Monday, June 27, 2016

Better haze, hotspot detection with new satellite

Better haze, hotspot detection with new satellite
By Chew Hui Yan  Posted 27 Jun 2016 10:54 Updated 27 Jun 2016 11:19

SINGAPORE: The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) is making use of a Japanese satellite which allows for more frequent monitoring and improved detection of weather systems and hotspots or haze in the region, the agency announced on Monday (Jun 27).

The satellite, Japan Meteorological Agency's Next Generation Himawari-8 geostationary meteorological satellite, replaced the MTSAT-2 that ceased direct transmission in December. The Himawari-8 was operationalised in July 2015, and MSS has been making use of its imagery since then.

The Himawari-8 has a 10min frequency of updates - compared to hourly updates for the MTSAT-2, allowing for enhanced monitoring of haze and weather systems, said MSS. The Japanese satellite also has more than three times the spectral bands - 16 compared to five - to improve the range of detection, as well as higher spatial resolution, resulting in more detail in the satellite image.

MSS said that it primarily makes use of data from polar-orbitting satellites operated by the US' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Aeronautics and Space Administration to monitor hotspots and smoke haze in the region. These satellites normally make one day-time pass over the region each day.

NEW AEROSAL LIDAR ON JURONG ISLAND

To extend the observation network of real-time weather monitoring systems, the MSS has also installed an aerosol LIDAR – which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, a remote sensing method that uses light from a laser to measure ranges to Earth.

The detection system was installed on Jurong Island to measure the local distribution of particulate matter in the atmosphere, as well as a wind LIDAR.

This adds to the more than 60 automatic weather stations, a lightning detection system, weather radar and wind profiler in the network.

The aerosol LIDAR can measure the vertical extent of particulate matter to heights of about 12km, and provide an indication of upper level transboundary haze drifting into Singapore, MSS said. While it cannot differentiate particle size, it can also detect ash from volcanic eruptions in the region.

The wind LIDAR measures the vertical profile of wind speed and direction up to 12km above the ground level, and will complement MSS' existing wind profiler and enhance the real-time monitoring of upper-level winds, which affect the movement of weather systems and haze over Singapore.

"These new instruments can tell us not just the concentration of PM2.5 in the air but at different levels of the atmosphere and how they move according to wind conditions and atmospheric conditions," said Minister of Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli, who was briefed on the usage of the new technologies on Monday.

"We are still studying it but in the future I'm quite sure these can be used for even finer forecasts by the hour, making it more predictable for the public," he added.

- CNA/av


- wong chee tat :)

Rainier weather this year may help ease haze episodes: Masagos

Rainier weather this year may help ease haze episodes: Masagos
By Linette Lim  Posted 27 Jun 2016 11:40

SINGAPORE: More rain is expected around the last quarter of the year, and this means the forest fires that cause the annual transboundary haze are more likely to be put out, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli on Monday (Jun 27).

"Therefore we hope that with more rain, there will be less haze episodes that come to us," said Mr Masagos, speaking on the sidelines of a visit to the Meteorological Service Singapore’s (MSS) HQ at Changi Airport Terminal 2.

However, he added: "But we cannot be sure – this is the weather, it is most unpredictable, and there can therefore be dry spells. Dry spells take its toll over a longer period, and forests continue to be burned, particularly peat and forests, then we will particularly be affected by this.”

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), weather conditions this year are "expected to be less conducive for hotspot activities as compared to 2015".

Responding to queries from Channel NewsAsia, NEA explained that based on assessments of model outlooks from international climate centres, there is a possibility of La Nina developing in the third quarter of 2016.

"Rainfall is expected to be normal to above normal from June to September," it said.

"However, as there could still be extended periods of drier weather, escalation of hotspot activities can occur which may lead to transboundary haze, and Singapore could be affected if the winds blow the haze towards Singapore."

NEA added that the region is currently seeing neutral conditions - neither El Nino nor La Nina - after a strong El Nino event which resulted in prolonged periods of dry weather in the second half of the year.

- CNA/av


- wong chee tat :)

Flashy lifestyles hide hints of credit card woes

Flashy lifestyles hide hints of credit card woes
By Chew Hui Yan  Posted 25 Jun 2016 15:16 Updated 26 Jun 2016 02:22

SINGAPORE: They flash their credits cards at high-end restaurants and hang out at hip nightspots. The more adventurous among them think nothing about taking yearly vacations in the most exotic, far-flung places.

But such a lifestyle has also been identified as the main reason young professionals tend to rack up unsecured debts, Credit Counselling Singapore (CCS) said.

The organisation, which helps people clear their debts, believes a lot of this is due to peer pressure.

“If you have friends who go clubbing a lot, you might feel pressured to go with them because if you don’t, you’d start to lose your friends,” CCS president Kuo How Nam said in an interview with Channel NewsAsia.

This pressure might eventually lead to an unsustainable lifestyle, which is further glamourised on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram.

“Don’t be fooled; people might post pictures of designer bags and nice restaurants but what you don’t see is how much they owe,” Mr Kuo said.

