Proposed Tougher Approach to Examination for Utility Model and Design Patent Applications in China

Proposed tougher approach to substantive examination for Utility Model and Design Patent Applications in China.

In a bid to improve the quality of Utility Models and Design Patents granted in China, the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) has put forward proposals to impose tougher examination requirements for Chinese Utility Model and Design Patent applications.

Currently, a design patent (also known as a registered design in Europe) application in China does not undergo substantive examination. This means that, although the Chinese Patent Law requires a design to be new and distinctly different from any one of the existing designs known anywhere in the world, in practise, a Chinese Examiner does not conduct any searching during examination of the design application. Based on the current Examination Guidelines, the Examiner is only required to examine the application based on the application details and what is considered to be common knowledge of a general consumer.

Equally, although a Utility Model (also known as a petty patent in the US or innovation patent in Australia) application is required to be novel, creative and of practical use under the Chinese Patent Law, the level of examination requirement is similarly low.

Considering an Invention Patent application, which is the equivalent of a standard patent available in countries or regions such as the UK, Europe or the US, typically takes around 3 to 6 years to grant, grant of a Utility Model can be obtained relatively quickly, typically between 10 to 18 months. A Design Patent can be even quicker. As such, filing such applications in China has been a faster, cheaper and easier way to obtain patent protection for an invention, compared to an Invention Patent. Both forms of patent protections have been proving popular. In 2011, SIPO granted 408,000 Utility Models and 380,000 Design Patents.

However, this may all be about to change. In a public consultation issued in February 2013, SIPO has indicated that the lack of substantive examination for both types of applications have caused patents to be granted to inventions or designs that are already known, or caused patents to be granted to inventions or designs more than once, i.e. double patenting.

In order to improve the quality of Utility Models and Design Patents, SIPO is proposing to amend the Examination Guidelines such that Examiners are encouraged to conduct searches on existing technologies and designs when examining such applications. Furthermore, the Guidelines proposed to be amended such that Examiners are not restricted as to how such information are obtained.

It is envisaged that if SIPO is to implement its proposed changes to tighten examination procedures for both types of applications, the costs and time required to see such applications through to grant are also likely to increase.

Early indications suggest that SIPO may already be implementing changes and Examiners will be improving enforcement of the novelty requirement for such applications. However, even with tighter examination requirements, for an invention with a short commercial life and somewhat limited novelty, a Utility Model application should still be the favoured choice of patent protection in China.

Prodigal Son (1982)

Two kinds of martial arts films are “in” these days. The high flying sword play wuxia and the gritty crude Shaw Brothers-esque kind. “Prodigal Son” is neither. That’s because it’s from Golden Harvest Studios, the greatest film studio of Hong Kong. A martial arts movie from Golden Harvest studios means little or no high flying acrobatics but pure, fantastic martial arts action. With a little comedy and history thrown in for good measure. They made a fortune going against the grain, taking risks and ensuring quality. Something Shaw Brothers hadn’t done in a long time. They made many classics but “Prodigal Son” really is something special.

An arrogant young brawler named Leung Jaan loves to fight and prides himself on his martial arts skills. Little does he know, his rich father is paying people to lose so his only son won’t get hurt. But things take a turn for the worse when a real kung fu master challenges him and exposes his secret. Before long he is thrust into the crazy and dangerous world of the martial arts.

This is the second movie Sammo directed about Leung Jaan, the real life master of Wing Chun Kung Fu. The first, “Warriors Two” shows Master Leung as an older man whereas Prodigal Son deals with his days as a spoiled youth looking to be a great martial arts fighter. Wing Chun had never really been used as the basis of a Kung Fu film before because it is a fighting style that relies on inner strength, keeps it’s feet firmly on the ground and uses lots of close quarter combat movements which many film makers, even the risk takers at Golden Harvest, believed would simply not work on the cinema screen. In short, it wasn’t fancy enough. But Sammo knew different and made two movies that manage to show everybody that real and visceral Kung Fu ability can be just as exciting and graceful as any other kind of screen fighting. Even though “Warriors Two” does break new ground in terms of action with some excellent choreography, “Prodigal Son” is simply better in every way, not only as a martial arts flick but as an engaging and entertaining film too.

