Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high-speed rail to have seven stops in Malaysia Published on Oct 22, 2014 7:00 PM Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. The high-speed rail (HSR) project connecting Singapore and Kuala Lumpur will have seven stops in Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat, and Nusajaya. -- PHOTO: ST FILE By Adrian Lim SINGAPORE - The high-speed rail (HSR) project connecting Singapore and Kuala Lumpur will have seven stops in Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat, and Nusajaya. While several of the proposed stations had been announced earlier, the location of the stations were confirmed on Wednesday by Malaysia's Land Public Transport Commission chairman, Syed Hamid Albar. Mr Syed Hamid said that Malaysia has completed its feasibility study for the link, which is targeted for completion in 2020, and has shared the report with Singapore. Singapore's own feasibility study for its section of the proposed 320km to 340km rail started in August and is currently ongoing. Giving an update to reporters on the sidelines of a HSR conference in Tokyo, Dr Syed Hamid said details such as the exact locations of the terminus in Singapore and KL have to be decided, before the project can proceed.
Singapore maths is travelling the world [h=2]More countries use textbooks based on S'pore approach to teach subject [/h] Published on Oct 23, 2014 8:08 AM Dr Fong Ho Kheong is the principal author of a series of maths textbooks called My Pals Are Here!, on which Marshall Cavendish Education's customised textbooks for 10 countries are based. -- PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI FOR THE STRAITS TIMES By Amelia Teng Singapore mathematics is going places, and there are no signs of it slowing down. From India to France and Chile, more countries have, in recent years, turned to the famed Singapore approach to teaching the subject, using visual means such as objects, pictures and diagrams to teach concepts. Education officials and publishers abroad are paying closer attention to the way maths is taught here after Singapore students emerged tops in maths and problem-solving in international tests. A total of 10 countries - including South Africa, Brunei and the Netherlands - are using customised textbooks based on Singapore maths produced by publisher Marshall Cavendish Education. This is up from just two countries - Thailand and Libya - five years ago. These books are based on a series of maths textbooks, called My Pals Are Here! The principal author of the books is Dr Fong Ho Kheong, 66. Marshall Cavendish Education's maths materials are being used in 42 countries, where 40 to 100 per cent of schools use its textbooks. The publishing giant has also partnered Oxford University Press to publish a new series based on Singapore maths for Britain next year. Another publisher, Scholastic Australia, has also adopted Singapore maths in its new series called Prime Mathematics, used in Australia. The textbooks also incorporate good practices from South Korea and Hong Kong. Scholastic Australia's head of education, Mrs Christine Vale, said a trial with the books started with three Australian schools in July, and has grown to 50 schools. In India, 85 primary schools in areas such as Mumbai, New Delhi and Hyderabad have been using another version of the books - known as Alpha Mathematics - since April. Dr Duriya Aziz, senior vice-president of Scholastic's international education unit, said there is more awareness of the importance of maths. "The focus for a long time was on literacy, but more countries recognise that to solve problems, you need good grounding in numeracy," she said. Mrs Vale, a former primary school maths teacher, said: "There is interest in how maths is taught in Singapore because it is obviously very successful." In the latest Programme for International Student Assessment, held in 2012, Singapore students came in second in maths, behind their peers in Shanghai. Australia was ranked 19th. Mr Jeffery Thomas and his Singaporean wife, Ms Dawn Yuen, who own a business selling Singapore textbooks in the United States, said sales have "increased significantly" in the past five years. Their company, Singapore Math Inc, distributes textbooks to several thousand schools in the US and Canada. Mrs Vale said that while most topics such as fractions are similar, the methods developed by the Ministry of Education here allow children to build on their understanding gradually. "It goes more in-depth about each topic, whereas our schools tend to move quickly from one topic to another." Ms Nita Arora, principal of Sri Venkateshwar International School in New Delhi, said teachers were sceptical at first about using the series, but are finding its methods helpful for children to understand concepts. For instance, they learn fractions through means such as figures, paper-strip folding and a food-dividing activity section. This has allowed the teachers to "think in many ways" and children to "relate to numeracy to everyday life", she said. ateng@sph.com.sg [h=5]Background story[/h] Visualising abstract concepts The method involves a three-step learning process: concrete-pictorial-abstract. It uses visual means like objects, pictures or diagrams to teach concepts. Developed here in the 1980s, the approach is based on American psychologist Jerome Bruner's theory in the 1960s that people learn in three basic stages: through real objects, pictures and symbols. Number symbols, like 5 + 2 = 7, can be difficult for children to understand. So, the technique allows them to build on their understanding gradually. It starts with them handling "concrete" objects, to drawing "pictorial" representations of them, and eventually understanding and using "abstract" maths symbols. An example is the bar model technique, which helps students to visualise as they draw rectangular blocks to represent numerical values. AMELIA TENG
Singapore 'a beacon of hope for South Africa', says S. African Chief Justice [h=2]Important lessons to be learnt from a small country, says S. African CJ [/h] Published on Oct 23, 2014 8:06 AM South Africa Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng praised Singapore's achievements and progress despite its small size. -- PHOTO: SINGAPORE ACADEMY OF LAW By K.C. Vijayan Senior Law Correspondent South Africa's Chief Justice has lauded Singapore as a beacon of hope for his country, citing its visionary leadership, abhorrence of corruption and making the most of the least. Delivering the 21st Singapore Academy of Law lecture on Tuesday Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng noted that both countries had visionary founding leaders. But unlike Mr Nelson Mandela, Singapore's Mr Lee Kuan Yew lives to see the vision for his country fully realised. "Sadly, for South Africa, by the time our founding father had passed on, much still had to be done," he said. He dedicated the lecture to Mr Mandela, who was also a lawyer, like Mr Lee.
