July 2005 in Malaysia and Singapore

31 July 2005 (Sunday)

• The Singapore Management University moves into its new and permanent home at Bras Basah.
• The ban against smoking will be extended to coffee shops and hawker centres in Singapore from July 2006, and to entertainment outlets the following year. (CNA)
• Thum Ping Tjin will be the first Singaporean to attempt the swim across the English Channel on 3 August 2005. (CNA)

30 July 2005 (Saturday)

• The National Financial Literacy survey conducted in Singapore shows positive signs, with an overall literacy score of 67 out of 100. (CNA)
• The Malaysian government announces a further increase in fuel prices. (Bernama)
• Singapore artist Tan Swie Hian donates about 6,500 art books, manuscripts and art pieces to the National Library. (CNA)
• The sixth annual Jurong Island Dragon Boat Race saw 42 teams taking part in the waters off Jurong Island, Singapore. (CNA)
• The Singapore Exchange holds its inaugural Investor Relations Open Day, and hopes to organise more similar forums in future. (CNA)

29 July 2005 (Friday)

• SBS Transit's Bus Captain Scheme has attracted three times as many Singaporeans to apply since its launch this month. (CNA)
• NKFS controversy: The National Kidney Foundation Singapore looks into ways to pass on savings to its patients by reviewing its cost structure. (CNA)
• An International Advisory Committee of Experts lauds Singapore's food safety measures as world-class. (CNA)
• The Land Transport Authority of Singapore singles out six individuals for disciplinary action in the wake of the Nicoll Highway collapse (CNA)
• Ho Ching, CEO of Temasek Holdings, came in at 30th position in the Forbes magazine's list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women. (CNA)
• Singapore Airlines's net profits drops 8% in the first quarter of 2005, although it was still better than analysts' expectations. (CNA)
• The United Overseas Bank posted half-year net profits of S$815 million, up 15.6% from the previous year. (CNA)
• SMRT Corporation announces profit growth of 14% in the first quarter of 2005 despite rising fuel and manpower costs. (CNA)

28 July 2005 (Thursday)

• Some 40 entries were shortlisted from 80 received for Project Pilot, a contest seeking story ideas to be produced for Singapore television channels Arts Central and Channel NewsAsia (CNA)
• The Huang Na murder trail has been adjourned, with a verdict expected in a month. (CNA)
• Singapore entrepreneur and inventor Bob Teo produces the abKey, aimed at replacing the present QWERTY keyboard. (CNA)
• The F1 Powerboat race will return to Singapore for ten days starting 16 September 2005 (CNA)
• The Community Action for the Rehabilitation of Ex-offenders announces a new initiative under the Yellow Ribbon project, in which 10,000 Singaporeans will walk alongside ex-offenders from the Old Changi Prison Wall to the heartlands. (CNA)
• The Singapore Art Museum launches a new exhibition to commemorate the country's 40th birthday. (CNA)
• Mapletree Logistics Trust makes a strong debut on the Singapore Exchange, with its Initial public offering 44 times oversubscribed. (CNA) (CNA)

27 July 2005 (Wednesday)

• The United Overseas Bank gets the green light to merge its two subsidiaries in Thailand, namely the Bank of Asia and UOB Radanasin. (CNA)
• National University of Singapore scientists unveils their discovery of a protein which may provide answers for neurological disorders. (CNA)
• Singapore will lead a working group with the task of establishing a new ISO standard for the exhibition industry. (CNA)
• The National Crime Prevention Council and the Singapore Police Force joins hands to launch a two-week campaign against mobile phone thefts. (CNA)

26 July 2005 (Tuesday)

• Singapore's manufacturing sector posted a surprise 11.1% growth for the month of June 2005, much higher than the 0.9-3.0% growth expected by economists. (CNA)
• The Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, housed in the newly opened National Library building in Singapore, sees 33,000 visitors on its opening day on 22 July 2005. (CNA)
• The 21-Gun Presidential Salute of the National Day Parade in Singapore will be fired from Marina South for the first time. (CNA)
• NKFS controversy: Professor Goh Chee Leok starts work at the National Kidney Foundation Singapore. (CNA)
• The Cathay Super Classic bowling tournament in Singapore returns with a top prize of S$25,000, the highest in the tournament's history. (CNA)

25 July 2005 (Monday)

• NKFS controversy: Health Ministry announces that Senior Consultant Dermatologist Professor Goh Chee Leok has been appointed the interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation Singapore. (CNA)
• Speculations abound following the merger between Jetstar Asia and Valuair, particularly over routing and fares. Experts predict another low cost carrier will drop out in two years. (CNA) (CNA)
• The Housing and Development Board and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore announces that car park enforcement will be outsourced to private companies. (CNA)
• The inaugural MICE Asia Congress to be held in Singapore is expected to reap at least S$220 million for Singapore's economy. (CNA)

