Depa Limited 'ticker DEPA', the world's largest interior contractor, today announces that its joint venture, DDS Contracts & Interior Solutions Pte Ltd 'DDS', has won an Dhs118m contract for the fit-out works of an entertainment venue at Resorts World 'RWS' an integrated holiday resort on the popular island of Sentosa, Singapore.
Mr. Mohannad Sweid, CEO of Depa, commented:
'DDS has made outstanding progress in the Singaporean market and we believe that it will continue to win the most prestigious landmark hotel, lifestyle and commercial projects in the future. Like Depa, DDS is establishing a reputation as a leading player that prides itself in its ability to work on selected projects and deliver them on time and on budget.'
RWS is one of Singapore's two integrated resorts and is located on the island of Sentosa which is visited by some five million people a year. Expected to be one of the world's most exciting family destinations, RWS will be a collection of resorts with a wide range of attractions for families. Spanning 49 hectares, this Dhs15bn mega-resort will be home to Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park, the world's largest oceanarium and the region's first integrated destination spa.
DDS has been contracted to provide interior design fit-out works and services including the supply of furniture for the 15,000 square meters entertainment venue in the luxury hotel, Maxim Residences.
Mr. Bernard Lim, CEO of DDS and Design Studio, said:
'Resorts World at Sentosa will transform the landscape of Singapore when completed. We are proud to be associated with this exciting destination and look forward in bringing our expertise to the project. Our ability to secure good quality projects speaks volumes of the Company's capabilities. We will build on this track record and continue to explore similar high end projects within the region.'
DDS, in which Depa holds 55% and Design Studio 45%, is a specialist company well-positioned to become a significant player offering comprehensive fit-out services, including turnkey and retrofitting services, to new and existing hospitality and commercial projects. The joint venture targets interior contracts in the hospitality & commercial segments within Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. This contract is expected to contribute positively to Design Studio's and Depa's financial performance for FY2009 / 2010.
Source
Monday, December 29, 2008
ST Engineering's Electronics Arm Wins S$86M Integrated Resort Contracts
Singapore, 29 December 2008 - Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), today announced that its electronics arm, Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited (ST Electronics), has been awarded contracts worth about S$86m to provide an Integrated Security System, an IT Infrastructure System and a Carpark Guidance & Payment System to Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) on Sentosa.
The contracts were awarded through ST Electronics' subsidiary, ST Electronics (Info-Comm Systems) Pte. Ltd.These contracts are not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year.
The award of the contracts marks a milestone for ST Electronics as it is the company's first major win from an Integrated Resort.
Work begins immediately and ST Electronics will deliver the systems for RWS on Sentosa over the next 24 months.
It will provide project management, system integration, site management and test and commission the three systems - Integrated Security System, IT Infrastructure System and Carpark Guidance & Payment System.
The Integrated Security System will provide integrated surveillance and video monitoring of RWS' facilities and attractions, including its casino, as well as Universal Studios Singapore.
The centrally managed system will ensure that daily security operations progress seamlessly and efficiently.
The IT Infrastructure System will comprise the network infrastructure system, the structured cabling system and the building of data centres to support the data, video and audio transmission requirements of RWS.The Carpark Guidance and Payment System will provide guidance information and direct vehicles to vacant lots based on a zonal approach.
This system is coupled with an electronic payment system to handle carpark fee collections.
"The security and efficiency that will result from this system provided by ST Electronics will be translated to enhancing the guest experience when Resorts World at Sentosa opens to 15 million visitors in its first year of operations." ~ Michael CHIN, Executive Vice President, Projects, Resorts World at Sentosa
"As a leading solutions provider in integrated security systems and infrastructure, we are delighted to win this series of contracts that brings together our proven technologies, related services and expertise to benefit Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS), a world-class Singapore Integrated Resort.
These comprehensive systems will provide a safe and secure environment that will make RWS a great place for entertainment, edutainment and leisure." ~ SEAH Moon Ming, President, ST ElectronicsST Electronics has significant expertise in intelligent building management and security solutions. Some of its projects include the Dubai Festival City; Thai Airways Security Centre; Beijing's Capital Museum, Singapore Management University and Capital Tower. ST Electronics' carpark management systems is currently implemented in the Esplanade, Plaza Singapura, Tampines Mall, CapitaMall Trust, IMM and Bugis Junction.
It has also established large-scale info-communication network for the Maldives Government and the Singapore Prison Service's Changi Prison Complex Cluster B.
Source
The contracts were awarded through ST Electronics' subsidiary, ST Electronics (Info-Comm Systems) Pte. Ltd.These contracts are not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year.
The award of the contracts marks a milestone for ST Electronics as it is the company's first major win from an Integrated Resort.
Work begins immediately and ST Electronics will deliver the systems for RWS on Sentosa over the next 24 months.
It will provide project management, system integration, site management and test and commission the three systems - Integrated Security System, IT Infrastructure System and Carpark Guidance & Payment System.
The Integrated Security System will provide integrated surveillance and video monitoring of RWS' facilities and attractions, including its casino, as well as Universal Studios Singapore.
The centrally managed system will ensure that daily security operations progress seamlessly and efficiently.
The IT Infrastructure System will comprise the network infrastructure system, the structured cabling system and the building of data centres to support the data, video and audio transmission requirements of RWS.The Carpark Guidance and Payment System will provide guidance information and direct vehicles to vacant lots based on a zonal approach.
This system is coupled with an electronic payment system to handle carpark fee collections.
"The security and efficiency that will result from this system provided by ST Electronics will be translated to enhancing the guest experience when Resorts World at Sentosa opens to 15 million visitors in its first year of operations." ~ Michael CHIN, Executive Vice President, Projects, Resorts World at Sentosa
"As a leading solutions provider in integrated security systems and infrastructure, we are delighted to win this series of contracts that brings together our proven technologies, related services and expertise to benefit Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS), a world-class Singapore Integrated Resort.
These comprehensive systems will provide a safe and secure environment that will make RWS a great place for entertainment, edutainment and leisure." ~ SEAH Moon Ming, President, ST ElectronicsST Electronics has significant expertise in intelligent building management and security solutions. Some of its projects include the Dubai Festival City; Thai Airways Security Centre; Beijing's Capital Museum, Singapore Management University and Capital Tower. ST Electronics' carpark management systems is currently implemented in the Esplanade, Plaza Singapura, Tampines Mall, CapitaMall Trust, IMM and Bugis Junction.
It has also established large-scale info-communication network for the Maldives Government and the Singapore Prison Service's Changi Prison Complex Cluster B.
Source
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Premier Rides Tapped to Build Mummy Ride for Universal Singapore
Sentosa, Singapore, (Premier Rides) - Resorts World at Sentosa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Genting International P.L.C., has announced that Premier Rides, Inc. has been awarded the contract to build the ride equipment for The Revenge of The Mummy attraction at Universal Studios Singapore, which is presently under construction.
The award, one of the largest ride contracts associated with the new theme park project, has a contract value of over $20 million USD. The Revenge of the Mummy is one of Universal’s signature ride attractions having already debuted at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Genting International is building a world class gaming and destination resort on Sentosa Island, Singapore and Universal Studios Singapore will be a key element of the development.
Mr. Tan Hee Teck, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa said, “We are excited to have Premier as one of our key suppliers. Their experience on this attraction will ensure a successful opening of the ride.” Jim Seay, President of Premier Rides, adds, “Genting International is one of the most highly regarded companies in Asia in multiple fields, including entertainment, and it is an honor for Premier to have been selected to provide the equipment for such a prestigious project.
We look forward to teaming with Genting International on this amazing ride attraction and look forward to its success."“The Revenge of the Mummy is consistently recognized as one of the top attractions at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood and we look forward to guests of Universal Studios Singapore being able to experience this one of a kind attraction,” Mr. Seay said. Premier was the supplier of the ride equipment for both the Universal Studios’ installations in the United States.
Universal Studios Singapore is scheduled to open at the end of 2009.
Source
The award, one of the largest ride contracts associated with the new theme park project, has a contract value of over $20 million USD. The Revenge of the Mummy is one of Universal’s signature ride attractions having already debuted at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Genting International is building a world class gaming and destination resort on Sentosa Island, Singapore and Universal Studios Singapore will be a key element of the development.
Mr. Tan Hee Teck, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa said, “We are excited to have Premier as one of our key suppliers. Their experience on this attraction will ensure a successful opening of the ride.” Jim Seay, President of Premier Rides, adds, “Genting International is one of the most highly regarded companies in Asia in multiple fields, including entertainment, and it is an honor for Premier to have been selected to provide the equipment for such a prestigious project.
We look forward to teaming with Genting International on this amazing ride attraction and look forward to its success."“The Revenge of the Mummy is consistently recognized as one of the top attractions at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood and we look forward to guests of Universal Studios Singapore being able to experience this one of a kind attraction,” Mr. Seay said. Premier was the supplier of the ride equipment for both the Universal Studios’ installations in the United States.
Universal Studios Singapore is scheduled to open at the end of 2009.
Source
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Star Cruises invests US$550,000 for the world’s first onboard stainless steel water slide on Superstar Virgo
Star Cruises, the third largest cruise operator in the world is proud to present the world’s first stainless steel water slide on a cruise ship on SuperStar Virgo.
Costing a whopping US$550,000, the superstructure will be installed on the luxurious liner during her dry dock in January 2009.
Mr. Michael Goh, Senior Vice President of Sales of Star Cruises said, “We are very excited about the new gigantic water slide which is to be installed on the SuperStar Virgo.
We believe in giving our cruisers the best cruise experiences; this latest feature is part of our continuous effort to upgrade our products and services to provide our cruisers with more endless fun times and values onboard.
As it is the first of its kind on a cruise ship, it will be something that all cruisers can look forward to. The 100-meter slide will be completed by the end of January 2009, and it promises lots of fun splashes on board our largest ship in the Asian fleet.”The gigantic slide is a product by Wiegan Maelzer, the supplier to water parks world-wide.
The 100-meter slide will go up to 10.54 meters above the deck and with an average inclination of 10%, it will offer sliders a maximum speed of 7 meters per second.
Together with a spectacular 5m long glass tube at 25m above the ocean surface, sliders will experience the thrill of flying above the ocean.
The 25 % inclination towards the end will further accelerate the slider up to a speed of 25km per hour before splashing into the water break.
Source
Costing a whopping US$550,000, the superstructure will be installed on the luxurious liner during her dry dock in January 2009.
Mr. Michael Goh, Senior Vice President of Sales of Star Cruises said, “We are very excited about the new gigantic water slide which is to be installed on the SuperStar Virgo.
We believe in giving our cruisers the best cruise experiences; this latest feature is part of our continuous effort to upgrade our products and services to provide our cruisers with more endless fun times and values onboard.
As it is the first of its kind on a cruise ship, it will be something that all cruisers can look forward to. The 100-meter slide will be completed by the end of January 2009, and it promises lots of fun splashes on board our largest ship in the Asian fleet.”The gigantic slide is a product by Wiegan Maelzer, the supplier to water parks world-wide.
The 100-meter slide will go up to 10.54 meters above the deck and with an average inclination of 10%, it will offer sliders a maximum speed of 7 meters per second.
Together with a spectacular 5m long glass tube at 25m above the ocean surface, sliders will experience the thrill of flying above the ocean.
The 25 % inclination towards the end will further accelerate the slider up to a speed of 25km per hour before splashing into the water break.
Source
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
STX Europe says NCL halves cruise ship order
OSLO, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Star Cruises unit Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has cancelled its order for a second "F3" cruise ship from shipbuilding group STX Europe , but will move ahead with the first order, STX said on Thursday.
The remaining 150,000 ton F3 cruise ship, which will be built by STX Europe's French shipyard, will carry a total of 4,200 passenger. Delivery is expected in late May 2010, as originally scheduled, STX said.
"The planned second vessel, currently only in the preparatory stages, will not be built," STX Europe, a unit of STX Shipbuilding <067250.ks>, said in a statement.
"With this agreement, we can all focus on completing the new vessel successfully," Chief Executive of NCL, Kevin Sheehan, said in the statement.
