The Animal Resort Is Singapore's Own 'Kampung Zoo' And It's Completely Free
Monday, 21 March 2016, by Elisabeth Ng
You’ve heard of the River Safari and Jurong Bird Park, but probably not of The Animal Resort. When I mentioned that I was going to Seletar West Farmway, I was met with blank faces until I said, “Near Jalan Kayu (a famous stretch of roti prata stalls) lah.”
Tucked away in one of Singapore’s more ulu areas, amongst lush greenery and other farms housing koi fish, mushrooms, and orchids, The Animal Resort is admittedly slightly inaccessible. However, being off the beaten track adds to its charm - it emanates kampong vibes that transport you back to the 1960s.
This also means you can take a quick detour to Jalan Kayu for a cheap yet satisfying meal of roti prata before dropping by for a day of fun with the critters. >> Read more here
The Animal Resort
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm daily (except CNY Eve & CNY)
Contact: 64821160/91271323
Website: http://theanimalresort.com/home/
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Monday, February 2, 2015
NTU develops Singapore's first 3D-printed urban solar electric car - Channel NewsAsia
NTU develops Singapore's first 3D-printed urban solar electric car - Channel NewsAsia:
POSTED: 02 Feb 2015 15:13
UPDATED: 02 Feb 2015 15:21
By pushing existing technology to the limits, undergraduates from NTU have assembled a 3D-printed body shell for an electric car, says Associate Professor Ng Heong Wah.
SINGAPORE: Students from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have built the first urban solar electric car with a 3D-printed body in Singapore, said the university in a news release on Monday (Feb 2).
The car – named NTU Venture 8 (NV8) – is mounted on a carbon fibre single shell chassis.
“We are extremely proud to have designed and assembled a 3D-printed body shell for the electric car,” Associate Professor Ng Heong Wah said. “The 3D printed car body was pushing existing technology to the limits and we are so pleased that it has paid off.”
"Using the latest engineering techniques learnt from their studies in NTU, the students have developed innovations such as silicon solar cells that can be contoured to follow the car’s shape,” he added.
Undergraduate Ilmi Bin Abdul Wahab, who led the development of 3D-printed NV8, said: “We decided to go with a 3D-printed cabin made from lightweight plastic, as we wanted to maximise the internal space and driver’s comfort while still being able to keeping the weight to a minimum. Despite being an Urban Concept car, it is no slouch and can reach a top speed of 60km/h, while maintaining low energy consumption.”
Co-designer Ng Jun Wen explained the unique honeycomb design for NV8: “For it to be lightweight, thin and yet strong, we integrated a honeycomb structure and a unique joint design to hold the parts together. When seen against the light, the structure has a translucent see-through effect, like a dragonfly wing.”
According to NTU, NV8 will participate in the Shell Eco-marathon Asia competition this year, under the Urban Concept category. Teams with more “roadworthy” fuel-efficient vehicles fall in this category, it said. The competition challenges students to design, build and drive a vehicle that can travel the furthest distance using the least amount of energy.
SECOND ECO-CAR FEATURES HAND-MADE SILICON SOLAR CELLS
The students have also built the NTU Venture 9 (NV9), a three-wheeled racer, which can “take sharp corners with little loss in speed” due to its unique tilting ability inspired by motorcycle racing, the university said.
The car, featuring hand-made silicon solar cells, will be NTU’s entry in the Prototype category at the Shell competition. Teams enter futuristic prototypes focused on maximising fuel efficiency through innovative design elements in the Prototype category.
By developing the silicon solar cells innovation, Prof Ng said it allows for “maximum harvesting of the solar energy and a tilting mechanism” in NV9 that results in avoiding the loss of speed.
Explaining the inspiration behind their prototype, NV9 Team Manager, Winston Tan, said: “We took the tilting mechanism inspiration from motorcycle racing, where racers would lean left or right during sharp turns to maintain their handling and speed. For the car’s body, we aimed for it to be as streamlined as possible.”
The two NTU teams consist of 16 students from the various engineering schools. The cars were designed from scratch and students spent over a year to build them. Shell Eco-marathon Asia will take place in Manila from Feb 26 to Mar 1.
- CNA/xk
POSTED: 02 Feb 2015 15:13
UPDATED: 02 Feb 2015 15:21
By pushing existing technology to the limits, undergraduates from NTU have assembled a 3D-printed body shell for an electric car, says Associate Professor Ng Heong Wah.
SINGAPORE: Students from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have built the first urban solar electric car with a 3D-printed body in Singapore, said the university in a news release on Monday (Feb 2).
The car – named NTU Venture 8 (NV8) – is mounted on a carbon fibre single shell chassis.
“We are extremely proud to have designed and assembled a 3D-printed body shell for the electric car,” Associate Professor Ng Heong Wah said. “The 3D printed car body was pushing existing technology to the limits and we are so pleased that it has paid off.”
"Using the latest engineering techniques learnt from their studies in NTU, the students have developed innovations such as silicon solar cells that can be contoured to follow the car’s shape,” he added.
Undergraduate Ilmi Bin Abdul Wahab, who led the development of 3D-printed NV8, said: “We decided to go with a 3D-printed cabin made from lightweight plastic, as we wanted to maximise the internal space and driver’s comfort while still being able to keeping the weight to a minimum. Despite being an Urban Concept car, it is no slouch and can reach a top speed of 60km/h, while maintaining low energy consumption.”
Co-designer Ng Jun Wen explained the unique honeycomb design for NV8: “For it to be lightweight, thin and yet strong, we integrated a honeycomb structure and a unique joint design to hold the parts together. When seen against the light, the structure has a translucent see-through effect, like a dragonfly wing.”
According to NTU, NV8 will participate in the Shell Eco-marathon Asia competition this year, under the Urban Concept category. Teams with more “roadworthy” fuel-efficient vehicles fall in this category, it said. The competition challenges students to design, build and drive a vehicle that can travel the furthest distance using the least amount of energy.
SECOND ECO-CAR FEATURES HAND-MADE SILICON SOLAR CELLS
The students have also built the NTU Venture 9 (NV9), a three-wheeled racer, which can “take sharp corners with little loss in speed” due to its unique tilting ability inspired by motorcycle racing, the university said.
The car, featuring hand-made silicon solar cells, will be NTU’s entry in the Prototype category at the Shell competition. Teams enter futuristic prototypes focused on maximising fuel efficiency through innovative design elements in the Prototype category.
By developing the silicon solar cells innovation, Prof Ng said it allows for “maximum harvesting of the solar energy and a tilting mechanism” in NV9 that results in avoiding the loss of speed.
Explaining the inspiration behind their prototype, NV9 Team Manager, Winston Tan, said: “We took the tilting mechanism inspiration from motorcycle racing, where racers would lean left or right during sharp turns to maintain their handling and speed. For the car’s body, we aimed for it to be as streamlined as possible.”
The two NTU teams consist of 16 students from the various engineering schools. The cars were designed from scratch and students spent over a year to build them. Shell Eco-marathon Asia will take place in Manila from Feb 26 to Mar 1.
- CNA/xk
Singapore’s first 3D-printed concept car to debut in design competition | TODAYonline
Singapore’s first 3D-printed concept car to debut in design competition | TODAYonline:
By Matthias Tay matthiastay@mediacorp.com.sg
Published: 2:49 PM, February 2, 2015
SINGAPORE — Car owners who desire an eco-friendly and customisable vehicle can look forward to such an option soon when technology becomes available to permit 3D-printed parts to be incorporated into commercial cars.
The technology is in the infancy but a team of students from the Nanyang Technological University has put together Singapore’s first 3D-printed concept car, which will be making its debut at this year’s Shell Eco-marathon Asia held in Manila.
The car, NTU Venture 8, will race in the Urban Concept category where vehicles will compete on fuel efficiency and distance travelled.
Associate Professor Ng Heong Wah, who has taught engineering design at NTU for 25 years, is mentoring the team. He said that 3D-printing has the potential to go far in view of the Republic’s energy conservation efforts.
“A 3D-printed part reduces the weight (of the car)...you don’t have so many pieces joined together and it is more efficient in the use of materials,” said Professor Ng.
By Matthias Tay matthiastay@mediacorp.com.sg
Published: 2:49 PM, February 2, 2015
SINGAPORE — Car owners who desire an eco-friendly and customisable vehicle can look forward to such an option soon when technology becomes available to permit 3D-printed parts to be incorporated into commercial cars.
The technology is in the infancy but a team of students from the Nanyang Technological University has put together Singapore’s first 3D-printed concept car, which will be making its debut at this year’s Shell Eco-marathon Asia held in Manila.
The car, NTU Venture 8, will race in the Urban Concept category where vehicles will compete on fuel efficiency and distance travelled.
Associate Professor Ng Heong Wah, who has taught engineering design at NTU for 25 years, is mentoring the team. He said that 3D-printing has the potential to go far in view of the Republic’s energy conservation efforts.
“A 3D-printed part reduces the weight (of the car)...you don’t have so many pieces joined together and it is more efficient in the use of materials,” said Professor Ng.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Driverless car trials in one-north to start in March | TODAYonline
Driverless car trials in one-north to start in March | TODAYonline:
By Emilia Tan emiliatankn@mediacorp.com.sg
Published: 4:27 PM, January 13, 2015
For instance, the autonomous vehicles (AV) must pass safety assessments and be installed with data recorders that keep track of information, such as the date and time of tests, speed and whether the driverless mode has been activated. The AVs will not be allowed to run autonomously when outside the test area, the LTA added.
In a joint statement today with one-north master planner and developer JTC Corporation, the LTA said the test routes, which connect Biopolis, Fusionopolis and Mediapolis, will encompass light and heavy traffic routes that will allow successful applicants to test their vehicles’ navigation controls in a real-world environment.
Said LTA CEO Chew Men Leong: “The trials in one-north will give us the opportunity to learn and understand the technical capabilities and infrastructural requirements for AVs to operate safely on public roads.”
The LTA said the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, in collaboration with National University of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and ST Kinetics, are in talks to apply for their AVs to be tested in one-north.
A*STAR’s executive director of the Institute for Infocomm Research, Dr Lee Shiang Long, said the on-road testing would “allow us to test, analyse, verify and refine our AV research R&D in a real environment”.
Last year, trials of AVs were run in other areas, such as the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. NUS Department of Mechanical Engineering’s associate professor Marcelo Ang said the trial at the gardens last October received “very positive” responses from participants. “The one-north area is the next step and closer to real-life traffic conditions ... We want to show the public how safe AVs are ... (they are) actually safer than human drivers, since computers do not get tired .”
