Thursday, November 30, 2006
News
Press Digest - Singapore Newspaper - Nov 30
The Far Eastern Economic Review will appeal against a court decision that a defamation suit against the magazine filed by prime minister Lee Hsien Loong and minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew should proceed.
US Tax May Drive Away Americans From Singapore
Singapore may soon see a exodus of American expatriates because of a new United States tax law.
Opinion
Entertainment
Yenas Want My Dinner (And They Can Have It): Singapore Dinning
Will I go back? Night Safari, yes. Gourmet Express, No.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
News
Piracy Information Centre Launched In Singapore
Fourteen Asian countries Wednesday launched a piracy information sharing centre, which was esablished under the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) as part of efforts to combat piracy in the high seas.
SM Goh Says Planned GST Rise Depends On Economy
Singapore's Education System Must Focus On Quality: Tharman
Moving ahead, Education minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said, Singapore needs to focus on quality and giving people both academic and applied skills.
Opinion
Photographing In Singapore
Taking so-called street photos in Singapore can be challenging for a number of reasons.
Elections Are Over. Time To Raise Ministers' Salaries!
Ministers' salary is pegged to whoever is earning most, in a given year. When our top cardiosurgeon is earning a lot, the ministers will peg their salaries to him. When our top cardiosurgeon has a bad year, the ministers will just drop him out of the list.
Technology
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
News
Malaysia And Singapore Should Join Forces To Face Globalisation
Corporates in both Malaysia and Singapore should be the "agents of collaboration" and lead the way in identifying as well as enhancing economic opportunities between the two countries, said London Business School Professor Emeritus John Stopford.
High Court Judge Throws Out JBJ Appeal; Chee Makes Public Plea For Donations
Opinion
These Days You Never Get To Retire In Singapore... You Just Die Away!
With more economic progress, we have to work longer and harder.
MRT Rambling
If the authority keep denying that there is a problem with overcrowded train, saying Singaporean are just spolit, then this problem will never go away.
Sustainable Growth In A Rapidly-Changing Environment: Some Perspective From Singapore
First, a strong and pragmatic leadership, with the political will to succeed. Second, a set of core values which differentiated Singapore from other deveoping countries. Third, an efficient public service to formulate and implement policies effectively. Fourth, the trust between people and government built through a strong social compact. These are the four key pillars of growth.
Good Governance Or Bad Practices?
A Real Pain In The Neck For Audiences
Seating arrangement in some public places could pose health problems.
Why Medicines Cost More At Polyclinics
Where is the subsidy in this group of 'cheap' medicine?
Something About Drugs
Cigarettes and alcohol are more dangerous than Ecstasy, LSD and cannabis.
Technology
Singapore's M1 Unveils Island-Wide Wireless Broadband
Singapore's third-largest mobile phone operator, MobileOne, said on Tuesday it would launch an island-wide wireless broadband service on Dec 6, using its newly upgraded third-generation (3G) mobile network.
Monday, November 27, 2006
News
Malaysia Calls For End To Quarrels With Singapore
Deputy prime minister Najib Razak said past ties had "often lurched from grudging civility to outright acrimony" but urged both nations to seize on "a palpable thaw" in relations in recent years to tighten economic links.
Be Flexible And Allow Malaysia Acquire More Singapore Assets, Says Najib
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak ahs called on authorities in Singapore to exercise a greater degree of reciprocity in facilitating more Malaysian acquisition of assets in the island-republic. "We understand that identifying suitable acquisitions in Singapore is far harder for Malaysian companies given the structure of the Singapore economy."
Opinion
Jam-Packed Trains Here? It's Worse In Other Major Cities
Much To Learn From HK Public Transport System
Dismantling The Blogger Vs. Journalists Debate
A "one size fits all" approach as with our current system may not adequately address the needs of the bulk of the Post-65 generation who embody rather different conceptions of democracy from the nation's founding fathers.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
News
Corrumption And Its Cure: Is The "Singapore Phenomena" Suitable For Armenia?
The very history of the development of that country testifies that it was the political will of the authorities that became the pledge of the state's prosperity.