24 July 2005 (Sunday)

• Singapore-based low-cost carriers Jetstar Asia and Valuair announces the formation of a new holding company, Orange Star, which will operate both airlines. (CNA)
• A 23-year-old man was arrested with the help of a stun gun fired by an officer with the Singapore Police Force, the first time the new weapon's usage is publicised. (CNA)
• Singapore's National Library Board unveils the new five-year Library 2010 (CNA)
• Cherie Blair, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, arrives in Kuala Lumpur for a visit. (The Star)
• The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Sabah faces the threat of destruction by illegal logging and land-clearing. (The Star) (New Straits Times)

23 July 2005 (Saturday)

• NKFS controversy: The after-effects of the funding controversy surrounding the NKF spread to other voluntary welfare organisations, with flag-selling students occasionally facing verbal and even physical abuse, with some charity's takings falling significantly by 30%. (CNA)
• The Singapore Sports School announces changes to its admission criteria, which promotes sporting potential over academic qualifications. (CNA)

22 July 2005 (Friday)

• Malaysian-based budget airline, AirAsia signs a RM10 million one-year sponsorship deal with Manchester United. In addition, it rules out a merger with Singaporean airline Valuair, citing an incompatible business model. (The Star) (Malay Mail) (CNA)
• Singapore sailors Teo Wee Chin and Terence Koh win the 420 class at the Youth Sailing World Championship held in Busan South Korea, the first time an Asian country has won a gold medal in the event.(CNA)
• National Library, Singapore re-opens after a year in its new premises at Victoria Street. (CNA)

21 July 2005 (Thursday)

• Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says that he feels it is his duty to prevent Islam and its symbols from being used to propagate violence. He set three missions for himself – continuing to remind the world community to understand the root causes of terrorism, explaining that Islam is a religion of peace and opposed to violence, and showcasing Malaysia as a modern Islamic country and a safe place to invest and visit. (The Star) (Khaleej Times)
• At least 58 members of the Sky Kingdom sect (including a New Zealand woman) were detained by police, but its leader, Ayah Pin, was not among the detainees. (New Straits Times) (The Star) (The Star) (Stuff NZ)
• Bank Negara Malaysia removes the currency peg of the 3.80 Malaysian ringgit to one American dollar, in lieu of China's similar unpegging of the American dollar. (The Star) (The Star) (Business Week) (Bloomberg)
• The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore adopts Marina Bay as the new marketing brandname for the new downtown extension. (CNA) (CNA)
• The Singapore Cable Car resumes service after services were halted 50 days ago in light of "inconsistencies" in a regular maintenance check. (CNA)
• It was reported in Singapore's parliament, that the 117th IOC Session has helped place Singapore on the global map. The session has reaped S$40 million for the economy, compared to the S$7 million spent in hosting the event. (CNA)

20 July 2005 (Wednesday)

• Singapore Airlines announces that live television news and sports broadcasts are available onboard flights between London and Singapore, it is the first airline to have this service. (Xinhua)
• Malaysia Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz defends the policy on how Approved Permits were issued and says that she had not being rude to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. (New Straits Times)
• The Nanyang Technological University's students set a new world record when 536 of them got together for a blind date. (CNA)
• NKFS controversy: A new National Kidney Foundation board of directors is appointed, with Mr Gerard Ee continuing as CEO. (CNA)

19 July 2005 (Tuesday)

• Property rules in Singapore pertaining to property financing, foreign home ownership are relaxed. (CNA) (CNA) (CNA) (CNA) (CNA) (CNA)
• The accident-plagued work site of One Raffles Quay suffers another accident when a back-tracking trailer hits a worker. (CNA)
• In the half-year crime report, the Singapore Police Force reveals that handphone thefts have risen 53% compared to the previous year. (CNA)
• Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány arrives in Singapore for an official visit. (CNA)
• The number of dengue fever cases has risen dramatically, exceeding 300 cases per week. National Environment Agency (NEA) has set aside funds and conducted meetings to update the community on the situation. (CNA)

18 July 2005 (Monday)

• Singapore Deputy Prime Minister, Tony Tan Keng Yam says that security agencies are planning to deploy explosive detection dog teams at MRT stations to carry out surprise checks, in the aftermath of the 7 July 2005 London bombings. (CNA)
• Raffles Holdings plans to sell its hotel arm to American film Colony Capital for S$1.45 billion, which when approved by shareholders, will mean the management of Raffles Hotel will pass into foreign hands. (CNA)
• A group of 30 people attack the religious commune of Sky Kingdom in (The Star) (BBC)
• The Ministry of Defence (Singapore)'s investigations show that the death of Second Warrant Officer Teh Kok Lian was a result of sudden cardiac arrest, and no safety regulations were breached. Investigations continue on Sergeant Ong Peng Ghee's death. (CNA)
• The National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University plan to up the number of foreign exchange students to at least 50% of their respective student populations. (CNA)
• NKFS controversy: Gerard Ee begins his term as CEO, expressing his intentions not to receive any pay for his work. (CNA)

