Casting Crowns - Christmas Offering

- wong chee tat :)

Celtic Woman - O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste fideles)

- wong chee tat :)

Casting Crowns - Away In a Manger

- wong chee tat :)

Chris Tomlin - O, Holy Night

- wong chee tat :)

Casting Crowns - God Is With Us

- wong chee tat :)

Chris Tomlin - O Holy Night

- wong chee tat :)

UWCSEA opens new East Campus

UWCSEA opens new East Campus
Posted: 08 December 2011 2054 hrs

SINGAPORE : The United World College South East Asia (UWCSEA) has opened the doors to its new East Campus.

Its first campus in Dover opened in 1971.

Located in Tampines, the new campus also hosts the newly-established Centre for International Education (CIE).

It will host educational conferences and workshops, which aim to make Singapore a regional hub for international educators and thinkers.

The number of scholarships awarded to international students will also increase from nearly 70 to 100.

The campus has also been presented the Singapore Building and Construction Authority's highest award - the Green Mark Platinum award - in recognition of its sustainable approach to construction.

The school has installed the world's largest solar air conditioning and hot water system, worth some 5 million euros.

Charles Ormiston, Chair of the Board of Governors of UWCSEA, said: "With the opening of the East Campus, the third strand of our organisation, we now have the scale, resources and diversity to multiply our impact on students, on the local community, on the world of education and on the thousands of people every year who we support through our global concerns projects."


- CNA/ms

- wong chee tat :)

Casting Crowns - Silent Night

- wong chee tat :)

Casting Crowns - O Come All Ye Faithful

- wong chee tat :)

Casting Crowns - Joy to the World

- wong chee tat :)

Cristy Lane - Away in a Manger

- wong chee tat :)

Casting Crowns - I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

- wong chee tat :)

Chris Tomlin - Angels We Have Heard On High

- wong chee tat :)

Enya - We Wish You a Merry Christmas

- wong chee tat :)

Leigh Nash - Angels We Have Heard On High

- wong chee tat :)

Lee Sun Hee - Fox Rain

- wong chee tat :)

Chris Tomlin - Joy to the World (unspeakable Joy)

- wong chee tat :)

Employers rank preferred business schools in Asia-Pacific

Employers rank preferred business schools in Asia-Pacific
Posted: 09 December 2011 1225 hrs

SINGAPORE: For the third year running, the INSEAD Asia Campus in Singapore has been ranked the business school which Asia-Pacific employers most prefer to recruit from.

The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad was ranked second while the Melbourne Business School at the University of Melbourne took third spot.

The NUS Business School ranked fourth.

The QS Global 200 Business Schools Report 2012, ranks 200 full-time MBA business schools by region and specialisation.

Votes from more than 12,000 employers worldwide that recruit internationally are taken into account.

Employers from Asia-Pacific accounted for nearly a quarter of the responses coming from sectors such as consulting and professional services, banking and financial services, as well as HR and recruitment.

Singapore employers named in the QS Report included the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Citigroup, Standard Chartered Bank, Accenture, Unilever and Shell.

- CNA/cc

- wong chee tat :)

Andrea Bocelli - Gloria in Excelsis Deo

- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2011

Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2011

- wong chee tat :)

Hybrid HDD for tablets & mobile devices coming soon

Hybrid HDD for tablets & mobile devices coming soon
Posted: 14 December 2011 1016 hrs

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Data Storage Institute (DSI) has sealed a crucial partnership with a leading maker of hard disk drive components, Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII).

They'll work on a hybrid hard disk drive (HDD) that's expected to enhance the next generation of media tablets and mobile computing devices that can handle increased capacity and are more reliable.

The two sides signed a research collaboration to develop pivot assembly for 2.5 inch, 5mm thickness, hybrid hard disk drive (HDD).

The deal signals a major step towards manufacturability of the DSI's 5mm thin drive target.

SII, known for its strong expertise in high performance miniature ball bearing and pivot cartridge design, and DSI will put in significant amount of resources to bring the design of the pivot cartridge towards manufacturing.

The pivot assembly is an important component within the HDD which supports the movement of the actuator arm that carries the integrated system of read/write sensors over the media.

DSI's 5mm hybrid HDD architecture is targeted at addressing the current limitations of both flash-based SSDs as well as the conventional HDD, in areas such as portability, data storage reliability, storage capacity, power consumption and cost.

"Our partnership with SII is a step towards materialising the 5mm hybrid hard disk drive. More importantly, it is a recognition from the industry on the viability and potential of 5mm hybrid hard disk drive," said Dr Pantelis Alexopoulos, Executive Director of DSI.

