Singapore Trip: June 2014

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Singapore calls new MRT station Canberra

More than 2.6 million Singapore residents ride the MRT rail lines each day.

Next stop Canberra.

Passengers on Singapore's sprawling mass rapid transit system are about to get a taste of Australia's national capital, as the government prepares to build a new station named for our city.

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew announced the name on Friday, bringing a small piece of Australia to the newest MRT station on the island's North-South line.

The move comes just a week after a successful trade mission including 40 Canberra business people and Treasurer Andrew Barr and a sustained push to raise awareness of the ACT as a tourism and investment destination.

The new station, to sit between Yishun and Sembawang stations, had been the subject of a feasibility study.

The area, home to more than 80,000 people, already has a park named after Canberra.

Mr Lui made the announcement to guests at a ceremony marking the construction of another station at Woodlands on the Thomson Line, which is expected to carry as many as 400,000 passengers each day.

He said Singapore's Land Transport Authority would make further announcements about the new Canberra station at a later date, including its exact location and when it will be opened to commuters.

Mr Barr toured sections of the MRT during his visit, including its state-of-the-art control centre and a massive warehouse for spare parts and equipment.

On Monday, representatives of the government agency planning Canberra's new light rail line will begin a public information push.

The Capital Metro Agency will use a 'pop-up shop' at the City Bus Interchange to show early designs for the city to Gungahlin line and seek community feedback.

'This is the first big opportunity for the community to see and understand what light rail in Canberra will look like and how it will benefit them,' Sustainable Development Minister Simon Corbell said.

'I would encourage the community to look at the proposed designs make the most of the opportunity to help shape this city changing project.'

Consultation on the more than $614 million project will run until August 8.

Capital Metro director Emma Thomas will also take part in a briefing for media and other stakeholders at the ACT Legislative Assembly as part of the information campaign.

More than 2.6 million Singapore residents ride the MRT rail lines each day and the island's government aims to double the network's size by 2030. Its aim is for as many as eight in 10 homes to be able to walk to an MRT station in less than 10 minutes.

To aide the expansion, transport authorities will purchase more than 100 new trains and about 800 more buses.

Last week, the Assembly heard the new light rail line would see passengers travel from Gungahlin to Northbourne Avenue in 25 minutes and with 10 stops.

Singapore Gays Rally Amidst Anti

The LGBT world has a sense of jubilation as gay rights are celebrated through rallies and parades, including most recently in Singapore, despite laws that punish homosexuals. Although there are detractors in places where gay pride is acknowledged around the globe, Pride month is more and more being recognized as an integral part of modern society.

Pride month occurs in June worldwide in those places that it is not illegal to be gay or lesbian. The event began 45 years ago, on June 28, 1969, with riots at the Stonewall Inn bar in New York City. The protest was in response to the rough and inequitable treatment LGBT individuals received at the hands of police who regularly raided gay bars as part of the anti-homosexual legal system in the 1950s and 1960s.

In Singapore, 26,000 people turned out on Saturday for one of the largest crowds in a civil gathering in that country's recorded history. The assembly, called 'Pink Dot' (see video below), has been held annually since 2009 in an effort to promote nondiscrimination against same-sex couples. In Singapore, sex between two men is illegal, punishable by up to two years in prison, although enforcement of the law is rare. Lesbians are not mentioned.

In prior years, the rally in which participants dress in pink and gather in a circle to form a 'pink dot,' had not received resistance. This year, however, Christian and Muslim groups organized in opposition, wearing white, in protest to what they say is growing acceptance of homosexuality in Singapore.

That the event took place on the eve of Ramadan further incited the anger of the Muslim groups. The hostility, mirroring laws in many other places in the world, put a slight damper on the jubilant atmosphere of the Singapore gay rights rally.

London, England's Pride parade was recorded as having tens of thousands of marchers and included a statement of well-wishes by Prime Minister David Cameron, noting that the institution of same-sex marriage is just one reason to celebrate. The U.K. theme this year is 'freedom.' Mr. Cameron said that he was committed to improving LGBT rights 'across the planet' and that he had raised his concerns with President Putin about the treatment of gays in Russia.

Tel Aviv honored LGBT people with Pride Week two weeks ago, kicked off by flying the Gay Pride rainbow flag at the U.S. Embassy in that country. The flag was accompanied by a post on the Facebook page of the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, which stated that the Embassy was 'Proudly flying the colors.' The annual parade included floats, marching groups, and uplifting music.

Toronto has put together a 10-day event, called WorldPride, culminating on Sunday, June 29, spanning 25 city blocks, including art, film, a parade, and musical celebrations. By one estimate, close to a million people marched in this year's parade. Local media report that the streets were overflowing, and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne took part in the morning Pride and Remembrance Run.

Brazil celebrated gay pride in São Paulo while the country observed the World Cup. According to one estimate, 2.5 million revelers were attracted to the event. They were dressed in colorful costumes, dancing and singing through the streets in what is claimed to be the world's largest pride parade. The theme this year was to advocate for the criminalization of anti-gay motivated crimes in Brazil.

Boston Pride's events also last for 10 days. This year the theme, in keeping with the global premise of greater acceptance and embracing diversity, was 'Be Yourself, Change the World.' 25,000 people in over 200 groups marched in the parade, which showcased well-known U.S. politicians, including Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and Joe Kennedy. The year was particularly poignant, as it coincided with the 10-year anniversary of same-sex marriage in the United States, which began in Massachusetts.

Los Angeles Gay Pride hosted pop singer Demi Lovato as Grand Marshall. At the parade, she filmed the video for her new song Really Don't Care, engaging participants. L.A.'s Pride event started one year after the Stonewall Riots, as was true in many other large U.S. cities, and proclaimed that they had over 400,000 marchers, participants, and spectators.

Meanwhile, gay marriage continues to roll out in the United States. Earlier this week, due to the removal of a ban by a U.S. district judge, Indiana became the 19th state to legalize same-sex marriage. A federal appeals court then issued a stay on Friday, which put a halt to marriages in progress, leaving couples in limbo. The question is whether those who did get married are still legally bound.

Across the world, there are still over 75 countries where it is a crime to be gay or lesbian, and the LGBT people who live in those countries struggle and suffer daily. Only a fraction are able to leave, and those who do, worry about the families and lives they have left behind, often uncertain about their safety and their futures.

While this lack of safety is sanctioned by anti-gay laws across the globe, it is nonetheless centrally important to LGBT people - in Singapore and in the rest of the world - that they rally together to celebrate who they are, pride in their community, and safety amidst the crowd.

