While I was blogging this, massive traffic jams spotted at both immigration checkpoints where high level of security checks are being made on all vehicles leaving this country.

Singapore has its first blow for security lapse since 9/11, when a terror suspect escaped from a detention camp, on 27 Feb 2008 at around 4pm (Singapore time).

Known as Mas Selamat Kastari, was the commander of a Singapore terrorist network, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which is said to be associated with Al-Qaeda terrorist group. Apprehended in 2006 in Bintan Indonesia, he was then brought back to Singapore on terrorism charges, being the mastermind in the planning of several terrorist acts to be carried out here.

Quoted from International Herald Tribune, "...Given Singapore's small size and efficient security services, getting out of the country would seem to be difficult..." But after an islandwide massive manhunt operation for more then 24 hrs, the most wanted man, is yet to be found.

Thousands of security personels from every level, were activated since yesterday. Involving not only all police land divisions, The Special Operation Command troops, the elite police gurkha forces, The Coast Guards and also the Singapore Army.

Ironically, this extensive deployment is to hunt down a 47-year-old man, with a belly, walking with a limp, unarmed, wearing only a T-shirt and shorts. All he did was, to sneak out unknowingly from a heavily guarded prison cell, equipped with the latest state-of-art security systems cum with high fencing and barbed wires.

With no high-tech equipments, the man walked himself into a toilet and disappeared. Pooff!

Over the years, Singapore has invested millions of tax-payers money to enhance the security of the state. Also quoted from International Herald Tribune, "...Singapore has one of the tightest security systems in the world..." but yet failed to detain a "semi-handicap" man escaping from a detention cell.

Now, what has the govenment been doing over the years? Why spent so much and yet failed a simple task. Security lapse? Flaws in the system? Being too complacent and slacking?

As citizens, we have always been vigilant tracking terrorist activities just to keep everyone safe and sound. We have always play our part in the total defence of Singapore to safeguard its sovereignty, tranquility and harmonious living. But again, the incompetence of the government has let everyone down, hence wasting the efforts and money spent.

Bringing the country into another high alert and tightening the security, now seems useless. The people now is not questioning what is going to happen next, but rather, what the government is doing?

The Minister of Home Affair, Mr Wong Kang Seng, has publicly apologised. "This should never have happened. I am sorry that it had. An independent investigation is under way, and we should not speculate on what and how it happened."

Dear Mr Minister, sorry is not the best word that we wanted to hear from you now. Can you guarantee the safety of our country after what has happened? Can you guarantee the world is not in another level of danger after an alledged terrorist made an escape while in custody, due to your weak security? Until you say yes, we shall not accept your apology.

More news >> http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/331726/1/.html

Unlike Russia, Singapore has never been outstanding in sports.

Due to a very small population and just a handful of sports talents, it's difficult for a small nation to rise and compete in international games events. With the lack of recognition by the government to our outstanding sportsmen, dreams to dominate the world will never come true.

The only Olympic medal Singapore has ever won, was a silver, way back in the 60s in the weightlifting category.
(More stories >> Tan Howe Liang)

Ironically, wining this bid for the Youth Olympic Games in 2010, has certainly turns the tide around and coincidentaly expose Singapore at the world stage.

Smart and swift strategies, has apparently overcome its obstinate setbacks. Credits to the country's well-built infrastructure assets, great marketing force and branding strategy, Singapore moves its way up to beat Moscow 53-44, to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.

Lesson learnt : Never underestimate the brain power of a small nation.

Congratulation to Singapore!

Singapore ecstatic at winning Youth Olympics bid
21 February 2008

SINGAPORE - Singapore erupted in celebration on Thursday after winning the right to host the inaugural Youth Olympics in 2010, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong calling it a new era for Southeast Asian sport.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the Games to the city-state ahead of Moscow by a vote of 53 to 44. It will be the first time that Singapore is hosting a multi-disciplinary sporting event of such a magnitude.

"Friends and fellow Singaporeans, congratulations to all of us," said Mr Lee in front of thousands of cheering supporters wearing red and white, the colours of the national flag.

"It is a great honour and privilege for all of us. It will be the first time that the Olympic flame will be in Southeast Asia and in Singapore.

"We will be the focus of a new era for sporting development for Southeast Asia and Singapore. We worked very hard, it was a national effort, but more than that it was a people effort."

Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth, and Sports, called it "an historic day".

"By choosing Singapore, the IOC has declared that it is possible for small young cities like Singapore to host the Olympic movement," he said.

"On Friday, the hard work begins. I know we will succeed because every Singaporean will go all out to welcome the youth of the world to Singapore in 2010."

Moscow had Russian President Vladimir Putin in its corner, far deeper pockets than Singapore in terms of budget, and long-standing ties with the IOC on its side. But Singapore played its size-is-not-everything card to perfection.

A huge buzz has been generated among Singaporeans, with people from all backgrounds in the nation of 4.5 million people supporting the bid.

Online, they have shown their backing by blogging, chatting on forums, posting videos and setting up websites. And more than 550 companies publicly backed the bid.

The brainchild of IOC chief Jacques Rogge, the Youth Olympics will feature traditional sports such as athletics and swimming, and also some innovative events such as beach-wrestling and BMX bike riding.

Rogge made the announcement himself from the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, ending a process that originally started with nine cities in contention. This was whittled down to Athens, Bangkok, Turin, Singapore and Moscow before it became a two-horse race.

"This is a key moment for the Olympic movement," said Rogge. "Singapore has put together a very exciting project. Hosting the Youth Olympic Games for the first time is a great responsibility, and I have every confidence in the team in Singapore.

"I have no doubt that their professionalism and enthusiasm will be instrumental in the staging of a successful Youth Olympic Games in 2010."

The Games will see 3,500 athletes, aged between 14 and 18, competing in 26 sports.

Singapore is proposing 24 venues, with four being built as temporary facilities, including one large cluster of 13 facilities in its Marina-Kallang area.

The Youth Olympic Village will be located at a new multi-million-dollar student residential complex at the National University of Singapore, slated for completion months before the event.

Singapore is budgeting US$75.5 million to run the Olympics, covering everything from educational and cultural programmes to development of services and transport. The Games will run from August 14-16. - AFP/ir

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/330241/1/.html