By Emilia Tan emiliatankn@mediacorp.com.sg
Published: 4:27 PM, January 13, 2015
 |
| An autonomous, driverless buggy from a collabrative project between Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Photo: www.smartnusav.com |
SINGAPORE — The first trials of driverless vehicles on public roads, using a 6km route within one-north business park, are expected to start in March, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) today (Jan 13), as it listed some of the requirements that interested parties will have to meet to get the approval to conduct them.
For instance, the autonomous vehicles (AV) must pass safety assessments and be installed with data recorders that keep track of information, such as the date and time of tests, speed and whether the driverless mode has been activated. The AVs will not be allowed to run autonomously when outside the test area, the LTA added.
In a joint statement today with one-north master planner and developer JTC Corporation, the LTA said the test routes, which connect Biopolis, Fusionopolis and Mediapolis, will encompass light and heavy traffic routes that will allow successful applicants to test their vehicles’ navigation controls in a real-world environment.
Said LTA CEO Chew Men Leong: “The trials in one-north will give us the opportunity to learn and understand the technical capabilities and infrastructural requirements for AVs to operate safely on public roads.”
The LTA said the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, in collaboration with National University of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and ST Kinetics, are in talks to apply for their AVs to be tested in one-north.
A*STAR’s executive director of the Institute for Infocomm Research, Dr Lee Shiang Long, said the on-road testing would “allow us to test, analyse, verify and refine our AV research R&D in a real environment”.
Last year, trials of AVs were run in other areas, such as the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. NUS Department of Mechanical Engineering’s associate professor Marcelo Ang said the trial at the gardens last October received “very positive” responses from participants. “The one-north area is the next step and closer to real-life traffic conditions ... We want to show the public how safe AVs are ... (they are) actually safer than human drivers, since computers do not get tired .”
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Sign up for ST Run from next week
Published on May 30, 2014 7:09 AM The Straits Times
Sign up for ST Run from next week:
There will be three race categories - 5km, 10km, 21km
Runners will be treated to a scenic morning route that will take them through the city and parts of East Coast Park before ending under the iconic dome of the new National Stadium (above). -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM
Readers of The Straits Times will once again be treated to a unique running event as we take participants in this year's ST Run to the Sports Hub.
The ST Run at the Hub on Sept 28 will be the first event where runners get to end their race under the iconic dome of the new National Stadium.
Race-goers will also be treated to a scenic morning route that will take them through the city and parts of East Coast Park.
Consumer electronics giant Panasonic is returning as the presenting sponsor after last year's ST Run in the Park.
Said Panasonic Singapore director Daniel Tan: "The ST Run is the ideal avenue that shares our devotion in making lives easier, more comfortable and more fun.
"Through our continuous efforts in creating eco and smart products, we aim to further establish ties with the community and promote greener, healthier and smarter living."
The run will feature three race categories: 5km (fun run) and 10km and 21km competitive runs. Registration fees range from $45 to $70.
But all OCBC Bank credit card holders will enjoy a 10 per cent discount.
OCBC card members will also enjoy an exclusive two-day pre-registration period, before the public sign-up starts on Thursday.
The run will be among the Sports Hub's first key events and promises to be a memorable experience for all.
Said Sports Hub chief executive Philippe Delavaud: "Whether it is along the waterfront or inside the National Stadium, runners will be able to enjoy the magnificent surroundings and views this sports, entertainment and lifestyle destination has to offer.
"Being an avid runner myself... I can guarantee this will be the perfect setting for the Sports Hub to welcome the community and create a fun and memorable experience for all who take part."
Participants of the run will each be entitled to an attractive goodie bag, worth more than $120, and will also stand to win prizes worth about $50,000.
Among the items are a New Balance race top and commemorative T-shirt, each worth $49.
Said New Balance marketing and product manager (Asean) Eugene Yeo: "As a leader in performance running, it is only natural that New Balance works with the biggest newspaper in Singapore to bring the best experiences to runners.
"New Balance had a great partnership with The Straits Times last year and is confident that this year's success will reach even greater heights."
The run is organised as part of the Straits Times Appreciates Readers programme to reach out to the community.
Categories and fees
- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/sign-st-run-next-week-20140530#sthash.0KFzagwe.dpuf
Sign up for ST Run from next week:
There will be three race categories - 5km, 10km, 21km
Readers of The Straits Times will once again be treated to a unique running event as we take participants in this year's ST Run to the Sports Hub.
The ST Run at the Hub on Sept 28 will be the first event where runners get to end their race under the iconic dome of the new National Stadium.
Race-goers will also be treated to a scenic morning route that will take them through the city and parts of East Coast Park.
Consumer electronics giant Panasonic is returning as the presenting sponsor after last year's ST Run in the Park.
Said Panasonic Singapore director Daniel Tan: "The ST Run is the ideal avenue that shares our devotion in making lives easier, more comfortable and more fun.
"Through our continuous efforts in creating eco and smart products, we aim to further establish ties with the community and promote greener, healthier and smarter living."
The run will feature three race categories: 5km (fun run) and 10km and 21km competitive runs. Registration fees range from $45 to $70.
But all OCBC Bank credit card holders will enjoy a 10 per cent discount.
OCBC card members will also enjoy an exclusive two-day pre-registration period, before the public sign-up starts on Thursday.
The run will be among the Sports Hub's first key events and promises to be a memorable experience for all.
Said Sports Hub chief executive Philippe Delavaud: "Whether it is along the waterfront or inside the National Stadium, runners will be able to enjoy the magnificent surroundings and views this sports, entertainment and lifestyle destination has to offer.
"Being an avid runner myself... I can guarantee this will be the perfect setting for the Sports Hub to welcome the community and create a fun and memorable experience for all who take part."
Participants of the run will each be entitled to an attractive goodie bag, worth more than $120, and will also stand to win prizes worth about $50,000.
Among the items are a New Balance race top and commemorative T-shirt, each worth $49.