Designer of SG50 birth certificate inspired to have baby Published on Oct 23, 2014 6:14 AM Ms Wang Shijia with the folder for the special birth certificate, both of which she designed for babies born next year, to commemorate Singapore's 50th year of independence. -- PHOTO: DIOS VINCOY JR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES By Lim Yan Liang Hardly any mother can claim to have designed the birth certificate of her newborn child. Being able to do so is pushing Ms Wang Shijia to have a baby next year. She has already got the "harder" part done - she is the designer of the commemorative birth certificate that will be given to all Singaporeans born next year, the country's 50th year of independence. The certificate, unveiled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Grace Fu last week, will feature a coloured state crest, instead of the usual monotone one, and an "SG50 baby" seal. It will come in a gold-coloured folder decorated with abstract Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid prints and a bright red baby rattle. On the inside sleeve will be a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Fighting intolerance and prejudice, everywhere we see it: DPM Tharman Published on Oct 22, 2014 6:50 PM Dancers from Kampung Chai Chee CC performing Indian dances at the Deepavali Istana open house on Oct 22, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM By Aaron Low SINGAPORE - Even as Hindus in Singapore celebrate Deepavali, or the "Festival of Lights" today, the ominous winds of ignorance and bigotry are blowing, said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Wednesday. That is why people everywhere, especially in Singapore, must learn to fight these dark forces and forge societies based on mutual understanding and openness. Wishing all Hindus a happy Deepavali on his Facebook account, Mr Tharman, writing from Beijing at an Apec Finance Ministers' meeting, also took the opportunity to reflect upon the deeper meaning of the occasion. Deepavali is about the human spirit, "the triumph of the light of learning and understanding over the darkness of ignorance and bigotry," he said. Unfortunately, the winds are blowing the other way today, with a rise in religious and ethnic tensions and conflicts around the world today. "The headlines are about the Middle-East - the growth of Islamist aggression against the Kurds, Christians and Yazidis, in defiance of the long history of Muslim civilisation that was in fact relatively free of the persecutions and holocausts that marked other civilisations; the surge in Sunni-Shia rivalry within the Muslim world; and the denial of Palestinian rights to co-existence," he noted. "But the problems are elsewhere too. In the continuing rise of the religious right in Hinduism and Christianity. And in the discrimination of minorities and rise of ethnic nationalism, in parts of Europe and Asia." The problems are likely to get worse, before they get better, he warned. "We cannot just hope for a better world," he said. "Fighting this requires leadership, internationally and in each of our societies, collective will, and everyday actions by all of us." In Singapore, tolerance must be part of everyday life; more than that, Singapore must be a society founded on "open-mindedness, empathy and understanding of each other." "Where there is some give and take, so we live easily with each other. Where every kid grows up with friends of other races and religions. There is more to be done. So that we remain a peaceful place, a place where the flame of human spirit stays alive against the winds of intolerance," he said.
Wax figures of Lee Kuan Yew and his late wife unveiled at Madame Tussauds Singapore Published on Oct 23, 2014 12:39 PM Wax figures of former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his late wife Kwa Geok Choo have been unveiled at the Madame Tussauds Singapore wax museum, which had its grand opening on Thursday. -- PHOTO: MADAME TUSSAUDS SINGAPORE Photo of former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and wife Kwa Geok Choo at Sentosa, taken on Valentine’s Day in 2008. -- PHOTO: KWA KIM LI By Bryna Singh SINGAPORE - Wax figures of former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his late wife Kwa Geok Choo have been unveiled at the Madame Tussauds Singapore wax museum, which had its grand opening on Thursday. The figures show Mr and Mrs Lee smiling, arm-in-arm and seated against a backdrop of red flowers formed in the shape of two hearts. They are also dressed in the colours of Singapore's national flag - red and white. The couple's wax figures are among other lookalikes of political leaders, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. The museum also hosts other wax doubles of local celebrities, such as actress Zoe Tay, singer Stefanie Sun, film-maker Jack Neo, actor-host Gurmit Singh and football legend Fandi Ahmad. The museum opens to the public this Saturday at the Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa.
