Singapore and Myanmar will begin discussions on a bilateral investment treaty and avoidance of double taxation, in a sign of growing economic ties between the two countries.

This move will send a positive signal to investors and boost economic growth, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.

Mr Lee made the announcement at a dinner that he hosted for Myanmar state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is here on an official visit until tomorrow.

Both leaders, in toast speeches at the official dinner in the Istana's ballroom, talked about bilateral ties.

Mr Lee said Singapore has been a long-standing and steadfast friend of Myanmar, and is confident of Myanmar's long-term success.

This confidence can be seen in their strong economic ties and growing trade and investment in Myanmar, he added.

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Aung San Suu Kyi visits Singapore

Source:

The Straits Times

Reuters

AFP

Links between the two countries' people are also strong and growing, and are set to increase with the mutual lifting of visa requirements today.

Singapore is glad to help Myanmar train its officials, and is also happy to share its experience in building and running hawker centres, said Mr Lee, who visited Myanmar in June.

Myanmar is looking to upgrade its wet markets and build a hawker centre in Yangon, and Ms Suu Kyi will visit a hawker centre here tomorrow.

"We are happy to share our experience and persuade our hawkers to divulge some of their secret recipes of chwee kueh, chye tow kueh, chicken rice and laksa," Mr Lee said with a laugh.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Earlier, Ms Suu Kyi said Myanmar is looking to Singapore and the business community to help the country.

"Politics and business cannot be separated, particularly at this time when we are trying to make our country not just united, but prosperous," she said.

"Unless we can maintain peace, we cannot maintain prosperity. For that, we look to you to advise us, and to make our country vibrant not just politically but economically."

In her 10-minute speech, she recounted that at the beginning of Singapore's independence, Singapore's former minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew had said that in 20 years' time, Singapore will have caught up with Myanmar.

"I think we have to change that a bit - in 20 years' time, Myanmar will have overtaken Singapore," she said with a smile.

"I hope you will help us to do that, because success in one part of the region, means success throughout the region, and we have never found it difficult to engage with Singapore economically."

She also thanked Singapore for the "informal education that you have provided for many of our people, who have been working here for the last few decades".

She added that she was struck by the enthusiasm of the Burmese community here, who went to great lengths to cast their vote in Myanmar.

"It was the sense of responsibility that... pushed them to vote. Working in Singapore seems to have given them a sense of responsibility, and the initiative to get what they want for themselves."

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says Singapore and Malaysia have made very good progress on a bilateral agreement on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail (HSR), and hopes both sides can sign the agreement when he and Prime Minister Najib Razak meet at the Leaders' Retreat.

"It is a very ambitious, very complicated and a very expansive project, in terms of scale. We have to try our best to anticipate what the likely issues are, when we build it, when we operate it, and have a clear understanding on how we will deal with it if a situation arises," Mr Lee said in an interview with the chairman of Malaysian state news agency Bernama Azman Ujang on Monday (Nov 28).

"The first thing is to have a sound agreement between the two countries on the basis of how the project is structured, how it is going to be executed, and how it is backed by the two governments," said Mr Lee in the interview, the transcript of which was released by the Prime Minister's Office today (Nov 30).

"That is the first requirement, that we have a very good agreement which sets out clearly a sound basis to build and operate the system."

Both countries have been discussing the agreement for more than a year, Mr Lee noted.

"We are almost there, and I hope that when I meet Prime Minister Najib at the next retreat, we will be able to sign the agreement," he said.

See also: Singapore-KL high-speed rail: What you need to know

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Singapore-Malaysia ink landmark High Speed Rail MOU

Source: The Straits Times

On Tuesday (Nov 29), Malaysian Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan met Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan, and Mr Abdul Rahman said on Instagram they met "to harmonise last minute details of the Bilateral Agreement on Malaysia-Singapore High Speed Rail project before signing ceremony in December".

A memorandum of understanding for the HSR project was signed in July this year by Mr Khaw and Mr Abdul Rahman, and it was witnessed by the two prime ministers.

Construction for the project is expected to begin in 2018, with trains running in 2026.

Secondly, Mr Lee noted that the project's execution will be very important - designing it, calling for tenders, evaluating the proposals.

"Several high-speed rail systems in the world have been lobbying very hard to get this contract - the Japanese, the Koreans, the Chinese high-speed rail," he noted.

"Each has its strengths, and we will have a very difficult decision evaluating the bidders who come along and deciding which one is the best overall."

Asked about the cost-sharing of construction, PM Lee said things like that had to be clearly specified, and it was one of the items that made the project complicated.

"When you have two authorities involved, you have to decide how to partition, where the line is drawn. I build my part, you build your part, and we have to meet at the same point," he said. "If it does not meet then we have a big problem."

PM Lee added: "It is complicated but there is a will. And there is a goodwill, and we would like to make it succeed."

See also: Speed bumps ahead for ambitious Singapore-KL high-speed rail link

He was also asked if a third bridge between Singapore and Malaysia - which some in Malaysia had suggested recently - is necessary with the HSR project.

Mr Lee said there are currently no plans for it.

"We are not currently planning for a third bridge," he said. "I have seen some statements in Malaysia suggesting one, but the high-speed rail is a very ambitious project. I would focus all my energies doing that one before we launch a new big project."

As for an update on two joint projects between Singapore and Malaysia, in Marina South and Ophir-Rochor, Mr Lee said: "Both buildings are coming up and rising steadily. I read that they have reasonable sales so I think the projects will succeed."

The developments were born out of a land-swop agreement, where Malaysia gave up control of its railway land that ran through Singapore in exchange for a Malaysia-Singapore joint venture involving six land parcels near the Central Business District.

He also noted the Afiniti Medini Wellness centre project is Iskandar was making progress.

