EX-LAWYER JAILED: 24 months for cheating bank and finance company over $4m loans page 5 M "'^^JHHpMp Get the longer-term benefits of PruLink Investments AND 4% guaranteed returns* on your savings over 12 months! ■■UKAflJßuijl^H f Invest a one-off lump sum m PruLink Account Plus", life insurance policy are not

8 *****1 *****7 The Straits Times interactive: http ://straitst imes .asial com sq is available from 6 am.

HOME GUN CLUB MAY HAVE EXTRA DUTIES BUSINESSMAN David Lim expects to be putting m even more extra hours, if the Ministry of the Environment intensifies its war against crows and tries to reduce their number to 10.000, a tenth of what it is now. As the Singapore Gun Club's

COMMENTARY CHINA'S WTO ENTRY RAISES FEARS CHINA'S entry into the World Trade Organisation has given rise to fear and uncertainty, especially among developing countries m Asia, which are concerned about their export markets and foreign direct investment. Other countries m other parts of the world are also feeling jittery. Among

FORUM SUSPEND GST ON BASKS STRAITS Times reader Lim Siang Hwa suggests the Government suspend the goods and services tax on foods that are basic necessities, like rice, and train and bus fares. He figures that doing so could lead to public transport companies lowering fares, and would not have

LIFE! MY, THAT'S A SMART LIBRARY THE new National Library will take into account the sun, wind and greenery here. It will have deep sun-shades on the outside, shaded terraces that are three storeys high inside and a void deck on the ground floor inspired by those at Housing Board

HOME China, hot target for educators THE former managing director for Dell Computer's South Asia office, Mr Andrew Chua, 50, has sunk S6 million into setting up a business school, offering several diploma courses. Called the East Asia School of Business, it hopes to get students from the region and

WORLD Top women execs sent to boot camp TOP women executives m the United States are being sent toDoot camp, so they can learn how to behave more like women than men. At the camp, women are told that if they hesitate more, learn to cry m public, and use

PRIM 'Choo can, you can too' MALAYSIAN businessmen are being asked to follow m shoe designer Jimmy Choo's footsteps, by turning their industries into world-class, niche ones. Their alternative is to carry on producing cheap items and be out-priced by those from China, said International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah

MONEY SINGAPORE POWER IN $350 M DEAL IN THE next few weeks, Singapore Power hopes to complete its second-biggest overseas investment acquiring two power plants m South Korea for 244 billion won (5350 million). Returns are almost certain as the plants have guaranteed contracts. The deal is a two-pronged one

ASIA SMI OF NEW YEAR GOODIES RISE THE many Japanese who have put off travelling over Jan 1 are spending their money at home on the pricey traditional delicacies that are eaten m the first few days of the new year. Tokyo stores have reported rises of as much as

SPORTS CHANGE FOR GOLD AT ASIAN GAMES FORMER world bowling champion Tom Hahl may apply for Singapore citizenship. If the permanent resident does so and gets it, the country's chances of getting its first gold medal at the Asian Games will increase. The Singapore Tenpin Bowling Congress says he qualifies

MAIN Prime 3-5 World 6-17 Editorial 18 Commentary 18,19 Forum 20,21 HOME Home Hl-H9 Tech Science Hlo,Hll ASIA Asia Al East Asia A2-A5 S-EAsia A6-A8 Malaysia... A9-A ll Weather Al2 SPORTS/ MONEY Sports Sl-S5 Money S7-Sl2 LIFE! What's On L 2 Comics L 6 Movies L 7 Cinema L 8

pPT] University of *afc« i atrorfiintvfrstty EJI SOUTH AUSTRALIA *ffi* LA 1 KUBh UNlVhKbl 1 V "One of Australia's Best Universities" 32sJ« PC TT Business nrlln (Wed. 26 Dec 2001) XX W JLf ttijll 1 Vksks Dbng n P orpp« Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) m \J vJll VViJ IP Mechanical

Pele ball being auctioned for charity AN AUCTION for a football signed by soccer legend Pele will help needy schoolchildren. Bids start at $500 and the auction ends on Friday. Mr Wilfred Yeo, The Straits Times' Assistant to Editor (Sports), won the item at a press conference attended by the

Israel destroys Arafat's elite base iel Sharon, who pledged this week to step up military activities to force Mr Arafat to crack down on extremists, welcomed the EU's position after meeting Mr Solana. He also said he was "interested" m easing restrictions on the Palestinian population m general, a demand

Afghan fighters overrun Al-Qaeda caves TORA BORA Afghan tribal fighters, backed by devastating United States" air strikes and night raids by American special forces, overran AlQaeda's Tora Bora cave hideouts yesterday. They also set a deadline for the surrender of remaining members of Osama bin Laden's terrorist network. After making

NUS students heading for Silicon Valley SANDRA DAVIE The pioneering students will work as interns and attend courses as first of five overseas colleges is set up by NUS NEXT month, 20 National University of Singapore (NUS) students will begin a year m Silicon Valley as interns with technology companies

Four months' jail for bully who hit driver with iron rod A STARING incident between two motorists led one to assault the other with an iron rod, a district court heard yesterday. Daniel Tan Kheen Fatt, 51, then an operations manager, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Tan Khim Chiew, 26,

Jimmy Choo's China lesson RE ME AHMAD Shoemaker to the stars shows how to be world class and beat the China challenge, Rafidah tells Malaysian businessmen By HE MUST TAKE THE EXAMPLE OF A MALAYSIAN WHO MD THIS, JIMMY CHOO. I F IT IS NOT OF A CERTAIN QUALITY AND

Ex-lawyer jailed 24 months ELENA CHONG COI'RTCORRFSPONDFNT A FORMER crime buster-turned-lawyer was sentenced yesterday to a total of 24 months m jail for cheating a bank and a finance company out of more than $4 million through housing loans. Billy Ng Chee Sing, 39, did not reveal to them that

fIH 'F^^^SSS^^m^m^m^m^m^m^m^m^m^m^m^m^m^m^r wr T» H&|4|H r 111 CO I I I IvlA A CH I V _^^MMH^k>. 1 I I Bi^. I I Now you can enjoy full home theater entertainment with the Bose® Lifestyle* 1 2 HH o*—M package which comes together with a Philips DVD 729K player. t

A Men's Skin Centre facial^^B^HHßHß^l gives me the dynamic boost I need with great results. bVbb b^bW Your facial appointment at Men's Skin Centres is designed to be the most relaxing interlude of your week, time-out from the stress of a busy city day. Our facial therapy soothes the soul

[See also Pages 13-18 r/m/HOME:HB;

IkSlw pW. *****8551 UK Universities Seminar i#»**. Wed, 12 Dec 2001 7pm Informatics Tanjong Pagar Centre ilUair Rebate M Christmas Get the Best from UK Universities Draw •S University of Wales Kk <» WALES J IL fly University of Portsmouth <J Wf I/to Introducing new programme M^ J tMiiw' BSc

Prime picks guaranteed to bear good fruit. ysk IGCOL.com The Degree Centre for eDucation Success At Informatics Group Centre for Open Learning (IGCOL), we pride ourselves as Singapore's premier education centre which offers the widest range of Bachelor, Master Doctorate degree programmes m Business and IT from top-ranking universities from

