Washington: Cancer cells, which kill nearly 12,000 people in the US alone every year and affect more than half a million worldwide, could be eradicated with grape seed extract, reveals a study.
The extract creates conditions unfavourable for the cancers' growth by damaging both their cells' DNA and stops the pathways that allow repair.
"It's a rather dramatic effect," said Rajesh Agarwal, study investigator at the University of Colorado Cancer Centre and professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
"Cancer cells are fast-growing cells. Not only that, but they are necessarily fast growing. When conditions exist in which they can't grow, they die," said Agarwal, according to a university statement.
"I think the whole point is that cancer cells have a lot of defective pathways and they are very vulnerable if you target those pathways. The same is not true of healthy cells," added Agarwal.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
India, China to drive boom in Asian economies: Singapore PM
Notwithstanding ups and downs, India and China will drive the boom in Asian economies in the coming years, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien-Loong has said.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting here, he also noted that escalation of the European debt crisis would cause serious problems. "But there is a lot of momentum in the Chinese and Indian economies and that should help us to keep moving forward," Lee said.
Top economists and business leaders attending the WEF have also expressed optimism over the growth potential of India and China, amid gloomy global economic conditions.
"Emerging markets are doing well, there is still growth in China and India...," economist Nouriel Roubini, famed for his predictions on 2008 financial crisis, had said earlier.
In recent years, economic power has been shifting from developed nations to emerging markets. Going by estimates, emerging economies account for almost half of the world's gross domestic product.
According to eminent persoanlities at the WEF meeting, this shift would have an enormous impact on global consumption and investment patterns. In its latest report, the International Monetary Fund has projected India and China to clock growth rates of 7% and 8.2%, respectively, this year.
However, the global economy is expected to expand 3.3%, with the US being anticipated to grow 1.8% in 2012 while Europe could possibly see another recession, according to the IMF.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting here, he also noted that escalation of the European debt crisis would cause serious problems. "But there is a lot of momentum in the Chinese and Indian economies and that should help us to keep moving forward," Lee said.
Top economists and business leaders attending the WEF have also expressed optimism over the growth potential of India and China, amid gloomy global economic conditions.
"Emerging markets are doing well, there is still growth in China and India...," economist Nouriel Roubini, famed for his predictions on 2008 financial crisis, had said earlier.
In recent years, economic power has been shifting from developed nations to emerging markets. Going by estimates, emerging economies account for almost half of the world's gross domestic product.
According to eminent persoanlities at the WEF meeting, this shift would have an enormous impact on global consumption and investment patterns. In its latest report, the International Monetary Fund has projected India and China to clock growth rates of 7% and 8.2%, respectively, this year.
However, the global economy is expected to expand 3.3%, with the US being anticipated to grow 1.8% in 2012 while Europe could possibly see another recession, according to the IMF.
In Spain Police, firefighters, teachers and hospital staff protest
Spanish public sector workers have vowed to stage a mass demonstration in Barcelona to protest against budget cuts hitting key services in the Catalonia region.
Police, firefighters, teachers and hospital staff vowed a mass demonstration in Barcelona on Saturday.
The protest will be marked by the presence of regional police officers, prison guards and firefighters to warn that the austerity measures are undermining security in the country.
Union sources predict that attendance at Saturday's march could exceed the last one on January 18 which brought thousands of people into the street on a week day. Police gave the figure for that march as 11,000.
On Thursday, Tens of thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets of several cities in eastern Spain to protest against the government's austerity measures.
Unions' leaders called for the protests after the regional government of Valencia, Spain's most indebted region, announced deep spending cuts to health and education sectors.
Meanwhile, Spain's unemployment rate has soared to 22.85 percent- the highest in 17 years, which means there are more than five-million people unemployed in the country.
Spain has announced spending cuts of more than 11-billion dollars as well as tax increases to reduce the country's deficit to avoid seeking a financial bailout like Greece, Ireland and Portugal.
The worsening debt crisis has forced EU governments to adopt harsh austerity measures and tough economic reforms, triggering incidents of social unrest and massive protests in many European countries.
Police, firefighters, teachers and hospital staff vowed a mass demonstration in Barcelona on Saturday.
The protest will be marked by the presence of regional police officers, prison guards and firefighters to warn that the austerity measures are undermining security in the country.
Union sources predict that attendance at Saturday's march could exceed the last one on January 18 which brought thousands of people into the street on a week day. Police gave the figure for that march as 11,000.
On Thursday, Tens of thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets of several cities in eastern Spain to protest against the government's austerity measures.
Unions' leaders called for the protests after the regional government of Valencia, Spain's most indebted region, announced deep spending cuts to health and education sectors.
Meanwhile, Spain's unemployment rate has soared to 22.85 percent- the highest in 17 years, which means there are more than five-million people unemployed in the country.
Spain has announced spending cuts of more than 11-billion dollars as well as tax increases to reduce the country's deficit to avoid seeking a financial bailout like Greece, Ireland and Portugal.
The worsening debt crisis has forced EU governments to adopt harsh austerity measures and tough economic reforms, triggering incidents of social unrest and massive protests in many European countries.
Human Rights Watch report made false assertions: Ministry of Law
Singapore’s Law Ministry has refuted claims in an annual report released on Monday by U.S.-based human rights group Human Rights Watch, saying it made “false assertions”.
The report had claimed, among other things, that Singapore’s government has been making “lame excuses” to “(violate) fundamental free expression rights”, adding that it rejected and contested the premises of recommendations for improvements in civil and political rights made by the United Nations Human Rights Council in May last year.
The response, issued by the press secretary to Law Minister K Shanmugam, is reproduced in full here:
We refer to Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) January 2012 country report for Singapore (Report) and the comments of its deputy director Phil Robertson, as quoted on Yahoo! News Singapore.
The Report dismisses Singapore’s Submissions to the Human Rights Council at the Universal Periodic Review, without dealing with the Submissions. Readers are encouraged to read the Submissions and judge for themselves.
HRW also made false assertions. For example, contrary to assertions in its news article1, capital punishment is not prohibited by international law. A large number of countries, including many modern, developed countries (like the US) impose the punishment. In Singapore, capital punishment has contributed to low rates of crime and drug use; and is overwhelmingly supported by Singaporeans.
Statements in HRW’s Report relating to detentions, freedom of speech and association, and the civil rights, as reported in your article, are likewise inaccurate. Singapore’s Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly. The Shadrake trial, which your article mentions, was fully reported by local, international and alternative media. Mr Shadrake was charged because he had alleged, among other things, that the Singapore courts conspired with State agencies to suppress material evidence. Such a statement would be considered to be in contempt of court in several countries.
HRW’s casual approach towards research and analysis, has been criticised by none other than its founder, Robert Bernstein, who has said that HRW “often relies on witnesses whose stories cannot be verified and who may testify for political advantage”.
The Singapore government is committed to creating and defending an environment where Singaporeans are secure, where their well-being is ensured, and where everyone can realise his or her full potential. Every society strikes its own balance between the rights of the individual and the society. National issues are openly debated in Parliament. Elections to Parliament are free and fair, and contested fiercely. Singapore’s stability, public healthcare, education and security have made it one of the most livable cities in the world: Singaporeans enjoy dignity, welfare and security – much more so than many cities and countries which HRW seems to be happier with.
Ms Chong Wan Yieng
Press Secretary to Minister for Law
The report had claimed, among other things, that Singapore’s government has been making “lame excuses” to “(violate) fundamental free expression rights”, adding that it rejected and contested the premises of recommendations for improvements in civil and political rights made by the United Nations Human Rights Council in May last year.
The response, issued by the press secretary to Law Minister K Shanmugam, is reproduced in full here:
We refer to Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) January 2012 country report for Singapore (Report) and the comments of its deputy director Phil Robertson, as quoted on Yahoo! News Singapore.
