National computing grid a reality for Singapore

Local companies to tap the power of grid computing

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is pushing for grid computing on a national level. Hundreds of computers in various locations will be linked up together. Local firms will then be able to tap the combined processing power of the grid on a pay-per-use basis.

The biotech and animation sectors are likely to benefit from the new network due to their massive computing needs. The grid can cut six months’ of animation work to one month. Last year, the National Library Board (NLB) did five months’ worth of archiving in a week using grid computing.

The Defence Science and Technology Agency will lead a committee tasked with getting the network ready by early next year.

Sources:

• “New council set up to push for adoption of Grid Computing“, Channel News Asia, 6 June 2007
• “Soon, companies can tap national PC network”, The Straits Times, 7 June 2007

500 Singapore companies sign pact to cut waste

F&B sector will kick off eco-friendly drive

About 500 Singapore companies have agreed to work with the National Environment Agency (NEA) in a voluntary drive to cut waste from product packaging. The eco-friendly initiative known as the Singapore Packaging Agreement will kick off in July 2007.

It will run for five years stating with the food and beverage (F&B) industry which has one of the lowest recycling rates.

A governing board comprising members from state agencies and local industries will be formed to develop a packaging code of practice as well as create programmes to educate the public on the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials.

Singaporeans discarded nearly 7,000 tonnes of solid waste daily last year, which is about a six-fold increase from the amount 30 years ago. The code of practice will set guidelines for companies to create create eco-friendly packaging.

Sources:

• “Major push to cut waste from packaging” The Straits Times, 6 June, 2007
• “New Packaging Agreement aims to reduce waste”, Channel NewsAsia, 5 June 2007

BCA sets new rules for foreign workers’ housing

Mandatory for dorms to have central kitchens, dining areas and bigger rooms

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has drawn up new rules aimed at improving living conditions for foreign workers in Singapore.

Under the new guidelines, employers are required to provide least 4 sqm of living space for each worker. No more than 12 workers are allowed to live in a single room, regardless of its size.

It is also compulsory for the dorm operators to provide a central kitchen, common dining aream, designated laundry areas and amenities.

Dorm operators will be required to submit monthly reports and BCA will carry out regular site checks.

Source: “Foreign workers to get better living conditions”, The Straits Times, 5 June 2007

PC show rakes in a record S$26.2 million

Sales boosted by shoppers snapping gadgets ahead of GST hike

The 17th PC show at Suntec City Convention Centre has chalked up record sales of $26.2 million.

The top selling items at the 4-day consumer electronics fair were laptops, desktop computers, printers, digital cameras, mobile storage devices and MP3 players, said the show’s organizers.

The sales figure has exceeded the target of $25 million as consumers bought ahead of next month’s two-percentage point good & sales tax (GST) hike to 7%.

Source: TODAY, 4 June 2007

Singapore financial planners first to adopt ISO 22222 standard

Certified training will allow professionals to work anywhere in the world

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) said it intends to bring in the new benchmark aimed at raising professional and service levels in 2008.

ISO 22222, from the International Organization for Standardization, is the most rigorous certification standard for personal financial planners.

CII noted that professionals armed with the ISO accreditation would be able to work anywhere in the world.

Source: The Business Times, 1 Jun 2007