01 RJ rI Bk!8P) i i2 l b L^t^te^i^^^^A^J B'fl iKfeSl CBl Sd BP V S Els'^v^v^*^*^ 999^9 Lvi^^^jJH_L^?^9 H; •JSS tnril H Be SpOntaneOUS. With Gee 1 you can do almost anything, anytime and anywhere, instantly. It's a suite of mobile data services that lets you get email, trade

Taming the corporate shrew LOUISE BRANSON gfj A Silicon Valley programme helps women executives to reach the very top of their firms by softening their 'male traits' By STRAITS TIMES UNITED STATES BUREAU MOUNTAIN VIEW (California) Bully Broad Boot Camp? Yes, you saw right. Welcome to a programme m Silicon

corn EQ is as important as IQ THE bully-broad programme may sound like an outrage to feminism, backing down on gains which have allowed some women to claw their way to the top of American corporations though they still make up only 12 per cent of top executives. In fact,

Military coffin scandal haunts Delhi The military paid an exorbitant sum for 500 coffins from the US for its soldiers, say auditors NEW DELHI Corruption m Indian defence circles returned to the spotlight yesterday with Parliament m an uproar over reports that the government bought 500 coffins at exorbitant prices

Crackdown on mobs who lynch suspects DHAKA Bangladeshi police have received orders to prevent the lynching of suspected criminals after 36 people were killed by mobs m recent weeks, a newspaper said yesterday. The country's police chief Mudabbir Hossain Chowdhury has asked officers to ensure such incidents are not repeated

No strong perfume please in this NZ restaurant WELLINGTON Perfume smells trouble at a top restaurant here. A woman celebrating her 48th birthday had not even opened the menu at the exclusive Two Rooms restaurant when she was offered a napkin and asked to go to the bathroom and wipe

Ethnic groups blast call to embrace 'British way of life' ALFRED LEE But Blair defends Home Secretary Blunkett for sparking debate on national identity to build cohesion Hu STRAITS TIMES EUROPE BUREAU LONDON Britain's migrants should learn English and adapt more to the British way of life, Home Secretary David

SPEAK ENGLISH: 'Unrealistic LONDON Teaching immigrants to speak English is hugely expensive and may have little effect, Australia's Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock has cautioned. He said Australia encouraged immigrants to learn the language but discovered that some simply could not, the BBC reported yesterday. He did not comment on British

Discount may cost German leader his job The influential leader of the German state of Saxony may be toppled after his wife demanded a price cut on furniture, the latest m a series of 'arrogant' actions BERLIN One of Germany's most influential Christian Democratic politicians may soon be toppled as

World ill-equipped to handle ageing population Developing nations m particular will find it hard to tackle the fast-growing problem of ageing, says the United Nations UNITED NATIONS Most countries are ill-prepared to face the rapidly growing problem of ageing, and developing states m particular lack the resources to tackle it,

Diamond firm demands $16m for libel BBC'S ERRONEOUS REPORT LONDON Senior BBC executives are fighting over who is to blame for a blunder that could result m the corporation's big-gest-eve r libel payout. Lawyers for an African diamond firm have served a writ on the BBC and its reporter David

Two new pills offer fresh hope for breast-cancer patients ALFRED LEE British doctors are excited about the effectiveness and ease of use of the two drugs anastrozole and letrozole STRAITS TIMES EUROPE BUREAU LONDON Doctors are hailing two new breast-cancer drugs found to be more effective than tamoxifen, the world's

225-kg man unfit to care for foster sons, rules court BUFFALO (New York) A 225-kg man was forced to say good-bye to three boys he had raised for six years after a court ruled that he was too fat to care for them. Mr Brian Jones, 38, said his inexplicable

W C r JKH I('"ST' T R I X X I "WBJ 'No' To The British Way Ajf Too Fat To Be A Dad Osama's Video Shocker Blunkett's call for migrants to be more J A 225-kg foster father must give up three I^^^^^H Videotape shows Osama saving he had

w\[\ \t t*\Km Your body is a ship. You are its captain. Fuel up mith digital high test. Let your mind trip. To the destinations of your desires. The high octane power of Digital Sanyo can take you there. By utilizing a renowned digital technology, our superior image and sound

JD Bl 3B BL. JbbV -S b^bbUb^^^b^ X THE AMAZING NEW SWISS SLIMMING CONCEPr ■■■I BBmH By i "~N b\ Developed at the Mane France research centre Hbb^b^H b^i t^ *Ibbb^v JH Bk ;'J3 **r^ m Switzerland, and specially adapted for the V- BBk^»I B*^ B^ J^^ Asian woman, "Silhouthermie

BE H Jgfl E I* I^^^^^^^^^^^H |3 X -b 4 He 2-

■^^^ALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE HALE SALE SALE SALE SALE WIDEST RANGE OF ITALIAN Wk DESIGNER SHOES SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SIZES AVAILABLE: LADIES 4-9 MEN 5 9.5 Hilton Hotel Shopping Gallery 581 Orchard Road #02-1 9, Singapore *****3 Tel: *****56 Fax: *****38

A NOKIA Cong rat v tot ions to connecting people Super Mobile Grand OpenirvmfKial Promotior ia^^^ €if3V# Wofci3 ohop Invited ArtisteJi /^■■■ll.^\ MAIfIA .JiHHHHHr^ UAifiA (Modiscorp, 2001 Stars AwaH J B I I Arrival Time:m pfH I II I BJ W% C C (1 I 1 (Trade-in any GSM isl^^^^^^^^^^fl^H

ff NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND "Ranked Top 9 Business School m Europe" BffißScjHons) Accelerated program WKmAtmMMUiitLi^mM^aAkJiimM^LL^^M For Po,> Dip aor a ,en, !g g o I qualifications pac V non »J WianagOmilt j Over 1 .500 graduates to date! BSc (HOfl») Meeting BSc (tkra) Finance I MSc/BSc I H poux*

Hnnnvi |S now on. *****88 11/ W g .r^sss: rr j »x. L y v.,.;.:.. u— jji— l.;-,. _.}v'-' .'usa^^ I m ■■ill m Ib^ n iniiiw "^BaßßE^MKjß^^jggg***?** TSBSSSTBT *"*"""^B?T* gr r """"r,,, '-'v,;,/- Fantastic products at incredible prices. Hurry down to your nearest dealers now! LM-2064C3L oc WIN FREE

Bid f\-i B^j "1 c]4BH| Shanthi For home delivery of Tamil Murasu please call 736 6077 or Fax 738 6477 http://tamilmurasu.asiai.com .^..J

Special group of elite US soldiers play... Mind games The US Army's Intellectual warriors' work at demoralising the enemy and promoting defections to bring about an early end to the war FORT BRAGG (North Carolina) Armed with radio transmitters, loud speakers and music, from classical to heavy metal, a group

US forces to fan out to other world spots With the war m Afghanistan winding down, the US plans to shift special operations forces to countries with Al-Qaeda bases, such as Somalia WASHINGTON The Bush administration has begun plans for military actions m the global war on terrorism that include

