Singapore firm launches touchscreen tablet computer

I was complating buying an netbook but seem that i have to wait for following and also any device that support Google new OS

 http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_410527.html July 31, 2009 World's first tablet PC Singapore firm launches touchscreen tablet computer By Tan Weizhen Fusion Garage founder Chandraseka Rathakrishnan (centre) and his team appear to be on track to launch their Crunchpad touchscreen tablet by November, hopefully ahead of Apple's rumoured tablet which reportedly will be available by the end of the year. -- ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW A SINGAPORE company is racing to be the first in the world to bring an almost mythical creature - the touchscreen tablet computer - to the market. Nuts and bolts # Dimensions: 12.77 by 7.83 inches, and 0.74 inch thick. ... more The start-up, Fusion Garage, has teamed up with famed American technology blog Techcrunch and aims to get its machine out by November, in time for the Christmas buying rush. The company gave The Straits Times a sneak preview last week. The fully working model, called a Crunchpad, has a 12-inch screen and weighs 1.2kg. It allows users to watch YouTube videos, listen to music and edit documents, among other things. Its operating system, or OS, was also developed in-house. The device will not have storage space - which some analysts have pegged as a big drawback - and will instead run programs hosted on servers: so-called cloud computing. This means that editing a document, for instance, requires users to access the relevant software via the Internet. Once a document is completed, it will be saved via the Internet too. The race to launch the touchscreen tablet has captivated computer geeks worldwide, with a large amount of speculation, and anticipation, centred on Apple. Rumours of a 10-inch Apple tablet device in the vein of the iPhone and iPod Touch have abounded over the last few months. Early this week, the Financial Times reported that Apple's device will be available by the end of the year. Fusion Garage's Singaporean founder, Mr Chandrasekar Rathakrishnan, 29, said he is not worried about the possibility of going up against Apple. 'It's two different market segments. The Apple tablet will likely be applications-driven. Ours will be Web-driven.' If anything, he said, the American technology giant will help the Crunchpad by raising awareness of such products. Analysts see a touchscreen tablet as a forerunner of the Next Big Thing in computing - touchscreen PCs and laptops. Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times. tanwz@sph.com.sg

asian investment 2009

Just want to note down I have go following event with Chaw Hin

http://www.asiainvestment.com.sg/whatis_aice.htm

The Asian Investment Conference and Exhibition 2009 (AICE 2009), organised by SIAS and supported by SGX and the Singapore Tourism Board, will be held at Suntec Convention Centre over this coming weekend.

AICE 2009 will see a number of public listed companies and financial sector companies present for investors to know more about them. There will also be more than 50 talks on various investment topics.

Date and time:

18 July 09: 12pm – 9pm
19 July 09: 10am – 7pm

Venue:

Suntec Convention Centre,
Level 6, Hall 601 (1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City Singapore 039593)

SAF special operations group participates in Exercise Northstar VII

SAF special operations group participates in Exercise Northstar VII

http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2009/July/15jul09_news.html

Posted: 15 Jul 2009, 2000 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)

Report by Ong Hong Tat

Photos by PIONEER Photographers

SOTF troopers landing on the roof of Rasa Sentosa Hotel to storm the hostage sites during the finale of Northstar VII. SOTF troopers mounting an assault on the terrorists, using multiple points of entry to maintain the element of surprise. To test Singapore's readiness to deal with concurrent terrorist attacks, 15 agencies including the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) came together in a homeland security exercise codenamed Northstar VII. Organised by the SPF, this year's exercise saw elements from the recently formed SAF Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) storming the final incident site at Rasa Sentosa Hotel on 15 Jul. "While we have done a lot to ensure Singapore's peace and security, we cannot afford to be complacent. Terrorists' tactics and mode of operations constantly evolve and we must stay vigilant," said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was present to view the proceedings. Mirroring the concurrent attacks seen during the Mumbai attacks last year, Northstar VII saw a 15-man terrorist group land in Singapore via various land and sea routes. Splitting into groups of two to three men each, they proceeded to their targets such as hotels and shopping malls, to execute a series of coordinated attacks. After a series of bloody rampages at different locations , the remaining three terrorists barricaded themselves in two separate areas of the hotel together with some hostages. While the SPF and the SCDF had contained the situation thus far in stellar fashion, further negotiations with the terrorists stood at a stalemate. Upon hearing gunshots from the hostage sites, the SOTF was promptly activated to deal with the terrorists. Within minutes, SOTF troopers arrived on the scene, rappelling down from he Republic of Singapore Air Force's Super Puma helicopters. In a swift and decisive show of force, SOTF troopers stormed the two areas and subdued the terrorists. To ensure the coast was completely clear after the terrorists had been eliminated, SAF units from the Chemical Biological and Explosive Defence Group (CBRE DG) moved in to neutralise any remaining improvised devices left behind by the terrorists. Other SAF troops from the various formations also worked with their SPF counterparts to enforce an outer cordon around the hotel. Keeping the public away from danger, the cordon provided a secured area where complex operations can take place.

