StanChart expects S'pore economy to grow by 5.1% in 2010

StanChart expects S'pore economy to grow by 5.1% in 2010
By Chris Howells, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 January 2010 2137 hrs

	Photos 1 of 1 Singapore's night skyline

SINGAPORE: Despite the brightening outlook, Standard Chartered Bank said it expects some volatility ahead for export-oriented economies in Asia, including Singapore.

Overall, the lender is forecasting the Singapore economy to expand by 5.1 per cent in 2010. This is slightly higher than the government's estimate of 3 per cent to 5 per cent growth.

StanChart expects the Singapore dollar to continue appreciating against the US dollar - ending the year at near S$1.32 to the greenback.

StanChart also expects inflation to hit 3 per cent. The bank said this will give the central bank impetus to consider tightening its monetary policy later this year.

Tai Hui, regional head of economic research, S.E Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, said: "Going into H2, we will start to see a bit more inflation pressure building up in the economy and a bit more sustainability building in the economy.

"And both of these factors should persuade the central bank to consider tightening policy moderately in the October monetary policy statement."

- CNA/sc

- wong chee tat :)

NUS scientists isolate gene that makes plants flower faster

NUS scientists isolate gene that makes plants flower faster
By Dylan Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 16 January 2010 2206 hrs

	Photos 1 of 1
	Video NUS scientists isolate gene that makes plants flower faster

 

SINGAPORE: Scientists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have found a way to get flowers to bloom faster.

The discovery could be useful in developing drugs to treat some human diseases.

Just like switching on and off the lights, scientists may one day be able to "switch off" illnesses such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

The key to this is a gene called Pin1. Researchers found that Pin1, which is linked to human illnesses, has an unusual effect on plants.

Assistant Professor Liou Yih-Cherng, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, said: "By switching on this gene, indeed (it) can help plant flower much earlier, by two weeks, and also by switching down this gene, (it) also can slow down the flowering, also by another two weeks."

The discovery of the gene's behaviour has implications on drug development.

Prof Liou said: "By understanding the Pin1 function, (it) can help scientists discover or design the new medicine which can help.... block the tumour formation, for example, and also in Alzheimer's disease. So by manipulating Pin1 function, they can also, perhaps, prevent the neuron degeneration in the future."

While more research needs to be done, these scientists hope their discovery will pave the way for new medical treatments that are more effective and safe.

- CNA/ir

- wong chee tat :)