Tape shows Osama had estimated Sept 1 1 toll Royal limo awaits ex-king's return NEARLY 30 years have passed since former King Mohammed Zahir Shan was forced to flee Afghanistan, but his Cadillac Fleetwood is still parked m a garage at the royal palace m Kabul, guarded by Northern Alliance

TALEBAN PRISONERS DIE OF SUFFOCATION DOZENS of Taleban prisoners have died after surrendering to Northern Alliance forces, asphyxiated m the shipping containers used to transport them to prison, witnesses said. The deaths occurred as the prisoners, many of them foreign fighters for the Taleban, were brought from the town of

AFGHAN FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS INDIA THE new Afghan regime is sending Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah to New Delhi for discussions with Indian leaders for a two-day visit from today. The Press Trust of India said Mr Abdullah's visit, coming close on the heels of the visit by Interior Minister Yunos

CHINA WANTS ITS NATIONALS REPATRIATED CHINA said yesterday that any of its nationals captured m Afghanistan fighting for pro-Taleban forces should be repatriated to face Chinese justice. "Once they are determined to be Chinese citizens, of course the relevant side should hand them over to the Chinese side so as

USS KITTY HAWK LEAVES ARABIAN SEA AIRCRAFT carrier USS Kitty Hawk is leaving the Arabian Sea after serving as a platform for US special forces helicopters and troops during the Afghan campaign, a defence official said on Monday. Several hundred US Army Range s who had been deployed aboard the

Afghan elites in the West want to return Some of those who have prospered abroad are willing to give up what they have to rebuild their country PROVIDENCE (Rhode Island) Some wealthy and well-educated Afghans who have lived outside their country for years say they are prepared to abandon their

NGOs begin talks on reconstruction plans TOKYO Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Japan and Afghanistan as well as international groups began three days of talks here yesterday to discuss measures to support Afghan reconstruction, organisers said. According to initial estimates, more than US$lO billion (SslB billion) will be needed over 10

IIVE YOUR HAIRLOSS F^HjT |the royal treatment. fIMA You can't do better SL/iJi than Svenson. rt fhoTo i 3ri o s I *w^4 i consulted by royalty, politicians, pop singers and Hollywood stars who I%> M want the best advice the y can 9 et about hairloss. So do you.

*****111 If'^iP'^pi'lippPiiippi ip^^^ il l|1 '^'"'''WilßL— '^H Pacific Internet presents J^&*^^^^T^^ y IntGrnot I '^W yT J^B NASDAQ PCNTF The NEW, massive multiplayer role-playing online Bh. 3D-MMORPG GAIN/IE A Live m a medieval fantasy 3D world of dungeons and dragons as a warrior, mage, wizard on anything you desire, along

BBB^m^B J BB BHfl B^^Sss»9^ w2\v^9kVß m f'| The makers of j r B Dimage digital cameras j^S cannot be held responsible 1 7 for the realjstic r ©sults. j Introducing the Uimage range of digital cameras l^Mi"^^^^ j^[i S3* j|Q; v y^ >. and their inspiring features. What you

IWC I London Chamber of |(^gg Commerce and Industry The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) works closely with government agencies, institutions and professional organisations internationally with almost 40,000 entries for examinations which are testimonials of professional competence to employees around the world. MM University of Cambridge Local Examinations

ctwi/Mima weae- tAe extra mile Lf, ,> js v M& COMPLIMENTARY BUFFET BREAKFAST WELCOME FRUIT PLATTER 5525.00 FOOD VOUCHER (For minimum spending of 5550.00 at Furama Palace Chinese Restaurant) EXTENDED CHECK-OUT TIME TILL 3.00PM GUARANTEED DAILY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSPAPER 10% DISCOUNT ON SERVICES AT BUSINESS CENTRE COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE TO BUSINESS DISTRICT,

__r^y_i_|r^rl-B B_^__^_i^_^^_fl j_~"'~~~~"~^M-B-B-B-i-^-B jfj I ________r /^r V m J^^^\V^ _p| _t^ViMHFVMßi_vMVfMHWb^_____ft __R i __B Bi^__l /_F ______t J_______________________»_^_^^k\ _P HM|||jlj^^^£jiyaMjy|J«|||||||||||Jpjj^-~ y**^H __________ll9^_____B99rV_l__U_______^m\ __f -ii i Qoo _LlS_» i-^iU IP^^^________b __S__H__r ___?\NI Ib__iL I IF_H ______^l IELIYInIl ELIYln l P_#^___r S IS 1 Lemon Lime I 1 11 ■^^i^MLM-IIB^-^^^ I

PUNCHLINES

Chinese hunger for more than a taste at democracy LI FAN Oil BEIJING Critical assessments of grassroots democracy m rural China are hard to make: Have the reforms undertaken created a genuine democracy that represents a significant step towards participatory government? If so, can they be implemented beyond the village

When America banged the table DAVID M. MAL ONE fi!L NEW YORK Out of the rubble of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Kandahar, a new world diplomatic order arises, led by the United States. With the defeat of the Taleban m Afghanistan, it is possible now to draw

Enter the dragon GUYDE JONQUIERES H FINANCIAL TIMKS OPTIMISM ABOUT THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF CHINA'S WTO MEMBERSHIP MAY BE PREMATURE. REALISING THEM WILL REQUIRE WRENCHING STRUCTURAL CHANGE... THE SHOCKS COULD STRAIN INTERNATIONAL TRADE RELATIONS FOR YEARS TO COME. Chinas lon? march to inte oration CHINA'S entry into the World Trade

How to reach us After office hours, please call operators at 737-0011 NEWSOCSK TEL 730-5397 FAX. 732-0131 FOWICH DESK TEL 730-5745 FAX: 733-4120 PtCTUK DESK TEL 730-5328 FAX: 733-8295 EAST ASIA UHIT TEL: 730-5622 FAX: 733-4120 FOW* DCSK TEL 730-5454 FAX: 733-2690 MOKEY DESK TEL 730-5471 FAX: 733-4517 SWTTS DESK

B^^j _H I Laf W^aa_aa_ta~* > I S _B Have dOMbu? We don t blame you. Other centres may have ir _L__lL aHe< you before but we stand ■p _l _Ffl_A by our word you have K~ j| unwanted hair that keeps coming jf J *'l|^^ r- back, dont lose

CAi the first day of Christmas y* J i ml J Eki J J ii j*!f i> ±g= my true love sent to me, l|» m tfi »p T y T flT*mi imT I I mi II 111 if I I a Canon fax machine, M m a Takashimaya voucher

Suspend GST on necessities and transport "W" -W- -JT ITHthe I increase m certificate of \f entitlement V T prices, the Government may wish to consider the temporary zero-rating of certain goods and services. Zero-rating means the goods and services tax (GST) is charged at zero per cent. This effectively

People with maids are employers, not gods I REFER to the letter, "Review maid levy to lower abuse" (ST, Dec 11), by Mr Tay Lin Siau. Maids are human beings and Singaporeans have to learn that paying maids does not give them a god-like authority. Maid abuse is a symptom

