Tuesday, October 31, 2006
News
Singapore Today Editor-In-Chief Resigns - Sources
Today newspaper chief executvie and editor-in-chief Mano Sabnani has resigned and will leave the newspaper in the next konth, people familiar with the situation said Tuesday.
Press Digest - Singapore Newspaper - Oct 31
Employment Situation In Third Quarter 2006: Employment Growth Remains Strong
Employment continues to grow strongly, amid the sustained economic expansion. (PDF document)
Singapore Employment Expands By 41,600 In Q3
Singapore Air Will Tuck You Into Bed — For $10,000
After years of creating innovations to entertain its customers, Singapore Airlines aims to put them to sleep with its newest amenity: the ultimate flying bed.
Cost-Effective, Not Underspending On Health: Minister
Chee 'Suspicious'
Taking offence to an apparanet U-turn with a piece of evidence, Opposition figure Chee Soon Juan and two others accused the prosecution yesterday of being arrogant, deceptive and employing under-handed tactics.
Charities Miss Out As Their Money Sleeps In Banks
A survey shows that when it comes to investment, charities here are very conservative.
Opinion
A Chronology Of Authoritarian Rule In Singapore
Temasek - A Failure Of The Elite System?
These scholar-elites are truly failures at human relationships.
LKY Apology
This is an interesting phrase that has been coined in Singapore, an LKY apology.
Bus Card Reader Faulty? Here's What To Do
If the ez-link software is not functioning, cash payment method has to be adopted. Commuters may pay ez-link card fare in cash, rounded down to the nearest 10 cents.
Monday, October 30, 2006
News
Thai Govt'll Not Intervene In Temasek-Shin Corp Scandal
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont assured Singapore on Monday that his government would not intervene in the Temasek-Shin Corp takeover scandal. Surayud told Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong the matter would be left entirely to the law courts to determine.
Political Elitism Enhances Class Divide
Singapore's People's Action Party is confronted with a widening class divide and a creeping political elitism that could drive it from power, if they are allowed to fester.
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Oct 30
Next year's haze could be the worst yet, with experts predicting a possible return of the super El Nino weather effect; Singapore's foray into biotechnology could prove successful in the long run, but it faces some big threats and risks along the way, according to a paper by researchers from the World Bank.
Opinion
My Singapore's First Day Routine - Part 3
I couldn't complete my 1st day routine in Singapore anymore because some wise guys shut down Empress.
The Importance Of Being Moderate
It is important that there is a need in our education to emphasize the need for moderation.
A Question Of Misjudgement
We can only hpe this is the last such stumble for Temasek. It must remove any cloud of uncertainty surrounding the Shin Corp deal. If it tries to think that it can manipulate persons supposedly occupying positions of influence in Thailand in order to find a quick-fix to its embarrassing situation, then it is a bad miscalculation.
The Taxis In Singapore Know Where You Are
Temasek Holdings' Tongnoi Tangle
This only serves to remind people that Temasek might not have done sufficient political due diligence prior to finalising its purchase of Shin Corp, thus causing the political problems it now faces.
LTA Has Identified 'Spots' In Fare Over-Charging And Will Fix Problem
Fare stages are automatically updated by the system using GPS signals. Errors occur when the system is not receiving accurate GPS signals, when there is lost communication between devices, when there are changes in bus routes due to temporary road diversions, or when there are manual input errors and the system is not working.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Opinion
Singapore Is Set To Play A New Role
Singapore has been developing a new role for itself in the current millennium.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
News
Singapore Tower On The Way...
A high-end office building catering to Singaporean companies opeerating in the Middle East will be built in Dubai at a cost of $95 million. Called the Singapore Tower, the 20-storey building will also feature the first Singapore-style food court in the region.
Singapore Air Profit Takes Off
Opinion
The Race In Life
For all the government's quota policy and sustained effort at ensuring that each HDB block has a mix of Chinese, Indians and Malays, I must say I have never interacted with any other race in my many years living in one.
Rethink Capital Punishment. No One Benefits From The Death Penalty
There is a need for our criminal justice system to acknowledge the impact of parental executions on children and the effects of state executions on the family.
Friday, October 27, 2006
News
Lawyer M Ravi Suspended For A Year Over Charges Of Improper Court Behaviour
Lawyer M Ravi has had his licence suspended for a year over charges of rude and disrepectful behaviour to a district judge three years ago.
singapore's VivoCity Lures Millions Of Mall Rats
To go by the numbers, the big event in Singapore this year was not the International Monetary Fund meeting or the city-state's first big international art show, but the opening of its largest shopping mall.
Singapore's Temasek Pulls Plan To Hire Thai Royal Aide
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Oct 27
Employment expectations have drifted down for the fourth quarter of this year.
Day 2, Delays Too...
Chee's trial held up again as prosecution's witness was in court without permission.
Opinion
Why The Internet Is The Most Powerful Voice We Have
I am of the firm opinion that the government is not stupid or unaware or ignorant. All the issues that we have, all the policies that we question or want reviewwed, all the laws that we want implemented, modified or removed; they already know about them.
What Pregnant Pause? It's A Full Stop
Despite family-friendly policies, not all bosses are supportive of working mums.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
News
Programme To Help NSmen Prepare For IPPT
The IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) is a voluntary programme designed to help NSmen prepare for their annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT).
Chee Drops Lawyer Ravi
SDP chief, 2 others conduct own defence.
Will Singaporeans Ever Be Footloose And Car-Free?
Transport Minister Raymond Lim has set the target, but experts said that the road to achieving it may not be straightforward.
Opinion
Religion, Politics, And Singapore
Singapore's Success Story A Fact
Dr M always looks down on our neighbour, talk down to them about being a small country. Yet just look at the above few real life examples and results on who can actually stand taller, at least in the eye of international community. The facts stand out very clearly.
Mr Wang's Personal Trivia
What I wanted to do is demonstrate that actually, life in Singapore does offer a variety of options.
'Insensitive' Blogger Also Lacked Humility, Empathy
If Mr Wee's only concern for his daughter is about being politically correct, then I am afraid he is missing out on something fundamental.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
News
Singapore Economic Growth May Moderate
Singapore's economy will likely expand at a slightly slower pace in 2007 compared to this year as it feels the effects of high oil prices and weaker external demand, the central bank said Wednesday.
