info pack
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Dear Participant,
Welcome to Singapore and the Singapore International Science Challenge 2007! To help you make advance plans for your time in Singapore, the Organising Committee has compiled some data about Singapore that we hope you will find both useful and informative. This list is by no means exhaustive and more information about Singapore and SISC will be available through a commemorative book which you will get upon arrival.
Contents
- Arrival Checklist
- Airline Offices
- Immigration
- Getting around Singapore
- Communication Methods
- Medical Care
- Place of Residence
- Entertainment
- Miscellaneous Information
- Singaporean Expressions
- Contact Us
Arrival Checklist
- Complete the Disembarkation / Embarkation form that you will receive on the plane
- Present this form together with your passport to the Immigration Officer at the airport.
- If necessary, change some local currency at the Foreign Exchange counters (Money Changers) at the airport. You can also change money with any "Licensed Money Changers" at shopping malls, or at any bank.
Airline Offices
Listed below are the contacts for some airlines:
Singapore Airlines |
Air China Singapore |
Air India |
British Airways |
Cathay Pacific |
China Airlines |
Korean Air |
Malaysian Airlines System Bhd |
Qantas Airways |
Thai Airways International |
Vietnam Airlines Corporation |
United Airlines |
Immigration
If you have immigration issues, please contact:
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
10 Kallang Road #08-00
ICA Building
Singapore 208718
Tel: 63916100
For more information, visit ICA website.
Getting Around Singapore
The moment you leave the arrival hall at Singapore Changi International Airport, you will be received by our staff. All transport during the competition will also be provided. However, the following transport details may be useful for the planning of your own excursions during your free time.
Bus
You can find a bus stop practically anywhere in Singapore and you don’t have to wait very long for a bus. You can pay the bus fare using cash or with an EZ link card.
For more information on bus routes, visit SBS Transit and SMRT (Buses).
MRT (Metro / Subway)
The MRT system is the fastest way to get around Singapore. Comprising three main lines, namely the East-West, North-South and North-East lines, they practically cover the whole of Singapore. The train stations are located near to shopping malls, places of interest and government / corporate offices. They arrive very frequently, with intervals as short as one or two minutes during peak hours. The trains are air-conditioned, clean and comfortable, and operate from 5.30am to 11.45pm daily (depending on the stations).
You can pay the train fares by using the EZ Link Card or a standard ticket available on sale at every MRT station.
For more information, visit SMRT (MRT) and SBS Transit NEL. A clearer routemap can also be downloaded from both websites.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful, numbering about 15,000. They can be flagged down almost anywhere on the street. Alternatively, you can queue at taxi stands that are conveniently situated at most major shopping or commercial centres. These air conditioned taxis charge reasonable fares. The average flag down rate is $2.40, with surcharges for peak hours, public holidays, CBD entrance, ERP zones (Electronic Road Pricing) and after-midnight charges. You can also book a cab at additional cost.
For more information, visit CityCab, Comfort and SMRT (Taxis) .
EZ-Link Card
The EZ Link Card is a contactless smart card. It is used to pay for rides on the MRT, LRT and public buses. The card reader will automatically deduct the exact fare from your EZ Link Card as you board and alight from a train or bus. When you transfer from a bus to a train or vice versa, you will be able to enjoy rebates. To top up your card value, you can do so at all MRT and bus stations. You can also use the card at popular places like McDonald’s restaurants.
For more information, visit EZ-Link.
Cash Card
The Cash Card is a multifunction stored value smart card. Launched by NETS, the amount is deducted from the stored value in the card when you make a purchase or cross an ERP gantry. You can also use cash to top up your cash card at any 7-Eleven store.
For more information, visit NETS CashCard.
Communication Methods
Calling Home
Public phones can be found in common places like shopping malls, bus / train stations and neighbourhood areas. You can use these phones to make international calls by simply dialling 001, 013 or 019 (SingTel), 002 or 021 (MobileOne) and 008 or 018 (StarHub). Either coins, credit cards, stored value phone cards or prepaid international calling cards can be used to pay for these calls.
Postal Services
If you need to post a letter or buy a stamp, you can go to any of the 60 Singapore Post offices and 80 authorised agencies located all over the island. It costs 23 cents for a local letter and 50 cents for an aerogramme to any part of the world. Most outlets open from Mondays to Fridays, 8.30 to 5pm and up till 1pm on Saturdays.
You can purchase stamps at one of the many 24-hour Self Service Automated Machines (SAMs) located at post offices, supermarkets, shopping centres and major MRT stations.
For more information, visit Singapore Post.
Medical Care
The standard of medical care in Singapore is one of the highest in Asia and the world. Hospitals are easily accessible as they are conveniently located near NJC and city centre. If there is an emergency, we will ensure that you are adequately cared for.