Leung Jaan is played by Yeun Biao which, considering his fame for high flying acrobatics, was a pretty bold casting decision. But as he and Sammo trained together for years in Master Yu Jin Yeun’s opera academy, the director knew exactly what his leading man was capable of and what kind of endurance he could put up with. Yet Yeun Biao’s acting is not out shined by his martial arts skill and does a wonderful job at playing the pampered brat gaining discipline and respect. Yet with all of Yeun Biao’s fighting and acting ability and all of Sammo’s skill as director and choreographer (and actor in a hilarious extended cameo) this film really belongs to the late, great Lam Ching Ying as Leung Jaan’s master Lung Yee Tai. A favorite of many fans of Hong Kong action cinema, particularly for this performance alone, Lam Ching Ying is a marvel to watch. A student of Madame Fong Fak Fa’s opera academy, Lam played many female roles on stage in the Cantonese opera because of his slender build and elegant acrobatic skill. This made him the perfect choice to play a Wing Chun master. Especially one who, in this film, is a member of a traveling opera troupe and plays the leading female roles in their performances. Yet he is no softie when it’s time to fight and shows incredible technique whenever challenged. Like Yeun Biao, Lam Ching Ying not only shows off his dazzling style of action here but he also gives us a great show by playing the reserved and humble martial arts master with the occasional flash of comedy that really livens up the character and gives it more than one dimension. I cannot say enough good things about Lam’s performance. He is a great example of why Hong Kong action movies will always be better than American ones. Hong Kong has martial arts ACTORS not martial arts experts trying to act on film. Lam Ching Ying was one of Hong Kong’s finest actors and this film really shows it.

Do yourself a favor and check out this movie. If you like Kung Fu cinema then it is essential viewing but if you don’t then I would insist on giving this film a look. Granted some humour won’t translate to Western viewers. Also some of the historical references may require a quick Google. But if you approach “Prodigal Son” and others like it with an open mind and are willing to accept the cultural differences between Hong Kong and other foreign films, then you will experience something new, different and exciting. A new world of fantastic and unique cinema will be opened up for you, and “Prodigal Son” is a great place to start.

Cheap Discount Airfare To Hong Kong Makes For A More Pleasurable Stay

Hong Kong is a very popular travel destination for people from all over the world. It is a bustling commercial center on the southeastern coast of China known for its fabulous shopping opportunities and delectable cuisine. The recent addition of its very own Disneyland has only boosted Hong Kong's appeal to people from different countries.

If you want to see Hong Kong and everything it has to offer, you will need quite a substantial budget in order to have a very pleasurable experience. If you are able to avail of cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong, you will surely have a lot of extra funds to spend.

Searching for cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong is not that hard. Many websites all over the Internet are offering cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong and other destinations as well. It might be helpful to know, though, that there are certain times or seasons when you can get more attractive cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong.

For instance, not too many people go shopping in Hong Kong during the Christmas holidays as this is usually an occasion reserved for a traditional celebration with the family. To increase their sales during this season, many airline companies offer great cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong, hoping to attract more yuletide travelers.

Discount websites also advertise cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong at random times all over the year. But how do you know exactly when you can avail of cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong? A very good way is to join one of the many budget travel clubs that are now in existence on the Internet.

Budget travel clubs not only give you inside information as to when and where you can get cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong and other places. You will also be able to chat with many other club members that share your penchant for traveling.

Besides benefiting from cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong, you might also get great recommendations as to which hotel accommodations are the best and what shopping centers offer the lowest prices.

If you have never been to Hong Kong before, it would be useful to learn a little bit about the island's history. In 1842, after the first Opium War, China surrendered Hong Kong to the British Empire. For more than a century, Hong Kong was under British rule.

During this time, commerce and modern technology flourished tremendously and that is when Hong Kong became known all over the world as the best place to shop.

In July of 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China but it remains to be a democratic zone. English and Chinese are both official languages, although 98% of the inhabitants are ethnic Han Chinese who speak the Cantonese dialect.

Hong Kong is definitely one of a kind. In order to appreciate it more fully, you must experience it up close. If you are able to get a cheap discount airfare to Hong Kong, then go ahead and fly there. It is an experience definitely worth having.

Ball Pools May Lead to HFMD

Few days ago, a report about Hand- foot and mouth disease caught attention of people, especially parents. This report told us that there were nearly 5000 people had got Hand-foot and mouth disease in a city. It was 9 times more than last year. The clinical case is soaring, some experts thought that bad climate leads to this problem. However, there is not enough evidence to prove this saying. Experts pointed out that it was difficult to work with because there was no symptom but virus can be transmitted from infected people, so it is difficult to deal with this problem. What is worse, 86% of infected people are children who are at the age of 1 to 3.

