Singapore Flyer's fate no longer up in the air

SINGAPORE - Tourism company Straco Corp is buying the troubled Singapore Flyer for $140 million, more than a year after the attraction hit financial trouble.

The price is a steep discount to the $240 million outlaid by the original owners to build the Flyer, which opened for business in 2008.

Straco, which was tipped as the wheel's new owner earlier this week, is behind several well-known tourist attractions in China, including the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and Underwater World Xiamen.

'The Singapore Flyer is a defining Singapore attraction and represents an exciting opportunity to expand our presence in the region and contribute to the Singapore tourism industry,' said Straco founder and executive chairman Wu Hsioh Kwang in a statement yesterday.

The deal announced yesterday could leave nightclub Zouk high and dry as it had been considering relocating to a space at the Flyer.

Its fate now rests with Straco, which will outline its plans for the attraction later in the year.

The Flyer, which is at the fringe of the Central Business District, hit the spotlight in May last year when the company behind the six-year-old attraction was placed in receivership.

This means that after the company could not repay loans to its creditors, the creditors appointed a receiver to settle the loans by taking control of some or all of the company's assets.

The receivers put the Flyer up for sale, with advertisements placed in publications in the United States and other countries.

Mr Tim Reid, one of the Flyer's receivers, told The Straits Times yesterday that interest from potential buyers had been 'overwhelming... significantly more parties attempted to register after the cut-off date (in June last year), even up till last week'.

The receivers shortlisted five out of the 'very large' number of potential buyers and Straco emerged as the clear choice in March this year, he said.

Straco is buying the Flyer via its subsidiary Straco Leisure. The purchase includes both the giant observation wheel and the lease of the property at 30, Raffles Avenue.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which owns the land the Flyer sits on, said in a statement yesterday that it would work with the Flyer's new owner on its plans for the tourist attraction.

'We believe Straco Leisure will be able to enhance the Flyer's appeal to both local and international visitors,' STB chief Lionel Yeo said.

Mr Wu said Straco would share its plans for the Flyer by the end of this year, after it officially takes over in two to three months.

Local travel agencies noted that the Flyer has kept a low profile over the past year and may therefore have to work harder to draw visitors.

'Its success will depend on how it is packaged and how aggressively the new owner markets it,' said Chan Brothers Travel's head of marketing and communications at travel agency Chan Brothers Travel, Ms Jane Chang.

Whether Zouk will end up as a Flyer tenant also remains up in the air. Zouk founder Lincoln Cheng had said last week that he would be willing to spend $20 million to $30 million to build a new site for Zouk at the Flyer.

However, Mr Reid said yesterday that the receivers turned down Mr Cheng's proposal.

'After hearing him out, we decided that it was not in the best commercial interests of the Flyer in receivership to pursue his expression of interest.

'The receivers will leave it to the new owner to decide whether Zouk fits the concept that they have for the Flyer.'

Zouk may still stand a chance. Mr Wu told The Straits Times: 'As we are still fine-tuning the plans for the Flyer, we are open to discussions, including Zouk.'

Straco Leisure is a 90:10 joint venture between Straco and private transport company Woodlands Transport Service (WTS).

WTS has a tour group arm called WTS Travel, which operates a check-in counter at the Flyer, according to its website. WTS did not respond to queries by press time yesterday.

Straco shares have surged from as low as 26 cents in January last year to close at 82 cents on Wednesday.

Trading in the counter was halted on Wednesday night and resumes this morning.

melissat@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Aug 29, 2014. Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Festival fever hits Singapore

SINGAPORE - Looking for something to do? Take your pick from 10 festivals that are taking place around the island till Sept 21.

From buskers to storytelling, beer to art and design, there is something for everyone in what has become Singapore's festival season, which straddles National Day and the Formula One races next month. Nest month, in all, 15 festivals were slated - the biggest number so far for this stretch - and five have wrapped up.

Festival organisers choose the August to September period to capitalise on the cooler weather and post-National Day buzz, while others plan their events to coincide with the school holidays and pack in the crowds.

Ms Christie Chua, the Singapore Night Festival's creative director, says its audience looks forward to the event every August.

'We see ourselves as the wrap-up party to our nation's birthday. August is also a good period to hold an open-air festival as the weather is nice and cool.'

Started in 2008, the Singapore Night Festival has been held over the last two weekends in August for the past four years. It is the largest event of the crop, drawing half a million people last year - the same number it expects to achieve when the festival closes tomorrow.

It offers a spread of live dance, music and theatre performances, pyrotechnics and light installations, in addition to museum open houses in the Bras Basah/Bugis district.

Despite the slew of festivals in the same period, organisers have seen steady, if not record, attendance this year.

The biennial Singapore Garden Festival, held at Gardens by the Bay for the first time, saw 300,000 visitors when it was held from Aug 16 to 24, the biggest turnout of its five editions.

A Design Film Festival, which will screen 12 design-focused films at Shaw Theatres Lido from Sept 5 to 14, has already sold 90 per cent of its tickets. Now in its fifth year, it expects to draw 6,000 people, 33 per cent more than the 4,500 who attended last year.

Far from suffering from festival fatigue, many Singaporeans are seizing the chance to festival-hop as the events cater to different interests.

For example, the biennial Singapore Garden Festival, the NTUC Income Kite Festival Singapore and Singapore Night Festival are popular with families, with activities for all ages.

Arts aficionados, meanwhile, head to events such as Yellowren Arts Festival and the Singapore International Festival of Arts.

Ms Shermeen Tan, 29, an art director and graphic designer, says creative types are spoilt for choice this month as half of the festivals are geared towards the arts.

She attended the Japanese Association's Summer Festival held at the Japanese Primary School in Changi last Saturday, before heading to the Singapore Night Festival, where she stayed until midnight.

She plans to attend the Night Festival again this weekend, and has tickets to six of the films showing at A Design Film Festival.

'I like that Singapore has grown to a point where you have many events to choose from,' says Ms Tan.

'These festivals are enriching experiences, and organisers are willing to try new things, bring in new festivals.'

One drawback of the crowded festival calendar, she notes, is that people may be forced to skip some events if too many are held on the same day.

She wanted to attend Creatory, a festival last weekend where about 60 musicians, artists, designers and F&B operators performed or sold their wares in a re-purposed warehouse in Mactaggart Road off Macpherson Road, but ran out of time. The inaugural event drew 5,000 people.

Festival organisers say each event can hold its own as each draws different audiences, from heartlanders to gardening enthusiasts to partygoers.

Mr Mano Kunasegaran, director of Insurgence, which is organising tomorrow's Fashion Beach Festival at Sentosa's Tanjong Beach Club, says the growing number of companies willing to showcase local and foreign talent here can benefit Singapore's lifestyle scene.

'We are seeing more niches and subcultures being catered to. It's a pretty mature scene now, easily the best in the region, which means partygoers have more choices than ever before,' he says.

'To stand out, events will have to push the limits of what's been done here and that's great. If you want to compete and survive, you'd better make sure people are having a great time.'

This is why Ms Germaine Chong, the producer of A Design Film Festival, makes sure her team works hard to ensure that 'the kinds of films we bring to our festival are the titles which will really excite and appeal to people'.

In fact, organisers believe there is still room for the festival scene to grow.

Ms Ruby Lim-Yang, artistic director of arts production company Act 3 International and presenter of the NTUC Income Kite Festival Singapore 2014, which ended last Saturday, says: 'Singapore has many wonderful facilities, physical spaces and great transport access.

'It has the potential to be a 'Festival City' if all the players do their part. It is not just about rolling out activities or programmes, it is about giving people a memorable experience.'

vlydia@sph.com.sg

FASHION BEACH FESTIVAL

The second annual Fashion Beach Festival at Tanjong Beach Club aims to push the boundaries with more than 15 hours of partying.

Styled as a glamorous beach party, it hopes to break the Singapore record for the most number of champagne bottles opened in a single event (the current record is 400).

It will also showcase the debut of the world's first 'trilliant' cut diamond collection worth $2 million by Caraters diamonds, an online diamond company. Trilliant cut is a gem with a triangular shape.

Models adorned with diamonds will strut down the catwalk in designer labels such as Jean Paul Gautier, Paul & Joe and Valisere lingere.

Tickets can be bought at the door for $38, but those with deep pockets can shell out for a VIP bed, which starts at $1,288 and goes up to $10,000. The beds can fit up to 15 guests and come with a diamond gift.

More than 7,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will be broadcast and viewed by up to 500 million people worldwide via global broadcaster Fashion TV.

When: Saturday, from 11am till late

Where: Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa

Cost: $38 a person

Info: Go to http://ift.tt/1q2bpvR

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS

With a line-up of concerts, acclaimed plays, dance performances and artist talks, this event is a treat for performance art junkies.

Theatre performances include Amid The Clouds, about two young Iranians' struggle for asylum.

Back from a year-long hiatus with a brand new name, the Singapore International Festival of Arts was previously known as Singapore Arts Festival, a biennial arts festival which began in 1977.

It was relaunched with a pre-festival in June called The O.P.E.N, a series of screenings, talks, workshops and dialogues which ran till July 12.

The second phase of the festival started on Aug 12, with productions that will run over six weekends.

When: Until Sept 21, performance times vary

Where: Performances are held in four venues, including Victoria Theatre and School of the Arts

Cost: Tickets from $30 to $120

Info: Go to sifa.sg

YELLOWREN ARTS FESTIVAL

Taking art to the heartland, this three-day festival, the second edition by home-grown art boutique Yellowren Productions runs till Sunday at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park.

It features art workshops, exhibitions and musical acts such as Juliet Pang White Noise Quartet, 53A and The Sets Band.