Leave price adjustm ents to market forces I REFER to the reply from the Consumers Association of Singapore ("Case has a duty to protect consumers"; ST, Dec 10) regarding McDonald's price hikes. While I agree that the association should be concerned with the "big picture" of protecting consumers, it may

Case monitoring banking industry I REFER to the letter, "Customers suffer with changes" (ST, Dec 11). We would like to assure the public that we have been watching the banking industry closely and will come out strongly if we see a deterioration m consumer rights and service standards. As a

IMF proposal on COE has merits I REFER to the article, "Study proposes 'fairer' COE bidding system" (ST, Dec 11). I read about the study and proposal from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) m September and I was elated that a highly regarded international agency had said what most Singaporeans

Ml expects staff to provide service with heart 1 REFER to Mr Tan Chung Yee's letter, "Mi's service staff can be more sensitive" (ST, Dec 7). We fully agree that problems raised by customers should always be dealt with sensitively and, when appropriate, m a flexible manner. Ml expects its

Mobile-phone contracts: The real cost 1 WRITE m response to the letter, "Cell-phone service shouldn't stop after contract is signed", by Mr Dave Law (ST, Dec 8). The frustration he feels is shared by many consumers m Singapore who have signed mobile-phone contracts because of promotions, without fully understanding what

Issues with MaxTV... I REFER to the letter, "SCV broadband service problematic" (ST, Dec 11), by Mr Lee BengTeck. Singapore Cable Vision's MaxTV service is not up to par either. There have been numerous breaks m transmission on various channels, and no apologies or explanations have been provided. Subscribers also

and Max Online I HAVE been an SCV Max Online subscriber since the service started, but I have noticed that the connection keeps getting slower and slower. Using some bandwidth testers from the Internet, I have found that, during peak periods, my bandwidth can drop as low as 200-300 kbps.

j^jii jHV f i la4[ I I c I I I I I I 11 Lm^L i^Z^^^^ W Toshiba Big-Capacity, Fuzzy-Logic Washing Machine iv/ffi un/gue Shower Rinse feature. '""*-^V Toshiba's GFNIUS technology now makes washing clothes so much easier, faster and more efficient /j^^lS^ I than ever before. The jumbo-size

Mind Your Own ome to the 2<X)l/2O<>2 MYOB Product Launch ■V^ and discover why MYOB is used by over 400,000 f^k businesses worldwide. We will be launching the latest w versions of our accounting, payroll and point-of-sale software for Singapore to help you mind your own business. I Mr. Chris

University of South Australia moderated and validated programs Business Degrees Advanced standing w Completion In 12-15 months TB Advanced Dip Management/Marketing/Finance/HRM 12 months •27 th Intake February '02 *^f^ DiplOma m Business 12 months 26th Intake 14 December '01 C~~ "S/AdvWp InformotiofrSMsiofi ot^OO^m/^^ Asia Pacific Business School Tel: 225-1883 (Tel:

Before you rest your back on a Scaly, he does. O^^^^^^^^K. IWwewwwil'tcj onto a bed surface, jdß|^ 'dM^^^^^^^^^^^H ■jl^a^w*' Data Man records critical I ><><{y •jS^^^^^^^^^^^^^Efr displacements cm&angles t<> tist 11 -i<c«g9tfc 'l^^^^^^^^^^^Hp I^V^^^^^K bed design for eonWkfpitiul .sx/</><.. r x Only Scaly Posturepedic mattresses provide correct spinal alignment while

Come and Discover How You Can Survive The f~\ Bad Times fc»*i Tonightiffiß 7-1 5pn^ES^ TJET Locate its owner through Classification 821 (Found). Simply call C.A.T.S. Bt 1800-737-1166 for {his free service. CSS CATS. Anolhc Classified Sefvioe

Now TilM 8/1 2/01 Or While Stocks Last! We Reserve The Right To Limit Quantities. No Traders Allowed. iTV "1^1? fc* X&* J&&JK aV^ C*] ;l 4-~M>3 J 4 J B J I*l B>/.1 a n o Mo Kio 1 Tel: 453 9312 Ang Mo Kio 2 Tel 456 2515

The Straits Times home Wednesday, December 12, 2001

BAMON6 ON A BRAND NAME 'Mention that you are from Singapore and that's half the battle won. Mr Andrew Chua, who set up the East Asia School of Business, which runs business, IT, finance, travel and tourism and hospitality management diploma courses for students m the region

Shooter with something to crow about GOH CHIN LIAN For six years, gun enthusiast David Lim has braved angry residents to help m the effort to control the crow population Bu VOLUNTEER crow shooter David Lim is likely to be busier m the years ahead if he is called upon

How you can help AVOID littering or feeding stray animals and birds. Food left on the ground will attract crows. Dispose of rubbish properly, m litter bins. At home, put refuse into plastic bags and dispose of it m covered bins. Call the ENV helpline on 1800-731-9222 if you spot

Potential in exporting Singapore education SANDRA DAVIE Remaking Singapore By Education services have been identified by government leaders as one new area that Singapore can develop as it seeks to remake itself and create new growth areas for the economy. Some institutions are already taking the lead. Our education correspondent

NO STONES UNTURNED REMAKING Singapore is a new series of articles to contribute to the new effort to relook policies. No stone will be left unturned m the effort to review policies and find new niches For Singapore m the next phase of growth, government leaders have said. Got an

Vitamins can stop sight loss in the old MARGARET PERRY Taking pills that have certain antioxidant vitamins with zinc can prevent an age-related eye disease from getting worse, shows US study DISORDER: Dry and wet conditions THE disease has two forms: The "dry" type, where small yellow deposits collect m

Molest tutor surrendered to police ARLINA ARSHAD Hu conscience-stricken by what he'd done and decided to confess." He said that Astill had a "sexual addiction" but did not wish to elaborate. "He reported the matter to the police Decause he wanted to wake up and break away from this habit,"

Ex-driver pawned loot from Suharto's relative He admits talcing four watches to a pawnshop and says he used the rest of the haul for gambling debts THE man who used to be the chauffeur and housekeeper of former Indonesian President Suharto's daughter-in-law said yesterday that he pawned four of the

$1,300 stolen from parked car IN JUST four hours on Monday, thieves broke into two cars parked m a multi-storey carpark m Upper Cross Street. They stole a briefcase from each car. One bag held $1,300; and the other, eight cheque books. Both the cars, which were parked close to

Pay freeze: S'pore, Malaysia hit hardest 10 per cent of 71 firms polled here froze workers' wages this year; it is 11 per cent m Malaysia and just 4 per cent m China WORKERS m Singapore and Malaysia were hit hardest by pay freeze this year, as compared to their

No dinner and dance, just lunch While there have been mass retrenchments across recession-hit Singapore, some companies are onlyjust beginning to feel the pinch, tor others, the cash is still flowing. KAREN ROM reports PRODUCTION workers at Pentex-Schweizer Electronics have always had to work through Christmas and New Year's Day.