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Oct 25
Singapore's air pollution index hit one of its lowest levels in three weeks.
Singapore Faces Moral Tangle In Drive To Curb Spread Of Aids
Proposed tough laws on curbing the spread of Aids threatens to throw Singapore into a moral tangle over its contrasting views on homosexuality and prostitution.
Opinion
Cable TV Fined Over Lesbian Sex
Essentially SCV was saying to the MDA: You may have the power but that does not make you right.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
News
Opinion
First Impressions Of Singapore
The first thing that struck me about Singapore is that it feels like a tropical rain forest — with palm trees, a rainbow of flowers and humidity that would cause even a camel to pant from thirst.
The Political Price Of Educating Singaporeans
'Elitist' Blogger Counselled
The machinery of damage control has already been started.
Can Singapore Afford To Become A True Democracy?
Can we really afford to become such an open nation that we would like to be?
Entertainment
The Heart Of Dining
Shin Kushiya: If our dining experience is anything to go by, it has already lost its "heart" in putting the customer first.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Ramblings
Let's not have a country where some men are more equal than others.
Tan Kin Lian, CEO of NTUC Income, commented on the importance of innocence until proven guilty, especially with respect to "sensational or negative" articles from the mass media.
However, he drew a line between private suits versus suits brought on by the government. "It is a different matter, if the case is taken by the public prosecutor," he wrote. "The prosecutor has a duty to carry out some investigation to be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to press a case."
This, I feel, is an extremely dangerous line to draw. The public prosecutor has a duty, that's right, but that does not mean the duty has been fulfillled. Corruption, incompetence, political pressure, or even plain old honest mistakes, are just some of the reasons we cannot simply just blindly trust the public prosecutor. Even when we know the public prosecutor is a honest competence man.
The courts decide who is innocent and who is guilty, and all men are innocent until proven guilty by the courts. To say that suspects sued by Lee Kuan Yew is more guilty than suspects sued by Random Person X is just plain wrong.
News
Took Leng How's Clemency Petition Rejected By The President
Comprehensive Review Of Land Transport System To Be Ready End 2007
Standard Chartered Talk Stirs Dubai-Singapore Rivalry
Standard Chartered shares hit a six-month high on Monday on speculation that Dubai and Singapore might compete to build stakes, stoked by a newspaper report that Dubai's investment arm wanted to lift its holding to 20 percent.
Asia's Stem Cell City
When it comes to attracting stem-cell scientists, Singapore's biggest advantage may be what it's not doing: restricting research.
Singapore's Sept Consumer Prices Down 0.1% From A Month Ago
Why Capitalists Love Singapore
The success of Singapore lies in its pro-business approach and its tough stance on public order.
Singapore Salvages Last Old Districts By Adapting Buildings To Modern Uses
The URA is now looking at post-Second World War structures to protect, based on historical and social significance. Its efforts have been lauded as Southeast Asia's first large-scale urban conservation program.
Tighter Rules = Tighter Fists?
Charities welcome stricter regulations but fear a drop in donatioins from public.
Opinion
Fix The Problem Of Fare Overcharging In Buses. It's Been A Flaw For Too Long
Why do the PTC and Land Transport Authority allow this bungling to persist and let the commuters be vvictimised by a defective system?
Sunday, October 22, 2006
News
Stuffing The Prudish Image
Over the past decade, a social change has been taking place in prim and proper Singapore — a steady loosening of sexual mores, especially among men over 50.
At SMU, A Singapore Outlook
"For Iraq to go from dictatorship to democracy with two elections in three years, is to expect too much. It is an effort for the long haul."
Opinion
Western Model Not Applicable
An informal financial source has revealed that Temasek has lately come to the conclusion that buying up Shin Corp was a grave mistake and is seeking advice from financial consultants on how to resolve the issue. The advisers told Temasek to promote an understanding through the mass media that its real purpose was not to take over the giant Thai telecom company to gain management control but to seek a long-term investment opportunity. There was some effort to do this, but only a few print media sources were approached. temasek has yet to hold an official press conference for fear of repercussions, said the source.
Co-Opting, Singapore-Style
The underlying problem is that the PAP is a party without much of a program, witness its thin but glossy manifesto for the May 2006 general election, full of sunshine pictorials and motherhood statements. Unlike parties in the West, it is co-opting people, not ideas, not even co-opting people for their ideas.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
News
Temasek 'To Ditch Pong, Boonklee'
JB's New CIQ Complex Will Only Be Ready In February
Johor Baharu's new RM1.1-billion Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex in Bukit Changar, which is supposed to be completed by December, will only be ready in February next year.
Opinion
Technology
StarHub's Free Access Doesn't Say Whether It Is Web Or Client-Based
I urge StarHub to clarify this as soon as possible.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Ramblings
Well, at least paying women to have babies seems to be working in Estonia, Marcus Walker reported for the Wall Street Journal.
"In an attempt to stop [the] downward spiral, Estonia took a bold step: In 2004 it began paying women to have babies. Working women who take time off after giving birth get their entire monthly income for up to 15 months, up to a ceiling of $1,560. Non-wage-earners get $200 a month. The welfare perk — known locally as the 'mother's salary' — was a sharp about-face for the radically free-marketing government."
The question to my dear Singaporeans: do you want your tax money go toward such a programme? I strongly doubt Singaoreans will go for such a scheme...
News
Philip Yeo To Leave A*STAR, Take Up Top Job At SPRING Singapore
Temasek To Open Office In Bangkok
The move comes at a time when the Singapore investment company's comporate activities in Thailand are coming under close scrutiny. And it appears to be an attempt at reducing some of the tension sparked by Temasek's controversial investment in Shin Corp, the country's biggest telecoms company, earlier this year.
Opinion
Please Don't Make People Beg For Help
It is not an easy thing even for a desperate man to go knocking doors looking for help. It is thus better to reduce the cost of living instead than to keep raising the cost of essential goods services and expect people to come begging.
