IT'S GOING TO GET LOUD!

IT'S GOING TO GET LOUD!

Grand Prix Season Singapore 2010 Returns With Star-Studded Concerts, Parties & Lifestyle Experiences

3 September 2010 – Be forewarned! It’s going to get loud at this year’s Grand Prix Season Singapore! Returning from 17 to 26 September 2010 to complement the world’s only FORMULA ONE night race, the Season will spill over with exciting parties, art exhibitions and not forgetting new lifestyle experiences. “The Singapore night race remains one of the most exciting and visually spectacular races in the FORMULA ONE season. With the race held right in the heart of the city, it is also a boon to race-goers who can not only get up close to the unique street race action but also enjoy easy access to any of the myriad Grand Prix Season Singapore lifestyle offerings happening within the circuit and all around the city.” said Mr Chew Tiong Heng, Director (Destination Marketing) of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). “This year, the city skyline gains an extra sparkle with the opening of the Marina Bay Sands which will contribute to the diverse activities that visitors can choose from when customizing their very own Grand Prix Season Singapore experience. Whether you are a race-fan, shopaholic or gourmet enthusiast, the beauty of the city lies in your hands to shape Your Singapore the way you like it to be.” Singapore’s 2009 FORMULA ONE race attracted over 90,000 unique spectators, of which more than 30,000 were foreign visitors and generated $93 million in incremental tourism receipts. The Grand Prix Season Soundpark: It’s Going To Get Loud The Grand Prix Season Singapore Soundpark at ION Orchard Square is a showcase of the race and lifestyle components under this year’s season theme "It’s Going To Get Loud". This free-access attraction comprises of five elements: the biggest DJ console in Singapore, a larger than life music experience that lets visitors unleash their inner DJ with an interactive scratch pad; a 13 metre long Soundbox for an immersive experience of interactive media and designer sound-scapes; a DHL race car; the FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX replica trophy by Royal Selangor; and a race exhibition. To top it off, the Soundpark will be abuzz with a slew of fringe music and dance performances every weekend to get more people involved and informed about the season. Performances, Parties and Entertainment A star-studded lineup of international music artistes like Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, Daughtry and Adam Lambert will be performing at the LG Live at 2010 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX stage within the circuit park. "The explosive combination of a unique Formula One race, world-class outdoor theatrical performances and multiple performances from music superstars into just the one ticket will ensure that the 2010 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX offers patrons an unforgettable weekend which perfectly complements the other events in the Grand Prix Season Singapore," says Michael Roche, Executive Director, Singapore GP Pte Ltd. Other entertainment events include Avalon at Large presents GO! featuring a stellar line-up of acts such as Chemical Brothers, Empire of the Sun, Flo Rida, Above and Beyond, Santigold, Steve Angello, and Steve Aoki, amongst others. The third installment of Amber Lounge Singapore will be launching its spin-off event, Amber Lounge Fashion, for the first time outside of Monaco, in Singapore this year. Returning to Temasek Reflections, Amber Lounge continues to be recognized as the ultimate VIP nightlife experience and after-party for F1 race drivers, and international celebrities. After the successful launch of The Podium Lounge during last year’s Season, this glamorous event returns for a second star-studded year at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia poolside. This home-grown event features a range of top local and international DJs, a luxury timepieces and jewellery show and charity auction featuring rare items from past and present FORMULA ONE drivers. Night entertainment establishments across the island such as Attica, The Butter Factory, St. James Power Station, The Forbidden City by IndoChine and Zouk will also offer crowds numerous party options during Grand Prix Season Singapore 2010. Visual Art Treats and Premium Showcases The Orchard Road Business Association is also generating noise for the season. Digital Nights @ Orchard, under the Rev Up @ Orchard campaign, is a showcase of new media and digital arts, including an unprecedented live show featuring international artists such as Bertrand Planes and Visual System. Visitors will be treated to a suspended aerial light sculpture, a digital red carpet pathway, a light and sound installation, and 3D visual effects combined with a window mapping show at participating malls including Mandarin Gallery, Paragon Shopping Centre, TANGS and the public walkways of Ngee Ann City. World renowned artists Miguel Chevalier – a digital art pioneer on the international scene, along with LAb[au], and Visual System will also feature four interactive visual displays at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) as part of Digital Nights @ SAM. From 17 September to 24 October, the Opera Gallery Master 2010 series “Art Beyond Limits” will bring the prestigious names in fine art to Singapore. This dynamic exhibition celebrates human creativity, artistry and imagination with free access outdoor exhibitions of monumental sculptures by modern masters such as Marc Quinn, Manolo Valdés and Mr. Brainwash at Orchard Road. Works by Manolo Valdés and Pablo Picasso, never before exhibited in Singapore, will also be featured at Opera Gallery in ION Orchard from 24 September. “Names like Marc Quinn and Manolo Valdés have long been synonymous with excellence in creativity. As leaders of their respective genres, they have each understood the pre-conceived boundaries of their mediums and taken bold steps over these limitations. It is certainly in this spirit of pushing artistic boundaries that we present “Art Beyond Limits” in tandem with the night race and the Grand Prix Singapore Season 2010,” Mr Stéphane Le Pelletier, Director, Asia Pacific Opera Gallery. The luxurious and exclusive MillionaireAsia Private Aviation Show 2010 is also returning on 23 September at Seletar Air Base to showcase the latest private jets and helicopters available for sale to or charter. Sources: https://app.stb.gov.sg/asp/new/new03a.asp?id=11963

