新加坡股市周五收盘小幅走高，因前夜有关美国联邦储备委员会(Federal Reserve, 简称Fed)可能很快终止减息周期的消息推动美国股市上涨。
不过交易员称，新加坡股市涨幅不大，对整体经济前景挥之不去的担忧令投资者继续驻足观望。
AmFraser负责研究部门的高级副总裁Najeeb Jarhom表示，投资者仍担心虽然最糟糕的时期可能已经过去，但股市将在5、6月份迎来一次相对较小的回调，之后在下半年才会实现持续上涨。
新加坡海峡时报指数收盘涨11.65点，至3189.20点，涨幅0.4%。
30只成份股中有18只上涨，整体市场上涨股和下跌股数量均为317只。
市场成交量约18亿股，低于周四的23亿股。
Jarhom对目前进行长期投资发出警告，称市场可能在Fed 4月30日会议后出现回落。
他预计，海峡时报指数至少会在升至关键阻力位3300点时出现一定程度的回调。
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
圣淘沙名胜世界 为工程筹得40亿贷款
圣淘沙名胜世界(Resorts World at Sentosa)为圣淘沙综合度假胜地(IR)的工程筹得了40亿元的贷款，是本地规模最大的银团贷款计划之一。
这项由10家银行提供的贷款，期限至2015年，贷款利率是新元掉期利率(SOR)加1.75个百分点。
圣淘沙名胜世界在文告中说，圣淘沙综合度假胜地项目的总成本是60亿元，这次贷款所得可支付三分之二的开支，其余资金来自母公司云顶国际(Genting)去年8月发行附加股所筹得的资金。
今年2月，圣淘沙名胜世界宣布获得了这项贷款，公司总裁陈启德对银行伙伴的支持表示感激，尽管全球信贷市场的环境艰巨，公司还是在两个月内完成了这项贷款。
圣淘沙名胜世界至今已经为圣淘沙综合度假胜地发出了超过20亿元的建筑合同。
Source
这项由10家银行提供的贷款，期限至2015年，贷款利率是新元掉期利率(SOR)加1.75个百分点。
圣淘沙名胜世界在文告中说，圣淘沙综合度假胜地项目的总成本是60亿元，这次贷款所得可支付三分之二的开支，其余资金来自母公司云顶国际(Genting)去年8月发行附加股所筹得的资金。
今年2月，圣淘沙名胜世界宣布获得了这项贷款，公司总裁陈启德对银行伙伴的支持表示感激，尽管全球信贷市场的环境艰巨，公司还是在两个月内完成了这项贷款。
圣淘沙名胜世界至今已经为圣淘沙综合度假胜地发出了超过20亿元的建筑合同。
Source
Name change of subsidiary – Anwell to explore further opportunities in Thin Film and Vacuum Coating Technologies
Name change of subsidiary – Anwell to explore further opportunities in Thin Film and Vacuum Coating Technologies
• The name of existing wholly-owned subsidiary “Dongguan Anwell Electronics Co. Ltd.” will be changed to “Anwell Thin Film and Vacuum Technology Ltd.”
• Thin film solar cell equipment - a natural progression for Anwell with core competencies based on Thin Film and Vacuum Coating Technologies
Singapore, 10 April 2008 - Anwell Technologies Limited (“Anwell” or “The Group”), the world’s only vertically integrated optical disc equipment maker with a disc-manufacturing arm, has announced that the name of their subsidiary “Dongguan Anwell Electronics Co. Ltd.” will be changed to “Anwell Thin Film and Vacuum Technology Ltd.” The management will dedicate this subsidiary to explore further opportunities with the Group’s core competencies in Thin Film and Vacuum Coating Technologies. In the near future, optical disc production equipment will remain as the Group’s primary business to capture the opportunities in Blu-ray technologies.
“The vertical integration has strengthened the Group’sposition and hence enables us to explore other sectors ofthe hi-tech industry by leveraging on our coretechnologies in the optical disc industry.
The solar energy industry is one of the fastest growingindustries with great potential. The visible route map forcost reduction and the fast energy payback time of the thinfilm solar cell will make it a star for the future energysegment.
By completing the R&D in FY08, Anwell is expected tooffer equipments with complete turnkey solution for thesolar energy industry as well as solution for thin film glasscoating. The design of the system aims at lowest cell costwith highest quality.
Besides, the energy payback time and the manufacturingcost of the thin film solar cell are much less than theconventional type of silicon crystalline solar cell.” Mr Franky Fan, Executive Chairman & CEO of Anwell
Focusing on Thin Film and Vacuum Coating TechnologiesAlong with the new business structure of the Group, it is scheduled to complete the R&D for theGroup’s first thin film solar module production equipment in the second half of 2008.
A complete turnkey solutionA new factory in Dongguan, PRCThe subsidiary will explore the various opportunities that Thin Film and Vacuum Technologies can be applied in. Some of these applications are: TCO and ITO coatings, Thin Film Solar Cell, Low-E coatings on glass and etc.
Currently, the Group is on track to complete their R&D for the solar cell production system andhas already completed the R&D for the large scale sputtering machine. The machine is capable ofsputtering metallic thin film, ITO (“Indium Tin Oxide”), TCO (“Transparent Conductive Oxide”) andLow-E (“Low-Emissivity) glass. The PECVD tool for deposition of p-i-n silicon
ITO coated optical filters for electronicdisplays are used for electromagnetic/radio-frequency shielding, optically clear heatersand as the active component in resistive andcapacitive touch panels.
TCO coated glass act as electrodes and “lighttraps” which are key components in thin filmsilicon modules.
Low-E glass reflects a significant amount ofthis radiant heat, thus lowering the total heatflow through the window.
thin film is expected to be finished by June 2008. The group is expected to offer complete turnkey solution for the thin film solar cell manufacturers by FY09.
Industry Information: Solar Industry
Global demand for energy is expected to keep increasing over the next two decades, fueled by emerging economic giants such as China and India. With oil prices costing more than US$100/bbl,solar energy is one of the most encouraging alternatives.
However, the issue has always been the cost per watt and the energy pay back time. Recentincreases in the price of silicon feedstock have heightened the cost advantage opportunity of thinfilm technology. The price of silicon feedstock increased from $28-$32/kg for 2004 delivery to $45-$50/kg for 2006 delivery, and spot prices have been reported to exceed $100/kg in 2006. With Anwell adopting the Thin Film Silicon Solar Cell approach, significantly less Silicon (raw materialof Solar Cells) is required, thus lowering the cost of production per cell.
About AnwellAnwell Technologies Ltd. (“Anwell”) is a global leader in providing integrated business solutions for the optical mediareplication business. The Group’s activities include the design, manufacture and sales of innovative and cost efficientoptical media replication systems. The Group also provides customers with the necessary technical expertise, businessknowledge, production systems and service support worldwide. In 2007, the Group built a synergistic platform byintegrating into optical media replication business. Leveraging with its core competencies in high-precision andautomation technologies, Anwell is targeting to be a world class equipment manufacturer in different high-technologyindustries.
For more information, please refer to the corporate website www.anwell.com.