Iran Expects Singapore To Harmonize Its Nuclear Stance With NAM: MP
Iran expects Singapore, as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, to adopt a stance on Iran's nuclear program in line with the positions of other NAM members, Iranian MP Alaeddin Borujerdi said on Saturday.
Opinion
Netizens Add To Credibility Gap
If the youths are so active and the Net is anti-government, it is a worrying trend. By ignoring this group, or, worse, treating them as enemies instead of engaging them, the government may be in danger of losing these young citizens by default.
Entertainment
From Singapore — With Hope...
South Florida may not have been able to support the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, which went bankrupt in 2003, but one South Floridian hasn't given up on classical music — he's just taken it to Singapore.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
News
Singapore Malays Searching For sure Steps In Globalised World
The media here in Singapore recently highlighted the grave concerns of some Malay professionals over the community's future as the island state moved rapidly into the mainstream of global competitiveness. They said the minority Malays might be pushed further behind and face a much worse situation than now.
Opinion
Friday, November 24, 2006
News
Could Singapore Have Feet Of Clay?
Among most international media, staff are forbidden, usually under threat of dismissal, of solicitation and acceptances of freebies. But it seems that in the world of Singapore government-sponsored TV production at least, one is called to a different standard.
Swingers Swap Sex Partners In Prudish Singapore
Every two months, dozens of couples meet in a pub in Singapore, have drinks, mingle, and then decide whether they want to sleep with one another. There are more than 10 swingers clubs in Singapore, most of them private, some of them online.
Singapore Dolar Drops As MAS Sales Seen: World's Biggest Mover
The Singapore dollar fell the most in more than two weeks, after reaching a nine-year high, on speculation the central bank sold the currency to protect exporters' earnings.
Press Digest - Singapore newspaper - Nov 24
The incerasing volatility of Singapore's economic growth since the 1990s is largely due to the vagaries of external demand and the global electronics cycle.
The Roadmap To The Courts
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has filed a civil suit against Virtual Map — the company behind streetdirectory.com — for copyright infringement. The cpyright material in question: Singapore's map data and street information, which the SLA had licensed to Virtual Map, but whose licence the authority terminated in July 2004.
Bus Drivers Kick Up Fuss Over School's New Hours
School starts 1 hour later, so kids can get more sleep, but drivers want to pick them up at same time.
Opinion
Goodbye Clementi Part Deux
As I watched on further from the MRT station platform, I thought with some irony that the sign "Value Life, Act Responsibly" in front of the destruction at the back was quite apt.
A Tale Of Two Kinds Of Street Salepeople
You think it's because they sell harmless household products while Chee sells dangerous political ideas?
Our Disgraceful Trinity: Littering, Inconsideration And Bad Service
Are littering and rudeness symptoms of how our politics has shaped our society? Would sociological research to uncover the causes for our behaviour end up asking too many "sensitive" questions?
Singapore's Light-Up Plan Will Consume More Power And Add To Greenhouse Effect
Enough Of Courtesy Camaigns, Please. Singaporeans Learned Nothing From Them
Let's keep the government out of this.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Ramblings
Service standards will not be raised just because the government says so, or a Singa lion singing and dancing on television. It will only be raised when poor service hits the bottomline.
What does that mean for the government? Simple. Hands off and let market force works its magic.
That means no regulations against tipping. No cartel should be allowed to charge "service charge." Reduce regulations on HDB shops, such as the types of goods and services shops can provide.
The lesser the government puts its hands in the market, the better the market will be. If there are less regulations to protect businesses, the businesses will have to compete on quality.
News
Singapore Jails Opposition Leader Over Public Speaking
A Singapore court jailed an opposition leader for five weeks on Thursday over his failure to pay a fine for speaking in public without a permit.
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Nov 23
Civil servants are getting their biggest bonus in recent years.
Opinion
Welfarism
Time has changed. It warrants a relook at welfarism due to globalisation.
Ez-Link: Fix Over-Charging Problem Or Go Back To Old Fare Card System
Card-users should not accept it as a glitch in our model transportation system that they have to put up with.
