Thursday, April 29, 2010
Steady Recovery for 2010
ECONOMISTS looking for reasons to upgrade their Singapore growth forecasts into double-digit territory were presented with plenty yesterday.
A review by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) found that the economy's recovery from the global recession has been stronger than rebounds from previous downturns.
In fact, the economy has rallied so sharply that it is now about 2.8 per cent above its previous peak in the first quarter of 2008, the MAS said in its twice-yearly macroeconomic review yesterday.
And with the recovery broadening and global demand returning, the economy is likely to continue on a 'firm recovery path' for the rest of the year.
This is likely to raise hopes of higher economic growth than the Government's official forecast of 7 per cent to
9 per cent this year. Economists have suggested that even double-digit growth is not out of the question, as long as the economy stays on the recovery path in the coming months.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Singapore Second Casino Opens on 27th Apr 2010

SINGAPORE, April 26, 2010 (AFP) – Singapore throws open the doors of its second casino Tuesday as part of a 5.5 billion US dollar complex built by US gaming giant Las Vegas Sands.
Marina Bay Sands, located next to the financial district, will open at the locally auspicious time of 3:18 pm (0718 GMT). The number eight sounds like the word for prosperity in Chinese.
Singapore gave the green light for casino gambling in 2005, setting off a flurry of construction that went ahead despite the city-state slipping into recession in 2008 because of the global financial crisis.
Its first casino, the 4.4 billion US-dollar Resorts World Sentosa, opened for business on February 14.
Marina Bay Sands was originally set to open at the end of 2009 but faced repeated delays caused by a number of factors, including material and labour shortages and financial problems due to the latest global economic downturn.
Tuesday's opening includes the casino and 963 out of 2,560 hotel rooms, a portion of the shopping mall, some restaurants, an exhibition centre and the events plaza.
The remaining hotel rooms and suites, a skypark and more shops will open on June 23, while a museum, theatres and other stores will start operations later in the year, the management said.
Officials hope the casinos will help Singapore achieve a target of attracting 17 million visitors a year generating over 21 billion US dollars by 2015, boosting the services sector and reducing the role of manufacturing in the economy.
Marina Bay Sands is designed to cater to the corporate and convention crowd while Resorts World is aimed at families.
Built by Malaysia's Genting Group, the Resorts World complex includes Southeast Asia's only Universal Studios movie theme park, hotels, restaurants and convention facilities.
Las Vegas Sands also has major operations in the Asian gaming haven of Macau.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Another Student Got S Pass(Skill Pass) at Prive Restaurant Keppel Bay~~~Good News
She's now working as Management Trainee at the stylish, upmarket Prive Restaurant Keppel Bay with a view for promotion after 3 months.
You may want to visit this restaurant when you next visit Singapore!
Prive – Marina at Keppel Bay (Singapore Restaurant Bar)

Prive, the latest restaurant bar to hit Singapore shore is located at Keppel Bay of the small Keppel Island, which is a not far away from Sentosa. It has ingeniously integrated an eatery – Prive the Restaurant, an outdoor watering hole – Prive Gastrobar and even a cafe called Prive Bakery Cafe in this waterfront food and beverage entertainment outlet.
Prive the Restaurant
A “New York style” Restaurant which can accommodate 88 people in chic and cozy seating. The menu developed by Prive’s executive chef – Tony Bilson, consists of a selection of roasts, steaks, seafood platters, risottos, pastas and etc.
Prive Gastrobar
Rested on a relaxed and outdoor setting, this waterfront ‘Gastrobar’ with lounge sofas to chill-in, will be distinguished by guest DJs, performers and light dining.
Prive Bakery Cafe
The Bakery Cafe serves fresh pies and bread, sandwiches, soups, salads, waffles, milk shakes, cakes and desserts.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Better job chances for fresh grads as economy improves