PM Lee was also asked how Singapore tries to remain corruption-free, as well as the Presidential Election next year, which will be reserved for Malay candidates.

He noted that civil servants and ministers are paid a fair salary to minimise temptation, adding: "You come in, you cannot expect to get rich in the Government, but you should not become poor because you had to do public service."

The People's Action Party, from the start, also wanted to "run a clean system, a clean civil service, and a clean political leadership".

"We have been quite unsparing in enforcing that. Whoever transgresses, whether it is senior or not, whether it is a civil servant or a minister, we have to investigate and consequences have to follow," he said.

The public has also come to expect its government to run a clean system.

"The public attitude is very important. Because without that, if the public accepts that it is a normal way to do business, that if you are in power then these are perks of the office, that will be a very different situation even if we have the laws," said Mr Lee.

As for the presidential election, he said the Government did not have a specific candidate in mind, "but we know there are people who will qualify".

"There is no shortlist. It depends who comes forward. It is not for the Government to arrange. It is for the candidates to come forward," he added.

Asked whether Singapore could see a non-Chinese PM, Mr Lee said: "It could happen in our lifetime." He cited how Barack Obama became president, saying: "It is a long process but it is possible and I hope one day it will happen."

"The racial patterns of voting is something very deeply ingrained. It is so in Malaysia; it is so in Singapore, perhaps less so in Singapore but it exists," he added.

"If you look at America, even in this election, it was quite clear that the different ethnic groups had very different voting patterns. So that is a reality of human nature which we have to accept."

This article was first published on November 30, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

The Government does not have a specific candidate in mind for the next presidential election, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has told Malaysia's national news agency, Bernama, but "we know there are people who will qualify".

Asked if the Government has started to shortlist people, Mr Lee said: "There is no shortlist. It depends on who comes forward. It is not for the Government to arrange. It is for the candidates to come forward."

The next presidential election must be held by August next year.

Although it has been reserved for Malay candidates, the election will become an open one if no one steps forward, Mr Lee added.

In the interview, he also explained the decision to reserve the election for a candidate from a minority community periodically.

As the president is picked in a national vote in a multiracial society, "it is harder for a minority candidate to win than for a Chinese candidate to win", he said.

Since the elected presidency was introduced in 1991, Mr Lee noted that Singapore has had only one minority president: Mr S R Nathan, who served two terms.

As for the prime minister's post, Mr Lee does not rule out a non-Chinese assuming it in the next few decades.

"It could happen in our lifetime," Mr Lee said when asked about its possibility.

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Photo Gallery

Singapore's presidents over the years

Source: The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao

Citing the example of Mr Barack Obama, who became the first black president of the United States in 2008, he said: "It is a long process but it is possible and I hope one day it will happen."

He added: "The racial patterns of voting is something very deeply ingrained. It is so in Malaysia; it is so in Singapore, perhaps less so in Singapore but it exists."

The US, which elected a new president last month, also showed clearly how voting patterns differed across ethnic groups.

"That is a reality of human nature which we have to accept," he said.

Mr Lee was also asked how Singapore tries to remain corruption-free.

Civil servants and government ministers are paid a fair salary to minimise temptation, he said.

"You come in, you cannot expect to get rich in the Government, but you should not become poor because you had to do public service."

From the start, the People's Action Party wanted "a clean system, a clean civil service and a clean political leadership", he said.

"We have been quite unsparing in enforcing that. Whoever transgresses... whether it is a civil servant or a minister, we have to investigate and consequences have to follow."

The people of Singapore have also come to expect a clean system and high standards from the Government.

Such an attitude is very important, said Mr Lee.

If the people accept that giving bribes is a normal way to do business, "that if you are in power then these are perks of the office, that will be a very different situation even if we have the laws", he said.

This article was first published on December 1, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

With such distinctive cultures and traditions, you can expect the same diversity in the way Asia's cities usher in the New Year! Party with hipsters in Beijing, enjoy the fireworks in Taipei or get foamy in Sentosa with Skyscanner's top picks for the best New Year's Eve parties in the region.

1. Taipei

Named one of CNN's top ten destinations to spend New Year's Eve, the main draw of the Taipei's year-end festivities happens at the iconic Taipei 101. Tens of thousands flock to this skyscraper in Taiwan's capital for a splendid fireworks show designed by French pyrotechnic design experts. Head down to Taipei City Hall or Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall for the best vantage points.

Also, don't miss the countdown concert at Civic Plaza, where you can expect to see the likes of Rainie Yang, William Wei, Wilber Pan and other popular entertainment artistes from Taiwan.

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28 reasons to love Taipei

Source: AsiaOne

2. Hong Kong

One of Asia's most gorgeous fireworks displays happens annually along Hong Kong's waterfront. Watch the beauty of Victoria Harbour get enhanced by an eight-minute concert of light and music in the skies above the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Choose between the Kowloon and Hong Kong sides of the harbour and be sure to head there at least several hours before midnight to secure a good spot!

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9 insta-worthy spots in Hong Kong you've never seen before

Source: Skyscanner

3. Beijing

From massive countdown extravaganzas to nightclub parties, Beijing offers a host of activities for you to choose from as 2016 creeps to an end. One of the most significant countdown events happens at the Summer Palace - a popular tourist destination, originally built as a royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. The event will be broadcasted live, featuring breathtaking cultural performances and a sixty-second countdown.

For the hip crowd and those seeking to greet the New Year to fist-pumping beats there's the YEN Countdown, touted as Beijing's biggest New Year's Eve party. Held at a former electronics factory in the 798 Art District, you can see this industrial concept space get transformed by glitter and a DJ deck amidst a sea of pulsating bodies under neon lights.

