China interbank rates surge again despite cash injection
POSTED: 23 Dec 2013 18:08
China's interbank interest rates surged again on Monday despite hefty cash injections last week by the central bank, suggesting money market stress remains as authorities maintain a prudent stance.
BEIJING: China's interbank interest rates surged again on Monday despite hefty cash injections last week by the central bank, suggesting money market stress remains as authorities maintain a prudent stance.
The seven-day repurchase-agreement rate -- a benchmark for interbank borrowing costs -- rose to 9.8 per cent, the highest since it hit 11.62 per cent on June 20 at the peak of China's summer cash crunch that unnerved global markets, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
"The spike in interbank rate indicates that the lack of market confidence has worsened the liquidity crunch," Wendy Chen, a Shanghai-based economist at Nomura Securities, told AFP.
The rates, which serve as funding costs for pricing and investment, have been trending higher recently as the People's Bank of China (PBoC) had refrained from injecting further liquidity through a routine open market operation for two weeks.
In a gesture to calm the market, the PBoC announced Friday that it had injected more than 300 billion yuan ($49.4 billion) into the financial system over a three-day period via the so-called short-term liquidity operations (SLOs).
"Currently the banking system has excess reserves of over 1.5 trillion yuan, a relatively high level compared with the same periods in history," it said on its verified account on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo.
The announcement followed a similar statement on Thursday that the bank had "appropriately injected" an unspecified amount of cash into the market through SLOs.
The interbank market responded with brief signs of improving funding conditions earlier Monday. The repo rate began the day's trading at 5.57 per cent, down from Friday's 8.2 per cent, before rebounding.
"More credit and further measures from the PBoC are probably required, to let the market regain its confidence, before the rate can become stabilised," Chen said.
Chinese shares edged up Monday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index ending up 0.24 per cent at 2,089.71. But analysts warned that the gains will soon evaporate without fresh funds flowing into the stock market.
The state-run Securities Times newspaper on Monday quoted analysts as saying that the central bank intended to signal to the market its "neutral but slightly tight" policy stance by keeping suspended its routine, more aggressive liquidity-releasing tools and appeasing the market only with SLOs.
The SLOs are discreet, targeted exercises confined to a select group of 12 banks that are deemed crucial to the overall stability of China's financial system. They are a new tool the PBoC introduced in January.
- AFP/nd
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label forecast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forecast. Show all posts
Monday, December 23, 2013
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
More Asian companies turning to bond market
More Asian companies turning to bond market
By Thomas Cho | Posted: 20 November 2012 2116 hrs
SINGAPORE: More Asian companies are turning to the bond market for a cheaper source of long-term financing.
This following rising liquidity in the region as major central banks in the United States, Europe and Japan undertake quantitative easing measures.
Bonds issued in Asia, excluding Australia and Japan, have increased some 55 percent from US$461 billion in the first 10 months of 2011 to US$706 billion till end of October this year.
Looking ahead, rising investor demand for safe assets will boost the Asian bond market further.
Debt financing through corporate bonds has been mostly popular among companies in South Korea and Japan.
Analysts said the trend has now caught on with Southeast Asian firms.
Bond issuance in local currency has grown 26 per cent in Indonesia and over 18 percent in the Philippines and Singapore in the second quarter of 2012 year-on-year.
And among the big players are companies in the energy, transportation, and real estate sectors.
Big issues include Genting Singapore's S$1.8 billion perpetual bonds at 5.125 percent, as well as several notes by OCBC and DBS.
Adam McCabe, Senior Portfolio Manager, Asian Fixed Income, Aberdeen Asset Management Asia, said: "From an investor's perspective, Southeast Asia has a very mature market relative to some of the more immature and developing markets. If you look at Singapore particularly, the sovereign rating is triple A. That is one of the very few triple A rated sovereign in the world."
With growing economic uncertainty, analysts said more investors are turning to safe assets like bonds.
Rising inflation is also a concern as investments in risky assets may yield negative real returns after adjusting for inflation.
Lenny Feder, Group Head of Wholesale Banking Management Group at Standard Chartered Bank, said: "People are risk-adversity these days. So, they have a lot of money sitting in cash. Cash in the bank account isn't earning very much at all. So, on a relative basis, a bond may be a more attractive investment. But, in addition, if you are going to invest in bonds globally, then will you rather be investing in Asia where there is a lot of growth potential versus the West, where there is less?"
Islamic bonds are now becoming popular as well in the region.
These bonds that do not pay coupon interest are likely to be in hot demand by cash-rich Middle Eastern investors.
Such bonds issued in Asia, excluding Australia and Japan, jumped 17 percent to US$17 billion in the first 10 months of 2012.
Sean Chang, Head of Asian Debt Investment at Baring Asset Management (Asia), said: "The yield differentiate in this region is still attractive and not mentioning currency wise, the outlook is also very positive. With the much better fundamentals in this part of the region, we saw Indonesia got upgraded earlier this year."
Singapore-listed Golden Agri-Resources has recently raised US$490 million from selling five-year Islamic medium-term notes, called sukuk.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Thomas Cho | Posted: 20 November 2012 2116 hrs
SINGAPORE: More Asian companies are turning to the bond market for a cheaper source of long-term financing.
This following rising liquidity in the region as major central banks in the United States, Europe and Japan undertake quantitative easing measures.
Bonds issued in Asia, excluding Australia and Japan, have increased some 55 percent from US$461 billion in the first 10 months of 2011 to US$706 billion till end of October this year.
Looking ahead, rising investor demand for safe assets will boost the Asian bond market further.
Debt financing through corporate bonds has been mostly popular among companies in South Korea and Japan.
Analysts said the trend has now caught on with Southeast Asian firms.
Bond issuance in local currency has grown 26 per cent in Indonesia and over 18 percent in the Philippines and Singapore in the second quarter of 2012 year-on-year.
And among the big players are companies in the energy, transportation, and real estate sectors.
Big issues include Genting Singapore's S$1.8 billion perpetual bonds at 5.125 percent, as well as several notes by OCBC and DBS.