Opinion by Fern Remedi-Brown

Previous articles published by the author about gay rights and the LGBT community:Gay Marriage - North-South DivideReligion-Based Discrimination in Arizona: Serving Up Bigotry Would an Appropriate Response Be a Sit-in or a Kiss-in?Uganda Newspaper Identifies GaysTexas LGBT Community Hopes for Big WinUganda and South Africa History of Freedom ComparedSt Patrick's Day Parade Long Time Coming for Gay Groups in South BostonUganda Vice President Challenges President in Anti-Gay LawSame-Sex Marriage Pioneers Mark 10-Year CelebrationEthiopia Anti-Gay Bill Expected to Pass Next WeekBoston Pride Happy and UniqueUganda Latest on Anti-Gay Law

Previous articles published by the author about LGBT asylum:England and Wales Now Open to Gay MarriageLGBT Asylum Support Task ForceHelp for Gays in Detention Seeking International AsylumBoston Pride Still Not Safe

Singapore and Japan lead Super Rugby shortlist

Singapore and Japan have emerged as leading candidates to host a new Super Rugby team as SANZAR officials prepare for an expansion of the competition.

A shortlist of possible of potential teams will be announced later this week after SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters revealed there had been 'half a dozen' expressions of interest in becoming the 18th Super Rugby outfit.

Singapore and Japan have submitted official bids to host the 18th team and are early favourites to join a sixth South African franchise, the Port Elizabeth-based Southern Kings, and a new Argentinian side.

New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Brent Impey confirmed that a Singapore or Japanese-based team was the early favourite. A new team is expected to need up to $100 million (£60 million) over a five-year period and Impey told Fairfax Media that he was confident that SANZAR will be able to find a financially stable side.

'There are a couple of options which have already come out of Asia,' Impey said. 'That gives us confidence that we'll be able to see the 18th team not only meet the financial and commercial qualifications but the playing strength as well.

'I can't be too specific because the applications are confidential at this time but there have been indications which are positive coming out of both Japan and Singapore.'

Asia is considered an attractive market for establishing a Super Rugby team and it is hoped a franchise on the continent will slow the steady flow of Pacific Island players to European clubs, making them more available for their respective national unions.

With an Asian-based side, Island players could help bridge the gap for local Asian players who may initially struggle with Super Rugby's intense physical demands.

'It's an opportunity to find a positive outlet for them,' Impey said. 'I suspect that's where the strength of that team will come from. If, for example, there was a team out of Singapore that was populated with a number of Pacific Island players to give it strength, that's the start of a model which could work.'

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Thousands gather for Singapore gay rally

SINGAPORE - Thousands of people have gathered in Singapore for an annual gay rights rally celebrating sexual diversity in the city-state, despite fierce opposition from religious conservatives.

Straight and homosexual Singaporeans turned Speakers' Corner, a government designated free-speech park, into a sea of pink - the colour chosen by organisers to represent the freedom to love.

Revellers wore everything from neon pink-rimmed spectacles to tube tops and even facial hair dyed in the colour while dogs were spotted in pink clothing and leashes for the 'Pink Dot' rally.

Organisers said 26,000 people attended the event, topping last year's record of 20,000 and making it one of Singapore's biggest public rallies in recent times.

'This is a social movement that is seeking to promote inclusiveness in Singapore, and it is amazing that we are breaking records year after year,' Janice Koh, an ambassador for the rally, told AFP.

'Pink Dot's success goes to show that more Singaporeans are becoming open about showing their support for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community,' said Koh, an actress and appointed lawmaker representing the arts industry.

The name of the event is a play on Singapore's nickname - 'The Little Red Dot' on the world map.

Organisers have stressed that it was not a protest but a public show of support for LGBT people in Singapore.

The rally has grown in stature since its first edition in 2009, when 2500 people attended. It now enjoys the support of local celebrities as well as internet giant Google and financial firms Barclays and JP Morgan.

The four-hour, carnival-like rally featured musical performances by Singaporean artists, and culminated with the crowd forming a giant pink dot after dusk by holding LED lights.

Participants brushed off countermovements by Christian and Muslim conservatives opposing the city-state's growing gay rights movement.

Singapore: World's leading meeting country and city

By eTN Staff Writer | Jun 29, 2014

Singapore has retained its position as the leading meeting city and country in the world according to the Union of International Associations (UIA) 2013 Global Rankings. Named Top International Meeting Country for the third year running and Top International Meeting City for the seventh consecutive year, Singapore has once again been recognized as a choice international meeting destination.

In 2013, 994 of the meetings hosted in Singapore met UIA's stipulated qualifying criteria1, a 4.4% increase from 952 in 2012. It also formed 9.4% of UIA's database of meetings, which was represented by 174 countries and 1,465 cities.

The UIA ranking is the latest in a list of accolades for Singapore as MICE destination. This year, Singapore was also named Asia's Top Convention City for the 12th consecutive year, by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Singapore's record of 175 ICCA events in 2013 was a 16.7% increase from 150 in 2012, the strongest year-on-year growth since 2005.

Singapore's combination of excellent infrastructure, efficiency, vibrant business ecosystem, knowledge networks, and strategic location in Asia are key attributes for meeting planners selecting the city as a host destination for their events.

'Singapore not only impressed our delegates with its well established infrastructure but also its efficiencies as a city,' comments Dr Shirlena Soh, Director of Operations, Human Genome Organization (HUGO) International who organized the Joint Conference of Human Genome Meeting 2013 and the 21st International Congress of Genetics. 'The tremendous support shown by the local scientific community was also extremely overwhelming with more than 50 thought-leaders in the areas of Genetics and Genomics speaking in this Joint Congress. Local delegates and international academic interest-groups were able to use this meeting in Singapore as a platform for ideas and to interact.'

Notable events which were held in Singapore in 2013 include the IFLA World Library and Information Congress, the 60th Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Annual Conference, the Amway Japan Leadership Achievement Seminar, the World Engineers' Summit as well as the World Retail Congress Asia Pacific.

This interest in Singapore and strong support of the local community have contributed to a robust pipeline of events. To date, Singapore has secured six world congresses, including the World Congress on Brain Mapping & Therapeutics (SBMT) 2016 and World Congress of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) 2016. In addition, the inaugural Asian edition of SpineWeek 2016 is expected to attract over 7,000 delegates to Singapore, making it their largest meeting to date. Upcoming Asia Pacific congresses include the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Asia-Pacific Advancement Conference 2015, Regional Dermatology Conference 2016 and Asia Pacific Congress of Hypertension 2017.

'We are very happy to be named the top meeting country by UIA once again,' Neeta Lachmandas, Assistant Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, said. 'Understanding our customers' needs has always been key a focus for us, and we will continue to emphasize our efforts on reliability and efficiency, giving them peace of mind when they attend or hold their events in Singapore.'

Thousands in Singapore gay rights rally despite opposition

Singapore (AFP) - Thousands of people gathered in Singapore on Saturday for an annual gay rights rally celebrating sexual diversity in the city-state, despite fierce opposition from religious conservatives.

Straight and homosexual Singaporeans turned Speakers' Corner, a government designated free-speech park, into a sea of pink -- the colour chosen by organisers to represent the freedom to love.

Revellers wore everything from neon pink-rimmed spectacles to tube tops and even facial hair dyed in the colour while dogs were spotted in pink clothing and leashes for the 'Pink Dot' rally.

Organisers said 26,000 people attended the event, topping last year's record of 20,000 and making it one of tightly-controlled Singapore's biggest public rallies in recent times.