Channel NewsAsia - Thursday, April 15
SINGAPORE: Good news for graduates entering the workforce this year.
Industry players say their chances of landing a job have improved tremendously as companies ramp up hiring.
Last February, the economic downturn prompted Singapore Airlines to freeze cabin crew recruitment and introduce broad measures that included cutting capacity and grounding planes.
But now, the airline is hiring again, albeit in a limited manner.
According to recruitment agencies, this reflects the broader reality that things are looking up for fresh graduates.
"They are graduating at the right time as compared to last year, because last year was really very bad," said Joshua Yim, chief executive officer of Achieve Group.
"However, this year, we already got signs that things are very well, so I do forecast that there’ll be a lot of need for these fresh graduates, particularly in industries like banking, the lifestyle industry, hospitality because of the IR, and manufacturing as well."
Yim said that many companies are ramping up hiring by up to 50 per cent.
Salaries of fresh graduates are also starting to inch closer to the highs seen in 2007 and 2008.
There are further signs the job market is recovering in tandem with the economy.
The NUS Career Centre said there has been a 20— to 30—per—cent increase in the number of employers who signed up with it.
"We’re seeing an increasing trend of employers also sourcing directly from local talents here to run operations in Asia Pacific," said Corrine Ong, director of the National Universitys (NUS) Career Centre.
"Because our Singapore talents are also Asia—savvy, so they’ll be able to understand the local culture better and henceforth better able to serve the market."
Already, some final year students have benefited from the improved economy.
"I sent in about five to six resumes, (and) I actually had an internship," said Ian Choo, a final year student at NUS Science Faculty. "And through the internship, which I found from NUS Career Centre, I managed to secure a job."
Said Nikki Yeo, a final year Arts & Social Sciences student from NUS: "I’ve sent four resumes so far and all of them have gotten back to me and I’ve gotten interviews from three of them so far, and there’s one more interview in May."
However, despite the rosy outlook, competition for jobs is likely to remain fierce, as more than 10,000 students from the three universities complete their final—year examinations in the next few weeks.
— CNA/yb
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Singapore's GDP soars 32 percent in first quarter
SINGAPORE – Singapore's economy soared in the first three months of 2010, bouncing back from a contraction the previous quarter as manufacturing more than doubled.
Gross domestic product grew an annualized, seasonally adjusted 32.1 percent in the first quarter, led by a 139 percent jump in industrial production, the Trade and Industry Ministry said Wednesday.
The economy grew 13.1 percent in the first quarter from the same period a year ago, and the government boosted its 2010 GDP forecast to between 7 percent and 9 percent from between 4.5 percent and 6.5 percent, the ministry said.
Singapore's strong GDP numbers suggest Asia has emerged from last year's recession as a leading driver of global economic growth. The city-state was the first Asian country to report first quarter GDP results, while China is scheduled to do so Thursday.
"The recovery of the Singapore economy has been stronger than expected and more entrenched since the beginning of this year," the central bank said. "Looking ahead, domestic economic activity is likely to be sustained at a relatively high level."
The bank, known as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, said Wednesday that it has shifted its exchange rate policy from a 0 percent appreciation of the Singapore dollar to a "modest and gradual" appreciation in a bid to dampen inflation.
The government also raised its inflation forecast for this year by 0.5 percentage points to between 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent.
"Inflationary pressures are likely to pick up, driven by rising global commodity prices," the bank said.
Exceptionally strong growth ahead for Singapore, and stronger dollar

Singapore: Exceptionally strong growth was seen in the first quarter of 2010 and the Trade and Industry Ministry (MTI) says it now expects Singapore’s economy to grow by 7.0 to 9.0% during the current year.
The revision upwards from an earlier 4.5—6.5% GDP growth is in view of the "exceptionally strong growth for the Singapore economy" in the first quarter and the overall improved outlook for external economies for the rest of 2010, MTI said in its news release on Wednesday.
In view of the rebound of the Singapore economy and expected firm recovery with a more favourable global economic outlook the MAS will re—centre the exchange rate policy band for the Singapore dollar at the prevailing level and shift the policy band from zero percent appreciation to a modest and gradual appreciation.
The decision to allow for a stronger dollar was influenced by the tightening of the labour market with the seasonally adjusted resident unemployment rate falling from 5% in September 2009 to around its pre—crisis rate of 3% in December, and an expected pick—up of wages this year.
Overall, Singapore should see inflation in 2010 at between 2.5% and 3.5%, which is slightly higher than the 2—3% forecast earlier.
Experts say the move to move by MAS indicates that the view that domestic inflation is the concern now that economic growth has settled in.
Friday, March 19, 2010
SEAsia's first Universal Studios opens in Singapore