Visitors can also learn about 3-D paper crafting, moulding polymer clay and blow ink art in 13 workshops.

About 1,500 people attended the inaugural festival last year and the organisers hope to draw twice the crowd this year.

When: Today, 1 to 8.30pm; Saturday, 10am to 8.30pm; and Sunday, 10am to 5pm

Where: Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, intersection of Yishun Avenue 1 and Lentor Avenue

Cost: Free

Info: Go to www.yraf.org

A DESIGN FILM FESTIVAL

It may be a niche festival dedicated to elements of design, but there is something for everyone at this event.

Launched in 2010 by Anonymous, a small Singaporean creative direction and design firm, it was the first film festival of its kind in Asia and has since travelled to cities such as Berlin, Portland and Taipei.

Mr Felix Ng and Ms Germaine Chong, the couple who direct and produce the event, say they select only entertaining films which are relevant to the design industry and are new to Singapore, if not Asia.

This year, they viewed more than 100 films before picking the final 12, which will be screened at Shaw Theatres Lido over two weekends.

The 12 films include two world premieres, and delve into design topics such as architecture, fashion, photography, street art and motion graphics.

The festival will launch with the world premiere of Hakusho: The Story Of Rice (next Friday, 8pm, $25), a film by Japanese director Yu Yamanaka, who will be at the opening and a Q&A discussion after the screening.

When: Next Friday to Sept 14, showtimes vary

Where: Shaw Theatres Lido, 350 Orchard Road, Levels 5 and 6, Shaw House

Cost: $15 a ticket, $25 to attend the festival's opening film

Info: Go to http://ift.tt/1ukTq7V

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS

With a line-up of concerts, acclaimed plays, dance performances and artist talks, this event is a treat for performance art junkies.

Theatre performances include Amid The Clouds, about two young Iranians' struggle for asylum.

Back from a year-long hiatus with a brand new name, the Singapore International Festival of Arts was previously known as Singapore Arts Festival, a biennial arts festival which began in 1977.

It was relaunched with a pre-festival in June called The O.P.E.N, a series of screenings, talks, workshops and dialogues which ran till July 12.

The second phase of the festival started on Aug 12, with productions that will run over six weekends.

When: Until Sept 21, performance times vary

Where: Performances are held in four venues, including Victoria Theatre and School of the Arts

Cost: Tickets from $30 to $120

Info: Go to sifa.sg

HEINEKEN CITIES FESTIVAL

Dutch beer brand Heineken is hosting a street party tomorrow night in Ann Siang Hill and Club Street to mark its new City Edition Heineken bottles, which bear the names of six cosmopolitan cities - New York, London, Amsterdam, Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai and Singapore.

Expect Brazilian samba dancers, drummers and breakdancers as well as jazz musicians to rove through the crowds.

DJ and singer-songwriter DJ Rae, who is based in London and Ibiza, will spin music and Singaporean visual artist Michael Ng, known as Mindflyer, will create a live mural painting of Amsterdam on a 2.4m by 3.5m wall.When: Tomorrow, 8pm to 1am

Where: Ann Siang Hill and Club Street

Cost: Free

Info: Go to http://ift.tt/OKsysL

SINGAPORE NIGHT FESTIVAL

Now in its seventh edition, the fortnight-long event returns with all its favourites, such as museum open houses, musical performances, live art shows and 12 light installations, up from five last year.

New this year are a Festival Village at Cathay Green, between Orchard and Stamford roads, where visitors can rest and grab a bite while catching live music performances, and a 'block party' on Armenian Street, which will be open to only pedestrians during festival hours.

This is the last weekend of the festival. Highlights include musical, aerobatic and pyrotechnic performances by American artist William Close and Austrian-based artist collective Phoenix.

Also look out for Angles Of Incidence, an installation of mirrored pyramids which reflects light and geometric shapes behind the iconic banyan tree, outside the National Museum of Singapore. When: Tonight and tomorrow, 7pm to 2am

Where: Bras Basah/Bugis Precinct

Cost: Free

Info: Go to www.sgnightfest.sg

SENTOSA BUSKERS FESTIVAL

Close to 100,000 people are expected to attend this year's edition held on Palawan Beach. Now in its fifth year, there will be more than 200 performances by 19 local and international buskers, including The J Show from Singapore, Tuto Tul from Argentina and Grumpy Queen Victoria from Britain.

There will also be flea markets, artist markets, busker meet-and-greets and a chance for visitors to try their hand at juggling and spinning plates at Try Me Out zones in the festival area.

When: Sept 6 to 14, 4.30 to 8.30pm on weekdays, and until 9.30pm on weekends

Where: Beach Plaza, Palawan Beach, Sentosa

Cost: Free (island admission and carpark charges apply)

Info: Go to buskers.sentosa.com.sg

NOISE SINGAPORE FESTIVAL

An initiative by the National Arts Council, Noise Singapore is an organisation which offers those aged 35 and below a platform to share and develop their creative talents with the help of top industry professionals.

Hundreds of artworks and musical performances were picked for a series of exhibitions and concerts taking place from Aug 16 to Sept 14, as part of Noise Singapore's annual festival which will be held at various venues around Singapore.

One such exhibition, which started on Wednesday and runs till Sept 14 in the Ion basement, displays some of the best art, design and photography works by young blood.

A 21/2-hour concert by young musicians and bands, including Hubbabubba and Lost Weekend, will accompany the exhibition and Sept 6 from 2 to 4.30pm.

More than 60 young participants were selected for mentorship with arts and music professionals earlier this year, and they will showcase what they have learnt in an exhibition and concert series as part of the festival.

There are 51 apprentices who will display their artwork inspired by the exhibition theme, In Transit, at SAM at 8Q from now till Sept 7, 10am to 7pm daily and 9pm on Fridays.

Music apprentices will perform at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre and Concourse from Sept 12 to 14, times vary.

When: Now till Sept 14, 10am to 9pm daily

Where: Basement 4, Ion Orchard

Cost: Free

Info: Go to http://ift.tt/1tkzXUK

PESTA RAYA MALAY FESTIVAL OF ARTS

Celebrate Malay culture and arts during four days of performances.

The line-up includes theatre performances, dance acts performing Zapin and Malay welcome dances, Malay-language and cooking workshops, and more than 10 musical acts.

These include the first solo concert in Singapore by Malaysian pop star Ning Baizura (Saturday, 8pm, Esplanade Concert Hall, tickets cost $30 to $70) and a performance by Singaporean folk singer-songwriter Awi Rafael (tomorrow, 9.30pm, Esplanade Recital Studio, $25).

Also check out an intimate session with Malaysian music charts favourite Tengku Adil (Sunday, 8.30pm, Esplanade Recital Studio, $25).

Most of the events at the festival, which started yesterday, are free.

When: Till Sunday, programme times vary

Where: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay

Cost: Admission to more than half of the festival's programme is free. Ticketed performances cost $19 to $70 a ticket, concessions available.

Info: Go to www.pestaraya.com

This article was first published on August 29, 2014. Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Singapore and the Sea of Discontent

Southeast Asia is home to roughly 630 million people, who combined produce a GDP of around 2.4 trillion dollars. It is also a region beset with complicated territorial squabbles, stemming from border to sea-lane disputes. There are many fault lines in this region, and none are more volatile than the South China Sea, a misnomer by some accounts but also a fragile zone of conflict on the precipice of conflict.

As an economic and military juggernaut, China is beginning to realize the challenges it faces in the 21st century. One is energy and the other is territory, hence when 80 percent of Chinese oil imports flow through the Strait of Malacca and into the South China Sea, and when competing nations contest the nine-dashed line, it is clear that China will, short of naval warfare, do everything in its power to establish dominance in a region contested by other naval powers.

Singapore is economically tied to the boom in China, and diplomatically associated with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). At present, Singapore is not heeding the maxim si vis pacem para bellum (if you want peace, prepare for war). In short, Singapore's foreign policy initiatives are based on a simplistic calculation that the cost of war in the region will exceed any gains, which it believes would deter any nation from initiating hostilities. It is a dangerous assumption.

ASEAN has been in existence for a little more than half a century, yet despite its history, it has yet to prove itself to be an influential organization like Mercosur or the African Union. ASEAN's failure lies in its inability to wrest power from its member states and adjudicate on matters of political or economic importance. Its impotence lies in its inability to become a supranational power with decision-making abilities in the mold of the EU, leaving it a weak, fragmented and feeble institution reflective of the ineffectual treaties and declarations in place.

This poses a geopolitical challenge for weaker countries that have territorial disputes with militarily strong nations in the region. For instance, China has always claimed the nine-dashed line demarcates its territory, and in pushing this claim it prefers to bypass the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to negotiate its own terms bilaterally with other contesting parties.

The use of ASEAN as an arbiter in such matters is unwise, as it has always used consensus-based negotiations, as reflected in its charter, declarations and treaties. The 2002 Declaration of Conduct of Parties is structurally and legally insufficient to deal with the territorial issues of the South China Sea, as it cannot legally force states to change their behavior, but is rather based on the consensus and goodwill of the parties.

The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation is a framework intended to deal with regional disputes, but like the DOC, it lacks a mechanism to legally enforce any ruling. This was done specifically so as to not contravene Chapter XVI, Article 103 of the United Nations Charter. The apparent weakness of ASEAN as a mediating body is clear, and with growing regional tensions the bloc could find itself playing a peripheral role on an issue of central importance.

This is where Singapore comes into play. As a country of 5.3 million people, Singapore is not viewed as a military threat in the South or East China Sea. If Singapore could strategically position itself in a central role, it could be expected to mediate with the contesting parties and become a point of contact to facilitate discussions and negotiations between China, Japan, and the U.S. This year's Shangri-La Dialogue is an apt example of how it can maintain such a unique position.