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10 must-sees during your 72 hours visa-free transit in Beijing

Source:

4. Tokyo

New Year's Eve in the Land of the Rising Sun seems to be an entertainment-filled affair. Get ready to party the night away with renowned electronic dance music maestros at Tokyo's clubbing hotspot Sound Vision Museum, which regularly features top house and techno masters from around the world!

If you're a fan of live music, then you'd go wild at Rockin' On magazine's Countdown Japan festival, a four-day affair with a hundred featured artistes and bands playing across four stages that finally ends off with a huge all-night party. Jazz aficionados will also love The Pit Inn at Shinjuku, where veteran jazz musicians will serenade you into 2017.

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Maru the Shiba Inu now has a museum in Tokyo dedicated to him

Source: Marutaro Instagram

5. Singapore

Our very own Singapore offers a wide range of experiences on the night of 31 December. You are sure to enjoy the beautiful people and scrumptious cocktails at the countdown at 1 Altitude which offers you a chance to get your glam on, while offering a spectacular view of the fireworks display happening against the iconic skyline of Marina Bay Sands.

In Marina Bay Sands, enjoy live music, awesome views and family fun at the Sky High Social at the MBS Observation Deck. If you're up for a massive party, head down to Siloso Beach for Singapore's biggest beach countdown party - Siloso Beach Party - and welcome the new year with gorgeous partygoers, lots of foamy party antics and thumping dance music.

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10 free things to do in Singapore

Source:

This article first appeared on Skyscanner’s Where to enjoy the best New Year's Eve parties in Asia

The bilateral agreement between Malaysia and Singapore on the High-Speed Rail (HSR) will be signed as scheduled by the end of the year, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

It is likely to be signed around Dec 21 from its original date of Dec 5, he said, adding that the delay was due to scheduling and other administrative matters.

"Both sides are now taking the necessary follow-up action to comply with their respective internal procedures and legal requirements for the signing of this agreement," he said.

On Nov 29, Abdul Rahman met Singapore Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan, to discuss the remaining details.Malaysia and Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding for the project in July.

See also: Singapore-KL high-speed rail: What you need to know

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Singapore, Malaysia push back deadline for high-speed rail link

Source: AFP, Reuters, The Straits Times, Google Maps, Facebook screengrabs

Mooted in 2013, the 350km rail project, of which 15km will be in Singapore, is expected to begin construction in 2018 and will start operating in 2026.

On Wednesday, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore and Malaysia had made very good progress in the bilateral agreement on the HSR project.

He hoped both sides could sign the agreement when he and his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, meet at a Leaders' Retreat later this month.

Lee said the first thing was to have a sound agreement between the two countries on how the project was structured, how it was going to be executed, and how it was being backed by both governments.

"That is the first requirement, that we have a very good agreement which sets out clearly a sound basis to build and operate the system," he said.

Both countries had been discussing the agreement for more than a year, Lee noted.

"We are almost there and I hope that when I meet the Prime Minister at the next retreat, we will be able to sign the agreement," he said in an interview with Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang on Monday.

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Golf club in Jurong East to make way for high-speed rail terminus

Source: The Straits Times, Jurong Country Club

SINGAPORE - Singapore's central bank said on Friday it imposed penalties on the local units of UK-based Standard Chartered Bank and Coutts for money laundering breaches related to Malaysia's scandal-tainted 1MDB fund.

The penalties - of S$5.2 million and S$2.4 million, respectively - were the latest punitive measures taken by the central bank in its crackdown on money laundering, having ordered the closure earlier this year of the local units of Swiss banks BSI and Falcon.

The inspection at Standard Chartered "revealed significant lapses in the bank's customer due diligence measures and controls for ongoing monitoring," the Monetary Authority of Singapore said.

While the 28 breaches were "serious", the central bank did not find "wilful misconduct." Standard Chartered said in a statement it is taking action to strengthen controls and surveillance systems.

"We regret that 1MDB-related transactions passed through Standard Chartered Bank Singapore accounts from 2010 to early 2013," the statement said. "We reported the suspicious transactions, both before and at the time we exited the accounts in early 2013, and have been fully cooperating with the authorities investigating this matter."

Malaysia's 1MDB, once a pet project of Prime Minister Najib Razak who chaired its advisory board, is the subject of money-laundering investigations in at least six countries, including Switzerland, Singapore and the United States.

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Photo Gallery

BSI Bank caught in 1MDB scandal

Source: The Straits Times, AFP, Reuters, Facebook screengrabs

At Coutts, a private bank, the investigation revealed 24 breaches of AML requirements in relation to customer due diligence measures for politically exposed persons.

This was the result of actions or omissions of officers who have since left the bank, including Yak Yew Chee and Yvonne Seah, who had left Coutts to join BSI Bank in late 2009.

Coutts International was sold by Royal Bank of Scotland to Union Bancaire Privee in March 2015 and is in the process of winding down its Singapore operations.

UBP did not immediately respond to requests for comment MAS is also in the process of issuing a prohibition order against Tim Leissner, a former director and representative of Goldman Sachs Singapore.

Leissner was responsible for managing the relationship with 1MDB when Goldman Sachs was engaged by the fund to arrange three bond issues from 2012 to 2013. MAS's investigation found he had made false statements on behalf of his bank without its knowledge or consent. "Today's announcement refers to a matter we discovered in January of this year and identified as a clear violation of the firm's standards...We continue to co-operate with the MAS,"Goldman Sachs said in a statement.

The proposed order will prohibit Leissner for a period of 10 years from performing any regulated activity under the Securities and Futures Act or taking part, directly or indirectly, in the management of any capital market services firm in Singapore.

The central bank said it was nearing the end of its 1MDB-related investigations and will provide a final update early next year.

SINGAPORE - Even with economic headwinds ahead, Singapore should remain confident in its ability to overcome challenges, said Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Thursday (Dec 1) after chairing a Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) meeting for the first time since suffering a stroke in May.