Ikea is still recruiting SALES have dipped and bonuses have dropped, but home-furnishing store Ikea is still handing out monthly bonuses to its staff. "Compared with two years ago, we don't have so many apples. But we're still giving out apples," said Ikea s general manager Philip Wee. The only

CDC throws 'party' for job-seekers G. SIVAKKUMARAN Hosted by the Southeast CDC and a family service centre, event offered dinner and free childcare on top of jobs *L and the amount of travelling required too much, he said, echoing complaints that have been heard over and over again from employers

Sept 11 marked, 3 months after THREE months after the terrorist attacks on Sept 11, Americans here and elsewhere held solemn ceremonies yesterday to mark the day. At exactly 946 pm, the Singapore American School choir sang the US national anthem m the grounds of the United States Embassy m

3-nation military exercise begins in S'ore MORE than 70 aircraft from Singapore, Thailand and the United States are taking part m an annual military exercise which began yesterday. Exercise Cope Tiger 2002 is the eighth such exercise to be held since 1994. Today and tomorrow, 45 participants will be involved

Why the PAP could benefit from Dilbert WITH C HI LEE HOONC While satire and laughter help to sharpen the mind, they also act as a spur to policy-makers to improve I WAS m Kuala Lumpur over the weekend and what did I come across? A stage play that included

POLITICI PAP Needs Dilbert Chua Lee Hoong asks why there has been no play making fun of the ruling party. pace ho 1 m Hard Times Workers Here Hit Hard Survey of nine countries shows one m 10 firms here froze wages this year, page H7 Remaking Spore Schools Go

< > NIVERSITYOI T^^^^^^ g^ .n^' >4 BRADFORD OKWIMttCm UNOTRSm NA jtf S€riAusly sind University of Bradford KSgi Learn essential skills and techniques to embark into the world I ''^tJP^ Advanced Diploma m Business Management BB^BSfIB Diploma m Business Management IT, World-renowned Diploma m Computing with Management MBA Center for

r j v-— zg/jgrnr- I "It's convenient s^^ppjfcl and cost-effective." Ml J^ W^k I py >:; i tiwiii I ■iPpipHJpMUM 11

Introducing Inspire The Next The Very Future of Television. Using innovative technology and thoughtful design, Hitachi is constantly you'll discover a host of state-of-the-art features like the revolutionary H^^^^^^^^^^^H finding new ways to make life better. And now, Hitachi has done it again. Alternate Lighting of Surfaces. A superior resolution-

E^sitjil3 Hi I BBSSMfc^ .^TTT^ :?TTTn7fri i SuperStar Capricorn fcl^^^^fißHßHß SuperStar Capricorn Departing 15 Dec -28 Dec 2001 Departure: 29 Dec 2001 1 Jan 2002 2D/IN Singapore 4D/3N Singapore PRICES INCLUDE: cruise accommodation 6 sumptuous meals a day i/ Las Vegas-style entertainment Special New Year's Eve dinner Countdown party New

A.^V 111 I A A|l ft i i 111 l H t^SIMIUMnTr^TT] wL*A fill r 1 .^HHr flflflr *^BBBBBWI A.. '^Pv^l^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H JIB i j liriu'iii '^^"PBlbmm^bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbß B» j|B^ jfll Hr 3BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBKBB^BBB^RSK§MMwM^^MBI^QtfBirTBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB^BHMiB jf ss^*-*" 9 r Jr HHh BT a m «>9r ■Bfeii3^^. I L|f|^v^ansformationj^^ffl^S& I The Six Sigma approach is

NOKIA Connecting People W m JB W^K w iiJ IL H BF iJ 1 11 m\ m B w d&!^^^9b^^l I,^l I^l l^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B |&fl B^ «F fl B I^K V ml 14J| fl ■^^P ill 1 V l»ar B IS^B I II I 111 h 1 1 B I 1

KP MANGO I^^J fc^ I fc THBT f^[ 1 MORPHY RICHARDS Nfw Was $6 for 2^ JSSm^^^^SMiT^Mi M^k i«3M2wL*il7jH^^^SS^^^ with "^"BSSESES^ NORTHRUNNER I CYTESH F>^f> I stttiSi^*? **^^J^ Z TOSHIBA MITSUMARU E33BB3|SJBB£^^r^ mens' slippers >^^^^^« CAICIVI/CU I>> vf^J V Fabulous I GRWISSBHT 145 L 8M339 blender |^<ft'(SW^V' f t<W fl

What Drives You Come down to Raffles Place on Thursday, 20th December from 11.30 am and see our international contestants trying to win a Jaguar S-Type with a lucky roll of our giant dice. You too could be a lucky winner as we're also giving away everything from confectionery from

CCewfee Qiuuj >J^^^^ 9^ A This season, Clarke Quay infuses new really groovy bargains, the experience meaning into the festive spirit of Christmas, promises to leave you carolling for more, from 1-30 December. Right from the thrilling Go ahead, take a look at all the excitement performances of talented artistes

L^ss_ iHlllMmii @RSA Examinations Board is part of RH University^ Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate Cwtifkot* m Buvwss ircrrtond SUk Trmti t, Toumm •IT SUb HtfofriHJOot) ComfTxtrMcottyt r W7>notojy Diploma In Ausmess Secrettfho/ SJcff/t fTftf| DIPLOMA C 1 I Business Admin Marketing BSJBn^^^^M Mass Communication L^SiklJjH HIGHER DIPLOMA H^PH AccOuntingituleMniphoniorClM^FoundaonLmr: r**

_^B^TtvJ^^^n r^ Everything must go. Everyone must come. J For enquiries call 235 6391 ■<^»^BMH«f^^ mHKfUKK^^ I jtgßf^^^^' x xßm bßp^'-^bßblbw^*'*'^" S j^jMmk WmH^^m W^^^^^wKttttKf^^ jB I Robinsons ET I3) ETC!! I Shopping^H^HEMßy^PLJ Up C^C[f^^l ■wEfiS^S^ when you purchase selected Mitsubishi Electric Aircon systems! ymm^p This pfomotlon appUes only to

ATTENTION: ALL A' LEVEL DIPLOMA HOLDERS YOUR GATEWAY TO A PRESTIGIOUS DEGREE! UNIVERSITY OF LONDON Bachelor of Science (Hons) Management Banking Finance UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH PDrt mouth Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Business Marketing Business Finance Business HRM m UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Bachelor of Science m Psychology AUSTRALIA Bachelor of

PSBSt^B eiPDCI HimWffi^T«ftt?l www.eipdc.com v B fl B B v as '^JH BrX Blifl R^BHBHttfIBI m K^^^^^^^^^p^^LT^^T^^^^^^ir bSb^l BIV Bi B INVITATION ca*****8889 Informatics presents our centres X Tanjong Pagar Tampines ifp-Stvlp Ipnminn Annmnch Bishan Woodlands Civic Centre Liie iiyie Learning Hpproacn Dnoby Ghaut Yishun with Rnnt Cnmn Funan N

JVUSTONI 45 ■MNdciie Road Auston UniCentre EgL. 33 3 S9OO Wob> www.auston.edu.sg stu E dy c 1 9mths I \JL 9mths r \\Jk 1 12 mthsto|Mip| LOAN' J^ I V level 'jl^r Related Diploma I PoKtechnic Related Diploma! Mature student j Related NTC/ITC \^m Related Adv Diploma fldL^ r 53.000

f I Good things come to those who plan. 0 Send kids to the best schools |?J Retire at 40 |j7j Win a dream car m the process! We believe m rewarding our customers when they plan for their future. So we thought we'd give you a lift to help