The Report dismisses Singapore’s Submissions to the Human Rights Council at the Universal Periodic Review, without dealing with the Submissions. Readers are encouraged to read the Submissions and judge for themselves.
HRW also made false assertions. For example, contrary to assertions in its news article1, capital punishment is not prohibited by international law. A large number of countries, including many modern, developed countries (like the US) impose the punishment. In Singapore, capital punishment has contributed to low rates of crime and drug use; and is overwhelmingly supported by Singaporeans.
Statements in HRW’s Report relating to detentions, freedom of speech and association, and the civil rights, as reported in your article, are likewise inaccurate. Singapore’s Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly. The Shadrake trial, which your article mentions, was fully reported by local, international and alternative media. Mr Shadrake was charged because he had alleged, among other things, that the Singapore courts conspired with State agencies to suppress material evidence. Such a statement would be considered to be in contempt of court in several countries.
HRW’s casual approach towards research and analysis, has been criticised by none other than its founder, Robert Bernstein, who has said that HRW “often relies on witnesses whose stories cannot be verified and who may testify for political advantage”.
The Singapore government is committed to creating and defending an environment where Singaporeans are secure, where their well-being is ensured, and where everyone can realise his or her full potential. Every society strikes its own balance between the rights of the individual and the society. National issues are openly debated in Parliament. Elections to Parliament are free and fair, and contested fiercely. Singapore’s stability, public healthcare, education and security have made it one of the most livable cities in the world: Singaporeans enjoy dignity, welfare and security – much more so than many cities and countries which HRW seems to be happier with.
Ms Chong Wan Yieng
Press Secretary to Minister for Law
S’pore govt should ease restrictions on freedom of expression: Human Rights Watch
Singapore’s government should ease restrictions on freedom of expression instead of making excuses not to do so, a US-based human rights group said on Tuesday.
In its annual report released on Monday which assessed progress on human rights in more than 90 countries over the past year, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) pointed out how the government had either dismissed or contested the recommendations to improve its civil and political liberties made by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process in May last year.
The UN report, it said, had highlighted areas of concerns such as use of preventive detention, defamation suits and restrictions on public protests among others.
“Singapore's claims of exemption from human rights standards are just lame excuses for abuses,” said HRW’s deputy Asia director Phil Robertson.
“The people of Singapore deserve the same rights as everyone else, not more clever stories justifying government oppression."
The group said that legislations such as the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act grant the government “virtually unlimited powers” to detain suspects without charge or judicial review.
Those laws, it added, have been used to imprison government critics without trial, as well as criminal suspects who should be charged under the penal code. It suggested that the government should also use the criminal code to prosecute terrorism suspects in line with international procedures.
HRW also took issue with policies which ensure the government’s tight reins over the media, which it said enable censorship, and control over films, music and computer games.
It singled out the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act, which requires publications to renew registration annually, and gives the government a “free hand” to control circulation of foreign publications.
Freedom of association is also heavily scrutinised in the country, it said, with the Registrar of Societies having the right to deny registration to associations of 10 or more members and that police permits are required for any public event involving five or more people.
"Singapore's leaders may sometimes listen to the electorate's concerns over social and economic rights, but they are apparently deaf to pleas for political space to organise and speak out without fear of prosecution,” Robertson said.
“It’s telling that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his 2012 New Year’s message didn’t say a single word about civil and political rights.”
The group also called for the mandatory death sentence and judicial sentences which include caning to be banned, adding that the latter punishment amounts to torture. It added that British colonial laws on same-sex relations should be repealed due to its discriminatory nature and invasion of privacy.
Meanwhile, HRW commended the country for improving rights protections and working conditions for around 196,000 of foreign domestic workers through vigorous prosecution of employers and recruiters who physically abuse workers, fail to pay wages or subject workers to dangerous conditions.
However, it said that the government should include these workers under the Employment Act to ensure they have access to rights under the legislation.
In the review in May last year, the panel formed by the UN had recognised Singapore’s progress in improving human rights protections for women, children, migrant workers, and promoting racial and religious harmony.
Local media also reported that the panel had recommended that the country abolish the death penalty, but the government contested that its low crime rates reflect the success of capital punishment.
Singapore also dismissed the need to establish the national human rights institution – as suggested by the panel.
In its annual report released on Monday which assessed progress on human rights in more than 90 countries over the past year, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) pointed out how the government had either dismissed or contested the recommendations to improve its civil and political liberties made by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process in May last year.
The UN report, it said, had highlighted areas of concerns such as use of preventive detention, defamation suits and restrictions on public protests among others.
“Singapore's claims of exemption from human rights standards are just lame excuses for abuses,” said HRW’s deputy Asia director Phil Robertson.
“The people of Singapore deserve the same rights as everyone else, not more clever stories justifying government oppression."
The group said that legislations such as the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act grant the government “virtually unlimited powers” to detain suspects without charge or judicial review.
Those laws, it added, have been used to imprison government critics without trial, as well as criminal suspects who should be charged under the penal code. It suggested that the government should also use the criminal code to prosecute terrorism suspects in line with international procedures.
HRW also took issue with policies which ensure the government’s tight reins over the media, which it said enable censorship, and control over films, music and computer games.
It singled out the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act, which requires publications to renew registration annually, and gives the government a “free hand” to control circulation of foreign publications.
Freedom of association is also heavily scrutinised in the country, it said, with the Registrar of Societies having the right to deny registration to associations of 10 or more members and that police permits are required for any public event involving five or more people.
"Singapore's leaders may sometimes listen to the electorate's concerns over social and economic rights, but they are apparently deaf to pleas for political space to organise and speak out without fear of prosecution,” Robertson said.
“It’s telling that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his 2012 New Year’s message didn’t say a single word about civil and political rights.”
The group also called for the mandatory death sentence and judicial sentences which include caning to be banned, adding that the latter punishment amounts to torture. It added that British colonial laws on same-sex relations should be repealed due to its discriminatory nature and invasion of privacy.
Meanwhile, HRW commended the country for improving rights protections and working conditions for around 196,000 of foreign domestic workers through vigorous prosecution of employers and recruiters who physically abuse workers, fail to pay wages or subject workers to dangerous conditions.
However, it said that the government should include these workers under the Employment Act to ensure they have access to rights under the legislation.
In the review in May last year, the panel formed by the UN had recognised Singapore’s progress in improving human rights protections for women, children, migrant workers, and promoting racial and religious harmony.
Local media also reported that the panel had recommended that the country abolish the death penalty, but the government contested that its low crime rates reflect the success of capital punishment.
Singapore also dismissed the need to establish the national human rights institution – as suggested by the panel.
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Singapore PM hopes for Year of the Dragon baby boom
SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Sunday he hoped "fervently" that Singaporeans would boost the city-state's stubbornly-low birth rates in the coming Year of the Dragon.
In his Lunar New Year message sent to the media, Lee -- a father of four -- said growing Singaporean families was an "important priority" and that more local born babies were needed to maintain Singapore's national identity.
"I fervently hope that this year will be a big Dragon year for babies... This is critical to preserve a Singapore core in our society," he said.
"We do not want to rely more and more heavily on immigration, nor do we want to see our population shrinking year by year."
The Year of the Dragon is regarded as the most auspicious to have a baby because it is the only mythical creature among the dozen animals that represent each year in the Chinese cosmic cycle.
Superstitious Chinese believe children born during the Year of the Dragon -- the symbol of ancient emperors -- will possess courage and wisdom and bring luck to the entire family.
Historic data shows spikes of more than 10% in the city-state's total births during the most recent dragon years, 2000 and 1988, even as numbers declined in the interim years.
Referencing official data which showed Singapore's total fertility rate (TFR) dropping "steadily" from 1.60 babies per female in 2000 to 1.20 in 2011, Lee said the downward trend was "especially true" for Chinese Singaporeans.