Although medical costs in Singapore are generally kept affordable, it is a good idea to have some form of medical insurance before coming for the competition.
Residence (Prince George’s Park Residences)
Prince George’s Park Residences (PGPR) is located Prince George’s Park Road, off South Buona Vista road, and next to King Edward VII Hall. This new residential complex offers 2854 single rooms.
Both teachers and students will be staying in Type ‘A’ rooms, which are air-conditioned with attached bathrooms.
Points for personal telephone, television and computer linkage to the university’s network and the Internet, are provided in every room.
PGPR also houses a lecture theatre, seminar rooms, a multi-purpose hall, gymnasium, basketball and tennis courts, a jogging track, an exercise station, mini-supermarket, four food outlets and other service outlets. Distributed throughout the whole residence, are air-conditioned lounges, television rooms, meetings and reading rooms. PGPR is conveniently linked to the Faculties and other key facilities on campus via a shuttle service.
Entertainment
Places of interest
Aside from some of the attractions that we will be bringing you to see, you can also choose to see the rest of Singapore during your free time.
For a taste of the ‘wild life’, spend a day with ‘Ah Meng’ and other animals at the world famous Singapore Zoological Gardens. Or pop over to the Jurong Bird Park for a colourful time with some feathered friends.
If you are looking for some thrills and spills, then head over to the Escape Theme Park. Or spend a day at Sentosa where you can take a cable car ride, relax at a beach or visit a real 19th century British Fort. And of course, have a thrilling moment trying out our ‘Reverse Bungee’.
Learn something more about Singapore’s history by visiting some of our museums, such as the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore Arts Museum and the Changi Chapel and Museum. Alternatively, take up the various interesting walks (heritage and nature) and tracks around the island. You can take a boat ride and enjoy a day on one of the isles of Singapore, e.g. Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island and St John’s Island. Or take a stroll through Little India, the Malay Village or Chinatown for a leisure afternoon.
For more information, visit Uniquely Singapore.
Public Parks and Gardens
Singapore is known as the “Garden City ” of the world. Here, you can rest and relax in one of its many parks or gardens. You can enjoy the flora and fauna at the award winning Singapore Botanic Gardens or the Chinese Gardens. You can also ride a bike, roller blade or have a picnic or BBQ at East Coast Park or Changi Beach Park. Or go for a trek at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and explore nature at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
For more information, visit National Parks Board.
Night Life
Singapore is a city that never sleeps. Its vibrancy is most felt at night when people come out to socialise. You can enjoy a meal at one of the many no frills “kopitiam’ (coffee shop) found virtually anywhere on the island, or one of the posh restaurants or cafes by the river at Boat Quay or Clarke Quay.
You can also enjoy a night out in town at glamorous Orchard Road or bustling Chinatown or soak in the beautiful atmosphere in historical CHIJMES.
For more information, visit Uniquely Singapore.
Arts / Events
There are many exciting local and world-class performances and events organised in Singapore every year. One of Asia’s leading arts festival, the Arts Festival offers three weeks of song, dance and theatre performances here.
The brand-new Esplanade Theatre and Concert Hall, located at Marina Bay, regularly
offers world-class music, theatre, dance and visual arts performances by local and foreign artistes.
For more information, visit National Arts Council and Esplanade.
Miscellaneous Information
Time Difference
Singapore is GMT +8. For your convenience, the time differences between some cities and Singapore have been listed below.
City |
Time Difference |
|---|---|
Adelaide |
+ 1.5 Hours |
Bangkok |
- 1 Hour |
Beijing |
0 Hours |
Florida |
- 12 Hours |
Jerusalem |
- 5 Hours |
London |
- 7 Hours |
Melbourne |
+ 2 Hours |
Moscow |
- 4 Hours |
Seoul |
+ 1 Hour |
Shanghai |
0 Hours |
Tokyo |
+ 1 Hour |
Price of items
To give you a rough idea of the standard of living in Singapore (and to help you decide how much money to bring), the price of some common items have been listed below:
Item |
Cost |
Remarks |
|
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
A can of coke |
S$0.60 – S$1.00 |
Price varies depending on Supermart |
2 |
Loaf of bread |
S$1.00 – S$1.50 |
Price varies depending on brand of bread |
3 |
Burger at fast food restaurant |
S$3.85 |
|
4 |
Movie Ticket |
S$6.50 – S$8.50 |
Weekday / Weekend price |
Currencies
Like many standard currencies in the world, the Singapore currency is in dollars and cents. 100 cents are equivalent to one Singapore dollar. The notes run in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 and $1,000. You can also use major currencies like the US dollar and the British pound or credit cards such as the Visa, Amex and MasterCard. They are widely accepted here.