Said New Balance marketing and product manager (Asean) Eugene Yeo: "As a leader in performance running, it is only natural that New Balance works with the biggest newspaper in Singapore to bring the best experiences to runners.
"New Balance had a great partnership with The Straits Times last year and is confident that this year's success will reach even greater heights."
The run is organised as part of the Straits Times Appreciates Readers programme to reach out to the community.
Categories and fees
- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/sign-st-run-next-week-20140530#sthash.0KFzagwe.dpuf
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
火车绝响后 铁道走廊承载新使命
火车绝响后 铁道走廊承载新使命 | 联合早报 :
陈宇昕
2014年05月07日
唐家鸿／部分摄影
本月18日将有7000人参与第二届Green Corridor Run，在充满历史意涵，葱翠清新的铁道走廊里踏青奔跑。
自2011年7月1日丹戎巴葛火车站与铁道主权从马来西亚移交回新加坡，铁道走廊的命运何去何从叫人关注。官方主办比赛并设立网站邀请民间出谋划策，与此同时，这条走廊也没有荒置。
现在就跟着记者一起温习铁道走廊这两三年来的变化，探索这条秘密走廊的新气象。
曾经它只不过是一条理所当然躺在那里的铁道，每天都有一列列火车往返丹戎巴葛与马来西亚。
2011年7月1日，当它正式由马来西亚交还给新加坡，火车终站从丹戎巴葛迁往兀兰，这条贯穿新加坡心脏的铁道线一下子结束了历史使命。这一天到来之前，全城掀起怀旧风潮，人们开始怀念火车缓慢的速度，急忙捕捉走在铁轨枕木与满铺石子之上的浪漫感觉，同时也开始担心铁道线的未来，不知道它是否抵挡得住城市发展的狂澜。
政府方面却没有急着发展这个地段，开始收集民意，其中，新加坡自然学会提出的绿色走廊计划书获得很大回响，激发许多结合绿色与环保的想法，大家似乎都更乐意保留这块城市绿肺，使得铁道走廊的未来充满绿色希望。
自铁轨与枕木被拆除送还马来亚铁道公司后，从兀兰到丹戎巴葛36公里地，除了丹戎巴葛火车站、武吉知马火车站、武吉知马前后两道火车铁桥以及乌鲁班丹河上的火车铁桥被保留下来外，铁道走廊现已成为一条被丰茂植物包拢的空荡荡长廊。
租借火车站办活动
铁道走廊开放至今吸引许多国人与游客踏青，成为休闲好去处。
被列为国家古迹的丹戎巴葛火车站和被列为保存建筑的武吉知马火车站虽平时不开放让公众参观，但任何人都可以向土地管理局申请租借这两个地点。
土管局发言人受询时说，自2012年两个火车站开放租借申请以来，一共举办了23场大小活动，这些活动包括运动活动、展览与服装秀。
未来三个月获得批准的活动还包括一个展览、一场婚礼、餐宴与录影活动。
这些活动当中之最大型者，大概是来临18日开跑的“绿色走道跑步活动”（Green Corridor Run）了。
这项大型跑步活动今年第二次举办，首届于去年1月底展开，吸引了来自71个国家和地区共6000人参与，主办单位Groundswell Events私人有限公司执行董事班·威廉斯（Ben Williams，30岁）透露，今年的报名人数已经达7000人，男女各半，分别来自69个国家和地区。
在本地生活五年的威廉斯对大自然与文化保育活动充满热忱。他说，2011年适逢铁道归还的历史契机，他有机会游览这条历史长廊，感受丰富的生态环境，也认识了自然学会的朋友。他认为这条走廊很适合跑步活动，于是有了主办大型跑步活动的念头，并找来自然学会为慈善合作伙伴。
去年1月，活动在雨季期间举办，路面湿滑难走，这次改在较干旱的5月，希望活动可以更顺利进行。
威廉斯说：“去年最大的惊喜是公众的回响，6000个位子全部卖光，说明大家都很关心。”
由于铁道走廊较狭窄，参与者分四批进行，竞技组被安排在第一波，这样一来，所有参与者都可以舒适无压力地在绿色走廊里按照自己的速度漫步。
比赛从丹戎巴葛火车站开始，至武吉知马火车站，全程10.6公里。威廉斯拟年年举办，未来也考虑将赛道延长至兀兰，但主要问题是铁道线北部有数个地点须要越过公路，需要更多考量与沟通。
有人喜欢铁道走廊的绿意，有人钟情于其历史情怀，也有人对火车与火车站有特别的情感。威廉斯说：“怀旧的朋友或许可以借此机会进入丹戎巴葛火车站，如果怀念站内的美食，一些档口的菜单还挂在那里呢。”
让学生“并肩而行，凝聚友情”
除了民间活动，文化、社区及青年部去年9月起也推出了“坚韧路径”（Resilience Trails）系列中的第五条路线：“铁道走廊路径：并肩而行，凝聚友情”（Rail Corridor Trail：Our Journey Together Through Power of Friendship），通过铁道的历史，让国人了解国家发展。
长约30公里的路径从兀兰海滨开始，途经五个地点，分别是武吉知马自然保护区、甘榜路径、玫菲园（Mayfair Park）、武吉知马火车站及丹戎巴葛火车站。部分路程以步行进行，其余则以旅游巴士代步，全程计需四五个小时。
负责营运管理这个教育路线的是新加坡国家文物局。该局社区机构与外展副司长沈婉慧受询时说，至今已完成十次铁道走廊路径导览，超过1500名中学生参与。
她说，该路径是文物局专为学生制定的教育路线，希望通过户外活动让学生体认历史文化，“铁道线触及新加坡与马来西亚的历史关系，让学生看到两国之间如何解决彼此间的差异。”
她指出，由社区民众合作建立起的玫菲园也是路径的一大看点，让孩子学习到社区合作的精神与力量。此外，文物局正考虑开放路径，让学生以外的社群可以参与。
沈婉慧说，路径开设半年以来，当局收到良好反馈，许多人表示参观铁道走廊后大开眼界。
连接本地多个绿色基地
另一方面，自然学会副会长梁国平对铁道走廊的发展感到欣慰。
梁国平是绿色走廊计划的主要撰写人。他说，现在民间一直以不同方式在使用铁道走廊，让保育自然环境成为可能。
对他来说，铁道走廊成为人们踏青休闲的去处只是其次，重要的是，这条延绵不绝30多公里的自然走廊连接了新加坡多个重要的绿色基地，如双溪布洛（Sungei Buloh）湿地、武吉知马自然保护区、金文泰丛林区等，能让各种飞禽走兽通往不同林区。
他说，新加坡与马来西亚为了铁道的事纠葛多年，有时不禁要想：幸好马来西亚迟至近几年才把铁道归还，要不然以新加坡的发展速度，这些地段或许早都不复存在了。
而今褪去铁道，被大树包围的铁道线倒像是一条秘密花园通道，是城市里难得的绿地，让人可以放慢节奏，呼吸清新空气，聆听悦耳的鸟叫虫鸣。
梁国平说，他最大的愿望是整个铁道走廊保持连贯。他与自然学会的成员以及一些关注铁道走廊的人士，几年来一直与政府相关部门保持密切联系，探讨走廊的发展。他相信愿望会成真，至于正式的计划与发展，各方其实也不急于一时。
不过，梁国平还有一个担忧。他说，许多人都不知道，铁道路线在武吉知马之后有一条岔路经过乌鲁班丹转入裕廊地带。乌鲁班丹至裕廊的一段还未正式被纳入铁道走廊，而那一带有自然的河道、金文泰丛林，禽鸟和昆虫数量很多，他希望能够力争确保这地段也能保持原貌。
“现在人们的想法也改变了，大家开始注意到周遭环境的重要，能在城市里保留一块绿地，何乐而不为呢？”
铁道走廊今年1月起也成了艺术空间。
联邦道（Commonwealth Avenue）高架桥底下的铁道走廊今年初开辟为街头艺术的创作空间，艺术家可以发挥创意，路过的公众也可以欣赏到更具活力的街头艺术，为铁道走廊增添新色彩。
其实早在政府宣布涂鸦墙“合法化”之前，乃至火车还在穿行其间时，这个在波那维斯达地铁站旁的高架桥底架早已有人捷足先登在墙上作画。
新开辟的艺术创作空间目前由街头艺术家组织RSCLS策划管理。
去年的青年艺术家奖得主，RSCLS创办人兹武（Zul Othman）受访时说，铁道走廊这个立交桥底架，相较本地其他如乌节路青年公园之类的街头艺术场所，墙面更高更大，为街头艺术家提供更大挑战与乐趣。
他说，虽然RSCLS受委策划管理，但他们并不是人们想象的传统管理人员，这个地方依然属于公众，每个人都可以参与其中，RSCLS的责任至多是筹办活动与沟通。新空间的开拓，也让更多人有机会接触到街头艺术。
今年3月21至23日，一个名为“Meeting Of Styles”的国际街头艺术活动就在那里进行，来自多国的艺术家接力将两面高墙恣情彩绘，如今走入，仿佛置身美国嘻哈街区。
只不过如果墙上已被涂满了画，这个艺术空间该怎么继续？
兹武说：“这没关系，下一个艺术家来了，他就在画上再画一层，层层叠叠，这就是街头艺术家的习惯。”
所以说，这两面墙其实是无限的画板。
要走入这个隐秘的艺术空间，须要穿过地铁站旁的草地，沿着斜坡走下去，路面或有点湿滑，但兹武说，相信相关单位正准备开辟步道连接，但他希望尽量保持铁道走廊的原貌，保持葱翠环境。
高架桥附近正展开一些工程，兹武说，刚开始他发现不少工人午餐时喜欢躲在高架桥下遮阳吃东西，往往留下垃圾，环境很脏。一旦碰到这种情况，他就会向土管局报告，现在情况已经好转。
他说，街头艺术家使用喷漆，每次作画后会剩下很多空罐子，他希望所有到此一游的艺术家不要留下任何垃圾，才能营造更完美的艺术空间。
兹武说：“任谁都欢迎到此，最重要是尽兴。如果说要担心什么的话，就是桥下蚊子比较多，此外没有照明，太阳下山后会非常暗。”
陈宇昕
2014年05月07日
唐家鸿／部分摄影
本月18日将有7000人参与第二届Green Corridor Run，在充满历史意涵，葱翠清新的铁道走廊里踏青奔跑。
自2011年7月1日丹戎巴葛火车站与铁道主权从马来西亚移交回新加坡，铁道走廊的命运何去何从叫人关注。官方主办比赛并设立网站邀请民间出谋划策，与此同时，这条走廊也没有荒置。
现在就跟着记者一起温习铁道走廊这两三年来的变化，探索这条秘密走廊的新气象。
曾经它只不过是一条理所当然躺在那里的铁道，每天都有一列列火车往返丹戎巴葛与马来西亚。
2011年7月1日，当它正式由马来西亚交还给新加坡，火车终站从丹戎巴葛迁往兀兰，这条贯穿新加坡心脏的铁道线一下子结束了历史使命。这一天到来之前，全城掀起怀旧风潮，人们开始怀念火车缓慢的速度，急忙捕捉走在铁轨枕木与满铺石子之上的浪漫感觉，同时也开始担心铁道线的未来，不知道它是否抵挡得住城市发展的狂澜。
政府方面却没有急着发展这个地段，开始收集民意，其中，新加坡自然学会提出的绿色走廊计划书获得很大回响，激发许多结合绿色与环保的想法，大家似乎都更乐意保留这块城市绿肺，使得铁道走廊的未来充满绿色希望。
自铁轨与枕木被拆除送还马来亚铁道公司后，从兀兰到丹戎巴葛36公里地，除了丹戎巴葛火车站、武吉知马火车站、武吉知马前后两道火车铁桥以及乌鲁班丹河上的火车铁桥被保留下来外，铁道走廊现已成为一条被丰茂植物包拢的空荡荡长廊。
租借火车站办活动
铁道走廊开放至今吸引许多国人与游客踏青，成为休闲好去处。
被列为国家古迹的丹戎巴葛火车站和被列为保存建筑的武吉知马火车站虽平时不开放让公众参观，但任何人都可以向土地管理局申请租借这两个地点。
土管局发言人受询时说，自2012年两个火车站开放租借申请以来，一共举办了23场大小活动，这些活动包括运动活动、展览与服装秀。
未来三个月获得批准的活动还包括一个展览、一场婚礼、餐宴与录影活动。
这些活动当中之最大型者，大概是来临18日开跑的“绿色走道跑步活动”（Green Corridor Run）了。
这项大型跑步活动今年第二次举办，首届于去年1月底展开，吸引了来自71个国家和地区共6000人参与，主办单位Groundswell Events私人有限公司执行董事班·威廉斯（Ben Williams，30岁）透露，今年的报名人数已经达7000人，男女各半，分别来自69个国家和地区。
在本地生活五年的威廉斯对大自然与文化保育活动充满热忱。他说，2011年适逢铁道归还的历史契机，他有机会游览这条历史长廊，感受丰富的生态环境，也认识了自然学会的朋友。他认为这条走廊很适合跑步活动，于是有了主办大型跑步活动的念头，并找来自然学会为慈善合作伙伴。
去年1月，活动在雨季期间举办，路面湿滑难走，这次改在较干旱的5月，希望活动可以更顺利进行。
威廉斯说：“去年最大的惊喜是公众的回响，6000个位子全部卖光，说明大家都很关心。”
由于铁道走廊较狭窄，参与者分四批进行，竞技组被安排在第一波，这样一来，所有参与者都可以舒适无压力地在绿色走廊里按照自己的速度漫步。
比赛从丹戎巴葛火车站开始，至武吉知马火车站，全程10.6公里。威廉斯拟年年举办，未来也考虑将赛道延长至兀兰，但主要问题是铁道线北部有数个地点须要越过公路，需要更多考量与沟通。
有人喜欢铁道走廊的绿意，有人钟情于其历史情怀，也有人对火车与火车站有特别的情感。威廉斯说：“怀旧的朋友或许可以借此机会进入丹戎巴葛火车站，如果怀念站内的美食，一些档口的菜单还挂在那里呢。”
让学生“并肩而行，凝聚友情”
除了民间活动，文化、社区及青年部去年9月起也推出了“坚韧路径”（Resilience Trails）系列中的第五条路线：“铁道走廊路径：并肩而行，凝聚友情”（Rail Corridor Trail：Our Journey Together Through Power of Friendship），通过铁道的历史，让国人了解国家发展。
长约30公里的路径从兀兰海滨开始，途经五个地点，分别是武吉知马自然保护区、甘榜路径、玫菲园（Mayfair Park）、武吉知马火车站及丹戎巴葛火车站。部分路程以步行进行，其余则以旅游巴士代步，全程计需四五个小时。
负责营运管理这个教育路线的是新加坡国家文物局。该局社区机构与外展副司长沈婉慧受询时说，至今已完成十次铁道走廊路径导览，超过1500名中学生参与。
她说，该路径是文物局专为学生制定的教育路线，希望通过户外活动让学生体认历史文化，“铁道线触及新加坡与马来西亚的历史关系，让学生看到两国之间如何解决彼此间的差异。”
她指出，由社区民众合作建立起的玫菲园也是路径的一大看点，让孩子学习到社区合作的精神与力量。此外，文物局正考虑开放路径，让学生以外的社群可以参与。
沈婉慧说，路径开设半年以来，当局收到良好反馈，许多人表示参观铁道走廊后大开眼界。
连接本地多个绿色基地
另一方面，自然学会副会长梁国平对铁道走廊的发展感到欣慰。
梁国平是绿色走廊计划的主要撰写人。他说，现在民间一直以不同方式在使用铁道走廊，让保育自然环境成为可能。
对他来说，铁道走廊成为人们踏青休闲的去处只是其次，重要的是，这条延绵不绝30多公里的自然走廊连接了新加坡多个重要的绿色基地，如双溪布洛（Sungei Buloh）湿地、武吉知马自然保护区、金文泰丛林区等，能让各种飞禽走兽通往不同林区。
他说，新加坡与马来西亚为了铁道的事纠葛多年，有时不禁要想：幸好马来西亚迟至近几年才把铁道归还，要不然以新加坡的发展速度，这些地段或许早都不复存在了。
而今褪去铁道，被大树包围的铁道线倒像是一条秘密花园通道，是城市里难得的绿地，让人可以放慢节奏，呼吸清新空气，聆听悦耳的鸟叫虫鸣。
梁国平说，他最大的愿望是整个铁道走廊保持连贯。他与自然学会的成员以及一些关注铁道走廊的人士，几年来一直与政府相关部门保持密切联系，探讨走廊的发展。他相信愿望会成真，至于正式的计划与发展，各方其实也不急于一时。
不过，梁国平还有一个担忧。他说，许多人都不知道，铁道路线在武吉知马之后有一条岔路经过乌鲁班丹转入裕廊地带。乌鲁班丹至裕廊的一段还未正式被纳入铁道走廊，而那一带有自然的河道、金文泰丛林，禽鸟和昆虫数量很多，他希望能够力争确保这地段也能保持原貌。
“现在人们的想法也改变了，大家开始注意到周遭环境的重要，能在城市里保留一块绿地，何乐而不为呢？”
铁道走廊今年1月起也成了艺术空间。
联邦道（Commonwealth Avenue）高架桥底下的铁道走廊今年初开辟为街头艺术的创作空间，艺术家可以发挥创意，路过的公众也可以欣赏到更具活力的街头艺术，为铁道走廊增添新色彩。
其实早在政府宣布涂鸦墙“合法化”之前，乃至火车还在穿行其间时，这个在波那维斯达地铁站旁的高架桥底架早已有人捷足先登在墙上作画。
新开辟的艺术创作空间目前由街头艺术家组织RSCLS策划管理。
去年的青年艺术家奖得主，RSCLS创办人兹武（Zul Othman）受访时说，铁道走廊这个立交桥底架，相较本地其他如乌节路青年公园之类的街头艺术场所，墙面更高更大，为街头艺术家提供更大挑战与乐趣。
他说，虽然RSCLS受委策划管理，但他们并不是人们想象的传统管理人员，这个地方依然属于公众，每个人都可以参与其中，RSCLS的责任至多是筹办活动与沟通。新空间的开拓，也让更多人有机会接触到街头艺术。
今年3月21至23日，一个名为“Meeting Of Styles”的国际街头艺术活动就在那里进行，来自多国的艺术家接力将两面高墙恣情彩绘，如今走入，仿佛置身美国嘻哈街区。
只不过如果墙上已被涂满了画，这个艺术空间该怎么继续？
兹武说：“这没关系，下一个艺术家来了，他就在画上再画一层，层层叠叠，这就是街头艺术家的习惯。”
所以说，这两面墙其实是无限的画板。
要走入这个隐秘的艺术空间，须要穿过地铁站旁的草地，沿着斜坡走下去，路面或有点湿滑，但兹武说，相信相关单位正准备开辟步道连接，但他希望尽量保持铁道走廊的原貌，保持葱翠环境。
高架桥附近正展开一些工程，兹武说，刚开始他发现不少工人午餐时喜欢躲在高架桥下遮阳吃东西，往往留下垃圾，环境很脏。一旦碰到这种情况，他就会向土管局报告，现在情况已经好转。