Lee Kuan Yew visits Battle For Merger exhibition at National Library Published on Oct 23, 2014 11:43 AM Former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew paid a visit on Wednesday to The Battle For Merger exhibition at the National Library, which showcases 12 radio talks he gave in 1961 to convince Singaporeans of the need for merger with Malaya. -- PHOTO: TEO CHEE HEAN/FACEBOOK By Fiona Chan SINGAPORE - Former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew paid a visit on Wednesday to The Battle For Merger exhibition at the National Library, which showcases 12 radio talks he gave in 1961 to convince Singaporeans of the need for merger with Malaya. During his visit, Mr Lee praised the team who had put up the exhibition for their "thorough research" and for "presenting this key period for today's audience", said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. Mr Teo posted a picture of Mr Lee's visit on Facebook on Thursday morning, adding that "winning the struggle against the communists paved the way for modern non- communist Singapore". The exhibition is in conjunction with the reprint of The Battle For Merger book, which compiles Mr Lee's radio talks for a younger generation of Singaporeans. Mr Lee's talks had exposed the communist threat in Singapore in the 1960s and the goal of the communists to capture power in the country.
Eat, shop, explore at the seven stations along upcoming Singapore-KL high-speed rail Published on Oct 23, 2014 11:47 AM Construction of the high-speed rail (HSR) project connecting Singapore and Kuala Lumpur could begin some time next year, although the actual date has yet to be fixed. -- PHOTO: AFP By Melody Zaccheus SINGAPORE - Malaysian authorities have confirmed that the high-speed rail (HSR) project linking Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (KL) will have seven stops in Malaysia - KL, Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat and Nusajaya. The terminus in Malaysia will be at Bandar Malaysia while Singapore's could be housed in the city centre, Jurong East or Tuas. The ride from Singapore to KL will be within 90 minutes but could come up to about 2.5 hours including waiting time, transfers and immigration clearance. Construction on the project could begin in the third quarter of next year. [HR][/HR]Here are some things to do and places to visit at each stop. 1. Kuala Lumpur The capital of Malaysia is frequented by many Singaporeans, who usually have to take a five-hour-long bus ride or an hour-long plane ride for business or pleasure. KL is home to more than 60 shopping malls such as Suria KLCC, which is located between the Petronas Twin Towers. Malaysia's capital also has a thriving nightlife scene. 2. Putrajaya Some might call Putrajaya the city of bridges. There are at least nine such unique structures that dot its landscape, including the 370m-long Seri Perdana Bridge, which features the royal Islamic style of architecture. Visitors can take in breathtaking sights of the Putrajaya lake from eight of the bridge's viewing platforms. Another one worth noting is the 240m-long Seri Wawasan Bridge, which boasts a futuristic design. Located 25km from KL, the city serves as Malaysia's federal administrative centre and is home to the Prime Minister's office, as well as multiple parks and green areas. 3. Seremban The capital of Negeri Sembilan is known for food such as the Seremban siew bao (a meat bun), beef noodles and nasi padang. Famous names include Asia Siew Pau Master at 368, Jalan Seng Meng Lee. The town is also known for its picturesque Seremban Lake Garden, where tropical flora and fauna flourish. It is one of the country's oldest natural lake gardens. 4. Ayer Keroh Situated in the state of Malacca, it is touted as a tourist spot with attractions such as the popular Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, the Melaka Zoo and the Mini Malaysia and Mini Asean Park, which features different types of accommodation from pre-modern Malaysia. Some, however, describe it as a sleepy town which pales in comparison to the nearby 500-year-old Malacca City - the capital of Malacca state - which was named a Unesco World Heritage site in 2008. 5. Muar The colour-coded town, which is lined with pre-war buildings, has food stalls, coffeeshops and restaurants which date back to the 1960s and 70s. They offer visitors not only cheap and good grub but also a nostalgic experience. Famous dishes include asam pedas, lontong and otak-otak. You can also stop by for seafood dinners under the setting sun. Tourists usually bring home coffee beans and coffee powder. Other popular activities: visiting durian plantations and the Parit Jawa Fishing Village. 6. Batu Pahat Batu Pahat, which means chiselled stone in Malay, is known as a food haven. Must try food stalls include Ah See Wan Tan Mee at Jalan Jenang, Kampung Pegawai. The town has boomed in recent years as a result of the growth of its textiles, food processing and electronics industries. Malls and hypermarkets have followed this boom, with many opening across the town. Singaporeans are known to swing by Ship Village Seafood Restaurant in Jalan Minyak Beku. 7. Nusajaya Located on the west of Johor, Nusajaya is one of the five flagship zones of Iskandar which the Malaysian government aims to transform into a sustainable metropolis by 2025. Attractions in Nusajaya include Puteri Harbour Marina, Legoland, Hello Kitty Town and lifestyle and entertainment complex the Mall of Medini, which is partially open. Singaporeans are also buying apartments and other properties there. SOURCES: Nusajaya City, Virtual Tourist, Trip Advisor, Malaysia Site, www.malacca.ws, Malaysia Traveller, Seremban Municipal Council