Hundreds of visitors including foreign tourists lined up to be among the first into the 20-hectare (50-acre) park, part of the 4.4-billion-US dollar Resorts World Sentosa casino complex built by Malaysia's Genting Group.
The casino, Singapore's first, started operations last month as part of a drive to draw more visitors to the city-state, which relies on man-made attractions to entice tourists.
Genting Group chairman Lim Kok Thay told reporters Southeast Asia, China and India would be the park's key markets and expressed optimism that visitors would come from as far away as Europe.
"I think there's simply no competition. We are the only park of this kind in this part of the world," he said.
Asia's only other Universal Studios theme park is in Japan, while the company's two other complexes are in California and Florida.
Robert McIntosh, executive director of consultancy CBRE Hotels Asia Pacific, believes the park will boost tourism to Singapore.
"It will be an added benefit for those who are already planning to come to Singapore to visit. It looks to be the kind of theme park that could pull in many visitors based on its attractions," he said.
Andy Nazarechuk, of the University of Las Vegas in Singapore, said: "I think they've set a new standard, not only for Singapore but also for the Asian region.
"I expect it to draw large numbers to this part of the world."
Singaporean newlyweds Raymond Ling and Liew See Eng took the day off to try the roller-coaster rides at the seaside entertainment centre.
"The whole goal was to come here first and experience the most terrifying rides. We'll definitely be taking it as many times as we can," Ling told AFP after getting off a ride called "Battlestar Galactica Human".
The park has seven zones of movie-themed attractions, including an area devoted to Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park" and a version of Hollywood's famous "Walk of Fame".
Nine-year-old Chai Jing Xuan, a Singaporean girl who was one of the first to try the "Shrek 4D Adventure" ride, gave it a thumbs-up.
"The best part of the ride was seeing the donkey. He was very funny," she said.
Chinese tourist Huang Wenhui, 26, an engineer who was in Singapore for a one-day stopover, joined the early crowds.
"I'm not a thrill-seeker, but I'm enjoying the whole experience very much," he said.
The park boasts 24 rides and attractions, with 18 originally designed or adapted for Singapore.
Under a phased opening, Resorts World Sentosa launched four premium hotels and a shopping and dining strip in January, followed by the casino and a convention centre last month.
Singapore gave the green light for two casino resorts in 2005, hoping to boost the country's appeal to tourists, and their construction helped fuel a property boom.
A marine life park, a maritime museum, a spa and two more hotels will open at Resorts World Sentosa after 2010.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore's second casino complex, is scheduled to open on April 27. It is now being completed by US-based Las Vegas Sands.
Singapore welcomed 9.7 million visitors last year, down 4.3 percent from 2008 as the global recession hit travel demand, but arrivals have begun to pick up.
There were 908,000 visitors in January, up 17.6 percent from a year ago.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Booming Singapore Tourism & Hospitality~ Universal Studios Singapore
Singapore: Universal Studios Singapore throws opens its doors open to the public on Thursday 18 March and no one is more excited than the crew at the theme-park. Even the overcast sky couldn't blot out the smiles galore during the sneak peek for the media and other invited guests which ranged from families with prams and grandmas shuffling along. The best part was each smile radiated with a warmth that seemed to come from the heart with no dead-pan "Hi", "How are you" or "Have a nice day" recited from rote.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE EXPECTS 4.5 MIL VISITORS
By Zakaria Abdul Wahab - Wednesday, March 17SINGAPORE, March 16 (Bernama) -- Singapore's Universal Studios located within Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) on Sentosa Island is officially set to open to the public on Thursday.
The Hollywood movie themed-park opening would cap Malaysia's Genting-owned RWS's phased development of the US$4.4 billion project.
The resort opened four hotels namely the Hard Rock Singapore, Festive Hotel, Hotel Michael and Crockfords Tower in January followed by the casino last month.
RWS's Communication Assistant Director Robin Goh told newsmen, during a pre-opening tour today, that 4.5 million visitors are expected to visit Universal Studios while the resort anticipares a tourist arrival of over 13 million.
The resort's opening is ahead of another multi-billion US dollar integrated resort, the Marina Bay Sands, which has been scheduled to open next month.
Goh said Universal Studios Singapore, South-east Asia's largest theme park, brought together the best of Universal Studios theme parks in Hollywood (California), Orlando (Florida) and Osaka (Japan) with a pair of the world's tallest roller-coasters, the world's first castle from the world of Shrek and Madagascar theme park ride.
The park features 24 rides and attractions in seven themed zones – Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar, and 18 of them original or adapted for Singapore.
Ticket prices for one-day pass to Universal Studios, inclusive of admission to all rides and depending on peak and non-peak seasons, ranges from S$66 to S$72 for adult, S$48 to S$52 for children, between the ages of four and 12, and S$32 to $36 for senior citizens above 65.
However, tickets to Universal Studios, from the opening day until Sunday, have been sold out due to the school holidays in Singapore.
-- BERNAMA
ZAW VMD
Monday, March 8, 2010
Success Stories ~ Testimonials of two Indian Students
1/ Mr Tarsem Singh (S-Pass Holder)