Investor Relations ContactKen Wu, CFO Mark Lee / Kamal SamuelAnwell Technologies LimitedFinancial PR Pte Ltd Tel: (852) 2499 9178Tel: (65) 6438 2990 Fax: (852) 2499 9170Fax: (65) 6438 0064 E-mail: kenwu@anwell.comE-mail: marklee@financialpr.com.sg/kamal@financialpr.com.sg
Source
• The name of existing wholly-owned subsidiary “Dongguan Anwell Electronics Co. Ltd.” will be changed to “Anwell Thin Film and Vacuum Technology Ltd.”
• Thin film solar cell equipment - a natural progression for Anwell with core competencies based on Thin Film and Vacuum Coating Technologies
Singapore, 10 April 2008 - Anwell Technologies Limited (“Anwell” or “The Group”), the world’s only vertically integrated optical disc equipment maker with a disc-manufacturing arm, has announced that the name of their subsidiary “Dongguan Anwell Electronics Co. Ltd.” will be changed to “Anwell Thin Film and Vacuum Technology Ltd.” The management will dedicate this subsidiary to explore further opportunities with the Group’s core competencies in Thin Film and Vacuum Coating Technologies. In the near future, optical disc production equipment will remain as the Group’s primary business to capture the opportunities in Blu-ray technologies.
“The vertical integration has strengthened the Group’sposition and hence enables us to explore other sectors ofthe hi-tech industry by leveraging on our coretechnologies in the optical disc industry.
The solar energy industry is one of the fastest growingindustries with great potential. The visible route map forcost reduction and the fast energy payback time of the thinfilm solar cell will make it a star for the future energysegment.
By completing the R&D in FY08, Anwell is expected tooffer equipments with complete turnkey solution for thesolar energy industry as well as solution for thin film glasscoating. The design of the system aims at lowest cell costwith highest quality.
Besides, the energy payback time and the manufacturingcost of the thin film solar cell are much less than theconventional type of silicon crystalline solar cell.” Mr Franky Fan, Executive Chairman & CEO of Anwell
Focusing on Thin Film and Vacuum Coating TechnologiesAlong with the new business structure of the Group, it is scheduled to complete the R&D for theGroup’s first thin film solar module production equipment in the second half of 2008.
A complete turnkey solutionA new factory in Dongguan, PRCThe subsidiary will explore the various opportunities that Thin Film and Vacuum Technologies can be applied in. Some of these applications are: TCO and ITO coatings, Thin Film Solar Cell, Low-E coatings on glass and etc.
Currently, the Group is on track to complete their R&D for the solar cell production system andhas already completed the R&D for the large scale sputtering machine. The machine is capable ofsputtering metallic thin film, ITO (“Indium Tin Oxide”), TCO (“Transparent Conductive Oxide”) andLow-E (“Low-Emissivity) glass. The PECVD tool for deposition of p-i-n silicon
ITO coated optical filters for electronicdisplays are used for electromagnetic/radio-frequency shielding, optically clear heatersand as the active component in resistive andcapacitive touch panels.
TCO coated glass act as electrodes and “lighttraps” which are key components in thin filmsilicon modules.
Low-E glass reflects a significant amount ofthis radiant heat, thus lowering the total heatflow through the window.
thin film is expected to be finished by June 2008. The group is expected to offer complete turnkey solution for the thin film solar cell manufacturers by FY09.
Industry Information: Solar Industry
Global demand for energy is expected to keep increasing over the next two decades, fueled by emerging economic giants such as China and India. With oil prices costing more than US$100/bbl,solar energy is one of the most encouraging alternatives.
However, the issue has always been the cost per watt and the energy pay back time. Recentincreases in the price of silicon feedstock have heightened the cost advantage opportunity of thinfilm technology. The price of silicon feedstock increased from $28-$32/kg for 2004 delivery to $45-$50/kg for 2006 delivery, and spot prices have been reported to exceed $100/kg in 2006. With Anwell adopting the Thin Film Silicon Solar Cell approach, significantly less Silicon (raw materialof Solar Cells) is required, thus lowering the cost of production per cell.
About AnwellAnwell Technologies Ltd. (“Anwell”) is a global leader in providing integrated business solutions for the optical mediareplication business. The Group’s activities include the design, manufacture and sales of innovative and cost efficientoptical media replication systems. The Group also provides customers with the necessary technical expertise, businessknowledge, production systems and service support worldwide. In 2007, the Group built a synergistic platform byintegrating into optical media replication business. Leveraging with its core competencies in high-precision andautomation technologies, Anwell is targeting to be a world class equipment manufacturer in different high-technologyindustries.
For more information, please refer to the corporate website www.anwell.com.
Investor Relations ContactKen Wu, CFO Mark Lee / Kamal SamuelAnwell Technologies LimitedFinancial PR Pte Ltd Tel: (852) 2499 9178Tel: (65) 6438 2990 Fax: (852) 2499 9170Fax: (65) 6438 0064 E-mail: kenwu@anwell.comE-mail: marklee@financialpr.com.sg/kamal@financialpr.com.sg
Source
Star Cruises Sells Two Ships To Strengthen Capital Structure
Star Cruises Group, the leading cruise line in Asia Pacific and the third largest cruise operator in the world has announced the sale of two ships.
Star Cruise has sold the Norwegian Dream and Norwegian Majesty to the Cyprus Louis Group for US$218 million and US$162 million respectively.
The two ships will be chartered back from the new owner to complete their announced scheduled itineraries in November 2008 for Norwegian Dream and December 2009 for Norwegian Majesty.
The sale was made as part of a fleet optimization plan which is yet another step to further strengthen the Group’s capital structure
“The sale of the 2 ships will improve on the Star Cruises Group’s capital structure following on the completion of Apollo’s investment in Norwegian Cruise Line (“NCL”) in January 2008. It is expected that there will be net savings in interest expenses and the additional cash flow will provide opportunities arising in Asia for Star Cruises like our hotel and casino project in the Philippines announced on 2 April 2008.” said Mr. David Chua, President of Star Cruises.
“This transaction will also speed up the optimization plan for the upgrade of our existing fleet in Asia and the international fleet in America and Europe so as to realize our mission and promise for delivering the best quality cruising experience to our cruisers by continuously upgrading our hardware and software. In fact, we have two new ships currently under construction and will deliver 10,800 lower berths by completion in 2010. Star Cruises will continue our investment in NCL and explore opportunities for our international fleet,” added Mr. Chua.
Source
Star Cruise has sold the Norwegian Dream and Norwegian Majesty to the Cyprus Louis Group for US$218 million and US$162 million respectively.
The two ships will be chartered back from the new owner to complete their announced scheduled itineraries in November 2008 for Norwegian Dream and December 2009 for Norwegian Majesty.
The sale was made as part of a fleet optimization plan which is yet another step to further strengthen the Group’s capital structure
“The sale of the 2 ships will improve on the Star Cruises Group’s capital structure following on the completion of Apollo’s investment in Norwegian Cruise Line (“NCL”) in January 2008. It is expected that there will be net savings in interest expenses and the additional cash flow will provide opportunities arising in Asia for Star Cruises like our hotel and casino project in the Philippines announced on 2 April 2008.” said Mr. David Chua, President of Star Cruises.