Singapore And Malaysia Will Both Lose If We Adopt A "Policy Of Minimum Engagement"
Exploding Singapore?
Since the start of the MRT back in the 80s till now, I am starting to feel that the personal space of individual in the train is getting lesser and lesser.
Why Tie Our Judges' Hands With The Law?
Mandatory sentences limit their ability to fit punishment to the crime.
Use Handy Road To Plaza Singapura
To extend this dotted lane any farther will prove counter-productive to the full-day bus-lane scheme at this location.
Entertainment
Thursday, October 19, 2006
News
Singapore Workers Are Homeward Bound
Singapore's Music Industry Fights Back
THe ongoing battle against illegal music downloads in Singapore is slowly turning in favor of the music industry, thanks to tougher copyright laws and a series of high-profile police raids.
Singapore's Judges Sparing The Rod
Singapore's legal system is renowned for harsh penalties such as caning and the death penalty for some drug crimes, but judges are trying to inject a dose of compassion into some rulings.
Singapore Ranked Most Globalized Country
The index showed that foreign trade and investment flow more freely in SIngpaore than other countries in the survey, reported Straits Times newspaper Thursday.
Singapore Swallows Its Medicine
Singapore is transforming a backstreet network of shops pedding centuries-old medical lore into an industry dominated by clinicians with college degrees and factory-produced remedies.
Singapore PM Critizes Foreign Press "Agenda"
Foreign journalists had an "agenda" to make Singapore open up during recent World Bank-IMF meetings in the city-state, local newspapers quoted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as saying.
Opinion
It's A Matter Of Balance Between COEs And ERP Hikes To Accommodate Vehicle Growth
If we rely completely on VQS and reduce the vehicle population, then peak hour congestion will cease and ERP rates will drop, but this will lead to higher COE prices and under-utilisation of road space, which is not ideal by transport planning standards.
Pay To Park In macRitchie Reservoir? Then Please Don't Upgrade Car Park
Gay Man Seeks Asylum In The US
While there is plenty of evidence that Singapore discriminates against its gay citizens, persecution is quite a different thing.
Technology
Websites For Free Access On StarHub's FlexiSurf Home Page
Access to the client-based, as opposed to the web-based, Windows Live Messenger is not part of this free promotion.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Ramblings
Can SBS And SMRT Really Compete?
Until recently, the setup by the Ministry of Transport with regards to the public bus and rail network is to have indirect competition between the two major players, SBS Transit and SMRT.
Let's see now if there is really any form of competition: will competition pressure from SMRT force SBS to also engage additionally in some form of social work?
News
Kasikorn Bank Willing To Buy Shin Shares
Maids, Day-Care Hurt Singapore Kids' Mental Health - Study
Children who are cared for at day-care centres, by foster parents or maids are twice as likely to develop mental health problems than those cared for by their parents, researchers in Singapore said.
Opinion
Feel The Heat
If only Singapore's a bit luan. Then there would be more life in us.
S2006 A Success, No Matter What The Foreign Media Says: PM Lee
Reading Between The Lines Of The Temasek Letter Reveals It's Just Damage Control
Temasek is "a responsible investor", meaning: "We took a chance when an amenable ruler was in power, and we lost."
Asians May Win English Awards But 'Natives' Get Teaching Jobs
In Asia is the English langauge becoming a new tool of 'cultural colonialism'?
Singapore Is Simply A Neighbour Too Far
Singapre has every right to pursue her own agenda as she sees fit. We only hope that she will grant us a similar right to follow ours without screaming foul play at every opportunity and imputing improper motives.
Tunnel Vision
Public areas should have underground barrier-free network.
Protect, Don't Stifle
Laws safeguarding intellectual property should not obstruct the creation of new ideas.
Clear Up The Investment Muddle
Government must abandon its ambiguous policy on foreign ownership and end spotty enforcement of nominee rules.
But Who Is Likely To Buy Into Shin?
Hard to see who will risk snapping up part of Temasek stake.
Linkway A Mock-Up, But Someone Still Has To Pay For It
SBS Should Also Allow 'Missing Persons' Posters At Bus Stops
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Ramblings
Singapore's Top Among Countries That Practices Age Discrimination At Work
A survey by Kelly Services indicate that Singapore, together with Sweden and Thailand, are among the top countries among the 28 survedy countries that practice age discrimination in the workplace.
News
Singpaore Airlines Mulls Higher Ticket Prices After Aircraft Interior Upgrade
Details Of Scheme For Overseas Law Grad Released
Temasek Vows To Cut Down Stake
In a statement, Temasek's senior managing director Jimmy Phoon said the share reduction plan was part of his company's original intention, to maintain Shin Corp's listing status on the Thai stock market following Temasek's public tender offer in March.
400 Affected As Rail Services On NEL Break Down Again
Train services on a section of the North-East Line (NEL) were disrupted for nearly an hour at lunchtime yesterday, shutting down two MRT stations and leaving about 400 commuters stranded.
Opinion
The Little Something On The Right Of Access To Counsel
Shin Corp Deal: Temasek Compiled With Thai Laws
Just as shareholders of a public-listed company have the right to question the board's management of the company, Temasek, as a government investment firm, should be subjected to the same kind of scrutiny by Singaporeans who are de facto its real stakeholders.
Economy Of Singapore Is Good?
Those in the government are the only optimistic people around. Why not? They are still going to get their bonuses at the end of the year even if you go hang yourself or jump off a HDB building.
Shin Corp Deal: Temasek Compiled With Thai Laws
We would like to reduce our shareholding in Shin Corp at the appropriate time and in an appropriate manner for orderly market conduct.
Technology
Wireless@SG
It is really heartening to see Singapore take these first steps towards opening up access in the telecommunications space.
Entertainment
Monday, October 16, 2006
News
Commuters Can Now Help In Search For Missing Persons
Crime Library Singapore has found an important partner in its work of helping to find missing persons. Transport operator SMRT has agreed to allow the local volunteer group to display missing persons' posters at all its 51 MRT stations and six bus interchanges for free.
Biggest Crowd Yet At Vivocity, But No Jams
New-Look Changi Point Retains Rustic Charm
What previously was just bare coastline with a few benches and scattered narrow pathways, is now linked by a well-lit boardwalk that blends in with the flora and fauna.
