Business Asia: In Brief

* Jakarta -- The billions of dollars being pumped into Indonesia by international donors should stave off a complete breakdown this year, analysts say, but how can Indonesia be weaned off aid? The US$7.9 billion recently pledged to Indonesia for the 1998-99 fiscal year by donor countries and agencies, on top of an IMF-led US$41.2 billion international bailout package, should be enough to shore up Indonesia this year. However, analysts say the country will be forced to ask for more multi-billion dollar aid infusions in 1999-2000.

--Reuters

* Perth -- New research has uncovered pointers for foreign firms seeking to overcome business problems in China. The study, by Curtain University and the Beijing Institute of Technology, found that to be successful FIE managers need to learn Mandarin, to listen and learn from local managers, and keep a low profile.

* Taipei -- Taiwan's computer giant Acer Group has announced its newly remodelled business organisational structure, aiming to transform Acer into a customer-centric and intellectual property-oriented group. The group said Mr Simon Lin would be president and CEO of Acer Inc, replacing Stan Shih, who would be chairman and CEO of the entire Acer Group. "We want to enhance Acer's global competitiveness in the personal computer business ... especially as both internal and external business environments are becoming increasingly diverse and complex," Mr Shih said.

--Reuters

* Taipei -- Taiwan's first commercial satellite is set to be launched by the end of the month, state-run Chunghwa Telecom says. The US$240 million ST-1 will be launched on August 25 in South America, said Mr Chen Chenlu, assistant manager of Chunghwa's international department. The satellite, jointly owned by Chunghwa and Singapore Telecom, would be launched by French-based Arianespace from its site in Kourou, French Guiana, Mr Chen said.

* Australian racing enthusiasts can now experience the thrill of horse racing in Singapore through a series of travel packages. Prices start at A$1070 and include return flights on Singapore Airlines, four nights' accommodation in a choice of hotels, shopping vouchers, transfers and all race-day privileges, including optional membership at the Singapore Turf Club. The five-day, four-night packages are valid for each of the club's weekend race meetings. For more information, contact Judly International on (612) 9968 1600.

* When it comes to cruising, there are few areas in the world as diverse and fascinating as South East Asia. Largely due to the Singapore Cruise Centre, Singapore is fast becoming the region's cruise hub. The centre handles more than 14 million passengers each year, all enjoying the modern facilities and wide range of cruises available. A number of cruise operators have liners based in Singapore, making weekly trips to nearby Penang, Malacca and Langkawi. Longer journeys incorporating stops in Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong are available.

* Golf is becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, and players can now choose from more than 20 courses and driving ranges in Singapore and Sentosa as well as signature courses on nearby Bintan. The resort island of Bintan, a 45-minute boat ride from Singapore, is home to the Laguna Bintan, which offers an 18-hole course designed by Australian superstar Greg Norman. The nearby Ria Bintan development features the latest Club Med resort and an 18-hole golf course designed by South Africa's Gary Player.

* Passengers at Singapore's Changi Airport can now visit the city while in transit with the introduction of free two-hour tours, departing daily between 10am and 7pm. Two different tours are available -- the Spirit of New Asia Singapore tour and the Heartlands of New Asia Singapore tour. The first tour demonstrates the fusion of east and west in Singapore and features a 20-minute bumboat cruise on the Singapore River. The Heartlands of New Asia Singapore tour visits the Changi Capel and Museum and the Taoist temple in Tampines.

* Singapore Airlines has started providing poker, jackpot and blackjack games to passengers aboard flights to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tokyo. Passengers can place bets from US25 cents to US$3 by swiping their credit cards through a machine, with wins limited to US$3500. The airline is the third in the world to offer in-flight gambling.

--Bloomberg

* Tokyo -- Until September 30, All Nippon Airways Business Class passengers flying to Tokyo's Haneda Airport via Osaka can enjoy a free chauffeur-driven limousine pick-up to their hotel or residence in the Tokyo area. Business class passengers will also receive one night's free accommodation at either the ANA Hotel Tokyo in Akasaka, the Ginza Dai-Ichi Hotel or the Le Meridien Pacific Hotel Tokyo in Takanawa. Business class passengers flying directly to Osaka will also receive a chauffeur-driven limousine pick-up from the airport.

--Asia Pulse

* New Delhi -- With the World Tourism Organisation forecasting that China is all set to become the world's leading tourism centre by the year 2020, the Oberoi Group, which runs the second-largest chain of hotels in India, is ready to cash in on this by investing in China. Oberois is planning to set up a luxury hotel with around 400 rooms in Beijing.

--Bloomberg

* Singapore -- The Singapore Hotel Inter-Continental has launched a new room category specifically designed for business travellers at a premium of US$38 (US$22). Each business room comes equipped with a combined fax machine, copier, printer and scanner, an ergonomic chair and a dual line telephone with voice mail and fax/PC/email hook-up capability.

--Asia Pulse