Now is the peak season of Hand-foot and mouth disease. Children are easy to infect. Parents should avoid taking children to the place where it is full of virus. Ball pool is one of such these places.

Ball pools like the playing sea for children. They are full of colorful and soft balls which like a sea. Children can swim in it just like the sea. Children like to play in these pools very much because the pools just like a paradise.

However, your kids may be infected Hand-foot and mouth disease in it. Because they are popular with children so many children will get together in a ball pool. It is easy to spread diseases and children are easy to infect the virus as well. Every child plays in a same ball pool,if no one notices the problem that the pool is not clean enough and it is full of virus, then kids’ hands and feet are also full of virus as well. We can not see bacterium with eyes, but they really exist. They will invade our bodies anytime. Therefore, parents should avoid taking their kids to the place where it is easy to infect the virus.

In the meanwhile, ball pools should be cleaned and disinfected regularly because they are touched by children directly. In addition to this, other public places also should be disinfected as well, such as toys, amusement facilities, and stair rails and so on. All these places should be paid more attention. We have to ensure that all these places are clean. Only doing this, can we provide a clean and hygienic environment for people, especially for children.

Of course, ball pools are not the name of Hand-foot and mouth disease. Clean ball pools also can let your kids play freely and with an easy mind.

Importance of Choosing A NAATI Accredited Translator

NAATI or National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpreters is the only recognized authority for interpretations and translation in Australia. The organization sets high professional competence standards for those inspiring to make a profession out of translations. The organization is owned together by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments. The translators have to go through a rigorous translation and ethics exam. There is a very small percentage of Australian translators that actually pass these tests set by NAATI.

If you come across a Chinese NAATI translator, you can be rest assured of his level of translating skills for making accurate translations. The document will be translated to perfection, maintaining high standard of quality. Generally, we find customers asking for all kinds of translations. Let us see what kind of services are generally offered by these translation services, so as to meet your personal, business and communication needs.

Specialized services for certified translations

  • License, certificates and Cards- Driving licenses, Graduation certificates, Marriage certificates, Visa documents, Birth certificates, Academic degrees and transcripts, Notarial certificates, Police checks, ID cards, Divorce certificates, etc.
  • Technical And Scientific – Electronic product manuals, Experiment reports, safety manuals, Instruction booklets, documentation of Technical equipment, Scientific studies, Experiment reports, Data sheets, Engineering specifications, Mining documents, Scientific teaching materials, etc.
  • Tourism – Migration information, Brochures and flyers, Websites. Menus, Hotel information, Tourist maps, Guidebooks, Casino gaming, Product descriptions, and other Tourism promotional material.
  • Advertising – Online news, Print media, Newspaper articles, Interviews, Magazine articles, Online forums, Press releases, Social networking site content, etc.
  • government translation – Laws, Policies and procedures, Educational material, Government websites and reports,
  • Manufacturing – Product manuals, Instruction booklets, User guides, Advertising, Packaging, Safety information, Warranties, Product information, Quality control tests and Management System certificates, etc.

Hiring a freelance translator?

One often finds large number of freelance translators and wonders if they can be assigned the project. However, before employing one, just make sure if he holds NAATI accreditations and carries a good reputation. After all, one needs to tackle with the issue of quality control and it is a serious one where translations are concerned. So, the first good step is to check his NAATI accreditations, as this will point to his competency and professionalism. Professional agencies to hire freelance translators who meet their level of criteria.

Expert Translations for documents

If need of getting your important document translated, one has to be very careful about the translation services they hire. Look for a reputed NAATI accredited translator to start with. You may need translations of personal document, birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver’s license, diploma, degree, medical documents or any other document theta is important and needs to be used in different Government departments. Getting a document translated from one language to another is a professional task and the translation has to be complete and accurate. An immigrant to a new country often has to deal with complicated documents relating to State Licensing Departments, Customs and Immigration Officials, Lawyers, etc. At this point, one cannot afford a mishap or any errors with their translations.A certified translation ensures that there are no disruptions in the significant process.

NAATI Accredited Chinese translator

The Chinese language is a family of different spoken languages and the most common dialects are Mandarin, Wu, Cantonese and Min. All businesses in China are unusually conducted in Mandarin and the written language carries two major variations, simplified and traditional. The Chinese NAATI translator is an interpreter between English and Mandarin and a translator between English and Chinese. He knows how to interpret the spoken language and translate the written language. When looking for such a translator, just check out his experience and reputation in the market before employing. He should be an expert with certified translation and be confident of handling any kinds of documents.

