One Blog for the Kids!: Singapore

Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sentosa Theme Park: come visit Singapore!

Sentosa Theme Park opens March 18
Posted: 05 March 2010 1213 hrs

SINGAPORE: Resorts World Sentosa will open the gates of the Universal Studios Singapore theme park on March 18 at 8.28am.

Ticket sales for the soft opening phase will begin at 9 am on March 10 and on March 13, the park's first guests will be team members of Resorts World Sentosa, who will be the first to enjoy Universal Studios Singapore with their families.

As it's still during the theme park's preview phase, there will be limited tickets and certain attractions may be temporarily unavailable as Universal Studios Singapore continues its technical and creative adjustments.

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The world's first Far Far Away Castle, located in Universal Studios Singapore (©2009 Resorts World Sentosa)
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A news release from Resorts World Sentosa said ticket prices will therefore be partially rebated by shopping and dining vouchers valid for use at Universal Studios Singapore.

Mr Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, said: "We are thrilled to be taking the next step toward a grand opening, and we are excited that, at Universal Studios Singapore, guests from throughout the region will get to experience the excitement and adventure our parks are so well known for around the world."

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Executive Chairman of Resorts World Sentosa, added, "we are excited to be gearing up to take our first guests on the rides, which are naturally the highlight of the park. This is the region's only Universal Studios theme park, and it will be a tourism crown jewel for not just Singapore, but Asia as a whole."

Tickets for the preview phase must be purchased online at www.rwsentosa.com, or via phone bookings at +65 6577 8899.

Tickets can also be purchased for future dates only at the ticket booths from 9am to 6pm daily at Universal Studios Singapore.

- CNA

From Channelnewasia.com; see the source article here.
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Friday, August 14, 2009

Teacher who amended PSLE scripts sentenced to 8 weeks' jail

I am tempted to change the title of this news, but as I am both perplexed and amused (amused meaning entertained without any thinking), I decided to keep it the same, full text.

I mean, as there are so many students who would do anything to pass their exams, I couldn't think of a teacher to do some 'manipulation' on the test scripts – for what, or whatever, that is something else. And in Singapore? Come on.

Not to spoil the news, find out more, and read it here.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Day two of torch relay ceremony takes AYG flame to 45 schools

By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 1206 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Asian Youth Games (AYG) torch relay continues in Singapore on Monday.

The first light for the day was ignited by Singapore Education Minister Ng Eng Hen during the torch-lighting ceremony at the Games Village just before seven in the morning.

Day two of the torch relay ceremony will see the flame being brought to 45 schools across Singapore. And one of them is West Spring Secondary School, representing Friendship, one of the Olympic values.

And together with Respect and Excellence, the three routes named after the Olympic values are relayed by 135 torch bearers to the schools.

For some, the responsibility of bearing the 1-kilogramme torch will be an unforgettable - and unnerving - experience.

A student torch bearer from West Spring Secondary School, Bibiana Loh, said: "I'm not very comfortable with fire. I can light candles and stuff but not one huge torch like that."

And even with H1N1 flu looming over the new school term, students and staff kept the festive mood going.

Principal of West Spring Secondary School, Seet Tiat Hee, said: "Today being the first day of school, we are trying to balance between all the precautionary measures (for H1N1 flu) and celebrating the AYG."

By evening, the flame will light up the Asian Youth Games' opening ceremony at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

- CNA/yt

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

Asian Youth Games torch relay kicks off

By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 28 June 2009 1536 hrs

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong receives the torch to start the torch relay at the Asian Youth Games

SINGAPORE: The Asian Youth Games (AYG) torch relay kicked off Sunday morning with the Community and Corporate Leg.

Held over two days, day one of the relay saw the torch travel through three different routes covering five districts across Singapore.

The flame lighting ceremony was held early Sunday at the Kallang Waterfront.

Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Singapore National Olympic Council, Teo Chee Hean, was at the event.

The flame then fanned out across the island in buses to arrive at the start of the three routes, named after the Olympic values of Friendship, Excellence and Respect.

At Yio Chu Kang stadium, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had the honour of being the first torch bearer to start the relay.

Singapore's Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong runs with the torch during the torch relay at the Asian Youth Games

Over at the Republic Polytechnic in the north of Singapore, other Ministers and VIPs also took part in the historic run.

