Savings are very important in life and fixed deposits are a safe and easy way of saving money for the future. The money saved in fixed deposit accounts earns a higher rate of interest than other kinds of accounts like savings and current account. The money that is deposited cannot be withdrawn before the term period specified.

Singapore dollar is a good currency to open fixed deposits in. The main reason behind it is that in Singapore bank deposits are insured up to 20,000 Singapore dollars. So even if the bank fails you will get back at least 20,000 Singapore dollars. This is known as Deposit Insurance Scheme and is run by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation or SDIC. This insurance only works on current, fixed deposit and savings accounts. The same insurance does not cover other investment options. FD accounts in foreign currency are also not covered by this scheme. Hence you can well understand why it is lucrative to open short term fixed deposit accounts in Singapore and high rates of interest. Your money is really safe and sound. Here are two banks where you can open them and rates offered by them. Check it out before deciding.

OCBC bank -6 month FD rate -0.25% pa, 12 months FD rate- 0.45% pa; Some branches of OCBC are:

• 360 Balestier Road, Shaw Plaza – Twin Heights Singapore 329783
• Block 204, Bedok North Street, Singapore 460204; Block 629 Ang Mo Kio Avenue, Singapore 560629 etc.

For more information check out their website.

UOB bank – 6 months FD rate is 0.25% and 12 month FD rate is 0.45% for deposits less than fifty thousand Singapore dollar. You can go to the main branch at 80 Raffles Place, UOB Plaza 1, Singapore 048624 for greater details.

However remember that rate of interest can fluctuate depending on various factors so do check out the current rate from official website of the banks mentioned.

If you are visiting Singapore, be sure to check out the Singapore Science Centre. Singapore Science Centre is the world-acclaimed Science Museum displaying an impressive over 1000 interactive science exhibits including aviation, nuclear science, robotics, astronomy, space technology, and Internet technology all depicting the wonder and beauty of science.

These exhibits are highly entertaining and interactive as you play and touch each of them. Inside the Science Centre, you see different sections displaying different themes of learning and different aspects of sciences. Eg. There is a Robotics Learning Centre , Amazing Electron area, Life Sciences, Waterworks, the Human body, Chemistry, I-space, Marine Alcove etc.. You will get to watch videos, try out hands-on experiments, watch demos, experience different elements of play which helps in learning and appreciating the different concepts.

There is also Asia’s first outdoor interactive garden of science called the Kinetic Garden where you will find 35 interactive sculptures, exhibits and displays set within a pleasant garden environment with water features like waterfalls, ponds, fountains and water misters.

Next to Singapore Science Centre is the Omni Theatre which provides awesome cinematic experience where the omnimax movie characters become larger than life at the five-storey, dome-shaped theatre.

Overall, the Singapore Science Centre is a place not be the missed if you are travelling with curious children. It would be a like a big gigantic playground to them where learning is disguised as play.

An African proverb admonishes us that: “Whenever the rhythm of the drum beats changes, you must change the dance movement accordingly.”

It is no longer privileged knowledge that Information and Communication Technology has launched the entire globe into what is now known as the e-world-meaning electronic world. Today Governments the world over are somersaulting to reinvent and re-engineer governance so as to be more effective, efficient and transparent in the provision of information, goods and services to their citizens electronically.

Fortunately Ghana has already started dancing to the tune of the technological music because government has laid the foundation for e-government by establishing the government of Ghana website popularly referred to as Ghana Portal which is being managed by the Information Services Department of the Ministry of Information in Accra. Government has also established the Ghana-India Kofi Anan IT Centre of Excellence and above all, Ghana has formulated an Information Communication Technology framework for accelerated development, being spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications.

Nevertheless, when it comes to the practicability, accessibility and usability of e-government services by citizens, Ghana still has some mountains to climb and some rivers and lagoons to wade through. It is against this backdrop that this writer deems it relevant to share the Singapore e-government experience with fellow Ghanaians. But, even before shedding some light on e-government strategies and implementations in Singapore, it may be necessary to explain what e-government is in the first place.

On Saturday July 31 this year, at the Johannesburg Airport in South Africa, this writer came across a group of Ghanaians on their way to Zimbabwe to take part in a book fair in that country. Then in a chart with one of them, where it was revealed that I was on my way from Singapore where I underwent a short training course in e-government, my interlocutor exclaimed:

‘Eeeee-Government!’ “What is that animal, too?” he virtually shouted unconsciously.