"The SAF stands ready 24/7 to meet a range of threats to Singapore," said Colonel Benedict Lim, Assistant Chief of General Staff (Operations). The successful collaboration among the multiple agencies showcased during the exercise is a result of many years of working together, said Mr Lee. "We are very grateful to the Home Team and the SAF for keeping us safe," he added. Also present to view the climatic finale of the exercise at Rasa Sentosa Hotel were Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Professor S Jayakumar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Wong Kan Seng and other Members of Parliament.

The terrorists returning fire as SPF personnel arrive, before barricading themselves in with hostages.		PM Lee (wearing cap) watching the proceedings while being briefed by Colonel Lam Shiu Tong, Commander SOTF.

Related Content

15 Jul 09 - Photo Gallery: SAF special operations group participates in Exercise Northstar VII
15 Jul 09 - News Video: Stemming the Tide of Terror
15 Jul 09 - Stemming the Tide Of Terror [YouTube]

a summary site for leadership theory

http://www.itstime.com/mar2003.htm

Google to launch PC operating system in second half 2010

Copy from http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20090708/tbs-google-7318940.html

* Google to launch PC operating system in second half 2010

* Move takes direct aim at Microsoft Windows

* New OS to power PCs ranging from netbooks to desktops

By Alexei Oreskovic

SUN VALLEY, Idaho, July 8 - Google Inc is declaring war on Microsoft Corp by seeking to unseat the software giant's globally dominant Windows operating system for personal computers.

Google, which already offers a suite of e-mail, Web and other software products that compete with Microsoft, said on Tuesday it would launch a new operating system for computers ranging from ultra-compact netbooks to full-size desktop PCs.

Called the Google Chrome Operating System, the new software will be in netbooks for consumers in the second half of 2010, Google said in a blog post, adding that it was working with multiple manufacturers.

"It's been part of their culture to go after and remove Microsoft as a major holder of technology, and this is part of their strategy to do it," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at Enderle Group. "This could be very disruptive. If they can execute, Microsoft is vulnerable to an attack like this, and they know it," he said.

Google and Microsoft have often locked horns over the years in a variety of markets, from Internet search to mobile software. It remains to be seen if Google can take market share away from Microsoft on its home turf, with Windows currently installed in more than 90 percent of the world's PCs.

Key to success will be whether Google can lock in partnerships with PC makers, such as Hewlett-Packard Co and Dell Inc , which currently offer Windows on most of their product lines.

Google's Chrome Internet browser, launched in late 2008, remains a distant fourth in the Web browser market, with a 1.2 percent share in February, according to market research firm Net Applications. Microsoft's Internet Explorer continues to dominate, with nearly 70 percent.

A spokesman for Microsoft had no immediate comment.

FAST AND LIGHTWEIGHT

The new Chrome OS is expected to work well with many of the company's popular software applications, such as Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Maps.

It will be fast and lightweight, enabling users to access the Web in a few seconds, Google said. The new OS is based on open-source Linux code, which allows third-party developers to design compatible applications.

"The operating systems that browsers run on were designed in an era where there was no web," Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management at Google, said in the blog post. The Chrome OS is "our attempt to re-think what operating systems should be".

Google said Chrome OS was a new project, separate from its Android mobile operating software found in some smartphones. Acer Inc <2353.tw>, the world's No.3 PC brand, has already agreed to sell netbooks that run Android.

The new OS is designed to work with ARM and x86 chips, the main chip architectures in use today.

Charlene Li, partner at consulting company Altimeter Group, said Google's new OS will initially appeal to consumers looking for a netbook-like device for Web surfing, rather than people who use desktop PCs for gaming or high-powered applications.

But eventually, the Google OS has the potential to scale up to larger, more powerful PCs -- especially if it proves to run faster than Windows, she said.

