Keynote Speakers:
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Family and Demographic Change: Problems and Progress Professor Judith Seltzer |
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Population and Climate Change Professor Wolfgang Lutz
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ISA research committees on Family (RC06) and Population (RC41) will have its first joint meeting in Singapore hosted by the National University of Singapore Centre for Family and Population Research (NUS CFPR). We welcome participants to submit abstracts that fall under the following theme:
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Important Dates and Deadlines
(Singapore time is based on UTC/GMT +8 hours, Deadlines are set at 5pm Singapore Time)
| Conference Dates | 17 - 19 May 2018 |
| Abstract Submission Opens | 1 July 2017 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 1 November 2017 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to | 15 November 2017 |
| Registration Opens | 20 December 2017 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 20 December 2017 |
| Early Bird Registration Deadline | 15 February 2018 -> Extended to 1 March 2018 |
| Registration Deadline for Authors | 1 March 2018 |
| Final Paper Submission Deadline | 30 April 2018 -> Extended to 8 May 2018 |
Book Launch on Family and Population Changes in Singapore: A Unique Case in Global Family Change, RoutledgeThis book depicts the evolution of Singapore's family and population landscape in the last half a century, the related public policies, and future challenges. Since the country gained independence in 1965, family and population policies have been integral to her nation-building strategies. The chapters discuss the changes in population compositions, family structures, relations, and values among major ethnic groups. They also discuss policies for vulnerable populations such as female-headed households, cross-cultural families, same-sex partnering, the elderly, and low-income families. Thursday, 17 May, 10am at Mandarin Orchard Singapore |
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Organisers and Partners
The International Sociological Association (ISA) is a non-profit association for scientific purposes in the field of sociology and social sciences. The ISA was founded in 1949 under the auspices of UNESCO. The goal of the ISA is to represent sociologists everywhere, regardless of their school of thought, scientific approaches or ideological opinion, and to advance sociological knowledge throughout the world. Its members come from 167 countries.
The Research Committee on Family Research (RC06) was founded in 1959. The purpose of the Committee on Family Research is to encourage family research of high quality within and between countries.
The Research Committee on Sociology of Population (RC41) was established in 1988. It is concerned with how sociological phenomena affect population structure and processes and vice versa. It focuses on conceptual and methodological development with the primary goal being an integrated and cumulative approach to the study of the articulation between population and social structure.
Main Organiser
The Centre for Family and Population Research (CFPR) is an interdisciplinary Centre at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUS that advances scientific research and training on family and population changes particularly in Asia.
Our missions are to promote (1) research, (2) training, (3) mentoring on family and population research. The research can be expected to lead to the centre playing a policy advisory role on issues related to family and population in Singapore and beyond.
Co-organisers
The NUS Global Asia Institute aims to take the lead in research and scholarship directed at topics pivotal to Asia's future. Driven by the mission to provide in-depth insights to shape the nature of 21st Century Asia, the NUS Global Asia Institute will take a holistic approach to the fundamental issues confronting Asia and the world. By focusing on integrative studies, the work of the Institute will go beyond public policies and also deal with matters of technological importance. The Institute will complement existing NUS programmes that already have a significant Asian component. The NUS Global Asia Institute, an initiative of NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, will bring together existing expertise from NUS and other universities, particularly those with expertise in India and China, in its quest for solutions that will solve the critical issues within Asia.
The department is a diverse, dynamic and innovative research and teaching unit with strong expertise in research on Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia as well as on Singapore society. One of the largest Sociology departments in the world, it offers comprehensive undergraduate, honours and graduate programmes, led by a group of dedicated and creative researchers and educators. The strength and vitality of the department are rooted in its teaching capacity fronted by excellent educators not to mention its stellar research and publication profile given a strong core of accomplished researchers and intellectuals. The classrooms, departmental seminars, graduate workshops and conferences organised through department initiatives afford opportunities for debating and debunking ideas and perspectives on culture, politics and society, challenging students to problematize everything - in the spirit of refusing to take anything for granted.