Singapore counts winnings as casinos boost tourism

Singapore counts winnings as casinos boost tourism

Singapore's massive bet on two casino resorts is already paying off after the number of arrivals in a single month crossed the one million mark for the first time in July, analysts said.

Six months after opening its first casino in February, followed by the second in April, Singapore is already counting its winnings despite lingering concern about gambling-linked social problems among the local population.

"Let there be no mistake about it, the legalisation of casino gaming in Singapore was always intended to be a part of an enhanced tourism strategy for the country," said Jonathan Galaviz, a Las Vegas-based expert on Asian gaming.

"The development of multi-billion dollar integrated resorts in Singapore is clearly paying off for the country, and they will continue to do so for at least the next decade," said the managing director of Galaviz & Company.

DBS Group, Southeast Asia's biggest bank, said the casino resorts are expected to contribute about 1.5 billion US dollars to the economy this year.



Church and civic groups had opposed the legalisation of casinos but the government went ahead in 2005 and allowed US-based Las Vegas Sands and Malaysia's Genting group to build two complexes at a combined cost of 10 billion dollars.

As a safeguard, the casinos were told to charge an entry fee equivalent to 74 dollars from Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, and a campaign against "problem gambling" was launched by the government.

Singapore's tourism board said the city-state, which has a population of just five million, welcomed one million visitors in July, thanks in large part to the pull of its new man-made tourist attractions.

Tourism officials hope to see between 11.5 million and 12.5 million visitors this year -- a figure well above the numbers visiting neighbouring countries blessed with white-sand beaches, towering mountains and other natural wonders.

As well as the casinos, Singapore's euphemistically named "integrated resorts" also offer theme parks, high-end shopping, hotels and convention halls.



Analysts say Singapore understood the importance of casinos in a broader context -- not just as a means to lure the high-rollers but as part of a strategy to stay competitive as a travel destination and a "global city".

Founding father Lee Kuan Yew said the government had been "against casinos for decades" and "refused offers of seedy casinos from Macau."

But officials changed their position after seeing how the casino industry developed in Las Vegas, which offers Broadway hits and fine-dining restaurants featuring some of the world's famous chefs.

The 4.4 billion dollar Resorts World Sentosa, built by Malaysia's Genting Group, opened in February. It boasts Southeast Asia's only Universal Studios theme park, among other attractions.

The 5.5 billion dollar Marina Bay Sands, owned by Las Vegas Sands, started operations in April.

Its iconic building, consisting of a boat-shaped "skypark" perched atop three 55-story hotel towers, is the newest jewel on the city's glittering skyline.

Revenue figures from the two Singapore casinos paint an upbeat picture.

Resorts World Sentosa said it generated revenues of 636.5 million dollars in the three months to June. Net profit came in at almost 300 million dollars for the quarter.

The Universal Studios theme park has attracted about 8,000 visitors a day and hotel occupancy rates are an estimated 70 percent.

Marina Bay Sands declared net revenues of 216 million dollars in just its first 65 days of operation, with the casino accounting for 191 million dollars.

Las Vegas Sands chief executive Sheldon Adelson said he was "gratified by the overwhelming reception the property has received".

Galaviz, the gaming consultant, said Singapore's total gross gaming revenue should reach 2.7 billion dollars this year, rising to 3.0 billion dollars in 2011.

But he said this is unlikely to reach the levels in Las Vegas and Macau "if Singapore's market just remains at two casinos at their current size".