Enderle expects Google to charge at most a nominal fee for the new OS, or make it free, saying the company's business model has been to earn revenue off connecting applications or advertising.

Li added: "A benefit to the consumer is that the cost saving is passed on, not having to pay for an OS."

"It's clearly positioned as a shot across the bow of Microsoft," she said. (Reporting by Alexei Oreskovic and Edwin Chan; Writing by Tiffany Wu; Editing by Dan Lalor/Will Waterman)

MICE MICE MICE -

Copy from http://www.singaporedice.com/MICEMICEMICE.php

MICE MICE MICE - Full-on Competition Between the Two Upcoming Singapore
Integrated Resorts to Fill Their Booking Sheets!

By Donn Richard
October 2008
Singapore

It is official, Singapore has been named the ‘World’s Top Meeting Destination’ by the Union of International Association’s (UIA). This is hardly surprising given that Singapore not long ago clinched the award of ‘Best Business City in the World’ by Business Traveler Asia Pacific for the 10th time as well as having been voted for a whopping 24 times as Asia’s finest place for meetings due to its business friendly environment.

Such awards are not just mere trophies. They translate into profits. In 2007, the Singapore MICE industry contributed well over 35% of total tourism receipts. This was a year in which Singapore was host to a whopping 465 international meetings. An astounding accomplishment which few other cities can boast of.

How is all of this accomplished? Firstly, Singapore has absolutely supurb infrastructure including a first-class public transportation system. Furthermore, The Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) have proven to be a winning combination by providing both overall strategy and constant fine-tuning.

With MICE playing such an important role in bringing in the tourist dollars, it is no surprise that the region will soon be witness to a full-on competition between the two new IRs to fill their booking sheets.

Singaporedice had the pleasure of being present at the 16th IT&CMA and the 11th CTW Asia-Pacific 2008 trade exhibition and conference held in Bangkok, Thailand, October 7 – October 9.

With both the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World at Sentosa’s MICE teams touring the world it came as no surprise to see them there.

Singaporedice has been an on-going witness to the rapidly rising MICE superstructures at the MBS & RWS construction sites.

The Marina Bay Sands promises to act as a magnet to propel Singapore to the next level of international success as it is backed by one of the world’s most powerful Integrated Resorts builders, the Las Vegas Sands Corporation with its proven track record as builders of world-class integrated resorts.

The Marina Bay Sands also represents itself as offering the most expertise when it comes to MICE offerings in the Asian market.

The Marina Bay Sands will combine luxury hotel facilities with excellent MICE facilities, an Art Science Museum, theatres, entertainment, shopping and gaming in the new Marina Bay area.

Regarding Resorts World at Sentosa, Singapore’s only island integrated resort, their marketing theme of ‘injecting the fun back into business’ at the 16th IT&CMA held in Bangkok, Thailand, proved to be a true winner. Resorts World at Sentosa was able to pack a full schedule of back-to-back meetings with some of the biggest names in the regional MICE industry.

Download RWS’s MICE Fact Sheet here.

Resorts World offers MICE visitors not only great meetings and conventions with their 26 function rooms and no less than 20 extraordinary incentive venues but also provides the new idea of combining business with fun, something never seen before in Asia. One example of this is offering delegates meeting venues in the morning and an opportunity to network at Universal Studios in the afternoon.

“Our optimism stems from knowing where our strengths lie. With our gamut of attractions, accommodations, entertainment and performances – all of which are housed under a single destination – we are offering a one-stop MICE destination that has never been available in this part of the world; and amid rising costs and fears of a slowdown in the world economy, corporate events might be reduced, but they WILL continue to take place. With the unique offerings at the Resort and a whole range of venues for meetings and experiences for incentive travel, our MICE business will still do well” Mr Richard Teo, Assistant Vice President for Resort Sales, Resorts World at Sentosa, said.

And Resorts World at Sentosa doesn’t stop there. It offers 6 choices of hotel accommodation, each with their own unique theme.

Resorts World at Sentosa is located only a short 20-minute ride away from Changi Airport. Additionally it is surrounded by a great range of attractions such as Singapore’s largest shopping mall, VivoCity, Singapore’s largest nightspot, St James Power Station and of course, the world famous Sentosa Golf Club, just to name a few.

With both IRs substantially expanding the MICE travel sector and therefore contributing to at least half of total MICE tourism receipts and both, Resorts World at Sentosa and the Marina Bay Sands confirming to have received enthusiastic responses to their MICE offerings, there is no doubt that the two IRs will help position Singapore as THE leading leisure, tourism and MICE destination in the world.