National Library Is Inflexible. It Sticks To Policy Without Thinking
Entertainment
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
News
Singaproe Hopes Relations Will Heal
Amid rising tension between Singapore and Thailand over Temasek Holdings' buying into Shin Corp, an informed financial source from a large Singaporean institution still hopes that both sides can clear up "these misunderstandings" to restore public friendship.
SLA Launches Free Street Map And Land Query Portal
Singapore Cracks Down On Foreign Banks Poaching Local Staff
Singapore has added a new twist to the increasingly fierce battle for Asian private banking talent — an informal non-poaching agreement that effectively protects two local banks from aggressive foreign rivals.
Opinion
Mixing Welfare And Elitism In Singapore
Is Prime Minister Lee Hisen Loong moving to soften the island state's time-tested capitalist credentials with state welfare policies for the poor?
Is There An Alternative To Raising GST?
Issurance of government bonds may be a good way to finance expenditures and ensure transparent use, returns.
Why Were Students Put In 'Movie Marathon' Instead Of Enrichment Classes?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
News
Kularb Kaew Probe Kicks Off
Police have begun an inquiry to find out if Kularb Kaew acted as a nominee firm for Singapore's Temasek Holdings in its buy-out of Thai telecom giant Shin Corp.
Opinion
NS Stint May Hinder Job Prospects For Singaporeans
Fund-Raiser For Charity Turns Down $2, Asks For $10 Instead. Is This Right?
Minimum Wage Won't Make Singapore Lose Edge
Minimum wage should be seen as a way to boost our service standards and move a step closer to other developed countries that are unfazed by competition.
How Useful, This Feedback Process?
Penal Code changes will impact daily life — but too little info, too little time for public to give meaningful views.
Entertainment
Monday, November 20, 2006
Ramblings
It's In The Newspaper So It Must Be True
Straits Times wrote an article about why SingTel's entry into the pay television market is an "uphill battle."
Of course, nowhere in the entire article was it disclosed that SPH, the publisher of Straits Times, is one of the top twenty shareholders of StarHub, SingTel's major competitor in pay TV market. SPH also owns a major chunk of the television operation business in MediaCorp at least since the "merger", which is also entering the pay TV market with its MobTV initiative.
Why does Straits Times think that it has any real sense of credibility?
News
Richard Li Gets A Lesson In Singapore
Singapore doesn't normally spring to mind when democracy is under discussion but in terms of democracy for shareholders the island state has something to teach its financial center rival Hong Kong.
Unionists Call For Wage Rise, Better Bonuses In Light Of Economic Growth
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Nov 20
Singapore companies still need to do more to improve their information security systems and procedures in an increasingly globalised business environment, a new global survey by Ernst & Young shows.
Singapore's 3rd-Quarter Growth Slower Than Expected
SingTel's Pay TV Foray May Come At High Cost
It will face hefty bills for pay TV content, marketing and network upgrading.
Opinion
Public Facilities In Singapore
Spotted On A Singapore Bus: Racial Tension Or Drunk Troublemaker?
NS Stint May Hinder Job Prospects For Singaporeans
The survivability of the company may force us to pick PRs the next time we look for an employee.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
News
Be tolerant With Foreign Workers, Singaporeans Told
The Singapore government has asked its citizens to be more tolerant with foreign workers as more of them are expected to arrive over the next few years to cater to the manpower needs of the island state's booming construction sector.
Battle-Hardened Politicians A Rare Breed
Most of Singapore's politicians lack campaign or debating skills or political acumen.
Malaysia To Inform Singapore When The Time Comes, Says Samy Vellu
Malaysia will only issue notice ont he closure of the Johor Causeway for heavy vehicles after discussions and construction work, including on the Tanjung Puteri flyover and connecting roads are completed, Works Minnister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said. He said the government would give ample time of between two and two and a half months for Singapore to prepare.
Opinion
All Work, Little Pay
Is Singapore sustainable without addressing our demographic problem?
Saturday, November 18, 2006
News
SDU's Role As Cupid Comes To An End
Government matchmaker to hand reins to private agencies; it will accredit them.