'This is a social movement that is seeking to promote inclusiveness in Singapore, and it is amazing that we are breaking records year after year,' Janice Koh, an ambassador for the rally, told AFP.

The name of the event is a play on Singapore's nickname -- 'The Little Red Dot' on the world map.

Organisers have stressed that it was not a protest but a public show of support for LGBT people in Singapore.

The rally has grown in stature since its first edition in 2009, when 2,500 people attended. It now enjoys the support of local celebrities as well as internet giant Google and financial firms Barclays and J.P. Morgan.

The four-hour, carnival-like rally featured musical performances by Singaporean artists, and culminated with the crowd forming a giant pink dot after dusk by holding LED lights.

Participants brushed off countermovements by Christian and Muslim conservatives opposing the city-state's growing gay rights movement.

'Those guys can raise hell if they want, but they cannot put a stop to the increasing number of Singaporeans, gay and straight, who are coming out to say that the LGBT community is very much welcome in Singapore,' said Stefanie Toh, 36, attending the event with her lesbian partner.

Twenty-five year-old student Ravindran Thanapal said: 'We need to get rid of that old narrative that Singapore is deeply conservative and thus gay people don't have a place here and shouldn't have equal rights.

'Where's the evidence for that? Surely it's not this annual Pink Dot event.'

- Campaign to change law -

Lawrence Khong, a senior pastor, with the 10,000-strong Faith Community Baptist Church, had led the charge to ban Pink Dot, saying it was an affront to morality and 'family values'.

Khong is a longstanding opponent of a campaign to repeal Section 377A, a provision in the Singapore penal code that makes sex between men a crime.

The provision dates back to British colonial rule and carries a maximum penalty of two years, but it is not actively enforced by authorities.

Khong on Friday chastised the Singapore government for 'giving Pink Dot public space to push their agenda and grow their movement'.

The pastor has professed support for a separate peaceful protest led by Ustaz Noor Deros, a Singaporean Muslim teacher seeking to encourage 'a return to values as guided by Islam'.

Noor's 'WearWhite' campaign has called on Muslims to shun Pink Dot and instead wear white garments to mosques on Saturday evening to attend special prayers usually held on the eve of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

An AFP photographer at the mosque chosen by WearWhite as the focal point of their protest said the prayers went ahead uneventfully with only a few people wearing white.

Officials have avoided taking sides and have instead urged Singaporeans to practise restraint in debating LGBT rights.

Even although Section 377A is not enforced, the government, led by the long-ruling People's Action Party, has said it should stay on the books because most Singaporeans are conservative and do not accept homosexuality.

A survey of 4,000 citizens by the government-linked Institute of Policy Studies earlier this year found that 78.2 percent of the local population felt same-sex relations were wrong.

Refusing To Be Silenced, Thousands Come Out For Singapore's 'Pink Dot' LGBT ...

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In the days leading up to the sixth annual Pink Dot rally in Singapore, a firestorm of controversy erupted in the island nation as some religious leaders and groups condemned the event, with one influential Christian pastor even calling for the government to ban the gathering. But this weekend, not only did gay rights supporters attend the event, they did so in record numbers.

According to the organizers of Pink Dot, a yearly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights rally that champions the #FreedomToLove, a record 26,000 people showed up at Singapore's Hong Lim Park Saturday to attend the event.

Local newspaper the Straits Times reported that the rally went 'smoothly,' despite fears that anti-LGBT protesters might try to disrupt the occasion.

Leading up to this year's Pink Dot rally, some Christian and Muslim groups had spoken out in condemnation of the event.

'We cannot and will not endorse homosexuality. We will continue to resist any public promotion of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle,' Lawrence Khong, a prominent Christian pastor, said in a Facebook post earlier this month.

According to the Associated Press, Khong had called upon the government to ban Saturday's event. 'Pink Dot's agenda goes against our national interest,' he told supporters in a statement this week.

A Muslim 'Wear White' campaign was also launched in opposition to Pink Dot, Reuters reports. The campaign -- which called for believers to wear white Saturday to usher in the holy month of Ramadan -- was launched to counter 'the growing normalization of LGBT in Singapore,' the campaign's website said.

LGBT rights supporters form a giant pink heart in Singapore on June 28, 2014.

LGBT rights remains a contentious issue in Singapore.

As the AP notes, gay sex remains a criminal offense in the city state; and according to a survey conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies last year, about 78 percent of Singaporeans believe that sexual relations between two adults of the same sex is always or almost always wrong, per the Wall Street Journal.

'Pink Dot recognizes that many Singaporeans are conservative. However, we also recognize the dangers that prejudice and bigotry can have on our social fabric,' the rally's organizers said on their website, adding: 'Most LGBT Singaporeans are afraid to come out of the closet. This stems from a fear that the simple act of telling the truth can potentially pull them apart from the people that they love... Pink Dot believes that love is best built on a foundation of trust and honesty, not fear and shame. Change for the better happens through conversations, not cover-ups and covert lives.'

Since its launch in 2009, Pink Dot's supporters have grown exponentially in number. After attracting some 2,500 supporters in its first year, the rally was attended by about 21,000 people in 2013.

Singapore gay community rallies against religious conservatives

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SINGAPORE - Thousands of gay rights activists gathered in downtown Singapore on Saturday for an annual rally that came under unprecedented criticism from religious conservatives, with one influential Christian pastor calling on the government to ban the event.

Previous Pink Dot rallies have been held without much opposition. But as they grew in numbers from less than 3,000 people when the first event was held in 2009 to more than 20,000 last year, so did their disapproval. Organizers said a record 26,000 people showed up Saturday.

On paper, gay sex remains a criminal offence in the wealthy, multi-cultural city-state of 5.4 million, although authorities rarely enforce the British colonial-era legislation, known as Section 377A.

Lawrence Khong, the founder and pastor of the 10,000-member Faith Community Baptist Church, has been the most vocal critic of homosexuality and the Pink Dot rally.

In a statement, he said he could not understand why authorities were allowing the rally to take place.

'I find it even more disconcerting that the event is being used as a platform of public persuasion to push their alternative lifestyle,' he said.

'I would like to see our government leaders draw a clear line on where they now stand with regard to this moral issue.'

Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said he believed Singaporean society should be one 'where you don't go pushing your own beliefs and preferences, but at the same time everyone else keeps the balance in society and avoids creating conflict.'

Former lawmaker Siew Kum Hong, who tried to get Parliament to repeal Section 377A unsuccessfully, said he believed that the legislation will be overturned eventually.

'I've always maintained that the government's position is untenable. When presented with a chance to repeal 377A, it decided to avoid making a principled decision and instead opted to kick the can down the road.'

Other opposition came from an Islamic teacher who encouraged Muslims to wear white Saturday on the eve of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which was interpreted as a response to a Pink Dot video showing a Singaporean Muslim declaring his support for the LGBT community.

The LGBT supporters wore pink in the rally, whose highlights include large crowds standing together with pink torchlights at night, creating a spectacular aerial view.