“This transaction will also speed up the optimization plan for the upgrade of our existing fleet in Asia and the international fleet in America and Europe so as to realize our mission and promise for delivering the best quality cruising experience to our cruisers by continuously upgrading our hardware and software. In fact, we have two new ships currently under construction and will deliver 10,800 lower berths by completion in 2010. Star Cruises will continue our investment in NCL and explore opportunities for our international fleet,” added Mr. Chua.
Source
价格3亿8000万美元 丽星脱售两游轮
丽星游轮（Star Cruises）刚签署两项协议，以3亿8000万美元总额脱售公司两艘游轮。
丽星游轮和其非直属全资子公司Ocean Dream以2亿1800万美元，将挪威之梦号（Norwegian Dream）售卖给Louis & Marzio Shipholding。在交易完成后，挪威之梦号将会回租给Ocean Dream以完成其其已宣布的航期。
丽星游轮及其另一家子公司Ocean Voyager以1亿6200万美元，将挪威之王号（Norwegian Majesty）脱售给Louis & Crew Navigation。在交易完成后，挪威之王号将会回租给Ocean Voyager以完成其已宣布的航期。
丽星游轮表示，出售两艘游轮所得款项会用于削减集团的未偿还债务、作为一般营运资金或为可能进行的投资新商机提供资金.
出售挪威之梦号及挪威之王号两艘游轮，丽星邮轮分别取得1730万美元及6630万美元的收益。
两项交易必须获得公司股东批准才能生效。Louis集团的主要业务是在东地中海地区经营游轮及渡假酒店。
Source
丽星游轮和其非直属全资子公司Ocean Dream以2亿1800万美元，将挪威之梦号（Norwegian Dream）售卖给Louis & Marzio Shipholding。在交易完成后，挪威之梦号将会回租给Ocean Dream以完成其其已宣布的航期。
丽星游轮及其另一家子公司Ocean Voyager以1亿6200万美元，将挪威之王号（Norwegian Majesty）脱售给Louis & Crew Navigation。在交易完成后，挪威之王号将会回租给Ocean Voyager以完成其已宣布的航期。
丽星游轮表示，出售两艘游轮所得款项会用于削减集团的未偿还债务、作为一般营运资金或为可能进行的投资新商机提供资金.
出售挪威之梦号及挪威之王号两艘游轮，丽星邮轮分别取得1730万美元及6630万美元的收益。
两项交易必须获得公司股东批准才能生效。Louis集团的主要业务是在东地中海地区经营游轮及渡假酒店。
Source
S'pore's Star Cruises sells 2 vessels for $380 mln
SINGAPORE, April 24 (Reuters) - Singapore-listed Star Cruises said Thursday it had sold two of its vessels for $380 million and intends to use the proceeds to pay debt and to fund unidentified investment opportunities.
(Reporting by Jan Dahinten) ((jan.dahinten@thomsonreuters.com; +65 6403 5659; Reuters Messaging: jan.dahinten.reuters.com@reuters.net))
(Reporting by Jan Dahinten) ((jan.dahinten@thomsonreuters.com; +65 6403 5659; Reuters Messaging: jan.dahinten.reuters.com@reuters.net))
新加坡海峡时报指数涨0.8%；市场缺乏动能
新加坡蓝筹股走高，因前夜美国股市上扬激发了投资者的买盘兴趣，但由于新加坡海峡时报指数是否有效突破3200点尚不确定，市场缺乏动能。
股指目前涨0.8%，至3202.29点，早盘触及高点3209.71点，这预示3250点将成为强劲阻力位，支撑位见3150点。
大盘普遍走强。
富时海峡时报所有股指数涨0.7%，至816.97点。但总成交量低迷。
某外资经纪公司交易商称，散户投资者逐渐重新入市，但人气不旺；市场信心仍然不强。
吉宝企业(BN4.SG)跌4.6%，至11.12新元，受其2008年第一季度利润疲软以及盈利前景不佳的拖累。
股指目前涨0.8%，至3202.29点，早盘触及高点3209.71点，这预示3250点将成为强劲阻力位，支撑位见3150点。
大盘普遍走强。
富时海峡时报所有股指数涨0.7%，至816.97点。但总成交量低迷。
某外资经纪公司交易商称，散户投资者逐渐重新入市，但人气不旺；市场信心仍然不强。
吉宝企业(BN4.SG)跌4.6%，至11.12新元，受其2008年第一季度利润疲软以及盈利前景不佳的拖累。
Resorts World Awards S$1.05 Billion Contract
SINGAPORE, April 23 (Bernama) -- Resorts World at Sentosa announced today the award of its largest building contract to date worth S$1.05 billion to a joint venture between major Japanese contractor Kajima Overseas Asia (Pte) Ltd and local player Tiong Seng Contractors (Pte) Ltd.The award marked a milestone for the S$6 billion integrated resort slated for completion in early 2010 and tallied the total building contracts awarded so far to a value of over S$2 billion, the company said in a statement.
Kajima-Tiong Seng (KTS) which has a reputable building track record such as the recently completed St Regis Singapore hotel, would construct three of the six hotels in Sentosa and the resort's main shopping, eating and entertainment thoroughfare, it said.
The contract also included the construction of the 15,000-square metre casino which would feature exclusive gaming rooms, suites and lounges, Resorts World said.
The three hotels -- Festive Hotel (400 rooms), Hotel Michael (470 rooms) and Maxim Residences (130 suites) -- together offer some 1,000 suites and rooms, out of the 1,800 to be found throughout the Sentosa island resort, the company said.
The joint venture company would also build the dual purpose 1,600-seat showroom which doubles as a plenary hall in Festive Hotel, it added.-- BERNAMA
Source
Kajima-Tiong Seng (KTS) which has a reputable building track record such as the recently completed St Regis Singapore hotel, would construct three of the six hotels in Sentosa and the resort's main shopping, eating and entertainment thoroughfare, it said.
The contract also included the construction of the 15,000-square metre casino which would feature exclusive gaming rooms, suites and lounges, Resorts World said.
The three hotels -- Festive Hotel (400 rooms), Hotel Michael (470 rooms) and Maxim Residences (130 suites) -- together offer some 1,000 suites and rooms, out of the 1,800 to be found throughout the Sentosa island resort, the company said.
The joint venture company would also build the dual purpose 1,600-seat showroom which doubles as a plenary hall in Festive Hotel, it added.-- BERNAMA
Source
Genting unit completes financing syndication
SINGAPORE: Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) has completed the syndication of S$4bil credit facilities for its integrated resort development, closing one of the largest loans ever undertaken in Singapore.
The borrowings were made at an interest rate of 175 basis points above the Singapore Swap Offer Rate and the tenure of the loan extended to 2015, the company said in a statement.
Ten banks participated in the syndication, jointly underwritten and book run by five original mandated lead arrangers – DBS Bank Ltd, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp Ltd, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd, The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.