Opinion
Friday, November 17, 2006
News
CPF System & 3Ms Of Healthcare To Be Tweaked For Elderly Singaporeans
Temasek Likely Breached Ownership Rules In Shin Deal
Singapore's Temasek Holdings has likely violated Thailand's foreign ownership rules in its purchase of telecom giant Shin Corp, a senior commerce ministry official said Friday. The ministry's examination of the case, which police say they will begin reviewing next week, found that a holding firm called Kularb Kaew that was set up during the deal potentially holds Shin Corp shares on behalf of Temasek, the official said.
Desperate For A Date, Singapore Courts Matchmakers
Singapore is playing matchmaker again. Desperate to boost its fertility rate, the government of the city-state says it will fund new services and activities that encourage dating.
Singapore And Thailand Face Showdown Over Temasek Deal
They have been careful to appear cordial, but in the polite language of Asian diplomacy, a stubborn standoff has emerged between Thailand and Singapore over how to handle Singapore's purchase of the communications assets of the deposed prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, and a legal confrontation between them is looming.
Old Seletar Hills Market Sorely Missed
There is a new mall in its place but some residents are finding that it does not serve their needs as well as the old market.
Opinion
Secrecy Can And Will Collapse Singapore
GST Hike: Sugar-Coating Backfired? Look Again And Spot The Trojan Horse
Breaking News: Molly Meek And Talkingcock Defeated
Is PAP Increasing Disparity Of Incomes To Stay Competitive?
How Can Lower-Income Families Cope With 200% Rent Hike?
How do lower-income families earning just over $800 cope with the rent increase of up to 200 per cent?
Thursday, November 16, 2006
News
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Nov 16
New Way Of Learning Chinese For Primary Pupils
Singapore Courts Can Hear Case Against Feer, Says Court
The High Court has rejected the Far Eastern Economic Review's argument that Singapore courts have no power to hear the defamation suits filed against the publication by Singapore's Prime Minister and Minister Mentor.
Proposed GST Rise Helps Lower-Income Group And Grows Economy
Opinion
The Economics Of GST - Robbing Peter To Pay Peter?
Explaining the economics is easy, it is rational and it is scientific. But dealing with the emotions of the tax increase will be mch more difficult.
Financing Help Schemes Via GST Not The Way To Go
If the government is seeking to reduce the burden on lower- and middle-income families, why is the reduction in tax rates in the lower brackets lower than that of the higher tax brackets?
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Ramblings
Who should shoulder the most blame? The editor who assigned the assignment to ask a stupid question, the reporter who asked the stupid question, the consultant who answered the stupid question (hence allowing him to be quoted), or the news organisation that published an entire report based on that one stupid question?
News
Singapore Museum To Give Bush Glimpse Of Pan-Asian Art
What are the must-sees for a busy American tourist on a whistle-stop tour of Southeast Asia? For U.S. President George Bush and his wife Laura, they include Singapore's Asian Civilizations Museum.
22 Centres With Internet Access To Govt Services Open To Public
Singapore Still Reluctant About Handling Money Laundering With Indonesia
Indonesia is finding it difficult to cooperate with Singapore in handling money laundering.
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Nov 15
The government yesterday rejected suggestions from some members of parliament that it should intervene or set parameters for investments made by Temasek Holdings.
Singapore Malays Support Umno Youth
A Malay opposition political party in Singapore, Tuesday expressed support for the statement by Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein that there is no racial discrimination in Malaysia. The Pergerakan Pemuda Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapura (PKMS) said it agreed with Hishammuddin that discrimination did not occur in Malaysia, adding that it occurred in Singapore.
Ministry Wants Full Offset On GST Hike
The Health Ministry will ask for any increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on subsidised patients' medical costs to be fully offset, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday.
Opinion
Is Singapore A Democracy?
It is a challenge to the government to oversee the transformation of the current political culture well into the future to ensure that the balance of economical and social achievement is well addressed.
Singapore Dollars Fueling JB
Let there be no denial, it is Singapore and Singapore dollars that is fueling much of Johor Baru's economy.
Excuse Me, Are You An Elite? The Brutal Truth Behind The Hazing Of Wee Shu Min
Nothing breaks up the elite structure like competition. We should embrace it.
Saving Our Aged From The Golden Arches
Singapore's Interest In UMNO-Proceedings?