Sponsor
OUE is the sponsor of OUE Hospitality Trust and OUE Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust. In March 2017, OUE acquired International Healthway Corporation Limited, a listed integrated healthcare services and facilities provider.
For the latest news from OUE, visit www.oue.com.sg
Founded in 1929, the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) offer world class education through a wide range of academic programmes, with a comprehensive selection in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Asian Studies subjects. With rigorous yet innovative curriculums, students obtain in-depth training and gain valuable exposure to cross-disciplinary training within and outside of FASS.
PROGRAMME COMMITTEE
- Yeung, Wei-Jun Jean (Committee Chair, CFPR/ARI/Sociology, NUS)
- Ly Phan (Global Asia Research Cluster, NTU)
- Angelique Chan (Duke-NUS/Sociology, NUS)
- Stella Quah (Duke-NUS)
- Vincent Chua (CFPR/Sociology, NUS)
- Joonmo Son (Sociology, NUS)
- Premchand Dommaraju (Sociology, NTU)
- Sun Hsiao-Li Shirley (Sociology, NTU)
- Feng Qiushi (CFPR/Sociology, NUS)
- Tan Ern Ser (Sociology/LKYSPP, NUS)
- Gu Xiaorong (ARI, NUS)
- Tan Joo Ean (Sociology, NTU)
- Hu, Shu (ARI, NUS)
- Tan Poh Lin (LKYSPP, NUS)
- Erin Kim Hye-Won (LKYSPP, NUS)
- Bussarawan Puk Teerawichitchainan (Sociology, SMU)
- Ko Pei-Chun (CFPR/ARI, NUS)
- Kriti Vikram (Sociology, NUS)
- Maznah Mohamad (CFPR/Malay Studies, NUS)
- Yeonjin Lee (ARI, NUS)
- Thang Leng Leng (CFPR/Japanese Studies, NUS)
- Xiao Hong (Sociology, NTU)
- Liu Haoming (CFPR/Economics, NUS)
- Yang Yi (ARI, NUS)
- Mu Zheng (Sociology, NUS)
- Yi Junjian (Economics, NUS)
- Lavanya Balachandran (CFPR/ARI, NUS)
- Yvaine Koh Yee Woen (CFPR/ARI, NUS)
SECRETARIAT
- Nawal Hashim (CFPR, NUS)
- Gi Pasaraba (CFPR, NUS)
- Zuraihah Binte Mohamad (CFPR, NUS)
- Sascha Ng (CFPR, NUS)
- Joyous Tan (CFPR, NUS)
- Sumaiya Rahman (CFPR, NUS)
Accommodation
The conference organizers encourage you to make your lodging reservations and register for the conference early. The recommended hotels are listed below; these rooms come on a first-come-first-served basis. These hotels may provide complimentary transport to the conference venue, subject to the number of participants staying in the respective hotels during the conference period.
Conference Hotel - Mandarin Orchard Singapore
333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 6737 2200 || Email: resvn.orchard@meritushotels.com || Website: www.meritushotels.com/mandarin-orchard-singapore
Booking Form: Please click here
Mandarin Orchard Singapore is a 5-star hotel located in the world-renowned Orchard Road. The hotel houses Chatterbox, home of the legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice; Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro offering Sichuan cuisine; Triple Three, an international buffet restaurant; Coffee & Crust, a cosy café; and Bar on 5, a chill-out bar. Annexed to the hotel is Mandarin Gallery, a unique and intimate shopping destination with over 100 luxury and cult brands, making for an all-encompassing retail and hospitality experience for guests of Mandarin Orchard Singapore.
Room rates
| Room Type | Single Occupancy | Double Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Room | S$250.00++ | S$270.00++ |
Terms & Conditions
1. Room rate is inclusive of daily Buffet Breakfast served in Triple Three (Level 5) and Internet access based on 24-hr usage.