17 July 2005 (Sunday)

• Malaysia's female swimmer Siow Yi Ting wins the 200 m breaststroke gold in the Janet Evans invitational meet in Los Angeles. (theStar)
• The 143 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcons will lead the aerial flypast for the National Day Parade 2005. (CNA)
• Proton's senior management opposed Volkswagen's plans to acquire a stake in the Malaysian car-maker. (CNA)
• NKFS controversy: Singapore Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan announces that a full independent audit will be carried out on the National Kidney Foundation Singapore. (The New Paper)

16 July 2005 (Saturday)

• The landfill on Pulau Semakau's lifespan has been extended by 15 years as a result of greater recycling efforts in Singapore. With the amount of landfill generated in 2004, 11% less than that five years ago, the landfill is now expected to last until 2045. (CNA)
• NKFS controversy: Mrs Goh Chok Tong expresses her regret over her "peanuts" comment on TT Durai's pay. (CNA)
• 16-year-old Alvin Ong from National Junior College became the youngest winner of the UOB Painting of the Year Award since its inception in 1982.(CNA)

15 July 2005 (Friday)

• Issues of polygamy are raised in the Parliament of Malaysia during the debate on the Syariah Criminal Procedure (Federal Territories) Bill. (Star).
• Politics of Malaysia: Nine people have declared their candidacy for the post of Malaysian Chinese Association vice-president. (NST)
• NKFS controversy: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan names Gerard Ee as the interim chairman and acting CEO of National Kidney Foundation Singapore. (CNA)
• The Republic of Singapore Navy launches RSS Tenacious, the third locally built frigate and the fourth out of six to be built. (CNA)
• A S$5 million facelift is completed at the Singapore Cruise Centre to help the centre stay ahead as the biggest cruise hub in Asia (CNA)
• A consortium of companies, including Cheung Kong Holdings, Hongkong Land and Keppel Land, wins the bid for the massive Business and Financial Centre (BFC) site in Singapore's New Downtown. (CNA)
• The 777-200LR Worldliner lands for the first time in Singapore en route on a global tour. (CNA)
• President S R Nathan pays tribute to donors and volunteers of the Singapore International Foundation (SIF), especially for their contribution in Singapore Volunteers Overseas programme and reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. (CNA)

14 July 2005 (Thursday)

• Buckling under intense public pressure, the CEO of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), TT Durai, and the entire board step down. Mrs Goh Chok Tong will also step down as NKF's patron. (CNA)

13 July 2005 (Wednesday)

• Ex-minister Osu Sukam, member of Malaysia's United Malays National Organisation ruling party, resigns due to gambling debts totalling at least US$1.8 million. (Borneo Bulletin)
• A commando with the Singapore Armed Forces, First Sergeant Shiva Mohan, 24, and a foreign serviceman were killed in a heliborne rappelling exercise. (CNA)
• The National Kidney Foundation experienced serious public backlash in Singapore when allegations of misused public funds came to light in the midst of a courtroom battle between the charity and Singapore Press Holdings (CNA)

12 July 2005 (Tuesday)

• Incumbent president of Singapore, Sellapan Ramanathan announces that he will seek re-election. Seventeen others have filed papers for candidacy (CNA)

11 July 2005 (Monday)

• Singapore's Li Jiawei has won her second consecutive US Open title in Florida, beating top-ranked Tie Yana of Hong Kong 11-3, 11-4, 11-6, 11-8 in the final. (CNA)
• The trial of Huang Na's murder begins in Singapore. (CNA)

9 July 2005 (Saturday)

• Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong announces plan to set up a new Police MRT Unit to enhance the security of Singapore's public transport. (CNA)
• A commando with the Singapore Armed Forces, Master Sergeant Chua Koon San, sustained injuries after performing his freefall routine on a rehearsal for the National Day Parade 2005. (CNA)

7 July 2005 (Thursday)

• Singapore Armed Forces commandos Captain M. Pandiaraj and Warrant Officer S. Balakrishnan has their appeals dismissed and sentencing raised for causing the death of Second Sergeant Hu En Huai, 19, in a dunking incident as part of training. (CNA)

5 July 2005 (Tuesday)

• The 117th IOC Session officially opens with a 30-minute performance at the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Singapore (CNA)

4 July 2005 (Monday)

• Some RM1 million went missing in what turned out to be a staged collision between a lorry and an armoured truck of security company Securiforce Sdn Bhd at Jalan Baru Baling, Baling, Malaysia, claiming the lives of security guards Yusfarizal Mohd Azmi, 30 and Haliki Amin Jusoh, 33. The driver of the lorry also succumbed to his injuries later. (The Star)
• Malaysia police arrest 21 members of religious group Sky Kingdom. (Malaysian Star) (BBC)

3 July 2005 (Sunday)

• Medical experts gather in a bird flu conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CNA)

2 July 2005 (Saturday)

• A Singapore Police Force officer, Corporal Arvin was found dead with a gunshot wound at Yishun North Neighbourhood Police Centre. Foul play was ruled out. (CNA)

1 July 2005 (Friday)

The Singapore Armed Forces celebrates Singapore Armed Forces Day at a parade officiated by President S R Nathan at the SAFTI Military Institute (MINDEF)