Macau took in 14.5 billion dollars from gamblers in 2009, while casinos at the Las Vegas strip earned about 5.5 billion dollars.

Hong Kong-based brokerage and investment group CLSA was more upbeat on the Singapore casino market.

Aaron Fischer, head of Asia consumer gaming at CLSA, estimates Singapore gaming revenues will rise to 5.1 billion dollars in 2011 and 6.5 billion dollars in 2012 from 3.0 billion dollars this year.

Testimonial from Neilly Bar

Neilly Bar

Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Industrial Attachment: Universal Studios, Singapore

I am Neilly Bar pursuing Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management in Nanyang Institute of Management since May 2009 and I must say, that my journey through the whole course has been rather a spectacular one!

I first learnt about NIM through a counselling agency in Delhi, India from where I belong.

The course was exactly what I was looking for. It had the right amount of theory and industrial experience unlike what the other schools were offering for a student applying for diploma. NIM also has other courses like the School of language, business and early childhood.

NIM is a Quality Class Private Education Organization (SQC-PEO). It has a great location, excellent staff and wonderful logistic support. To be very honest, my very first interaction with the institute made me want to be a part of the family. They are very student friendly and efficient. Lets not forget the teachers. Our professors have great knowledge and experience in their respective fields. I mean, we have teachers who have 10-15 years of experience in the hotel and tourism industry. So whatever we were taught was coming from all the expertise of the hotel and tourism industry and we knew we were in great hands. All the teachers has played a major role in my growth in the school. Beside their knowledge in the industry, they are very friendly, encourages every student to perform even better and extremely helpful. I never knew classes could be this much fun.

After the 6 months of theory, students are sent off for their IA (Industrial Attachment) for 8 months which is, of course, provided by the institute. Let me point out one very important aspect of NIM.

NIM provides the best internships to students, and this fact is known to everyone and even to people who are not a part of NIM. I am now doing my internship in Universal Studios, Singapore and I am very happy with it. Most of my batch mates are all working in 5 stars and 6 stars hotels, resorts and travel agencies.

Nanyang has taught me a lot in a very short time. NIM showed me the way to my future and I truly appreciate all the love and support by my teachers, the staffs and the whole administration. I couldn't have asked for anything more.So keep up the good work.

And I wish NIM achieves great success in the future, which they truly deserve.

Immigration policy won't upset mix of races among population: PM

Immigration policy won't upset mix of races among population: PM
By Imelda Saad/Sharon See Posted: 29 August 2010 1901 hrs

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has reassured Singaporeans that the country's immigration policy will not upset the current mix of races among the population.

He said this as he delivered his National Day Rally speech at the University Cultural Centre on Sunday evening.

Starting first in Malay, Mr Lee said the current mix is stable and contributes to Singapore's racial and religious harmony.

His comments come as Singapore continues to attract foreign talent who contribute to the economy and integrate into society.



Mr Lee said it is not easy attracting Malay or pribumi talent from Southeast Asia, but Singapore must keep trying.

He said: "We must work hard to integrate new arrivals into our society, so that over time they will become Singaporean in their outlook and identity."

Education was another focus of Mr Lee's speech. He said: "Another priority for our future is education. The young have many different talents and interests - arts, music or sports, technical or academic subjects. We will upgrade our education system.

"We will create more pathways for students to follow, and more peaks for them to aim for. Every school will be a good school. Every school will have excellent facilities and ample resources.

"Every school will have dedicated, well-trained teachers. We will prepare our students to succeed in many fields in school, at work and in life."



Prime Minister Lee urged Malay Singaporeans to take full advantage of this national programme.

Mr Lee lauded the Malay/Muslim community for taking a clear stand against extremism and terrorism. By taking a clear stand, he said they have maintained strong trust and confidence with the other communities in Singapore.

He said a small number of Singaporean youths are becoming self-radicalised through the Internet, but it was fortunate they were spotted before they did any harm.

"This is a sensitive issue, but I feel that I have to raise it. My concern is with a small minority of vulnerable people. This should not distract us from other major issues - economy and jobs, education and training, and competitiveness and excellence; but nevertheless the issues of extremism and terrorism need your continued attention," he said.

Elaborating on the immigration issue in Mandarin, Mr Lee said the government understands Singaporeans' concerns over its negative impact. He also urged immigrants to mix with the different communities in Singapore.

Turning to his visit to the Integrated Resorts, he said he saw some Singaporeans at the casinos.

"But I hope they're just there to fulfil their curiosity, look for a bit of excitement. I hope they do not forget their proper jobs. I think the wise thing to do is to leave the gambling tables and slot machines to the tourists," he said.



