Singapore Travel Guide - Hotels in Singapore

High Fixed Deposit Banks in Singapore - Rates

2010-10-25T18:15:00.001-07:00

Singapore has many banks. They provide different types of services and products. Fixed deposit is one of them. The basic idea can be understood from the name itself. The customers should invest their money for particular time period. Bank authorities use this time period and manipulate the money. They re-invest the money in other ways and earn more money. The most important thing is time here.

Since the customers deposit their amount for a fixed period, it is called Fixed Deposits. The minimum investment required to start a deposit account is S$1000. Customers get high rate of interest. It is similar to the Certificate of Deposits. List of banks in Singapore is mentioned below here.

List of Banks:

DBS - Great World City Branch, Great World City, Singapore.
UOB - Admiralty Branch, 70 Woodlands Avenue, Admiralty MRT Station, Singapore.
Maybank - Marine Parade Central, Singapore.
HSBC - Tanglin, 6 Claymore Hill, #01-01 Claymore Plaza, Singapore.
Citibank -Cuscaden Road Branch, HPL House 50 Cuscaden Road #02-02, Singapore.

The deposit rate depends upon various factors. The key factors are amount and time duration. Rates of different banks are listed below here.

List of Fixed Deposit Rates:

In Citibank, the interest is 0.35% for amount up to S$50,000.
In DBS and UOB, the interest is 0.45% for amount up to S$50,000.
In HSBC, the rate is 0.48% for amount up to S$50,000.
In Maybank, the rate of interest is 0.75% for amount up to S$50,000.

Teaching English in Singapore - Lucrative and Rewarding Jobs Await

2010-10-24T18:00:00.001-07:00

For too long Singapore has been dominated by its larger cousins in the global market for TEFL/ESL destinations. It is natural to head to Thailand and Vietnam, completing ignoring this inspiring compact island. No more should the Lion City just be a refuge to teachers from Thailand looking for some civilisation while on a holiday break. Lucrative TEFL/ESL opportunities exist that allow teachers to save and provide for a lifestyle teachers in Thailand and Vietnam can only dream of. Salaries are high, classes involve mostly adults, and schedules are usually done in blocks - all highly rated in any TEFL/ESL job.

Singapore has a lot to offer which other countries don't. Firstly, in the region of South East Asia, TEFL/ESL salaries far outstrip those of neighbouring countries. Teachers can expect to start at USD 2500 a month, most likely beating the USD 3000 mark. While the cost of accommodation may seem high on this small island, other costs such as transport and food are incredibly cheap when compared to the Europe, and even the US. This provides for a very comfortable lifestyle indeed, where teachers can experience the world famous diverse cuisine, spend money travelling, and of course save.

The job search in Singapore is undeniably best done on the ground when you get there. This is convenient as Singapore is a major international flight hub, and visitors from native English speaking countries can enter freely for stays between 30 - 90 days. While arriving with nothing may worry some teachers on a shoe-string budget, it is important to remember that unlike Japan, costs are low, and the market isn't already saturated by other English teachers in the same boat. Some jobs are advertised online, mainly on TEFL.com and ESL Cafe's international job board. However, these may not necessarily be the best deals, and the on the ground job search allows you to negotiate an all round better deal.

Who will employ you when you get there? For an island with a population of around 4 million people, Singapore has a high density of Educational colleges and private institutes. There is a palpable feeling in the air of everyone trying to better themselves. This means business and money to the TEFL/ESL teacher. A CELTA/Trinity TESOL candidate's best bet, like elsewhere in the world, is to contact the major private language chains; Berlitz, The British Council, Cambridge Institute, GEOS, Linguaphone, Shines Education, Wall Street Institute and many more that are dotted along Orchard Road. Job opportunities can also be had in the Straits Times online job classifieds at st701.com. The benefits of turning up on the spot are obvious; it will look like you're in it for the long(ish) haul, you can impress with a professional appearance and demeanour, and more importantly, you can negotiate your salary with your future employer.

It will please many aspiring applicants to know that TEFL/ESL job seekers in Singapore don't necessarily need certification in CELTA/Trinity TESOL, although it will drag down your salary. More important is having a recognised, three year degree, which the government requires for immigration purposes. Don't let this worry you though. Obtaining the necessary Employment Pass is a very simple process, merely requiring some forms to be filled in. This can be done in Singapore and you don't have to leave the country to complete the process at a High Commission of theirs. It may be of interest to note that if you earn above SGD 4000 a month, you don't need to undergo a medical examination.

Who will you teach is an often underestimated question and it is very important to note that teachers are extremely unlikely to be actually teaching native Singaporeans. Having been a colony of the United Kingdom until 1963, and having English as the official language, means English is very well established there. This may not be reflected in standards of local English, but for the most part, this is dealt with by the government during a child's education. You are far more likely to be teaching (in quantity order from my experience) mainland Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Filipino, Japanese, Thai, and even Burmese citizens. This provides for a very enjoyable experience because, more than likely, you'll have multilingual classes to teach. Furthermore it may be exciting to note that Singapore has far less kids' classes than the rest of Asia. Naturally, this is due to the fact that English is the language of class in state schools.

Moving on from just the aspect of work, Singapore as a destination for expats, offers a very comfortable tropical lifestyle. The weather is characterised by two distinct seasons; wet and dry, and every day is hot! The vast majority of schools will employ air conditioning though to make the teaching experience far more comfortable. Singapore is renowned for its multi-ethnic cuisine. The real joy of living there is being able to choose from Chinese, Malaysian, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and European cuisine every day. Food is incredibly cheap, with amazing outdoor (but covered!) food courts providing for a fiesta of food to brighten any day. Fresh fruit juices and exotic cut fruits at rock bottom prices will make you feel great.

Accommodation on the island is where serious thought must be considered. Occupying a relatively small island with 4 million people naturally means rents are high - far higher than neighbouring countries. The vast majority of people occupy an apartment in a block of flats. These come in two levels of quality; HDB (a form of public housing provided by the government) and condominiums (high quality private apartments, usually but not always, with shared facilities like swimming pools, gyms etc). HDB flats are generally older and of lower quality (and sometimes without air con), but are of course cheaper. Condos can be anything from satisfactory to breathtaking. Rents for HDB flats start at around SGD 800 a month, with condominiums starting at around SGD 1500. Obviously, costs depend on a lot of factors, location being a major one. My own private recommendation would be to look for a refurbished HDB flat, rather than a cheaper, lower quality condo. I would also strongly dissuade anyone from seeking an apartment around the long Geylang Road, being the red light district, as it is extremely seedy.

In terms of cultural and leisure activities Singapore has somewhat to offer. Firstly, let's deal with the common derisory remark that Singapore is one large shopping mall. This is true to an extent, and there are very many malls. This will obviously be music to the ears of those who like shopping, and potentially nightmarish for those who don't. Sampling new food at food courts and restaurants is a very special Singapore experience, as is exploring the different quarters; Chinese, Indian, Malay, Korean, and Thai. The centre of the island is still virgin jungle and ideal for trekking, most notably Bukit Timah and Macritichie Reservoir Park being the most authentic jungle. Beaches are OK in Singapore, but the sheer amount of large boats out in the harbour may discourage you from swimming. An array of smaller islands around it are also great for exploring; particularly Kusu, Ubin, Lazarus and haunted Hantu. The island resort of Sentosa is usually very busy and a bit overrated in my opinion for leisure and entertainment.

In conclusion, for an aspiring teacher looking for a place to start, or for an experienced one seeking a fresh start, I would strongly recommend Singapore. Reasons of income, food, and climate make this a very attractive destination for TEFL/ESL. Flexible immigration makes this a good place to make your TEFL/ESL debut, while the above factors make the city a great place to linger for a few years. Singapore offers enough of the great things about Asia while low on the downsides that make other countries harder to live in such as crime, pollution, begging/touting. So, when considering Asia as an English teaching destination, don't rule out the Lion City.

Drunk Driving In Singapore

2010-10-23T17:30:00.001-07:00

Drunk driving can be classified as one of the most selfish act one can ever do. This is on the top of my list for the selfish act of the century. It must be drunk driving.

Primary reason is because the drunk driver is putting the lives of other road users at risk. Not only he is a danger to himself, he is also a danger to the public.

As the number of drunk drivers increase year by year, the government has also toughen the laws when dealing with drunk drivers but yet, these drivers seems to be paying less attention to the laws.

Drinking is all there is to for habitual drinkers and they make up the highest number for drunk drivers.

Drinking and driving is the perfect combination for disaster and looking at the statistics for the number of road accident in Singapore, accident caused by drunk driver will easily make up more than 50% of the road accidents.

Why do people still driving after having too much to drink? It is the moment of insanity and driving seems to be the best thing to do when you had too much to drink.

Well, it all goes down to the person's character. If he is the sort who loves action and thrill, he is likely to end up driving even after having ten jugs of beers!

With more citizens calling for tougher and stiffer penalty for drink driving, it will just be a matter of time when even a first time offender will be put to jail and their driving license revoked for a period of minimum of five years if he is caught for drink driving. That will send out a strong signal to all drivers and they will be looking for ways to get a lighter sentence when caught.

Destination Tips - Places to Visit in Singapore

2010-10-22T17:00:00.001-07:00

Singapore is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Although most of the old buildings have already been demolished, there are still a number of tourist attractions that are worth your time to drop by Singapore.

When you visit Singapore, you will realise that it is easy to commute to different places. You do not need to rent a car in Singapore as the public transport service is excellent. There is an extensive bus and train network in Singapore that will bring you to places easily. Also, you will realise that Singapore is a very clean city. Heavy fines are induced for those who litters and therefore the standard of cleanliness is pretty high.

In this article, let me share with you some places that you can visit when you come to Singapore:

1. Orchard Road. Orchard road is a shopper's paradise. It is the most popular street in Singapore with shoppers all around the clock. Orchard road is located at the heart of the city and you can easily reach there by public transport. Along orchard road, you can find a lot of Singapore famous shopping centres such as Takashimaya and Wisma Atria. You can find all sorts of things like electronic goods, clothes, branded goods, furniture, etc. When you are tired with shopping, you can easily find cafes along orchard road that you can rest and drink a cup of latte.

2. Sentosa. If you love the sun and sea, you must visit an island just off Singapore. Sentosa is part of Singapore and it is famous for its beaches, volleyball games, Butterfly Park and historical monuments.

3. Singapore Changi Village. Changi Village is located in the north-east part of Singapore. Changi Village is famous for its restaurants and food centres that serve local delicacies, where tourists can enjoy a variety of Singapore cuisines. Changi Village is also famous for its centre terminal and ferry terminals.

4. Sisters Island. If you love adventures, you will love Sisters Island. There are many activities that you can do on Sisters Islands, such as snorkel and air diving. If you want to experience something else other than city life, you must visit Sisters Island when you are in Singapore.

5. China Town. In China Town, you can get a find a lot of bargains on goods and is a place that shopaholics must visit when they are in Singapore. You can also enjoy a variety of local delicacies too.

So do include Singapore as one of your travel destinations when you go for holidays and I am sure you will not regret coming here.

Star Cruise Singapore - Discover Singapore All Over Again

2010-10-21T16:45:00.001-07:00

Star Cruise Singapore is one of the bases of the Star Cruise luxury cruise lines. The SuperStar Virgo is only one of the ships that sail with Star Cruise out of Singapore. This ship in particular has two, three, and five night cruises. A sample of their itineraries shows the types of vacations you can have while on these ships.

Two Nights Cruise

The two nights cruise on the SuperStar Virgo is a simple one. It begins in Singapore where passengers arrive and embark on the ship. They can then enjoy the shipboard entertainment, activities, and dining while the ship cruises the high seas.

There are movies available in the Picture House and a live band in the Galaxy of Stars entertainment room. You can swim in the pool, use the gym or the Jacuzzi, or lounge on the deck. After your time on the sea, the ship will return to port at Singapore, and your journey will be over.

Three Nights Cruise

The three nights cruise offers ports of call in two different countries. After boarding your Star Cruise Singapore, you will first go to Penang, Malaysia. You will spend the afternoon and evening at Penang, as the boat will be docked there from noon to 10 p.m. The next stop will be in Phuket Island, Thailand. You will be on Phuket from 8 a.m. to six p.m.

One thing you have to be aware of is that you may not be eligible for all the cruise packages. Star Cruise Singapore will clearly state on their website when the package is valid for certain people such as Indian Nationals only. Then, you will have to make arrangements to have a cruise package that fits your needs.

Five Nights Cruise

One five nights cruise with Star Cruise begins in Singapore and makes five stops before going back to complete the journey by docking again at Singapore. Penang will be the first stop on the cruise, where you will stay from noon to 10 p.m. Phuket Island will be next, just as it is on the three nights cruise. Again, you stay there from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Interestingly enough, the next stop is back in Singapore on the fourth day, where the ship will be in port from 7 p.m. to nearly midnight. From there, the ship will move to Malacca, Malaysia, staying only from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the fifth day. A longer stop is made that day at Kuala Lumpur at Port Klang from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Then, it is back to Singapore.

You have several options on Star Cruise Singapore for different itineraries. With all the ships this cruise line has to offer, there are plenty more choices besides these. The best way to know which one to choose is to find out a little about each port, and that just takes some good old fashioned research.

Singapore's Latest Baby Count

2010-10-20T16:30:00.001-07:00

Singapore is still not getting the number of babies needed for the population levels to remain stable without extra measures like 'importing' foreign talents to stay in this Garden City.

60,000 babies are NEEDED each year to make this a possibility. In other words, it needs a fertility rate of 2.1 babies per woman so that the population can replace itself naturally.

The number shows 39,935 babies were born in 2008 which is the highest number since 2002, 40,760 babies. The latest number includes the babies from the 1 million foreigners who work and stay in Singapore.

Singapore's population is only 4.84 million and with the massive new job opportunities popping out from the opening of Marina Bay Sands(TM), more immigrants are expected to make Singapore their home.

Marina Bay Sands(TM) would be a place with three cascading hotel towers , retail stores, trendy Celebrity Chef restaurants, endless entertainment at the theatres, the hottest night clubs and a Las Vegas-style casino. Business visitors will also enjoy the extensive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities featuring state-of-the-art technology, highly flexible exhibition halls, and a convention centre that can host over 45,000 delegates.

While everywhere else is talking about recession and retrenchment, Singapore is offering opportunities to secure your rice bowl, would you come over? I think the attraction is obvious.

Well, the Marina Bay Sands(TM) will be up and running late 2009 or maybe early 2010, so we shall see how the new influx of foreigners could help with the number of babies produced.

As I write this, I find it really weird, to be conditioned subconsciously in the mind that with better living standards, babies can be produced 'more naturally'???

Babies are born because a married couple wants to build a family, irregardless if they are rich or poor, isn't it? Though money is definitely an issue to consider in sustaining a family's expenses, it is still not the main consideration, isn't it?

Anyhow, I will just sit back and see how the impact of this new landmark would have on the number of babies born when they do the count in year 2010.

Singapore Airlines

2010-10-19T16:15:00.001-07:00

Singapore Airlines is a chosen airline by travelers for several reasons. It offers travelers a network of 89 destinations all over Asia, Europe, North America and South West Pacific and Asia. There are several direct flights and if not so then there are easy interchanges available.

There are several flyer benefits that one can notch up whilst flying Singapore airlines. Singapore airlines fly to several places in Asia such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Hong Kong, Manila and Jakarta to name a few.

On the long haul flights to London, San Francisco, Sydney, Munich, Los Angeles and Houston. Singapore airlines operate passenger services to 65 cities around the world in 35 countries. Passengers who have traveled by Singapore airlines have loved the cabin ambience that it provides. As soon as you enter the aircraft of Singapore airlines you are overtaken by the refreshingly calm and soothing ambience that sets you right in the holiday mood or for a business meeting. The seats are comfortable and the cabin crew warm and friendly. There is generous amount of leg room for you to stretch and not feel cramped on the journey. The seat pitch for economy class is 32 inches and for business class seats at 40 inches. This is quite a bit of ergonomically designed seating so as to ensure that the seats are made to fit the contours of your body easily and the flexible hand rests allow you support and flexibility. The upholstery did in leather gives you the luxuriant and comfortable feel along with the comfortable storing space for hand luggage.

Most of the aircrafts operated are the latest and therein offer the passenger the best of traveling experience. The cabin crew at Singapore airlines come from diverse cultures and speak several different languages to make the passengers feel comfortable at all times. They are friendly and professional with the right training under their belt to take on any kind of situation. They help the passengers to unwind and provide the most relaxing and ideal of service miles above the ground. They are there to assist the passengers in all respects and ensure that the multi-lingual ability makes them connect with one and all on board. The cabin crew will help you with the luggage, connecting flights, answer your questions and queries and in short be there throughout the flight to make the flight a wonderful experience for the passenger.

Also, the in-flight dining and entertainment is an experience by itself. The menu comprises of the right mix of oriental and western fare which is perfect to suit several different tastes and palettes. There is an emphasis on the local cuisine which many passengers love to taste during their journey. In case of any special dietary requirements that is taken care of at Singapore airlines.

There is a loyalty program that one can participate in and redeem frequently flyer miles to notch up more travel by Singapore airlines.

A Different View of Singapore

2010-10-18T16:01:00.001-07:00

Many view Singapore as city filled with ultra-modern gadgets, the latest entertainment and many technological advances. Therefore, it is no wonder that the world's tallest Ferris wheel - the Singapore Flyer - is a tourist favorite. For a passenger that reaches the highest point of the wheel, not only are the bright lights of Singapore visible from a height equal to 45 stories, the Indonesian islands Bintan and Batam can also be seen across the sea. The Singapore flyer provides a wonderfully breathtaking view of the contrast between the metropolis on one side and the ocean on the other.

The Singapore Flyer is located at the furthest point of Marina Bay and offers one of the finest views to be seen of the city anywhere. A visit here promises more than simply a unique observation deck, as the terminal building also has a variety of fine dining restaurants that offer amazing views across the bay.

The construction and opening of the Singapore Flyer itself is an eye-opener in to the customs that are practiced in this part of the world. The design of the wheel borrows heavily from traditional Chinese architecture and was designed in consultation with many Feng Shui masters, who even changed the original direction of the wheel. On the opening day of the Singapore Flyer, thousands clamored for tickets that were sold to a total value of 8,888 Singapore dollars, which is considered to be an auspicious number in Chinese astrology.

The best time to ride the Singapore Flyer is at night. Despite not being able to identify specific landmarks during this time, the colorful myriad of lights across the city makes for an unforgettable experience.

Not only can one enjoy a bird's eye view from this giant observatory wheel, but also delight in the unique experience of flying a Boeing 737 aircraft. The Flight Experience, is yet another addition to the exciting Singapore Flyer where visitors can take a ride in a real flight simulator and enjoy the experience of landing and taking off a commercial plane.

On level 2 is the exciting fish spa, where the exotic fish Garra Rufa imported from Turkey will give you a pedicure to remember. Dining and shopping are other activities that one could partake in at the Flyer. A one-stop entertainment option, ensure that a trip to this fantastic attraction is on the agenda.

Top 5 Things to Do in Singapore

2010-10-17T15:46:00.001-07:00

Here are the top 5 things to do in Singapore if you are just there for a few days:

1. Go straight to People's Park Complex in Chinatown. This is the first high-rise shopping center in Southeast Asia and you can experience the local flavor. You can even get a foot reflexology treatment for $10 and then spend time picking up cheap but good souvenirs.

2. Take a guided walking tour to see the real Singapore. You can explore ethnic neighborhoods like Little India or Arab Street, find Chinese medicines, see temples and architecture or head to the island's famous black and white bungalows, which are vestiges of the colonial rule from a century ago. A private walking tour can cost up to S$100 an hour per group.

3. If you are not afraid of heights and do not suffer from vertigo, take a ride on Singapore Flyer which opened in March 2008 on the Marina Bay. It is dubbed as the world's tallest Ferris wheel at 540 feet.

4. Go and see the 3,000 odd animals that roam freely in open-style areas in Singapore Zoo. This is the closest you will ever get to a real safari. You can see animals like elephants, kangaroos, lions and giraffes in their nearly-natural environment.

5. You cannot say you have experienced Singapore unless you taste the local cuisine. The best place for soup dumplings is Paragon Mall. This is the place where the locals flock to so that they can eat affordable and authentic Singaporean food. You can sample everything at the hawker center ranging from chicken rice to chili crab to popiah spring rolls to spicy Malay coconut milk to laksa. The hawker center is located on the Esplanade Mall and is just steps from the Merlion statue.

The Real Estate Scene in Singapore

2010-10-16T15:32:00.001-07:00

In the course of my real estate career journey, I have seen the ugly and the beautiful sides of this industry in Singapore. Unfortunately, the ugly side takes most of the roles:

1) The unbelievable poor attitude of some realtors;

2) The wrong education imparted by some team leaders from various agencies to their down-lines;

3) Customers are culprits too. Yes.

4) Some solicitors with very little knowledge of conveyance procedures, try to prove their worth, push all the blames to the realtors, so as to get away with, because, the word 'solicitors' carries more weight than the word 'realtors' I supposed;

With all that, no wonder the stigma of 'cowboy industry' adheres to the industry, here in Singapore.

Agents with little or no knowledge of their prospects' requirements, often waste their time, their prospects' time and the co-broke agents' time, in the name of self-center.

Team managers imparting wrong education to their down-lines, is the birth of unethical agents.

Agencies and team managers who often grade themselves as the '1st' in the industry, cause the formation of goose bumps all over my body.This keeps appearing on the classified ads every single day with:

'The Number 1 Real Estate Agency'; or 'The Number One Team in ABC Agency'.

In Singapore, most property buyers prefer to deal with the number one real estate company and the number one agent. In my opinion, this is over-rated. Clients are misled, confused and overwhelmed by many number 1s out there.

Pages on the Singapore Classified Ads of The Straits Times will be a lot cleaner if the relevant department from the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice keeps a watchful eye on this.

Customers(Sellers/buyers) who do not respect the time of realtors and owners, often arrive late, without prior notice.No words of apologies when they have finally arrived at the scene, an hour later.

Customers' responsibility to pay GST to registered agencies, refuse to acknowledge the tax, openly ask the realtors to absorb that expense, which is rightfully the formers'.

The move by the Singapore government to regulate the industry, through the newly formed Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) will certainly help to eliminate the obvious. Strict rules are set to fine and or jail unethical agents who try to perform pressure selling; dual representation - receiving commissions from both sellers and buyers.

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) role is to protect the consumers, which, I fully agree. However, there is a need to protect the agents too. The unethical and unprofessional practices by solicitors and consumers must be looked into as well.It is not fair to smack rules that penalize all agents when there are agents who are lawful, ethical and honest, suffer from the strict rules being imposed by the Ministry of National Development (MND).

I guess, it is the beginning and the approaches will be fine tuned as the industry grows, but, don't take too long please. The industry was given the opportunity to self-regulate, it is a real pity that, the opportunity was taken too loosely, resulting the lost of 10 good years.

Freight and Shipping to Singapore For Business

2010-10-15T15:17:00.001-07:00

Singapore has become one of the leaders of industrial development in the world and many export and import industries have set up offices in this region. Here are some important tips to remember when looking to get the best freight rates in Singapore.

Distance is an important factor that affects the freight rates; therefore it is important to look at alternative routes so that you can minimize distance. However, this will not always ensure lower rates because the mode of transport is a much bigger factor. Air cargo is usually the most expensive, followed by road transport. Transport by sea is the best option when you are looking for cheap freighting to Singapore and the many ports near the city like Jurong, Sembawang Port and the Singapore Container Terminal allow for this.

When you are transporting cargo, getting the right documentation ready makes a big difference in cutting costs. If you have the documentation before hand, then you can request lower costing from a forwarder. Also, the fines associated with wrong documentation can be very high.

While some freight companies might offer a low quote for comprehensive services like packaging, transportation and storage, it is also possible that you may secure a lower rate if you hire different companies to handle some services individually. It is important to be aware of the industry rates of individual services if you want to get the best possible rate. Looking at various competitors and getting a number of quotes before choosing the final company will also help.

The rate of shipping cargo varies according to the type of cargo that needs to be freighted. Rates are fairly low if the cargo fits into containers, as this makes it possible to ship it along with other goods.

If you are looking to ship heavy machinery or industrial equipment, you will have to pay more for transport. Goods that require special care like perishables, ensure that precautions are taken in terms of packaging, to prevent spoilage or breaking. This is one area where quality standards cannot be dropped for a better price as it could compromise your entire shipment.

Singapore Corporate Tax

2010-10-14T15:02:00.001-07:00

Singapore is a rapidly growing hub for business in Asia. Many entrepreneurs choose Singapore because of its intricate legislation that protects intellectual property while facilitating business ventures. Furthermore, Singapore is favourably located at the centre of the expanding Asia economy. Hence, businesses located in Singapore benefit from productive ties with the other tiger economies while maintaining the name of a reputable and trustworthy jurisdiction. Singapore's corporate tax policy further enhances it as an ideal location for company incorporation by implementing fair and competitive tax rates. For all these reasons Singapore has taken the forefront over the past decade as a globally recognized business nation.

By taking a look at Singapore's corporate tax policy it is possible to understand one of the many factors that contribute to Singapore's popularity with entrepreneurs.

Corporate Tax in Singapore .

In Singapore, foreign and local companies pay tax equally. This may sound unfavourable at first glance but in fact, Singapore favours its own businesses as it does offshore companies, thus the entrepreneurial culture that exists within Singapore.

In Singapore companies are taxed on all income sourced in Singapore or remitted into Singapore. What this means is a company that is incorporated in Singapore but does most of its business with other Asian countries and receives its income overseas, is legally not liable to tax in Singapore. Business transactions are often more complicated and for that reason it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional services firm that is experienced in Singapore tax policy, in order to ensure compliance with the law.

The general corporate tax rates that apply in Singapore are as follows. - It should be noted, however, that substantial tax benefits exist for entrepreneurs and start-ups that will be explained later in the article.

In 2010 Singapore's corporate tax rate was reduced from 18% to 17%. The tax is charged in blocks, dependent on the amount of income received. The first S$10,000 of income is taxed at a small rate of 4.5%. The next S$290,000 of profits is charged at 8.5% and thereafter, all income is charged at 17%. Therefore, a small company that makes S$8,000 in 2010 will be taxed a mere S$360. A medium sized company that makes S$250,000 in 2010 will be taxed a total of S$20,850, an effective rate of 8.34%. A larger company making S$1 million in 2010 will be taxed a total of S$144,100, an effective rate of 14.41%.

Over the years Singapore has also gained a lot of respect from entrepreneurs specifically, as its corporate tax policy accommodates to the general issues and needs of most newly incorporated companies. The Singapore government has implemented tax exemptions for new companies, in order to facilitate the process of starting and growing a business from scratch. Newly incorporated companies face costs, including the simple costs of registration, to the costs of hiring and building a company, and the costs of gaining a presence in the market. Most countries provide minimal resources to help these companies get started, and for that reason Singapore is a very welcomed exception.

In Singapore, a newly incorporated Singapore company, or foreign company incorporated in Singapore, is exempt from taxation on the first S$100,000 of annual profits for the first three years of business. This exemption applies only to companies that are (i) tax residents in Singapore (ii) have 20 shareholders or less (iii) at least 10% of its shareholders are individuals. For companies that do not comply with this criteria, although full tax exemption is not available for the first S$100,000 of profits, partial exemption still applies. Companies that do comply with the full exemption, also benefit from partial tax exemption on the next S$200,000 of profits. Partial tax exemption involves a 50% tax exemption on a maximum of S$300,000 of profits - S$200,000 for those that benefit from full exemption as well. This works out to a tax rate of approximately 8.5% on the first S$300,000 of profits, an extremely low rate for an OECD member country.

Singapore provides a tax environment that is highly favourable to company setup without causing detriment to the social and economic environment the Singapore government provides for its people. With such low tax rates working effectively in a nation that maintains prestige, efficiency and high quality of life, many may begin to question the need for such high tax rates in other nations. Ultimately, tax benefits, amongst Singapore's many other impressive facets, provides a key selling point for entrepreneurs. It is therefore no surprise that Singapore has become an important business centre in Asia and globally.

Helpful Tips About Houses For Rent in Singapore

2010-10-13T14:45:00.001-07:00

Whether you are an expatriate stationed in Singapore for a period of time, a bachelor looking for your own pad or urgently need a place to stay but are unable to afford a whole new home yet, then renting in Singapore would be the most viable option you have. There are many things to look out for when renting a house, so these helpful tips about houses for rent in Singapore will definitely come in handy when you should decide to look for one.

