Arsenal leave it till late to secure midfield signings

LONDON Arsene Wenger has succeeded in pushing through late deals for Evertons Mikel Arteta and Chelseas Yossi Benayoun. Arteta has joined on a permanent transfer and his fellow midfielder Benayoun on a seasons loan. Arsenal succeeded in their pursuit of Arteta after enraging Everton with an opening offer of 5 million (S$9.8 million) that was laughed out of Goodison Park. They returned with 10 million, which remained too low, before a deal was struck. As Wenger fought to repair the damage to his midfield and the club in the wake of the losses of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Artetas desire to move to Emirates Stadium added to a complicated situation. Everton felt no little frustration, and not only because of the size of Arsenals offer. They could not understand why Wenger and Arsenal had waited until deadline day to make their move for a player who they had long coveted, particularly as they had taken 35 million for Fabregas two weeks ago. Nasris 24 million transfer to City went through last week. Arsenal were also able to confirm deals earlier in the day for the Brazil left-back Andre Santos from Fenerbahce and Germany centrehalf Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen.
FuLham seaL bryaN ruIz deaL
Fulham sealed something of a coup when they held off dramatic late interest from Newcastle United to clinch the 10-million (S$19.6-million) signing of Bryan Ruiz. Martin Jol had been keen to provide options in attack to play alongside Bobby Zamora, Clint Dempsey and Andy Johnson but, after a fee had been agreed with FC Twente, Newcastle also matched the asking price.. As well Ruiz, Fulham signed Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera on a free transfer.
the daILy teLeGraph paLacIos Leaves spurs For stoke
the signing of arteta brings and end to a hectic transfer deadline day for arsenal. Getty ImaGes
Santos, who cost 6.2 million, was an ever present in Brazils disappointing Copa America campaign he missed one of their penalties in the quarter-final shoot-out defeat to Paraguay and, given his international appearance record, he has had no problem in securing a work permit. Nicklas Bendtner got the move he wanted to Sunderland on a seasons loan
while Wenger oversaw the off-loading of a few fringe players such as Henri Lansbury who went to West Ham United on a season-long loan. One of Wengers new recruits, Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell, has been sent on a season-long loan to Lorient, after the club decided against applying for his work permit.
the GuardIaN
Stoke raided Premier League rival Tottenham to sign Honduras midfielder Wilson Palacios yesterday, adding more international experience to its squad ahead of a first season in European football in 37 years. The 27-year-old Palacios agreed to a four-year deal with the central English club, moving for an undisclosed fee that was reported in the British media to be around 8 million ($15.6 million). This is a fantastic deal for the club because Wilson has proved himself to be a top-class performer at the highest level, Stoke manager Tony Pulis said. He has great energy and the qualities to become a driving force in the middle of the park the type of player our fans will love. ap
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No ban on alcohol, twitter and WAGs

england rugby coach Johnson trusts his squad to act responsibly in Nz
LONDON While he never referred to it, England rugby coach Martin Johnson may well have recalled the fate of the national football team last year in South Africa, in deciding not to ban alcohol and Twitter for his squad ahead of the 2011 World Cup, which will be held in New Zealand from Sept 9 to Oct 23. There will also be no curfews for the English rugby layers and WAGS (wives and girlfriends) will be welcomed. The English football players infamously wore haunted looks throughout their disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign after being cooped up in their joyless home base in Rustenberg. Johnson, who lifted the World Cup in Australia eight years ago, is confident that a responsible culture exists within his 30-man squad. The team arrived in Auckland yesterday and he did issue a warning to his men, when he said: We have got to be careful. It is a different world to what it was 20 years ago. I remember going to New Zealand as a British Lion in 1993 and the boys had good fun but they have got to be careful not to put themselves and their team-mates at risk. Mutual trust has always been at the heart of the rugby teams code of conduct under the 2003 World Cupwinning coach Clive Woodward, and Johnson, too, feels that the players who fail to appreciate their responsibilities have no place in his squad. He recognises the danger of being incarcerated in hotel rooms for weeks on end away from families and friends. Youve got to trust them to make decisions on the field so youve got to do the same off it as well, said Johnson. If you cant trust them at any point, then there are simple choices for us to make. Youve got to have a balance in your life. The best thing you can have is your family there. I did in 2003. They give you some normality. The wives and girlfriends are all very sensible and very supportive and just want their partners to have a good experience in terms of playing. In a World Cup youre in an intense bubble. Part of being a good Test player is knowing when and how to switch off, being able to find your own peace and quiet whatever the situation is. England have been drawn in Pool B and open their campaign against Argentina on Sept 10 in Dunedin. The other teams in the pool are Scotland, Romania and Georgia. England captain Lewis Moody backed Johnsons policy when he said: It is good to be able to step away and have the family and girlfriends there and Johnno has always been an advocate of that. On the issue of alcohol consumption, the skipper added: At the end of the day we are adults and to have to ban anything some of the guys are nearly 40, one of them (Simon Shaw) is you cant say you are not allowed to drink anything. We are all adults and the guys are very sensible and utterly professional and we trust each other completely. aGeNCIes
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LovebIrds mCILroy aNd WozNIaCkI make headLINes
Us open winner rory McIlroy says his relationship with topranked womens tennis player Caroline Wozniacki can help him become golfs world No 1. McIlroy will tee off in the first round of the omega European Masters at the Cranssur-sierre Golf Club today and, while speaking to reporters yesterday, he claimed that the two of them motivated each other and their relationship was very healthy. shes No 1 in the world and Ive got a major and we sort of both want what each other have, he said. the 22-year-old Northern Irishman is impressed with Wozniackis dedication, and he wants to learn from her work
ethic after spending time with the Dane at events in the United states. the relationship is certainly making headlines. Wozniacki is currently playing in the Us open, the final major of the year in tennis. she has still to win a major, and after her first round win in New York on tuesday, it was pointed out to her that McIlroy has won a Us open. Im definitely trying to keep up, the 21-year-old responded jovially. Ill do my best but I have six tough matches to go. You know, he has something Im looking for. He wants to be No 1. so its good to have something on each other. aGeNCIes
Youve got to trust them to make decisions on the field so youve got to do the same off it as well ... If you cant trust them at any point, then there are simple choices for us to make. Youve got to have a balance in your life. The best thing you can have is your family there.
england rugby coach martin Johnson
De La Hoya reveals a life in hell

NEW YORK Former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya, known as The Golden Boy transcended his sport. The American boxer of Hispanic descent had a flamboyant style and generated crossover appeal among Latinos and whites. He reigned for much of the 1990s into the early 2000s and retired in 2009. Many of his fans will now be shocked to learn that everything in De La Hoyas life was not as stellar as it seemed. He spoke of his fall from grace in an interview with Spanish-language network Univision that aired in the US on Tuesday, revealing that he had contemplated suicide and had been going to rehabilitation to treat drug and alcohol dependency. Rock bottom was recently, De La Hoya said. Within a couple of years, just thinking if my life was even worth it. I dont have the strength, I dont have the courage to take my own life but I was thinking about it. There were drugs, my drug of choice was cocaine and alcohol ... It took me to a place where I felt safe, it took me to a place where I felt as if nobody can say anything to me. De La Hoya said he has been sober for three months after undergoing treatment and joining Alcoholics Anonymous. He also revealed he was unfaithful to his wife and that they temporarily separated. We are obviously not talking a Tiger Woods here but I was unfaithful, De La Hoya said. In a career spanning 16 years after he won gold at the 1992 Olympics he won 10 world titles in six divisions to become boxings most popular fighter. But he was thoroughly beaten by Manny Pacquiao in his last fight and finished with a record of 39-6 with 30 knockouts. ap
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Venus pulls out of Us open

two-time us open champion says she has disease which causes joint pain and fatigue
aFterNooN Latest
spurs fail in Cahill bid

LONDON Tottenham Hotspur were thwarted in their attempts to secure the much-coveted England centre-half Gary Cahill from Bolton Wanderers. Cahill was the subject of two bids from Arsenal last week, both of which were dismissed as derisory by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside. That had offered Spurs hope that they might be able to secure the 25-year-old, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract and has indicated he would not negotiate new terms at the Reebok Stadium. However, while the Wanderers manager, Owen Coyle, had reluctantly said he would listen to offers for the defender, a day of frantic negotiations failed to end in agreement over a fee, with Spurs resistant to meet Boltons 13-million (S$25.4-million) valuation of the defender. That left Redknapp, who claimed on Sunday that this had been the most difficult pre-season he had known, frustrated as the deadline approached. Wed been trying to take Gary Cahill but couldnt get there in the end, the Spurs manager said. The chairman (Daniel Levy) tried hard but we couldnt make it happen. It was the valuation, more or less. The deal was just a bit difficult to do. Its been a difficult day. The failure to buy Cahill had implications not just for Spurs whose options at centre-half have been limited by fitness issues for William Gallas and Ledley King.
the GuardIaN
NEW YORK On a day that seemed destined to serve as the annual litmus test for the state of American tennis, the United States Open got a blast of good and bad. Venus Williams, a two-time Open champion trying to resurrect her career at age 31, pulled out of the tournament before her second-round match against Sabine Lisicki. Williams said in a statement that she has Sjogrens syndrome, an auto-immune disease that causes fatigue and joint pain. Williams had missed the entire hardcourts season with what she described then as a viral illness, but she won her first-round match easily Monday night, beating Vesna Dolonts of Russia, 6-4, 6-3, and had proclaimed herself healthy. But her mother, Oracene Williams, said yesterday, Its something thats been worrisome for a long time. In her statement, Williams said that she only recently learned the cause of her struggles. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon. On the encouraging side, several players struck a blow for the up-and-coming American set, led by 19-year-old Christina McHale, who upset eighth-seeded Marion Bartoli of France, 7-6 (2), 6-2. Im so excited to have beaten a player like Marion, especially have it happen here at the US Open, McHale said. McHale never wavered, even after an early break of serve, and used an overpowering firstset tie breaker to grab control of this match. She held her composure, even as the crowd
Venus Williams retired from the us open after she was diagnosed with sjogrens syndrome. reuters
got more and more energised and as Bartoli began betraying signs of frustration. I knew that I couldnt play like any sloppy games, McHale said. I had to try and compete really hard in the second set because I knew she was going to try even harder, too, to get the second set because she lost the first. Bartoli, who has come so close to winning major titles but has never broken through, had no answers for a player she could not have anticipated would be so relentless. She became the latest high seed to tumble, following world No 5 Petra Kvitova and No 6 Li Na in the first round. Along with Williamss withdrawal, it left the womens draw in a state of near turmoil. Second-seeded Vera Zvonareva of Russia also had a tough time advancing against Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine but prevailed,
7-5, 3-6, 6-3. Zvonareva fell behind quickly in the first set, clawed back, and had to battle through the end in a match in which both players struggled to hold serve. If I look back, you know, I always dont play my best tennis in the first or second round, Zvonareva said. Never happened. Im not worried about it. Most important is to get through those matches. These kind of matches, they give you confidence that you advance, so now you have another chance. In the mens tournament, fourth-seeded Andy Murray advanced over Somdev Devvarman of India, 7-6 (5) 6-2, 6-3, and Juan Martin del Potro, the 2009 champion, made easy work of Filippo Volandri of Italy, 6-3, 6-1, 6-1.
the NeW yorK tImes
Liverpool complete their clear-out on hectic transfer deadline day

