2007 Annual and Asia Pacific Regional Conference

October 11-14, 2007

Invitation Letter       Agenda    Hotel Information     Printable Registration Form      Online Registration      Skrine Pre-Conference Event  Practice Group and Committee Meetings Agenda

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Republic of Singapore is a small island city-state in Southeast Asia made up of the island of Singapore and over 60 smaller islands. It has a favorable strategic location and is connected to Malaysia's southern tip by two causeways. Independent since 1965, Singapore is one of the world's most prosperous countries with a competitive economy and strong international trading ties. Singapore is a small, stable, highly-developed country with an elected parliamentary system of government.  Tourist facilities are modern and widely available.  English is widely spoken. 

History:  Although Singapore's history dates from the 11th century, the island was little known to the West until the 19th century, when in 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived as an agent of the British East India Company. In 1824, the British purchased Singapore Island, and by 1825, the city of Singapore had become a major port, with trade exceeding that of Malaya's Malacca and Penang combined. In 1826, Singapore, Penang, and Malacca were combined as the Straits Settlements to form an outlying residency of the British East India Company; in 1867, the Straits Settlements were made a British Crown Colony, an arrangement that continued until 1946. After a period of friction between Singapore and the central government in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965 and became a sovereign, independent republic.

Visa:  Foreigners holding travel documents issued by certain countries will require either a Business or Social Visit visa to enter Singapore. To view a list of countries whose nationals require entry visas into Singapore, please visit the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website at www.ica.gov.sg.

Currency:  The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar. Credit cards and travelers' checks are widely accepted. The current exchange rate can be accessed at: www.oanda.com/.

Economy:  Singapore has a highly-developed and successful free-market economy and has been rated as the most business-friendly economy in the world.  It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP equal to that of the four largest Western European countries. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics and information technology products. It was hard hit from 2001-03 by the global recession, by the slump in the technology sector, and by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, which curbed tourism and consumer spending. Fiscal stimulus, low interest rates, a surge in exports, and internal flexibility led to vigorous growth in 2004-06 with real GDP growth averaging 7% annually.  

Transportation from Airport:  The Changi International Airport is approximately 25 minutes from the Shangri-la Hotel. One can expect to pay about S$20 for a taxi ride. The hotel does offer transportation; see the Hotel Information form.

Dress:  All plenary sessions are business casual. For the receptions/dinners, smart casual attire is suggested.  (Men will need a jacket, but necessarily a tie.) Lightweight summer clothing is recommended as it will be warm. For the excursions, casual clothing is recommended.  Restaurants that are more formal may require a jacket and tie.

Weather:  Singapore has a relatively uniform temperature throughout the year. The historical monthly average for weather in Singapore in October has been 75^oF-88^o F (24^oC- 31^o C). Rain falls throughout the year and showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and refreshing. Please check weather.com for the latest information.

Taxes:  There is a Government tax and Goods & Services Tax in hotels.

Tipping:  Usually, there is a 10% service charge added to the bill. If not, tipping is not usual nor encouraged in Singapore. Tipping is prohibited in the airport.

Chewing Gum:  As an extension of the "no littering" mantra, the import, sale and possession of chewing gum is banned. You are also not allowed to bring in chewing gum for your own consumption. In short, no chewing gum whatsoever.

Smoking:  Smoking is not allowed in public buses, bus interchanges/stops, public toilets, swimming complexes, taxis, open-air stadiums, community center/clubs, lifts, theaters, cinemas, government offices, and in air-conditioned restaurants, shopping centers, and coffee shops.

Population:  Singapore is among the-most densely populated countries in the world. The most recent population estimate is over 4.5 million (77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% Indian and 1% others). 

Shopping:  With shopping as one of Singapore's major attractions, the government has instituted several consumer laws to protect buyers. Shopping districts include the Colonial Singapore Area, Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street. However, the main shopping district is Orchard Road situated at the heart of the city, with major department stores and malls stretching up to 1.2 miles.  Most shops welcome all major credit cards.

 Electricity:  Singapore uses 220 - 240 volts with a three pin plug .