“Once, I picked up an issue of Tatler magazine (a luxury publication targeted at high-net-worth individuals) and recognised a client. Social status is more a function of how much you spend rather than how much you have.”

The CCS administers the Repayment Assistant Scheme, which was introduced in April last year to help those with large unsecured debts.

In 2015, it counselled 4,675 people, of which about 11 per cent were aged 30 and below. People aged 31 to 40 make up more than one third (about 1,800) of the total.

The CCS said this could be due to several reasons. For instance, people aged 31 to 40 may have young children and parents to look after; younger ones are less likely to have such responsibilities. Younger professionals thus are under less pressure financially and have greater freedom to spend on themselves.

Another contributing factor is the fact that one needs a minimum annual income of S$30,000 to be eligible to apply for a credit card. This means young adults who have just entered the workforce might not even qualify.

Mr Alfred Chia, the chief executive officer of financial planning company SingCapital, also noted that young professionals tend to have better financial literacy and responsibility compared to the older generation.

“The numbers are healthy and we’ve seen an increase in young working adults seeking financial planning,” he said. Over the last five years, SingCapital has seen an annual increase of 8 to 10 per cent in clients aged 30 and below.

Despite these encouraging statistics, Mr Kuo offered this note of caution for young professionals: “Be careful. How you spend your money is affected by who you mix with. This determines your lifestyle which decides whether or not you get into debt.”

It is also never too early for young professionals to start planning their finances, said Mr Chia. “It is normal for us to deviate from our plan but having one will remind us to come back to it,” he said.

For more on unsecured debt, catch Channel NewsAsia’s Spotlight segment on Sunday, Jun 26, at 10pm.

- CNA/av


- wong chee tat :)

Police warn of new tactic used in phone scams

Police warn of new tactic used in phone scams
Posted 23 Jun 2016 17:50 Updated 23 Jun 2016 18:00

SINGAPORE: Following a spate of phone scams involving impersonators, police are now warning against a new tactic used by scammers.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday (Jun 22), police said they have been informed of cases where members of the public received phone calls from people impersonating Government officials or representatives of courier companies, who then instruct them to download certain applications on their mobile phones.

Police said these applications, when downloaded, may introduce malware into devices that could in turn allow the scammers to gain access to incoming messages. This could then lead to the theft of important information, such as banking credentials and other personal details.

Police also reminded members of the public that no Government agency would ask for payment or personal information - such as bank usernames, passwords or one-time password (OTP) codes - through a phone call.

Police have advised members of the public to be wary when receiving calls of unknown origin, and to do the following:

- Ignore such calls;

- Do not follow the caller's instructions to install applications onto their phone;

- Do not give out personal information or bank details, whether on the website or to callers over the phone;

- Call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online, if they have information related to such crimes. Dial 999 if urgent police assistance is required.

Earlier in June, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued a warning about suspicious calls. The callers would claim to be an MOM or Government officer and would ask those on the other end of the line to transfer money to an account to resolve issues related to their stay in Singapore or work pass application.

There have also been reports of phone scammers impersonating officials overseas, or claiming to be representatives from DHL.

- CNA/dl


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Singapore Airlines rules out acquisition of Virgin Australia

Singapore Airlines rules out acquisition of Virgin Australia
Posted 24 Jun 2016 11:28 Updated 24 Jun 2016 11:37

SINGAPORE: Flag carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) has ruled out buying a majority stake in Virgin Australia, saying its interests in the market are “best served through an independent Virgin Australia”.

The statement on Friday (Jun 24) comes after speculation that SIA was interested in acquiring Virgin Australia, following news that Air New Zealand plans to sell its 25.9 per cent stake in the Australian airline.

“SIA wishes to put on record that it has not contemplated taking a majority stake in Virgin Australia. SIA’s interests in the Australian market - as well as in Virgin Australia itself - are best served through an independent Virgin Australia,” SIA spokesperson Nicholas Ionides said.

The Singapore carrier currently has a 20.09 per cent stake in Virgin Australia, and has committed to supporting the Australian airline’s recently announced entitlement offer. This could increase SIA’s shareholding to a maximum of 25.9 per cent, should other Virgin Australia shareholders not take up their entitlements.

“SIA and Virgin Australia have an extensive commercial partnership that has gone from strength to strength over the past five years, providing many consumer benefits. SIA is confident of the long-term prospects of Virgin Australia and is committed to supporting its long-term growth,” Mr Ionides said.

- CNA/cy


- wong chee tat :)

Singapore banking system remains sound following Brexit outcome: MAS

Singapore banking system remains sound following Brexit outcome: MAS
Posted 24 Jun 2016 15:44 Updated 24 Jun 2016 22:34

SINGAPORE: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Friday (Jun 24) that "Singapore’s interbank money markets continue to function in an orderly manner and its banking system remains sound", following the outcome of the UK’s referendum on EU membership.

Britain voted to leave the European Union, in a decision that sparked upheaval across Asian markets.