LIVERPOOL Joe Coles loan move to Lille will cost Liverpool more than 3 million (S$5.9 million), after the Premier League club agreed to pay 60 per cent of his wages. They hope the arrangement will give them an advantage should the Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard be made available by Lille next summer. Cole agreed to join the French club despite late interest from Aston Villa on a hectic deadline day for Liverpool. The club also sold Christian Poulsen to Evian and re-signed Craig Bellamy, on a free transfer from Manchester City. The Wales striker passed a medical to become Kenny Dalglishs seventh summer signing. Cole made only nine starts in the Premier League last season and barely played after Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson. Fenway Sports Group, which inherited the 29-year-olds 100,000-a-week contract, was keen to take Cole off Liverpools wage generous terms on Cole in the hope that it will help them land the 26.5 million-rated player, should he become available. Hazard will still have the final decision on any future destination. Lille can offer Champions League football this season and are believed to be relaxed about Cole commuting to and from London. Lilles general manager, Frederic Paquet, said: Theres no link between the loan for Joe Cole and Eden Hazard. Liverpool have completed a successful clearout of expensive transfer mistakes, offloading Milan Jovanovic to Anderlecht and Alberto Aquilani on loan to Milan. Dalglish wants Bellamy to provide experienced support. The striker who played for Liverpool for one season under Rafael Benitez, has two years left on a 95,000-aweek contract at City and his refusal to accept reduced terms elsewhere had deterred several clubs. the GuardIaN
Liverpool will pay 60 per cent of Joe Coles wages while he plys his trade at Lille. Getty ImaGes
bill but struggled to find a club willing to match his terms. However, through the director of football, Damien Comolli, Liverpool used Lilles interest in Cole to explore the option of being granted first refusal on Hazard.
Liverpool inquired about Hazard earlier in the summer and, along with Arsenal and several European clubs, were told the 20-year-old was not for sale. But Lilles stance may change at the end of this season, prompting Liverpool to offer
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RYAN GOSLING SHOWS OFF HIS COMEDIC CHOPS. (BY THAT, WE MEAN ABS.) >>T10 TraVel THERES MORE TO THE GOLD COAST THAN SuRFING. >>T12 HOLIDAYING IN THE WAkE OF HuRRICANE IRENE. >>T16
SepTember 1, 2011
a publicaTion of
babeS in blue
THeSe GirlS HaVe arreSTinG looKS anD are TouGH enouGH To TaKe You DoWn. >>T2
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television
SHE SAiD Television dramas have offered up capable law enforcers who arent afraid to chip a nail ...
THE SHEriff SororiTY

Allo Allos Helga played by Kim Hartman.
Say attention to these lovely ladies in uniform
may@mediacorp.com.sg
MAY SEAH
The old saying goes that women can never resist a man in uniform. But a woman in uniform? While thats a prospect that may be far less common, consequently of course, its twice as alluring. Were not talking about your fastfood restaurants polyester uniforms, either. Were talking the kind that comes with a weapons belt and cuffs attached. The kind that makes you see flashing lights and hear sirens. The kind that makes you come out with your hands in the air. The kind that makes you proud to exercise
Missy Peregrym looking good in Rookie Blue.
your right to remain silent. Guess what? Television dramas have always offered up countless strong and capable law enforcers who arent afraid to chip a nail, whip some felonious butt and always get their man. Still, weve always felt its a pity that so many of them cant quite make their fashion statement as plain-clothes officers and detectives. They either end up in a boring blazer and slacks, or turn up at a crime scene looking like fashion plates. Do they really expect us to believe that Kyra Sedgwick can give chase in those heels? Thankfully, there are shows like Rookie Blue, where young copper Andy McNally (played by Missy Peregrym) is trying to learn the ropes, prove herself, and look hot in navy-blue serge all at the same time. In the new season, Andy and her fellow rookies deal with a botched sting operation, crack a complex arson case and even go undercover as cocktail waitresses, proving that you should never mess with a woman with a shiny badge and a ponytail. Because even though we know that women policewomen in particular are strong and magnificent creatures, an official uniform is a smart, visible symbol of how anyone can do any job, as long as they have talent and they go easy on the coffee and donuts. While we wouldnt say that a woman in a uniform is worth two in pencil skirts, we would like to salute some of TVs brightest who have taken
Cagney and lacey
the oath to protect and serve. Thanks to them, the long arm of the law has never looked so good. CAGNEY AND LACEY Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly made boob tube history as Christine Cagney and Mary Beth Lacey when they became one of televisions first portrayals of working women outside of the home, and of course, they did it as police detectives another novel idea in the early 80s. Only Angie Dickinson as the titular character in Policewoman made any previous impact. But Dickinson wasnt quite the toughas-nails cop as these two were Cagney and Lacey were the ones who first had bad boys worrying what they were going to do when they came for them. T J HooKEr Who says you cant run after criminals and still have perfect Farrah Fawcett hair? >> Continued on T4
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The sheriff sorority
>> Continued from T2 As Officer stacy sheridan, a bushytailed young Heather Locklear was the eye candy of the 80s police drama T J Hooker, which also starred some retired starfleet captain named William shatner. Our blonde bobby might have only been a patrol officer, but she was the object of the neighbourhood watch (Geddit? Geddit?). THE NOOSE We cant wait for the return of The Noose for a new season in December, because when Michelle chong dons that uniform as AsP tang shu Fen, we batten down our hatches. she not only gets the schoolmarmish demeanour, the monotonous bark, and the sand-in-the-eye expression of a slightly older woman in a position of authority down pat chongs Crimewatch parody is also criminally funny.
Michelle Chong in The Noose. Pink Ranger Kimberly Hart; and Heather locklear (inset) in T J Hooker.
the police babes in blue. Not content with just looking good in uniform, these girls werent afraid to go digging in the dirt, as it were, in whats been hailed as the most realistic police drama ever produced by Mediacorp tV channel 8. these poster girls for the police academy make us want to sign up.
Catherine Bell, aka lieutenant Colonel sarah Mackenzie in JAG.
JAG If there was ever a tV show full of dashing military uniforms, itd be Gomer Pyle, USMC. Just kidding. Were talking about JAG, of course, the one and only television series in which military dress stays starched. As Lieutenant colonel sarah Mac Mackenzie of the United states Marine corps, catherine Bell bravely fought cases in military court while Joanne Peh somehow managing not to collapse from the weight of all her medals. Plus, she didnt need her dashing co-star to get her out of trouble either. Possibly the only person who could make army togs look great, this sexy siren could also rock a bikini as seen in the Down Under episodes. so what if bikinis arent standard issue? ALLO ALLO While being a member of the German
army meant that she didnt exactly enforce the law, Private Helga Geerhart she of the big voice and the blonde braids was always more than willing to do a lot of undercover work for Herr Flick of the Gestapo, the WWII German secret police. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on whether youre fond of swastika-printed knickers or not our dear Helga sometimes had to divest herself of her uniform. say, Heil! C.L.I.F. Lets see, we have Joanne Peh looking smart as officer Leow Xin Yi, as well as Jade seah, chris tong and tracy Lee, busting out as
THE POWER RANGERS If you had to put on a uniform like hers to go to work every morning, you might turn a couple more heads during your morning commute. then again, youd be able to fly faster than a speeding train. As Pink ranger Kimberly Hart in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, actress Amy Jo Johnson knew how to harness the power of pink to protect the planet from alien monsters. Barbie and Hello Kitty could only eat her fairy-pink, turbo-charged dust. THE MIDDLEMAN As Wendy Watson, the vivacious Natalie Morales had to battle evil monsters, too, but she managed to do it without a pink jumpsuit. Its a real pity that this smart and sassy series got cancelled after just one season, but obviously, it wasnt because Morales didnt rock her olive-brown uniform. Catch the second season of Rookie Blue from Monday at 10pm on DIVA Universal (StarHub TV Ch522).
Wendy Watson and her big gun.
Hathaway to star in film version of Les Miserables

sOMe good may finally be coming out of Anne Hathaways (picture) performance as host of this years Academy Awards: A starring role in the film version of Les Miserables. In February, while serving as co-host of the poorly received Oscars event, the actress sang a more than credible rendition of On My Own, a song from the musical. Now, Broadway World is reporting that Hathaway is in contention to play Fantine in tom Hoopers adaptation of the hit. the publication says former Oscar host Hugh Jackman the man who Hathaway personally sung her rendition to in February, and who is set to play Jean Valjean in the Broadway show pushed for Hathaway to get the role. Hathaway stars as catwoman in the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises. REUTERS
Hannah arrested in White House protest

Actress and environmental activist Daryl Hannah (picture) was briefly arrested outside the White House on tuesday during a protest against a proposed Us$7 billion (s$8.4 billion) oil pipeline, police said. Hannah, best known for her roles in Splash and Kill Bill, was released after paying a Us$100 fine, following her arrest for failure to obey a lawful order, said Us Park Police spokesman sergeant David schlosser. More than 70 people were arrested in the tar sands Action protest on tuesday, which is named after efforts to block a proposed pipeline project to bring oil sands petroleum from canada to texas refineries. Hannah was arrested in a sit-in outside a gate to the White House after
Photo: AP
she refused police orders to leave. canadian-born Superman actress Margot Kidder and hundreds of other protesters have been arrested since the action outside the White House began on Aug 20, Kessler said. REUTERS
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entertainment
ABCs TV show Pan Am arrives on Sept 25.
Photo: nYt
The return of JiggleTV?

HERES some good news about the fall TV season coming up: There will be marked increase in the number of actresses populating new series. Now, the other news: They appear to have packed pretty light when it comes to wardrobe. From the tight uniforms sported by the stewardesses on ABCs Pan Am and the Alphabet Networks sexy recommissioned Charlies Angels crime-fighters, to the fluffy-tailed servers of NBCs The Playboy Club, the fashion trend of the season appears to be flesh, and plenty of it. Call it the resurgence of Jiggle TV, a titillating genre that briefly blossomed in the 1970s with the original Charlies Angels, before giving way with the exit of Baywatch. The trend of new shows featuring female leads in little clothing and subservient positions has already been met with criticism. Feminist celebrity Gloria Steinem has said that shes hoping for a boycott of NBCs The Playboy Club, claiming, It normalises a passivedominant idea of gender. So, it normalises prostitution and male dominance. Why does there seem to be a resurgence in fleshcentric TV fare? Certainly, AMCs Mad Men seems to have loosened the jar lid with its highly successful exercise in flesh-friendly, misogyny-laced nostalgia. And it might be no coincidence that the upcoming series like Mad Men all have retro elements to them. (The Playboy Club and Pan Am are both set in the 1960s, while Charlies Angels is a revamp of a 1970s Jiggle TV progenitor.) Dr Martha M Lauzen, the executive director for Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film, suggests that, particularly in dour financial times, male viewers might be looking to retreat into less complicated, more comforting times. That could be especially true in an era when men find themselves losing economic and social ground to the fairer sex. As women continue to gain economic, social and political power, there is always some sort of backlash, a desire to put women back in their place, Lauzen adds. These programmes may reflect that type of wishful thinking. Those involved with the series have a different take on the matter. Pan Am star Christina Ricci dismissed cries of sexism, claiming that her series provides a really great message for young girls and women ... (Air travel) is something thats exciting for these women. Were as excited as the passengers are. Similarly, Amber Heard, who portrays Maureen on The Playboy Club, praised the original Playboy Bunnies as pioneers of womens lib. (They) wanted their own fortune and they went out into the work force doing what they wanted to do, Heard told E! Online. I could not be more empowered by that example, and I think denying women their sexuality is just as chauvinistic, if not worse. Lauzen said that there will probably be more of the same coming, particularly if the current trend toward fewer women behind the scenes continues. The percentage of women working as writers on broadcast programmes plummeted last season, declining from 29 per cent in 2009/10 to 15 per cent in 2010/11, she said. The industry remains mostly male, and these programs may reflect the behind-the-scenes gender ratios. REUTERS
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entertainment
Clooney kicks off starryVenice film festival
GeorGe Clooney (picture) kicked off the 2011 Venice film festival yesterday with the world premiere of his political drama The Ides Of March, setting the tone for a starstudded 11 days on the Lido waterfront. The 50-year-old actor stars in and directs the movie based on Beau
Photo: reuter s
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Willimons play Farragut North. Appearing alongside him is ryan Gosling as an idealistic young press secretary to Clooneys governor Mike Morris. The evening red-carpet screening marked the opening of the annual event that promises eagerly awaited movies and A-list stars who will hope the high-profile launch puts them in the frame for awards next year. The roll call of celebrities expected this year also includes Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Matthew McConaughey, Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and pop superstar Madonna. It marks a significant turnaround for fest director Marco Mueller, who was criticised last year for a low-key festival and faces growing competition from the annual rival event in Toronto which overlaps with Venice. It is a programme that tells you how much support we get from the artistes, the film-makers ... and it proves Venice really stands as a major platform to create a special kind of visibility, Mueller told Reuters. Among the most anticipated titles are Tinker,Tailor, Soldier, Spy, an adaption of John Le Carres spy novel starring recent oscar winner Colin Firth and Gary oldman. other standout titles include Briton Andrea Arnolds take on the emily Bronte novel Wuthering Heights, U.S. director
Ami Canaan Manns Texas Killing Fields and William Friedkins Killer Joe. In A Dangerous Method, Canadian David Cronenberg explores the rivalry between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud as a young woman (Knightley) comes between them. roman Polanski worked on the screenplay for his latest movie Carnage, featuring Winslet, Jodie Foster and Christoph Waltz, while under house arrest in Switzerland last year. Acclaimed russian director Alexander Sokurov brings Faust, and Hong Kongs Johnnie To presents Life Without Principle, a story touching on the economic crisis and its effect on ordinary people. outside the main lineup, Madonna makes her second foray into feature films with W.E., a drama loosely based on divorcee Wallis Simpson whose relationship with Britains King edward VIII led to his abdication in 1936. egyptian documentary Tahrir 2011 covers the revolution and overthrow of the old regime; Philippe Faucon explores radical Islam in La Desintegration; Al Pacino plays himself and King Herod in Wilde Salome; and Steven Soderbergh promises an all-star cast including Damon, Winslet, Marion Cotillard, Law and Paltrow in Contagion, about a lethal airborne virus that spreads panic. REUTERS
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entertainment Abs-olutely funny

