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Year 2004

Opening of Changi Naval Base

Friday, 21st May 2004

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) took a step towards achieving world-class status when its Changi Naval Base was opened by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. Also present were the Minister of Defence, Admiral Teo Chee Hean. This ceremony marked the culmination of more than a decade of planning and construction of a naval base that is among the most sophisticated in this region. The other two Naval Bases are located at Pulau Brani and Tuas.

RSAF F-16 Fighter Jet Crashed

Thursday, 20th May 2004

A Singapore Republic Air Force (RSAF) F-16C fighter jet crashed during a routine night training mission south of Barry M. Goldwater Range Military training range in southern Arizona. The plane was piloted by 25-years old, Lieutenant Loo Kwang Han, had taken off from Luke Air Force Base with two other aircraft on a routine night training flight. About 45 minutes into the flight, communication with the missing aircraft was lost. Lieutenant Loo Kwang Han died in the crash.

Nicoll Highway Collapsed

Saturday, 24th April 2004

At about 3.30 pm, a disaster struck when part of the temporary retaining wall of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Circle Line at Nicoll Highway collapsed. It caused a cave-in and brought the surrounding area and part of Nicoll Highway down into it, forming 30 m deep ravine. As Nicoll Highway sank, gas, water and electricity cables snapped, causing power to go out for about 15,000 people and 700 businesses in the Marina and Suntec City area. Tremors were felt at Golden Mile Complex. Tenants and residents in the building were also evacuated. Police immediately cordoned off the adjoining Merdeka Bridge and sealed all roads leading to Nicoll Highway. The tragedy left four men dead. Nicoll highway was only reopened to traffic 8 months later on 4 December 2004.

NKF: Controversially ahead of its time, Article Published

Monday, 19th April 2004

Straits Times published an editorial "NKF: Controversially ahead of its time?" written by senior correspondent Susan Long. This article became the subject of the dispute, and eventually the lawsuit that led to the scandal. Durai and NKF challenged the first six lines of the article, which claimed that a retired contractor (who declined to be named, for fear of being sued) had 'lost it' when he was asked to install "a glass-panelled shower, a pricey German toilet bowl and a (S$1,000) gold-plated tap" in Durai's office. NKF shortly issued a letter of demand for an apology, retraction, and payment of damages from the paper's publisher, Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), within 24 hours. Four days after the article's publication, NKF and Durai served a writ on Long and SPH for defamation, demanding S$3.24 million in damages. The trail was set on the 11 July 2005.

Singapore Sport School

Friday, 2nd April 2004

The Singapore Sports School under the auspices of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports, the school was officially opened by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. The #Singapore Sports School# is a specialized independent school providing a conducive academic and training environment for teenagers aspiring to be sports athletes.Students reside five days a week on a sprawling seven-hectare campus that comes equipped with world-class sporting facilities. Students at sports school undergo a modular curriculum of study in specialized classrooms. The mode of study is tied closely to the syllabus of mainstream school and that which allows them the flexibility to compete at sports competition frequently without comprising their studies.

Old National Library Building Demolished

Wednesday, 31st March 2004

The Old National Library Building was a historical building at Stamford Road. Originally completed in 1960, it housed the National Library. Despite a huge groundswell of public dissent, the library was closed on 31 March 2004, and was demolished to make way for the construction of the Fort Canning Tunnel to ease road traffic to the city.

Armed Robbers In Tekong

Thursday, 18th March 2004

The Singapore Police was informed by the Royal Malaysia Police at about 08:45am that they were pursuing three men on board a motorised sampan and the sampan had landed at Pulau Tekong. The men are suspected to have earlier committed armed robbery in Johor. The Singapore Armed Forces and the Singapore Police Force are jointly conducting a search for the three persons on the island. Security measures have also been stepped up on the island. About 700 soldiers and policemen are combing Pulau Tekong for three armed robbers. All training on the island has been temporarily suspended to facilitate the search operations. All three were caught and were charged with illegal entry and possession of firearms.

Asian Aerospace 2004

Thursday, 26th February 2004

The 12th Asian Aerospace 2004 (AA2004) is a 6-day event, taking place from 26 February to 29 February 2004. The first 4 days of the Singapore Airshow are exclusively for trade attendees and the final 2 weekend days are open to general public at large. Show visitors are treated to an extra 30-minute aerobatic flying display taking place at this year’s Singapore Airshow over the public weekend. This is in addition to the 60-minute aerial display.

Makan Marathon Held

Saturday, 7th February 2004

Food lover from all over Singapore took part in the Makan Marathon. Participants compete in the food-chasing race to complete the food trails and find the best hawker food around the Singapore.

Poultry Removed from Farms and Residences in Pulau Ubin

Wednesday, 4th February 2004

To reduce the risk of Bird Flu affecting Singapore, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority announced that it would remove poulty from farms and residences in Pulau Ubin with the next two days.

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