LANGUAGE
English is the official language of the conference.

CLIMATE
The weather in Singapore in April is quite warm. The average daytime temperature is approximately 30 Celcius. Rainfall and humidity are steady year-round. November is one of the wettest months. Rain arrives in torrential downpours, but is soon replaced by sunshine. Please be sure to bring an umbrella and appropriate shoes.

AIRPORT AND TRANSPORTATION
Singapore is one the major aviation hubs in Asia and Changi Airport is the main airport in Singapore. It has over 96 airlines that fly to 200 cities around the world. The airport is located 20 kilometres from Singapore City Centre. From the airport, you can reach the Singapore city center by car, bus, trains, shuttles, and taxis. For further information, please visit www.changiairport.com

CURRENCY
The Singapore dollars is the currency of Singapore. It is abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or S$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies.

VOLTAGE & ELECTRONIC
Singapore uses 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Power plugs – Singapore uses the British BS1363 three-pronged square pin type socket. Plugs from the US, Western and Eastern Europe, and Asia will not fit into a Singapore power plug. Most hotels provide adapters for electrical appliances of a different voltage on request.

DRINKING WATER
Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink as it passes World Health Organization standards. Bottled water can easily be found in convenience stores.

DRUG ABUSE
Singapore views drug abuse very seriously. The trafficking of drugs carries the death penalty. Misuse of drugs in Singapore is a criminal offence.

MOBILE PHONES / CELL PHONES
Singapore’s international dialing code is +(65). While in Singapore and if you have international roaming service on your mobile / cell phone, you don’t have to press +(65) as it will automatically connect you to the local numbers here.

SAFETY
Singapore is a very safe country with low crime rates. “Low Crime” however, does not mean “No Crime”, so be smart and take normal precautions with your belongings.

SMOKING
Smoking is not allowed in all air-conditioned places, such as malls and eateries. There are designated smoking areas in some entertainment outlets and open-air eateries.

TIPPING
Tipping is not mandatory but it is encouraged when you experience good service, and this would be above the standard 10 percent gratuity to your bill added by some restaurants and hotels.

LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
The Conference Secretariat and Organisers cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss of or damage to private property of participants and accompanying persons. Participants are advised to take out their own personal travel and health insurance for their trip.