Statistics showed Chinese Singaporeans' TFR dived from 1.43 in 2000 to 1.08 in 2011, the lowest among the three predominant races in Singapore.
Although the overall TFR for 2011 was a slight improvement on a record low of 1.15 two years ago it was far below the 2.1 babies needed for the population to replenish itself naturally.
"I do not think we have reversed the long-term downward trend," Lee said.
Singapore currently has a population of 5.2 million, a quarter of whom are foreigners.
In his Lunar New Year message sent to the media, Lee -- a father of four -- said growing Singaporean families was an "important priority" and that more local born babies were needed to maintain Singapore's national identity.
"I fervently hope that this year will be a big Dragon year for babies... This is critical to preserve a Singapore core in our society," he said.
"We do not want to rely more and more heavily on immigration, nor do we want to see our population shrinking year by year."
The Year of the Dragon is regarded as the most auspicious to have a baby because it is the only mythical creature among the dozen animals that represent each year in the Chinese cosmic cycle.
Superstitious Chinese believe children born during the Year of the Dragon -- the symbol of ancient emperors -- will possess courage and wisdom and bring luck to the entire family.
Historic data shows spikes of more than 10% in the city-state's total births during the most recent dragon years, 2000 and 1988, even as numbers declined in the interim years.
Referencing official data which showed Singapore's total fertility rate (TFR) dropping "steadily" from 1.60 babies per female in 2000 to 1.20 in 2011, Lee said the downward trend was "especially true" for Chinese Singaporeans.
Statistics showed Chinese Singaporeans' TFR dived from 1.43 in 2000 to 1.08 in 2011, the lowest among the three predominant races in Singapore.
Although the overall TFR for 2011 was a slight improvement on a record low of 1.15 two years ago it was far below the 2.1 babies needed for the population to replenish itself naturally.
"I do not think we have reversed the long-term downward trend," Lee said.
Singapore currently has a population of 5.2 million, a quarter of whom are foreigners.
Friday, 20 January 2012
Sentosa Island to Host Flower show from 20 - 29th January
Sentosa Flowers
Date 22 Jan - 29 Jan 2012
Sentosa's floral extravaganza returns for the eighth time to usher in the Lunar New Year! The island will be transformed into a magical floral wonderland that is cloaked in brilliant flowers and the sweet scents of spring. Welcome to Sentosa with your family & friends and celebrate the Lunar New Year amidst a million blooms!
Date 22 Jan - 29 Jan 2012
Sentosa's floral extravaganza returns for the eighth time to usher in the Lunar New Year! The island will be transformed into a magical floral wonderland that is cloaked in brilliant flowers and the sweet scents of spring. Welcome to Sentosa with your family & friends and celebrate the Lunar New Year amidst a million blooms!
Singapore Tourism Welcomes to Celebrate the Spring festival 2012
A new year, new beginnings and a guide to the best Chinese new year celebrations in Singapore.
Ready for Chinese New Year 2012? Wishing health, wealth and happiness for everyone, Singapore rings in the year of the auspicious dragon with brighter lights, bigger celebrations and great dragon dramatics.
While Chinese New Year officially falls on 23 and 24 January 2012, the days leading up to this significant occasion are full of pomp and revelry. The celebrations kick off with the Chinese New Year Celebrations 2012 Street Light-Up that turns the main streets of Chinatown into a dazzling dreamscape of colourful dragon-themed decorations. From 21 to 29 January 2012, the River Hongbao 2012 transforms The Float at Marina Bay into a captivating spectacle of lights.
If you didn’t already know, Chinese New Year is also referred to as the Spring Festival. To celebrate springtime, Sentosa Flowers 2012 takes place from 22 to 29 January 2012. Chinese New Year is also the best time to immerse yourself in theatre, dance and music performances, plus a host of free programmes at Huayi Festival 2012, a Chinese arts festival at the Esplanade. And if you happen to catch the tail end of the festivities, don’t miss Chingay Parade 2012 on 3 February 2012, which promises a dramatic experience with a gripping all-dragons show.
While you take part in the festivities, greet everyone you meet with a joyful “gong xi fa cai” and they’ll return an abundance of goodwill for the coming year.
Ready for Chinese New Year 2012? Wishing health, wealth and happiness for everyone, Singapore rings in the year of the auspicious dragon with brighter lights, bigger celebrations and great dragon dramatics.
While Chinese New Year officially falls on 23 and 24 January 2012, the days leading up to this significant occasion are full of pomp and revelry. The celebrations kick off with the Chinese New Year Celebrations 2012 Street Light-Up that turns the main streets of Chinatown into a dazzling dreamscape of colourful dragon-themed decorations. From 21 to 29 January 2012, the River Hongbao 2012 transforms The Float at Marina Bay into a captivating spectacle of lights.
If you didn’t already know, Chinese New Year is also referred to as the Spring Festival. To celebrate springtime, Sentosa Flowers 2012 takes place from 22 to 29 January 2012. Chinese New Year is also the best time to immerse yourself in theatre, dance and music performances, plus a host of free programmes at Huayi Festival 2012, a Chinese arts festival at the Esplanade. And if you happen to catch the tail end of the festivities, don’t miss Chingay Parade 2012 on 3 February 2012, which promises a dramatic experience with a gripping all-dragons show.
While you take part in the festivities, greet everyone you meet with a joyful “gong xi fa cai” and they’ll return an abundance of goodwill for the coming year.
New surgical procedure lowers BP
Toronto: A minimally invasive surgical procedure called renal denervation can significantly lower blood pressure (BP) in patients who are unable to control it with drugs.
The nearly painless procedure has been tried out for the first time by doctors at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) in Canada. It involves de-activating nerves located on the outside of the artery that feeds blood to the kidney, thereby lowering BP.
BP patients have to endure an especially high risk of heart attacks and stroke, which continue to kill tens of thousands of people worldwide every year, according to a Peter Munk statement.
The first Canadian patient to undergo the procedure of renal denervation, is a 57-year-old male from Toronto, who will be discharged after overnight observation.
The procedure was performed by a team of Dheeraj Rajan, interventional radiology specialist, Douglas Ing, cardiologist, and George Oreopoulos, vascular surgeon. The team recently returned from Germany, where they trained for the procedure.
Barry Rubin, medical director of PMCC, said: "Decreasing a patient's systolic blood pressure from 160 to 130 mm Hg (mercury) over a period of six months, which this procedure has been shown to do, could prevent many heart attacks and strokes."
"Renal denervation could also save the healthcare system countless millions of dollars by minimizing the need for anti-hypertension drugs..., to say nothing of the millions more in savings from not having to treat heart attacks and strokes that don't happen," added Rubin.
The procedure was first used on patients in Australia, and its effects were reported in a clinical trial published in the Dec 4, 2010, issue of medical journal, The Lancet.
The nearly painless procedure has been tried out for the first time by doctors at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) in Canada. It involves de-activating nerves located on the outside of the artery that feeds blood to the kidney, thereby lowering BP.
BP patients have to endure an especially high risk of heart attacks and stroke, which continue to kill tens of thousands of people worldwide every year, according to a Peter Munk statement.
The first Canadian patient to undergo the procedure of renal denervation, is a 57-year-old male from Toronto, who will be discharged after overnight observation.
The procedure was performed by a team of Dheeraj Rajan, interventional radiology specialist, Douglas Ing, cardiologist, and George Oreopoulos, vascular surgeon. The team recently returned from Germany, where they trained for the procedure.
Barry Rubin, medical director of PMCC, said: "Decreasing a patient's systolic blood pressure from 160 to 130 mm Hg (mercury) over a period of six months, which this procedure has been shown to do, could prevent many heart attacks and strokes."
"Renal denervation could also save the healthcare system countless millions of dollars by minimizing the need for anti-hypertension drugs..., to say nothing of the millions more in savings from not having to treat heart attacks and strokes that don't happen," added Rubin.