The credit facilities would fund two-thirds of the integrated resorts S$6bil project cost, with the remaining to be paid through equity raised through a successful rights issue last year by RWS parent company, Genting Interna-tional Public Ltd Co, RWS said.
The company said it had obtained the credit facility on Feb 11 and the loan syndication was completed in about two months despite a very difficult global credit environment. – Bernama
Source
The borrowings were made at an interest rate of 175 basis points above the Singapore Swap Offer Rate and the tenure of the loan extended to 2015, the company said in a statement.
Ten banks participated in the syndication, jointly underwritten and book run by five original mandated lead arrangers – DBS Bank Ltd, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp Ltd, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd, The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.
The credit facilities would fund two-thirds of the integrated resorts S$6bil project cost, with the remaining to be paid through equity raised through a successful rights issue last year by RWS parent company, Genting Interna-tional Public Ltd Co, RWS said.
The company said it had obtained the credit facility on Feb 11 and the loan syndication was completed in about two months despite a very difficult global credit environment. – Bernama
Source
Malaysia Hot Stocks - Factors to watch
KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Reuters) - Here are news stories that may affect the Malaysian stock market on Friday.
MALAYSIA, THAI LEADERS IN FOOD SECURITY TALKS
- Thailand has no plans to restrict rice exports and the country will meet all export commitments, Wichianchot Sukchotrat, a Thai government spokesman, said in the Malaysian capital on Thursday.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nKLR33816]
MALAYSIA'S DRB-HICOM TO ISSUE 549M NEW SHARES
- Malaysian autos-to-property group DRB-Hicom will issue 548.7 million new shares to pay for its agreed purchase of a 70 percent stake in Bank Muamalat Malaysia, DRB-Hicom said on Thursday.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nWNA5451]
HOLCIM NOT BIDDING FOR MALAYSIA CEMENT-MAKER TASEK
- Swiss cement-maker Holcim Ltd is not in talks to buy Malaysian cement manufacturer Tasek Corp Bhd , Tasek said on Thursday. A Malaysian newspaper had reported that Holcim would make a bid for Tasek. Tasek has annual production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes of cement and Holcim currently makes about 1.2 million tonnes a year in Malaysia, according to the websites of both firms.
MALAYSIA'S SAUJANA SHARES SUSPENDED FROM TRADE
- Malaysian leisure firm Saujana Consolidated Bhd has suspended trade in its shares pending an announcement, the stock exchange said on Thursday.
SOLID Q1 FOR SE ASIA TELECOMS, PRICE CUTS MAY BITE
- Most Southeast Asian telecom companies look set to post buoyant quarterly profits, thanks to a surge in mobile subscribers and as users send more text messages and surf the Web on their phones.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nSIN72330]
MALAYSIA TO TACKLE DIESEL SUBSIDIES AS PRIORITY
- Malaysia plans to tackle diesel subsidies as its first priority in dealing with an energy-subsidy bill that is costing the government about $17 billion a year, the domestic trade minister said on Thursday.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nKLR36049]
INDONESIA NATRINDO CONFIDENT OF 1 MLN MOBILE USERS IN '08
- Indonesia's PT Natrindo Telepon Selular, the latest entrant into the country's rapidly growing telecoms sector, said it is confident of signing on more than one million mobile phone users by the end of the year. Malaysia's biggest mobile phone operator, Maxis Communications Bhd, holds a 44 percent stake in Natrindo.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nJAK236886]
MALAYSIA AIRLINES SAYS EYEING MERGERS AS FUEL SOARS
- Flag carrier Malaysian Airline System is considering possible mergers, as the industry struggles to cope with soaring fuel prices and softer demand, Chief Executive Idris Jala said on Thursday.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nKLR330358]
MALAYSIA CAR DISTRIBUTORS IN MERGER TALKS - PAPER
- Malaysian car-maker Proton Holdings Bhd is set to enter talks over a possible merger of its distribution arm with rival Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd (EON) , a local newspaper said on Friday.
A merger would allow state-controlled Proton to focus solely on manufacturing and create a distribution business with annual sales of more than 2 billion ringgit ($637 million), the Business Times said, quoting unidentified bankers.
($1=3.141 Malaysian Ringgit) (Reporting by Clarence Fernandez and Naveen Thukral) ((jalil.hamid@reuters.com; +603-2333-8046; Reuters messaging: naveen.thukral.reuters.com@reuters.net; areuters@gmail.com)) ($1=1.359 Singapore Dollar)
MALAYSIA, THAI LEADERS IN FOOD SECURITY TALKS
- Thailand has no plans to restrict rice exports and the country will meet all export commitments, Wichianchot Sukchotrat, a Thai government spokesman, said in the Malaysian capital on Thursday.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nKLR33816]
MALAYSIA'S DRB-HICOM TO ISSUE 549M NEW SHARES
- Malaysian autos-to-property group DRB-Hicom will issue 548.7 million new shares to pay for its agreed purchase of a 70 percent stake in Bank Muamalat Malaysia, DRB-Hicom said on Thursday.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nWNA5451]
HOLCIM NOT BIDDING FOR MALAYSIA CEMENT-MAKER TASEK
- Swiss cement-maker Holcim Ltd is not in talks to buy Malaysian cement manufacturer Tasek Corp Bhd , Tasek said on Thursday. A Malaysian newspaper had reported that Holcim would make a bid for Tasek. Tasek has annual production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes of cement and Holcim currently makes about 1.2 million tonnes a year in Malaysia, according to the websites of both firms.
MALAYSIA'S SAUJANA SHARES SUSPENDED FROM TRADE
- Malaysian leisure firm Saujana Consolidated Bhd has suspended trade in its shares pending an announcement, the stock exchange said on Thursday.
SOLID Q1 FOR SE ASIA TELECOMS, PRICE CUTS MAY BITE
- Most Southeast Asian telecom companies look set to post buoyant quarterly profits, thanks to a surge in mobile subscribers and as users send more text messages and surf the Web on their phones.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nSIN72330]
MALAYSIA TO TACKLE DIESEL SUBSIDIES AS PRIORITY
- Malaysia plans to tackle diesel subsidies as its first priority in dealing with an energy-subsidy bill that is costing the government about $17 billion a year, the domestic trade minister said on Thursday.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nKLR36049]
INDONESIA NATRINDO CONFIDENT OF 1 MLN MOBILE USERS IN '08
- Indonesia's PT Natrindo Telepon Selular, the latest entrant into the country's rapidly growing telecoms sector, said it is confident of signing on more than one million mobile phone users by the end of the year. Malaysia's biggest mobile phone operator, Maxis Communications Bhd, holds a 44 percent stake in Natrindo.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nJAK236886]
MALAYSIA AIRLINES SAYS EYEING MERGERS AS FUEL SOARS
- Flag carrier Malaysian Airline System is considering possible mergers, as the industry struggles to cope with soaring fuel prices and softer demand, Chief Executive Idris Jala said on Thursday.
For details, please double-click on [ID:nKLR330358]
MALAYSIA CAR DISTRIBUTORS IN MERGER TALKS - PAPER
- Malaysian car-maker Proton Holdings Bhd is set to enter talks over a possible merger of its distribution arm with rival Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd (EON) , a local newspaper said on Friday.