The committee is nearing the tail-end of its work, and will release a report on its recommendations in early 2017.

It was set up last October to identify key areas of growth and devise strategies to grow the economy in the long run.

Mr Heng, who is the committee's co-chair along with Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S. Iswaran, said that committee members are confident about Singapore's future.

He wrote on Facebook: "The key thing is to work together, build up our capabilities, and keep agile and nimble. This will take work, of course, but this is the right fighting spirit."

Doctors gave Mr Heng the green light to resume light office duties in August, but he is staying away from crowds for now as he regains his immunity.

Thursday's meeting was the committee's fifth and final one, and Mr Heng noted how much the world has changed in the last few months.

The 30-member committee has held more than 80 discussions to date. These include meetings within the committees, and focus group sessions with more than over 1,000 students, educators, parents, union members, business leaders and academics.

Members of the CFE have also taken part in more than 20 panels, seminars and conferences, where they reached out to more than 6,000 people.

Mr Heng said he agreed with members who said that the public, private and people sectors should continue to work together even after the CFE completes its work.

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Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat in ICU after suffering stroke

Source: The Straits Times, The New Paper, Facebook screengrabs

In a separate Facebook post, Mr Iswaran, who chaired CFE meetings in Mr Heng's absence, said even as the committee addresses business and global economic challenges, there must be a clear focus on Singapore's future competitiveness and growth.

The committee has been gathering views and is studying how to continue transforming businesses, boost innovation, and ensure Singaporeans have the right skills to seize future opportunities, he added.

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Heng Swee Keat discharged after 'excellent recovery' from stroke

Source: Prime Minister's Office

This article was first published on December 1, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Singapore - SPH Magazines Pte Ltd (SPH Magazines) has clinched 16 awards at the recent International Creative Media Award (ICMA) 2016.

An annual awards organised in Germany, the winners this year came from Singapore, United States, Russia, Brazil, Slowenia, Greece, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

SPH Magazines' publications - The Peak Selections: Gourmet & Travel and Nu You, and custom-published titles - The Johnnie Walker House Edit, Building A Better World (a book produced for the Singapore International Foundation) and Savour, were honoured with 16 awards across various categories.

Mr Loh Yew Seng, Chief Executive Officer of SPH Magazines, said: "We are delighted that SPH Magazines' luxury, fashion and beauty as well as custom titles have been honoured at the prestigious International Creative Media Awards. These awards reinforced SPH Magazines as a leading publisher in delivering quality and attractive content for both our readers and advertisers across multi-platform media on our wide networks of women, men and luxury titles."

Here are SPH Magazines' list of winners:

1. The Peak Selections: Gourmet & Travel (#17: Jun-Aug '16) - Gold, Food and Drink

2. The Peak Selections: Gourmet & Travel (#16: Mar-May '16) - Gold, Visual Storytelling

3. The Peak Selections: Gourmet & Travel (#18: Aug-Oct '16) - Silver, Photography in General

4. The Peak Selections: Gourmet & Travel (#18: Aug-Oct '16) - Bronze, Photo-Reportage

5. Nu You (Aug '16) - Gold, Women and Fashion

6. Nu You (Sep '16) - Gold, Women and Fashion

7. Nu You (Sep '16) - Bronze, Front Pages

8. Nu You (Aug '16) - Award of Excellence, Photography in General

9. Nu You (Sep '16) - Award of Excellence, Photography in General

10. Building A Better World (a book produced for the Singapore International Foundation) - Gold, Corporate Books

11. The Johnnie Walk House Edit (Vol 4 (Obsession)) - Gold, Lifestyle and Fun

12. The Johnnie Walk House Edit (Vol 5 (Black & White)) - Silver, Typography / Layout

13. The Johnnie Walk House Edit (Vol 4 (Obsession)) - Award of Excellence, Visualization

14. The Johnnie Walk House Edit (Vol 4 (Obsession)) - Award of Excellence, Illustration

15. Savour (Jul / Aug '16) - Bronze, Food and Drink

16. Savour (May / Jun '16) - Award of Excellence, Cover and Coverstory

Accused by critics of "moral policing" and "opaque, backroom censorship", the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) yesterday defended its decision to deny ratings to two shows in next January's M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.

Performance lecture Naked Ladies and interactive piece Undressing Room were said last week to exceed the R18 rating under the Arts Entertainment Classification Code (AECC).

This means that both works would have to be changed and resubmitted for classification before being shown here.

IMDA's latest statement said: "Naked Ladies includes a scene where the performer inserts her finger into her vagina and then into her mouth. Undressing Room involves the performer and an audience-participant completely undressing and then touching each other. Disallowing these scenes can hardly be considered retrograde moral policing; it is an objective application of existing guidelines."

The annual M1 festival is noted for its boundary-pushing fringe performances.

Its 13th edition will run from Jan 4 to 15 next year.

IMDA had said last Friday: "The performances had excessive nudity which included scenes of audience-participants stripping naked, and graphic depictions of exposed genitalia."

Artists' network Arts Engage on Wednesday issued an open letter on its website in response to IMDA's decision.

The letter expressed support for the festival organisers.

It questioned IMDA's grounds for censoring both works and the process used.

It also asked whether IMDA representatives had seen the works.

And it wanted to know what advice had been given by the Arts Consultative Panel, a 40-member panel of housewives, artists, educators and working professionals, which can make recommendations to IMDA on ratings for arts shows.

Arts Engage called nudity "a legitimate and time-honoured device of artistic expression".

It said: "Where is the artist's voice in this decision process and how is nudity in these works 'excessive'?"

It called the ratings denial "opaque, backroom censorship" and an "unmerited and retrograde step which runs counter to the move towards a reasonable, open and fair regimen of arts regulation in Singapore".