Careers in Hospitality and Tourism- The Reality is Now

Copy from http://www.singaporedice.com/careersintourismandhospitality

Careers in Hospitality and Tourism- The Reality is Now

By Donn Richard
March 2008
Singapore

Global tourism is one of the largest sectors of the Global Economy. Additionally, many experts forecast significant, continual growth as the target market (tourists) becomes increasingly selective and demanding in where and how they choose to spend their money. This has meant an increase in high-end tourist facilities even in countries whose economies were primarily driven by manufacturing or even by low-end tourism.

Singapore is a case in point. Singapore's economy has been driven primarily by electronics manufacturing, financial services, and oil refining. Its infrastructure is superb, including one of the World’s most efficient airports. It has consistently been noted for its safe, low-crime atmosphere.

In short, Singapore has all the necessary ingredients for a thriving, successful tourism sector.

More importantly, the Singapore Government is aware of all this and had set the Singapore Tourism Board on an aggressive drive to increase tourism over the past 3-4 years. This drive has already yielded positive results. Tourist arrivals have risen dramatically and are expected to continue increasing far into the foreseeable future.

Singapore’s tourism sector currently makes up three percent of the city’s GDP. However, forecasts predict this number to rise to up to 10 percent by 2015.

The Singapore government is committed to doubling the number of visitors to 17 million a year by 2015, and to treble tourism receipts to $30 billion. This means enormous job creation in tourism and hospitality.

Let us consider present examples. Singapore was very recently chosen to be the host city for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010. This event alone will draw an estimated 200,000 visitors to Singapore.

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) are often considered to be the fundamental building block of the tourism sector. Singapore has shown its pulling power by successfully hosting what are without doubt two of the jewels of the MICE market. These were the 2006 Annual Meetings of The Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

Furthermore, the already famous Orchard Rd is currently undergoing a massive makeover. Additionally, Singapore hosts the prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix (ambitiously held at night and thus making it Asia first "night" street race.) There continues to be investment in leisure, business and education, including Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park, the world’s largest marine life park at Resorts World at Sentosa, The National Art Gallery, the 35-hectare Sports Hub, new marinas for yachts, gardens by the bay... and of course the two casinos.

New entertainment districts are opening all over the city, especially along the Singapore River. No less than 15 new hotels are expected to welcome visitors in an estimated 6,400+ additional rooms by 2010.

The Integrated Resorts alone are expected to attract an additional 2-3 million visitors.

The above has dealt primarily with infrastructure and tourism arrivals. However, a more important factor is human resources. Singapore’s unemployment rate of around 2% is one of the lowest in the world. As a result, manpower is extremely stretched. Again, this means terrific opportunities for employment in the Tourism and Hospitality sector!

There is an incredible and diverse range of jobs that the tourism industry can offer. If interacting with tourists and customers is not for you, there are numerous behind-the-scenes possibilities e.g. IT, production, marketing, secretarial work etc. The opportunities are endless.

The hottest study programmes at the moment are in hospitality and tourism. And enrollment will certainly increase with the announcement by the MOE that it is soon introducing a quality assurance scheme called EduTrust to replace CaseTrust. This to ensure that academic excellence at all private tourism & hospitality colleges in Singapore are met. The importance of a government sponsored quality assurance scheme cannot be over-emphasized.

Successful completion of high school is enough to enter the industry. Of course, career advancement will certainly require further education, whether it be in-company training or outside. And for those whose career aspirations include management, a degree will be needed. Again this does not mean that a degree is a prerequisite. It is possible to start as a clerk and end up as a manager.

As such, it is imperative to consider that Training and skills upgrading for working adults is offered under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) framework developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

There are various Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Training programmes that assist adult workers in the tourism & hospitality industry.

Scholarships and training subsidies are made available for Singaporeans and PRs. Additional help is given with work placement upon completion of a particular study programme by the government approved training organizations. For more details visit http://tourismfnb.wsq.gov.sg

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) offers scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in collaboration with renowned tourism industries and four partner schools. Generously, the involved company will also provide sponsorship.