The procedure was first used on patients in Australia, and its effects were reported in a clinical trial published in the Dec 4, 2010, issue of medical journal, The Lancet.
Airlines to Check Airbus A380 Aircraft for fresh Cracks
Singapore Airlines Ltd. (C6L.SG) and Qantas Airways Ltd. (QAN.AU) will inspect the Airbus A380 aircraft in their fleets after fresh damage was discovered on structural components inside the wings of the world's biggest passenger aircraft.
"We are liaising closely with Airbus and will be carrying out precautionary inspections as required. Checks will begin this morning on one aircraft," Singapore Airlines spokesman Nicholas Ionides said in an email Friday. "As Airbus has emphasised, the cracks do not affect the safe operation of the aircraft."
European air-safety regulators are poised to mandate enhanced inspections in the wake of new cracks found on an A380, according to government and industry officials, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
The European Aviation Safety Agency directive, which is likely to come later Friday, marks the second time in recent months that industry and government officials have focused on cracks inside A380 wings.
"Qantas is developing an inspection program for its A380s in consultation with Airbus," a company spokesman said. "If the European regulator issues an airworthiness directive and it applies to Qantas, we will comply fully."
The second discovery of cracks in wing components in a month may shake customer confidence in the A380 manufactured by Airbus, a unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. EADS N.V. (EADSY). Earlier this month, Airbus had asked operators to check for small cracks in wing rib-skin attachments of the super jumbo. The manufacturer, which Thursday confirmed the discovery of the cracks, insists the A380 remains safe.
All the cracks are in L-shaped brackets that attach the wings' metal skin to structural ribs inside, said Airbus spokesman Stefan Schaffrath. He said Airbus has already established an inspection and repair program with EASA to address the first category of cracks.
Airbus didn't name the airlines whose planes have been affected nor give the number of planes on which the new cracks were found.
The spokesman for EASA said the agency, a division of the European Union, is in talks with Airbus about the issue. Regulators from other countries are expected to follow EASA's lead.
Earlier, cracks were found in the wing brackets during inspections of a Qantas A380 that suffered a midair engine blowout after takeoff from Singapore in November 2010. Subsequent inspections found similar cracks in other aircraft, including two operated by Singapore Airlines.
Singapore Airlines will keep relevant regulatory authorities fully informed about its investigations, Ionides said. Singapore Airlines operates 14 Airbus A380s and has five more on order, while Qantas has 11 jets from an order for 20.
"We are liaising closely with Airbus and will be carrying out precautionary inspections as required. Checks will begin this morning on one aircraft," Singapore Airlines spokesman Nicholas Ionides said in an email Friday. "As Airbus has emphasised, the cracks do not affect the safe operation of the aircraft."
European air-safety regulators are poised to mandate enhanced inspections in the wake of new cracks found on an A380, according to government and industry officials, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
The European Aviation Safety Agency directive, which is likely to come later Friday, marks the second time in recent months that industry and government officials have focused on cracks inside A380 wings.
"Qantas is developing an inspection program for its A380s in consultation with Airbus," a company spokesman said. "If the European regulator issues an airworthiness directive and it applies to Qantas, we will comply fully."
The second discovery of cracks in wing components in a month may shake customer confidence in the A380 manufactured by Airbus, a unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. EADS N.V. (EADSY). Earlier this month, Airbus had asked operators to check for small cracks in wing rib-skin attachments of the super jumbo. The manufacturer, which Thursday confirmed the discovery of the cracks, insists the A380 remains safe.
All the cracks are in L-shaped brackets that attach the wings' metal skin to structural ribs inside, said Airbus spokesman Stefan Schaffrath. He said Airbus has already established an inspection and repair program with EASA to address the first category of cracks.
Airbus didn't name the airlines whose planes have been affected nor give the number of planes on which the new cracks were found.
The spokesman for EASA said the agency, a division of the European Union, is in talks with Airbus about the issue. Regulators from other countries are expected to follow EASA's lead.
Earlier, cracks were found in the wing brackets during inspections of a Qantas A380 that suffered a midair engine blowout after takeoff from Singapore in November 2010. Subsequent inspections found similar cracks in other aircraft, including two operated by Singapore Airlines.
Singapore Airlines will keep relevant regulatory authorities fully informed about its investigations, Ionides said. Singapore Airlines operates 14 Airbus A380s and has five more on order, while Qantas has 11 jets from an order for 20.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Third suspect named in ATM fraud case
SINGAPORE - A third suspect, Chin Yew Pong, has been named along with the two Malaysians who were charged in court yesterday for their involvement in the DBS ATM skimming case, The Straits Times (ST) reported.
Loke Siew Fei, 27, and H'ng Gaik Chin, 39, were arrested on Thursday at a hotel in Lorong 22 Geylang, during a raid operation by the Commercial Affairs Department of the Singapore Police Force.
They were found with various devices used for ATM card skimming, including a customised panel with a pin-hole camera and a fake Fraudulent Device Inhibitor (FDI). The FDI they possessed was a green plastic object resembling an ATM card slot, ST said.
Loke and H'ng had their charges read to them on Saturday morning. If found guilty, they face a jail term of up to 10 years, or a fine, or both.
No further details were provided by the court about Chin, the alleged accomplice.
DBS said yesterday that it has, with immediate effect, blocked overseas ATM withdrawal functions for customers with no recent history of overseas usage.
Currently, all DBS and POSB ATM and debit cards can be used both locally and abroad, but customers have the option to block overseas usage of their cards by informing the bank.
For added security, customers who have not used their cards outside Singapore since July 1 last year will now not be able to make ATM cash withdrawals overseas unless the bank is instructed otherwise.
With effect from Tuesday, Jan 17, customers who have chosen to enable their cards for overseas use will also receive a real-time SMS confirmation.
For added protection, customers can also choose to lower their daily cash withdrawal limit at any branch.
DBS said "it is fast-tracking the rollout of additional security measures to further guard against unauthorised ATM withdrawals".
On Jan 12, DBS started sending SMS alerts to customers who have made ATM transactions overseas which are above a certain amount.
Starting tomorrow, the bank will commence sending SMS alerts for selective domestic cash withdrawals.
Close to 700 DBS/POSB customers have been affected by the ATM card skimming fraud, with a total of $1 million stolen.
Loke Siew Fei, 27, and H'ng Gaik Chin, 39, were arrested on Thursday at a hotel in Lorong 22 Geylang, during a raid operation by the Commercial Affairs Department of the Singapore Police Force.
They were found with various devices used for ATM card skimming, including a customised panel with a pin-hole camera and a fake Fraudulent Device Inhibitor (FDI). The FDI they possessed was a green plastic object resembling an ATM card slot, ST said.
Loke and H'ng had their charges read to them on Saturday morning. If found guilty, they face a jail term of up to 10 years, or a fine, or both.
No further details were provided by the court about Chin, the alleged accomplice.
DBS said yesterday that it has, with immediate effect, blocked overseas ATM withdrawal functions for customers with no recent history of overseas usage.
Currently, all DBS and POSB ATM and debit cards can be used both locally and abroad, but customers have the option to block overseas usage of their cards by informing the bank.
For added security, customers who have not used their cards outside Singapore since July 1 last year will now not be able to make ATM cash withdrawals overseas unless the bank is instructed otherwise.
With effect from Tuesday, Jan 17, customers who have chosen to enable their cards for overseas use will also receive a real-time SMS confirmation.
For added protection, customers can also choose to lower their daily cash withdrawal limit at any branch.
DBS said "it is fast-tracking the rollout of additional security measures to further guard against unauthorised ATM withdrawals".
On Jan 12, DBS started sending SMS alerts to customers who have made ATM transactions overseas which are above a certain amount.