When choosing a house to rent, consider its location and the facilities located nearby. Take into consideration your work place, your children's schools, the estate's environment, and quality of furnishing that exists in the area. Does the rental price justify the convenience that comes along with it? More importantly, is the rental price within your budget? Having a checklist of these factors will definitely be useful in helping you decide on your preferred location and the type of housing suitable for you.

Rental properties can come either fully or partially furnished. As such, it is important that you find out if the rented property is able to meet all your needs. Also, take into consideration other expenses such as your electricity and telephone bills as they form a large part of your total monthly expense. This is because they will affect the amount of money you decide to spend on rental and home maintenance each month.

After finding a suitable property to rent, you then have to submit a "Letter of Intent" to your future landlord. It is part of a formal procedure that is carried out to indicate your intention to rent the house, all which will usually be covered by your property agent. Both the landlord and you, the tenant, will then sign a "Tenancy Agreement", bearing the names of both parties, payment details and an inventory of the contents in the house for example. You will also need to provide a copy of your passport, employment pass as well as the first month's rental fee as an initial deposit.

There are also other fees and commissions that need to come out of your pocket when renting a property. For instance, both you and the landlord will need to pay the agent's commission, usually in equal amounts. You, the tenant will also be required to pay a stamp fee, which varies according to the annual rent of the property. Also, Singapore Power Services (SPS) will usually require you to make an initial deposit before providing you will your utilities. The exact value will depend on the type of housing you have as well as your citizenship type.

Thus, whether you are looking for a HDB flat, Condo, or various types of landed properties, renting in Singapore today can be made easy if you know these helpful tips about houses for rent in Singapore. As such, whether you are single or married, renting a house is no difficult task if you know what to look out for and the proper steps to take.

Singapore Tourism

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The Tour Packages to Singapore provide an opportunity to the visitors to discover the real and exclusive Singapore. You can get special tour packages for Asia which would also cover Singapore. In Singapore you can enjoy numerous activities from the beauty of land to the fabulous underwater experience. The travel packages are customized keeping in mind the convenience of the travellers.

Singapore Wildlife & Marine Life
Singapore is known for the affluent wildlife and marine life, you can definitely have a memorable experience over here. The trip to Singapore remains unfinished without the rare and rich exhibition of animals and underwater world. One can easily see this marine life along the sandy sea shore. Various places of visit here include
Botanical Gardens, Dolphin Lagoon, Jurong Bird Park, Parks & Reserves, Singapore Zoo, Underwater World.

Singapore Tourism
Singapore is a vivacious and among the most colourful cities of the world. Here one can experience the pleasant blend of cuisine, culture, art and architecture. The tourism guide of Singapore provides ample of information for various tourist destinations. Some major attractions of Singapore are beautiful destinations, monumental heritage, wildlife parks and prosperous art and crafts. The architecture and cultural heritage of Singapore are worth admiring.

Singapore Entertainment
Singapore is one of the most preferred destinations tourists come to this country from all the corners of the world. Here one can get ample of ways by which they can entertain themselves. The place is full of life there are many parks, resorts and cineplexes. The people can enjoy their nightlife by visiting the bars and pubs which promise you quality service. Singapore is the best destination for shopaholics here one can find shopper's stop and many food junctions. The food lovers are served here with mouth-watering cuisines as there are many restaurants food joints. The travellers here can pamper themselves with spa and relaxing massage.

Singapore Beaches & Islands
In Singapore one can find turquoise water beaches, a multitude of beach adventure and myriad of islands. If you are fond of adventure then don't miss the chance of scuba diving and swimming at St. John's Island. Here one can also visit Sentosa Island, which is the home to rare insects which have been accumulated from all over the world. It houses many theme parks where one can indulge in the splash of fun and joy. Some other places of visit include East Coast Park and Changi Beach Park.

Best Tourist Places in Singapore

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Streets of Singapore we can find Ethnic quarters of Little India, Chinatown and Arab Street, each with their own distinct culture. Singapore is an Asian city with Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions in contrast with modern districts. Water sport options have in its folds as windsurfing and sailing; cycling and walking is one of the best ways to get around.

The famous tourist places in Singapore are

* Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

* Changi Chapel and Museum

* Jurong Bird Park

* Raffles Hotel

* Sentosa - Underwater World

* Singapore Zoological Gardens

* Singapore Zoological Gardens - Night Safari

* Sri Mariamman Temple

* Sultan Mosque; Masjid Sultan

Wide varieties of Singapore hotels are available to meet your needs. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, accommodation is a key part of your trip, so consider your choices carefully to make your stay in Singapore cheap hotels enjoyable. Comfort and a restful night's sleep will make your memories far more vivid!

There are numerous Singapore cheap hotels in to choose from. If you are traveling on a budget and looking for a cheap hotel or if you want to travel in style and enjoy a luxurious hotel with exceptional service, you can find accommodation to suit your taste. Whether you wish to stay in a hotel in the hustle-bustle of the city, or in the tranquility outside of the city, the right choice of hotel in Eastern Singapore will determine your experience.

During your stay in Singapore hotels, you may wish to explore your surroundings with Nature reserves, Museum, Bird Park, underwater world, gardens, temples, mosques, famous tourist sightseeing, market and shopping places, sea, lakes, islands, etc

Singapore is a small country on a small island, but with over four million people it's a fairly crowded city and in fact second only to Monaco as the world's most densely populated country. The center of the city -- consisting roughly of Orchard, the Riverside and a chunk of Chinatown -- is known in acronym-loving Singapore as the CBD (Central Business District).

Riverside -- (also known as Civil District); Museums, statues
and theaters, not to mention restaurants, bars and clubs.

Orchard Road -- Miles and miles of shopping malls.

Bugis and Kampong Glam -- Bugis and Kampong Glam are Singapore's old Malay district, now largely taken over by mall-shopping, although Arab Street in the Kampong Glam area is well worth a visit for its eclectic mix of unique shops and restaurants.

Chinatown -- The area originally designated for Chinese settlement by Stamford Raffles. Now a Cantonese enclave in predominantly Hokkien Singapore.

Little India -- A piece of India to the north of the city core.

Balestier, Newton, Novena and Toa Payoh -- Budget accommodations and Burmese temples within striking distance of the center.

North and West -- The northern and western parts of the island, also known as Woodlands and Jurong respectively, form Singapore's residential and industrial hinterlands.

East Coast -- The largely residential eastern part of the island contains Changi Airport and many famous eateries. Katong is located in the East Coast and is famous for its Peranakan food, such as laksa. Joo Chiat has some well-restored Peranakan houses with characteristic intricate architecture. Also consists of Geylang Serai, the true home of Singapore's Malays.

Sentosa -- A separate island developed into a resort, Sentosa is the closest that Singapore gets to Disneyland. Singapore consists of 63 islands, including mainland Singapore. There are two man-made connections to Johor, Malaysia -- Johor-Singapore Causeway in the north, and Tuas Second Link in the west. Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa are the largest of Singapore's many smaller islands.

A Shopping Marathon in Singapore

2010-10-10T14:00:00.001-07:00

Shopping in Singapore is almost second nature to tourists visiting the city, yet the consumer indulgence definitely climaxes during the Great Singapore Sale that is held annually, usually during the summer months. Singapore's famous shopping malls and department stores and effervescent shopping districts participate with much gusto, they will extend their shopping hours till midnight and beyond on selected weekends. During this period, special privileges will be available that are created for tourists to enjoy the range of exclusive lifestyle promotions, including gourmet dining, wellness experience, nightlife & entertainment options.

Certain stores offer discounts up to 70 percent and special promotions for credit card holders and loyalty programs also get underway. For tourists that obtain the special Tourist Privilege card enjoy a host of benefits such as discounts at fashion boutiques and on various consumer items such as watches, jewellery, electronics and cosmetics. The card also avails you to discounts when visiting local attractions such as the Singapore Zoo and when getting guided tours such as the Singapore Duck tour or the DHL balloon.

It would be worth checking out the different shopping districts of Singapore during this 8 week shopping marathon. Orchard Road is definitely the Mecca of shopping in the city and has number of big names plying their wares in the numerous boutiques in the area. Designer brands like Prada, Gucci or Versace have their outlets in this trendy shopping district while more mainstream brands are also found. A number of food courts, restaurants, clubs and chic cafes can be found located in this area thereby providing the complete Singapore experience. Marina Bay is a mixture of big shopping malls and small boutiques, practically everything you would want to buy can be found here. It also houses the arts hub of Singapore: the Esplanade. Ethnically flavored areas such as Little India and Arab quarter also rise to the occasion during the Great Singapore Sale. Wonderful restaurants dishing out Indian or Middle East cuisine and boutiques that sell great souvenirs can be found here as well.

One word of advice for tourists planning to enjoy this festival of shopping is to pack light and take a comfortable pair of shoes. For you are bound to return with your bags heavier and undertake a fair bit of walking through the numerous shopping districts of the city. Visitors can easily find accommodation in the many Singapore hotels that range from budget to luxury to hotels. A luxury hotel in Singapore will be on par with the best in the world, thus travelers need not worry about the comfort of their stay.

The Interlace Condo - Living Green in Singapore

2010-10-09T13:45:00.001-07:00

The Interlace Condo, Singapore's latest condominium complex has been touted around the world as the new icon for Architectural and Engineering development. These numerous accolades have been popping up in blogs all around the internet and in design magazines worldwide.

The city-state's traditional form of boxy and rectangular apartment buildings will see a dramatic redesign for this new landmark. It is composed of 31 apartment buildings built to form a hexagons. This huge scale development is roughly the size of 16 football fields and will be constructed on the southern part of the city. The greenery surrounding Alexandra Road and Ayer Rajah Expressway is the perfect background for this new condo. The 170,000 meter square compound will house to 1,040 units ranging in size from 2 or 3, 3 plus study and 4 bedroom units. Units can be in a townhouse or penthouse style. This eight hectare belt of greenery will stretch from Kent Ridge, Telok Blangah Hill and Mount Faber parks.

This breakthrough design highlights and takes advantage of Singapore's natural environment. The massive size of the development has allowed designers to incorporate a multitude of greenery to give the complex a tropical feel to the over all effect of the venture. Above ground vehicular circulation has been minimized, freeing large green areas within the condo building itself. The project is more than just a residential development. The designers have integrated environmental sustainability features via a careful calculation, study and analysis of factors such as sun, wind and micro-climate conditions coupled with low-impact passive energy strategies and other energy saving features on site.

Why is this development unique? Because a breakaway from the typical Singaporean building or skyscraper. Buildings in the city-state are typically isolated, vertical apartment buildings, complexes and towers with little or no outstanding features to distinguish one from the other. This new venture takes a different and unique approach to tropical green living as the building complex is composed of interconnected hexagonal buildings designed to highlight Singapore's natural environment. Identical six storey buildings stacked to form a hexagonal pattern with courtyards and spacious greenery and lawns, making this the perfect style to incorporate swimming pools, hanging balconies, sky gardens, miniature parks and rooftop gardens.

In a typical apartment or condominium complex, privacy can sometimes be compromised. However, at this new development, privacy is balanced with green open spaces for recreation and generous spacing in between units. There are also other amenities residents can enjoy that were integrated into the natural greenery aside from the number of indoor and outdoor recreation areas built for fun and relaxation.

This project situated in residential Gillman Heights has challenged the traditional way apartment buildings and condominium buildings have been designed. The breakaway design does not only have a dramatic external facade, it has also addressed the issue of having green and comfortable internal spaces. The name Interlace itself reinforces the feeling of unity between the community while complimenting the surrounding natural environment.

Tourist Attractions in Singapore - Popular Places to Visit in Singapore

2010-10-08T13:31:00.001-07:00

If you are planning to go on a holiday, you should consider Singapore. Singapore is a country located in South East Asia, just south of Malaysia. It is a small city and has a population of around 4 million. Singapore is not a typical Asian country as it has a very strong British influence which can be seen in everything from architecture to politics. It is also famous for many things, such as having the best airport in the whole world. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you visit Singapore for holidays.

Every year, Singapore attracts millions of tourists. Why is this so? There are many popular places to visit in Singapore and many tourists like what we have here. In this article, let me share with you some popular tourist attractions here.

1. The Night Safari. The Night Safari is located at the Singapore Zoo and is the first night safari in the world. It allows visitors to view a large number of nocturnal animals at night, in their natural settings. When you visit Night Safari, it feels like you are in a jungle. Singapore Zoo has over hundred species of animals for you to visit. If you intend to visit Night Safari, be sure to take note of the opening hours. It opens daily from 1930hour until midnight.

2. Sentosa Island. If you are a beach and sun lover, you cannot afford to miss out Sentosa. It is an offshore island of Singapore and it has been developed into a major tourist attraction. Recently, one of the biggest shopping centers in Singapore - Vivo City, was built there. You can do a little shopping and take a cable car from Vivo City to visit Sentosa. On Sentosa, you can find lots of famous resorts and hotels where you can stay over. There are a lot of activities that you can do at Sentosa, such as swimming, sun tanning, beach volleyballs, sight-seeing, dining, etc. It opens daily.

3. Jurong Bird Park. Many tourists love Jurong Bird Park for its stunning wildlife settings. You can find ten thousands species of birds in this bird park. If you would like to visit Jurong Bird Park, please note the opening hours: 0800hours - 1800hours.

I strongly recommend you to consider Singapore as your holiday destination. The nightlife of Singapore is also very good as most night spots open till the wee hours. See you around here!

Singapore Economy - Singapore is a Tiny Diamond Shaped Island Nation

2010-10-07T13:15:00.001-07:00

Singapore is a tiny diamond shaped island nation. With limited land, water resources and a blend of ethnic cross section of population to deal with, Singapore in economic terms is doing marvelously well.

A capitalist mixed economy, the government of Singapore endeavors to provide an open business environment for more profitable ventures with foreign enterprises. The economy of the Singapore deals in Exports of chemicals, services, and electronics. The key here is to gather enough foreign exchange required for buying of natural resources and raw materials. These raw materials are further processed and the finished good is then exported. The key industries in this field are the oil refining industry and wafer fabrication. Other major industries of the economy are rubber processing and its products, financial services, ship repair, processed food and beverages.

Provision of well connected and well developed Infrastructure is another key area especially the Changi airport and its ports which are busiest in the world. Singapore has a high number of skilled and educated workforce who in turn deal with specialized procedures which further enable Singapore to churn out more export oriented products

In the recent years, the Singaporean economy has witnessed high growth rates surpassing that of its neighboring countries as well. The signs of an economic boom are witnessed by the influx of tourists, migration of foreign population into Singapore for work related or education related purposes, the real estate boom which is clearly shows not only an increase in property rates but also in rent rates. Shopping malls in Singapore specially those along the Orchard Road, Bugis Junction, China Town etc show hectic activity and people throng these markets for shopping.

The influx of immigrants and foreign expatriates has shown considerable increase, implying increase in economic activity and positive signs of growth in the economy. Many of the immigrants have also purchased flats or housing units. Promotion of tourist activity has been seen by upsurge of fancy hotels, entertainment centers such as casinos, amusement parks and theme parks. All of these go packed leading to earning of good revenues.

The Singaporean Economy is thus witnessing a period of a good growth rate, high inflation rate accompanied by decreasing exports. At the same time, the government is relying on the increase in population which will lead to increase in demand and thus sustain the manufacturing activity of the Singaporean Economy. The uniqueness of Singaporean Economy and its Growth lies in its principals of free market economics with relatively corruption free political system and bureaucracy.

For more information on Singapore Economy , please visit Singapore Economy

Asia Travel, Cheaper Flights to Kuala Lupur and Singapore

2010-10-06T13:00:00.001-07:00

Currently for those on a tight budget, one of the ways to save money is to fly from KL to Johor Bahru, and then to travel overland to Singapore. This adds around 1 hour to the time to complete the trip into downtown Singapore, as you need to deal with the hassles of organizing a taxi or bus into Singapore. This detour is pretty straight forward after you have done it once, but a bit daunting, for newcomers to the route, with the biggest complaint being a lack of adequate, maps, signage or an impartial information desk to explain the process at Senai Airport. You also need to queue for a while at the Singapore border.

New rules will allow flights between the two cities which should start in Dec or January, and it is expected that there will be two flights a day by the low cost air carries Currently flights between Singapore and KL are available on Singapore Air and Malaysia Air, but the flights are premium priced, there is a real incentive to pay the extra as the train system, especially in Singapore, is really easy to use, and the cheapest and fastest way to move around Singapore regardless of the street traffic.

Speculation is that there will be a lot of interest by the governments of other capitol cites in region, that currently have restrictive polices on access, mainly to protect their flag carriers from value airlines like Tiger Air and Air Asia, two of the stronger regional budget airlines operating in the Asia region. Indonesia and its capitol city of Jakarta, it is hopeful, will see the advantages and create an atmosphere that encourages the budget carriers to operate, which will create more opportunities for business to flourish in the southern Asian region.

Recently between the cities with a stop to do some lets say scuba diving in Sipadan, it was very clear that something was remiss in that you could not fly from Singapore to Sipadan * to KL, but needed to fly either into Johor Bahru or KL, and add another flight segment or overland detour. You can bet that many travelers, through the southern Asian region would like to be able to book itineraries that could look like Bangkok to Phuket Thailand, to KL Malaysia to Sipadan in Borneo to Angeles City or Manila in the Philippines, to Singapore, to Bali Indonesia, back to Bangkok. Which would be a great smorgasbord of all that the region offers; if you could get that as a 5 to 10 stop package I think you would have a real winner for Asia visitors.

Singapore Dining - Best Dining Guide For an American in Singapore

2010-10-05T12:45:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for a Singapore dining guide, you are at the right place. In Singapore, there are many American restaurants. As more expatriates are living in Singapore, you can see more restaurants serving American food.

In the past, if you are an American in Singapore, it is very difficult to locate a burger or rib joint. Today, you can find many such joints in Singapore.

So when did the western food culture started here? If you think of American food, burger and steak comes into the picture. American restaurants first opened in Orchard Road, with traditional neon signs and sizzle of steaks. As Orchard Road is a popular shopping destination among Singaporean, many locals start to patronize these restaurants. Some popular American restaurants are Billy Bombers, Breeks, Kenny Rogers and Jerry's BBQ.

Today, Americans and Singaporeans are not limited by their options. Singapore has truly become a food paradise. You do not need to travel in order to get the best food in the world. Also, you get to enjoy these tasty American foods within fingertips, with just a taxi ride away.

One thing I like about American restaurant is that the serving is huge! I am a big eater and most servings of Asian restaurants are too small. In these American restaurants, you can rest assured that you will be satisfied with their serving and service.

These American restaurants really stand out with their huge servings, discounts and servicing. The ambiance of these restaurants are also very realistic and authentic - Americans who visit will feel right at home. For Singaporean, we will also get a taste of what it would be like dining in New York or LA.

If you are looking for an American restaurant, head down to Orchard Road and look out for the neon signs. Also, don't forget to try out other delicious delicacies in Singapore too. Other than traditional American restaurants, there are many other good restaurants such as Jack's Place where you can dine with your love ones. You should also try out Singapore authentic food such as Laksa, Chicken Rice, Carrot Cake and Chili Crab at local coffee house. If you are unsure where to find these restaurants, do a search using Google Map Singapore.

One Can Easily Find Discount Rate Hotels in Singapore Near the Prominent Mosques

2010-10-04T12:30:00.001-07:00

A beautiful island nation at the tip of the Malay Penisula nowadays has become a prominent stop off destination for all sorts of tourists from all over world. Few prominent attractions of the Singapore are Bukit Timah Natural Reserve, Chinese and Japanese Garden, East Coast Park, Jurong Bird Park, Chinatown, Little India and many other places.

Abdul Gafoor and Al-Abrar are the two most famous mosques amongst tourist in the Singapore. Basically, Abdul Gafoor Mosque is modern form of era old mosque Al-Abrar Mosque. Al-Abrar was originally constructed of wood in 1859 and is commemorated on a granite plaque. The newer form was built in 1907. The newer forms include ornate European-style columns and the sunburst above the main entrance. Discount rate hotels in Singapore are easily accessible in the proximity of mosque. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is another prominent tourist destination. It is pure primary rainforest approximately one million years old. It has been spread up in more than 81 hectares. The most amusing fact concerning with this nature reserve is free guided tour provided by the national parks Board on the first Sunday of the month at 9:30 and 10:30AM. If someone loves to explore historical facts than one must visit Asian Civilisations Museaum which nicely exhibits Southeast Asian culture highlights the history of the region and explores the Chinese, South Indian, and Islamic heritage that helped to shape regional cultures here. Well-planned galleries showcase fine arts, furniture, porcelain, jade, and other relics with excellent descriptions.

Often, a scholar is known as poor person in terms of money and usually a scholar only shows interest in the places like museums and archeological evidences. Hence, numerous Discount Hotels in Singaporeare located in these areas. Most of the times Singapore hotels discount refer to that luxury star hotel which are being offered on discounted rate but the good thing is no compromise with the quality and service of the hotel. Hence, it becomes a wonderful chance to experience the one of the most developed destination in the world.

Such sorts of hotels are also available near the globally famous spots like Changi Golf Club, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Singapore Science Centre and Singapore Zoo. Wild Wild Wet is a water park with flumes, raft slides, wave pool, plus lots of water activities for children. Locker rooms, food and beverages are also available here plus trained lifeguards are also available here. One can also enjoy public and sporting events with lots of pleasant activities in the Padang.

Buying Singapore Public Housing From HDB Resale Market - Understanding the Rules and Regulations

2010-10-03T12:15:00.001-07:00

Singapore Public Housing, has been built and managed by Government's Housing Development Board (HDB) since independent. More than 80% of Singapore's population live in HDB flats, with 95% of them owning their HDB flat. Whether you are Singapore citizen, Singapore permanent resident, or working expatriate considering to buy a HDB Resale flat to start new family or relocating in your preferred housing estate, you need to understand some of the important rules and regulations before looking for an ideal roof over your head.

HDB basically govern buyers' eligibility to buy the huge pool of HDB resale flats. You need to be qualified under one of HDB eligibility schemes before your are allowed to purchase a resale flat from the open market. For instance, one of the criteria set in all the HDB eligibility schemes, require the buyer must be at least 21 years old, and together with all co-applicants must not be undischarged bankrupts. Hence you are not eligible to buy a resale flat, say if you falls below 21 years old.

Besides the qualified age, the prerequisites for the eligibility conditions to be met are that, you must be a Singaporean citizen, or Singapore permanent resident. There are various HDB Eligibility scheme available for buyers who meet the criteria such as age and citizenship. For example, you can choose to apply under the Public Scheme, together with yours family nucleus, which comprise at least another permanent resident or Singapore citizen. If you are planning to get married, you can apply to purchase a resale flat under the Fiance/Fiancee Scheme.

For Singapore citizen buyers, they enjoy more flexibility to take advantage of HDB Eligibility schemes design for single, with age 35 and above. If you meet these criteria, you are eligible to buy the resale flat by yourself as a single (defined as unmarried, divorcee, widowed person, or an orphan) under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme. As an alternative, you can also purchase the resale flat with another related or unrelated single, up to maximum 4 applicants, under the Joint Singles Scheme.

With your age exceed 35 years old and you subsequently married to a non-citizen who has less than 6 months social visit pass, you can apply for Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme. Under this scheme has a flexible condition for your age limit - if your non-citizen spouse has more than 6 months social visit pass, your age limit is then minimum 21 years old. Another variation to this scheme is the Non-Citizen Family Scheme, where it allows a single citizen at least 21 years old, with non-citizen family members to buy a HDB resale flat from the open market. The condition is the non-citizen spouse must has more than 6 months social visit pass.

There are other schemes available to cater for different buyers group where you can find more detail from the official HDB websites, such as Ophans Scheme allows 2 or more orphans who are unmarried siblings, to buy a HDB resale flat from the open market. Citizen / Permanent Resident Siblings Scheme allows 2 or more singles siblings to buy a HDB resale flat from the open market, and Conversion Scheme allows the current flat owner to buy 2 units of 3 rooms or smaller flat or buy an adjoining 3 rooms or small flat with family nucleus.

Having done your homework to understand on the HDB resale rules and regulation, even you are qualified to buy a resale flat under one of the HDB Eligibility Schemes, your final application are still subjected to the proportion limit of your ethnic group and Singapore Permanent Resident quota. This is known as ethnic integration policy, uniquely set to promote racial integration and harmony while preventing the formation of racial enclaves by ensuring a balance ethnic mix among the various ethnic communities living in public housing estates.

The last important HDB resale ruling is that, you need to live in the HDB resale flat after you've purchased. This requirement however, out weighted by the long term advantage where you can rent out your private property to generate rental income while enjoying capital appreciation. Also there is no income ceiling to purchase a resale flat unless you are applying for CPF housing grant and/or HDB loan. To take advantage of the Government subsidies, you may also apply for CPF housing grant and/or HDB loan if you meet all the eligibility conditions under those schemes.

Comparing with private residential properties, HDB resale flats remain attractive with amenities and more affordable for living. Before you decide to go for cheaper public housing, understanding your eligibility status is very crucial at the initial stage. You may consult reliable realtor for further advice. A professional property agent should furnish you the latest Government, HDB and CPF rulings and transparent information such as recent transaction and current market trend to help you be well informed so that you can buy a HDB resale flat safely and at fair or subsidized price using CPF housing grant if you are further eligible.

Incentives to Incorporate in Singapore - Why Entrepreneurs Choose Singapore For Company Formation

2010-10-02T12:00:00.001-07:00

With a reputation for "getting things done" and being the world leader in foreign trade and investment, it is certain that Singapore has a backbone of infrastructure, policy and culture by which businesses can prosper. Singapore is not only the easiest place to do business in the world (according to Doing Business 2009 Report) but it is also the most competitive country in Asia (according to the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report). With such incentives, it is no doubt why Singapore is often a first-choice for entrepreneurs planning to incorporate their company. By looking at the key areas of consideration for entrepreneurs, we will evaluate why Singapore is an ideal jurisdiction for business incorporation.

Location With statistics claiming two thirds of the global middle class will soon be from Asia, companies are taking great interest in the continent in the hopes of taking advantage of the upcoming opportunities. Singapore is ideally located in a key central position in Asia, demonstrated by Singapore's ongoing role as a sea and air cargo transportation hub. The Monacle Report 2009 states that Singapore is a strategic location to orchestrate operations all over Asia and tap into these opportunities. Furthermore, being a small island, no matter where in Singapore a company office is located, it is within close reach of the many resources offered within Singapore.

Transport Companies that incorporate in Singapore have access to its efficient and reliable shipping port and airport, known as one of the world's top transportation hubs for sea and air-cargo. There are over 200 shipping lines conducting business in Singapore, linking to over 600 ports in 123 countries worldwide. Within Singapore the road, rail and train networks are well developed, efficient and affordable. Whether for corporate or living purposes, Singapore has all the resources for people and products to move inexpensively and conveniently within and outside the island.

Culture Singapore is home to a multitude of cultures, races and religions and is renowned for its ability to host such diversity while maintaining understanding and integration between its people. With 25% of Singapore's population coming from abroad, Singapore's role as a business center in Asia is clear. Such a multi-cultural society is seen as a business advantage, both in terms of having access to diverse talents, knowledge and opinions, but also in terms of facilitating an entrepreneur's understanding of the Asian market as a whole. Furthermore, Singapore's workforce has been noted as most motivated and best skilled in Asia by IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook. The general business culture in Singapore is pro-business/pro-talent and this is plainly demonstrated by its open immigration policies and its people.

Policy and Taxes In light of Singapore's positive attitude towards business, the government has ensured an infrastructure of policies and laws that encourage entrepreneurship and commerce. Singapore has a network of double taxation avoidance agreements, involving over 50 countries, to ensure fair taxation of all companies incorporated in Singapore and has the most extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs) in Asia, with key world economies. Furthermore, there are 35 Investment Guarantee Agreements (IGAs) in place which are structured to protect Singapore-based companies from non-commercial risks in their overseas investments. This adds on to the establishment of Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB), International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and SPRING Singapore, which are all organizations that work towards encouraging company formation in Singapore.

There is tax exemption on all profits sourced outside of Singapore. Furthermore, within the first three years of business activity post incorporation, the first S$100,000 of corporate profits sourced within Singapore are 100% legally tax exempt with 50% tax exemption on the next S$200,000 of locally sourced corporate profits. As a result of such favourable tax policies, Forbes rates Singapore as having the 11th lowest tax misery in the world. Singapore is also best place in Asia and second best in the world for the protection of Intellectual Property rights (IMD World Competitiveness Report) and companies can therefore rely on Singapore's rigourous law enforcement to protect their ideas and innovations. Singapore has also enforced tough measures in reducing corporate tax rates and employers' Central Provident Funds (CPF) contribution rates, as well as limiting office rental rates, in the hope that all these policies will work in synergy and promote business.