Singapore is neither a military nor an economic heavyweight, hence it has to calculate the future economic costs should China ever decide to blockade vital sea lanes that account for 33 per cent of world sea-borne trade. The city state should plan ahead by being politically active and invested in this dispute, most usefully by positioning itself as a mediating force with the explicit intention to avert and possibly stave off both possible economic sanctions and naval confrontations in the region.

A financial hub for most of Southeast Asia, Singapore has the financial means to pursue this path. For instance, it could create a Regional Maritime Forum, where important political actors from the principal claimant countries can converge to deliberate on a preliminary treaty that would codify a unified position towards the ongoing disputes.

Second, Singapore should prevail on the signatories to the DOC to replace the pact with a more robust provisional agreement that addresses, say, military activities within exclusive economic zones and perhaps even the regional naval arms race. That, of course, would be very difficult to achieve, but a lengthy negotiation process could be justified by the end goal of regional stability.

Finally, Singapore should call for the establishment of a South China Sea Arbitration Court, with a rules-based procedure based partly on the processes of UNCLOS. China could dismiss Singapore as a gadfly, but it understands better than anyone that having Singapore drive the process would provide it with a better outcome than having its claims contested in The Hague. China knows it can negotiate a better deal within the region with Singapore at its helm. Singapore's close cultural and linguistic ties to China would also help.

ASEAN has outlived its usefulness and it is in the region's best interest if a politically neutral entity assumes the mantle of responsibility. Singapore could be a good candidate.

Suhith Sitharthan has worked as a Maritime Security Analyst as well as a Southeast and Northeast Asian research analyst for a top think tank in Australia.

Heavy Lifting: Loi Pok Yen Builds A Port Powerhouse In Singapore

In 2009 Singapore lost its title to Shanghai as the port shipping the most tons of cargo-and it's intent on falling no further. In its battle against ambitious competitors-from China and India to its Southeast Asian neighbors-it counts on a well-established network of specialized maritime businesses that keep the big ships coming back. A key player in this web of more than 5,000 companies is CWT, the largest logistics company listed in Southeast Asia. 'We are part of the Singapore ecosystem,' says Group Chief Executive Loi Pok Yen. A big part: It operates in 49 countries and 6 continents, connecting customers to 200 ports and 1,500 inland destinations. Its latest expansion, just announced: a 2.2-million-square-foot 'megalogistics hub,' putting under one roof a cluster of services that help gives Singapore its edge.

Loi has run CWT since early 2005, taking over two months after his father's privately held logistics group, C&P Holdings, bought nearly a third of the company. Started by the Port of Singapore Authority in 1970, CWT needed an overhaul. Today it's a port powerhouse. Revenue has soared 160% in just two years, to an expected $11.2 billion this year, according to Bloomberg. That's thanks in large part to a fast-growing trading business acquired in 2011. Trading businesses come with razor-thin margins, so net profit is expected to total only $101 million this year, but that's up nearly 20% since last year. This performance puts CWT on the Fab 50 for the second straight year.

CWT's headquarters are lodged in one of its enormous blue-and-green warehouses along Singapore's West Coast. A rocky shoreline skirts the building, and the breezy elevated parking area has perhaps the complex's best view of the open ocean. Inside, the appointments are functional and distinctly Chinese-a school of fat goldfish swim in a big pond next to a round table used for big celebratory dinners. Loi sits behind a massive white leather desk that hasn't moved an inch since he took over. He's a firm believer in feng shui: a red oil painting to the right of the desk is aimed at blocking potential problems while a red sculpture on the left boosts energy, perking him up for hard decisions. On the far wall of the office hangs the familiar set of wooden panels signifying the '36 strategies' developed by a Chinese general. Loi himself favors No. 36: 'If you can't beat [your enemy]-run!' In fact, 36 is also the number on his license plate.

Click here for the full list of Asia's Fab 50 Companies

For his first three years in charge, concedes the 44-year-old Loi, his father tried to assert a strong amount of oversight. 'I don't take instruction well. He's given up now,' says Loi, flashing a smile. 'My approach is different.' That's not to say Loi junior answers to no one-major decisions go to the CWT board. That's chaired by his father, Loi Kai Meng, 75. Last month FORBES ASIA estimated his and his family's fortune at $605 million, thanks to a 30% stake in C&P and a 22.34% share of CWT, which includes his son's 5.35% stake.

The pair did work closely on turning around the company in those first years. In 2004 revenue had been just $142 million, and the company eked out only a $1.2 million net profit. So they cut 10% of the workforce and sold assets. 'We got rid of the fat,' says CEO Loi. 'Everybody woke up.' They also sharpened CWT's focus. They reconfigured the warehouses to add truck ramps that wind through each level so that tenants could drive to their doorstep. They decided that brand-name glamour clients such as Wal-Mart, Ikea, Apple and Samsung were off-limits. Instead, they went after customers in the 'mundane, low-tech sector' of the market where CWT could be dominant-petrochemicals and commodities.

Then, in 2011 Loi pulled off the deal that has transformed the company, spending $94 million to buy most of MRI Trading, which had been set up by the late Glencore founder Marc Rich. Margins may be very low, but cash flow is very stable. 'With MRI we buy and sell commodities rather than being simply a middleman,' he says. 'We have become a one-stop shop for customers.' He set up a second MRI headquarters in Singapore to complement the one in Switzerland, ramping up enough to become the world's second-largest independent trader of copper concentrate; only Dutch behemoth Trafigura is bigger.

What Loi surmised was this: He could buy the concentrate from the world's mines, warehouse it, mix it for whatever concentrate grade was required and finally sell it to smelters in China. 'When the world's at peace, this trading business makes a minimum of S$20 million [a year],' he says. But profits jump when political conflicts or natural disasters strike. 'If there's a shortage of supply, the smelters will pay more,' he explains, citing labor strikes in Australia and earthquakes as examples of opportunities.

Financial observers applaud Loi's business model. 'I have never seen a more conservative management,' says DMG analyst Shekhar Jaiswal, who follows Singapore stocks. 'On a ten-point checklist, they hit them all. Very few companies manage to do that.' Banker Quak Yeok Koon at Standard Chartered agrees: 'Management is taking calculated, controlled steps to grow the business; I would like to see them rival [U.S. giant] Cargill and [France's Louis] Dreyfus one day.'

Says Annie Koh, a professor of finance at Singapore Management University: 'CWT saw where the country was strategically moving. It completed the dotted line of trade, growing both ends of the logistics chain-upstream with warehousing and downstream with trading.' She argues that while Singapore won't win every shipment in the future, it will corral the high-value shipments: 'Companies like CWT have a strong brand and long-standing relationships with customers. They can deliver on promises again and again.'

Next up is an expansion of subsidiary Straits Financial, CWT's brokering business designed to help customers manage risk. With a license to trade futures contracts, it fits into CWT's one-stop-shop model, and it produces wider margins and higher profits than logistics services generally do. 'It burned money for two years,' admits Loi, 'but now it's making good money.'

CWT is also in the wine-storage business. A new temperature-controlled warehouse for 10 million bottles, near the Singapore headquarters, opened this summer. Equipped with party facilities for customers who want to entertain, the monthly charge is 30 cents to 50 cents a bottle. 'It's a decent business to be in,' Loi explains, 'though it's not extremely profitable.'

Loi earned his first million while a business major at the National University of Singapore-he leveraged $50,000 worth of ang pow-or red packet-money to speculate in the stock market. In 1994, sensing a turn in the market, he got out, netting $1 million. 'When I started out, I didn't want to work for my dad,' he says. And he didn't. Fresh from NUS, he opened a restaurant in Singapore with a college chum and cut his teeth on a host of sticky problems-grueling hours, difficult financing, little ability to scale up the business. After a year he sold out to his partner and joined the C&P fold at age 25.

Young Loi began in Burma, overseeing the construction of a container port before returning to Singapore after two years to develop warehouses. In 2004 he spotted an opportunity created by new legislation governing real estate investment trusts. C&P became the first warehouse owner to sell properties to a REIT, and with that pot of cash father and son decided to buy the stake in CWT-which originally stood for Container, Warehousing & Transportation.

Has he made mistakes? Yes, he says. Investments in a few startups have failed, leading him to buy mostly smaller, established businesses. Loi cites one bad decision made soon after he took over MRI Trading. 'We put in people who were not right for the job,' he says of his British hires. 'Ultimately, we had to bring the old team back and pay garden leave to the new team.' Right now Loi is throttling down his expansion rush. He's not buying more assets or companies. 'The banks are not lending to the small boys now,' he figures. 'More and more will get into trouble. They will get cheaper.' So as CWT consolidates its operations, it is not adding to its head count of some 6,000 employees but instead automating more and subcontracting out. Finding good people in Singapore is a nagging worry, he says. He wants potential middle managers who are willing to start as forklift operators or warehouse storekeepers, but that's a tough sell for Singaporeans. Still, he says, his company offers a career ladder and the chance to move abroad. Most CWT workers are in the 'iron rice bowl' category, wanting the peace of mind that they can put food on the table, he says. The vast majority are men. Educational credentials don't really matter, but the right attitude does.

Loi says he leads his troops by encouraging debate and using persuasion to get things done, techniques he picked up from the two financiers he most admires-Warren Buffett and American hedge fund king Ray Dalio. 'I don't give orders,' he says. 'But I have three rules: No. 1, don't complain; No. 2, play politics and you're out; No. 3, don't worry about making a mistake, but don't repeat it.'

And he says he has no time for excessive employee bonding. He wants his staff spending time with their families at night, not with each other. As for client entertainment, he says CWT hospitality is largely confined to lunches.