Starting tomorrow, the bank will commence sending SMS alerts for selective domestic cash withdrawals.
Close to 700 DBS/POSB customers have been affected by the ATM card skimming fraud, with a total of $1 million stolen.
Aakash: World's cheapest tablet launched; to be sold for $60 in retail
NEW DELHI: The wait for the world's cheapest tablet is finally over! The $35 tablet nicknamed Aakash was launched today and will be available at retail stores at a maximum retail price of Rs 2999 ($60), said its maker Datawind.
The Rs 3,000 figure is the 'maximum suggested retail price' of the commercial version of the product which we will offer with an embedded cellular modem and SIM," said Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of Datawind, maker of the world's cheapest tablet.
The $60 tablet for retail sales has an inbuilt cellular modem and SIM to access internet, which will be absent in the $35 device, supplied to the government.
As a business, we need to make a profit, and our distribution channel needs to make a profit, which is all covered in the MRP of Rs 2,999," Mr Tuli told ET.
Both versions of the tablet, will run on Google's Android platform, with WiFi connectivity for internet access and cloud storage. The tablets will have 256 MB of RAM, a 32 GB expandable memory slot and two USB ports.
The commercial version of the tablet would have no duty waivers or subsidy, as in the government's version. An inbuilt cellular modem and SIM card will add to the price of the commercial tablet.
The commercial version of the tablet, is expected be out within 60 days, of its launch on October 5.
Datawind adds that it is supplying to the government at a price of Rs 2200, which includes sales tax and replacement warranty. "The $35 price is achievable at higher volume levels. When we supply the product to the government at $35, then too it will allow us a margin, albeit at higher volumes," Datawind CEO added.
India trails fellow BRIC nations Brazil, Russia and China in the drive to get its 1.2 billion population connected to technologies such as the Internet and mobile phones, a report by risk analysis firm Maplecroft said this year.
The number of Internet users grew 15-fold between 2000 and 2010, according to another recent report. Still, just 8 percent of Indians have access. That compares with nearly 40 percent in China.
Some 19 million people subscribe to mobile phones every month, making India the world's fastest growing market, but most are from the wealthier segment of the population in towns.
Bharat Mehra, an expert on the use of communications technology for development, said the budget tablet could be used to deliver distance learning in rural areas and among students.
The Rs 3,000 figure is the 'maximum suggested retail price' of the commercial version of the product which we will offer with an embedded cellular modem and SIM," said Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of Datawind, maker of the world's cheapest tablet.
The $60 tablet for retail sales has an inbuilt cellular modem and SIM to access internet, which will be absent in the $35 device, supplied to the government.
As a business, we need to make a profit, and our distribution channel needs to make a profit, which is all covered in the MRP of Rs 2,999," Mr Tuli told ET.
Both versions of the tablet, will run on Google's Android platform, with WiFi connectivity for internet access and cloud storage. The tablets will have 256 MB of RAM, a 32 GB expandable memory slot and two USB ports.
The commercial version of the tablet would have no duty waivers or subsidy, as in the government's version. An inbuilt cellular modem and SIM card will add to the price of the commercial tablet.
The commercial version of the tablet, is expected be out within 60 days, of its launch on October 5.
Datawind adds that it is supplying to the government at a price of Rs 2200, which includes sales tax and replacement warranty. "The $35 price is achievable at higher volume levels. When we supply the product to the government at $35, then too it will allow us a margin, albeit at higher volumes," Datawind CEO added.
India trails fellow BRIC nations Brazil, Russia and China in the drive to get its 1.2 billion population connected to technologies such as the Internet and mobile phones, a report by risk analysis firm Maplecroft said this year.
The number of Internet users grew 15-fold between 2000 and 2010, according to another recent report. Still, just 8 percent of Indians have access. That compares with nearly 40 percent in China.
Some 19 million people subscribe to mobile phones every month, making India the world's fastest growing market, but most are from the wealthier segment of the population in towns.
Bharat Mehra, an expert on the use of communications technology for development, said the budget tablet could be used to deliver distance learning in rural areas and among students.
Friday, 13 January 2012
Apple halts sale of iPhone 4S in China after riots in Beijing
Beijing: Apple Inc. postponed sales of its iPhone 4S in its mainland China stores on Friday after angry customers and gangs of scalpers threw eggs at the company's flagship Beijing store.
The violence erupted after the store failed to open on schedule at 7 am . Hundreds of people waited overnight in freezing weather at the store in the Sanlitun district on Beijing's east side for a chance to buy the high-end smartphone.
The company said it canceled the opening due to safety concerns about the waiting crowd of hundreds of people.
Apple announced the iPhone 4S will not be sold at its mainland China stores for the time being to protect the safety of customers and employees. It said the phone still will be sold online and through its local carrier.
The violence erupted after the store failed to open on schedule at 7 am . Hundreds of people waited overnight in freezing weather at the store in the Sanlitun district on Beijing's east side for a chance to buy the high-end smartphone.
The company said it canceled the opening due to safety concerns about the waiting crowd of hundreds of people.
Apple announced the iPhone 4S will not be sold at its mainland China stores for the time being to protect the safety of customers and employees. It said the phone still will be sold online and through its local carrier.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
US sanctions companies from China, Singapore, for Iran ties
BOSTON – The US sanctioned three foreign companies doing business with Iran’s energy sector on Thursday.
The move follows additional tough sanctions the White House recently put in place against Iran, in an effort to convince the leadership in Tehran to abandon its nuclear program.
The firms, Zhenrong Company from China, Kuo Oil from Singapore and FAL Oil Company Limited from the United Arab Emirates, will no longer be able to receive US export licenses, US Export Import Bank financing or loans over $10 million from US financial institutions.
The companies were sanctioned under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act, a measure that the administration has historically been reluctant to utilize for fear that it would alienate other countries.
“The United States is working with international partners to maintain pressure on the government of Iran to comply with its international nuclear obligations,” the State Department said in a statement detailing the sanctions. “The sanctions announced today are an important step toward that goal, as they target the individual companies that help Iran evade these efforts.”
Japan on Thursday pledged to take concrete action to cut its oil imports from Iran in response to an appeal for support from visiting US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
Finance Minister Jun Azumi said Japan bought 10 percent of its oil from Iran.
“We would like to take action concretely to further reduce in a planned manner,” he said.
But he added: “It would cause immense damage if they were cut to zero.”
On Thursday evening, US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone at length about Iran, as well as about the recent effort by Jordan to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
The two men discussed “recent Iran-related developments, including the international community’s efforts to hold Iran accountable for its failures to meet its international obligations,” according to a White House statement. The statement did not specify which developments were addressed.
On Wednesday, another Iranian nuclear scientist was assassinated in an attack Tehran blamed on Israel and the US, an accusation to which Washington offered an usually strong denial.
Iran recently threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz and increased enrichment activities despite strong condemnation by the international community, UN sanctions and a reduction of oil imports from Iran by major trading partners.
Obama and Netanyahu reviewed the recent meetings between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Amman, according to a statement put out by the White House. Next week King Abdullah of Jordan is scheduled to visit Washington.Reports J.post
The move follows additional tough sanctions the White House recently put in place against Iran, in an effort to convince the leadership in Tehran to abandon its nuclear program.
The firms, Zhenrong Company from China, Kuo Oil from Singapore and FAL Oil Company Limited from the United Arab Emirates, will no longer be able to receive US export licenses, US Export Import Bank financing or loans over $10 million from US financial institutions.
The companies were sanctioned under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act, a measure that the administration has historically been reluctant to utilize for fear that it would alienate other countries.
“The United States is working with international partners to maintain pressure on the government of Iran to comply with its international nuclear obligations,” the State Department said in a statement detailing the sanctions. “The sanctions announced today are an important step toward that goal, as they target the individual companies that help Iran evade these efforts.”
