If there is one word that best captures Singapore, it is “unique”. A dynamic city rich in contrast and colour, you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture here. Brimming with unbridled energy, this little dynamo in Southeast Asia embodies the finest of both East and West.A single day's trail will take you from the past to the future, from exotic ethnic enclave to efficient business centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers.

Computer games model many interesting real-world problems and provide a fun, scalable, virtual environment for technological interplay. The conference venue at Singapore provides a similar fun, diverse but real-world environment for the gaming community to interact and connect. Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre serves as the Conference venue.

ATTIRE & WEATHER

Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. Singapore has a relative humidity of 96%.Light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is therefore best for everyday wear. Conference venues and shopping centers tend to get a bit cold, so come prepared with a light jacket or shawl.

LANGUAGE

English is a widely spoken language and the common business language of all. Other languages spoken include Mandarin, various other Chinese dialects, Malay and Tamil.

CURRENCY

The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Notes come in denominations of SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, SGD 20, SGD 50, SGD 100, SGD 500, SGD 1,000, and SGD 10,000. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and SGD 1. Banking hours are Mondays to Fridays: 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. Saturdays: 0930 hrs to 1300 hrs (some banks are open until 1500 hrs. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturdays.

Passports are required when cashing in travellers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged. Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big departmental stores. Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore

DRINKING WATER

It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers usually carry a sizeable selection.

ELECTRICITY

Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second. When shopping for electrical appliances, do remember to check the voltage of the item against the acceptable voltage in your home country. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.

MONEY CHANGERS

Money changing services are available at Singapore Changi Airport round the clock and at most banks and hotels.Apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers.

TIPPING

Tipping is not practised as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and is prohibited at the airport.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dental surgeons.Pharmacies are ready available at supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists generally work from 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs. Most hotels have their own doctor on-call around the clock. For an ambulance, dial 995.

SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, non-airconditioned eating houses, hawker centers, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. In line with efforts to improve the nightlife experience for all, there are smoking restrictions on entertainment outlets. Smoking is no longer allowed in all pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots, unless within approved smoking rooms or smoking corners. Offenders can be fined up to SGD 1,000.

FOREIGN & SINGAPORE MISSIONS

The majority of foreign missions are closed on Saturdays and some open only in the morning. It is recommended that you telephone to check office hours before visiting.For Contact details and additional information visit STB's Foreign & Singapore Mission's page.

Uniquely Singapore - Unique is the word that captures Singapore, a dynamic city rich in contrast and color where you'll find a harmonious blend of cultures, cuisines, arts and architecture. Singapore consists of the Main Island and 63 smaller Islands within its territorial waters. Its intricate cultural basket is woven with the fibers of traditional Chinese, Malay and Hindu cultures that have established themselves on this island. This name Singapore is derived from the Sanskrit term "Singa Pura" which means "Lion City". This island nation offers visitors tantalizing attractions from cultural, natural and culinary delights.

A bridge between the East & West for centuries, Singapore, located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today. The Island is often referred as City of diverse cultures, The Garden City, the Fun City, and City for the Arts and the Gateway City. Brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, Singapore offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered.

For tours and sightseeing on places of interests in Singapore, please visit Tour East Singapore's website at www.toureast.net . Kindly book your appointments under Asia Pacific Technology Forum and the name of the event for better services.

Standing at 165 metres, the S$240-million Singapore Flyer giant observation wheel is a new visitor attraction at Marina Bay. Unobstructed in all directions, from sunrise until sunset, the visitor will be able to take in different perspectives of the dynamic Singapore landscape at every turn of the wheel.

The Singapore Flyer will sit astride a three-storey building with an exciting array of retail, entertainment and food-and-beverage choices, including an Asian tropical rainforest. Special LED lighting mounted on the giant wheel rim provides for a kaleidoscopic visual display at night.

For more information, call (65) 6734 8829 or visit www.singaporeflyer.com.sg.