'Our clients don't get wined and dined,' he says. 'I don't want my people doing karaoke every night.'

His mother warned Loi, the eldest of three children, that he couldn't study abroad; he had to take up his offer at NUS. 'You have to stay home and keep me company,' he says she told him. Today his mother expects him for lunch every Sunday, and for Sunday dinner the entire clan gathers: his parents; he, his wife and their three children-a teenage daughter and a preschool son and daughter; and his siblings (his brother, Loi Win Yen, is CEO of C&P Capital and C&P Rent-A-Car, and his sister, Loi Yan Yi, is CWT's marketing director). His weekday routine always includes a morning coffee at the Ya Kun cafe close to his 8,000-square-foot home near Holland Village.

And what about Singapore's competitive edge? On one hand, Loi believes that Singapore will remain the port of choice because of its first-rate services and a new port and automated terminal that it's developing at Tuas, on the country's southwestern tip. But beyond the maritime industry he has some advice. 'Singaporeans have an island mentality-'It can't get better than it is here,' ' he says. ' This is not the center of the world. We are a small market with no hinterland.'

While many citizens object to ramping up the size of the population, he calls it essential for Singapore's future. 'Then we'll see more entrepreneurs and more market opportunities.'

Quick Hits-Loi Pok Yen:

-Graduate of Singapore's Anglo-Chinese School.

-Calls himself a 'free thinker' who leans towards Buddhism.

-Avid fan of '80s music, including the U.K.'s Pet Shop Boys.

-Advocate of tough love: Expects his 3 children to make their own money when they grow up.

-Reads Michael Lewis books and comics by Vertigo and Marvel.

-Doesn't go to the gym; runs instead.

-His private portfolio is invested 50% in cash, bonds and blue-chip equities; 40% in property; and 10% in high-risk investments such as art, wine, comics, private equity and shares in mining and Internet companies.

-Hanging in his office is a painting of King Kong clutching a blonde on top of the Empire State Building.

-Quote: 'We don't have the entrepreneurial success stories here. We're not like Hong Kong, even though we are roughly the same-size island.'

Singapore Pools to increase odds and prize pool for Toto draw

The Singapore Pools will be increasing the number pool for its lottery draw, making it harder to strike the jackpot for punters. Other changes include the increase of prize money across the prize groups and introduction of a new 3-number combination prize group.

Starting from 7th October this year, pool of numbers from which the six-number combination are selected for the lottery draw will increase from 45 numbers to 49 numbers. Though it may be harder to strike the jackpot, punters may be happy to know that the prize money for the group 1 prize will be increased to a minimum of S$1 million from the previous minimum of $500,000.

Currently the odds of striking the jackpot at the group 1 prize is at one in 8.1 million, while with the new rules, the chances of that have dwindled down to one in 13.9 million.

For the sake of comparison, TOC has done up a table for the reader to count their chances in the new system.

Singapore Pools is revamping the Toto game too, the first time since 1997, because of higher taxes on lotteries. The increase in duties is 5% from the previous 25% to the current 30% of gross bets.

Punters will find it more expensive to place bets now with the minimum betting amount being increased from 50 cents to $1 for the ordinary bet. This increase will also be reflected in the other system bets. For example, system 7 which allows the selection of 7 numbers is now increased to $7 from the previous $3.50.

The consolation for many recreational punters is that there will be a new prize category, for a winning combination of three numbers. The prize money for this prize group is $10.

While Singapore Pools will increase the winnings for the fifth and sixth prizes, it will reduce the prize money for the second, third and fourth prizes from 13% for all the prizes to a declining prize allocation of 8%, 5.5% and 3%.

The total prize pool for the top 4 prize groups will be reduced from 72% of prize pool to 54.5 %. This reduction is likely to cater for the new prize group for the 3 number combination which will see to a large number of winners.

According to My Paper, Singapore Pools confirmed the changes, saying that it was responding to 'customers' request over the years for a higher jackpot prize and new prize category for matching three numbers'.

A Singapore Pools spokesman said the changes in the Toto game are 'not an attempt to pass on the effect of increased betting duties to customers'.

Singapore Pools is a state-owned lottery subsidiary company in Singapore. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tote Board, it is the only operator that is legally allowed to run lotteries in Singapore.

The proceeds from Toto betting, like the surpluses from other Singapore Pools games such as the Singapore Sweep and 4-D, are donated to causes such as the Community Chest.

Singapore Flyer bought by Straco Leisure for S$140 million

POSTED: 28 Aug 2014 15:31 UPDATED: 28 Aug 2014 15:48 The flyer buyer says it is a 'defining attraction' and represents an 'exciting opportunity' for Straco Leisure to expand in the region and contribute to the local tourism industry.

SINGAPORE: Straco Leisure, a subsidiary of Straco Corporation, on Thursday (Aug 28) announced that it bought the Singapore Flyer for S$140 million. The Flyer has been in receivership for over a year.

In a media release, Mr Tim Reid, the Receiver of Singapore Flyer, said both parties have entered into an agreement to sell the business and assets of the Singapore Flyer to Straco Leisure. He said the receivers and managers are 'confident that the prospects of the Flyer are extremely exciting under the new ownership'.Straco Corp's Executive Chairman Wu Hsioh Kwang has more than a decade's experience in managing attractions. The company runs tourist attractions in China in places such as Shanghai, Xi'an and Xiamen. Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said, 'The Singapore Flyer is a key attraction in the local tourism scene. We are therefore pleased that Straco Corp, a Singaporean company with strong track record in managing overseas attractions, has chosen the Singapore Flyer as their first attraction in Singapore to establish a presence back home.' STB will work with Straco Leisure on their plans for the Flyer.

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Toto to dangle fatter top prize, slimmer odds

SINGAPORE - Punters will find it more difficult to hit the jackpot in the Toto draw, under changes to the country's oldest nationwide lottery.

Despite facing slimmer odds, the top prize winner will get a bigger bounty - the prize money will swell to at least $1 million per draw, up from the current guaranteed $500,000 pot.

My Paper has learnt that the new Toto game, which will start on Oct 7, will require punters to pick a winning six-number combination from 49 numbers, instead of the current 45.

This means they are likely to have a one in 14 million chance to strike the top prize in the twice-a-week lottery. Currently, the odds of hitting the jackpot is about one in eight million.

Singapore Pools is revamping the Toto game, the first time since 1997, as the lottery operator is hit by higher taxes on lotteries which kicked in last month.

It will be more expensive to place a Toto bet. The cost of each betting category in the Toto game will be doubled. Currently, it cost 50 cents for one Ordinary bet.

While Singapore Pools will increase the winnings for the fifth and sixth prizes, it will shrink the returns for the second, third and fourth prizes, cutting the proportion of the prize purse by between five and 10 percentage points.

There will also be a new prize category, in which hopefuls have to pick a winning combination of three numbers to win $10.

Singapore Pools confirmed the changes, saying that it was responding to 'customers' request over the years for a higher jackpot prize and new prize category for matching three numbers'.

With the new three-number combination, Singapore Pools said the odds of winning the lowest prize will improve from one in 321 to one in 54.

The revamped Toto game comes on the back of the Government's decision to increase the betting duty rates on lotteries to 30 per cent of gross bets from last month, up from 25 per cent previously.

A Singapore Pools spokesman said the changes in the Toto game are 'an attempt to pass on the effect of increased betting duties to customers'.

The changes were outlined in a poster obtained by My Paper.

It is understood that these posters will be put up in some 300 Singapore Pools outlets islandwide this morning.

My Paper also learnt that frontline staff from the outlets were briefed on the changes at the Singapore Pools Building in Middle Road yesterday.

Singapore Pools revamped the Singapore Sweep draw in May last year, increasing the first prize to $2.3 million and introducing more prize categories.

The proceeds from Toto betting, like the surpluses from other Singapore Pools games such as the Singapore Sweep and 4-D, are donated to causes such as Community Chest.

Punters like James Teo, 37, were ambivalent about the upcoming changes. The electrical engineer, who buys the Toto ticket every week, said: 'Even if they double the prize money, they make it even more difficult to strike the top prize... I will be quite happy to win the small prizes, even if they are worth less and the feeling is less shiok.'

How the changes affect punters

1. Choose a winning combination of six numbers from one to 49, instead of one to 45.

2. Guaranteeed jackpot prize of at least $1million per draw, up from a minimum of $500,000.

3. Cost of each betting category is doubled. One ordinary bet entry is $1, up from 50 cents. Punters still have to place a minimum bet of $1.

4. There will be a new prize category, in which punters have to pick a winning combination of three numbers to win $10.

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Antitrust Chief Warns Singapore State

Bloomberg News

Singapore's antitrust chief, who sanctioned foreign companies for the first time this year, said he will take action against government-linked firms that were 'born dominant' if they engage in anti-competitive behavior.

'The message should get through,' Toh Han Li, chief executive of the Competition Commission Singapore, said in his first media interview since his appointment in October 2013. 'Unfortunately we have to take action' if the companies want to preserve their dominant positions in an anti-competitive way.

The watchdog reviewed a proposed S$110 million ($88 million) acquisition in November involving two state-linked companies that would have created a single ferry and cruise terminal operator. Government-owned Sistic, the city's largest ticketing agent, was fined in 2012 in the nine-year-old regulator's only abuse of dominance case.

Dominant state-linked companies 'may crowd out other competitors or potential competitors,' said Deborah Healey, an antitrust law professor at The University of New South Wales. 'It is good that the regulator is focusing on government-linked companies.'

Singapore has been rated among the eight most competitive nations since 2002 by the World Economic Forum. It agreed that year, when it signed a free trade agreement with the U.S., to set up the antitrust agency. Switzerland was the most competitive economy in 2013, followed by Singapore, with the U.S. ranked fifth.