Japan on Thursday pledged to take concrete action to cut its oil imports from Iran in response to an appeal for support from visiting US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
Finance Minister Jun Azumi said Japan bought 10 percent of its oil from Iran.
“We would like to take action concretely to further reduce in a planned manner,” he said.
But he added: “It would cause immense damage if they were cut to zero.”
On Thursday evening, US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone at length about Iran, as well as about the recent effort by Jordan to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
The two men discussed “recent Iran-related developments, including the international community’s efforts to hold Iran accountable for its failures to meet its international obligations,” according to a White House statement. The statement did not specify which developments were addressed.
On Wednesday, another Iranian nuclear scientist was assassinated in an attack Tehran blamed on Israel and the US, an accusation to which Washington offered an usually strong denial.
Iran recently threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz and increased enrichment activities despite strong condemnation by the international community, UN sanctions and a reduction of oil imports from Iran by major trading partners.
Obama and Netanyahu reviewed the recent meetings between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Amman, according to a statement put out by the White House. Next week King Abdullah of Jordan is scheduled to visit Washington.Reports J.post
DBS CEO says sorry for fraudulent ATM withdrawals
SINGAPORE - DBS CEO Piyush Gupta said the bank is sorry for what the customers went through after the it was hit by a string of fraudulent withdrawals of funds recently.
Speaking at a DBS Private Banking event today, Mr Gupta added that the bank regrets the anxiety and inconvenience caused.
Last week, DBS found 400 cases of fraudulent ATM withdrawals from the accounts of its customers, which amounted to half a million dollars.
Following complaints from customers of the unauthorised transactions, DBS immediately deactivated the compromised ATM cards.
All affected customers were also compensated in full within 24 hours.
Mr Gupta said he is happy with the bank's reaction to the crisis and that they were able to identify the affected ATMs and customers quickly.
He has pledged to "stay ahead of the hackers" and assured customers that their deposits are safe.
Speaking at a DBS Private Banking event today, Mr Gupta added that the bank regrets the anxiety and inconvenience caused.
Last week, DBS found 400 cases of fraudulent ATM withdrawals from the accounts of its customers, which amounted to half a million dollars.
Following complaints from customers of the unauthorised transactions, DBS immediately deactivated the compromised ATM cards.
All affected customers were also compensated in full within 24 hours.
Mr Gupta said he is happy with the bank's reaction to the crisis and that they were able to identify the affected ATMs and customers quickly.
He has pledged to "stay ahead of the hackers" and assured customers that their deposits are safe.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
India to open stock market to foreign individuals
NEW DELHI — India will allow individual foreign nationals to invest directly in its stock market in a bid to attract more funds and reduce market volatility.
The announcement late Sunday follows a year of large losses on the Sensex, India's benchmark index. The new regulations will come into effect Jan. 15.
So far, foreign individuals have been limited to investing in the country's stock markets indirectly through mutual funds.
A government statement said the change is intended to help combat market volatility and increase the flow of foreign funds into the country.
India's benchmark Sensex index fell more than 22 percent in 2011, making it one of the worst performing in the region. The rupee also lost about 14 percent this year and recently hit a lifetime low, breaching 54 rupees to the dollar.
This is the weakest the rupee has been since it was allowed to float against the dollar in the early 1990s.
After several years of 8 percent growth, the Indian economy has slowed down. The Ministry of Finance last month trimmed its growth projection for the fiscal year through March to around 7.5 percent, down from an earlier forecast of 9 percent.
Growth in the September quarter slipped to a two-year low of 6.9 percent and industrial production fell 5.1 percent in October, its first contraction since June 2009.
The announcement late Sunday follows a year of large losses on the Sensex, India's benchmark index. The new regulations will come into effect Jan. 15.
So far, foreign individuals have been limited to investing in the country's stock markets indirectly through mutual funds.
A government statement said the change is intended to help combat market volatility and increase the flow of foreign funds into the country.
India's benchmark Sensex index fell more than 22 percent in 2011, making it one of the worst performing in the region. The rupee also lost about 14 percent this year and recently hit a lifetime low, breaching 54 rupees to the dollar.
This is the weakest the rupee has been since it was allowed to float against the dollar in the early 1990s.
After several years of 8 percent growth, the Indian economy has slowed down. The Ministry of Finance last month trimmed its growth projection for the fiscal year through March to around 7.5 percent, down from an earlier forecast of 9 percent.
Growth in the September quarter slipped to a two-year low of 6.9 percent and industrial production fell 5.1 percent in October, its first contraction since June 2009.
Severe turbulence rattles Qantas A380, 7 flyers injured
MELBOURNE: Seven passengers were injured when a Qantas A380 superjumbo with 450 passengers was rattled by severe turbulence over Indian airspace . The Qantas flight QF32 from London to Sydney had departed London on Friday night and was three hours out of Singapore on Saturday morning when it was hit by turbulence caused by bad storms in the Indian airspace, a spokeswoman of the Australian airline said.
"( The aircraft) diverted around most of it but it was the initial part of the storm that had the impact," the spokeswoman said. "The seat belt sign had come on but some passengers were still moving back to their seats."
Seven people suffered minor cuts and bruises during the incident, the Hearld Tribune reported. Four were treated in hospital while three were treated at a medical centre in Singapore but all have since been discharged . The aircraft was cleared to fly after being assessed by engineers and has departed Singapore.
Qantas spokeswoman Sophia Connelly said six of the seven would be arriving back in Sydney on Sunday, while one male passenger opted to fly to Perth. She said one person hit an overhead locker when the A380 was rattled by the turbulence, and part of the plane's interior was also damaged.
"One of the cabin overhead storage compartments needs to be fixed but nothing serious," she said. The turbulence happened over three close five-minute intervals. The turbulence incident is the latest misfortune for Australia's Qantas's A380 fleet.
"( The aircraft) diverted around most of it but it was the initial part of the storm that had the impact," the spokeswoman said. "The seat belt sign had come on but some passengers were still moving back to their seats."
Seven people suffered minor cuts and bruises during the incident, the Hearld Tribune reported. Four were treated in hospital while three were treated at a medical centre in Singapore but all have since been discharged . The aircraft was cleared to fly after being assessed by engineers and has departed Singapore.
Qantas spokeswoman Sophia Connelly said six of the seven would be arriving back in Sydney on Sunday, while one male passenger opted to fly to Perth. She said one person hit an overhead locker when the A380 was rattled by the turbulence, and part of the plane's interior was also damaged.
"One of the cabin overhead storage compartments needs to be fixed but nothing serious," she said. The turbulence happened over three close five-minute intervals. The turbulence incident is the latest misfortune for Australia's Qantas's A380 fleet.
Singapore’s economy contracted last quarter, falling 4.9%.
Singapore expanded at a sizzling 14.5% rate in 2010, a record.
Singapore’s economy contracted last quarter, falling 4.9%. Not all analysts predict the current period will also be down, but don’t expect a robust expansion anytime soon. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his New Year message, repeated the government’s forecast of 1% to 3% growth for this year.
There’s no mystery why Singapore’s economy, a regional bellwether, is in trouble. The country’s trade is about three times its gross domestic product, and the external outlook is not favorable. Prime Minster Lee, not surprisingly, blamed the deteriorating global environment in general and Europe in particular. “As a small, open country,” he noted in his message, “Singapore will inevitably be affected.”
And so will tiny Hong Kong’s trading economy. Analysts are talking about 2% growth this year, down from a forecasted 5% for 2011. The slowdown has already started. Growth estimates for last quarter range from a relatively optimistic 3.3%, from HSBC, to a gloomy 1.5%, issued by JP Morgan.
It’s not only the small open economies that are having problems. India, which is certainly large and not considered especially trade-dependent, is also seeing the economy stumble. There, the retreat from reform is having a negative effect. Growth could drop below 6%, from 6.9% last quarter.