Interracial Hair Advice And How To Rock A Jewfro And A Chewfro

How do you manage a Chewfro?

Hair is a very important part of our identity, both physically and psychologically. It defines who we are so all of the decisions we make concerning style, length, color and texture send signals out about how we desire to be perceived. This becomes especially challenging if you are biracial and your hair is not typical of either culture.

Take a quick look down the aisle of hair products in your local drug store and you will see a snapshot of how interracial mixes are gradually influencing the demand for new and different kinds of products.

Rocking a Chewfro is actually the easy part.

Raising a great biracial kid in a rapidly changing American society who is self confident about reinventing what is beautiful is a much more worthwhile challenge.

Children with Asian and Jewish parents often have stick straight, very fine hair when they are young. Once they pass puberty, their hair changes and becomes thick, wavy and very coarse in texture. They sometimes become frustrated finding the right hair products because of how they are marketed and the models they use to promote them don’t look anything like biracial children.

That should be your worst problem!

Better to fortify your children with a strong sense of self confidence, respect for themselves and others. There may not be rows of products that you can purchase that will improve interpersonal skills, or increase inner leadership aptitude. But as your children mature, it is crucial that they learn to balance their inherited cultural backgrounds with respect and to accord the same to everyone they meet. As children born of two races, they are more prone to be questioned about it, teased, provoked or challenged by it. They will also need guidance and support in navigating these challenging situations with dignity and a strengthened sense of self.

So, if you are wondering where to go to get your Chewfro styled and to get great hair products just right for your unique kind of hair, check out the Asian hair salons in Flushing, Queens. This is one of the most diverse places in the borough and you will certainly find tremendous variety and experience here. Most of the places are the size of a postage stamp squeezed in between noodle shops and music schools.

Brush up on your Cantonese or just speak English and wave your hands around for emphasis. Works for Seth.

Will the Real Colonel Sanders Please Stand Up?

Surprisingly, Scottish immigrants to the southern United States brought their tradition of deep frying chicken in fat, dating back to the middle ages, unlike their English cousins who usually roasted or boiled it. Colonists embraced it, and many of the early African slaves cooked it up, adding available seasonings, not only for themselves but introducing it into the fine dining rooms of plantation owners. Thus was born the national dish called simply, “Southern Fried Chicken.”

It soon became a traditional Sunday dinner across America’s South, complete with mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw and biscuits. Nineteenth century cookbook author Mary Randolph first recorded the recipe in her landmark classic, “The Virginia Housewife.” Seems that Mary’s brother was married to Martha Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, who grew up on it. And speaking of foodie president Thomas Jefferson, his resident chef was French-trained but a former slave at Monticello, so he most certainly cooked up a mean fried chicken dinner for Jefferson’s guests and Sunday dinners.

Fast forward a century to a small restaurant owner named Harlan Sanders (“the Colonel”) who opened his first restaurant in a gas station in the 1930s. Located in Corbin, Kentucky, it was called Sanders’ Court & Café and, although slow going for years, word of his tasty fried chicken spread, and by 1952, the Colonel began franchising his popular product, which was a hit, not only because of “11 herbs and spices” but also his faster cooking method using high pressure fryers. With his slogan of “Finger Lickin’ Good,” Kentucky Fried Chicken (or simply KFC) began popping up across the country, and the Colonel, in his trademark white suit, became an American icon.

Not to be left behind, New Orleans entrepreneur Al Copeland opened an establishment called Chicken on the Run in 1972. Its spicy, crispy chicken went over big with his hometown foodies, and four years later he changed the name to Popeye’s (after a movie hero, not the spinach-eating cartoon character) and began selling franchises. Bojangles, another popular chain, soon followed in 1977 in North Carolina. Other lesser-known but regionally popular include Texas-based Church’s, and Chicago-based Brown’s.

Still a preferred family dinner and soul food dish, many fast food restaurants jumped on the bandwagon and wisely began featuring a chicken sandwich in the 1970s and 80s for their customers who preferred something different than beef hamburgers, adding nuggets and strips with spicy and creamy dipping sauces. Now Americans could engage their passion for fried chicken in many different fast food versions:

Buffalo chicken wings

Chicken fingers (they’re not actually fingers)

Nuggets and strips

Chicken and waffles – soul food and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine

Fried chicken sandwiches

Some countries eat chicken feet, but we won’t go into that.