As a matter of fact, my friend confessed that, he was hearing for the first time the term e-government. Later when we parted company and he went to Zimbabwe and I was airborne to Ghana, I started debating with my inner self: “If this man, well-educated, living in the capital city of Accra, participating in an international event such as a book fair, has not yet heard of the term e-government until then, then what happens to the majority of uneducated and less fortunate brothers and sisters dwelling in deprived rural communities of the country?

Because we are living in a world of Knowledge Management (KM) and Experience Sharing, I cannot claim to be an expert in this field, but the little I know about e-government must be shared with others for the benefit of all who care to know; for the advancement of mankind and to the glory of the Divine Intelligence or the First Giver of knowledge itself.

The question is: What is E-government? The United Nations defines e-Government as “Permanent commitment by government to improve the relationship between the private citizen and the public sector through enhanced, cost-effective and efficient delivery of services, information and knowledge.” It went further to explain that there are five categories of measuring a country’s “e-gov” progress in terms of Web Presence. This includes: Emerging – Enhanced – Interactive – Transactional and Fully Integrated. All UN member states have been called upon and encouraged to embark on this e-government project and programme.

Accordingly the world body has a way of assessing the progress of each country in this regard. Significantly in the UN Report for this year on e-government globally, Singapore, a small Island City State of Land- Area of 697.1sq km with a population of 4.185 million souls is sharing the 2nd position with the mighty United States of America with Canada comfortably sitting on top of all.

How did Singapore make it to the top of e-government league table of the world? What strategies and policies were put in place; when and how did that country achieve such a technological feat over and above the super powers of this planet of economic inequalities?

Computerisation

Singapore set off on its e-government journey as far back as about 25 years ago. In 1981, Singapore embarked upon a computerization programme of the government machinery. It first established a National Computer Board and National Computerisation Plan. The Plan was to ensure a systematic growth of local IT industry; Development of IT manpower pool; Civil Service Computerisation Plan and the production of 850 IT Professionals.

National IT Plan

After the Computerisation programme, the Singapore government embarked upon what was referred to as the National IT Plan. The National IT Plan initiated what was known as the Beginnings of Computing Communications Convergence. It also constituted what was dubbed Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), which was basically aimed at bridging Government and industry. This plan took place in 1986 that is five years or so after the Computerisation Programme.

IT 2000 Blueprint for Intelligence Island

This Blueprint strategy that also started over five years after the

National IT Plan in 1992 was to effect what was called Flagship Projects on the Singapore Island. It had the objectives to create an electronic network linking all libraries in that country; secure infrastructure for e-commerce; Expert system for checking all building plans in the country and above all to establish Singapore ONE, that is, to create one network for everyone in Singapore. It was this strategy that shot Singapore up to the position of the world’s first nationwide broadband infrastructure nation in the e-world.

Infocomm 2001

The next step Singapore took, after attaining a nationwide broadband infrastructure, was to launch what was dubbed Infocomm 2001. This project was launched in year 2000 and aimed at developing Singapore into a vibrant and dynamic global information communication capital, with a thriving and prosperous e-Economy, and a pervasive and “Infocomm-savvy” e-Society and full telecom liberalisation in that country.

Connected Singapore

In 2003, Singapore government launched the final onslaughts on its e-government programme by establishing what was simply known as Connected Singapore. This strategy was to unleash the potential for the total realisation of all e-government possibilities through the Info comm project of the country.

Briefly, the preceding steps known in Singapore as the five (5) National Strategic ICT Plans give us an overview of the method Singapore adopted to become the 2nd e-Nation in the e-World today behind Canada. The Singapore government has a philosophy that: “Whatever services that can be delivered electronically must be delivered electronically” Period.

Another African proverb reminds us that, “If your tormentor who is running after you does not stop, you, too, must not stop running.” As long as Ghana remains a developing country, Ghanaians must not stop fighting to develop and progress.

In the first part of this article the definition of e-Government according to the United Nations was provided. Singapore government used the UN definition of e-Government as a guide, but simplified it for easy understanding by ordinary person in the street.

According to Singapore, e-Government is the use of technology to

enhance the access to and delivery of government services to benefit citizens and businesses. It pointed out that the beneficiaries of e- Government include the government itself, businesses and the citizens of the country concerned.

How did the Singapore Government use technology to enhance access to and delivery of government information and services to the people? E-Government Action Plan II (2003-2006) In order to achieve its stated goals the Singapore government formulated an action plan known as e-Government Action Plan II for the year 2003 to 2006.The vision of the Government was to be a leading e- Government to better serve the nation in the digital economy.

The objective of this Plan was to ensure “a Networked Government

that delivers accessible, integrated, value-added e-services to our customers; and helps bring citizens closer together”. A slogan was developed thus: e-Government- Delighting Customers, Connecting Citizens.

