We refer to the numerous reports in the local main stream media
regarding Temasek Holdings “request” for our ”The
Temasek Review” to change its name.
We wish to state the following for the
record:
1. The ”request for name change” was delivered to one
Dr. Joseph Ong who is not a member of our editorial team past
or present. He is not in a position to receive any notices or
communication on our behalf. Our webform is the only acceptable means
of communication with us.
2. We did not receive the said “request” directly from
Temasek Holdings. We were only forwarded copies of the said
“request” by various journalists from the MSM requesting a follow
up. Hence technically, we were not formally informed of the said
request and unless we receive a formal “request” directed to us, we
will treat this matter as “hearsay”.
3. The name “The Temasek Review” is already in use since
July 2009 while Temasek Holdings only registered
for trademark rights November 9, 2009 in
Singapore.
4. Temasek Holdings also registered trademark for the following
names at the United States Patent and Trademark Office:
“TEMASEK” and “THE TEMASEK REPORT” respectively in October 3,
2006 and May 11, 2010. The name “THE TEMASEK REVIEW” is NOT
registered.
5. We note that Temasek Holdings said it had no qualms about the
website’s mission.
6. Our agreeing to the name change is NOT an admission of
our infringement, inferred or otherwise but
merely offered out of goodwill subject to acceptance of
conditions agreed upon between Temasek Holdings and Temasek Review,
if any.
Although we have received information from our confidential
sources to the contrary, “conspiracy theories” aside, we are
willing to believe that the “concern” expressed by SMD Goh Yong
Siang of Temasek Holdings is “geniune”.
After delibrating on the matter, our editorial team are
agreeable “in principle” (without prejudice) to a name
change if we can confirm and verify the following from
Temasek Holdings ONLY:
1. That Temasek Holdings is genuinely wanting to request for a
name change from us for reason(s) stated in the MSM and not just a
ploy to discredit and smear Dr. Joseph Ong further, by contacting
us DIRECTLY via our webform or through our official
email address with a formal “request”.
2. Clarify if Temasek Holdings is claiming exclusive rights to
the word “Temasek” around the world and any other name we decide to
change to should not have the word “Temasek” in it. Example:
Temasek Gossip Corner, Temasek CoffeeShop, Temasek Lounge, Temasek
Sweat Shop, etc. We are not asking for “opinion”, we are asking for
“confirmation” on their claims to rights. This will help us in
choosing a suitable name for our new revamped site.
3. Clarify if Temasek Holdings is taking issue only with our
site name or both our site name and domain name and if so is
Temasek Holdings intending to acquire it from us (since it is
related to their “annual review”) or are they merely intending to
use underhand means to “rob” it from us.
4. That this is the ONLY issue (name of the site) Temasek
Holdings have with us and upon the name change, the issue is
resolved with no further emcumbrances whatsoever. If there further
issues, to list and state them for the record.
Once we have received a formal “request” from Temasek Holdings
and a satisfactory reply to the above point 2,3 and
4 raised, we will proceed with the name change soonest
possible.
Lastly, we wish to clarify our decision with our
readers:
1. Our editorial team decided to “accede” to the request of
Temasek Holdings not because of “no balls and guts”. It is
pointless to venture on this insinuations because we all know
better why the sudden interest of the local MSM and TH on our
site.
2. We are not interested getting into a legal tussle with
Temasek Holdings on our site name and waste precious time and money
(ours and Singapore tax payers) which should be put to better use.
Additionally, to contest the case even in a fair court in the USA
will expose the identity of our editorial team which we are not
prepared to do so for the time being.
3. The word “Temasek” actually refers to the old Singapura and
is not coined by Temasek Holdings. By “backing off”, we are
actually respecting the rights of Singaporeans and not Temasek
Holdings which incidentally also belongs to Singaporeans although
the ruling party will deny otherwise. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temasek)
As a site for Singaporeans, we deem it an appropriate move to
make. If our “backing off” can be considered a “defeat”, then we
were “defeated” by Singaporeans, certainly NOT Temasek
Holdings.
We believe that whatever name we change our site to, it will not
lessen our site’s impact and/or our commitment to
our readers. We trust that our readers will continue to support
us.
This is the position of our editorial team and our official
reply to Temasek Holdings.
We will keep our readers updated on any latest developement.
Thank you.
.
Amanda Tan
for Temasek Review
Updated: 2330 hours
