News Today

Pan-United Marine eyes higher revenue, margin
PAN-UNITED Marine said it expects to increase revenues and improve its operating margin this year, thanks to higher-value orders and a 50 per cent jump in vessel deliveries. The Singapore company's two shipyards - one in Singapore and the other on... [Read more]

Extra 3 years in special schools a boon for kids
I REFER to the article, 'Masterplan to help the disabled released' (ST, Feb 13).I applaud the steering committee drawn from the community, and public and private sectors, for coming up with such thoughtful proposals to help children and adults with disabilities.In... [Read more]

China trade surplus hit $24.4b in January
HONG KONG - CHINA posted a US$15.9 billion (S$24.4 billion) trade surplus last month, pumping more cash into the world's fourth-biggest economy and adding pressure on Beijing to let the yuan rise faster. Imports jumped 27.5 per cent from a year... [Read more]

Indonesia's PPP hopes to revive political fortunes
JAKARTA - INDONESIA'S oldest Muslim party is pinning its hopes on new leaders who will be elected this week at its national congress to steer the party into the 2009 legislative and presidential elections.The United Development Party (PPP) - created in... [Read more]

Blue skies again at Chelsea
LONDON - THERE was good news aplenty for Chelsea on Saturday.They beat Middlesbrough 3-0 in the Premiership to keep pace with Manchester United.The man tipped to replace Jose Mourinho as manager ruled himself out of the job.England international Frank Lampard insisted... [Read more]

Britain fears serial letter-bomber at work
LONDON - BRITAIN may be in the grip of a serial letter-bomber. A wave of attacks, described by police as coordinated, is inspiring comparisons with the so-called Unabomber in the US, who waged an 18-year campaign against airlines and universities that... [Read more]

Tycoon Black defends wife's shopping
DISGRACED newspaper tycoon Lord Conrad Black has defended his wife's shopping habits in court documents filed by his lawyers, who claimed that involving her in the case would create 'a circus-like sideshow'.Prosecutors have argued that Black, who faces fraud charges, treated... [Read more]

Prevent play from turning into pain
WATCH THEM Stay alert for signs of addiction, which can include spending long hours online and restlessness when away from the computer. ENGAGE THEM Offer children alternative, fun activities that they can do with you, like sports or camping. Do not... [Read more]

JetBlue to refund customers hit by recent flight delays
NEW YORK - DISCOUNT US airliner JetBlue Airways has announced sweeping compensations to customers stranded in a weather-induced operations meltdown. The week-long debacle which started last Wednesday, led to the cancellation of more than 1,100 flights and left hundreds stranded for... [Read more]

M-cycle trip to help pal ends in tragedy for best friends
TWO grief-stricken families yesterday buried their young sons, killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Malaysia while on their way to help a friend. Childhood buddies Roslan Rahim and Muhammad Redhuan Hussain, both 24, died on Tuesday night near the Malaysian... [Read more]

Arsenal watching goalkeeper Carson
LONDON - Liverpool's Scott Carson has emerged as a top target for Arsene Wenger, amid continuing uncertainty over Jens Lehmann's Arsenal future. The Gunners manager has admitted his concerns that Lehmann, 37, may be nearing the end of his career with... [Read more]