Never lose a special nfflMßHßfciatn with SCV MaxQlHlifißßfcr^a^ HP /^^B Bftfc <- hKH Hbfc% bk^ ■■■^M a^HlaßßH^i^iK^aflllli^il BEt W. Bk a^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^aVi^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^BHßiß^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^H X aflr m, aßam Lm ■B^B^B^B^B^Ha^B^B^B^B^a^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^Ha^B^B^B^Hßißßßm^ Bl Km Bl bßm&^. Bl BJ"^ J ■Vl H L 1 88 l aY y ■JHa% l ib ms 1 LU La*S*^' 1

The Straits Times asia Wednesday, December 12, 2001

ECONOMIC TIDE WAITS FOR NO MAN 'The Japanese economy will not wait for you. Japanese opposition leader Vukio llatovaina, urging Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to take the lead m spurring an economic recovery

SNIPERS MARIANNE KEARNEY Millions of Indonesians will be travelling during the festive season, and they are prime targets for hijackers and highway robbers Bu STRAITS TIMES INDONESIA BUREAU to protect hondaymakers m Indonesia JAKARTA Indonesian police have deployed hundreds of snipers m hijack-prone parts of Indonesia to protect private cars

Misuari seeking political asylum LESLIE LAU The UNHCR says he has filed a plea through a US lawyer, claiming his life is m danger if he returns to the Philippines IN KI'ALAI.I'MPI'R UNHCR TO INTERVIEW FUGITIVE MUSLIM leader Nur Misuari (left) has written to the United Nations High Commissioner for

Guerillas torch bus near Cebu ahead of truce CEBU (Philippines) Communist guerillas yesterday commandeered a passenger bus and set it on fire near this central city, two days after they declared a month-long Christmas ceasefire, police said. Three New People's Army (NPA) members on board the bus whipped out pistols

East Asia Expensive Japan Japan is the world's costliest country to do business m, says a survey. page as ■V^BHM^aVf^* 4dp3^ ■a^LVJ H^Lm^Hh w£**^^^m P*B^C^BJBC^ Southeast Asia Investment Hit By Jams Manila's massive traffic jams are turning off would-be investors. pageao Ha^BK. w*»^' a^H Malaysia MP Suspended For Contempt An

i^jPj^i^B~lWMlalaQiJ*^ Top Ten Most Favourite Singapore Gourmet Hunt 2001 Pactai iranf Most Popular Seafood Restaurant Restaurant By SHP Food Fest 2001 By Capital Radio 95.8FM Love 97.2FM v vv* .^.Vi^^ 6* a^^ a A H B^B^B^^ <S B^^ B^^ Xv LiJLSJLSad IJ Bik 1 206 East Coast Parkway 22 kensington

I IMftMf IMO-7 S3 44 H a-nwl mp«»pn com sg

Children as young as 6 months, I m and as old as 1 8 years, enjoy I m f learning to use language well, \-f*f if i/l through our unique drama-based \JLVr\ Programmes jr f M Experienced, qualified, specialist f J M f teacher; encourage, motivate and y f M

irlwlftr Country Foods Pte Ltd eSq Celebrates Aeffievement m m C ;K CODEX CAC/RCP 1-1969, REV 3. (1997) SS 444: 1998 V^ Certification Mr Tan Chlew Kuang, Managing Director Country Foods Pte Ltd, having a renowned reputation as manufacturer, distributor and exporter of frozen processed foods Pi^^r^y^^^ takes pride m

IffritiiiiM take it to the n" iJ'f l microsystems •Open to companies and individuals. Terms and conditions apply. ***** Sun Microsystems. Inc All rights reserved Sun. Sun Microsystems. Sun logo are trademarks or registered trademarks ot Sun Microsystems. Inc m the United States and ottier countries

Meet the ultimate weapon against plaque, and its closest nvat *t I I m k I 1■ I MB i^> 1 Introducing 3-in-l ■ML-1 Aquafresh MaXactivej Unique X-active bristles brush and swuep away stubborn plaque. Flexible tip gets to back teeth and corners. Nonslip, contoured handle for surer grip und

R39VSiT99V^BvV^^Wi^BtrAV^^r^B^r^^^P99 '^^™*B B^r Now you can do both by choosing Songhe. With every purchase of a 10kg or 2 x skg Songhe Fragrant Rice, you will get an exclusive Songhe umbrella free! May it be rain or shine, this will definitely come In handy for you, or your loved ones.

lonic Alkaline Water To Be Healthier Remove Heavy Metals and Impurities Separate Filters Water Into lonic Alkaline and Acidic Water. The Only Water Technology Endorsed by Japan MOH since 1965. IONATURA-LOTUS2I:- The world's best and the most advance of technology m 3HPJI filtering and lonic water processor^ m 1). I

35^ S I N C, A PORF rSgWQODCRAFT off Pasir Panjang Rd. 30 Alexandra Terrace, Multi Colour Furniture Building. T«1:474 0389 I^EEBj w Altar B _^-i Tj Table R w Display J 111 Cabinet

I SHARP LCD Digital Dream BB Baf Bai BbßbbVbVbVbVJ Bh BHBMBM fl I bVbVbvbb bVbVbVBb bYbYbYbV bVbVbVbb bVbVbVbI B^aann^aiiH bVbVbVB B^^^^^^^^^^ A FREE FO-730 Plain Paper Facsimile when you buy the new Sharp AR-5015 Digital Copier today. ,^BM. Hurry, while ttocks last! SH|^^M^ The ideal choice for speed and t

I^| j^| I The all-new Espio Metal series from Penfljfc i Lightweight, ultra compact and tough, the slB/m ML lmsß^WWßftSlSflmSwSS&wS^tl aJu^irlfunvbody Espio Metal range not only wv%'*sß t B^BBBBBHBBHr?^'??"!!-! gives you the broadest perspectives ever. Little ;%^^^^^BH^^l P£ ntax ifffflJM lOSu 150SL fir! Check out the Pentax Espio Metal range

Management Marketing Final year entry for Poly Diplomas m businessrelated fields or equivalent UNIVERSITY OF Consistent with on-campus program ensures J™^ V credibility critical to ensuring employability m nsw. Australia Endorsed by Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects j T IV CO I IV Professional membership m Singapore, v N v

Teachln 9 The course mciudes wares "cutting edge ttuff Method case studies and discussions Si«oii T«p invettment SSSSO mci of tea Dreatj highly recommended comprehensive course booK Maj (Krt.) Tre t.X. SISM ■,< 1 Hi Ow I __,^^jV^^ Companio» that «ant thair Discover: y^ffff^, to our programmes %£3&zttJZ*f^\ gSa nAY

12 -17 Dec 2001, Funan The IT Mali (Atrium) Fantastic Christmas Offers *^j at Acer Roadshow J| With purchase of Aspire Travel Mate models featured: J^TITJJ^i I »lTT^^B^ryF^W^ I Sure win Lucky Dip: 0 J *Canon S-400SP printer SMo&9****' UktSJ*"/* 'Palm Vx handheld "^■■■■fcß^^,^^ M Individual ink tank colour printer;