"We, along with our subcontractors, will now make the necessary adjustments to our plans for this project," head of STX France Cruise, Jacques Hardelay, said.
STX Europe has 15 shipyards in Finland, France, Norway, Romania, Brazil and Vietnam, and is a part owner of three yards in Germany and Ukraine.
The remaining 150,000 ton F3 cruise ship, which will be built by STX Europe's French shipyard, will carry a total of 4,200 passenger. Delivery is expected in late May 2010, as originally scheduled, STX said.
"The planned second vessel, currently only in the preparatory stages, will not be built," STX Europe, a unit of STX Shipbuilding <067250.ks>, said in a statement.
"With this agreement, we can all focus on completing the new vessel successfully," Chief Executive of NCL, Kevin Sheehan, said in the statement.
"We, along with our subcontractors, will now make the necessary adjustments to our plans for this project," head of STX France Cruise, Jacques Hardelay, said.
STX Europe has 15 shipyards in Finland, France, Norway, Romania, Brazil and Vietnam, and is a part owner of three yards in Germany and Ukraine.
Monday, December 15, 2008
亚太股市全线走高 日经大涨5.2%
亚太股市周一全线走高，主要受到美国政府打算动用7,000亿美元金融市场救助资金来拯救企业业的利好消息推动。
东京股市收盘走高，个股普涨，因美国政府此前宣布将考虑动用7,000亿美元金融市场救助资金来避免美国汽车业倒闭，该消息尤其对汽车相关类股起到提振作用。日经指数收盘涨428.79点，至8664.66点，涨幅5.2%。包括东京证交所一部所有股票的东证指数涨33.56点，至846.93点，涨幅4.1%。
香港股市走高，受中国政府上周末公布的救市措施以及在美国减息预期推动下香港地产类股的走高提振。蓝筹恒生指数收盘涨288.56点，至15,046.95点，涨幅1.96%，盘中交易区间在15,007.42点至15,386.90点。市场成交额为426.1亿港元，低于上周五的587.7亿港元。
中国股市收盘走高。中国政府通过增加银行贷款支持经济增长的最新举措使股市早盘走高，但低于预期的11月份工业产值数据使股指收盘时回吐部分涨幅。基准上证综合指数收盘涨0.5%，至1964.37点，脱离盘中高点1989.30点。深证综合指数涨1.0%，至590.36点。
澳大利亚股市收盘触及两周新高，美国白宫称其将考虑动用问题资产救助计划下的资金挽救濒临破产的美国汽车业之后全球股市纷纷上扬。基准的S&P/ASX 200指数收盘涨81点，至3591.4点，涨幅2.3%；之前一度触及3664.4点。材料类股领涨大盘，必和必拓(BHP)涨7.2%，至30.90澳元；力拓(Rio Tinto)涨10%，至39.90澳元。
新加坡股市收盘走高，因市场对美国政府将救助汽车业的预期复燃；若美国汽车业获得救助，数百万工作机会将得到保全。新加坡海峡时报指数收盘涨34.42点，至1,744.76点，涨幅2.0%，追随地区股市涨势。
东京股市收盘走高，个股普涨，因美国政府此前宣布将考虑动用7,000亿美元金融市场救助资金来避免美国汽车业倒闭，该消息尤其对汽车相关类股起到提振作用。日经指数收盘涨428.79点，至8664.66点，涨幅5.2%。包括东京证交所一部所有股票的东证指数涨33.56点，至846.93点，涨幅4.1%。
香港股市走高，受中国政府上周末公布的救市措施以及在美国减息预期推动下香港地产类股的走高提振。蓝筹恒生指数收盘涨288.56点，至15,046.95点，涨幅1.96%，盘中交易区间在15,007.42点至15,386.90点。市场成交额为426.1亿港元，低于上周五的587.7亿港元。
中国股市收盘走高。中国政府通过增加银行贷款支持经济增长的最新举措使股市早盘走高，但低于预期的11月份工业产值数据使股指收盘时回吐部分涨幅。基准上证综合指数收盘涨0.5%，至1964.37点，脱离盘中高点1989.30点。深证综合指数涨1.0%，至590.36点。
澳大利亚股市收盘触及两周新高，美国白宫称其将考虑动用问题资产救助计划下的资金挽救濒临破产的美国汽车业之后全球股市纷纷上扬。基准的S&P/ASX 200指数收盘涨81点，至3591.4点，涨幅2.3%；之前一度触及3664.4点。材料类股领涨大盘，必和必拓(BHP)涨7.2%，至30.90澳元；力拓(Rio Tinto)涨10%，至39.90澳元。
新加坡股市收盘走高，因市场对美国政府将救助汽车业的预期复燃；若美国汽车业获得救助，数百万工作机会将得到保全。新加坡海峡时报指数收盘涨34.42点，至1,744.76点，涨幅2.0%，追随地区股市涨势。
新加坡耗资276亿 圣淘沙名胜世界2010年开园
新加坡砸276亿全力打造旅游业新亮点
“圣淘沙名胜世界”有望2010年初开园迎客
本报上海讯（记者 刘放）新加坡旅游局日前在上海透露，新加坡耗资约276亿元人民币、占地49公顷的旅游业新亮点——“圣淘沙名胜世界”，没有受到正席卷全球的金融风暴影响，整个项目进展顺利，有望在2010年春季正式开园迎客。
据悉，这一旅游业新亮点几乎是新加坡南部著名岛屿圣淘沙的十分之一面积，其中拥有东南亚独一无二的环球影城公园、海洋生物园两大世界级主题公园以及多家酒店、餐馆和商店，将成为亚洲家庭度假的首选目的地。
环球影城不惧与迪斯尼乐园竞争
据介绍，新加坡环球影城是世界上第一个以变形金刚为主题的环球影城公园，同时也拥有以《侏罗纪公园》、《水上世界》、《木乃伊复仇记》、《史瑞克》等好莱坞电影设计出的过山车和其他游乐项目。新加坡环球影城市场业务与营销总经理道格拉斯在接受记者采访时称，新加坡环球影城与日本大阪的环球影城并不完全相同，其中的24个景点有18个是根据当地特点重新设计或修改的，“你还是会看到森林，还是会看到恐龙，可是你历险的、探险的过程不一样，你的经历也就不同”。
除了大阪环球影城之外，目前香港已经有了迪斯尼乐园，上海将兴建新的迪斯尼乐园的消息也传得沸沸扬扬，在谈及这一点时，道格拉斯表示，环球影城从来都不惧怕与迪斯尼乐园的竞争，因为两者是完全不一样的，“进入环球影城就好像进入电影的真实环境，比如进入侏罗纪公园，你看到的就真的是森林的布置，你会看到在电影看到过的主角，他们会逃生，你就彷佛是在和他们一起经历逃生的过程；再比如过山车，也会让你感觉到你是和电影融为一体的”。
名胜世界大中华区企业传播总监林顺华则在谈及新加坡与香港的竞争时称，香港的迪斯尼乐园跟海洋公园是两个不同的业者经营的，而新加坡名胜世界则是同一家公司经营两大主题公园，“香港的迪斯尼乐园跟海洋公园是互相较量，而我们是互相配合，仅这一方面，我们就比他们强”。
金融危机没有影响新加坡旅游业
业界对金融危机席卷全球的背景下，新加坡这一投资庞大的项目是否会受到影响颇有疑虑，林顺华就此表示，由于这一项目的融资开展得比较早，所有资金也都在金融危机爆发前就已经到位，所以很幸运地没有受到什么影响。他透露说，这一项目三分之二的资金是向星展银行、华侨银行、汇丰银行、苏格兰皇家银行和三井住友银行融的资，余下部分由圣陶沙名胜世界母公司云顶国际提供资产支持。目前整个项目进展顺利，“如果你有机会在明年3月份左右去到新加坡，你就能看到圣淘沙的风景已经是一个全新的面貌，我们四家酒店都已经盖顶，环球影城主体都已经落成，接下来就是安装个别的设施”。
据介绍，圣淘沙名胜世界2010年初开园时，将会雇佣10,000名员工。林顺华认为，金融危机不会对新加坡旅游业产生什么影响，他说援引新加坡官方的相关预测数据说，预计2010年圣淘沙名胜世界开园后，将吸引1500万游客。
Source
“圣淘沙名胜世界”有望2010年初开园迎客
本报上海讯（记者 刘放）新加坡旅游局日前在上海透露，新加坡耗资约276亿元人民币、占地49公顷的旅游业新亮点——“圣淘沙名胜世界”，没有受到正席卷全球的金融风暴影响，整个项目进展顺利，有望在2010年春季正式开园迎客。
据悉，这一旅游业新亮点几乎是新加坡南部著名岛屿圣淘沙的十分之一面积，其中拥有东南亚独一无二的环球影城公园、海洋生物园两大世界级主题公园以及多家酒店、餐馆和商店，将成为亚洲家庭度假的首选目的地。
环球影城不惧与迪斯尼乐园竞争
据介绍，新加坡环球影城是世界上第一个以变形金刚为主题的环球影城公园，同时也拥有以《侏罗纪公园》、《水上世界》、《木乃伊复仇记》、《史瑞克》等好莱坞电影设计出的过山车和其他游乐项目。新加坡环球影城市场业务与营销总经理道格拉斯在接受记者采访时称，新加坡环球影城与日本大阪的环球影城并不完全相同，其中的24个景点有18个是根据当地特点重新设计或修改的，“你还是会看到森林，还是会看到恐龙，可是你历险的、探险的过程不一样，你的经历也就不同”。
除了大阪环球影城之外，目前香港已经有了迪斯尼乐园，上海将兴建新的迪斯尼乐园的消息也传得沸沸扬扬，在谈及这一点时，道格拉斯表示，环球影城从来都不惧怕与迪斯尼乐园的竞争，因为两者是完全不一样的，“进入环球影城就好像进入电影的真实环境，比如进入侏罗纪公园，你看到的就真的是森林的布置，你会看到在电影看到过的主角，他们会逃生，你就彷佛是在和他们一起经历逃生的过程；再比如过山车，也会让你感觉到你是和电影融为一体的”。
名胜世界大中华区企业传播总监林顺华则在谈及新加坡与香港的竞争时称，香港的迪斯尼乐园跟海洋公园是两个不同的业者经营的，而新加坡名胜世界则是同一家公司经营两大主题公园，“香港的迪斯尼乐园跟海洋公园是互相较量，而我们是互相配合，仅这一方面，我们就比他们强”。
金融危机没有影响新加坡旅游业
业界对金融危机席卷全球的背景下，新加坡这一投资庞大的项目是否会受到影响颇有疑虑，林顺华就此表示，由于这一项目的融资开展得比较早，所有资金也都在金融危机爆发前就已经到位，所以很幸运地没有受到什么影响。他透露说，这一项目三分之二的资金是向星展银行、华侨银行、汇丰银行、苏格兰皇家银行和三井住友银行融的资，余下部分由圣陶沙名胜世界母公司云顶国际提供资产支持。目前整个项目进展顺利，“如果你有机会在明年3月份左右去到新加坡，你就能看到圣淘沙的风景已经是一个全新的面貌，我们四家酒店都已经盖顶，环球影城主体都已经落成，接下来就是安装个别的设施”。
据介绍，圣淘沙名胜世界2010年初开园时，将会雇佣10,000名员工。林顺华认为，金融危机不会对新加坡旅游业产生什么影响，他说援引新加坡官方的相关预测数据说，预计2010年圣淘沙名胜世界开园后，将吸引1500万游客。
Source
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
英業務被取消最大隱憂‧雲頂新賭場融資風險不大
（吉隆坡）雲頂（GENTING,3182主板貿服組）屬下雲頂國際第三季業績雖有改善，但這些收益遭龐大壞賬勾銷、新元兌英鎊升值等影響而抵消，達證券也謹慎看待英國業務轉虧為盈的計劃。
達證券指出，雲頂國際第三季營業額按季增長41%，達1億7740萬新元，經匯率調整後的營業額也按年增長14%，生意量增加多數來自倫敦的賭場，不過英國郊區賭場表現依然疲弱。
“可是，今年至今，不包括壞賬虧損與利息開銷，英國的雲頂史坦利（Genting Stanley）面對2470萬新元（約5840萬令吉）虧損，前期則取得4930萬新元的盈利，這歸因於業務遜色、贏獎機率下跌、外匯虧損等。”
達證券補充，繼2007財政年的4億5500萬新元後，雲頂史坦利再蒙受為數可觀的減值虧損。
“由於這是考量到未來現金流量的情況而提出的項目，相信是管理層預見商業狀況可能惡化而做出的應對方案，雖然現財政年第三季業績顯著改善。”
分析員表示，由於中東賭客為英國博彩業的主要客戶，隨著油價下滑，這批“貴客”的揮霍能力大受打擊，可能為雲頂國際的營業額造成影響。
為減輕經濟走下坡的衝擊，此集團管理層採取多項削減成本措施，如凍結加薪、探討合理化郊區賭場業務等。
對於新加坡賭場度假村計劃，該公司至今頒出總值42億新元的計劃，其中31億新元為建築工程。
分析員指出，管理層預期其餘工程會在納進建材大幅跌價等情況後發出，相信新的發展開銷會遠低於原先估計的60億新元。
“雖然全球金融信貸緊縮是個隱憂，不過管理層認為風險不大，貸款銀行財團成員包括匯豐銀行、華僑銀行、星展銀行、住友銀行，以及蘇格蘭皇家銀行。”
Source
達證券指出，雲頂國際第三季營業額按季增長41%，達1億7740萬新元，經匯率調整後的營業額也按年增長14%，生意量增加多數來自倫敦的賭場，不過英國郊區賭場表現依然疲弱。
“可是，今年至今，不包括壞賬虧損與利息開銷，英國的雲頂史坦利（Genting Stanley）面對2470萬新元（約5840萬令吉）虧損，前期則取得4930萬新元的盈利，這歸因於業務遜色、贏獎機率下跌、外匯虧損等。”
達證券補充，繼2007財政年的4億5500萬新元後，雲頂史坦利再蒙受為數可觀的減值虧損。
“由於這是考量到未來現金流量的情況而提出的項目，相信是管理層預見商業狀況可能惡化而做出的應對方案，雖然現財政年第三季業績顯著改善。”
分析員表示，由於中東賭客為英國博彩業的主要客戶，隨著油價下滑，這批“貴客”的揮霍能力大受打擊，可能為雲頂國際的營業額造成影響。
為減輕經濟走下坡的衝擊，此集團管理層採取多項削減成本措施，如凍結加薪、探討合理化郊區賭場業務等。
對於新加坡賭場度假村計劃，該公司至今頒出總值42億新元的計劃，其中31億新元為建築工程。
分析員指出，管理層預期其餘工程會在納進建材大幅跌價等情況後發出，相信新的發展開銷會遠低於原先估計的60億新元。
“雖然全球金融信貸緊縮是個隱憂，不過管理層認為風險不大，貸款銀行財團成員包括匯豐銀行、華僑銀行、星展銀行、住友銀行，以及蘇格蘭皇家銀行。”
Source
Friday, November 21, 2008
圣淘沙名胜世界锁定中国游客
尽管金融海啸席卷全球，中国出境人数却创历史新高，作为本地两大综合度假胜地之一的圣淘沙名胜世界（Resorts World at Sentosa），明显看到这点，把中国游客锁定为主要客源之一。
中国国家旅游局旅游促进与国际联络司司长祝善忠昨天在一个记者会上透露，今年首9个月，中国出境总人数创历史新高，达到3439万人次，比去年同期增长了14.8%。
同样在昨天，名胜世界在上海举行了中国的首场新闻发布会，不但邀集七八十名中国记者，还在会上大派爆米花、进行有奖问答游戏，并让出席者与卡通人物史瑞克（Shrek）及太太Fiona合照等等，为其主要景点新加坡环球影城（Universal Studios）造势。
名胜世界大中华区市场业务与营销总监梁文宁受访时说，不管是举家到新加坡的中国游客、白领或高消费人士，该综合度假胜地都欢迎。为此，公司在过去一年已在大中华地区设立五个办事处（即上海、北京、广州、台北和香港），目前还在探讨在中国其他地方设点。此外，名胜世界已推出全新的华文标志以及一系列以华文书写的宣传文案，并增设两个分别应用简体和繁体字的网站，相当重视大中华游客。
她强调，名胜世界将按照计划在2010年首季首期开业时，开放环球影城、四家酒店、节庆大道和赌场等，概括了该综合度假胜地约七成的设施。
名胜世界的融资问题也是中国媒体关心的另一个课题。
名胜世界大中华区企业传播副总监林顺华重申，该公司没有融资问题，它已在今年4月筹集了三分之二的所需资金，其余资金则将由母公司云顶国际（Genting）拨款。圣淘沙综合度假胜地项目的总成本是60亿元。
不仅名胜世界瞄准中国庞大的旅游市场，新加坡旅游局也同样积极争取。旅游局大中华区署长许文威坦言，虽然今年首10个月抵达本地的中国游客总人次仍有所增加，但明年的情况“更具挑战性”。因此，旅游局明年将在目前以家庭为主的宣传配套的基础上，推出其他新计划。
Source
中国国家旅游局旅游促进与国际联络司司长祝善忠昨天在一个记者会上透露，今年首9个月，中国出境总人数创历史新高，达到3439万人次，比去年同期增长了14.8%。
同样在昨天，名胜世界在上海举行了中国的首场新闻发布会，不但邀集七八十名中国记者，还在会上大派爆米花、进行有奖问答游戏，并让出席者与卡通人物史瑞克（Shrek）及太太Fiona合照等等，为其主要景点新加坡环球影城（Universal Studios）造势。
名胜世界大中华区市场业务与营销总监梁文宁受访时说，不管是举家到新加坡的中国游客、白领或高消费人士，该综合度假胜地都欢迎。为此，公司在过去一年已在大中华地区设立五个办事处（即上海、北京、广州、台北和香港），目前还在探讨在中国其他地方设点。此外，名胜世界已推出全新的华文标志以及一系列以华文书写的宣传文案，并增设两个分别应用简体和繁体字的网站，相当重视大中华游客。
她强调，名胜世界将按照计划在2010年首季首期开业时，开放环球影城、四家酒店、节庆大道和赌场等，概括了该综合度假胜地约七成的设施。
名胜世界的融资问题也是中国媒体关心的另一个课题。
名胜世界大中华区企业传播副总监林顺华重申，该公司没有融资问题，它已在今年4月筹集了三分之二的所需资金，其余资金则将由母公司云顶国际（Genting）拨款。圣淘沙综合度假胜地项目的总成本是60亿元。
不仅名胜世界瞄准中国庞大的旅游市场，新加坡旅游局也同样积极争取。旅游局大中华区署长许文威坦言，虽然今年首10个月抵达本地的中国游客总人次仍有所增加，但明年的情况“更具挑战性”。因此，旅游局明年将在目前以家庭为主的宣传配套的基础上，推出其他新计划。
Source
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
《市場傳聞》麗星(0678.HK)擬終止大馬業務
《彭博》引述馬來西亞周報《EDGE》透露，麗星郵輪(0678.HK)將會終止馬來西亞的營運，並出售馬來西亞西部的巴生港船隊，將資源投放在菲律賓度假地點馬尼拉灣，而麗星管理層對消息不予回應。
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Source
Friday, November 14, 2008
14-11-2008:- Genting Intl 3Q loss narrows
SINGAPORE: Genting International Plc, the owner of the biggest UK casino operator, said its third-quarter loss narrowed from a year earlier, helped by improved gaming wins and a smaller one-time charge from the acquisition of the casino.
The company’s loss was S$116.8 million (RM277.45 million), or 1.27 cents a share, for the three months ended Sept 30, compared with a loss of S$393.4 million, or 5.76 cents, in the year-earlier period, Genting International said yesterday in a statement to the Singapore Exchange. Sales were little changed at S$177.4 million, the company said.
Genting International, which bought Stanley Leisure Plc in 2006, has reported losses in five of the last six quarters as global economic growth slows and higher UK gaming duty rates hurt its revenue. Earnings were also affected after the pound weakened against the Singapore dollar, the company said.
The results included a S$100.8 million impairment charge from the acquisition of the UK casino operator, the company said. During the year-earlier period, Genting International had posted a charge of S$454.6 million after the UK government raised gaming duty rates in April 2007, the company said.
Genting International fell 2.5% to 38.5 Singapore cents before the release of its earnings yesterday. — Bloomberg
Source
The company’s loss was S$116.8 million (RM277.45 million), or 1.27 cents a share, for the three months ended Sept 30, compared with a loss of S$393.4 million, or 5.76 cents, in the year-earlier period, Genting International said yesterday in a statement to the Singapore Exchange. Sales were little changed at S$177.4 million, the company said.
Genting International, which bought Stanley Leisure Plc in 2006, has reported losses in five of the last six quarters as global economic growth slows and higher UK gaming duty rates hurt its revenue. Earnings were also affected after the pound weakened against the Singapore dollar, the company said.
The results included a S$100.8 million impairment charge from the acquisition of the UK casino operator, the company said. During the year-earlier period, Genting International had posted a charge of S$454.6 million after the UK government raised gaming duty rates in April 2007, the company said.
Genting International fell 2.5% to 38.5 Singapore cents before the release of its earnings yesterday. — Bloomberg
Source
Thursday, November 13, 2008
新加坡股市收盘走低，受美国股市和油价下滑拖累
新加坡股市周四收盘走低，追随美国股市前夜的急跌趋势，此外，受对全球经济衰退的担忧影响，投资者在新加坡企业疲弱的业绩面前仍持谨慎态度。
基准新加坡海峡时报指数收盘下跌28.54点，至1755.47点，跌幅1.6%。
下跌股以331比127领先上涨股。
成交量较周三的11亿股有所下降，为9.47亿股。
部分大宗商品类股遭到打击，原因是受全球需求放缓的担忧拖累原油和棕榈油期货合约价格进一步下滑。
房地产类股延续了周三的跌势。
海峡时报指数30只成份股中，4只上涨，3只持平，23只走低。
基准新加坡海峡时报指数收盘下跌28.54点，至1755.47点，跌幅1.6%。
下跌股以331比127领先上涨股。
成交量较周三的11亿股有所下降，为9.47亿股。
部分大宗商品类股遭到打击，原因是受全球需求放缓的担忧拖累原油和棕榈油期货合约价格进一步下滑。
房地产类股延续了周三的跌势。
海峡时报指数30只成份股中，4只上涨，3只持平，23只走低。
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
圣淘沙名胜世界 经济不景 坚聘万人
虽然经济走下坡，圣淘沙名胜世界强调，之前许下要在2010年首季启用时招聘多达一万人的承诺维持不变，不会因经济放缓而削减就业机会。
在将要聘用的一万人当中其中，新加坡环球影城（Universal Studios Singapore）总共将聘用3000人，这方面的第一轮招聘工作已经展开，将聘请300名经理和主任级人员。
他们当中，有100多人将在明年初被安排到美国奥兰多(Orlando)的环球影城，接受长达4个月的在职培训。有关的培训、机票与住宿费总共达500万元，部分费用由新加坡旅游局津贴。
招聘时优先考虑本地人
名胜世界人力资源总监佘邱依文昨天受访时指出，由于本地管理主题公园的专才不多，因此环球影城所要招聘的200名经理级人员中，部分预料将来自海外，包括从外国的环球影城和迪斯尼乐园等“挖人”。
但她强调，这些外国专才将只是占一小部分，公司在进行招聘时还是会优先考虑本地人，特别是在景点和酒店款待业有经验的员工。
她说：“前来主题公园的游客都是为了寻找欢乐而来，所以我们希望所聘用的人员，性格上要活泼好动，享受在户外和游客接触的过程，而不是朝九晚五的工作。”
大部分的招聘工作将在明年下半年展开，预计会聘用2000人，包括负责环球影城日常运作、餐饮、零售、表演娱乐及技术服务方面的人员。
其余的职员则会在明年底至后年初招聘，主要是前线的服务人员。有兴趣到环球影城工作的公众，可到名胜世界网站(www.rwsentosa.com)了解详情。
占地20公顷的环球影城所需招聘的3000名人员将占整个名胜世界总雇员人数的30%，另外30%的员工将来自赌场，30%是酒店、餐饮和娱乐等人员，剩余的10%则是来自企业传播和IT等支援部门。
名胜世界准备在明年底之前聘用8000名员工，到了2010年3月前增加到1万人。
定2010年首季启用的名胜世界在开幕初期，将会开放大概七成的设施，包括四家酒店、环球影城、节庆大道（festive walk）和赌场。
位于西侧的另外两家酒店Equarius和ESPA别墅及其他设施如水上乐园、海事博物馆和海洋生物园则会分阶段启用。
工院生有望到奥兰多环球影城实习
位于圣淘沙名胜世界的环球影城是新加坡首个大规模的主题公园，除了招聘，有计划地栽培有主题公园工作经验的人员因此至关紧要。为了增进年轻学子对这行业的兴趣，名胜世界将帮忙协调本地理工学院生到美国奥兰多环球影城实习4个月，让他们亲身体验在主题公园工作的滋味。
实习出色学生将受聘
圣淘沙名胜世界人力资源总监佘邱依文受访时指出，他们会和奥兰多环球影城保持联系，了解学生的表现，表现出色的学生在毕业后，将享有在本地环球影城受聘的机会。
名胜世界也将参与实习生的遴选过程。
到目前为止有200多名来自义安、新加坡、淡马锡和南洋理工学院各系的二年级和三年级学生对这项实习计划表示兴趣，首批获选的学生将在明年3月动身前往奥兰多。
义安理工学院旅游与度假村管理课程高级讲师詹家敏指出，学院在安排学生出国实习时，会根据学生的家庭收入提供津贴。
参加实习计划的学生每周须工作30至40小时，每工作一小时可获7元2角的津贴。
一般往返美国的机票介于1500元和2500元，有兴趣参与这实习计划的理工学院学生，预计须支付往返美国的机票和生活费。
在义安理工学院就读商科的蔡家寰说：“我曾经到澳洲黄金海岸和马来西亚的云顶主题公园，深深被那里的欢乐气氛吸引。我原本就有继续深造的打算，所以如果实习经验不错，我以后有可能朝旅游业发展。”
被裁员工有望在名胜世界就业
圣淘沙名胜世界有意和进行重组的机构合作，为遭裁退的员工提供再培训和重新雇用的机会，这也包括与银行合作，帮助在金融海啸遭失去工作的员工。
名胜世界的人力资源总监佘邱依文说：“名胜世界对于和可能有意进行重组的机构展开合作持开放态度，这包括对银行。名胜世界在2010年初开幕时，将需要填补1万个职位，而我们已承诺会尽量聘请新加坡人。因此，我们在探讨为任何合适人员提供再培训计划。”
全球经济在过去几个月里频频传出不利消息，当前的金融海啸更是让金融业首当其冲。星展银行上周五在集团的业绩发布会上宣布，银行将在本月内裁退900名员工，这个举措不禁让人担心本地银行业可能掀起裁员风。
除了名胜世界，被裁退的银行业员工也有可能在其他领域另谋生计。
也是全国职工总会副会长的星展银行职员联合会会长江巧爱指出，自星展银行将裁员的消息传开后，职总属下其他工会领袖在上周末与她联系，透露它们各自所属的领域有职位空缺可让遭裁退的员工申请。
星展银行职员联合会也将和有职位空缺的雇主见面，探讨重新雇用遭裁退员工的可能性。
此外，星展银行职员联合会也打算和就业与职能培训中心（e2i）及职总职能提升署合作，为需要转换跑道的员工提供合适的培训。
江巧爱说：“我已吁请有关方面保留这些空缺，他们也表示愿意这么做。我们会在裁员名单出炉后，尽可能帮助会员寻找新就业机会。”
Source
在将要聘用的一万人当中其中，新加坡环球影城（Universal Studios Singapore）总共将聘用3000人，这方面的第一轮招聘工作已经展开，将聘请300名经理和主任级人员。
他们当中，有100多人将在明年初被安排到美国奥兰多(Orlando)的环球影城，接受长达4个月的在职培训。有关的培训、机票与住宿费总共达500万元，部分费用由新加坡旅游局津贴。
招聘时优先考虑本地人
名胜世界人力资源总监佘邱依文昨天受访时指出，由于本地管理主题公园的专才不多，因此环球影城所要招聘的200名经理级人员中，部分预料将来自海外，包括从外国的环球影城和迪斯尼乐园等“挖人”。
但她强调，这些外国专才将只是占一小部分，公司在进行招聘时还是会优先考虑本地人，特别是在景点和酒店款待业有经验的员工。
她说：“前来主题公园的游客都是为了寻找欢乐而来，所以我们希望所聘用的人员，性格上要活泼好动，享受在户外和游客接触的过程，而不是朝九晚五的工作。”
大部分的招聘工作将在明年下半年展开，预计会聘用2000人，包括负责环球影城日常运作、餐饮、零售、表演娱乐及技术服务方面的人员。
其余的职员则会在明年底至后年初招聘，主要是前线的服务人员。有兴趣到环球影城工作的公众，可到名胜世界网站(www.rwsentosa.com)了解详情。
占地20公顷的环球影城所需招聘的3000名人员将占整个名胜世界总雇员人数的30%，另外30%的员工将来自赌场，30%是酒店、餐饮和娱乐等人员，剩余的10%则是来自企业传播和IT等支援部门。
名胜世界准备在明年底之前聘用8000名员工，到了2010年3月前增加到1万人。
定2010年首季启用的名胜世界在开幕初期，将会开放大概七成的设施，包括四家酒店、环球影城、节庆大道（festive walk）和赌场。
位于西侧的另外两家酒店Equarius和ESPA别墅及其他设施如水上乐园、海事博物馆和海洋生物园则会分阶段启用。
工院生有望到奥兰多环球影城实习
位于圣淘沙名胜世界的环球影城是新加坡首个大规模的主题公园，除了招聘，有计划地栽培有主题公园工作经验的人员因此至关紧要。为了增进年轻学子对这行业的兴趣，名胜世界将帮忙协调本地理工学院生到美国奥兰多环球影城实习4个月，让他们亲身体验在主题公园工作的滋味。
实习出色学生将受聘
圣淘沙名胜世界人力资源总监佘邱依文受访时指出，他们会和奥兰多环球影城保持联系，了解学生的表现，表现出色的学生在毕业后，将享有在本地环球影城受聘的机会。
名胜世界也将参与实习生的遴选过程。
到目前为止有200多名来自义安、新加坡、淡马锡和南洋理工学院各系的二年级和三年级学生对这项实习计划表示兴趣，首批获选的学生将在明年3月动身前往奥兰多。
义安理工学院旅游与度假村管理课程高级讲师詹家敏指出，学院在安排学生出国实习时，会根据学生的家庭收入提供津贴。
参加实习计划的学生每周须工作30至40小时，每工作一小时可获7元2角的津贴。
一般往返美国的机票介于1500元和2500元，有兴趣参与这实习计划的理工学院学生，预计须支付往返美国的机票和生活费。
在义安理工学院就读商科的蔡家寰说：“我曾经到澳洲黄金海岸和马来西亚的云顶主题公园，深深被那里的欢乐气氛吸引。我原本就有继续深造的打算，所以如果实习经验不错，我以后有可能朝旅游业发展。”
被裁员工有望在名胜世界就业
圣淘沙名胜世界有意和进行重组的机构合作，为遭裁退的员工提供再培训和重新雇用的机会，这也包括与银行合作，帮助在金融海啸遭失去工作的员工。
名胜世界的人力资源总监佘邱依文说：“名胜世界对于和可能有意进行重组的机构展开合作持开放态度，这包括对银行。名胜世界在2010年初开幕时，将需要填补1万个职位，而我们已承诺会尽量聘请新加坡人。因此，我们在探讨为任何合适人员提供再培训计划。”
全球经济在过去几个月里频频传出不利消息，当前的金融海啸更是让金融业首当其冲。星展银行上周五在集团的业绩发布会上宣布，银行将在本月内裁退900名员工，这个举措不禁让人担心本地银行业可能掀起裁员风。
除了名胜世界，被裁退的银行业员工也有可能在其他领域另谋生计。
也是全国职工总会副会长的星展银行职员联合会会长江巧爱指出，自星展银行将裁员的消息传开后，职总属下其他工会领袖在上周末与她联系，透露它们各自所属的领域有职位空缺可让遭裁退的员工申请。
星展银行职员联合会也将和有职位空缺的雇主见面，探讨重新雇用遭裁退员工的可能性。
此外，星展银行职员联合会也打算和就业与职能培训中心（e2i）及职总职能提升署合作，为需要转换跑道的员工提供合适的培训。
江巧爱说：“我已吁请有关方面保留这些空缺，他们也表示愿意这么做。我们会在裁员名单出炉后，尽可能帮助会员寻找新就业机会。”
Source
Monday, November 10, 2008
博彩公司考察韩国投资机会
《南华早报》(South China Morning Post)周一援引韩国政府方面的消息报导，信德集团有限公司(Shun Tak Holdings Ltd., 0242.HK, 简称：信德集团)、美高梅金殿梦幻(MGM MIRAGE, MGM)、拉斯维加斯金沙集团股份有限公司(Las Vegas Sands Corp., LVS)和云顶集团(Genting Group)等博彩运营商被邀前往韩国考察博彩和娱乐场投资机会。
《南华早报》援引Jeju Free International City Development总经理Cha Woo-jin报导称，上述4家公司和其他一些小投资者3个月前被邀前往韩国济州岛进行了实地考察，以评估当地的投资潜力。
但Cha表示，韩国的禁赌法令可能将构成障碍，政府正在考虑取消禁令。
Cha表示，第一家外资赌场最早要到2015年才能开张。
《南华早报》援引Jeju Free International City Development总经理Cha Woo-jin报导称，上述4家公司和其他一些小投资者3个月前被邀前往韩国济州岛进行了实地考察，以评估当地的投资潜力。
但Cha表示，韩国的禁赌法令可能将构成障碍，政府正在考虑取消禁令。
Cha表示，第一家外资赌场最早要到2015年才能开张。
Manila Bay casino city to proceed
STATE-RUN gambling firm Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said construction of its $10-billion Entertainment City on Manila Bay will start in the first quarter next year—and despite the financial crisis that has delayed a number of casino projects in Asia.