What are some of the services that the Singapore Government provides for its customers who are the citizens of the country? Even before we touch on some of the services provided online, shall we find out why Singapore government came to the realization that the beneficiaries of e-Government include Government, businesses and citizens?

It is important to note that within the scope of e-Government, there are several categories that fit into the broad definition of e-Government. For example, e-Government constitutes: A Government- to-Citizens (G2C); B- Government-to-Business (G2B); C- Government-to-Employees (G2E); and eventually D-Government to- Government (G2G).

G2C: Government-to-Citizens, according to experts, includes all the interactions between a government and its citizens that can take place electronically. The objective of G2C is to offer citizens faster, more responsive, more convenient and less complicated means to public services.

G2B: In the case of Government-to-Business, it refers to e-commerce in which government sells to businesses or provides them with services, as well as businesses selling products and services to government. Again the objective of G2B is to enable businesses to interact, transact and communicate with government online, with greater speed and convenience.

G2E: Government-to-Employees includes activities and services between government units and their employees. As the term implies, the objective of G2E is to develop and cultivate IT capabilities among government employees to deliver efficient and cost-effective services.

G2G: Interestingly, Government-to-Government seems to have dual significance. One, G2G is said to consist of activities between government and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the same government.

The other meaning of G2G is a situation in which Governments have to deal with their other counterpart governments of different countries. This second G2G in the opinion of experts is anchored on trust and interdependence, which allows for information sharing among governments on regional, sub-regional and international issues.

For example, the control of terrorism; the management of cross border diseases like SARS, which occurred in Asia some time ago or even HIV/AIDS. This G2G also has to do with common economic challenges as well as ethnic wars and conflicts problems facing West African States for instance. For Singapore government to achieve the enviable e-Government status through effective online services delivery to its citizens, certain strategies were again adopted:

I) E-Government Infrastructure

The government put in place a National Information Infrastructure as backbone for e-government services delivery. This strategy was christened Public Service Infrastructure (PSI) in Singapore.

Physical Infrastructure

Government itself provided Internet access points in convenient places such as public libraries, shopping malls, government offices, hospitals, subway stations and clubs and relevant public places for the citizens to use free of charge.

Technology Infrastructure

Here, the Government provided computers, servers, networks (broadband and wireless), mobile devices, smart cards as well as technology standards that are open and scalable such as Java, XML, Web services.

Authentication Infrastructure

Under this the government provided E-Government ID and Password for all its citizens. It made it easier for very citizen to know how to log online and access Government information and services.

II) E-Government Legislation &Policy

Having put in place the necessary infrastructure for the e-government services to the citizens, the next strategy the Singapore government adopted was the enactment of relevant rules and regulations and policies that govern the implementation of the programme.

Some of the major regulations were meant to safeguard privacy and information security; data protection, data privacy, computer misuse, legal recognition of electronic transactions, official control of cryptography, security audits and well as standards and certification of security practices. Singapore’s legislation and code of practice include Computer Misuse Act; Electronic Transaction Act, which was enacted in 1998, tried to define the rights and obligations of transaction parties, and also provided legal status on the use of electronic records and signature. The Government also provided data Protection Code.

III) E-Government Services

After putting in place ICT infrastructure and legislation and policy the government then developed a website called E-Citizen Portal. This website was to enable citizens to ask questions and receive answers. Specific electronic services deliveries are provided on this site.

Some of the services on this website include payment of taxes and fines; Issuance and renewal of driver’s licenses; Helping citizens find employment; National campaigns and awareness creation on social services such health and education; Introduction of Internet and IT training courses; e-learning and smart card in schools. So computer literacy started right from the primary school in Singapore etc.

In the poor and rural communities, the government provided free computers and Internet access points and posted officers who know how to operate the equipment to assist the illiterates to benefit from the online services.

In fact, in Singapore today some services like the issuing of Passports and Birth Certificates, you have to sit in the comfort of your home and fill the necessary forms and e-mail them to the appropriate authorities. Government will reward you for obtaining the services on line. Interestingly if you go personally to those offices for the services, you will pay penalty for going there personally. And after paying the penalty you will be directed to go and use a computer in a corner

there in the office still to apply for the documents you wanted.

In the case of Businesses, E-Tender was introduced in that any company that wanted to bid for government contracts can only do that through the Internet. Corporate taxes could only be filed electronically. Annual Reports and periodic business reports are all presented online. As in the case of E-Citizens Portal, there is also one-stop Portal for all government procurement opportunities with

over 8,000 trading partners. It is on this Portal that all corporate bodies do business with the government in Singapore. This is known as integrated e- Services.