Singapore’s economy contracted last quarter, falling 4.9%. Not all analysts predict the current period will also be down, but don’t expect a robust expansion anytime soon. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his New Year message, repeated the government’s forecast of 1% to 3% growth for this year.
There’s no mystery why Singapore’s economy, a regional bellwether, is in trouble. The country’s trade is about three times its gross domestic product, and the external outlook is not favorable. Prime Minster Lee, not surprisingly, blamed the deteriorating global environment in general and Europe in particular. “As a small, open country,” he noted in his message, “Singapore will inevitably be affected.”
And so will tiny Hong Kong’s trading economy. Analysts are talking about 2% growth this year, down from a forecasted 5% for 2011. The slowdown has already started. Growth estimates for last quarter range from a relatively optimistic 3.3%, from HSBC, to a gloomy 1.5%, issued by JP Morgan.
It’s not only the small open economies that are having problems. India, which is certainly large and not considered especially trade-dependent, is also seeing the economy stumble. There, the retreat from reform is having a negative effect. Growth could drop below 6%, from 6.9% last quarter.
Friday, 6 January 2012
Unauthorized withdrawals hit DBS, POSB bank customers
SINGAPORE--Local banking giant DBS says it is investigating the unauthorized withdrawal of funds from the accounts of about 200 to 400 DBS and POSB customers, amounting to some S$200,000 (US$154,780), which appears to have occurred in Malaysia.
Jeremy Soo, managing director and head of the DBS bank's consumer banking group in Singapore, told ZDNet Asia in an e-mailed statement that some of its customers had notified the bank on Wednesday that unauthorized withdrawals were made in Malaysia through their DBS and POSB ATM (automated teller machine) and Debit cards. The compromised cards were immediately de-activated and the bank would be taking steps to compensate these customers in full. DBS acquired POSB in November 1998.
"We are treating the matter with utmost priority and would like to assure customers that they will be fully compensated, for any fraudulent transactions, within 24 hours of notifying the bank. We will also issue replacement ATM/Debit cards on-the-spot at any DBS/POSB branch", Soo said.
"Investigations are currently underway and we have started to proactively contact all customers whose account transaction history indicates that there has been an ATM transaction made in Malaysia, over the past few days, to double check and confirm that indeed such an ATM transaction was made," he added in the statement.
According to DBS, the average amount withdrawn was reported to be about S$1,000 (US$773.90).
One affected customer, Chen, told news network Channel NewsAsia (CNA) Thursday that when she checked her bank account online on Wednesday night, "some transactions [were] done, five times. In total, about S$3,000 [withdrawn]".
Another, Li, said an unauthorized withdrawal from her account was made from a shopping center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. When she went to the police station to make a report, she met another person making a similar report. "Then I realized I was not the only one," she told the news network.
According to affected customers, the transactions took place in Malaysia while their ATM cards were still with them in Singapore.
Online citizens have taken to the Web to circulate the news. Twitter user Richard Jang tweeted: "#POSB & #DBS has done a good job on Internet banking with enhance security using token. But this time they fall for bank card withdrawals."
Another user Richard Yip tweeted: "If you can't trust #POSB or #DBS bank with your money, that's bad. Massive fraud happening!"
DBS said customers who believed their ATM or debit card might have been compromised can contact the bank at 1800-220-1111 or visit any DBS/POSB branch.
In July 2010, DBS customers were hit by a seven-hour service outage which the bank later attributed to a failure on IBM's part to fix an identified instability in its storage system.
When contacted, a spokesperson from NCR, the manufacturer of DBS' ATM network, confirmed it was helping the bank investigate the issue, but was unable to comment further until it uncovered more details.
According to DBS' Web site, the bank has over 3.2 million customers in Singapore where it operates almost 80 branches and over 1,100 ATMs.
Jeremy Soo, managing director and head of the DBS bank's consumer banking group in Singapore, told ZDNet Asia in an e-mailed statement that some of its customers had notified the bank on Wednesday that unauthorized withdrawals were made in Malaysia through their DBS and POSB ATM (automated teller machine) and Debit cards. The compromised cards were immediately de-activated and the bank would be taking steps to compensate these customers in full. DBS acquired POSB in November 1998.
"We are treating the matter with utmost priority and would like to assure customers that they will be fully compensated, for any fraudulent transactions, within 24 hours of notifying the bank. We will also issue replacement ATM/Debit cards on-the-spot at any DBS/POSB branch", Soo said.
"Investigations are currently underway and we have started to proactively contact all customers whose account transaction history indicates that there has been an ATM transaction made in Malaysia, over the past few days, to double check and confirm that indeed such an ATM transaction was made," he added in the statement.
According to DBS, the average amount withdrawn was reported to be about S$1,000 (US$773.90).
One affected customer, Chen, told news network Channel NewsAsia (CNA) Thursday that when she checked her bank account online on Wednesday night, "some transactions [were] done, five times. In total, about S$3,000 [withdrawn]".
Another, Li, said an unauthorized withdrawal from her account was made from a shopping center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. When she went to the police station to make a report, she met another person making a similar report. "Then I realized I was not the only one," she told the news network.
According to affected customers, the transactions took place in Malaysia while their ATM cards were still with them in Singapore.
Online citizens have taken to the Web to circulate the news. Twitter user Richard Jang tweeted: "#POSB & #DBS has done a good job on Internet banking with enhance security using token. But this time they fall for bank card withdrawals."
Another user Richard Yip tweeted: "If you can't trust #POSB or #DBS bank with your money, that's bad. Massive fraud happening!"
DBS said customers who believed their ATM or debit card might have been compromised can contact the bank at 1800-220-1111 or visit any DBS/POSB branch.
In July 2010, DBS customers were hit by a seven-hour service outage which the bank later attributed to a failure on IBM's part to fix an identified instability in its storage system.
When contacted, a spokesperson from NCR, the manufacturer of DBS' ATM network, confirmed it was helping the bank investigate the issue, but was unable to comment further until it uncovered more details.
According to DBS' Web site, the bank has over 3.2 million customers in Singapore where it operates almost 80 branches and over 1,100 ATMs.
SMRT CEO Saw Resigns as Subway Failures Trigger Public Singapore Protests
SMRT Corp. (MRT) Chief Executive Officer Saw Phaik Hwa stepped down after Singapore’s worst subway disruptions on record led to calls for her resignation.
Saw, 57, resigned to “pursue personal interests,” the company said in an exchange filing (MRT) today. Tan Ek Kia, former chairman for Northeast Asia at Royal Dutch Shell Plc, who has been on the SMRT board since 2009, will be interim CEO, the company said in a separate statement.
Two breakdowns on lines servicing the central Orchard Road shopping strip affected about 222,400 commuters on the last weekend before the Christmas holiday, based on data compiled by SMRT and the Straits Times. About 80 people held a public rally on Dec. 17 to call for Saw’s resignation over the worst failures since the subway system started operations in 1987, and protest against higher fares by cab operators including SMRT, the Straits Times reported Dec. 18.
“SMRT is signaling its intention to refocus on its core rail operations and assure the public that all efforts are made to ensure the smooth operation of its rail transport system,” Toh Yongrui, an analyst from UOB Kay Hian Pte, said in an e- mailed note. “In contrast to Ms Saw’s background in the retail industry, Mr Tan has experience in engineering, construction and operations through his previous appointments.”
Saw earned a total of S$1.85 million ($1.4 million) in the year ended March 2010, according to last year’s annual report. She was previously regional president of luxury retailer DFS Venture Singapore Pte, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. SMRT named Tan as the interim head for his “diverse experience in engineering and construction, safety, operations and business management,” it said in the statement.
Saw, 57, resigned to “pursue personal interests,” the company said in an exchange filing (MRT) today. Tan Ek Kia, former chairman for Northeast Asia at Royal Dutch Shell Plc, who has been on the SMRT board since 2009, will be interim CEO, the company said in a separate statement.