Current Business Singapore has been ranked as the city with the 2nd best investment potential worldwide, for the past fourteen years. Singapore has five major export markets ranging between S$30bn and S$60bn in value between Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China and the US and has a S$500mn research facility that hosts pharmaceutical giants, biotechnology companies and research institutes from all over the world. Singapore is also the world's fourth biggest foreign exchange trading centre and a leader in international banking, trade finance, insurance and asset and wealth management services. In this way, companies in Singapore have access to some of the top corporate services worldwide. Such business potential and growth is not without awareness and corporate social responsibility, and Singapore has a strong focus on sustainable development, with plans to significantly reduce energy consumption per dollar of GDP through alternative and renewable energies.

Company Incorporation Taking the stated incentives for Singapore company formation into account, other key points of incorporation must be noted. For Singapore incorporated companies with corporate turnover/sales below S$5mn, statutory financial audits are not required. Furthermore, registration for GST (goods and service tax) is only necessary if sales exceed S$1mn and non-resident Singapore companies enjoy GST refunds from the government. Another major selling point is that unlike jurisdictions such as Dubai, there is no requirement to rent or purchase a physical office in Singapore, in order to complete incorporation. Virtual office services are legally accepted and can be organized by a local professional services firm.

Living Singapore has been labeled as one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world and Mercer Human Resource Consulting stands by this, ranking Singapore as the best living environment in Asia. With world-class healthcare services, excellent quality of housing, low crime levels and a competitive world-renowned education system, Monocle have rated Singapore as having the 22nd best quality of life in the world, and the best quality of life in Asia (according to their Quality of Life Index). In this way, entrepreneurs that decide to incorporate their company in Singapore and live there can rest assured they will benefit tremendously, along with their family and employees.

Singapore's outstanding quantity of awards and high rankings as both a business hub and place to live stand testament to its first class infrastructures and environment for working and living. It is a small country with a vast connectivity to the world, a top-performing workforce proficient in English and a trustworthy jurisdiction deemed for being uncorrupt. Entrepreneurs looking for a country in which to incorporate their business can take advantage of the many incentives Singapore provides, as a central location for all business services, and benefit from the reputable image a Singapore company will provide in promoting to investors, suppliers and customers.

Singapore Company Formation - Choosing the Right Legal Form

2010-10-01T11:45:00.001-07:00

While forming a company, the most pertinent issue that you need to decide is which legal form to choose for your company as it can have crucial implications on your personal risk in the business as well as the prospects of your business for giving back financial returns.

You would like to consider vital issues like ease of formation, asset liability, business asset appreciation, and tax obligations, before you decide on your business form. Though you will certainly seek legal advice from your lawyer, it is advisable that you get to know the basics of all the legal forms before you meet your lawyer.

In Singapore, businesses mainly operate as companies, sole proprietorship and partnerships.

Company

A company has to be registered under the Singapore Companies Act and a separate legal entity from its members. Though you can incorporate a company with unlimited liability, almost all companies in Singapore are incorporated as limited liability companies due to its advantages over other forms of company formation.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The limited-liability company (LLC) is a relatively new form of business organization. The chief feature of a limited liability company is that the liabilities of the owners are limited to the assets in the company, and their personal assets are protected from business liabilities.

Limited liability companies in Singapore can be of the following types:

Private Limited Company

The technical term for a private limited liability company in Singapore is Private Company Limited by Shares. A private limited company's name in Singapore normally ends with Private Limited, or Pte Ltd.

A private limited company has various advantages over the other two conventional types of business, which makes it the most flexible and the most favoured type of Singapore business entity. A private limited company has its own legal identity, which is separate from its shareholders and its directors. It can acquire assets, go into debt, enter into contracts, and sue, or be sued. In an LLC, members are not individually liable for debts or other obligations of the company. The ease of transfer of shares or changes in shareholders ensures that the company's continuation is not dependant on the continued membership of its members.

You can raise capital for expansion or other purposes, by bringing in new shareholders or issuing more shares to existing shareholders and your also benefit from the trustworthy image it commands compared to sole proprietorship or a partnership firm. Moreover, the ownership of a company may be transferred, either wholly or partially, without disrupting operations or the need for complex legal documentation. Most importantly, you benefit greatly from tax incentives as the effective Singapore income tax rate for companies for profits up to SGD 300,000 is below 9% and capped at 18% for profits above SGD 300,000, and furthermore, there is no capital gains tax.

However, an LLC also suffers from some disadvantages. Incorporation and sustenance is more complex and you need to follow certain compliance requirements. Also, the closure of company is comparatively more complex.

Public Limited Company

After a private company reaches a certain growth level to become a well established medium-to-large enterprise, the shareholders might decide to take the company public. A public company's name in Singapore ends with Limited or Ltd.

Public companies are subject to significantly more stringent rules and regulations since they have the power to raise funds from the public.

Sole Proprietorship

In a sole proprietorship, the business can only be owned by one person and the owner personally owns all assets and liabilities of the business. It is the most uncomplicated form of business entity; and it is also comparatively more economical and easier to start and terminate a sole proprietorship company. You are in complete control of all the business affairs including the decision making and you benefit from all income generated by the business without sharing the profit with others. You are also free from the obligation of filing returns annually and only need to renew your membership every year.

However, the disadvantages of a sole proprietorship business far outweigh its advantages. Sole proprietorship is not a separate incorporated entity and therefore you and your business are rendered as the same legal entity. As a sole proprietor, you and your business are considered a single entity for the payment of income tax, and the income of your business is taxed to you. Moreover, as the sole proprietor of a business, you have unlimited liability, which means that if your business cannot pay all its liabilities, the creditors to whom your business owes money can come after your personal assets. Many entrepreneurs are usually unaware of this enormous financial risk.

You also do not gain from corporate tax benefits or incentives as the taxes are determined at your personal income tax rate. Capital is limited to your personal finances and business profits. Additionally, business expansion is limited and difficult due to the low public perception of such a business. Also, the business lives and dies with you and you can transfer the business only by the sale of business assets.

Partnership

A partnership is an alliance of two or more persons, who are the co-owners of a business and its profits. Partnerships in Singapore can be of three types:
General Partnership

A general partnership is not a very economically feasible way to structure a business in Singapore because like a sole proprietorship, it is not a separate entity, which means you have unlimited liability. Another significant risk intrinsic in a partnership arrangement is that each partner is personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business and also responsible for the actions of another partner.

Limited Partnership

In a limited partnership, entails the concept of having limited partners in addition to a general partner. The liabilities of limited partners are limited to their investment in the partnership (capital or property), though such partners cannot participate in the management of the business in a limited partnership. Like the general partnership, even a limited partnership in Singapore is not a very favoured popular form of business structure.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

LLP was introduced in Singapore in 2005, through enactment of Limited Liability Partnership Act. It gives the owners the flexibility of operating as a partnership while enjoying many of the benefits that come with a corporate body like a private limited company. A LLP must have at least two partners at all times.

An LLP has a separate legal identity and can own property, enter into contracts, sue or be sued in its own name. Most importantly, the partners of the LLP will not be held personally responsible for any business debts incurred by the LLP for any laxity or mistakes made by another partner, and is only responsible for his own omissions.

Any changes in the LLP (e.g. resignation or death of partners) do not affect its existence, rights or liabilities, and compliance requirements are also simpler than a private limited company.
However, LLPs lack the ease of ownership transfer and investment that a company structure provides. It also does not gain from corporate tax benefits.

An LLP is primarily suited to the needs of service professionals (accountants, law firms, architects, etc.) who desire to set up a joint practice in a common field. The owners must get into very detailed agreements about how the profits and management responsibilities are to be shared.

Choosing the Right Legal Form

To put things in a nutshell, both sole proprietorship and an LLP are suited only to certain types of businesses.

Sole proprietorship is feasible only for Singapore nationals who want to register a small business and the nature of their products/service do not have liability issues.

On the other hand, an LLP is suitable if you are in a service-related business which involves selling your services by way of the profession you hold like an accountant, lawyer, architect, etc. and you have one or more additional partners in a similar profession with whom you would like to partner your business with.

For all other cases, incorporating a private limited company in Singapore would be the best choice.

Bugis Street - Experiencing a Different Side of Singapore

2010-09-30T11:30:00.001-07:00

Bugis Street is one of Singapore's most colorful areas; following a major government initiative during the 1980's to clean up the area raunchy image it has been transformed in to an exciting shopping area. During the 1950's the area was crammed full of traders and small retail outlets making it one of the country's busiest economic zones. According to legend the area was named after the Buginese people who made a name for themselves as blood thirsty pirates.

A number of small commercial establishments were set up, including a number of outdoor bars; subsequent to this droves of transvestites were seen seemingly to attract the Western tourists. Business blossomed here in Bugis and it fast became the most popular tourist attraction in Singapore during the 60's and 70's and the nightly parade of brightly attired transvestite women used to draw in huge crowds.

What remains today in Bugis Street is the great street shopping experience, strict government controls have virtually wiped out the shady businesses. The original Bugis street is now a picturesque cobble stoned avenue squashed in between the buildings of Bugis Junction. Also found in this area is the Bugis Square which is an elegantly paved central square, with a dancing water fountain and a collection of shopping outlets and restaurants surrounding it.

New Bugis Street which can be seen bordering Bugis Street, is a newly created shopping street that was actually developed based on the old Bugis Street. It features a number of narrow alleys lined with stalls selling "pasar malam" or night market goods. This is in fact the only area in Singapore where tourists can experience a bazaar style shopping expedition, bargaining is commonplace here and a number of specialty goods such as traditional clothing, souvenirs and culinary delights can be found.

For visitors looking for a serviced apartment in Singapore, a comfortable accommodation option is the Somerset Bencoolen.

The Top 5 Beautiful Places In Singapore

2010-09-29T11:15:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered if there's a garden paradise on the face of this earth? Well, you'll be glad to know that there is such a place in Singapore!

Singapore is a garden city and if you come here, I can guarantee that you will find it a home away from home, a city of lush beautiful greenery amid modern skyscrapers. I'm constantly amazed by the beauty of this little island city and I'm sure you will too.

This article will show you the top 5 beautiful places in Singapore which you should visit the next time you're in Singapore. Remember, no visit is complete if you don't check out the places mentioned here.

1. Sentosa

The first beautiful place I have in mind is Sentosa. If you like the sun, sand and beach and perhaps theme parks and good food, then Sentosa is a dream place for you.

I know you sometimes might love to let the kids or young ones frolick in the sand - there's no better place than Sentosa. Go to Siloso beach for the best beach experience in Singapore.

2. Boat Quay

The next thing I'd like to mention to you is Boat Quay. Now, I know that sometimes you might want to get a drink or two late at night - well, Boat Quay is right up your alley. Boasting some of the most popular pubs and clubs in the island nation, Boat is definitely one of the top 5 beautiful places in Singapore - particularly at night.

3. Botanic Gardens

Ok, what's the next place you ask? Have you ever wanted a stroll through beautiful Southeast Asian flora? Well, the Botanic Gardens, next in our list of beautiful places in Singapore, is a perfect match for you.

Inside, you will see all manner of trees, shrubs and flowers known to Singapore and the region. I know that if you love flowers, the Botanic Gardens is a must-visit.

4. Marina Bay

I've always known people who love to stay near the bay area. Well, Singapore has its own bay - Marina Bay - all set to be world famous in 2010 when the Integrated Resorts open.

If you are thinking of settling down in Singapore and buying a place, then check out the properties along the Marina Bay. They are, of course, the most expensive parcels of land in Singapore - so bring like, two million Singapore dollars before you choose a unit, ok?

5. Orchard Road

If you love shopping (and heck I know you do), the Orchard Road shopping district will be a 'beautiful place' in Singapore. All manner of shopping centres (e.g. Takashimaya, The Paragon, The Heeren, Centrepoint) exist along Orchard Road and is a definite haven for shopping addicts. Now don't overspend here ok? You still need some money for the plane home ...

Conclusion

Well! I hope the article has shown you some of the most beautiful places in Singapore. I know that time can be short for you when visiting Singapore - so it might be a good idea to pack in the above sights into your itinerary if possible. Happy travels!

Singapore's Chngai Airport - Asia's Most Friendly Airport

2010-09-28T11:00:00.001-07:00

From the customs agents, to the free internet, Singapore's Chngai is one of the best airports to transit through in Asia. I remember the first time that I was traveling to Singapore, I had visions of hardened customs officers complete with canes eagle eyeing me to catch me in the slightest of transgressions, so that they could bare my back and put permanent stripes in my tan. It turns out that this is exactly the opposite of what you will find when you transit through Singapore.

The Singapore airport experience, I feel, starts before you even get there; it is a great way to start a trip if you don't need to take a taxi or a bus, in to or out of the airport. Singapore has a great mass transit system that is inexpensive and very easy to navigate. No graffiti here, just good signage to help you get to where you are going. Great cities all have a great transit system and it is no surprise that Singapore's is world class. Look at Chicago's O'Hare with the El and compare it then to the mayhem of LAX in Los Angeles.

Flying into Singapore your first experience is customs, and I don't remember any airports where the customs agents put out hard candies for the travelers. What a neat treat to get when you are passing through passport control. The only real negative I found was the long walk to get your bags. But then you get a great surprise when getting to the baggage carousel and your bags have arrived just before you have, and are still chilled, not shaken, from the flight. As is true with everything in Singapore, the airport is spotless and neat, and everything works, and works well. The attention to detail is amazing.

After getting your luggage to leave the airport, you walk to an x-ray machine and then through some doors, where I figured you would have to clear some sort of customs again, but no you are done! The deterrent of Singapore tough laws makes this an unattractive place for smugglers, and a snap to process through. A short walk to the outside, or a short walk to catch a free shuttle to the other terminals, and then on to a train that takes you into the city. Even the money changers are nice, and compared to some airports that I been through, the foreign exchange rates were even fair.

The trip out of the airport is just as pleasant. They have free internet with computers in the departure area that you can use for 15 min and against the far wall in the budget terminal, they have tables that are set up with power for every type plug available in the world, as well as a network cord to their high-speed connection, which is all free! As you are using your own computer, there is no time limit, so you can spend some productive time online. Doing something like writing an article on Singapore being a friendly airport!

DBS Bank Singapore - How to Buy Cheap Travel Insurance Online

2010-09-27T10:45:00.001-07:00

DBS Bank provides various kinds of insurance. Travel insurance is one of them. Travel insurance of DBS Bank has many new features and benefits. The insurance provides S$1,000,000 for emergency evacuation and medical assistance. It provides S$500,000 for accidental injury. Online application form is available for emergency needs. 24 hour helpline is also available for immediate need and help. This bank offers discounts for limited period and festivals. They offer 15% premium discount for signing up before September 30. There are many types of plans. There are Premier, Classic, Single Trip and Annual plans. Each plan has different covers and benefits.

Premier plan covers for travelling to dangerous spots. Classic plan covers for normal tourist places. Single Trip provides limited covers. Annual plan is for frequent travellers. Moreover, it offers unlimited covers. This bank has branches all over Singapore.

Key Branches of DBS Bank, Singapore:

Great World City Branch - Great World City, Singapore

Bukit Timah Branch - Bukit Timah Plaza, Singapore

How to buy cheap online travel insurance?

DBS Bank offers discounts at various occasions. Other banks also offer discounts and covers. Since there are numerous insurance plans, you should carefully choose the right plan. In order to select a proper insurance, deep analysis and comparison is mandatory. You can visit websites of different banks and collect information. Details like discounts, covers, payment period and insurance amount is important. You can compare these details. Then you can choose a plan according to your financial status and needs. You can also apply directly in online.

Conditions For Divorce in Singapore

2010-09-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

Divorces in Singapore are arbitrated in Family Courts. The Family Court of Singapore will arbitrate your divorce if you or your spouse are a Singaporean Citizen, have lived in Singapore for at least three years before your application to the Family Court, and are domiciled in Singapore. However if you and your spouse are Muslim or if you were married under the Syariah Law, then application for divorce has to be made to the Syariah Court of Singapore.

Condition for Divorce

The Singapore family law requires you to show proof to the Judge of the Family Court that at least one of the following is a fact:

adultery
unreasonable behaviour
desertion for at least two years without any intention of returning
if your spouse is agreeable to the divorce, you both must have been separated for at least three years.
if your spouse is not agreeable to the divorce, you both must have been separated for at least 4 years.

Married for Less Than 3 Years

You can still apply for a divorce if you were married less than three years, by obtaining the Court's permission known as "leave of Court", which will be granted if you can prove that

you have suffered extreme hardship
your spouse has behaved exceptionally badly

Take this option only if you are sure this is the only way forward, as the court will find ways for you and your spouse to reconcile, taking into consideration the interests of your children, if any.

Divorce Proceedings

Divorce in Singapore comprises of two stages:

The Interim Judgment - Court decides whether your marriage should be dissolved.
Final Judgment - Court deals with ancillary matters including issues pertaining to children (if any), maintenance, and assets owned by either or both of you.

Once Final Judgment is obtained, you may remarry.

Singapore Maid Problems - How to Deal with Them

2010-09-25T10:15:00.001-07:00

Singapore maid problems - you probably have them when you employ a maid in Singapore via a Singapore maid services agency.

As a side-note, please note that Singapore maids are also known as Singapore domestic helpers, au pair, foreign domestic workers, caregivers, "ah-mahs", or nannies. Some even take them as Singapore babysitters! The more experienced maids are generally known as Singapore transfer maids.

Herein lies the paradox in Singapore maid employment: you are frustrated when you don't have a maid, and you are just as frustrated when you have a maid.

Many Singapore maid problems stem from miscommunication or misunderstanding. This is especially so if your Singapore domestic helper is weak in English (more so for Indonesian maids than Filipino maids) or has difficulty in understanding what you want her to do. This can happen for both new or Singapore transfer maids.

Maid problems may also stem from a character flaw in the maid or an attitude problem with the girl. This is despite your efforts in screening the Singapore maid or having a professional Singapore maid services agency shortlist the girl.

In Singapore maid employment, the maid may also have a change of heart about working with you, for whatever reasons. However, she doesn't know what to say to you, and as such, she goes on to "spoil the show", so to speak, so that you will fire her. In that case, you are the one who doesn't want her, and not the other way round.

Singapore maid problems can also arise from the Singapore maid getting sick or worse, getting pregnant. Some of them may even run away for whatever reasons. The list can go on and on.

So, how can you deal with these problems? Quite frankly, I don't have the perfect solution. However, here are a few points for your consideration. They are philosophical, and it is okay if you don't agree with them.

Let's start off with a simple understanding about life and draw a parallel with Singapore maid employment.

In an office environment, there are employees who are good in their work, and there are those who aren't. There are yet others who always knock off on time, or simply cannot follow instructions. To make matters worse, there are back stabbing and office politics.

Sometimes, despite the headhunters' best effort and your thorough interviews and cross checking, the best candidate for vice president just doesn't work out.

To take it even further, sometimes, the children quarrel or the spouse may have an affair somewhere. And finally, no matter what happens, we will all die one day...

Face it - life is like that. Things happen. Events happen. Singapore maid problems happen. It doesn't just happen to you, it happens to many others as well. As long as you are alive, you sometimes have problems! Only the dead has no problem!

Does this understanding help with your Singapore maid problems? I hope it does. If you put your Singapore domestic helper problem in the right perspective vis-à-vis the other events in your life, it really is not a problem. But, if you make your Singapore maid problem the focal point of your life, then you have a problem.

Generally, one would become frustrated when a Singapore maid problem arises. This is especially the case if the maid cannot understand what you want her to do or if she is unable to follow your instructions.

Now, when that happens, watch your frustration or anger. See how you are feeling angry or frustrated, and have that under control. Bear in mind that in Singapore, the maids are protected from both physical and psychological abuse. So, don't let your anger get you into trouble.

Let me share with you my simple problem solving methods. It works for all problems and there are only 3 simple solutions. One, solve the problem. Two, allow the problem to be. And three, get out of the problem.

Let me illustrate my point. Let's say that your Singapore maid is unable to understand your instructions. One, solve the problem: teach her English, send her for a course, get her a dictionary, etc. Two, allow the problem to be: just live with it. Three, get out of the problem: change the Singapore maid.

So, there really is nothing to be angry or frustrated about. You either solve the problem, allow the problem to be, or get out of the problem.

Here's a secret from a Zen master: "I don't mind what happens." The key word here is "mind". The more you think about the Singapore domestic helper not doing her job, the angrier you become. The angrier you become, the more you want to unleash your anger on someone. At this stage, you may really do something wrong... so watch your emotion, and be in control. And stop thinking about being angry. Take a few deep breaths, and be still... and calm like the silent lake...

In addition, don't go screaming at the Singapore maid agency or your Singapore maid or Singapore au pair, or even your children. If you do that, you may just sour your relationship with them, and this is the last thing you want. If you must, part ways amicably so that there are no hard feelings. Life is too short for harboring any ill feelings, don't you think so?

Singapore maid problems? No problem - if you don't "mind" what happens...

Singapore Cheap Hotels - Ideal Accommodation For Your Religious Vacation

2010-09-24T10:00:00.001-07:00

Singapore has developed into one of the most cosmopolitan city in the world. This cosmopolitan look is apparent in all walks of life in Singapore. Take a look at the places of worship. You will find all kind of temples, churches and mosques in the island. Chinese and Indian form the major chunk of the population in Singapore so are the places of worship of these communities.

Churches and mosques in Singapore are in lesser in number but their charm is as great as that of any other place of worship in the island. In fact there are so many places of worship in Singapore; you can spend your whole vacation exploring these places. Singapore cheap hotels offer homely comfort and state of the art services and amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See temple is one of the most famous Chinese temples located in the central Singapore. This temple is also known as The Bright Hill temple. One of the largest temple complexes in Singapore, this temple is spread over more than 15 acres of land. Shear size of the temple is awesome. The temple is decorated with beautiful pagodas with stunning pictures of dragons and birds along with beautiful decorations. Big Buddhist library in the temple is another attraction and worth a visit. Large turtle pool in the temple is very popular among the children. Singapore hotels, in the central Singapore offer easy access to this temple.

Siong Lim Temple is another Chinese temple located in the central Singapore. This temple has been recognized as national monument. The temple commemorates the birth and death of the Buddha. In fact name of the temple in Chinese means twin groves of the lotus mountain, which symbolically means birth and death of Buddha. Temple is full of awe inspiring carvings. You can devote days to understand the significance of these carvings. Singapore hotel in the center of the island offer easy access to this temple.

Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya temple in the little India area of the Singapore was built by the Thai monk Vutthisasala. This temple is also known as Temple of thousand lights. At the entrance of the temple one encounters a large foot print of Buddha. Special attraction of the temple is the statue of Buddha surrounded by one thousand lights. Thian Hock Keng Temple in the China town area of the Singapore is famous as The Temple of Heavenly Happiness.

This is oldest Chinese temple in the Singapore and one of the most important Hokkien temples. In the beginning this temple was used as thanksgiving temple by the sailor for their safe journey. Singapore cheap hotels in Little India and China town area of Singapore offer quality accommodation for your religious vacation in Singapore.

Singapore Table Tennis - Feng Tian Wei Vs Li Jiawei

2010-09-23T09:45:00.001-07:00

Singapore's Feng Tian Wei continues her meteoric rise by thrashing World No2 Guo Yue from China 4-1 in the quarter-final at the Volkswagen Women Table Tennis World Cup last night.

The youngest member of the Singapore Women Table Tennis team has now beaten World No 1 Zhang Yi Ning of China (She created a major upset by defeating Zhang Yi Ning 4-2 at the Asian Cup quarter-final in March) and World No 2 Guo Yue of China this year.

At the Olympics, China's Women Head Coach Shi Zhihao revealed to the New Paper that he felt Feng Tian Wei had greater potential than Li Jiawei to become a top table tennis player.

'If you ask me to compare Feng Tianwei with Li Jiawei, I would say Feng has the potential to go very far.'

'She may not have reached the last four like Jiawei, but she has caught my eye at this Olympics. I didn't expect her to create so many problems for Zhang Yining in the quarter-final.'

'She has clearly benefitted from the foundation training she received when she was in our 'B' team.'

'In fact, she was on the verge of forcing her way into the first team, but because of some illness, she pulled out of the team. '

'At the moment, I would say she has a 30 per cent chance of beating our players.'

Having watched Li Jiawei play on television for the past few years, she tend to struggle against choppers. At the Olympics Team Semi-Final, she failed to overcome her nemesis and lost to Korea's Kim Kyung Ah 2-3 (11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 6-11, 9-11) in the second Singles.

After the semi-final win, Jiawei admitted she thought her loss in the Singles would be a very costly one as the strategy to beat South Korea was to win the first two Singles matches as South Korea was expected to clinch the Doubles.

I must admit that when the semi-final match was at 2-2, I was glad that Feng Tian Wei was playing in the deciding rubber instead of Li Jiawei. (She tend to lose her nerves in critical matches in the past) True enough, Feng Tian Wei held her nerve to beat Park Mi-Young in the deciding rubber.

At the Athens Games four years ago, Jiawei had also lost to Kim Kyung Ah in the bronze-medal playoff.

When Singapore reached the Olympics Table Tennis Team Final, Li Jiawei felt there was no way Singapore could ever beat China. Perhaps this psychological barrier was the key reason that prevented her from achieving greater success.

It's a fact that China has a fearsome table-tennis team. The top ranking paddlers all hail from China yet it does not mean they are invincible.

Feng Tian Wei and coach Liu Guodong certainly do not think so.

Between Li Jiawei and Feng Tian Wei, Tian Wei plays with more confidence and is more versatile.

Singapore Women Table Tennis Head Coach Liu Guo Dong believes Feng Tian Wei is ready to be the top paddler in Singapore.

"Based on her results and her hunger to do well, she's ready to share the responsiblity with Jiawei." - Liu said in an interview with the Straits Times (08 Sep).

I certainly agree.

Singapore Heritage Centers - Reliving History

2010-09-22T09:30:00.001-07:00

Singapore heritage centres actually represent a snapshot of each of 2 ethnic groups living in Singapore. From guided tours to exhibitions, this is a journey of education, diving through the rich histories of the Chinese and Malay populations - their past, their present and their potential future. Get a glimpse of their lives, their practices and the quirks that make them who they are today, all in a single location.

Put on your rice hats and step on over to the Chinese Heritage centre, a story told in living colours and lights as well as the passing smells of some of the best roasted, steamed and fried cultural delights. Go back in time to the black and white days of the early Chinese in Singapore and feel first hand the cramped living conditions these early settlers had to put up with - disease stricken, over crowded shop houses and busy, dank and sometimes dangerous streets. Now, he heritage centre sits pretty in its newly restored location, but it still remembers what it used to be.

The centre is a multilevel experience, and each time you ascend or descend, you get to experience a variation in the history and cultures of the early Chinese. You can almost imagine vividly by looking at the exhibitions and the displays of how life used to be, the decadent life of opium smoking, dens and places of gambling and prostitution that used to overcome this poor estate. This place is not just a re creation of history, it is sculpted by true stories to paint a picture that is both real and inspiring.

We cannot forget the Malay Heritage Centre, for Singapore was once a small and cosy Malay fishing village before the invasion of the colonial powers, who changed the course and destiny of this tiny island in ways the early fishermen and farmers could not have imagined. Find out how Islam came about and the pivotal role of learning and religious education on the early Malay community. Experience the kampong life and relive the old living conditions of the Malay community through guided tours and see how it changed from its humble beginnings to modern Singapore today.

Get dragged in to the culture and life through the daily festivals and performances by troupes and actors in the heritage centre. See how they used to defend themselves with silat, a traditional Malay martial art and sit down and waft with the sounds of Malay instruments of old.

These heritage centres play a very important role within Singapore. For the local population it reminds us where we came from and how humble we our beginnings and how much we have struggled from then till the comforts we are living in now. It also serves as a glimpse into our individual culture and tells us the story of the generations before us and how they lived.

For visitors, it plays the part of a theatre play and educational, informative lesson set in an interesting landscape. Understanding us better is one of the key features that these centres try to impart on tourists, as the most valuable souvenir of all is the one they take back in their hearts and in their minds.