A merger would allow state-controlled Proton to focus solely on manufacturing and create a distribution business with annual sales of more than 2 billion ringgit ($637 million), the Business Times said, quoting unidentified bankers.
($1=3.141 Malaysian Ringgit) (Reporting by Clarence Fernandez and Naveen Thukral) ((jalil.hamid@reuters.com; +603-2333-8046; Reuters messaging: naveen.thukral.reuters.com@reuters.net; areuters@gmail.com)) ($1=1.359 Singapore Dollar)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
新加坡股市收盘走低，受到获利回吐影响；投资者逢高抛售
新加坡股市周四收盘走低，因投资者尾盘在股市上涨三天后进行了获利回吐。
一位本地交易员称，鉴于股市最近已取得相当大涨幅，投资者可能在逢高抛售。
他还表示，股市进一步下跌的空间可能有限，尽管在美国第一季度国内生产总值(GDP)先期数据于4月30日公布之前投资者可能变得日益谨慎。
新加坡海峡时报指数收盘跌16.29点，至3177.55点，跌幅0.5%。
该指数30只成份股中有16只下跌，但整体市场403只股票上涨，286只股票下跌。
市场成交量约23亿股，高于周三的19亿股。
一位本地交易员称，鉴于股市最近已取得相当大涨幅，投资者可能在逢高抛售。
他还表示，股市进一步下跌的空间可能有限，尽管在美国第一季度国内生产总值(GDP)先期数据于4月30日公布之前投资者可能变得日益谨慎。
新加坡海峡时报指数收盘跌16.29点，至3177.55点，跌幅0.5%。
该指数30只成份股中有16只下跌，但整体市场403只股票上涨，286只股票下跌。
市场成交量约23亿股，高于周三的19亿股。
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
$1b contract for Sentosa IR awarded
RESORTS World At Sentosa on Wednesday awarded its biggest construction contract to date - a $1.05 billion deal to build three hotels.
The contract went to Kajima-Tiong Seng joint venture. The Japanese and local tie-up will build RWS' Hotel Michael, Maxims Residences and Festive Hotel, as well as the casino and the theatre.
This brings the total amount of contracts given out to $2 billion for the construction of the $6 billion integrated resort on Sentosa.
Mr Michael Chin, RWS' executive vice-president of projects said: 'This contract covers some of the key components of the development, and we were looking for a contractor with the relevant experience and reputation for completing projects on time. Kajima and Tiong Seng's track record, ranging from the Marina Bay Financial Centre (Phase I) to the St. Regis Singapore, speaks for itself.'
Giving a further update on the construction, Mr Chin said that the buildings can be seen rising from the ground within the next few months.
The foundation work for the roller coaster ride in its Universal Studios theme park will start in June or July.
The resort is on track to be completed for its soft opening in 2010.
新加坡股市收盘上探3个月高点，受投资者乐观情绪提振
新加坡股市周三收盘上探三个月新高，因尽管投资者愈加担心原油价格创历史新高或使企业营运成本增加，但他们仍预计股市将走强。
新加坡海峡时报指数收盘涨6.61点，至3193.84点，涨幅0.2%。
该指数30只成份股中有16只走高。
整体市场380只股票上涨，257只股票下跌。市场成交量约为19亿股，高于周二的16亿股。
某交易员称，股市涨势有望延续，因本地市场在近期美国公司收益和经济数据欠佳的情况下表现出了抗跌性。
交易员称，海峡时报指数阻力位看3300点，届时可考虑获利回吐，或至少对部分多头头寸进行风险对冲。
新加坡海峡时报指数收盘涨6.61点，至3193.84点，涨幅0.2%。
该指数30只成份股中有16只走高。
整体市场380只股票上涨，257只股票下跌。市场成交量约为19亿股，高于周二的16亿股。
某交易员称，股市涨势有望延续，因本地市场在近期美国公司收益和经济数据欠佳的情况下表现出了抗跌性。
交易员称，海峡时报指数阻力位看3300点，届时可考虑获利回吐，或至少对部分多头头寸进行风险对冲。
Singapore casino gives $780 mln contract to Kajima
SINGAPORE, April 23 (Reuters) - Singapore casino Resorts World at Sentosa said on Wednesday it has awarded a S$1.05 billion ($780 million) building contract to Japan's Kajima Corp and Singapore's Tiong Seng Contractors.
The contract, the largest to date for the S$6 billion casino, was awarded to a joint venture set up by Kajima and Tiong Seng, Resorts World said.
Resorts World, one of Singapore's two planned casinos, is set to be completed by early 2010, and has awarded over S$2 billon worth of building contracts so far, it said.
(Reporting by Koh Gui Qing, editing by Neil Chatterjee) ((Guiqing.Koh@Reuters.com; Reuters Messaging; guiqing.koh.reuters.com@reuters.net; +65 6403 5665)) ($1=1.347 Singapore Dollar)
The contract, the largest to date for the S$6 billion casino, was awarded to a joint venture set up by Kajima and Tiong Seng, Resorts World said.
Resorts World, one of Singapore's two planned casinos, is set to be completed by early 2010, and has awarded over S$2 billon worth of building contracts so far, it said.
(Reporting by Koh Gui Qing, editing by Neil Chatterjee) ((Guiqing.Koh@Reuters.com; Reuters Messaging; guiqing.koh.reuters.com@reuters.net; +65 6403 5665)) ($1=1.347 Singapore Dollar)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
新加坡海峡时报指数涨1.9%，受S股跃升提振－分析师
新加坡股市走高。投资者的买盘兴趣受到激发，主要因美国股市上周五上涨，另外由于中国政府采取措施限制大股东在公开市场卖出股票，市场认为，中国公司在新加坡上市的股票（S股）与在中国大陆和香港上市股票间的价差有望收窄。
新加坡海峡时报指数午盘涨1.9，至3185.38点，但已脱离盘中高点3201.38点。
若股指有效突破3200点，则阻力位见3250点。
UOB-KayHian分析师K Ajith表示，尽管市场人气有所改善，从当前水平上涨的幅度可能较小；道琼斯指数仍然面临趋势线阻力位，而标准普尔500指数仍在盘整，这种情况促使大家采取防御性战略，即对多数股票进行逢高减磅。
富时海峡时报中国指数涨3.5%，至461.06点，反映出上海和香港股市的涨势。总体交投淡静，但上涨股与下跌股的比例超过2比1。
新加坡海峡时报指数午盘涨1.9，至3185.38点，但已脱离盘中高点3201.38点。
若股指有效突破3200点，则阻力位见3250点。
UOB-KayHian分析师K Ajith表示，尽管市场人气有所改善，从当前水平上涨的幅度可能较小；道琼斯指数仍然面临趋势线阻力位，而标准普尔500指数仍在盘整，这种情况促使大家采取防御性战略，即对多数股票进行逢高减磅。
富时海峡时报中国指数涨3.5%，至461.06点，反映出上海和香港股市的涨势。总体交投淡静，但上涨股与下跌股的比例超过2比1。
Saturday, April 19, 2008
‘Meet & Stay’ package for corporate meetings at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
S$395 overnight promotion for corporate and social events
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, Singapore’s stylish new resort getaway, has launched a new ‘Meet & Stay’ package designed for groups of at least ten, priced at S$395 for each guest.