Ryan Gosling on working with muppets and making out with Steve Carell
6311 9162 m.gv.com.sg
@ www.gv.com.sg
VIVOCITY PLAZA SINGAPURA GRAND, GREAT WORLD MARINA SQUARE YISHUN
SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD - 3D* 3.20pm SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD* 11.00am 1.25 3.25 5.25 7.25pm THE SMURFS - 3D* 1.00 3.10 5.20 7.30pm THE SMURFS* 12.45 2.55 4.10 5.05 6.30 7.15 9.30pm GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE* 5.20 9.10pm SUPER JUNIOR SUPERSHOW 3- 3D* KOR 7.15pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 3D* 11.00am 9.40pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 3.30 5.30 7.00 7.40 9.25 10.00pm CRAZY STUPID LOVE* 11.30am 2.00 4.30 7.00 9.30pm CARS 2 - 3D* (G) 10.40am 12.55pm CARS 2* (G) 10.50am 11.50 1.10 2.10 4.30 6.50 9.10pm BAD TEACHER 1.00 3.00 5.00 9.00pm HANTU BONCENG* MALAY 1.00 3.00 5.00 9.10pm
but I knew that I had to do it with the right people. John (Requa) and Glenn (Ficarra) are just such great directors. I really like their movies. And Steve Carell, more than anything. I watched all of Steves movies; Im a huge fan. But theres one theme, which is that everybodys funny when theyre in a scene with him. Its not really an accident. And the same goes for Emma Stone. So I was pretty well-covered. What is it like working with two directors on the same movie? Its kind of like working with the two old guys from The Muppet Show, I guess. They sit behind the monitor and just heckle you all the time. But its also more efficient, and more relaxed, I guess. Because one handles the technical aspects and the other handles the performances. Are you anything like your role? No, maam. Thats sweet of you to even think so. No, Im more like Cal, Steves character, probably in life. What was more embarrassing to shoot:The crotch scene or the scene where you grab Emma Stone as she flies into you? Both were equally as embarrassing. Emma didnt trust that I wouldnt drop her, no matter how many times I proved to her that I wouldnt. We had a stunt woman come in, and I lifted this woman probably 10 times and I never dropped her, but it was like: After 10 times, youve got to be tired.Youre going to drop me next, I cant do it. So, that was embarrassing. And then, of course, you could imagine why the naked scenes with Steve were embarrassing. But if you have to lose your comedic virginity, youd want it to be with Steve; hes very gentle. Do you do a tremendous amount of crunches and stuff? Because I dont think weve seen you shirtless in a film. Oh, no, it was just Photoshopped. (Laughs) Its like James Cameron invented this program called Ab-atar, and you just wear a motion capture suit; and suddenly you have abs in the scene. Its pretty neat. (Laughs) In the film, your character has got this spectacular success with women. Is that what its like to be an actor? Not really. I dont want to disappoint you but, no, its not really like that. On the other hand, how fun is it to take this image and spin it on its head? Yeah, it was funny to play that kind of part. The truth is, I wouldve played anything. I just wanted to work with Steve. And when I heard that there was a role that I could work with him, with a lot of scenes together, I was in. And then, I read the script and realised what the part was, and I was really happy because it was a funny role. Crazy Stupid Love opens in cinemas today.
GVmax
THE SMURFS* 11.30am 2.00 4.30 7.00 9.30pm SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD - 3D* 2.35pm
SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD* 12.50 IN THE WORLD - 3D* 3.30 IN THE WORLD - 3D* 5.30 7.50pm 2.50 4.50 6.50pm 5.00pm SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD* 10.00am 12.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00pm THE SMURFS - 3D* 11.10am 1.30 3.50 7.30 8.10pm
SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME THE SMURFS - 3D* 12.00 IN THE WORLD* 3.10 5.15 2.20 4.40 7.00pm 7.15pm THE SMURFS* 11.00am 1.30 3.55 6.45 9.10pm THE SMURFS - 3D*
11.15am 1.50 4.25 7.00pm GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE* 3.00 5.00 7.00pm THE SMURFS* 1.35 4.10 SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME SUPER JUNIOR SUPERSHOW IN THE WORLD* 11.30am THE SMURFS* 12.20 2.30 6.45 9.20pm 3- 3D* KOR GLEE THE 3D CONCERT 1.30 3.30 5.30 7.30pm 4.40 7.00 9.20pm 9.00pm MOVIE* 11.00am 1.00 GLEE THE 3D CONCERT THE SMURFS - 3D* FINAL DESTINATION 5 3.00 9.20pm MOVIE* 11.00am 1.00 11.45am 2.15 4.45 7.15 3D* 9.55pm 2.55 4.50 8.35pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 9.45pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 3D* 9.35pm SUPER JUNIOR SUPERSHOW GLEE THE 3D CONCERT 1.00 3.00 5.00 9.45pm 3- 3D* KOR 6.15 FINAL DESTINATION 5 MOVIE* 10.45am 12.40 CARS 2 - 3D* (G) 12.30pm 6.45pm 11.00am 1.00 3.00 9.15pm 4.45 6.40pm CARS 2* (G) 11.40am 2.00 SUPER JUNIOR SUPERSHOW FINAL DESTINATION 5 - CARS 2 - 3D* (G) 11.00am 4.20 6.40 9.00pm 3D* 9.50pm 3- 3D* KOR 6.45 CARS 2* (G) 10.30am FINAL DESTINATION 5 8.45pm TAMPINES MALL 12.50 5.10 7.30 9.50pm 10.30am 12.30 2.30 4.30 FINAL DESTINATION 5 SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME 6.30 8.30 10.00pm IN THE WORLD - 3D* 3D* 4.45 10.00pm CRAZY STUPID LOVE* 2.50 5.00pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 11.40am 2.10 6.50 9.20pm SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME 11.00am 1.00 3.00 5.00 CARS 2 - 3D* (G) 10.45am CRAZY STUPID LOVE IN THE WORLD* 11.20am 7.00 7.45 9.00 9.45pm 1.10pm 1.15 4.00 6.45 9.30pm 1.20 3.20 5.20 7.20pm CRAZY STUPID LOVE* CARS 2* (G) 10.00am THE SMURFS - 3D* 12.15 11.30am 2.00 4.30 9.45pm 12.20 2.40 3.10 5.00 7.20 BISHAN JUNCTION 8 2.35 4.55 7.15 9.35pm CARS 2 - 3D* (G) 12.05 9.40pm SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME THE SMURFS* 12.00 2.20 2.25pm BAD TEACHER 11.15am 4.40 7.00 9.20pm IN THE WORLD - 3D* 1.15 5.30 7.30 9.30pm CARS 2* (G ) 10.30am 7.00pm GLEE THE 3D CONCERT 11.50 12.30 1.00 2.10 TIONG BAHRU PLAZA SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME MOVIE* 12.45 7.10pm 3.05 4.50 5.25 6.30 7.10 IN THE WORLD* 2.30 4.30 SUPER JUNIOR SUPERSHOW 8.50 9.30pm SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME 3- 3D* KOR 6.30 8.30pm BAD TEACHER 1.00 3.00 IN THE WORLD* 1.15 3.15 9.15pm 5.15 7.15pm THE SMURFS - 3D* 12.15 5.00 9.10pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 2.35 4.55 7.15 9.35pm THE SMURFS - 3D* 2.30 3D* 2.35 9.45pm 4.40 6.50 9.00pm THE SMURFS* 12.00 2.20 FINAL DESTINATION 5 THE SMURFS* 1.30 3.40 4.40 7.00 9.20pm 10.30am 11.50 1.50 5.30 6.35 8.45pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 - 7.30 9.30pm THE SMURFS 11.50am FINAL DESTINATION 5 - 3D* 11.50am 9.10pm CRAZY STUPID LOVE* 2.20 4.45 7.10 9.40pm 3D* 7.10 9.10pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 12.30 3.00 9.20pm CRAZY STUPID LOVE FINAL DESTINATION 5 12.15 3.40 5.40 7.40 9.40pm CARS 2 - 3D* (G) 12.05 12.30 3.45 6.30 9.15pm 2.50 4.50 6.55 9.00pm 4.45 7.15pm CARS 2 - 3D* (G) 2.00 BAD TEACHER 1.00 3.15 CARS 2 - 3D* (G) 4.50pm 4.30pm CARS 2* (G) 11.50am 5.30 10.00pm CARS 2* (G) 1.40 2.15 CARS 2* (G) 11.25am 1.45 2.10 3.50 4.30 6.10 7.00 4.35 7.00 9.20pm 8.30 9.20pm 4.05 6.25 8.45pm
Cinema opens 30 mins before 1st show. All movie rated PG unless otherwise stated, Session times are subject to change, No Free Passes, + English Subtitles,
Ryan Gosling likes Steve Carrell.Yup.
Genevieve Loh
genevieveloh@mediacorp.com.sg
HE SAID If you have to lose your comedic virginity, youd want it to be with Steve; hes very gentle. Ryan Gosling (picture)
JURONG POINT
SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD - 3D* 5.50 7.50pm SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD* 1.15 3.20 5.20 7.15pm THE SMURFS - 3D* 12.00 2.20 4.40 7.00 9.20pm THE SMURFS* 11.00am 1.30 3.50 6.45 9.05pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 3D* 10.00pm FINAL DESTINATION 5 11.15am 3.15 5.15 9.15 9.50pm CRAZY STUPID LOVE* 10.20am 12.50 7.20pm CARS 2 - 3D* (G) 10.50am 1.10 3.30pm CARS 2* (G) 11.40am 2.00 4.20 6.40 9.00pm
, No refunds for uncollected tickets.
FINAL DESTINATION 5 | M18 | Violence & Gore, BAD TEACHER | M18 | Some Sexual Scenes & Drug Use, GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE | PG13 | Sexual References
More movie choices and session times are available at all GV cinemas. Please log on to www.gv.com.sg for full listings.
HE WAS a mouseketeer alongside Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in 1993; a neo-Nazi in 2001s The Believer; a Best Actor Oscar-nominated druggie school teacher in 2006s Half Nelson, a loner with a blow-up doll girlfriend in 2007s Lars And The Real Girl; and Michelle Williams frazzled husband in last years critical favourite Blue Valentine. He will be next seen in George Clooneys political movie The Ides Of March and will attempt his first action role in Drive. But for all his critically acclaimed movies and award-winning roles, Ryan Gosling will always be remembered as the swoon-worthy sensitive hero every girl wanted as a husband in the syrupy tearjerker The Notebook. Which is a shame because, as his smorgasbord resume proves, the 30-year-old is so much more. Hilariously deadpan, with his tongue firmly in cheek during interviews, Gosling is as far removed as one can be from the darker, uber-serious dramatic roles hes usually associated with. With Crazy Stupid Love, the multigenerational romcom starring Steve Carell, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone, the man finally gets the chance to show off his hidden comedic chops (and ridiculously buff bod) as a slick lothario, and lose his comedic virginity to Steve Carell. Hey, those were his words, not ours. Did you totally get in on the joke that Jacob the lothario is completely a cliche of the smooth guy? Ryan Gosling: Yeah, it was meant to be funny. I think thats why they cast me in that part. So, it was not meant to be serious. Who knew that you were so funny? Me. Good one. Did you think youd get a funny part like this? Well, Id always wanted to make a comedy,
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travel
Run town down under