Strong Signal

'Adopting a 'softer' approach to government-linked firms would send a strong negative signal to private investors,' said Carol Osborne, a Singapore-based economist at HoustonKemp Economists. 'Ensuring a level playing field for all competitors, regardless of ownership, is particularly important in economies such as Singapore.'

State-owned investment company Temasek Holdings Pte said in 2011 that companies in its portfolio account for as much as 10 percent of Singapore's economy. Temasek, which managed about S$223 billion as of the end of March, is the biggest shareholder in about a third of the city's 30 largest stocks and has progressively reduced its stakes in some of them.

'Temasek must let them operate independently, and I think it does,' Toh, 47, said. 'The risk is you have many shareholdings and the temptation to interfere is very great.'

Temasek's portfolio companies are independently managed and make their own decisions, the firm says on its website. Stephen Forshaw, a Temasek spokesman, declined to comment.

While markets may not be as competitive because of dominant companies, it doesn't necessarily mean that the government should divest its stakes and leave, said Burton Ong, who teaches antitrust law at the National University of Singapore.

Regional Actions

Singapore's open economy makes it susceptible to international cartels, said Toh, a former district judge. The commission is assessing 24 leniency applications in eight cases after fining four Japanese ball-bearing makers a record S$9.3 million in May. The watchdog also expects to rule on an alleged price-fixing case against 11 freight forwarders by the end of the year, he said.

Toh declined to comment further on investigations by the watchdog, which can fine companies as much as 10 percent of their sales for three years. The commission isn't looking at criminalizing anti-competitive conduct for now, he said.

Antitrust regulators in Asia including China and India are stepping up scrutiny of anti-competitive practices.

India on Aug. 25 fined 14 carmakers $420 million for stifling competition in the market for spare parts. Foreign carmakers including Stuttgart, Germany-based Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit, and Volkswagen AG's Audi brand cut prices of spare parts in China after an antitrust probe into the auto industry.

To contact the reporter on this story: Andrea Tan in Singapore at atan17@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Douglas Wong at dwong19@bloomberg.net Lars Klemming

Youth Olympics: Sailors win Singapore's first golds

POSTED: 24 Aug 2014 12:56 UPDATED: 24 Aug 2014 13:33 Singapore has won two gold medals in sailing at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games. It is the first time the country has won gold at an Olympic event.

SINGAPORE: Singapore bagged two historic gold medals in sailing at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games (YOG), as 15-year-olds Bernie Chin and Samantha Yom came up topping their respective male and female Byte CII fleet on Sunday (Aug 24). It is the first time the country has won gold at an Olympic event.

At Jinniu Lake, Bernie came in fifth in the final race to maintain his lead, and took gold. Samantha came in second in the final race to overtake the Netherlands' Odile van Annholt who came into Sunday's race as the leader, in front of the Singaporean.

Samantha finished with 27 points after eight races, while van Anholt settled for silver with 28 points. In the inaugural YOG in Singapore, the country took one bronze via windsurfer Audrey Yong in the Techno 293 class.

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Highlights of the Singapore Night Festival 2014

AsiaOneHighlights of the Singapore Night Festival 2014AsiaOneThe Singapore Night Festival returns this year at the Bras Basah and Bugis precinct from Aug 22 to 23 and Aug 29 and 30. Performances and activities will take place between 7pm and 2am. RELATED STORIES. Dazzling works to light up Night Festival.

Biker chick wins Miss Universe Singapore 2014

Pharmacy technician Rathi Menon was crowned winner of this year's Miss Universe Singapore.(Yahoo)

Pharmacy technician Rathi Menon was crowned winner of this year's Miss Universe Singapore. The 23-year-old Singapore Institute of Management undergrad beat 11 other contestants in the finals held at Shangri-La Hotel on Friday 22 Aug.She takes home $5,000 in cash and diamond earrings worth over $30,000 among other prizes, as well as a chance to represent Singapore in the international Miss Universe pageant in December. Menon expressed surprise at the win, adding that the catwalk segment of the competition was the most difficult as she had no prior experience in modelling.During a sponsors' conference last month, Menon revealed that she is a motorbike enthusiast, and rides a 400 cc super four. Contestants were judged by a panel that included Singapore fashion director Daniel Boey, supermodel Junita Simon and actress Priscellia Chan.Model Arrian North, 20, and law student Ijechi Nwaozuzu, 21, took home first and second runner-up honours respectively. The event was attended by some 400 guests that included friends and families of the contestants, and local celebrities.

Golf: Glory for Singapore

SINGAPORE - Team Singapore held on to their lead on the final day of the 31st ASEAN Senior Amateur Golf Championship to capture the Zakir Challenge Trophy at the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) on Wednesday.

The quartet of Dicky Tan, Lam Thi Kai, Tan Ah Lye and Peh Choon Seng entered the final round of the Team Nett competition with a five-shot lead over Thailand.

The team returned a 225 yesterday for a 650 total over three days, pipping the Philippines (651), who rallied with 215 from third place. Singapore's Teo Keow Seng also managed a third-placed finish in the Best Gross Individual category, with a score of 237.

Eduardo Bagtas of the Philippines, who led from Monday, took home the Sallahudin Challenge Trophy after he finished with a 223. Malaysia's Abdul Razak Jamaludin finised second with 234.

Team Singapore's victory aside, the three-day tournament - played on the New and Island courses - was a success, according to the Republic's non-playing captain Terry Ng.

Hosting rights for the regional competition - featuring senior golfers from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines - is rotated among the six nations annually.

The last time Singapore hosted the event was in 2008.

At last year's championship in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Singapore bagged the Best Team Gross and Best Nett Individual (Dicky Tan) honours.

Said Ng: 'We were hoping for better in the Team Gross, because two of our players are members of SICC, and had homeground advantage.

'But, of course, that doesn't always count for much in golf.

'The guys gave a good effort all around, and we're all pleased that we managed to hang on and win the Team Nett.

'We are already looking forward to next year's tournament (in Oct 2015), especially because it will be held in Chiangmai (Thailand), one of our favourite venues.'

The closing ceremony at the SICC yesterday was graced by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who presented the trophies to the winners.

FINAL SCORES:

Team Nett (handicap under 18):

650: Singapore 651: Philippines

Team Gross (handicap below 12):

726: Philippines 732: Malaysia

Individual Nett:

211: Anwar Idy (Ina) 212: Winud Kerdpakee (Tha) 214: Preecha Boodsri (Tha)

Individual Gross:

223: Eduardo Bagtas (Phi) 234: Abd Razak Jamaludin (Mas) 237: Teo Keow Seng (Sin)

This article was first published on August 21, 2014. Get The New Paper for more stories.

Singapore quietly expanding F

Singapore appears to have quietly boosted the size of its F-15SG fleet from 24 aircraft to 40, according to Boeing financial statements, aircraft registration filings, and US congressional reports.

Singapore originally bought 12 F-15SGs - with an option for eight more - under a contract signed in December 2005. In October 2007 the city-state modified this option by buying 12 more to give it a total of 24.

These aircraft have all been confirmed as delivered and have US-type serial numbers running from 05-0001 to 05-0024. Several remain in the United States with the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) 428th Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base (AFB) in southwestern Idaho, while the remainder are active in Singapore with 149 Squadron.

Is Singapore driving away property investors?

Roslan Rahman | AFP | Getty Images

Property plays are near and dear to Singapore's heart, but at least one manager doesn't think the city-state is particularly friendly to real-estate investors.

'For Singapore, which is one of the most business friendly countries in the world, it's possibly one of the least real estate investor friendly countries because of constant policy changes,' said Andrew Jackson, head of real estate funds at Standard Life Investments, which has around $318 billion under management.

Read More Should yield chasers worry about Singapore REITs?

While the policy changes are designed to keep Singapore competitive by lowering property prices, which is a key factor in economic production, that also puts a lot of real estate investors off, Jackson said. His Select Property Fund is underweight the Singapore property market, with just 0.1 percent of its assets invested there.

Explicit property plays make up 20 percent of the constituents of the benchmark Straits Times Index, while some of the other index members, such as Singapore Press Holdings, also have significant earnings from their property holdings.

Read More Slump in Singapore prime property worst globally

Others also see some drawbacks to investing in Singapore's property market.

'It's not that it's not friendly, but there's very little space available,' said Peter Churchouse, publisher of the Asia Hard Assets Report. 'It's all very tightly held by the big property companies and the REITs.'

But Churchouse doesn't believe Singapore's policies have been particularly anti-investment, noting that governments across Asia put measures in place to deflate potential bubbles as developed market central banks flooded markets with liquidity.

Residential property prices in Singapore have surged over 60 percent since 2009, propelled by rock-bottom global interest rates and quantitative easing in developed economies, even as the city-state's government enacted a series of cooling measures.

Read More Analysts slash forecasts for Singapore 2014 growth

'Many would argue that those policies are very sensible. Mr. [Alan] Greenspan [the former U.S. Federal Reserve chief] refused and it led to a disaster,' Churchouse said.

To be sure, Standard Life's Jackson sees a number of dampeners for investing in Singapore property, beyond just a fickle policy framework.

'We're also aware of a pretty large pipeline in commercial space -- both and retail and office space. There's a lot being constructed,' he said. 'That will put downward pressure on rents and returns for real estate investors.'

He's also concerned about the government's recent curbs on immigration.

Read More Singapore economy outpaces growth expectations

'Population growth is expected to be fairly anemic over the next few years. That is not good for real estate,' Jackson said.

But Churchouse also noted that despite all the seeming headwinds, Singapore's property market performance over the long term has been one of massive appreciation.