The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore Goes Hi-Tech

2010-09-21T09:15:00.001-07:00

Today's hotels do not just rely on quality personnel to provide the excellent service they are known for. They are also dependent on modern technology to help their business succeed and to assist them with their clients. One of the hospitality establishments in Singapore - the Marina Bay Sands - is no exception to this. And so to help it further strengthen its business, it integrated the IDeaS' V5i Revenue Management System.

For those who are unfamiliar with this state-of-the-art application, IDeaS' V5i Revenue Management System is a program that helps hotels with their forecasting and their pricing. By having this unique program installed, hotels are able to increase their revenue even more. Aside from that, the program also allows these hotels to look for the right customers who can give them more profit. And in any type of hospitality business, bringing home the bacon and having the right customers are two important factors that can help in their overall success.

Now aside from using the V5i Revenue Management System, the Marina Bay Sands will also be utilizing the SAS Customer Intelligence Software. This application - combined with the V5i System - will further increase the profits of the establishment by managing and retaining profitable customers. Not only that, but the two programs will also help in enhancing the marketing performance of the Marina Bay Sands. By having these two applications do all this, the company will be able to gain more income that can help its businesses stay afloat.

According to Grahame Tate, the Managing Director of IDeas Asia Pacific, the common goal of these two programs is to optimize the revenue of the different businesses that exist within the Marina Bay Sands. The applications will ensure that each one works together as a team to make sure that the expected levels of revenue and profit are met by the company. Tate also added that the establishment is getting a good deal from this since combining the two applications isn't a normally offered by IDeas.

Now in case you're wondering why it's important for the Marina Bay Sands to have all this, it's real simple: the company operates more than one business. This is why it's considered a "premier integrated entertainment destination in Singapore. When you visit the Marina Bay Sands, you will see that it holds convention and exhibition facilities, a luxury hotel, the famous rooftop called the Sands Skypark, celebrity chef restaurants, a casino, museum, and its own theatre. All these will be able to now work hand-in-hand the moment the IDeaS' V5i Revenue Management System and the SAS Customer Intelligence Software are in place.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the IDeas' V51 Revenue Management System and the SAS Customer Intelligence Software, don't be surprised if business in the Marina Bay Sands suddenly picks up. Aside from enjoying better forecasting and profit, it will be able to properly take care of its profitable clients. That is something all hotels would like to achieve to help them succeed in their line of work.

Citibank Singapore Money Market Account Interest Rate - How to Get the Best Rates?

2010-09-20T09:00:00.001-07:00

Do you want to earn more interest rates for your savings? Have you heard about money market accounts? Read further to know more on this type of deposit accounts.

Citibank is one of the largest banks in the world and has its branches in Singapore. I have listed some of the branches in Singapore that you could visit to open a money market account. There are still more branches in Singapore and you can get the locations of those branches in the bank website.

Citibank, Holland Village Branch, Holland Village Avenue, Singapore.
Citibank, Jurong East Branch, Jurong East, Singapore.
Citibank, Boonlay SMRT Station, Singapore.

Features of Citibank Money Market Deposit Accounts:

You get good competitive rates for your deposits. The interest rates vary periodically and you have to check the latest rates from the bank websites.
The minimum amount that has to be deposited for this type of account is S$ 30,000.
You will get daily interest for your deposits, if your deposits are more than S$ 30,000.
You will get International Citicard through which you could be able to access in all Citibank ATM.

How to get the best money market account rates?

As you are investing your hard earned money in deposit accounts, you have to spend some to analyze the best deposit rates. You should various websites that offers details on deposit accounts and compare the rates. Then you should be able to spot the best interest rates.

Next Step: Visit more websites to get the best interest rates.

Singapore Economic Growth and Development

2010-09-19T08:45:00.001-07:00

Economic growth in Singapore in the period 1960-1980 has been accompanied by a structural transformation of the economy.

There has been a substantial increase in the share of manufacturing, transport and communication and financial and business services within the GDP at the expense of the trade sector (in particular entrepôt trade).

Resources were reallocated from the tertiary- and primary sector to the secondary sector.
Diversification in the economic base has changed the city-state's reliance on its own manufacturing sector and on its function as an international financial- and business services and communication and transport centre.

Increased sophistication of its economy was achieved through constant upgrading and restructuring.

The structural change in the economy is also reflected by the rising expenditure on Gross Domestic Product Expenditure, Gross National Savings rose too. They accounted for an ever-increasing percentage of total investment.

The important part that international companies play in Singapore's economy marks another major change.

The growth of manufacturing, up to 1965, was caused by growth in the domestic market itself and in the supply incentives created by the government.

The spectacular growth acceleration in the 1966-1973 period, reflected the switch to greater export orientation of local firms and the heavy inflow of multinational corporations with footholds in world markets.

In the 1970's the industrial pattern became increasingly diversified.

Manufacturing activity tends to be of an 'enclave' character due to its high degree of
import-, export- and foreign investment dependence.

Mainly the expanding manufacturing sector stimulated the growth of the financial and business sector in the sixties. Growth in the seventies was also the result of the government policy to develop Singapore into an international financial centre.

The rising volumes of loans and deposits, the spectacular expansion of the Asian Dollar Market and Asian Bond Market illustrate the development of Singapore's financial centre.

The twofold objective of encouraging the establishment of foreign banks and financial institutions are: to enhance banking and financial expertise and to induce foreign industrialists to invest in Singapore.

The transport and communication sector, after having experienced a period of decline and stagnation in the sixties, showed a considerable increase in share of GDP in the seventies.

Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports benefiting from the great stream of trade that flows through Asia's waterways.

Singapore continues to be a major entrepôt for its neighbours.

The development strategy of the seventies grasped the idea of further development of Singapore as a transport and communication centre.

The trade sector has been of relatively large importance in Singapore. The nature of the trade is changing. Entrepôt trade as a whole will shift from the handling and processing of primary products to more sophisticated finished products, from low price high-volume to higher price lower-volume trade.

In the 1970's Singapore has emerged as a major manufacturing site. Singapore's trade deficit reflects its characteristic dependence on imports for all its consumption and industrial requirements. Both on the import side as well as on the export side changes have occurred in composition by commodity section and in distribution over the different countries.

Even though there is an imbalance between imports and exports the overall balance of payment shows a continuous surplus. Singapore's trade deficits were overcompensated by: net service earnings, influx of foreign investments, foreign short-term and long-term capital inflows and the very large balancing item.

Valentine's Day Around the World - China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore

2010-09-18T08:30:00.001-07:00

Come 14 February there is probably not a corner of the world that is not caught up in the fervour of Valentine's Day. Criss-crossing continents, reaching even remote corners, Valentine's Day celebrations have transcended all geographical boundaries, cultural beliefs and languages. 14 February is one day which unites all lovers of the world, when love and romance fill the air -- and exchanging gifts and cards between lovers becomes the number one activity of the day!

While the essential spirit of Valentine's Day is observed all over the world, each country has embellished it with its own unique take on the celebrations. Take a peep into how Valentine's Day is celebrated in China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

The Qi Xi Festival: Valentine's Day in China

The Qi Xi Festival is the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day. It is, however, not celebrated on 14 February like the rest of the world, but is guided by the lunar calendar -- falling on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar each year. In 2009, Qi Xi was observed on 26 August, while in 2010 this date will be 16 August.

Legends surround the genesis of Qi Xi but the common thread of a tragic love story runs through all of them. It is believed that it is on this Chinese Valentine's Day the star-crossed couple -- a cowherd and a weaver -- meets in heaven each year. Having been banished for an eternity of separation by the Goddess of Heaven, it is only once a year that she relents and allows magpies to build a bridge for them to meet.

On this day, young, unmarried girls engage in melon carving and demonstrate their other domestic skills as they wish for a good husband.

Valentine's Day in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan

Do you know that Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have two Valentine's Day in a year -- one on 14 February and the second, a month later, on 14 March?

Many hearts break and mend on Valentine's Day but perhaps nowhere else does a chocolate seal the happiness of a man as surely as it does in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan! Roles get reversed in these South Asian countries where it is the women who give chocolates to all the men in their lives on Valentine's Day. Not surprisingly, the chocolate assumes tremendous significance for these men, particularly the type of chocolate that is given. Store-bought stuff is called 'giri-choco' which is more or less a 'courtesy chocolate'. As the name suggests, it is mostly given out of courtesy to those males in whom the woman has no romantic interest whatsoever (the smitten and hapless male lives in dread of receiving this 'gift'). Those who have captured the fair maiden's hearts are rewarded with delicious, homemade chocolates, or the 'honmei-choko'!

White Day!

A month later, on March 14, it is payback time as the men give return gifts to all the women who presented them with chocolates. This is known as the White Day. Well, it is almost like having two Valentine's Days in a year! Started in Japan in 1978, it was supposed to be the answer to Valentine's Day. The men usually shower the ladies with candies, chocolates (white chocolate in particular) and marshmallows.

Black Day

While both Japan and South Korea observe White Day, the singles in South Korea have created another day that is unique to them. Called the 'Black Day', it is 'celebrated' a month later (on 14 April) to lament their still-single status! Lonely hearts mark the day by dressing in appropriate dark-coloured clothes, eating noodles with black bean sauce and mingling with other singletons!

Valentine's Day in Singapore

While flowers have always been an inseparable part of Valentine's Day all over the world, it is Singapore that truly becomes a flower-decked nation on 14 February! This island nation has a large youth population for whom Valentine's Day is a big event. Cupid-struck Singaporeans simply cannot have enough of flowers -- and more flowers! - to express their heart's desire for their sweethearts. For a smitten young man, a flower becomes much more than just an attractive offering but rather the unspoken language of his love.

Roses dominate the day, holding court in all their many-hued splendour. The very air is filled with the exotic fragrance of roses of every possible colour on Valentine's Day.

Of late, a trend that is catching on among youngsters is to look beyond the rose as the traditional flower for Valentine's Day. Those who wish to make a 'flower statement' prefer other blooms such as elegant tulips and orchids (the flower of everlasting love) on Valentine's Day in Singapore.

Sentosa - Key Tourist Spot in Singapore

2010-09-17T08:15:00.001-07:00

Sentosa was once known as Pulau Belakang Mati, in Malay "Island of Death from Behind". In a 1972 contest organized by Singapore Tourist Promotion Board the island was renamed "Sentosa" meaning in Malay "Peace and tranquility".

Sentosa has an area of 5 kilometre square and is located 0.5 km from the Southern tip of main island Singapore. 70% of the island is covered by secondary rainforest. Sentosa is a habitat of monitor lizard, monkeys, peacocks, parrots and other native flora and fauna. It has a beach stretching 3.2 km.

Sentosa together with a neighbour island, Pulau Brani naturally plays an important role in protecting the Singapore Keppel Harbour which is one of the busiest harbours in the world, from monsoon and rough sea.

Historically, Sentosa is an important military spot. It was fortified to protect the harbour and coal stock. During World War II, Sentosa was used as a British Military Fortress. Following the surrender of Allied Forces on 15.2.1942, Sentosa became a prison of war camp for Australian and British prisoners of Japan.

In 1970, the Singapore Government decided to develop Sentosa into a holiday resort for local visitors and tourists. Since then, some S$420 million of private capitals and another S$500 million of Government funds have been invested to develop Sentosa.

One of the attractions available in Sentosa is the Underwater World & Dolphin Lagoon which is an oceanarium located on the Western part of Sentosa. Opened in 1991, it has more than 250 species from different region of the world. The oceanarium has 83m long travelator that moves along a submerged glass windowed tunnel from which visitors can look at the marine lives like sharks, turtles, fishes, coral etc. A Dolphin Lagoon, was included which houses some Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. "Meet Dolphin" sessions are held daily.

Song of the Sea show was started in 2007 replacing the 25 years old Musical Fountain show. It is the world's only permanent show set in the sea. It has a spectacular pyrotechnics displays, a live cast and an open air viewing gallery for 2500 visitors.

Situated at the Imbian Lookout Sone, Carlsberg Sky Tower is the tallest free-standing observation tower in Asia. At 110m above ground, 131 meter above the sea level, it offers visitors a panoramic view of Sentosa, Singapore and the Southern islands.

Merlion is a 37m high structure. It was opened in 1996. It recalled the story of Sang Nila Utama who saw a lion in Temasek (sea town - Singapore' old name). Visitors can take a lift up to 12th floor to view the city state.

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom is another attraction. It has 15,000 butterflies with more than 50 species. The Insect Kingdom houses some 3,000 species of rare insects from all over the world.

Cineblast is the only Singapore ride. It was opened in 2007. It is a simulation ride which brings visitors on an extreme 3D long ride using the latest technology. It is equipped with unique sound and light technology that is found in theme parks like the Universal Studio in the United States.

Fort Siloso which is situated at the West of the island was built by the British in 1880 to guard the narrow Western entrance to Keppel Harbour. On display are ammunition bunkers, barracks, gun emplacements of the fort and collection of photographs, documents and film chips.

Visitors who like fun may join the new year eve party i.e Silos New Year Eve Splash held annually at the Siloso Beach.

Sentosa aims to be one of the world's most luxurious holiday locations. It has the first Asia tourism academy. One of the Integrated Resorts - Resorts World incorporating a casino is situated at Sentosa. It costs S$5 billion to build. When it is completed in late 2009, Sentosa will be much more competitive in tourism industry in the region.

Best Places to Live in Singapore

2010-09-16T08:00:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for a place to stay in Singapore with an expat community, these are the areas that will interest you if you're working in the main Central Business District. All the locations are within 17 min (or less!) drive to the Central Business District of Singapore.

East Coast - Live At Katong
Expats are fond of the east because of its close proximity to the beach, and the entire feel of the place. It has a palm tree, sand and sea locality and its main highway is the ECP. This allows a quick drive to work in the Central Business District along a scenic expressway that gives you a view of the ocean and Singapore's city skyline.

You'll be interested in condos at Katong where the rental is anywhere from $4500 up.
There're international schools located within 20 min of this condos in this area as well.

West- Live At West Coast
The Vision is one of the newer condos to be completed est 2014. This area is 15min drive to the main CBD and 10min to Harbor front. You'll pass Harbor front before reaching the CBD.

When you live at The Vision, you can have an ocean view and the amenities of a city lifestyle. This area is served by 3 large parks. If you enjoy sports, exercise, convenient grocery amenities, West Coast is worth a look at.

North - Live At Bukit Timah
This is a very rich district and many expats love living here. Examples of new condos here are Cyan located at Keng Chin Road. Although it isn't close to the sea, many good schools both local and international schools located within 15 minutes of properties found here.

Central - Live At Orchard or Newton Circus
Living in the heart of the city means being close to shopping, Louis Vutton, Chanel, Dior. There're service apartments at Orchard, and older condos available for rent. Older units will tend to be more spacious, yet we can't expect the price to be low because you're in the heart of the city.

South - Live At Sentosa Cove or Marina
This place is going to be a great place to live in when all amenities are fully operation by 2013. This area is just 15 min drive to the Central Business District. Just like the east, you can enjoy ocean side living and the best nightlife, dining, shopping, games, wakeboarding fun Singapore has to offer. Nearby is Sentosa where the casino and universal studios are located.

The Marina Collection condos is a yacht, waterfront lifestyle living that you'll not find anywhere expect in the south. If you work during the weekdays and want to unwind on your yacht, then this is the place to be.

Warm Up the Right Way - Steps to a Complete and Correct Warm Up

2010-09-15T07:45:00.001-07:00

When clients in Singapore come to ask for personal training, I realized that we all want to lose weight and get fit. However without a proper warmup, injury risks go way up and when we are injured, we can't train effectively, side-tracking all our fat loss, weight loss and fitness goals.

As a personal trainer in Singapore I am often asked..."What Makes a good Warm-up?"

When we think about warm-ups, somehow our minds go back to physical education class in our school days. When I was in school in Singapore, we were told to move into several stretches and "stand here and hold this position for a count of 20".

These stretches were undoubtedly followed by several laps around the track of field. You know what... this is not all that bad. In fact physical education lessons 2 times a week is more physical activity than most people get in this day and age. But remember we want to have an attitude of excellence. "not all that bad" just won't cut it.

Let's look at this way. How many of us have the ability, passion, athletic background, genetics or even the desire to train for a place in our country's Olympic team? Not many right? However does that mean that the "non-elite" athlete or even the regular person at a gym, should train in a less than optimal (Olympian) way? I would hope not. And I certainly hope my personal training clients don't accept any run of the mill training methods either.

Of course we would not be lifting the weights that they can. We would not be running, jumping or swimming as fast or as long as they do. However in fundamental aspects they are the same as us, they are just more finely tuned. An Olympic sprinter has exactly the same number of muscles performing the same functions as the couch warming TV addict. The Olympian is just far more efficient and powerful.

Somewhat like a F1 Racecar versus a broken down 1970 Nissan Sunny. The sunny may never Race on the F1 circuit. But if we put in a new engine (muscular strength and power), new suspension (more mobile joints and stronger bones/connective tissue), and a new body kit (reduced body fat) this old car is going to do pretty well for itself in a local street car race. That's great considering its former state of disuse and ill-treatment. And this is what we hope that all our readers and personal training clients achieve.

The Warm-up techniques in this article are the beginnings of the transformation of that run down Nissan. The warm-up exercises will prepare your body for training.

* Your cardiovascular system will be activated * Your joints and connective tissue will be more pliable * Your nervous system that controls your muscles will be activated * Your balance and reaction time will be improved. * Your body will be in motion, negating the effects of keeping the body in a fixed position (usually sitting down for extended periods) as is common in our sedentary lifestyles

The exercises are designed to "bullet-proof" your core and major joints from injury. Injury is frustrating, prevents progress and is also uh...inherently painful.

The warm-up exercises are so important that if you really had a tough day with zero time for yourself, all your planning (you did plan to train right?) and all your scheduling (you did plan time to train right?) went down the drain... the very minimum that you should do on that day is a series of warm-up exercises.

If you are having a regular workout the warm-up exercises should be done before the training session. The components of a warm-up are:

Self Myofascial Release (SMR)-

This is a fairly new piece of "warm-up" technology. It simply means self massage for parts of our body that may have knotted up muscles. These knots cause the muscles to become shortened, tightened and weak. Normal stretching does not help here. The illustration is one of a rubber band with a knot in it. Stretching does not help. The knot remains and the rubber band does not function optimally. SMR gets rid of the "knots". It is cheap to do and makes you feel absolutely great. I have had experiences with clients who come is super stiff and tight. A few sessions of SMR and they feel like they are 30 years younger. SMR is an article in itself but there are some good videos out there. One is called "Foam Roller Techniques" by Coach Mike Boyle. The commonly used tools are foam rollers and tennis balls. Depending on how tight you are, you should spend 3-15 minutes on SMR.

Static Stretching -

Static stretching is the most "ancient" part of the warm-up. However it has been shown to "deactivate" muscles (which makes sense because we have stretched them and now we want them to contract forcefully during exercise? that's not going to happen!). Deactivation is bad because it makes our strength training session less productive. But what if we WANT to deactivate the muscle? That is the case for some of our tight and overactive muscles. Common ones are the hip-flexors (front of thigh and hip), the thigh adductors (inner thigh), and the upper trapezius/levator scapulae (neck).

From my experience as a personal trainer in Singapore, our seated and hunched postures (long hours of computer use etc) these are the muscles that get tight. Static stretching helps here. 2 sets of 20 second holds per tight muscle should be enough. Remember this is done AFTER SMR. (the knots are gone now we can stretch effectively)

Dynamic Stretching/Muscle Activation -

Now the fun begins, there are numerous movement drills and bodyweight exercises that can be used in this category. The key idea is to increase body temperature and activate muscles so they work properly during the main workout. The key muscle to activate is the glutes (buttocks) because these are not well conditioned in most people. Failure to activate them results in hamstrings, adductor and lower back muscles taking the strain. That is a recipe for injury. Good instructional DVD's for dynamic warm-ups are "Magnificent Mobility" and "Inside-Out".

Core Training -

In most personal training programs in Singapore, this area is often left out but it is important. I include core training in the warm-up because I have seen to many people with poor core function. The key muscles are:

Transverse Abdominus (TVA) - This muscle performs the "drawing in" of the belly button. This is a skill that is lacking in many people, especially those who have excessive lower back arches. Stand up straight with arms overhead, and think of making yourself as "thin" and as "tall" as possible, as if you were trying to squeeze between two vertical poles which are close to each other. Hold the drawn-in position for 5 seconds for 5 sets.

External Obliques - This is trained by moving the hips to the shoulders. Any kind of reverse crunch trains this movement

Internal Obliques - This is trained by moving the shoulders to the hips, any kind of crunching movement trains this. Take note, the crunch movement curls the body into the "smallest" possible ball, it does not bring the "face to the ceiling"

Lateral Flexion - This is achieved by all kinds of side bridging.

Do 2 sets of 5-10 reps at a controlled speed.

Once you have all these elements in your warm-up, you are ready to train. It should take 20 minutes to get all this done. But it is important enough not to skip it!

High End Luxury Market Property Outlook

2010-09-14T07:30:00.001-07:00

There is a possibility that the high-end luxury market will soften soon. The government might be expressing its fear on the downward trend of the high-end luxury market demand because the government was quite fast in sending out press releases that the high-end market luxury prices in Singapore are still a bit lower than the prices in Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, New York, and Paris. Definitely, they made a research and compared the per square feet prices (psf) of the high-end luxury properties between nations.

The expatriates residing in Singapore have been demonstrating keen interests on the high-end luxury properties market. This potential qualified foreign market for high-end luxury properties are comprised of high net worth foreigners who are investing in real estate properties to support their travel and business accommodations in Singapore. The usual areas classified as high-end luxury properties in Singapore the following:

• Ardmore Park
• Grange Road
• Leonie Hill
• Oxley Road
• Patterson Road
• Botanica Garden Area
• St. Martin
• Balmoral
• Marina Bay
• Sentosa Cove

The new entrants to the high-end luxury markets are the Marina Bay and the Sentosa areas. The rest of the lists are the traditional District 9, 10, and 11 areas. In the coastal areas, one can still find high-end market luxury properties such as the Keppel Road and the Shenton Way. Although many are advertising as belonging or providing high-end luxury properties, not all areas really have the attributes befitting that of a high-end luxury property. This implies that potential buyers of the high-end luxury properties need to understand the characteristics attributed to a high-end luxury property in the area they are planning to buy and at least know the property trader or negotiator. It would be wise to know and identify the properties that were already classified and accepted as belonging to the high-end luxury property.

High price volatility characterized super high-end Luxury real estate properties

Timing is important when you plan to buy real property or other assets. The difference of the prices could range from $2,500 to as high as $4,000 psf. Rich people holding about $5 to $10 million of net assets may find that timing is crucial when investing in real estate super high-end luxury market properties. However, for people with about $20 to $100 million worth of net assets, they really wouldn't care much about timing regardless of the purpose of the purchase. They still hold substantial holding power over their investments.

Airport Hotels in Singapore Provide Much Needed Accommodation and Comfort to Travelers

2010-09-13T07:15:00.001-07:00

Changi airport of Singapore has an interesting history in terms of development. The government of Singapore had two options: expand the existing airport at Paya Lebar or build a completely new airport at another location. However, after extensive study the government reached the conclusion that a brand new airport is necessary if Singapore has to accommodate the expanding aviation sector.

Today, Singapore is a leading hub of business and investment and a guiding force for many Asian countries showing a successful development model. Changi airport of Singapore caters to a wide number of travel requirements of travelers.

Singapore has a number of tourist attractions which includes temples, churches, shrines, memorials amongst others. Some popular tourist attractions in Singapore are: Clarke Quay, St Josephs Church, Fort Siloso, Little India, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Changi Village, Singapore Zoo, CHIJMES - The Singapore Art Museum, etc. However, it is the Merlion which could be considered the most attractive tourist attraction in Singapore.

Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, Changi Chapel and Museum, Sentosa Island, East Coast Park, etc. are some other popular tourist attractions in Singapore. Accommodation in Singapore is not an issue at all as various hotels in Singapore offer extensive range of accommodation facilities to travelers at affordable tariff.

Consisting of 63 small islands, Singapore is a leading economy of East Asia. Recently, the country has developed its health infrastructure to help develop medical tourism. Lots of human effort has been taken to make the country a beautiful tourist destination. Changi airport is considered one of the best and well equipped airport in entire world. Various hotels situated near to the airport provide extensive range of accommodation facilities to travelers. Airport hotels in Singapore becomes essential for the reason that travelers want comfortable and cozy beds after tiring air traveling.

Airport hotels in Singapore become an unavoidable resort when flights are late and travelers require waiting for 10-12 hours. One famous Singapore airport hotel is Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel. The hotel in 4-star lavish property located near to the Changi Airport provides ultra-modern amenities and services to travelers. Dainty accommodations, large business halls, and succulent dining feast, etc. are some specialty offers of the hotel. Some other Singapore Airport Hotels including of Lion City Hotel, Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, Changi Village Hotel, Paramount Hotel, etc. provide comprehensive range of accommodation facilities to travelers.

Another Singapore airport hotel is Ambassador Transit Hotel which is located within the Departure Transit Lounges in all three terminals of Singapore Changi Airport. The hotel is well equipped with a number of amenities and facilities which make staying of travelers in the hotel comfortable and satisfactory. Facilities such as wake-up Call Service, TV, Ensuite Bathroom, Complimentary Coffee / Tea Making Facility, Swimming Pool & Pool Bar, Hair, Beauty & Aromatherapy, Gymnasium, Shower, Office Services, etc. are being provided by various Singapore airport hotels.

Besides, the hotel also provides budget accommodation wherein travelers share rooms and bathroom with other cohabitants.

Cheap Flights To Singapore, Enjoy More, Always

2010-09-12T07:00:00.001-07:00

As a result, the city boasts of an affluent and matchless heritage. Being a popular vacation destination in Asia and the world over, it is quite easy to find cheap flights to Singapore. An interesting thing to note about the city is the fact that it is one of the safest places for women tourists to vacation alone in. with so many places to be seen and things to be done, Singapore is literally a storehouse of attractions. Visit Little India or Chinatown to buy your exquisite souvenir, take a trip to all the heritage sites, see the largest collection of contemporary Southeast Asian artworks at the Singapore Arts Museum, catch a cultural event at the Victoria Theater, click picture of some of the finest architectural masterpieces, spend an evening watching a conventional or avant-garde theatrical performance at the Esplanade, or uncover amazing facts of yore at the Perankans. Be it a family vacationer, a lone traveler, a group of friends out to have a good time, married couples or elderly people, Singapore offers appealing choices for one and all.

Jurong Bird Park, Vivocity, Merlion Park, Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore, MINT Museums of Toys, Singapore Flyer, and the Singapore Discover Center, just few of the many places that sure enough to thrill any kids and adult alike. Art-aficionados, too, have a fun-filled time visiting all the art galleries and exhibition centers as these venues house of the celebrated works of art, both local and international. Singapore is vibrant and dynamic, and these two characters start to grow on you after a time. Stunning landscapes, striking vistas, panoramic views, and warm and friendly locals, the city is simply a sight to lo and behold. Never to let anybody down, the city caters to both a budget traveler as well as a discerning tourist. Dotted with plenty luxurious accommodations, cheap hotels, bed and breakfasts, villas, motels, apartments, and holiday homes, finding a suitable lodging is just no problem here. A place that offers exhilarating time no matter what, Singapore should fare as the topmost place to visit in your list now.

Singapore - 7 Food & Drinks in Singapore That You Must Try!

2010-09-11T06:45:00.001-07:00

Singapore is a lovely country in South East Asia. It is located just south of Malaysia, with a total population of close to 5 millions. It is popularly known as a shopping and food heaven, and a safe country. Tourists have no problem hanging out at night because the security is very tight in Singapore.

If you are a food lover, you will definitely love Singapore. This is because Singapore is a multi-culture country, with many different religions existing hormonally together. In Singapore, you will find many different types of food from all religions. In this article, let me share with you 7 food and drinks that you must try when you visit Singapore:

1. Laksa. Laksa is originally a Malaysia dish. But as Singapore has its own roots in the Peranakan community, you will see food stores selling Laksa here. This dish consists of rice noodles cooked in spicy coconut gravy, with bean curd, prawn and chicken meat.

2. Chicken Rice. Chicken rice is the most popular dish in Singapore. In Singapore, you can easily find stalls selling this delicious dish. You can choose a serving of steamed, bbq or roasted chicken with rice cooked in garlic and chicken stock.

3. Chili Crab. When you visit Singapore, you must dine at Jumbo Seafood. They offer crabs that are cooked with spicy chili and egg gravy. If you are a seafood lover, this is something that you cannot afford to miss.