"The development of pivot assembly for 5mm thickness HDD is very challenging. However, with DSI's expertise and strengths in hard disk drive. I strongly believe that our collaboration with DSI will be a resounding success and therefore make a positive contribution in the growth of HDD industry," said Mr Masao Kasuga, Senior Vice President of SII.

The Data Storage Institute (DSI) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), which is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore.

DSI's vision is to be a vital node in nurturing research talents and capabilities for world-class R&D in next-generation storage technologies.

- CNA/ck

- wong chee tat :)

More Indian companies showing interest in SGX listing

More Indian companies showing interest in SGX listing
By Lynda Hong | Posted: 13 December 2011 2006 hrs

SINGAPORE : Royal Bank of Scotland has reported an increase in interest by Indian companies to list their shares on the Singapore Exchange (SGX).

The number of Indian listings on the SGX lags far behind those from China but some big deals may be in the works.

Shares of Indian companies must be listed in their home country before they can list in Singapore.

Theoretically, that makes a pool of 18,000 potential SGX candidates.

SGX has continued to see strong interest in Indian companies listing REITs and Business Trusts.

There are now some 10 Indian Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) listed on SGX.

But investors are shy about investing in GDRs as they are not stocks, but certificates representing a number of underlying shares registered in another country.

Dilip Kadambi, Head, Equity Capital Markets, India and SEA, said: "It would probably be more ideal to have an equity listing, a straight stock listing, rather than have a GDR listing where you'd find the liquidity vanish and a lot of fund managers...don't like illiquid stuff, illiquid counters."

Mr Kadambi says in the last year interest has grown for Indian companies to list on the SGX with possible deals ranging from between 15 million to 600 million US dollars.

However there are only three Indian listings on the SGX thus far.

The number pales against the 148 listings of Chinese firms (S-chips) which comprises 19 percent of SGX listings although investor appetite for S-chips remains clouded by scandal.

Eric Ong, Analyst, Kim Eng Research, said: "We do see less Chinese listings in the pipeline, especially given the low valuation it can command in the market. This is because of the negative perception it has been getting from the investors right now because there's been a few corporate scandals recently. "

Over at Deloitte Singapore, there has been fewer IPO queries compared to the second half of last year (at fewer than ten).

Still, half of them are from China.

Dr Ernest Kan, Head, Global IFRS & Offerings Services, Deloitte Singapore & Southeast Asia, said: "The Chinese entities are still very hungry because they haven't sought their listing yet, locally. To have another market here out in Singapore, they would still be very keen to come. Whereas for the Indian companies, they would have assess to see if they can tap from their domestic markets, then they will probably stay put. But if they can't, of course then they would look to Singapore."

To get more Indian companies to list in Singapore, the SGX has appointed Neena Prasad as Senior Vice President and Head of Listings (India).

She has led SGX's efforts to attract Indian listings since 1st November although this is an uphill task as the sovereign debt crisis has made many wait for more certainty before listing their stock.

- CNA/ch

- wong chee tat :)

Singapore hotels expect strong bookings for corporate events next year

Singapore hotels expect strong bookings for corporate events next year
By Yvonne Chan | Posted: 13 December 2011 2243 hrs

SINGAPORE : Corporate events bookings at Singapore hotels have increased this holiday season and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) says the outlook for next year is also positive despite the economic slowdown.

In Singapore, hotels are adorned in Christmas livery and preparations for year-end festivities are in full-swing.

Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) bookings have had a strong showing so far.

A survey of hotels in Singapore have shown that corporate bookings for the year 2011 have actually increased despite the global economic uncertainty and they are seeing healthy demand from both locals and overseas companies across a broad range of industries.

Figures gathered by Channel NewsAsia show growth in corporate bookings ranging from 12 to 50 percent compared to last year.

Colin Wang, General Manager, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, said: "2011 has been a good year for most businesses. I think you know it's only right that companies are still spending to thank some of their clients. So we're still seeing a lot of dinner and dance (D&D) still to come. In fact for December, the numbers are looking good, with combination of weddings and D&Ds. But of course, businesses will continue to ask for the usual value-added. We've just got to be a bit more creative in packaging things with a good proposition."

Elaine Kum, Director of Marketing, Marriott Singapore, said: "If they need to organise meetings in a hotel, they will go ahead with that. If they have a budget, they'll probably need to select a different category of hotel to match their budget."

According to STB figures, business travellers on the average form about a third of visitor arrivals to Singapore and contribute more than 30 percent of tourist spending.