Singapore, Japan in the Super Rugby running

LIAM NAPIER

Singapore and Japan have submitted official bids to host Super Rugby's 18th team and the potential Asian expansion could provide a home for Pacific Island players.

Gaining a foothold in Asia makes sense on several levels for governing body Sanzar. It allows significantly increased market exposure for sponsors through widening the broadcast, while also being seen to back-up recent strategic investment in the region and growing the game globally.

Sanzar chief executive Greg Peters told Fairfax Media 'half a dozen' expressions of interest had been received and a shortlist would be released this week.

New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Brent Impey, who is set to play an active role with Sanzar, confirmed a Singapore or Japanese-based team was the early favourite to join a sixth South African outfit, the Port Elizabeth-based Southern Kings, and a new Argentinian side from 2016. A new team is expected to need up to $100 million over a five-year period.

'There are a couple of options which have already come out of Asia. That gives us confidence that we'll be able to see the 18th team not only meet the financial and commercial qualifications but the playing strength as well,' Impey told the Star-Times.

'I can't be too specific because the applications are confidential at this time but there have been indications which are positive coming out of both Japan and Singapore.'

Part of the attraction for establishing an Asian-based team is decreasing the steady flow of Pacific Island players to European clubs and, therefore, making them more readily available for their respective national unions.

Historically, European clubs have offered Island players bribes not to represent their homelands.

Under this scenario, though, Island players could help bridge the gap for local Asian players who may initially struggle with Super Rugby's intense physical demands.

Former Tongan and Hurricanes lock Inoke Afeaki, now technical director at the Singapore Rugby Union, could also help with this transition.

Singapore's bid has been boosted by the construction of a 55,000-seat National Stadium. The city, one of the world's leading commercial hubs, also shares the same time zone as Perth.

'Depending on where the team is based it's going to need to call on players,' Peters said. 'If it was Japan, they have a professional competition and a number of players from all three countries playing up there. Pacific Island players could well be part of that equation.'

Expansion into Asia, and a move to the four conference style format which is modelled on some American sports, is the start of a long-term vision to further increase the number of teams in the coming years. It is understood a review is scheduled for 2018 to discuss further expansion.

'Longer term it's conceivable there could be teams out of the west coast of the [United] States and hopefully additional teams out of South America,' Impey said.

'There' has been loose talk around expansion into Africa beyond South Africa. These things take a lot of time.

'They have got to be able to be competitive on the field.

'Adding teams that are going to get smashed is absolutely pointless. I'd be surprised to see fast and massive expansion.

'It's more complex than appears on the surface. They've got to have the right structures behind them. You can't just expand willy-nilly.'

Indeed, as South Africa's premier players continue to flood overseas at an alarming rate and with Argentina's top-tier talent predominantly based in Europe, maintaining the competition's integrity will be a serious challenge.

'The Lions have had some success and the Kings weren't a disaster. It does spread their resources further. That gives them [South Africa] a challenge,' Impey conceded, though holding a more positive outlook on Argentina.

'With a high number of players expected to return you can be relatively confident that despite the heavy travel commitment they'll have they will be competitive.'

A final decision on the 18th team is expected within three months.

- Sunday Star Times

How do you feel about Kieran Read's return from concussion?

Singapore gays rally to counter opposition

Associated Press

Thousands of gay rights activists gathered in downtown Singapore on Saturday for a rally that this year drew unprecedented criticism from religious conservatives, with one influential Christian pastor calling on the government to ban the event.

Previous Pink Dot marches have been held without much opposition. But as they grew in numbers from less than 3,000 people when the first march was held in 2009 to more than 20,000 last year, so did their disapproval.

On paper, gay sex remains a criminal offence in the wealthy, multi-cultural city-state of 5.4 million, although authorities rarely enforce the British colonial-era legislation, known as Section 377A.

Lawrence Khong, the founder and pastor of the 10,000-member Faith Community Baptist Church, has been the most vocal critic of homosexuality and the Pink Dot rally.

In a statement, he said he could not understand why authorities were allowing the rally to take place.

'I find it even more disconcerting that the event is being used as a platform of public persuasion to push their alternative lifestyle,' he said. 'I would like to see our government leaders draw a clear line on where they now stand with regard to this moral issue.'

Former lawmaker Siew Kum Hong, who tried to get Parliament to repeal Section 377A unsuccessfully, said he believed that the legislation will be overturned eventually.

The LGBT supporters wore pink in the rally, whose highlights include large crowds standing together with pink torchlights at night, creating a spectacular aerial view.

A Chinese envoy on a historic visit to Taiwan has canceled two events after protesters threw paint on his motorcade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping says his country will never seek hegemony no matter how strong it becomes.

Pope Francis has had a busy morning of audiences amid new health concerns following his cancellation of a planned outing.

Singapore gay rights rally to kick off despite opposition

Singapore (AFP) - A gay rights rally was set to kick off in Singapore Saturday, with organisers expecting tens of thousands of people to celebrate sexual diversity in the city-state despite fierce opposition from religious conservatives.

The annual Pink Dot gathering will be held from around 0900 GMT at a downtown park -- the only place where demonstrations are permitted.

The carnival-like rally draws a diverse array of straight and gay participants decked out in bright pink attire including hats and even facial hair dyed in the colour organisers picked to represent the freedom to love.

Organisers said they expect the turnout to top last year's record of 20,000, making it one of tightly-governed Singapore's biggest public rallies in recent times.

But they stressed that the rally was not a protest but a show of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The term 'Pink Dot' is a play on Singapore's nickname -- 'The Little Red Dot' on the world map.

The event, held every year since 2009, usually passes without much controversy, but this year Muslim and Christian conservatives have mounted countermovements to display their opposition to the city-state's vocal gay rights activists.

Lawrence Khong, a senior pastor with the 10,000-strong Faith Community Baptist Church, on Friday chastised the government for allowing the event to take place at Hong Lim Park, Singapore's only free-speech zone.

Khong is a longstanding opponent of a campaign to repeal Section 377A, a provision in the Singapore penal code that makes sex between men a crime.

The provision dates back to British colonial and carries a maximum penalty of two years, but it is not actively enforced by the Singapore government.

'This is no good for Singapore. Why then is our government giving Pink Dot public space to push their agenda and grow their movement?' he said in a statement late Friday.

'I would like to see our government leaders draw a clear line on where they now stand with regard to this moral issue,' he added.

The pastor has professed support for a separate peaceful protest led by Ustaz Noor Deros, a Singaporean Muslim teacher seeking to encourage 'a return to values as guided by Islam'.

Noor's 'WearWhite' campaign has called on Muslims to shun Pink Dot and instead wear white garments to mosques later Saturday to attend special prayers usually held on the eve of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Officials have avoided taking sides and have instead urged Singaporeans to practise restraint in debating LGBT rights.

Even though it is not enforced, the government, led by the long-ruling People's Action Party, says Section 377A has to stay on the books because most Singaporeans are conservative and do not accept homosexuality.