4. Singapore Sling. Singapore Sling is a cocktail that is originally invented for the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel. The recipe of Singapore Sling contains gin, cherry brandy and Benedictine. You can drink Singapore Slings at most of the bars in Singapore and on flights of Singapore Airlines.

5. Indian Rojak. Rojak means a mix of several ingredients. In Singapore, you can find Rojak prepared by Chinese and Indians. A dish of Rojak consists of bean curds, vegetables, fried dough and seafood.

6. Satay. Satay is simply Singapore version of meat on skewers. You can get different kinds of meat: chicken, beef and lamb. In Singapore, Satays are served with peanut sauce which makes it extremely delicious.

7. Ice Kacang. Ice Kacang is a dessert that is well-love by many Singaporeans. A bowl of Ice Kacang consists of a base of jelly, corn, red beans, attap seeds and ice is grated on top of them. After which, it is topped with various colored sugar syrup and condensed milk.

How Is The Understanding Of The "Inherited Lens" Affect Health and Illness in Singapore

2010-09-10T06:30:00.001-07:00

Singapore is a cosmopolitan country and its population comprises the Chinese, Malays, Indians, and others such as the Eurasians. In this heterogeneous, multi-racial, multi-lingual and multi-cultural society, perceptions towards illness, medical treatment and health beliefs are expected to be varied. The fact that such diversity of the population as the various ethnic groups continue to celebrate their own cultures while they intermingle with one another, between people from different backgrounds and different genders. According to Helman (1994), the rules that underpin the organization of a society in the way it symbolized and transmitted, are all part of that society's culture.Helman (1994) also observed that culture, to a certain extent, can be seen as an "inherited lens" through which the individual perceives and understands the world in which he or she lives and learns to live within. The "inherited lens" has given us different perspectives of how individuals view their health and illness, and affects the way they respond to symptoms. It is also via this "inherited lens" that a patient determines how he seeks out health care.

A Singapore Minister, Mr Yeo, G. (2001) had distinctly highlighted that cultures evolve continuously, and are constantly in competition with each other. Although political correctness required us to view that all cultures are equal, but in reality, to achieve equality in cultures is an absurd proposition. Both cultural understanding and structure of health care, therefore, play an important part in determining health and illness. With the understanding of relevant health belief systems, we will enable the development of culturally sensitive health promotion programmes (Lee et al., 1993).

While culture can be influenced by other social variables like gender, class and age, other personal past experiences may also affect a person's responses to health beliefs. As a health care professional, we must take care to ensure that patients from certain cultural backgrounds are not stereotyped.

Chinese settlement has taken place in Singapore from the mid 19th century, with most people coming from southeast China (Singapore Chinese Physicians' Association, n.d.). Early migrants left China because of wars, floods, famine and poverty, and found work at the Singapore harbours.

Over the past 20 years, Chinese immigrants have arrived from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and elsewhere in Indochina. More recently, they have arrived from People's Republic of China (PRC), and these immigrants speak Mandarin and other Chinese dialects. They bring with them their own culture, and now have to integrate into a new culture. Prior to 1965, most Chinese immigrants were working class (Chang, 1999) and recently, we have seen more professionals immigrating into Singapore.

Reference:

Chang, K. (1999). Chinese Americans. In J.N. Giger & R.E. Davidhizer (Eds.), Transcultural nursing: Assessment & intervention (pp. 385-401). St. Louis: Mosby.

Helman, C. G. (1994). Culture, health and illness: The scope of medical anthropology (3rd ed). Oxford. Butterworth - Heinemann.

Lee, K. L., Schwarz, E. and Mak, K. Y. K. (1993) Improving oral health through understanding the meaning of health and disease in a Chinese culture. International Dental Journal, 43, 2-8.

Yeo, G. (2001, May 17). Interview with BG (NS) George Yeo, Minister for Trade and Industry by Dr Albert Bressand and Catherine Distler of Promethee in Paris. Retrieved January 05, 2007, from https://app.mti.gov.sg/default.asp?id=148&articleID=333&intViewCat=1&intCategory=3&txtKeyword=&txtStart=
&txtEnd=&intOrderBy=1&intYear=&intQuarter=0

Credit Cards in Singapore - How to Apply Online?

2010-09-09T06:15:00.001-07:00

Many banks provide a variety of credit cards in Singapore. The list of Singapore banks and the cards offered by them are listed below here.

DBS Bank, Singapore:

DBS Platinum card
DBS Visa Platinum card

Maybank, Singapore:

Maybank Horizon Platinum
Maybank MasterCard Platinum

Citibank, Singapore:

Citibank Paragon Platinum MasterCard
Citi MasterCard

How to apply?

If you are an savings account holder, getting a credit card is an easy job. If you do not hold a savings account, then getting a card is a very difficult job. Online application is an easy and best option to apply for the card. After the online application form is filled, the bank officer will contact you automatically. In the registration process, you need to enter necessary information in the site. Once you register in the respective website, cards will reach your doorstep.

There are certain eligibility criteria required to apply for a credit card. Some of them are listed below here.

Eligibility Criteria:

The applicant should be at least 21 years old.
The applicant should earn a minimum amount of S$30,000 p.a.

Details to be entered in the application form are listed below here.

List of details:

Personal information
Employment information

Personal information includes:

Full name
Name to appear on the Credit Card
Nationality
Date of Birth
Marital Status
Gender
Ethnic group
ID Type
Passport Number
Highest Academic Qualification

Employment information includes:

Employment Status
Industry Type
Current Position
Company Name
Company Address
Length of Current Employment.

If you have worked previously, then the details regarding the previous company should also be entered. These details are required to fill in the online form of Maybank.

Charges:

The annual fee is around S$ 30.
Charge for card replacement is around S$ 30.
There are minimum monthly repayment charges and late charges.

Singapore Women At Their Best

2010-09-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

One might think that the women of Singapore would be similar to other Asian women. However, upon giving the cultures a second look, most are surprised to know that Singapore women are quite independent. In fact, this is one thing many Western men find very attractive, although it does seem to annoy the more traditional men of Singapore quite a bit.
Singapore women today are more focused on education and their career. They are not rushing into marriages at young ages and are waiting later in life to have children. Some people think this is a huge mistake and worry about the culture of Singapore declining as a result. In fact, they often blame the Western world for influencing their young women to be more independent.
The truth is that women in Singapore are just not as interested in getting married anymore. If they are not married and have started a family by the age of 30, they will never likely do it. At that age, they are already in an established career and would have to give so much up to have the family they may not even want to have. So, they are using their rights to choose not to marry.
Strong character is one of the most attractive features of today's Singapore women. They are even entering the world of politics and are being welcomed with open arms by most of the male politicians. These women know that they need to act like equals to men in order to be seen as equals and are willing to sacrifice to do so.

Fairmont Singapore Hotel Hosts 2010 Youth Olympic Games

2010-09-07T05:45:00.001-07:00

London is now busy preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games, but Singapore is even busier with only about a year of preparation for the Youth Olympic Games on August 14 to 26, 2010. This sports event aims to encourage young athletes from around the world to exemplify and embody the values of the Olympics such as excellence, friendship and respect.

This event seeks to instill true sportsmanship in these young athletes, aged between 14 and 18 years old, and will be competing in 26 sports. 2010 YOG is expecting 3,600 athletes from all over the globe, 800 officials from the 205 National Olympic Committees, 800 media representatives from major TV networks internationally, 20,000 local and international volunteers and half a million spectators, fans and sport enthusiasts.

To welcome, entertain and host the participants, YOG appointed Fairmont Singapore as their official hotel partner for this event. Ian Wilson, General Manager of Fairmont Singapore, expressed his enthusiasm upon this selection. He said that the hotel is extremely proud to be a part of this historic event. They are looking forward to showcasing the best of Singapore. They promise to welcome their guests from all over the world with warm and genuine hospitality. Their well-trained staff and crew will definitely give their guests an experience that would truly reflect the distinctive atmosphere of Singapore.

Fairmont Singapore is located in the city center, where cultural landmarks, historical sites, museums and parliament buildings, shopping districts, classy restaurants, business centers, relaxation spas, souvenir shops, nightspots, bars, discos and entertainment hubs are in close proximity. Mr. Goh Kee Nguan, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee, assured that visitors staying at the Fairmont Singapore will not have any problems traveling from the hotel to the competition venues because it is highly accessible and built in a good location.

The hotel has 769 guestrooms and suites and a collection of 16 restaurants and bars that offer a distinct taste, style, specialty and hospitality. The award- winning Willow Stream Spa, one of the largest spa facilities in Asia, gives a fitting relaxation treat for tired athletes and game officials who would want to freshen up and give their bodies their much deserved pampering.

Fairmont Singapore is already a trusted venue for hosting such large delegations. With their intense preparations and experienced management, this hotel is confident with their high quality service and reliable facilities. In 2005, Fairmont opened its doors to almost 6,500 officials, delegates, dignitaries and sports celebrities for the 117th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session.

It is capable of hosting large conferences and meetings like this because it is fully-equipped with facilities that help create a fitting environment for discussion, learning and intelligent interaction. The fourth level of Fairmont Hotel avails 70,000 square feet of state-of-the-art function space, with 27 meeting rooms including a cutting-edge Executive Conference Centre, equipped with an excellent Satellite Conference System for global conferences, an icon-based touch screen, flexible modular table system, ergonomic chairs, all conveniently close at hand. This is more commonly known as the Raffles City Convention Centre.

Franck Muller Conquistador Grand Prix of Singapore Chronograph

2010-09-06T05:30:00.001-07:00

The creation of Conquistador Grand Prix of Singapore Chronograph, in celebration of the Formula One Grand Prix of Singapore held in Sep, 2009, marks Franck Muller's return to support motor sport after its successful involvement in the Le Mans 24-hour race many years ago. The sporty watch conveys the spirits and values of this exceptional race.

Thanks to the brand-new design concept and the bold use of materials,the Conquistador Grand Prix of Singapore Chronograph sports elegant dynamic appearance. Sized at 48.00 x 62.70 mm, the case is done in ergal and titanium or Rose Gold and Titanium with eye-catching color contrast. The case is also is treated by anodized to improve its resistance to corrosion and abrasion .The case back is engraved with the Singapore Grand Prix 2009 logo. The innovative case is said to be inspired by the legendary Cintrée Curvex. And that is why it has an character you can never see on other watches and looks so sporty. The flambé silvered dial is also very exceptional , elegant yet masculine with applied indexes , super luminova relief numerals and well-organized layout.

Inside the watch is the FM 7000 automatic movement that provides hours,minutes, small seconds at 9, chronograph minutes at 3, and date at 6. The automatic movement is composed of 228 individual parts and has 27 jewels. It features platinum 950 segmented rotor, Côtes de Genève decoration, and 48-hour power reserve. The artisans of Franck Muller has spared no effort to make this movement truly exceptional and exquisite. Four other skillful decorations are adopted on the parts, including diamond polishing, hand-beveling, circular graining, and bi-color rhodium-plating.The watch has three pusher buttons: two chronograph pusher buttons at 2 and 4 , and the third one at 9 is used to set the date.

Conquistador Grand Prix of Singapore Chronograph is limited to 160 pieces worldwide.

Learning and Playing the Violin in Singapore

2010-09-05T05:15:00.001-07:00

Who is playing the violin in Singapore?
A lot of people.

With the success of artists like Lee Hom and the obvious benefits to learning this unique instrument, the violin has become one of the most popular instruments for people of all ages in Singapore. Playing the violin in Singapore you must first find a teacher. You may feel compelled to go to a large school or music academy. But if you really want a personalized lesson tailored to your own busy schedule, then a private tutor would be a better choice.

Four simple strings, a bow and an infinity of possibilities. Since the fifteenth century the violin has rendered some of the most beautiful sounds known to man. Whether in a formal orchestra (where the first player of the first violin is considered the leader of the orchestra) or onstage with a modern rock or pop band the violin is as versatile as it is beautiful.

Learning the violin in Singapore is not hard with the right teacher. Your success will depend on scheduling regular lessons and your dedication to practice. Again the benefit of a private tutor is if you need to cancel a lesson you will be able to reschedule right away and therefore not lose any important lesson time for that week.

Benefits to learning to play the violin in Singapore for your own pleasure or performance include

-Increased concentration
-Self satisfaction
-Meeting new people who have an interest in music
-Above all the ability to express yourself in a new and creative way!

Here is a list of violin shops in Singapore to get you started:
-Gramercy Music: 63453815
-Karl Heng Enterprise: 633917787
-Per S Ovesen-Rare Violins: +65 91810404
-Synwin Enterprises: 65 6 743 7865
-AmberCraft/Tong Ming Xi: +65 67327915
-Wing Classic Enterprise: 64434140
-Music Essentials: 67372905
-The Instruments Front Pte Ltd. 63467903
-Sonovox Music Centre: 63372700
-Rso Enterprise: 63532780

Destination Singapore: A Fine City For All The Right Reasons

2010-09-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

You may have heard the saying "Singapore is a fine city." You get fined for this, fined for that... you could even get fined for chewing gum (it caused a major door drama that stopped the MRT subway running). While there's no doubt that Singapore takes a tough stand on fines for anti-social issues and basic public behaviour, Singapore is also fine city for a tourists on a stopover or vacation break.

In fact, Singapore is one of the world's most popular destinations. A tiny island with mighty appeal, lying between Malaysia and Indonesia. Just 14 miles from north to south and 26 miles wide from east to west, it's slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Singapore lies in the heart of exciting Southeast Asia, a bridge between east and west and a place that buzzes 24/7.

It offers visitors a world of fantastic possibilities. Its ultra-modern skyscrapers and towers of glass contrast with the colonial charm of historic buildings, secret laneways and Chinese shop houses.

It's a confusion of culture with slick style and business energy. A melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian races. Safe, fun and friendly, the perfect place for a break. Singaporeans are super helpful to visitors and just about everybody speaks English as this is the main language of business and everyday life.

Singapore is also just a few degrees from the equator, so it's always a hot and happening place literally. Tip: dress for the tropics with light comfortable clothing.

Seven great things to do and see.

Singapore Shopping. A buyer's paradise.

The number one attraction is undoubtedly shopping. Stroll down the main boulevard of Orchard Road and you'll find plenty to tempt you and your credit card, but window shopping costs nothing. Each side of the road is lined with glossy designer boutiques, big stores and fabulous malls, not to mention shops displaying the latest digital wizardy.

Don't miss exploring the other side of Singapore either. It's fun to spend a day wandering the different locales and historic backstreets of Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street.

Enjoy a Singapore Sling at Raffles.

"When in Singapore, feed at Raffles", that was the advice of the renowned English author, Rudyard Kipling, and it still holds true today. The legendary Raffles Hotel is consistently voted as one of the top hotels in the world. It attracted a bevy of literary talent to its doors, from Joseph Conrad to Somerset Maugham to Noel Coward who were inspired by its unique atmosphere. First opened in 1887, Raffles has undergone extensive restoration over the years but today it's still as stylish as ever.

Now film celebrities, royalty, sports stars and anyone who's anyone, chooses to stay Raffles. Even if your budget doesn't allow an overnight booking, you could probably stretch to a refreshing Gin Sling in the Long Bar - it was invented here. Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created this deliciously different cocktail close to a century ago.

Food glorious food.

Making money is not the only things on people's minds in Singapore. The subject of food is a national obsession. After breakfast has finished, where to have lunch and dinner are the big topics of the day. As a visitor, your taste buds are spoiled for choice with plenty of food halls, stalls, cafes and upmarket restaurants.

Nonya or Peranakan food is the closest Singapore has to a "national" cuisine. It combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into its own unique blend. The resulting dishes are imaginative, tasty and often extremely subtle.

Travel tip: If you're heading this way in the month of July, the annual Singapore Food Festival is in full swing. A gastronomic feast of workshops, places to eat, amazing recipes and things to try are all on the menu.

Singapore Zoo Night Safari.

Forget a typical zoo experience, this is an "open" green environment where animals are allowed to roam in acres of lush jungle and parklands. Oppressive cages are absent.
The animals are actually kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from visitors by dry or wet moats. The moats are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision.

At night, Singapore zoo takes on a totally different feel with the famous Night Safari. A unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night. Through subtle lighting, you can view over 1,000 nocturnal animals from 100 species in their habitat. It's well worth spending an evening out here. Show time starts at 7.30 as the sunset in this part of world is very reliable, thanks to the position, close to the equator.

Sentosa. Singapore's premier island resort getaway.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Singapore, you'll find the resort getaway that is Sentosa Island. A stunning blend of leisure and recreational facilities, sea sports, golf and peaceful retreats. Get there by cable car (fantastic views) or bus, taxi and car.

A canopy of secondary rainforest covers 70 per cent of the 500-hectare island and it's home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. With is long stretch of white sandy beach, this is the only place in Singapore with real beachfront accommodation, such as Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort. You'll find this property (and many more choices all over Singapore) at sites like http://www.hotel.com.au/singapore

Clarke Quay. Night moves and grooves.

When the sun goes down, Clarke Quay, on the Singapore River, comes to life. During the 19th century, this was a commercial waterfront area, bustling with merchant vessels. The rich heritage is alive and kicking. The Quay been restored to create a colorful and stylish meeting place, filled with cosy cafes, bars, music and restaurants. Trendy night spots attract a big crowd, especially at the weekend.

Reflexology. Traditional Foot Massage.

Transport-wise, Singapore is easy to get around, by subway, bus or taxi, but you'll probably pound the sidewalks taking in the sights and sounds of this great Asian destination. Make time for some pampering.

Reflexology or foot massage has long been part of Chinese tradition and culture - a superb way to relax after a tough day bargain hunting. You'll find plenty of places to enjoy a massage, at exclusive Hotel spas, or the more reasonably priced specialty outlets all around Orchard Road, in shopping centres and Tanglin Road.

Singapore hotels to match every budget.

Singapore is one of the world's top travel destinations, especially for stop overs. (U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.) Accommodation-wise, you'll find a wide range of hotels to suit your budget - from major 5 star international names to smaller hotels offering great value rates. Book online and see the deals you can find.

During holiday time, Chinese New Year and during special festivals, it pays to book ahead because Singapore is always a fine experience. Web sites such as http://www.hotel.com.au/singapore have dozens of choices, in the shopping, business and nightlife districts.

Is Vibration Or Power Plate Training Useful? Personal Trainer Explains

2010-09-03T04:45:00.001-07:00

Only a few weeks ago, I got a series of emails sent to Singapore personal trainers and Singapore fitness bootcamp owners like myself regarding power plate training or vibration plate training courses. I am always trying to improve my knowledge so that I can help clients better and get them results more quickly...but we also should be picky about the kinds of methods we use.

"Power plate" is a cool name, but for a machine costing about 10,000 SGD per piece it better do more than sound cool. We could set up a decent small gym or home gym for the price of that machine alone! What is a powerplate? It is a surface about 1m by 1m in size that vibrates. That is it.

What does it claim to do? It claims to improve your blood circulation, flexibility, and increase bone and muscle strength.

Possible... yes!

But I believe only for a VERY untrained or elderly patient and only for a limited time till be the body gets used to it.

The claim about boosting flexibility does hold some interest for me. The reason for this is that fast vibrations are known to "turn off" what are known as spindle cells in your muscles. These Spindle cells are in all of our muscles and they report to our body changes in the lengths of our muscles.

So if we turn them off using vibrations from a power plate, you don't "tighten up" when you try to stretch, so you can improve flexibility. The usual "stretch reflex" is turned off. (you know, the one where you spasm if you stretch too far beyond your current flexibility)

However... if you do this too much, you might "turn off" the spindle cells too much and then your body will lose coordination because it has no clue how long the muscles are and how fast their length is changing.

In addition this stretch reflex has a role in producing speed and power, and this may decrease as well.

Finally, the stretch reflex is an injury prevention mechanism in your muscles so if you turn it off long term its bad news for preventing muscle tears/pulls.

Also, any good flexibility program can get you to improve flexibility and range of motion without these side effects.

In conclusion, I don't have an issue so much with the power plate or vibration platform. I am just concerned that it is not good value and that its claims are overblown. For the price, get yourself a good set of weight plates, bar, power rack and dumbells!

NOTE: Most countries have laws against how many hours per day you can operate heavy machinery like jackhammers. This is because constant vibration is not a good idea for your body especially internal organs. Just think about that when deciding if a power plate is something you want to be training on.

POEA Jobs in Singapore

2010-09-02T04:31:00.001-07:00

The POEA or Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, is the agency responsible for millions of jobs for Filipinos abroad. In recent years the POEA has set its sights on first-world countries in Asia like Singapore.

Singapore being only four hours away from Manila, is a great place to start job hunting for Filipino's wishing to work abroad for more money. In the last ten years Singapore has hired thousands of Filipino's in the domestic help field and in more recent years the IT and Arts sector.

The IT and Creative job sector in Singapore has opened up to Filipino's due to the English language skills of "pinoys", Local agencies have discovered that "singlish" can be quite confusing for the foreigners trying to do business in Singapore, hence the hiring of Filipino's with tech expertise and language skills.

Singapore with its 2 is to 1 dollar to Singapore dollar ratio is a great alternative for those Filipino's who do not wish to work in the gulf states far-away from home. The city-state still offers great earning capacity but without the "home-sickness" attributed to living and working in the middle-east

Many Filipino's find themselves leaving Singapore for the Philippines on the weekends and coming back for the Monday workday, refreshed and re-energized from the mini-vacation back home.

Singapore indeed is becoming a haven for Filipino workers wishing to enjoy the best of both worlds - a country no to far from the Philippines with the "Salary-power" to boot.

For those wishing to work in Singapore you may find more information on my bog found below

Glashutte Original 1965 Singapore Wristwatch at Limited Edition

2010-09-01T04:17:00.001-07:00

In our life, there are a lot of things need to be commemorated, such as the romantic and sweet wedding party, the world's Olympic Games, the death of a hero, the independence of a country, and so on. In order to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Singapore's independence, Glashutte Original, one of the most influential watch brands in the world, especially launched the 1965 Singapore Wristwatch at limited edition.

Everyone should know that Singapore got its independence in 1965. Since then, the economy gained a phenomenal growth and thus this new country became a role model for a lot of developing nations who wanted to emulate the success of this country. In the past 40 years, the milestone has been achieved, which built the international status of the current Singapore. It is the extraordinary achievement that inspires Glashutte Original to launch a truly unique wristwatch for Singapore.

In the history of Glashutte Original, it is the first time to create a timepiece on a national level. This collection is limited to 40 pieces: 2 in platinum, 10 in rose gold and 28 in stainless steel. For the rare production, it is not only owning a piece of art but also possessing a part of Singapore's history. The two pieces in platinum have their special usage. The first one will be presented to the Republic and the other one will be auctioned to charity.

This kind of wristwatch feature traditional round watch case crafted from shining yellow gold. At the right hand side of the case, there is the screw-in watch crown also yellow gold. It is really luxurious! However, the most eye-catching part should be the fantastic dial marked the Singapore's map. It is finished with genuine leather strap with deployment buckle for easy attachment.

Splash Out With Some Surfing in Singapore

2010-08-31T04:00:00.001-07:00

Singapore is an island, surrounding by waters clear and clean with some of the nicest beaches this side of the Asian region. As an island, we are surrounded by waters of the Indonesian Straits and some confluences of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. While we don't get the mile high waves that some of the other islands in other regions of the world, surfing in Singapore is a reality today. Many nay sayers of old said that Singapore could not suffice as a surfing destination and I say this is true. For the hardcore surfer, Singapore cannot match up geographically and oceanic ally to some of the walls of water that Hawaii, Australia and even parts of New Zealand; just to name a few, can offer to them. Thrills and spills, wipe outs and breathtaking moments are not the by word of the water sport landscape in these islands, but in the end of the day,

Singapore offers a different perspective on the sport. Wake boarding and wind surfing are some of the popular activities that you can enjoy yourself with in our waters and Sentosa is one of the prime spots for you to do this. An island in itself, it was named after the Malay word that meant 'tranquil'. Over the years, the facilities on the island have burgeoned to the point where families and sports enthusiasts can do whatever they want, including surfing. This brings me to the whole point of this article. Singapore is not a hardcore surfing destination and does not pretend to be one. It isn't the haven of X-games experts, this is the smooth and svelte user friendly island for the entire family. Wake boarding, the safe surfing has really caught on with kids and adults alike. Rental of wake boards are available at almost all the major beaches all over Singapore.

You can also do kite surfing and sail surfing, all you have to do is go to any of the sail clubs located in Sentosa, Changi and the West Coast. Getting started is pretty easy and the learning curve is generous. Many of these places offer training services and coaching before you get started so you know you have the guidance necessary before you decide to go off on your own. Whether you are behind the boat or riding the waves on your own, the potential for some safe and friendly fun is there. If you are looking to ride your surfboard into the sunset and conquer the waves, then you would have much better luck in countries like Indonesia or even Australia if you have the money. They are relatively nearby and you will get the challenge you need. If you are looking for some family fun surfing or just having a good, sometimes clumsy time with your friends, then Singapore is the place for you. If you look around, there are usually likeminded people splashing about, having some fun surfing in Singapore

Singapore Travel Guide - What to Do in Singapore

2010-08-30T03:48:00.001-07:00

This is a report on what living in Singapore is like. It can also serve as a travel report for your next visit to Singapore. Singapore is a city in South East Asia and it is situated just underneath Malaysia and to the West of Indonesia. It is a very small island and presently has about 5 million inhabitants. It is very tropical and hot with temperatures always above 30C. It usually only rains about once a day for about half an hour but there are also periods (like now) when there is hardly and periods when there is more. The majority of the population are Chinese descendants that came to Singapore in the early 1800s to work in the newly established port. Most of them speak mandarin although everyone in Singapore is taught in English with mandarin and Malay also being taught. The other 3 population groups are the Malays, the Indians and the Caucasians. All these groups have a very different culture and practice a different religion but Singapore prides itself on its diversity and everyone here seems to get on well. Singapore is a very clean and safe place to live which is one of the reasons I like being here. All the streets are really clean and look beautiful and in many places they are surrounded by lush tree and plants.

So what can you do here as a tourist?

Explore the different cultures Singapore is the perfect place to go if you want to have a taste of Asia, but still like the luxury of a very clean city, people that speak English and fantastic shopping. Although it is a very modern city there are still places in Singapore where you can still experience the Asian culture.

Places to visit

Arab street: this is the traditional neighborhood of the Malay people. You can find the mosque here and some wonderful quaint streets with little shops.
Little India: As soon as you step foot in this part of town, most of the people on the streets are Indian as are the restaurants and shops and you really get a sense of being in India.
Chinatown: lovely antique shops, temples and many beautiful old shophouses makes this a fun place to explore.
Raffles Hotel: this place served as a place of tranquility for the Europeans in colonial times. Today it is a lovely place to explore the museum, browse through some shops, have a drink at the long bar or sit on the outside terrace.

Enjoy the nightlife

Although Singapore seems to have a reputation of being 'boring" the city is working hard to get rid of this image. The formula 1 race is now held here once a year and 2 casinos are being built. There are already many nice cafes and restaurants here. I just love to go outside in the evening with minimal clothes on when the temperature is so lovely and sit at one of the many terraces outside.

Places I like:

Clarke quay: if you think that Singapore is not a happening place then visit Clarke quay. A very bustling part of town with many trendy restaurants, bars and nightclubs. One place I like there is the 1NiteStand comedy bar where they have excellent stand-up comedy and life bands.
Although I now prefer Clarke Quay this is still a fun and happening place where many expats and tourists hang out.
Dampsey Hill: this used to be where the former British army barracks were, but it has now been turned into a trendy area with upmarket restaurants and specialty shops.
Holland village: a fun and casual place to meet up for drinks, coffee or visit one of the many restaurants.
Raffles Hotel long bar: traditionally THE place to go for a Singapore sling.
Hawker centers: if you want to eat the Singaporean way try one of the many hawker center where you can eat very cheaply.

Enjoy beautiful nature walks

Few cities are as green and luscious as Singapore. There are many places to go for a stroll and discover new trees and plants. Here are some of my favourites:

Singapore botanical gardens: beautiful big park with wonderful gardens
Bukit Timah nature reserve: for those that want to be in the jungle and have a more challenging walk
McRitchie nature reserve: lots of lovely and peaceful walks here. From here you can also do the Tree Top Walk which gives you a different perspective on the Singapore's trees.
The Singapore zoo is a beautiful nature walk all by itself. The zoo grounds are wonderfully lush and of course it's fun to encounter some amazing animals along the way.