Adam McCabe, Senior Portfolio Manager, Asian Fixed Income, Aberdeen Asset Management Asia, said: "From an investor's perspective, Southeast Asia has a very mature market relative to some of the more immature and developing markets. If you look at Singapore particularly, the sovereign rating is triple A. That is one of the very few triple A rated sovereign in the world."
With growing economic uncertainty, analysts said more investors are turning to safe assets like bonds.
Rising inflation is also a concern as investments in risky assets may yield negative real returns after adjusting for inflation.
Lenny Feder, Group Head of Wholesale Banking Management Group at Standard Chartered Bank, said: "People are risk-adversity these days. So, they have a lot of money sitting in cash. Cash in the bank account isn't earning very much at all. So, on a relative basis, a bond may be a more attractive investment. But, in addition, if you are going to invest in bonds globally, then will you rather be investing in Asia where there is a lot of growth potential versus the West, where there is less?"
Islamic bonds are now becoming popular as well in the region.
These bonds that do not pay coupon interest are likely to be in hot demand by cash-rich Middle Eastern investors.
Such bonds issued in Asia, excluding Australia and Japan, jumped 17 percent to US$17 billion in the first 10 months of 2012.
Sean Chang, Head of Asian Debt Investment at Baring Asset Management (Asia), said: "The yield differentiate in this region is still attractive and not mentioning currency wise, the outlook is also very positive. With the much better fundamentals in this part of the region, we saw Indonesia got upgraded earlier this year."
Singapore-listed Golden Agri-Resources has recently raised US$490 million from selling five-year Islamic medium-term notes, called sukuk.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Barclays to ramp up private banking business; sets up HK centre
Barclays to ramp up private banking business; sets up HK centre
Reuters - Wednesday, November 24
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SINGAPORE, Nov 24 - Barclays Wealth, a unit of Barclays , outlined an ambitious expansion plan to double the number of private bankers in Asia and quadruple its assets under management in the region over the next four years.
Many private banks including regional players such as Standard Chartered and DBS Group are furiously expanding in Asia, with more wealth likely to be generated in the region powered by the economies of China, India and Indonesia.
Singapore is the main base for private banks seeking to gain market share in Asia, but Hong Kong is fast emerging as a second regional centre as banks expand their regional presence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Barclays Wealth said it had set up a booking centre in Hong Kong -- its second in Asia after Singapore -- as part of a plan to quadruple Asian assets.
"This is an important milestone for us in Hong Kong... Our North Asian clients now have the additional option of having their assets managed in a location closer to them," said Joanna Chu, head of North Asia for Barclays Wealth. She described Greater China as the fastest and most attractive region for the firm.
She said the Hong Kong booking centre will facilitate the introduction of new yuan-denominated products that the UK lender hopes to roll out next year.
Barclay's declined to say how many relationship managers it had in Asia and did not provide details of Asian assets it manages, but sources familiar with the bank said it had more than 100 relationship managers across the region.
On a global basis, Barclays' private banking unit has 153.5 billion pounds in assets under management and about 1,600 client-facing advisers, a Barclays spokesman said.
This month, Swiss private bank Julius Baer , which already had a centre in Singapore, said it had obtained a banking license in Hong Kong.
Private banks are increasingly poaching relationship managers, bankers who take their clients and their money wherever they go, from rivals. [ID:nSGE6930AW]
Singapore, and to a lesser extent Hong Kong, are drawing boutique funds, advisory firms and brokerages with their light-touch regulation, even as Switzerland gets tougher on bank secrecy.
- wong chee tat :)
Reuters - Wednesday, November 24
* Send
* IM Story
SINGAPORE, Nov 24 - Barclays Wealth, a unit of Barclays , outlined an ambitious expansion plan to double the number of private bankers in Asia and quadruple its assets under management in the region over the next four years.
Many private banks including regional players such as Standard Chartered and DBS Group are furiously expanding in Asia, with more wealth likely to be generated in the region powered by the economies of China, India and Indonesia.
Singapore is the main base for private banks seeking to gain market share in Asia, but Hong Kong is fast emerging as a second regional centre as banks expand their regional presence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Barclays Wealth said it had set up a booking centre in Hong Kong -- its second in Asia after Singapore -- as part of a plan to quadruple Asian assets.
"This is an important milestone for us in Hong Kong... Our North Asian clients now have the additional option of having their assets managed in a location closer to them," said Joanna Chu, head of North Asia for Barclays Wealth. She described Greater China as the fastest and most attractive region for the firm.
She said the Hong Kong booking centre will facilitate the introduction of new yuan-denominated products that the UK lender hopes to roll out next year.
Barclay's declined to say how many relationship managers it had in Asia and did not provide details of Asian assets it manages, but sources familiar with the bank said it had more than 100 relationship managers across the region.
On a global basis, Barclays' private banking unit has 153.5 billion pounds in assets under management and about 1,600 client-facing advisers, a Barclays spokesman said.
This month, Swiss private bank Julius Baer , which already had a centre in Singapore, said it had obtained a banking license in Hong Kong.
Private banks are increasingly poaching relationship managers, bankers who take their clients and their money wherever they go, from rivals. [ID:nSGE6930AW]
Singapore, and to a lesser extent Hong Kong, are drawing boutique funds, advisory firms and brokerages with their light-touch regulation, even as Switzerland gets tougher on bank secrecy.
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Singapore to keep manufacturing an "integral" part of economy
Singapore to keep manufacturing an "integral" part of economy
Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: Singapore aims to keep its manufacturing industry an "integral" part of the economy as it seeks new strategies to help it grow faster than other advanced countries.
Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang told Bloomberg that the government is "very reluctant" to let the industry’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) drop "sharply". This is due to its multiplier effects on other parts of the economy, including logistics and business services.
Manufacturing accounts for about a quarter of Singapore’s GDP.
Mr Lim said that over the years, Singapore has built up some competitive strengths and good market share of some niches, in areas such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and maintenance overhaul of aircraft.
While he recognised that some segments of manufacturing may not be competitive in Singapore and may have to move out, there is constant restructuring taking place.