The STB says the outlook for corporate MICE bookings in 2012 remains optimistic, with demand from Asia to remain strong.

With the Singapore Airshow and International Furniture Fair among the numerous events lined up for 2012, hoteliers are 'lighting up' in anticipation.

Colin Wang said: "Growth forecast is expected to be targeting 5 to 10 percent for 2012...We have to be fairly cautious at this stage. Even years tend to be a good years for the hospitality sector with the Airshow and the number of conventions happening in the city. But we just have to be cautious given that Singapore is small and we're not that weather-proof when it comes to a recession."

And even as the global economic outlook continues to remain bleak, the corporate eyes are still set on ringing in a glittery new year.

- CNA/ch

- wong chee tat :)

JTC to launch 2-stage tender for Jurong Rock Caverns

JTC to launch 2-stage tender for Jurong Rock Caverns
Posted: 13 December 2011 1705 hrs

SINGAPORE : JTC Corporation is launching a two-stage tender this Friday to engage an operator for Jurong Rock Caverns, Singapore's first underground hydrocarbon storage facility.

The tender is for an operator to manage and operate the first phase of the Caverns.

Located at Jurong Island, Phase One of the Caverns will be completed in stages between 2013 and 2014. The operatorship contract is scheduled to commence in 2013, and will be for a period of 15 years.

Shortlisted participants from the first stage will be invited to submit their business proposals within two months.

Chief executive officer of JTC, Manohar Khiatani, said the two-stage request for proposal is to ensure rigour in the selection process so that a capable and qualified operator is engaged to operate and manage the Caverns.

He said the target was to get an operator on board by the second half of next year.

The Caverns project is the first underground rock cavern for hydrocarbon storage in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Located at a depth of 130 metres beneath Selat Banyan at Jurong Island, it is expected to provide infrastructural support to manufacturers on Jurong Island, and meet the storage needs for liquid hydrocarbons such as crude oil, condensate, naphtha and gas oil.

Applications must be submitted by January 13 next year.

- CNA/ms

- wong chee tat :)

12 days Of Christmas

- wong chee tat :)

Credit Agricole to cut 2,350 global jobs: union

Credit Agricole to cut 2,350 global jobs: union
Posted: 14 December 2011 1927 hrs

PARIS - French banking group Credit Agricole is to cut 2,350 jobs around the world, including 850 positions in France, mainly at its Cacib investment bank, the Force Ouvriere (FO) union said on Wednesday.

At Cacib, 1,750 jobs will be cut globally, including 550 in France, said FO's representative for the bank, Bernard Pechard.

The bank's consumer credit branch, CACF, will see 600 jobs cut, half in France and half in the rest of the world.

Bank management held meetings on Wednesday with union officials representing staff at Cacib and CACF.

Pechard said he expected more job cuts would be announced when similar meetings are held at other Credit Agricole subsidiaries, including leasing arm Calef, which has 3,100 employees, and equity broker Chevreux, which has 800.

On Tuesday union sources had said they expected "several hundred" jobs to be cut at Credit Agricole, which last month reported a 65 percent drop in net attributable quarterly profit.

Credit Agricole, one of the biggest banks in Europe by capitalisation, employs 160,000 people around the world, a third of them outside of France, while Cacib employs about 15,000 people globally, including 4,600 in France.

Like other French banks, Credit Agricole has been hit by its exposure to Greek sovereign debt amid the eurozone debt crisis and last month revealed a 60 percent write-down of its holdings of Greek bonds.

The Moody's agency earlier this month downgraded its credit rating on Credit Agricole's long-term debt by one notch to Aa3, as it also announced downgrades on two other leading French banks, BNP Paribas and Societe Generale.

BNP Paribas expects to cut 1,400 jobs globally, mainly in its corporate and investment bank CIB, unions said last month, while Societe Generale has also warned unions of plans to cut several hundred jobs.

- AFP/ir

- wong chee tat :)

Hong Kong-based Storefriendly opens first outlet in Singapore

Hong Kong-based Storefriendly opens first outlet in Singapore
By Venus Hew | Posted: 09 December 2011 2217 hrs

SINGAPORE : As the average apartment size in Singapore shrinks so does the space people have to keep their stuff.

The trend is attracting a new wave of companies that rent out storage space.

Hong Kong-based Storefriendly opened its first franchised outlet in Singapore on Friday.

It aims to have 25 operating across the country by 2014.

Jes Johansen, Managing Director at Storefriendly, said: "We believe that Singapore is ripe in that apartment size is getting smaller. People consistently accumulate a lot of things, they want to have access to them and we believe with the small storage conveniently located, air conditioned, they will make use of that, they will appreciate that product right in their neighbourhood.

