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http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/...312-407879.html By Adrian Lim My Paper Tuesday, Mar 12, 2013 SINGAPORE - Plans to enhance the fighting capabilities of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and tighten training safety were spelt out by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in the Budget debate yesterday. Here are some key highlights. New defence machines Mindef is in the "final stages" of evaluating the still-in-development F-35 jet to "modernise" the Republic of Singapore Air Force's fighter fleet, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen. SAF invests to ensure future credibility, says Dr Ng He said the jet has "the potential to be the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft for decades to come". Mindef is also looking to replace its ageing Challenger-class submarines, which were built in the 1960s. Keeping NS strong A Committee to Strengthen National Service will be convened and chaired by Dr Ng. It has one working group to look into maximising the abilities of national servicemen (NSmen) for the SAF and how they can fulfil their duties, while another working group will look into the recognition of NSmen and benefits for them. Citing Finland - whose NSmen indicate how they want to serve, such as choosing vocations and opting to become officers - Dr Ng said Mindef should study how it can provide "more springboards" for NSmen here to maximise their potential and talents. Full-time safety officers The first batch of full-time safety officers has been trained and deployed to army units. The officers will report directly to unit commanders and ensure better compliance with training-safety regulations. New safety directorate A Safety and Systems Review Directorate will be set up and will report directly to the Permanent Secretary of Defence and the Chief of Defence Force. Its first external review panel will focus on training safety, and will include experts and professionals from outside the SAF. Deployment of family doctors To better manage more complex medical conditions, family doctors will be stationed in selected SAF medical centres. They will provide clinical mentorship to younger full-time NS doctors. Medical centres with a high trainee and patient load will be considered for this scheme.

A LAW student wrestled with and stomped on an ibis so severely that it had to be put down after the bird stalked him for his sandwich at South Bank Parklands. Andrew Quay Wee Meng, 25, of West End, pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty when he faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court today. Police said Quay Wee Meng had been eating a sandwich in the South Bank Parklands when an ibis flew up to his table. Witnesses said he stomped on the ibis repeatedly, shattering its left wing. After the attack, the bird had difficulty breathing and later had to be euthanased, the court was told. The 25-year-old told police he felt guilty but was scared of the animal. Defence lawyer Sue Ganasan stressed that her client had been in fear, and had previously been attacked by crows. She said the ibis had shocked Quay Wee Meng after approaching him from behind. Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar. .End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar. "He admits that his reaction was excessive," she said. Ms Ganasan said her client also waited for police in the park and was willing to pay the vet bills incurred by the bird. She said the 25-year-old finished his law degree at the end of this year, and had already had job offers within Australia. At the end of that time, she said Singapore-born Quay Wee Meng would have to apply for a bridging visa and then a working visa to start a career here. Magistrate John Costello told Quay Wee Meng his apparent rage had left onlookers appalled. He ordered him to complete 120 hours' community service within nine months, and recommended that he perform those hours with the RSPCA. Mr Costello declined to record a conviction, taking into account the 25-year-old had no criminal history, and the effect that a conviction would have on him. Outside court, Quay Wee Meng said he had been "terrified" by the bird. "Words can't describe how remorseful I am as to what happened to the bird in the end," he said. "It has happened before with other species of birds and I was trying to defend myself." A pet owner himself, Quay Wee Meng said he just wanted to get the bird away from him and didn't mean to kill it. "I am more remorseful that an animal has passed away." http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensl...f-1226022702251

The increasing presence of foreigners in Singapore has long been difficult to ignore. There are now 1.3 million foreigners living and working in Singapore, making up one-third of its population of 5.1 million, according to Singapore's Department of Statistics. The Ministry of Manpower said last month that out of 116,000 jobs created last year, more than half were taken up by foreigners. It is no wonder the foreign talent issue has become a hotly-debated topic for this year's General Election. But what do foreigners themselves have to say about being at the brunt of many Singaporeans' frustrations? And are they concerned at all about how GE results might affect them? Yahoo! Singapore hits the streets to find out

Volkswagen is interested in formula one but has no intention of launching a Mercedes-like works team. That is the latest message given by Hans-Joachim Stuck, a former grand prix driver and now the motor sport representative of the German carmaker giant. "It is clear that we are looking at formula one," he is quoted as saying by Sport Bild magazine. "We are waiting for the FIA's decision in respect of the use of a world engine for formula one. If there is (a world engine) we will discuss whether to build it for formula one," added Stuck. He clarified that VW would only be an engine supplier and not have "our own team like Mercedes". The 'world engine' concept - with possible deployment across various motor racing categories - has been touted by the FIA. But regarding a new engine formula for 2013, the current discussions in F1 are about the likelihood of a 1.5 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder and a powerful KERS. It is believed that the world engine concept is not popular among F1's existing manufacturers. While pushing for smaller engines for 2013, the FIA is also keen to improve the fuel efficiency of the current 2.4 litre V8 designs. Ferrari's former engine boss Gilles Simon, now working with the FIA, said in the latest edition of In Motion magazine that F1 should "push forward with fuel efficiency". "If, as an engine engineer, I am given a maximum fuel load, I will try to give the driver the maximum horsepower possible, building the most efficient engine I can," he said. Simon added that the FIA wants "to try to adapt the rules we have in the run-up to the new engine formula". Source: GMM

please please please...GIC..please don't chut stunt..

Read today New Paper and was surprised that Spain forward, David Villa is eyeing to come to Liverpool this summer to be with Torres...... But he won't come cheap and Valencia is asking for 30 million Pound..... His first choice is to go to Asernal but since Fabercas haven't confirm staying at Asernal, he choose Liverpool. If Villa did comes to Liverpool, then the strike force of Liverpool is greatly improve to fight for the League Champion. Ole..... to Liverpool Fans

Heard TC offering 230jm for only $84 leh Anyone getting? Can email this contact if anyone wants to get 1 or new nissan. Gd luck [email protected]