2. Rates quoted herein are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods & Services Tax (7% GST). For your convenience, the room rate should be multiplied by 1.177 to derive the all-inclusive rate.
3. Confirmation of guestrooms by the Hotel is subjected to availability at time of confirmation
4. Guestroom reservations may be guaranteed by credit card or a letter of guarantee by the company in the form of a written facsimile or email. (Applicable to companies with existing credit facilities with the Hotel)
5. Non-guaranteed reservations will be held until 1800hrs on the day of scheduled check-in. The Hotel will exercise its discretion to release such reservations without notice.
6. If a reservation is cancelled less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled date of check-in, a cancellation fee equivalent to one (1) night accommodation rate will apply.
7. A no-show fee, equivalent to one (1) night accommodation rate will apply.
8. Check-in time is 1400hrs and check-out time is 1100hrs. Request for early check-in or extended check out may be guaranteed by reserving an additional night prior to or after the intended length of stay.
Village Hotel Albert Court
180 Albert Street, Singapore 189971
Tel: +65 6512 2214|| Email: jolinhong@fareast.com.sg || Website: www.stayfareast.com/en/hotels/village-hotel-albert-court
Booking Form: Please click here
Village Hotel Albert Court is a melting pot of Indian and Peranakan influences with Straits Chinese Cravings and Motifs that adorn the walls of its conservation pre-war shop houses while the hotel’s charming courtyard brings you away from the bustling city and provides moments of serenity. Access to the Central Business District and Singapore’s famous shopping belt of Orchard Road is just minutes away via Public Transport. The hotel is just next to Rochor MRT Station, and within walking distance to Singapore Art Museum, National Library, Goddess of Mercy Temple and more.
Room rates
| Room Type | Room Rate per night* | |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Room (Room package inclusive of Daily Buffet Breakfast/s and Internet access) | Single Occupancy | S$140.00++ |
| Double/Twin | S$160.00++ | |
| Club Room(Room package inclusive of Daily Buffet Breakfast/s, Internet access, evening cocktail from 6 – 8pm, local calls, daily non-accumulative 2-piece laundry, except dry cleaning (min 2 nights stay), Club Lounge Access & Complimentary usage of Handy Phone. | Single Occupancy | S$190.00++ |
| Double/Twin | S$220.00++ |
*All rates quoted are not inclusive of 10% service charge, prevailing government taxes, valid for this conference only and in Singapore dollars. Room types are subject to availability upon reservation. The Hotel reserves the right to change without prior notice.
Terms & Conditions
1. All room charges and incidental charges will be borne by individual guest and has to be settled upon check out either by cash or credit card, unless stated otherwise.
2. The credit card details given will be used as a mode of guarantee for the booking.
3. The guest will be billed the entire length of stay if cancellation is made within 2 days before the arrival date or if there is a no-show.
4. Any amendment within 1 day before the date of arrival to each confirmed room reservation resulting in a reduced length of stay would be subjected to a room charge equivalent to the full length of stay as confirmed during reservation.
5. Check-in time is 1400 hours and check-out time is 1200 hours. For early check-in, a full day room rate will be levied.
6. Please inform us of any changes of your reservation in writing via email.
7. Room rates valid between 14 May – 20 May 2018 (both dates inclusive).
8. The above special rates are valid for booking until 20 April 2018. All room types will be subject to availability at time of booking.
9. The hotel may extend a complimentary 1-way transfer from Village Hotel Albert Court to Mandarin Orchard during conference days, subject to the number of participants staying during the conference period.