Lots of activities for the kids

Singapore has a lot of interesting activities for children

Forest adventure: a fun and challenging course across trees and over water. Children love this!
Sentosa Island: too many activities here. Some examples are: The luge, butterfly garden, laser show, trapeze, underwater world, dolphins, images of Singapore museum, beach, airlifts, dinosaur walk, etc. If you are traveling with kids then this would be the best place to stay.
Zoo and Night Safari: I believe that Singapore's zoo is one of the best (if not the best) zoo in the world. Both zoo and night safari are fantastic so that will be a tough choice to make (or you can just do both)
Wet and Wild and Jurong Swimming complex: fun places for swimming, complete with lazy rivers and slides
Jacob Ballas children's garden in the botanical gardens: a lovely free playground for the kids with water, cubby houses, slides etc (and shade for the parents to sit and chat). The botanical gardens also have a lot of ducks and fish that children love to feed.
East Coast Park: this is a park next to the sea, although you should not expect to do a lot of swimming here. People come here for walking, rollerblading, cycling but there are also lots of activities like a fair, watersports, sailing, taiqi, fishing etc.

Go Shopping!

Singapore is famous for its shopping which is the people's favorite pass time. There are so many malls here that I don't think I will ever be able to visit them all. Check these ones out:

General shopping: The most famous shopping street in Singapore is Orchard Road. Ngee Ann City is the home of Takashimaya, a big Japanese superstore. You will find many of the major brands here, and also the great book store Kinokuniya. You can walk from Ngee Ann City to Wisma Atria where there is a great variety of shops. Paragon is opposite Ngee Ann city and has a good variety of shops also. Another favorite is Singapore's newest mall Vivo City which is close to Sentosa.
Sports: for sport shoes and lots of other sports articles go to Queensway shopping centre. But my personal favorite, as many of my local sport friends will know, is the The Velocity Sports Mall at Novena square for some great deals on Adidas clothes.
Computers and electronics: Lots of variety of electronics and computers at Sim Lim Square. Another good one (less messy) is Funan DigitaLife mall. A good place for bargaining for electronics on Orchard Road is Lucky Plaza.
Singaporean: for Chinese products head to the Yue Hwa store. Arab street is good for baskets, textiles, mats and dry goods. In the Tekka Centre you can buy gold, (Muslim) food and clothes.
Children: The Forum shopping mall tends to be focused on children but it is very expensive.

Close to Singapore

One of the great things of living in Singapore is that it is so close to a lot of other interesting places and you can take advantage of that as a visitor too. Malaysia, Indonesia (Bali), Thailand and other interesting countries are only a few hours away. So if you would like to visit Singapore but still would like some relaxing days on a nice beach then you can combine it with a tropical beach in one of those countries. The closest to Singapore is Bintan Island which is a small Island in Indonesia. It's very easy to get there from Singapore with a 40 min trip by ferry.

Of course I've only scratched the surface on all the things you can do here. To know more you will need to buy a good guide book like Malaysia and Singapore (Eyewitness Travel Guides) To view this report with links or to see other travel reports be sure to visit my website.

Art Singapore Can Make Money For You

2010-08-29T03:34:00.001-07:00

Art Singapore has been held in Singapore since 2000 annually and is being held in the last quarter of the year, usually in October. It is successful because it is not only being held annually; the size of the exhibition actually increases.

From this, we know that the interest has been on the increase, but why is that so? Did the Singapore government really do such a good job promoting art that more people are starting to appreciate it.

The truth is, Singaporeans are very practical folks. In a society, where everything is about dollars and cents and every action must have a profitable reaction, there is bound to be some profitable reason for so many Singaporeans to be interested in it.

And the reason is of course the high returns that art is able to provide as an investment vehicle. Basically, when you invest in this, you are investing in the growth of the artist.

The value of your investment is in tandem to the fame of the artist. As he or she grows in reputation, so would the pieces that you have bought. And as Asia, especially South East Asia is a growing area; it is relatively easy to become famous in this region.

Collectors that purchased collections in earlier event held in Singapore, reported few thousands percentage returns. For example, a painting that is purchased for $800 in 2001 can be sold for $10000 in any auction house or galleries.

So, if you have some spare cash and is looking for another investment vehicle, this is one form that is definitely worth considering. Of course, October is a long time and if you want a preview of art in Singapore, there is another platform.

There is a Singapore Art tour organized by the Singapore explorer that would bring you to the different galleries and they have dedicated curator explaining to you the story and of the potential value of each pieces.

There you have it folks, if you are looking for an alternative investment, this is really something worth considering, don't you think so?

Singapore Global Investor Programme "GIP" Gateway to Investors Paradise

2010-08-28T03:15:00.001-07:00

Singapore is evolving into an entrepreneurs Mecca, proximately located to the emerging Asia, ever expanding free trade area, converging ASEAN, efficient infrastructure are not the only reasons but the governmental policies that favor the entrepreneurs and investors alike. Global Investors Programme administered by the Singapore Economic Development Board (SEDB) is one such one which attempts to ease the entry and of relocation investors, to enable them to setup and develop their business. After its launch this programme has attracted thousands of investors into Singapore.

The success of the Global Investor Programme can be attributed to great teamwork. What started out as an internal EDB objective to review its entrepreneurship programme, became an interagency collaborative effort to develop a holistic programme that caters to global investors in terms of our entry policy for foreigners interested in doing business here.

The GIP eases the way for foreign investors, entrepreneurs and business executives to set up and conduct businesses in Singapore. EDB will provide assistance in linking up foreign entrepreneurs and investors with local business networks, thus opening up more opportunities for business collaborations. This Programme comprises of four key schemes offering a range of immigration options for the investors, entrepreneurs, and business executives.

1. Permanent Residence for Investors
2. Multiple Journey visa
3. Social Visit Pass for Entrepreneurs
4. Entrepass

Permanent Residence for Investors: Under this scheme investors can seek permanent Residence status in Singapore and will be qualified if he/ she

o Invest at least S$1 million in a new business startup or expansion of an existing business operation or
o Invest at least S$1.5 million in a new business startup, expansion of an existing operation, approved Singapore-incorporated venture capital fund or Singapore-incorporated foundation or trust that focuses on economic development or
o Invest at least S$2 million in a new business startup, expansion of an existing operation, approved Singapore-incorporated venture capital fund or Singapore-incorporated foundation or trust that focuses on economic development. Residential property can be purchased with not more than 50% of the investment amount.

Other investment vehicles such as venture capital funds, foundations or trusts, and/or private residential properties will be considered for application for Permanent Resident applications. Up to 50% of the investment can be in private residential properties, subject to foreign ownership restrictions under the Residential Property Act (RPA).

Multiple Journey visa facilitates the frequent entry of business executives from visa-requiring countries into Singapore. Multiple visits, each lasting up to 30 days, are allowed during the validity period of the visa which may be for 1,2 or 5 year depending on the prevailing ICA's guidelines. The application has to be submitted along with a Letter of Introduction from a Singapore Registered company. This eliminates the Visa application for each visit. This will be of immense relief to investors who have to travel frequently to Singapore to attend to their business and investments.

Social Visit Pass for Entrepreneurs enables an applicant to stay in Singapore for 6 months, to explore business opportunities, conduct feasibility studies or complete negotiations. During the validity period the holder can leave and reenter Singapore without any hassle. The application for the SVP has to be furnished along with a support letter from the EDB.

To obtain a Letter of Support from the EDB the applicant has to provide an overview of the business indicating Objective of your stay, area of business interest, Preliminary business idea, Target market, Development strategy & proposed timeline, Track record of previous business ventures ,if any, Relevant skills & work experiences. It normally takes 5 days for the letter of support to be issued by the EDB while the SVP will be issued by the ICA quite immediately on the day of submitting the application or on the following day.

EntrePass is designed to facilitate the entry and stay of entrepreneurs in Singapore to directly manage the business operations, and comes with an initial validity period of up to 2 years. It is renewable as long as the business remains viable and lucrative. The EntrePass also allows the applicant's immediate family to live in Singapore while the successful applicants start and grow their business here. With the EntrePass a person can leave and re-enter Singapore frequently with ease. The lucrative nature of business and efficacy of the business plan are the primary criteria for the Entrepass. Normally it takes around six weeks to know the outcome of the application.

Singapore Math Books Might Need a Warning Label For Homeschool and School Teachers

2010-08-27T02:45:00.001-07:00

About 10 years ago, a new math curriculum took the homeschool community by storm. Singapore Math, an exotic alternative to traditional math instruction, was touted as the ultimate math curriculum. After all, Asia was consistently trouncing the United States in Math scores, and Singapore Math was the curriculum they were using. Whatever they were doing was working, and it was working very well.

Persuaded by rave reviews, homeschoolers switched to Singapore Math in droves.

Fortunately for me, my parents said no thanks. I was being homeschooled at the time. I was doing just fine with my math lessons the way they were... nothing fancy, just ordinary, traditional math lessons filled with repetitive problem solving. If my parents would have switched to Singapore Math, I think it would have been a train wreck for them and for me.

Singapore Math's main attraction is its focus on teaching mathematical thinking instead of repetitive problem solving. The goal is to give students an understanding of the way math works instead of drilling formulas into their brains. Singapore Math students are walked through each component of the problem then presented them with the whole problem to solve. The goal is to train students to think actively as they work through each step of a problem, instead of mindlessly plugging formulas into repetitive problems.

Sounds great, right? Not if you've already been trained to learn math the old fashioned way. For years I had learned math by working out practice exercises. Please don't take away my exercises and expect me to just think about it. That is a big leap for me!

If my parents had started me out with Singapore Math from the very beginning, I wouldn't have known any different. But even if I could make the leap, there is another problem with Singapore Math that I think is even harder to overcome, our teachers.

As hard as it might be for me and older U.S. students like me to make the transition from traditional math to Singapore Math, it must be even harder for U.S. teachers because they are just older students themselves. Teachers have more unlearning to do than the rest of us because they spent more years in school and then they spent years teaching math the traditional way. Old habits are hard to break!

As if this was not already hard enough, U.S. teachers have more adjustments to make than their students. With its focus on introducing new concepts thoroughly, Singapore Math requires teachers to slow down and focus intensely on areas the student does not understand right away. Forget about spending a few minutes to introduce the concept then moving on to practice drills. Teachers must be more aware of their students' progress and frustrations and be prepared to present concepts in new ways, breaking them down more, encouraging students to think more, and not moving on until the student can see it and grasp it. That sounds hard!

Despite these challenges, I really do like what Singapore Math is trying to do because it makes a lot of sense to focus more on understanding the concepts than on memorizing formulas. All I'm trying to do is point out some stubborn realities that have to be dealt with and should be considered before anyone starts using this curriculum. Perhaps it should come with a warning label, 'Warning: This is a lot different from what you are used to!'

Bringing Singapore Math textbooks into our classrooms is easy. Getting United States teaching methods out of our classrooms is not so easy.

Streets of Singapore - Teban Gardens

2010-08-26T02:29:00.001-07:00

Teban Gardens is a small community in the western part of Singapore with an estimated population of about 35,000 residents. Though it is regarded as a mature estate based on the number of elderly residing there, there have been newly married couples moving into the neighborhood on the completion of 4 new 25-story blocks.

Teban Gardens is very easily accessible by public transport from Jurong East MRT Station and the Jurong East Bus Interchange while a nearby expressway, Ayer Rajah Expressway provides it with a well connected road access to travel to anywhere within Singapore.

Getting food and groceries has never difficult for the residents of Teban Gardens as a Teban Gardens Wet Market and Food Centre is situated at the heart of the town. With the recent renovation of the market, more variety of food and groceries are made readily available to cater to its residents. There is also a Police Station, Ayer Rajah Neighborhood Police Post nearby in case there is any emergency. Police are always seen interacting with the residents of Teban Gardens and readily render assistance if they are needed.

Teban Garden though, lack an entertainment outlet and for that, residents go about their shopping at Jurong Entertainment Centre & IMM Shopping Mall, which is about 15 mins drive away. Both of the place mentioned are located in Jurong East, whoch also includes the Jurong Regional Library.

There is also a reservoir, Pandan Reservoir, which covers a distance of about 6.4km. Residents are often seen sitting at one of the many benches with their loved ones gazing at the stars above or some would prefer jogging the tracks.

Top Universities in Singapore - NUS and NTU

2010-08-25T02:15:00.001-07:00

Undoubtedly the top ranked universities in Singapore are NUS and NTU!

National University of Singapore

National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked 33 in the Times Higher Education Supplement's World University Rankings 2007.

According to the Financial Times (FT) 2006 EMBA ranking of the Top 85 EMBA programs, NUS Business School rises in rankings for Executive MBA programs to be among world's Top 29.
NUS Business School did extremely well in two of the sub-categories - it came out Top 5 for the categories of 'International Attendees', and 'Top Salaries in IT/ Telecommunications'.

According to the THES 2006 World Ranking in the field of technology, NUS Faculty of Engineering ranked 8th in the World's top 100 in Technology

According to the Newsweek Ranking of Global University, NUS is ranked 36th in the top 100 universities.

Nanyang Technological University

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is the world's top 20 technological university!

According to the Times Higher Education Supplement's World University Rankings 2007, NTU is ranked 69 in the world.

The university has 2 campuses in Singapore: NTU at one-north campus and the Yunnan Garden campus. NTU at one-north campus is located next to Biopolis, the Singapore biomedical research hub. NTU has strong reputation overseas, linkages with world famous universities such as University of Washington, Stanford University, MIT, Cambridge, to name a few.

It offers undergraduate and graduate courses in Accountancy, Business, Communication Studies, Engineering, Science and Arts.

The university is recognized globally for its excellence in science and engineering. The College of Engineering is one of the world largest engineering colleges, with 6 engineering schools offering a variety of programs and specializations to meet the needs of many students.

It is also home to the National Institute of Education (NIE), which is the only teacher training institute in Singapore. NIE provides educational services to countries such as Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

The College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences is the first Singapore professional art school offering courses in art, design and media.

Nanyang Business School (NBS) offers one of the world top 100 MBA programs. According to the Financial Times survey (published in Jan 2007), its MBA program is ranked Number 1 in Singapore and Number 2 in Asia.

Where Can I Find a Good Art Exhibition in Singapore?

2010-08-24T02:00:00.001-07:00

The museum is a wonderful place for you to find good art pieces to look at, and they constantly update their collection with art pieces, sculptures, abstract drawings and monuments of the art world - the world over. Recently, the National Museum of Singapore worked closely with the French Government to bring over pieces of art from the famous Louvre in Paris. Singaporeans, for the first time ever, were able to be enthralled by the famous art pieces that stretched from the Renaissance Period - where art and culture exploded in Italy.

Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh and other luminaries of the time were transported with care across the ocean and were placed in the National Museum for all to see. Singaporeans and expatriates alike flocked to the centre of town where the building was located and it was packed to the rafters for days on end. Anyone who would say that art and culture has yet not found a place within the chaos of our eclectic and modern society would have been speechless as long queues were forming just for a peek of some of the famous and multi million dollar works by some of the best painters and artistes the world has ever known.

There was also the history of Singapore exhibition in sight and sound done splendidly in the same location - audience was taken through a visceral performance and exhibition with music, painting, sketchings and old 'headstone' of that era bathed in iridescent light. These are just some of the examples of art exhibitions you can find in Singapore. If you are looking to buy, then private art galleries galore offer you paintings by famous regional artistes from Hong Kong, Korea, China and even India. If you have the money to view and buy, then hop down over to the MICA (Ministry of Information, Culture and the Arts) Building just opposite of Clarke Quay and you will find a whole host of art galleries for you to quench your creative thirst.

These galleries represent some of the works by Asian and Middle Eastern Artistes - and they range from paintings, ornate furniture and even abstract art in all its forms. Prices range from below $1000 and can go all the way up. Art is about passion and not many people can put a price to that. If you feel that a work is worth its weight in gold and you have the money to spare, then you will be able to adorn your house with a work that spoke to you. Not only limited to this building, there are plenty of private exhibition houses like the Armenian Church, Takashimaya, Asian Civilisation Museum etc - just to name a few. This may be a small country but it is one with a taste for art and all its forms, as the population slowly matures even more with age and time, there will be many more outlets where the voices of the world will be seen and heard by Singaporeans.

Singapore City Map - Clearly Demarcate Political And Geographical Boundaries Of The City-States

2010-08-23T01:45:00.001-07:00

Singapore city maps are high-quality maps giving you in-depth information and exact locations of all the major tourist attractions and well-connected routes via land, water and air in Singapore.

Uniquely Singapore

Plan a trip to this enchanting place and unearth its richness through our Singapore city map. It is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The country is an island nation consisting of 63 islands and is one of the few remaining city-states in the world.

Wanderlusts dream destination, Singapore has medley tourist spots for all and sundry. Stroll along the banks of 'Singapore River' and you will be awe-inspired to see its famous landmarks. Visit Singapore's number of museums namely 'The Singapore History Museum', 'The Arts Museum', 'The Philately Museum', 'The Asian Civilization Museum' displaying the artifacts and historical masterpieces, conferring art connoisseur and mavens. City maps of Singapore also mention that you could plan a trip down to 'Orchard Road' that is bustling with tourist activities to enjoy shopping at its best.

The aura of exotic malls selling international brands and restaurants alongside bars, lounges, coffee bars and multiplexes are indeed features that catch your fancy. Enjoy the tropical sunset and tranquility of beaches on the Isles of Singapore, or visit Sentosa Island, you will be bowled over by its raucous and heart throbbing activities. You could also explore museums, aquariums, beaches, and rides and have whole lot of fun in this amusement park. All this and much more is clearly identified and defined on the city maps of Singapore.

The Singapore city maps clearly demarcate political and geographical boundaries of the city-states. Visitors and dwellers can find detailed information of transportation networks of major roads, railway lines, airport and highways to get to the specified location in a hassle freeway. All the directions are clearly mentioned to evade unnecessary confusion.

Singapore city maps are must have and one stop-shop to garner all the relevant information to plan travel itinerary.

Singapore Maids - The Two Main Categories of Singapore Maids for Your Family

2010-08-22T01:30:00.001-07:00

Singapore maids - if you have a maid at home, you may have this dilemma, especially in Singapore: you have a difficult time when you employ a maid, and you also have a difficult time when you don't employ a maid.

Firstly, understand that a maid in Singapore is what is commonly called an "ah-mah" or a domestic helper or a nanny. Given the fast pace of life here in Singapore, the help of a nanny or domestic helper is almost a need, rather than a want.

For the many expatriates in Singapore, it is important to have a Singapore maid to help with the household chores at home. Many of these maids come from places like the Philippines and Indonesia. Other countries of origin include Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. At the point of writing, there are about 150,000 maids working in Singapore.

If you were like many employers of maids in Singapore, you probably don't have a very good experience with them. But, due to necessity, you will just have to make do with them. Here's why...

If you have a maid who doesn't follow your instructions or is plain dumb, you will virtually "vomit blood" in teaching her to follow simple instructions. Most of these problems stamp from miscommunication between the employer and the maid, and in most cases, it is due to the maid's inability to communicate in English.

Due to the maid's inability to perform, some employers decided not to employ a maid. But then, they realized that the pace of life is too fast for them. Having to juggle work and take care of the children and their elderly parents at the same time is simply too much to handle.

It is indeed a painful problem waiting for a solution! While I don't profess to have the perfect solution, here's some information for your consideration.

Understand that there are fundamentally two categories of Singapore maids - new and transfer.

New maids are maids who have never worked in Singapore before. With the new regulations by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower, new maids have to have a minimum of 8 years of formal education and must be 23 years old and above. They must also pass a written test in English and a medical examination before they can work in Singapore.

Transfer maids are maids who are currently working in Singapore. They are transferring from one employer to another employer for various reasons (employers are leaving Singapore, they want a change of environment, etc.). They are typically more experienced and some of them may have worked in Singapore for as long as 15 years!

Here's one of the key difference between new Singapore maids and transfer Singapore maids.

Typical new Singapore maids are generally stationed at the Singapore maid agency's overseas training center (be it in the Philippines or Indonesia or some other countries), and you generally cannot interview them. You can only go through their bio-data and "try your luck". However, there are some agencies which may allow you to have a chat with them via the telephone or Internet webcam. While doing so, please bear in mind that their teacher may be beside them and teaching them how to reply to your questions.

As for the transfer Singapore maids, you can typically interview them face to face. Some Singapore maid agencies will even encourage you to talk to their ex-employers so that you can make an informed decision.

At the end of the day, getting the right Singapore maid for your family depends on your needs. New Singapore maids are typically harder to teach since they are inexperienced. However, they are likely to be less demanding in terms of their employment package, and they generally don't have day offs. Nevertheless, a new legislation has been passed such that they must be given a minimum of 1 day off or they must be compensated for it.

Transfer Singapore maids are likely to be easier to teach since they have experience. However, just like any experienced professionals, they would tend to want to have all Sundays off and a higher monthly salary. Some of them may be harder to "tame" since they are experienced.

At the end of the day, getting the best Singapore maid for your family boils down to taking the effort to evaluate the maid and matching her to your needs.

XBRL - An Introduction - For Malaysia and Singapore

2010-08-21T01:14:00.001-07:00

XBRL stands for eXtensible Business Reporting Language. It is an electronic communication of business and financial data language developed to present financial statement on the Internet. The key advantage of this new "language" is that an identifying tag is applied for each individual item of data instead of treating them as a block of text.

Since the financial data is now tagged, it thus can be recognized by the recipient party's computer. Accountants, auditors, regulators and financial analysts are used for other purposes; and also presents variety of ways in a fraction of a second and eliminate the possibilities of human error during the re-keying of financial data. This will allow flexibility while enhancing transparency and timely dissemination of relevant financial information.

With the financial data tagged before publishing onto the Internet, it is the Directors' responsibility to ensure correctness and accuracy of the financial statement in XBRL format.

Although Malaysia has not implemented XBRL at this moment, there is a reasonable expectation that Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) will implement this in the near future. This expectation can be seen from the growing use of XBRL in the global environment, including our neighbouring country, Singapore, who has been using XBRL for a number of years already. Other countries in Asia Pacific that are adopting XBRL formats are Japan, Korea, Australia and the Stock Exchanges of Thailand and China.

Singapore's Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), which is the equivalent of Malaysia's SSM, has already implemented XBRL formatting for Singapore companies incorporated on or after 1 November 2007.

Keeping in Touch With Singapore

2010-08-20T01:00:00.001-07:00

The island of Singapore - at the southernmost tip of Malaysia - was originally established as a British trading post in 1819. Under the guidance of Sir Stamford Raffles it was turning in a substantial profit within three years and Singapore has mainly thrived ever since. In addition, it has also established itself as a major financial and commercial hub for the Far East in the process.

Singapore achieved independence from both Malaysia and the UK in August 1965 and since then its government has worked hard to develop commerce and industry on the island, capitalising on its prominent location. In its 42 years existence the sovereign state has also not been slow to utilise the experience of foreign expertise. As a result, there is a thriving expat community in the city, made up not only of Brits but workers from many other countries; including large numbers of Australians and New Zealanders.

Keeping in touch with any friends and family that are part of that Singapore expat community is certainly a lot easier than during its period as a 19th century colony! In those days, ships carried mail from the UK with letters taking seven weeks to get there and even if a reply was penned immediately it would still take another seven weeks to reach the UK. Later the invention of the telegraph, the introduction of airmail and the advent of the telephone made communications significantly faster, but now almost instantaneous communication is possible thanks to the internet.

Free chat and video calling software can be used to keep in touch with other computer users on the island from anywhere in the world and making cheap calls to Singapore is also best done by utilising the internet. As calls using traditional landlines - especially from the UK - can still be extremely expensive, making a call to a Singapore landline or even mobile number using internet telephony is much more economical.

It is even possible to find VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers that offer unlimited calls to Singapore landlines and mobiles for a relatively low monthly fee. Of course, that same VoIP software can be used by businesses and for those that have to regularly communicate to such destinations it is a real boon - as you can take advantage of making cheap calls to Singapore, for example.

Those savings are potentially even greater because of the time difference. As Singapore is seven hours ahead of the UK, calling during Far East office hours means that they must be placed in early morning from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. - the latter two hours of that period being at peak rates. Probably another reason why internet phone calls to Singapore are thriving!

Singapore Dining - 5 Romantic Places to Dine in Singapore

2010-08-19T00:45:00.001-07:00

If you are in Singapore and looking for romantic places to dine, you are at the right place. In this article, let me share with you 5 romantic places to dine in Singapore.

1. Jewel Box at Mt Faber. Jewel Box is a very popular dining place among couples. It is located at Mt Faber, 90m above sea level. It is a restaurant cum bar, where you can enjoy privacy and nice sea view. To go to Jewel Box, you can take a cable ride at Sentosa or Habour Front.

2. Sky Dining. Sky dining on cable car is a very unusual way to have a dinner together with your partner. If you are looking for a great candle light dinner, sky dining is the default choice. Onboard of a cable car, you and your partner will dine 70m above sea level, with total privacy.

3. Alkaff Mansion. Alkaff Mansion is located at 10 Telok Blangah Green. It is a per-war luxury bungalow which is located on top of a hill. At Alkaff Mansion, you and your partner can enjoy live music, good food and a spectacular view of Singapore habour and sea. Alkaff Mansion was owned by a very wealthy Indonesia family. After World War II, the mansion was abandoned. The mansion was later converted into a restaurant and is popular among courting couples.

4. One Fullerton. At One Fullerton, you will find a few restaurants with great ambience, perfect for a romantic dinner with your partner. It is located at Raffles Place, near the Esplanade. Having dinner at One Fullerton allows you and your partner to enjoy the night breeze and nice view across the sea. Moreover, if you want to spend a night in a first-class hotel with your partner, One Fullerton Hotel is the number 1 choice.

5. Chijmes. Chijmes is located right in the heart of Singapore busy city and it is a formal girl's convent. At Chijmes, there are many pubs and restaurants. If you visit Chijmes at weekends, you will see the restaurants and pubs are packed with people, watching live soccer matches and enjoying live band performance. If you want to have a night of drinks and fun with your partner, you must definitely visit Chijmes.

Hope that with this article, you now know where to go if you want to have a romantic dinner with your partner in Singapore. Happy dining!

New Integrated Resort Singapore & Property

2010-08-18T00:30:00.001-07:00

With the new Singapore Integrated Resort coming up, hot property condo developments are coming up all over the island to tie in with the expected completion of Resorts Island Casino.

1. East Singapore Properties

Siglap V was one of the largest launches in the EAST side of Singapore. Its phase 1 units were sold out and phase 2 bookings begins after Chinese new year. There are also many smaller scale condo launches in the east. These condos have about 50 or so units and they do not have the condo facilities. This may be good for those that don't really need a swimming pool, gym, security guards. This can be a savings of ave $500 a month in terms of maintenance fees.

The good thing about buying property in the EAST is that its located in an expat area of Singapore where you can get good rental yield. It's also close to the seaside and you can expect good ocean breezes in the evenings.

2. Newton Circus

Areas around Newton Circus, then just slightly farther away, at Novena have many new up and coming condos that cater to the expat crowd. If you want a unit close to town and can afford the prices required, then a property at Newton Circus may be suitable for you.

3. River Valley

This is prime real estate and it sits just off Orchard Road. If you're looking to stay here, the units are generally smaller. If you want city location, and are comfortable with smaller units, then giving up room space for a fair pricing based on location is what you can find from condos such as River Valley Edge.

3. Holland Village

Real estate in this area is heating up because of its location near the expat area Holland Village. With the New Circle MRT, many good properties are being built in this area. One premium project is the Holland Collection worth your attention if cluster houses are your interest.

Singapore Tours - Tourist Attractions In Singapore

2010-08-17T00:16:00.001-07:00

Ultimate destination for wanderlusts- Singapore invites all in the enchanting realm to witness its eclectic charm. Tour in Singapore gives kaleidoscopic view of art, culture, cuisines and architecture. Singapore tour will knock your socks off! and you will be left asking for more. This multicultural country, is unperturbed by the turbulent history and has something for everyone. Singapore embodies both East and West beautifully and allures tourists in its sedate ambiance. Shopping, restaurant, soaring, skyscrapers, deluxe hotels, first class accommodation, popular spots in Singapore , all makes up for a great Singapore Tour!

Tourist attractions in Singapore-:

Night Safari-

Singapore's Night Safari, houses 1200 animals from 120 exotic species like Tiger, striped hyena, golden jackal, cape buffalo, one horned rhinoceros, and many, many more. It covers an area of 40 hectares, it has luscious vegetation. Tourists can go for, 'tram ride' to stroll and explore the fascinating range of animals.