Australias Gold Coast isnt just about sunny beaches and surf
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon route leading towards the high-rise buildings of Surfers Paradise.
The race starts and ends at Southport, which is about 5km from Surfers Paradise.
travel
Photo by ansley Ng
Ansley Ng
ansley@mediacorp.com.sg
For some time, serious runners have come to the Gold Coast Airport Marathon (GCAM) to have a crack at getting a good time to qualify for the Holy Grail of running the legendary Boston Marathon, the oldest annual city marathon in the world which began in 1897. But many others simply head here to do a personal best and clock a few days of r&r in the Australian coastal gem that is Surfers Paradise. And I could see why travellers who love a good run make this their pit-stop. A great track record The GCAMs 42.195km route is a flat, fast and straightforward course. The mid-year race date in June or July means runners are racing in the cool Aussie winter, with temperatures ranging from 10C to 20C. It may be cold, especially with an early morning start for the full marathon, but the chill also helps keep your core temperature low so that you perform better. Thats not all. The atmosphere is as lively as it can get. The GCAM organisers take pains to make their event first-class, and the city gets behind them. For days leading up to the race, the local newspaper, the Gold Coast Bulletin, gives generous play to the event starting from its cover page. on race day, results are shown live on the event website and
Give your legs a break and enjoy a jet boating ride.
Members of running group Team Fat Bird pose for a photo after their marathon race.
Photos courtesy tourism Queensland
there is also a live webcast hosted by TV personalities. During the race, musicians and entertainers dot the coastline route. The locals lend a hand, too.Volunteers parents and children alike crowd around aid stations, filling cups with water and sports drinks for the runners, while residents of the many apartment blocks along Surfers Paradise some dressed in
bathrobes lean out of their balconies to cheer them along. runners, in particular international runners, are surprised at how open the course is and how welcoming the Gold Coast people are, said race organiser Cameron Hart. We have an event for everyone and they are spread out over two days so its not that busy.
He sAid Gold Coast is the perfect place to relax and recuperate after a race.
Surprisingly, compared to other popular city marathons like in New York, London and Berlin that boast six-figure attendances, the GCAM does not have a huge number of runners. Many see that as an advantage. This year, the race drew 24,700 participants across several categories, from a 2km kids race to the marathon. Just 5,000 people ran the whole marathon. Explaining the benefits of a race with fewer runners, M rameshon, a former national long distance runner and an adjunct associate lecturer at republic Polytechnic, said that in crowded races, a lot of energy is spent sidestepping and overtaking people. For example, the Berlin marathon another famously flat course has many turns, which can be a chore to do battle with a larger number of runners, he said. And the weather here is stable, unlike in London or Berlin, which have unpredictable weather, added rameshon, who was at this years race to support his protege Ashley Liew. This year, more than 100 Singaporeans descended on the tourist belt of Surfers Paradise and in the areas of Southport to better their running times. Many are members of popular running club Team Fat Bird. IT consultant Gan Yit Koon, who joined the Team Fat Bird tour group, shaved
14 minutes from his personal best of 4hr 35min, which he clocked during last years Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore. The weather really makes it comfortable to run, he said. There is a great camaraderie among those who are here because they have stuck with each other and had been training together for 12 weeks now, said Anthony Sum, the groups founder. They have completed many races overseas but many of them like to come back here. Many get their personal best (times) here. However, it wasnt just the weekend warriors who were here to perfect their timing. Local running ace Mok Ying ren, taking part in his fourth marathon, was trying to break Singapores national record, but fatigue in the last few kilometres caused the medical student to come in 13th overall with a time of 2hr 27min 5s, some three minutes shy of the record. other prominent Singaporean runners at this years race included Vivian Tang one of the countrys top female runners who ran the half marathon; and Dr Ben Tan, president of the
Singapore Sailing Federation, who ran the marathon as part of his training for the New York Marathon in November. After the run fun No one takes a seven-hour flight to run a race in another continent only to go home immediately after doing so. And the Gold Coast, which needs little introduction as a tourist destination, is the perfect place to relax and recuperate after a race. If those legs havent given up on you after a marathon, you can check out theme parks like Movie World or Sea World if thats your thing, or spend hours walking in the many shopping malls like the Pacific Fair and bazaars like the Carara Market, which sells anything from fresh produce to jewellery and art and craft. Getting around the city is easy. There is an efficient bus service that links the malls in Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise, as well as to the Southport and Main Beach area, where there are many restaurants located along the marina. Think you are going to look weird hobbling around town while wearing a pair of compression tights for recovery,
why not go whale spotting? There are several cruise operators that take whale watching enthusiasts out into the big blue to spot the worlds largest sea mammals. And trust us, watching a breaching whale is a sight to behold. If you are staying in Surfers Paradise inevitably a popular location with those taking part in the race you dont have to even think about where to go. For those with energy to spare, hit the waves with some surfing lessons at the Esplanade. To put the calories back on, youve got plenty of eateries at your door-step. Whether its getting cakes and a cuppa at a cafe in lush pleasant Northside, or stuffing yourself with pizzas over pints and watching the band play at a beach shack like Southside institution Swinging Safari, theres no lack of places to just chill. And really, isnt that the perfect way to reward yourself for tackling a marathon? Entry to the 2012 Gold Coast Airport Marathon opens in April next year. For details, visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au.
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travel
Travel deals and steals
The insider
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Okinawa island
How to spend S$101 (you big spender, you) in a day
Okinawa island is just one of the hundred of islands that make up Japans southernmost prefecture. and it has more than just gorgeous sandy beaches like Cape Zanpa that keep travellers coming back. From the historic Ryukyu castles and ruins to great parks and forests to american-style malls to the unique cuisine with Chinese and South-east asian traces Okinawa feels like another side of Japan you feel you havent even begun to experience. Serene Lim
Visit to Ocean expo Park: S$36.94 The site of the world Expo in 1975, Okinawa Expo Park is a massive playground which houses Churaumi aquarium, deemed to be Japans best aquarium. Explore Ryukyu culture at the native Okinawan Village or check out exotic plant life at the Tropical Dream Centre before perching yourself on the white sand of Emerald Beach located in the north of the park. admission to the park is free but you need to pay a fee for several of the more exciting attractions like the aquarium (1,200), and the Oceanic Culture Museum (170), or to rent equipment like summer bed and parasols (1,000 for a set) for the beach. Lunch at 88 Steakhouse Tsuji: S$46.61 with United States military forces stationed at Okinawa since world war ii, the indelible american influence can be found in the many lively steakhouses in naha City. 88 Steakhouse (www. s88.co.jp/en/88tsuji) started in 1955 and has been going strong ever since. Order the Original Steak (2,250), served with citrus soy sauce; and try the Mexican tacos (740) just for the heck of it. Visit Shurijo Castle Park: S$12.47 walk off your lunch at this lavishly rebuilt royal palace with its stately buildings and gardens. its definitely impressive enough to warrant a UnESCO world Heritage Site label, even though the local government had to undertake reconstruction from scratch in 1992 relying on photos and historical records after the Battle of Okinawa during world war ii left it decimated in 1945. Visit to the Peace memorial museum: S$4.68 Make a quick trip to the Peace Memorial Museum (www. peace-museum.pref.okinawa.jp/ english). world war ii had been hard for the people of Okinawa with more than 100,000 civilians killed. Theres a pensive and reflective mood in the museum, which has loads of information about the wartime battles and reconstruction of the city postwar. and the Peace Memorial Park overlooking the ocean really lives up to its name.
Total: S$100.70
Prices and rates are correct as at press time.
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of tourism-dependent towns along the American East Coast as they deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, which hit just eight days before Labour Day. Places that lost boardwalks, restaurants, roads and other fixtures in the storm are terrified the tourists will simply call it a season and stay away until next summer. The key is getting the word out,
A summer with Irene

