Singapore's economy will not boom over the next few years due to the global economic slowdown, but it will not go bust either. That's according to Swiss economist Marc Faber, who's also known as Dr. Doom after he accurately predicted earlier stock market crashes and other financial disasters. He was speaking at OCBC's Global Treasury Regional Economic and Business Forum on Friday. Marc Faber thinks that...
September 2008
The Singapore River, once a lifeline to early immigrants, will spring to life for two weekends from September 19 to 28 for the Singapore River Festival. Among the many events leading up to the Formula One night race in late September is a dance drama spectacle "Legenda Singapura". The half hour-long performance, which will also include a float parade, tracks the journey of Sang Nila Utama and Singapore's...
Mega projects like the Marina Bay Integrated Resort and the upcoming Formula One race are expected to present a substantial boost to the Singapore economy. Some analysts expect the approximately S$120 billion worth of projects in the pipeline to support the economy until 2015. But others warn this may not be enough to offset external slowing, especially if the global economy worsens...
Chinese actor Jet Li and Australian pro golfer Adam Scott have both launched their own foundations in Singapore. They were at the Global Philanthropy Forum which is being held in Asia for the first time. The forum is a leading platform for promoting private philanthropy. Li said he made the move because he believes Singapore is emerging to be a leading centre for charity work. He also feels the country...
The idea of a self-contained township for foreign workers has been given a thumbs-up by foreign workers themselves. But foreign worker advocates said more should be done to help these workers integrate with the wider community. Singaporeans who do not want foreign workers living near them cite security concerns and even a downgrade in their property value as reasons. But are these fears rational? Some...
Television sets on its premises and in each of its 28 capsules showing live Formula 1 action. Fringe activities such as fire twirlers, samba dance and live band performances. Deejays hitting the deck and gigs by local celebrities like Kumar and John Molina. The Singapore Flyer is going all out with these to woo visitors during the Republic’s inaugural night Grand Prix race over the weekend of September...
Australian companies BHP Billiton and Macquarie Group have been confirmed as the newest tenants of Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC). Mining firm BHP Billiton and banking giant Macquarie will take up 142,000 and 74,000 sq feet of space respectively in Tower 1 of the office building at downtown Marina, said Raffles Quay Asset Management, which manages MBFC, in a statement. Both firms will take 10-year...
Ascott Raffles Place retains the old world charm of the former Asia Insurance Building, including its letters Lovingly preserved in the Ascott Group’s new serviced apartments in the former Asia Insurance Building at Finlayson Green, is a link with the age before email. It is the original mail chute from the 53-year-old building, which when the renovations were being carried out was found stuffed with...
Serviced apartment operators have fared well It is an industry that went relatively unscathed through the Sars epidemic, despite the deserted airports and near-empty hotels. Even during those times, serviced apartments in Singapore, which cater primarily to expatriates, were able to maintain an occupancy rate of more than 70 per cent. While health scares may make merrymakers rethink their holiday plans...
The Marina Bay Financial Centre has leased out over 65 per cent of its space, even though it is two years away from completion. Two of Australia's biggest companies are the latest to lease space at the centre. The Macquarie Group and BHP Billiton are taking up more than 216,000 sq ft of office space. They will be there for 10 years, with options to renew and expand. Software development firm, Murex...