Background Reading 3:President delights Singaporeans in Vietnam with surprise visit

DIARY ENTRY: President S R Nathan signing an autograph for schoolgirl Grace Ong as her parents look on. The Singapore family has been living in Vietnam for the past five years. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN

Feb 28, 2008 From the Straits Time
By Roger Mitton

IN HANOI - THE Singapore community in Vietnam enjoyed a welcome surprise yesterday morning when President S R Nathan joined members for breakfast on the third day of his state visit here. The light-hearted gathering was a joyful interlude for both President Nathan, who mingled happily with his fellow citizens, and for the Singaporeans based here.

Said Mr Nathan: 'I am proud that you have chosen to be in Vietnam, a country that is well-disposed to Singapore and seeks to work closely with us for our mutual benefit.'The President said Vietnam has made remarkable progress considering how it has suffered from recent wars, and he noted that its people are hard-working and eager to learn from Singapore.

It was evident that the Singapore community appreciated his visit. Said Mr Patrick Choy, president of the Singapore Business Association in Vietnam: 'We're all flying the flag here as we do business and meet our Vietnamese counterparts, so it's great to have our President come and visit us.'

In a jovial vein, Mr Nathan referred to Singapore's triumph in winning the right to stage the 2010 Youth Olympics as well as the launch of the Singapore Flyer and the coming first-ever night F1 Grand Prix later this year. 'I know all this could make you homesick and want to go back,' said Mr Nathan, laughing. 'But I admire you for staying on to make a success of whatever you are doing here.'

One success story that Mr Nathan witnessed yesterday was the signing of new agreements by CapitaLand, one of the largest real estate companies in South-east Asia, to set up a US$300 million (S$420 million) property fund to invest in projects in Vietnam.

Concurrently, CapitaLand sealed a strategic alliance with a local construction and transport company, Nam Thang Long, to explore further business opportunities in Vietnam. CapitaLand president and CEO Liew Mun Leong said the company hopes to double its residential properties in Vietnam from 2,800 to about 6,000 in the next three years.

Later, Mr Nathan flew from Hanoi to the central port city of Danang which, in addition to its booming industrial and maritime operations, has become a new tourism hub that is serviced by four SilkAir flights a week.

The President met regional leaders at a banquet last evening, and today he will visit the ancient Champa ruins at nearby My Son.

Reflection Question.

Answer anyone of the following questions.

1. What do you think Vietnam can learn from Singapore?

2. Suggest two reasons why Singaporean are willing to work in Vietnam.

3. What kind of values must Singaporean have in order to be able to work overseas?

Post your answer in the comments box.

Background Reading 2:S'pore's business presence grows in Vietnam

(BOOSTING TIES: President S R Nathan calling on the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, in Hanoi yesterday.

Feb 27, 2008 Straits Time

Keppel Land to build landmark tower; Changi Airports seals airport upgrading deal in Hue
By Roger Mitton

HANOI - ON THE second day of his state visit to Vietnam, President SR Nathan attended events highlighting Singapore's growing business presence here. Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of many Singapore investments and Mr Nathan officiated yesterday at the launch ceremonies for two major projects.

After paying a courtesy call on Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Mr Nathan officiated at the unveiling of a new Ho Chi Minh City development to be built by Keppel Land, which is among the largest property investors in Vietnam. Keppel Land's Saigon Centre is a spectacular retail and financial complex designed to become a world-class architectural landmark reflecting the strong ties between Singapore and Vietnam.

Mr Anthony Vacchione, managing partner of the New York-based architectural firm that designed the three-tower structure, explained its key features to President Nathan and Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai. Drawing inspiration from Vietnam's terraced rice fields and bamboo forests, its tallest tower will have 88 storeys and rise to 386m, making it among the tallest in the world.

Said Mr Vacchione: 'Kuala Lumpur has the Petronas twin towers, Sydney its Opera House, and now Ho Chi Minh City will have Saigon Centre, a future symbol of Vietnam and its progress.'
It would also feature state-of-the-art green technology in building design.

During the meeting between the two leaders yesterday, Vietnam's Prime Minister invited Singapore hospitals to consider setting up operations in his country. Later, President Nathan met the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, and witnessed the signing of an agreement between Changi Airports International (CAI) and Vietnam's Middle Airports Authority to upgrade the airport in the central city of Hue.

It is the first time a foreign investor is working exclusively with Vietnam's tightly controlled aviation authority. Said Mr Chow Kok Fong, chief executive officer of CAI: 'The airport is a critical component of Hue's tourism infrastructure and will generate the economic momentum which Hue deserves.' Hue, capital of Vietnam between 1744 and 1945, is a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the country's premier tourist destinations.