Storefriendly's 12,500 square foot outlet at Bukit Batok comprises about 300 secure lockers.

They will cost between 88 and 888 dollars per month to rent, depending on the size.

The company says it has the largest network in Asia, with 90 branches through Hong Kong, China and Macau.

It opens a new franchise on average every month, and this year its revenue jumped 50 percent to S$60 million.

The top four existing operators in Singapore control the majority of the industry's approximately 17,000 storage units or one million square feet of net lettable area.

With a population of 5 million in Singapore, Storefriendly says that will translate into an industry penetration of 0.25 square feet of self-storage space per person or one storage unit per 250th person.

By contrast, the penetration in more developed markets is above one square foot per person or about 80 people per storage unit.

Singapore therefore has the capacity for further organic growth in the self-storage industry.

Another industry player, Lock and Store says consumer demand in Singapore is growing 5 percent a year, in view of the smaller properties being built.

- CNA/ch

- wong chee tat :)

Jurong East Bus Interchange moving to temporary site

Jurong East Bus Interchange moving to temporary site
Posted: 12 December 2011 1119 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Jurong East Bus Interchange will be moving to a temporary location, next to the existing bus interchange, from Saturday.

SBS Transit said the move is to facilitate the development of a new integrated bus interchange on the existing site.

All 17 bus services will be moving over to the temporary interchange along Jurong Gateway Road.

SBS Transit said staff will be deployed on the first few days to assist passengers.

- CNA/cc

- wong chee tat :)

ANZ to roll out improved cash management platform

ANZ to roll out improved cash management platform
By Wong Siew Ying | Posted: 06 December 2011 1950 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) intends to roll out an improved cash management platform in the coming months.

The platform is currently being piloted in Singapore and Hong Kong.

ANZ said it includes for example an Internet platform to provide business clients with solutions for their receivables.

The bank said its cash management revenue in Asia Pacific, Europe and America grew by 59 per cent on-year in the 2011 financial year.

ANZ is also planning to build its operations in debt markets, interest rates, foreign exchange and trade finance.

ANZ Singapore said it hopes to play a leading role in sectors like natural resources, infrastructure and agri-business for its institutional banking business.

Its private banking business is also larger, after its acquisition of Royal Bank of Scotland's (RBS) businesses in Singapore and Taiwan last year.

ANZ Singapore said its private bank currently hires about 100 client-facing staff.

- CNA/fa

- wong chee tat :)

Singaporeans gather to see lunar eclipse

Singaporeans gather to see lunar eclipse
By Qiuyi Tan | Posted: 11 December 2011 0000 hrs

SINGAPORE: Hundreds gathered at Marina Bay on Saturday evening to witness a total lunar eclipse, a rare view in Singapore.

Some moongazers were happy to use telescopes offered by the local astronomical community, Singastro.

A total eclipse only happens during a full moon. It occurs when the moon passes through the Earth's shadow.

Channel NewsAsia's camera crew caught the very start of the celestial event, around 7.30pm, when the bottom left of the moon started to darken.

The eclipse can also be seen in other parts of the world, from Alaska to Central Asia and Australia.

- CNA/ir

- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Mead Johnson Nutrition invests US$325m in S'pore facilities

Mead Johnson Nutrition invests US$325m in S'pore facilities
By Wong Siew Ying | Posted: 09 December 2011 1447 hrs   

SINGAPORE: Mead Johnson Nutrition is investing US$325 million in new manufacturing and R&D facilities in Singapore - the largest capital investment in the company's history.

It said the plant will enable the company to better serve its customers in Asia as well as to support its fast growing business in the region.

The investment is expected to strengthen Mead Johnson Nutrition's regional supply chain and improve its overall operating efficiency.

The company said the new plant will be staffed by new hires in Singapore and personnel transferred from its operations in other locations.

Mead Johnson is a global leader in pediatric nutrition and it develops and distributes over 70 products in more than 50 markets worldwide.

- CNA/cc

- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Zurich Financial Services plans to boost life insurance business in Singapore

Zurich Financial Services plans to boost life insurance business in Singapore
By Wong Siew Ying | Posted: 12 December 2011 1856 hrs

SINGAPORE : Zurich Financial Services plans to double its life insurance premiums generated in Singapore over the next three years.

The company has made an application to the Monetary Authority of Singapore for a full subsidiary licence for its life insurance business.

Giving an update on its business, the insurance company says the licence will allow it to tap into the other 95 per cent of the life insurance market in Singapore.