The complex would allow Pagcor to more than double its income to about $1.3 billion by 2012, a company official said.
“We see no problems hampering construction,” the official said.
“As far as we can see, our project is not affected by the financial crisis.”
Pagcor recently released the terms of reference for the 85-hectare Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment City, in which each investor is required to put in at least $1 billion.
The complex will be built on reclaimed land, and it will include hotels, convention centers, theaters, sports stadiums, restaurants, shopping centers, cultural complexes, museums and amusement parks.
Pagcor said earlier it had secured commitments from investors such as the Genting Berhad Group and Star Cruises of Malaysia, Alliance Global Inc. of the Philippines, the Aruze Group of Japan, and Bloomburry Investments of Australia.
The company said no prospective investors were pulling out of the project despite the financial crunch.
“In fact, SM Investments Corp. is in the process of completing the requirements asked by Pagcor of investors in the project,” the official said.
“SM is also in talks with various foreign groups such as MGM Resorts for possible tie-ups.”
The official said unaudited figures showed that Pagcor’s income rose 11.6 percent to P14.85 billion in the first half of 2008 from P13.30 billion in the same period last year.
He said growth continued to the second half of the year, though figures were not yet available.
“October was a record-breaking month,” he said.
“We gained our second highest monthly income in the history of Pagcor that month.”
The official cited a study by the accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers saying Pagcor’s revenues would increase at the compound rate of 17.8 percent until 2012.
“Revenues will increase from $577 million in 2007 to a projected $1.3 billion in 2012,” the official said.
Still, a big casino operator being wooed by Pagcor is facing bankruptcy.
Las Vegas Sands Corp., which operates casinos in Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore, has hinted that it may default on its $8.8-billion debt.
Casino revenues in Las Vegas and Atlantic City have gone down this year as a result of the financial crisis, which has prevented Americans from spending on non-essentials.
Source
The complex would allow Pagcor to more than double its income to about $1.3 billion by 2012, a company official said.
“We see no problems hampering construction,” the official said.
“As far as we can see, our project is not affected by the financial crisis.”
Pagcor recently released the terms of reference for the 85-hectare Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment City, in which each investor is required to put in at least $1 billion.
The complex will be built on reclaimed land, and it will include hotels, convention centers, theaters, sports stadiums, restaurants, shopping centers, cultural complexes, museums and amusement parks.
Pagcor said earlier it had secured commitments from investors such as the Genting Berhad Group and Star Cruises of Malaysia, Alliance Global Inc. of the Philippines, the Aruze Group of Japan, and Bloomburry Investments of Australia.
The company said no prospective investors were pulling out of the project despite the financial crunch.
“In fact, SM Investments Corp. is in the process of completing the requirements asked by Pagcor of investors in the project,” the official said.
“SM is also in talks with various foreign groups such as MGM Resorts for possible tie-ups.”
The official said unaudited figures showed that Pagcor’s income rose 11.6 percent to P14.85 billion in the first half of 2008 from P13.30 billion in the same period last year.
He said growth continued to the second half of the year, though figures were not yet available.
“October was a record-breaking month,” he said.
“We gained our second highest monthly income in the history of Pagcor that month.”
The official cited a study by the accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers saying Pagcor’s revenues would increase at the compound rate of 17.8 percent until 2012.
“Revenues will increase from $577 million in 2007 to a projected $1.3 billion in 2012,” the official said.
Still, a big casino operator being wooed by Pagcor is facing bankruptcy.
Las Vegas Sands Corp., which operates casinos in Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore, has hinted that it may default on its $8.8-billion debt.
Casino revenues in Las Vegas and Atlantic City have gone down this year as a result of the financial crisis, which has prevented Americans from spending on non-essentials.
Source
CapitaLand says no casino talks with Las Vegas Sands
SINGAPORE, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Property developer CapitaLand said on Monday it has not held any talks with Las Vegas Sands over its Singapore casino-resort project, but will explore opportunities to invest in distressed assets.
The statement came after brokerage firm CIMB said in a report on Monday that CapitaLand, Southeast Asia's biggest property firm, and the Singapore government may take over the casino-resort if Las Vegas Sands fails to avert loan defaults.
Local newspapers have reported that Las Vegas Sands had held talks with the Singapore government about the project, which is targeted to open at the end of 2009.
"CapitaLand wishes to clarify that no discussion has transpired between itself and Sands," it said in a statement.
"In the present continuing global recessionary environment, it is strategically watching the situation and studying opportunities related to distressed companies or assets, in Singapore and other core markets," CapitaLand said.
CapitaLand is 40 percent owned by Singapore sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings.
Last week Las Vegas Sands affirmed its commitment to the Marina Bay project in Singapore as investors became concerned about its fate after the casino operator's auditor said there are doubts about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The statement came after brokerage firm CIMB said in a report on Monday that CapitaLand, Southeast Asia's biggest property firm, and the Singapore government may take over the casino-resort if Las Vegas Sands fails to avert loan defaults.
Local newspapers have reported that Las Vegas Sands had held talks with the Singapore government about the project, which is targeted to open at the end of 2009.
"CapitaLand wishes to clarify that no discussion has transpired between itself and Sands," it said in a statement.
"In the present continuing global recessionary environment, it is strategically watching the situation and studying opportunities related to distressed companies or assets, in Singapore and other core markets," CapitaLand said.
CapitaLand is 40 percent owned by Singapore sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings.
Last week Las Vegas Sands affirmed its commitment to the Marina Bay project in Singapore as investors became concerned about its fate after the casino operator's auditor said there are doubts about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sentosa IR 60% ready by 2010
The steel frame for the first ride at the Universal Studios theme park in Sentosa, the Revenge of the Mummy, was winched into place last week.
It is one of the 21 attractions that will be ready to roll when the 49ha Resorts World at Sentosa has its soft opening in the first quarter of 2010. The theme park is part of the Resorts World integrated resort (IR).
Three other rides, including the Transformer one, will be added later.
The picture is much the same in the rest of the resort: About 60 per cent of it will be ready for visitors when it debuts in March 2010.
Of the six hotels, four will be opening then. Maxims Residences, Festive Hotel, Hotel Michael and Hard Rock Hotel will make available 1,400 rooms.
Also slated to open then are the casino and the half-kilometre-long Festive Walk with its shops and restaurants.
Resorts World's head of communications Krist Boo said negotiations with the Government to fix the opening dates for the remaining 40 per cent of the resort are ongoing. These include its Marine Life Park, the Maritime Xperiential Museum and the remaining two hotels.
Giving an update on the construction yesterday, Ms Boo and executive vice-president of projects Michael Chin said more than 2,000 people are working round the clock on the project.
Construction cannot begin on the western end of the project because the area is now being used as a staging ground to hold the containers of equipment coming in for the construction and fitting-out of the theme park.
Before The Revenge of the Mummy ride could be assembled on site, for example, space was needed to store, lay out and put together the 20 container-loads of equipment making up the ride.Resorts World had not reckoned on needing this much space.
Mr Chin said that the original plan was to manage the staging within the Universal Studios' site, but because the park and other properties had to be at least mostly ready by March 2010, this was not possible.
The west end of the resort thus came to be where the theme park attractions were laid out and assembled.
After construction of the four hotels is completed by March next year, their interiors will be fitted out, said Mr Chin.
In the theme park itself, work has also begun on the other attractions such as Jurassic Park and Waterworld. Mr Chin said that by the middle of next year, the exterior of the attractions will be completed, leaving six to eight months to fit out the rides and test them.
Hiring of the 10,000 staff for the resort will also begin then.
Ms Boo also said application for the casino licence should take place 'some time next year' once half the gross floor area and half the $6 billion budget have been committed.
She said: 'By late 2009, we should be very comfortably ready for our soft opening in 2010.'
Source
It is one of the 21 attractions that will be ready to roll when the 49ha Resorts World at Sentosa has its soft opening in the first quarter of 2010. The theme park is part of the Resorts World integrated resort (IR).
Three other rides, including the Transformer one, will be added later.
The picture is much the same in the rest of the resort: About 60 per cent of it will be ready for visitors when it debuts in March 2010.
Of the six hotels, four will be opening then. Maxims Residences, Festive Hotel, Hotel Michael and Hard Rock Hotel will make available 1,400 rooms.
Also slated to open then are the casino and the half-kilometre-long Festive Walk with its shops and restaurants.
Resorts World's head of communications Krist Boo said negotiations with the Government to fix the opening dates for the remaining 40 per cent of the resort are ongoing. These include its Marine Life Park, the Maritime Xperiential Museum and the remaining two hotels.
Giving an update on the construction yesterday, Ms Boo and executive vice-president of projects Michael Chin said more than 2,000 people are working round the clock on the project.
Construction cannot begin on the western end of the project because the area is now being used as a staging ground to hold the containers of equipment coming in for the construction and fitting-out of the theme park.
Before The Revenge of the Mummy ride could be assembled on site, for example, space was needed to store, lay out and put together the 20 container-loads of equipment making up the ride.Resorts World had not reckoned on needing this much space.
Mr Chin said that the original plan was to manage the staging within the Universal Studios' site, but because the park and other properties had to be at least mostly ready by March 2010, this was not possible.
The west end of the resort thus came to be where the theme park attractions were laid out and assembled.
After construction of the four hotels is completed by March next year, their interiors will be fitted out, said Mr Chin.
In the theme park itself, work has also begun on the other attractions such as Jurassic Park and Waterworld. Mr Chin said that by the middle of next year, the exterior of the attractions will be completed, leaving six to eight months to fit out the rides and test them.
Hiring of the 10,000 staff for the resort will also begin then.
Ms Boo also said application for the casino licence should take place 'some time next year' once half the gross floor area and half the $6 billion budget have been committed.
She said: 'By late 2009, we should be very comfortably ready for our soft opening in 2010.'
Source
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Singapore's casino opening to be delayed-report
SINGAPORE, Oct 30 (Reuters) - The full opening of one of Singapore's casinos may be delayed due to construction issues and a shortage of labour, a local newspaper reported on Thursday.
The Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, awarded to Las Vegas Sands (LVS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) in 2006, is several months behind schedule, the pro-government daily Straits Times said, citing sources. The casino was due to open at the end of 2009.
The newspaper said the foundation work for the casino was delayed three to four months and quoted sources as saying it was "impossible" for all its facilities to be fully operational by the end of 2009.
Marina Bay Sands officials were not immediately available for comment.
Built on reclaimed land from the sea, the project is one of two multi-billion dollar casinos under construction since Singapore legalised casino gaming in 2005 to attract more tourists.
The second casino, Resorts World at Sentosa, is being built by Genting International (GNTG.SI: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and is scheduled for completion in 2010.
Resorts World may also see a delay in the opening of some of its facilities, although a casino spokeswoman said it was "on track" for a "soft opening" in 2010, the paper said.
The two casinos have been hit by higher construction costs since building began, causing Genting International to revise its costs for Resorts World up 15 percent to S$6 billion last year.
(Reporting by Melanie Lee; Editing by Anshuman Daga)
Source
The Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, awarded to Las Vegas Sands (LVS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) in 2006, is several months behind schedule, the pro-government daily Straits Times said, citing sources. The casino was due to open at the end of 2009.
The newspaper said the foundation work for the casino was delayed three to four months and quoted sources as saying it was "impossible" for all its facilities to be fully operational by the end of 2009.
Marina Bay Sands officials were not immediately available for comment.
Built on reclaimed land from the sea, the project is one of two multi-billion dollar casinos under construction since Singapore legalised casino gaming in 2005 to attract more tourists.
The second casino, Resorts World at Sentosa, is being built by Genting International (GNTG.SI: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and is scheduled for completion in 2010.
Resorts World may also see a delay in the opening of some of its facilities, although a casino spokeswoman said it was "on track" for a "soft opening" in 2010, the paper said.
The two casinos have been hit by higher construction costs since building began, causing Genting International to revise its costs for Resorts World up 15 percent to S$6 billion last year.
(Reporting by Melanie Lee; Editing by Anshuman Daga)
Source
Sunday, October 12, 2008
NEC casino plan safe from credit crunch
The credit crunch will not restrict the development of a £90 million casino and leisure complex at the NEC, the company behind the scheme has said.
The announcement comes as many other large scale projects in Birmingham and the surrounding area are put on hold by developers fearful of the current economic climate.
Genting Stanley, which recently moved its UK headquarters to Birmingham, is the largest casino operator in the country with more than 40 outlets.
The business is owned by Malaysia-based Genting International, a publicly traded subsidiary of Genting Berhad that operates resorts and casinos around the world. The company plans to operate the NEC casino and the venue is expected to be a major enticement in helping lure tourists to the exhibition centre site.
The scheme comprises a casino with 150 slot machines and a maximum jackpot of £4,000, a hotel and spa, bars and restaurants.
However, the plan is dependent on Solihull Borough Council granting the company a licence to operate the casino.
The authority’s licensing committee is drawing up the ground rules for the decision-making process and it is likely that a public consultation exercise will be necessary before the licence is approved.
Bids from prospective casino operators have to be submitted by April next year and if there is only one bidder then the licence is likely to be granted by June 2009.
If there are two or more bidders, a final decision could be delayed until this time next year.
Executive deputy chairman of Genting Stanley, Peter Brooks, said that the company would be working with both the NEC and the Solihull authority to make the process as easy as possible.
However, he said that no planning application would be submitted until the licence was granted.
“We will work hard with both the NEC and SMBC to develop the project,” he said. “We want to create something that everyone can be proud of.”
Asked if the poor economic climate had had an impact on the scheme, Mr Brooks said: “The timetable for the project remains but it is a moving target.
“We are expecting to get project financing but we are in the hands of the financial markets. However, we have a robust plan, a strong covenant and we can address the challenges,” he added.
The company said it was wary of the current climate and the impact it could have for attracting customers to the new site, however, he added that by the time the casino was ready to open – probably early 2012 if everything goes to plan – the economy would hopefully have turned.
“If things haven’t calmed down by then, then there will be lot of larger things to worry about,” said Mr Brooks.
The casino development itself is expected to be a unique design and Mr Brooks said there were no comparable buildings anywhere else in the group’s portfolio.
However, he said the development would probably be on a scale of the Star City complex.
The scheme, in conjunction with a £28 million makeover of the NEC Arena, will create more than 1,000 jobs and is crucial to a transformation strategy intended to turn the NEC from primarily a conference centre into a major leisure destination.
Although primarily known internationally for casinos, Genting Stanley’s parent group operates some of the most prestigious hotel complexes in the world.
One of the best known is as the Genting Highlands Resort in Malaysia, which offers a wide array of leisure and entertainment facilities supported by no less than 10,000 hotel rooms.
Genting International is also developing the £2.2 billion “Resorts World at Sentosa” integrated resort in Singapore which will be home to a world-class range of attractions including a Universal Studios theme park.
Source
The announcement comes as many other large scale projects in Birmingham and the surrounding area are put on hold by developers fearful of the current economic climate.
Genting Stanley, which recently moved its UK headquarters to Birmingham, is the largest casino operator in the country with more than 40 outlets.
The business is owned by Malaysia-based Genting International, a publicly traded subsidiary of Genting Berhad that operates resorts and casinos around the world. The company plans to operate the NEC casino and the venue is expected to be a major enticement in helping lure tourists to the exhibition centre site.
The scheme comprises a casino with 150 slot machines and a maximum jackpot of £4,000, a hotel and spa, bars and restaurants.
However, the plan is dependent on Solihull Borough Council granting the company a licence to operate the casino.
The authority’s licensing committee is drawing up the ground rules for the decision-making process and it is likely that a public consultation exercise will be necessary before the licence is approved.
Bids from prospective casino operators have to be submitted by April next year and if there is only one bidder then the licence is likely to be granted by June 2009.
If there are two or more bidders, a final decision could be delayed until this time next year.
Executive deputy chairman of Genting Stanley, Peter Brooks, said that the company would be working with both the NEC and the Solihull authority to make the process as easy as possible.
However, he said that no planning application would be submitted until the licence was granted.
“We will work hard with both the NEC and SMBC to develop the project,” he said. “We want to create something that everyone can be proud of.”
Asked if the poor economic climate had had an impact on the scheme, Mr Brooks said: “The timetable for the project remains but it is a moving target.
“We are expecting to get project financing but we are in the hands of the financial markets. However, we have a robust plan, a strong covenant and we can address the challenges,” he added.
The company said it was wary of the current climate and the impact it could have for attracting customers to the new site, however, he added that by the time the casino was ready to open – probably early 2012 if everything goes to plan – the economy would hopefully have turned.
“If things haven’t calmed down by then, then there will be lot of larger things to worry about,” said Mr Brooks.