A survey of 4,000 citizens by the government-linked Institute of Policy Studies earlier this year found that 78.2 percent of the local population felt same-sex relations were wrong.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Match Reports, 6 hours ago Singapore takes on Malaysia in final

Singapore takes on Malaysia in final

Italy to face Denmark in third-place match while Oman and Jersey will take on each other for a fifth-place finish

Singapore secured a five-wicket win over Jersey to end the league stage of the 2014 edition of the ICC World Cricket League Division Four on top of the table on Friday (June 27). Malaysia's six-wicket win over Oman put it on a par with Singapore, with both teams finishing on eight points. However, Singapore finished ahead on the basis of a superior net run-rate and the two teams will now face each other in the final of the tournament being played in Singapore on Saturday. Italy got the better of Denmark by six wickets in the other match of the day and the two teams will now face each other in the third-place playoff, while Jersey and Oman will look for a fifth place finish on the same day.

Singapore's win was set up by Abhiraj Singh. The left-arm spinner's 4 for 34 in ten overs helped it bowl Jersey out for 224 in 49.4 overs after it had elected to field first at the Indian Association Ground. Chaminda Ruwan's unbeaten century then helped Singapore knock off the required runs in 46.5 overs.

Singapore had Jersey in a fix early, reducing it to 23 for 3 in 7.2 overs. A 155-run fourth wicket stand between Nat Watkins (73) and Dean Morrison (77), led Jersey's fightback. The duo departed in quick succession after which Singapore's bowlers struck at quick intervals. Charles Perchard, who came in at No.10, chipped in with a valuable 34, even as Jersey lost its last seven wickets for just 46 runs.

Amjad Mahboob and Saad Januja took two wickets each to complement Abhiraj's good work, while Mulewa Dharmichand's off-spin fetched him the important wicket of Morrison.

Jersey's bowlers then made a positive start and had the home team in a spot of bother, sending four of its batsmen back after 11.5 overs with just 56 on the board. Ruwan was then joined by wicketkeeper Kshitij Shinde who scored a crucial 79 and featured in a 162-run fifth wicket stand with the centurion to take his team to the doorstep of victory. Ruwan remained unbeaten on 112, having struck nine boundaries and two sixes during his 140-ball knock.

Cornelis Bodenstein took three wickets for Jersey, but was a touch expensive, giving away 47 in his eight overs. Anthony Hawkins-Kay and Charles Perchard took a wicket apiece.

At the Kallang Ground, a collective effort from Malaysia's bowlers helped bowl Oman out for 198 in 49.4 overs. In reply, Malaysia romped home in 42.4 overs with six wickets in hand.

Zeeshan Maqsood, the opener, and Sultan Ahmed, the captain and wicketkeeper, chipped in with important knocks of 45 and 55 respectively after their team was asked to bat. The duo came together with their team on 65 for 4 after 20.4 overs and put on 55 for the fifth wicket. Amir Ali (30) and Aamir Kaleem (17) made brief contributions before the bowlers quickly wiped out the tail.

Shahrulnizam Yusof's impressive run in the tournament continued, his left-arm spin fetching him 3 for 24 in six overs. He found plenty of support from Hassan Ghulam, Suharril Fetri, and Nasir Shafiq, who all took two wickets each, while Khizar Hayat took 1 for 17 in ten economical overs.

Malaysia lost Hammadullah Khan early in its chase. Nasir Shaifq (38) was the dominant partner in a second-wicket stand worth 47 with Ahmed Faiz, the captain, who anchored the chase with a 93-ball 70. Faiz featured in two important partnerships, first adding 59 with Suhan Alagaratnam (26) for the third wicket, before putting on a further 62 with Fetri (46 not out) until he was caught off Amir Ali's off-spin. Fetri, however, stayed on and, along with Shafiq Sharif, ensured that Malaysia faced no further hiccups in pursuit of the target.

At the Padang, Gayashan Munasinghe ran through Denmark's top-order, as it was restricted to 236 for 8 by Italy. Munasinghe took 4 for 52 in ten overs and found able support in Vince Pennazza, his new-ball partner, who took 3 for 43 in ten overs.

Denmark's decision to bat first backfired, as it quickly slipped to a precarious 19 for 4. Shehzad Ahmed (55) and Hamid Shah (27) then added 48 for the fifth wicket in 14 overs. Hamid was castled by Carl Sandri, the offspinner, following which Shehzad carried on with a 114-run stand with top-scorer Amjad Khan (73). Yasir Iqbal's 15-ball 27 then helped Denmark finish strongly and post a reasonable total.

Italy then paced its chase well. Andy Northcote (73) and Dinidu Marage (82), the openers, put on 150 for the opening wicket in just 24.3 overs, and with a strong platform set, Denmark's bowlers needed a miracle to force a win. They did make some quick strikes once the opening stand was broken, but 237 was always going to be hard to defend at that point. Damian Crowley (39 not out), the Italy captain, and Michael Raso (16 not out) took the team over the line to seal a comfortable win with eight overs to spare.

Prudential Singapore Eye to debut at ArtScience Museum in Jan 2015

SINGAPORE - Prudential Singapore Eye will be debuting as the largest exhibition on Singapore contemporary art at ArtScience Museum from Jan 15 as part of Singapore Art Week in Jan next year to celebrate the 50 anniversary of Singapore's independance.

Prudential Singapore Eye seeks to support emerging Singaporean artists and provide opportunities for their work to reach global audiences.

The exhibition will also be held alongside international art fair, Art Stage Singapore (Jan 22-25, 2015), as well as the second Prudential Eye Awards for Asian Contemporary Art on Jan 22.

David Ciclitira, Founder of the Prudential Eye Programme, said:'We are delighted to be part of Singapore Art Week during the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence. Singapore is fast gaining recognition as a capital for cultural exchange within the global arts community and together with Art Stage Singapore, we hope to kick-off the Jubilee celebrations with an incredible release of artistic energy within the city both during the week and after. This is a major step forward in raising awareness about the outstanding work being created by the art community in Singapore. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of Prudential, ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Government.'

Lawrence Wong, Singapore Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, welcomed the exhibition as one that would enhance Singapore's reputation as a global art capital.

Mr Wong said: 'The Prudential Singapore Eye will add to the vibrancy of Singapore's visual art landscape. It is a good platform to showcase our most promising arts talents, and to further enhance our position as a regional centre for the arts. I thank the organisers and partners for their strong support for the Singapore Eye. The show's debut in the year when Singapore celebrates our 50th anniversary of our independence gives it added meaning and significance for all of us.'

An estimated 25 artists will be selected by an international curatorial panel for the exhibition at ArtScience Museum.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a comprehensive book featuring a wider selection of 75 Singapore contemporary artists published by the Eye Programme in partnership with Italian publisher Skira. The book will be launched in conjunction with the opening of the exhibition.

Admission details will be released at a later date.

maryanns@sph.com.sg

Thursday, June 26, 2014

USS George Washington docks in Singapore

SINGAPORE: The USS George Washington arrived in Singapore on Thursday (June 26), as part of its routine operations.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is currently at its halfway mark of its six-month patrol around the world. and has some 5,500 officers onboard.