PICHSON j^^fc UP $)4Q Now gm^ %*~^bt^Jßj iff Hl9h I jL Now $98 Semi M —^9 m~ 1 year Warranty W For Spare Par^^fcl^L^. Ray max Office Furniture Pte Ltd 127 Sima Aye (opp Oytang Lor 15) T«l: *****34 *****84 Fax. *****25 Branch: Pearl s Centra #03-K5/K6 100 Eu Tong

afl afl L^^^ 1 L^r I lpH| HI AT t*Jl ■it]iamnr^fj^'iffMw^^»^al BBBa^aT^r^ am t^ 111 #^f^^ HMiPliTiMfllMifnM tsuiiy U^Wkminttt^inmHtlKM 4, L r^L*~^ aVaWaWJ WIKUWmiIKI UUMMIV MACMM COOHNO imi«M» «M CONOTIONfM «W CMMT ifiit!^ Plaza Singapura Century Square (NearTampines MRT) I 35rrV #05-27/28 #02-14/15 BUTHH I Tel; *****88 Tel: 260 3788

■■P -JH^M^M^B^BbBM^bB^BBPwBI» ?^y^*ißl^H^H^^ff^^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^HM Govt suspends two tankers' licence^^S pending investigations to I In The Business Times today I

mm mirmm mm miuimM sHAsSiEsiiKaisMMs^y Come celebrate Hari Ray a Puasa Christmas at our Last Sale of the Year. On offer will be 120 Persian, Pakistan, Afghan, Russian India carpets. Don't miss our Special Offers Starting at $10!!!\ I laaAßflßflißHssHllflUßiilißAßH IBachetor of Business m Tourism This programme is jointly conducted

As the inventor of the aircon inverter we could go on and on about our state-of-the-art technology. When it comes to aircon technology, no one's quite as consistent as Toshiba. Over the last 40 years we've had one breakthrough /gPKESJj aircon technology after another. One of the biggest of which

n 1 1 111 UPPER lOWA UNIVERSITY Established 1857. USA Singapore Extension An American University fully accrediied In the Commission of Higher Education of Sorth Central Association of Colleges and Schools Access to all US other UK/Australian unrversrties with our intemationafy recognised Diploma Associate Degree City campuswith wel faciitated classrooms

WEATHER TODAY: Occasional showers m the predawn hours. HAZE WATCH bld|dn Showers chmtciwrch vbc showers Kuchmq zvsc showers Prague -vk Flurry Showers With thunder m the afternoon and early Haze reading taken yesterday. WeW H/» Clear Colombo 2VJK Cloudy Kunming 3/I7C Cloudy Piisan 2/MC Showers evening Over many areas. "X^^X

The Straits Times sports I'LL MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS Just because I'm three-foot-two doesn't mean I can't make decisions. David Flood, a 96.5-cm-tall American, who is challenging a Florida law that bans the bar-room sport known as dwarf tossing Wednesday, December 12, 2001

Jury sent back again in Leeds players' trial SOCCER HULL The jury m the Leeds United footballers' trial was sent home yesterday without returning any verdicts after a second day of deliberations. The seven women and five men, asked to retire by Justice Richard Henriques at the start of the

Dwarf insists on getting tossed SPORISPEOPLE MIAMI A small man is standing up to a Florida law that bans trie rowdy spectacle known as dwarf tossing. David Flood, who is 96.5 cm tall, says he can make up his own mind about buckling on a harness and crash helmet and

Coach Zhou may retire soon Chan Tse Chueen AS ONE story goes, swimming coach Zhou Tongwen once told a parent who wanted her child to be an Olympic champion straight to tier face: "No way." Mother and child left the People's Association Youth Swimming Club m a huff. While the

PAYSC may drown for lack of funds CHAN TSE CHUEEN I IT USED TO PRODUCE SWIMMING CHAMPIONS LIKE JUNIE SNG, AND MORE RECENTLY, JOSCELIN YEO BUT... i SWIMMING Club surviving on its savings; monthly costs exceed income by $5,000 Bu WE JUS PROMOTMG NATIONAL INTEREST BUT WE DON 7 GET

Hahl may bowl for S'pore at Asiad BOWLING SINGAPORE'S chances of bagging its first Asian Games bowling gold will receive a huge boost m the next two weeks, when former world bowling champion Tom Hahl submits his application for Singapore citizenship. The 36-year-old Finn has been m touch with T.

Why United is losing the plot this season ENGLISH SOCCER LONDON When Alex Ferguson goes out at Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United's Premiership meeting with Derby tonight, ne cannot afford to lose another match if the club is to retain its Premiership title. How did United attain such miserable

Liverpool hopes for repeat win against Fulham LIVERPOOL Liverpool's assistant boss Phil Thompson will be hoping for a repeat of last season's meeting with Fulham when they meet tonight but he is not taking anything for granted. It was 3-0 m the Premiership leader's favour when it beat The Cottagers

Coaching changes at Geylang after 0-8 farce MARCLIM S-I.KU.IK SOCCER Jang Jung may Lave smaller role as current director Seak takes control »IL HE HAS been named S- League Coach of the Year but Jang Jung's role at Geylang United may well be diminished next season. This year's S-League champion

Balestier loses 8 key players Chan Tau Chou COST-CUTTING measures may have led Balestier Central to release a number of firstteam players but the club is determined not to make a auick return to the bottom of the table after finishing a respectable seventh this season. Among the foreign contingent,

Daly just misses out on top 50 GOLF He needs to improve on his ranking to earn an invitation to Masters LONDON Golfer John Daly improved more than anyone else during the last season 456 spots to No. 51, according to trie final edition of the 2001 Official World Golf

Leading world rankings TOP 51 (USA unl«s» stated) 1 Tiger Woods 15.67 points average 2 Phil Mickelson 9.16 3 David Duval 7.98 4 Ernie Els (Rsa) 6.99 5 Davis Love 111 6.02 6 Sergio Garcia (Esp) 5.86 7 David Toms 5.83 8 Vijay Singh (Fiji) 5.60 9 Darren Clarke (Nir)

I can still improve, says Thorpe SPORTSPEOPLE MELBOURNE Australian swimmer lan Thorpe (above) said yesterday that he has yet to reach his full potential after collecting two more prestigious awards. The 19-year-old won six gold medals at the world longcourse titles m Fukuoka, Japan, this year and won the Swimmer

Babbel fears he would be paralysed for life LONDON Liverpool soccer defender Markus Babbel said on Monday that he feared he might be paralysed for life after contracting Guillan-Barre Syndrome. The syndrome is contracted through a virus which attacks the nervous system and affects the functioning of all the muscles.