On the Economic Strategies Committee, the minister said he believes the committee studying the importance of manufacturing would subscribe to this importance and see how Singapore can continue to encourage manufacturing investments to take place here and to grow it.
The committee was formed in May and is expected to unveil its main recommendations in January.
— 938LIVE/ir
How will Singapore continue to compete and yet be different from the rest of the world?
- wong chee tat :)
Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: Singapore aims to keep its manufacturing industry an "integral" part of the economy as it seeks new strategies to help it grow faster than other advanced countries.
Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang told Bloomberg that the government is "very reluctant" to let the industry’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) drop "sharply". This is due to its multiplier effects on other parts of the economy, including logistics and business services.
Manufacturing accounts for about a quarter of Singapore’s GDP.
Mr Lim said that over the years, Singapore has built up some competitive strengths and good market share of some niches, in areas such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and maintenance overhaul of aircraft.
While he recognised that some segments of manufacturing may not be competitive in Singapore and may have to move out, there is constant restructuring taking place.
On the Economic Strategies Committee, the minister said he believes the committee studying the importance of manufacturing would subscribe to this importance and see how Singapore can continue to encourage manufacturing investments to take place here and to grow it.
The committee was formed in May and is expected to unveil its main recommendations in January.
— 938LIVE/ir
How will Singapore continue to compete and yet be different from the rest of the world?
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, November 6, 2009
IMF predicts "sluggish" growth for Asia in 2010 at 5.75%
IMF predicts "sluggish" growth for Asia in 2010 at 5.75%
By Ng Baoying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 November 2009 2102 hrs
SINGAPORE: The International Monetary Fund expects Asia's economy to grow around 5.8 per cent next year. This is below the 6.7 per cent average recorded over the past decade.
But in its latest regional economic outlook report, the IMF has still described Asia's expansion next year as "sluggish".
It expects low consumption from the G7 economies to keep export demand weak.
Asian economies have been showing signs of recovering from the global financial crisis late last year.
And while the IMF said growth is expected to be sluggish, the expansion is still at a positive 5.8 per cent.
As widely-expected, China is expected to lead growth at nine per cent with India in second place at 6.5 per cent.
Newly industrialised economies such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan are not far behind, with growth projected to come in at between 3.5 and 4.3 per cent.
Harm Zebregs, resident representative, Singapore, International Monetary Fund, said: “We see Asia recovering quite strongly at the moment from the very sharp contraction late last year which continued into the first two months of this year. This recovery is led by a normalisation of exports, restocking in the US and Europe, and a very strong policy response of course by the governments here in the region, both fiscal and monetary policy.
“The IMF said that Asian policy makers have one key challenge in the near term - that is, to maintain stimulus policies long enough for a recovery - but not too long such that inflationary pressures, and fiscal sustainability issues creep up."
But the IMF also notes that there are some factors beyond the control of governments.
Mr Zebregs said: "The recovery that's taking shape in the US and Europe, if that falters, that will have an impact on Asia because Asia is still dependent on exports to these countries. At the same time if there would be renewed turbulence in financial markets, a return to risk aversion, that could lead to capital outflows from Asia and could create new stress in financial markets here."
He suggests that to mitigate this issue in the longer term, policy makers should tackle issues such as encouraging domestic consumption.
One way would be to provide better social safety nets to reduce the need for private precautionary savings.
- CNA/vm
- wong chee tat :)
By Ng Baoying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 November 2009 2102 hrs
SINGAPORE: The International Monetary Fund expects Asia's economy to grow around 5.8 per cent next year. This is below the 6.7 per cent average recorded over the past decade.
But in its latest regional economic outlook report, the IMF has still described Asia's expansion next year as "sluggish".
It expects low consumption from the G7 economies to keep export demand weak.
Asian economies have been showing signs of recovering from the global financial crisis late last year.
And while the IMF said growth is expected to be sluggish, the expansion is still at a positive 5.8 per cent.
As widely-expected, China is expected to lead growth at nine per cent with India in second place at 6.5 per cent.
Newly industrialised economies such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan are not far behind, with growth projected to come in at between 3.5 and 4.3 per cent.
Harm Zebregs, resident representative, Singapore, International Monetary Fund, said: “We see Asia recovering quite strongly at the moment from the very sharp contraction late last year which continued into the first two months of this year. This recovery is led by a normalisation of exports, restocking in the US and Europe, and a very strong policy response of course by the governments here in the region, both fiscal and monetary policy.
“The IMF said that Asian policy makers have one key challenge in the near term - that is, to maintain stimulus policies long enough for a recovery - but not too long such that inflationary pressures, and fiscal sustainability issues creep up."
But the IMF also notes that there are some factors beyond the control of governments.
Mr Zebregs said: "The recovery that's taking shape in the US and Europe, if that falters, that will have an impact on Asia because Asia is still dependent on exports to these countries. At the same time if there would be renewed turbulence in financial markets, a return to risk aversion, that could lead to capital outflows from Asia and could create new stress in financial markets here."
He suggests that to mitigate this issue in the longer term, policy makers should tackle issues such as encouraging domestic consumption.
One way would be to provide better social safety nets to reduce the need for private precautionary savings.
- CNA/vm
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
1,000 jobs in biologics sector when six plants fully operational
1,000 jobs in biologics sector when six plants fully operational
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 November 2009 2035 hrs
SINGAPORE: Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam says more than 1,000 highly skilled jobs will open up when the six biologics plants being implemented are fully operational.
These jobs will appeal to both fresh graduates and mid-career professionals from related sectors such as the chemicals, electronics and processing sectors.
Mr Tharman said this at the opening of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche's biologics manufacturing plant in Tuas.
He said the increased efficacy of biologics-based treatments will result in a surge in demand for manufacturing capacity in the coming years.
Singapore, he said, has built up the key capabilities and resources needed to meet the needs of companies in the industry.