In response to media queries, the Singapore central bank said: "The liquidity positions of the major banks in Singapore are healthy, and overall banking system liquidity remains adequate. MAS will provide additional liquidity to the banking system if needed.

"The trade-weighted Singapore dollar remains within its policy band, notwithstanding heightened volatility in international foreign exchange markets today. MAS stands ready to curb excessive volatility in the Singapore dollar.

"We have been prepared for the market volatility. MAS had been in close contact over the past weeks with banks in Singapore, foreign central banks and regulators to take preparatory actions to ensure the resilience of our financial system and markets in the event of Brexit."

MAS added that it would continue to be vigilant and stay in close contact with fellow central banks and regulators, as uncertainty is likely to persist following the referendum outcome.

Meanwhile, deputy president and group chief investment officer of GIC Lim Chow Kiat said the Singapore sovereign wealth fund runs a "long-term and diversified portfolio" and is "prepared for a period of heightened market uncertainty".

"What's most important to us is that markets remain open," Mr Lim said.

MEDIUM- TO LONG-TERM IMPACT ON SINGAPORE "MODEST": MTI

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said while the immediate aftermath of Brexit has led to substantial uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets, it is "too early" to assess its full consequences.

"Based on analysts’ current estimates of the impact of Brexit on the UK and the Eurozone economies, MTI’s assessment is that the medium- to long-term direct impact of Brexit on the Singapore economy is likely to be modest," the spokesperson said.

The full impact of Brexit on the UK, the EU and the global economy will be heavily dependent on the UK’s subsequent trade arrangements with the EU and other markets, including Singapore, MTI said.

With Brexit, the UK is no longer covered by the existing trade agreements that the EU has, according to the trade ministry. This means it will need to negotiate new agreements with its trading partners, including Singapore.

However, the nature and precise timing of the negotiations will depend on when Brexit takes effect following the UK’s deliberations with the EU, stated the MTI spokesperson.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and assess the economic consequences of Brexit on the Singapore economy and our businesses," the spokesperson added.

SINGAPORE FIRMS IN UK COULD FACE SLOWER GROWTH: SCCCI

Responding to the Brexit vote, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) president Thomas Chua said in the immediate term, Singapore companies will face some uncertainties in terms of how Brexit will impact Asia. “Companies who are already in the UK may face the prospects of a slower growth,” he said.

Added Mr Chua: “For our SMEs who are suppliers to the UK MNCs based here, they will be affected if their UK principals become more cautious in their business plans due to a weaker British Pound. While the UK may traditionally be the first-choice hub of our companies to access the European market, they may now review UK as their preferred choice, and open to consider other options.

He noted that both Singapore and London are key financial centres in the world and with the uncertainties following Brexit, combined with the growth potential of Asia, Singapore may stand to benefit as more financial institutions may consider to set up here.

LONG-TERM IMPACT ON S'PORE 'HARD TO ASCERTAIN': SBF

Meanwhile, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) expressed concern over the outcome of the vote.

“The decision to leave the EU adds more risk to Europe’s stability and to global markets at a time when the world economy needs more stability,” SBF said in a statement. “The possibility of a weaker EU, given its importance as a trading and investment partner to Singapore, will have significant impact on our economy.”

SBF also said the long-term impact of Brexit on Singapore and the world is “hard to ascertain”, although new configurations are currently being negotiated and put together, and the ripple effects of these “will take time” to work out and “add prolonged uncertainties”.

- CNA/dt/xk


- wong chee tat :)









Bonds - May 2016

Bonds - May 2016
Announcement Date
Auction Date
Issuance Date      
Tenor 
New/Re-Opening 
Issue Code/
ISIN Code 
Maturity Date       
 Wed,
20
Jan
2016
 Wed,
27
Jan
2016
 Mon,
01
Feb
2016
 5-yr
Reopen 
NX11100X/
SG7Y76964295
 01
Jun
2021
 Thu,
18
Feb
2016
 Thu,
25
Feb 2016
 Tue,
01
Mar
2016
 30-yr
New Issue
NA16100H/
SG31A7000004
 01
Mar
2046
Mon,
21
Mar
2016
 Tue,
29
Mar 2016
 Fri,
01
Apr
2016
 2-yr
 Reopen
N513100T/
SG3259987679
 01
Apr
2018
 Wed,
20
Apr
2016
 Wed, 27
Apr
2016
 Tue,
03
May
2016
  7-yr
 Reopen**
 NX13100H/
SG3260987684
 01
Jul
2023
 Fri,
20
May
2016
 Fri,
27
May 2016
 Wed,
01
Jun
2016
 10-yr
 New Issue
 NX16100F/
SG31A8000003
 01
Jun
2026
 Tue,
21
Jun
2016
 Tue, 28
Jun
2016
 Fri,
01
Jul
2016
  2-yr
Reopen**
   N514100H/
SG3264998216
 01
Oct
2019



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McAfee DAT version = 8208 (jun 26th 2016)

McAfee DAT version = 8208 (jun 26th 2016)

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