他说，街头艺术家使用喷漆，每次作画后会剩下很多空罐子，他希望所有到此一游的艺术家不要留下任何垃圾，才能营造更完美的艺术空间。
兹武说：“任谁都欢迎到此，最重要是尽兴。如果说要担心什么的话，就是桥下蚊子比较多，此外没有照明，太阳下山后会非常暗。”
Sunday, May 4, 2014
End of an era at Tanjong Pagar railway station
As the lights finally went down on Tanjung Pagar railway station after 79 years, SwitchUp.tv was there to witness this momentous occasion.
Read more :
The History
So Long! Farewell! The Last Train From KTM Tanjong Pagar
Read more :
The History
So Long! Farewell! The Last Train From KTM Tanjong Pagar
Saturday, April 19, 2014
High demand for S'pore passport due to its wide access
Joyce Lim
The Straits Times
Publication Date : 18-04-2014
A Singapore passport remains one of the most welcome in the world, research has found.
As of last year, it offered visa-free access to 167 of 219 countries surveyed for the latest Visa Restrictions Index.
It was ranked sixth internationally - alongside Australia and Greece - for the unrestricted access it offers. This was up from eighth place in 2012, when it offered such access to 161 countries, and ninth in 2011 when it was waved through in 164.
Citizens of Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom held the best passports for global travel last year, with visa-free access to 173 countries.
Consultancy firm Henley & Partners carried out the study in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association.
Henley's chairman Christian Kalin told The Straits Times yesterday that Singapore passports are in "high demand".
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli had told Parliament on Monday that around 7,000 passports have been reported lost or stolen in each of the last five years.
Kalin called Singapore "one of the premier residence options in the world today".
"The Singaporean Government is making great efforts to attract talent and good human capital to facilitate the growth of its economy," he said. "The Government's intention is for foreigners to make Singapore their home, so there are a number of incentives and benefits for citizens."
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority was unable to provide a more detailed breakdown of the figure revealed by Masagos - such as how many passports were lost overseas.
Mr Masagos also said about 350 travellers have been caught carrying forged or tampered passports at Singapore checkpoints in each of the last five years. He gave no further details.
Among the 52 countries and territories requiring Singaporeans to obtain a visa are Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iraq, Myanmar, Kazakhstan and Yemen.
Singaporeans can travel freely to Canada, China, the European Union and the United States.
B.C. Tan, head of Asia-Pacific risk research at international media firm Thomson Reuters, said Singapore passport holders could be profiled as a lower-risk category because of the country's "good global reputation of low crime rates, strict enforcement and efficient government administration".
Since August 2006, all newly issued Singapore passports have been biometrically enabled with new security features, such as a shorter expiration date of five years and unique passport numbers that are changed when the passport is renewed.
Tan, who specialises in transnational organised crime, noted how these could make it "rather difficult to forge or travel impersonating the actual holder of the Singapore passport".
"However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in Singaporean passport holders being used as mules to smuggle contraband," he added. "These can be... willing participants or unwitting individuals who have fallen prey to scams."
The ICA said the unique numbers in every biometric passport enable international enforcement agencies to share information on lost or stolen passports.
To date, more than 40 million travel papers - mostly passports - have been reported to Interpol, which set up a Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database in the wake of the Sept 11 terror attacks on the US in 2001.
Singapore accesses this about 29 million times a year to determine if a passport presented has been reported lost or stolen.
In 2004, eight Singaporeans were jailed for up to 61/2 years in China for trying to smuggle Chinese nationals into the US using Singapore passports.
One of them, a 39-year-old woman who did not want to be named, told The Straits Times: "Travellers with Singapore passports do not usually get checked at immigration checkpoints."
Henley & Partners, which will release its 2014 index in June, said: "Visa requirements are also an expression of relationships between individual nations and generally reflect the relations and status of a country within the international community."
Afghanistan ranked lowest in last year's index, with its citizens having visa-free access to just 28 countries.
The Straits Times
Publication Date : 18-04-2014
A Singapore passport remains one of the most welcome in the world, research has found.
As of last year, it offered visa-free access to 167 of 219 countries surveyed for the latest Visa Restrictions Index.
It was ranked sixth internationally - alongside Australia and Greece - for the unrestricted access it offers. This was up from eighth place in 2012, when it offered such access to 161 countries, and ninth in 2011 when it was waved through in 164.
Citizens of Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom held the best passports for global travel last year, with visa-free access to 173 countries.
Consultancy firm Henley & Partners carried out the study in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association.
Henley's chairman Christian Kalin told The Straits Times yesterday that Singapore passports are in "high demand".
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli had told Parliament on Monday that around 7,000 passports have been reported lost or stolen in each of the last five years.
Kalin called Singapore "one of the premier residence options in the world today".
"The Singaporean Government is making great efforts to attract talent and good human capital to facilitate the growth of its economy," he said. "The Government's intention is for foreigners to make Singapore their home, so there are a number of incentives and benefits for citizens."
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority was unable to provide a more detailed breakdown of the figure revealed by Masagos - such as how many passports were lost overseas.
Mr Masagos also said about 350 travellers have been caught carrying forged or tampered passports at Singapore checkpoints in each of the last five years. He gave no further details.
Among the 52 countries and territories requiring Singaporeans to obtain a visa are Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iraq, Myanmar, Kazakhstan and Yemen.
Singaporeans can travel freely to Canada, China, the European Union and the United States.
B.C. Tan, head of Asia-Pacific risk research at international media firm Thomson Reuters, said Singapore passport holders could be profiled as a lower-risk category because of the country's "good global reputation of low crime rates, strict enforcement and efficient government administration".
Since August 2006, all newly issued Singapore passports have been biometrically enabled with new security features, such as a shorter expiration date of five years and unique passport numbers that are changed when the passport is renewed.
Tan, who specialises in transnational organised crime, noted how these could make it "rather difficult to forge or travel impersonating the actual holder of the Singapore passport".