Overall, however, he said the IRs have boosted Singapore's economy and tourism and enhanced Singapore's image as a creative and vibrant city.

On the economy, Mr Lee urged Singaporeans not to be complacent even if prospects are good.

He said small and medium enterprises especially must find new ways to thrive in the face of intense pressure from the big players.

Citing the example of "Mr Bean", Mr Lee said the business has grown, expanding from one stall at People's Park into one with more than 50 branches including one in Tokyo.

Sources: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1077817/1/.html

Sports Hub to open by April 2014

Sports Hub to open by April 2014
By Tan Yo-Hinn Posted: 26 August 2010 0215 hrs

The new Sports Hub will open its doors by April 2014.

SINGAPORE: After being stalled for nearly two years due to the global financial downturn, the Sports Hub project will finally kick into gear.

On Wednesday, the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) signed the contract with the Singapore Sports Hub Consortium to design, build, finance and operate the Sports Hub for the next 25 years on a 35-hectare site in Kallang.

Demolition of the National Stadium, which sits on the site, will begin in October, and the new facility will open its doors by April 2014.

The final construction cost is estimated to be $1.33 billion - which the Government will pay in annual payments.

No financing details were available following the midnight announcement.

"I am glad that we are ready to start construction of the Singapore Sports Hub," said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, in a statement.

"It will be a fully integrated sports, leisure, entertainment and lifestyle hub for world-class events and community activities. The facilities will be accessible to the public and to top athletes to train and compete in. As part of the Greater Marina Bay masterplan, the Singapore Sports Hub will also contribute to the larger Government objective of re-positioning Singapore as a great place to work, live and play," he said.

When completed, the Sports Hub will include a 55,000-seat National Stadium with a retractable roof, a 6,000-seat indoor aquatics arena, about 41,000 square metres of business, commercial and retail space, and a sports institute.

Two new features of the Sports Hub are a bowl-cooling system and retractable seats for the main stadium.

The bowl cooling system features blowing treated air from chillers through holes in the tier below each seat.

There will also be a sports library and sports museum, as well as other amenities including a volleyball court, rock-climbing wall, hard courts, a skate park and state-of-the-art training and sports recovery facilities, among others.

The Sports Hub will also strive to attract live entertainment events, conventions and exhibitions, while 80 corporate boxes will be available for lease during major sporting events.

The deal between the Singapore Government and the consortium is the largest sports infrastructure public-private-partnership project in the world.


Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1077161/1/.html

Great News!

Our students do it once again!

2 of our students, after impressing their employers during their 6 months’ internship, have been offered full time positions at a Prestigious 5 star hotel – Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, and are now holding S Pass. (Skill Pass)

This goes to show that the level of teaching & training provided by NIM is highly regarded by our attachment partners.

Another Student Got S Pass~~~~ Good News

My name is San Aung. I have graduated with Advanced Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management and Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management from Nanyang Institute of Management.

I have gained a lot of knowledge concerning about Singapore’s Tourism & Hospitality Industry during my study period in Nanyang. The school placed me at Special Resort for my industrial attachment. This made me to gain more confidence to enter this industry and eager to continue with advanced diploma.

After I finished my advanced diploma from Nanyang, I have been offered for full time job. Now, I am holding Skill Pass (S Pass) and working as a Management Trainee.

Finally, I would like to thank Nanyang Institute of Management which gave me such a good environment surrounding by helpful staff & experienced lecturers.

Four key reasons behind Singapore success: MM Lee

Four key reasons behind Singapore success: MM Lee
By Faris – August 16th, 2010



Capable leaders, meritocracy, a level playing field and the use of English as a working language.

These are the four key reasons why Singapore was able to transform itself from a small fishing village to the cosmopolitan, first-world city it is today, said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

Speaking at the National Day dinner in his Tanjong Pagar constituency on Sunday night, MM Lee said, “From 1965 to 1990, we made Singapore go from Third World to First, and from 1990 to 2010, we gave Singapore the cosmopolitan gloss, that polish, that poise, that vibrancy.”

All this would not have been possible he said without “an exceptionally strong government, with the ablest, the toughest and most dedicated of leaders.”

The Straits Times quoted him as saying, “We head-hunt for them, test them out in heavy responsibilities. People get to where they are on merit, not guanxi (connections), not nepotism, not corruption. Hence all are capable and competent.”

