Year 2003
ST Aerospace To Conduct RSAF TWC
Wednesday, 23rd April 2003
ST Aerospace was awarded a five-year contract to provide the RSAF training for its trainee pilots until they became full-fledged transport pilots. The six months course teaches pilot trainee to fly in a Beechcraft King Air C90GTi aircraft.
Courage Fund Setup
Friday, 11th April 2003
The Courage Fund was set up as a fund-raising effort to provide relief to SARS victims and healthcare workers.
SARS Outbreak
Thursday, 13th March 2003
The SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, outbreaks was traced to a 23 year-old female Singaporean traveler returning from Hong Kong on 25 February 2003. In all, SARS has killed 25 Singaporeans and infected 173 more over the next two months. From March to May 2003, SARS raged in Singapore. Schools were closed. The Pasir Panjang wholesale vegetable market was closed off. Visitors stopped coming to Singapore. Changi Airport was deserted. Shopping malls and restaurants emptied out. The economy took a terrible hit as many businesses folded. Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong told Singaporeans the SAR outbreak costed the country about $1 billion. Update: On 6 May 2003, CDC Lowers SARS Travel Warnings for Singapore. On 31 May, the World Health Organization declared Singapore SARS-free.
F-35 JSF For Singapore Air Force
Sunday, 23rd February 2003
The Singapore Ministry of Defence and the United States Department of Defense signed a Letter of Intent this morning to mark Singapore’s intention to participate in the System Design and Development Phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme. The arrangement provides an early opportunity to assess the JSF’s ability to meet the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s operational requirements. Singapore will have insights into the JSF’s development progress and be able to conduct studies for integration of Singapore’s requirements into the JSF. As an SCP, Singapore can also request early purchase of the JSF for delivery from 2015 onwards and will probably replaces the F-16 by 2020.
NEWater Launched
Friday, 21st February 2003
NEWater was launched by PM Goh. NEWater is a recycled water that has been treated and purified using advanced technologies. NEWater ensures that we in Singapore have enough clean drinking water in the future.
City Harvest Church Allegations Retracted
Saturday, 25th January 2003
53-year-old Businessman, Mr Roland Poon Swee Kay, withdraws allegations about City Harvest Church (CHC) and singer Ho Yeow Sun (Sun Ho AKA Geisha), after issued four half-page apologies in The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Lianhe Wanbao and Shin Min Daily News and a fifth apology appeared in The New Paper. In all, they cost $33,372.06. Two weeks ago, Mr Roland Poon Swee Kay contacted the press to complain about what he said were improper financial practices by Rev Kong Hee and his wife.
The Majestic reopened as a shopping centre
Friday, 17th January 2003
The Majestic which was originally built as a theatre fro Cantonese opera performance in 1928 was reopened as a shopping centre.
RSS Courageous Mid-Sea Accident
Friday, 3rd January 2003
Singapore Navy RSS Courageous and merchant M/V ANL Indonesia, South Korea, collided off Pedra Branca injuring 8 navy crew & killing 4 female crew sleeping in quarters at time of collision.
5-per-cent GST
Wednesday, 1st January 2003
One 1 January 2003, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was adjusted upwards from 4% to 5%. The weak consumer sentiment will limit the scope for retailers to pass on the GST hike.
Major Events 1 Military 1 Nation Building 3 People 4 Places 16
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