The casino development itself is expected to be a unique design and Mr Brooks said there were no comparable buildings anywhere else in the group’s portfolio.
However, he said the development would probably be on a scale of the Star City complex.
The scheme, in conjunction with a £28 million makeover of the NEC Arena, will create more than 1,000 jobs and is crucial to a transformation strategy intended to turn the NEC from primarily a conference centre into a major leisure destination.
Although primarily known internationally for casinos, Genting Stanley’s parent group operates some of the most prestigious hotel complexes in the world.
One of the best known is as the Genting Highlands Resort in Malaysia, which offers a wide array of leisure and entertainment facilities supported by no less than 10,000 hotel rooms.
Genting International is also developing the £2.2 billion “Resorts World at Sentosa” integrated resort in Singapore which will be home to a world-class range of attractions including a Universal Studios theme park.
Source
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Genting subscribes to additional 300 million shares in RWS
PETALING JAYA: Genting International Plc has subscribed to an additional 300 million new shares in Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd (RWS) for S$300mil cash.
Proceeds from its rights issue last year of 3.61 billion new shares would be used to pay for the new shares in RWS, Genting said in a filing with the Singapore Exchange on Thursday.
The additional investment in RWS via its wholly-owned subsidiary Star Eagle Holdings Ltd would not have any material impact on the net tangible assets and earnings per share of Genting for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2008, it said.
RWS, which was awarded the right to develop an integrated resort project on Sentosa island by the Singapore government in 2006, had completed in April the syndication of S$4bil credit facilities for the integrated resort development.
The credit facilities were expected to fund two-thirds of the S$6bil project cost with the remaining to be paid through equity raised through the successful rights issue last year by Genting International.
Genting International, the parent of RWS, is a 54.5% unit of Malaysia’s Genting Bhd.
Source
Proceeds from its rights issue last year of 3.61 billion new shares would be used to pay for the new shares in RWS, Genting said in a filing with the Singapore Exchange on Thursday.
The additional investment in RWS via its wholly-owned subsidiary Star Eagle Holdings Ltd would not have any material impact on the net tangible assets and earnings per share of Genting for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2008, it said.
RWS, which was awarded the right to develop an integrated resort project on Sentosa island by the Singapore government in 2006, had completed in April the syndication of S$4bil credit facilities for the integrated resort development.
The credit facilities were expected to fund two-thirds of the S$6bil project cost with the remaining to be paid through equity raised through the successful rights issue last year by Genting International.
Genting International, the parent of RWS, is a 54.5% unit of Malaysia’s Genting Bhd.
Source
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
新加坡元尾盘走高，因美元承压，交易员调整头寸
亚洲汇市周二尾盘，新加坡元走高，因美国众议院(House of Representatives)前夜意外否决政府的金融业救助计划后美元承压，另外交易员们纷纷赶在周三新加坡回教开斋节假日来临前调整头寸。
美元最新报1.4348新元，较前一交易日下跌0.0049新元。
交易员称，新元盘中一直在窄幅波动，盘中高点为1.4341新元，低点为1.4295新元。
市场关注的焦点仍是新加坡金融管理局(Monetary Authority of Singapore)接下来的行动。
新加坡金融管理局将于10月10日公布其政策声明。
美元最新报1.4348新元，较前一交易日下跌0.0049新元。
交易员称，新元盘中一直在窄幅波动，盘中高点为1.4341新元，低点为1.4295新元。
市场关注的焦点仍是新加坡金融管理局(Monetary Authority of Singapore)接下来的行动。
新加坡金融管理局将于10月10日公布其政策声明。
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
宏威集团：太阳能健厂如期；08年二季度利润1820万元港币
宏威科技力图成为太阳能模组全球制造商的宏伟抱负正在中国河南省逐渐成型。
新加坡分析员访问团日前拜访了占地13万平方米的工厂，宏威和中国的合作伙伴将在此建造中国首条全自动生产薄膜太阳能组件的生产线。
宏威财务主管胡伟健说：“这个工厂从今年3月份开始建设，进展顺利，将于明年第一季度开始运作。
”宏威期望该新厂09年第一季度就能产生收入，第一笔销售客户是巴西能源公司（Brazil Energy），这是一家巴西主要的控股投资公司，主要业务是能源和基础设施建设项目。宏威与巴西能源公司已经接洽关于出售高达5兆瓦(MW)的太阳能组件的初步协议。宏威的薄膜模组每瓦特最高售价为2.5元美金，而生产成本却不到1元美金。
宏威的生产能力到2010年将从40MW提升到120MW，希望到2013年能成为世界前十强的太阳能模组生产商。宏威－其股票在新加坡交易所上市－还和巴西能源签署了关于2009年下半年研发和销售太阳能模组生产线的协议。
“巴西能源来找我们洽谈是因为我们在南美出色的业务表现，在南美，我们DVD刻录光盘（DVD-R）主要设备的销售占领了30％的市场份额，”宏威集团首席执行官范继良在先前接受NEXTINSIGHT采访时说。“太阳能技术与光盘技术有某些共通性，”当被问及宏威如何运用光盘业务领域的技术发展太阳能业务时，范总解释道。宏威集团是世界第二大光碟复制设备制造商，包括DVDR和蓝光光盘。它是惟一一家同时具备光盘制造能力和贸易网络的生产销售企业。
第二季度的净利润达到1820万元港币
得益于集团媒体产品制造和贸易部门的强劲销售额，第二季度的营业收入激增125％达到2.82亿元港币，其中这两个部门的贡献额为2.2亿元港币。设备制造部门贡献了余下的6200万元港币。
股东应得溢利为1820万元港币，相较去年第二季度仅为250万元港币。
宏威去年第四季度收购了媒体产品制造和贸易部门，现在公司正从该收购项目获得现金流的利处。
这项收购业务能给集团带来稳定的现金流入，这能保障集团对于研发项目的长期投入，包括媒体产品行业和新尝试项目（例如太阳能业务）。
08财政年第二季度的分销费用是1600万元港币，比07财政年700万元的分销费用高了132％。08财政年第二季度的管理费用为3400万元港币，同比去年增加159％。
较高的费用水平是由于合并了去年第四季度收购的媒体产品制造和贸易业务所产生的费用。
在今年上半年，宏威获得了价值930万元港币的政府补助。为了在高科技领域进一步推进中国设备制造商的发展，集团认为政府这类补助将会持续。
到目前为止，给宏威的政府补助金均用于资助前沿科技产品的研发，包括蓝光技术，有机发光二极管( OLED )和太阳能技术。
七月，中国总理温家宝访问了集团在中国东莞的设备制造厂。他鼓励宏威团队继续为中国的太阳能事业做出贡献。
宏威的最近收盘价为5.5分，这已经是在它每股8.46分新币的资产净值上打了个折扣。
Source
新加坡分析员访问团日前拜访了占地13万平方米的工厂，宏威和中国的合作伙伴将在此建造中国首条全自动生产薄膜太阳能组件的生产线。
宏威财务主管胡伟健说：“这个工厂从今年3月份开始建设，进展顺利，将于明年第一季度开始运作。
”宏威期望该新厂09年第一季度就能产生收入，第一笔销售客户是巴西能源公司（Brazil Energy），这是一家巴西主要的控股投资公司，主要业务是能源和基础设施建设项目。宏威与巴西能源公司已经接洽关于出售高达5兆瓦(MW)的太阳能组件的初步协议。宏威的薄膜模组每瓦特最高售价为2.5元美金，而生产成本却不到1元美金。
宏威的生产能力到2010年将从40MW提升到120MW，希望到2013年能成为世界前十强的太阳能模组生产商。宏威－其股票在新加坡交易所上市－还和巴西能源签署了关于2009年下半年研发和销售太阳能模组生产线的协议。
“巴西能源来找我们洽谈是因为我们在南美出色的业务表现，在南美，我们DVD刻录光盘（DVD-R）主要设备的销售占领了30％的市场份额，”宏威集团首席执行官范继良在先前接受NEXTINSIGHT采访时说。“太阳能技术与光盘技术有某些共通性，”当被问及宏威如何运用光盘业务领域的技术发展太阳能业务时，范总解释道。宏威集团是世界第二大光碟复制设备制造商，包括DVDR和蓝光光盘。它是惟一一家同时具备光盘制造能力和贸易网络的生产销售企业。
第二季度的净利润达到1820万元港币
得益于集团媒体产品制造和贸易部门的强劲销售额，第二季度的营业收入激增125％达到2.82亿元港币，其中这两个部门的贡献额为2.2亿元港币。设备制造部门贡献了余下的6200万元港币。
股东应得溢利为1820万元港币，相较去年第二季度仅为250万元港币。
宏威去年第四季度收购了媒体产品制造和贸易部门，现在公司正从该收购项目获得现金流的利处。
这项收购业务能给集团带来稳定的现金流入，这能保障集团对于研发项目的长期投入，包括媒体产品行业和新尝试项目（例如太阳能业务）。
08财政年第二季度的分销费用是1600万元港币，比07财政年700万元的分销费用高了132％。08财政年第二季度的管理费用为3400万元港币，同比去年增加159％。
较高的费用水平是由于合并了去年第四季度收购的媒体产品制造和贸易业务所产生的费用。
在今年上半年，宏威获得了价值930万元港币的政府补助。为了在高科技领域进一步推进中国设备制造商的发展，集团认为政府这类补助将会持续。
到目前为止，给宏威的政府补助金均用于资助前沿科技产品的研发，包括蓝光技术，有机发光二极管( OLED )和太阳能技术。
七月，中国总理温家宝访问了集团在中国东莞的设备制造厂。他鼓励宏威团队继续为中国的太阳能事业做出贡献。
宏威的最近收盘价为5.5分，这已经是在它每股8.46分新币的资产净值上打了个折扣。
Source
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Sentosa to review transport links in time for IR
New chief also plans to create fresh masterplan and ensure smooth opening for attractions
THE new chief of Sentosa said the resort island is evaluating its transport network to make sure it can handle the hordes of visitors expected to accompany the opening of its integrated resort (IR) in 2010.
Mr Mike Barclay said the island's cable cars, buses, skytrains and roads would be examined to ensure they can accommodate up to 15 million people a year.
He said: 'The opening of the IR will bring many challenges for areas like infrastructure. We must make sure we can handle the capacity.'
Mr Barclay, who became Sentosa's chief last month, was speaking for the first time about his outlook for the island. Along with re-evaluating the transport grid, Mr Barclay hopes to create a new 10-year masterplan and see several new beach attractions open next year.
When it opens in the first quarter of 2010, Resorts World at Sentosa is expected to more than double the six million people who visit the area annually. It will include attractions such as Asia's first Universal Studio and a Marine Life Park with whale sharks.
Two weeks into the job, the 41-year-old said he is unable to give more concrete plans on what he intends to do. He took over from Mr Darrell Metzger, who quit last April.
However, Mr Barclay said he wants to 'enrich a very good model that we have here'.
His short-term goal is to make sure four new attractions slated to open on Siloso Beach by next year do so smoothly.
The beach will have a new zipline, a sky diving simulator and a machine that creates waves up to 3m high for surfers. It is also expected to feature a watersports centre that will have food and beverage outlets as well as various sea sports.
Mr Barclay is also working on a new 10-year masterplan for the development of the island after the last masterplan spearheaded by his predecessor was completed earlier this year. Mr Metzger was credited with turning around the island's fortunes, reviving lagging visitor numbers and lacklustre attractions.
The new masterplan is expected to be up by the end of the year. Mr Barclay said: 'It is an exciting time ahead for us.'
However, one hotel project that was supposed to have opened on the island this year has stalled. The $45 million Palawan Beach Resort by NTUC Club is back on the drawing board amid rocketing land construction costs.
The 200-room resort was announced three years ago as a high-end hotel for the working class.
A NTUC Club spokesman said it is 'reviewing the concept and plans of the resort' to ensure that it will 'serve our social mission to provide an affordable social and recreational facility for our members and the masses'.
Friday, August 29, 2008
* Malaysia jumps 2.8 percent to highest close in two weeks
* Financials and blue chips rebound from lows this week
By Yvonne Cheong
SINGAPORE, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Singapore and Malaysia stock markets rebounded on Friday to their highest close this week, as investors picked up financials and other blue chips, but analysts said they expect volatility ahead as growth concerns and politics weigh.
Malaysia's benchmark index <.KLSE> rose 2.8 percent to its highest close since August 15 after its Prime Minister unveiled a budget that boosted shares of casino operator Genting , which jumped 10.4 percent.
"It was the end of the month. You had a budget with no gambling tax rises. Genting alone contributed four points to the index today," said a Malaysia-based trader.
Other Asian markets climbed after a big upward revision to second-quarter U.S. economic growth boosted the outlook for demand, but shares posted their fourth consecutive monthly decline.
Singapore stocks <.FTSTI> rose 1.8 percent, while Indonesia <.JKSE> added 1 percent. The Philippine index <.PSI> was 1.2 percent higher and Thailand <.SETI> edged up 0.2 percent. Vietnam's market <.VNI> shed 0.2 percent on the day but gained more than 20 percent in August. Singapore fared worst during August, falling 5.7 percent.
Bourse operator Singapore Exchange jumped 4.1 percent to its highest in over a week after Macquarie Research upgraded the stock. [nSIN59062]
Top lender DBS Bank also surged 3.1 percent, while rival United Overseas Bank recovered 1.8 percent. "It's a technical rebound given that the market has been heavily sold the past week," said a Singapore-based dealer.
Singapore-listed Chinese shipbuilders COSCO Corp also lept 8 percent as China stocks <.SSEC> rose on hopes of regulatory steps to boost the market. [nSHA89432]
In Malaysia, Maybank > soared 6.1 percent to its highest in 3 weeks, while Bumiputra Commerce swelled 5.7 percent to a two week high.
Maybank's $2.7 billion attempt to buy Bank Internasional Indonesia was dealt another blow on Friday, with Indonesia's regulator ruling out making an exception on takeover rules. Malaysia's central bank blocked the plan on concerns the rules could cause losses at Maybank. Index heavyweights Sime Darby and IOI Corp were also lifted as palm futures climbed 3.1 percent. (Additional reporting by David Chance, Editing by Lincoln Feast)
* Financials and blue chips rebound from lows this week
By Yvonne Cheong
SINGAPORE, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Singapore and Malaysia stock markets rebounded on Friday to their highest close this week, as investors picked up financials and other blue chips, but analysts said they expect volatility ahead as growth concerns and politics weigh.
Malaysia's benchmark index <.KLSE> rose 2.8 percent to its highest close since August 15 after its Prime Minister unveiled a budget that boosted shares of casino operator Genting , which jumped 10.4 percent.
"It was the end of the month. You had a budget with no gambling tax rises. Genting alone contributed four points to the index today," said a Malaysia-based trader.
Other Asian markets climbed after a big upward revision to second-quarter U.S. economic growth boosted the outlook for demand, but shares posted their fourth consecutive monthly decline.
Singapore stocks <.FTSTI> rose 1.8 percent, while Indonesia <.JKSE> added 1 percent. The Philippine index <.PSI> was 1.2 percent higher and Thailand <.SETI> edged up 0.2 percent. Vietnam's market <.VNI> shed 0.2 percent on the day but gained more than 20 percent in August. Singapore fared worst during August, falling 5.7 percent.
Bourse operator Singapore Exchange jumped 4.1 percent to its highest in over a week after Macquarie Research upgraded the stock. [nSIN59062]
Top lender DBS Bank also surged 3.1 percent, while rival United Overseas Bank recovered 1.8 percent. "It's a technical rebound given that the market has been heavily sold the past week," said a Singapore-based dealer.
Singapore-listed Chinese shipbuilders COSCO Corp also lept 8 percent as China stocks <.SSEC> rose on hopes of regulatory steps to boost the market. [nSHA89432]
In Malaysia, Maybank > soared 6.1 percent to its highest in 3 weeks, while Bumiputra Commerce swelled 5.7 percent to a two week high.
Maybank's $2.7 billion attempt to buy Bank Internasional Indonesia was dealt another blow on Friday, with Indonesia's regulator ruling out making an exception on takeover rules. Malaysia's central bank blocked the plan on concerns the rules could cause losses at Maybank. Index heavyweights Sime Darby and IOI Corp were also lifted as palm futures climbed 3.1 percent. (Additional reporting by David Chance, Editing by Lincoln Feast)
Friday, August 22, 2008
新加坡股市收盘走高，大宗商品类股上扬
新加坡股市周五收盘小幅走高，但地产类股的疲软走势部分抵消了大宗商品类股上涨带来的影响。
新加坡海峡时报指数收盘涨9.8点，至2723.30点，涨幅0.4%；大盘有212只股上涨，197只股下跌。
成交量为6.452亿股，低于周四的8.589亿股。
原油价格前夜上涨5%导致蓝筹股走势不一。
海峡时报指数30只成分股中，17只上涨，8只下跌，5只持平。
辉立证券(Phillip Securities)交易员Joe Tiong称，今日市场交投十分淡静；尽管油价飙升，市场成交量仍然处于低位。
Tiong称，下周新加坡股市料将走高，因为他预计原油价格将再次回落。
新加坡海峡时报指数收盘涨9.8点，至2723.30点，涨幅0.4%；大盘有212只股上涨，197只股下跌。
成交量为6.452亿股，低于周四的8.589亿股。
原油价格前夜上涨5%导致蓝筹股走势不一。
海峡时报指数30只成分股中，17只上涨，8只下跌，5只持平。
辉立证券(Phillip Securities)交易员Joe Tiong称，今日市场交投十分淡静；尽管油价飙升，市场成交量仍然处于低位。
Tiong称，下周新加坡股市料将走高，因为他预计原油价格将再次回落。
Monday, August 18, 2008
18-08-2008: Poser over Hong Leong’s bet on UK gaming
KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Company (Malaysia) Bhd’s strategy in buying into UK casino and bingo-club operator, Rank Group plc, remains unclear even as it moves closer towards a 30% shareholding threshold requiring a takeover offer, industry observers said.
As of Aug 12, Hong Leong, controlled by billionaire Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan, had increased its stake in Rank to 22.3% from 18.1% on July 22. Now the largest shareholder in Rank, Hong Leong began buying shares in the gaming operator in January, prompting speculation of a takeover.
An analyst at a local research house said: “Hong Leong seems intent on buying into Rank.
Although the shares are at an attractive level, it is unclear what their strategy is. It is hard to see where they are going and how they could succeed.”
Hong Leong’s interest in Rank is held via units of Hong Kong-listed Guoco Group Ltd, which is controlled by Hong Leong, whose listed entities in Malaysia include Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd.
Incidentally, Genting Bhd has also acquired an 11% stake in Rank since late last year, but it has been reported that Genting rejected claims it would make a bid for Rank.
Rank’s share price slumped last year following a profit warning issued in October. Although the UK’s second-largest casino and bingo-club operator, the gaming company has seen sales declining since the introduction of UK’s indoor smoking ban.
Its share price rose 2.2% to 82.75 pence on Aug 12 after Hong Leong raised its interest in the company that day. The price has since retreated, and was down 0.25p to 79.75p as of 6pm last Friday.
Meanwhile, the analyst said Hong Leong’s initial venture into UK’s gaming industry, the Clermont Club casino, had not been doing well due to the economic downturn and its continued investment in the sector was questionable. The company had bought the casino from Rank for £31 million (RM193.52 million) in 2006 through its hospitality and leisure arm, Guoco Leisure Ltd.
A gaming market watcher said that although Hong Leong had aggressively applied for casino licences in the UK, most had been rejected. According to Guoco Leisure’s 2007 annual report, it had secured three casino licences.
“Although Rank was a cheap buy, gaming is not Hong Leong’s expertise. We are uncertain why Hong Leong is continuing to pursue the business,” the market watcher said.
For the six months to June 30, 2008, Rank reported a revenue of £257 million, against £284.6 million a year earlier, while profit before tax was halved to £17.6 million.
Rank chief executive Ian Burke had said: “During the first half of 2008, we succeeded in stabilising the group’s financial performance, following a very difficult end to last year.
“Although group revenue and operating profit were substantially lower than in the first six months of last year, our performance reflects a significant improvement compared with the second half of 2007. The trading environment for all of our businesses remains challenging, with rising operating costs and increased financial pressures on our customers.”
Source
As of Aug 12, Hong Leong, controlled by billionaire Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan, had increased its stake in Rank to 22.3% from 18.1% on July 22. Now the largest shareholder in Rank, Hong Leong began buying shares in the gaming operator in January, prompting speculation of a takeover.
An analyst at a local research house said: “Hong Leong seems intent on buying into Rank.
Although the shares are at an attractive level, it is unclear what their strategy is. It is hard to see where they are going and how they could succeed.”
Hong Leong’s interest in Rank is held via units of Hong Kong-listed Guoco Group Ltd, which is controlled by Hong Leong, whose listed entities in Malaysia include Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd.
Incidentally, Genting Bhd has also acquired an 11% stake in Rank since late last year, but it has been reported that Genting rejected claims it would make a bid for Rank.