“Only such leaders can keep the economy growing and create good jobs and generate the revenue to pay for the equipment and training of our 3G SAF,” he continued, before adding a strong armed forces was key behind keeping the country safe and secure.

He also said Singapore is quick to learn from challenges faced by other countries and to adapt solutions based on the needs of its people.

“We studied how they have managed their problems, why some are more successful than others. Then we extracted the principles to adapt and modify them to fit our society,” he said.

The 86-year-old highlighted the use of Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) to control traffic congestion and recycling of water to manage water supply as good examples of such a policy.

One of the founding fathers of Singapore, MM Lee also said the country’s policies are not carved in stone. He said, “We always re-examine old policies and positions, and change them with changing world circumstances.”



He referred to examples such as the Formula One and having a casino in the country. He stated that there were shifts in policies because the government recognised the economic revenue that such projects generate.

But one of the areas Singapore is doing very poorly in is its total fertility rate which presently stands at 1.22, far below the 2.1 needed for a population to replace itself.



The solution, he said, was to bring in immigrants from Malaysia, China, India, and the region.

MM Lee said, “Where do we go from here? I think it depends on the younger generation — how much drive, how much energy they have, how much they are prepared to make the effort to climb up that face of the cliff to a higher plane.”

Source:http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/16/four-key-reasons-behind-singapore-success-mm-lee/

Singapore’s GDP expands 18.8 percent in Q2

Singapore’s GDP expands 18.8 percent in Q2

Singapore’s economy grew 18.8 percent in the second quarter of this year from the level in the same period last year, driven by a red-hot manufacturing sector, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) announced today.

The second quarter growth rate was faster than the 16.9 percent growth reported for the first quarter and places the country’s growth in the first half at 17.9 percent, as earlier cited by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during his National Day message on Sunday.

Manufacturing shined during the quarter, expanding 44.5 percent year-on-year, led by the biomedical manufacturing and electronics clusters. The construction sector grew by 11.5 percent, supported by an increase in public sector construction activities, the MTI said in a statement.



As a whole, services-based industries expanded by 11.2 percent year-on-year in the quarter, with the wholesale and retail trade sector growing by 18.9 percent on the back of strong global trade flows. The financial services sector and the hotels and restaurants sector both grew by a little more than 10 percent each.

The government, however, was not optimistic that the strong first half growth could be replicated in the second half of this year, although it expects growth rates to remain healthy.

Anticipated plant maintenance shutdowns in the biomedical manufacturing cluster will contribute to dragging down overall growth, whilst the global economy will see growth easing though it is expected to remain on a modest recovery path, the MTI noted.

The ministry said the weakness in the US labour and housing markets, plus lower consumer confidence, will affect household spending in that market.

In Europe, market concerns over Greece and the region’s banks have been quelled, but circumstances involving southern European economic remain frail, thus, demand in the European Union is expected to remain sluggish, it noted.

Meanwhile, the MTI pointed out that countries in Asia have been affected by the slowdown in external demand, whereas China’s growth momentum has moderated in the second quarter from the previous quarter.

Taking account all those factors, MTI affirmed its growth forecast for the full year at between 13 percent and 15 percent, which would make Singapore one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Source: http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/?p=4092&preview=true

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called on Singaporeans to welcome foreign talent with “an open heart”.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called on Singaporeans to welcome foreign talent with “an open heart”.













In his televised National Day message on Sunday evening, the eve of Singapore’s 45th birthday, PM Lee acknowledged Singaporeans’ concerns about taking in foreign workers and immigrants.

However, he stressed the critical need to reinforce the Singaporean team with talent and numbers from abroad and added that the government will control the inflow, “to ensure that it is not too fast, and not too large”.

According to reports, over 150,000 foreign workers have entered Singapore per year since 2007, and they now make up about a third of the island’s 3 million work force and about a fourth of the total population of 5 million, up from 10 percent in 1990.



“We will only bring in people who can contribute to Singapore, and work harder to integrate them into our society. And we will make clear that citizens come first. After all, we are doing this for the sake of Singaporeans,” PM Lee said.

“Other countries are not only much larger than us, but have far deeper pools of talent than we have. We must make up for the shortage of Singaporean workers in our economy and the shortfall of babies in our population,” he added.

Delivering his address from the Pinnacle@Duxton, PM Lee said the government’s goal is to ensure all Singaporeans enjoy the fruits of growth.

He went on to reveal that Singapore’s economy grew 17.9 per cent in the first half of 2010 from a year earlier and the government is forecasting full-year growth of between 13 and 15 per cent.