Two breakdowns on lines servicing the central Orchard Road shopping strip affected about 222,400 commuters on the last weekend before the Christmas holiday, based on data compiled by SMRT and the Straits Times. About 80 people held a public rally on Dec. 17 to call for Saw’s resignation over the worst failures since the subway system started operations in 1987, and protest against higher fares by cab operators including SMRT, the Straits Times reported Dec. 18.
“SMRT is signaling its intention to refocus on its core rail operations and assure the public that all efforts are made to ensure the smooth operation of its rail transport system,” Toh Yongrui, an analyst from UOB Kay Hian Pte, said in an e- mailed note. “In contrast to Ms Saw’s background in the retail industry, Mr Tan has experience in engineering, construction and operations through his previous appointments.”
Saw earned a total of S$1.85 million ($1.4 million) in the year ended March 2010, according to last year’s annual report. She was previously regional president of luxury retailer DFS Venture Singapore Pte, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. SMRT named Tan as the interim head for his “diverse experience in engineering and construction, safety, operations and business management,” it said in the statement.
Singapore Air, Qantas say cracks found in Airbus A380 wings
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Qantas Airways said on Friday they discovered cracks on the wing ribs of their Airbus A380s, but said the cracks pose no threat to safety and repairs have been carried out.
The remarks came after Airbus said on Thursday that engineers discovered minor cracks in the wings of a "limited number" of A380s, but said the cracks were not affecting the safety of the aircraft.
"Cracks were found on a small number of wing rib feet on an Airbus A380 during inspections in the second half of last year. These pose no safety issue and repairs were carried out on the aircraft," SIA's spokesman Nicholas Ionides said in an email to Reuters.
"Repairs were subsequently carried out on a second aircraft. We have kept the relevant regulatory authorities fully informed and will be carrying out inspections and any necessary repairs on other A380s as they go in for routine checks," he added.
Qantas separately said that "minuscule cracking" was found in the wing ribs of the Qantas A380 being repaired in Singapore after one of its Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines suffered a mid-air blowout in 2010.
"Investigations have found that the cracking is unrelated to the engine failure incident experienced by this aircraft in November 2010 and is not unique to Qantas. It has now been repaired," the carrier said in a statement.
"No immediate action is required by A380 operators because the cracking presents no risk whatsoever to flight safety," Qantas said.
Airbus said it has traced the origin of the problem and developed an inspection and repair procedure that will be done during routine, scheduled four-year maintenance checks.
SIA, the world's second-biggest carrier by market value and the first operator of such aircraft, operates 14 A380s and has five on order, while Qantas has taken delivery of 10 of its 20 A380 aircraft on order, according to the airline's website.
Both Singapore Airlines and Qantas are using Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines on their A380 fleets.
The remarks came after Airbus said on Thursday that engineers discovered minor cracks in the wings of a "limited number" of A380s, but said the cracks were not affecting the safety of the aircraft.
"Cracks were found on a small number of wing rib feet on an Airbus A380 during inspections in the second half of last year. These pose no safety issue and repairs were carried out on the aircraft," SIA's spokesman Nicholas Ionides said in an email to Reuters.
"Repairs were subsequently carried out on a second aircraft. We have kept the relevant regulatory authorities fully informed and will be carrying out inspections and any necessary repairs on other A380s as they go in for routine checks," he added.
Qantas separately said that "minuscule cracking" was found in the wing ribs of the Qantas A380 being repaired in Singapore after one of its Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines suffered a mid-air blowout in 2010.
"Investigations have found that the cracking is unrelated to the engine failure incident experienced by this aircraft in November 2010 and is not unique to Qantas. It has now been repaired," the carrier said in a statement.
"No immediate action is required by A380 operators because the cracking presents no risk whatsoever to flight safety," Qantas said.
Airbus said it has traced the origin of the problem and developed an inspection and repair procedure that will be done during routine, scheduled four-year maintenance checks.
SIA, the world's second-biggest carrier by market value and the first operator of such aircraft, operates 14 A380s and has five on order, while Qantas has taken delivery of 10 of its 20 A380 aircraft on order, according to the airline's website.
Both Singapore Airlines and Qantas are using Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines on their A380 fleets.
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Singapore Welcomes 2012
SINGAPORE - Singapore on Sunday morning welcomed New Year's Day at various countdown parties across the island.
The main countdown party - the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, which is into its seventh year - saw party goers ushering the new year with a spectacular eight-minute fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.
The party was broadcast 'live' on MediaCorp Channel 5, and featured performances by local and international celebrities including Sylvia Ratonel, Canada's These Kids Wear Crowns and Malaysia's Siti Nurhaliza.
One of the 300,000 revellers at the event was 32-year-old freelance writer Aaron De Silva, who is counting down for the first time at the scenic Marina Bay area.
Countdown@Boon Lay, which saw about 40,000 party goers, is said to be the largest countdown event in the heartlands.
Other Singaporeans, who preferred to party outside without the crowd, chose to chill out at quieter places in Singapore.
There are also those who prefer to spend the new year at home
Unwind 2011 and relax in Sentosa @ $660 a Meal
SINGAPORE - Shaved white truffles with potato carpaccio topped with foie gras; grilled beef ribeye with black pepper tuile and virtual bearnaise - these are just some of the dishes you can expect at the Joel Robuchon Restaurant in Resorts World Sentosa on New Year's Eve.
However, be prepared to fork out S$650 per head. Despite the steep price, the restaurant said it has been fully booked since two weeks back, with 30 people now on its waiting list.
"The price of our regular degustation menu is S$550," said Tomonori Danzaki, executive chef of the restaurant. "But with New Year's Eve being one of the most important celebratory events, we've used more premium ingredients like foie gras and caviar to create a luxury menu for our guests."
High prices at various food and beverage outlets did not seem to deter party revellers as they look to hit town to celebrate the New Year.
For the party-goer, clubs such as MINK at Pan Pacific Singapore and FILTER at Gallery Hotel are charging S$1,500 for a standing table and S$3,000 for the sofa option. Despite that, they are fully booked.
Phil Poon, co-owner of MINK and FILTER, said: "I guess during the end of the year period, everyone's back from overseas, friends are back, they want to get together and have a good time.
"It's been a good year; people want to unwind and relax, and a minimum spend of S$4,000, to Singaporeans it may be quite normal. It's quite a common thing that we have been noticing not just in Singapore, but also around the Asian region."
Meanwhile, at Pangaea at Marina Bay Sands, a table costs at least S$4,000. Over at the Capella at Victoria Street, a New Year's feast will cost some S$1,000 per person.
However, be prepared to fork out S$650 per head. Despite the steep price, the restaurant said it has been fully booked since two weeks back, with 30 people now on its waiting list.
"The price of our regular degustation menu is S$550," said Tomonori Danzaki, executive chef of the restaurant. "But with New Year's Eve being one of the most important celebratory events, we've used more premium ingredients like foie gras and caviar to create a luxury menu for our guests."
High prices at various food and beverage outlets did not seem to deter party revellers as they look to hit town to celebrate the New Year.
For the party-goer, clubs such as MINK at Pan Pacific Singapore and FILTER at Gallery Hotel are charging S$1,500 for a standing table and S$3,000 for the sofa option. Despite that, they are fully booked.
Phil Poon, co-owner of MINK and FILTER, said: "I guess during the end of the year period, everyone's back from overseas, friends are back, they want to get together and have a good time.
"It's been a good year; people want to unwind and relax, and a minimum spend of S$4,000, to Singaporeans it may be quite normal. It's quite a common thing that we have been noticing not just in Singapore, but also around the Asian region."
Meanwhile, at Pangaea at Marina Bay Sands, a table costs at least S$4,000. Over at the Capella at Victoria Street, a New Year's feast will cost some S$1,000 per person.
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