In the last four years, leading companies have invested about US$2 billion to set up six commercial-scale manufacturing plants in Singapore.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 November 2009 2035 hrs
SINGAPORE: Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam says more than 1,000 highly skilled jobs will open up when the six biologics plants being implemented are fully operational.
These jobs will appeal to both fresh graduates and mid-career professionals from related sectors such as the chemicals, electronics and processing sectors.
Mr Tharman said this at the opening of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche's biologics manufacturing plant in Tuas.
He said the increased efficacy of biologics-based treatments will result in a surge in demand for manufacturing capacity in the coming years.
Singapore, he said, has built up the key capabilities and resources needed to meet the needs of companies in the industry.
In the last four years, leading companies have invested about US$2 billion to set up six commercial-scale manufacturing plants in Singapore.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, November 2, 2009
Companies brace themselves for staff attrition as economy improves
Companies brace themselves for staff attrition as economy improves
Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: Companies are bracing themselves for staff attrition as the economy improves. A poll by global management consultancy, Hay Group, said they are doing so by investing to retain high performing employees.
Dr Stephen Choo, regional director of Hay Group Insight, said employees in Singapore feel that they have stretched themselves to the limit to help their companies in the downturn, and a talent exodus might happen if nothing is done to reward and recognize the sacrifices made by employees.
According to Dr Choo, companies need to think of more ways to engage their employees.
"Talent are certainly very motivated to remain with the company if there are lots of development opportunities — that the company could actually work with them in terms of enhancing their skills and talent," said Dr Choo.
"Also, training is very important. Certainly leadership is still very important because lots of talent are motivated to stay with the company if there is a good role model they can look up to," he added.
Other motivating factors include offering employees more resources to work with, creating an environment that promotes greater teamwork, and also giving them more empowerment and authority.
Dr Choo said that companies polled are planning on average to give a salary increase of 3 per cent in 2010, as compared to 2.3 per cent this year.
The sectors doling out the highest salary increases will be the Oil & Gas, Chemicals and Insurance sectors.
The poll also showed that the percentage of companies cutting or freezing pay has dropped from 58 per cent in March to 18 per cent in October.
According to the Hay Group’s survey, variable bonuses for this year will remain modest at 1.8 months, and are forecast to be marginally lower at 1.5 months in 2010. The lower bonus predicted in 2010 is due to the unclear economic outlook for the next three to six months, explained Dr Choo.
He said: "As a whole, most industries are quite conservative about their forecast because there is no clear indication at this point in time that the economy is certainly moving up north.
"What we can see so far is that there are conflicting stories about some industries seeing an upturn, but at the same time there are also companies which are laying off staff as well."
— CNA/sc
- wong chee tat :)
Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: Companies are bracing themselves for staff attrition as the economy improves. A poll by global management consultancy, Hay Group, said they are doing so by investing to retain high performing employees.
Dr Stephen Choo, regional director of Hay Group Insight, said employees in Singapore feel that they have stretched themselves to the limit to help their companies in the downturn, and a talent exodus might happen if nothing is done to reward and recognize the sacrifices made by employees.
According to Dr Choo, companies need to think of more ways to engage their employees.
"Talent are certainly very motivated to remain with the company if there are lots of development opportunities — that the company could actually work with them in terms of enhancing their skills and talent," said Dr Choo.
"Also, training is very important. Certainly leadership is still very important because lots of talent are motivated to stay with the company if there is a good role model they can look up to," he added.
Other motivating factors include offering employees more resources to work with, creating an environment that promotes greater teamwork, and also giving them more empowerment and authority.
Dr Choo said that companies polled are planning on average to give a salary increase of 3 per cent in 2010, as compared to 2.3 per cent this year.
The sectors doling out the highest salary increases will be the Oil & Gas, Chemicals and Insurance sectors.
The poll also showed that the percentage of companies cutting or freezing pay has dropped from 58 per cent in March to 18 per cent in October.
According to the Hay Group’s survey, variable bonuses for this year will remain modest at 1.8 months, and are forecast to be marginally lower at 1.5 months in 2010. The lower bonus predicted in 2010 is due to the unclear economic outlook for the next three to six months, explained Dr Choo.
He said: "As a whole, most industries are quite conservative about their forecast because there is no clear indication at this point in time that the economy is certainly moving up north.
"What we can see so far is that there are conflicting stories about some industries seeing an upturn, but at the same time there are also companies which are laying off staff as well."
— CNA/sc
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
8,000 students graduate from NTU this year
8,000 students graduate from NTU this year
By Rekha/ Jeremy Koh
SINGAPORE: This year's graduating cohort is the largest ever from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
The 8,000 students include those from the pioneer cohort of the School of Art, Design and Media, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
Singapore's President, SR Nathan, who is also the chancellor of NTU, attended the convocation ceremony on Thursday.
NTU's president, Su Guaning, said the university will be addressing the future challenges that it will be facing at an upcoming workshop.
His comments followed Education Minister Ng Eng Hen's recent observation that NTU should seek to distinguish itself in some fields, to be among the world's best universities.
- CNA/y
- wong chee tat :)
370 solar eclipse enthusiasts in Singapore stay indoors due to rain
370 solar eclipse enthusiasts in Singapore stay indoors due to rain
By Jessica Yeo, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : 370 Singaporeans gathered at the Singapore Science Centre to catch the solar eclipse on Wednesday morning, but they ended up staying indoors because of the rain which resulted in poor visibility.
10 per cent of the eclipse could have been seen in Singapore between 8:41am and 9:43am, with its optimum position at 9:11am.
The next eclipse is expected on 15 January 2010, and Singaporeans will be able to catch 30 per cent of it.
But Singapore will have to wait until 2019 for the annular eclipse if residents want to see the moon's shadow totally cast on the sun.
"The eclipse is caused by the moon casting a shadow on the Earth and this time round, the path of the shadow passes through the densely populated areas in China. Singapore happens to be literally at the fringe of the activity," said Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, CEO of Singapore Science Centre.
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
By Jessica Yeo, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : 370 Singaporeans gathered at the Singapore Science Centre to catch the solar eclipse on Wednesday morning, but they ended up staying indoors because of the rain which resulted in poor visibility.