IMDA's response said it "has conducted itself transparently, contrary to Arts Engage's allegations.

We have engaged the applicant every step of the way, and communicated our concerns clearly. It is therefore regrettable Arts Engage has accused IMDA of being opaque.

"If the applicant modifies the performances to meet the AECC guidelines, IMDA will license them accordingly".

"In discharging our regulatory responsibilities, IMDA aims to strike a balance between a performance's artistic merits, and prevailing social norms. Artistic expression cannot be an end in itself, without due consideration for social mores."

This article was first published on December 2, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Singapore and Malaysia have postponed a meeting between their prime ministers, at which both sides were to sign an agreement on the high-speed rail project that will shorten travelling time to Kuala Lumpur to 90 minutes.

The Leaders' Retreat had been scheduled for Monday, but has been changed to a date that has yet to be finalised, officials from both sides said yesterday.

They are working out a new date.

A Malaysian newspaper report said yesterday that the signing of the agreement had been postponed owing to scheduling and administrative matters.

The New Straits Times cited Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan as saying Malaysia had suggested Dec 21 as the new date.

Datuk Abdul Rahman said he met Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Tuesday, and both had agreed to "fine-tune some details in the bilateral agreement".

"All other issues have been ironed out," he was cited as saying.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told The Straits Times yesterday that both sides are "working to hold the retreat soon".

"We are in the process of finalising the key deliverables for the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat," its spokesman said.

Singapore's Transport Ministry said: "There has been excellent progress on the negotiations for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail Bilateral Agreement.

Both Malaysia and Singapore are finalising the text and look forward to its signing at the coming Leaders' Retreat soon."

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told Malaysia's Bernama news agency on Monday that both sides had made "very good progress" on the agreement.

Construction of the 350km railway is expected to start in 2018, with trains running by 2026.

Mr Lee also told Bernama that he hopes both countries can sign the agreement when he meets Prime Minister Najib Razak at the retreat.

This article was first published on December 2, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Applications to be on the Fresh Start Housing Scheme are now open for families who once owned a flat but now live in public rental units.

The scheme allows the families, who must have at least a child below the age of 16, to apply for a new Housing Board flat with a grant of up to $35,000, the Ministry of National Development and HDB announced in a statement yesterday.

After getting on the scheme, families have a year to apply for a new flat in the HDB's regular Build-To-Order or Sale of Balance Flats launches.

The scheme was first mentioned in last year's National Day Rally, with details given in this year's Committee of Supply debate.

During the rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he was concerned about the future of a group of families who, without help, may be permanently out of reach of getting their own flat.

The scheme has several conditions. For instance, at least one of the applicants must have been in stable employment for the previous 12 months.

The family must also be assessed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). The MSF and HDB will do regular checks to ensure the families are on track.

In a blog post, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said: "Some second-timer public rental families are ready and hoping to own a home again - they are in stable employment, manage their finances well, and have a stable home environment."

But they might find it challenging to buy a flat, he added.

The scheme helps by letting them buy a two-room flexi flat on a shorter lease and giving them another HDB concessionary rate loan and a new Fresh Start Housing Grant of up to $35,000.

Mr Wong said: "We are starting with a more targeted approach. So the number of Fresh Start families may not be large to begin with."

Interested families must apply and be placed on the scheme before applying for a flat.

They can do so on the HDB website, at HDB branches or at Toa Payoh HDB Hub.

Mr Wong has also appointed a Fresh Start Advisory Committee to support outreach efforts and give guidance on implementation.

This article was first published on December 2, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

As you unwind this festive season, do keep your guard up for the threat of terror attacks.

Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said yesterday that this threat in the region is stronger than that of last year because the extremist beliefs of terror group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has taken root in South-east Asia.

Though ISIS was wounded by military setbacks in the Middle East, pockets of people closer to home are receptive to such ideas, he added.

Mr Shanmugam pointed to a series of actions that could indicate a looming threat. Towards the end of last year, Indonesia detected clear signals of an attack and arrested several individuals. Still, Jakarta was struck by bombs in January, killing eight.

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Blasts heard in Indonesian capital Jakarta, at least 3 dead

Source: Twitter, Internet screengrabs, AFP, Reuters

A similar uptick in terrorism-related arrests is now taking place in Indonesia, he noted, adding that Singapore agencies are working closely with their Indonesian counterparts.

He noted that some of those picked up were protesting against the Jakarta governor but planned to use the event for terror purposes.

He was speaking of the possibility of a terror attack here at a luncheon yesterday, organised by the Foreign Correspondents Association here.

The threat comes from three groups - those who return from fighting in Iraq and Syria "battle-hardened", those freed from detention but who still harbour radical inclinations, and those radicalised online by ISIS propaganda.

He noted that ISIS has called on its supporters to carry out attacks at home if they are unable to travel to Iraq and Syria.

The number of attacks by individuals using everyday items such as knives and vehicles to kill went up significantly after that.

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Photo Gallery

ISIS activities in Southeast Asia

Source: BHM, The Star/ANN, Royal Malaysian Police, Utusan Malaysia, AFP, Reuters, YouTube screengrabs

While security agencies are on high alert, getting Singaporeans to be vigilant is an uphill task, said Mr Shanmugam.

"From the perspective of the people, everyone is winding down for Christmas.

"It is safe to say that trying to get our population to understand and realise what we are up against is very much a work in progress that has got a long way to go," he said.

The situation is not a surprise, he said, as Singaporeans have grown accustomed to living in a safe country, and so they take security as a given.

But it prompted the Government to launch SGSecure in September, a nationwide movement to increase people's preparedness and resilience in a crisis, such as a terror attack.

Asked if he thought Singaporeans would stay united after a terror attack here, Mr Shanmugam said he believed Singaporeans would rally together.