Opinion
How To Spend Your CPF Savings Without Your Consent
Chicken? I Can Stomach It
Just when I think I've seen and eaten everything, Singaporeans' food habits bamboozle me some more.
Top 10 Things Singaporeans Do In JB
What Riles Me Up
The truth of the matter is, social norms are hard to erase and I believe the Singapore school sysem today isn't much different from when I was in it over 10 years ago, the syllabus and methods of teaching might have changed but not the actual experience, and for this I feel sad.
What A Clean And Cultured Place We Have
Shame, Singapore, shame.
Local Publishers Are Not Doing Enough To Help Singapore Writers
Technology
Sunday, October 15, 2006
News
Singapore, Clouded In Haze, May Face Deteriorating Air Quality
Air quality in Singapore, already shrouded in haze, may deteriorate further in coming days as winds from the southeast bring more smoke from forest fire in Borneo to the city-state.
Opinion
Yaacob: WP's Criticism "Opportunistic" — Sunday Times
We urge Mr yaacob to extend an invitation to Ms Lim to join his task-force as an observer. We are confident Ms Lim will have constructive ideas to contribute. This will also dispel the misconception that the opposition are only "opportunists" with no action.
The Haze: Shut Up And Don't Speak Out
Content To Let The Government Do The Talking
After years of prodding its citizens to think more and be more creative — even making it a school subject — Singapore has succeeded in moving the ground by, maybe, a few inches. In other words, things have hardly changed and the majority of people remain largely content to leave the thinking to the government, accepting policies with unquestioning faith.
Entertainment
Saturday, October 14, 2006
News
Singapore To Offer Low-Cost Tours
To the excitement of local cost-conscious tourists, the Singapore Tourism Board — in cooperation with domestic low-cost carrier Citilink — is soon to start offering low-cost package deals to the city state.
Opinion
Singapore's Institutions 'Weak'
Singapore's Famous "P" Plate
Does the Singapore drivers really give way to "P" plate drivers? Or do they take the opportunity to "tekan" our new citizens of the road?
Is Social Engineering Still Appropriate For Singapore?
From "Feedback Unit" To "Reach": Just More Spin?
Economic prosperity and social justice need not be mutually exclusive. Only then will active citizenry be a reality, not just a distant hope.
Will & Grace: Battle Of The Sexes
In which women worship Oprah, men are enslaved and Singapore is... well, Singapore.
Let Bus Passengers Ride For Free When Ez-Link System Doesn't Work
What incentive is there for SMRT to ensure that its ez-link service is functioning properly at all times?
Commuters Shouldn't Be Penalised When Ez-Link System Breaks Down
Will transport company be motivated to maintain the ez-link system well, since its takings will be higher with cash fares?
You Will, Will You [?]
Both the question and the answer have missed what might be a more important issue. Can they not?
Friday, October 13, 2006
Ramblings
Ez-Link: We Didn't Know The Difference Between Read/Write And Read-Only
EZ-Link Pte Ltd has terminated the online query service for EZ-Link cards on the web. In the past, one can just go to a web page, key in the serial number of the EZ-Link card, and the web page will tell one the recent transactions on the card.
Now the service has been terminated because, as EZ-Link Pte Ltd says, of "advancements in technology and user know-how that could compromise the integrity of the ez-link system."
This has, once again, demonstrated the lack of planning in the implementation of the EZ-Link system in Singapore. We all remember all the bugs and hiccups that need to be "fine-tuned" when the system was introduced, ranging from the deduction of wrong fares, to software that cannot detect whether a person is borading or alighting buses.
After all, an enquiry system is, bascially, a read-only system. Any Computer Science student can tell you that one simple solution is to have a batch job every early morning to copy the transaction log files over to a separate system that is for read-only enquiries. (Privacy issues still reamain, since the system has no strong identity authentication system in place, though, but that's not the issue here.) If this separate system is read-only, no compromise to the actual backend system can occur.
What Ez-Link Pte Ltd is basically saying is that it does not want to spend the money to buy a new database/web server system, and to add an additional daily batch job.
And you call this first-class infrastructure?
If the change of name from Feedback Unit to REACH (Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @ Home; a 'backronym', I strongly suspect) is to promote better active citzenry and gather more feedback, I'll say the change of name is not a good idea.
Feedback Unit is clear and easily understood by everyone. Active Citizenry is vague and requires some PR efforts. REACH? That's just obtuse.
If the objective of the agency is to engage the citizen, what better way to convey that objective to your citizen than through the name of the agency? Why not just call it "Feedback and Active Citizenry Unit" and be done with it?
(I wonder how much money will be "wasted" in printing all the new stationary and change the signboards.)
News
Bangkok's Old Airport Had Been Busier Than Hong Kong And Singapore
Singaore, Malaysia May Ask Indonesia To Ratify Haze Agreement
Raids Worry Online Music Fans
Police action against seven people suspected of downloading MP3s illegally sets net abuzz.
Feedback Unit To Be Renamed REACH
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the revamp is aimed at raising the level of public engagement, promote active citizenry, and create more avenues for Singaporeans to involve themselves in the issues that affect their lives.
Opinion
MPs' Blogs A Good Move, But Dare They Go Further?
I'm Cool. I Look At Art.
This little island-state tries hard to prove to the rest of the world that having ridiculously strict laws does not necessarily equate complete death of creative expressions.
Is A Dead Man's Confession Enough To Convict Another Person?
Singapore Is Sick, Architecturally
Why are we missing diversity in architecture? Why aren't there new movements to challenge the old? Are we missing diversity in views only in architecture, or are there other things we should also be worried about?
Technology
M1, StarHub To Offer Faster Wireless Services
Having lost out in the race to run Wireless@SG, M1 and StarHub are hoping to retain their market share by giving heavy users even faster connectivity.
Singapore's Unwired Dream
Like most things in Singapore, this initiative is spearhead by the government, and the companies involved are partially funded by government investment firms.