A new buzz runs through the Tanjong Rhu riverside [h=2]Tanjong Rhu, still picturesque but sleepy no more with Sports Hub [/h] Published on Oct 24, 2014 7:19 AM The Sports Hub is the latest addition to Tanjong Rhu's changing landscape. Some residents are excited by the area's new vibrancy while others lament the attendant headaches that come with the buzz. And there are also those who take it lying down - and just enjoy the view. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN - ST PHOTOS: RUDY WONG, NG SOR LUAN ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN Tanjong Rhu, where the new exist companionably with the old in the form of Leong Brothers Departmental Store. -- ST PHOTO: RUDY WONG Tanjong Rhu, where the new exist companionably with the old (above) in the form of Leong Brothers Departmental Store. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN By Calvin Yang For years, while the Sports Hub was being built, the estate across the Geylang River, with its pitched-roof, cream-coloured waterfront condominiums, had felt like a place in a fairy tale: picturesque but sleepy and faraway. It even had a lookout tower in the form of Cosy Bay beer garden, but the once bustling restaurant and bar closed in 2008. With the completion of Gardens By the Bay across the water in 2012 and the Sports Hub this June, it is as if Tanjong Rhu has woken from a sleeping spell. The area has become more accessible, and buzzes with energy as a hangout for families and outdoor enthusiasts. For sure, expatriate mums having picnics on open grass patches, teens zooming about on their kick scooters, and luxury cars driving in and out of condominiums are still common sights in this largely gated neighbourhood. What has changed is that on weekday evenings and weekends, the open spaces facing the Sports Hub and Indoor Stadium host picnics and sports activities, including fun runs and marathons.
COMMENT: A delight to see good old library@orchard serving up books again Published on Oct 24, 2014 7:10 AM The old library@orchard at Ngee Ann City. The library, which closed at the end of November in 2007 has now re-opened at orchardgateway. -- PHOTO: ST FILE The view of the first floor of the new library@Orchard. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO By Kash Cheong SINGAPORE- When the old library@orchard at Ngee Ann City closed at the end of November in 2007, I felt as if my little oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road had vanished overnight. Some yin-yang balance had been thrown. So much on Orchard Road feels cold and commercial, but not library@orchard. Known to many as Orchard Library, it was the one personal space I could relate to. I had fond memories of its warm wooden floors, and the many readers, backs pressed against the glass walls, engrossed in their newest pickings. I was part of the throng of students who went there to study on weekends. The library's tables would be packed during exam season, with others waiting around like hawks. My friends and I thought it was the perfect place to study for a full afternoon, then reward yourself with a shopping trip after. I guess many others thought like us. I remember library@orchard as a place to wait. Since we were perfect Gen Y specimens, my friends, sadly, seldom showed up on time for appointments. But I could always count on having a library book to fill the hours. Sure, one could always browse through books at the Kinokuniya Bookstore. But you have to ask someone behind the counter to unwrap it for you. It is nothing like having a public library, where you can dig straight into a book, and then walk away having borrowed it, without burning a hole in your pocket. I could not be happier now that library@orchard has re-opened at orchardgateway, as a grown-up and amped-up version focusing on design. In keeping with its theme, there will be spaces like Make, where people can create their own projects and share them with others, and Cocoons, reading nooks where someone can lose themselves in a book. There will be many activities like talks by designers. Here's the opportunity again to chance upon a good book while waiting for friends. Or to feed the mind after a Sunday shopping trip. I can't wait to meet an old friend in the new library@orchard. I'm glad my little oasis in the midst of town is back. kashc@sph.com.sg Library@orchard returns with a chic look and a collection focused on design Published on Oct 23, 2014 10:53 AM The entrance of library@Orchard's first floor, called The Studio, which houses fiction books. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO Within the fiction books section lies a wide selection of DVDs. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO The long walkway one sees upon entering the library from the third floor of Orchard Gateway. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO As part of library@Orchard's opening, an exhibition named irememberOrchard will be featured as a tribute to Orchard Road and its history. It will remain in the library till April next year. The exhibition features detailed descriptions of past and present spaces in Orchard Road, together with photographs. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO The library's magazine wall boasts 475 magazines, the largest collection of magazines in a public library in Singapore. They are stored in multiple drawers fronted by a copy of each magazine. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO Self check-out and book collection kiosks. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO The view of the first floor of the library. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO The view of the first floor of the library, which houses fiction books. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO On the second floor lays a solitary reading area called the cocoon, and a book shelf named Book Tree. both were designed in conjunction with Singapore Polytechnic. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO The second floor of the library. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO The Book Tree stores various forms of media such as books and video, and will host varying themes such as photography, DIY and health, etc. Readers are encouraged to share books of their interest on the Book Tree. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO Preview of the new library@Orchard. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO By Huang Lijie After a seven-year hiatus, the much-loved library@orchard is back, and looking better. Opened to the public this morning, the two-storey library on the third and fourth floors of the orchardgateway shopping mall is a chic, cosy space that would look right at home on the pages of a trendy magazine or book on design. The sleek, curvilinear white shelves, buff bamboo floors and black walnut chairs with leather seats from home-grown furniture label Air Division - the chair retails for more than $1,600 - are among features that lend a fresh look and relaxed sophistication to the public library in Orchard Road. The collection of books and magazines also stands out from those at other public library branches, with its focus on design, including fashion, graphic and interior design. Of the some 100,000 fiction and non-fiction books available, more than 45,000 are design-related and 46 magazine titles are new and exclusive to library@orchard, including cult art and design magazines such as Disegno, BITE and Works That Work. The previous library@orchard in Ngee Ann City closed in 2007. Other themed libraries under the National Library Board include library@esplanade, which spotlights the performing arts, and library@chinatown, which specialises in Chinese art and culture. The library's focus on design in its collection and user experience is a result of wide-ranging public feedback and in-depth interviews with users, said the assistant director of public library services, Ms Jasna Dhansukhlal, 40. This is the first public library that has sought and combined public feedback and suggestion in its design, collection and services. The National Library Board worked with some 30 students and lecturers from the Singapore Polytechnic to understand the habits and needs of library users before coming up with design prototypes. Models of these design features were exhibited at the National Library from December 2012 to January last year and more than 1,000 members of the public offered feedback. The two most popular prototypes - interactive book shelves, dubbed Book Trees, and nooks for library-goers to read and think alone, christened Cocoons, have been fine-tuned and incorporated in the library. The four Book Trees in the library each have a different theme and display a selection of books, magazines and audio-visual material on the topic. An interactive digital screen allows users to browse other resources on the topic and add their recommendations to the list by scanning their choice of books at the shelf. The five Cocoons, on the other hand, adjoin regular book shelves and feature single seats that have curved dark wood panels that create a partially enclosed space. Minister for Communications and Information, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, who opened the library, said: "The 'firsts' for the library@orchard is a testament to our commitment to evolve and keep pace with Singaporeans' changing lifestyle needs." He added that the collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic and public feedback "marks a significant step towards greater community involvement in the development of our libraries".
High-speed rail: Singapore wants updated feasibility study from Malaysia By Saifulbahri Ismail POSTED: 24 Oct 2014 21:42 Singapore's Transport Ministry said Malaysia had shared its initial feasibility study with Singapore in January. However, since then, there have been major changes to Malaysia's proposal. File photo of the Singapore skyline. (Photo: Sutrisno Foo) SINGAPORE: Singapore has requested that Malaysia provide an updated version of its feasibility study on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail. Singapore's Transport Ministry told Channel NewsAsia on Friday (Oct 24) that Malaysia had shared its initial feasibility study with Singapore in January this year. However, since then, there have been major changes to Malaysia's proposal, including an additional station in Putrajaya and changes in alignment. The ministry said an updated study and other details are needed for Singapore's own feasibility study, which is expected to be completed by next year. On Wednesday, the chairman of Malaysia's Land Public Transport Commission Mr Syed Hamid Albar had said that authorities are waiting for Singapore's own feasibility study on its section of the rail. Singapore's feasibility study started in August and is ongoing. In addition, Mr Syed Hamid said construction of the rail could start in the third quarter of next year. Singapore's Transport Ministry said that before construction works begin, both countries will need to discuss and agree on various other issues, including financing and governance frameworks. The rail link - first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in February last year - is expected to cut down travel time between the two cities to 90 minutes, compared to over four hours by road. - CNA/ms
Tennis: Williams, Halep, Radwanska, Wozniacki make s-finals at WTA Finals Published on Oct 24, 2014 10:10 PM (Clockwise from left) Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Agnieszka Radwanska and Caroline Wozniacki advance out of the opening round-robin stage at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday. -- PHOTO: REUTERS/AFP By Chia Han Keong A dramatic day at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global saw the four semi-finalists being decided, as Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Agnieszka Radwanska and Caroline Wozniacki advance out of the opening round-robin stage at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday. Wozniacki stormed into the semi-finals after winning her third straight match, beating world No. 3 Petra Kvitova 6-2, 6-3. World No. 2 Maria Sharapova needed to beat Radwanska in straight sets to stay in the tournament but after winning the first set, she agonisingly lost three match points and a tie-breaker in the second. Sharapova rallied to win the match 7-5, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, but the 2004 champion exits the tournament after her earlier losses to Wozniacki and Kvitova and now cannot overtake Williams as the year-end No. 1 player. "I wanted to end this tournament on a win. I'm very proud," the French Open champion said. "It would've been very easy for me to get down on myself. Just so easy to just let it go. I didn't, and that's what I wanted for myself today. I got the job done. I know I'm not moving forward, but I'm proud of that effort and to finish the year off in this way." Despite receiving the rankings boost, Williams, who previously finished the year ranked No. 1 in the world in 2002, 2009 and 2013, still faced an anxious wait before discovering that she had advanced to the semi-finals. Ana Ivanovic needed to beat Halep in straight sets to advance to the semi-finals in place of Williams, but although she won the first-set tie-breaker 9-7, she faltered in the second set, allowing Halep to win 6-3 and Williams to go through. Ivanovic did eventually win the tie 7-6 (9-7), 3-6, 6-3, but failed to advance.