Heritage Tour-

Visit one of the oldest Chinese temples of Singapore, "The Thien Hock Kheng Temple", which is a unique wooden structure and is more than 160 years old. "Chinatown Heritage Center", tracing the journeys, beliefs and myths of early Chinese migrants is another popular spot. Last but not the least, is "Kampong Glam"- where one can gain the insight about the practice of Islam. It's the place where once old Arab quarters once stood.

Isles of Singapore-

Singapore tour is incomplete without trip to its picturesque islands. There are myriad islands like Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island, Sentosa, St. John's Island. Backdrop of breathtaking scenery, tropical sunset, circumnavigating crystalline jade, blue and crystalline waters infuses invigorating freshness from deep within. Its a must visit place and a refreshing experience to explore the riches of Singapore.

Landmarks and Memorials-:

Chijmes-

Chijmes is a national heritage site and is a must-visit place. Recently it has gone for a spectacular face lift and is a popular dining, shopping and entertainment site. The sheer enigma of Chijmes is evident by the fact that it makes up for a breathtaking backdrop for musicals, recitals, weddings, bouqueting and theatrical performances.

Dalhousie Obelisk-

This colossal monument was built to commemorate the visit of Marquis Dalhousie, Governor General of India, to Singapore in 1850 and has emerged as a famous tourist attraction in Singapore.

Esplanade- Theatres Of the Bay-

It is one of world's busiest arts centers. It opened for the general public on 12th October 2002. Esplanade comprises of two domes: houses theaters and concert hall. It is made of glass and create cool confines for the guests with aluminum sunshades with laminated glass. This landmark is a center for performing arts and encompasses music, visual arts, theater and dance.

Lau Pa Sat-

Lau Pa Sat is located in the heart of Singapore's business district. It was built in 1894, and is the largest remaining cast-iron structure in Southeast Asia. Here, tourists' can devour on wide-variety of mouth-watering local food in affordable prices.

If the Tour to Singapore is beckoning you then pack your bags, tie shoelaces, Right Now! Grab the chance to go on a Singapore Tour.

For more information on Singapore Tour, please visit Singapore Tour.

Good Things About Web Hosting

2010-08-16T00:00:00.001-07:00

Literally, there are hundreds of web hosting companies over here in Singapore, and all you need to do is to point your finger on the Green Book and you will find one. The reason for this is that to set up a company like this is pretty easy, all you need is some of the initial investment in the equipment, and you can find some pretty decent ones out there for reasonable prices, when considering for a business of course. And the other thing is that a majority of these companies are mobile or that they operate from their home. There is no office necessary when your set up is small to medium, and all your correspondence with the client can be done through the internet or over the phone. Even the areas of customer service and troubleshooting can be done remotely. Because of this, the proliferation of the industry has taken on a whole new meaning, and more and more companies are setting out, because of the fact that it is a good money earner when you have a strong pool of clients - which is pretty easy to find based on the reliability and the reputation of Singapore itself.

Now, there are many good things when we are talking about the industry in Singapore. For one thing, there is no shortage of companies here, which means you would be spoiled for choice at the end of the day. The other thing is that when thinking about this, you would be assured that there are quality checks and there are regulations that allow these companies to operate only when able to meet certain industry standards. Also, for those who have business websites and commerce websites, it is a good thing about the safety and security standards here in Singapore, which means that your information will be protected and your clients will have the peace of mind when they are visiting or doing any sort of transactions on the web. All in all, these are some of the points that you might want to keep in mind when you are thinking about the Singapore web hosting industry. Now, the other thing you can look at is the top of the line customer service and technical support that you will be getting with these companies, which, as most of us know about, is one of the most important aspects of the industry in all.

So, as you can see, there are many good points for you to know about when you are looking at the Singapore web hosting industry. Of course, there are always going to be more good points, and these are going to be balanced out at the end of the day with some reports of course. All you need to know about is that in the end of the day, the level of stability and safety is quite high at the end of the day. If you need more info o this, all you need to do is to get online.

History of Singapore - in a Nutshell

2010-08-14T23:45:00.001-07:00

Situated at the southernmost tip of the Malay Peninsula with a land area of 685.4 km2, Singapore is an island-state with a 4.2 million population. It consists of one main island and 63 islets, some of the more well-known ones being: Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin, St John's Island, Kusu Island, Pulau Hantu, Jurong Island. Pulau means "island" in Malay.

Modern Singapore was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 when it was little more than a swamp. Only until the "rightful" Johorean heir agreed to sell the island to the British that it became a colony. Widely known and recorded by many sojourners as Temasek - Sea Town - by the 14th century, Singapore was a thriving vassal state of the Sri Vijayan empire.

Legend has it that a Palembang prince called Sang Nila Utama was responsible for the present-day name, Singapura meaning Lion City. In Sanskrit and Malay, Singa = Lion + Pura = City. It was while seeking refuge from a storm with his entourage that Sang Nila Utama spotted a mousedeer - which he was told a lion. But lions' natural habitat is the grassy plains or the savannah, not jungles.

As the British had ruled Singapore for about a hundred and forty years till 1963, one of the legacies is the English Legal System. As well as English which is the language of administration, business and instruction in schools from kindergarten upwards. In addition to Malay, Mandarin and Tamil that make up the official languages of the country.

Furthermore, Malay is the national language as enshrined in the Constitution. This is partly in recognition of the indigenous status of the Malays. The national coat of arms depicts a lion and a tiger, the latter indicating Singapore's historical links to Malaysia. This is a visual reminder to Singaporeans that they cannot severe their ties with Malaysia. Even many Malaysian Malays still view Singapore as Malay territory till today.

What is more interesting is a Dutch economist who developed Singapore's economic blueprint; helping the country to attain success. The late Dr Albert Winsemius, who passed away in 1996, was appointed as the country's Chief Economic Advisor from 1961 to 1984.

There you have it, Singapore's history in a nutshell.

Recommended Bakery Shops in Singapore

2010-08-13T23:18:00.001-07:00

Cakes, pastries, puffs and all manner of baking has taken over the entrées of the dining experience and no desert is complete without a cake and ice cream. So many events simply demand the presence of some sort of baking activity, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and simple celebrations. There are many bakery shops in Singapore but which too choose? Which oe of them can build you your chocolate double fudge empire state building cake or design a something so unique and special that it is bound to be an ice breaker at any event you host?

For simple gatherings and birthdays, there are many bakery shops all over Singapore of the local fare that can cater to your needs. They usually have a wide range of flavours and some even give you the option of pre-ordering and delivering the birthday cake (or any sort of cake for that matter) right to your doorstep. They come with the standard candles, wafers a liberal spray of your loved ones name and digits in some delectable cream shop. Some of the flavours are pretty standard fare, from your blackforest cake, to your white or dark chocolate fares - they even throw in some local favourites like pandan or even chendol flavoured cakes. Don't expect the extravagant, as these humble cake shops can provide good tasting and normally round shaped cakes, if you are looking for something shaped in a name with five or more syllables, you are more likely to find what you want in specialty cake shops.

If you are looking for that something special and need the touch of a chef to make your cake more extravagant and give it a veneer of awe, then famous places like Bakerz Inn can give you plenty of choices to choose from and even an option to customize your order to fit even the most bizarre of tastes. These sort of places use very special ingredients and infuse exotic methods with expensive ingredients, combining to give you a mouth watering and eye opening experience. Just a fare word of warning though, they are going to be rather expensive, even going beyond the $100 dollar mark.

The buck doesn't stop here as they are even more intricate and gastronomic infused creations that are abound in some five star and beyond hotels. Hotels like Fullerton Singapore and the Oriental Hotel has some of the best bakeries and melt cafes that infuse special ingredients and new age baking methods to create fantastic creations. These are photo finish creations that come with a hefty price tag, but are apt for that really special occasion.

Finding a bakery shop in Singapore is easy; most of the really good ones have had their reputation taped upon rave reviews online. Bakeries in Singapore have become more than just a location to raise flour and add a dice of icing, it is a full or artistes and creative geniuses who see the empty baking tray as a potential for magnificence. From the simple to the intricate, there are many bakeries to choose from, catering from simple get togethers to that 50th anniversary with that someone special.

Sales Condo and Other Properties

2010-08-12T22:45:00.001-07:00

One of the more frequent features in the property market in this day and age is the resurgence of the condominium in many countries, and especially this is true in Singapore. For the past couple of years, or at least a decade at least, the thing you can notice is that more and more condos have been popping up as the population of Singapore has increased of late. This trend is of course due to the fact that more and more foreign talent have been coming into the country to stay and they need to be able to find luxury living or properties.

When thinking about government property like the HDB, one thing you need to know about is that, the government is actually just slicing that side of the property market for the Singaporeans and for those who are not within the higher middle class spending strata. So, this has caused a vacuum of sorts, a property vacuum that needed to be filled as many of this expats would want to stay in established or condominiums in the country. Now, if looking at the market has any indication, one could see that there are about 10 - 20 condos have been coming up with some regular consistency every month, and for a country that is in this size, one of the things that you need to know is that this is quite a quick growth. For one thing, you need to realise that the size of Singapore is going to affect the whole price scheme of properties in this area and region of the world, and the other thing you are going to need to know is that Singapore is being split into various regions for the whole thing.

For one thing, properties that are close by to the central business district or the city would have been of course costing more, and those that are near the shore would also be costing more. In the end of the day, what you need to know is that there are super strata properties all over the region that are near the city and there are super exclusives as well that you are going to know about. What you can do is to ask a property company about the kind of properties that are available all over Singapore and the sort of price ranges you can expect.

You would not be surprised if the whole concept might range from $20 mil below. It really depends on the kind of investment you would want to make when it comes to condos in Singapore. If you are planning to buy one to live in, then you would need to understand how it is going to affect your spending, with things like your loan and the commitments and contracts that you are going to be able to handle for the next few years to come. If you need to know about more information concerning the whole concept of sales condos and other properties, go online.

Siglap V Singapore

2010-08-11T22:30:00.001-07:00

Siglap V is a luxury penthouse/condomenium located directly opposite Siglap Centre. This location is a 20 minutes drive along the ECP to the Singapore Central Business District(CBD). Here are a couple of quick pointers about Siglap V.

1. High Expat Tenancy Area and Resale.

Because of its excellent location and eastern environment close to East Coast Part, Parkway Shopping Centre and English speaking residents, Siglap V will be attractive to expats. If you're planning to get a unit that allows you to not only enjoy high rental yield and good resale (the Intergrated Resort is just 20 minutes drive away), Siglap-V is a potential choice.

2. Eateries and Shopping

There're many places to have dinner and supper in Siglap area. From the food center at East Coast Park a short drive away, to walking over to Siglap Center for a quick meal. All the local Pizza Huts, Seafood, Chicken Rice, Famous Katong Laksa, Katong Prawn Noodles are located in this area. The nearest shopping center is Parkway Parade about 10 minutes drive away.

3. Nearby Schools

The nearby schools are St Patrick's Secondary, Tao Nan Pri, CHIJ Katong Convent, Victoria Junior College, Victoria School, Haig Girls School.

4. MRT

The closest MRT is Kembangan MRT. You will need to take a feeder bus service from the MRT to Siglap V.

5. Exciting Penthouse Units

Perhaps its main attraction because this is where you can overlook the sea while you swim or sunbathe. The pool stretches along the length of the penthouses and its a great feeling swimming in its infinity pool at the top of the world with the sea in the far horizon. The Siglap V pool is of sufficient length to get a good swimming workout.

Singapore Grand Prix - The Much Awaited Formula One Event in Asia

2010-08-10T22:17:00.001-07:00

Though the inaugural Singapore Grad Prix is scheduled to be held this year in September, Singapore has long been a part of Automobile racing dating back to 1960s in the racing history. From 1960s to 1970s Singapore held Grand Prix races in its Thomson Road Circuit. It started out as the "Orient Year Grand Prix" though after one year it was renamed as Malaysian Grand Prix. Only after two years, Singapore de-merged with Malaysia and gained independence in 1965. The Grand Prix was renamed Singapore Grand Prix and continued its races for about 7 more years before it ceased due to a number of reasons.

The FORMULA 1(TM) SingTel Singapore Grand Prix which is named after its main sponsor Singapore Telecommunications is scheduled to start off on 28th September. The event has sparked much enthusiasm in the racing community due to a number of reasons. The competition will be first of its kind as it will be the first street race in Asia and the first ever night race for Formula 1. Apart from the thrill and excitement the night race concept will also be a great solution for live broadcasting as it will be convenient timing especially for in European audiences.

The race is scheduled to be held at Singapore Street Circuit, which is located around Singapore's Marina Bay area covering a length of 5.2 kilometers. The circuit is an exciting track going through Singapore's urban landscape offering a thrilling night time racing experience for spectators. The track has 24 turns, consisting of 14 left and 10 right turns and passes through some iconic Singapore landmarks such as Raffles Boulevard, St.Andrew's Road, Turn 10 and Anderson Bridge.

The excitement of the race is growing day by day as Singapore whole heartedly prepares for this grand event. Tourist arrivals due to this event are expected to rise significantly and many hospitality and commercial establishments in Singapore are also preparing for this grand event. There are a number of Singapore hotels located near many of its local landmarks and close to the street racing circuit. Many delightful restaurants, eateries and entertainment facilities are scattered all over this metropolitan hub offering any one visiting Singapore ample opportunity to shop, dine and enjoy a great time.

Ghosts in Singapore

2010-08-09T22:01:00.001-07:00

The strength of a city can sometimes be measured by its ghosts. The larger cities are often also some of the oldest places, or at least the ones with the longer histories of human inhabitation. It takes human presence to make a human absence, and that's where the good ghost stories come from. Old buildings also help quite a bit, and if some of these are abandoned, that's even better. Anything that increases the dark and creepy appeal will invite more ghosts, or at least invite the stories. Whatever the belief systems happen to be, from true believer to absolute skeptic, it's very apparent that human imagination plays a very large part in the story aspect of these phenomena, and we're naturally more apt to find ourselves sparked by things that we can't see. Singapore is an amazingly interesting city state that's very unique in many ways, and it certainly has its share of ghosts.

Many people notice that there seems to be a high occurrence of happenings that fall into the paranormal category here. This is in large part due to its old buildings, and the long history of cultures here also add considerable force to these stories. The cultures often are the source of the stories, too, because there are some peoples whose belief systems include more contact with the spirit world. It's true that ghosts can be found anywhere at all, but the stories are more complex in those cultures that have ancestor worship as part of their belief system. Singapore's rich cultural make-up contains a number of these cultures, and the belief systems all come together in very interesting ways, and inform the way we think about spirits here.

There are a number of different paranormal organizations here whose mission is to track supernatural happenings, and try to categorize them according to scientific principles. There are also a number of traditions where ancestors are revered and honored. The Hungry Ghost festival is one of the great cultural events in the world where there is concentrated attention on appeasing the spirits that have not been remembered for a variety of reasons. It's also worth mentioning that some of the best ghost stories don't happen in cities at all, but far out in nature, where the conveniences of technology haven't yet made their way in. The dark and spooky forest is often much more populated than an abandoned building, and there's plenty of access to nature here, in all of its varieties. All of these elements come together to make some of the best ghost stories in the world, and visitors looking for tales of hauntings may have to dig around a little bit, but there's a lot to investigate just beneath the surface.

Book Luxury Singapore Hotels in the Proximity of Beautiful Sentosa Island

2010-08-08T21:48:00.001-07:00

The word Singapore is derived from a Malay word 'Singa' and 'pura' which means lion and city respectively. So, the city is also referred as lion city. Singapore has proved the worth of its name and these things impresses a many people several times. This island state has significantly changes its status from sleeping fishing village to important financial centre. It has become a prominent tourist destination and a gateway for all kinds of travelers' right from an adventure holiday, leisure trip, business destination or even a stop-off destination.

Whatever is your trip purpose but accommodation always remains your prime concern. Singapore Luxury Hotels are available in wide verities and the most alluring fact is its proximity with the prime tourist centers like Singapore zoo, Orchard Road, Jurong town and Sentosa Island. All these areas are prominent tourism centre in the Singapore. Sentosa Island is a wonderful amusement park spread in 390 hectare area. One can easily access several luxury Singapore hotels all around the park. The centre of Singapore industry is Jurong town and it is very popular amongst the tourist due to few beautiful sites like Chinese garden, Singapore discovery centre and Jurong Bird Park. Similarly, Orchard Road is a leading shopping area. One can easily find here luxury hotel Singapore, with excellent restaurants, international malls, coffee bars, wine bars and much more.

Apart from shopping extravaganzas; Singapore festivals also attracts numerous tourists every year. Top crews of 24 men from all over world compete in Singapore Dragon Boat Festival. They speed through the water to the invigorating beat of drums and gongs. This event is very popular in all over South-East Asia wherever Chinese influence has been pervasive. Singapore Fireworks celebration is an annual festival to celebrate the independence from Malaysia. This awesome event includes jaw-dropping pyromusicals which illuminate the city skyline. This carnival opens in the evening with lively street performances and people from all over world participate in different live shows.

Festival of the hungry ghosts is a very special event as it holds enormous faith and blindly follows the era old tradition. Birthday of Monkey God is another auspicious occasion for the locals as well as tourist to explore the real Singapore. On the ninth day of Nine Emperor Gods Festival; the images of gods are paraded from the temple onto the street carried on an elaborate sedan. Thus these few occasions provide nice view of the stunning Singapore.

Corporate Taxation - Singapore Vs Hong Kong

2010-08-07T21:32:00.001-07:00

A key determinant for setting up a business in a given jurisdiction is the tax regime in force. In this regard, both Hong Kong and Singapore boast of being one of the lowest tax jurisdictions in the world. Detailed below is a comparative overview of the tax system in Singapore Vs HK.

Tax jurisdiction

Singapore

Taxes are levied on a territorial principle i.e. companies and individuals are taxed on Singapore sourced income.

Foreign sourced income (branch profits, dividends, service income, etc.) will be taxed when it is remitted or deemed remitted into Singapore unless the income was already subjected to taxes in a jurisdiction with headline tax rates of at least 15%.

Hong Kong

Taxes are levied on the territorial principle i.e. only on income "derived from or arising in" HK and not on income sourced outside the SAR.

No tax is levied on profits arising abroad, even if they are remitted to Hong Kong.

Corporate Tax Rate

Singapore: Current corporate income tax rate - 18%. However, corporate income tax rate effective 2010 - 17%. Note: The effective tax rate is much lower - below 9% for profits up to SGD 300,000 and capped at 18% for profits above SGD 300,000

Hong Kong: Current corporate income tax rate - 16.5%

Goods and Services Tax (known as VAT/Sales tax in other countries)

Singapore: 7%

Hong Kong: Nil

Capital gains tax

Singapore and Hong Kong: Nil (Capital loss expenses are correspondingly not allowed as deductions)

Group relief for losses

Singapore: Allowed

HK: Not allowed

Withholding tax

Singapore: Interest, royalties, rentals from movable properties, management and technical fees, and director's fees paid to non-residents (individuals or companies) are subject to withholding tax. There is no withholding tax levied on dividends.

Hong Kong: Royalties, rentals from movable properties, and fees paid to non-resident entertainers or sportsmen for their performances in Hong Kong are subject to withholding tax. There are no withholding taxes levied on dividends and interest.

Double Tax Agreements

Singapore: More than 50 bilateral comprehensive tax treaties

HK: DTA network of 37 treaties

Tax Year

Singapore: 1 January - 31 December

HK: 1 April - 31 March

Filing tax returns

Singapore:

Tax returns along with audited accounts must be filed with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore by 31 October each year.

Note: Dormant companies (i.e no accounting transactions for the financial year) and exempt private companies (not more than 20 shareholders and shares are not held by another company) with an annual turnover of less than SGD 5 million are exempt from audit requirements and can file unaudited accounts.

Hong Kong

Tax returns along with audited accounts must be filed with the Inland Revenue Department by 31 April each year. The auditor must be a member of the HK Institute of Certified Public Accountants and must hold a practicing certificate.

Note: Dormant companies (i.e no accounting transactions for the financial year) and small corporations (i.e total gross income does not exceed HKD 500,000) are exempt from audit requirements and can file unaudited accounts.

7 Reasons Why You Should Migrate To Singapore

2010-08-06T21:17:00.001-07:00

Are you considering migrating to other parts of the world to start a new chapter of your life?

Are you moving so as to look for a job? Or do you yearn to experience a different culture?

If you were looking for a decent job as well as a place where you can live comfortably, then I would recommend you "Singapore".

In a survey conducted recently, Singapore was picked as the best city in the world for Asian expatriates to live in. Beating Japan, Shanghai and even Hong Kong.

There are many reasons for choosing to work and live in Singapore, but basically there are 7. They are:

Strong Law Enforcements -

You never get to see protests, strikes and riots in the streets of Singapore. This is the result of the strict law enforcement by the police. Anybody caught involved in any of the above events, will be jailed and fined.

Currently, death penalty still exists in Singapore. Anybody caught drug trafficking, or committed murder or kidnap would be sentenced to death.

Another benefit of living in Singapore is it is quite safe to walk alone in the streets. Though crimes do occur, the rates are relative lower than that in other countries.

The locals joke that anybody who committed a crime has nowhere to run but jump into the sea (this is because Singapore is surrounded by sea). Another joke is that before the robber can escape, the police have arrived (Singapore is so small).

Climate -

What makes Singapore so attractive to live in is its peaceful environment. There are no natural disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, tornadoes and winter coldness. All you have is either rain or shine. But the air-conditioning is extremely powerful. You could say it's winter indoor.

Networking -

Making use of the geographical location of Singapore, many big and small organisations set up bases here to have access to other parts of Asia and Middle East.

It is being used as a "Gateway".

Even companies from China are setting up offices here to access markets in U.S.A and Europe. They are doing so partly to gain from the Free Trade Agreements signed between these countries and Singapore.

Even foreign workers are using this small country as a stepping stone to gain work experiences and improve their English so that they can move on to other developed countries such as U.S.A., Europe and Australia.

Since almost everybody is coming here, it has become the place for networking for both businesses and jobseekers.

Lenient Immigration Rules -

Do you know that Singapore is one of the countries that have the least strict immigration rules?

Anybody can come to Singapore as long as he/she obtains the necessary passes or documents.

Transport -

You can travel from one end of Singapore to the other end within an hour!

The transport system here covers the whole country and you don't have to own a car to travel.

Public transport includes the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains, buses and cabs/taxis.

Even if you own a car, the roads are well connected.

Education -

The education system caters to all students.

There are many schools, colleges, and universities for those who do well academically.

For those good in sports, there is even a sports school to nurture and train them.

Besides these schools, there are also several polytechnics and institutions to equip students with specialised skills.

Even the private schools and institutions in Singapore are of high quality. This is why so many foreign students enrol and study here. When these foreign students have graduated, many chose to continue to stay and work here.

Political Environment -

Singapore is quite unique in terms of its political environment. There are very few opposition parties. The dominant political group is the People's Action Party (PAP) that governs Singapore since independence day.

As such, there are no coups, resistance, or even clashes.

This is important for companies who invest here and for foreigners who live here. They can be assured of safety and security. You don't have to worry about loss of investments and jobs due to unstable political environment.

Another reason why the political environment here attracts foreigners is its policy. The Singapore government welcome talents.

You would be surprised to know that in year 2005, about 44% of the jobs available were given to foreigners! (These 44% do not include permanent residents).

In fact, Singapore is so hungry for talented and skilled people. As long as you have the skills, knowledge, experiences or talents, you are definitely welcome here.

Of course there are many other reasons why thousands of foreigners are flocking to Singapore to seek jobs or to live here. But the above are the main reasons behind such move.

If you are tempted to migrate to Singapore by these 7 reasons, be assured you are not alone.

Who knows, you might even settle down and get a citizenship.

Switzerland Or Singapore For Private Offshore Banking?

2010-08-05T21:00:00.001-07:00

A lot of readers contact me to ask about offshore banking and wealth management services in Singapore. Unquestionably, Singapore has some very sophisticated banks and bankers, and it has developed a well-earned reputation for discretion and confidentiality.

However I recently found the following observation on an internet discussion group:

The Singapore government is proposing changes to its tax laws to meet demands from the U.S. and Europe to clamp down on bank secrecy. Singapore will seek to amend its domestic laws to allow it to extend further cooperation on information exchange via double-taxation agreements with other countries, the Finance Ministry said in a statement. It is seeking public comments through July 28 on the amendments.

The Swiss government however, as we have seen, takes the right to confidentiality and financial privacy more seriously. There has been an ongoing debate for over a year in Switzerland about revealing data in the well-known UBS case. So how can we interpret these reports? Is Swiss bank secrecy better than Singapore bank secrecy? Or is bank secrecy dead?

First of all, they both have to be taken in context. While it's good to see Switzerland sticking up for its sovereignty, we have always recommended clients against doing business with big, international banks like UBS or Credit Suisse. It was hardly surprising that UBS were targeted, given their large US presence. Swiss Cantonal Banks offer much better security and privacy.

Singapore is a place where we've never done a lot of banking business, and the quotation above goes some way toward explaining our reticence. But we fully admit that our geographic bias when it comes to banking is more towards Europe and Latin America. Singapore is certainly convenient for Asians and Australasians, due to time zones, languages and culture. On the other hand, it would have to be up there with Hong Kong at the top of the hit list for say the Aussie tax authorities, who are getting more and more agressive these days, especially demonstrated by their ludicrous recent attempt to tax the mining business.

But is banking in Singapore and Hong Kong such a good idea for Europeans and North Americans? In my view, probably not. Both the EU (particularly the UK) and the USA have quite strong influences there, and unfortunately, due to the political situation, neither of these entities are friends of offshore banking although they nominally support free enterprise. Canadians might be OK in Singapore.

Generally, when it comes to private banking, a ground rule is that convenience is a threat to privacy. If you are looking for the most private, best offshore bank for you, you want to be as far away as possible - both geographically and culturally - from your home country and the places where your fellow countrymen do their offshore banking. Europeans might do well in Latin American havens like Panama and Uruguay. North Americans might do well still in more obscure corners of Europe.

Whatever you decide, remember that nothing is for ever. You need to monitor the situation and changes taking place in the world of offshore finance. It pays to work with banks that are nimble enough to help you with this. So I would look for banks that have a multi-jurisdictional presence.

And is bank secrecy dead? Far from it. Don't get me wrong, I do not advocate tax evasion at all, and the old ruse of holding a bank account overseas and not declaring it is very likely to get you into trouble, depending mainly on your country of residence and citizenship. Americans, in particular, are required to declare all offshore bank accounts unless the total value is under $10,000 and the IRS is very strict on enforcing this, so don't think of breaking the law! On the other hand, if you are an honest law abiding citizen who still believes in the concept innocence until proven guilty - that government spying on your financial affairs is both wrong and unconstitutional - then there is still every reason to go offshore. It's where the smart money is!

Singapore Travel - Singapore is One of the Prettiest Island Nations in Asia

2010-08-04T20:46:00.001-07:00

Singapore is one of the prettiest island nations in Asia. A tourist on Singapore Travel can explore numerous facets and characteristics housed there. From being just a shipping village, the city has graduated to being one of the most developed nations in the world and guests on Singapore Travel can completely feast on this aspect besides the cultural potpourri that it is. While the days can be adventurous and fun, guests on Singapore Travel can also take delight in the enticing nightlife while in the city.

There are a number of tourist attractions in Singapore and we have compiled the most significant ones for your perusal:

The Merlion: The Merlion Statue stands at a majestic height of 8.6 meters tall and has been welcoming the tourists coming to the city with warmth. Designed in 1964, this statue is located at the mouth of the Singapore River.

Sentosa Island: The Sentosa Island is a world in itself. From housing world-class spas to golf clubs to serene beaches and classic entertainment facilities, Sentosa houses it all. There are 3 noteworthy beaches in the island, the Palawan, the Siloso and the Tanjong Beach. They are ideal places to enjoy being amidst nature and also in the company of the near ones. One could also visit the several eateries housed here for a never before dining experience.

Asian Civilization Museum: A tribute to the Asian civilization, this museum in Singapore is the most comprehensive and one of the best -kept museums in the city. Special exhibitions that are held here throughout the year provide interesting facts and figures of the history of Singapore.

Singapore Zoo and Bird Park: Singapore is a great place to be for all nature lovers. The Zoo and the Jurong bird Park offer great excursion options for the tourists visiting the city. While the former is most visited for the animals that are housed in the open, the Jurong Bird Park is frequented for it houses a great selection of exotic birds and is one of the largest in the whole of Southeast Asia.

