Words fail to express the great sadness that I and all my colleagues at Singapore Airlines are feeling right now. We are shocked at this incident and saddened by the pain and grief that it is causing for many. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone touched by this event.

I have come here directly from Christchurch, New Zealand, where I was attending a business meeting. I came here as soon as I could. I wanted to be here to be with the passengers, to be with the crew, and to be with the family members of those who were on the flight.

Our priority right now is to do all that we can for the passengers, for the crew and for the family members. We have brought to Taipei a contingent of more than 150 Singapore Airlines support staff who are specially trained to offer support and counseling to family members in times such as these. They are here to ensure that we do everything we possibly can do for the passengers and their families.

We have provided some immediate financial relief to all passengers and their families to assist with expenses. While I am here I want to see how else we can help. If there is anything else we can do, we will certainly do it.

We are working closely with the Taiwanese Civil Aviation Authority's investigation team. We want to help to get as much information out to everyone as quickly as possible, and we appreciate the important role the media plays to keep everyone well informed. That is why you will hear me talking about the facts. It is important that we stick to the facts. Speculation and theories cannot do anything to help anyone.

We would like to thank you for your support, and also thank the many Taiwanese Government authorities that we have been working with, including the CAA, MOTC and MOFA. Also, I would like to pay a tribute to the many brave men and women who helped in the rescue effort in some very difficult conditions. This includes the firemen, the emergency workers, the doctors and the nurses.

A statement made by Dr Cheong in Taipei at 0200 hours