IOC to China, open up the Internet for us

Internet censorship is practically synonymous with China these days. The Chinese government is often used as the poster child for restrictive governments that restrict the free flow of information to its residents. That could be why the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is getting antsy, as Beijing is bound by contract as this year’s Olympic host city to allow the press to report as usual during the games. And reporting as usual means unrestricted Internet access.

The IOC “discussed and insisted” with the Chinese government again this morning that the Internet is required to be “open at all times during Games time,” IOC coordination commission vice chairman Kevan Gosper told Reuters. “There was some criticism that the Internet closed down during events relating to Tibet in previous weeks, but this is not Games time.” (story)

Singapore small but carries a big stick

As a small state, Singapore cannot ignore the dangers to its sovereignty and must view the world clearly, even clinically, President SR Nathan said. ‘It is critical to have a clear and clinical assessment of the world - seeing the world as it is and not as we hope or think it ought to be,’ he said on Monday at the launch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MFA) Diplomatic Academy.

His speech focussed often on the way Singapore’s size and vulnerabilty has shaped its foreign policy, for instance, its distinct pragmatism and search for international space.

Pragmatism has allowed the 640 sq km-island to transcend its size and limits, he noted.

‘We knew very well that we had very little influence over our external environment, immediate and beyond,’ he said.

‘We dealt with the business of foreign relations without sentiment, ideology or illusion.’

In parallel, Singapore chose ‘to wrap ourselves in something larger’ - be it Asean, the United Nations or international legal regimes. (story)

Singapore closes Pedra Branca case with strong arguments

Singapore played its trump card in the Pedra Branca case on Tuesday as it wrapped up its oral pleadings before an international court. It argued that its claim to the disputed island stands on two legs - lawful acquisition of title between 1847 and 1851 when the British built Horsburgh Lighthouse there, and sovereign acts carried out over 150 years.

Malaysia’s claim, however, stands on only one leg: its claim that the Johor Sultanate had original title to the island since time immemorial.

Singapore proposed to the court that if neither side has proven it had title to the disputed island in 1851, then Singapore’s claim must prevail over Malaysia’s because it alone has carried out state activities on the island.

In inviting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to look at the case in this light, Singapore’s Ambassador-at-large Tommy Koh said it was an approach that was bound to cause Malaysia concern. (story)

Singapore Airport contemplates acquisitions

Singapore’s Changi Airports International is keen on a stake in Abu Dhabi’s international airport and is also eyeing two smaller terminals in China for takeover, its chief told Reuters today.

Changi Airports clinched an 18-month contract to operate the Abu Dhabi government-owned airport in December, and is angling to turn this into equity as authorities have said the airport was likely to be privatized by next year. (story)

National University of Singapore drops to 33 in rankings

The National University of Singapore (NUS) took a tumble, from 19th spot to No. 33 this year, in the ranking of the world’s top 200 universities published by The Times of London Higher Education Supplement on Thursday. However, this is due to a new way of scoring, said QS, the careers and education group that compiled the much-followed ranking.

It said, with the change, NUS’ previously high scores in certain categories such as the percentage of international faculty, did not give it much overall advantage this year.

On the other hand, NUS’ low score on staff- to-student ratio affected its ranking.

Mr Nunzio Quacquarelli, managing director of London-based QS, said NUS continues to do well in all other categories.

NUS improved its score this year for the number of academic citations faculty members notched up. It scored 84 out of 100.

(story)

Singapore tourism on pace for record breaking year

Singapore is on target to achieve another record breaking year in the tourism industry.

Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen said the sector is set to achieve 10.2 million visitor arrivals and some S$13.6 billion in tourism receipts this year.

According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), this is the first time double-digit growth is being achieved for the sector in Singapore.

Singapore is also getting ready for the spike in manpower demand in the tourism industry, especially with the development of the two integrated resorts and several signature events which Singapore will be hosting to attract the international tourist dollar.

So, the government is investing S$360 million over the next three years in manpower development to train and prepare some 74,000 workers for the growth in the tourism sector.

(story)

Singapore police investigate stowaway

The security division of the KL International Airport has lodged a report at the Sepang district police station on the Palestinian who stowed away in a front wheel well of a Singapore Airline jet to Changi Airport.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the report lodged Tuesday morning was to allow the Malaysian police to start its investigations on the matter.

He said the decision to lodge the report was made after receiving a brief report on the stowaway from the Singapore police on Monday night.

Stating that the content of the Singapore police report could not be revealed, Chan hoped they would get strong support from the Singapore authorities.

(source)