This is the level of E-Government Services in Singapore. Is it any wonder that they are the 2nd e-nation after Canada in the e-world? Ghana, too, can do the same no matter how long it takes. What is important is for the Ghanaian IT experts to give the correct technological advice to the government of Ghana.

Singapore maid problems – you probably have them when you employ a maid in Singapore via a Singapore maid services agency.

As a side-note, please note that Singapore maids are also known as Singapore domestic helpers, au pair, foreign domestic workers, caregivers, “ah-mahs”, or nannies. Some even take them as Singapore babysitters! The more experienced maids are generally known as Singapore transfer maids.

Herein lies the paradox in Singapore maid employment: you are frustrated when you don’t have a maid, and you are just as frustrated when you have a maid.

Many Singapore maid problems stem from miscommunication or misunderstanding. This is especially so if your Singapore domestic helper is weak in English (more so for Indonesian maids than Filipino maids) or has difficulty in understanding what you want her to do. This can happen for both new or Singapore transfer maids.

Maid problems may also stem from a character flaw in the maid or an attitude problem with the girl. This is despite your efforts in screening the Singapore maid or having a professional Singapore maid services agency shortlist the girl.

In Singapore maid employment, the maid may also have a change of heart about working with you, for whatever reasons. However, she doesn’t know what to say to you, and as such, she goes on to “spoil the show”, so to speak, so that you will fire her. In that case, you are the one who doesn’t want her, and not the other way round.

Singapore maid problems can also arise from the Singapore maid getting sick or worse, getting pregnant. Some of them may even run away for whatever reasons. The list can go on and on.

So, how can you deal with these problems? Quite frankly, I don’t have the perfect solution. However, here are a few points for your consideration. They are philosophical, and it is okay if you don’t agree with them.

Let’s start off with a simple understanding about life and draw a parallel with Singapore maid employment.

In an office environment, there are employees who are good in their work, and there are those who aren’t. There are yet others who always knock off on time, or simply cannot follow instructions. To make matters worse, there are back stabbing and office politics.

Sometimes, despite the headhunters’ best effort and your thorough interviews and cross checking, the best candidate for vice president just doesn’t work out.

To take it even further, sometimes, the children quarrel or the spouse may have an affair somewhere. And finally, no matter what happens, we will all die one day…

Face it – life is like that. Things happen. Events happen. Singapore maid problems happen. It doesn’t just happen to you, it happens to many others as well. As long as you are alive, you sometimes have problems! Only the dead has no problem!

Does this understanding help with your Singapore maid problems? I hope it does. If you put your Singapore domestic helper problem in the right perspective vis-à-vis the other events in your life, it really is not a problem. But, if you make your Singapore maid problem the focal point of your life, then you have a problem.

Generally, one would become frustrated when a Singapore maid problem arises. This is especially the case if the maid cannot understand what you want her to do or if she is unable to follow your instructions.

Now, when that happens, watch your frustration or anger. See how you are feeling angry or frustrated, and have that under control. Bear in mind that in Singapore, the maids are protected from both physical and psychological abuse. So, don’t let your anger get you into trouble.

Let me share with you my simple problem solving methods. It works for all problems and there are only 3 simple solutions. One, solve the problem. Two, allow the problem to be. And three, get out of the problem.

Let me illustrate my point. Let’s say that your Singapore maid is unable to understand your instructions. One, solve the problem: teach her English, send her for a course, get her a dictionary, etc. Two, allow the problem to be: just live with it. Three, get out of the problem: change the Singapore maid.

So, there really is nothing to be angry or frustrated about. You either solve the problem, allow the problem to be, or get out of the problem.

Here’s a secret from a Zen master: “I don’t mind what happens.” The key word here is “mind”. The more you think about the Singapore domestic helper not doing her job, the angrier you become. The angrier you become, the more you want to unleash your anger on someone. At this stage, you may really do something wrong… so watch your emotion, and be in control. And stop thinking about being angry. Take a few deep breaths, and be still… and calm like the silent lake…

In addition, don’t go screaming at the Singapore maid agency or your Singapore maid or Singapore au pair, or even your children. If you do that, you may just sour your relationship with them, and this is the last thing you want. If you must, part ways amicably so that there are no hard feelings. Life is too short for harboring any ill feelings, don’t you think so?

Singapore maid problems? No problem – if you don’t “mind” what happens…

Among the countries in Asia, Singapore is the top tourist destination. Singapore is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. There are many exciting tourist attractions in the city. Some of these are the Jurong Bird Park, Marina Bay Sands, Zoological Garden, Night Safari, Casino, Singapore Flyer and Sentosa Island. The wide range of ethnic food is perhaps another reason for attracting millions of tourists each year to Singapore.