Rank’s share price slumped last year following a profit warning issued in October. Although the UK’s second-largest casino and bingo-club operator, the gaming company has seen sales declining since the introduction of UK’s indoor smoking ban.
Its share price rose 2.2% to 82.75 pence on Aug 12 after Hong Leong raised its interest in the company that day. The price has since retreated, and was down 0.25p to 79.75p as of 6pm last Friday.
Meanwhile, the analyst said Hong Leong’s initial venture into UK’s gaming industry, the Clermont Club casino, had not been doing well due to the economic downturn and its continued investment in the sector was questionable. The company had bought the casino from Rank for £31 million (RM193.52 million) in 2006 through its hospitality and leisure arm, Guoco Leisure Ltd.
A gaming market watcher said that although Hong Leong had aggressively applied for casino licences in the UK, most had been rejected. According to Guoco Leisure’s 2007 annual report, it had secured three casino licences.
“Although Rank was a cheap buy, gaming is not Hong Leong’s expertise. We are uncertain why Hong Leong is continuing to pursue the business,” the market watcher said.
For the six months to June 30, 2008, Rank reported a revenue of £257 million, against £284.6 million a year earlier, while profit before tax was halved to £17.6 million.
Rank chief executive Ian Burke had said: “During the first half of 2008, we succeeded in stabilising the group’s financial performance, following a very difficult end to last year.
“Although group revenue and operating profit were substantially lower than in the first six months of last year, our performance reflects a significant improvement compared with the second half of 2007. The trading environment for all of our businesses remains challenging, with rising operating costs and increased financial pressures on our customers.”
Source
Thursday, August 14, 2008
丽星邮轮(HK)中期亏损减少至4,943.6万美元
新加坡股市收高，受大宗商品、钻井平台建筑商类股上涨的提振
新加坡股市周四收盘上涨，受大宗商品和钻探平台建筑商类股上涨提振，但交易员们警告称，全球经济前景的不确定性将继续拖累投资者人气。
基准海峡时报指数收盘涨4.87点，至2816.66点，涨幅0.2%；大盘有251只股票上涨，231只股票下跌。成交量保持清淡，今日成交量为11.4亿股，周三为10亿股。
30只成份股中，有16只股票收盘走高，12只股票收盘走低，其余2只收盘持平。
基准海峡时报指数收盘涨4.87点，至2816.66点，涨幅0.2%；大盘有251只股票上涨，231只股票下跌。成交量保持清淡，今日成交量为11.4亿股，周三为10亿股。
30只成份股中，有16只股票收盘走高，12只股票收盘走低，其余2只收盘持平。
14-08-2008: Genting Intl 2Q net loss narrows to S$1.8m
KUALA LUMPUR: Genting International Public Ltd Co’s net loss narrowed to S$1.8 million (RM4.3 million) for the second quarter ended June 30 (2QFY08) from a loss of S$54.1 million a year earlier.
The results were affected by a one-off redundancy costs as well as costs of closure of certain casinos which are steps taken by the group to address the current challenging trading environment in the UK. Revenue fell 34% to S$126.3 million due to the poor performance of UK casinos.
Lower patronage and drops per head were exacerbated by lower win percentage due to luck factor in the current quarter, the company said in a statement yesterday.
For the first half of this year, the group recorded a drop of 69% in net profit, which came in at S$4.2 million from S$13.8 million a year earlier. Casino operations remained the largest revenue contributor to the group, with S$267.3 million in 2008, which was a drop of 35% from S$359.7 million in 2007.
It is the largest casino operator in the UK, with 44 casinos, comprising 39 within provincial estates and five in London including some of the finest casinos in the UK.
It had in June this year entered into a partnership with NEC Group in UK, through its wholly owned subsidiary Genting Stanley (Solihull) Ltd, to develope a leisure and development complex at The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham for £90 million (RM559.3 million).
Genting also said that the construction was progressing well for its integrated resort in Sentosa Island, Singapore, and the soft opening scheduled for early 2010 was on track.
As at June 30, 2008, more than S$2.9 billion in construction contracts ranging from road diversion works to reclamation, substructure and main builder works for four hotels, casinos, ballroom, showroom and retail area have been awarded.
Source
The results were affected by a one-off redundancy costs as well as costs of closure of certain casinos which are steps taken by the group to address the current challenging trading environment in the UK. Revenue fell 34% to S$126.3 million due to the poor performance of UK casinos.
Lower patronage and drops per head were exacerbated by lower win percentage due to luck factor in the current quarter, the company said in a statement yesterday.
For the first half of this year, the group recorded a drop of 69% in net profit, which came in at S$4.2 million from S$13.8 million a year earlier. Casino operations remained the largest revenue contributor to the group, with S$267.3 million in 2008, which was a drop of 35% from S$359.7 million in 2007.
It is the largest casino operator in the UK, with 44 casinos, comprising 39 within provincial estates and five in London including some of the finest casinos in the UK.
It had in June this year entered into a partnership with NEC Group in UK, through its wholly owned subsidiary Genting Stanley (Solihull) Ltd, to develope a leisure and development complex at The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham for £90 million (RM559.3 million).
Genting also said that the construction was progressing well for its integrated resort in Sentosa Island, Singapore, and the soft opening scheduled for early 2010 was on track.
As at June 30, 2008, more than S$2.9 billion in construction contracts ranging from road diversion works to reclamation, substructure and main builder works for four hotels, casinos, ballroom, showroom and retail area have been awarded.
Source
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
IRs on track to open in 2009, 2010
TWO years after the contracts for the integrated resorts (IRs) were awarded, both Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) say they are on track to open in December next year and the following year, respectively.
Hiring for the 10,000 staff that each resort will need is expected to start next year.
Rising construction costs, however, have caused a blip in their plans, with both resorts having to revise their budgets.
Soaring prices of building materials have seen MBS' cost rising from an estimated US$3.6 billion (S$4.9 billion) to US$4.5 billion.
And RWS, initially projected to cost $5.2 billion, bumped up its budget last November to $6 billion.
Both IRs told The Straits Times that the budgets were not likely to swell further.
MBS general manager George Tanasijevich said: 'Most of the construction contracts have been given out already, so costs of materials have already been factored in.'
Both IRs report that construction is going at full steam.
Mr Tanasijevich, asked in an interview yesterday on why the construction at Marina Bay seemed to be going more slowly than the work at RWS, retorted: 'Well, 40 per cent of our project actually lies deep underground.'
Workers at Marina Bay have had to struggle with building on land reclaimed with marine clay, but with the foundations having been laid, the buildings are beginning to 'see light' now.
'From now on, we should expect to see the construction moving very, very rapidly.'
By next June, the three ironic 55-storey hotel blocks should be completed, so the resort should be ready to open its doors in December next year.
RWS' head of communications Krist Boo said the resort's superstructures will be completed by the first or second quarter of next year. By year end, the centrepiece Universal Studios attraction will be completed and go into its testing phase. The resort will open on schedule by the first quarter of 2010.
Next month, RWS' construction team will work round the clock to complete the underground buildings; work will be ramped up in the building of the superstructures.
Ms Boo said: 'Never in Singapore has anything been built at such speed.'
In hiring, both IRs are facing a major headache in filling their vacancies - each needs a range of workers from bell-hops to cashiers, theatre performers to animal trainers.
Mr Tanasijevich and Ms Boo said they expect to start hiring the bulk of the workers from the middle of next year. Each IR is expected to create some 30,000 jobs for the Singapore economy.
For jobs that did not previously exist here, like amusement park operators, Ms Boo said 60 key staff members will be sent to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, for a six-month training stint.
The IRs have also been working hard at securing new retail brands, readying their permanent in-house entertainment and courting the Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions (Mice) market.
MBS has secured about 195 tenants for its 300 shops, where annual rents will run to US$453 per sq ft; it is also talking to 30 exhibition organisers and 40 conference organisers to bring major events here.
RWS has sold its meeting facilities worldwide, Ms Boo said, and is also in talks with some organisers to bring shows here.
Both camps are positive their projects will be a success.
As Mr Tanasijevich put it: 'Our optimism has done nothing but rise since we started.'
Source
Hiring for the 10,000 staff that each resort will need is expected to start next year.
Rising construction costs, however, have caused a blip in their plans, with both resorts having to revise their budgets.
Soaring prices of building materials have seen MBS' cost rising from an estimated US$3.6 billion (S$4.9 billion) to US$4.5 billion.
And RWS, initially projected to cost $5.2 billion, bumped up its budget last November to $6 billion.
Both IRs told The Straits Times that the budgets were not likely to swell further.
MBS general manager George Tanasijevich said: 'Most of the construction contracts have been given out already, so costs of materials have already been factored in.'
Both IRs report that construction is going at full steam.
Mr Tanasijevich, asked in an interview yesterday on why the construction at Marina Bay seemed to be going more slowly than the work at RWS, retorted: 'Well, 40 per cent of our project actually lies deep underground.'
Workers at Marina Bay have had to struggle with building on land reclaimed with marine clay, but with the foundations having been laid, the buildings are beginning to 'see light' now.
'From now on, we should expect to see the construction moving very, very rapidly.'
By next June, the three ironic 55-storey hotel blocks should be completed, so the resort should be ready to open its doors in December next year.
RWS' head of communications Krist Boo said the resort's superstructures will be completed by the first or second quarter of next year. By year end, the centrepiece Universal Studios attraction will be completed and go into its testing phase. The resort will open on schedule by the first quarter of 2010.
Next month, RWS' construction team will work round the clock to complete the underground buildings; work will be ramped up in the building of the superstructures.
Ms Boo said: 'Never in Singapore has anything been built at such speed.'
In hiring, both IRs are facing a major headache in filling their vacancies - each needs a range of workers from bell-hops to cashiers, theatre performers to animal trainers.
Mr Tanasijevich and Ms Boo said they expect to start hiring the bulk of the workers from the middle of next year. Each IR is expected to create some 30,000 jobs for the Singapore economy.
For jobs that did not previously exist here, like amusement park operators, Ms Boo said 60 key staff members will be sent to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, for a six-month training stint.
The IRs have also been working hard at securing new retail brands, readying their permanent in-house entertainment and courting the Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions (Mice) market.
MBS has secured about 195 tenants for its 300 shops, where annual rents will run to US$453 per sq ft; it is also talking to 30 exhibition organisers and 40 conference organisers to bring major events here.
RWS has sold its meeting facilities worldwide, Ms Boo said, and is also in talks with some organisers to bring shows here.
Both camps are positive their projects will be a success.
As Mr Tanasijevich put it: 'Our optimism has done nothing but rise since we started.'
Source
丽星邮轮在菲律宾 合资发展酒店及赌场业务
丽星邮轮(Star Cruises)宣布与菲律宾上市公司Alliance Global Group(AGI)签署合作协议，将携手发展菲律宾酒店及赌场综合业务，包括Newport City项目及Bagong Nayong Pilipino娱乐城马尼拉项目。
为此，丽星邮轮将以3亿3500万美元（4亿7000万新元）收购AGI旗下Ttravellers公司的50％股权。Travellers及丽星邮轮将组成合资公司，以发展有关项目。
Travellers将持有合营公司60％股权，而丽星邮轮则持有40％股权。丽星邮轮可在适用法律准许的情况下，增持它于合资公司的股权至75％。
Source
为此，丽星邮轮将以3亿3500万美元（4亿7000万新元）收购AGI旗下Ttravellers公司的50％股权。Travellers及丽星邮轮将组成合资公司，以发展有关项目。
Travellers将持有合营公司60％股权，而丽星邮轮则持有40％股权。丽星邮轮可在适用法律准许的情况下，增持它于合资公司的股权至75％。
Source
Friday, July 18, 2008
新加坡股市收盘走低，因美国公司业绩疲软、油价回落
新加坡股市周五下滑，因美国公司业绩疲弱，令投资者担心金融市场的颓弱形势仍将延续。
海峡时报指数收盘下跌16.37点，至2847.73点，跌幅0.6%。
30只成份股中，19只收盘走低，4只持平，7只走高。
整体市场，下跌股为389只，上涨股为161只。
成交量仍然较低，为10亿股，与周四持平。
当地银行某分析师称，目前几乎没有利好消息。
他指出，前夜美国市场原油结算价跌破每桶130美元，或对普遍从能源价格走高中获益的主要大宗商品和钻井平台建筑商类股构成冲击。
他预计，花旗集团(Citigroup)周五晚些时候公布的业绩将为股市下周的走势提供指引。
海峡时报指数收盘下跌16.37点，至2847.73点，跌幅0.6%。
30只成份股中，19只收盘走低，4只持平，7只走高。
整体市场，下跌股为389只，上涨股为161只。
成交量仍然较低，为10亿股，与周四持平。
当地银行某分析师称，目前几乎没有利好消息。
他指出，前夜美国市场原油结算价跌破每桶130美元，或对普遍从能源价格走高中获益的主要大宗商品和钻井平台建筑商类股构成冲击。
他预计，花旗集团(Citigroup)周五晚些时候公布的业绩将为股市下周的走势提供指引。
新加坡股市收盘走高，追随美国股市涨势；但上行空间有限
新加坡股市周四收盘连续第二个交易日走高，追随了美国股市因油价回落而上涨的走势。
海峡时报指数收盘升28.78，至2864.10点，升幅1.0%。
海峡时报指数30只成份股中，23只收盘走高，5只收盘走低，2只收盘持平。
整体市场中，312只股票上涨，216只下跌。
市场成交量为10亿股，周三为9.277亿股。
但交易员对股市周四表现能否持续持怀疑态度。
某当地交易员称，股市此次上涨意义不大，只是因油价回落而暂时走高。
海峡时报指数收盘升28.78，至2864.10点，升幅1.0%。
海峡时报指数30只成份股中，23只收盘走高，5只收盘走低，2只收盘持平。
整体市场中，312只股票上涨，216只下跌。
市场成交量为10亿股，周三为9.277亿股。
但交易员对股市周四表现能否持续持怀疑态度。
某当地交易员称，股市此次上涨意义不大，只是因油价回落而暂时走高。
Monday, July 14, 2008
Resort dev’t project at Manila Bay: AGI sets $ 1-B deal with Star Cruises
Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI) is expecteds to finally sign within the month a joint venture agreement with Star Cruises Limited for a $ 1-billion integrated leisure and resort development as part of the multi-billion dollar Bagong Nayong Pilipino Manila Bay Integrated City Project.
In an interview with reporters, Alliance Global chairman Andrew Tan said negotiations are being finalized and should be completed before the end of the month.
Tan said Alliance Global is expected to hold a 60 percent stake in the joint venture since Philippine laws require that corporations engaged in real estate development should be at least 60 percent Filipino-owned.
He disclosed that the joint venture is expected to build at least 1,500 hotel rooms in the resort project spread out over several phases of development.
Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., a subsidiary of AGI, will be the vehicle for the team up with Star Cruises, an affiliate of the Malaysian conglomerate the Genting Group.
The joint venture will participate in Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) vision to build an integrated tourism zone on a 40-hectare property in the Manila Bay reclamation area called Bagong Nayong Pilipino Manila Bay Integrated City (BNP-IC).
PAGCOR aims to use the BNP-IC as a catalyst to sustain the growth of our tourism industry.
PAGCOR hopes that the massive development will attract at least $ 4 billion in investments from both foreign and local investors and expects to generate about 100,000 jobs once the entire development is fully completed.
PAGCOR has recently announced that Travellers has qualified to participate with the development of its integrated resort project.
"Our proposal comes at an opportune time when there is increasing awareness of the Philippines as a tourist destination, with the country achieving a milestone in 2007 with a record three million tourist arrivals for the first time in its history," said Tan.
He noted that, "with the continued surge in tourist arrivals, we expect existing stock of hotel rooms to fall short of demand."
Travellers is also planning to build an all-suites hotel to be called Maxim’s Hotel in cooperation with Star Cruises in Newport City with an investment of approximately P3.8 billion.
"With the opening of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, we are expecting a surge in tourist arrivals," Tan said adding that that The Maxim’s Hotel will be rushed to give these tourists a memorable and positive business experience in the country.
Maxim’s Hotel is a luxury hotel brand of Genting Group, a sister company of Star Cruises Ltd.(JAL)
Source
In an interview with reporters, Alliance Global chairman Andrew Tan said negotiations are being finalized and should be completed before the end of the month.
Tan said Alliance Global is expected to hold a 60 percent stake in the joint venture since Philippine laws require that corporations engaged in real estate development should be at least 60 percent Filipino-owned.
He disclosed that the joint venture is expected to build at least 1,500 hotel rooms in the resort project spread out over several phases of development.
Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., a subsidiary of AGI, will be the vehicle for the team up with Star Cruises, an affiliate of the Malaysian conglomerate the Genting Group.
The joint venture will participate in Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) vision to build an integrated tourism zone on a 40-hectare property in the Manila Bay reclamation area called Bagong Nayong Pilipino Manila Bay Integrated City (BNP-IC).
PAGCOR aims to use the BNP-IC as a catalyst to sustain the growth of our tourism industry.
PAGCOR hopes that the massive development will attract at least $ 4 billion in investments from both foreign and local investors and expects to generate about 100,000 jobs once the entire development is fully completed.
PAGCOR has recently announced that Travellers has qualified to participate with the development of its integrated resort project.
"Our proposal comes at an opportune time when there is increasing awareness of the Philippines as a tourist destination, with the country achieving a milestone in 2007 with a record three million tourist arrivals for the first time in its history," said Tan.
He noted that, "with the continued surge in tourist arrivals, we expect existing stock of hotel rooms to fall short of demand."
Travellers is also planning to build an all-suites hotel to be called Maxim’s Hotel in cooperation with Star Cruises in Newport City with an investment of approximately P3.8 billion.
"With the opening of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, we are expecting a surge in tourist arrivals," Tan said adding that that The Maxim’s Hotel will be rushed to give these tourists a memorable and positive business experience in the country.
Maxim’s Hotel is a luxury hotel brand of Genting Group, a sister company of Star Cruises Ltd.(JAL)
Source
新加坡股市收盘走低；市场等待美国股市交投线索
新加坡股市周一收盘走低，因对石油 格高企和美国金融行业的担心导致情绪紧张的投资者离场观望。
某当地交易员称，因油价高企和经济增长放缓持续拖累市场人气，美国政府拯救抵押贷款商联邦住房贷款抵押公司(Federal Home Loan Mortage Corporation, Freddie Mac)与联邦国民抵押贷款协会(Fannie Mae, 简称：房利美)的决定或并不足以逆转新加坡股市的低迷局面。
海峡时报指数跌22.72点，收于2904.12点，跌幅0.8%。
该股指30只成分股中，24只收盘走低，3只收盘走高，3只收盘持平。
整体市场，361只股票下跌，153只股票上涨。
市场交投清淡，只有10亿股换手，上周五成交13亿股。
一些交易员称，投资者不愿买进，因他们正等待美国股市对美国政府公告的反应。
某当地交易员称，因油价高企和经济增长放缓持续拖累市场人气，美国政府拯救抵押贷款商联邦住房贷款抵押公司(Federal Home Loan Mortage Corporation, Freddie Mac)与联邦国民抵押贷款协会(Fannie Mae, 简称：房利美)的决定或并不足以逆转新加坡股市的低迷局面。
海峡时报指数跌22.72点，收于2904.12点，跌幅0.8%。
该股指30只成分股中，24只收盘走低，3只收盘走高，3只收盘持平。
整体市场，361只股票下跌，153只股票上涨。
市场交投清淡，只有10亿股换手，上周五成交13亿股。
一些交易员称，投资者不愿买进，因他们正等待美国股市对美国政府公告的反应。
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Good time to bet on Genting?
IT FEELS like a long time ago that Malaysia enjoyed a certain premium to its share valuations because of its political stability. In fact, the turning point was a fairly recent event — the general election on March 8.
Since then, our political landscape has changed significantly, and there is much to be played out before it can reach some form of equilibrium.
Hence, we have stocks gyrating wildly each time there is a major development involving politicians and parties. For the most part, however, the Composite Index has been heading south, indicating a preference to exit rather than an opportunity to buy.
Most of the blue chips haven’t been spared, including some that deserve better. Genting Bhd is an example.
It is a premier leisure and hospitality company that delivers stable earnings, is in a net cash position and has exposure to Singapore’s multibillion-dollar integrated resort development on Sentosa Island.
Yet, Genting’s share price is on a relentless down trend since March, hitting its 52-week low of RM5.15 on June 19. It has since recovered a little but is still about 30% down on a year-to-date basis.
Judging by a Bloomberg poll of recommendations, most analyst are still bullish on Genting, with 19 out of 26 analysts maintaining a “Buy” call. Six have a “Neutral” call and one has a “Trading Buy” call.
The target prices worked out by the research outfits mostly range from RM6.70 to RM11.70, which is well above the current market price.
“During the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak, Genting was trading at a price earnings (PE) ratio of 13 times. At that time, leisure and hospitality accounted for two thirds of its operating profits,” says TA Securities gaming analyst James Ratnam.