Zainudin Nordin, torch bearer and Mayor of the North District: "We want to celebrate us organising the AYG, at the same to understand that sports is a really wonderful platform for us to get to know each other and for us to bond with the people together."

Shoppers and tourists caught a sight of the torch as it was carried along Orchard Road.

A total of 70 torchbearers were involved in day one of the relay.

The final torch bearer for the day was Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who ran from Marina Square to the Games Village at Swissotel the Stamford.

The torch relay will resume on Monday for the Schools leg, with the flame travelling to 45 schools around Singapore, where over a hundred runners will have the honour of carrying the torch.

The relay will end at the Indoor Stadium where three athletes will run in with the torches and light the cauldron as part of the Opening Ceremony celebrations.

- CNA/yb

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Hi-5 are still enjoying their first childhood

Posted: 19 June 2009 1639 hrs

(L-R) Fely Irvine, Stevie Nicholson, Casey Burgess, Tim Maddren, Lauren Brant

SINGAPORE: Members of children's singing and dancing sensation Hi-5 may have crossed the big 20-year-old mark (the girls are 20 and the boys are 25), but they are still many kids' favourite playmates on television.

Their secret? Staying and being young, the group said, having their inner kids constantly come out and play, and having as much fun as humanly possible.

Basically, never grow up.

"We're still in our first childhood!" The group happily announced at a recent press conference at the Singapore Science centre, when asked if the five-piece were living their second childhood by being part of Hi-5.

"I have so many toys at home, I've lost count," said Tim Maddren. "I have radio controlled planes and jets and helicopters."

"We do tons of crazy stuff," Stevie Nicholson later told Channelnewsasia. "We were at Sentosa and we would race each other up and down the slopes. All of us are fun people and we won't let go of any opportunity to have fun. We make up all sorts of games when we are on tour.

"Such as, Tim dared Fely (Irvine) to wear a massive Hi-5 cushion glove all day, and she had to wear it all through the flight to Singapore, and try to eat with it on and it was hilarious. So next time during a concert, if you see Fely with the gloves you'd know what's going on."

Into their tenth year this year, the new generation of Hi-5 – Stevie, with new additions Tim, Fely, Lauren Brant and Casey Burgess, who were picked after a nationwide talent search down under – recently world premiered series 11 of Hi-5 on Singapore television.

The group are also celebrating their tenth anniversary with the Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009, where each member prepares a special surprise to help get ready for their friend Chats' surprise birthday party.

For the five-some, being a part of Hi-5 is a dream job come true. As teenagers, they used to dance in front of the television to previous generations of Hi-5. The group reckon the show could keep running for so long due to catchy music and innovative learning ways.

"At the end of the day the show is to help kids learn things and teach them things," said Casey. "But it's done in such a fun way that they don't feel like it's a chore to learn at all. The music is catchy and the dances easy to learn, kids can catch on very easily and be part of Hi-5."

The group, who said wearing colour-clashing clothes during performances is not a façade – they wear loud clothes outside of work too – are now the coolest aunts and uncles to their nieces and nephews, except Casey.

"My niece and nephew took my photo to show and tell, and said this is my uncle, he's in Hi-5, so now they're the coolest kids in school," said Tim.

"It's the other way round for me," said Casey. "Hi-5 is not as cool anymore because it's not anything far from them anymore it's in fact very close to them. And I'm never their favourite. Fely is their favourite.

But beneath all the child's play, the five-some understand the responsibilities that tag along with being superstars kids look up to. The group currently undertakes the role of ambassadors for World Vision, and travels to under-developed countries to perform for poor children.

"I feel that we have a huge opportunity to put a lot of good into the world with our work with world vision and other organisations," said Tim. "It's such a great opportunity for us to do good and I think that's really great."

And if the members were not part of Hi-5, they would still as happy and playful as ever.

Stevie would be "a transformer – well, I get to choose whatever I want to be, right?"; and Tim would be a singing sailor: "I'd be singing 'cos I have to sing. But I also like to sail so I'd be a singing sailor!"

Hi-5 Series 11 is now showing on okto from Mondays to Fridays at 12.30pm.

Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009 will hit Singapore shores from September 8 to 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, tickets will go on sale at Sistic from June 22.

