Smaland Elections Made the News..please see below

News @ AsiaOne IKEA's new "Smaland Government" The new Government, an IKEA initiative, will consist of "Smaland citizens" from the children club, who will decide on important matters from paper recycling to animal adoption. -AsiaOne  Fri, Nov 21, 2008 AsiaOne There is a new Government in town and it has nothing to do with politics. What's interesting is that the Ministers and members of this new Government will be made up of the most important people in the world - children. IKEA's children club, Småles, is launching its latest initative - the Småles Parliament- for children aged between 4 and 10 years old to express their views and embark on projects that will make a difference to the society and the environment. The Cabinet will comprise six ministries and 12 Ministers supported by Members of Parliament. Although applications have closed on Nov 9, the Smålish citizens are waiting anxiously for the election results which will be revealed during their "First Parliament Session" on Nov 23 at IKEA Tampines, Level 2. The swearing-in of the first elected Småland Government will start from 10.30am - 12pm. IKEA's Småles Parliament initiative is to let children know that their opinions matter and their views are taken seriously. The projects will provide the children a chance to be involved in social and environmental issues, as well as to instill a sense of ownership. "It is important to let children know that their opinions matter and that they, even at their young age, can make a positive difference. "I am heartened to know that organisations like IKEA has taken the step to engage our children and their parents, and create opportunities for families to spend time together," said Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of the South-west District and Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. Country Marketing Manager for Singapore, Lars Svensson said:"IKEA believes that children are the most important people in the world. Through the Småland play area and the Småland nation, we want to show our young visitors that we see them, that they matter and that we take them seriously at IKEA. "With småles Parliament and Government, we want to bring this message further and manifest it in such a way that the children can see it for themselves and also really act on it." What challenges await these newly-elected Ministers and MPs? Activities such as paper recycling programmes and animal adoption at the Singapore Zoo are just a few of the numerous exciting projects in store. Other activities include allowing them to run their own businesses at the Annual Småland Christmas Bazaar. The Smålish citizens are enthusiastic about the new Småland Government and are already making proposals and plans. "I will encourage Småles to be kind, responsible, respectful and charitable by organising a donation drive and give to the less fortunate," said 9-year-old Lim Jun Heng. Jun Heng aspires to work with the other ministers to organise events and activities to make Småland a better place and he also intends to hold an annual fun fair on "Småland National Day" and surprise birthday parties for the less fortunate. Other Småland citizens such as Elton Pang, 5 and Sean Long, 9, want to set up a library to exchange books and make Småland, as well as IKEA, more environmentally friendly. However, it's not all fun and play for these children. They will be required to attend regular minister meetings (four times a year), facilitated by IKEA and Monsters Under the Bed - a language and storytelling school. During the meeting, these young ministers can give their feedback and make decisions on issues within Småland, which is the play area in IKEA. In order to avoid conflicts, the MPs will also get to vote on the proposals from the Ministers before any action is taken in implementing it in Småland or IKEA. The upcoming minister meeting will be held on Dec 5 and they will be visiting URA to view the URA Master Plan Gallery. This will be their first opportunity at coming up with ideas for Singapore, from more bicycle lanes, to boat rides, and free medical or schooling for children to free admission to attractions on Children's Day. So mark your calendars and pop by IKEA Tampines, Level 2 on Nov 23 at 10.30am to witness the First Parliament Session of the new Småland Government! For further information, visit http://www.smales.com.sg. Love Theresa & Felicia