It is best known for its historic monuments such as the elaborate tombs of former emperors and the 17th-century Citadel, home to the Imperial Palace and Vietnam's answer to Beijing's Forbidden City.

Said Mr Chow: 'With the right infrastructure and promotion of the tourism attractions here, there is no reason why the passenger volume in this airport should not treble within five years.'
Tourist numbers to and from Singapore have already shot up. Last year, more than 120,000 people from Singapore visited Vietnam, an increase of 14 per cent over the previous year, while 200,000 Vietnamese travelled to Singapore.

Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, who is accompanying President Nathan, noted that Vietnam's growing tourism industry is an area of potential for Singapore enterprises. 'Our hotels are already coming in here, and they are introducing new dining concepts and leisure services,' said Mr Lee.

He revealed that next month Singapore will initiate a series of urban planning courses for a total of 120 participants in Singapore over the next two years. President Nathan was also accompanied by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, yesterday.
rogermitton@hotmail.com

Feb 26, 2008 from the Staits Time.

Changi Airports signs MOU to develop Vietnam's int'l airport

CHANGI Airports International (CAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday with the Middle Airports Authority of Vietnam (MAA) to invest, develop and operate Phu Bai International Airport in the city of Hue.

This marks the first time a foreign investor will be working exclusively with Vietnam's aviation authority. The MOU was inked by Mr Chow Kok Fong, Chief Executive Officer of CAI, and Mr Hoang Thanh, Director-General, Vietnam Middle Airports Authority.

Phu Bai International Airport is located in the City of Hue, which was the capital of Vietnam between 1744 and 1945.

The airport currently handles more than 500,000 passengers per annum and was designated Vietnam's fourth international airport in August 2007.

On the deal, Mr Chow Kok Fong said: 'The airport is a critical component of Hue's tourism infrastructure and will generate the kind of economic momentum which Hue deserves.' 'We want to share with our counterparts here our experience in developing and operating Changi over the past quarter of a century, in particular, our airport management processes and route development expertise in raising the number of international flights,' he added.

Mr Chow said CAI hopes to work closely with the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) to finalise the detailed agreement as soon as possible. 'With the right infrastructure and promotion of the tourism attractions here, there is no reason why the passenger volume in this airport should not treble within 5 years,' he said.

Reflection Questions:

Answer any one of the following questions.

1. How will be people of Vietnam benefit from Singapore investment in Vietnam?

2.How will Singapore benefit from her investment in Vietnam?

Post your answer in the comments box.

Background Reading 1:Singapore keen on even closer ties with Vietnam

WARM WELCOME: President Nathan (left) meeting his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Minh Triet at the presidential palace in Hanoi yesterday.

From the Straits Time Feb 26, 2008

Visiting President Nathan praises Vietnam's rapid economic growth
By Roger Mitton

HANOI - AT THE start of a five-day state visit here yesterday, President SR Nathan congratulated Vietnam on its rapid economic growth and said Singapore hopes to extend closer ties between the two countries beyond the political and economic.

President Nathan and his wife were personally greeted by President Nguyen Minh Triet and his wife Tran Thi Kim Chi at Hanoi's ornate presidential palace yesterday afternoon, where a full military guard of honour played the national anthems of the two countries.

He recalled that when he last visited Vietnam in 2001, there were hardly any major factories or huge company billboards along the airport highway. 'Now, there are so many all the way along the road, and also many factories along the route,' he said, adding that he was especially pleased to see a billboard announcing the plans for a new Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park near Hanoi.

President Triet, who visited Singapore 18 months ago, said he was pleased to welcome Mr Nathan to Vietnam this year, which marks 35 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
President and Mrs Nathan also attended a state banquet yesterday evening hosted by President Triet and his wife.

At the dinner, Mr Nathan praised Vietnam's rapid economic growth in recent years, noting that its 8.5 per cent growth last year was the highest in a decade. He added that Singapore has successfully secured a large and growing part of that action.

'Last year, bilateral trade was over S$13 billion, an increase of 15.4 per cent year on year, with Singapore being Vietnam's fourth-largest trading partner,' he said. Singapore is also the second-largest investor in Vietnam, after South Korea, with a registered cumulative investment of around US$11 billion (S$15 billion).

Mr Nathan also told President Triet that Singapore wants to work with Vietnam to develop new areas of cooperation in tourism, urban development, port and logistics and airport development, as well as non-economic areas such as arts and culture.

On the upcoming Vietnam Festival 2008, a four-month-long programme to begin in Singapore in April, Mr Nathan said: 'I am confident that this festival will create greater awareness and promote better understanding of Vietnam's history and culture among Singaporeans.'

Today, after paying homage at the mausoleum of Vietnam's founding father Ho Chi Minh, President Nathan will meet Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and the head of the ruling Communist Party, general secretary Nong Duc Manh.