Wings N Things and Buffalo Wild Wings, both founded in 1982. captured an audience with what was once considered the least-desirable part of the chicken, a craze which has taken on a life of its own. Actually created in Buffalo, NY as your basic bar food or appetizer, they have caught on nationwide, consisting of an unbreaded chicken wing section that is usually deep-fried then coated in a vinegar-based hot sauce.

(Note: this author has intentionally excluded America’s favorite chicken sandwich fast food restaurant, founded in the 1940s, due to trademark restrictions, but you all know who they are–they’re closed on Sundays, hint, hint.)

Just for the record, Asians have been frying chicken for centuries (Cantonese and Korean styles) but that’s a whole other story.

No question, the best fried chicken could be debated forever and no one would agree. Some family eateries are local legends, large franchises dominate roadsides and even celebrity chefs put their personal stamp on their favorite versions. But one thing is certain: America’s love affair with fried chicken in all its forms and variations. And that is not likely to change anytime soon.

Chicago, Illinois Vacation Destinations For 2008

Sears Tower

This is a must-see for any visitor to Chicago, IL. Standing 1454 feet high, this skyscraper is indeed a wondrous sight! You can ride up this 110-story building on a 70-second elevator ride and catch breath-taking views of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin from the 103rd floor sky deck. You can learn more about the history of Chicago and the construction of the tower, right here.

Navy Pier

The Chicago navy pier is bustling with sights and sounds. There’s a fifteen-story Ferris wheel, lots of refreshments, an IMAX theater, troupe performances and so much more. There’s even a children’s museum that you’re kids will absolutely love. Kids can explore a whole lot of things from dinosaurs to sailboats at this wonderful museum. Of course, there’s the beautiful view of the lake that’s a treat to your eyes.

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum

This twelve-sided building includes two sky theaters, one of which was the first planetarium in this part of the world. The theaters allow you to take an up-close look at distant stars and planets. You will also enjoy the Star Rider Theater that features virtual reality shows using 3-D simulation technology.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Guided tours are offered through this historic building, constructed in 1889 by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. You can see Wright’s studio and its chain-hung balcony, along with a playroom designed for his children. You will marvel at the intricate design and the exquisite features of this unique home.

Wrigley Field

A trip to Chicago is incomplete without a visit to this cozy stadium – the favorite haunt of the Chicago Cubs fans. The stadium first opened in 1914 and boasts ivy-covered brick walls in the outfield and a manual scoreboard, just like in the previous era.

Field Museum of Natural History

Enter this powerhouse of knowledge and you are greeted by two massive elephants and Sue, the museum’s famous Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. Here, you will discover a world of wonders from botany, geology, paleontology and much more.

Chicago Botanic Garden

Located 25 miles from the city, this place features recreated prairies, Japanese gardens, and giant topiaries and nearly 20 varieties of gardens. The Bee Line, a glass case that features over 10,000 pollinating bees is a major attraction. The garden is a 400-acre preserve and is a great place for a picnic and a fun afternoon with the family.

Chinatown

Chinatown has a wide array of Chinese and Cantonese restaurants and offers a Far Eastern feel in the heart of Chicago. The place comes to life with colors and decorations during the Chinese New Year Celebrations. Visitors can hunt for bargains in the gift shops and book stores.

Don’t forget to taste the real flavor of Chicago – the famous Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. It tastes like nothing you have ever had before. Also, experience the magic of jazz and the blues in the city’s many live music clubs, because these are the things that make Chicago, a great vacation destination. Chicago – It’s not just a city. It’s an experience, you’ll never forget!

5 Best Asian Restaurants in Montreal – Get the Top Names!

When you visit Montreal, you will find a wide variety of Asian restaurants to select from. Whether you are in search of some amazing restaurants serving your personal favorites like Sea Bass or sushi, you will find a vast selection of Asian styled restaurants to meet your pallet.

Most Asian restaurants in Montreal are known best to serve in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, displaying a casual grace of their own. Plates are usually served with utmost care that serves to be the feast for both your pallet and eyes.

Generally, Asian cuisine styles are divided into different regions which have its roots in the cultures and people belonging to those areas and regions. The major cuisine styles involve East Asian which finds its origins in the modern Korean peninsula and Japan. Another popular cuisine style is that of the Southeast Asia that encompasses various areas, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Philippines, and Vietnam.

The South Asian regional cuisine style includes states which once made up the whole of British India, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India and Burma. There are several other countries in this continent, Middle Eastern and Central Asian.

Let’s now find out some of the top Asian restaurants in Montreal that offer varied Asian cuisine styles to serve all tastes.