"However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in Singaporean passport holders being used as mules to smuggle contraband," he added. "These can be... willing participants or unwitting individuals who have fallen prey to scams."
The ICA said the unique numbers in every biometric passport enable international enforcement agencies to share information on lost or stolen passports.
To date, more than 40 million travel papers - mostly passports - have been reported to Interpol, which set up a Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database in the wake of the Sept 11 terror attacks on the US in 2001.
Singapore accesses this about 29 million times a year to determine if a passport presented has been reported lost or stolen.
In 2004, eight Singaporeans were jailed for up to 61/2 years in China for trying to smuggle Chinese nationals into the US using Singapore passports.
One of them, a 39-year-old woman who did not want to be named, told The Straits Times: "Travellers with Singapore passports do not usually get checked at immigration checkpoints."
Henley & Partners, which will release its 2014 index in June, said: "Visa requirements are also an expression of relationships between individual nations and generally reflect the relations and status of a country within the international community."
Afghanistan ranked lowest in last year's index, with its citizens having visa-free access to just 28 countries.
Monday, March 31, 2014
10-year vision for infocomm, media sectors unveiled | TODAYonline
10-year vision for infocomm, media sectors unveiled | TODAYonline:
Panel seeks feedback from industry and public
By Joy Fang
Published: March 31, 4:13 AM
SINGAPORE — In the years ahead, seniors could tap on enhanced speech and visual recognition technologies, coupled with more intuitive user interfaces, to control and navigate content with ease, while communities could be part of a virtual “kampung”, using their time, not cash, to pay for services rendered.
Students from the primary to post-secondary level could be studying coding and computational thinking and at the tertiary level, those not studying infocomm and media (ICM) — such as students in law, healthcare and business — will be encouraged to take it as a recognised minor, with subjects such as data analysis, modelling and simulation on offer.
These are among 13 ideas that a high-level steering committee — formed by the Government to chart the next phase of development in the ICM industries — has proposed as part of its vision for the next 10 years, starting from next year.
The ideas are grouped under five strategies: To ensure a “pervasive, agile and robust” infrastructure, build vibrant ICM sectors, develop human capital, enable people and businesses to harness infocomm technologies, and to create a research and development ecosystem that supports innovation and commercialisation.
Stressing that the ideas are all preliminary and subject to refinement, the committee yesterday released its 10-year infocomm and media master plan for public consultation. It hopes to consult the industry and public from next month to August to get feedback and glean new ideas.
The two sectors have been rapidly developing due to the prevalence of high-speed connectivity, widespread use of mobile devices and digitisation of information. Currently, these sectors contribute about a 10th of Singapore’s gross domestic product. The nominal value-added of the infocomm and media sectors respectively jumped from S$19 billion in 2008 to S$21 billion in 2011, and from S$6.4 billion in 2008 to S$8 billion in 2011.
The committee hopes the master plan can contribute to a better quality of life for Singaporeans through innovative solutions, encourage the creation of revolutionary products and services here, and build a nation that advocates cutting-edge technologies.
Under its strategy of enabling people to harness infocomm technologies, the committee’s proposed virtual “kampung” would see an individual, for instance, earn two “time-credits” for helping someone with a service, such as grocery shopping. He can then spend these two credits on someone else who offers another service, such as providing tuition for his grandson.
The committee called this system a Community Time Exchange. Known as time banks overseas and a hit in the United States and United Kingdom, it will help connect people together and build stronger communities, said the committee. Some examples overseas include the Fair Shares community time banks in Gloucester and the Nippon Active Life Club in Japan.
To establish an agile, pervasive and trusted ICM infrastructure, an idea proposed by the committee is the installation of a common sensor infrastructure outdoors.
Currently, outdoor sensors are deployed in an ad-hoc manner, with limited coordination and planning across service providers, resulting in long and costly deployment processes, said the committee.
For instance, the traffic light and street lighting control system is under the purview of the Land Transport Authority, the PUB has water-level sensors for the monitoring of the drainage system and the National Environment Agency regulates water pollution and quality in Singapore’s sewerage system through water-quality sensors.
By setting up a new infrastructure for nationwide sensor deployment, termed Above Ground Box, sensor infrastructure across the island can be more “speedy, secure, cost-effective and scalable”, said the committee.
As for the new media service for seniors, Mr Eddie Chau, a committee member and the founder of iSentia Brandtology, pointed out that the technology today “needs to be revamped just to suit the next generation of seniors”.
For instance, a computer mouse may be tough to use for seniors who have problems with hand mobility, he said. “So how can they get engaged when they can’t even move or click it? There are a lot of things we need to do, (there are) a lot of opportunities,” he added.
Panel seeks feedback from industry and public
By Joy Fang
Published: March 31, 4:13 AM
SINGAPORE — In the years ahead, seniors could tap on enhanced speech and visual recognition technologies, coupled with more intuitive user interfaces, to control and navigate content with ease, while communities could be part of a virtual “kampung”, using their time, not cash, to pay for services rendered.
Students from the primary to post-secondary level could be studying coding and computational thinking and at the tertiary level, those not studying infocomm and media (ICM) — such as students in law, healthcare and business — will be encouraged to take it as a recognised minor, with subjects such as data analysis, modelling and simulation on offer.
These are among 13 ideas that a high-level steering committee — formed by the Government to chart the next phase of development in the ICM industries — has proposed as part of its vision for the next 10 years, starting from next year.
The ideas are grouped under five strategies: To ensure a “pervasive, agile and robust” infrastructure, build vibrant ICM sectors, develop human capital, enable people and businesses to harness infocomm technologies, and to create a research and development ecosystem that supports innovation and commercialisation.
Stressing that the ideas are all preliminary and subject to refinement, the committee yesterday released its 10-year infocomm and media master plan for public consultation. It hopes to consult the industry and public from next month to August to get feedback and glean new ideas.
The two sectors have been rapidly developing due to the prevalence of high-speed connectivity, widespread use of mobile devices and digitisation of information. Currently, these sectors contribute about a 10th of Singapore’s gross domestic product. The nominal value-added of the infocomm and media sectors respectively jumped from S$19 billion in 2008 to S$21 billion in 2011, and from S$6.4 billion in 2008 to S$8 billion in 2011.
The committee hopes the master plan can contribute to a better quality of life for Singaporeans through innovative solutions, encourage the creation of revolutionary products and services here, and build a nation that advocates cutting-edge technologies.
Under its strategy of enabling people to harness infocomm technologies, the committee’s proposed virtual “kampung” would see an individual, for instance, earn two “time-credits” for helping someone with a service, such as grocery shopping. He can then spend these two credits on someone else who offers another service, such as providing tuition for his grandson.
The committee called this system a Community Time Exchange. Known as time banks overseas and a hit in the United States and United Kingdom, it will help connect people together and build stronger communities, said the committee. Some examples overseas include the Fair Shares community time banks in Gloucester and the Nippon Active Life Club in Japan.
To establish an agile, pervasive and trusted ICM infrastructure, an idea proposed by the committee is the installation of a common sensor infrastructure outdoors.
Currently, outdoor sensors are deployed in an ad-hoc manner, with limited coordination and planning across service providers, resulting in long and costly deployment processes, said the committee.
For instance, the traffic light and street lighting control system is under the purview of the Land Transport Authority, the PUB has water-level sensors for the monitoring of the drainage system and the National Environment Agency regulates water pollution and quality in Singapore’s sewerage system through water-quality sensors.
By setting up a new infrastructure for nationwide sensor deployment, termed Above Ground Box, sensor infrastructure across the island can be more “speedy, secure, cost-effective and scalable”, said the committee.
As for the new media service for seniors, Mr Eddie Chau, a committee member and the founder of iSentia Brandtology, pointed out that the technology today “needs to be revamped just to suit the next generation of seniors”.
For instance, a computer mouse may be tough to use for seniors who have problems with hand mobility, he said. “So how can they get engaged when they can’t even move or click it? There are a lot of things we need to do, (there are) a lot of opportunities,” he added.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Users can 'unlist' numbers from phone directory services
Users can 'unlist' numbers from phone directory services:
Published on Jan 15, 2014
FROM April 1, it will no longer be mandatory for fixed-line operators to publish directories of residential telephone number listings ("Grey areas in new phone listing rules" by Mr Francis Cheng; Forum Online, Dec 25). These changes reflect the decline in the demand for such services and concerns about the open publication of personal data.
Recognising that some individuals may wish to search for the phone numbers of people they know, operators will have to continue providing the "Service 100" directory inquiry service for callers seeking particular residential telephone numbers.
Operators such as StarHub may voluntarily choose to continue publishing directories containing residential listings with listed numbers, in printed form, CD-ROMs or online. Users will be given a one-time option to unlist from such directory services free of charge. Once the number is unlisted, it will not appear in any commercially/voluntarily published directories and the "Service 100" directory inquiry database.
The Infocomm Development Authority's decision covers fixed-line numbers starting with only "6" and excludes mobile numbers because there was no regulatory requirement to publish mobile numbers.
Under the Personal Data Protection Act, organisations should use personal data only for the purposes for which the data was collected, and cannot disclose the data to other organisations without explicit consent.
If you register your mobile number to obtain one-time passwords for your credit cards, or for the purpose of hospital appointment notifications, the relevant organisations should not use these for other purposes without your consent.
Ng Sook Fun (Ms)
Director
Corporate and Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Published on Jan 15, 2014
FROM April 1, it will no longer be mandatory for fixed-line operators to publish directories of residential telephone number listings ("Grey areas in new phone listing rules" by Mr Francis Cheng; Forum Online, Dec 25). These changes reflect the decline in the demand for such services and concerns about the open publication of personal data.
Recognising that some individuals may wish to search for the phone numbers of people they know, operators will have to continue providing the "Service 100" directory inquiry service for callers seeking particular residential telephone numbers.
Operators such as StarHub may voluntarily choose to continue publishing directories containing residential listings with listed numbers, in printed form, CD-ROMs or online. Users will be given a one-time option to unlist from such directory services free of charge. Once the number is unlisted, it will not appear in any commercially/voluntarily published directories and the "Service 100" directory inquiry database.
The Infocomm Development Authority's decision covers fixed-line numbers starting with only "6" and excludes mobile numbers because there was no regulatory requirement to publish mobile numbers.
Under the Personal Data Protection Act, organisations should use personal data only for the purposes for which the data was collected, and cannot disclose the data to other organisations without explicit consent.