Currently, Zurich Financial Services serves mainly large corporates, high net worth individuals and the expatriate community due to licensing restrictions.

Regulations only permit the company to service clients who has the ability to invest at least US$5,000 per annum over ten years.

Next year, it hopes to roll out more insurance solutions for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, such as savings and retirement offerings.

Zurich Financial expects emerging markets to contribute about half of its new life insurance business by 2013.

Emerging market operations currently account for about 26 per cent of group's new life insurance business, before including recent acquisitions in Latin America and Malaysia.

Overall, Zurich Financial Services booked a US$4.9 billion in business operating profits in 2010.

Martin Senn, CEO, Zurich Financial Services, said: "A year ago, we have set a target for new business value for the life business of 30 per cent for all emerging markets. That was a target we wanted to achieve by end 2013. We are now very close to that, there is high expectation that we will exceed that target by 2013 and Asia will be somewhere in the area of 20 per cent participation of that target."

- CNA/ch

- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho - Fox Rain

- wong chee tat :)

Queen Seon Deok

- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Lee Sun Hee - Fox Rain

- wong chee tat :)

Lee Seung Gi - I Love You From Now On

- wong chee tat :)

Lee Seon Hee - Fox Rain

- wong chee tat :)

Best Christmas Song 1 Remix

- wong chee tat :)

Eminem - Careful What You Wish For

- wong chee tat :)

A faster ride on the information superhighway

A faster ride on the information superhighway

MOE to equip 360 schools islandwide with faster broadband connections

by Tan Weizhen
04:45 AM Nov 30, 2011

SINGAPORE - About 360 schools across the country will have their current information technology backbone overhauled, as they look set to tap into the new super fast broadband network in five months' time.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Education (MOE) awarded a S$32.6 million contract to SingTel to outfit primary, secondary schools and junior colleges with the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN).

The network services "will benefit teaching, learning and assessment applications as these can be bandwidth intensive", said an MOE spokesperson in response to queries from Today.

As broadband speed at these schools gets ramped up drastically and capacities become standardised across the board, analysts felt this would level the playing field among schools in terms of technology adoption.

Mr Frank Levering, a research manager in research firm IDC, said that the effect, though not immediately obvious, would be the "catalyst" for innovative technologies - which often requires high speeds and much bandwidth - to change the educational landscape.

He said: "Many schools have selectively kept up with technology and a select few have embraced it fully to maximise the potential advantages of new technologies. Introducing nationwide enablers such as national broadband will narrow the gaps between them in any case, and assist the schools who desire to do so in leapfrogging to the front of the pack."

Principals Today spoke to said that there had been teachers who had wanted to explore new teaching tools, but were hampered by slower speeds.

Mr Zach Ong, principal of Tech Whye Secondary, said that, with 1,400 students in his school, the current bandwidth is not sufficient for even simple activities like viewing Youtube videos. "Currently, we do innovative teaching, such as gaming, in pockets. But after the rollout, we will explore it on a larger scale. It will revolutionise the way we teach, but it will take time."

In some schools here, this new broadband backbone will ease congestion, as often, having a thousand students in a single school session mean that not all are able to log on using the current network at the same time.

Schools also say that, with higher, more stable speeds, learning has the potential to become a lot more collaborative - in line with MOE's third master plan - and with more content creation.

Mr Adrian Lim, principal of Ngee Ann Secondary, said that NGNBN will provide an environment stable enough to support greater levels of collaboration between teachers and students and their peers overseas, using video conferencing. This will cut down on costs incurred by the many study trips that schools undertake now, teachers say.

According to analysts and educators, other possible, innovative educational tools include more stable virtual classroom conditions for e-learning - which are increasingly common in schools, as well as using games to learn.

Learning materials will go beyond mundane text. Mrs May Tang, principal of ChangKat Primary, said: "I'm thinking along the lines of using teacher prepared resources that may come with video, audio and picture files which require a faster Internet speed for smooth streaming. As these resources are teacher prepared, there is definitely greater customisation."

Overall, this project may possibly cut costs for schools. In the United Kingdom, a similar project undertaken by Virgin Media to provide over 2,000 schools with broadband, cut connectivity costs by two-thirds for schools.



- wong chee tat :)

Moderate to heavy rain expected over next two days

Moderate to heavy rain expected over next two days
by Olivia Siong

07:33 PM Dec 01, 2011
SINGAPORE - Singaporeans can expect more wet weather and potential flash floods in the next two days.

The Meteorological Service said Singapore is likely to experience moderate to heavy showers with thunder on Friday and Saturday.

