சிங்கப்பூர் பக்கம் - Local News

Singapore’s latest iconic attraction was officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (15th April)evening.

Mr Lee took a ride on the 165—metre tall Singapore Flyer, which is the world’s largest observation wheel.
"We’ve had a very enjoyable, spectacular ride. We have a beautiful city and this is a remarkable view of the city," he said.
"Many things are happening at Marina Bay as you know — the IR is coming up, the F1 is coming, the circuit will pass all around the Flyer. We can see all the buildings coming up around the Bay, and the Singapore skyline (is) constantly growing and changing," the prime minister added. — CNA/ac

It’s the world’s largest observation wheel.

Standing at stunning 165m, the Flyer is the height of a 42-storey building – that’s some 30 metres taller than the famed London Eye. Taking a flight on this S$240 million dollar wheel is a one-of-a-kind experience you wouldn’t want to miss.

It’s the only place to see Singapore’s magnificent cityscape.
As the wheel turns, you’ll be treated to a visual 360° feast of iconic and historical landmarks and views from the Marina Bay to the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Merlion Park, Empress Place and the Padang. There is no other place in Singapore that offers these breathtaking panoramic views.

You’ll get to feast on famous local dishes.
Seafood Paradise @ Flyer, a popular restaurant among locals, serves up signature local dishes such as chilli crab, butter crab, cereal prawns and drunken prawns. Enjoy these authentic local dishes alongside innovative culinary creations by our local chefs.

You’ll get a taste of our gourmet capital.
If local food isn’t the fare for you, dine at any of the restaurants at the Flyer. The selection – from Indian fusion to Japanese delicacies and Italian epicurean – gives you a taste of why Singapore is the gourmet capital of Asia.

You’ll get to indulge in Singapore’s national pastime.
Food may be our nation’s passion, but it’s shopping that’s our national pastime. At the Flyer, you’ll be able to indulge a little in yourself. Jewellery, luxury watches, exquisitely handmade Japanese accessories and more await the avid shopper.

You’ll experience urban nature.
Right in the centre of the atrium, on Level 3, is a lush, tropical rainforest. The cascading water displays, streams, rocky outcrops and pond fuse together naturally to offer a picturesque landscape for photo taking.

You’ll be able to fly – “for real”.
If being 165m above ground level in a capsule exhilarates you, fly like a real pilot in a flight simulator that has all the gadgets and gizmos found in real commercial airliners. The simulator isn't a toy, it's been approved by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority for pilot training.

Your toes will be tickled by fishes.
On Level 2 is a fish foot spa - that’s right – it’s a spa where Doctor Fishes (“Garra Rufa”) work their magic on your feet. These fish, imported from Turkey, have healing properties and will give you a pedicure you won’t forget.

You can get more details at http://www.singaporeflyer.com

SMRT wins international award for "Best Passenger Experience"

SINGAPORE: Transport operator SMRT has clinched the "Best Passenger Experience" award at the inaugural Metro Awards 2008 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Metro Awards is part of MetroRail, an annual conference of the urban rail industry worldwide which met from 1 to 3 April this year.Other finalists of the "Best Passenger Experience" award included Copenhagen Metro, MTR Corporation Limited (Hong Kong) and The Warsaw Metro Ltd.They were judged on factors such as value for money, efficiency and reliability, as well as cleanliness and security.SMRT said the international award for service excellence came shortly after it won the "Most Customer—Friendly Transport" award, presented by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority.
— CNA/so

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20080408/tap-340087-231650b.html

Football: AC Milan eye youth base in Singapore

SINGAPORE : With seven European Cups in the trophy cabinet and 18 international club titles in all, AC Milan are one of the biggest names in football.

In their 109—year history, the Italian giants have also produced some of football’s biggest superstars, including Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.Now, the 17—time Serie A champions are believed to be keen on establishing a foothold in Singapore.TODAY has learnt that Milan plan to set up a football school in Singapore.

According to sources, the project — to be called AC Milan Junior Camp — will be for youngsters aged between six and 18. The camp will provide the highest quality of football coaching by the club.One of the parties involved is believed to be a local hotel group and negotiations are currently ongoing.When ready, it would be the first football camp in South—east Asia established by the Italian giants, and one of two in Asia, after the one in Japan. The club also have an official football camp in the United States, and all are designed to enable youngsters youths to pick up football skills and foster new friendships.According to sources, a delegation from Milan could be in Singapore as early as next week to explore possible sites for the camp and also to meet local officials.

The Rossoneri could well have the Champions League trophy in tow for the three—day visit, tentatively scheduled from April 14—16.Milan are the outgoing holders of the trophy, having beaten Liverpool 2—1 in last year’s final in Athens. Last month, they were eliminated at the first knock—out stage of this season’s competition by Arsenal and the club, currently coached by Carlo Ancelotti, are lying in fifth spot in Serie A, 20 points behind city rivals Inter Milan. — TODAY/il

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20080408/tap-340021-231650b.html

Dry season expected in Singapore in third quarter

SINGAPORE : The third quarter of this year could be a dry season which could lead to haze resulting from hotspots in Indonesia.

The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre has forecast that the prevailing La Nina is expected to gradually weaken and return to neutral conditions by that time. This was on the agenda at the 4th meeting of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution in Putrajaya, Malaysia on Tuesday.

The committee recognised the urgency of tackling land and forest fires that result in haze pollution, and also preventing and mitigating such events. In fact, Indonesia's efforts last year reduced the number of hotspots by half, in both Sumatra and Kalimantan, compared to the year before. Wetter weather conditions also helped.

Indonesia wants to reduce its number of hotspots further. Under its National Action Plan on Climate Change, Indonesia has targeted to reduce the number of hotspots by 50% in 2009, 75% in 2012 and 95% in 2025, using 2006 as a baseline. Central and local government agencies, as well as the private sector will also spend more money - to the tune of 800 billion rupiah (S$120.6 million) - on land and forest fire control this year. The ministers are scheduled to meet again on 26 June 2008 in Singapore. - CNA /ls

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/340097/1/.html