Entertainment
Thursday, October 12, 2006
News
Damage Control: Singapore Urges Talks To Save Shin Buyout
A top-level official in Singapore has approached Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to discuss the controversial Shin Corp deal in the hope of resolving ownership issues in an amicable manner, a government source said yesterday. "Temasek, from what I have heard," a Singapore investment banker said, "is willing to pay a fine or make other concessions in order to end the controversy rather than allow the issue to drag on." If Temasek reduced its holding in Shin Corp from 96 per cent to 49 per cent by selling some 1.5 billion shares, it would suffer a huge loss.
Yudhoyono Says Sorry To Singapore, Malaysia For Haze
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yesterday apologised to Singapore and Malaysia for the haze caused by land-clearing fires in Indonesia. "Clearly, this is not a problem we intend to inflict on our neighbours, and we are continuously trying to tackle it and prevent it in future."
Opinion
On TV
So the five of us were prancing around at Boat Quay, interviewing tourists, shopkeepers, and basically everyone else who wasn't a Singaporean and taking down their responses religiously. Just as we were coming about the famous "Man-made-tree-that-rains architectural wonder", we spotted a TV crew and were halted by a familiarly chirpy voice.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
News
MacRitchie Reservoir To Get Makeover To Make It More Visitor-Friendly
The changes include increasing its lushness and greenery as well as improving the basic amenities there.
Opinion
To Engineer Is Human: From Life Sciences To IT
We should perhaps have a movement called "Singaporean mothers against Social Engineering."
Thank God We're Not (Yet) Singapore
No Tax Bias? What About Workers Aged 50-54?
Hopes And Dreams
You would probably get a small segment of hardcore offenders. The res,t I sensed still had much to offer society.
Technology
Entertainment
Biennale For All Seasons
Levity, burlesque and hard questions surface at the ongoing Singapore Biennale 2006.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
News
Singapore's Sling At The Unknown
While arts administrators around the world no doubt look enviously at Singapore's $540 million annual arts budget, there are lingering doubts about how far this dalliance with artistic expression will be allowed to go.
Singapore Arrests Bankrupt Opposition Leader
Singapore's bankrupt opposition party chief, Chee Soon Juan, has been charged with trying to leave Singapore without official permission, news report said on Tuesday.
Monetary Authority Of Singapore Sticks To Policy On Singapore Dollar
The Monetary Authority of Singapore is sticking to its policy of allowing slight, gradual appreciation of the Singapore dollar despite expectations of weakness in the economy, deeming the policy appropriate for containing inflationary pressures, the MAS said.
JB Folk Want Monorail To Singapore
Please extend the Johor Baru monorail service to Woodlands in Singapore. This is what 76 per cent of the 500 people polled in a recent survey said.
Study On KL-Singapore Air Route For Budget Carriers Completed, Says Chan
The Transport Ministry has completed a study on opening the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore air route to the budget airlines in Malaysia and Singapore, Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said Monday. However, Chan declined to reveal details.
Singapore Estimates Economy Grew 6% In Third Quarter From Second
Singaporeans 'Not Well-Prepared For Early Retirement'
Most surveyed by AXA think their CPF savings are enough, but it may not be so.
Opinion
Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)
The Power To Change Is In The People
The perception that technology is driving change in communications is wrong — it is the audience that is changing, says Aedhmar Hynes CEO of independent PR firm Text 100 International.
Technology
All Singaporeans To Enjoy Free Wireless Broadband Access In Public Areas For 2 Years
Singaporeans will be able to surf all over downtown, major town centres, recreational areas like East Coast Park, and maybe even at libraries and fast food outlets.
Entertainment
Singaporean Makes Chicken Rice Popular In Japan
And she started it with just $50,000 instead of the usual $500,000.
Monday, October 9, 2006
News
AirAsia Urges Malaysian Approval For KL-Singapore Route
Low-cost carrier AirAsia has urged Malaysia to approve its application to fly to Singapore, arguing the government had to reduce protection for Malaysia Airlines.
Shin Deal Drives Temasek Losses
Singapore's Temasek Holdings has suffered a paper loss of 41% since it acquired telecom giant Shin Corp earlier this year. The decision by the Supreme Administrative Court last Thursday to accept a petition charging state agencies with negligence in allowing Shin and its associated companies to maintain their state concessions following the sale further dampened sentiment over the group.
Airport Investment Vital For Asian Growth, Say Analysts
A glitzy new airport that opened recently in Thailand reflects Asia's need for investment to cope with a fast-growing aviation sector, industry analysts say.
More Perks, Better Parks
With more people patronising the popular parks, there was a need to spruce them up. This has resulted in a win-win situation for business operators, vistors and the parks' developer.
Opinion
View Of Technology In Singapore From A Teacher/Building Perspective
Singapore's Left Hand
I met up with some friends while I was in Singapore during my stopover to Auckland, who remarked to me how much of Singapore was built based on the principles of Feng Shui.
Debating Over Asian And Western Democracy
In the end, the coup was a big — or rather a mammoth — setback for SIngapore's interest in Thailand. It also exposed Temasek's way of doing business and the nature of its corporate governance. Obviously, the island republic does not worry about democratic development here.
Sunday, October 8, 2006
News
FEER Applies To Move Suit To HK
Lawyers for the Far Eastern Economic Review magazine filed an application to the High Court on Friday, claiming a defamation writ served on their clients was flawed and should be thrown out.
Opinion
Thai-Singapore Ties At A Crossroads
Understanding business risks is no exact science. Truly understanding your neighbour is much more complicated. We have found it difficult to understand Singapore's "democracy", but we have tried. Perhaps it's time Singapore rturned the favour, starting with Lee.
Friday, October 6, 2006
Ramblings
How to discourage the practice of "chop-ing seats" with tissue papers, the practice that is oh-so-common in the fine city of Singapore (especially downtown)?
Start spreading a rumour that Terrorists are targeting these tissue papers by putting who-knows-what invisbile thingy on them around the food courts of Singapore...
:-)
Highway Code Available At All Good Bookstores (And Maybe NTUC Fairprice Too)
I'm not sure which is worse: whining in a public forum that public buses (which moves tens and tens of people per bus) having higher priority on the roads than your car (which moves only between one to five person), or showing off your ignorance of the traffic code, and demonstrating that perhaps you shouldn't really be driving on Singapore roads.