- CNA/yb

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

Hi-5 are still enjoying their first childhood

Posted: 19 June 2009 1639 hrs

(L-R) Fely Irvine, Stevie Nicholson, Casey Burgess, Tim Maddren, Lauren Brant

Their secret? Staying and being young, the group said, having their inner kids constantly come out and play, and having as much fun as humanly possible.

Basically, never grow up.

"I have so many toys at home, I've lost count," said Tim Maddren. "I have radio controlled planes and jets and helicopters."

"My niece and nephew took my photo to show and tell, and said this is my uncle, he's in Hi-5, so now they're the coolest kids in school," said Tim.

And if the members were not part of Hi-5, they would still as happy and playful as ever.

Hi-5 Series 11 is now showing on okto from Mondays to Fridays at 12.30pm.

Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009 will hit Singapore shores from September 8 to 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, tickets will go on sale at Sistic from June 22.

- CNA/yb

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Jurong Bird Park

Well, here is another captivating picture, and you can easily guess that it is an invitation to visit on of the attractions in Singapore: Jurong Bird Park.

Enjoy. Be enthralled! Be captivated!

What are you waiting for? Come on down!

Jurong Bird Park in Singapore.
Be there, or be square...

Jurong Bird Park

Monday, June 8, 2009

An Invitation to Sentosa

Well, the picture of the kangaroo caught my attention. And when I checked further, it was an invitation to Sentosa beach park... erhh, it is more than just a beach park.

Why don't you go down and visit the place to find out for yourself?

Sentosa. One place to be in Singapore.

An Invitation to Sentosa

Well, the picture of the kangaroo caught my attention. And when I checked further, it was an invitation to Sentosa beach park... erhh, it is more than just a beach park.

Why don't you go down and visit the place to find out for yourself?

Sentosa. One place to be in Singapore.

New Hi-5 series world premiere in Singapore

Posted: 06 June 2009 0711 hrs

(L-R) Fely Irvine, Stevie Nicholson, Casey Burgess, Tim Maddren, Lauren Brant

SINGAPORE: Children's singing and dancing sensation Hi-5 is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and the five-piece is commemorating the occasion with another series of their hit television show and an all-new tour.

Hi-5 series 11 will have its world premiere in Singapore on Monday, and is set to introduce four fresh faces.

Lauren Brant, Fely Irvine, Casey Burgess and Tim Maddren, who were picked after an extensive audition process across Australia, will join original member Stevie Nicholson to form the new generation of Hi-5.

Replacing four faces is a huge change but the new members are not afraid to live up to the legacy that has kept kids dancing in front of their television sets for ten years.

"I think the acceptance has already happened," Stevie said. "We just came from the Philippines and the kids loved the performance, despite never having seen four of us before.

"I feel incredibly honoured to be able to carry on the legacy of the former members,” said Lauren. "It’s a really special job – we get to sing and dance and play like kids and play with kids all day long, which is what we love to do. It's hardly a job to us!"

"I think the kids were more swept up in the singing, the dancing, the colours, the energy than anything else... and as long as they’re entertained, it doesn’t really matter who’s doing it," said Casey.

The group is currently on its Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009, which started in the Philippines on May 14, and will make its rounds to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

"There are more songs, more dancing in the new concert (than the previous one)," said Tim.

Apart from kids, Hi-5 also said they welcome people of all ages to join in their tour. "Whether you're an adult or a child, it doesn’t really matter. Everyone loves a party, and we do mean everyone."

Hi-5 Series 11 premieres on okto on Monday, and will air weekdays at 12.30pm. Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009 will hit Singapore shores from September 8 to 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, tickets will go on sale at Sistic from June 22.

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

New Hi-5 series world premiere in Singapore

Posted: 06 June 2009 0711 hrs

(L-R) Fely Irvine, Stevie Nicholson, Casey Burgess, Tim Maddren, Lauren Brant

Hi-5 series 11 will have its world premiere in Singapore on Monday, and is set to introduce four fresh faces.

Replacing four faces is a huge change but the new members are not afraid to live up to the legacy that has kept kids dancing in front of their television sets for ten years.

"I think the acceptance has already happened," Stevie said. "We just came from the Philippines and the kids loved the performance, despite never having seen four of us before.