But he cautioned that if the attacks are repeated time and again over a sustained period of time, differences in society may develop like they have in countries such as France and the United States.

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2016-10-18 08:02:14

Photo Gallery

Singapore holds largest islandwide counter-terror exercise

Source:

The Straits Times

ziliang@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on December 3, 2016.
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SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and United States President-elect Donald Trump had a telephone conversation, and spoke about the friendship between their countries.

PM Lee also invited Mr Trump and his family to visit Singapore.

This is what he wrote in a Facebook post on Friday (Dec 2):

"Spoke to President-elect Donald J. Trump on the phone to congratulate him on winning the US presidential elections.

"We talked about the close and long-standing friendship between Singapore and US. We co-operate in many areas - economic, defence and security, education, and people-to-people.

"Our relations have endured through nine US Presidents, and Singapore wants to work with the incoming Administration to further strengthen ties.

"I invited Mr Trump and his family to visit Singapore, and looked forward to meeting him in person soon."

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Photo Gallery

Donald Trump wins US presidency in stunning upset

Source:

AFP

Reuters

This article was first published on December 2, 2016.
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After almost two and a half months in hospital, Thai teenager Aroonrak Jattanathammajit is ready to go home.

Along with her parents, the only child has been on an emotional journey since her car accident in September.

It landed the San Yu Adventist School student in the intensive care unit with severe head injuries.

Speaking to the media for the first time since her accident, Aroonrak, 16, told The New Paper that she is excited to return to Thailand, where she will continue treatment.

"I really miss home and I can't wait to eat tom yam soup noodles," said the soft-spoken teenager, who was all smiles at KK Women's and Children's Hospital yesterday morning.

On the morning of Sept 18, Aroonrak, who came to Singapore last year to study, was reportedly hit by a car while crossing Balestier Road.

She was on her way to help out at a community outreach programme for old folk.

A police spokesman said yesterday that no arrest has been made and that the case is still under investigation.

When TNP broke the story on Oct 2, people here opened their hearts and wallets to the family, who were in distress as the teenager's medical bills grew.

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Photo Gallery

Thai student who was hit by car ready to go home

Source:

The New Paper

Photos courtesy of Mr Sarayuth Jattanathammajit

Kansinee Boonlong

CROWDFUND

One Singaporean, Mr Dennis Yeo, set up a GiveAsia crowdfunding drive for them.

It raised more than $132,000 to help ease the family's burden.

Aroonrak has been through two brain operations. She had a third operation on Nov 14, where doctors replaced a portion of her skull with an artificial one.

Her father, Mr Sarayuth Jattanathammajit, 49, said he is grateful to the donors, hospital staff and volunteers who had gone all out to help them. He and his wife arrived in Singapore on the day of the accident.

Speaking through a Thai interpreter, Mr Jattanathammajit, who runs an ailing rubber retail business, said: "She will need to continue her treatment in Bangkok, but we will never forget how the people in Singapore have helped us."

The family plans to return to Thailand next Thursday.

Aroonrak will be staying at the Rama Hospital in Bangkok for about four months. She will hopefully be discharged as an outpatient after that, said Ms Kansinee Boonlong, the Thai Association Singapore committee member who has been visiting the family regularly in the hospital.

She said Aroonrak has been doing her physiotherapy exercises. On Monday, she took her first steps since the accident unassisted.

"We were all so amazed. I had goosebumps when she started walking by herself," said Ms Boonlong.

On Thursday, Aroonrak was even given permission to leave the hospital for a two-hour outing with her parents, Ms Boonlong, and another friend.

They had ice cream, and also took a drive down Orchard Road to see the Christmas lights.

While therapy to get her back on her feet has been tiring, Aroonrak said she does not mind.

"It's good for me. And if I practise more, I get more tired and I can sleep better at night," she said.

She also thanked her well-wishers and donors, saying: "I'm so grateful for what they have done. I never thought that people would be so kind, and I'm so thankful."

HE WILL GIVE FINAL $34,000 TO FAMILY

An October report about the teen's plight in The New Paper moved Mr Dennis Yeo, 44, who works in a non-profit organisation.

He set up a GiveAsia crowdfunding drive for Aroonrak Jattanathammajit. The campaign, which saw 925 people donate, raised more than $132,000 in two weeks.

Thanks to Mr Yeo's efforts and those of other well-wishers who made donations directly to the family, the Jattanathammajit family were able to pay Aroonrak's medical bills, which amounted to around $142,000.

VISIT

Mr Yeo will be visiting Aroonrak and her family today to hand them the final portion of the funds raised, which is about $34,000.

It will be used to offset future payments for the teen's recovery in Thailand, he added.

Mr Yeo said: "It's been such a journey.

"I'm really glad that she's going back to Thailand, it means she's on her way to recovery.

"The most important thing is that she can continues to be happy, because that will help her recover faster."

This article was first published on December 3, 2016.
Get The New Paper for more stories.

A crane toppled sideways onto a construction site at Siglap Plain, near Siglap Centre, yesterday morning.

A Ministry of Manpower (MOM) spokesman said: "MOM is investigating a dangerous occurrence involving a mobile crane toppling at 27 Siglap Plain.

"The crane was involved in the construction of a residential house when it toppled and struck two adjacent buildings causing damage to the roofs.

"There was no injury. A full stop work order has been issued to the occupier."

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Photo Gallery

Toppled crane damages 2 houses in Siglap

Source:

The Straits Times

The New Paper

WORRIED

Retiree Joseph Lee, 68, who lives opposite the accident site, said: "If it had collapsed on this side, my home would have been wrecked.

"When my wife and I saw the crane in the morning, before we left our home, we already felt worried because it looked like it could topple over."

They were not home at the time of the incident.

A construction foreman, who did not wish to be named, was working at an adjacent site when he heard the crane crash at around 11am.