(By the way, the red bus lane indicates a full day bus lane, which is in operationg fro 7.30 am to 8.00 pm, Mondays to Saturdays, excluding public holidays. Offenders will face a fine of $130.)
News
Editor Says Banned, Sued Magazine Ready To Fight In Singapore
The editor of the Far Eastern Economic Review magazine on Friday called a defamation lawsuit filed by Singapore's prime minister and a government ban on the magazine a coordinated attack.
Coup Is A Set Back For Country And Democracy: Singapore
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Friday that the power seizure on 19 September was "a setback for Thailand" and its democracy. His comment came after Singapore was the first Asean country to send a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister Surayuth Julanont, who was appointed the Thai new leader over the weekend.
Singapore Politician Seen Edging Out Of Bankruptcy
J.B. Jeyaretnam, 80, had been told by the court to pay 11,500 Singapore dollars to creditors and the official in charge of his bankruptcy.
Taxi Driver Economics
Barely 40 years after Singapore's independence, its citizens are now the richest in Asia. But ask them whether they're feeling that wealthy - and you get a completely different picture.
Singapore Placates Indonesia Over Lee's Race Remarks
Singapore has moved to placate Indonesia after comments made by Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew on Jakarta's treatment of its ethnic Chinese.
'Singapore Knows Our Stand'
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri najib Razak said the Singapore Minister Mentor should translate his feelings for good bilateral relations into action. "Singapore knows our stand and we hope that this does not recur," he said.
Singapore Authortiies May Keep Stronger Currency Bias
Singapore dollar may gain for a fifth quarter as the central bank next week will probably keep a policy of seeking a stronger currency to combat inflation, a survey by Blomberg News shows.
Suvarnabhumi Can Compete Against Changi: Singapore Airport Chief
Suvarnabhumi Airport could become a "formidable competitor" to the award-winning Changi Airport, according to Singapore airport's managing director Foo Sek Min.
Temasek Could Be The Biggest Loser
Not only would Singapore's investment arm Temasek Holdings suffer if yesterday's ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court eventually leads to the revocation of concessions or licences held by Shin Corp's subsidiaries, but so would all minor shareholders who hold Shin and its subsidiaries' shares.
Opinion
The Culture Of Feer
The decision is regressive for Singapore because, as WSJ puts it best, "this is not the behavior of a prosperous, self-confident nation."
The Charade Of Meritocracy
Singapore's system of promotion disguises and even facilitates tremendous biases againast women, the poor and non-Chinese. Singapore's administrative and its political elites — especially the younger ones who have come through school in the last 20 or so years — are not the cream of Singapore's talent as claimed, but are merely a dominant social class, resting on systemic biases to perpetuate regime regeneration based on gender, class and race.
From The Editor - October 2006
When honest criticism is forbidden, balance is hard to attain.
Financial Center Pipedreams
Singapore is thus paying a price for its government-led economic model, which is interwined with its system of social control at home. Instead of nurturing a domestic entrepreneurial class with its own vested interests, it has kept the commanding heights of the economy under the control of Singapore Inc. Therefore its financial institutions have not been welcomed abroad in the way that Switzerland's have.
Singapore's Founding Myths Vs. Freedom
Clearly the PAP's determination to insulate its foundational myths remains resolute and attempts to challenge these continue to attract a harsh response from Singapore's authorities. However, because of economic globalization and the use of new technologies, that exercise is likely to require continued refinement and creative energy.
Singapore Mps To Perform On Bar Tops, Government May Rethink Ban On Gay Parties
"Despite its name, the Chingay is not gay at all."
Hip Hop - Are We Trying Too Hard?
If we just stick to what we're good at, then we're going to limit the scope of our connectivity.
Andy Xie: The Purported Text Of His Leaked E-mail
"Chope" : Is This Uniquely Singapore?
M Ravi Discharged From Hospital And Still On MC
I believe he had been framed and harassed by ISD to be in the hospital.
Second Chances With The Civil Service
The civil service supports the government's policy to give ex-offenders a second chance.
A Sure-Fire Recipe For Stress
We should give ourselves permission to let standards slip a little.
Building Up To A 2007 Collapse?
Left unchecked, developers' en bloc excesses could lead to a property bubble burst.
A Country Based Solely On Meritocracy
I feel that many who made the statement that Malays are marginalised in Singapore don't really know their facts well. I lived in Singapore for the past few years and truth be told, Singapore is strictly a country based on meritocracy and nothing else.
LKY's Remarks: Double Standards From Umno Leaders
It seems to me that many of our government leaders have no moral ground to tell others on how to speak and behave.
Technology
Free Broadband In Singapore?
Anyone can simply walk into a StarHub shop and purchase a cable modem for under $80, go home and plug it into the SCV wall socket, and start surfing. Users will only be able to surf at selected web sites.
Entertainment
Bishan 13 Chicken Rice
Continuing our exploration of Singapore's "heartlands", we set off in search of a Bishan chicken rice stall emphatically recommended by a local taxi driver.
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Ramblings
Just when everyone starts to get comfortable with the current EZ-Link card system, a new one is coming soon.
At least, based on this press release, it looks like the change will be restricted to the back-end. No changes on the user-interface on buses and trains, it seems.
Unless we have to endure through any new series of bugs while LTA works out the kinks and "fine-tuning."
For me, I just hope that there isn't going to be any increase in deposit amounts.
Longtime New York Times Correspondent R.W. Apple Dies At 71
On late September this year, I've linked to an article by R.W. Apple Jr of the New York Times, where he wrote about "food and travel destinations in Singapore."
I'm sad to learn today that R.W. Apple Jr has died due to complications of thoracic cancer.
News
Lee Kuan Yew Stirs It Up Again
Who Says Chinese Vs. Malays?
Singapore and Malaysia are once again bickering over race relations, raising the political heat in a region scarred by ethnic conflict, but the mood on the street is strangely indifferent.
He Shot His Mouth Off... And Himself In The Foot
Star economist quits job after sending an email that went too far.