10. The hotel may extend a complimentary 1-way Airport to Hotel shuttle bus service on their arrival.
Dorsett Singapore
333 New Bridge Road, Singapore 088765
Tel: +65 6678 8386 || Email: liza.huang@dorsetthotels.com || Website: dorsetthotels.com
Booking Form: Please click here
Dorsett Singapore, the perfect choice for both leisure and business travellers offers stylish and comfortable accommodation for the discerning guests to enjoy, relax and refresh. Well positioned as a midscale hotel with diverse artistic atmosphere and cutting-edge IT facilities and services, the hotel is committed to offer uncompromising contemporary comfort and a unique experience with unpretentious luxury for its guests. Strategically located at the corner of the prominent road junction of New Bridge Road and Cantonment Road, Dorsett Singapore sits right on top of Outram Park MRT Interchange station, thus offering easy accessibility to the city’s commercial and tourist spots.
| Room Type | Single Occupancy | Double Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Dorsett Room (Single/Twin) | S$190.00++ | S$210.00++ |
| Deluxe Room (Single/Twin) | S$220.00++ | S$240.00++ |
Terms & Conditions
1. Room rates are in Singapore Dollar and are subject to 10% service charge, and prevailing Goods & Services Tax (GST), unless otherwise stated.
2. All reservations booked must be guaranteed by credit card for the full duration of stay.
3. The above rate is applicable for stay from 16 to 20 May 2018 (all dates inclusive).
4. Rate is valid for reservation made by 28 February 2018, after which rate will be subject to change without prior notice.
5. No-show or cancellation made after 14 May 2018 (Monday) will be subject to one night cancellation charge.
6. Our standard check-in time is at 1400 hours. Check-in before 1400 hours is subject to room availability unless the room is pre-blocked one night in advance, for which the charges of an additional full day will be levied at the confirmed rate.
7. Our standard check-out time is at 1200 hours. All late check-out requests are subject to availability. An extended check out till 1800 hours can be arranged at a half day’s room charge and thereafter at a full day charge.
8. Room categories and bed type are subject to availability and is based on first served basis.
9. The hotel may extend a complimentary 1-way transfer from Dorsett to Mandarin Orchard during conference days, subject to the number of participants staying during the conference period.
Park Avenue Rochester
31 Rochester Drive Singapore 138637
Tel: +65 6809 7369 || Email: pagroups@uel.sg || Website: parkavenueintl.com
Booking Form: Please click here
Cuddled by lush greenery, Park Avenue Rochester showcases 351 contemporary hotel rooms and suites targeted at discerning business travelers. Just over 2km from National University of Singapore (NUS), Park Avenue Rochester is indeed the nearest hotel with only 2 MRT stations away. This makes an ideal location for travelers to experience our hospitality service. Be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and night life with a great selection of restaurants, pubs and cafes just around the corner.
| Room Type | Room rates SINGLE / DOUBLE OCCUPANCY |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Room (20sqm) | S$180 | S$180 (only on 18-20 May) |
S$205 (only on 18-20 May) |
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| S$195 | S$220 | ||||||
| Deluxe Room (22sqm) | S$190 | S$205 | S$230 | ||||
| **Executive Deluxe Room (40sqm) 1-bedroom Suite – 1 King Bedded | S$230 | S$245 | S$270 | ||||
| **2-Bedroom Suite (63sqm) Master bedroom – 1 King Bedded, Guest bedroom – 2 Single Bedded with 2 bathrooms | DOUBLE / TRIPLE OCCUPANCY S$345 |
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Room rates per night are inclusive of unlimited wifi access and local calls.
** 1-bedroom & 2-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchenette, washing machine cum dryer, and spacious living room.
Terms & Conditions
1. All room reservation(s) must be guaranteed by major credit card.
2. Please inform us of any changes of your reservation in writing via email or fax.
3. The Hotel reserves the right to quote the next room category should the above room type are not available.
4. In the event of any cancellation within 48 hours of the scheduled arrival date, a one (1) night’s room charge will be levied.
5. Any no-show on the day of arrival, charges for the full duration of stay will be levied.
6. The hotel may extend a complimentary 2-way transfer from Park Avenue Rochestor to Mandarin Orchard during conference days, subject to the number of participants staying during the conference period.