10 per cent of the eclipse could have been seen in Singapore between 8:41am and 9:43am, with its optimum position at 9:11am.
The next eclipse is expected on 15 January 2010, and Singaporeans will be able to catch 30 per cent of it.
But Singapore will have to wait until 2019 for the annular eclipse if residents want to see the moon's shadow totally cast on the sun.
"The eclipse is caused by the moon casting a shadow on the Earth and this time round, the path of the shadow passes through the densely populated areas in China. Singapore happens to be literally at the fringe of the activity," said Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, CEO of Singapore Science Centre.
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu patient found in Japan: govt
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu patient found in Japan: govt
July 2nd, 2009
- wong chee tat :)
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 :)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
H1N1 cases rise to 701 in Singapore
H1N1 cases rise to 701 in Singapore
Posted: 30 June 2009 1951 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 72 new H1N1 flu cases, bringing the tally to 701 so far.
The Health Ministry says most cases are mild and to date, 281 patients have fully recovered and the rest are recuperating.
Singaporeans should carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times. If unwell, they should see a doctor, stay away from work, school or crowded places, and rest at home.
Investigations are on-going for the 72 new cases. Of the 64 cases investigated on Tuesday, there were 42 local cases and 22 imported ones.
Of the latest cases investigated, the largest number of new cases were linked to the Republic Polytechnic, bringing the total number of cases there to 77.
Over 1,900 second- and third-year students have signed an online petition calling on the polytechnic to suspend classes, not just for first-year students but for them as well.
The polytechnic said it understands the students' concerns and has also received feedback from them through internal channels although it has not received any petition formally.
The school added that it is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take additional measures if required to safeguard the well-being of staff and students.
Another three new H1N1 cases were found linked to an orientation camp at the National University of Singapore, bringing the number of cases in that cluster to seven.
Clementi Camp had two new cases raising the total there to 55, while there was one new case each from the Raffles Institution Boarding School, Butter Factory, Maju Camp and Pulau Tekong Camp clusters.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 30 June 2009 1951 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 72 new H1N1 flu cases, bringing the tally to 701 so far.
The Health Ministry says most cases are mild and to date, 281 patients have fully recovered and the rest are recuperating.
Singaporeans should carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times. If unwell, they should see a doctor, stay away from work, school or crowded places, and rest at home.
Investigations are on-going for the 72 new cases. Of the 64 cases investigated on Tuesday, there were 42 local cases and 22 imported ones.
Of the latest cases investigated, the largest number of new cases were linked to the Republic Polytechnic, bringing the total number of cases there to 77.
Over 1,900 second- and third-year students have signed an online petition calling on the polytechnic to suspend classes, not just for first-year students but for them as well.
The polytechnic said it understands the students' concerns and has also received feedback from them through internal channels although it has not received any petition formally.
The school added that it is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take additional measures if required to safeguard the well-being of staff and students.
Another three new H1N1 cases were found linked to an orientation camp at the National University of Singapore, bringing the number of cases in that cluster to seven.
Clementi Camp had two new cases raising the total there to 55, while there was one new case each from the Raffles Institution Boarding School, Butter Factory, Maju Camp and Pulau Tekong Camp clusters.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
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 :)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
IDA investing S$20m to help IT grads and professionals
IDA investing S$20m to help IT grads and professionals
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 16 June 2009 1116 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) is investing S$20 million to help IT graduates and professionals stay employed during the current recession.
The money will be spent on two new programmes – iTAP (Infocomm Training and Attachment Programme) and iLEAD (Infocomm Leadership and Development Programme) – which are expected to benefit 1,000 people over the next two years.
iTAP offers attachment opportunities for fresh IT graduates and professionals at MNCs, local companies and start-ups.
Under iLEAD, IDA will work with the infocomm industry to prepare a pool of professionals for new growth areas through internships and specialised courses.
Acting Minister for Communications and the Arts Lui Tuck Yew gave these details at the official opening of Infocomm Media Business Exchange (imbX) 2009 on Tuesday morning.
He also announced that the Wireless@SG programme, which was launched in 2006, to complement connectivity in the home and office, will be enhanced and extended for another four years till March 2013.
The enhancements include improvements to access speeds of up to 1 Mbps, using a new seamless log-in process.
More services over Wireless@SG, such as cashless payments, location-based and facility-monitoring services, will also be introduced.
- CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 16 June 2009 1116 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) is investing S$20 million to help IT graduates and professionals stay employed during the current recession.
The money will be spent on two new programmes – iTAP (Infocomm Training and Attachment Programme) and iLEAD (Infocomm Leadership and Development Programme) – which are expected to benefit 1,000 people over the next two years.
iTAP offers attachment opportunities for fresh IT graduates and professionals at MNCs, local companies and start-ups.
Under iLEAD, IDA will work with the infocomm industry to prepare a pool of professionals for new growth areas through internships and specialised courses.
Acting Minister for Communications and the Arts Lui Tuck Yew gave these details at the official opening of Infocomm Media Business Exchange (imbX) 2009 on Tuesday morning.
He also announced that the Wireless@SG programme, which was launched in 2006, to complement connectivity in the home and office, will be enhanced and extended for another four years till March 2013.
The enhancements include improvements to access speeds of up to 1 Mbps, using a new seamless log-in process.
More services over Wireless@SG, such as cashless payments, location-based and facility-monitoring services, will also be introduced.
- CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, June 15, 2009
S'pore's Q1 labour market sees 1st quarterly contraction in nearly 6 years
S'pore's Q1 labour market sees 1st quarterly contraction in nearly 6 years
By S.Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 June 2009 1026 hrs
This means the number of workers who left their jobs outstripped those who got hired.
The Manpower Ministry said falling external demand has severely affected the manufacturing sector, and along with employment losses in the external-oriented services industries more than offset gains in the domestic services and construction sectors.
At home, construction employment grew by 8,300 but less than the gains of 10,700 in the previous quarter.
Services added 7,500 workers, which was again substantially lower than the gains in the fourth quarter of 2008 which stood at 17,300.