This is due to a monsoon surge, which is expected to affect the region from December 2 to 4.

A monsoon surges refer to the steady strengthening of north-easterly winds blowing from the South China Sea.

This usually bring periods of prolonged and widespread heavy rain, lasting between two and five days.

Occasionally, windy conditions and cooler temperatures are also expected.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Vivian Balakrishnan, said water agency PUB will take necessary precautions, and keep the public informed.


- wong chee tat :)

DBS to roll out new security tokens from end 2011

DBS to roll out new security tokens from end 2011
by Tan Weizhen

01:08 PM Dec 01, 2011

SINGAPORE - DBS Bank customers will start receiving a new Internet banking token from the end of this year. The new token promises to be more secure in light of increasing cyber attacks that target banks internationally.

The new token, said to have what is called 'transaction signing capabilities', will replace the old token by the end of 2012.

It will be sent out to customers in batches throughout next year, and full activation will take place by the fourth quarter of next year.

This new token will have additional buttons for more one-time passwords (OTP), which customers will be prompted to enter at various steps of the transactions. The number of passwords will be deployed according to the risk level of the transactions.

A pilot run on the new token was conducted in October for 750 customers but DBS said it will continue to work out the best flow of the steps customers need to go through through focus groups.

- wong chee tat :)

Lee Seung Gi - Lost my mind

- wong chee tat :)

LeAnn Rimes - The Rose

- wong chee tat :)

翁立友 - 夜市人生

- wong chee tat :)

Westlife - Queen Of My Heart

- wong chee tat :)

Westlife - The Rose

- wong chee tat :)

星鎖MV之想念

- wong chee tat :)

Expect road diversions near Rochor

Expect road diversions near Rochor
By Hetty Musfirah | Posted: 16 November 2011 2128 hrs

SINGAPORE: Major construction of the southern segment of the North-South Expressway (NSE), not due till 2015, will see some temporary road diversions and relocation of access points to several properties.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said such inconveniences will be kept to a minimum.

But those likely to be affected said they hope plans for construction work will be conveyed early.

The 21.5-kilometre NSE will link the northern parts of Singapore to the city centre.

Two full lots and 21 partial lots have been acquired for the southern segment.

Partial acquisition may comprise grass verge, car park lots and foot paths of properties.

Properties affected by partial acquisition include Novena Ville and Novena Gardens along Thomson Road.

The management of Novena Gardens did not want to give an on-camera interview but Channel NewsAsia understands from some staff that the car park area is an area that has been acquired to facilitate the construction of the NSE.

It is understood the car park lots can be full especially during lunchtime.

As such, the acquisition of the car park area could inconvenience restaurants nearby.

Concerns over noise and calls for greater engagement were raised by properties like Nuovo when the northern segment was unveiled in January.

LTA said the study for noise mitigation measures for the entire expressway is ongoing.

Some hope they will be kept well-informed of construction plans for the southern segment.

Novena Ville tenant Wee Toon Ouut said he hopes construction works can be carried out quickly.

"My business depends a lot on the church and the bus stop in front of (of my shop). It's convenient and if these are taken away like that, then definitely this will have a direct impact on my business," he said.

LTA said it will update stakeholders on all works, closer to the start of construction.

But engagement has already begun.

Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew told Channel NewsAsia he met stakeholders of the Nanyang Pho Leng Building, to explain the need for land acquisition.

Mr Lui said he understands the news of the acquisition can be unsettling, given the deep emotional attachment of members to the place.

He said while the government generally does not give alternative sites to those affected by acquisitions, it will offer fair monetary compensation, pegged to the market value of the property.

He added as their MP, he will help with the purchase and relocation to a new site.

"I went to the association on Monday evening to meet with the chairman, trustees and several appointment holders to personally explain the situation to them," Mr Lui said.

"I fully understand that the news of the acquisition is very sudden and therefore it would be unsettling to the members of the association, as they have been there for many years and there is deep emotional attachment to the place.

"But I know they do understand why we need to build this expressway, and the benefits that it will bring to everyone.

"While the government generally does not offer alternative sites to those affected by acquisitions, it will offer fair monetary compensation that is pegged to the market value of the property."

Singapore Land Authority said it will engage the owners of those affected by the acquisition on issues and concerns they may have, from next month.

- CNA/wk

- wong chee tat :)

Don't cash out flats, Rochor residents urged

Don't cash out flats, Rochor residents urged
By Joanne Chan | Posted: 16 November 2011 2106 hrs
     
SINGAPORE: Residents of the Rochor Centre HDB flats have been cautioned against cashing out in the resale market.