Hello. My name is Tarsem Singh. I studied for a Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management at Nanyang Institute of Management.
The standard of teaching was very high and equipped me with all the knowledge required to begin my career in the Hospitality sector.At the end of my course Nanyang placed me into a 6 months’ industrial attachment in the City area, Novena.This was very enjoyable and I learnt so much, and was able to put into practice what I had learnt in the classroom.
I am pleased to say that at the end of my 6 months’ attachment I was offered full time employment and I'm now holding an S-Pass and enjoying life in Singapore. I would like to thank all the teachers and staff at Nanyang Institute of Management for all their help and guidance throughout my studies and internship, and for making all this possible.
2/ Ms Neilly Bar (doing her Internship at Universal Studios)
Hi,
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 Organisation (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 expertees 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, ofcourse, 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.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Marina Bay Sands integrated resort to open in phases from Apr 27
SINGAPORE: Las Vegas Sands said it plans to open the first phase of its US$5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands development on 27 April 2010.Sheldon Adelson, chairman and chief executive officer of Las Vegas Sands, said the integrated resort will immediately go to work by hosting its first event — the Inter—Pacific Bar Association’s annual conference — just days after opening its doors.
The second phase will open on June 23 as part of the grand opening. This will include the opening of the SkyPark and Event Plaza.
The dates were announced in a statement by Las Vegas Sands on its website.
In October, one of the property’s two state—of—the—art theatres will welcome Disney’s The Lion King. The second theatre, which will also open later this year, will be home to a variety of special events and famous headline acts.
The iconic Marina Bay Sands museum is expected to open by December. It will not only feature international blockbuster exhibitions, but it will also serve as a symbolic welcome to guests — with its unique lotus—inspired design — from around the globe.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Singapore First Casino Open on 14th Feb at Sentosa Resort World

This is an ideal time to be studying in Singapore. Nanyang Institute of Management will equip its students to compete in the Job market. Our recent successes with students being granted S Pass and Employment Pass respectively are testament to that.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Testimonial from Nyan Lin Tun

My name is Nyan Lin Tun. I have graduated with Advanced Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management from Nanyang Institute of Management.
I have gained a lot of knowledge concerning about Singapore Tourism & Hospitality Industry during my study period in Nanyang. The school put me at Mandarin Oriental Hotel for my industrial attachment. This made me to get more confidence to enter this industry and eager to continue to study advanced diploma.
After I finished my advanced diploma from Nanyang, I have been offered for full time job. That’s made my dream come true because every student wants to have full time job after study, so do I. Now, I am holding Skill Pass (S Pass) and working as a Customer Service Operations Manager. I am now very happy and satisfy my life in Singapore. My dream becomes alive because of Nanyang Institute of Management.
Finally, I would like to thank Nanyang Institute of Management which supported me with helpful staffs and experienced lecturers to become my dream come true.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Testimonial from Arun Deep

KHANSAMA TANDOORI RESTAURANT
Senior Sales and Marketing Manager (Employment Pass Holder)
And also I feel that all the Nanyang Staff and teachers are very very good, helpful and have deep knowledge. I felt that my decision to study in Nanyang is very right; especially I like Ms. Hazel & Mr. Jimmy Tan.
Testimonial from Ei Shwe Zin

I was interested in Singapore Tourism & Hospitality Management Industry when I was in Myanmar. It made me want to study about it. That’s why I chose Nanyang Institute of Management Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Programme.
By studying in Nanyang, I am more and more interested and keen to work in Singapore Tourism and Hospitality Industry. And the school also trained me not only in theory, but also attachment for 6 months in Park Hotel. Now, I have graduated with Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Nanyang Institute of Management.
Currently, I am working at Mo Mo Ya Japanese Restaurant as a Supervisor and holding S pass (Skill Pass).
I would like to say thank you to Nanyang Institute of Management that supported me with full infrastructure and facilities, experienced lecturers and helpful staffs.
Testimonial from Mya Pyie Song
Hello everybody!
In Nanyang Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management Programme, I have studied not only theory modules, but also practical modules. After I finished my 6 months theory, Nanyang placed me at 5 stars Hotel for my attachment. During the attachment, I gained a lot of Singapore Tourism & Hospitality Industrial experiences.
After I finished Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality from Nanyang, I got the confidence to work in this industry especially how to serve the customers. After my industrial attachment, I got Spass (Skill Pass) and now I am working at Prima Deli as a Supervisor.
I would like to say thank you to Nanyang Institute of Management that guide me the way to reach my aim.