He said: "I was on the second storey of the house (I was working on) when I heard a very loud bang.

"I initially thought it was one of my men. But from where I was standing, I saw that the crane had crashed."

A Building and Construction Authority (BCA) spokesman told The New Paper: "On site, BCA engineers observed that a localised portion of the tiled roof of a two-storey detached house at 24 Siglap Avenue and the eaves of the roof of a detached house at 29 Siglap Plain were damaged by the crane boom."

There were 22 crane-related incidents in 2015 and 17 in the first nine months of this year.

A resident at the Residences @ Killiney was sent 11 e-mails from the condominium's management council telling her to stop using the lifts with her dogs.

She has been ignoring the order.

Lawyers told The New Paper that generally these matters are enforced through by-laws and not rules.

And the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said the condo must get at least 75 per cent approval from homeowners before a by-law can be passed.

Lawyer Oei Ai Ling, 62, owns two mongrels, Jerry and Dogg. She said they are not allowed in the lifts because they are too large to carry. She has been told to take them in the service lift instead.

There are four 10-storey twin-stack towers and four penthouses in the condo comprising 68 units.

She told TNP that the council, which has six members, held a meeting in August and discussed rules concerning pets.

She said: "They passed these two rules (among others). One, only hand-carry pets are allowed in the (regular) lifts.

"Two, the pet's owner is advised and encouraged to use an empty service lift."

The lifts in Madam Oei's condo go straight to each resident's apartment and are operated through a keycard.

Madam Oei continues to take her dogs into the lifts as she does not think the rule is fair because it was not a decision involving all the residents.

"Right now, I am ignoring them," Madam Oei said.

"If they try to enforce (their rule), I will take (legal) action."

The condo is managed by JLL Residential. It referred TNP to the condo's management council.

When approached, the council explained why it had the rule.

In an e-mail reply, a spokesman said: "Several families, particularly those with young children, had raised concerns about safety when there were big dogs using the lifts.

"We allow hand-carry pets in the lifts as they are within the control of the owners."

The council added that it is in talks with the BCA.

NEIGHBOURS' REACTION

Mrs Philippa Ilincic, who has been living at the condo with her family since 2013, said: "I don't understand really, everybody shares the public spaces, and there has never been any trouble with the dogs."

Regarding the lifts, she added: "My reaction is if it is your own home, you should have a right to use (them)."

Another resident, Ms Jolene Chua, 34, who owns a miniature schnauzer, also disagrees with the rule.

She said: "I don't think it is a necessary rule. The other party (who is afraid of the dog) should just talk to the dog owner."

RULE DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE WITHOUT BY-LAW

Right now, Madam Oei Ai Ling is not legally obliged to keep her dogs out of the lifts, said lawyers whom The New Paper spoke to.

Lawyer Toh Kok Seng said the Residences @ Killiney's management council cannot punish Madam Oei, though it can request that she refrain from taking her dogs into the lifts.

He said it would be tricky to enforce the rule if it is not backed up by any by-laws - rules that residents have to obey.

A spokesman for the Building and Construction Authority said all by-laws must be approved through a special resolution in a general meeting.The special resolution is passed when 75 per cent of the condo owners vote in favour of it.

Lawyer Ronald JJ Wong said matters regarding pets in condos are generally regulated through by-laws.

This article was first published on December 3, 2016.
Get The New Paper for more stories.

A resident at the Residences @ Killiney was sent 11 e-mails from the condominium's management council telling her to stop using the lifts with her dogs.

She has been ignoring the order.

Lawyers told The New Paper that generally these matters are enforced through by-laws and not rules.

And the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said the condo must get at least 75 per cent approval from homeowners before a by-law can be passed.

Lawyer Oei Ai Ling, 62, owns two mongrels, Jerry and Dogg. She said they are not allowed in the lifts because they are too large to carry. She has been told to take them in the service lift instead.

There are four 10-storey twin-stack towers and four penthouses in the condo comprising 68 units.

She told TNP that the council, which has six members, held a meeting in August and discussed rules concerning pets.

She said: "They passed these two rules (among others). One, only hand-carry pets are allowed in the (regular) lifts. Two, the pet's owner is advised and encouraged to use an empty service lift."

The lifts in Madam Oei's condo go straight to each resident's apartment and are operated through a keycard.

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2016-12-03 12:10:16

Photo Gallery

Uproar over dogs and lifts at Killiney condo

Source:

The New Paper

Madam Oei continues to take her dogs into the lifts as she does not think the rule is fair because it was not a decision involving all the residents.

"Right now, I am ignoring them," Madam Oei said.

"If they try to enforce (their rule), I will take (legal) action."

The condo is managed by JLL Residential. It referred TNP to the condo's management council.

When approached, the council explained why it had the rule.

In an e-mail reply, a spokesman said: "Several families, particularly those with young children, had raised concerns about safety when there were big dogs using the lifts.

"We allow hand-carry pets in the lifts as they are within the control of the owners."

The council added that it is in talks with the BCA.

NEIGHBOURS' REACTION

Mrs Philippa Ilincic, who has been living at the condo with her family since 2013, said: "I don't understand really, everybody shares the public spaces, and there has never been any trouble with the dogs."

Regarding the lifts, she added: "My reaction is if it is your own home, you should have a right to use (them)."

Another resident, Ms Jolene Chua, 34, who owns a miniature schnauzer, also disagrees with the rule.

She said: "I don't think it is a necessary rule. The other party (who is afraid of the dog) should just talk to the dog owner."

RULE DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE WITHOUT BY-LAW

Right now, Madam Oei Ai Ling is not legally obliged to keep her dogs out of the lifts, said lawyers whom The New Paper spoke to.

Lawyer Toh Kok Seng said the Residences @ Killiney's management council cannot punish Madam Oei, though it can request that she refrain from taking her dogs into the lifts.