'It's been a way better price appreciation than you've seen in America or most parts of Europe, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand,' Churchouse said. 'The markets [Hong Kong and Singapore] have been way more volatile, but if you pick your points, you've done very well. The shares of Singapore property companies reflect that reality.'

-By CNBC.Com's Leslie Shaffer; Follow her on Twitter@LeslieShaffer1

Explore the hidden depths of Singapore's waters

Dark and murky waters surround Pulau Hantu, an island off Singapore's southern coast.

But go deeper - 6m to 16m under, as The Straits Times did on a scuba-diving trip last Saturday - and one discovers a 'marine parade'.

Bathed in green and yellow, this underwater town is dotted with hard rocks and corals that are branched out like trees.

Shiny fish dart in and out so fast that they appear as slivers of silver - they are the speedsters of the aquatic world.

Like a shy schoolgirl at her first dance, a copper-banded butterfly fish hangs around just long enough to be seen but zooms away when approached.

Farther along the reef, soft corals sway in the underwater current, as though jiving to the music of revving motorboat engines and ship horns. Here, as on land, there is no avoiding heavy traffic.

Despite a name that means Ghost Island, Pulau Hantu is surrounded by life, rich sea life. Likewise, Singapore, the last place people think of when they think nature and wildlife, has plenty of bounty under the sea.

The waters around Singapore are home to more than 250 species of hard corals alone - about 40 per cent of the types of corals found in South-east Asia.

Corals are found not only around Pulau Hantu but also near other islands such as Pulau Sudong, a restricted area used by the military for live firing. Lucky divers get glimpses of sea turtles, dolphins or even reef sharks.

But it is not easy to see what lies beneath.

The waters around Pulau Hantu, for instance, are heavily sedimented, with visibility going only as far as an outstretched arm.

Yet, up until the mid-1960s, Singapore had waters as clear as those at Tioman, said marine conservationist and lawyer Francis Lee, 68.

National University of Singapore (NUS) marine biologist Chou Loke Ming said back then, corals and other reef life at 10m underwater could be seen from a boat.

But as Mr Lee said: 'But by the late 1960s, the clarity of the waters went downhill.'

Most of the damage was caused by intensive land reclamation and development, he added.

Many people cannot see the splendour of Singapore's underwater life. Professor Chou, who is also principal investigator of the Reef Ecology Lab at NUS, said: 'Since visibility is restricted, most people don't see our reef life - it becomes a case of 'out of sight, out of mind'.'

Unlike projects today, reclamation works then did not take precautions, such as having barriers around the work site to contain the sediment spread, he added.

When the seabed is stirred up by reclamation, particles become suspended in the water and are abrasive against the soft tissue of the corals.

They also affect visibility, meaning less sunlight pass through the water and less algae grow on the corals. As corals depends largely on algae for food, many slowly died.

Singapore has lost more than 60 per cent of its reef cover as a result.

The good news is that more is being done nowadays. Last month, the authorities announced that Singapore will have its first marine park - a 40ha patch that includes the Sisters' Islands and reefs off nearby St John's Island and Pulau Tekukor.

Coral colonies have also been moved for their protection. In April, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore started to relocate 1,600 coral colonies from the south-western Sultan Shoal to waters near St John's island to shield them from the 'fallout' from the building of the new Tuas Terminal.

Dive centres and conservation groups here see a growing interest in Singapore's waters.

At local dive company GS-Diving, for instance, the number of participants on their weekly local dive trips have gone up from about eight divers per trip six years ago to about 15 now.

Nature lovers have started groups, like Blue Water Volunteers or Hantu Bloggers, to spread the word about Singapore's marine diversity. The groups often organise diving trips and document the seahorses, sea slugs or other sea creatures they see.

Coral reefs have helped soften the edges of Singapore, often seen as a hard-driving city with scant regard for nature.

Said Ms Debby Ng, founder of the Hantu Bloggers: '(Many think) that there are no coral reefs because much of our coastline is reclaimed, and that living reefs cannot live alongside heavy industry.

'But the fact that we have several living reefs that remain productive around our heavily developed southern coast shows that living reefs and development can find a way to co-exist.'

audreyt@sph.com.sg

Singapore wins second medal at YOG 2014

POSTED: 21 Aug 2014 15:49 UPDATED: 21 Aug 2014 23:26 Teh Xiu Yi won a silver in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed International Teams Finals with her Egyptian partner.

Singapore's Teh Xiu Yi and her Egyptian partner, Mohamed Ahmad, won a silver in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed International Teams Finals. (Photo: Lim Chea Rong)

SINGAPORE: Singapore won a second medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing on Thursday (Aug 21). In Day Five of action, Singapore's Teh Xiu Yi and her Egyptian partner, Mohamed Ahmad, won a silver in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed International Teams Finals.

Teh and Ahmad lost by a score of 10 to 5 to their rivals Vladmir Svechnikov from Uzbekistan and Bulgaria's Lidia Nencheva to clinch second spot. The bronze medal was won by Guatemala's Wilmar Madrid and his partner Latvia's Agate Rasmane.

Singapore's first medal at the competition was won by Martina Veloso in the 10m Air Rifle Women's Finals last Tuesday (Aug 12). The latest achievement brings Singapore's tally to two silver medals at the Games.

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How Singapore's presidents have been honoured

SINGAPORE - A new mosque, a leading think-tank and a professorship will be named after Singapore's first president Yusof Ishak to honour his contributions to the country, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at his National Day Rally on Sunday.

The new mosque in Woodlands will be named Masjid Yusof Ishak, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (Iseas) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) will now be known as Iseas-The Yusof Ishak Institute and a Yusof Ishak Professorship in Social Sciences will be started at NUS to enhance research in multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism.

Mr Yusof served as Yang di-Pertuan Negara after Singapore gained self-government in 1959, and as president from independence in 1965 until he died in office in 1970, aged 60, from a heart attack. His portrait has featured on Singapore currency notes since 1999.

We take a look at some of the ways Singapore's other presidents have been honoured:

Benjamin Sheares (Term of office: 1971-1981)

Tanjong Rhu condominiums along the Kallang River and the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

Singapore's second president lends his name to one of the Republic's most notable bridges - the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Completed in September 1981, months after Dr Sheares' death at age 73, the 1.8km bridge is the longest in Singapore.

Since the opening of the Marina Coastal Expressway in December 2013, an arterial road bearing his name - Sheares Avenue - has connected the East Coast Parkway to the Central Business District.

Apart from his contributions to the nation, Dr Sheares was also an outstanding surgeon who was the first Singaporean to be appointed Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Malaya in Singapore in 1950.

In tribute, the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School launched the $2.5 million Benjamin Sheares Professorship in Academic Medicine in 2011, which recognises leadership in medical teaching and research. One of the four advisory colleges at the school is also named after Dr Sheares.

Devan Nair (Term of office: 1981-1985)

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaking at the annual May Day Rally held at the new Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability in Jurong East on May 1, 2014. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

Mr Devan Nair helped found the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in 1961, and was elected its first secretary-general.

To honour his contribution to the labour movement, the NTUC named an adult education centre after him in 2014. The Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability opened in May and is situated in Jurong East.

Said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at this year's May Day Rally: '(Devan Nair) was pivotal in forging a united and forward-looking labour movement. This institute is a good way to honour his life as a teacher. He became a unionist, and as a unionist, his passion as a teacher continued.'

Mr Nair died in 2005 at age 82.

Wee Kim Wee (Term of office: 1985-1993)

The Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

The former editorial manager of The Straits Times lends his name to the Nanyang Technological University's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information. The school's communication studies course was rated sixth-best in the world in rankings released earlier this year by education consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds.

The school was renamed in 2006, a year after Mr Wee's death. The same year, the university set up the Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund, which benefits communications students by supporting programmes like Going Overseas for Advanced Reporting (Go-Far), an annual journalism course which exposes students to the challenges of reporting in a foreign country. The Singapore Management University also has a Wee Kim Wee Centre, for better understanding of cultural diversity in the business environment.

A research laboratory at the National Cancer Centre also bears Mr Wee's name. The Wee Kim Wee Laboratory of Surgical Oncology was set up in 2005 after the Goh Foundation pledged $3 million to the centre. Mr Wee died at age 89 from complications arising from a relapse of his prostate cancer, and also suffered from colon cancer.

Ong Teng Cheong (Term of office: 1993-1999)

Mr Ong Teng Cheong at the President's Star Charity in 1999. -- PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER FILE

Singapore's first elected president Ong Teng Cheong played a major role in the setting up of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Council, and his 1989 recommendation for the construction of a new performing arts centre eventually took shape as the iconic Esplanade.

To honour those contributions to the arts, the NUS set up the Ong Teng Cheong Professorship In Music after Mr Ong's death in 2002 from cancer at the age of 66. It continues to fund well-known musicians who want to teach at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.

In 2002, the Singapore Institute of Labour Studies was renamed in honour of Mr Ong, who was a former labour chief. In 2009, the institute, which trains future union leaders, merged with NTUC' leadership development department and got its present name, Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute.

S R Nathan (Term of office: 1999-2011)

Banyan Tree Holdings executive chairman Ho Kwon Ping (centre) speaks to former president S R Nathan and his wife during the celebration for Mr Nathan's 90th birthday at the Shangri-la hotel on July 3, 2014. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

The Institute of Policy Studies in July 2014 named Banyan Tree Holdings executive chairman Ho Kwon Ping its first S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore. The fellowship was set up to recognise Mr Nathan's contributions to public service and the advancement of Singapore.

A professorship at the National University of Singapore, the S R Nathan Professorship in Social Work, is also named after Singapore's sixth president, who was an early graduate of the university's department of social work. The professorship will allow distinguished teachers to be brought in, including one full-time faculty member to work with the department's Centre for Social Development.

