Singapore's ICT sector grew despite recession in 2009

Singapore's ICT sector grew despite recession in 2009
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 06 March 2010 2233 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Despite the economic downturn last year, the information and communications sector was the only area that saw growth. And this trend is set to continue in 2010.

In addition, more jobs can be expected in the infocomm industry.

Last year, the strong areas of employment growth included digital media and animation, software development and research & development.

Acting Information, Communications and the Arts Minister Lui Tuck Yew said this at a gala dinner for the industry on Friday night.

He said the government will continue to ensure Singapore continues to maintain a pro-infocomm and pro-business environment - all to make Singapore an ideal place for investment.

Mr Lui said: "I expect IT spending to go up. The prognosis for the IT sector for 2010 is good. We know that in 2009, despite the downturn, it was one of the bright spots in terms of economic performance.

"For 2010, both the IDA (Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore) survey, and the SITF (Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation) survey indicated that 70 per cent or more of the companies have plans to expand their operations.

"2010 will be an even better year for them. And we think that this will result in more hiring and more opportunities for people."

As for homes, more than eight in 10 households are now connected to the internet. This is one of the fastest growth in years.

In 2008, three out of four households had an internet connection. 

- CNA/ms

- wong chee tat :) 

Singapore confirms first H1N1—related death

Singapore confirms first H1N1—related death
Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: A 49—year—old H1N1 patient, with multiple health problems, died on Saturday afternoon. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a statement that he died of a heart attack, contributed by severe pneumonia and H1N1 infection.

The victim, who had diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, was admitted to Changi General Hospital on July 16 after four days of flu—like symptoms.

MOH added that a 55—year—old man, also with multiple health problems, is the latest H1N1 patient to be admitted to intensive care.

He was tested positive for H1N1 after being admitted into Singapore General Hospital’s (SGH) intensive care unit.

He went to SGH on July 17, complaining of shortness of breath and fever, and was admitted after investigations showed that he had suffered an acute heart attack. The patient is currently in stable condition.

MOH said while the majority of H1N1 cases remains mild, the virus can cause complications and even death in high—risk individuals with underlying medical conditions.

Individuals in the high—risk group are advised to seek prompt medical attention if they suffer flu—like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose.

Members of the public who develop influenza—like illness can visit their nearest Pandemic Preparedness Clinic or their GP clinics for initial assessment and treatment.

If symptoms are severe, such as breathlessness and chest pains, members of the public are advised to call 995 immediately for an emergency ambulance.


— CNA/so

Tamiflu-resistant swine flu patient found in Japan: govt

Tamiflu-resistant swine flu patient found in Japan: govt

July 2nd, 2009

A genetic mutation of swine flu that is resistant to the anti-viral Tamiflu has been discovered in Japan, the first such case in the country, the health ministry said.

It was the second reported case of Tamiflu resistance linked to swine flu in less than a week.

The latest case was found in a patient who had been given the drug since first being diagnosed with A(H1N1) around two weeks ago, Kyodo news agency reported Thursday, citing the Health, Welfare and Labour Ministry.

The patient -- a woman in Osaka prefecture -- was recovering after having been given Ralenza, an alternative anti-flu medication, the report said.

A spokeswoman for Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Roche, which makes Tamiflu, said the company had been informed of the case and called it "normal."

"It is absolutely normal," she said, adding that "0.4 percent of adults develop resistance" to Tamiflu.

She said the case does not indicate Tamiflu has become less effective against swine flu.

Danish authorities announced earlier this week they had discovered resistance to Tamiflu in a female patient. Ralenza was also used successfully to treat her.

According to the latest World Health Organization figures, Japan has 1,266 reported cases of swine flu, but has so far recorded no fatalities.

(c) 2009 AFP

- wong chee tat :)

30 new H1N1 cases raise total in Singapore to 629

30 new H1N1 cases raise total in Singapore to 629
Posted: 29 June 2009 2151 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 30 new cases of H1N1 flu, bringing the total to 629 so far.

According to the Health Ministry, 246 patients have fully recovered while the rest are in stable condition.

Together with 105 cases pending investigation on Sunday, 71 have been investigated - comprising 58 local cases and 13 imported ones.

A new cluster has surfaced, comprising three Raffles Institution Boarding School students who have just returned from affected countries.

The greatest number of new cases registered on Monday, however, came from the Republic Polytechnic. It has 17 new cases, bringing the total in the cluster to 66.

There were eight new cases at Clementi Camp, which now has 53 cases.

Maju Camp has three new ones, bringing the total there to 22.

At the Police Coast Guard's Brani Base, one new case brings the total there to five.

- CNA/ir

- wong chee tat :)