Some of the institutes that offer STB scholarships are:

Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality offers a Master degree programme to meet the needs of outstanding students and working professionals who wish to further their careers in the hospitality industry.
For more information visit: www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/admissions/mmh/finance/sing.html#STB

Temasek Polytechnic offers three diploma study programmes, namely the Diploma in Culinary & Catering Management, the Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management, and the Diploma in Leisure & Resort Management.
For more information visit: www-bus.tp.edu.sg/bus_home/bus_courses/bus_ft_courses.htm

Republic Polytechnic offers the Diploma in Integrated Events Management.
For more information visit: http://www.rp.sg

Nanyang Technological University offers the Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Hospitality Management.)
For more information visit: www.ntu.edu.sg/Admissions/Scholarships/stb.htm

The STB FIREfly Scholarship Programme.
For more information visit: www.stb.com.sg/careers/scholarship.html

Some advantages the Tourism & Hospitality industry offers:

- The ever increasing number of tourist arrivals
- The ever increasing number of meetings, conventions and exhibitions held here
- Guaranteed advancement opportunities and a secure career
- Competitive pay
- The diversity of jobs tourism brings
-- Employment opportunities at globally recognizable brands
- The chance to promote Singapore to the world and while contributing to its economic success
- Great subsidized training opportunities at quality educational establishments
- Chances to interface and learn from people of other cultures

Some disadvantages the Tourism & Hospitality industry offers:

- Shift work required in some positions (but often as you’re climbing up the ladder into managerial positions, you’ll find yourself working more regular hours.)
- It can be stressful dealing with the public on a regular basis (people in this line of work need patience and a calm, problem-solving attitude)

Interesting Links:

Careers in Tourism & Hospitality

http://app.tourismcareers.sg/main (Must Read info provided by the Singapore Tourism Board)

www.centralsingaporecdc.org.sg (provides direct job-matching services for the unemployed)

www.northeast.org.sg (provides direct job-matching services for the unemployed)

www.northwestcdc.org.sg (provides direct job-matching services for the unemployed)

www.southeastcdc.org.sg (provides direct job-matching services for the unemployed)

www.southwestcdc.org.sg (provides direct job-matching services for the unemployed)

https://pes.wda.gov.sg/jbs/Logon/index.aspx (employment service system provided by SWDA)

Careers at Integrated Resorts

http://www.singaporedice.com/latestjobs.html (our very own jobs page with positions at the IRs)

www.rwsentosa.com/en_careers.html (jobs page of Resorts World at Sentosa)

http://careers.marinabaysands.com/Default.aspx (jobs page of the Marina Bay Sands)

Colleges Offering Tourism and Hospitality Study Programmes

www.acpe.edu.sg (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.nanyang.edu.sg (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.shinescollege.com (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.easb.edu.sg (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.unlv.edu.sg (UNLV Singapore Harrah Hotel College offers tourism related study programmes)

www.cni.ntu.edu.sg/index.shtml (college offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.sp.edu.sg (polytechnic offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.nyp.edu.sg (college offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.tourismacademy.edu.sg (the Tourism Academy at Sentosa)

www.shatec.sg (Singapore Hotel Association College offering programs in tourism & hospitality)

www.sheltoncollege.edu.sg (college offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.rafflescampus.edu.sg (college offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.np.edu.sg/Pages/default.aspx (college offering tourism & hospitality study programmes)

www.mdis.edu.sg/index.php (college offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.tmis.edu.sg (official training arm of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore)

www.apmi.edu.sg/index.php (college offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

http://dimensions.edu.sg/index.htm (college offering tourism & hosp. related study programmes)

www.aec.edu.sg/index.php (college offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.bradfordrex.com.sg (college offering casino tourism/hospitality related study programmes)

www.ite.edu.sg (college offering part-time courses designed to meet the needs of adult learners)

www.sim.edu.sg (college offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.hotelschool.cornell.edu (institute offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www-bus.tp.edu.sg (polytechnic offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.rp.sg (polytechnic offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.ntu.edu.sg (university offering tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

Casino Dealer Colleges

www.icgtraining.com (casino dealer college)

www.agmi.sg (casino dealer college)

Casino & Tourism/Hospitality Colleges

www.acpe.edu.sg (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.nanyang.edu.sg (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.shinescollege.com (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.easb.edu.sg (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

www.bradfordrex.com.sg (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programs)

www.tmis.edu.sg (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programs)

www.dimensions.edu.sg (college offering casino, tourism & hospitality related study programmes)