Opinion
Singapore Media's Silence On MM Lee's Remarks
LKY Letter: Diplomacy At Its Best
Singapore has once again, in my opinion, come out on top in the neverending skirmishes between both countries.
Would We Rather Be Seen As Safe Or Stimulating?
Singapore needs to decide how it wants the world to view it.
The Gumption To Say 'No'
The irony of it all is that both countries will become more aware from now on of an underlying sentiment that defines their relations — the gumption to say 'no' to the neighbours.
Neighbours Must Always Stay Friendly
It is unfortunate that both sides squandered much of the warmth that came with Abdullah after he took over as prime minister at the end of 2003.
On Pope Benedict XVI And Islam: Muslims Must Learn To Accept Criticisms
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
News
Andy Xie's Singapore Swing
Morgan Stanley's vocal star analyst suddenly resigns. An email he wrote about Singapore may explain why.
Indoensia Receives Response From Singapore Over Lee
"We have received the Singapore government's response through our embassy in Singapore," Foreign Ministry director for East Asia and Pacific Yuri O. Thamnin said. said. "Lee Kuan Yew and the Singapore government said they didn't have any intention of interfering in the internal affairs of Indonesia. They wanted to strengthen the existing relations."
Reply Gets Prominent Play In Malaysian Media
Umno Welcomes Lee Kuan Yew's Apology
Kuan Yew's "Apology" Is Not An Apology, Says Syed Hamid
"It is not an apology. He is just saying that he is sorry for causing the discomfort, not that he is sorry for saying that (the controversial remark)," said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar. "They are two different things."
PM Stops Short Of Accepting LKY's Apology
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has taken note of the letter of explanation from Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, but stopped short of accepting his apology.
Lee's Statement Could Have Incited Feelings Of Malaysians
Traffic-Control Measures Right From Start For KPE
Observers say this could signal a possible move to charge motorists for using the $1.8 billion road tunnel from the time it opens, probably in the middle of next year.
Opinion
It Takes A Real Man To Say He's Sorry
This gesture by a great statesman reflect the calibre of the man he is. This wise man spoke the truth and yet chose to apologise because it was in the larger interest of his country.
The Apology That Wasn't
The tight control that the Singapore government loves to have is thus shown once again to be hurting Singapore's interests. We are left with no one else and no other means to educate our population about political realities but the government ministers themselves. Yet, ministers aren't free to pass frank comments without diplomatic consequences.
Political Apathy Among The Youths In Singapore
The 'R' Word Again
There are no laws in place to prevent discrimination based on race in hiring practices.
Why Should MM Lee Apologise?
Should MM Lee apologize in this instance? I think not, especially since it appears that Malaysia politicians use 'Carte Blanche' to criticize and marginalize their Chiense citizens.
Be Fair To Our People Back Home
The best way to defend Malaysia is to build a truly just, liberal, free democratic, progressive and prosperous Malaysia.
Annex Of Lee Kuan Yew's Letter
Why was the Annexure not published at all in Malaysian newspaper when it represents part of the official reply given by LKY? Was there a "gag order" issued by the government to ensure that these records of statements about Singaporean Malays being marginalised be kept away from the public as it represents a slap in the government's face? Your guess is as good as mine.
From Singapore, With Love...
What MM Lee said was already quite obvious for all to see just that it is a taboo subject. However, what makes him so smug to believe that the opposite is not happening here?
Pin Yellow Ribbon Civil Service First
Government agencies must lead the way in hiring ex-offenders.
Fighting To Win A 'Freak' Election?
The truth is that the longer we put off working for, and not just talking about, reforming the election system and breaking the PAP's control of the media the longer we are going put ourselves through the misery of living in a system where the PAP pretends to give us a choice and we pretend to make it.
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Ramblings
So, What Kind Of Common Good Do We Want To Pay For?
A Singapore Economist argues (it seems to me) that lift upgrading is a common good. And if we don't get everyone pays for it, there will free riders galore. Or there will not be even any upgrading.
There are common goods; and then there are common goods.
Television broadcast, as argued by A Singapore Economist, may be a common good. (This particular example can probably be argued both ways.) But one would be hard-pressed to argue that a cable system that delivers "free" channels such as HBO and TVBJ to be common good that everyone, rich or poor, should pay for with their tax money.
National defense is a common good that everyone should pay for. But a underground bunker system with personal rooms for everyone is not a common good that everyone wants to pay for with their tax money.
Similarly, a lift system is a common good that everyone pays in the form of the purchase price and the town council monthly payment. But a lift system that stops at every single floor — when there is already a working lift system — is not a common good that everyone should pay for.
Certainly, the elderly and the handicapped deserve our help to make life easier. I'll have no objections to using monies collected via taxation — where there is already a system in place where abled and privileged citizens contributing progressively more to the pool — to help them. Perhaps a heavier subsidisation, or even outright payment for the entire cost of upgrading, may be what the country should do for them.
But, one should not deny that lift upgrading is a luxury item for many of the poorer residents that they can do without. Lift upgrading is a common good that they can ill afford to pay additional for. A single mother struggling to make ends meet would rather her young children to walk up and down a few flights of stairs everyday than to being forced to fork out a few thousands dollars just because the new lift system also happens to benefit her, whether she likes it or not.
The income gap among Singaporeans, by many indications, is widening. We, the richer among the society, should never unnecessarily impose, in the idea of fairness, a heavier cost of living on the less fortunate just because we can afford and want "world-class" standard of living.
A system where only those who want pays for it — by voting "Yes if cost per apartment is less than $x", for example — may well generate extra free riders. But we should rather have a few additional free riders than families that will have to skip breakfasts or dry up their retirement funds just because others think that these families shouldn't have to walk up and down flights of stairs everyday.
News
KL Notes Explanation By MM Lee, Hopes Remarks Won't Be Repeated
Malaysia has noted Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's explanation for his recent remarks about Chinese Malaysians but wants assurances it will not happen again.
Malaysia Gives Icy Reply To Lee Kuan Yew Apology
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he had received Lee's written apology but declined to say whether he accepted it and instead repeated his objections to Lee's original comments.