It will hold joint exercises with its regional counterparts as part of the patrol. It has also been involved in humanitarian assistance disaster relief efforts, such as during the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan which hit the Philippines recently.

The USS George Washington will be in Singapore for the next few days.

From Our Website From the Web

Singapore carves out position as Asia gold hub

Singapore, an Asian hub for banking and finance, is ramping up its bid to become a center for gold trading that may one day rival London.

This week the Southeast Asian city-state unveiled plans to launch a physically deliverable gold contract in September to meet strong demand from Asia - home to the world's biggest gold consumers.

'I think this is the next step for Singapore, which has made a number of moves to turn itself into a gold hub,' said Victor Thianpiriya, a commodities analyst at Australian bank ANZ.

Read More Singapore Exchange to launch physically backed gold contract

'Singapore is already a hub for financial services and wealth, so it makes sense that it wants to make itself a benchmark for gold trading in Asia.'

The Singapore Exchange said on Wednesday that the contract will be the world's first wholesale 25 kilobar gold contract and will be made up of a series of six daily contracts.

Trends

In 2010, Singapore set up a high-security storage facility called the Singapore Freeport that subleases storage space to management companies.

Read More Blame the media for gold's decline: Marc Faber

Two years ago, the government scrapped a sales tax for investment-grade gold and in the past year banks such as Deutsche Bank have set up gold vaults on the tiny island.

'This [gold contract] is a plan two years in the making. The reason is that we have seen a trend of gold moving from West to East and there is actually no market place for market players to buy gold at a wholesale level,' Albert Cheng, managing director, Far East at the World Gold Council, told CNBC.

Maciej Frolow | Photographer's Choice RF| Getty Images

The launch of the gold contract on the Singapore Exchange is supported by the World Gold Council, Singapore Bullion Market Association and four banks that include JP Morgan and Asia-focused bank Standard Chartered.

The other trend Singapore is trying to take advantage of is growing wealth in the region, analysts say. Research firm Wealth Insight expects the country to overtake Switzerland as the world's biggest hub of offshore wealth by 2020.

China and India, two of the region's heavyweight economies, meanwhile account for more than half of global gold consumption.

'I think with this gold-contract move, Singapore is targeting high-end investors,' said Ng Kok Fai, the head of currency and precious metal advisory at Credit Agricole private bank. 'The bar in this contract is double the size of a typical gold bar around 12 kilobars.'

Taking on London

The launch of a gold contract in Singapore will bring centralized trading and clearing of physically cleared gold and could provide a price benchmark for gold trading in Asia.

At the moment the benchmark price for gold, known as the London 'fix,' is set daily in the British capital at times that both fall after the close of Asian markets. Asia still mostly relies on this fixing for trading.

'This contract is meant for the Asian market,' said the World Gold Council's Cheng, explaining why the contract will only be open for trade for three hours each day.

'There is a robust London market, and that comes in later in the day. But in Asian hours - there is no morning market for wholesale trade. Having a structure means the wholesaler can contribute to the market, which then becomes more transparent,' he said.

Read More Commentary: Asia is starting to think differently

And given growing demand for gold comes from within Asia it makes sense to have benchmark pricing within the region, analysts said.

'Asia is the largest consumer and producer of gold, so price discovery here should make more sense,' said Thianpiriya at ANZ. 'But it will take time before Singapore can compete with London. The problem with a new contract is getting people to trade it.'

Spot gold was trading at about $1,316 an ounce late Thursday and is up almost 10 percent so far this year.

Postcard from Singapore: a key to Canberra's future

ACT Treasurer Andrew Barr in Singapore.

The colonial facade of Raffles Hotel has long been dwarfed by Singapore's shining contemporary glass and steel skyscrapers.

In pristine white, its Palladian arched windows and grand hallways promise the weary traveller both comfort and opportunity - a taste of home in a faraway place.

Built in 1887 on the Beach Road, it's a temple to Singapore's status as a meeting place for the world's businessmen and bankers.

It's a deal: From left, Austrade's Chris Rees, Fuji Xerox senior manager for Asia Pacific operations Yoshiyuki Konishi, ACT Treasurer Andrew Barr, and Intelledox co-founder Michelle Melbourne.

The hotel's namesake, Sir Stamford Raffles of the East India Company, was an enterprising statesman who knew how to make a deal, and since his arrival in 1819, Singapore has been a crucial port for those seeking to spread dollars across borders and oceans.

Armed with his own ambitious agenda, ACT Treasurer Andrew Barr followed Raffles' lead last week, travelling to the island city-state's modern incarnation accompanied by an entourage of some 40 business leaders and government advisers.

During a trip seeking investment for the next generation of capital infrastructure and tourism attractions, the group's accommodation at the nearby Marina Bay Sands hotel matched the scale of potential.

Perched on reclaimed land far beyond where the beach ever was, the mammoth hotel cost $5.7 billion and is said to be the most expensive building in the world.

Imposing on the skyline, it features three modern towers topped by a 200-metre-high deck and a giant infinity swimming pool.

Taxi drivers point proudly to the building, referred to by locals simply as 'MBS', and last week the place hummed with activity from the giant CommunicAsia conference and many Australian guests.

Mr Barr visited the Canberra stand at the conference, praising an announcement by ACT-based IT firm Intelledox of its deal with Fuji Xerox. Various small businesses and government organisations with local links used the event to spearhead meetings and potential deal-making.

A number of participants told The Canberra Times they expected public announcements in the next few months from small businesses who took part in the trade mission.

Doing deals in Singapore is a lengthy process that requires negotiation and diplomacy. Tradition dictates trust and familiarity must be in place before any discussion about partnership or investment takes place.

Mr Barr told a business breakfast event hosted by ANZ that ACT government ministers would travel to Singapore regularly until at least 2016.

Some sceptics, and even some journalists, deride the amount of work that actually gets done on government trade trips, but even Mr Barr's ubiquitous smile was working overtime during the trip.

If his visit isn't successful in bringing home cash and co-operation, it won't be for lack of effort. A spokesman said he attended 25 meetings in the three destinations, including 15 in Singapore.

Bundled by minders from board rooms to hotel receptions across the island, he seemed almost out of breath arriving at one reception but comfortably mixed with members of the travelling party and locals, drawing cheers when mentioning the potential direct international flights from Singapore could bring.

Before travelling on to Hong Kong and the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen, he toured Singapore's mass rapid transit network, met with the government's own investment corporation, private banks and financiers, and studied the new national stadium.

He conceded not every lesson Singapore had to offer would suit the ACT. The country's media remains highly restricted and democracy isn't always practised in the true spirit of the word.

Founding father Lee Kuan Yew and his coterie have dominated the Asian powerhouse for 30 years and the ruling People's Action Party shows no sign of going anywhere. The PAP secured 60 per cent of the popular vote at the most recent election in 2011, representing its worst ever result.