The gains came mainly from community, social and personal services, supported by public sector hiring.
However, services industries with external exposure like hotels and restaurants went into the red and netted 2700 jobs, while financial services saw a net loss of 1,900 jobs.
Transport and storage and wholesale and retail trade were similarly affected.
- CNA/vm
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Swine Flu Update: WHO Declares Pandemic In Response To Ongoing Global Spread Of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
Swine Flu Update: WHO Declares Pandemic In Response To Ongoing Global Spread Of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
ScienceDaily (June 12, 2009) — On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, which causes swine flu. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.
More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.
WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection. Experience with this virus so far is limited and influenza is unpredictable. However, because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against novel H1N1 virus.
In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, however, CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks. In addition, this virus could cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths in the fall and winter during the U.S. influenza season.
Background
Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
The first novel H1N1 patient in the United States was confirmed by laboratory testing at CDC on April 15, 2009. The second patient was confirmed on April 17, 2009. It was quickly determined that the virus was spreading from person-to-person. On April 22, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to better coordinate the public health response. On April 26, 2009, the United States Government declared a public health emergency and has been actively and aggressively implementing the nation’s pandemic response plan.
Since the outbreak was first detected, an increasing number of U.S. states have reported cases of novel H1N1 influenza with associated hospitalizations and deaths. By June 3, 2009, all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were reporting cases of novel H1N1 infection. While nationwide U.S. influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the country at this time, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense activity.
CDC is continuing to watch the situation carefully, to support the public health response and to gather information about this virus and its characteristics. The Southern Hemisphere is just beginning its influenza season and the experience there may provide valuable clues about what may occur in the Northern Hemisphere this fall and winter.
CDC Response
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to the outbreak. CDC’s response goals are to reduce the spread and severity of illness, and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this new public health threat.
CDC is issuing updated interim guidance in response to the rapidly evolving situation (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm).
Clinician Guidance
CDC has issued interim guidance for clinicians on identifying and caring for patients with novel H1N1 (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/identifyingpatients.htm), in addition to providing interim guidance on the use of antiviral drugs (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm). Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) with activity against influenza viruses, including novel influenza H1N1 viruses. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak is to treat people hospitalized with influenza illness, and to treat people at increased risk of severe illness, including pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, heart or lung disease, kidney disease, weakened immune systems, and persons with neurologic or neuromuscular disease.
Public Guidance
CDC has provided guidance for the public on what to do if they become sick with flu-like symptoms, including infection with novel H1N1 (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm). CDC also has issued instructions on taking care of a sick person at home (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm) and the use of facemasks and respirators to reduce novel influenza A (H1n1) transmission (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm). Everyone should take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, including frequent hand washing and people who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others in order to limit further spread of the disease.
Testing
CDC has developed a PCR diagnostic test kit to detect this novel H1N1 virus and has now distributed test kits to all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The test kits are being shipped internationally as well. This will allow states and other countries to test for this new virus.
Vaccine
Vaccines are a very important part of a response to pandemic influenza and the U.S. Government is aggressively taking early steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine, working closely with manufacturers. CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus, made a candidate vaccine virus that can be used to create vaccine, and has provided this virus to industry so they can begin scaling up for production of a vaccine, if necessary. Making vaccine is a long multi-step process requiring several months to complete.
Stockpile Deployment
CDC has deployed 25 percent of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to all states in the continental United States and U.S. territories. This included antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices. The influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. These supplies and medicines will help states and U.S. territories respond to novel H1N1 virus.
Surveillance
Novel influenza A (H1N1) activity is now being detected through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systems and reported weekly in FluView. CDC tracks U.S. influenza activity through multiple systems across five categories. While our influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the United States, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense influenza-like activity. Most of the influenza viruses being detected now are novel H1N1 viruses.
Shared Responsibility
Individuals have an important role in protecting themselves and their families.
* Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available.
* Everyone should take these everyday steps to protect your health and lessen the spread of this new virus:
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
o Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
o If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
o Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social
distancing measures.
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hong Kong reports first domestic human H1N1 flu case
Hong Kong reports first domestic human H1N1 flu case
Posted: 10 June 2009
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HONG KONG - Hong Kong health authorities on Wednesday reported the territory's first case of human H1N1 flu where the person had caught the virus within the city.
Thomas Tsang, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, said the patient, a 55-year-old man, had caught the A(H1N1) virus at an event which another known H1N1 flu patient had attended.
"He had no travel history during the incubation period. We find he had been at the same cocktail party function as the confirmed case on June 5," Tsang told reporters.
- AFP/vm
- http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/435078/1/.html
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Aunt of H1N1 patient becomes 15th case
Aunt of H1N1 patient becomes 15th case
By Desmond Wong, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH )has confirmed another H1N1 case, bringing the total to 15 cases so far. The latest case is a 39-year-old Indonesian woman who is the aunt of an earlier case.
She went to Changi Airport to fetch her niece who returned from New York via Frankfurt on Monday. When the niece developed symptoms on Tuesday, the aunt brought her to Raffles Hospital by taxi.
The aunt had been on home quarantine and was given medication, but laboratory results confirmed on Saturday that she has been infected with the H1N1 virus. She has mild symptoms and is in stable condition.
Three of her family members have already been placed on Home Quarantine Order (HQO).
The Health Ministry said although the 15th case was started on chemoprophylaxis when she was served the home quarantine order, it should be noted that she could already have been infected through close contact with her niece prior to taking the medicine.
While chemoprophylaxis can significantly reduce the risk of infection, it does not completely eliminate it.
As such, MOH reiterates its advice to avoid non-essential travel affected areas such as Melbourne and the State of Victoria in Australia, Kobe and Osaka in Japan and Chile, USA, Canada and Mexico.
For those returning from the affected areas, they should seek medical attention promptly and call 993 for an ambulance if they become unwell within seven days of their return.
They should avoid taking public transport or taxi to minimise exposure.
MOH said to date, six patients have been discharged and nine are still in hospital. The 12th patient involved an 18-year-old Singaporean man who took the MRT in the morning of June 3 to see his GP.