Exchange rates
Approximate exchange rates have been listed below for selected currencies:
|
Currency |
Denomination |
Value in S$ |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Australian Dollar |
1 |
1.24 |
2 |
British Pound |
1 |
2.97 |
3 |
Chinese Yuan |
1 |
0.20 |
4 |
Israeli New Shekel |
1 |
0.380 |
5 |
Japanese Yen |
100 |
12.7 |
6 |
Russian Ruble |
100 |
5.81 |
7 |
South Korean Won |
1,000 |
1.62 |
8 |
Thai Baht |
100 |
4.67 |
9 |
US Dollar |
1 |
1.51 |
Singaporean Expressions
Over the years, Singaporeans have developed their own brand of English fondly referred to as 'Singlish'. With our multi-racial background, it's not surprising that 'Singlish' borrows from the many different languages spoken in Singapore.
Here's a collection of 'Singlish' terms which you might find handy during your stay in Singapore.
Action (verb)
Derived from the English language meaning to show off.
Example: That fellow always like to action, walking around with his Rolex over his shirt sleeves.
Arrow (verb)
Derived from the English language meaning to be given a task that you don't want to do.
Example: I was arrowed to paint this wall.
Blur (adj)
Derived from the English language meaning does not know what is going on.
Example: He hasn't read up on the background to this project and was very blur at the meeting.
Boh-Chup (adj)
Derived from the Hokkien dialect meaning couldn't care less.
Example: Ah, boh-chup, I'm not going to hand in my assignment.
Chim (adj)
Pronounced 'cheem'.
Derived from the Hokkien dialect meaning profound.
Example: The professor's lecture was very chim.
Chope (verb)
Derived from the English language meaning to reserve.
Example: It's free seating at the concert, we need to get there early to chope seats for our group.
Gostun (verb)
Derived from the English language (go stern) meaning to reverse.
Example: He overshot the turning so had to gostun back up the road.
Havoc (adj)
Derived from the English language meaning wild and uncontrollable.
Example: That person is very havoc, always out late every night.
Kayu (adj)
Pronounced 'kah-yoo'.
Derived from the Malay language meaning dumb or stupid.
Example: How come he is so kayu? Teach him so many times and he still cannot do it.
Kiasu (adj)
Pronounced 'kee-a-soo'.
Derived from the Hokkien dialect meaning afraid to lose out to others or not to lose face.
Example: He sent his family to line up in different queues for the same item, so kiasu.
Lah
The most famous of Singaporean expressions used at the end of sentences for emphasis.
Example: Very funny, lah!
Langgar (verb)
Derived from the Malay language meaning to collide.
Example: This van suddenly pulled out and langgar my car.
Obiang (adj)
Derived from the Hokkien dialect meaning ugly or outdated.
Example: This dress is so obiang! Who is going to buy it?
Pai seh (adj)
Pronounced 'pie-say'.
Derived from the Hokkien dialect meaning embarrassed or shy.
Example: That's the third time I've forgotten her name. So pai seh.
Shiok (adj)
Pronounced 'shee-oak'
Derived from the Malay language (Straits Chinese) meaning fantastic or marvellous.
Example: That prawn mee soup was shiok!
Sekali
A word meaning suddenly.
Example: "I was about to make a right turn. Sekali this car appears from nowhere and nearly langgar me!"
Solid (adj)
Derived from the English language meaning great or superb.
Example: Did you see how he scored the goal? Solid, man!
Sotong (adj)
Derived from the Malay language meaning does not know what is going on. Similar meaning to 'blur'. (Sotong is the Malay word for octopus which squirts ink and clouds everything.)
Example: This has been going on for months, didn’t you know? Sotong!
Suaku (noun)
Pronounced 'soo-ah-koo'.
Derived from the Hokkien dialect meaning country bumpkin.
Example: Don't be so suaku lah, don't you know what a VCD player is?
Terok (adj)
Derived from the Malay language meaning troublesome or difficult.
Example: That customer was very terok.
Tompang (verb)
Pronounced 'tome-pang'.
Derived from the Malay language meaning to ride on or request a favour.
Example: You're going to the post office? Can I tompang some letters to be mailed?
Ulu (adj)
Pronounced 'oo-loo'.
Derived from Malay language meaning rural or a deserted place.
Example: This place is so ulu, you hardly see a single soul around even on weekends.
Ya Ya (adj)
An expression meaning boastful or arrogant.
Example: Wah, he's so ya ya.
Contact Us
For more information about the Singapore International Science Challenge 2007, please contact:
Mr Sito Kavan sito_wei_son_kavan@moe.edu.sg
Mrs Geraldine Ng oh_phaik_sim_geraldine@moe.edu.sg
Much of the material in this guide has been kindly provided by the Singapore Tourism Board.