Tourism was a central theme of the delegation, with VisitCanberra officials hosting a speed dating-style event for travel agents, before wining and dining industry leaders and trade media at an exclusive lunch, complemented with Pialligo Estate smoked salmon and Clonakilla wines.

Participants at both events said the lack of international flights from Singapore to Canberra Airport meant many travellers would only consider the capital as a secondary destination.

Marketing Canberra as something new for the 86 per cent of Singapore travellers who make repeat trips to Australia, officials pushed the region's wineries, national attractions and unique nature experiences.

The promotional efforts came as Mr Barr and Canberra Airport boss Stephen Byron met with representatives of international carriers, seeking to realise the government's long-held ambition within months.

Scheduling of flights would spark the opening of a government-funded marketing campaign designed to boost the first-mover in both business and leisure sales.

Already Canberra features in prominent in-market advertising campaigns coinciding with official visits.

Mr Byron said Singapore Airlines or another carrier could expect to have significant influence over the Australian government market through a new presence in Canberra.

For Canberra Business Council chief executive Chris Faulks, the ACT's largest ever trade mission was its most successful.

She praised the concrete outcomes already delivered and said more were on their way.

'It augers well for the future growth of exports from Canberra and the region to Asia and beyond,' Ms Faulks said.

'It was yet another demonstration of the exponential growth of dynamic businesses in the ACT and region - businesses that have a global outlook and are world-class in the products and services they are offering.'

Delayed by fog on departure from Canberra, Mr Barr touched down on return to Canberra on Thursday.

Just like Stamford Raffles 200 years earlier, he would no doubt be aware of the need for tangible results to continue to flow.

The arrival of direct flights, big money and public-private partnerships in the months and years ahead will be key to the trip's long-lasting success.

Singapore to host the 8th ASEAN Para Games from December 3

SINGAPORE - Singapore will host the ASEAN Para Games (APG) for the first time next year.

The Singapore ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee (SAPGOC) announced today in a press statement that the eighth APG will be held from December 3 to 9, 2015.

The eighth biennial Games will wrap up SG50 celebrations and is expected to host over 2,000 athletes and officials during the December school holidays next year. This 7-day multi-sport event will have 12 to 15 sports with their competition venues mainly at the Singapore Sports Hub and Kallang areas.

Starting from September this year, members of the public can look forward to pre-Games activities which include an ASEAN Invitational Games in the City, carnivals, an art exhibition at the Athletes Village as well as a Community Torch Relay.

During the first Steering Committee meeting, it was also announced that Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth will spearhead the Games as committee Chairman, with Mr Sam Tan, Minister-of-State, Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth as Deputy Chairman.

Inclusiveness and ownership of the Games will be key features of the 8th APG.

'Through these Games, we hope to break down the barriers that often prevent people with disabilities from participating in sport. We want sport to be inclusive, with opportunities for all to participate,' said Minister Wong.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Owen Williams: Parents at injured player's side in Singapore

Last updated at 14:45

The parents of Cardiff Blues centre Owen Williams have arrived in Singapore, where he is in hospital after sustaining an injury at the World Club 10s in Singapore.

Williams, 22, was injured as the Blues lost to the Asia Pacific Dragons in the third place play-off.

The Blues have not revealed the nature or extent of his injury.

Players from around the world have taken to Twitter to support four-times capped Williams.

Wales captain and Blues team-mate of Williams, Sam Warburton, tweeted the hashtag: ' #StayStrongForOws '.

Toulon, British and Irish Lions and Wales full-back, Leigh Halfpenny, added: ' Thoughts are with you and your family. '

Warburton and Halfpenny's messages were typical of the support shown for Williams.

Australia flanker David Pocock 'Owen, sending some love and well wishes from Canberra. We're all thinking of you and hoping for a speedy recovery.'

Williams made nine Blues appearances last season because of a hamstring problem.

A statement from Cardiff Blues said: 'Owen Williams is to remain in hospital in Singapore after sustaining an injury at the World Club 10s.

'Williams was injured during the first half of the third/fourth play-off fixture with Asia Pacific Dragons on Sunday afternoon.

'The region would like to take this opportunity to thank fans for their messages of support for Owen. Cardiff Blues will issue further updates when they are available.'

Williams came through the Blues academy system after being spotted playing for Neath College.

After making his way through the academy ranks, Williams was signed to the Cardiff Blues senior side in 2010.

The former Aberdare RFC player was capped by Wales at under-16 and under-20 level.

He made his senior international debut against Japan in Wales' 2013 summer tour.

Is there any explanation for this creepy doll someone found in Singapore?

Is there anything creepier than finding an inexplicable, crazy-looking doll on the street? No, probably not.

Porcelain dolls especially have that sort of old-timey, 'back when science couldn't explain things' vibe that makes them even creepier than, say, a Cabbage Patch Kid you found in your now-adult sister's closet. So it's not surprising that when somebody found this one sitting at the base of a tree in Singapore, the Internet took notice.

Nobody seems to really know why the doll is there, except for the cryptic and excessively terrifying note left by someone who posted the original photo on Imgur: 'We bind it for a reason. Stupid people unbind it. It looks unhappy...'

Now, supposedly, according to the (admittedly questionable) testimony of one Redditor, the doll is rumored to be possessed and has been passed from owner to owner because it reportedly has a habit of talking to itself in the middle of the night and moving its head around of its own accord. It also may or may not have been responsible for a guy's suicide not too long ago.

Of course, with Reddit being the front page of the Internet and all, it tends to amass quite a few inexplicable photos like this horse just chilling on someone's balcony. To you and me, this doll may seem extraordinarily creeptastic, but to the person who put it there, there may be a perfectly logical, worldly explanation.

Imgur

Wherever this doll came from, and even if it didn't murder anyone recently, we recommend leaving it well enough alone all the same. Even if it doesn't wake you up in the night with its evil laughter, it's probably carrying all manner of bugs and grossness...

Monday, June 23, 2014

16 Photos That Show Why Singapore Has The World's Best Airline

Jennifer Polland/ Business InsiderSingapore Airlines took the top spot on our list of the Best Airlines In The World.

The list ranked the best major international airlines for flying economy class, based on two categories: the quality of the in-flight experience and the on-time delays.

Last year, I flew economy class from New York City to Singapore (with a stop in Frankfurt) on Singapore Airlines, and saw for myself why the airline gets rave reviews.

What really helps the airline stand apart is not the seats or the food or even the entertainment (though it has all that), but the service. People who work for the airline are trained to treat passengers with respect and care - something that's increasingly unusual these days.

We thought the day-long trip to Singapore would be unbearable. But even in economy class, it was surprisingly pleasant.

Disclosure: Our trip to Singapore, including travel and lodging expenses, was sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Singapore's 'Pink Dot' Gay Rights Rally May Be Protested By Religious ...