PKMS is just being opportunistic in wanting to get more support from Singapore Malays.
Evils Of Welfare In Singapore
That is why they need to control the internet, eliminate people like CSJ and ban FEER, because there is only one TRUTH in Singapore and the truth is that PAP always work for your best interest.
Duty-Free Singapore Plans For A Tax-Free World
Singapore is preparing for a future in which national authorities have competed away their sovereign power to tax incomes. Such a world might be upon us sooner than we think.
Random Thoughts About Singaporean Youths
Calling All Singaporeans For More Suggestions On The Proposed GST Hike And More Help For The Needy
The GST Increase
It seem more prudent to mitigate the regressive nature of GST by exempting basic necessities from it so that the lower-income households would not have to bear a greater burden of taxation when they are already struggling to make ends meet.
Self-Serving Gahmen
People continue to vote in Mr Chiam and Mr Low because they listen and care (things the PAP doesn't do).
GST Hike Will Crush Poorer Singaporeans
Can We Trust Leader Who Says GST Will Be Used To Close Gaps?
The leaders should be checked by a more objective and powerful Ombudsman and be continuously subjected to accountability or due process.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Ramblings
I support government's move to raise GST rates by 2 percentage points to cover additional costs to help the lower income, provided that the additional revenue collected goes entirely to the stated programmes in helping the lower income, i.e. education, housing, health care, and Workfare bonuses, on top of whatever assistance the government is already providing today.
The money should be earmarked for basic needs and not luxury items. School fees, textbooks, and school uniforms, for example, and not tablet PCs and ballet lessons.
The money should not be channeled to other uses, such as defense, building of MRT tracks, or SARS research, no matter how worthy these other uses are.
The money should be used for direct costs, i.e. we are talking about cost-subsidy, and not market-subsidy.
And workfare bonuses should be used to, first and foremost, bring the lowest-income group to a minimum salary standard. We need not become a welfare state, but it is a shame if the breadwinner need to hold multiple full-time jobs in order to earn enough for a decent standard of living. If someone is working a decent full time job — 40 to 50 hours of work per week — he should be able to support his family.
GST
GST Will Go Up To 7 Per Cent
PM pledges more help in several areas, and more regular Workfare bonuses.
Singapore To Raise Sales Tax To 7 Pct From 5 Pct
Tweak It, Tilt It, But Don't Break It
Govt moves to help those in danger of being left behind; higher GST likely, but workfare will be key: PM
News
Singapore Wants To Be Consulted On Diversion Of Heavy Vehicles From Causeway
Singapore has requested that the republic be consulted by Malaysia before any move is made to divert heavy vehicles from the Johor Causeway to the Second Link.
Singapore's Temasek Cautiously Optimistic On Thailand
Temasek is cautiously optimistic on Thailand, the head of Singapore's state investor said on Tuesday, despite a paper loss of about $1.5 billion from its investment in telecoms group Shin Corp.
Temasek's Shin Corp Deal Clean And Guided By Thai Legal Experts
Second Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam stressed that the deal was a clean commercial transaction done in accordance with the laws in Thailand.
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Nov 14
Singapore Mulling Cut To Corporate Tax Rate
Singapore is prepared to cut its corporate tax rate to remain competitive in the global race for investments, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was quoted by local media as saying.
Sin Corp 'Didn't Come Up'
The Singaporean government did not raise the issue of the Temasek-Shin Corp deal with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont during his recent visit to the island state.
Singapore Rules Out Welfare System
Singapore will not go down the route of Scandinavian countries with generous welfare systems, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in published reports on Tuesday, adding that he believes the programmes sap the incentive to work.
Opinion
On The Contrary Of GST
Let us watch yet another vicious cycle unfold before our very own Singaporean eyes.
Internal Checks And Balances Are As Good As None
If one is truly sincere in fighting graft and corruption, the best way to do it is probably through the establishment of a true democracy, where freedom of speech is protected.
GST To Increase To 7%
How do we know if this 2% will really go back to funding the social assistances schemes that the government purports to implement? I thik that there has to be an accompanying system of accountability to go along with this hike.