Important Notice
Please note that the booking of accommodation in the hotels is administered by the hotels. Any personal data that you provide in the booking form will be handled by the hotel for booking purposes. NUS CFPR will not take responsibility for any information leak from the hotel booking forms as it is fully handled by the hotels.
Exhibition
| Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) |  |
| Springer |  |
| Routledge Taylor & Francis Group |  |
| Panel Study of Income Dynamics |  |
| China Family Panel Study |  |
Program Outline (Updated on 15 May 2018)
Thursday, 17 May 2018 (Day 1)
*Venue will be in Main Tower of Mandarin Orchard Singapore unless specified otherwise
| Time | Details | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 08.00 - 08.40 | Registration / Coffee and Tea | L6, Ballroom Foyer |
| 08:40 - 09.00 | Opening and Welcome by Host Institution Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung Director, Centre for Family and Population Research Provost’s Chair Professor, Department of Sociology Research Leader, Asia Research Institute, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of SingaporeProfessor Noah Lim, Global Asia Institute, National University of SingaporeWelcome from RC06 President, Professor Yi Chin-Chun, Academia SinicaWelcome from RC41 Representative, Professor Emeritus Ofra Anson, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 09.00 - 09.40 | Keynote Speech by Professsor Judith Seltzer Family and Demographic Change: Problems and Progress Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)2016 President, Population Association of America Director, UCLA California Center for Population Research |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 09.40 – 10.00 | Coffee Break | L6, Ballroom 2 |
| 10.00 – 11.20 | Parallel sessions
1.1 Global Family Change 1.3 Society, Family, and Female Labor Force Participation 1.4 Family Structure and Wellbeing |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 11.20 -11.30 | Moving to break-out rooms | |
| 11.30 - 12.50 | Parallel sessions
2.1 Social Capital: Diverse Causes and Externalities 2.3 Fertility and Public Policy 2.4 Migration and Gender |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 12.50 - 13.50 | Lunch | L6, Ballroom 2 |
| 13.50 - 15.10 | Parallel sessions
3.1 Longitudinal Surveys on Family 3.3 Fertility Trends and Family |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 15.10 – 15.40 | Coffee Break | L6, Ballroom 2 |
| 15.40 - 17.00 | Parallel sessions
4.1 Marriage Markets 4.3 Sex Preference and Gender Issues |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 19.00 | Conference Dinner | L6, Ballroom 1 |
Friday, 18 May 2018 (Day 2)
*Venue will be in Main Tower of Mandarin Orchard Singapore unless specified otherwise
| Time | Details | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 08.00 - 08.35 | Registration / Coffee and Tea | L6, Ballroom Foyer |
| 08.35 - 09.15 | Keynote Speech by Professor Wolfgang Lutz Population and Climate Change Founding Director, Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital Director, World Population Program,International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Director, Vienna Institute of Demography Professor for Social and Economic Statistics, Vienna University of Economics and Business |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 09.15 – 09.45 | Coffee Break | L6, Ballroom 2 |
| 09.45 – 11.05 | Parallel sessions
5.1 Changing Family Structures, Caregiving and 5.3 Work, Family Relations, and Public Policy |
L6, Ballroom 1 L8, Meeting Suites |
| 11.05 – 11.15 | Moving to break-out rooms | |
| 11.15 – 12.35 | Parallel sessions
6.1 Women's Employment and Family Life in Asia 6.3 Physical Functions and Cognitive Function in Later Life |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 12.35 - 13.35 | Lunch | L6, Ballroom 2 |
| 13.35 - 14.55 | Parallel sessions
7.1 Population Dynamics and Forecasts 7.3 Family Life and Inequality |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 14.55 – 15.25 | Coffee Break Meet the Editors Session for Asian Population Studies |
L6, Ballroom 2 Routledge Booth |
| 15.25 – 16.40 | Parallel sessions
8.1 Child Care and Child Development 8.3 Health and Family |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| End of Day 2 |
Saturday, 19 May 2018 (Day 3)