Le Palais Imperial

The Imperial Palace Restaurant is not all about food; it’s about good taste and quality service. This Montreal Asian restaurant welcomes you to enjoy some delectable and alluring Thai and Szechwan cuisines always in popular demand. Visit and enjoy some of the opulent Oriental cuisines served with excellence.

Kam Fung

The La Maison Kam Fung restaurant specializes in serving you special Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. It is popular among the locals and the visitors and boasts of serving the best Dim Sum within the city.

Bato Thai

Located in Ste-Catherine East, Bato Thai is one of the most popular Asian restaurants in Montreal. It serves a range of skillfully prepared dishes to cater to the taste of different people. Come and enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, noodle and vegetable dishes, chicken satay and spring rolls.

Hong Kong

Situated in the heart of the Chinatown, Hong Kong is known to offer you a great variety of the traditional dishes like sea bass, soups, dumplings, lobster and crispy chicken. Get the best of Chinese cuisines at an affordable price. This restaurant is best for traditional Chinese dishes and great soups.

Kaizan

Located in the heart of Downtown Montreal, Kaizan is a highly admired restaurant and Sushi Bar of the city, in service to offer you great food and a modern ambiance. It features the freshest seafood and fish recipes, sashimi, lambas, maki, kobe beef, seafood soups and oysters tri afeller. Out here you can enjoy a great variety of dream desserts and a fine selection of imported sakes and wines. Enjoy some vibrant music and live jazz on the evenings (Sunday to Tuesday) while enjoying great food in this world-class restaurant.

The Catholic Church in Singapore in Retrospect

Many a time, there is a confusion between the different Christian denominations in Singapore. There are Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Evangelists, Pentecostals, Assemblies of God and many other smaller churches normally categorized under the larger Protestant section.

For the Greek and Russian Orthodox Christians, they also emphasis on the important role of Mary, the mother of a man who lived 2000 years ago in Israel named Jesus, just like the Roman Catholics. The larger section of Christians, the Protestant section consisting of various denominations reject this theological concept that Mary should have such a important role as they believe that only God in the form of Jesus should be honoured and prayed to. That is the difference between Catholic and Protestants.

After Father Anselmo Yegros, many more missionary priests like him came to Singapore. Between 1830-1832, there came a French missionary priest named Father Jean Marie Beurel from the religious order called the Mission Entranges le Paris or also known as the Paris Foreign Mission who built the first Catholic church building which was situated along Bras Basah which was later converted to a school by the name of Saint Joseph’s Institution. The church later went on to become the country’s cathedral or mother church. This church was built in 1832. Father Beural was not very happy with the church and decided to embark on a fund raising campaign to relocate the church and build a bigger one as the Catholic population at that time was slowly rising. He wrote to the British colonial government in Singapore at that time requesting for a parcel of land, which the church now stands. It was granted. He travelled all over the world collecting funds for his new church from Europe all the way to the Philippines. Bells were cast from Philippines. Finally his hard work paid off as in 1846, the church was completed. He had commissioned Denis McSwinney, who once worked for George Drumgoole Coleman as a clerk to build this new church.

George Drumgoole Coleman was a well-known architect at that time whose style in constructing building influenced not only McSwinney, but also many other architects after him. Blessed, named the Church of the Good Shepherd and opened in that year, the church had a congregation consisting of a mixed crowd mostly who were not local. That soon changed over the years as many Chinese and Indians were converted and there was soon no place to accommodate everyone. A new church had to be built to help ease the overflow of worshippers. In 1870, a new church was completed located in Queen Street, the same vicinity where the first mass was said some 45 years ago. It was now home to the fast growing number of Chinese and Indian Catholics who shifted over just across the road. Named the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, it was a solution to accommodate the growing population. Soon, it became too crowded and another church was built in 1888. This church is located in Ophir Road and was named the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. This church was built for the Indian Tamil-speaking Catholics. Soon among the Chinese Catholics, there was constant problem between the Hakka-Cantonese speaking Catholics and the Teochew speaking Catholics. The Hakka-Cantonese speaking Catholics were unhappy having to attend mass in the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul and they wanted a church catering solely to their needs. In the year 1910, the Church of the Sacred Heart was built located along Tank Road. In 1929, the church of Saint Teresa was built to serve the needs of the Hokkien speaking Catholics. The Church of Saint Teresa is located along Kampong Bahru.

So, it took the Roman Catholic Church in Singapore more than 100 years to come to where it is today. Now well established with a diocese of 31 churches, it has a population of about 300,000 mostly who worship in the neighborhood churches.

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