Talk About Wasting Political Capital
This is taking political arsenide. It's crazy with a capital C.
Singapore's Elitism
There is this prevailing, overarching assumption in the society that success can only be obtained through better formal education.
Hard To Comprehend Why The GST Increase
I find it hard to understand what it is the government is trying to achieve.
Should Lee Hsien Loong Be Prime Minister?
Got A Bright Idea To Replace CPF Minimum Sum?
Does the minimum sum have any use to anyone other than Mr Standard Singaporean?
Technology
Monday, November 13, 2006
Ramblings
The quality of a government, I feel, is not how well it is doing for the majority of the citizens. That is a basic requirement.
What constitutes a world-class government? What is the difference between a A or A* grade? It is how well the government is doing for the minority of the citizens.
For that, the PAP government failed miserably.
Where Are All The Silent Majority?
I know of people who do not approve of homosexuals. I know of people who think that homosexuals are not born with, but learnt. I know of people who will be very upset if their children turns out to be homosexuals.
But I do not know of anyone who wants to jail homosexuals for whatever behavior they do behind closed doors and windows.
Where is this "silent majority" conversative Singaporeans that want homosexuals to go to jail? Where is this "conservative" element in our society that want to take such non-conservative extreme actions?
News
GST To Be Raised To 7%: PM Lee
The Goods and Services Tax will be increased to 7 percent, from 5 percent presently. THis was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Parliament on Monday. However, when the rise will be implemented, will be decided later.
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Nov 13
An 80-year-old widow has decided not to file an apeal after losing her six-month legal battle to stop the collective sale of her residential estate; The number of new individual bankruptcy petitions in the first nine months has fallen to its lowest level in six years but a rise in the number of writs of summons filed against individuals and companies could indicate that insolvency rates may start to trend up again.
Opinion
Why Are We Subsidising Singapore Cars?
The ugly Singaporean is taking Malaysia for a ride, benefitting from our subsidised fuel at the expense of locals.
Doing A Thaksin Deepens Singapore's Culpability
Both father and son did what Mr Thanksin would have done. They insisted on what is legal on paper but illegitimate and possibly illegal in practice.
World-Class Transport System Needs Quality, Not Just Efficiency
Sacrificing 76 seats to squeeze in 100 more commuters is economically efficient in adding numbers, but a world-class transport system needs quality of travel too.
Fewer Seats For Senior Citizens
Trains Can Take More During Peak Hours
Due to the removal of a few seats in each section, I observed that passengers are more willing to move into the centre of the carriage, thus allowing more to board.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
News
HDB Releases Details Of New Rental Structure
Singapore, A New Home For Riches
The country, which has eased its banking laws, is touted as the next Switzerland. Its resort properties are luring wealthy foreigners.
Opinion
Growing Up In Singapore
In almost every way possible the Singaporean government tried to steal my identity of being an American.
IKEA Singapore
I have never come across any organisation that has given me such bad services and products.
The Dawn Of A Darker Dark Ages
Piggybacking On Other's WiFi: We Are All Serial Offenders!
People who subscribed to wireless internet access in their homes need to know the importance of securing their network.
Stepping Out Of The Shadow
With Singapore facing more uncertainties at home and abroad, Lee Kuan Yew, 83, seems to have switched to a more active leadership role during the past year or so.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
News
SE Asia Nations Pledge To Support Fund Against Haze
Southeast Asian nations pledged on Saturday to contribute to a regional fund to help fight forest fires in Indonesia that have spread smoke across the region, environment officials said.
IDR Not Dependent On Spill-Over Economic Effects From Singapore
Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said Saturday that the newly-launched Iskandar Development Region (IDR) in South Johor was not dependent on spill-over economic effects from Singapore and that it could draw investors on its own.
On That 'Magical Number' For Singapore
HDB Shakes Up Subsidised Rental Flat Market
MAS: Keep Singapore-KL Route Closed Until 2008
Malaysia Airlines chief Idris Jala professed to be all in favour of liberalisation, but nevertheless said that bottom-line concerns made any opening up before 2008 — the deadline for open skies between capital cities set by Asean — untenable for MAS.
