News Today

Slew of measures aimed at creating SME haven
THE Government aims to make Singapore the best place in the world for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to start, grow and globalise. A slew of new measures was outlined in the Budget aimed specifically at this sector of the economy.... [Read more]

Dealing with China's rise a key challenge
Will there be a global trade deal? What are the consequences if it fails? Most countries would feel that this is in deep freeze if there are no results in the next three months. The WTO system will still operate and... [Read more]

US seeks Pakistan's help against Taleban
RAWALPINDI (PAKISTAN) - US DEFENCE Secretary Robert Gates sought Pakistan's support yesterday to prevent an expected Taleban spring offensive in neighbouring Afghanistan.The allies had the chance to deal a 'strategic setback' to the militants, said Mr Gates on his first visit... [Read more]

Banking in money for charity
UNITED Overseas Bank (UOB) held a Chinese New Year gala dinner last night for its small and medium enterprise clients, and money was raised for charity.Mr Sim Kok Hwee, 29, a corporate development manager at industrial equipment maker Zicom Group was... [Read more]

Shaking with only one hand uncultured? Not true
I refer to the letter, 'Follow suit and shake hands with both arms, Team Singapore' (Online forum, Feb 6), by Mr Jimmy Teo Nai Heok.I am happy that he is able to partake in the pride and joy of seeing the... [Read more]

Accused teen trio out on bail
THREE teenagers accused of breaking into the Isetan store in Shaw Towers last Thursday were each released on $8,000 bail yesterday. Marcus Wang Yuanhang, 18, and Ethan Khoo Ee Ren and Yuan Wei Jie, both 16, will appear in the Community... [Read more]

11 killed in car bomb attack on Iran elite force
TEHERAN - ELEVEN people were killed yesterday when a booby-trapped car exploded next to a bus carrying members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. An attack of this size and nature - a bomb strike on an elite Iranian force in broad... [Read more]

Lucky bloom for 80-year-old
PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN The Year of the Pig got off to an auspicious start for Mr Tey Buang Chai, 80. The lucky bamboo plant he bought four to five years ago bloomed for the first time on Chinese New Year's... [Read more]

Catch fine arts on last day of Nafa open house
TODAY is the last day of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) three-day open house. The highlight is a fashion show to be staged by Nafa students who won two major design contests held in conjunction with Singapore Fashion Week... [Read more]

I'm the target of witch-hunt: Israeli President
JERUSALEM - IN A speech tinged with rage, Israeli President Moshe Katsav attacked the police, the state prosecution and the media as he declared his innocence on charges of rape and sexual harassment levelled against him. 'Citizens of Israel, don't believe... [Read more]

Smaller property projects sell fast even with little marketing
SMALL residential developments in suburban areas are selling strongly despite putting out almost no publicity - in some cases, not even a show-flat. Property consultants say this is a sign that upbeat home buying sentiment is trickling down from the luxury... [Read more]