*Venue will be in Main Tower of Mandarin Orchard Singapore unless specified otherwise
| Time | Details | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 08.00 - 08.30 | Registration / Coffee and Tea | L6, Ballroom Foyer |
| 08.30 - 09.50 | Parallel sessions
9.1 Time Use and Quality of Life 9.3 Historical Demography |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 09.50 – 10.20 | Coffee Break | L6, Ballroom 2 |
| 10.20 – 12.00 | Plenary Session on Family Changes in Asia Keynote Speakers: Professor Emeritus Ofra Anson, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Professor Gavin Jones, Australian National University Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, National University of Singapore |
L6, Ballroom 1 |
| 12.00 – 12.30 | Farewell Tea & Closing of the Conference | L6, Ballroom 1 |
Abstract submission is closed
The International Sociological Association (ISA) research committees on Family (RC06) and Population (RC41) invites researchers to contribute to its 2018 conference to be held in Singapore on May 17-19, 2018. Jointly, RC06 and RC41 aim to encourage family and demographic research of high quality. The theme of this conference is
"CHANGING DEMOGRAPHY 
CHANGING FAMILIES"
Rapid demographic changes on a global scale such as population ageing, increased migration, and fertility decline have resulted in structural and normative shifts in the family system. Conversely, current family types and functioning affect demographic landscapes and trajectories. This conference seeks to bring together researchers to examine issues surrounding the bilateral relationship between family and demographic changes, factors shaping these changes and consequences of these changes. In addition to this main focus, we welcome papers that examine population dynamics and the relationship between population and family with other institutions.
Papers relevant to these themes are particularly welcome:
- Children and youth
- Non-normative families
- Transition to adulthood
- Gender
- Aging and the life course
- Formal demography
- Education
- Population dynamics
- Comparative studies
- Population and environment/development
- Data and methods
- State, family and population
- Historical studies
- Race and ethnicity
- Network analysis
- Labor force
- Fertility
- Migration and urbanization
- Sexuality and reproductive health
- Social capital
- Family and household
- Poverty and inequality
- Family and work
- Health and mortality
- Marriage and union
- Social safety nets
Submission of abstracts must be in English and made online at the conference website submission page (available from 1 July – 15 November 2017).
The deadline for abstract submissions is 15 November 2017 at 5:00 p.m, Singapore Time (UTC/GMT +8 hours). All abstracts must be submitted electronically via the abstract submission website.
All presenters, chairs and discussants must be registered for the meeting to participate.
Important Timeline(Singapore time is based on UTC/GMT +8 hours, Deadlines are set at 5pm Singapore Time)
| Conference Dates | 17 - 19 May 2018 |
| Abstract Submission Opens | 1 July 2017 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 1 November 2017 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to | 15 November 2017 |
| Registration Opens | 20 December 2017 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 20 December 2017 |
| Early Bird Registration Deadline | 15 February 2018 -> Extended to 1 March 2018 |
| Registration Deadline for Authors | 1 March 2018 |
| Final Paper Submission Deadline | 30 April 2018 -> Extended to 8 May 2018 |
For inquiries, email cfpr@nus.edu.sg.
Important Notice
Please be informed that the information you provide for your abstract submission to the ISA RC 06-41 Conference in Singapore will be kept confidential, and any information that may be used by a third party is strictly for processing your submission to the ISA RC 06-41 Conference.
Please take note also that the organizers may take photos of the audience and speakers during the conference which may be used by the organizers for publicity, documentation and / or educational purposes. If you have any concerns about your photos being taken or used for the abovementioned purposes, please email us at cfpr@nus.edu.sg.
This notice is in compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act.