If you register your mobile number to obtain one-time passwords for your credit cards, or for the purpose of hospital appointment notifications, the relevant organisations should not use these for other purposes without your consent.
Ng Sook Fun (Ms)
Director
Corporate and Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Saturday, November 9, 2013
English losing its appeal in China | TODAYonline
English losing its appeal in China | TODAYonline:
As the economy matures, many Chinese see new job opportunities that do not require English
08 November
SHANGHAI — Ms Marina Wang used English every day when she worked at a British company in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. But her use of the language dropped to virtually zero when she quit to work for a Chinese bank in her home province of Hubei.
Though she majored in English in college, she does not miss speaking it. “My new job offers greater economic stability and allows me to live near my parents,” she said. “English is not required because I communicate mainly with Chinese customers.”
Her story is one example of a broader debate taking place over China’s long-time emphasis on teaching English that experts say could prompt a rethink about why and how Chinese learn the language.
Estimates vary, but state media China Daily said there were as many as 400 million English-language learners in China at the beginning of this decade. In 2011, the market for English-language training was worth 46.3 billion yuan (S$9.4 billion), according to market data provider Beijing Zhongzhilin Information Technology.
Yet, as China’s economy matures, creating a domestic consumer class and home-grown companies to serve it, many Chinese such as Ms Wang see new job opportunities that do not require English. Meanwhile, some critics blame an overemphasis on English in schools for contributing to an erosion of Chinese skills in young people.
“We may be on the brink of a change of status in relation to English in China,” said Mr David Graddol, an education consultant based in Hong Kong. “In the past, the main driver of English has been the need to pass national exams. In the future, this may decline — but the need to be able to communicate in English may increase,” he said.
Earlier this year, a group of top Chinese universities, including Beijing Institute of Technology, dropped the English test requirement from their independent entrance examinations for study in some fields such as engineering.
Last month, education authorities in the city of Beijing announced proposals to reduce the weight given to English test scores in critical public examinations, including the college admissions tests, or gaokao.
Other provinces, including Shandong and Jiangsu, are looking at making modifications too.
Mr Wang Xuming, a former spokesman for China’s Education Ministry, had also called for an end to the teaching of English to very young children, suggesting more time to be given to the study of Chinese.
An editorial early last month in the nationalist daily The Global Times said it was time for China to cool down its English mania.
“It is time that we pour some cold water on the mania, reversing the tendency of excessive emphasis on English education and learning at an increasingly young age,” it said.
Still, Mr Christopher McCormick, head of EF Education First’s academic affairs and research network, said China is going from strength to strength in its drive to increase English language proficiency, especially considering the sheer size of the country and its population. But China cannot be complacent, he said.
Prominent English private tuition companies in China such as Zurich, Switzerland-based EF Education First and United States-listed New Oriental Education & Technology Group are following the English debate here closely.
In a recent conference call with investors, New Oriental President Louis Hsieh said the reallocation of gaokao points to Chinese and mathematics away from English was “obviously not a positive development for New Oriental”.
But he said the changes would not affect the company too much because English enhances employment chances. “How are these people going to find jobs if they don’t speak English?” he asked.
DOW JONES
As the economy matures, many Chinese see new job opportunities that do not require English
08 November
SHANGHAI — Ms Marina Wang used English every day when she worked at a British company in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. But her use of the language dropped to virtually zero when she quit to work for a Chinese bank in her home province of Hubei.
Though she majored in English in college, she does not miss speaking it. “My new job offers greater economic stability and allows me to live near my parents,” she said. “English is not required because I communicate mainly with Chinese customers.”
Her story is one example of a broader debate taking place over China’s long-time emphasis on teaching English that experts say could prompt a rethink about why and how Chinese learn the language.
Estimates vary, but state media China Daily said there were as many as 400 million English-language learners in China at the beginning of this decade. In 2011, the market for English-language training was worth 46.3 billion yuan (S$9.4 billion), according to market data provider Beijing Zhongzhilin Information Technology.
Yet, as China’s economy matures, creating a domestic consumer class and home-grown companies to serve it, many Chinese such as Ms Wang see new job opportunities that do not require English. Meanwhile, some critics blame an overemphasis on English in schools for contributing to an erosion of Chinese skills in young people.
“We may be on the brink of a change of status in relation to English in China,” said Mr David Graddol, an education consultant based in Hong Kong. “In the past, the main driver of English has been the need to pass national exams. In the future, this may decline — but the need to be able to communicate in English may increase,” he said.
Earlier this year, a group of top Chinese universities, including Beijing Institute of Technology, dropped the English test requirement from their independent entrance examinations for study in some fields such as engineering.
Last month, education authorities in the city of Beijing announced proposals to reduce the weight given to English test scores in critical public examinations, including the college admissions tests, or gaokao.
Other provinces, including Shandong and Jiangsu, are looking at making modifications too.
Mr Wang Xuming, a former spokesman for China’s Education Ministry, had also called for an end to the teaching of English to very young children, suggesting more time to be given to the study of Chinese.
An editorial early last month in the nationalist daily The Global Times said it was time for China to cool down its English mania.
“It is time that we pour some cold water on the mania, reversing the tendency of excessive emphasis on English education and learning at an increasingly young age,” it said.
Still, Mr Christopher McCormick, head of EF Education First’s academic affairs and research network, said China is going from strength to strength in its drive to increase English language proficiency, especially considering the sheer size of the country and its population. But China cannot be complacent, he said.
Prominent English private tuition companies in China such as Zurich, Switzerland-based EF Education First and United States-listed New Oriental Education & Technology Group are following the English debate here closely.
In a recent conference call with investors, New Oriental President Louis Hsieh said the reallocation of gaokao points to Chinese and mathematics away from English was “obviously not a positive development for New Oriental”.
But he said the changes would not affect the company too much because English enhances employment chances. “How are these people going to find jobs if they don’t speak English?” he asked.
DOW JONES
Friday, October 11, 2013
China Has More Internet Monitors Than Soldiers
China Has More Internet Monitors Than Soldiers:
Lily Kuo for Quartz
China has 2 million people working as online monitors, according to a report last week by state news publication Beijing News — a new estimate that reveals the breadth of the country’s massive online censorship and surveillance systems. The monitors, who scour online comments and compile reports for officials or private businesses, outnumber even China’s 1.5 million active military personnel.
There is now an entire industry and profession dedicated to controlling — or attempting to control — China’s fast-moving social media world, where comments quickly go viral among the country’s 500 million Internet users. The People’s Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Chinese communist party, is holding a four-day seminar this month where successful students can be certified as “public opinion analysts,” according to a Beijing Times report. Once certified, they’re eligible for jobs with China’s propaganda department, commercial companies, news websites or public relation firms.
Social media monitoring, a measure whose ostensible goal is social stability, has been turned into a “money-making machine for local governments [and] firms,” said Guobin Yang, a professor of sociology and communications at the University of Southern California, in comments on Twitter on Monday. The People’s Daily charges up to 4,000 renminbi ($650) for four days of training to become an analyst, Yang noted.
And for businesses or officials who need more than just monitoring, “black public relations” firms offers services like wiping negative articles from the Internet or blocking certain search terms. These cost at least 10,000 renminbi and and up to 1 million renminbi, respectively, according to a February report by Century Weekly.
Lily Kuo for Quartz
China has 2 million people working as online monitors, according to a report last week by state news publication Beijing News — a new estimate that reveals the breadth of the country’s massive online censorship and surveillance systems. The monitors, who scour online comments and compile reports for officials or private businesses, outnumber even China’s 1.5 million active military personnel.
There is now an entire industry and profession dedicated to controlling — or attempting to control — China’s fast-moving social media world, where comments quickly go viral among the country’s 500 million Internet users. The People’s Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Chinese communist party, is holding a four-day seminar this month where successful students can be certified as “public opinion analysts,” according to a Beijing Times report. Once certified, they’re eligible for jobs with China’s propaganda department, commercial companies, news websites or public relation firms.
Social media monitoring, a measure whose ostensible goal is social stability, has been turned into a “money-making machine for local governments [and] firms,” said Guobin Yang, a professor of sociology and communications at the University of Southern California, in comments on Twitter on Monday. The People’s Daily charges up to 4,000 renminbi ($650) for four days of training to become an analyst, Yang noted.
And for businesses or officials who need more than just monitoring, “black public relations” firms offers services like wiping negative articles from the Internet or blocking certain search terms. These cost at least 10,000 renminbi and and up to 1 million renminbi, respectively, according to a February report by Century Weekly.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
EZ-Link rolls out world’s first dual-currency transit card | TODAYonline
EZ-Link rolls out world’s first dual-currency transit card | TODAYonline:
SINO Visitor Pass developed with Guangdong Lingnan Pass; Transport Minister Lui also oversees eight project signings involving Singapore companies, organisations
2013 Aug 21
GUANGZHOU — Singapore company EZ-Link unveiled the world’s first dual-currency transit card that can be used across international borders at the fifth Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) meeting in Guangzhou today (Aug 21).
The SINO Visitor Pass, developed jointly with Guangdong Lingnan Pass, will be issued by both companies in Singapore and Guangdong and will carry two currencies — the Singapore dollar and renminbi (RMB) — which can be used at all points that accept either EZ-Link cards or Lingnan Pass.
The card is expected to be officially launched in both markets in the first half of next year, enabling SINO Visitor Pass users to make payments at over 100,000 retail and transit points.
In the second phase of development, EZ-Link and Guangdong Lingnan Pass intend to extend usage of the card to payment for a wider range of items including goods, services and tickets of tourist attractions and performances. There are also plans to widen the card usage to other parts of China.
The unveiling in Guangzhou was witnessed by SGCC co-Chairmen, Singapore’s Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew and Guangdong Vice-Governor Zhao Yufang.
“We have a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with Guangdong. As Singapore companies contribute to Guangdong’s economic transformation, Singapore is also seeing strong number of Guangdong tourists and businesses here,” Mr Lui in his closing address.
“Last year, we received 266,000 Guangdong tourists; this is about 15 per cent of total Chinese visitors to Singapore. In the same year, 12 Guangdong companies with a combined investment of US$240 million (S$306.4 million) set up presence here. We are pleased with these positive developments and hope to do more with Guangdong.”
Guangdong was one of the earliest Chinese provinces to embrace reforms and has led China’s provinces in GDP growth for 24 consecutive years.
Following the meeting, Mr Lui and Mr Zhao witnessed eight project signings involving Singapore-based companies and organisations.