He said workers can look forward to better wages, more overtime and higher bonuses this year but he cautioned that the exceptional growth this year may not be repeated year after year, even as the government continues to continue to grow the economy with sustained effort.

“Let us not get carried away. Risks remain in the world economy, especially in Europe and the US. The global financial system is not fully mended. Singapore is small and open. If the world economy turns bad, we will be buffeted. We need to stay vigilant and watch the developments worldwide,” he said.

Sources: http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/09/welcome-foreign-talent-with-an-open-heart-pm-lee/

Our Pride and Joy !!!!

Testimonial of Praveen Joy !!!!

My name is Praveen Joy. I am from Cochin, India. I came to Singapore in last of 2009 to do my Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management. When I came to Singapore, I thought that it will not be easy to adapt to the new situation but after coming to Nanyang, I found that all the teachers are very friendly and the staff are very helpful. The subjects are very good and easy to understand.

One of the main advantages is that we don’t have to worry about the OJT (On Job Training) like other schools in Singapore because there is a special unit to provide placements to students. One main thing is that the school tries to find OJT according to the students’ wish. I think Nanyang is the best School to study in Singapore without any doubt.

1 million reasons to smile for S’pore tourism

1 million reasons to smile for S’pore tourism
Record one million visitors a month means sector poised to meet year’s targets

Singapore set a new record yesterday with one million visitors in a month, and hailed its recovery from the tourism doldrums of last year.

Officials and industry players and now predicting the country will reach, or even exceed, visitorship and tourism receipt targets for the year.

Those set earlier by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) were for 11.5 million to 12.5 million visitors this year, and $17.5 billion to $18.5 billion in tourism receipts.

The board’s master plan envisages 17 million visitors annually by 2015, with $30 billion generated in receipts.

Speaking at a celebration ceremony yesterday at Changi Airport’s Budget Terminal, Mr Leong Yue Khong, assistant chief executive of the international group at STB, said he was “quietly confident” of hitting targets.

“(The visitorship growth) is sustainable. Barring any surprises like Sars or H1N1, we will continue to do well,” said Mr Leong, referring to disease outbreaks in 2003 and 2009 which dampened tourism.



The integrated resorts, already big tourist draws, are expected to open still more attractions, such as a museum at Marina Bay Sands and more rides at the Universal Studios theme park at Resorts World Sentosa.

Sentosa is developing more parts of the island and exploring the idea of adding new attractions.


And new attractions slated for the coming years, such as the Gardens by the Bay in the heard of the city and the River Safari in Mandai, should help to boost numbers her said.

Mr Leong said he expected the tourism infrastructure, such as hotel room supply, to be up to speed by 2015 to support the growth.

There are about 45,000 hotel rooms now. Mr Albert Choong, vice-president of the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), said he expects another 10,000 in the next three to five years.

After a record 2007 which saw annual visitorship hit 10.3 million, Singapore saw arrivals dip over the next two years with the fallout from the global financial crisis in 2008 and the H1N1 flu pandemic last year. Visitor arrivals dropped to 10.1 million in 2008, and 9.7 million last year.



Things began to pick up at the end of last year and every month since December, the country has set monthly visitor arrival records, due in part to the openings of the integrated resorts.

With the newest record, an estimated average of 32,258 visitors arrives every day now.

Ten years ago, that number was 21,068 visitors a day, with 7.69 million visitors for 2000.

In the last decade, the visitor profile has also changed.

While Indonesians still make up the biggest numbers by far, the Chinese have now overtaken the Japanese as No.2.

Visitors from regional countries such as the Philippines and Thailand are also more numerous these days.

More top spenders are now also coming from Asia. In 2002, the year that the STB started analyzing tourism receipts by market, the top spenders were the Indonesians, Japanese and Indians, followed by the Australians and Americans.

In 2008, Indonesians were still the biggest spenders, followed by the Chinese, Indians, Australians and Filipinos.

If Singapore hits its targets for this year, the average spending per visitor would go up from about $1352 in 2000 to at least $1521 now.



Industry observers said that Singapore is on the right track, though some things could be improved, likes encouraging tourists to stay longer.

Mr Robert Khoo, president of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore, said that while there are many more Chinese tourists, they tend to stay for just one or two days and spend more time in countries like Malaysia and Thailand.

Part of this, he said, was due to hotel room rates being more expensive in Singapore than in its regional competitors.