There are hundreds of hotels in Singapore ranging from luxurious 5-Star hotels to budget hotels. For those who prefer to save on hotel expenses, staying at budget or low-cost hotels is not a bad idea.

If you are looking for cheap hotels in Singapore for your trip, you might want to take note of the following 3 hotels.

Albert Court Village Hotel

This hotel is located in the centre of Singapore and close to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho. The hotel has 210 guest rooms and all the rooms are accessible via the exterior corridors. In the rooms, you can find coffee makes, telephones, mini-bars, newspapers and televisions. If you need infant beds and roll-away beds, they can be arranged as well.

Harbour Ville Hotel

This hotel is located close to the Vivo City which is a very huge shopping mall. If you want to visit the Sentosa Isalnd, you can take the express bus service from Vivo City. The hotel has 100 guest rooms which are well-furnished and equipped with stand facilities like bathrooms, toiletries, televisions with cable channels, coffee makers and curtains. Hair dryers and wake-up calls are available on request.

Landmark Village Hotel

This 3-Star hotel is located close to the Sultan Mosque and Bugis Street Shopping District which is perfect if you like shopping. The hotel has 18 floors and 393 guest rooms. All the rooms are fully equipped with standard facilities. There is a restaurant and a bar at the hotel if you prefer to dine in. Room service is also available during limited hours.

Choosing the right hotel for the right budget is always not easy. If you have plans to visit Singapore but have no idea which hotel to reserve for your trip, you might want to do some research online. There are many websites that provide useful information to help you select the best hotel. Most of the time, the hotel rates are lower if you make your reservations over the internet.

In 2003, our Family Court granted a divorce to a husband on the ground that his marriage had broken down because his wife had acted unreasonably by refusing to have sex with him.

 

In 2005, three wives aired their separate tales of their husband’s infidelity in letters to the Straits Times in Singapore. All three wondered in print whether they had neglected their husbands in bed and whether their neglect led their husbands to stray. They were quickly answered by feminists who decried the idea that women should be blamed for men’s infidelity.

Three years ago, a husband in India set his wife on fire because his wife refused to have sex with him. The newspaper hinted that the husband’s mother approved of the punishment.

This year, Afghanistan made it to our headlines for imposing a law (Article 132) that gave husbands the right to sex every fourth night and allowed husbands to starve their less sexually co-operative wives.

And just two months ago, Singaporeans are grappling with the question whether the law should punish rape between husband and wives. No one seems to ask this question : why did wives marry their husbands if they were not willing sex partners in the first place?

There seems to be a crisis looming in the matrimonial bedroom. Why are wives everywhere turning away from sex? The science did not seem very difficult to understand :

(a) A 2002 British Broadcasting Corporation report showed that UK scientists concluded that some women had no Skene glands and low levels of a protein called PDE5 and concluded that such women were incapable of achieving orgasm;

(b) A 2005 Straits Times report showed that KK Hopsital survey found that one in four women experienced pain during sex;

(c) A 2005 professor from the London St Thomas Hospital surveyed 4,000 odd twins and concluded that more than 20% of women were born without the ability to experience orgasm; and

(d) In 2009, the Straits Times reported that scientists have identified a chemical (oxytoxin) that promoted female bonding (eg.during female gossip), and another (vasopressin) that promoted male attachment to his female partner during orgasm.

It’s in the genes. Some women don’t get it!

No wonder that there are cheeky anecdotal reports every now and then that women preferred shopping (or chocolate ) to sex. Or preferred to watch Sex and the City late at night rather than to cosy up with the real McCoy. And we are not talking about a one to one exchange for one night of sex. The Straits Times reported in 2007 that a New York survey found that most women would give up 15 months of sex for a new wardrobe of clothes! We did not need a University researcher to tell us that many women did not enjoy sex all that much. The London University report merely gave us a number to pin on the anecdotes – that number is mind boggling : one in five women! That’s right, one in five women in your work place, or on your dinner table… just don’t get it.

Given that monogamy laws apply in the UK and US, that meant that one in five men were married to women who were incapable of achieving orgasm. The quintessential bedroom joke is the wife who mumbles apologetically, “Honey, I’m having a headache.” Yes! A headache for wives to think up excuses to avoid conjugal relations. A headache for their husbands to run the heart wrenching gamut from : “Am I not doing it right?” to “Is she seeing someone else?” to “Maybe I should be meeting more women”.