A Sea Sports Centre May Be Developed In Sembawang
Sembawang GRC MP Lim Wee Kiat says he is looking at the development of a sea sports centre at Sembawang beach.
Singapore Cannot Have Unconditional Needs-Based Social Safety Nets: Dr Balakrishnan
"You will run bankrupt sooner or later, and secondly, you are not doing the people you are trying to help any favours, and thirdly, you erode the work ethic that is at heart and the success and identity of Singapore."
Opinion
PAP Not Perfect
Recent images from Lee Hsien Loong's Teck Ghee constituency, just less than a week after he launched YPAP's "Project Love."
Figures On Usage Of Trains Are Misleading
Heartened And Disheartened?
Maybe it is time to lift the whip for MPs to be able to act upon the beliefs they expouse?
PAP MP Calls For Less Restrictions On Mainstream Media
It is heartening to note that at least one MP is listening to issues percolating from the ground by reading blogs, rather than just believing everything the Straits Times and Zaobao put out.
17 Years Old To Get Charged For Unauthorized Net Access In Singapore
Seriously, how many people really know how to differentiate which network they are on?
Inspired By Mah Bow Tan
This principle of paying according to income or affordability is the most ingenious part of the solution.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Ramblings
Why Don't *You* Stop Whining First?
"A nation of compaliners"? That's what some MPs are, apparently, labelling some Singaporeans.
Fine. When PAP stops whining that they cannot find any good people to serve the nation unlessq the system pays them tons and tons and tons of money, and the systems guarantees them a easy win in General Election, I'll stop whining too.
What's worse than a warning system telling you that something went wrong? A warning system telling you that something went wrong and you cannot do anything to correct the error.
That's essentially the Book-Drop system used by our National Libaray.
In this letter from the National Library Board, we are told there are two "warning system" that a customer can check when returning books. Firstly, the "Returned" indicator sign will light up, and a buzzer will sound. Secondly, online systems that check whether any loans is still outstanding.
What is missing in this letter, of course, is any recourses for the poor customers who have returned books, but which the system didn't capture the return. (What prompted this reply from NLB, I believe, was a customer whose returned book didn't register in the system, and the customer had to manually go find the book on the shelf to prove that he had indeed returned the loan.)
So, if you dropped a book into the Book Drop system, and something goes wrong, all you can do is pray.
And we wonder why there are many people who continues to resist automation and computerization, eh?
News
Budget Carriers Keen To Fly Singapore-KL Route
PM Affirms Visit To Singapore Did Not Include Talks On Economic Investment
The Prime Minister said that his visit to Singapore did not include discussions of economic investments, while adding that the Singaporean government has commended Thailand's excellent management of the southern unrest situation.
Singapore Sex Laws Draw Anger Gays
"If the government aims for an open, inclusive society, it should be doing all it can to overturn prejudice and discrimination, rather than give people reason to remain close-miinded through retaining (the ban) for symbolic purposes," People Like Us, a gay rights group, said in a statement.
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Nov 10
Singapore To Tighten Curbs On Free Speech
Singapore is proposing to tighten laws governing the internet and public gatherings as part of an overhaul of the city-state's penal code.
MPs Decry Whining Singaporeans, Call For Soul Searching
"A nation of complainers" and "a society increasing reliant on the government for help" were among the sadder — and harsher — labels mentioned.
Malaysia-SIngapore Aviation Sector Might Be Liberalised Earlier
The Malaysian Ministry of Transport is studying the possibilities of bringing forward liberalisation of the aviation sector between Malaysia and Singapore, its minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said Thursday.
Opinion
A Charmed (NSF) Life: A New Beginning
Great, I was whisked to Woodbridge Hospital the 3rd day after I was enlisted, man, my NS life is just going great.
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Ramblings
Do You Want LTA To Run Your Land Transport System?
Let's see what are some of LTA's achievement lately:
A failed system to inform commuters of arrival times at bus stops — when commuters typically have no similar and competitive choices but to wait for that bus whether it is on time or 10 or 20 or 30 minutes late...
An aborted plan to build an expensive headquarters, where there are plenty of alternatives...
A conversion of fare payment system on buses that is riddled with usability and operational problems yet to be solved even after a few years...