The new package includes overnight accommodation, breakfast for one and lunch at the stylish new ‘urban lifestyle retreat’ overlooking Sentosa’s popular Palawan Beach, just ten minutes from the city centre.
Designed for corporate or stylish social gatherings, the package also includes free use of a meeting room with presentation facilities from 9–5pm, and two coffee/tea breaks with snacks.
Accommodation for guests is in a well-appointed Deluxe Room, complete with a welcome drink & fruit basket.
Guests or delegates also receive a 25% discount voucher for food & beverage at the resort’s signature restaurant, Shutters.
The package rate is subject to 10% service charge and 7% GST, with reservations subject to availability of meeting rooms & guest rooms.
Amara Sanctuary is a stylish and unique new venue for business meetings and stylish events on Sentosa.
The resort combines colonnaded colonial architecture, contemporary design, a secluded tropical landscape, fine dining and ‘casual chic’ style.
Recreational facilities include three swimming pools, including one infinity-edged pool on a rooftop overlooking the South China Sea reserved exclusively for adults.
A health and wellness spa with fully equipped gym opens later this year.
Singapore’s colonial architectural heritage is retained through the conversion of a historic 1930s British Sergeants Quarters building into sensational Courtyard and Verandah Suites.
The resort’s Japanese fine dining restaurant, Si Bon, was converted from the oldest chapel on Sentosa and is the only restaurant in Singapore serving the authentic Japanese delicacy “Kushikatsu”, or skewer cuisine.
All-day restaurant, Shutters, serves modern intercontinental cuisine whilst Thanying is an authentic Royal Thai restaurant and Silk Road of The Sea is a new beachfront seafood restaurant serving cuisine which traces the culinary footsteps of legendary seafarer Admiral Zheng from the Mediterranean to the South China Sea.
The 121-room Amara Sanctuary is owned and managed by Singapore’s Amara Group and was recently honoured in the URA Architectural Heritage Awards which recognize developments restoring listed buildings and monuments to their former glory.
For reservations or more information: Tel. +65 6825 3888Fax +65 6825 3878 Visit: www.amarasanctuary.com.
Source
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, Singapore’s stylish new resort getaway, has launched a new ‘Meet & Stay’ package designed for groups of at least ten, priced at S$395 for each guest.
The new package includes overnight accommodation, breakfast for one and lunch at the stylish new ‘urban lifestyle retreat’ overlooking Sentosa’s popular Palawan Beach, just ten minutes from the city centre.
Designed for corporate or stylish social gatherings, the package also includes free use of a meeting room with presentation facilities from 9–5pm, and two coffee/tea breaks with snacks.
Accommodation for guests is in a well-appointed Deluxe Room, complete with a welcome drink & fruit basket.
Guests or delegates also receive a 25% discount voucher for food & beverage at the resort’s signature restaurant, Shutters.
The package rate is subject to 10% service charge and 7% GST, with reservations subject to availability of meeting rooms & guest rooms.
Amara Sanctuary is a stylish and unique new venue for business meetings and stylish events on Sentosa.
The resort combines colonnaded colonial architecture, contemporary design, a secluded tropical landscape, fine dining and ‘casual chic’ style.
Recreational facilities include three swimming pools, including one infinity-edged pool on a rooftop overlooking the South China Sea reserved exclusively for adults.
A health and wellness spa with fully equipped gym opens later this year.
Singapore’s colonial architectural heritage is retained through the conversion of a historic 1930s British Sergeants Quarters building into sensational Courtyard and Verandah Suites.
The resort’s Japanese fine dining restaurant, Si Bon, was converted from the oldest chapel on Sentosa and is the only restaurant in Singapore serving the authentic Japanese delicacy “Kushikatsu”, or skewer cuisine.
All-day restaurant, Shutters, serves modern intercontinental cuisine whilst Thanying is an authentic Royal Thai restaurant and Silk Road of The Sea is a new beachfront seafood restaurant serving cuisine which traces the culinary footsteps of legendary seafarer Admiral Zheng from the Mediterranean to the South China Sea.
The 121-room Amara Sanctuary is owned and managed by Singapore’s Amara Group and was recently honoured in the URA Architectural Heritage Awards which recognize developments restoring listed buildings and monuments to their former glory.
For reservations or more information: Tel. +65 6825 3888Fax +65 6825 3878 Visit: www.amarasanctuary.com.
Source
Friday, April 18, 2008
新加坡股市收盘持平，因美国公司业绩报告喜忧参半
新加坡股市周五收盘持平，美国公司公布的业绩报告喜忧参半，投资者难以确定美国的经济前景。
美国是新加坡最大的出口市场。
新加坡海峡时报指数收盘跌1.43点，至3124.87点，跌幅0.05%。该指数30只成份股中有12只走低。
整体市场244只股票上涨，310只股票下跌。
市场成交量较低，为12亿股。
交易员称，周五市场微跌可能标致着持续三天的涨势暂时停止。
AmFraser研究部门高级副总裁Najeeb Jarhom称，海峡时报指数仍有望上探3300点。
美国是新加坡最大的出口市场。
新加坡海峡时报指数收盘跌1.43点，至3124.87点，跌幅0.05%。该指数30只成份股中有12只走低。
整体市场244只股票上涨，310只股票下跌。
市场成交量较低，为12亿股。
交易员称，周五市场微跌可能标致着持续三天的涨势暂时停止。
AmFraser研究部门高级副总裁Najeeb Jarhom称，海峡时报指数仍有望上探3300点。
Singapore Hot Stocks-Super Coffeemix soars on takeover talk
SINGAPORE, April 18 (Reuters) - Food and beverage firm Super Coffeemix surged as much as 21 percent to S$0.975 with 3 million shares traded.
Its shares also soared 20 percent on Thursday, prompting queries from Singapore Exchange about its stock rise.
The firm replied on late Thursday that it has received interest regarding a "possible transaction" and they are still in the early stage of discussions.
Super Coffeemix did not give further details when contacted by Reuters.
Three dealers said there has been speculation of a takeover bid for Super Coffeemix.
"There's talk of a takeover bid. But the firm's market cap is around half a billion, so a reverse takeover might be ruled out," one trader said.
0357 GMT - Straits Times Index down 0.37 percent.
SEMBMARINE UP ON BRAZIL SHIPYARD DEAL
Sembcorp Marine extended gains for a fourth day after the rig-maker signed an agreement with Mac Laren Shipyard to operate a shipyard in Brazil.
The world's second-biggest rig-builder, rose as much as 4.9 percent to S$4.05, with over 5.9 million shares traded.
Sembcorp Marine will also collaborate with Brazil's Mac Laren for all future offshore oil and gas projects in the Latin American country, the firm said in a statement on Thursday.
"SMM's (Sembcorp Marine) main rival Keppel has a Brazilian yard...and this latest alliance puts SMM on par with Keppel when bidding for Petrobras contracts," Citigroup said in a client note.