MOH said its risk assessment showed that there is limited exposure to the public as it was only a two-minute train ride from Serangoon to Kovan.
The Health Ministry said Singaporeans need not be unduly alarmed as the virus remains mild and all patients are stable. However, the ministry added that this is an example that should not be followed by others.
MOH said that contact tracing for the 13th and 14th cases have been completed.
The 13th case involved a 23-year-old Singaporean man who travelled to Melbourne from May 27 to June 3. MOH has identified 44 close contacts on the flight.
It managed to contact 18 out of the 19 passengers with entry records into Singapore. They comprise 11 Singaporeans and seven foreigners, and they have been placed under HQOs. Their period of quarantine ends on June 11. One foreigner is uncontactable.
MOH has alerted the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to inform the ministry if he should turn up at Singapore's checkpoints.
The ministry has also informed WHO and its IHR counterparts of the 25 passengers who are out of Singapore.
For the 14th case that involved a 22-year-old Singapore Airlines air-stewardess, MOH said it did not conduct contact tracing of flight passengers on SQ25 flight travelling from New York to Frankfurt on the basis that the confirmed case is unlikely to have been infectious while onboard the plane.
She had developed symptoms more than 24 hours after disembarkation. Her quarantine period is from June 5 to June 11.
MOH has identified four close local contacts and they have been placed under HQOs. Her quarantine period is from June 5 to June 11.
- CNA/vm
So in here, there are 15 such cases!!! Will there be more such cases?
- wong chee tat :)
By Desmond Wong, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH )has confirmed another H1N1 case, bringing the total to 15 cases so far. The latest case is a 39-year-old Indonesian woman who is the aunt of an earlier case.
She went to Changi Airport to fetch her niece who returned from New York via Frankfurt on Monday. When the niece developed symptoms on Tuesday, the aunt brought her to Raffles Hospital by taxi.
The aunt had been on home quarantine and was given medication, but laboratory results confirmed on Saturday that she has been infected with the H1N1 virus. She has mild symptoms and is in stable condition.
Three of her family members have already been placed on Home Quarantine Order (HQO).
The Health Ministry said although the 15th case was started on chemoprophylaxis when she was served the home quarantine order, it should be noted that she could already have been infected through close contact with her niece prior to taking the medicine.
While chemoprophylaxis can significantly reduce the risk of infection, it does not completely eliminate it.
As such, MOH reiterates its advice to avoid non-essential travel affected areas such as Melbourne and the State of Victoria in Australia, Kobe and Osaka in Japan and Chile, USA, Canada and Mexico.
For those returning from the affected areas, they should seek medical attention promptly and call 993 for an ambulance if they become unwell within seven days of their return.
They should avoid taking public transport or taxi to minimise exposure.
MOH said to date, six patients have been discharged and nine are still in hospital. The 12th patient involved an 18-year-old Singaporean man who took the MRT in the morning of June 3 to see his GP.
MOH said its risk assessment showed that there is limited exposure to the public as it was only a two-minute train ride from Serangoon to Kovan.
The Health Ministry said Singaporeans need not be unduly alarmed as the virus remains mild and all patients are stable. However, the ministry added that this is an example that should not be followed by others.
MOH said that contact tracing for the 13th and 14th cases have been completed.
The 13th case involved a 23-year-old Singaporean man who travelled to Melbourne from May 27 to June 3. MOH has identified 44 close contacts on the flight.
It managed to contact 18 out of the 19 passengers with entry records into Singapore. They comprise 11 Singaporeans and seven foreigners, and they have been placed under HQOs. Their period of quarantine ends on June 11. One foreigner is uncontactable.
MOH has alerted the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to inform the ministry if he should turn up at Singapore's checkpoints.
The ministry has also informed WHO and its IHR counterparts of the 25 passengers who are out of Singapore.
For the 14th case that involved a 22-year-old Singapore Airlines air-stewardess, MOH said it did not conduct contact tracing of flight passengers on SQ25 flight travelling from New York to Frankfurt on the basis that the confirmed case is unlikely to have been infectious while onboard the plane.
She had developed symptoms more than 24 hours after disembarkation. Her quarantine period is from June 5 to June 11.
MOH has identified four close local contacts and they have been placed under HQOs. Her quarantine period is from June 5 to June 11.
- CNA/vm
So in here, there are 15 such cases!!! Will there be more such cases?
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Singapore confirms first case of swine flu
Singapore confirms first case of swine flu
SINGAPORE (AFP) – A 22-year-old Singaporean woman who returned from New York has tested positive for swine flu, in the city-state's first confirmed case, the Ministry of Health said.
"Singapore has confirmed its first case of influenza A(H1N1)," the ministry said in a statement.
It said the patient was being treated at a communicable disease centre and was in a stable condition.
The woman was in New York from May 14-24, returning on a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday, during which she developed a cough.
The ministry said all her "close contacts" will be quarantined and provided with antiviral medication.
-Many thanks to all who share the news!
- http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090527/wl_asia_afp/singaporehealthflu_20090527032810
- wong chee tat :)
SINGAPORE (AFP) – A 22-year-old Singaporean woman who returned from New York has tested positive for swine flu, in the city-state's first confirmed case, the Ministry of Health said.
"Singapore has confirmed its first case of influenza A(H1N1)," the ministry said in a statement.
It said the patient was being treated at a communicable disease centre and was in a stable condition.
The woman was in New York from May 14-24, returning on a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday, during which she developed a cough.
The ministry said all her "close contacts" will be quarantined and provided with antiviral medication.
-Many thanks to all who share the news!
- http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090527/wl_asia_afp/singaporehealthflu_20090527032810
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Update 2: Annular Solar Eclipse
Here are some of the pictures from various sources that captured the solar eclipse on Jan 26th 2009.
Indonesians among the few to witness solar eclipse
S’poreans gather at Science Centre, mosque to watch solar eclipse
Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, January 27
SINGAPORE : It was the first solar eclipse of the year, and many said it was the clearest seen in 10 years.