Later this week, Mr Nathan will visit some of central Vietnam's major heritage sites, notably the Champa ruins at My Son and the historic port village of Hoi An.

Accompanying Mr and Mrs Nathan on the state visit are Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and his wife, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan, Members of Parliament Lam Pin Min and Wee Siew Kim, as well as senior business leaders from companies such as CapitaLand, Keppel Corp, Ascott, UOL, Pico Art and Changi Airports International.
rogermitton@hotmail.com

Reflection Questions:

Answer anyone of the following questions.

1. 
   
   How does Singapore contribute to the development of Vietnam?


2. 
   
   How will Singapore benefit from helping Vietnam to develop?


3. 
   
   Globalisation has both positive and economic impact. What do you think are the economic and social impact of globalisation on Vietnam?

Post your answer in the comment box.

Virtural Tours for Parents.

Dear Parents,
If your child is going for this GP Programme, you can take a virtual tour. You are also our important partner in this GP programme as your support will help the students benefit from this programme. If you have any questions, post a comment and we will answer it.



Accommodation.
May Hotel
28- 30 Thi Sach St., Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Please go to this website for more information.
http://www.asiarooms.com/vietnam/ho_chi_minh_city/may.html



This hotel is outfitted with standard facilities and services.








Breakfast is provided in the restaurant everyday and we will be having it in the restaurant.






It includes fruit juice, bread, American Breakfast , fruit, cake and noddles.





This is a standard room that we will be staying. It is clean and spacious.






Another view of the room.

Proposed Itinerary

Please note that this is just a proposed itinerary and it is subjected to changes.

Name of Tour Company Tnsinex Pte Ltd
Address :The Adelphi, 1 Coleman St> # 04 - 31, Singapore 179803
Tel: 6338 3733
Fax: 6339 0541
email: paulinetan@transinex.com.sg


Day 1: 30 MAY Arrival – Ho Chi Minh (D)

Flight No :SQ 178 30 MAY SIN SGN 1240 / 1345

1000hrs
Assemble at Singapore Changi International Airport T3 for check in (Row 10) to be advised

1240hrs
Flight depart from Changi International Airport

1345hrs
Upon arrival at Tansonnhat International Airport, you will be met by our Representative and proceed for a city tour around the city of Ho Chi Minh which features the Reunification Hall, the Neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Catherdral, the colonial styled Post Office.

1700hrs
Transfer Check into hotel to freshen up & meet for dinner

1800hrs Dinner at local restaurant

2100hrs
Back to hotel for debriefing session & preparation for the following day activities



Day 2: 31 MAY Chu Chi Tunnel /Orange Agent Center (B, L, D)





0800hrs
Breakfast at hotel
0830hrs
We drive to the extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, just outside Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnamese War of Independence, Vietnamese guerillas built the labyrinth of narrow tunnels virtually underneath U.S Military bases, using them to hide during bombings and to stage surprise attacks.


1300hrs
Lunch at local restaurant.



1400hrs
We visit the Orange Agent center
27/7 Center, address 153 XVNT, F17, Binh Thanh.
During this time Our students will have time to interact with children who have been born with serious deformities.

1630
Field visit to Chinatown

1800hrs
Dinner at local restaurant

2100hrs
Back to hotel for debriefing session & preparation for the following day activities



Day 3: 01 JUN Orphanage Home visit / Ben Thanh Market (B, L, D)



0800hrs
Breakfast at hotel

0900hrs
Visit to a Children home to interact with children, e.g
CIP activities to be designed by students.

1300hrs
Lunch at Local restaurant

1400hrs
In the afternoon, students would visit the country’s history museum and subsequently, a trip to watch the internationally well-known water puppet show, The Independence Palace, The War Remnant Museum and Ben Thanh market

1830hrs
Dinner (French Cuisine)

2100hrs
Back to hotel for debriefing session & preparation for the following day activities

Day 4: 02 JUN VSIP – Vising Factory visit (B, L, D)

0800hrs
Breakfast at hotel

0900hrs
A visit to the Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park. Then followed by a study trip to the to understand and observe its importance in the economic sector in Vietnam.

1130hrs
A visit to a local school

1300hrs
Lunch at Local restaurant


1430hrs
Visit VISING Factory for an orientation tour.

1830hrs Dinner at local restaurant

2100hrs
Back to hotel for debriefing session & preparation for the following day activities

Day 5: 03 JUN Ho Chi Minh/ Singapore (B)

0800hrs
Breakfast at hotel

0900 hrs
Final Reflection/Feedback/Walking tour

11oo hrs
Check out

1130
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure.

Flight No SQ 173 03 JUN SGN SIN 1450 /1745 (Singapore Time)

Please note that Vietnam is one hour behind Singapore time.