About Singapore
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Currency Exchange
Singapore’s currency is the Singapore dollar (S$ or SGD). Money changing services can be found at Singapore Changi Airport, shopping centres and hotels around the island. There is also an abundance of automated teller machines (ATMs) which accept most major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Currency Converter
Click HERE
Drinking Water
It is safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers always have ample stock.
Electricity
Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.
Language
English is the language primarily spoken in Singapore. Mandarin, Malay and Tamil, together with other dialects, are used as well.
Mobile Phone
Singapore’s international dialing code is +(65). While in Singapore and if you have international roaming service on your cell phone, you don’t have to press +(65) as it will automatically connect you to the local numbers here. There are two mobile phone networks - GSM900 and GSM1800 - and three mobile telephone service providers - SingTel, M1 and StarHub.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all airconditioned areas (e.g. shopping centres, restaurants, cinemas, public buses, the MRT, taxis, lifts), common corridors, void decks and staircases within residential buildings, outdoor hospital compounds, as well as a 5-metre radius from any entrance/exit and bus shelter.
Transport
The public transport in Singapore is well connected with commuters able to choose between trains, taxis and buses.
Mass Rapid Transport(MRT)
This is a fast and efficient form of transport, with a train arriving every few minutes. Fares range from S$1.00 to S$2.00, from vending machines at the stations. Operating hours vary a little but trains run from around 05:15 to 00:15. It is recommended to check what time the last train leaves from the respective stations if you are planning a late night.
Bus
Bus fares range from S$1.00 to S$2.00. If you are paying in cash, please ensure you have the correct fare, as bus drivers do not give change. Alternatively, you can purchase an Ez-Link card, which is a stored-value fare card, from bus interchanges and MRT stations. Ez-Link cards may be used for bus and MRT fares.
Taxi
Taxis can be flagged from hotels and taxi stands, as well as on the streets, if there are no taxi stands nearby and traffic is not disrupted. Flagged taxi fares start between S$3.00 and S$3.40 for the first 1km. There are additional charges for trips from Changi Airport (from S$5.00 onwards, depending on the time); to and fro from the Central Business District (S$3.00 from Monday to Saturday, 17:00 to midnight), Peak Hours (25% of the metered fare on Monday to Saturday from 06:00-09:30 & 18:00 to midnight); After Midnight (50% of the metered fare shown).
Advance booking numbers (booking surcharge varies from S$8.00 to S$18:00):
Comfort CityCab (65) 6552 1111
Comfort Premier Cabs (65) 6552 2828
SMRT Taxis (65) 6555 8888
Premier Taxis (65) 6363 6888
Tax Refund Schemes
To enjoy tax-free shopping in Singapore, simply look out for retailers that display the “Tax Refund” logo on their shop front and spend SG100 in a single receipt to qualify. More information can be found at the Tourist Refund Scheme page on the Singapore Customs website at www.customs.gov.sg.
Tipping
Tipping is not widely practiced in Singapore as most hotels and restaurants apply a default 10% service charge.
Visa and Entry Facilities
Most foreigners coming into Singapore do not require a visa for entry and may be given social visit passes for up to 30 days upon their arrival in Singapore. However, it is best to consult your local consular office for the latest information with regard to coming into Singapore. If you would like to stay in Singapore for a longer period, you may apply to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) upon your arrival. You should have a valid passport with at least six months validity, onward or return tickets, onward facilities (such as visas or entry permits) to your next destination, and sufficient funds for your stay in Singapore.
The list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Singapore may be found on the ICA’s website.
Weather
Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31ºC (88ºF), dropping to around 24ºC (75ºF) in the evenings. The monsoon season can bear down pretty heavily on our tropical weather from November onwards, so be prepared for rain on a daily basis during this period.
Contact Us
Centre for Family and Population Research
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Ventus (University Campus Infrastructure), Unit #03-01, 8 Kent Ridge Drive
Singapore 119246