In centuries past, religion persuaded housewives to submit to their husband’s desires. But such persuasions do not cut it anymore for modern women corporate raiders. Women now want fulfillment. And yes – that new wardrobe. Sex with husbands rank very low down on their list of priorities. Women are not keeping their side of the religious bargain anymore. Can monogamy laws still survive in the face of such changes in women’s values.

The Women’s Charter was enacted in 1961 to protect women. It recognized the importance of sex within a marriage by rendering voidable a marriage that was not consummated by sex. Yet it imposed no duty on spouses to have sex with each other. It appeared that a spouse needed only to have sex once for the monogamy provision to kick in. Thereafter, if the wife refused to have sex with her husband, she might be acting unreasonably. But consequent upon her refusal, if the husband had sex with another woman, he would be committing adultery! The Marital Bed had morphed into Monastic Prison.

In the last decade or so, there are only two reported cases where the Singapore Court granted divorce on the ground that the wife was unreasonable in refusing to have sex with her husband. In contrast, there are countless divorces granted to wives on the ground that the husband committed adultery. Yet, if the scientists are right, if one out of four to five women were incapable of orgasm, many of those adulterous husbands must have had wives who declined to have sex. Should the law make it so easy for wives who failed to keep their side of the marriage bargain to divorce their husbands? The law recognizes constructive desertion (to wives who deserted their husbands because they have been driven out by their husbands). Husbands cannot rely on desertion to file for divorce if the husband is guilty of constructive desertion. Similarly, the law should recognize constructive adultery (to husbands driven to adultery by wives who refused them sex). And wives should not be allowed to rely on adultery to file for divorce if the wives are guilty of constructive adultery.

The Women’s Charter was affirmative action from a past century when women were largely uneducated and economically dependent upon their husbands. Fast forward half a century and today’s women are well educated (there are more women undergraduates than men) and financially independent (making slow and steady progress on the corporate ladder and government leadership positions). By clinging on to this legislation, the Women’s Charter is facilitating the break up of marriages. According to the Department of Statistics, approx. 65% of divorce were initiated by women. It goes against the grain of Singapore’s pro-family policies for the Women’s Charter to facilitate such easy divorces.

What Singapore needs is a Family Charter: one that sets out the duties of not just husbands, but the duties of wives, one that balances the interests of both husbands and wives, one that persuades more women that the feminists were wrong : women can be blamed for failing to keep their side of the marriage bargain.

Essential Tips – Singapore Travel

Singapore is considered one of the best places to explore in Asia. It is safe, clean and undoubtedly, beautiful. If you intend to see and experience the beauty of this country, you may find these essential tips worth considering:

1. Plan in advance. When do you intend to go? What places do you wish to visit? Where do you want to stay? How much do you have to spend for your travel? How long do you want to stay?

These are some of the questions you would need to take into consideration, which would help you make an itinerary for your travel. Planning ahead of time can save you a lot through promotions and discounts offered by airlines and travel sites. It can also maximize your entire trip by choosing in advance which places you want to visit and incorporating these places in your itinerary.

2. Check major travel sites and budget airlines for promotions, discounts and coupons ahead of time. Travel sites such as CheapOair and OneTravel show comparative airfares from major airlines and offer promotions and discounts for your travel every now and then. Budget airlines such as Tiger Airways, Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express also offer flight discounts to Singapore several times a year. For your hotel, Hotels Combined, Hostel World and Rakuten Travel offer deals, discounts and a choice from a wide range of hotels/hostels in Singapore to enable you to choose and book in advance.

3. Take note of essential details.

A. Flights: In general, check-in counters open two to three hours prior to your scheduled flight and close 45 minutes before your scheduled time of departure. Visit the official website of your airline to know more information about check-in details and other requirements. Don’t forget to bring your passport, your valid ID and a printed itinerary or boarding pass, if you have checked-in online.

B. Hotel: Get the address of the hotel where you will be staying. A hotel near MRT/LRT station is preferable if you intend to explore Singapore using this transport system. Search for more information about location, features and room accommodation. Some hotels offer internet access in rooms and/or breakfast for free while others can provide the same for a fee. Check review sites as well to get feedback from customers who have been in the same hotel.

4. Take with you a copy of Singapore’s MRT andLRT system map. Although Singapore is a Southeast-Asian city-state covering around 710 square kilometers (274 square miles) in land area, you can actually travel from one end of the city to the other in a matter of hours through their excellent public transport system. This map is really essential if you are not familiar with the place and if you intend to explore the country using their public transport system (MRT, LRT, public bus). This will not only help you in planning your travel, but will help you save a lot of time exploring Singapore. Taxis are also available in Singapore, but this will cost you more compared with MRT, LRT and buses. Besides, taking the trains and buses in Singapore is considered safe, fast and inexpensive.