“Today, its others businesses like power, oil and gas, and plantations are contributing close to 50% of its operating profits. Yet it is trading at 11x PE because of the global de-rating.” He has a RM6.95 target price for the stock.
The betting abates
Analysts say investors may have a few concerns regarding Genting’s prospects. For one, along with the global economic uncertainty, there has been a general de-rating on casino stocks as high rollers are expected to take a break with their bets.
A combination of competition, inflation and high borrowings have pushed global casino stocks to retrace by 40% to 60%.
As betting is considered a luxury, the hard times may see a drop in casino patrons as they opt to stash their cash.
Genting may also be affected by the knock-on effect of the sudden steep hike in petrol pump prices and weakening consumer sentiment. This is likely to result in a reduction in visitors to the Genting Highlands resort.
“Foreigners look at Genting as a gaming play. Casinos in Macau, Britain and Las Vegas aren’t doing too well, so the foreign investors assume Genting is also in the same boat,” says an analyst from RHB Research.
She explains that Genting’s target market is different from those of the other casinos. Genting depends more on the domestic market than on foreign tourists.
“Macau casinos, for instance, generate money mainly from the high rollers, while in Genting, high rollers only make up about 30% of total casino revenues. Genting’s casino players are mostly day trippers, people who just come up to enjoy the cool air for a day and do not bet a lot of money,” she says.
The cost overrun factor
Reason No. 2 that’s bogging down Genting’s share price is the worry about Genting International Plc’s (GIL) projected construction cost for its integrated resort in Singapore.
GIL, Genting’s 53.4% subsidiary, is building the integrated resort on Sentosa Island for up to S$6bil (RM14.3bil), which is about S$800mil, or 15%, above its initial budget of S$5.2bil due mainly to higher construction expenses.
The management has reiterated that they have managed to buy forward their raw materials, but investors remain wary. They wonder exactly how much Genting has managed to stock up.
“People are still cautious as to how much raw materials one can buy forward? This is especially when every other construction company has been affected by rising costs. So what makes GIL different?” asks an analyst from a local house.
The analyst from RHB Research says she would not be surprise if the budgeted cost increased further, given the cost overruns incurred for other large construction projects in the region, due to high raw material prices.
“It is quite difficult to buy a significant amount of raw material at forward rates. Furthermore, Genting has only subcontracted out about RM2bil of the RM6bil project cost of construction jobs. So it may not have bought forward enough, since it has only allocated a third of the work,” she says.
Ratnam says most of the company’s requirement for steel and cement has been locked in last year.
“Yes, it is quite likely that there will be a cost overrun above the RM6bil mentioned. If Genting needs to raise funds, it shouldn’t be a problem, considering its name and track record,” he says.
“Genting has already made provisions of RM250mil in its accounts. Besides, it also has S$300mil of credit standby facilities. So if there is a cost overrun, I think Genting has factored in that possibility and has also provided for it,” says the local analyst.
Higher gaming taxes?
Another share price dampener is the likelihood of an increase in gaming taxes when Budget 2009 is tabled in parliament next month.
At present, Malaysia’s gaming tax of 25% on gross gaming net win is already the second highest in Asia.
A higher tax structure will erode the competitiveness of the Genting Highlands casino, considering that Singapore is scheduled to open two casinos in 2010.
Genting is also unable to pass on this cost increase to consumers. Based on 2008 figures, a gaming analyst says a 1% tax increase will set the company back by RM41mil.
The analyst from RHB Research says there logically shouldn’t be a hike in gaming taxes as this will only increase illegal gambling and reduce government revenue in the longer term.
“However, given the government’s immediate need to raise money for its coffers, we would not be surprised if this were to happen, based on the precedent set by the recent implementation of windfall taxes,” she says.
A powerful catalyst
With Genting taking such a beating recently, this could be a good time to revisit the stock.
A possible catalyst that has been talked about for a while is Genting selling off its power assets, which analysts reckon are worth some RM4bil.
The power division, under Genting Power Holdings Ltd, has a net attributable generating capacity of about 1,450MW from its interests in seven power plants in Malaysia, China and India.
The power division is now the second largest contributor to Genting’s earnings. Management has always mentioned that over time, there are plans to concentrate more on their core business of gaming.
CIMB Research says the possible sale of the power assets, at the right price, will unlock more cash, which can either be returned to shareholders or be used for gaming expansion.
Genting has expanded its casino footprint into Britain, Singapore and the Philippines in the last one year.
Recently, Tenaga Nasional Bhd has written to Genting to officially indicate its interest in the latter’s power assets, but no formal proposal has been given to the gaming-based conglomerate yet.
Source
Since then, our political landscape has changed significantly, and there is much to be played out before it can reach some form of equilibrium.
Hence, we have stocks gyrating wildly each time there is a major development involving politicians and parties. For the most part, however, the Composite Index has been heading south, indicating a preference to exit rather than an opportunity to buy.
Most of the blue chips haven’t been spared, including some that deserve better. Genting Bhd is an example.
It is a premier leisure and hospitality company that delivers stable earnings, is in a net cash position and has exposure to Singapore’s multibillion-dollar integrated resort development on Sentosa Island.
Yet, Genting’s share price is on a relentless down trend since March, hitting its 52-week low of RM5.15 on June 19. It has since recovered a little but is still about 30% down on a year-to-date basis.
Judging by a Bloomberg poll of recommendations, most analyst are still bullish on Genting, with 19 out of 26 analysts maintaining a “Buy” call. Six have a “Neutral” call and one has a “Trading Buy” call.
The target prices worked out by the research outfits mostly range from RM6.70 to RM11.70, which is well above the current market price.
“During the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak, Genting was trading at a price earnings (PE) ratio of 13 times. At that time, leisure and hospitality accounted for two thirds of its operating profits,” says TA Securities gaming analyst James Ratnam.
“Today, its others businesses like power, oil and gas, and plantations are contributing close to 50% of its operating profits. Yet it is trading at 11x PE because of the global de-rating.” He has a RM6.95 target price for the stock.
The betting abates
Analysts say investors may have a few concerns regarding Genting’s prospects. For one, along with the global economic uncertainty, there has been a general de-rating on casino stocks as high rollers are expected to take a break with their bets.
A combination of competition, inflation and high borrowings have pushed global casino stocks to retrace by 40% to 60%.
As betting is considered a luxury, the hard times may see a drop in casino patrons as they opt to stash their cash.
Genting may also be affected by the knock-on effect of the sudden steep hike in petrol pump prices and weakening consumer sentiment. This is likely to result in a reduction in visitors to the Genting Highlands resort.
“Foreigners look at Genting as a gaming play. Casinos in Macau, Britain and Las Vegas aren’t doing too well, so the foreign investors assume Genting is also in the same boat,” says an analyst from RHB Research.
She explains that Genting’s target market is different from those of the other casinos. Genting depends more on the domestic market than on foreign tourists.
“Macau casinos, for instance, generate money mainly from the high rollers, while in Genting, high rollers only make up about 30% of total casino revenues. Genting’s casino players are mostly day trippers, people who just come up to enjoy the cool air for a day and do not bet a lot of money,” she says.
The cost overrun factor
Reason No. 2 that’s bogging down Genting’s share price is the worry about Genting International Plc’s (GIL) projected construction cost for its integrated resort in Singapore.
GIL, Genting’s 53.4% subsidiary, is building the integrated resort on Sentosa Island for up to S$6bil (RM14.3bil), which is about S$800mil, or 15%, above its initial budget of S$5.2bil due mainly to higher construction expenses.
The management has reiterated that they have managed to buy forward their raw materials, but investors remain wary. They wonder exactly how much Genting has managed to stock up.
“People are still cautious as to how much raw materials one can buy forward? This is especially when every other construction company has been affected by rising costs. So what makes GIL different?” asks an analyst from a local house.
The analyst from RHB Research says she would not be surprise if the budgeted cost increased further, given the cost overruns incurred for other large construction projects in the region, due to high raw material prices.
“It is quite difficult to buy a significant amount of raw material at forward rates. Furthermore, Genting has only subcontracted out about RM2bil of the RM6bil project cost of construction jobs. So it may not have bought forward enough, since it has only allocated a third of the work,” she says.
Ratnam says most of the company’s requirement for steel and cement has been locked in last year.
“Yes, it is quite likely that there will be a cost overrun above the RM6bil mentioned. If Genting needs to raise funds, it shouldn’t be a problem, considering its name and track record,” he says.
“Genting has already made provisions of RM250mil in its accounts. Besides, it also has S$300mil of credit standby facilities. So if there is a cost overrun, I think Genting has factored in that possibility and has also provided for it,” says the local analyst.
Higher gaming taxes?
Another share price dampener is the likelihood of an increase in gaming taxes when Budget 2009 is tabled in parliament next month.
At present, Malaysia’s gaming tax of 25% on gross gaming net win is already the second highest in Asia.
A higher tax structure will erode the competitiveness of the Genting Highlands casino, considering that Singapore is scheduled to open two casinos in 2010.
Genting is also unable to pass on this cost increase to consumers. Based on 2008 figures, a gaming analyst says a 1% tax increase will set the company back by RM41mil.
The analyst from RHB Research says there logically shouldn’t be a hike in gaming taxes as this will only increase illegal gambling and reduce government revenue in the longer term.
“However, given the government’s immediate need to raise money for its coffers, we would not be surprised if this were to happen, based on the precedent set by the recent implementation of windfall taxes,” she says.
A powerful catalyst
With Genting taking such a beating recently, this could be a good time to revisit the stock.
A possible catalyst that has been talked about for a while is Genting selling off its power assets, which analysts reckon are worth some RM4bil.
The power division, under Genting Power Holdings Ltd, has a net attributable generating capacity of about 1,450MW from its interests in seven power plants in Malaysia, China and India.
The power division is now the second largest contributor to Genting’s earnings. Management has always mentioned that over time, there are plans to concentrate more on their core business of gaming.
CIMB Research says the possible sale of the power assets, at the right price, will unlock more cash, which can either be returned to shareholders or be used for gaming expansion.
Genting has expanded its casino footprint into Britain, Singapore and the Philippines in the last one year.
Recently, Tenaga Nasional Bhd has written to Genting to officially indicate its interest in the latter’s power assets, but no formal proposal has been given to the gaming-based conglomerate yet.
Source
Friday, July 11, 2008
Goldman Sachs Purchases Rank Shares
Investment bankers Goldman Sachs has increased its holding in British land and online gambling group Rank by eleven percent to 16.1 percent, making it the second biggest shareholder after Malaysia’s Guoco Group Limited.
On Tuesday, Hong Kong-based Guoco increased its stake in the firm behind Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo to 17.08 percent, raising the ante in what could evolve into a bidding war.
Guoco is a subsidiary of investment group Hong Leong (Malaysia) Berhad run by Malaysian billionaire Quek Leng Chan and is looking to build a base in the UK casino market.
It has been gradually raising its stake in Rank since January, when it held around four percent, in direct competition with Malaysia’s Genting Group, who recently increased its stake to 12.67 percent.
There is also the UK’s Richardson family, whose interests include property and haulage, with a stake thought to be around eleven percent.
On Tuesday, Hong Kong-based Guoco increased its stake in the firm behind Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo to 17.08 percent, raising the ante in what could evolve into a bidding war.
Guoco is a subsidiary of investment group Hong Leong (Malaysia) Berhad run by Malaysian billionaire Quek Leng Chan and is looking to build a base in the UK casino market.
It has been gradually raising its stake in Rank since January, when it held around four percent, in direct competition with Malaysia’s Genting Group, who recently increased its stake to 12.67 percent.
There is also the UK’s Richardson family, whose interests include property and haulage, with a stake thought to be around eleven percent.
新加坡股市收盘走高；受美国抵押贷款业巨头相关报导影响
新加坡股市周五收盘走高，因有报导称，布什政府可能出手拯救美国的两家抵押贷款业巨头。
一位交易商称，抛盘已经枯竭，投资者一直在寻找买入的理由。
尽管拯救计划不一定总是利好因素，但今日股市反弹表明，市场人士认为无论如何拯救计划也比毫无动静要好。
海峡时报指数午盘反弹至前收盘点位上方。
许多分析师将股市反弹归因于《纽约时报》(New York Times)周五的一篇报导。
报导称，美国政府正在对可能接管联邦国民抵押贷款协会(Fannie Mae, 简称：房利美)或联邦住房贷款抵押公司(Federal Home Loan Mortage Corporation, Freddie Mac)、抑或接管两者的计划进行评估。
海峡时报指数下周能否实现上涨，这将在很大程度上取决于本地公司的业绩报告以及油价水平。
一位分析师称，如果油价再次回落，该指数不久将达到3000点。
海峡时报指数收盘涨25.26点，至2926.84点，涨幅0.9%。大盘中，364只股票上涨，202只股票下跌。
成交量依然较低，为12.8亿股，周四为12.4亿股。
一位交易商称，抛盘已经枯竭，投资者一直在寻找买入的理由。
尽管拯救计划不一定总是利好因素，但今日股市反弹表明，市场人士认为无论如何拯救计划也比毫无动静要好。
海峡时报指数午盘反弹至前收盘点位上方。
许多分析师将股市反弹归因于《纽约时报》(New York Times)周五的一篇报导。
报导称，美国政府正在对可能接管联邦国民抵押贷款协会(Fannie Mae, 简称：房利美)或联邦住房贷款抵押公司(Federal Home Loan Mortage Corporation, Freddie Mac)、抑或接管两者的计划进行评估。
海峡时报指数下周能否实现上涨，这将在很大程度上取决于本地公司的业绩报告以及油价水平。
一位分析师称，如果油价再次回落，该指数不久将达到3000点。
海峡时报指数收盘涨25.26点，至2926.84点，涨幅0.9%。大盘中，364只股票上涨，202只股票下跌。
成交量依然较低，为12.8亿股，周四为12.4亿股。
News in brief
KUALA LUMPUR: Genting International plc has incorporated its first wholly owned subsidiary in Japan, Genting International Japan Co Ltd (GIJCL).
In a statement, Genting said GIJCL had a registered share capital of 10 million yen (RM299,000).
It said the intended purpose of GIJCL was to, among others, market and promote the company's resort destinations to the Japanese market.
“The incorporation of GIJCL is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets and earnings per share of the company for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2008,” it said. – Bernama
In a statement, Genting said GIJCL had a registered share capital of 10 million yen (RM299,000).
It said the intended purpose of GIJCL was to, among others, market and promote the company's resort destinations to the Japanese market.
“The incorporation of GIJCL is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets and earnings per share of the company for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2008,” it said. – Bernama
新加坡股市收盘走低；受美国股市下挫和疲弱的GDP数据拖累
新加坡股市周四收盘走低，因本国经济数据表现不及预期及美国股市前夜大幅下挫。
海峡时报指数收盘跌16.04点，至2901.58点，跌幅0.6%，30只成份股中有20只下跌，5只收盘上涨，5只持平。
整体市场，有349只股票下跌，169只股票上涨。
成交量约为12亿股，略高于周三的11亿股，因谨慎的投资者仍选择离场观望。
DMG & Partners资深交易负责人Gabriel Yap表示，今日的市场表现主要受美国股市回落影响，并表示，如果美国股市依然走低，则新加坡股市将继续下挫。
数据显示，新加坡第二季度国内生产总值(GDP)较第一季度下降6.6%，这对本已低迷的人气进一步构成打击。
海峡时报指数收盘跌16.04点，至2901.58点，跌幅0.6%，30只成份股中有20只下跌，5只收盘上涨，5只持平。
整体市场，有349只股票下跌，169只股票上涨。
成交量约为12亿股，略高于周三的11亿股，因谨慎的投资者仍选择离场观望。
DMG & Partners资深交易负责人Gabriel Yap表示，今日的市场表现主要受美国股市回落影响，并表示，如果美国股市依然走低，则新加坡股市将继续下挫。
数据显示，新加坡第二季度国内生产总值(GDP)较第一季度下降6.6%，这对本已低迷的人气进一步构成打击。
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
新加坡股市收高，受油价回落和美国股市上涨推动；前景不明
新加坡股市周三收盘走高，因前夜石油价格回落以及美国股市上涨引发了投资者的全面买盘兴趣。
海峡时报指数早盘最高升至2931.24点，但到收盘时股指已回吐绝大部分涨幅，因市场担心伊朗局势的发展将导致油价再度回升。
海峡时报指数收盘涨31点，至2917.62点，涨幅1.1%。
股指30只成份股中，21只上涨，7只跌至昨日收盘价位下方，2只持平。新加坡本地某交易员称，和过去数周一样，石油仍是拖累股指的主要因素；市场担心油价在美国交易时段或将回升，这对今日后市的股市人气造成了一些负面影响。
今日市场成交量约为11亿股，与周二基本持平。
大盘331只股票上涨，216只股票下跌。
交易员表示，随着收益发布季的来临，股指未来料将迎来艰难走势。
花旗集团(CitiGroup)的一份报告预计亚洲公司收益前景黯淡，大宗商品价格的高企或会削弱这些公司的利润率水平。
海峡时报指数早盘最高升至2931.24点，但到收盘时股指已回吐绝大部分涨幅，因市场担心伊朗局势的发展将导致油价再度回升。
海峡时报指数收盘涨31点，至2917.62点，涨幅1.1%。
股指30只成份股中，21只上涨，7只跌至昨日收盘价位下方，2只持平。新加坡本地某交易员称，和过去数周一样，石油仍是拖累股指的主要因素；市场担心油价在美国交易时段或将回升，这对今日后市的股市人气造成了一些负面影响。
今日市场成交量约为11亿股，与周二基本持平。
大盘331只股票上涨，216只股票下跌。
交易员表示，随着收益发布季的来临，股指未来料将迎来艰难走势。
花旗集团(CitiGroup)的一份报告预计亚洲公司收益前景黯淡，大宗商品价格的高企或会削弱这些公司的利润率水平。
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
新加坡股市收低，受美国和地区股市下跌影响；关注公司业绩
新加坡股市周二收盘走低，受前夜美国股市走低及今日其他亚洲股市回落影响。
海峡时报指数跌47.50点，至2886.62点，跌幅1.6%。
30只成份股中27只下跌，2只上涨，1只持平。
大盘450只股下跌，130只股走高，反映了低迷的整体市场人气。
市场成交量未见改观迹象。
今日成交量约为11亿股，周一为10亿股。
交易员称，收益季节下周将全面拉开帷幕，对于通货膨胀压力和全球经济放缓到底将对企业利润产生多大负面影响，投资者现在大多感到不安。
当地一位分析师称，预计公司业绩不及预期；现在市场面临较大的不确定性，下半年看上去并不乐观。
海峡时报指数跌47.50点，至2886.62点，跌幅1.6%。
30只成份股中27只下跌，2只上涨，1只持平。
大盘450只股下跌，130只股走高，反映了低迷的整体市场人气。
市场成交量未见改观迹象。
今日成交量约为11亿股，周一为10亿股。
交易员称，收益季节下周将全面拉开帷幕，对于通货膨胀压力和全球经济放缓到底将对企业利润产生多大负面影响，投资者现在大多感到不安。
当地一位分析师称，预计公司业绩不及预期；现在市场面临较大的不确定性，下半年看上去并不乐观。
Monday, July 7, 2008
新加坡股市收盘走高，受周边市场反弹提振；但涨幅有限
新加坡股市周一收盘走高，因亚洲地区股市大幅飙升提振了当地市场的买盘兴趣。
海峡时报指数收盘涨41.58点，至2934.12点，涨幅1.4%，30只成份股中有27只上涨。
周一市场成交量为10亿股，略高于上周五的8.793亿股。
DMG & Partners Securities资深交易主管Gabriel Yap表示，目前市场走向仍不明朗，需要美国和中国市场有利好消息出现，以确认今日反弹之势还能够持续下去。
他预期基准股指阻力位看3080点。
海峡时报指数收盘涨41.58点，至2934.12点，涨幅1.4%，30只成份股中有27只上涨。
周一市场成交量为10亿股，略高于上周五的8.793亿股。
DMG & Partners Securities资深交易主管Gabriel Yap表示，目前市场走向仍不明朗，需要美国和中国市场有利好消息出现，以确认今日反弹之势还能够持续下去。
他预期基准股指阻力位看3080点。
Resorts World awards $705m Universal Studios contract to Chinese firm
WORKS are underway at Singapore's highly-anticipated Universal Studios, which is expected to open its doors to visitors come 2010.
Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) announced on Monday that a $705 million contract for infrastructural work for Universal Studios has been awarded to China Jingye Engineering.
The firm is a unit of one of China's biggest construction conglomerates, the China Metallurgical Corporate Group.
It will be responsible for general building works such as structural buildings, facades, walkways and an amphitheatre, said RWS.
The latest deal follows an earlier one in September last year, when China Jingye clinched a $60 million contract to supply 23,000 tonnes of structural steel to the $6 billion resort development.
An RWS spokesperson said that RWS held a tender exercise and 'chose the most suitable candidate based on suitability to deliver.'
RWS's executive vice president of projects Michael Chin said in a statement that China construction companies have a good track record, building a 'collection of stunning projects' rising in China the last few years.