Whats a little storm damage when youre bent on having a holiday?
Wayne Parry
features@mediacorp.com.sg
IF YOU fix it, they will come. Thats the mantra and the desperate hope
Photos: aP, reuters
From left: an owner cleaning up her store in Jacksonville, vermont; a woman sweeping up mud and debris from what is
left of a spa in New York; Hotel employees clearing water from a flooded area of the allegria Hotel in long Beach, New York.
said Celina Moose, the manager of a kite store in Kitty Hawk, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The beaches are open. The restaurants are open. We need tourists to come back. But that can prove easier said than done. The Jersey shore, like North Carolina, had Irene make landfall on its sands. And while the land of Snooki and The Situation fared well as a whole, some places did not. Spring Lake lost much of its beloved synthetic boardwalk, a two-mile (3.2km) miracle of modern engineering that was hailed as a national model of environmental responsibility because it used recycled plastic instead of rain forest wood as many other boardwalks do. Joggers came from miles around to run along the softer boards, which they swear are much easier on the knees than real wood. The storm surge from Irene wiped out about 1.5 miles of the boardwalk, sending planks into the sea, while twisting others into grotesque shapes. Clearly, this is damage that cant be fixed quickly. So the town will have to make do with about half its beach, and very little of its boardwalk during one of the three biggest weekends of summer. Its going to be nowhere near what we normally have open, said Bryan Dempsey, Spring Lakes borough administrator. Were trying everything we
DONT GO
Places that lost boardwalks, restaurants, roads and other fixtures in the storm are terrified tourists will stay away till next summer.
can, but were not going to put anyone in danger just to have a beach day. The beach opened on Tuesday, after officials took a helicopter to fly over the surf to make sure planks of damaged boardwalk were not floating in the waves, ready to injure swimmers. Ocean City in New Jersey also reopened its beaches on Tuesday. Swimmers returned to the water on Monday, but without lifeguards, who had moved all their rescue equipment offshore in anticipation of the hurricane. The beach resort suffered hardly any damage at all aside from some beach erosion. Now all that remains is convincing people to come for one last summer weekend. Were back in business, and looking to finish out what has been a really good summer, said Frank Donato, the citys emergency management coordinator. New Jerseys governor, Chris Christie had a fit of pique over seeing people lounging on the beach in Asbury Park as the storm approached, and after he had declared a state of emergency that led to many mandatory evacuations. Get the hell off the beach! he thundered at a news conference then. But now, Christie is singing a different tune: Please get the hell back on the beach. At a news conference on Monday night, he urged people to get in their cars and go to the Jersey shore for the Labour Day weekend, predicting there would be vacancies as a result of Irene. Be an opportunist, he said. Youll probably get a good price. Elsewhere, it was much the same, as communities dug out from under the sand and looked ahead to the holiday weekend. Judy Packer was walking her black Labrador retriever near the beach in Nags Head in North Carolina. It was part of a vacation she had planned for months. The beach house she was renting came through the storm with barely a scratch. If there had been substantial damage, we would have cancelled the family vacation, said Packer, a 44-year-old accountant and mother of three from New York City. Now she plans to do the usual: Spend most of her days at the beach and going to her favoirite restaurants at night.
I just want to spend the next week unwinding, she said. Im just glad there wasnt much storm damage. Its good to be here. At the Comfort Inn on the beach at Nags Head, the hotels 105 rooms were booked solid for the week before the storm, said manager Kelly Smith. But over the last 24 hours they received 150 cancellations for the coming week. She estimated that the hotel will only be about two-thirds full over the traditionally busy Labour Day weekend, when rooms go for US$160 a night. Many of the cancellations are coming from northern states affected by Irene. Theyre saying theyre cancelling because their power is off and dont know when its coming on, Smith said. Or theyre saying their power is off, they had
some damage and they dont know if they can afford the vacation anymore. Some resorts away from the ocean actually benefited from Irene. The Smoky Mountain resort city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, reported an influx of tourists last weekend as the hurricane forecasts were issued. Some of them were coastal residents trying to escape the weather, said city spokesman Jim Davis. Hotels on Block Island, Rhode Island, are slashing prices and trying as hard as they can to get the word out that their area was not affected by the storm. Today is absolutely gorgeous, said Kathy Szabo, executive director of the Block Island Chamber of Commerce. The ferries are running, and I sure hope that people come out.You wouldnt even know that a storm went by. AP
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students, lecturers, top athletes and keen amateurs all turn out in the early morning for a row. Cycle out across Midsummer Common to the towpath to see the rowing or just look at the lovely college boathouses perched on the banks, with their escutcheons proudly displayed. Foremost of these is Goldie Boathouse (1880), where the Cambridge University team conduct their indoor training. If youre lucky, the doors will be open and a number of scantily clad top athletes will be getting put through their paces. Noon: Hit the pub. the riverside pubs in Cambridge are gorgeous on a fair day and filled with rowers. Most have outdoor seating and serve food. one of the oldest is the Fort St George, right on the banks of the Cam. Just up the road is the old Spring. Further along the river heading out of town towards Ely are the Green Dragon and about an hours cycle is the Bridge at Waterbeach. 2pm: If youve gone to the Bridge at Waterbeach then youll have to cycle back into town. Dont rush, the river outside of town is surrounded by picturesque countryside and home to herons, ducks, swans and kingfishers. Sheep and horses can sometimes be seen grazing in fields by the bank. 3pm: Dont abandon the river just yet. Its time for you to get on the Cam yourself for a glorious introduction to the gardens and architecture in Cambridge. the best way to drink it in is from a traditional punt on the river. there are any number of hire companies, and one of the biggest is Scudamores (www. scudamores.com). Feel free to attempt punting propelling the traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat using a wooden pole yourself. But beware that its a hilarious past-time for locals to snigger at the hapless tourists who end up spluttering in the river when their pole becomes stuck and their punt slides out from under them. A more relaxing way to see the college Backs is to hire a chauffeur, often a student, who will propel you along regaling you with the history of the colleges while you laze in the punt eating strawberries and cream, drinking Pimms and enjoying the blooming gardens and the serene beauty all around you. 8pm: there are a number of good restaurants for fine dining in Cambridge and of course, plenty of pubs. For the pub option take your pick of the pubs reviewed by Cambridge Pubs, with a map and descriptions at www.cambridge-pubs.co.uk. Cambridge has a number of good fine dining options. Here are three. Midsummer House Restaurant (www. midsummerhouse.co.uk) has two Michelin stars and is located right on the river on Midsummer Common next to the Fort St George pub. It is set in a converted Victorian house serving French Mediterranean food. Cotto restaurant (www. cottocambridge.co.uk) hasnt the Michelin stars but boasts that it uses only the freshest ingredients sourced locally. Hotel Du Vin (www. hotelduvin.com/HotelLanding. aspx?HotelId=7), in the centre of town has an 80-seat bistro serving European cuisine. 11pm: Go home to bed or brave the raucous Saturday night clubs in town. there will be plenty of walking tomorrow to get round the colleges. own library and A.A. Milnes manuscripts of Winnie-thePooh. Wander the courtyards and buildings that have inspired 32 Nobel prizewinners as well as Francis Bacon, Lord Byron, and Alfred tennyson. Feel inspired youre keeping such great company for your Sunday. REUTERS
A Cambridge weekend
A full-proof way to discover this university town in two days
Paul Casciato
features@mediacorp.com.sg
Rowing is a Cambridge passion ... students, lecturers, top athletes and keen amateurs all turn out in the early morning for a row.
Got 48 hours to explore the colleges, pubs, green spaces and leafy towpaths of Cambridge, England? Get the most out of a visit to the city that is home to one of worlds oldest universities with this weekend guide.
SUNDAY
FRIDAY
6pm: Arrive at Cambridge train station and breathe in the soft air of the Fenlands. Cambridge is a town of cyclists, where everyone from students to software millionaires ride bicycles to get around. You can rent one right outside the station at Station Cycles (www.stationcycles. co.uk). Buy a map while youre at it. 7pm: If youre staying in the centre of town and you like a bit of history, stop in at the Eagle. It is one of the oldest pubs in Cambridge, dating back to the 1600s and it was where Cambridge scientists
Kings College Chapel in Cambridge, England.
James D Watson and Francis Crick cracked the secret of DNA. 11pm: Most pubs in Cambridge still close near or around this traditional closing time, though some stay open past midnight.You could try the nightlife if youre keen. there are at least three busy late nightclubs close by the Eagle: the
Kambar, Lola Lo and Fez Club. But beware its an early start in the morning...
SATURDAY
8am: Rowing is a Cambridge passion, though the Cambridge University Boat Club (www.cubc.org.uk) lost the 157th Boat Race against oxford this year. Nevertheless,
10am: Now that youve had what the British refer to as a lie-in you should feel ready to tackle Cambridge on foot in order to have a close-up look at an academic institution whose life began in 1209 and whose alumni range from Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and William Wordsworth to Stephen Hawking, actor Hugh Laurie and Sacha Baron Cohen, the man behind Borat. A good place to start is at the bottom of St Johns Street next to the 12th century Round Church, founded by the Fraternity of the Holy Sepulchre. Have a peep inside at the Romanesque architecture. Wander up St John street from here, taking in the colleges. two of the biggest and most interesting to wander around are trinity and Kings. Visitors must pay a small entrance fee, but then have the opportunity to see the college chapel, Great Court, Hall, Neviles Court and the magnificent Wren library completed in 1695 to the design of Christopher Wren. the library contains a number of special collections including medieval manuscripts; early Shakespeare editions; books from Newtons
Photos: Getty Images
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Brought to you by
FairPrice Finests organic offerings make wholesome eating as simple as one, two, three
annETTE Tan
food@mediacorp.com.sg
Easy, organic mEals

Many of us know FairPrice Finest for its extensive range of gourmet produce. But on top of that, Finest also stocks an impressive range of organic products that are both good to eat and good for you. Some of these include Earthbound Organic Celery Hearts, which are crunchy and full of flavour. Meanwhile, Claridges Organic Manuka Honey 10+ has extra antibacterial properties, and is great for soothing your digestive system and promoting general well-being, making it an ideal addition to your food and drink. I recently used these two ingredients in a satisfying, hearty dinner at home. This classic risotto gets a few roasted cubes of honey-drizzled pumpkin on top, lending a sweet, creamy but mellow edge to the dish. And in the spirit of eating healthy, we finished off our meal with a steaming cup of Cafdirect Machu Picchu Organic Ground Coffee. This single-origin coffee is grown at extreme altitudes deep in the Inca heartland of Peru. The 100-per-cent arabica beans are then handpicked and roasted to yield deep, full flavours with overtones of dark chocolate. Now theres a wholesome meal that warms the belly and the soul. HonEy PumPkin risoTTo 500g pumpkin, peeled and cubed 4 tbsp FairPrice Olive Oil 4 tbsp Claridges Organic Manuka Honey 10+ 500ml vegetable stock white onion, chopped
2 stalks Earthbound Celery Hearts, finely chopped cup Arborio rice cup white wine 20g grated Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
1. Preheat oven to 200C. Place pumpkin, 2 tbsp olive oil and honey in a bowl and toss to mix. Place on a foil-lined tray and bake for 15 minutes, until soft and golden. Remove and set aside. 2. Place stock in a saucepan over medium-low heat to simmer. 3. Heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a wide skillet and add onions. Fry until onions are soft but not brown, then add celery. Cook for a minute, then add rice and stir for a minute. 4. Add wine to the rice, stirring constantly. Add the stock, a ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Stir often this will help the rice to release its creamy starches. 5. Continue cooking for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked, but firm. 6. Transfer to serving plates, top with grated Parmesan cheese and roasted pumpkin. Then sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
BElow, From lEFT To rigHT claridges organic manuka Honey 10+ 500g is priced at s$27.90 each. cafe Direct machu Picchu organic roast and ground coffee 227g is priced at s$9.85 each and organic coffee Beans are priced at s$10.95 each. Earthbound organic celery Hearts are priced at s$6.70 per pack. These promotional prices are available from sept 1 to 7.
FairPrice Finest Turns Four!

In celebration of its fourth anniversary, FairPrice Finest will be holding the Finest Festival from now until Sept 7. Themed Mosaic of the Worlds Flavours, you can see, taste and experience gourmet delights from all over the globe. Expect product offers, cooking demonstrations, wine sampling and in-store activities.
PHOTO BY KOH MUI FONG
FairPrice Finest is located at Bukit Timah Plaza, century square, Junction 8, marine Parade, my Village, The clementi mall, Thomson Plaza and Tripleone somerset. Visit www.whatsupatfairprice.com.sg to find out more.
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Drum Tao Art of Drum Tour Catch Japans elite martial drummers in action for an exhilarating performance of drums, dance and martial arts. This worldfamous production blends the ancient traditions of taiko drumming with contemporary Japanese choreography. Expect to be moved by the powerful and intensely physical performance by these 14 drum playing extraordinares.
Until Sept 3, 2.30pm and 8pm, The Esplanade Theatre. Tickets at S$68 to S$128 from Sistic.
Latino Salsa Thursday Liven up your Thursday evening at this music and salsa dance workshop, which is part of Clarke Quays Music series 2011. Groove to the beat of Latin band Adrenalinas
music a distinct concoction with influences from Latin salsa, jazz and reggae. Be serenaded by the band Ireson, which consists of Mexican pianist Alina Ramirez and bassist/guitarist Mario Lopez. Its an evening not to be missed!
Today, 7.30pm to 10pm, Clarke Quay Central Fountain Square. Free admission. www.clarkequay.com.sg/musicseries
Jean Perry Home Linen Sale Give your bedroom a makeover. Enjoy up to 80 per cent off bed linen and furnishings at the Jean Perry Home Linen end-ofseason sale.
Until Sept 4, 11am to 9pm, Suntec Convention Meeting Rooms 313 and 314. Free admission.
UPCOMING StarKidz 2011 Give your children a head start at this educational fair. Take your pick from a range of exhibitors showcasing enrichment classes such as speech and drama, baking, cooking and sports. For parents, seminars are also scheduled to show you how you can help your kids maximise their potential.
Sept 3 to 4, Singapore Expo Hall 5B. Free admission. www.starkidz.com.sg
Loke Hoe Kit: A Double Life An album launch concert American-trained local cellist Loke Hoe Kit returns to perform pieces from his debut solo album, A Double Life. He will be accompanied by pianist Nicholas Loh and guest cellist Lin Juan. Highlights of the evening include the Singapore premiere of Suite for Two Cellos and Piano by Gian Carlo Menotti and a Handel Sonata for Two Cellos and Piano.
Today, 8pm. Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets at S$20 from Sistic.
Heritage Chinese Wedding Exhibition (picture) Take a trip down memory lane in this exhibition where a collection of Chinese wedding rituals and customs from ancient times are showcased. Look out for the centrepiece, a 92-year-old wedding sedan specially flown in from Fujian, China.
Until Sept 29, 11am to 9pm, Pasir Ris Public Library. Free admission. www.heritagewedding.org
Watsons Pink Ribbon Walk 2011 Join the walk against breast cancer. Starting and ending at the picturesque Waterfront Promenade at Marina Bay, the 3.8km walk will take participants past attractions such as the Art Science Museum and the Floating Platform. Finally, indulge in some family fun time at a carnival. Proceeds will go towards the Breast Cancer Foundation. Participants will receive a goodie bag. Registration ends Sept 9.
Oct 1, 6pm, Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. Fees at S$35 for adults, S$31.50 for past participants and S$20 for students between 13 and 19 years old. www.pinkribbonsingapore.com
sudoku plus
difficulTy raTing:
+++++
how To play
The rules are easy. Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
CopyrighT uCliCk
yesTerdays soluTion
t 23 on mediacorp
11.00 The 2010 Victorias Secret Fashion Show Dirty Sexy Money II Greys anatomy V India: a love Story Star Wars: The Clone Wars II The Big Shot The Doctors The Martha Stewart Show VI
on mediacorp
6.00aM 6.30 9.00 10.00 11.00 11.30 nOOn 12.30PM 1.00 2.00 Planets Funniest animals VIII aM live! The Martha Stewart Show VI The Doctors Planets Funniest animals VIII Buffetlicious Under One Roof V Chase Triple nine III The Two Of Us
CHannel
3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 9.30 10.00 The Martha Stewart Show VI MasterChef US We are Singaporeans India: a love Story Dont Forget The lyrics III The Pupil II (PG Supernatural/Sexual) Seconds From Disaster III news 5 Tonight Covert affairs Mn 1.00aM 2.00 3.00 3.30 4.00 5.00
tHee
Vasantham, 10pm
Thee aims to create awareness of family violence in the Indian community in Singapore and to educate and inspire the community to stop this problem.
6.00aM 7.00 10.00 nOOn 1.00PM 1.30 2.00 2.30 Golden age Talentime 2011 Good Morning Singapore The Unforgettable Memory Power Duet (last episode) news 8 at One Tuesday Report little Wwoofers Kopi-o II (last episode)
CHannel
3.30 4.30 5.30 6.30 7.00 8.00 8.30 9.00 Fairy Of The Chalice Pay It Forward The Family Court Singapore Today love My Star Guide VI Sizzling Woks III Bountiful Blessings 10.00 10.30 11.00 Mn 1.00aM 2.00 3.00 4.00 news Tonight Focus Golden Ferris Wheel lotus lantern Fable Black Rose The Hotel That Moment In Time Taiwan Tornado
my star GUide Vi
Channel 8, 8pm
Join star guide Bryan Wong as he continues to unearth foodie finds in Scandinavia.
CHannel
11.00aM 3.00PM 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 Home Shopping Daughters In law 100% entertainment The Gentle Crackdown II Brilliant legacy Worlds no 1 8.30 9.00 9.55 10.00 11.00 11.30 legendary Cuisines Super Taste (Debut) Happy Mid-autumn! e.U. (PG) news Tonight The Ultimate Crime Fighter 12.30aM 1.00 1.30 2.30 3.30 Worlds no 1 legendary Cuisines Super Taste 100% entertainment Close
Generator rex
okto, 7.30pm
Rex wakes up in a strange place: an old boarding school with no people but a menagerie of bizarre collections and wild e.V.O.s. Turns out he was grabbed by Breach and is being kept captive inside a pocket dimension of her own making. Holiday captures Breach and is pressing for Rexs return but she would rather see her hidden world (and all within) destroyed than to give him up.
9.00aM 9.30 10.00 10.30 11.00 11.30
Roary The Racing Car