Member of Parliament for Moulmein-Kallang GRC Denise Phua has urged them to consider taking up the relocation package to Kallang, following Tuesday's announcement on the North-South Expressway (NSE).

Four blocks at Rochor Centre will be making way for the NSE.

Affected residents have been assured of a new flat in Kallang, and in many cases, may even enjoy some net proceeds.

Following the initial shock of the news, residents have been trying to make sense of the compensation offered.

Some have raised concerns the money offered is insufficient.

RC chairman Eunice Phng said: "Three-room to three-room, they're getting about S$100,000, they think it's still not enough.

"Because they are actually making way for the highway, and this is a very prime area, you can't get a similar area like this.

"So they think the loss is there. But in terms of payment, if the authorities can look into more benefits, that will really make them happier."

Home owners have the option of selling the flat in the open market, where they are likely to fetch a premium above market value.

The relocation benefits can also be transferred to the new owner, who may have set their sights on the Kallang development.

But the area's MP has urged residents against selling their flats.

Ms Phua said: "If any of the residents were to sell too quickly without thinking through, and apply for another estate, they will not get the priority and they may find themselves stuck.

"The other thing is, if they choose to cash out and use the money and find that later on they have no where else to go, they will not be -- most of them -- ... entitled to a rental flat because of the surplus they would have profited."

Ms Phua also pointed out residents stand to gain from moving to Kallang.

She noted that not only will they be getting a brand new flat with a fresh 99-year lease, elderly residents who currently endure the inconvenience of a lack of lifts in Rochor, will be able to benefit from having lifts on every floor in Kallang.

HDB has frozen the sale of these flats for a month to ensure residents fully understand the relocation package before making a decision.

It will also be holding a week-long exhibition, starting this Friday, to explain the compensation details and also provide more information on the replacement flats in Kallang.

- CNA/wk

- wong chee tat :)

How did you deal with difficult people in your team?

- wong chee tat :)

范文芳 - 没有问题

- wong chee tat :)

Witch Yoo Hee ep 2 part 1

Seem to me Yoo Hee is a difficult person to work with..... 
Hope it does not happen to me....

- wong chee tat :)

Witch Yoo Hee Episode 1 Part 2/4-2

- wong chee tat :)

黄沾 徐克 罗大佑 - 沧海一声笑

- wong chee tat :)

Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for November 2011

Published: Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Version: 1.0

This bulletin summary lists security bulletins released for November 2011.
With the release of the security bulletins for November 2011, this bulletin summary replaces the bulletin advance notification originally issued November 3, 2011. For more information about the bulletin advance notification service, see Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification.
For information about how to receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft security bulletins are issued, visit Microsoft Technical Security Notifications.
Microsoft is hosting a webcast to address customer questions on these bulletins on November 9, 2011, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada). Register now for the November Security Bulletin Webcast. After this date, this webcast is available on-demand. For more information, see Microsoft Security Bulletin Summaries and Webcasts.
Microsoft also provides information to help customers prioritize monthly security updates with any non-security updates that are being released on the same day as the monthly security updates. Please see the section, Other Information.

Bulletin Information

Executive Summaries

Exploitability Index

Affected Software and Download Locations

Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Other Information

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Microsoft has released an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.

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Non-Security Updates on MU, WU, and WSUS

For information about non-security releases on Windows Update and Microsoft Update, please see:

• Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 894199: Description of Software Update Services and Windows Server Update Services changes in content. Includes all Windows content.
• Updates from Past Months for Windows Server Update Services. Displays all new, revised, and rereleased updates for Microsoft products other than Microsoft Windows.

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Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)

To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections Web sites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.

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Security Strategies and Community

Update Management Strategies
Security Guidance for Update Management provides additional information about Microsoft’s best-practice recommendations for applying security updates.
Obtaining Other Security Updates
Updates for other security issues are available from the following locations:

• Security updates are available from Microsoft Download Center. You can find them most easily by doing a keyword search for "security update".
• Updates for consumer platforms are available from Microsoft Update.
• You can obtain the security updates offered this month on Windows Update, from Download Center on Security and Critical Releases ISO CD Image files. For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 913086.

IT Pro Security Community
Learn to improve security and optimize your IT infrastructure, and participate with other IT Pros on security topics in IT Pro Security Community.