The SGCC, which is into its fifth year, is also set to explore business opportunities in three pilot zones in Guangdong province: Hengqin, Nansha and Qianhai.
The Council’s secretariats are International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office.
SINO Visitor Pass developed with Guangdong Lingnan Pass; Transport Minister Lui also oversees eight project signings involving Singapore companies, organisations
2013 Aug 21
GUANGZHOU — Singapore company EZ-Link unveiled the world’s first dual-currency transit card that can be used across international borders at the fifth Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) meeting in Guangzhou today (Aug 21).
The SINO Visitor Pass, developed jointly with Guangdong Lingnan Pass, will be issued by both companies in Singapore and Guangdong and will carry two currencies — the Singapore dollar and renminbi (RMB) — which can be used at all points that accept either EZ-Link cards or Lingnan Pass.
The card is expected to be officially launched in both markets in the first half of next year, enabling SINO Visitor Pass users to make payments at over 100,000 retail and transit points.
In the second phase of development, EZ-Link and Guangdong Lingnan Pass intend to extend usage of the card to payment for a wider range of items including goods, services and tickets of tourist attractions and performances. There are also plans to widen the card usage to other parts of China.
The unveiling in Guangzhou was witnessed by SGCC co-Chairmen, Singapore’s Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew and Guangdong Vice-Governor Zhao Yufang.
“We have a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with Guangdong. As Singapore companies contribute to Guangdong’s economic transformation, Singapore is also seeing strong number of Guangdong tourists and businesses here,” Mr Lui in his closing address.
“Last year, we received 266,000 Guangdong tourists; this is about 15 per cent of total Chinese visitors to Singapore. In the same year, 12 Guangdong companies with a combined investment of US$240 million (S$306.4 million) set up presence here. We are pleased with these positive developments and hope to do more with Guangdong.”
Guangdong was one of the earliest Chinese provinces to embrace reforms and has led China’s provinces in GDP growth for 24 consecutive years.
Following the meeting, Mr Lui and Mr Zhao witnessed eight project signings involving Singapore-based companies and organisations.
The SGCC, which is into its fifth year, is also set to explore business opportunities in three pilot zones in Guangdong province: Hengqin, Nansha and Qianhai.
The Council’s secretariats are International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
HomeTeamNS REAL Run returns to Sentosa
The HomeTeamNS REAL Run returned to Sentosa island on Saturday after six years
SINGAPORE: Labelled as Singapore's toughest 10-kilometre race in 2013, the HomeTeamNS REAL Run finally returned to Sentosa island on Saturday after six years.
This year's race was held at the more scenic Sentosa island after being staged in Changi for the past six editions.
A total of 6,000 participants competed at the event and 5,500 of them negotiated a 10-kilometre route criss-crossed between regular tarmac, gravel and beach sand.
The Kenyans swept the top spots in both the Men's and Women's Open categories.
In the Men's Open, Paul Kimani came in first with a time of 35 minutes and 17 seconds, while Jackline Muriuki clocked 40 minutes and 20 seconds to win the Women's Open.
- CNA/fa
-->
SINGAPORE: Labelled as Singapore's toughest 10-kilometre race in 2013, the HomeTeamNS REAL Run finally returned to Sentosa island on Saturday after six years.
This year's race was held at the more scenic Sentosa island after being staged in Changi for the past six editions.
A total of 6,000 participants competed at the event and 5,500 of them negotiated a 10-kilometre route criss-crossed between regular tarmac, gravel and beach sand.
The Kenyans swept the top spots in both the Men's and Women's Open categories.
In the Men's Open, Paul Kimani came in first with a time of 35 minutes and 17 seconds, while Jackline Muriuki clocked 40 minutes and 20 seconds to win the Women's Open.
- CNA/fa
-->
The Straits Times Run in the Park: Scenic run for readers along Punggol, Sengkang river
By Priscilla Kham
Published on May 15, 2013 6:32 PM
The Straits Times Run in the Park: Scenic run for readers along Punggol, Sengkang river:
Readers will get a chance to get close to nature at the inaugural The Straits Times' Run in the Park on Aug 25.
The route for the event covers the scenic waterway of the North Eastern Riverine Loop which spans the natural coastline of Punggol Beach, and the river banks of Punggol and Sengkang. In what is the biggest run ever along this corridor, participants will not only get to close to lush greenery but they can expect to catch a glimpse of colourful waterside birds.
Said editor of The Straits Times, Mr Warren Fernandez: "Many of our readers love to get outdoors and have fun while keeping fit. They read us for the latest news and trends on just how to do that, so we have decided to take them to this unique spot on the park connector network for a run with a difference."
"We will also be with our runners every step of the way as they prepare for the run, in our coverage in the run-up to the event, in our Home pages and the Mind Your Body pages."
The run, which is part of the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (STAR) series to actively engage its readers and the community, is being held in collaboration with the National Parks Board which is commemorating "50 Years of Greening Singapore".
There are three runs available for the participants: a 5km fun run, 10km competitive run and a 15km competitive run. The registration fee for competitive runners is $55, while the registration fee for the fun run is $46. Those who sign up as a group of four pay $50 and $42 each respectively for the competitive and fun run.
For their registration fee, participants will receive a ticket to the Resorts World Sentosa's S.E.A Aquarium worth $33, a New Balance t-shirt worth $47 and other attractive goodies.
Registration begins early June and can be done online, through readers' mobile devices and at upcoming roadshows for the event.
Published on May 15, 2013 6:32 PM
The Straits Times Run in the Park: Scenic run for readers along Punggol, Sengkang river:
Readers will get a chance to get close to nature at the inaugural The Straits Times' Run in the Park on Aug 25.
The route for the event covers the scenic waterway of the North Eastern Riverine Loop which spans the natural coastline of Punggol Beach, and the river banks of Punggol and Sengkang. In what is the biggest run ever along this corridor, participants will not only get to close to lush greenery but they can expect to catch a glimpse of colourful waterside birds.
Said editor of The Straits Times, Mr Warren Fernandez: "Many of our readers love to get outdoors and have fun while keeping fit. They read us for the latest news and trends on just how to do that, so we have decided to take them to this unique spot on the park connector network for a run with a difference."
"We will also be with our runners every step of the way as they prepare for the run, in our coverage in the run-up to the event, in our Home pages and the Mind Your Body pages."
The run, which is part of the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (STAR) series to actively engage its readers and the community, is being held in collaboration with the National Parks Board which is commemorating "50 Years of Greening Singapore".
There are three runs available for the participants: a 5km fun run, 10km competitive run and a 15km competitive run. The registration fee for competitive runners is $55, while the registration fee for the fun run is $46. Those who sign up as a group of four pay $50 and $42 each respectively for the competitive and fun run.
For their registration fee, participants will receive a ticket to the Resorts World Sentosa's S.E.A Aquarium worth $33, a New Balance t-shirt worth $47 and other attractive goodies.
Registration begins early June and can be done online, through readers' mobile devices and at upcoming roadshows for the event.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Bedok's Berlin Wall to go back to US owners
Bedok's Berlin Wall to go back to US owners: Housed in a glass, steel and concrete facility at Bedok Reservoir Park, the 5m-long section of the Berlin Wall features the spray-painted artwork of German artist Dennis Kaun, called Kings Of Freedom.
By Lisabel Ting
The Straits Times
Apr 19, 2013
FOUR panels of the historic Berlin Wall on display in Bedok Reservoir Park will be returned to their owners by the end of this year.
The 5m-long section of the wall, which was unveiled here in January 2010 to much fanfare, is on indefinite loan from American oil industry veteran Robert Hefner III, 78, and his Singapore- born wife MeiLi.
The couple plan to move the wall back to one of their properties in the United States, former foreign minister George Yeo revealed in an e-mail interview with The Straits Times.
Mr Yeo is a friend of the Hefners and former MP for Bedok Reservoir-Punggol.
The National Parks Board also confirmed the return of the wall panels.
Mr Yeo said: "When the Hefners told me some months ago that they wanted the wall back, I expressed sadness and the strong hope that they would keep it at Bedok Reservoir for a while longer. But it is a decision they have taken which I have to respect."
The couple, who are art collectors, acquired the 4m-high, 60cm-thick segments in 1990 - a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall - for an undisclosed amount.
Spray-painted on the concrete slabs are two kings, one smiling and one looking sad.
Titled Kings Of Freedom, the painting is the work of German artist Dennis Kaun.
The Hefners originally wanted to exhibit the pieces with their collection of Chinese oil paintings at the National Museum of Singapore in September 2008, but it proved logistically impractical to transport the pieces here and back to their original location in Oklahoma City a month later.
Mr Yeo, who is now based in Hong Kong as chairman of Kerry Logistics Network, had offered to house the pieces in Bedok Reservoir Park, then part of his constituency.
The former minister has a keen interest in the arts and history, having headed the Information and the Arts Ministry for almost a decade.
He is also a patron of Lasalle College of the Arts, and adviser to the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.
Other luminaries who were involved in bringing the wall sections to Singapore include veteran businesswoman Jennie Chua, who chaired the fund-raising committee for the project.
The pieces are housed in a specially-constructed $2 million glass, steel and concrete facility at the park. This facility will stay; a spokesman for the fund-raising team said it is in discussions with NParks to fill the enclosure.
Regulars of the park said they would be sad to see the wall go.
"I feel like it's a waste, because the wall is quite colourful and has graffiti on it," said Mr Chiam Wee Leong, 29, who owns WaWaWa Bistro, a German eatery located next to the wall. "Without it, this park would just be like any other."
Mr Jonathan Lim, 25, a resident of Bedok, agreed. Said the operations officer: "It's important that history isn't forgotten, but shared with the young."
The spokesman for the fund-raising team said one option being explored is for Kaun to work with Singapore artists to create an artwork for the enclosure.
Mr Yeo is happy that the facility will not go to waste.
He said: "I'm glad that NParks is planning to use the enclosure for some other object of interest so that the Kings Of Freedom facility will continue to be interesting and inspiring to Singaporeans, young and old."
By Lisabel Ting
The Straits Times
Apr 19, 2013
FOUR panels of the historic Berlin Wall on display in Bedok Reservoir Park will be returned to their owners by the end of this year.
The 5m-long section of the wall, which was unveiled here in January 2010 to much fanfare, is on indefinite loan from American oil industry veteran Robert Hefner III, 78, and his Singapore- born wife MeiLi.
The couple plan to move the wall back to one of their properties in the United States, former foreign minister George Yeo revealed in an e-mail interview with The Straits Times.