There is also the S R Nathan Education Upliftment Fund which supports education assistance programmes and needy students.

Not religious? Honour (Singapore) still has much to prove

A screengrab of Honour Singapore's website.

Kirsten Han is a Singaporean blogger, journalist and filmmaker. She is also involved in the We Believe in Second Chances campaign for the abolishment of the death penalty. A social media junkie, she tweets at @kixes. The views expressed are her own.

Civil society actors and groups in Singapore are born from need: to draw attention to a particular cause, to educate the public, to change mindsets and/or to advocate for policy reform. They often start small, on limited funds, building up their capacity as they go. Civil society activists usually start as volunteers. Many of them stay that way; only a minority get full-time employment in their NGO. There are very rarely posh parties or the backing of a Cabinet Minister.

Not so for new NGO Honour (Singapore). Its launch party was at the pricey Fullerton Hotel, and even featured a speech from Education Minister Heng Swee Keat. As NGOs and civil society in Singapore go, Honour (Singapore) has had a charmed life from the get-go.

It didn't take long before Singaporeans - armed with curiosity and Google - decided to probe a little deeper into this new organisation. It was quickly pointed out that Honour (Singapore) had some interesting connections: four out of five of the members on Honour (Singapore)'s board are also on the board of Full Gospel Business (FGB) Singapore. The fifth member of the board is Jason Wong from Focus on the Family, the Singapore branch of a conservative evangelical Christian organisation from the United States.

Honour (Singapore) is also registered to the same address as FGB Singapore.

According to its website, FGB Singapore's goal is to 'penetrate the marketplace' with the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. Its members, also known as 'Gatekeepers', are described as being 'called and chosen to make a difference in the culture of the marketplace they are in so that the gates of hell shall not prevail over them ... the real life testimonies of our members provide encouragement to the people in the marketplace to choose to live a Spirit-directed life through Jesus Christ.'

In the context of efforts by religious conservatives to steeplejack or dominate public discourse and civil society (and of the state often giving in to their pressure) - such as in the dramatic AWARE saga of 2009 and more recent efforts such as the protesting of HPB's FAQ on homosexuality and bisexuality and the banning of books by NLB - some Singaporeans became concerned that Honour (Singapore) would be yet another attempt by conservatives to extend their influence over a secular society.

Honour (Singapore) has responded to criticism, assuring Singaporeans that it is not a religious organisation.

'Honour (Singapore) is not a Christian organisation or a religious group. We have to be judged by what we do. Certainly we must not take any religious stand or do anything at odds with the national objective of supporting racial and religious harmony,' said chairman Lim Siong Guan in response to questions I sent. He added that the organisation would only 'engage on invitation', pointing out that the group is not an advocacy group on government policy, and that it has a panel of community advisors of different backgrounds.

As for using FGB Singapore's address, Lim said, 'Honour (Singapore) has started where it is as it was premises conveniently available to help us get going quickly.'

Lim is right in one thing: Honour (Singapore) will have to be judged by what they do. And reassurances aside, there is still much for it to prove.

In his President's Message for the 40th anniversary of FGB Singapore published on the group's website, Khoo Oon Theam (who is also a director of Honour) outlined the 'Holy Spirit mandates for 2014 to 2015'.

Screencapped from FGB's website Screencapped from FGB's website

Under the second mandate - which says 'we will go and make apostolic disciples of all nations' - Khoo states, 'We will be promoting the Honouring and Peace Culture in conjunction with Singapore's Jubilee. A Foundation, honouring and seeking the welfare of Singapore will be established. ... We belief [sic] that obeying the Holy Spirit's mandate to make Apostolic Disciples will fulfil the prophetic scriptures spoken over Singapore...'

Compare this to Lim's statement on the founding of Honour (Singapore): 'So a group of us who have known each other for many years and who all think the same way about wanting Singapore to be a place of peace and stability, decided to set up Honour (Singapore) to promote a culture of honour and honouring as our contribution towards seeking the well-being of Singapore.'

Based on the similarity of wording, it seems highly possible that Honour (Singapore) is the foundation Khoo is referring to. If that is the case, how can Honour (Singapore) remain secular while still serving the mandate of making 'apostolic disciples of all nations'?

Honour (Singapore) might claim that it is not a religious group. Yet one wonders how its board members can juggle their two hats. How can the same group of people be committed to the mission of aggressive evangelising and the principle of secularism at the same time? Is it really possible for an organisation highlighted as part of the 'Holy Spirit mandates' to be truly secular?

These are questions that Honour (Singapore) will now have to work hard to answer, not just through public reassurances, but through actions. And - for the good of civil society and public discourse - I sincerely hope that Singaporeans will keep watching.

Viral 'Ice Bucket Challenge' arrives in Singapore

Singapore's 987fm radio deejays doing the ice bucket challenge. (YouTube screengrab)

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has arrived in Singapore!If you're wondering why local celebrities are posting videos pouring buckets of ice on themselves, it is all due to a former athlete wanting to raise awareness for a cause. What is it? The Ice Bucket Challenge, which has gone viral in the US, was initiated on 29 July by a former baseball team captain known as Pete Frates. The 29-year-old Boston native launched the challenge after he was diagnosed with ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - in a bid to spread awareness about the disease and challenge people to action. ALS, also known as the Lou Gehrig's disease, is a disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It leads to muscle atrophy, difficulty in speaking and, eventually, complete paralysis. The challenge requires participants to record themselves pouring a bucket of ice over their heads, then nominate three others to do the same. So far, several professional US athletes, global corporations and celebrities, including Justin Timberlake, Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel and Tom Hiddleston have responded to the icy dare. The ALS association in the US has received donations amounting to S$1.4 million as of 12 August as a result of this viral social campaign. The Ice Bucket Challenge in SingaporeALS is better known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in Singapore and celebrities who have done the challenge here are hoping to create awareness on the illness and generate donations for the MND support group.Singapore celebrities George Young, Rebecca Lim, Jade Seah and popular 987FM radio deejays have already posted videos on social media of themselves being doused by buckets of ice to raise awareness about the disease. Will this trend be effective in pursuing the cause in Singapore? While it is too soon to tell, the trend is shaping up to become the next popular social movement as videos become increasingly popular among netizens here. A video by radio personality Dee Kosh has garnered close to 7,000 views in over two days while the one posted by 987FM deejays quickly garnered over 16,000 views. Both were posted on 18 August. Who will be next?Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is among the popular figures who have been nominated for the challenge. Other personalities include radio deejay Rosalyn Lee and Fly Entertainment's Irene Ang.

We're waiting to see how they respond. In the meantime, will you take the challenge?

LKCMedicine marks contribution of founding leaders at ceremony in Singapore

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) has hosted a tree planting ceremony to mark the contributions of two leaders who helped found it.

On 13 August Sir Keith O'Nions, President of Imperial College London and Professor Bertil Andersson, President of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), planted a young sea almond tree known for its medicinal properties signifying the close and binding collaboration between NTU and Imperial in further developing LKCMedicine.

Hosted at the Novena Campus by the new Dean of LKCMedicine, Professor James Best, the ceremony was a tribute to two of the most instrumental figures behind the establishment of the medical school, which opened its doors to its first cohort of 54 students last August.

'A tree is a great symbol for LKCMedicine, requiring a sound root system and careful nourishment to get it established,' said Professor Best. 'In this case it is also a gesture of deep appreciation for all of Prof Andersson's and Sir Keith's contributions, hard work and tireless support in the School's establishment and development.'

Professor Andersson added: 'This tree-planting ceremony bears our shared hopes that the young tree we plant now will one day grow into a strong mature tree, flourishing alongside our own efforts to nurture and train the next generation of doctors to meet Singapore's evolving healthcare needs. We want to see top quality doctors, medical leaders and world-class researchers emerge from this School in the near future.'

Sir Keith, who will be stepping down as Imperial's President at the end of August, commented: 'The most successful thing about this medical school is the ability of like-minded people to work together constructively. There's been no precedent for me to see something move so quickly and successfully.'

The ceremony came a day after LKCMedicine welcomed its second cohort of 78 students. In front of their parents, friends and senior leadership from NTU, the Class of 2019 accepted their white coats from Professor Best, officially initiating them into the medical course at the School.

First choice

This year more than 800 students applied for one of the 78 places on offer. From there, 330 applicants were shortlisted to attend the Multiple Mini Interviews. The final 78 students admitted comprise 48 male and 30 female students.

NTU President, Professor Bertil Andersson said it was heartening to see so many bright Singapore students making LKCMedicine their first choice.

'The medical school has continued to attract the very best students from Singapore, who wish to commit their lives to medicine and be among the pioneers to go through our world-class medical education developed jointly with Imperial College London,' he said.

'We will train them not just in cutting-edge medical knowledge, but also in interdisciplinary modules such as those from business, bioengineering and humanities to develop them into a well-rounded healthcare professional.

LKCMedicine Dean Professor James Best added: 'I am delighted to mark the start of the medical journey for the Class of 2019, our second cohort. All of them have met the astonishingly high standards to gain admission and we thank them for entrusting their training to us.

'In return, we will provide them with opportunities to learn from the most outstanding professors using the most innovative tools. Throughout their time with us, we will reinforce the clinical importance of what they learn, and cultivate in our students a patient-centred approach to the practice of medicine. The conferment of the white coat, which will be used throughout the medical course, symbolises their acceptance as junior members of the medical profession and their first step on the journey towards becoming a first-rate doctor.'

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YOG 2014: Shooter Veloso wins Singapore's first medal at Games

SINGAPORE: National shooter Martina Lindsay Veloso on Tuesday (Aug 19) fired her way to a silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games 2014, earning Singapore's first medal in the process.