Ms Wu Kou Tian, 30, a hotel executive from Beijing, arrived yesterday after six days in Thailand. On a package tour of the region, she planned to stay just one day here. “I’m just here for shopping, then, we are going to Genting Highlands to gamble,” said Ms Wu.

Mr Choong from SHA said that operational costs in Singapore are almost on par with more expensive cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo.

“At the end of the day, the whole industry must be sustainable, or else nobody would want to build hotels here,” he said.

As a compromise, Mr Khoo suggested: “The Tourism Board could show that while Singapore’s rate: are not as cheap, we are a quality destination that; value for money.”

Yesterday, Mr Leong said that the industry knows best how to handle issues of demand and supply. With new attractions opening, he expected to see the average length of stay go up from 3.5 days to four days by next year.

Source: prime. News by Tessa Wong on 31 Jul 2010

Singapore At a Glance

Singapore At a Glance








In the heart of Asia lies Singapore – a bustling, world-class city-state that has made waves around the world for its business excellence, connectivity to the rest of the world, and innovation.

With its high standard of living, political stability and cosmopolitan outlook, Singapore is the ideal place to work, live and play.

Where Life is Good
Singapore is a republic in Southeast Asia of 710.2 sq km, approximately one degree north of the equator. The island is safe from natural calamities and the climate is tropical all year round.

The signature trait of Singapore is its multi-cultural makeup. Its people are made of Chinese (76.8%), Malay (13.9%), Indian (7.9%) and other races. This diversity also translates into a unique mix of religions, languages, cultural traditions and cuisines. The successful integration of the different segments of population has created a quiet respect for each other. In Singapore, it is not uncommon to find a mosque next to a temple, and mixed marriages reinforcing social cohesion.

The standard of living is high in Singapore. This is evident even by just walking around the city. Spanking new shopping malls and towering skyscrapers trace the Singapore skyline, while people travel on clean streets and a modern public transport system.

According to a 2004 survey by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC), expatriates expressed positive sentiments about living here, especially with regards to healthcare and educational services. Among its other attractive attributes are safety, cleanliness and efficiency. The Mercer Quality of Living 2009 also ranked Singapore top for quality of life in Asia.

A Playground for Global Talent

The business climate in Singapore is marked by robust trade and investment, providing professionals and investors a strong platform for working and doing business. Global citizens feel right at home in Singapore, with over 7,000 MNCs operating here. Singapore offers a stable base where companies can consolidate their knowledge and competitive advantage, leveraging their positions to seize opportunities and drive their expansion into the emerging markets of Asia.

The major industries in Singapore are electronics, oil and gas, financial services, shipping and chemicals, just to name a few. The Singapore government seeks to maintain its competitiveness by diversifying into value-added activities in the manufacturing and services sectors, as well as identifying and investing in new growth sectors, such as clean technology and biotechnology.

About one in four skilled workers in Singapore come from overseas. To work in Singapore is to join an international workforce that is highly skilled and proficient in English and often one other regional language. The government and corporations also believe in training, offering continuous opportunities to boost the qualifications, productivity and skills of the labour force. All these factors make Singapore-bred talent highly valued and sought after, especially in the light of a global economy.



Source: http://www.contactsingapore.sg/why_singapore/overview/

Business & Working Conditions in Singapore

Business & Working Conditions in Singapore
Singapore ranks high on the international scale for business.

Workforce














Singapore maintains top position in BERI’s Labour Force Evaluation Measure
Singapore has the best labour-employer relations in Asia
Foreign talent rank Singapore as Asia’s best country to work in
Singapore has the most motivated workforce in the Asia and Is ranked 3rd in the world
Singapore offers the best skilled labour in Asia Pacific
Singapore’s labour regulations are the most business conducive in Asia













Economy

Singapore is ranked the most competitive country in the world
Singapore is Asia's most competitive economy
Singapore is ranked 4th in the world and 1st in Asia for having the least corruption in its economy


Business Climate

Singapore is the world's easiest place to do business
Singapore is ranked the most transparent country in the world and Asia
Singapore is rated to have the best business environment in Asia Pacific and is No. 3 worldwide
Singapore is the least bureaucratic place for doing business in Asia
Singapore is first in the world for having the best protection of intellectual property



















Trade and Investment

Singapore is the world leader in foreign trade and investment
Singapore has been ranked No. 2 worldwide as the city with the best investment potential for 15 consecutive years
Singapore is ranked first for having the most open economy for international trade and investment










Technology and Infrastructure

Singapore is the world's 3rd most "network ready" country
Singapore ranks first as the most globalised city
Sources: http://www.contactsingapore.sg/why_singapore/rankings/business_working_conditions/#011

100,000 more foreign workers needed: Prime Minister Lee

100,000 more foreign workers needed: PM Lee
By Angela Lim – July 15th, 2010

Fuelled by the record growth the government is forecasting for the economy this year, more than 100,000 foreigners are set to enter Singapore’s workforce, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told The Straits Times.

