PDF (7.80MB) - Challenge Online

NLB
TheLibraryShop
Ever wanted a memento to relive your memorable
experiences at NLB’s libraries? Souvenirs can now be
purchased online from The Library Shop (http://shop.nlb.gov.
sg), which offers a wide range of unique gifts such as
publications, collectibles, accessories, apparel and
stationery.
One of the latest products available online is the book
Singapore: The First Ten Years of Independence, which
includes rarely seen photographs of the fi rst Cabinet
Ministers. The selection of souvenirs also includes pewter
name card holders, coasters, postcards, pixel print ties and
scarves, and framed
woodcrafted art pieces.
The online mall offers
a delivery service at
attractive rates, which
also covers most
overseas destinations.
MTI
Singapore-EUICTPact
Singapore and the European Union (EU) have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which provides a broad
framework for ICT research and development (R&D). This
involves collaborations among entities from Europe and
Singapore, including companies, public and private research
institutes, universities and other R&D organisations.
The MOU was signed by the European Union Commissioner
for Information Society and Media, Ms Viviane Reding, and
Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang.
In Europe, the ICT sector has been given a €1 billion (S$1.95
billion) boost as part of the EU’s Economy Recovery Plan. This
will complement the existing European Union funding
programme for ICT research, which will spend €9 billion (S$17.5
billion) over a seven-year period, from 2007 to 2013.
In Singapore, the Government recently announced its
commitment to set aside S$230 million in funding over fi ve
years for the Singapore Media Fusion plan to develop the local
media industry.
BCA
GreenAndGracious-
BuildersAward
The Building and Construction
Authority (BCA) is ramping up
efforts to encourage
sustainability and
environmental protection
during the construction phase
of buildings with the new
Green and Gracious Builders
Award. The award recognises
the efforts of builders in
addressing environmental and
public concerns arising from
construction works.
“Given the high visibility and
impact of construction works,
it is important for builders to
go green and adopt ‘friendlier’
construction site management
and practices,” said Dr John
Keung, Chief Executive
Offi cer of BCA. “Together
with the BCA Green Mark
Scheme, the Green and
Gracious Builders Award will
form part of the holistic
framework to shape a
sustainable built
environment.”
3
Short Takes
CAAS
RecognisingService-
Excellence
At the Annual Airport
Reception organised by the
Civil Aviation Authority of
Singapore (CAAS) in March,
airport staff from the entire
airport community were
recognised for their efforts in
delivering excellent service and
contributing to Changi Airport’s
success. Twenty awards were
presented to airport staff who
had provided exemplary
service. The event was graced
by Mr Raymond Lim, Minister
for Transport and Second
Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The “Service Personality of
the Year” accolade went to
CAAS’ Customer Service
Offi cer under P-Serv,
Ms Sarah Jane Casama, for
providing over three days of
assistance to a Tagalogspeaking
passenger who had
missed his fl ight due to a
medical condition.
SUPREME COURT
TheLivingCourthouse
The Supreme Court of Singapore opened its doors to visitors
as part of “The Living Courthouse”, an event which took
place on 14-15 March 2009. Over the weekend, enactments
of court hearings, interactive activities and exhibitions
brought the work and operations of the Supreme Court to life
so visitors could participate, have fun, experience its
proceedings and have their “day in court”. “The Living
Courthouse” is aimed at demystifying the work of the
Supreme Court and educating the public on the current
operations of the courts and how
aspects of its work may impact
them. Highlights included
enactments of civil and criminal
proceedings, exploratory tours
around the building, legal talks
as well as legal clinics.