(prescHool)
2.30 3.00 3.30 4.00 4.30 5.00 5.30 6.00 6.30 7.00 7.30 8.00 8.30 9.00 10.00 11.00 Mn
Franklin & Friends

(prescHool)
Harry & His Bucket Full Of Dinosaurs (prescHool) Babar (prescHool) Franklin & Friends
The numberjacks
(prescHool) (prescHool) (prescHool)
(prescHool)
Curious George
On SInGTel MIO TV
nOOn
noddy In Toyland
12.30PM Hi-5 (prescHool) 1.00 Roary The Racing Car 1.30 2.00
(prescHool)
Harry & His Bucket Full Of Dinosaurs (prescHool) Babar (prescHool)
Green Crusade Kids United Jobs For Junior Bring Your Toothbrush Babar Pearlie Pokemon Diamond & Pearl Part III SpongeBob SquarePants Transformers Prime Generator Rex Kid Detectives Dragons Inn Critical Rescue: Buried alive Foodage Secret Worlds (Debut) Close
3.00PM 5.00 6.00 6.30 7.00 8.00 8.30 9.30 10.30 11.00 11.30 Mn
Cempaka Dahlia Rona Roni Makaroni (Debut) Glamor Raya II Makanlicious Bola Cinta (Debut) Berita Wakenabeb Gelora Di Hati Sara II lensa Ramadan 2011/2012 edisi Hari Raya anugerah alam (Debut) Berita Close
sUper taste (debUt)

Channel U, 9pm
Follow Sha Sha and the comical duo Hao Jiao Xiang Qi, as they bring you around the world to search for mouth-watering delicacies and the coolest tourist attractions! Hosts: Sha Sha, aaron Chen, Xie Xinhao.
On STaRHUB CaBle TV
3.00PM 3.30 4.00 4.30 5.00 5.30 6.00
anjaraipetti II Sathy leelavathi Take It easy Vazhkai III Mythilli nijangal Vikadavadi naeram Vasantham Star 2007
7.00 7.30 8.00 8.30 9.00 10.00
Gokulathil Seethai Pathivugal Vaira nenjam Tamil Seithi Kathai alla nijam Thee (PG 13 Mature Themes)
10.30 11.00 11.30 Mn 12.30aM
Savithiri ethiroli Indian Beat Tamil Seithi Close
Hayate tHe combat bUtler

e CITY (Ch 825), 10pm
asia Market Report all Things Paper Get Rea! X Inside The Human Body Primetime asia Swearing-In Of The Singapore President 8.32 Insight 9.00 Primetime news 9.31 Yours Truly, asia IX 10.00 Singapore Tonight 10.31 asia Business Tonight 11.00 asia Tonight 11.31 Insight Mn World Tonight 12.31aM The Maverick 1.01 Singapore Tonight 1.31 asia Business Tonight 2aM Full Page Headlines 5.00 5.32 6.02 6.32 7.00 7.28
Headlines
treasUre HUnter (exclUsiVe tV premiere)

Jia le Channel (mio TV Ch 88), 10.15pm
Its an outdoor game contest, where our hosts and artists will take you to a wonder land along with all different fun games in the amusement playground, all participants divided into 2 teams , they have to conquer mysterious quiz in order to enter into next challenge. every weekend viewers follow our invited artists to accomplish an exciting journey all over the countries.
12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 10.30pm, 11.30pm, 12.30am, 1am, 1.30am
Headlines/spore Updates
9.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm, 4.30pm

Headlines/ sinGapore market report
10.30am, 3.30pm Programmes may be pre-empted due to breaking news
6.00aM 6.30 7.00 9.00 9.38 10.00 10.32 11.00 11.33 nOOn 12.32PM 1.02 1.32 2.00 2.33 3.00 3.32 4.00 4.33
asian Home news aM live! early edition aM live! asia Today aSean Panorama World Today living Cities World Today asian Home news World Today Inside The Human Body The asian Century The entrepreneur 2011 asia Today living Cities asia Today Spirit of Singapore asia Today aSean Panorama
adapted from a Japanese manga, this idol drama narrates the story of Hayate, a teenager who had to work hard to pay off his parents debts. To ease his financial burden, he decides to kidnap someone but ends up rescuing a wealthy girl from the kidnappers who decides to hire him as her new butler.
cedar rapids (exclUsiVe tV premiere)

mio TV Video On Demand (latest Blockbusters), anytime On Demand
a by-the-book insurance agent away from home for the first time for an insurance convention is distracted by three convention veterans who show him the ropes and push his boundaries.
REGISTER AT PERKS.MOCCA.COM
ION RAT GIST RE IS
tHe incredibles
STaR MOVIeS (Ch 622), 9pm
Bob Parr and his wife Helen used to be among the worlds greatest crime fighters, saving lives and battling evil on a daily basis. Fifteen years later, they have been forced to adopt civilian identities and retreat to the suburbs where they live normal lives with their three kids, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack. Itching to get back into action, Bob gets his chance when a mysterious communication summons him to a remote island for a top-secret assignment. He soon discovers that it will take a super family effort to rescue the world from total destruction.
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COMEX
Sept 1 to 4, 2011 Noon to 9pm Levels 1,2,3,4 and 6 Suntec Singapore www.comexshow.com.sg
2011
A supplement brought to you by
2 IntroductIon
Come(x) and get it!

The biggest event to hit the tech community has already happened. Steve Jobs quit last week. The next biggest, at least in Singapore (in the latter half of the year) is COMEX. For the uninitiated, COMEX is said to be Singapores biggest IT and consumers electronics exhibition, and this years show is touted to be even bigger than last. Opening today, COMEX offers large discounts, giveaways, free gifts, promotional items and free air-conditioning not that it will matter because the halls will be so packed with bodies you will be sweating buckets. So dress lightly and take a big trolley. This years show will take up five floors of exhibition space on Levels 1,2,3,4 and 6 at the Suntec Singapore and opens from noon to 9pm daily until Sunday. Whether youre shopping for TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, digital cameras or accessories, youll be spoilt for choice. In the following pages, weve narrowed down your immense choices for TVs, home entertainment systems, laptops,
InsIde COMeX 2011 ...

Cameras and camcorders DSLRs Laptops Printers Monitors and tablets Mobile phones TVs and home entertainment Game and accessories >> 04 >> 08 >> 10 >> 12 >> 14 >> 16 >> 20 >> 22
TODAy FILE PHOTO
tablets, printers, mobile phones, digital cameras including DSLRs and camcorders computer peripherals and game accessories so you can home in on what you want. From observations gleaned from past events, the sight of someone walking out barehanded is as rare as hungry person at an all-you-can-eat buffet. And even if you do see one, chances are he/she is scouting the lay of the land and would have amassed a stash of brochures to take home and study. He/she
would most likely return another day with a handheld trolley and a heavy wallet. But I digress, in these pages are a little sneak peek at COMEX 2011: For new home owners, you have come to the right place to stock your home entertainment centres. With flat screens the norm and 3D/LED screens the rage, you can make a decisive comparison among brands and technology to create that perfect home cinema. Especially if you have the right sound
system. But first, flip to page 20 for our big screen, home entertainment systems picks. Computer on the fritz? Never fear, your new laptop is here. Why be tethered to a bulky PC when you can enjoy the freedom of anywhere, anytime surfing at home. Just pick a laptop from our notable notebook section on page 10, then couple it with a wireless printer on page 12. For the passionate shutterbug, you cant afford to miss our photographic gallery on pages 04 and 08. These are some of the picks weve got for you that will transform you into the next big shot. Better yet, pick up a camcorder and you can be the next Peter Jackson. Besides the cash savings youll make, this years COMEX also has an added bonus that comes in the form of a contest that lets you walk away with S$20,000. And that can let you stock up on Apple products well, until Steve Jobs takes back the reins and launches the next big iSomething.
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4 Cameras and CamCorders
Sony Nex-5ND
Like the highly popular Sony NEX-5 compact camera, Sonys NEX-5ND takes it to the next level with superb responsiveness, image quality and creativity of a DSLR camera. Expect high image quality with 16.1 megapixels and a new BIONZ processor enabling ISO 25600 high sensitivity. The Sony Nex 5ND also comes with a tilt-angle 7.5cm Xtra Fine LCD touch-screen and a Photo Creativity interface. Just 23.3mm slim, this lightweight camera also packs in Full HD movie and a manual focus features. Recommended retail price: NA COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8210
Canon PowerShot G12

Equipped with highend DSLR features such as High Dynamic Range and the Hybrid Image Stabiliser technology, the PowerShot G12 delivers sharp and high-resolution images with every shot. The camera comes with Canons HS System technology which includes a 10 megapixel and high-sensitivity sensor that reduces noise even in low-light situations. The PowerShot G12 also sports a customisable front dial for manual settings and a 28-scene Smart Auto mode. And, for the first time in a Canon G series model, the PowerShot G12 comes with a HD recorder and stereo sound. Recommended retail price: S$849 COMEX offer: S$799 with extra 8GB SD card and case Booth: 8101
Sony Cybershot WX30

Making its debut at COMEX, the ultra-slim and compact Cyber-shot WX30 offers an exciting range of imaging options for stills, full HD movie recording and 3D shooting. It is also the first ever Cybershot WX series model to offer a 7.5cm Xtra Fine LCD wide touch screen for user-friendly fingertip operation. Equipped with a 16.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, you can expect high image quality with this camera. The WX30 also comes with a new Clear Image Zoom function to boost magnification without lowering the pixel count in the final image. Recommended retail price: NA COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8210
Casio Exilim EX-Z2000

Have more fun snapping pics with Casios Exilim EX-Z200. Casios unique Dynamic Photo function allows you to cut out images of a moving subject and paste them on other moving images right on the camera. Designed with a Premium Auto function, the camera can automatically distinguish between night scenes, back lighting, green trees. It can also sense faces, movement and position. This lightweight and portable camera can optimise settings for exposure, ISO sensitivity, photo blur correction and level of noise reduction. Whats more, this 14.1-megapixel beauty comes with a wide-angle optical zoom, a CCD-shift image stabilisation and a HD Movie function. Recommended retail price: S$479 COMEX offer: S$299. The first 50 daily customers will receive a free 7-inch Shinco PC tablet worth S$499. Booth: 8117
Canon Legria HFM400