Football: Peter Lim finally reaches agreement to buy controlling stake in Valencia Published on Oct 25, 2014 1:11 PM Singapore billionaire investor Peter Lim has reached an agreement with Bankia to buy a controlling stake in Spanish football club Valencia. -- PHOTO: ST FILE By Chia Han Keong Singapore billionaire investor Peter Lim's long-drawn bid to take over Spanish football club Valencia took a big step to completion on Saturday, as he is set to purchase a controlling stake of the club. Lim, who is in Valencia to watch their home La Liga match against Elche, has reached an agreement with Bankia - the Spanish bank that held most of the club's debt - on the restructuring of the club's debts, paving the way for him to buy a 70-per-cent stake in Valencia. The club announced on Friday night that Lim's Meriton Holdings and the Foundation of Valencia CF will sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement, to be approved by the Spanish government in a month's time. With the priority of rebuilding the club in mind, Meriton had pushed hard to finalise agreements with the key stakeholders. With all key stakeholders now on board with Meriton's plans, the acquisition process enters the final phase of fulfilling the conditions precedent and concluding the necessary legal agreements and approvals from the authorities. Said Chan Lay Hoon, Meriton's director: "We are extremely proud to be given the opportunity to take control of one of the biggest and most-supported clubs in Europe. It has been a very long journey, longer than we would have liked. We especially want to thank the Valencia CF fans for their unwavering support and patience. We look forward to many exciting years of European football with our fans." Club president Amadeo Salvo added: "We are writing a new chapter in Valencia. With Mr Lim, we are going to be stronger. To be successful, we must work hard and stand unite as a family. Peter Lim is now a very important member of our family and we want to say, 'Welcome, Peter Lim!' "
5 things about Peter Lim and his new football club Valencia Published on May 18, 2014 7:49 AM A file picture dated 21 May 2013 shows Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim during an Atletico Madrid exhibition soccer match at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore. Lim took over Spanish soccer team Valencia CF's main parcel of shares after the board of management of Valencia CF Foundation, the majority shareholder, has decided on 17 May 2014 to sell its shares. -- FILE PHOTO: EPA Valencia's players celebrate after scoring their third goal during the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg football match Valencia CF vs FC Sevilla at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on May 1, 2014. -- FILE PHOTO: AFP Billionaire Peter Lim is the new owner of Spanish side Valencia. Here are some facts about the media-shy Singaporean and the La Liga club. Five things you should know about Peter Lim 1. In 1991, Mr Lim made his fortune when he invested US$10 million (S$12.51 million) in Wilmar International, then a start-up palm oil company owned by tycoon Kuok Khoon Hong, a former client and friend of Mr Lim’s – and the nephew of Malaysian businessman Robert Kuok (he now lives in Hong Kong), one of Asia’s best-known billionaires. Mr Lim’s five per cent stake in Wilmar was worth US$1.4 billion in March according to Forbes. 2. He put himself through the University of Western Australia, in Perth, by working as a taxi driver, cook and waiter, among other odd jobs, and graduated with a degree in finance and accounting. 3.Nicknamed the “remisier king", Mr Lim was ranked by Forbes to be the 10th richest man in Singapore last year with a fortune of US$2.05 billion. 4. Married to former actress Cherie Lim, Mr Lim is a Manchester United fan, owning several Manchester United themed bars across Asia. He tried to buy Liverpool for £300 million (S$631.2 million) in 2010 but his offer was rejected. 5. Home to Valencia's new owner is the entire 11 storeys of the Abelia condominium, located near Orchard Road. Mr Lim is also said to own 25 Ferrari cars. Five things you should know about Valencia football club 1. Up until Mr Lim acquired the club, Valencia was the only club outside the duo of Real Madrid and Barcelona to have won the Spanish La Liga since 2001. Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez led Valencia to the league title in 2002 and 2004. However, Atletico Madrid on Saturday claimed its first La Liga title in 18 years by drawing 1-1 with title rivals Barcelona. 2. Due to the financial crisis, work on Valencia's new stadium – the 61,500 Nou Mestalla – stopped in 2009. The stadium has remained untouched since. 3. To stay afloat, the club had to sell key players like David Villa, David Silva, Jordi Alba, Roberto Soldado and Juan Mata - All Spanish internationals. 4. Valencia have only spent four years outside of the top flight during their 92 history. Most recently they spent a year in the second division in the 1986-87 season. 5. They are the third most successful club in Spain, with six La Liga titles and seven Spanish Copa del Rey victories. No prizes guessing who the two most successful are.