The group is currently on its Hi-5 Surprise! Live Tour 2009, which started in the Philippines on May 14, and will make its rounds to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

"There are more songs, more dancing in the new concert (than the previous one)," said Tim.

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

The greening of Singapore

A world first in recycling

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We wanted to differentiate ourselves through our green efforts and we created the world's first eyewear made of recycled materials. All our outlets have a full circle recycling system where used spectacles, contact lens cases and solution bottles are collected for recycling. The recycled materials are used to manufacture the LinkSkin range of eco-friendly eyewear.

Mr Yang Wah Kiang, Managing Director of Nanyang Optical

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Ong Dai Lin, dailin@mediacorp.com.sg

Once an unfamiliar site, the Chek Jawa wetlands are now championed by many.
TODAY FILE PHOTO

BACK in 2001, a long-scheduled plan to reclaim Chek Jawa turned the little-known wetlands in Pulau Ubin into a cause celebre after nature lovers spoke up for its unique ecosystem.

A movement was even created to have people visit Chek Jawa before it was closed. Newspapers devoted much space to the Chek Jawa debate and papers were written on the value of the wetlands to Singapore.

The authorities - which had planned to start reclamation work on Chek Jawa in December 2001 - eventually decided to delay the development of the area for 10 years. Some eight years after Chek Jawa - seen as a major success for the environmental cause in Singapore - how are the environment groups here faring?

Today's checks with several organisations suggest that there are now more green groups, more green volunteers and greater awareness on green issues.

"The Government has been more open to discussions. Five years ago, they were not so friendly towards environment groups," said Mr Grant Pereira, founder of The Green Volunteers.

He cited the whale sharks case as an example. "The Green Volunteers led an initiative to dissuade the casino Resorts World Sentosa not to follow up on their proposal to bring in whale sharks as an attraction ... and the Government decided to withdraw the whale sharks."

At the public level, there has been a notable increase in awareness of environmental issues. "It used to be rare that people talk about the environment. There is now greater awareness," said Singapore Environment Council executive director Howard Shaw.

Mr Shaw, who has 60 to 70 active volunteers in his group, has seen about a 20-per-cent increase in the number of volunteers in recent years. "There is definitely a trend in volunteerism," he said.

The number of green groups springing up in Singapore has also risen.

Mr Pereira attributed this to greater awareness of environmental issues and to the "fashionable to be green" factor. According to his estimate, there are about 30 environment groups, compared to about 10 five years ago.

And there's still room for growth, noted Mr Wilson Ang, head of Eco Singapore. "Environment issues cover a wide spectrum and while some non-governmental organisations here overlap, there is still space for special interest groups ... like groups to push for sustainable buildings."

Given the greater awareness coupled with more public education on the subject, are Singaporeans doing enough for the environment? Mr Ang said: "There are positive signs of more socially responsible action taken by the average Singaporean to protect the environment, particularly among the younger generation."

However, some, like Mr Tay Lai Hock, believe that Singaporeans still have a long way to go. Mr Tay, president of the Ground-Up Initiative (GUI), cited the rising numbers of litterbugs as one example: "Despite years of education, Singaporeans remain apathetic towards our general environment and take many things for granted."

He asked: "What about the use of disposable plates, chopsticks, spoon, cups, etc in so many hawker centres and food courts? We need to reduce such usage dramatically."

Going forward, some environment groups believed that they need to work closer with each other to make a greater impact.

Mr Pereira said: "Environment groups should close ranks, like meeting regularly to discuss a general strategy to get the Government to be more receptive, and to reach out to more people, like having island-wide programmes."

Another strategy is to embrace new media to promote the green cause. Mr Ang said: "We should embrace and harness the various forms of new media, in addition to the existing traditional ones, to reach out to even more people."

Where officialdom is concerned, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) said that it "values" feedback from environment groups and the public.

"For instance, focus group discussions, public forums and dialogue sessions were held to discuss ideas for the sustainable development blueprint launched by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development in April this year," she told Today.

"Representatives from the Singapore Environment Council and Nature Society Singapore were invited as panelists to share their views on how the 3P (public, private and people) sectors could work together to contribute to a sustainable Singapore."

Such exchange of ideas can "promote a shared sense of ownership in our environment", the spokeswoman added.

From TODAY, News – Friday, 05-Jun-2009; see the source article here.