Making movies just got easier. With the Canon Legria HFM400s Story Creator, you can plan and organise scenes thematically then flow them logically just like a Hollywood director. It also features a CMOS Pro sensor that produces high resolution videos over a wide dynamic range and a 10x optical zoom which allows you to capture beautiful moments so every footage is a masterpiece. Recommended retail price: NA COMEX offer: S$1,149 with BP808 battery, 16GB SDHC card, video bag (with online warranty and S$100 Takashimaya voucher Booth: 8101
Olympus Pen E-PL1

Designed for budding photographers, this entry-level camera comes with a Live Guide interface for easy and intuitive adjustment of brightness, background defocusing and other image parameters all within a compact body. Whats more, a Dedicated Movie mode button ensures an almost seamless access to movie shooting at any time. The camera also comes with a built-in flash and image stabilisation. Exercise your creative muscle with six art filters, including a new Gentle Sepia filter. Available in white, champagne gold and black. Recommended retail price: S$998 COMEX offer: S$498, with M Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lens kit, bundled with an 8GB SD card and free gifts worth S$340. Also comes with free 8GB SD card, E-PL1 Skin, camera bag, screen protector, card reader, 3-month local extended warranty and a free e-workshop. Booth: 8205
Nikon Coolpix P300

Showcase your talent with the Coolpix P300 camera. Its 4.2x optical zoom with wide angle capability and f/1.8 fast lens will let you take razor-sharp, detailed pictures on a whim. The cameras high ISO speed of up to 3200 produces high quality images even in dimly lit settings. Shoot your own home movies or capture special moments with the cameras full HD movie recorder function. Whats more, this 12.2 megapixels camera also comes with various shooting functions such as Easy Panorama mode, Special Effects mode and Filter Effects mode for you to experiment with.
Samsung HMX-H304 Camcorder

Battery worries will be the last thing on your mind when you use Samsungs HMX-H304 camcorder, with up to three hours of battery life youll never miss those special moments. Its Pixel BSI CMOS sensor shines new light on your subjects by dramatically reducing image noise and distortion, and enhancing recording quality during low light conditions. The built-in optical image stabilisation technology automatically adjusts to compensate for even the slightest hand or body movements so footages are smooth and non-jerky. Recommended retail price: S$1,099 COMEX offer: 16GB SD card, carrying case and a Samsung battery worth S$200 in total Booth: 8161 and 8328
Toshiba Camileo S30 Full HD camcorder

This 19mm-thin camcorder comes with Full HD recording. You get to shoot video in fantastic detail with the camcorders 16x digital zoom. You can also capture still images with the camcorder at 8 megapixels. Upload videos and images with just one button onto YouTube, Facebook, Twitpic and Picasa. Make your own home movie or edit your images and videos with the ArcSoft Media Impression software, then watch your home movie on any HD TV, through the HDMI connection on the camcorder. Recommended retail price: NA COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8130
Recommended retail price: S$599 COMEX offer: S$499, comes with 8GB SD Card, camera case, cleaning kit, mini tripod, extra battery and other accessories. Booth: 8218
8 DSLRS
Nikon D5100
Enjoy taking photos from a wide variety of angles with Nikon D5100 horizontal vari-angle LCD monitor, which has been enlarged to 3 inches to enable greater flexibility during hand-held shooting. Whats more, this camera is also the first ever Nikon DSLR to come with a Special Effects mode. Featuring the same DX-format CMOS image sensor and EXPEED 2 image-processing engine as high-end D7000 DSLR cameras, the D5100 can also capture high-resolution images with brilliant expression of tones. Recommended retail price: NA COMEX offer: S$1,199. Comes with 8GB SD card, Slik tripod, Nikon bag, cleaning kit, card reader and others. Booth: 8218
Sony SLT-A55VL DSLR

This camera features Sonys new translucent mirror technology that enables faster shooting and auto-focus between shots. Shoot Full HD movies in superb detail with the cameras auto-focus and background defocusing effects. The Sony SLT-A55VL DSLR also comes with a versatile SAL 1855 all-purpose lens for everyday use. If you love shooting panorama shots, this camera comes with a 3D Sweep Panorama which allows you to take wide-angle images. Recommended retail price: S$1,349 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8210
Canon EOS 600D

The Canon EOS 600D, which is powered by an 18-megapixel high image quality CMOS sensor and the powerful DIGIC 4 image processor, allows you to take pictures with massive resolution. Features like Scene Intelligent Auto, Basic+ and Feature Guide make taking photos a snap. Recommended retail price: S$1,349 COMEX offer: S$1,199, with 8GB SD card, EF lens workbook (online promotion), EOS Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home bag. Buy the EOS 600D Kit and get the EF 75-300mm III USM lens for S$249 (usual S$429) Booth: 8101
Samsung NX 11
This camera is best known for its i-Function system which allows you to toggle between shutter speed, aperture, ISO and other functions quickly and conveniently by using just one button. The NX11 also sports an 3-inch AMOLED LCD screen which reduces glare from the sunlight so images can be previewed under any lighting conditions, plus its large APS-C sensor allows the videos to be recorded with shallow depth of field. The camera comes complete with a 18-55mm i-Function lens, as well as two new i-Function lenses, a 20mm pancake and a 20-50mm zoom silver colour lens. Recommended Retail Price: S$999, with 18-55 mm OIS standard kit lens; S$1,599 with 20mm and 18-55mm OIS standard kit lens COMEX offer: Free 8GB SD card, Samsung battery, NX carrying case, NX workshop a total value of S$330 Booth: 8161 and 8328
10 Laptops
Samsung Series 9 900X3A

Screen size: 13.3 inches Weight: 1.31kg Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium Processor: Intel Core i5-2537M processor 1.40GHz Storage: 128/256GB Memory: 4GB DDR3 RAM Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 Graphics: Integrated Shared Internal Graphics Memory With Samsungs Fast Start technology and solid state drive, the 900X3A starts in just 12 seconds 60 per cent faster than PCs with a hard disk drive. This sleek and ultralightweight notebook also features PowerPlus charging technology, which yields a battery lifespan of six-and-a-half hours, so you wont run out of juice on-the-go. Recommended retail price: S$2,488 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8161, 8328
HP ProBook 5330m
Screen: 13.3-inch HD LED Operating system: Windows 7 Professional Processor: 2nd Generation Intel Core i5-2520M, 2.50GHz Storage: 500GB Memory: 4GB DDR3 RAM Connectivity: 802.11a/b/h/n WLAN with Bluetooth Graphics: Intel HD 300 Graphics Avid music-lovers will want the HP Probook 5330m. Enjoy studio-quality music from the comfort of your home with the Dr Dre-designed Beats Audio sound system, found only on HP computers. Audio is played the way music producers want them to be heard. Outside of aural excellence, the Probook 5330m also comes with high-tech security features such as Fingerprint sensor and Face Recognition so only you can access your PC. Recommended retail price: S$1,699 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8498
Sony VPCEH18FG VAIO E Series Notebook

Screen size: 14-inch wide display VAIO display Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium Processor: Intel Core i5-2410M, 2.30GHz Storage: 500GB Memory: 4GB (SO-DIMM) Connectivity: IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 410M If you are looking for portability and versatility in shocking pink, this VAIO has your name on it. Its svelte shape with Sonys unique truss pattern texture makes it a fashion accessory and a working tool. Recommended retail price: S$1,199 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8210
ASUS Special Edition N-series notebook

Screen size: 14-inch LED-Backlit Weight: 2.4kg Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium Processor: Intel Core i5-2410M 2.3GHz Storage: 640GB Memory: 4GB DDR3 RAM Connectivity: Integrated, 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth Jay Chou fans will like this special-edition notebook simply because it is designed by the Taiwanese star. Recommended retail price: S$1,498 COMEX offer: S$1,298, comes with Trend Micro Internet Security, ASUS Jay Chou N Series special edition 4GB thumbdrive, ASUS Notebook bag and mouse Booth: 8310 and 8220
11
12 Printers
HP Officejet 100 Mobile Printer

Print on the go with HPs Officejet 100 mobile printer. Powered with a long-life lithium ion battery, Officejet 100 can deliver up to 500 professional-quality prints when fully charged. Enjoy print speeds of up to 22ppm black/18ppm colour and ISO (laser-comparable) speeds up to 5ppm black/3.5ppm colour when printing through Bluetooth on selected smartphones and mobile devices. Recommended retail price: S$499 COMEX offer: S$459, plus NTUC vouchers worth S$50 Booth: 8150 and 8335
Samsung CLP-325 Colour Laser Printer

Measuring only 388 x 313 x 243mm, and with its chic black and gray stylish design , the Samsung CLP-325 is a compact printer that fits easily on your desk. But more than looks, it also delivers high-quality colour prints with a resolution of up to 2,400 x 600dpi. A one-touch print screen button makes printing from your computer is easier than ever. Recommended retail price: S$328 COMEX offer: S$248 Booth: 8161 and 8328
Lexmark Genesis S815

A bright 4.3-inch touch screen that provides previews of scanned documents and one-touch SmartSolutions makes the Lexmark Genesis S815 fast and easy to use. Going from document to digital only takes 3 seconds with its revolutionary Flash Scan technology. Its Wi-Fi N wireless boasts three times the coverage and offers faster transfer speeds so you dont have to wait for your documents to print. Recommended retail price: S$499 COMEX offer: S$299 (with free NTUC vouchers worth S$30) Booth: 8480
Fuji Xerox DocuPrint CM205 fw

Fuji Xeroxs newest A4 wireless colour multifunction printer comes with the latest S-LED printing technology (12ppm colour /15ppm mono). The CM205 prints, scans, copies and faxes filling all your home office needs and provides mobile printing capabilities using Fuji Xerox Print Utility for iOS. This great-looking printer comes with a 4-year on-site warranty and Xeroxs 1-hour express service guarantee. Recommended retail price: S$649 COMEX offer: S$599, and get an instant cash rebate of S$50 plus S$50 in supermarket vouchers for a total savings of S$100. Booth: 8468
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14 Monitors and tablets
Motorola XOOM Tablet

Screen size: 10.1-inch 1280x800 resolution Weight: 708g Operating system: Android 3.0 Honeycomb Processor: 1GHz dual-core processors Memory: Up to 32GB on board Connectivity: 3.5mm, micro USB 2.0 HS, Corporate Sync, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR + HID Thin, light and powerful the Motorola xoom goes anywhere you do. With Googles Android 3.0 Honeycomb and dual-core processing power, you can work, play and surf without waiting too long for apps to load. The Xoom comes with a rearfacing 5 megapixel camera with flash that captures video in 720p HD, and a front-facing 2 megapixel camera designed for video calling, so experiences can be shared. Its Adobe Flash Player support (optional download), means you get to enjoy enriched Web experience with full access to Flash sites, videos and games. Recommended retail price: NA COMEX offer: Check at SingTel, M1, StarHub booths Booth: SingTel: Level 2, Ballroom 1; M1: Level 2, ballroom 2 and foyer; StarHub: Rooms 325,326 and foyer
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Screen size: 10.1-inch WXVGA Weight: 560g (Wifi), 565g (3G) Operating system: Android 3.1 Honeycomb Processor: 1 GHz dual core application processor Memory: 1GB Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0 with EDR, USB 2.0, Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n Featuring the TouchWiz user interface on the Android Honeycomb platform, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is said to be the worlds thinnest tablet at only 8.6mm. With network speeds of 21 Mbps, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and a 1GHz dual core application processor, it provides a powerful multimedia and Web browsing experience. Email, instant messaging, contacts, calendar and social network connections are all aggregated into a single interface with Samsungs Social Hub. Added support for Flash 10.3 and surround-sound stereo speakers give you a premium entertainment experience. Recommended retail price: S$848 for 16GB 3G, without contract COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8328
Samsung LS27A950 3D LED Monitor

This unique looking LED monitor, with its asymmetrical design, does more than display the contents of your computer. Created to be a hybrid monitor, the Samsung SA 9 series is also more than capable of playing back from Blu-ray players, gaming consoles and set-top boxes. This svelte flat-screen is also designed to render 2D images to 3D content in real time. At 2ms, the SA 9 series offers blazing fast pixelresponse time so you get the best images while gaming or watching movies without ghosting or streaking. Recommended retail price: S$788 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8161, 8328
Acer 3D Series GD245HQA