The 14-year-old finished second with a score of 207.2, behind Switzerland's Sarah Hornung, who shot 207.8. Germany's Julia Budde came in third with a score of 186.3.

Celebrating her result, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth said on Twitter: '#OurTeamSG has won Singapore's 1st medal at the @youtholympics! Congratulations to Martina!'

Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin added on Twitter: 'Silver! #OurTeamSG #Singapore'

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to arrive in Singapore today

SINGAPORE: Seeking foreign investment in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived in Singapore today, her first overseas visit after taking office.

Banerjee, who is accompanied by state Finance Minister Amit Mitra, industrialist Sanjay Budhia, Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra and others including actor-turned-MP Dev, is visiting the city state on the invitation of Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs K Shanmugam.

Banerjee, who is on a five-day visit, will call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong tomorrow, Singapore Foreign Ministry said.

The Chief Minister will be the Guest of Honour and deliver a keynote address at the West Bengal Business Forum on August 20.

The Forum is organised by Singapore Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), with the partnership of state-trade agency IE Singapore, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI).

Banerjee would use her visit to Singapore, one of Asia's financial hubs, to attract foreign investment, the West Bengal Finance Minister had said ahead of the visit.

The business delegation accompanying the Chief Minister, who took office in 2011, includes representatives from sectors like energy, real estate, hospitality, entertainment, manufacturing sector, tea, civil aviation and IT.

For Mamata Banerjee's Singapore Tour, Questions About the Company She's ...

Kolkata: For the first time since she took over as Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee has embarked on a foreign tour. Singapore is the destination, and Ms Banerjee, often criticised for being industry-unfriendly, says she's looking for investors.

But the headline of her visit has been delivered even before she makes her pitch to Singapore - included in her delegation are three men who are in the midst of being tried for charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code and had to take special court permission to travel abroad. While Mamata left last night, the three are expected to join her in Singapore today.

The three are RS Goenka, Manish Goenka and Aditya Agarwal. They were directors on the board of the AMRI hospital in 2011 when a fire at the hospital killed 93 people. The three were arrested, jailed and let out on bail several months later. The three are no longer on the AMRI board now and are representing the Emami group on the visit.

Ms Banerjee is accompanied by a business delegation that includes industrialists and the heads of several chambers of commerce. 'The very composition of the delegation which Mamata Banerjee has taken to Singapore is questionable. What is the role of film stars there?' asked Siddharth Nath Singh of the BJP. He was referring to the inclusion, in Ms Banerjee's tour, of Dev, the wildly-popular Bengali film star who is a law-maker from the Chief Minister's Trinamool Congress.

'Don't you want the development of Bengal?' Ms Banerjee asked reporters at the Kolkata airport.

Opposition parties say Ms Banerjee's track record and her 2008 run-in with Tata Motors, which made the company abandon its plans to manufacturer the low-cost Nano in Bengal, will give reason to investors to think twice about putting money in West Bengal.

Ms Banerjee also did not boost investor confidence when she quit Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's coalition government a few years ago, opposing reform measures.

Her Finance Minister Amit Mitra recently swapped angry words with top industrialist Ratan Tata, who said last week that there's still little evidence of industrial development around Kolkata.

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Singapore's exports decline further in July

SINGAPORE: Non-oil domestic exports (NODX) in Singapore contracted 3.3 per cent on-year in July, dragged down by a decrease in both electronic and non-electronic exports.

The fall in NODX comes after a 4.6 per cent contraction in the previous month and a 6.6 per cent contraction in May, according to statistics released on Monday (Aug 18) by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore.

On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, NODX rose by 2.5 per cent to S$13.9 billion in July, following the previous month's 1.5 per cent increase.

Electronic exports fell 7.9 per cent on-year last month, following the 17.4 per cent decrease in June. The decrease was largely due to shrinking sales of integrated circuits (IC) (-5.1 per cent), parts of PCs (-14.5 per cent) and disk media products (-18.5 per cent).

Non-electronic exports contracted by 1.1 per cent in July, in contrast to the 1.3 per cent expansion in the previous month. The decline was led by structures of ships and boats (-40.7 per cent), aircraft parts (-48 per cent) and civil engineering equipment parts (-25.4 per cent).

On a year-on-year basis, NODX to all of the top 10 markets - except the European Union, China, Taiwan and the US - fell in July. The top three contributors to the decline were Hong Kong, Indonesia and Japan.

Non-oil re-exports (NORX) declined by 1.7 per cent in July 2014, in contrast to the 7.5 per cent increase in June, due to the decline in both electronic and non-electronic re-exports.

Electronic re-exports decreased by 0.1 per cent in July, following the 6.4 per cent rise in the previous month. The contraction was due to telecommunications equipment (-18.4 per cent), PCs (-25.7 per cent) and consumer electronics (-8.6 per cent).

Non-electronic re-exports fell by 3.3 per cent last month, in contrast to the 8.7 per cent increase in June. The contraction was due to aircraft parts (-21.6 per cent), non-electric engines and motors (-26.7 per cent) and nickel (-49.1 per cent).

Indonesia: Singapore tourists told 'shut up or go home'

Singaporeans travelling to the nearby Indonesian island of Batam have been ordered to be completely silent while queuing for immigration, or face being sent straight back home, it's emerged.

Signs showing a picture of a raised finger over a pair of lips have recently gone up at the immigration hall at the Batam Centre ferry terminal, the New Straits Times daily reports. Travellers say they're being abruptly told to take the next ferry back to Singapore if caught talking in the queue. Another report says about 50 Singaporeans are being turned away every week for speaking too loudly.

'I was there for a holiday - why couldn't I open my mouth?' one rejected Singaporean tourist tells the New Straits Times. 'I was just chit-chatting with my friend.' Another traveller says she saw a woman turned back even though the rest of her family had already been let through, while a Singaporean Twitter user reports: 'We got scolded! They think they are managing a library.'

The silence is needed to keep order and ensure tourists can hear officers' instructions, says Batam immigration office chief Irwanto Suhaili. The one-hour journey to Batam is popular with Singaporean day-trippers, and a return ticket costs about $40 (£24).

Use #NewsfromElsewhere to stay up-to-date with our reports via Twitter.

'Purrfect' travel option? Hello Kitty flights launching in Singapore

SINGAPORE: You've queued up for the figurines at McDonald's, bought all the stationary, even visited the theme parks in Japan - so what's left to buy when you already have tonnes of Hello Kitty merchandise?

How about a ride onboard a Hello Kitty plane with EVA Air? The Taiwanese airline is launching nine Hello Kitty chartered flights from Singapore to Taipei this December for the first time; and you can finally get yourself a seat on one them.

The airline introduced its Hello Kitty flights back in 2005 and has flown these planes from Taiwan to Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, China, Guam and the United States. Each Hello Kitty flight is a full-on session to indulge your inner Hello Kitty freak - from a Hello Kitty boarding pass and baggage stickers when you first check in, to limited edition Hello Kitty duty-free products available on board.

Besides Hello Kitty-shaped food and pillows, the experience even extends to your private business: 'Visits to the restroom will guarantee a unique Hello Kitty experience with hand-washing liquid, hand lotion, tissues and even toilet rolls,' ran the official statement.

The nine departure dates for the Hello Kitty flights are Dec 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. Tickets are sold exclusively at the following agents: Chan Brothers Travel, CS Travel, CTC Travel, Dynasty Travel, Green Holidays and New Shan Travel.

Singapore July exports down, sales to US, China pick up

Roslan Rahman | AFP | Getty Images

Singapore's exports in July fell less than expected as shipments to major economies picked up, suggesting the manufacturing sector may have bottomed out on the back of an improving economic outlook in the United States and signs of resilience in China.

Non-oil domestic exports (NODX) eased 3.3 percent in July from a year earlier, trade agency International Enterprise Singapore said on Monday in a statement, beating a forecast of a 3.9 percent slide in a Reuters poll.

On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, NODX grew 2.5 percent, above a forecast of a 1.0 percent rise prediction.

Read More Singapore economy outpaces growth expectations

'It is, I suppose in line with the overall trend that we're seeing...of less bad figures,' said Song Seng Wun, an economist for CIMB.

Song added that recent surveys of manufacturing activity have shown improvement, both in Singapore and the region, and globally as well.

Encouragingly, shipments to development markets and China rose in July - a hopeful sign for the rest of the year.

NODX to the United States rose 8.6 percent last month from a year earlier, after sliding 2.9 percent in the previous month. Shipments to China gained 7.0 percent in July, compared to a 5.3 percent rise in June.

Read More Is Singapore's income inequality gap narrowing?

Shipments to the European Union (EU) jumped 24.8 percent in July from a year earlier. NODX to the EU in June declined 3.9 percent.

Electronics exports in July fell 7.9 percent from a year earlier, but the pace of decline slowed from a sharp 17.4 percent contraction in the previous month.

Electronics is a key driver of Singapore exports, but the sector has been lagging regional peers such as South Korea and Taiwan due stiff competition and a lack of popular high-tech products including smartphones.

Over the past year or so, the sector has also come under hollowing-out pressure - manufacturing being moved from a high-cost, well-developed country to a cheaper, emerging-market location.

Read More Top metals user China taps Singapore

The government's push to reduce a politically-unpopular reliance on foreign labor as part of efforts to increase the economy's productivity has posed further challenges for manufacturers. The move has led to a tighter labor market, putting upward pressure on wages.

On Aug. 12, the trade agency said it revised down its 2014 NODX forecast to a 1.0-2.0 percent contraction from the previous projection of 1.0-3.0 percent growth.

Still, some economists said the manufacturing sectors may have reached a bottom with a survey showing factory activity expanded in July at its fastest rate in a year. [