These Singapore tourist attractions cover all aspects o sightseeing in the city and are indispensable components of the Singapore travel plan.

For more information on travel in Singapore Travel, please visit Singapore Travel

A List of Cheap Hotels in Singapore

2010-08-03T20:34:00.001-07:00

So for those who are traveling on a budget, no need to worry. There are many good yet cheap hotels in Singapore if you just know where to look.

Some of the hotels you might want to check are:

Victoria Hotel

Victoria Hotel is a very good 3 star hotel that offers you value for your money. It is also conveniently located with City Hall MRT station just a short 5 minutes walk away.

Major establishments and notable areas in Singapore are also nearby like Bugis Junction, Orchard Road and Raffles City just to name a few.

Hotel 81

Hotel 81 has more than 20 hotels scattered strategically all throughout the island of Singapore. This hotel is a very good option for those who are traveling on a budget as these hotels offers one of the lowest rates for a very decent accommodation option and facilities.

Also, you can choose from their many branches so accessibility is never a problem.

Fort Canning Lodge Singapore

One of the most strategically located budget hotels in Singapore. Fort Canning Lodge is just a short 5 minutes walk away from Dhoby Gaut MRT station and very near to many shopping malls and notable establishment in Singapore.

Orchard is a short distance away and it is situated in one of the greenest premises of Singapore, Fort Canning Park. I'd say, for a budget rate, Fort Canning Lodge is a very good Singapore Budget accommodation option.

Fragrance Hotels

Fragrance Hotels like Hotel 81 is also a group of hotels which offers cheap accommodation in Singapore for the budget traveler.

You can choose from their 18 hotels located in different areas in Singapore and all offering fair prices.

Hostels and Backpackers

There are also numerous hostels and backpackers inn in Singapore which can also be a good option for you. I've seen many in East Coast Road as well in Chinatown area, I'm sure there are countless others in different places in Singapore.

Hostels and backpackers are very good budget accommodation as they are very cheap comparatively speaking.

What Are Singapore's Main Tourist Attractions and Activities?

2010-08-02T20:15:00.001-07:00

Chinatown, Little India, the Arab Quarter

Towered over by the new Singapore skyline, these remaining ethnic enclaves are relatively untouched by modern development. Some of their tiny, terraced shophouses are still in operation - the shop operates from the front downstairs rooms, while the inhabitants live behind and above. Not surprisingly, traditional paces of worship remain most evocative of times past. The Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, with its exuberant carvings; the graceful domes and dignified interior of the Sultan Mosque; and the Than Hock Keng Chinese temple are especially atmospheric and picturesque.

The Zoo

A shining example: most of the bigger animals are kept in huge enclosures, separated from visitors by deep moats. Also on offer is a brilliant Night Safari for viewing nocturnal animals.

Food

Head for the food courts, lines with numerous stalls selling their own specialties; you put your meal together from whichever stalls take your fancy. The surrounding at these places may be pretty uninspiring, but the range of Asian cuisines on offer is amazing, from Malay satay to Indian biriyanis via Thai tom yam soup. Those missing more familiar tastes will be pleased to find that Singapore also offers everything from Italian and French to Mexican, and American coffee-bar chains have hit the only big-time.

Raffles Hotel

The luxurious atmosphere of this colonial-era institution is still much in evidence, and a visit is considered a must for tourists, though much of the site has been turned into a shopping arcade. You can even have a Singapore Sling at the very bar where the cocktail was created - though it'll cost you more than a night in one of the city's budget guesthouses.

Shopping

Singapore's number-one hobby. The island's shopping malls are certainly on a grand scale, and boast aggressive air-conditioning - useful if the heat gets too much. You'll find the greatest concentration of malls along Orchard Road. If you're on a wider trip through Asia, though, you'll usually find better prices elsewhere.

Sentosa

This offshore-island amusement park has plenty of rides, exhibitions and museums. Underwater World, where a moving walkway carries you through a transparent underwater tunnel with sharks and other sea creatures swimming around outside, is hard to beat, as are the views of the city's skyscrapers you get as you side the cable car here.

Jurong Bird Park

In the west of the main island, the park contains over six hundred species of bird, including, remarkably, Antarctic penguins. There's also a gigantic walk-in aviary so visitors can stroll among the birds.

A cruise on the Singapore River

A chance to see the city's fabulously modern high-rises, gentrified warehouses and Chinese shophouses from a different angle.

Bukit Timah Hill

Singapore's highest peak (at a mere 162.5m) is home to the island's last pocket of primary rainforest, the habitat of macaques, butterflies and flying lemurs. It's said there are more plant species here that in the whole of North America.

Drink at the Swisshotel's City Space Bar

So high up in the stratosphere, you can see as far as Indonesia to the south and Malaysia to the north.

Pulau Ubin

Just 7km and 2km wide, this tiny island tucked into the waters between Singapore and Malaysia gives a glimpse into a rural Singapore long gone elsewhere, with Malay stilt houses and little racks.

Asian Civilisation Museum

If you're looking for inspiration for the next leg of your journey you'll surely find it here, in this stylish, perfectly judged introduction to the cultures, arts and faiths of Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, China and Islamic Asia.

Esplanade

Singapore's high profile entertainment complex is a must, not least for the startlingly futuristic design

Holiday & Travel Guide For Singapore

2010-08-01T20:00:00.001-07:00

Sightseeing

Singapore is more for sightseeing than beaches, but they do have some beautiful sands too if you fancy a dip in some warm clear waters for a day, relaxing in the sun on a soft sand beach after a hectic time exploring the city and the surrounding areas. A must see in Singapore is the amazing zoo, it has over 3600 inhabitants with some rare and endangered species included in these numbers. The grounds they're set in have waterfalls and wonderful foliage and tropical flowers, it is a world class zoo in an exotic environment that all the family will enjoy exploring. There is an interesting excursion just outside the city to Haw Par Villa, a fabulous theme park that has a mythical theme.

A great historical day out, to get some real idea of the heritage, has to be a tour to Mallaca which has the oldest Chinese temple, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. It has a mystical charm and some of the surrounding buildings are very picturesque and typical of the area. With many museums, zoos and architecture, there is plenty to do in Singapore; venture into China town and Little India with its colourful charm and religious monuments dotted around the area for a start. If you're looking for something a little different then Singapore Flyer is for you, it is taller than London's Eye and has spectacular panoramic views around the city and further. The city also offers a hop on hop off bus at a very reasonable price, where you can get around the city on your own without missing the hotspots.

Nightlife

There is enough nightlife to suit most tourists' taste, like having a rickshaw ride, which is one of the popular means of transport in the busy streets. Viewing the town by night is quite impressive, so definitely do this and then stop off at the theatre and see a fabulous show, or perhaps take in a movie. For those looking for a buzz, then the dazzling nightclubs in the city play the latest tunes and are perfect for nightlife. The area is teaming with pubs and clubs. If you like a little jazz then there are clubs with live music, not forgetting the premier clubs where the business men and women of the city let their hair down. Some of the clubs are quite expensive and so are the imported alcohols, so budget for this. For those of you who don't want to dance the night away, there are evening cruises on fabulous authentic ships with sumptuous surroundings for romantic couples. A night safari with the family is the best way to see the rare and endangered nocturnal species, as well as Hyena and among others, the Rhinoceros.

Eating

Singapore has many ethnic foods available all around the city with French, Italian, Mexican and most other international foods available. Food is a passion in this country and you will be spoilt for choice, but why not taste some authentic Malay food like Bak Kut The, which is Chinese spare ribs cooked in a delicious soup with five spices, peppers and garlic. It is delicious accompanied with white rice. Noodles and fish head curries are very popular too.

Shopping

You're spoilt with shopping experiences in this busy modern city centre, selling everything from designer items to souvenirs. With many shops in China Town and little India being very reasonable, this bright and colourful area to shop will allow you to purchase some bargains to take back home with you.

Happy Holidays

Office Rental Singapore Soars

2010-07-31T19:46:00.001-07:00

The current office rental Singapore office had increased tremendously. Office rental space in Singapore is currently facing a shortage of supply. This is due to several redevelopments or retrofitting of commercial office building. Many buildings in the prime district are redeveloping for residential usage. The high influx of oversea companies, especially financial institute, moving into Singapore had also contributed to the office rental in Singapore to soar.

For company looking into expanding their office space in Singapore, finding a suitable space is becoming a challenging task. Some companies had opted to move towards High tech building or business park zone. Due to the tight supply of office rental in Singapore, some companies had also decentralized their operation, moving backend operation out of the central business district. There are still ample office spaces in the industrial or business park zone.

For some companies, the current office rental had double and even triple when come to renewal of lease. The days of tenants paying low rental and enjoying large space are over. Tenants that do not choose to renew the lease will also need to lower their expectation of the new office that they will be moving to and at the same time paying higher office rental.

Shophouse office had become a new popular choice for many companies. Shophouse office rental Singapore is typically commanding half of the traditional office space. With careful planning and interior design, shophouse office can be renovated to be an office with taste. The popular shophouse offices in Singapore are located at Amoy Street, Telok Ayer Street and Tras Street. With the high office rental in Singapore, tenants need to have better creativity usage of office space. Open concept office which optimized office space is employed by most tenants.

For some companies, moving out of the Central Business District to the fridge of business zone becomes the number one choice. Others are moving to the business park paying lower rental without compromising the corporate image. However, they do need to compromise on the location as most business park do not residue in the central of Singapore. Most of the business park and high tech building are located either at the east or west side of the island. With this office rental trend, the rental of suburban and business had also increased.

The current office rental in Singapore had already surpassed the 1996/1997 office peak. However, there is still room for upwards movement. It is forecast that it will stabilize in 2 years times when new office buildings are ready. This upward trend is due to the shortage of supply and the continuous strong demand. The demand will continue to increase as Singapore economic foundation and strong infrastructure for doing business are attracting many foreign companies to invest in Singapore.

Although the office rental in Singapore had push up the business cost, there are many companies continue to expand in Singapore. This does not affect the competitive of Singapore in the Asia region.

Planning a Birthday Party With a Budget

2010-07-30T19:30:00.001-07:00

Having worked as a full-time entertainer for over 6 years and performed at hundred's of children's birthday parties in people's homes, I have seen just about everything. From small intimate events of just the family to large extravagant affairs, birthday parties can be lots of fun for all attending.

This article will bring you some ideas on how you can plan a birthday party with budgets from $500 to $1,500.

Before we go into the budget, let us clear two major items that needs special attention: Venue and catering. The reason is that these items are very subjective in a party planning and their pricing varies a lot from companies to companies.

First, let us look at venue.

If you are living in a Condominium or a house, we highly recommend that you hold your party in the function or your house respectively. Having a party at or near your place would make logistic planning easier and of course, lower cost. You can save as much as $1,000 on venue alone if you host your party at your own premises.

Personally, I do not see the problem of hosting your party at your own premises. I have organized birthday party in a 3-room flat in few occasions!

If you are still uncomfortable with the idea, you can always book a room in venues like country clubs and hotels.

Booking of such venues are very tricky because different venues provide different prices. It is important to note that catering from their kitchen is a requirement for most venue bookings and most of them go by "cost per person" booking.

The average cost for hotel's function room bookings could range from $35 to $50 per person. The average cost for country clubs would range from $25 to $30 per person while other clubs like SAFRA clubs would range from $15 to $20 per person.

Thus, if you are looking at booking of venue (usually with catering), be sure to prepare budget of at least $600 for 20 children and 10 adults.

Next, let us look at catering.

If the party is scheduled during or close to dinner or lunch, serving food is essential. During a party, the children are usually having a so much fun, that serving a normal meal is not necessary or wanted. The children want to get back to party activities as soon as possible. Finger food like hotdogs, sandwiches, popcorns and chips are perfect. We also recommend packet drinks to minimize spilling. The cost would be on average $5-$8 per person, depending on the caterer of your choice.

Now that we have cleared budgeting for venue and catering, let us look at what we can get for various budgets:

$500 - Party Wizardz provides value-for-money package that includes games, prizes, treats, magic show, party bags and magic set for birthday child at the price of $399.

$800 - On top of the party package, Party Wizardz will be able to provide additional activities like face painting or removable tattoo. Party package from Party Wizardz with your own caterers and your own venue will cost about $800.

$1,000 - A budget of $1,000 will be able to get you a party package from Party Wizardz with decent venue with catering.

$1,500 - Budget of $1,500 will get you a party package from Party Wizardz hosted in hotel function room. If you are hosting the party at your home, this budget will allow you to get bouncy castle too.

I hope these suggestions will help in planning your next home birthday party.

Luxury Accommodations in Singapore

2010-07-29T19:18:00.001-07:00

Whether in the mood to splurge in your visit to Singapore, or money is just naturally not an issue, there are many luxury accommodations in Singapore that you can choose from. Many luxurious and out of this world services, 4 to 6 star hotels that are waiting to pamper you while you are in Singapore.

Some of the notable luxury accommodation in Singapore you may want to check are:

Marina Mandarin Hotel

Situated in Orchard Road, Marina Mandarin Hotel is very accessible. This hotel has all the amenities you can expect from a 5 star hotel.

Swissotel Merchant Court Hotel

This hotel is located in Merchant Road Singapore. Being near Clarke Quay, this hotel is ideal for those who loves the nightlife. Easily accessible as well as it is close to transport.

Naumi Hotel

Naumi Hotel is located in Marina Bay and near to many good places to visit in Singapore. There are many facilities nearby as well. You have shopping malls, bars and Singapore landmarks such as Fort Canning Park and National Museum. The nearest MRT is City Hall station.

The hotel easily boasts of excellent interior design.

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia

Also situated in Marina Bay, this hotel boast of more than 600 rooms with excellent view of Marina Bay and Singapore's fascinating skyline. Very near to malls and easily accessible to anyplace in Singapore, the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Hotel is set to pamper you with its luxurious service.

St. Regis Hotel

St. Regis Hotel is a 6 star hotel situated in Orchard-Tanglin area. It boasts of more than 290 rooms set to pamper guests and with amenities and facilities that's designed to make your stay pleasurable. It is near to many shopping complex in the stretch of Orchard Road.

The Fullerton Hotel

Also situated in Marina Bay. It is an iconic building which used to be an old postal building converted into a hotel. Directly opposite the Merlion Park and a walking distance away from the Esplanade and Suntec City, this hotel is very ideal for tourists and business travelers alike.

Of course all the hotels listed here are just the tip of the iceberg as there are many other luxury accommodation in Singapore aside from these.

Destination Tips - Popular Tourist Attractions in Singapore

2010-07-28T19:00:00.001-07:00

Singapore is a lovely country that is located south of Malaysia. It has a total population of around 4 million and today is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. Although Singapore is located in Asia, it is not a typical Asian country. Because of its rich British history, you can see very strong British influence in everything, from politics to architecture.

If you intend to fly to Singapore, you should take the Singapore Airlines because it has one of the best aviation services in the world. I am sure you will enjoy the experience when you are flying with Singapore Airlines.

Now, let me share with you a few popular tourist attractions in Singapore:

1. Sentosa. Sentosa is an offshore island of Singapore. If you love the sun and beach, you must visit Sentosa when you are in Singapore. To go to Sentosa, you can take a cable ride from Habour Front and enjoy the breath-taking view. At Sentosa, you can find lots of famous resorts and tourist attractions such as Butterfly Park, Dragon Trail and Underwater World. Also, do not forget to head down to Siloso Beach for a day of sun tanning and volleyball games.

2. The Singapore Zoo. The Singapore Zoo is another place that you must visit when you are in Singapore. There is a Night Safari that opens daily from 1930 hour until midnight. It is the first night safari in the world that allows you to view nocturnal animals at night. Night Safari gives you the feeling that you are in a jungle with the various nocturnal animals in their natural settings.

3. Orchard Road. If you are a shopaholic, then you must head down to Orchard Road. Orchard Road is famous for its shopping experience and many locals like to shop there. Along Orchard Road, you can find many famous shopping malls such as CK Tang, Takashimaya, Paragon and the newly opened Orchard ION.

4. Sim Lim Square. Sim Lim Square is where all the gadgets are. If you like to buy any laptop or gadget, you must visit Sim Lim Square and enjoy tax free shopping. Before you purchase from any store, make sure that you negotiate with the store owners.

The nightlife of Singapore is also very lively. You can head down to Clark Quay or St James Power Station and enjoy a night of good food and drinks. I strongly recommend you to mark down Singapore as your next holiday destination.

Parkview Singapore Hotel - A Review

2010-07-27T18:30:00.001-07:00

As far as budget accommodation for business travelers goes, Parkview Singapore offers the best option in terms of location and rates.

Situated in 81 Beach Road Singapore, it is approximately 20 minutes drive from Changi International Airport.Location wise, it is very convenient being close to many notable areas in Singapore such as Suntec International Convention. Many other establishment are also nearby like malls, restaurants, tourist spots.

Bugis Street, National Art Museum, The Concourse Shopping Mall, Marina Square, Suntec City and the Esplanade are some of the places of interest that's just a mere minutes walk away from Parkview Singapore.

FACILITIES and SERVICES

Parkview Hotel Singapore has facilities and services that's very ideal for business travelers that's on
a budget.

They have this Art Gallery restaurant which boasts of local and international cuisines. You should try it, it's very appetizing indeed. And even if you don't feel like going in their restaurant, there are many food outlets nearby.

Some of their facilities includes:

* Parking lots conveniently located near the hotel.
* Laundry and dry-cleaning services.
* sight-seeing tours arrangements.
* Transportation arrangements.

Over all, if you are used to luxury accommodation, you might find this hotel wanting. However, for its price, it has one of the best deals in terms of budget accommodation in Singapore.

Perhaps what you would find very good with this hotel is its accessibility to the important areas of the city. You would have no problem transportation when you are going to any place in Singapore as there are buses around. And of course, there's also the cab when you are in a hurry.

Singapore's Hippest Beach

2010-07-26T16:00:00.001-07:00

Siloso Beach on Singapore's famed Sentosa Island is the ultimate hangout for beach bums from all over the world. Siloso Beach lies on the west portion of the southern coast and it is known as the place for beach volleyball and other outdoor activities such as canoing, skim boarding, mountain biking or roller blading. The beach is also pet friendly; dogs are allowed to swim in the waters.There are also dining and shopping outlets along the beach. The Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort is located at the western end of Siloso Beach.

The beach is marketed by Sentosa Island as Singapore's hippest beach and it certainly lives up to its marketing tag line. There are usually a number of fun filled events, concerts and parties organized on Siloso Beach all year round, with a special year end mega party on December 31st that features high powered pyrotechnics at twelve midnight.

There are plenty of bistros along Siloso Beach to keep visitors entertained, amongst them is the hip and happening Sunset Bay - highly popular with young adults. Sunset Bay's décor remains simple yet presentable to all patrons. The Cool Deck, a small hut drink kiosk which serves numerous types of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage is another joint for you to quench up your thirst. Coastes, will charm you with its relaxing ambiance, with cabana styled chaise lounges. A great place for families and friends to hang out and relax with a bottled beer served in larges chilled buckets.

Singapore Hotels offer comfortable accommodation for travelers who come to enjoy the sun and the sand of Siloso Beach. A hotel in Singapore that offers a comfortable ambiance and a convenient location is very important for travelers who wish to make their stay in Singapore a memorable one. Millennium Hotels offer a range of Singapore hotels that are close to most local attractions.

Singapore - Here Are My Top 10 Shopping Destinations in Singapore!

2010-07-25T07:30:00.001-07:00

Singapore is one of the countries in the world that is the best to go for shopping. There are so many shopping centers here that offer best quality products. Well known markets and even street markets are a big part of Singapore.

Here are my top ten best shopping destinations in Singapore:

1. Barang Barang - is an amazing complex in the city of Singapore selling the best items that are locally made. Ancient and antique finds are all here. There is also vintage furniture that is truly quality made. This is a place where the artistic Singaporeans' talents are much revealed.

2. Lucky Plaza Shopping Mall - one of the biggest shopping places in Singapore. Lucky Plaza is very spacious making it a convenient shopping place for shoppers. Health products fashion accessories, and many others can be found here.

3. Causeway Point - a large shopping mall in Singapore that is well known to tourists. A huge variety of shops can be found selling various items with quality brands that are made both locally and international.

4. North Shopping Center Singapore - located at Yishun Avenue in Singapore and is a popular tourist destination. There are lots of shops here where one can find almost everything. There are numerous shops and also dining and entertainment lounges making everyone's shopping spree really enjoyable.

5. Chinatown Market - a perfect place for a late night shopping spree. This is a very practical place to shop where one can find amazing items at its very low price.

6. Marina Bay - a man made bay in Singapore that is very well known with lots of shopping arcades along the bay streets selling various items from fashion wears, electronic parts and gadgets, antiques, and many others. This is a place where on can find almost everything while strolling along the Singapore bay.

7. North Bridge Road - one of Singapore's oldest roads and is lined with many shops selling different items that will surely satisfy everyone's needs.

8. Orchard Road - a very well known tourist spot in Singapore where people can find lots of department stores and shopping malls. This is a busy rod with lots of shoppers looking for amazing items and stuffs to buy.

9. Mustafa Center - a place in Singapore where the best garment finds are sold. A real place for great bargains and exclusive shopping sprees are always expected here.

10. Riverside - a place to find lots of shopping malls and bazaars where one can find amazing items. There are shops that sell different kinds of items so one is always free to explore and be amazed with the place.

Doctors Want a Job in Singapore - Here Are Their Top 12 Reasons

2010-07-24T07:00:00.001-07:00

I have heard doctors from around the region as well as from other parts of the world say that they like or would like to work in Singapore, and build their career there. Below you will find their top 12 reasons for saying so.

1. Singapore Has A World-Class Infra-Structure

It has many centers of medical excellence including the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School. More growth is coming its way. The Khoo Teck Puat hospital is planned to be opened in 2010, the Jurong General Hospital in 2015.

2. Singapore Has Leading Medical Advances And Technology

With more and more academics and medical researches and the Duke-NUS Singapore Graduate Medical School this city-state will create medical breakthroughs. Singapore has already succeeded in growing liver cells. It was the first in Asia to perform a combined kidney and bone-marrow transplant.

3. Singapore's Medical Research Is Thriving

Biopolis Phase I was opened in September 2003 and Phase II was opened in October 2006. The Biopolis is a purpose-built biomedical research hub where researchers from the public and private sectors are co-located.

4. Singapore Is A Hotspot For Knowledge Exchange For Medical Professionals

Singapore is strategically located and well connected. Thus it is a popular place for international medical conferences and meetings.

Some conferences that Singapore hosted included the International Medical Eye Congress, the Asian Pacific Congress of Cardiology, the 3rd 2005 World Congress of Nephrology, the 18th Wonca World Conference - Genomics & Family Medicine, and the 13th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering 2008. An example of an up-coming one would be the 2009 International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedical Technology (ICBBT 2009) to be held in Singapore on 17-20 April 2009.

5. There Is Increasing Opportunities In Research, Training And Service

More than 80 health care related companies such as Glaxo-SmithKline, Baxter Healthcare, Philips Healthcare and Siemens Medical can be found in Singapore. The growth of these Companies offers wide opportunities for medical professionals in the areas of research, teaching and patient service.

6. Singapore Is A Dynamic Medical Hub

It's aim is to become Asia's premier medical hub. It wants to attract 1 million foreign patients annually by 2012.

7. Affordable Cost Of Living

Singapore has one of the lowest income taxes in the world. Coupled with the provision of quality housing & schools, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2005 have ranked people in Singapore as having the best quality of life in Asia.

8. Singapore Is A Vibrant Garden City

Singapore has even been called a city in a garden. It is also among the cleanest in the world. Daily living is easy with modern housing, transport, education and recreation.

In 2003, PERC rated Singapore as having the "Best quality physical infrastructure in Asia." In 2005, the Economist also named Singapore as "the best place to live in Asia" because it has so many options for entertainment and dining.

9. Singapore Is A Multi-Cultural Society

Thus living in Singapore is a unique experience of diverse religions, cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Singapore's multi-cultural society of more than 4 million is reflected in its major ethnic groups: Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians. With such diversity, Singapore has always opened its arms to international talent from all over the world.

10. Singapore Provides A Safe Home For All

Singapore is well known as one of the most stable societies in Asia. It does all it can to uphold racial and religious harmony.

11. Doctors From Asian Countries Like Singapore's Proximity To Their Homes

Singapore is well liked by other Asians because it is near their home countries. Besides, Singapore is also located near good tourist spots and would offer good quality lifestyle in the long term.

12. Singapore Has Strict Laws On Drinking And Smoking

Some of you who don't drink or smoke would find the strict laws in Singapore good for you. This is especially so for those who hate the smell of cigarette smoke.

Why Performing an Online Van Insurance Quote is Beneficial

2010-07-23T06:45:00.001-07:00

One of the most vital aspects of your enterprise work is of course your retail van. Even in these, desperate times, prices must be looked at carefully and given their own priority. This is why it is so important to compare van insurance for the business owner.

When your commercial van has a few dozen different employees, assuring that your van will not be damaged will probably not an easy as it is for the business owner who is going to be the only driver of the van. However, finding the right van insurance online continues to be important in either case. Now with the internet, shopping for an insurance is easily completed and makes it a lot easier to compare van insurance with another company and assist you in getting a less expensive plan.

Enterprises in the business of hauling and transporting items, and that have items that are constantly on the road all the time should make sure when they search for van insurance that the plan covers for the items and that the coverage is for the county the work in, if you work in the UK then you may want consider European coverage too. A catering insurance plan as this one is not just an expense that you must be ready to take but is also a much needed one but can be very difficult to get. Still, in the rare case that you do run into difficulties finding the cheapest van insurance there are just so many providers out there and also the tools that you have with the internet these days allow you to find the lowest cost plans in the fastest time possible.

Even with all the complicated short term van insurance requirements, shopping for an insurance comparison, is the most efficient way and can also give you a really good estimate without having to go through the trouble of actually driving out for miles to deal with an insurance agent.

The time and effort you put into when you compare insurance is worth it. It would not be beneficial to your business or yourself for that matter to completely consume yourself of finding the right type of small van insurance. Use common sense and do not spend more than a day or two completing this mission.

One of the most beneficial aspects when you compare insurance online is that there are a vast amount of companies that provide instant coverage. A professional vehicle like a retail van is a major investment and you will need to secure this property, your company and yourself from any legal liabilities if and when it ever comes down to a car accident.

Where to Learn Tennis in Singapore

2010-07-22T02:15:00.001-07:00

Singapore has excellent tennis centres and coaching facilities. Learning tennis in Singapore is easy. I found that tennis lessons or tennis coaching can be arranged from the following entities:

1.Private Tennis Lessons

There are various levels of tennis qualifications offered by the Singapore Tennis Association (STA). Go for someone with at least a Level 1 qualification. Most would charge a basic fee of $50 per hour, excluding court booking fees, if needed. There are group classes as well, usually, not more than 3 persons. Try looking for at least 3 of your fellow friends who wish to learn to play tennis and get an individual tennis coach. It will save you some money while still being properly trained.

2.Group Tennis Lessons

Group tennis classes are found at the various public tennis centres. These classes are for both children and adults. The benefits of such group classes are that they tend to be cheaper. However, the class size tends to be larger and therefore, you may not pick up the skill as fast as you would have wished. It would be better to have a combination of group and private individual lessons. You will get the best of both worlds, playing with others and also being coached more effectively.

3.School Tennis CCA

Tennis is a CCA for some primary and secondary schools. Again, the class size tends to be quite big but it is a good and fun way to learn your tennis amongst your peers. It is also subsidized and is therefore, cheaper. Some schools make CCA compulsory and therefore, if tennis is something you child likes, make tennis his or her CCA then.

4.Tennis Sections and Clubs

Unfortunately, there are not many purely tennis clubs in Singapore. However, there are many country clubs with tennis sections. Tennis sections are a good way to start improving your tennis once you are able to play fairly well. Nothing beats playing more and more against someone of your level or higher.

5.Tennis Academies

Unlike the more established tennis playing nations, we do not really have a successful and quality tennis academy. Tennis is not even featured in the South East Asian games for Singapore. Hence, tennis is not one of those preferred sport which is earmarked for further development unlike its sister sport of table tennis. However, one can always head north to Malaysia or Thailand where they have various tennis camps which cater to all levels of play. It is an intensive and highly effective way of improving your tennis as you do nothing but eat, sleep and breathe tennis for a few days!