Kuan Yew's 'Sorry' Widely Reported In Singapore Media
The Singapore media has reported widely on the content of a letter by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in which he apologised to the Malaysian Prime Minister for the discomfort caused by his recent remarks about the way Malaysia treated its Chinese community.
Telecom Deal By Singapore Roused Thais
Among the many measures of a successful foreign investment, helping to set off a coup d'etat is definitely not one of them. Now, Mr Thaksin is in exile, Temasek has lost roughly $700 million and Thai officials, including those from the Ministry of Commerce, are investigating whether it was illegal.
Haze Cuts Back Singapore Activities
Smoky haze brought to Singapore by winds from raging Sumatran fires prompted many people to curtail strenuous activities on Tuesday while authorities kept track of the worsening air quality.
Lee Kuan Yew Says Sorry To Prime Minister
"Singapore understands the reality of Malaysian politics. We have never protested at these attacks on our multi-racial system or our policies, except to clarify our own position when necessary. But we have to explain to our people the root cause of these difficulties in our bilateral relations. Otherwise Singaporeans will believe that their own government is doing wrong either to our own people or to Malaysia."
Lee Says Sorry
Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has apologised to the Prime Minister over his remarks that the Chinese had been systematically amrginalised in Malaysia. But he appeared to be steadfast in what he had earlier said, repeating some of the very commetns that had infuriated Malaysians.
Mahjong, 4-D Not Gambling But Recreation, Says 1 In 2
About one in two Singaporeans does not consider the weekend mahjong game or the occasional flutter on 4-D, Toto or Singapore Sweep as gambling. Instead, they see these as recreational activities, with about one in three going as far as to say it was good way of bonding socially with friends.
DBS Exits Consumer Finance Venture With Thailand's Shin Corp
Opinion
The Lee Kuan Yew Remarks: Here We Go Again (2)
LKY Says Sorry, Attacks Dr M And Makes AAB Look Good
This Is How You Apologise...
... without actually doing so.
Why Did Lee Kuan Yew Say That?
The fact that I have to rely on the authorship of foreigners to learn about my own country is ironic.
LKY's Words Do Resonate In Malaysia
I believe these are the issues — ignored by these writes in the New Sunday Times — that provide the oil to feed the flickering flames of distrust and suspicion that leads many non-Malays to believe a foreigner's words and not their own leaders.
Lifts Are A Public Good
Those that vote no will hope to be free riders, benefiting from knowing that others with a greater need for an upgrade will vote yes.
Sympathy, Not Brickbats, For LKY
Instead of hurling brickbats at Singapore's former premier, Malaysian politicians should offer Lee several mega-litres of sympathy. It is much needed. Two events in September and one in July have added up to a summer of discomfort for Lee and Singapore's top leaders.
MM's Apology An Important Move To Mend Ties With Pak Lah's Government
It is in Singapore's interest that Abdullah retains the confidence of his party and his people, because such a rational and moderate Malaysian leader does not come by often.
Acts Of Affection "Wrong" And "Unacceptable" In Singapore
Which Is The Greater Travesty, PDA Or Just Plain Stupidity?
Consider Public Transport Operators' Earnings In Perspective
The returns are healthy but not excessive, compared to companies with similar industry structures and risk profiles.
Entertainment
A Tropical Christmas In Singapore
If you are fed up of the cold but still want a Christmas break with grat shopping opportunities and plenty of bright festive lights then Singapore has both.
Monday, October 2, 2006
News
MM Lee Says Sorry That Recent Comments Caused Discomfort To PM Abdullah
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew says he is sorry that his recent comments about Chinese Malaysians had caused Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi a great deal of discomfort.. Mr Lee said he did not say anything more than what he had said many times before, and added he said less than what he had written in his 1998 memoirs.
Asia Takes Flight On Low-Cost Carriers
Taking a cue from Ryanair and EasyJet, budget fliers such as AirAsia and Tiger are opening up the skies over India, China, and Southeast Asia.
PM To Receive Kuan Yew's Reply Today
The letter by Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over his recent remarks about the Chiense being systematically marginalised in Malaysia is expected to be delivered today.
Opinion
Will The Reply Be Made Public?
LKY wouldn't say something that he cannot back-up with hard facts.
Lee Kuan Yew Should Look At Racial And Development Issues From The Basis Of Justice For All Races
Clearly Lee Kuan Yew is still trapped by his outdated thinking. His argument exposes the element of racism which has been suppressed for so long. THerefore he recognises the problems of Chinese overseas but not the anxiety of the neglected Singaporean Malays.
Technology
Sunday, October 1, 2006
Ramblings
We Are Number One (From The Bottom)!
If I read this report correctly, it seems that Singapore has scored another Number One (from the bottom) again.
No, it's not about our journalistic values, or lack thereof.
According to a study by the International Centre for Cancer Research and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Singapore ranked last among the 24-nation study on the air-quality in public spaces such as bars, restaurants, nightclubs, train stations, airports and hospitals.
The culprit? Second-hand smoke.
News
On All Counts, Singapore Is Getting It Right
With planning and foresight, Singapore has turned the so-called business continuity services into a tidy business.
Opinion
Sorry Minister Mentor, But You Got It All Wrong
In a situation where true identity is based on reality and image on perception — perception drives. Lee carries the legend. This writer feels like David tilting at Goliath but dare not hope for te biblical outcome. We need to get our story out.
Chinese Marginalized: Kuan Yew Vs Abdullah
I did not expect Abdullah to write to Lee for clarification over the controversial remarks. That's because I'm afraid that MM Lee may decide to give evidences and example to illustrate or prove his point, and that woul dbe even harder for Abdullah to stomach.
Growing Legion Of The Unfooled
There were many theories on why Lee would have wanted to make such profoundly inaccurate observation about Malaysia, especially when relations between Singapore and both Malaysia and Indonesia had taken on a better turn in the last few years. "Wag the dog" — that was the common consensus at our table of Chinese, Indians and Malays.
Begging Singapore To Smile...
We have paid a very high price for our country's successn & development. We paid so with our smiles gone forever.
Over The Causeway - Part One
You all can start arguing that the 697.2 square km island would be much easier to develop public transportation, but I believe that the design did not happen by accident.