Halep thumps Radwanska to set up rematch with Williams Tennis Simona Halep of Romania celebrates her win over Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during their WTA Finals singles semi-finals tennis match at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Photo: Reuters Published: 8:11 PM, October 25, 2014 SINGAPORE – Simona Halep crushed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 6-2 today (Oct 25) to join Serena Williams in the championship decider at the WTA Finals. The pint-sized Romanian rebounded from her loss to Ana Ivanovic in the last group match on Friday to dominate Radwanska at Singapore’s National Indoor Stadium. Halep broke Radwanska’s serve five times and racked up 26 winners against the Pole, including an overhead smash to seal her lopsided victory in just 67 minutes. “I’m very excited to be in the final,” Halep said in a courtside interview. “I’ve played my best tennis here this week.” The 23-year-old Halep, one of the most improved players in the women’s game, made it to the title match in her first appearance at the elite season-ending event. Ranked 64th in the world 18 months ago, she announced her arrival as one of the game’s rising stars. In 2013, the Romanian won her first WTA title. Then her second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth. The WTA, in one of its easiest decisions, named her as the tour’s most improved player. At the start of this year, Halep won her first Premier-level event, at Qatar, then made her first grand slam final, at the French Open, finishing runner-up to Maria Sharapova. But earlier this week, the 1.68m Halep sent everyone an ominous reminder about her potency on court when she demolished Williams 6-0 6-2 in the round-robin stage, handing the world number one her heaviest defeat in 16 years. Williams, who beat Caroline Wozniacki 2-6 6-3 7-6(6) earlier today to book her place in the final, said she was looking forward to the rematch. “I’m excited. My goal is to win three games. That’ll be my first goal,” the American said. “Hopefully I can hold serve. That would be good. Most of all, I hope to break once. So I’m starting out with low goals. “She played really, really well. Even she said she played really well. I’m just going to do the best that I can do and see what happens.” REUTERS
Singapore steps up measures to contain any Ebola outbreak Senior staff nurse Naw Hser Bwe demonstrates the proper steps to taking off the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and disposing of it, Oct 24, 2014. Photo: Ernest Chua Healthcare workers get protective gear; PA chalets on standby as quarantine housing By Kelly Ng - kellyng@mediacorp.com.sg Published: 4:03 AM, October 25, 2014 SINGAPORE — With healthcare workers at greater risk of catching Ebola than the rest of the population here, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) have stepped up training and protective measures for this group. They also outlined steps taken to contain any possible outbreak: All healthcare institutions here — including hospitals, polyclinics and primary care clinics — have been advised on how to identify and isolate suspected cases. These cases are to be promptly referred to TTSH — the hospital designated for Ebola cases — where they will be tested. Patients will be transferred in special ambulances, while a portable medical isolation facility will be activated for transporting patients who show signs of severe illness, such as persistent vomiting. The MOH, which last week enhanced screening measures for Ebola at Changi Airport, has also put on standby the People’s Association’s Pasir Ris chalets as possible quarantine housing in the event of a confirmed case, and will trace and quarantine all close contacts. Speaking at a media briefing on these measures yesterday, MOH director of medical services Benjamin Ong said the spread of Ebola can be contained with early identification and isolation of patients, as well as quarantine. For example, Nigeria and Senegal have successfully prevented an imminent outbreak after they each saw one imported case of the virus, he noted. Dr Derrick Heng, the MOH’s group director of public health, added: “This shows that containment is possible with education on good practices … In a developed country where patients get sent to hospitals early on in the course of their illness, I think the danger to the public will not be high.” The measures come as the latest case of a New York City doctor contracting the virus — after returning from treating Ebola patients in Guinea — raised fresh fears of the spread of the disease. The case was one of several in the United States involving medical staff who cared for Ebola patients. Compared with healthcare workers, the public has a lower risk of contracting Ebola. Said Professor Ong: “The current understanding is that Ebola requires more contact with secretions ... the very severely ill patients have lots of secretions, so caring for them as healthcare workers raises particular problems.” In comparison, the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus — which killed 33 people here in 2003 — is mainly airborne, so the gap between risk levels for healthcare workers and the general population is smaller. Director of the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at TTSH, Prof Leo Yee Sin, said a trained SWAT team had been set up to handle Ebola cases and drills had been conducted, on top of acquiring about 10,000 sets of enhanced protective gear. The team includes infectious disease experts, intensive care unit workers, nurses, housekeeping and transport staff. They have been trained and assessed to be competent in donning and removing the protective gear and have undergone drills wearing them. The enhanced personal protective equipment — which is made of fluid-resistant material and designed to cover a person from head to toe — involves two layers of gowns and 12-inch gloves. Each worker must be checked by a colleague to ensure that the gear is in order before entering the isolation area. Full-length mirrors and step-by-step instructions have also been installed so staff can check themselves. TTSH has also set aside two wards at its Communicable Disease Centre for isolating suspect cases. These wards comprise 13 negative-pressure isolation rooms — where air can flow into the room but not out of it — for housing suspected and confirmed cases. The hospital has also plotted a route for moving patients from the emergency department to the isolation facility quickly and with minimal contact. To date, there has been one suspected Ebola case in Singapore, who tested negative. The MOH said two National University Hospital staff — Dr Dale Fisher and Ms Sharon Salmon — had volunteered in Liberia, but that their work did not involve exposure to Ebola patients. “It has been more than 21 days since they returned to Singapore. They took their temperature twice a day and monitored themselves closely for symptoms … (Returning) healthcare workers with protected contact with Ebola patients — which Dr Fisher and Ms Salmon did not have — will be put under phone surveillance for 21 days,” said a ministry spokesperson.