PM Lee said the move was unavoidable as the labour market here is bursting at its seams.

“If we don’t allow the foreign workers in, you are going to have overheating,” he said. However, he assured Singaporeans that the government is managing the number, saying the calibration of foreign workers will moderate the inflow.

Mr Lee added, “Even with that, I imagine there will be more than 100,000 extra foreign workers this year. I cannot see it otherwise. But we have to accept that.”

This projected inflow is a slowdown, however, compared to the surge of 144,500 in 2007 and 157,000 in 2008.

Higher levy rates and a tiered system that came into effect at the start of this month makes it increasingly costly to employ many semi-skilled foreign workers. This allows employers time to adjust and invest in improving productivity.

Leong Wai Ho, an economist with Barclays Capital Investment Bank, does not think the inflow is excessive. “The addition of 100,000 probably reflects more discriminate and careful use of foreign workers, not that the levies have gone up,” he said.

Economists like Mr Leong see many foreign workers moving to fill spots in the hotel plus food and beverage sectors, as well as high-end industries such as electronics and marine, where demand for semi-skilled S-pass holders is high.

The hospitality sector in particular is in need of workers following the opening of the two new integrated resorts and a sudden increase in the number of tourists landing on Singapore shores.

In February, the government, in a bid to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign workers, said it would limit the numbers to one-third of the workforce which currently stands around three million. The total foreign population in the workforce came up to around one million last year.

Mr Teo Siong Seng, president of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry which has some 4,000 members, supports the policies to cut reliance on foreign workers.

“A more controlled inflow of foreign workers will benefit the country,” he said.

Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong also stressed the importance of a productivity-driven economy for sustainable growth in the next ten years. “In the short term, we would need to tap on more foreign workers to support economic growth… while maintaining the longer-term goal of reducing over-reliance on foreign workers through investments in productivity,” Mr Gan explained.

While many Singaporeans workers are concerned about the inflow, Labour MP Josephine Teo feels that companies facing a shortage of workers may find the increase in foreign workers “a welcome relief”.

Singapore’s economy continues on its way to chalking up two records this year: the highest growth in the country’s history and fastest recovery in Asia. This puts the country’s economy ahead of the pack, even beating global powerhouses India and China.

Source : http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/07/15/100000-more-foreign-workers-needed-pm-lee/

Why choose NIM DTHM over other PEI courses?

1. Industry relevant curriculum, taught by experienced industry specialists, from within advanced training facilities.

2. A program that focuses on a broad framework, providing students with the fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge required for a career in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Modules covered:

1. Introduction To Tourism & Hospitality

2. Service Quality Management

3. HR Recruitment & Performance

4. Tourism Operations Management

5. Global Distribution System (Amadeus)

6. Hotel Operations Management Applications (Opera)

7. Hospitality Operations Management l

8. Food & Beverage Management l

9. Industrial Attachment*
















Nanyang is the only school which provides Amadeus & Opera System at Diploma Level. Our lecturers are well experienced in these 2 systems, this enables them to train our students to the highest of standards and ensures they can move into the workplace and use the skills effectively. With these 2 modules, it makes our students more attractive to employers, when seeking industrial attachment.



What is OPERA?

OPERA Reservation features are integrated with other functionality such as profiles, cashiering, and deposits. This property management software module offers a complete set of features for making and updating individual, group, and business block reservations, including deposit handling, cancellations, confirmations, wait listing, room blocking, and sharing.


Therefore, all of the 4 to 6 star hotels are using this system, in order to serve their customers more efficiently. These hotels prefer to hire people who are proficient in using OPERA software. For this reason Nanyang students improve their chances of getting full time employment in the Hotel Industry.


What is Amadeus?

Amadeus is a leading transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, providing transaction processing power and technology solutions to both travel providers (including full service carriers and low-cost airlines, hotels, rail operators, cruise and ferry operators, car rental companies and tour operators) and travel agencies (both online and offline).


The Amadeus system processed more than 670 million billable travel transactions in 2009.

Most Travel Agencies use this system, so for Nanyang students who have experience in using this will have better opportunities to find full time employment in tourism industrial jobs.