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Key Dates

Scientific Programme
- Overview
- Plenary Sessions
- Speakers & Chairs
- Oral Papers
- Posters
- Special Sessions
- Pre-Colloquium Events

Abstracts
- Call for Abstracts
- Abstract Format Guidelines
- How to Submit Your Abstract

Workshop
- Call for Workshop Proposals
- Submission Guidelines
- Sample Workshop Proposal
- Workshops List

Meetings
- Meetings List
- Meet the Entities & Newcomers
- Annual General Meetings

Registration

Accomodation

Social Programme

Singapore & More
- Venue
- Visitors Tips
- Singapore A-Z

Stipends
- Introduction
- Consumer Stipends
- Developing Country Stipends

Prizes and Awards
- Introduction
- Thomas C Chalmers Award
- Kenneth Warren Prize
- Chris Silagy Prize
- Bill Silverman Prize

Exhibitors and Sponsors

SINGAPORE A-Z

The City-state of Singapore

Located in the heart of Asia, Singapore thrives as an international financial and trading hub. It's a city of contrasts, where the ideas of the future mingle with the ways of tradition. Singapore offers you a diverse range of uniquely enriching experiences; from nature to nightlife and from culture to couture.

Singapore is one of the world's safest and family-friendly cities, renowned for its efficient public services and excellent transport system. Its tropical climate is heaven-sent if you like warm and humid conditions - temperatures vary slightly between the average maximum of 31°C and minimum of 23°C. Those not so keen on the tropical climate will quickly appreciate Singapore's air-conditioned everything.

For information on attractive sites and places to explore in and around Singapore, you may have a look on our visitor tips

From A to Z

Arrival at the airport International flights to Singapore arrive at Changi International Airport.

Visit the ground transport centre located in the arrival halls of Terminals 1, 2 & 3 for one-stop information and booking of various forms of transportation. Estimated rate for a taxi ride from airport to city: 18-32 SGD. You may catch a comfortable yet affordable bus ride to town at below 2 SGD. Alternatively, take the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train to enjoy quick and easy access to the city in less than 30 minutes for 1.40-2 SGD.

Banks and currencies The currency for Singapore is the Singapore Dollar. Other than that, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big department stores.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 09:30-16:00h, and on Saturday, from 09:30-14:00h. You will find ATMs most everywhere.

Child care service Planning to bring your family to Singapore? If you are looking for child care service for your kids, you may contact the Colloquium Secretariat at colloquium AT sgh.com.sg for advice.

Drinking water Singapore's tap water is clean and safe to drink.

Electricity Singapore's voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second that utilises a three-pin, square-shaped plug and socket system. If you are carrying a device with a different voltage or pin head, most hotels can provide you with transformers. If you are buying electronic items from here, make sure you check the voltage against that of your home country.

Emergency numbers In cases of emergency call 999 for Police, 995 for Ambulance and Fire Brigade.

Facilities for disabled persons All Colloquium locations at Suntec are wheelchair accessible. If you require specific facilities, please give details in your registration and/or contact the Colloquium Secretariat.

GST relief and prohibited goods A 7% Goods & Services Tax (GST) is levied on all goods and services purchased in Singapore. As a tourist or visitor, you can enjoy GST refunds on goods purchased upon your departure at the airport. For more information on tax-free shopping, visit the Singapore Customs webpage on the Tourist Refund Scheme. For details on dutiable, controlled and prohibited goods when entering Singapore, please check the 'Travellers' section on the Singapore Customs website.

Insurance and liability disclaimer It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate medical, travel and personal insurance before their travel. The conference organisers shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered conference participants. In the event of industrial disruption or other unforeseen circumstances, the conference organisers accept no responsibility for loss of monies incurred by delegates. The organisers reserve the right to alter the Colloquium programme after the printing of the programme book, if deemed necessary.

Language There are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Malay is the national language. Money changers There are licensed money changers in Changi Airport and most shopping centres in the city, aside from banks and hotels. Most licensed money changers commence business at 10:00h. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers.

Opening hours Offices are generally open from Monday to Friday, 09:00-18:00h. Shops are open every day, usually from 10:00-21:00h.

Passport and visa requirements Please check well in advance if your travel passport is valid.

If you are coming from a country which does not require an entry visa to Singapore, you may be given a social visit pass of up to 30 days upon arrival. Please visit the website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore to find out, if you need a visa to enter Singapore and how to apply for it.

Personal safety As in every city, some basic safety precautions should be observed. Watch your luggage and personal belongings, especially laptops and technical equipment, such as cameras, video-cameras and mobile phones which are highly susceptible to theft. Please do not leave anything unattended, especially in crowded locations like train stations and shopping malls.

'Singapore is a fine city' Be aware that Singapore charges high fines (500-1,000 SGD) on offences such as eating and drinking in MRT stations and trains, smoking in non-smoking areas and dumping litter on the ground.

Smoking Smoking is not permitted in public transport, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores, hospitals and government offices. Clubs and bars might have a smokers room, cafes and restaurants may dispose of smoking areas outside. Offenders can be fined up to 1,000 SGD.

Telecommunications There are three telephone service providers - SingTel, M1 and StarHub. To make international calls, the access codes are 001, 013, or 019 for SingTel, 002 or 021 for M1 and 008 or 018 for StarHub, to be dialled before the country code (e.g. 019-61-xx for Australia, 019-44-xx for UK).

Contract free SIM cards for mobile phones can be purchased from selected shops throughout the island, e.g. from 7-Eleven, a 24h convenience store that you can find most everywhere. The cost for calls and text messages both national and international are relatively cheap.

Calls from public phones cost 0.10 SGD for 3 minutes. Phones are either coin or card operated, the latter being the most commonly used. Phone cards from 3 SGD can be purchased at post offices and shops. You can also use your credit card at selected phone booths. The IDD code is 001.

Tipping Tipping is appreciated, but not mandatory. Most hotel and restaurant bills come with a 10% service charge.

Transportation in Singapore Singapore's efficient and relatively cheap public transport offers taxis, buses and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system. Buses and trains run from about 6am to 12pm. Get bus tickets directly in the bus, and train tickets in the stations. Other than single ride tickets, you can purchase day tickets at 8 SGD for unlimited bus and train rides, or a store-value card (5 SGD initial cost, but cheaper fares than single tickets).

Weather and attire Singapore has a hot and humid climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24°C to 31°C. Be ready with a foldable umbrella though, for unexpected tropical downpours. Light and comfortable summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear, but don't forget to bring some longsleeve if staying in air-conditioned indoors for a while. Casual dress is acceptable for most situations and occasions but some establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any.

Wireless internet at the Colloquium Wireless internet will be available at Suntec free of charge during the Colloquium.

Singapore is keen to offer free wireless internet access throughout the island. You can register with Wireless@SG and get your access password via SMS to your mobile phone.