Singapore - Operators of the world's tallest observation wheel have feng shui experts to thank for pointing out that the Singapore Flyer was turning the wrong way, accounting for fewer than expected passengers, they said on Saturday.

"There have definitely been more passengers since Monday" when the 30-minute ride in 28 air-conditioned capsules started spinning in a new direction after geomancers noted its original path was taking fortune away from Singapore, said Mike Chew, one of the flight planners.

Singapore - Christianity is increasingly attracting followers of the Chinese religion Taoism, with young Christian converts finding an extended family at church, hip music and opportunities to socialize, a published study said on Saturday.

Census figures revealed the Taoist share of the population plunged from 30 per cent in 1980 to 22.4 per cent in 1990 to 8.5 per cent in 2000.

Christianity has seen its flock grow to 14.6 per cent in 2000 from 12.7 per cent in 1990, said the breakdown in The Straits Times.

Singapore - Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong predicted "a bumpy year ahead" Friday as the economic problems gripping the US are starting to have an impact on Asia.

On the eve of Singapore's 43rd National Day, Lee said the last 12 months were a period of economic uncertainty worldwide.

"Considering the external challenges, Singapore's economic results are good," he said in his annual message. For the first half of 2008, growth was 4.5 per cent and expected to be between 4 and 5 per cent for the whole year.

However, with the housing crisis adding further stress to the US financial system, American consumers are spending less, affecting the whole global economy, Lee said.

Singapore - Singapore and Malta have signed an Open Skies Agreement (OSA) allowing for full flexibility on air services operated by carriers of both countries, the civil aviation authority said on Friday.

The OSA becomes fully effective on December 1, 2010.

"The OSA will enable our carriers to capitalize on market opportunities that arise in (the) future," said the authority's chief executive officer Lim Kim Choon.

Singapore  - Low-cost carrier Tiger Airways reported on Thursday an annual net profit of 37.8 million Singapore dollars (27 million US dollars) despite soaring fuel costs.

Singapore - Singapore President SR Nathan conferred the city-state's highest military award Thursday on General Boonsrang Niumpradit, supreme commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

The Distinguished Service Order went to Boonsrang in recognition of his "outstanding contributions and commitment to strengthening the excellent ties between the (Royal Thai Armed Forces) and the Singapore Armed Forces," the defence ministry said.

Professional interaction between the two armed forces have increased under Boonsrang's leadership, the ministry's statement noted, citing bilateral and multilateral military exercises.