Keppel Corp's shares only rose as much as 1.4 percent to S$11.66 with a volume about 2 million shares.
Analysts said earlier this week Sembcorp Marine and Keppel could benefit from a new Petrobras oil discovery in Brazil.
0319 GMT - Straits Times Index down 0.09 percent.
(Reporting by Tan Wei Xin, editing by Neil Chatterjee)
((weixin.tan@reuters.com; +65 6403 5667; Reuters Messaging: weixin.tan.reuters.com@reuters.net))
Its shares also soared 20 percent on Thursday, prompting queries from Singapore Exchange about its stock rise.
The firm replied on late Thursday that it has received interest regarding a "possible transaction" and they are still in the early stage of discussions.
Super Coffeemix did not give further details when contacted by Reuters.
Three dealers said there has been speculation of a takeover bid for Super Coffeemix.
"There's talk of a takeover bid. But the firm's market cap is around half a billion, so a reverse takeover might be ruled out," one trader said.
0357 GMT - Straits Times Index down 0.37 percent.
SEMBMARINE UP ON BRAZIL SHIPYARD DEAL
Sembcorp Marine extended gains for a fourth day after the rig-maker signed an agreement with Mac Laren Shipyard to operate a shipyard in Brazil.
The world's second-biggest rig-builder, rose as much as 4.9 percent to S$4.05, with over 5.9 million shares traded.
Sembcorp Marine will also collaborate with Brazil's Mac Laren for all future offshore oil and gas projects in the Latin American country, the firm said in a statement on Thursday.
"SMM's (Sembcorp Marine) main rival Keppel has a Brazilian yard...and this latest alliance puts SMM on par with Keppel when bidding for Petrobras contracts," Citigroup said in a client note.
Keppel Corp's shares only rose as much as 1.4 percent to S$11.66 with a volume about 2 million shares.
Analysts said earlier this week Sembcorp Marine and Keppel could benefit from a new Petrobras oil discovery in Brazil.
0319 GMT - Straits Times Index down 0.09 percent.
(Reporting by Tan Wei Xin, editing by Neil Chatterjee)
((weixin.tan@reuters.com; +65 6403 5667; Reuters Messaging: weixin.tan.reuters.com@reuters.net))
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
龍馬有信心獲建印尼首個合法賭場
（吉隆坡16日訊）雲頂（GENTING，3182，主板貿易）持股30%的龍馬（LANDMRK，1643，主板旅店），展望在印尼總值31億美元（約98億令吉）的度假村計劃內，興建當地首個合法賭場。
龍馬總營運長林文順接受《彭博社》訪問時指出，設立賭場“旨在為印尼打造新景點”。
他說，博彩元素將加速印尼民丹的綜合發展。
上述賭場將與新加坡的拉斯維加斯金沙集團，以及雲頂的新加坡賭場度假村競爭。
僑豐投資研究分析員黃德強指出，儘管存在執行風險，但上述計劃可行。
他也認為，由于大馬及新加坡皆有賭場，因此競爭將很嚴峻。
根據普華永道數據，亞太區博彩市場可能每年增長16%，2011年達303億美元（約960億令吉）。
林文順說，公司計劃掌握新加坡旅客人數增長的外溢效應，展望每年吸引300萬名訪客到民丹，比現有的37萬人增長8倍。
需時8年
龍馬股項今日表現亮眼，盤中攀升13仙或5.4%，報2.52令吉，並進入10大上升榜。雲頂則是4天內首次走高，盤中上揚10仙或1.6%，報6.45令吉。
龍馬在印尼的發展計劃總值31億美元，將建有5座度假村、高級住宅及別墅等。
不過，報導指出，在印尼開設賭場，可能遭當地政治界反對。
另外，林文順指出，龍馬將以8年時間興建度假村，發展成本達20億新元（約63.4億令吉）。
龍馬計劃出售5個綜合度假村地段，每地段佔地約25公頃，包括賭場。
他說，放眼年底前售出至少兩塊地段，並可能保留其中一塊地段及管理一間酒店和賭場，以取得經常收入。
Source
龍馬總營運長林文順接受《彭博社》訪問時指出，設立賭場“旨在為印尼打造新景點”。
他說，博彩元素將加速印尼民丹的綜合發展。
上述賭場將與新加坡的拉斯維加斯金沙集團，以及雲頂的新加坡賭場度假村競爭。
僑豐投資研究分析員黃德強指出，儘管存在執行風險，但上述計劃可行。
他也認為，由于大馬及新加坡皆有賭場，因此競爭將很嚴峻。
根據普華永道數據，亞太區博彩市場可能每年增長16%，2011年達303億美元（約960億令吉）。
林文順說，公司計劃掌握新加坡旅客人數增長的外溢效應，展望每年吸引300萬名訪客到民丹，比現有的37萬人增長8倍。
需時8年
龍馬股項今日表現亮眼，盤中攀升13仙或5.4%，報2.52令吉，並進入10大上升榜。雲頂則是4天內首次走高，盤中上揚10仙或1.6%，報6.45令吉。
龍馬在印尼的發展計劃總值31億美元，將建有5座度假村、高級住宅及別墅等。
不過，報導指出，在印尼開設賭場，可能遭當地政治界反對。
另外，林文順指出，龍馬將以8年時間興建度假村，發展成本達20億新元（約63.4億令吉）。
龍馬計劃出售5個綜合度假村地段，每地段佔地約25公頃，包括賭場。
他說，放眼年底前售出至少兩塊地段，並可能保留其中一塊地段及管理一間酒店和賭場，以取得經常收入。
Source
Landmarks Plans Indonesia's First Casinos in Bintan
April 16 (Bloomberg) -- Malaysia's Landmarks Bhd., backed by Asia's largest gambling company, hopes to build Indonesia's first legalized casinos in a $3.1 billion resort project to compete with Las Vegas Sands Corp. in Singapore.
The ``objective is to develop a new destination for Indonesia,'' Chief Operating Officer Lim Boon Soon said in an interview in Kuala Lumpur. The gaming element ``will accelerate the whole integrated development in Bintan,'' an island in Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population.
The planned casinos in Bintan will compete with gaming resorts that Las Vegas Sands and Genting Bhd., Landmarks's biggest shareholder, are racing to build in Singapore, which is a 55-minute ferry ride away. The regulated gambling market in the Asia-Pacific region may expand 16 percent a year to $30.3 billion in 2011, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
``It could work, though the execution risks are there,'' said Keith Wee, an analyst at OSK Research Sdn. With casinos in Malaysia as well as Singapore, ``competition will be tough.''
Singapore plans to double the number of overseas visitors to 17 million annually and triple tourism receipts to S$30 billion ($22 billion) by 2015. The island-nation ended a four- decade ban on casinos in 2005 amid surging gambling revenue in the Chinese city of Macau.
Landmarks aims to capture the spillover from Singapore, targeting about 3 million visitors a year to Bintan, eight times more than the 370,000 tourists now, Lim said.