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SINGAPORE, June 23 (Reuters) - Some Christians have joined Muslims in Singapore urging followers to wear white this weekend in protest at the sixth annual 'Pink Dot' gay rights rally, which attracted a record 21,000 people last year. Singapore is seeing growing anger over issues ranging from immigration and rising living costs to gay rights - all in a country where dissent is actively discouraged and political gatherings require a permit regardless of how many people are involved. Last year's Pink Dot rally was held just months after the High Court rejected a petition to repeal a law which criminalizes sex between men. Ustaz Noor Deros, a Muslim teacher, launched the WearWhite movement last week, urging Muslims not to take part in the Pink Dot event on Saturday, and to wear white garments to prayers on that night as they usher in the holy month of Ramadan. Its Facebook page has attracted more than 3,000 'Likes'. 'The movement's genesis was from our observations of the growing normalization of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) in Singapore,' the WearWhite website says. That movement has been joined by Lawrence Khong, head of the Faith Community Baptist Church, and the LoveSingapore network of churches. He encouraged members of his church to wear white at this weekend's services. Khong said that WearWhite movement was meant to defend the official position of the government. 'We cannot and will not endorse homosexuality. We will continue to resist any public promotion of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle,' Khong said in a Facebook posting. The majority of Singaporeans appear to be against same-sex marriage, even as Pink Dot has seen growing support since it began in 2009 and attracted corporate sponsors including BP , Goldman Sachs and Google. A study by the Institute of Policy Studies released at the start of this year found that 78.2 percent of Singaporeans felt sexual relations between two adults of the same sex was always or almost always wrong, and 72.9 percent of them were against gay marriage. Singapore government ministers have called for restraint amid growing support for the WearWhite movement, though human rights activists say there should be clearer condemnation of discrimination. 'The state needs to come in and take on a clearer role from a legal perspective,' said Braema Mathi, president of MARUAH, a human rights group. (Reporting by Rujun Shen; Editing by Nick Macfie)

New Zealand, Singapore in joint food science project

Published: 8:16PM Monday June 23, 2014 Source: ONE News

The Government is investing $1.75 million to fund research projects to develop food products alongside Singapore.

New Zealand must discover and apply new ways of adding value to the goods that we produce, Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said today. 'Developing foods with proven health benefits are one important way of doing this.'

New Zealand's investment will be matched by Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

Mr Joyce says NZ's Business Growth Agenda aims to grow exports from 30% to 40% of GDP by 2025 and innovation in the food science and technology industry will be a key contributor.

Because of our small size New Zealand contributes a very small proportion of the world's research and development activity and Mr Joyce says sharing knowledge and working collaboratively with countries such as Singapore is very important.

'At the same time, our innovative food scientists and technologies have given New Zealand an international reputation as a producer of high quality and safe food products, which makes this collaboration an exciting opportunity for Singapore.'

Sunday, June 22, 2014

ACT eyes Singapore rapid transport

A Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) train leaves a station.

ACT government ministers will have a regular presence in Singapore in the next two years as Treasurer Andrew Barr looks to the city-state's mass rapid transit network as a possible blueprint for Canberra.

Mr Barr is in Hong Kong on Monday and will travel to China's southern business capital Shenzhen to meet executives at the communication giant Huawei's campus headquarters.

At the end of a week-long trade delegation Mr Barr toured the operations centre for Singapore's sprawling MRT network, which carries more than 2.6 million passengers every day.

ACT Treasurer Andrew Barr. Photo: Jay Cronan

He said Canberra could learn from the single-ticketing model that operates across Singapore's trains and buses, and better integrate taxis with the needs of public transport users.

Representatives of the agency charged with building the government's ambitious light-rail line between Civic and Gungahlin could be sent to meet counterparts in Singapore and Mr Barr said further lessons could assist improvements to ACTION bus services.

Car ownership costs are kept high in the densely populated island and the MRT network operates with driverless trains above and below ground.

Mr Barr also discussed investment potential with state-owned and private businesses and talked up Canberra's educational exports as influencing key decision makers and wealthy consumers.

Tourism and business leaders said the trip, described as the ACT's largest ever overseas trade mission, was a success in further promoting the ACT for travel and investment.

Mr Barr said ministers and public servants would travel each year until at least the next territory election in 2016.

More full-page newspaper advertisements promoting the capital region will be part of continued efforts to secure direct flights from the aviation hub to Canberra.

Awareness of the ACT's tourism offerings remains low in the Singapore market, where consumers favour repeat visits to Australia. Members of the delegation remained optimistic a deal on flights could be reached.

'We are very keen for [MRT] to become involved in the Canberra market with new technologies and new ways of delivery and upgrading public transport services,' Mr Barr said.

'It also follows on from our meetings with ComfortDelGro who have some significant public transport investments in our region. What I am particularly interested in exploring is those integration possibilities between taxi, bus and light rail.'

Mr Barr said there was potential for bus passengers to use taxis during low-demand periods and pay with MyWay cards.

Canberra Business Council chief executive Chris Faulks said the 40 business representatives who joined the delegation had made significant inroads into Asian markets.

'These connections will be followed up over the next weeks and months and many well result in new export deals across the three themes of the trade mission, ICT: education, tourism and sport.

'It augers well for the future growth of exports from Canberra and the region to Asia and beyond,' Ms Faulks said.

Singapore opens doors to glittering new stadium

Singapore on Saturday opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art National Stadium for the first time as the arena played host to a two-day international rugby 10s tournament.

Organisers said the inaugural World Club 10s, featuring eight professional teams from around the globe, is expected to draw about 12,000 people to the 55,000-seat arena over the weekend.

Teams participating in the tournament include New Zealand's Blues, captained by All Blacks scrum-half Piri Weepu, Australian powerhouse Brumbies and a selection of the Samoa national team.

Also featuring are the Asia-Pacific Dragons, which is planning to enter the successful Southern Hemisphere Super Series with the new Singapore arena as its home base.

Singapore Rugby Union chief Low Teo Ping said the opening of the stadium was an 'important moment' for sports in the wealthy island nation.

'A spanking new stadium equipped with ultra-modern facilities and a retractable roof that can take care of the elements -- fans have been waiting for this for a long time,' Low, who is also the vice-president of the Singapore National Olympic Council, told AFP.

The National Stadium, featuring a domed, retractable roof and air-cooled seating, is the centrepiece of Singapore's $1 billion Sports Hub complex that is opening in stages this year.

It is designed by London-based design and engineering firm Arup, which also played a part in designing Beijing's iconic 'Bird's Nest' Olympic Stadium.

The arena is designed like a horseshoe, with one side opening up to a view of Singapore's glittering waterfront business district.

The 35-hectare (86.5-acre) Sports Hub complex also includes indoor arenas, an aquatic centre and watersports facility, and a shopping mall.

The Sports Hub complex will host its first football match, Italian side Juventus against a Singapore XI, on August 16.

It will also host tennis's end-of-season WTA Championships in October, is the confirmed main venue for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, and is also likely to hold high-key international rugby and Twenty20 cricket events, officials have said.

The new facility is in Singapore's riverside Kallang district on the site of the former national stadium, which was known for its famous 'Kallang Roar' and fondly referred to as Singapore's 'Grand Old Dame'.

ACT government eyes Singapore's rapid transport