Must Visit Links

www.singaporedice.com/careersandjobsatmbsandrws (Must Read article by Donn Richard if you want to know more about career opportunities at the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World at Sentosa)

www.singaporedice.com/studyoptions.php (Must Read article by Donn Richard if you wish to enter the casino industry)

www.singaporedice.com/singaporevsmacauandhongkong.php (Must Read article by Donn Richard if you want to know more about tourism in Macau and Hong kong compared to tourism in Singapore)

http://app.tourismcareers.sg/main (Must Visit website by the Singapore Tourism Board. Offers valuable advice for people considering a career in tourism and hospitality)

Test if you are suitbale for meeting/event professional

As extract from book on MEEC pg 29

The following are some questions you might answer in order to determine if you have what it takes to be a meeting/event professional

• Do you like to plan parties, work schedules , your day, and so forth?
• Do you have a date book or personal digital assistant (PDA) that you update regularly and that includes everything you need to do for weeks or months into the future
• Do you like to organize your bedroom, car, workplace, and so on? Is your idea of fun organizing a closet for someone?
• Are you very organized, almost to the point of obsession?

If your answer is "yest" to all of those questions, that you are qualify to it

list of book in MEEC

http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/library/tools/industry/mice.html

http://www.pearson.ch/HigherEducation/HospitalityTravelTourism/HospitalityandHotelManagement/1471/9780132340571/Meetings-Expositions-Events-Conventions.aspx

http://www.hospitalitynet.org/book/114000878.search?query=meetings%2c+expositions%2c+events%2c+conventions

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_397701.html

July 1, 2009

Course to help job switchers

By Lim Wei Chean

A NEW programme was launched on Wednesday to help white-collared workers who have been laid off or are unemployed to chart a new career path in the meetings industry.

The Singapore Workforce Development Agency linked up with the University of Nevada Las Vegas and events organiser Pico Art International to run a new 12-month work-and-study course to help job switchers train for a job in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions industry.

Students of the Professional Conversion Programme will study in UNLV classrooms for half the time and spend the other half on full-time attachment with Pico Art to get some hands-on experience in running and managing events.

Among the events that they will get to try their hands on this year include the Formula One race and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meet. This course will be funded as part of the Government Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur).

Each selected trainee will receive $27,900 in course fee subsidies and training stipend. On completion of the course, they will receive a Workforce Skills Qualifications diploma in tourism for Mice and events.

Pico Art International's managing director Jean Chia noted: 'Despite seeing some cancellations of exhibitions in 2009, the business travel, meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector wil continue to be a critical component of Singapore's tourism as it accounts for some three million arrivals and 40 per cent of tourism receipts.

'We recognise the importance of human capital in this particular sector so the PCP for Mice and events offers us the perfect opportunity during this lull time to scout and develop the relevant potential talents, and build up our manpower capability. This way, we can be ready to take on even more mega projects when the economy recovers.'

Fourteen students will start their first class on Thursday.

========
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090703-152509.html
Sat, Jul 04, 2009
The Straits Times

New course to train jobless for Mice industry

A NEW course here will give unemployed white-collar workers a chance to acquire new skills for the growing meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) industry. The first 14 students enrolled in the Professional Conversion Programme for Mice and events under the Workforce Skills Qualifications start their course today. The course is part of the Government's Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience. The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) signed the agreement with event organiser Pico Art International yesterday to jointly run the 12-month course. The study and attachment programme retrains unemployed professionals, managers, executives and technicians for jobs in the Mice industry. Each student needs to pay only $1,500 or 10 per cent of the course fees. The remaining $13,500 is paid for by the WDA, which also gives students a training stipend. They will also receive a Workforce Skills Qualification diploma upon graduation. The full-time course will be conducted at the UNLV campus at the National Library for half a year, for students to gain theoretical knowledge before being attached to Pico Art to gain first-hand experience. UNLV is known for its diploma programmes for adults in the Mice sector. This year's batch will get to help run events like the Formula One race and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings clinched by Pico. Pico's managing director Jean Chia said that despite the downturn, the Mice industry is still doing well. Now is the perfect time to 'scout for and develop relevant potential talent' and to 'build up our manpower capability'. Mr Edward Liu, president of the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, said that the demand for manpower has eased somewhat with the recession. But, he said, there are companies which are still hiring and now is a good time to train new faces to prepare for the upturn. LIM WEI CHEAN This article was first published in The Straits Times. on top

Signing ceremony for UNLV course

Today is the signing ceremony for MICE course under UNLV