Shares Climb
Landmarks climbed 2.5 percent to close at 2.45 ringgit in Kuala Lumpur, the highest level since March 27. It earlier rose 5.4 percent. Genting was unchanged at 6.35 ringgit after gaining 2.4 percent.
Bintan, the largest island in the Riau archipelago of Indonesia in the South China Sea, is being developed into one of Asia's biggest holiday resorts by the governments of Indonesia and Singapore and a group of companies.
Resorts there include the Banyan Tree Bintan, Bintan Lagoon Resort and Club Med Ria.
Occupancy rates for resorts in Bintan climbed to 61.4 percent last year from 54.9 percent in 2006, according to the Web site of Bintan Resorts International Pte, the marketing consultant for resorts in Bintan. There are more than 1,300 hotel rooms in the island, it said.
Landmarks's project, which will be valued at S$4.2 billion ($3.1 billion), will have as many as five resorts, condominiums, villas, health spas and water canals, Lim said in an interview yesterday. ``Five years down the road, having a casino won't be special.''
`Gambling Is Banned'
The casinos may be opposed by local politicians. ``The plan to build casinos uses a newly issued regional regulation,'' said Ferry Mursidan Baldan, a member of the Indonesian parliament's domestic and regional affairs commission. ``This is a problem'' because ``the national law says that gambling is banned.''
Should gambling be legalized in Bintan, ``then other regions would follow suit,'' he said. ``This we don't want to happen.''
Landmarks will build the resorts over eight years at a development cost of S$2 billion. The company plans to sell five so-called integrated resort lots of about 25 hectares (62 acres) each to investors, Lim said. Each of them comes with a ``casino offering,'' he said.
The company, based in Kuala Lumpur, agreed in February to buy the 26 percent it doesn't already own in Bintan Treasure Bay Pte, which owns 338 hectares of land in Bintan that's being developed into an integrated resort called Treasure Bay, for S$157 million in cash.
Not Just Casinos
Part of the land for Landmarks's project has been designated for activities such as gaming and medical tourism to help boost the development potential of Treasure Bay, it said in January. The statement didn't mention casinos. Treasure Bay will have other facilities apart from casinos, Lim said. The floor area for gambling will be ``minimal,'' he said.
The casino license is held by PT Wisata Hiburia, an Indonesian entity. ``In the zoning agreement, they are the ultimate approving party as to which operators they want,'' Lim said.
Landmarks aims to sell at least two lots by the end of the year. It may retain one and manage a hotel with a casino to provide recurring income, he said. It also may sell private homes, including 120 villa units and 4,000 ``high-end'' condominium units, and retain ownership of stores in the town center for rental income, he said.
``We have not really finalized the terms and conditions of the gaming business, so our priority is to get the land ready,'' Lim said. The project will create as many as 30,000 jobs in Bintan, he said.
Genting, which is opening a S$5.75 billion casino-resort on the Singapore island of Sentosa in 2010, owns 30 percent of Landmarks.
To contact the reporter on this story: Chan Tien Hin in Kuala Lumpur at thchan@bloomberg.net
Source
The ``objective is to develop a new destination for Indonesia,'' Chief Operating Officer Lim Boon Soon said in an interview in Kuala Lumpur. The gaming element ``will accelerate the whole integrated development in Bintan,'' an island in Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population.
The planned casinos in Bintan will compete with gaming resorts that Las Vegas Sands and Genting Bhd., Landmarks's biggest shareholder, are racing to build in Singapore, which is a 55-minute ferry ride away. The regulated gambling market in the Asia-Pacific region may expand 16 percent a year to $30.3 billion in 2011, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
``It could work, though the execution risks are there,'' said Keith Wee, an analyst at OSK Research Sdn. With casinos in Malaysia as well as Singapore, ``competition will be tough.''
Singapore plans to double the number of overseas visitors to 17 million annually and triple tourism receipts to S$30 billion ($22 billion) by 2015. The island-nation ended a four- decade ban on casinos in 2005 amid surging gambling revenue in the Chinese city of Macau.
Landmarks aims to capture the spillover from Singapore, targeting about 3 million visitors a year to Bintan, eight times more than the 370,000 tourists now, Lim said.
Shares Climb
Landmarks climbed 2.5 percent to close at 2.45 ringgit in Kuala Lumpur, the highest level since March 27. It earlier rose 5.4 percent. Genting was unchanged at 6.35 ringgit after gaining 2.4 percent.
Bintan, the largest island in the Riau archipelago of Indonesia in the South China Sea, is being developed into one of Asia's biggest holiday resorts by the governments of Indonesia and Singapore and a group of companies.
Resorts there include the Banyan Tree Bintan, Bintan Lagoon Resort and Club Med Ria.
Occupancy rates for resorts in Bintan climbed to 61.4 percent last year from 54.9 percent in 2006, according to the Web site of Bintan Resorts International Pte, the marketing consultant for resorts in Bintan. There are more than 1,300 hotel rooms in the island, it said.
Landmarks's project, which will be valued at S$4.2 billion ($3.1 billion), will have as many as five resorts, condominiums, villas, health spas and water canals, Lim said in an interview yesterday. ``Five years down the road, having a casino won't be special.''
`Gambling Is Banned'
The casinos may be opposed by local politicians. ``The plan to build casinos uses a newly issued regional regulation,'' said Ferry Mursidan Baldan, a member of the Indonesian parliament's domestic and regional affairs commission. ``This is a problem'' because ``the national law says that gambling is banned.''
Should gambling be legalized in Bintan, ``then other regions would follow suit,'' he said. ``This we don't want to happen.''
Landmarks will build the resorts over eight years at a development cost of S$2 billion. The company plans to sell five so-called integrated resort lots of about 25 hectares (62 acres) each to investors, Lim said. Each of them comes with a ``casino offering,'' he said.
The company, based in Kuala Lumpur, agreed in February to buy the 26 percent it doesn't already own in Bintan Treasure Bay Pte, which owns 338 hectares of land in Bintan that's being developed into an integrated resort called Treasure Bay, for S$157 million in cash.
Not Just Casinos
Part of the land for Landmarks's project has been designated for activities such as gaming and medical tourism to help boost the development potential of Treasure Bay, it said in January. The statement didn't mention casinos. Treasure Bay will have other facilities apart from casinos, Lim said. The floor area for gambling will be ``minimal,'' he said.
The casino license is held by PT Wisata Hiburia, an Indonesian entity. ``In the zoning agreement, they are the ultimate approving party as to which operators they want,'' Lim said.
Landmarks aims to sell at least two lots by the end of the year. It may retain one and manage a hotel with a casino to provide recurring income, he said. It also may sell private homes, including 120 villa units and 4,000 ``high-end'' condominium units, and retain ownership of stores in the town center for rental income, he said.
``We have not really finalized the terms and conditions of the gaming business, so our priority is to get the land ready,'' Lim said. The project will create as many as 30,000 jobs in Bintan, he said.
Genting, which is opening a S$5.75 billion casino-resort on the Singapore island of Sentosa in 2010, owns 30 percent of Landmarks.
To contact the reporter on this story: Chan Tien Hin in Kuala Lumpur at thchan@bloomberg.net
Source
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