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Acknowledgments

Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:

• Will Dorman of the CERT/CC for reporting an issue described in MS11-084
• Ivan Sanchez of EvilCode for reporting an issue described in MS11-085
• Xavier Lassoie and Sébastien Godard of Autosécurité for reporting an issue described in MS11-086

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Support

• The affected software listed have been tested to determine which versions are affected. Other versions are past their support life cycle. To determine the support life cycle for your software version, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
• Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Security Support or 1-866-PCSAFETY (1-866-727-2338). There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates. For more information about available support options, see Microsoft Help and Support.
• International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit International Help and Support.

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Disclaimer

The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

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Revisions

• V1.0 (November 08, 2011): Bulletin Summary published.

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- wong chee tat :) 

Need for greater cyber security

Need for greater cyber security
By Lynda Hong | Posted: 10 November 2011 2252 hrs

SINGAPORE: US-based Palo Alto Networks recently uncovered 700 unique malicious software samples, highlighting the need for greater cyber security.

More than half of the samples cannot be dealt with by anti-virus programmes.

Meanwhile, in Asia Pacific, e-Cop -- an information security firm -- uncovered three billion security events on business and government networks.

A security event suggests a breach of security of an information system or network.

The corporate landscape is dotted with un-prosecuted high profile hacking offences, such as the attack on Sony's playstation network.

Experts said the problem of policing cybercrime begins with its definition.

Mark McLaughlin, president & CEO, Palo Alto Networks, said: "The problem is the lack of similar application of laws, country by country.

"So a lot of countries have agreed what is illegal from a cyber perspective.

"Other countries haven't done that. And then you just have the situation where even if you agree to it, if you can't prosecute under those laws, then it is a safe haven for criminals."

Infocomm security experts who spoke to Channel NewsAsia said many business are afraid of the unknown risk in the cyberworld, and that is hindering them from adopting emerging technologies like cloud computing.

In Singapore, the new National Cyber Security centre will focus on providing cyber security situational awareness and will be rolled out in phases in the next two to three years.

It is an answer to a growing call to secure Singapore's cyberspace.

Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) Chair for Law and Home Affairs Hri Kumar said: "What would typically happen if your system is penetrated is, you go to the police.

"And the police have got some capabilities. But I think they are starting to beef up that capability.

"We need to look at an agency to try and give advice and support for businesses. Not everyone has the finance or the capability for rigorous or robust system in-house. So they need someone to turn to."

While a legal framework is yet to be internationalised, experts said businesses should do more.

Infocomm experts are also looking to work with more education centres like Singapore Polytechnic to groom the industry.

- CNA/wk

- wong chee tat :)

574 couples tie the knot on 11/11/11

574 couples tie the knot on 11/11/11
By Zhao Quan Yin and Wayne Chan | Posted: 11 November 2011 2304 hrs

SINGAPORE: Five hundred and seventy-four couples registered their marriages on 11 November, a significantly higher number than on most days.

But that still won't beat the 607 couples expected to tie the knot next Sunday on 20/11/2011.

The average number of marriages registered a day was about 55 last year.

At Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Punggol, 66 couples got together to receive blessings although some got married ahead of Friday.

And it was a busy day for one pink London Cab driver, who said 11 November 2011 was his second busiest wedding day in seven years.

One couple booked his services a year in advance.

"Because today's date has six ones (11/11/11) in it, plus we got married at 11 in the morning, so that makes it eight ones, making it an easy to remember (the) special date," said Ray Sim, a newly-wed at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple.

Hotels that Channel NewsAsia spoke to said weekend wedding banquet slots are fully booked till the next Lunar New Year, with business expected to be up by 20 per cent.

- CNA /ls

- wong chee tat :)

Over 40% of Belvia units taken up

Over 40% of Belvia units taken up
Posted: 11 November 2011 1402 hrs
     
SINGAPORE: Belvia - a Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) project situated along Bedok Reservoir Road - has received good response mostly from first-time buyers.

At the first phase of booking from November 7 to 9, the development which was reserved mainly for first-timers saw a take-up rate of more than 40 percent.

Belvia is a 488-unit project by CEL Development and the first DBSS project in the mature Bedok estate.

CEL Development said the units range from S$387,000 to S$415,000 for a 3-room flat, S$494,000 to S$576,000 for a 4-room unit, and S$648,000 to S$727,000 for a 5-room flat.

CEO of CEL Development, Mr Chia Lee Meng, said the larger four- and five-room units on the higher floors were the best sellers.

Belvia is one of the DBSS projects for which tenders were given out before the government announced earlier this year that it will put DBSS projects on hold.

The government is reviewing the scheme in the wake of high asking prices at a Tampines DBSS project, Centrale 8.

The developer had initially estimated prices of S$880,000 for a five-room unit, but later revised it to S$778,000.

- CNA/al

- wong chee tat :)