He said it would be tricky to enforce the rule if it is not backed up by any by-laws - rules that residents have to obey.

A spokesman for the Building and Construction Authority said all by-laws must be approved through a special resolution in a general meeting.The special resolution is passed when 75 per cent of the condo owners vote in favour of it.

Lawyer Ronald JJ Wong said matters regarding pets in condos are generally regulated through by-laws.

This article was first published on December 3, 2016.
Get The New Paper for more stories.

SINGAPORE - Mr Charles Chong, the MP for Punggol East and a political veteran of nearly 30 years, is on eight weeks' medical leave after he underwent "a planned medical procedure" on Thursday, said the People's Action Party (PAP) in a statement yesterday.

It was done at National University Hospital and he is in stable condition, the party said, without disclosing what the procedure was.

Mr Chong, 63, who is also Deputy Speaker of Parliament, expects to gradually resume his constituency activities fully after his medical leave, said the statement.

But his doctors have advised him to limit physical exertion and contact with the public during his recovery, it added.

Mr Chong entered politics in 1988 and is the longest-serving PAP backbencher in Parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said in the statement that Mr Chong had asked his colleagues in neighbouring Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, where Mr Teo is the anchor minister, to look after the residents of Punggol East while he recovers.

Meet-the-People Sessions will continue every Monday, except on public holidays and the fifth Monday of a month, and constituency activities will go on as usual.

Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, said: "We've always worked together as a team and we will continue to make sure that our Punggol East residents are well looked after."

This article was first published on Dec 03, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

SINGAPORE - A former ST Marine chief executive officer and president implicated in one of the largest graft scandals in corporate Singapore was on Friday (Dec 2) sentenced to 10 months' jail and a $100,000 fine.

See Leong Teck, 66, who helmed the apex position at ST Marine, a subsidiary of bluechip engineering giant ST Engineering, is the fifth of seven former ST Marine executives charged in the case to be convicted.

He is the fourth to be sentenced and the third to be given a jail term. His sentence is the heftiest so far.

See had earlier pleaded guilty to one charge each of corruption, falsification of accounts, and failure to act honestly and use reasonable diligence in the discharge of his duties as the director of a company.

See became ST Marine's chief executive in December 1997 and was its president from 1998 until 2008.

Investigations revealed that ST Marine officers had been giving cash bribes to employees of ST Marine's customers since at least 1996, with the approval of its senior management team. At least $24.9 million in kickbacks were paid between 2000 and 2011.

Employees of ST Marine's customers, mainly overseas companies, would request "commissions" for giving ship-repair contracts and other business to the company.

After getting approval from ST Marine's senior management, an employee would submit petty cash claims for "entertainment expenses". Cash cheques issued for these claims would be encashed, and the amount given as a kickback.

In 2000 or 2001, See met with ST Marine's senior management and discussed the increasing payment of cash commissions, then a pre-existing practice. See approved the continuation of the practice.

In early 2004, at another such meeting attended by two members of ST Marine's audit committee, the issue was again brought up. The two were the committee's chairman Peter Yap Kim Kee and ST Engineering's then-chief executive Tan Pheng Hock. Both allegedly did not object to the continued practice.

In late 2003 or early 2004, auditors held two meetings with ST Marine's senior management, after they found claims had been paid without supporting receipts. See told auditors about the kickbacks, saying they were common practice in the industry and necessary. The auditors did not accept the explanation both times.

But See and others in ST Marine's management also agreed to continue using cash vouchers falsely labelled as entertainment expenses.

Mr Tan and Mr Yap were allegedly in agreement to continue the practise.

See will start serving his sentence on Jan 31.

This article was first published on Dec 02, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Since its launch in March 1991, Zouk has been a trendsetter, appealing to a crowd spanning generations, and it is still going strong today.

Tonight, Zouk will host its last party at Jiak Kim Street, after being there for 25 years.

It is expected to be a full house, with 4,000 people turning up at the award-winning club.

Doors at the club's new location, Clarke Quay, will open on Dec 17.

Regular party-goers were nostalgic about the good times.

Miss Amy Tashiana, 50, a freelance fashion coordinator, has been going to Zouk since day one.

"People would go there to make a fashion statement," the former model said.

"Zouk was the only club in Singapore which played music like house and techno."

She reminisced about Zouk's popular Mambo Jambo nights held every Wednesday.

Miss Tashiana said: "Mambo Jambo nights were unique and fun. They played all the older music (by singers) like Rick Astley and Bananarama."

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2016-11-27 14:14:22

Photo Gallery

Singapore's iconic nightclub Zouk

Source:

Zouk Singapore

The Straits Times

Red Tail Bar

The New Paper

Miss Nadya Neo, 19, who has partied at Zouk with her mother, told TNP: "I love the music, the themes and the atmosphere at Zouk. I go there with my mum because she's extremely easy to hang out with, and she knows most of my friends."

She added: "I will miss the fact that at Jiak Kim, Zouk is exclusive.

"The entire Jiak Kim practically 'belongs' to Zouk, and there's a certain atmosphere once I turn into Jiak Kim Street."

Miss Tashiana said: "It's time for the younger generation to take over, and hopefully they will maintain the glamorous time that we had over the years at Zouk Jiak Kim.

"What is Zouk without the divas?"

The move to Clarke Quay will be an "opportune moment to progress and to evolve from its Jiak Kim predecessor", said Miss Sofie Chandra, who heads the marketing and events division at Zouk. "

The new place, she added, promises to take all party-goers into a new era of party experiences while keeping the essence of the Zouk spirit.

"Zouk will continue to deliver top-notch quality of dance music and service excellence," Miss Chandra said.

This article was first published on December 3 2016.
Get The New Paper for more stories.