Mr Yeo is a friend of the Hefners and former MP for Bedok Reservoir-Punggol.
The National Parks Board also confirmed the return of the wall panels.
Mr Yeo said: "When the Hefners told me some months ago that they wanted the wall back, I expressed sadness and the strong hope that they would keep it at Bedok Reservoir for a while longer. But it is a decision they have taken which I have to respect."
The couple, who are art collectors, acquired the 4m-high, 60cm-thick segments in 1990 - a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall - for an undisclosed amount.
Spray-painted on the concrete slabs are two kings, one smiling and one looking sad.
Titled Kings Of Freedom, the painting is the work of German artist Dennis Kaun.
The Hefners originally wanted to exhibit the pieces with their collection of Chinese oil paintings at the National Museum of Singapore in September 2008, but it proved logistically impractical to transport the pieces here and back to their original location in Oklahoma City a month later.
Mr Yeo, who is now based in Hong Kong as chairman of Kerry Logistics Network, had offered to house the pieces in Bedok Reservoir Park, then part of his constituency.
The former minister has a keen interest in the arts and history, having headed the Information and the Arts Ministry for almost a decade.
He is also a patron of Lasalle College of the Arts, and adviser to the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.
Other luminaries who were involved in bringing the wall sections to Singapore include veteran businesswoman Jennie Chua, who chaired the fund-raising committee for the project.
The pieces are housed in a specially-constructed $2 million glass, steel and concrete facility at the park. This facility will stay; a spokesman for the fund-raising team said it is in discussions with NParks to fill the enclosure.
Regulars of the park said they would be sad to see the wall go.
"I feel like it's a waste, because the wall is quite colourful and has graffiti on it," said Mr Chiam Wee Leong, 29, who owns WaWaWa Bistro, a German eatery located next to the wall. "Without it, this park would just be like any other."
Mr Jonathan Lim, 25, a resident of Bedok, agreed. Said the operations officer: "It's important that history isn't forgotten, but shared with the young."
The spokesman for the fund-raising team said one option being explored is for Kaun to work with Singapore artists to create an artwork for the enclosure.
Mr Yeo is happy that the facility will not go to waste.
He said: "I'm glad that NParks is planning to use the enclosure for some other object of interest so that the Kings Of Freedom facility will continue to be interesting and inspiring to Singaporeans, young and old."
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Google backtracks on Chinese anti-censorship feature (Wired UK)
Google backtracks on Chinese anti-censorship feature (Wired UK):
Google appears to be backtracking on its once unshakeable anti-censorship stance, after removing a feature from its Chinese site designed to help users avoid getting cut off from the internet.
The feature -- which flagged up a warning message whenever a user began typing a censored word, then redirected them to a help page that explained how to avoid being cut off from the web -- appears to have been disabled some time between 5 and 8 December 2012, reports GreatFire.org.
The anti-censorship feature only came into being in June 2012, at which time it was almost immediately blocked by China. Google retaliated by embedding the function into the html of its start page, thus rendering it permanent, bar a total Google block. And on 9 November 2012, that's just what the Chinese authorities did. The site was blocked for around 24 hours and censorship of Gmail was stepped up considerably thereafter.
"It may have been an instance of the government showing off its power to Google and using it as a leverage in their negotiations," speculates GreatFire.org. "In the end, Google may have decided that providing a restricted version of Google Search and a slow but usable Gmail to Chinese users is much better than being completely cut off."
Google launched Google.cn back in 2006 and has been exchanging threats with the Chinese authorities ever since. The search engine attempted to tread a fine line between keeping the authorities and its users happy, but by 2010 tensions had escalated exponentially. Google announced it would no longer censor its search results in China, but instead redirect traffic to its uncensored Hong Kong site, following a cyber attack that it claimed originated in China.
At the time, Sergey Brin commented that Google would continue in its aim to preserve "the principles of the openness and freedom of information on the internet". Meanwhile, however, China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Yizhong asserted that Google should step in line with the law or "pay the consequences".
"What needs to be shut down will be shut down, what needs to be blocked will be blocked," she said at the time.
Google might appear to be selectively abiding by the web's freedom of information motto, but it has done more than some in challenging China's stranglehold on internet freedoms.
The actions do, however, echo Brin's despondence with the situation as relayed to the Guardian in April 2012. He said that somewhere between the rampant censorship and ongoing global cyberwars, he had been proven wrong in his belief that no country could restrict the internet for too long. "I thought there was no way to put the genie back in the bottle, but now it seems in certain areas the genie has been put back in the bottle," he said.
It may just be that Google has also come to the realisation that with its meagre five percent marketshare in China -- compared to competitor Baidu's 74 percent -- it will not be able to achieve much when it comes to making a dent in the country's censorship policies, nor the public's access to information. You have to be in the game to win it, so perhaps the search giant is opting to shelve its futile cat and mouse game with China for a while, and play ball instead.
This could make a lot of sense, particularly since some commentators view Google's anti-censorship as nothing more than a self-congratulatory course of action that harms usability more than improving it.
When news first emerged about the feature, sociologist Tricia Wang commented: "I don't see how this actually reaches their goal. First it only antagonises the government more, and thereby could make it even harder for the existing user base to access Google. So it could be counterproductive. Second, it's targeting people who are already their existing users, so they're preaching to the preachers."
Essentially, no one is going to stick with your service if it keeps getting them booted off the internet or bothering them with pop-ups telling them things they already know. Competitors don't come with these irritations, because they've already allowed themselves to be censored -- that might not be in-keeping with Google's morals, but it makes for a far better user experience. When Wired.co.uk spoke to a few Chinese residents about the disabled Google feature, they were not even aware of it because they used VPNs, demonstrating Google might not be taking into account just how savvy its users are at all.
Google's apparent appeasement of the Chinese authorities might also have something to do with its potential new deal with Chinese search engine Qihoo. The latter launched 16 August 2012, and by early December -- around about the same time Google apparently disabled its anti-censorship feature -- reports emerged that the new player in town had begun eating into Google's market share. By late December, rumours began circulating that the two would join forces to take on dominant Baidu, and on 4 January that deal was reportedly near completion. The news caused ABR Investment Strategy to alter its 2013 search revenue estimates substantially from $62 million to $90 million (£39 million to £54 million). If Google wanted to secure that deal and ensure the permanence of any long-term strategy at all, it probably assumed it should tow the line -- at least for a little while.
Wired.co.uk contacted Google for comment but had not heard back at the time of publishing.
Google appears to be backtracking on its once unshakeable anti-censorship stance, after removing a feature from its Chinese site designed to help users avoid getting cut off from the internet.
The feature -- which flagged up a warning message whenever a user began typing a censored word, then redirected them to a help page that explained how to avoid being cut off from the web -- appears to have been disabled some time between 5 and 8 December 2012, reports GreatFire.org.
The anti-censorship feature only came into being in June 2012, at which time it was almost immediately blocked by China. Google retaliated by embedding the function into the html of its start page, thus rendering it permanent, bar a total Google block. And on 9 November 2012, that's just what the Chinese authorities did. The site was blocked for around 24 hours and censorship of Gmail was stepped up considerably thereafter.
"It may have been an instance of the government showing off its power to Google and using it as a leverage in their negotiations," speculates GreatFire.org. "In the end, Google may have decided that providing a restricted version of Google Search and a slow but usable Gmail to Chinese users is much better than being completely cut off."
Google launched Google.cn back in 2006 and has been exchanging threats with the Chinese authorities ever since. The search engine attempted to tread a fine line between keeping the authorities and its users happy, but by 2010 tensions had escalated exponentially. Google announced it would no longer censor its search results in China, but instead redirect traffic to its uncensored Hong Kong site, following a cyber attack that it claimed originated in China.
At the time, Sergey Brin commented that Google would continue in its aim to preserve "the principles of the openness and freedom of information on the internet". Meanwhile, however, China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Yizhong asserted that Google should step in line with the law or "pay the consequences".
"What needs to be shut down will be shut down, what needs to be blocked will be blocked," she said at the time.
Google might appear to be selectively abiding by the web's freedom of information motto, but it has done more than some in challenging China's stranglehold on internet freedoms.
The actions do, however, echo Brin's despondence with the situation as relayed to the Guardian in April 2012. He said that somewhere between the rampant censorship and ongoing global cyberwars, he had been proven wrong in his belief that no country could restrict the internet for too long. "I thought there was no way to put the genie back in the bottle, but now it seems in certain areas the genie has been put back in the bottle," he said.
It may just be that Google has also come to the realisation that with its meagre five percent marketshare in China -- compared to competitor Baidu's 74 percent -- it will not be able to achieve much when it comes to making a dent in the country's censorship policies, nor the public's access to information. You have to be in the game to win it, so perhaps the search giant is opting to shelve its futile cat and mouse game with China for a while, and play ball instead.
This could make a lot of sense, particularly since some commentators view Google's anti-censorship as nothing more than a self-congratulatory course of action that harms usability more than improving it.
When news first emerged about the feature, sociologist Tricia Wang commented: "I don't see how this actually reaches their goal. First it only antagonises the government more, and thereby could make it even harder for the existing user base to access Google. So it could be counterproductive. Second, it's targeting people who are already their existing users, so they're preaching to the preachers."
Essentially, no one is going to stick with your service if it keeps getting them booted off the internet or bothering them with pop-ups telling them things they already know. Competitors don't come with these irritations, because they've already allowed themselves to be censored -- that might not be in-keeping with Google's morals, but it makes for a far better user experience. When Wired.co.uk spoke to a few Chinese residents about the disabled Google feature, they were not even aware of it because they used VPNs, demonstrating Google might not be taking into account just how savvy its users are at all.
Google's apparent appeasement of the Chinese authorities might also have something to do with its potential new deal with Chinese search engine Qihoo. The latter launched 16 August 2012, and by early December -- around about the same time Google apparently disabled its anti-censorship feature -- reports emerged that the new player in town had begun eating into Google's market share. By late December, rumours began circulating that the two would join forces to take on dominant Baidu, and on 4 January that deal was reportedly near completion. The news caused ABR Investment Strategy to alter its 2013 search revenue estimates substantially from $62 million to $90 million (£39 million to £54 million). If Google wanted to secure that deal and ensure the permanence of any long-term strategy at all, it probably assumed it should tow the line -- at least for a little while.
Wired.co.uk contacted Google for comment but had not heard back at the time of publishing.
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