You can view this system map on lta.gov.sg website.

5. Take advantage of the promotions offered online by several attractions in Singapore and travel sites. Attractions like Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Bird Park and even some travel sites offer special deals or discounts online so it is best to check their websites prior to travelling. Go Singapore Pass, Singapore City Tours, Singapore City Pass are some of the travel sites that offer deals and promotions on major attractions in Singapore.

6. If you intend to explore Singapore by MRT, LRT and/or public bus, purchase an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass. You will find this very handy in exploring the beauty of this country.

The ez-link card is a contactless card, so you simply need to tap to make your payment to the following Acceptance Points:

Public Transport

SBS Transit Buses and Trains

SMRT Buses and

Taxis and Private Transport

Food and Beverage

Shopping & Retail

Leisure & Entertainment

Government Services

Educational Institutes

Community Centres

Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and Electronic Parking System (EPS)

Used only in the new Dual-Mode In-vehicle Unit (IU) for ERP and EPS payments

Others/ Self Services

For a complete list of acceptance points, please check the official website of EZ Link (you will find the link below).

Where to purchase:

You can purchase ez-link cards at 42 TransitLink Ticket Offices and 6 Concession Card Replacement Offices located at MRT stations and bus interchanges, at Passenger Service Centres within most MRT Stations and at 7-Eleven stores, including those located at Shell petrol kiosks.

Validity: An ez-link card is valid for use for 5 years from the date that it is encoded for use by EZL and thereafter the ez-link card shall expire. EZL may in its discretion and from time to time extend the Validity Period for any or all types of ez-link cards.

Cost: An ez-link card sold at TransitLink Ticket Offices, Concession Card Replacement Offices and Passenger Service Centres costs $12, out of which $7 is stored value for use. Cards sold at 7-Eleven cost $10, out of which $5 is stored value for use. The remaining $5 is the cost of the card and it is non-refundable.

For more info on EZ-Link Cards, please check ezlink.com website.

The Singapore Tourist Pass is the only pass that offers tourists unlimited rides on Singapore’s public transport system which includes the MRT, LRT and basic bus services. This excludes Express, Fast Forward, Night Rider, Night Owl, Chinatown Direct and other premium and niche bus services. The Pass also comes bundled with exclusive merchant offerings especially packaged for tourist who purchase the Pass.

The Pass is a product of EZ-Link Pte Ltd and is developed with the support of the Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The Pass is also issued with the Public Transport Guide which has information on how to get around Singapore using public transport.

Besides enjoying unlimited rides on MRT and LRT trains and basic bus services, you may use the pass to redeem the offers at selected merchants as well. You can review some of the current Merchant Offers at the “Merchant Offerings” section of thesingaporetouristpass.com website. All you need to do is flash your pass and submit the relevant coupons in the Welcome Pack to redeem your privileges.

Where to Purchase:

The Singapore Tourist Pass can be purchased at Transitlink ticket offices from the following SMRT stations:

Changi Airport* 12:00 pm – 03:45 pm & 04:45 pm – 07:30 pm Daily

Orchard 10:00 am – 09:00 pm Daily

Chinatown* 12:00 pm – 03:45 pm & 04:45 pm – 07:30 pm pm Daily

City Hall 09:00 am – 09:00pm &Daily

Raffles Place 08:00 am – 09:00 pm on Weekdays 08:00 am – 05:00 pm on Saturdays.

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Ang Mo Kio 08:00 am – 09:00 pm Daily

HarbourFront* 10:00 am – 09:00 pm Daily

Bugis 10:00 am – 09:00 pm Daily

*Please note that there is a 1-hour break between 03:45 pm to 04:45 pm for these locations.

You may also visit The Singapore Tourist Pass website for more information or click here http://www.thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg/get-singapore-tourist-pass/

The travel pass can be activated within one (1) year from the date of purchase.

Validity: the validity of the pass is pegged to the operational hours of MRT and LRT trains and basic bus services, and not upon the 24hr clock of a normal calendar day. For example, if a tourist purchases a 1-Day pass at 1700 (5pm), the pass is good for use till the end of that operational day for basic bus and train services, which is typically about 0030 (12.30am) or the early hours of the next calendar day.

Cost: The Singapore Tourist Pass is available in 3 options – 1-Day, 2-Day or 3-Day pass.

Singapore Tourist Pass Price

Local Overseas

1 Day Pass $10

2 Day Pass $16

3 Day Pass $20

Passes bought or issued in Singapore at authorized sales counters come with a rental deposit of S$10 which is refundable, so long as the card is returned within 5 days of issuance.