With its armor-like base and angular exterior, the Acer 3D series GD245HQA looks and performs like a high-precision military aircraft. Supporting the HDMI 3D solution from NVIDIA, the Acer 3D Series GD245HQA display commands a high brightness of 300 nits and a quick response time of 2ms to deliver on-theedge-of-your-seat excitement. Recommended retail price: S$699 COMEX offer: S$569 Booth: 8105
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16 MoBile phones
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

Put a 4.2-inch Reality Display with a Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine, and an 8.1-megapixel camera that lets you capture high-quality movies and stills in low light, into a sleek (8.7mm) and ergonomic casing and you have the Xperia Arc by Sony Ericsson. Powered by Android, and with 512MB of RAM, this lightweight (117g) HD phone lets you show those movies directly on your TV via the HDMI connector. Available in midnight blue or misty silver, this is a truly beautiful phone. Recommended retail price: S$888 COMEX offer: S$668 Booth: 6341
Huawei Ideos X6
The Huawei Ideos X6 features superior highdefinition multimedia performance, a 4.1-inch touchscreen, HDMI-out port and the ability to record 720p HD video. Aside from its 2GB storage, 512MB RAM and 2GB ROM internal memory, it also has a microSD card slot for extra storage. It runs on Google Android 2.2 and supports Adobe Flash. Recommended retail price: S$498 COMEX offer: Every purchase comes with a free 8GB microSD card (while stocks last). Special promotional price to be announced at COMEX Booth: 6711
Samsung Galaxy S II
Books, browsing, photos, video or games, the Samsung Galaxy S II does it all. And it does it all in brilliant , vibrant colour with a 4.3-inch WVGA Super Amoled Plus display. This ultrathin (8.49mm) smartphone boasts dual core processing, the Android 2.3 OS and Samsungs new personalisable UX, that selects and displays the content that you use most. Allshare lets the Galaxy S II link wirelessly with compatible DLNA based products to share multi-media files directly. Recommended retail price: S$998 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8328
Motorola ATRIX
The Motorola Atrix is a smartphone packed with computing capabilities. Its 1GHz, dualcore processor, 1GB of RAM and up to 32Gb removable microSD storage places laptop-like power in your palm. Couple it with the Lapdock and it even looks like a notebook. It also has full Firefox browser and supports Adobe Flash to give you complete access to the Web. Recommended retail price: NA COMEX offer: Check M1, StarHub, SingTel booths Booth:SingTel: Level 2, Ballroom 1; M1: Level 2, ballroom 2 and foyer; StarHub: Rooms 325,326 and foyer
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20 TELEVISIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Sony BRAVIA KLV-32EX310

An essential addition to your home, the Sony BRAVIA KLV-32EX310 is packed with the latest features to ensure you get the best picture quality possible. To be launched only at COMEX, the latest entry LED model for Sony comes with HD Ready Resolution (WXGA) and two HDMI ports, so you get more out of your home cinematic experience. The KLV-32EX310 also has FM radio for lazy days and a USB port to playback your photos and videos. Recommended retail price: Unavailable COMEX offer: S$599 Booth: 3005 and 8401
Sony BDV-E380 Blu-ray Home Theatre Systems

Looking for the centrepiece of your home entertainment set-up? The stylish Sony BDV-E380 Blu-ray Home Theatre Systems could be just the answer. The sleek monolithic design of the BDV-E380, with its aluminum hairline finish and touch panel, means it will be able to fit seamlessly into your home decor while adding a dash of elegance to it. The system is USB Wi-Fi ready and boasts a built-in 3D-capable Blu-ray player to let you stream music, movies and online videos from anywhere you want. Enjoy superior sound quality with the impressive 1000W RMS 5.1 channel 3D surround sound system and wider directional speakers. With so much to offer, the BDV-E380 will guarantee a memorable audiovisual experience whenever you use it. Recommended retail price: S$699 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 3005 and 8401
Samsung BD-D6500 Blu-ray Player

From built-in Wi-Fi and touch sensor control to Full HD 3D playback capability and 1080p upscaling, the Samsung BDD6500 Blu-ray Player is packed with features that ensure you get the most out of your player. Its DLNA-compliant and has smart Blu-ray features such as AllShare and Smart Hub, making it even easier to access and share content. Recommended retail price: S$449 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 8321 and 8161
Samsung D7000 LED TV

The Samsung D7000 LED TV is a marriage of high technology and minimalist design aesthetics. Its stunningly thin 5mm black bezel is framed by a jewel-like transparent bezel that offers a hint of red along the crystal bezels edge. The Quad Stand is slimmer than its 2010 counterpart, but still manages to ensure the TVs stability while preserving its air of elegance. The LED D7000s improved backlight scanning technology using Samsungs new 3D proprietary frame interpolation algorithm improves 3D picture quality and provides smooth frame transitions without blurring. Consumers can also access a range of Samsung apps on Smart Hub. Recommended retail price: S$4,499 (46-inch)/S$5,999 (55-inch) COMEX offer: TBA. The D7000 comes bundled with a Galaxy S Wifi 5-inch, worth S$378 Booth: 8321 and 8161
Philips 46-inch FHD LED TV 5000

Get the most natural cinematic experience with the Philips 46-inch FHD LED TV 5000 series. The Full HD LCD display has anti-reflection coating and comes with Direct LED Backlight so pictures wont be washed out while its HD Natural Motion reduces judder so you get smoother, sharper action that surpasses cinema quality. Other features such as Dynamic Contrast Enhancement and Colour Enhancement help bring pictures to life as images appear more realistic and vibrant. Along with features such as Pixel Plus HD, Luminance Transient Improver and MPEG artifact reduction, the Philips 46-inch FHD LED TV 5000 series is set to take screen performance to the next level. Recommended retail price: S$2,299 COMEX offer: S$999 Booth: 8410
Sony BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc Player

The Sony BDP-S380 Blu-ray Disc Player is a slim, stylish unit that will fit easily into existing set-up. Enjoy Full HD 1080p Blu-ray movies and other additional features with BD-LIVE and BonusView. It is wireless LAN Ready and BRAVIA Internet Video streaming means you wont have to miss your favourite programmes. The free Media Remote app transforms your iPhone or compatible Android phone into a versatile remote control. Recommended retail price: S$199 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 3005 and 8401
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22 Games and accessories
Sony Walkman NWZ-W262

If you like your music on-the-go, the new Sony Walkman NWZ-W262 is just what you need to complement your active and trendy lifestyle. This tiny Sony Walkman has a 2GB capacity with an 8-hour standby charge. A quick charge of 3 minutes will give you 60 minutes of playtime. This small wonder is also water-resistant and washable so you can take it on your trek and not worry about dredging it in the mud. Recommended retail price: S$129 COMEX offer: TBA Booth: 3005
From Top:
Microsoft Xbox 360 with Kinect

microsofts revolutionary motion-sensing device is a whole different take on gaming, operating with the idea that your body is the controller. Great for parties and workouts, its an experience youll never forget. Recommended retail price: S$469 Special COMEX offer: Trade in your old console and get a discount of up to S$150 off your new Xbox 360. Trade in your old Xbox or Xbox 360 console and get a discount of up to S$150, with free Xbox LIVE points worth S$33. offer while stocks last. T&Cs apply. COMEX offer: Xbox 360 4GB with Kinect Edition, S$499, comes with a free 1,600 microsoft points Card and 3-month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription worth S$67.90. Xbox 360 250GB with Kinect Edition, S$649, comes with Michael Jackson: The Experience. purchases without console trade-in will come with one free Xbox 360 game. Booth: 6126
COMEX offer: S$179 with free eGear i1000 portable Charger for micro/mini USB devices, worth S$49 Booth: AAAs Com (6731), Epicentre (room 201, 202), Infinite (6118) and million mobile (6859, 6863)
Razer Chimaera Wireless Gaming Headset

prepare to go into Xbox gaming overdrive with razers new Chimaera Wireless Gaming Headset. Designed to offer gamers maximum aural intensity, the Chimaera is a 5.8GHz interference-free wireless headset with adjustable extra-large circumaural ear cups for that ultimate surround sound experience. The headset comes with a docking base station for audio processing, recharging and advanced controls, and can locally connect up to 4 base stations for dedicated lag-free team communications. Its flexible microphone boom and up to 8 hours rechargeable battery life ensure you can last the distance in your Xbox marathons. Recommended retail price: S$299 COMEX offer: NA Booth: 6311
rejoice. The latest in the JBL range (new launch at ComEX), the JBL on Air Wireless Airplay speaker dock will revolutionise the way you listen to music. providing an even more seamless music experience within the home, it lets you stream music wirelessly from your iTunes library, iphone, ipad or ipod touch over your existing Wifi network. The full colour screen displays album art and artiste and song information at a glance or the time when it switches to Fm clock mode. Recommended retail price: NA COMEX offer: S$549 Booth: room 201,202 and Level 3 foyer
Creative ZiiSound D5x Wireless Speaker System

Set to revolutionise the home audio experience, Creatives ZiiSound D5x wireless speaker systems built-in flexibility allows users to create different speaker systems. The ZiiSound D5x speakers not only work with all smart devices and mobile phones that are stereo Bluetooth compatible, they can also be connected wirelessly to form a multi-channel home audio system. Apt-X audio technology and efficient digital amplifiers ensure premium sound quality, along with precision volume control when used with the BT-D5 Bluetooth transmitter. The ZiiSound DSx wireless subwoofer can be linked to the system for deep bass capability. Recommended retail price: S$399 COMEX offer: S$349 (limited to 50 sets) Purchase-with-purchase offers: Buy a second unit of Creative ZiiSound D5x Wireless Speaker System at S$249 or Creative ZiiSound DSx Wireless Subwoofer at S$149 (usual price S$199) Booth: 6121
Plantronics Savor M1100 Bluetooth Headset

plantronics is set to elevate communication to a new level. The new plantronics Savor m1100 Bluetooth Headset features three microphones that work in harmony to ensure every word can be is clearly heard. Convenient voice commands mean that users can always keep their eyes on the road rather than on their phones. WindSmart technology also helps reduce wind noise when taking calls in noisy situations. more than just a headset, the plantronics Savor includes A2Dp technology for streaming music, GpS navigation, podcasts and audio books to ensure youll never be bored while on the go. Compact and lightweight, the stylish plantronics Savor provides up to four hours of talk time and seven days of standby time. Recommended retail price: S$199
PROLiNK PKM-3810B Bluetooth Multimedia Keyboard

proLiNKs new pKm-3810B Bluetooth multimedia Keyboard will change the way you think about keyboards. It has an impressive transmission range of up to 10 metres and a data rate of 2mbps. With 12 convenient hotkeys, access to the Internet and your favourite multimedia will be quick and smooth. Recommended retail price: S$79 COMEX offer: S$59 Booth: 6231
The JBL On Air Wireless AirPlay speaker dock (Epicentre)

music lovers now have more cause to
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MICA (P) 057/10/2010 A PublICATIon of

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Merlion Park to Marina Bay Sands

today thursday september 1, 2011

today thursday september 1, 2011

nitcharee and her father. today File photo

Man who fell off tanker: Body found

today thursday september 1, 2011

today thursday september 1, 2011

Australian high Court rules against refugee swap with Malaysia

asylum seekers at christmas island last month. reuters

Malaysia planning nuclear power PR campaign for public mandate

Your FOREX PROFITS In Just 15 Minutes A Day Virtually With No Effort!

Retire Rich Like Our Graduates

will be shared during this session

1st Sept 2011

NUSS Guild House Suntec Tower 4 Lvl 5

THAT 200% DeBT IS CRY FoR RevoLUTIoN PAGe 18

today thursday september 1, 2011

Libyan rebels reject UN offer of observers

Pakistan bans encryption software

today thursday september 1, 2011

today thursday september 1, 2011

today thursday september 1, 2011

a sentinel to good governance

photo by doN WoNg

today thursday september 1, 2011

today thursday september 1, 2011

that 200% debt is cry for revolution

today thursday september 1, 2011

today thursday september 1, 2011

apples tricky next steps what history suggests

Julia Kirby is an editor-at-large for Harvard Business Review.

today thursday september 1, 2011

TODAY ThuRSDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

A teachers first love

MediaCorp Press Ltd

today thursday september 1, 2011

today thursday september 1, 2011

A worry if PA thinks political rather than people