The firm has the 'experience, a track record for quality and a reputation for completing projects on time,' said Mr Chin.
China Jingye, which has been established in Singapore for the last 12 years, was previously involved in building MRT stations and HDB projects in Singapore.
When it opens, Universal Studios Singapore will feature 24 rides and attractions, 18 of which are unique to Singapore.
RWS said they were 'on track for a soft opening in early 2010.'
It has awarded a total of $2.7 billion worth of building contracts to date.
Source
Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) announced on Monday that a $705 million contract for infrastructural work for Universal Studios has been awarded to China Jingye Engineering.
The firm is a unit of one of China's biggest construction conglomerates, the China Metallurgical Corporate Group.
It will be responsible for general building works such as structural buildings, facades, walkways and an amphitheatre, said RWS.
The latest deal follows an earlier one in September last year, when China Jingye clinched a $60 million contract to supply 23,000 tonnes of structural steel to the $6 billion resort development.
An RWS spokesperson said that RWS held a tender exercise and 'chose the most suitable candidate based on suitability to deliver.'
RWS's executive vice president of projects Michael Chin said in a statement that China construction companies have a good track record, building a 'collection of stunning projects' rising in China the last few years.
The firm has the 'experience, a track record for quality and a reputation for completing projects on time,' said Mr Chin.
China Jingye, which has been established in Singapore for the last 12 years, was previously involved in building MRT stations and HDB projects in Singapore.
When it opens, Universal Studios Singapore will feature 24 rides and attractions, 18 of which are unique to Singapore.
RWS said they were 'on track for a soft opening in early 2010.'
It has awarded a total of $2.7 billion worth of building contracts to date.
Source
Resorts World awards Universal Studio contract to China
SINGAPORE'S Resorts World at Sentosa, a unit of Malaysian casino operator Genting , said on Monday it has awarded a S$705 million contract to build Universal Studios Singapore to the China Metallurgical Corporation (MCC) Group.
MCC's subsidiary China Jingye Engineering Corporation will take on the general building works of the Universal Studios, part of an integrated resort being build on Singapore's Sentosa Island, Resorts World said in a statement. The resort is due to open in early 2010.
Source
MCC's subsidiary China Jingye Engineering Corporation will take on the general building works of the Universal Studios, part of an integrated resort being build on Singapore's Sentosa Island, Resorts World said in a statement. The resort is due to open in early 2010.
Source
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Genting International
所謂缺口，就是一段沒有交易的價格區間。而形成這種無交易的價格區段的原因有很多種，有些是市場環境因素，有些則與市場的供需強弱度有關。而後者具有重要的意涵，為討論的重點。一般而言，可將缺口分為普通缺口、突破缺口、逃逸缺口及竭盡缺口四大類，其中普通缺口及突破缺口與價格型態有關，而逃逸缺口及竭盡缺口則與價格趨勢的長短有關。而就趨勢的走勢過程而言，突破缺口為走勢的起點，逃逸缺口顯示趨勢的持續性，而竭盡缺口則代表了趨勢的停頓或結束。
突破缺口通常發生在一段價格整理區之後，當價格在交易密集區完成整理，並發生突破時，常以缺口型態顯現出來，這種缺口便是突破缺口。突破缺口發生的原因，主要是在一段長時間的價格整理時，頸線附近的價位在整理期間不斷的出現賣壓，而在多頭力道前仆後繼的持續將賣壓消化。終於在某一時點，頸線附近的賣壓被消化完畢，於是價格便在需求力道推進下，向上跳空，形成缺口。由於價格以跳空的方式突破頸線，因此這缺口便稱為突破缺口。因此，由突破缺口形成的原因可知，突破缺口具有十分重要的價格訊號。突破缺口使得價格正式突破頸線，如果這個突破伴隨著大量，則可以確認這個突破是一個有效的破突，為強烈的買進訊號。由於突破缺口是一個價格將展開一段趨勢的訊號，因此，伴隨著大量的突破缺口，通常不會在短時間內被填補，這是因為帶量的跳空突破，其強度已較一般帶量突破表現出更為強烈的訊息了，因此不太可能發生缺口被填補的這種技術性弱勢格局情況。
在一段整理區後，發生爆量的向上跳空突破時，則此時表示趨勢明顯向上。為強烈買進訊號。
頭肩的價格排列亦經常以突破缺口的方式來突破頸線，而判斷是否是有效突破，成交量仍是一個重要的條件。
若這個跳空的突破缺口是發生在當日的盤中走勢，則將無法被日線紀錄。並且許多突破缺口都是在當日的盤中發生，而不是發生在某日的收盤與隔日的開盤之間，這將使得這個寶貴的資訊易被忽略。
將同類族群作同時期的比較，來作推斷。
Buying puts makes more sense than shorting calls
ONE of the most important messages that warrant issuers have been trying to convey to the investing public over the past few years is that in order to profit in a falling market, it's better to buy put warrants rather than short-sell calls.
Indeed, such is the importance of this message that the Singapore Exchange last year issued a consultation paper on how best to deter short-selling of warrants, while in developed markets like Hong Kong, persistent short-selling can lead to a jail sentence.
From the viewpoint of issuers, short-selling messes up their inventories, distorts the figures and prevents them from making proper disclosures. This much is well-known and is the main reason for SGX's paper last year.
From the viewpoint of investors though, it also makes sense to buy puts instead of short-selling calls in a falling market. A simple numerical example should illustrate why.
Suppose that a stock trades for $1 and has a call warrant with an exercise price of 90 cents, which means the latter is described as '10 cents in-the-money'.
In the interest of simplicity, we'll assume that warrants always trade at their intrinsic values, which means this particular instrument is worth 10 cents ($1 - 90 cents).
Suppose that an investor who is bearish on the stock decides to profit from his view by short-selling this warrant. No matter how low the stock falls, the maximum amount the short-seller can make is 9.5 cents, and this is assuming he covers his position at the lowest possible warrant price of 0.5 cent.
Contrast this with the strategy of buying a put. For consistency, assume a put warrant that is also '10 cents in-the-money' exists on the same stock, which means this warrant has an exercise price of $1.10. Again, assume that like the call, the put trades at its intrinsic value, which is also 10 cents. Now suppose the stock drops to 80 cents and like the call, assume that all other factors are equal and time is not a problem.
The way puts work is that it is assumed that the put holder can, in theory, now buy the stock from the market at 80 cents and 'put' or sell it to the issuer for $1.10. If so, then his profit is 20 cents or $1.10 minus a total outlay of 90 cents (80 cents + 10 cents).
Of course in practice, the put holder does not actually exercise the warrant and simply sells the warrant in the market or if the warrant is held till expiry, receives a cash settlement from the issuer.
Whichever the case, the point is that the theoretical profit possible from buying a put is much higher than that from shorting a call - if the stock crashes to one cent, the put will be worth a whopping $1.09.
Furthermore, the shorting route incurs huge risk. If the stock does not fall as expected but instead surges upwards, the call seller can find himself suffering a theoretically unlimited loss.
The put buyer on the other hand, faces much less risk because if the warrant does not perform, his loss is simply limited to the amount paid for the put.
So why do some investors still insist on shorting calls? One possibility is that they perceive it to be somehow better psychologically to collect cash upfront from shorting a call than forking out cash to pay for buying a put.
Another is that some investors may still not be familiar with how puts work, or with the idea of buying something to make money in a falling market.
Fortunately, latest figures released yesterday by SG Securities show that the incidence of shorting is declining - bearish investors are now more likely to use puts instead.
Which, when you consider that the money to be made is so much better and the risks so much lower, should clearly be the preferred way.
Indeed, such is the importance of this message that the Singapore Exchange last year issued a consultation paper on how best to deter short-selling of warrants, while in developed markets like Hong Kong, persistent short-selling can lead to a jail sentence.
From the viewpoint of issuers, short-selling messes up their inventories, distorts the figures and prevents them from making proper disclosures. This much is well-known and is the main reason for SGX's paper last year.
From the viewpoint of investors though, it also makes sense to buy puts instead of short-selling calls in a falling market. A simple numerical example should illustrate why.
Suppose that a stock trades for $1 and has a call warrant with an exercise price of 90 cents, which means the latter is described as '10 cents in-the-money'.
In the interest of simplicity, we'll assume that warrants always trade at their intrinsic values, which means this particular instrument is worth 10 cents ($1 - 90 cents).
Suppose that an investor who is bearish on the stock decides to profit from his view by short-selling this warrant. No matter how low the stock falls, the maximum amount the short-seller can make is 9.5 cents, and this is assuming he covers his position at the lowest possible warrant price of 0.5 cent.
Contrast this with the strategy of buying a put. For consistency, assume a put warrant that is also '10 cents in-the-money' exists on the same stock, which means this warrant has an exercise price of $1.10. Again, assume that like the call, the put trades at its intrinsic value, which is also 10 cents. Now suppose the stock drops to 80 cents and like the call, assume that all other factors are equal and time is not a problem.
The way puts work is that it is assumed that the put holder can, in theory, now buy the stock from the market at 80 cents and 'put' or sell it to the issuer for $1.10. If so, then his profit is 20 cents or $1.10 minus a total outlay of 90 cents (80 cents + 10 cents).
Of course in practice, the put holder does not actually exercise the warrant and simply sells the warrant in the market or if the warrant is held till expiry, receives a cash settlement from the issuer.
Whichever the case, the point is that the theoretical profit possible from buying a put is much higher than that from shorting a call - if the stock crashes to one cent, the put will be worth a whopping $1.09.
Furthermore, the shorting route incurs huge risk. If the stock does not fall as expected but instead surges upwards, the call seller can find himself suffering a theoretically unlimited loss.
The put buyer on the other hand, faces much less risk because if the warrant does not perform, his loss is simply limited to the amount paid for the put.
So why do some investors still insist on shorting calls? One possibility is that they perceive it to be somehow better psychologically to collect cash upfront from shorting a call than forking out cash to pay for buying a put.
Another is that some investors may still not be familiar with how puts work, or with the idea of buying something to make money in a falling market.
Fortunately, latest figures released yesterday by SG Securities show that the incidence of shorting is declining - bearish investors are now more likely to use puts instead.
Which, when you consider that the money to be made is so much better and the risks so much lower, should clearly be the preferred way.
Dayen chairman in forced sale of 16.2m shares
Disposal initiated by finance institution slashes his stake to 10.4% from 18.4%
By JAMIE LEE
DAYEN Environmental's executive chairman John Lee had to sell 16.2 million shares in the past few days, regulatory filings showed yesterday.
Amid a huge sell-off this week that has wiped out almost half of Dayen's market value after its diversification into the energy sector, substantial shareholder and Singapore Airlines chairman Stephen Lee Ching Yen also decided to sell a 4.88 per cent stake in the open market, separate SGX filings showed.
John Lee sold 4.5 million shares at 16 cents apiece on July 2 and another 11.7 million shares at 13 cents the next day as part of 'sales initiated by financial institution to meet obligation', SGX filings note. No financial institution was named, though sources told BT that Kim Eng Securities could be involved in the forced sell.
Following the two transactions, John Lee's stake in Dayen has been slashed to 10.4 per cent from 18.4 per cent.
From June 9-11, he sold 2.86 million shares to meet margin calls in four separate transactions. These were mostly married deals at 40 cents apiece, which was above the market price then. The sale was a personal matter and had nothing to do with the business, he told BT at that time.
John Lee did not return calls when contacted by BT.
Separately, substantial shareholder Stephen Lee pared his stake in Dayen to 3.78 per cent from 8.66 per cent on July 3, an SGX filing shows. This was done in the open market and 'at own discretion', according to the filing.
One investor told BT that Dayen should focus on its water treatment business, citing opportunities in China.
'Dayen is a water treatment company. It should focus on this. The technology they have is quite good,' said the investor, who declined to be named.
'There aren't that many players in Singapore, and the China market is quite lucrative. Water treatment is going to become very important in China. Dayen just has to go step by step.'
Dealers said that investors have lost faith in Dayen after the company said that its Indonesian partner was 'unable to perform its obligations' under a mining rights agreement signed in December last year. Dayen entered into an agreement with Indonesia's PT Modal Investasi Mineral for rights to mine up to five million tonnes of coal in Kalimantan over seven years for a fixed royalty payment of US$5 a tonne. The coal was supposed to translate to revenue of US$250 million based on then prevailing market price.
The company agreed in April this year to sell the rights to China (Fujian) Foreign Trade Centre Holdings for US$25 million by way of six payments starting on Sept 30 this year to Dec 15, 2013.
Dayen's stock fell as much as 10.7 per cent to 12.5 cents yesterday, with 21.7 million shares changing hands. Its share price closed flat at 14 cents.
By JAMIE LEE
DAYEN Environmental's executive chairman John Lee had to sell 16.2 million shares in the past few days, regulatory filings showed yesterday.
Amid a huge sell-off this week that has wiped out almost half of Dayen's market value after its diversification into the energy sector, substantial shareholder and Singapore Airlines chairman Stephen Lee Ching Yen also decided to sell a 4.88 per cent stake in the open market, separate SGX filings showed.
John Lee sold 4.5 million shares at 16 cents apiece on July 2 and another 11.7 million shares at 13 cents the next day as part of 'sales initiated by financial institution to meet obligation', SGX filings note. No financial institution was named, though sources told BT that Kim Eng Securities could be involved in the forced sell.
Following the two transactions, John Lee's stake in Dayen has been slashed to 10.4 per cent from 18.4 per cent.
From June 9-11, he sold 2.86 million shares to meet margin calls in four separate transactions. These were mostly married deals at 40 cents apiece, which was above the market price then. The sale was a personal matter and had nothing to do with the business, he told BT at that time.
John Lee did not return calls when contacted by BT.
Separately, substantial shareholder Stephen Lee pared his stake in Dayen to 3.78 per cent from 8.66 per cent on July 3, an SGX filing shows. This was done in the open market and 'at own discretion', according to the filing.
One investor told BT that Dayen should focus on its water treatment business, citing opportunities in China.
'Dayen is a water treatment company. It should focus on this. The technology they have is quite good,' said the investor, who declined to be named.
'There aren't that many players in Singapore, and the China market is quite lucrative. Water treatment is going to become very important in China. Dayen just has to go step by step.'
Dealers said that investors have lost faith in Dayen after the company said that its Indonesian partner was 'unable to perform its obligations' under a mining rights agreement signed in December last year. Dayen entered into an agreement with Indonesia's PT Modal Investasi Mineral for rights to mine up to five million tonnes of coal in Kalimantan over seven years for a fixed royalty payment of US$5 a tonne. The coal was supposed to translate to revenue of US$250 million based on then prevailing market price.
The company agreed in April this year to sell the rights to China (Fujian) Foreign Trade Centre Holdings for US$25 million by way of six payments starting on Sept 30 this year to Dec 15, 2013.
Dayen's stock fell as much as 10.7 per cent to 12.5 cents yesterday, with 21.7 million shares changing hands. Its share price closed flat at 14 cents.
Merrill nears deal to sell Bloomberg stake
NEW YORK - Merrill Lynch & Co may sell its 20 per cent stake in financial news and data provider Bloomberg LP to a blind trust controlled by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, The New York Post reported on Friday.
Details about the terms of a sale remain sketchy, the Post said, and sources warned that a deal could still fall apart.
The sale is part of a broader plan by cash-strapped Merrill to raise about US$50 billion through various asset sales, the Post said, citing bankers who have looked at marketing materials.
Merrill in 1981 provided seed money for Bloomberg to launch the business. Analysts have valued Merrill's stake at between US$5 billion and US$10 billion, the Post said.
Last month, John Thain, Merrill's chief executive hinted to Wall Street that his firm might sell one of its more treasured assets following a deterioration in the value of its balance sheet from mortgage-related losses, the Post said.
A Merrill representative could not be reached for immediate comment.
Michael Bloomberg, who became New York's mayor in January 2002, retains a majority stake in the company, but has said he has given up day-to-day control.
Privately-held Bloomberg LP is a competitor of Thomson Reuters. -- REUTERS
Details about the terms of a sale remain sketchy, the Post said, and sources warned that a deal could still fall apart.
The sale is part of a broader plan by cash-strapped Merrill to raise about US$50 billion through various asset sales, the Post said, citing bankers who have looked at marketing materials.
Merrill in 1981 provided seed money for Bloomberg to launch the business. Analysts have valued Merrill's stake at between US$5 billion and US$10 billion, the Post said.
Last month, John Thain, Merrill's chief executive hinted to Wall Street that his firm might sell one of its more treasured assets following a deterioration in the value of its balance sheet from mortgage-related losses, the Post said.
A Merrill representative could not be reached for immediate comment.
Michael Bloomberg, who became New York's mayor in January 2002, retains a majority stake in the company, but has said he has given up day-to-day control.
Privately-held Bloomberg LP is a competitor of Thomson Reuters. -- REUTERS
Friday, July 4, 2008
英警追幽浮 飛碟大鬧歐足賽
國際中心／綜合報導
人類首次發現疑似外星人的幽浮殘骸，距今已有61年的歷史，雖然外星人的真實性依舊成謎，但國際各地不斷傳出疑似幽浮的目睹事件，也引起熱烈的討論，儘管許多幽浮的現象，後來有些找得到科學解釋，不過仍有許多未解之謎。
英國警方直升機所拍下追逐不明飛行物，畫面中的白色光點就是外界盛傳的幽浮，這是發生在今年6月7日，地點在英國南部布里斯托海灣的幽浮追逐事件，從黑夜的實際畫面來看，警方還一度失去不明飛行物的蹤影，可見得它的移動速度相當快，讓令人不禁聯想是否有外星艦隊入侵英國？
在6月21日，俄國首都莫斯科西北方也被拍到不明飛行物，當時正在舉行歐足賽，俄國對戰荷蘭隊，這些神秘的亮點就和足球運動員一樣，排成11個陣型，這些光點讓莫斯科市民度過了興奮的一夜。
美國好萊塢電影在80年代掀起外星人熱潮，其實早在61年前，美國新墨西哥州羅斯威爾市的部分居民堅信，他們親眼看到幽浮飛行；而前年11月，美國芝加哥奧海爾國際機場突然出現黑灰色碟狀飛行物，直徑約2到7公尺在空中盤旋；2005年10月祕魯的庫斯柯上空，出現紅色的不明飛行物，許多人準備相機和攝影機，就是想捕捉幽浮的畫面。
2004年10月美國印地安納州韋恩堡的民眾用攝影機拍到天空中出現的一個不明飛行物體，這個不明飛行物體究竟是什麼？至今依舊成謎；
2003年中國大陸上海也出現過不明飛行物，天空中的發光物體呈明亮橘紅色筆直向下移動，像火球拖著一條尾巴，高掛天空長達3分鐘。
到底有沒有幽浮？儘管有來自世界各地的影片和照片為證，但還是無法經過科學證實，也成為一個爭議性的話題。
人類首次發現疑似外星人的幽浮殘骸，距今已有61年的歷史，雖然外星人的真實性依舊成謎，但國際各地不斷傳出疑似幽浮的目睹事件，也引起熱烈的討論，儘管許多幽浮的現象，後來有些找得到科學解釋，不過仍有許多未解之謎。
英國警方直升機所拍下追逐不明飛行物，畫面中的白色光點就是外界盛傳的幽浮，這是發生在今年6月7日，地點在英國南部布里斯托海灣的幽浮追逐事件，從黑夜的實際畫面來看，警方還一度失去不明飛行物的蹤影，可見得它的移動速度相當快，讓令人不禁聯想是否有外星艦隊入侵英國？
在6月21日，俄國首都莫斯科西北方也被拍到不明飛行物，當時正在舉行歐足賽，俄國對戰荷蘭隊，這些神秘的亮點就和足球運動員一樣，排成11個陣型，這些光點讓莫斯科市民度過了興奮的一夜。
美國好萊塢電影在80年代掀起外星人熱潮，其實早在61年前，美國新墨西哥州羅斯威爾市的部分居民堅信，他們親眼看到幽浮飛行；而前年11月，美國芝加哥奧海爾國際機場突然出現黑灰色碟狀飛行物，直徑約2到7公尺在空中盤旋；2005年10月祕魯的庫斯柯上空，出現紅色的不明飛行物，許多人準備相機和攝影機，就是想捕捉幽浮的畫面。
2004年10月美國印地安納州韋恩堡的民眾用攝影機拍到天空中出現的一個不明飛行物體，這個不明飛行物體究竟是什麼？至今依舊成謎；
2003年中國大陸上海也出現過不明飛行物，天空中的發光物體呈明亮橘紅色筆直向下移動，像火球拖著一條尾巴，高掛天空長達3分鐘。
到底有沒有幽浮？儘管有來自世界各地的影片和照片為證，但還是無法經過科學證實，也成為一個爭議性的話題。
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新加坡股市收盘上涨；高油价将在近期限制股市涨势
新加坡股市周五收盘上涨，周四曾跌至三个月低点。道琼斯工业股票平均价格指数前夜上涨0.7%，提振了新加坡股市。
但股市涨势受限，因投资者继续考虑高油价对公司收益的影响。
纽约市场周四，原油期货价格收于每桶145.29美元，再创历史新高。
海峡时报指数收盘上涨12.09点，至2892.54点，涨幅0.4%。30只成份股中有17只上涨，但大盘方面，294只股票下跌，226只股票上涨。
市场成交量8.793亿股，继续保持较低水平。
周四成交量约为11亿股。
交易员表示，高油价以及通货膨胀压力增加可能继续在近期限制股市涨幅。
但股市涨势受限，因投资者继续考虑高油价对公司收益的影响。
纽约市场周四，原油期货价格收于每桶145.29美元，再创历史新高。
海峡时报指数收盘上涨12.09点，至2892.54点，涨幅0.4%。30只成份股中有17只上涨，但大盘方面，294只股票下跌，226只股票上涨。
市场成交量8.793亿股，继续保持较低水平。
周四成交量约为11亿股。
交易员表示，高油价以及通货膨胀压力增加可能继续在近期限制股市涨幅。
LG Electronics sponsors Birmingham NEC
LG Electronics is continuing to ramp up its marketing activity with an eight year sponsorship deal to rename Birmingham’s NEC Arena.