Skiers pay high price for speed SKIING CRASH COURSE: VIENNA The paralysis of Swiss downhill skier Silvano Beltrametti m a high-speed crash last Saturday nas reignited debate over the sport's perils following a series of horrific accidents. Alpine skiing authorities say nothing could have prevented the 22-year-old racer's 120-kmh charge

Don't be complacent: Scolari SOCCER RIO DE JANEIRO "Nobody wins with the microphone," announced the man known m Brazil as Big Phil. That was how national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari chose to couch his warning against the dangers of over-confidence following the jubilation which has greeted Brazils supposedlyeasy World Cup

Honorary British title for goalie Schmeichel LONDON Aston Villa and former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was beaming after being appointed an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to football. The Danish legend received the M BE at a ceremony at the British government's

New-age Jazz beats Mavericks BASKETBALL Utah's old and young talent are proving a fine mix as they win four games m a row SALT LAKE CITY The Utah Jazz got scoring with leadership down the stretch from John Stockton and Karl Malone. It got great defence, too, from Russian rookie

SCORES, STATISTICS TABLES AMERICAN FOOTBALL NFL: Miami 41 Indianapolis 6. BASKETBALL NIA: Utah 107 Dallas 98. LA Clippers 100 Orlando 92 CRICKET Opsnlwa tfay of tecMtf Tost In OwiliHg: England 277-6 (M Butcher 51. M.Tres cothick 99: Kumble 5-80) HOCKEY Mmi CHamalm CIMNMft In Kuala tampan Japan 3 South Africa

NBA STANDINGS EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION W I Pet OB HewJtmy 12 7 .632 Boston 11 7 .611 Mi New York 11 9 .550 IH Orlando 11 11 .500 |M Philadelphia 8 12 .400 4%t Washington 17 12 .368 5 Miami 3 15 .167 B>/z CENTRAL DIVISION W I Pet

DUTCH f I f t It FeyHoort 15 1) 1 3 36 11 34 »l«»mstntam 15 10 2 3 35 18 32 PSVCiidhom 17 9 3 5 32 23 30 Heerenveen 16 t 5 3 29 12 29 Vitesse Ante* 16 8 5 3 18 11 29 NACBrefc 17 8

FRENCH 9 i r i Hi KClens 17 10 5 2 30 13 35 lywi 17 10 3 4 32 16 33 WAwerre 17 9 5 3 26 IS 3? lilK 17 8 6 3 21 15 30 Piris St GenMW 17 6 9 220 13 27 BorfeMi 17 7

S L f. a c. r f. Changes In The Air At Geylang S- League Coach of the Year Jang Jung may find his role at Geylang lessened next season. st Golf Unlucky Daly Misses Out John Daly, the most improved golfer this year, narrowly misses out on the Masters.

I v i^MP^ Wfy%b/Bj rfi fS /f-gn nB

Group 1 Prin $538,000, Group 2 Prixm $212,000,. Information on Group 1 Fritt for Draw No. 1656/2001 Group 1 Prin: $211,294 •ach 2 Winning Shart(s) Sold or 1) NTUC FoirPrice, Btt 5 Tan|ong Pogor Rood, Toniong Pogor Pioza #01-01 (One QuickPklt System 7 Entry) 2) Singapore Turt Club, Blk 226A

BA»KETBALL NIA: Atlanta v Philadelphia (Ch23.9am) OENERAL S»ortKMt*r Asia HA Bpm). •OCCEB EH: Liverpool v Fulham (Ch23. tomorrow. 3 50am) DELAYED TELECAST fOCCER European Soccor Show (Ch22.9pm) EH HlfhHfMs (TV Works. 10pm) Italian S«rte A MlfWlahts (TV Works. 11pm)

Dedicated Funeral Directort Since 1920 (^Singapore v^dSKCI Complata torvfen for Chrtttlan, Ditcount for NTUC memban Buddhlti. Taolit. SOU. ate church A otnarc Atr-eonfl partoun, opan 24 hn < Ouallflw) proftnlonal ambalman Imported US and quality Photo anlaraamant llniihod catkati Florla* tarvlca Columlarfum A tom Mont Funonl tuppllai all under on*

"In Memoriam" Is for the loved ones whom you remember.

CHWSTMXS DRjEXMS 8k WISHES Want 111 —m.., I»C Sj» 1000 00 Mi Tfk. '0)61 ■■■■VF-- rST for free? Details m The Straits Times Classified today. W I CATS.

Xa B? ..^^BHJ|pßiliiißMPiHMMiiißp|j(|||Mi^(|^fl|f|t^

If you really care for your loved ones, Be Insured. The responsibility of caring for your family means ensuring that your loved ones are financially protected against the uncertainties of life. At Phillip Securities, we want to help build your family's financial future m a well-diversified manner, which is why

CAJ.3. Buy It. Sell It. Find It

Pwealth W r a Happiness ]m Can be yours. Have you dreamt about living a highly successful life? Are you prepared for complete financial freedom? Would you like to live an extraordinary life of happiness and fulfillment? if you are ready to take command of your future, achieve your dreams

Singapore Electricity Pool Sale Prices 1-2 hour Ex- Ante 1/2 hour Ex-Ante Penod Pool Saie Period Pod Sale Ending Price Ending Pnce (VMWhi iS/MWhi 12.12.01 1630 128 4920 0430 47.6361 1700 128 4920 0500 47 6354 1730 *****14 0530 47.6340 1800 128 4908 0600 47 6317 1830 51 1495 0630

©LuflhtfinQsi kill HICIIIOCI for the successful launch of their three Business-to-Consumer websites m y,'"',^.'r: !r',,*',': y?7?~,, ***"f^r", t**t:* WT j ..^h^^. ;.^>c^^, <^.»-^- .^n., v «.«v n -,Jm l m^^^^~~ mmm m ~™l^ I lie um«m A^B"STlIKL^iill i WHHira I® KmMd n s tiMaw f caaikaif c«r*» mwuw^^^^^^ m J

VOLUNTARY CONDITIONAL CASH OFFER by Q OCBC Bank OVERSEA-CHINESE BANKING CORPORATION LIMITED (Incorporated m Singapore) for and on behalf of NORFORD INVESTMENTS PTE LTD (Incorporated m Singapore) a wholly-owned subsidiary of FRASER AND NEAVE LIMITED (Incorporated m Singapore) to acquire all the ordinary shares of $0.50 each m CENTREPOINT PROPERTIES

VOLUNTARY CONDITIONAL CASH OFFER by 4) OCBC Bank OVERSEA-CHINESE BANKING CORPORATION LIMITED (Incorporated m Singapore) for and on behalf of FOREGAIN INVESTMENTS PTE LTD (Incorporated m Singapore) a wholly-owned subsidiary of sa FRASER AND NEAVE LIMITED (Incorporated m Singapore) to acquire all the ordinary shares of $1 .00 each m

fci Hi itv I I Wim i U HB EUyiutt l^l'^llilld J Ni ROLEX Day-Date 18 ct pink gold. Domed bezel and crystal Oyster bracelet Also available m white or yellow gold. www.rolex.com See the Rolex Collection at: The HourGlass B #01-O2 Takashimaya Shopping Centre. Tel: 734 2420; #01-10/1 1

TV TO Next m Line Russia could join the trade body m 2003 if talks and reforms take place smoothly, page ss Partial C) f f f. h The Saga Continues Dovechem finds out that founder pledged his 43 million shares to six banks. pacesio |ml taj^^JKT- New Focus Venturing

Life! gfj gfj fghj