WTA Women Singles Final, Singapore The $2 million WS Tennis Final between Williams and Halep began not long ago at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. both are tied at 2-all.
It's a different Williams tonight as she led 6-3. She scored a number of aces on her serve and made several winning finishing touches.
WTA Finals: Serena Williams wins year-end title for third year in a row Published on Oct 26, 2014 8:34 PM Serena Williams of the US plays a shot against Simona Halep of Romania during the finals of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) finals in Singapore on Oct 26, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP Simona Halep of Romania hits a return to Serena Williams of the US during their women's singles final tennis match of the WTA Finals at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Oct 26, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS By May Chen American tennis player Serena Williams cruised to the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore singles title on Sunday night, thrashing Romania's Simona Halep 6-3, 6-0. It was the 33-year-old's third consecutive title at the prestigious year-ender, the first time a player has achieved that feat since Monica Seles in 1990-92. She wins US$2.05million (S$2.6 million) in prize money. Williams, already assured of the year-end No. 1 ranking, had resumed training only last Monday having been troubled by a left knee injury which led her to withdraw from the Beijing Open. Despite a slow start off the blocks, Williams recovered quickly. She said shortly after her win: "Simona was playing so well. I just told myself to relax and once I did, I started playing better and making my shots." Williams was handed her worst defeat in 16 years just days ago by Halep at the WTA Finals, going down 0-6, 2-6 in their round-robin encounter. "I knew she was capable of playing really well. I knew I had to play better if I wanted to win, and I definitely wanted to win."
Singapore-UK ties, new links and opportunities: Tony Tan President Tony Tan Keng Yam speaking to reporters in London on Oct 25, 2014. Photo: Channel NewsAsia Strong ties can develop into new areas of co-operation, innovation and research, he says By Olivia Siong oliviasiong@mediacorp.com.sg - Published: 10:11 AM, October 26, 2014 LONDON — Old ties, new links and more opportunities – that is how Singapore’s President Tony Tan Keng Yam summed up the relationship between Singapore and the United Kingdom. He was speaking to the media yesterday (Oct 25), at the end of his six-day state visit to the UK. It has been a busy week for Dr Tan – the first Singapore President to make a state visit to the United Kingdom. He noted that this visit was longer than others, thanks to the many substantive connections and long historical links between the two countries. He said Singapore's ties with the UK go beyond normal diplomatic and economic relationships, with Singapore having been founded by Sir Stamford Raffles more than 200 years ago. Dr Tan noted that the visit came at a significant time, as Singapore and the UK mark 50 years of relations and Singapore celebrates its golden jubilee next year. He added that these strong and long-standing ties are a good foundation for both sides to build on, to further enhance relations. Dr Tan said: “These ties, when we build on them, can develop into new areas of co-operation, innovation and research, creative and knowledge industries, and being the hubs for each other in our respective regions – Singapore being a hub for British businesses to expand into Southeast Asia, China, India and North Asia, and Britain being a hub for Singapore companies to expand in Britain as well as EU, and as I said in Africa and the Middle East. There’s a complementary between Singapore and Britain in that respect.” However, Dr Tan added that it was important that these ties were not taken for granted, and why leaders from both sides should continue to visit each other. He added that he was also struck by the warm and gracious reception given by the British at all levels. Having stayed two nights at Buckingham Palace, Dr Tan said besides the high level of service, Singapore can also learn from Britain’s strong history and culture. “It’s been a wonderful experience for my wife and me to have this opportunity. We will always remember it - how the state banquet was a special experience in the way in which it was carried out.” “Of course you’ve got special touches, which I don’t think we can emulate, having the pipers at the end of the state dinner to signal the end, maybe we can get our Singapore pipers to do something like that and at the Guildhall, of course, they’ve got the competing trumpets as well. These are something, which grow out of their history.” “Staying at the palace every morning, at 9am, there’ll be a piper marching around, signalling, waking us all up. I hope the Queen keeps on this tradition. These are small things, but they reflect a society which has long historical roots, which keeps up old links. But for us in Singapore it is very important for us as we progress ahead, we develop further, to continue to remember our roots, where we came from, what is important to us, the relationships, our unique multi-racial society.” “We are not Britain, we are different from them, we have our own culture, our own history, but we can learn from Britain with their history and their culture, and we can build on our strong links that we have together.” Dr Tan added that with existing and new areas of collaboration, there will be more opportunities created for companies from both countries to expand and to move forward.