The arena will now become the LG Arena from this autumn and undergo a complete refurbishment as part of a £28 million funding package.
LG marketing director Andrew Warner says: “This partnership mirrors LG’s brand values as a company which its customers at the heart of everything it does… this initiative truly embodies LG’s “Life’s Good” philosophy.
“Consumer alignment to a brand is no longer simply about preference for that brand’s products. It’s about how the brand makes the consumer feel. Our relationship with the NEC Arena brings us closer to the lifestyle sector and all that is associated with it.”
Warner joined LG from the position of global director of brand management at Sony Ericsson in June this year.
As part of the deal LG will be supplying products throughout the LG Arena site.
Birmingham NEC opened 28 years ago. The redevelopment of the NEC Arena is part of a wider strategy for the NEC Group to create an all-encompassing leisure destination.
Plans include the development of a £90 million leisure and entertainment complex, including a large casino delivered in partnership with Genting Stanley.
Source
The arena will now become the LG Arena from this autumn and undergo a complete refurbishment as part of a £28 million funding package.
LG marketing director Andrew Warner says: “This partnership mirrors LG’s brand values as a company which its customers at the heart of everything it does… this initiative truly embodies LG’s “Life’s Good” philosophy.
“Consumer alignment to a brand is no longer simply about preference for that brand’s products. It’s about how the brand makes the consumer feel. Our relationship with the NEC Arena brings us closer to the lifestyle sector and all that is associated with it.”
Warner joined LG from the position of global director of brand management at Sony Ericsson in June this year.
As part of the deal LG will be supplying products throughout the LG Arena site.
Birmingham NEC opened 28 years ago. The redevelopment of the NEC Arena is part of a wider strategy for the NEC Group to create an all-encompassing leisure destination.
Plans include the development of a £90 million leisure and entertainment complex, including a large casino delivered in partnership with Genting Stanley.
Source
Guoco Takes Another Bite Of Rank Plc
Published: Friday, July 04, 2008 Online-Casinos.com
GUOCO TAKES ANOTHER BITE OF RANK PLC Malaysian group now holds 16.13 percent of Brit gambling group Guoco Group, a subsidiary of the Asia-based investment group Hong Leong (Malaysia) Berhad run by Malaysian billionaire Quek Leng Chan, has once again increased its stake in the British land and online gambling group Rank plc, raising the ante in what could evolve into a bidding war with Genting group in Malaysia.
Genting recently increased its Rank shareholding to 12.67 percent after several incremental purchases.
Guoco's latest move brings its interest in Rank plc to 16.18 percent.
The voting rights in the shares are held by Asia Fountain Investment Company Limited ('AFI'), a controlled undertaking of Guoco Equity Assets Limited, which is a controlled undertaking of Guoco Group Limited ('GGL').
GGL is a controlled undertaking of GuoLine Overseas Limited which is a controlled undertaking of GuoLine Capital Assets Limited ('GCAL'), a controlled undertaking of Hong Leong Company (Malaysia) Berhad.
Goldman, Sachs & Co., acting as custodian for AFI, also has an indirect interest in the shares.
58 475 684 of the shares are registered in the name of Goldman Sachs Securities (Nominees) Limited and it is expected that the balance of 4 709 343 of the shares will shortly be registered in similar fashion.
Guoco has been gradually increasing its stake in Rank since January. The group has been looking to build a base in the UK casino market, albeit with limited success.
BIL, its subsidiary, made substantial losses in the first six months of its Clermont land casino ownership and has won only four out of 19 licence applications to build casinos, mainly within its Thistle hotel chain.
Genting and Guoco are not the only companies interested in Rank; the Richardson family, whose businesses are in property and haulage, are believed to have an interest of about 11 percent through contracts for difference.
Source
GUOCO TAKES ANOTHER BITE OF RANK PLC Malaysian group now holds 16.13 percent of Brit gambling group Guoco Group, a subsidiary of the Asia-based investment group Hong Leong (Malaysia) Berhad run by Malaysian billionaire Quek Leng Chan, has once again increased its stake in the British land and online gambling group Rank plc, raising the ante in what could evolve into a bidding war with Genting group in Malaysia.
Genting recently increased its Rank shareholding to 12.67 percent after several incremental purchases.
Guoco's latest move brings its interest in Rank plc to 16.18 percent.
The voting rights in the shares are held by Asia Fountain Investment Company Limited ('AFI'), a controlled undertaking of Guoco Equity Assets Limited, which is a controlled undertaking of Guoco Group Limited ('GGL').
GGL is a controlled undertaking of GuoLine Overseas Limited which is a controlled undertaking of GuoLine Capital Assets Limited ('GCAL'), a controlled undertaking of Hong Leong Company (Malaysia) Berhad.
Goldman, Sachs & Co., acting as custodian for AFI, also has an indirect interest in the shares.
58 475 684 of the shares are registered in the name of Goldman Sachs Securities (Nominees) Limited and it is expected that the balance of 4 709 343 of the shares will shortly be registered in similar fashion.
Guoco has been gradually increasing its stake in Rank since January. The group has been looking to build a base in the UK casino market, albeit with limited success.
BIL, its subsidiary, made substantial losses in the first six months of its Clermont land casino ownership and has won only four out of 19 licence applications to build casinos, mainly within its Thistle hotel chain.
Genting and Guoco are not the only companies interested in Rank; the Richardson family, whose businesses are in property and haulage, are believed to have an interest of about 11 percent through contracts for difference.
Source
Singapore water firm Hyflux in S$300 mln debt scheme
SINGAPORE, July 4 (Reuters) - Singapore water treatment company Hyflux said on Friday it had launched a S$300 million ($220 million) multi-currency debt programme to raise funds for debt refinancing, expenditure and working capital.
The company said in a statement it appointed DBS Bank and Standard Chartered as arrangers and initial dealers of the programme.
(Reporting by Jan Dahinten) ((jan.dahinten@thomsonreuters.com; +65 6403 5659; Reuters Messaging: jan.dahinten.reuters.com@reuters.net)) ($1=1.362 Singapore Dollar)
The company said in a statement it appointed DBS Bank and Standard Chartered as arrangers and initial dealers of the programme.
(Reporting by Jan Dahinten) ((jan.dahinten@thomsonreuters.com; +65 6403 5659; Reuters Messaging: jan.dahinten.reuters.com@reuters.net)) ($1=1.362 Singapore Dollar)
INTERVIEW-First Resources targets growth, stock soars
*Invest $500 mln over 5 yrs into palm plantations, production
*Expects crude palm oil above $1,000 per tonne until 2009
*Biodiesel plant launch delayed to end '08 vs planned Q2 start
By Daryl Loo and Charmian Kok
SINGAPORE, July 4 (Reuters) - Palm oil maker First Resources on Friday announced a $500 million investment plan to raise production and buy plantation land amid an ongoing palm oil boom, driving its shares up sharply.
The five-year investment drive comes as palm oil producers are reaping the benefits of surging prices that reflect increasing demand for food and for biofuels.
The Singapore-listed company has about 180,000 hectares (444,800 acres) of plantations concentrated in Indonesia's Riau province, and is looking to purchase at least 50,000 hectares within the next 18 months in Kalimantan or Irian Jaya.
"We expect world consumption of palm oil to grow by 5 percent next year, and we think palm crude oil prices will stay firm at above $1,000 per tonne," First Resources Chief Executive Ciliandra Fangiono told Reuters in an interview.
News of the spending plan ended a four-day losing streak in its shares and sent the stock nearly 7 percent higher to close at S$1.12 after heavy buying in late afternoon trading.
Crude palm oil, mainly used to make edible products such as margarine and cooking oil, have risen about 37 percent to 3,600 ringgit ($1,103) per tonne in the past year, according to Malaysian benchmark prices .
First Resources, which listed its shares on the Singapore Exchange last December, in May reported an eight-fold jump in first-quarter net profit to 311 billion rupiah ($34 million), reflecting high crude palm oil prices, which doubled revenues to 734 billion rupiah.
The firm is planting on 87,500 hectares of its existing land, and wants to add 10,000 hectares of planted land every year, Fangiono said. But land acquisitions will likely come outside its base in Riau.
"Opportunities for growth in Riau are fast running out as most of the available land has already been planted on, so we have to look outside," he said, adding that competition for land in the country has caused prices to triple to as much as $600 per hectare in the last five years.
The company aims to buy plots of at least 50,000 hectares size to justify building facilities such as mills and cut transportation costs. Fangiono said First Resources, whose key crude palm oil customers include Singapore's top commodities firm Wilmar , will fund its expansion mainly through existing cash, at $185 million as of end-March, and excess cash flow from sales.
First Resource's debt-to-equity ratio is at 5.87 percent, providing room for debt financing if needed, he said, adding that the firm had no intention to sell new shares to investors.
BIODIESEL DELAY
First Resources' new biodiesel plant, initially slated for launch in the second quarter of this year, will instead start production by year-end due to a delay in obtaining a permit that allows tax breaks for importing capital equipment, Fangiono said.
These permits have since been approved and the plant will be able to produce 250,000 tonnes of biodiesel per year, he said, adding that the firm will ramp up production when the price of biodiesel is above that of crude palm oil.
"The strategy for us is to max out the capacity that we have when it's profitable, but to revert back to selling crude palm oil when it's not."
First Resources is feeling the impact of surging fertiliser cost, which it expects to overtake wage costs as its single-biggest expense, taking up as much as 50 percent of total costs by next year.
He estimates that price of potash, one of the main fertilisers used in palm plantations, has more than tripled to $1,000 per tonne in the last twelve months, but does not expect prices to continuing their surge next year.
"What we've seen in the past 12 months, I don't think will be repeated in 2009 because there's going to be demand disruption if small holders are discouraged from fertilising. And that will be disastrous for agriculture output." More immediate is the effect of an increased tax imposed by Indonesia on palm oil exports, raised to 20 percent from 15 percent for exports above $1,200 per tonne in July.
"This means that for each tonne we export at $1,200, $240 is deducted for tax. This has a very significant impact, but this is imposed across the board so it affects all Indonesian planters."
(Editing by Jan Dahinten) ((daryl.loo@thomsonreuters.com ; +65 6403 5669; Reuters Messaging: daryl.loo.reuters.com@reuters.net)) ($1=9205 Rupiah) ($1=3.263 Malaysian Ringgit)
*Expects crude palm oil above $1,000 per tonne until 2009
*Biodiesel plant launch delayed to end '08 vs planned Q2 start
By Daryl Loo and Charmian Kok
SINGAPORE, July 4 (Reuters) - Palm oil maker First Resources on Friday announced a $500 million investment plan to raise production and buy plantation land amid an ongoing palm oil boom, driving its shares up sharply.
The five-year investment drive comes as palm oil producers are reaping the benefits of surging prices that reflect increasing demand for food and for biofuels.
The Singapore-listed company has about 180,000 hectares (444,800 acres) of plantations concentrated in Indonesia's Riau province, and is looking to purchase at least 50,000 hectares within the next 18 months in Kalimantan or Irian Jaya.
"We expect world consumption of palm oil to grow by 5 percent next year, and we think palm crude oil prices will stay firm at above $1,000 per tonne," First Resources Chief Executive Ciliandra Fangiono told Reuters in an interview.
News of the spending plan ended a four-day losing streak in its shares and sent the stock nearly 7 percent higher to close at S$1.12 after heavy buying in late afternoon trading.
Crude palm oil, mainly used to make edible products such as margarine and cooking oil, have risen about 37 percent to 3,600 ringgit ($1,103) per tonne in the past year, according to Malaysian benchmark prices .
First Resources, which listed its shares on the Singapore Exchange last December, in May reported an eight-fold jump in first-quarter net profit to 311 billion rupiah ($34 million), reflecting high crude palm oil prices, which doubled revenues to 734 billion rupiah.
The firm is planting on 87,500 hectares of its existing land, and wants to add 10,000 hectares of planted land every year, Fangiono said. But land acquisitions will likely come outside its base in Riau.
"Opportunities for growth in Riau are fast running out as most of the available land has already been planted on, so we have to look outside," he said, adding that competition for land in the country has caused prices to triple to as much as $600 per hectare in the last five years.
The company aims to buy plots of at least 50,000 hectares size to justify building facilities such as mills and cut transportation costs. Fangiono said First Resources, whose key crude palm oil customers include Singapore's top commodities firm Wilmar , will fund its expansion mainly through existing cash, at $185 million as of end-March, and excess cash flow from sales.
First Resource's debt-to-equity ratio is at 5.87 percent, providing room for debt financing if needed, he said, adding that the firm had no intention to sell new shares to investors.
BIODIESEL DELAY
First Resources' new biodiesel plant, initially slated for launch in the second quarter of this year, will instead start production by year-end due to a delay in obtaining a permit that allows tax breaks for importing capital equipment, Fangiono said.
These permits have since been approved and the plant will be able to produce 250,000 tonnes of biodiesel per year, he said, adding that the firm will ramp up production when the price of biodiesel is above that of crude palm oil.
"The strategy for us is to max out the capacity that we have when it's profitable, but to revert back to selling crude palm oil when it's not."
First Resources is feeling the impact of surging fertiliser cost, which it expects to overtake wage costs as its single-biggest expense, taking up as much as 50 percent of total costs by next year.
He estimates that price of potash, one of the main fertilisers used in palm plantations, has more than tripled to $1,000 per tonne in the last twelve months, but does not expect prices to continuing their surge next year.
"What we've seen in the past 12 months, I don't think will be repeated in 2009 because there's going to be demand disruption if small holders are discouraged from fertilising. And that will be disastrous for agriculture output." More immediate is the effect of an increased tax imposed by Indonesia on palm oil exports, raised to 20 percent from 15 percent for exports above $1,200 per tonne in July.
"This means that for each tonne we export at $1,200, $240 is deducted for tax. This has a very significant impact, but this is imposed across the board so it affects all Indonesian planters."
(Editing by Jan Dahinten) ((daryl.loo@thomsonreuters.com ; +65 6403 5669; Reuters Messaging: daryl.loo.reuters.com@reuters.net)) ($1=9205 Rupiah) ($1=3.263 Malaysian Ringgit)
Healthway Med shares opens 33 pct lower in Singapore
SINGAPORE, July 4 (Reuters) - Shares in Singapore healthcare firm Healthway Medical Corporation opened 33 percent below their initial public offering (IPO) price of S$0.36 at the start of trade in Singapore on Friday.
By 0101 GMT, the stock was trading at S$0.26, or 28 percent below its IPO price.
The firm, which raised S$48.8 million ($35.8 million), plans to use the proceeds to repay loans and fund its overseas expansion.
PrimePartners Corporate Finance was the underwriter, issue and placement manager for the offer -- the first on Singapore's Catalist board for smaller, fast-growing firms.
(Reporting by Charmian Kok; editing by Kevin Lim) ((charmian.kok@thomsonreuters.com; Reuters Messaging; charmian.kok.reuters.com@reuters.net; +65 6403 5667)) ($1=1.362 Singapore Dollar)
By 0101 GMT, the stock was trading at S$0.26, or 28 percent below its IPO price.
The firm, which raised S$48.8 million ($35.8 million), plans to use the proceeds to repay loans and fund its overseas expansion.
PrimePartners Corporate Finance was the underwriter, issue and placement manager for the offer -- the first on Singapore's Catalist board for smaller, fast-growing firms.
(Reporting by Charmian Kok; editing by Kevin Lim) ((charmian.kok@thomsonreuters.com; Reuters Messaging; charmian.kok.reuters.com@reuters.net; +65 6403 5667)) ($1=1.362 Singapore Dollar)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
BBR HOLDINGS (S) LTD - AWARD OF CONTRACT
BBR Holdings (S) Ltd (the “Company”) wishes to announce that Singa Development Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Piling & Civil Engineering Private Limited, has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Education to build and alter the existing Junyuan Primary School at No. 2 Tampines Street 91, Singapore.
The contract sum is approximately S$26.4 million and contract duration is approximately 16 months.
Work for this project has started and is expected to be completed by October 2009.
There is no material impact on the earnings per share or net tangible asset per asset of the Company for current financial year ending 31 December 2008.
Source
The contract sum is approximately S$26.4 million and contract duration is approximately 16 months.
Work for this project has started and is expected to be completed by October 2009.
There is no material impact on the earnings per share or net tangible asset per asset of the Company for current financial year ending 31 December 2008.
Source
云顶国际在英国 推出网上赌场
吉隆坡27日讯）云顶（Genting，3182，主板贸服股）宣布，旗下的云顶国际在英国推出其首个网上赌场品牌－－CircusCasino.com。
云顶国际发布文告指出，CircusCasino.com将由其独资子公司－－云顶史丹利奥尔德尼岛公司（Genting Stanley Alderney Ltd）经营，并提供超过100种的赌场、纸牌及桌面游戏。 网上博彩次季推行 云顶国际于今年3月13日宣布，云顶史丹利奥尔德尼岛公司获得奥尔德尼岛博彩管制委员会的批准，成功取得网上博彩执照，并预计在第二季开始网上博彩业务。
文告指出，全世界的玩家都可以浏览该网站，并观看“玩模拟模式”（Play for Fun）游戏。
然而，目前只有英国、马恩岛（Isle of Man）及海峡群岛（Channel Islands）的玩家，可以存入赌本及下注赢真钱（Play for Real）。
该公司指出，CircusCasino.com的推出，预计不会对本财年的净有形资产及每股盈利带来任何实质影响。
市场认为，云顶的加入是意味着对网上赌博领域充满信心，因为自从美国在2006年9月把网上赌博列为不合法后，该领域仍在挣扎求存。
消息指出，云顶可能利用CircusCasino.com试探军情，因为很多亚洲国家都在检讨网上赌博的条例。
“这对云顶是个好机会，而且倘若该公司在亚洲推出网上赌场，玩家可趁此次先暖身，熟悉玩法。” 在未被云顶收购之前，史丹利休闲曾多次尝试建立网上赌博网站，不过都失败。
这次，该公司选择向伦敦上市公司PlayTech购买扑克、轮盘及赌场的软件。
市场认为，正当网上赌场市场的竞争日益激烈，云顶将占有优势，因为该公司可攫取其传统赌场的会员。
Source
云顶国际发布文告指出，CircusCasino.com将由其独资子公司－－云顶史丹利奥尔德尼岛公司（Genting Stanley Alderney Ltd）经营，并提供超过100种的赌场、纸牌及桌面游戏。 网上博彩次季推行 云顶国际于今年3月13日宣布，云顶史丹利奥尔德尼岛公司获得奥尔德尼岛博彩管制委员会的批准，成功取得网上博彩执照，并预计在第二季开始网上博彩业务。
文告指出，全世界的玩家都可以浏览该网站，并观看“玩模拟模式”（Play for Fun）游戏。
然而，目前只有英国、马恩岛（Isle of Man）及海峡群岛（Channel Islands）的玩家，可以存入赌本及下注赢真钱（Play for Real）。
该公司指出，CircusCasino.com的推出，预计不会对本财年的净有形资产及每股盈利带来任何实质影响。
市场认为，云顶的加入是意味着对网上赌博领域充满信心，因为自从美国在2006年9月把网上赌博列为不合法后，该领域仍在挣扎求存。
消息指出，云顶可能利用CircusCasino.com试探军情，因为很多亚洲国家都在检讨网上赌博的条例。
“这对云顶是个好机会，而且倘若该公司在亚洲推出网上赌场，玩家可趁此次先暖身，熟悉玩法。” 在未被云顶收购之前，史丹利休闲曾多次尝试建立网上赌博网站，不过都失败。
这次，该公司选择向伦敦上市公司PlayTech购买扑克、轮盘及赌场的软件。
市场认为，正当网上赌场市场的竞争日益激烈，云顶将占有优势，因为该公司可攫取其传统赌场的会员。
Source
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