The Best of Singapore Tourism is an article that or a conversation that cannot be said in just a few words. Sit back, relax and have a cup of something sweet and steaming by your side, because it is quite a story to tell. You will be amazed at the tales, the legends and the possibilities that are possible from this small island nation on the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. Are you ready? OK look up!

The Singapore weather is unlike no other. Sitting close to the equator and in full flavor of the Sun, Singapore is an sunny island with sunshine and doses of Vitamin D freely available to those wanting to bask in it. Originally and island, Singapore has not lost its roots and the weather is testament to its ideal location. Sunscreen, sun tan lotion and swim wear should be the standard uniform of this island nation if his knotty thing called work doesn’t always get in the way.

Must visits are places like the Singapore flyer, the largest Ferris world known to mankind at this moment in time – we’ve heard of other country’s plans, but we will only believe it when we see it. Larger than the London Eye and with a view of the city skyline that would just take your breath away – it is an experience in itself to be slowly lifted to the landscape of those who fly, where the clouds are within easy reach and the birds are your friends – for as long as the trip lasts of course. We also have the vertical bungee’s located within areas of Clarke quay, where you can launch yourself to heavens or swing yourself sideways silly with a Viking ship like contraption. And when you get that high in the air, get the chance to look down and view the beautiful clubbing and pubbing phenomenon that is Clark Quay or look at the postcard perfect view of the Singapore River.

Tourism is also not complete without a journey through Singapore’s food paradise and if your taste buds are not singed, then you haven’t really experienced the culinary delights of our local fares at all. Hainanese cooking, spicy Indian food, delectable and flavorful preparations from the Chinese side of things. Take a walk on the wild side of things and try our more spicy preparations and if you are lucky, then you might have visited Singapore just in time for the food festival – which showcases the old, the new and te exciting dishes from the many local chefs in Singapore.

Singapore also has its fair of the normal dundurees of tourism, with a bird park in two locations, a fascinating zoo,a night safari which pits you close to wildlife who are are most comfortable in nocturnal surroundings. Add to that a potpourri of shopping, kids activities and an arts and cultural scene that is comparable to larger countries surrounding us; there is no limit to the fun you can have and soon you will be telling your own tales of adventures from the lion city.

As I write this article, the SIBOR rates in Singapore are at an all time low. This means that many Singaporeans especially the young middle class are buying expensive properties because the current low mortgage rates allow them to afford a huge loan amount. But property experts warn you to not get carried away by this positive trend. The Singapore market cannot remain insulated from what is happening around the world. If current trends are an indication of the things to come, the world is headed for another recession (or probably a depression), and Singapore is sure to become an unwilling participant. The government too has warned that unemployment rates are likely to increase in 2012. Property buyers, especially first time buyers ought to understand the risk factors before committing themselves to a loan that is more than likely to drag for 20 to 30 years. Here are a few things to understand when considering Singapore home loan rates:

– Banks are not charitable organizations and are here to make money. Do not go hunting for a loan package that is the best in the market; instead choose one that is best suited for you. Factors such as your personal risk tolerance, market impact, and other personal circumstances should be analyzed before buying a property. There are hundreds of packages out there in the market, and each of these is designed to suit the profile of the targeted segment.

– SIBOR refers to the Singapore Interbank Offered Rate and is the local equivalent of LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). It is determined by the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS). In Singapore, a fluctuation in SIBOR rates stirs a lot of interest in the market, because a lot of mortgage lenders use SIBOR rates as the benchmark for their loan portfolios. Contrary to popular opinion SIBOR rates fluctuate as well, albeit with much less volatility. And if you have chosen a loan with a minimum lock-in period, you run the risk of being caught adverse SIBOR trend, unless you are willing to pay the redemption penalty.

– SOR or Swap Offered Rate is also fixed by the Association of Banks in Singapore and depends on complex forex rate calculations. Although SOR rates are traditionally known to be volatile, recent trends have indicated that they are less than SIBOR. Loans based on the SOR benchmark are ideal if you can afford risks.

– Both SIBOR and SOR are benchmarks that depend on market factors. A change in the market trend is sure to affect these rates, and you cannot be immune to these changes. Fixed interest rates are ideal if you are averse to risk. Thus, you will be paying a fixed price even when the SIBOR and SOR rates fluctuate. But most housing loan packages offer a fixed rate only for a certain time, after which the interest rates are benchmarked at SIBOR or SOR rates.

Before you choose a home loan package, make sure that you understand the basics of the interest rate structure, and other details. You alone know your situation; hence decide for yourself the structure that is best applicable for you.