More than 6,400 people were at the Singapore Science Centre’s Observatory Centre on Monday to watch the rare phenomenon unfold at about 4.30pm.
However, before the maximum eclipse could be seen, visibility started to dip at about 5.40pm.
Another group of Singaporeans was at the Al—Firdaus Mosque to witness the same natural phenomenon.
They also took part in activities which included calculating and predicting the next solar eclipse.
Experts said the next solar eclipse that can be seen in Singapore will likely be on July 22 this year.
However, it will be not be as vivid as the one on Monday, where observers could see the moon’s shadow covering almost 80 per cent of the sun’s surface.
— CNA/ms
- http://shadowandsubstance.com/
- http://www.eclipse.org.uk/eclipse/0132009/
-http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Solar-Eclipse/ss/events/sc/012609solareclipse;_ylt=Al4YpLcEiNY22j_Vd40OBTH9xg8F;_ylu=X3oDMTFmMGM3MmJyBHBvcwMxNwRzZWMDeW5fcl8zc2xvdF9zbGlkZXNob3cEc2xrA3NsaS1ldi1saW5r
- wong chee tat :)
Indonesians among the few to witness solar eclipse
By ZAKKI HAKIM,Associated Press Writer AP - Tuesday, January 27
ANYER, Indonesia - Indonesians were among the few worldwide to witness an eclipse of the sun Monday, but even there the view was hampered in most places by cloudy skies.
Dozens gathered in the western coastal town of Anyer as the moon passed across the sun's path at 4:40 p.m., covering 92 percent of the sun's diameter and leaving a white, flaming ring of fire that lasted about four minutes.
"I'm old, but I still think this is magical," said Roanna Makmur, 66, who drove several hours with eight friends to witness the sight, known as an annular eclipse, because it does not completely black out the sun.
"I can't help but feel the greatness of God," she said, as other onlookers cheered. "Anyone who passed up this opportunity, really missed out."
Annular eclipses, which are considered far less important to astronomers than total eclipses of the sun, occur about 66 times a century and can only be viewed by people in the narrow band along its path.
A relatively small number of people were in the best places to view Monday's eclipse, said Jay Pasachoff, professor of astronomy at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and chair of the International Astronomical Union's Working Group on Eclipses.
Aside from several regions in Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, only villagers on a tiny South Pacific island group known as the Cocos, administered by Australia, were to have been able to see the ring-shaped corona, he wrote in a statement.
A partial eclipse _ with coverage ranging from 1 percent to 84 percent of the sun's diameter _ was to be visible in the southern third of Africa, in southeastern India, and southeast Asia, as well as the western part of Australia.
The last total eclipse of the sun was Aug. 1, 2008, and was visible in Canada, across northern Greenland, the Arctic, central Russia, Mongolia and China.
The next total eclipse will be July 22, 2009, and will be visible in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, China and some Japanese islands.
___
On the Net:
Path details: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OHfigures/OH2009-Fig01.pdf
S’poreans gather at Science Centre, mosque to watch solar eclipse
Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, January 27
SINGAPORE : It was the first solar eclipse of the year, and many said it was the clearest seen in 10 years.
More than 6,400 people were at the Singapore Science Centre’s Observatory Centre on Monday to watch the rare phenomenon unfold at about 4.30pm.
However, before the maximum eclipse could be seen, visibility started to dip at about 5.40pm.
Another group of Singaporeans was at the Al—Firdaus Mosque to witness the same natural phenomenon.
They also took part in activities which included calculating and predicting the next solar eclipse.
Experts said the next solar eclipse that can be seen in Singapore will likely be on July 22 this year.
However, it will be not be as vivid as the one on Monday, where observers could see the moon’s shadow covering almost 80 per cent of the sun’s surface.
— CNA/ms
- http://shadowandsubstance.com/
- http://www.eclipse.org.uk/eclipse/0132009/
-http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Solar-Eclipse/ss/events/sc/012609solareclipse;_ylt=Al4YpLcEiNY22j_Vd40OBTH9xg8F;_ylu=X3oDMTFmMGM3MmJyBHBvcwMxNwRzZWMDeW5fcl8zc2xvdF9zbGlkZXNob3cEc2xrA3NsaS1ldi1saW5r
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Employment outlook for fresh graduates less rosy this year
Employment outlook for fresh graduates less rosy this year
Channel NewsAsia - Wednesday, January 21
SINGAPORE: The employment outlook for new graduates this year will be less rosy compared to previous years.
Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said despite the weak economic outlook, there are still growth areas that will see continuing demand for workers.
For example, the healthcare sector and civil service are continuing to hire while integrated resorts are expected to create 20,000 jobs for the tourism sector.
In his written reply to a parliament question from Holland—Bukit Timah MP Liang Eng Hwa, Mr Gan said the Manpower Ministry and the Workforce Development Agency will work with the education institutions to organise job fairs for graduating students.
Universities and polytechnics are also stepping up their efforts to secure job placements for graduates.
Mr Gan said some of the graduating students could consider continuing with post—graduate studies and defer entering the job market until the situation improves.
— CNA/vm
For those who are graduating this year (2009), what are your plans? Continue to study?
- wong chee tat :)
Channel NewsAsia - Wednesday, January 21
SINGAPORE: The employment outlook for new graduates this year will be less rosy compared to previous years.
Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said despite the weak economic outlook, there are still growth areas that will see continuing demand for workers.
For example, the healthcare sector and civil service are continuing to hire while integrated resorts are expected to create 20,000 jobs for the tourism sector.
In his written reply to a parliament question from Holland—Bukit Timah MP Liang Eng Hwa, Mr Gan said the Manpower Ministry and the Workforce Development Agency will work with the education institutions to organise job fairs for graduating students.
Universities and polytechnics are also stepping up their efforts to secure job placements for graduates.
Mr Gan said some of the graduating students could consider continuing with post—graduate studies and defer entering the job market until the situation improves.
— CNA/vm
For those who are graduating this year (2009), what are your plans? Continue to study?
- wong chee tat :)
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