An expressway traffic situation informational system that have serious usability problem that has yet to be solved even after a few years...
A failed policy of having indirect competition between public transport operators that have yield not a single evidence of benefit, let alone all that grand talk of integration between trains and buses even at regions that are operated by the same operator...
Knocking down preserved historical buildings so as to built subways...
ERP.
Yes sir. World class indeed.
News
Singapore Takes On Crows; One Down, 34,999 To Go
Dennis Lim is on the front lines of a battle for his country's territorial integrity, a member of the Singapore Gun Club who has been enlisted to help reduce an infestation that at one point climbed to 150,000.
Singapore: Why Haze Issue Was Raised At UN
Singapore has defended its raising of the haze issue at the United Nations after an Indonesian leader tok offence at its statement. It explained that it had highlighted the issue at the UN to canvass international support for a problem that went beyond the capabilities of both Indonesia and Asean.
Battle Of The Bloggers Hints At Social Divide
Tell It Like It Is - On Your Blog
Senior WP Member Quits Over Net Fracas
Senior Workers' Party member Goh Meng Seng takes responsibility for tarnishing the party's reputation by making critical remarks against online forum participant.
Opinion
Public Transport - Maximise Profit Or Maximise Use
Learning From Singapore's Free Internet Programme In Theory
The cost of such an ambitious programme seems little in comparison to the benefits gained from a society converted to a digital economy.
My Resignation From Workers' Party
MHA Is Disappointing
These are some of the stupidities in the Penal Code which the government still permits to exist.
Pseudo Repeal Under Cover Of Smoke?
This could only be described as a highly discriminatory change.
Private Bus Operators Welcome On Niche Routes
Refitted SMRT Trains Should Have More Seats
With train fares going up in recent years and the promise of upgrading in services, the reduction in the number of seats is not what I am looking forward to.
Entertainment
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
News
Govt To Introduce Laws On 19 New Offences, Expand Scope Of Existing Offences
Sex Reforms On The Cards For Singapore
Oral and anal sex in private between consenting hetrosexual adults would be legalised under Singapore's first major penal code amendments in 22 years, the government said on Wednesday.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
News
Singapore Telecoms Pay-TV Foray Seen Hitting Profitability In Short Term
Law Ministry To Put In Place Alternative Schemes To Help Debt Repayment
The Law Mininster said that in order to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship, Singapore's debt recovery system must balance between instilling financial discipline and providing a fresh start for debtors.
Opinion
Court Orders Transcript, Images On Net Removed
After testifying in court, the witness leaves and is generally free to tell the whole world what he said in court (subject to a few limtied exceptions). In other words, he's free to transmit his testimony (or evidence) to the whole world. It seems to me that the video should also be similarly transmittable.
There Are Things That Money Cannot Buy
On passion about government and country, and alumni donations in Singapore.
Singapore Cable TV Among Region's Most Affordable
Wheelchair Allowed
It is not a cosmetic change in our policy.
Monday, November 6, 2006
Ramblings
One thing that taxi drivers and taxi customers have to realise is that, the whole cost/price structure of the taxi service in Singapore is already more or less out of the government's hand, unless there are major u-turns in policies.
The fare structure is entirely determined by the taxi companies. The taxation system — from COE to ERP to road tax to petro tax — is determined by a simple principle: one taxi is equivalent to one private car, and both of them pay the same rate.
Taxi regulation is now mainly on service standard. I do want to see less involvement by the government in setting service standard, and just let market forces do its magic; but even if the government releases its grip on this piece of regulation entirely, I don't see how it will change the survival situation of individual taxi driver.
So, taxi drivers, stop complaining. If you feel that you cannot earn a decent living being a taxi driver, then it's time to get out of this business. (It is a business, don't kid yourself. Taxi drivers are not employee of taxi companies. Taxi drivers are like subcontractor of taxi companies.)
In Computer Science, we learn that whenever there is a problem with the software we built, we always assume, firstly, that it is our problem. A typo in our code, or a flaw in our design. We've seen programmers that are always quick to blame other people — the third-party library they are using, or the compiler they are using, or simply Microsoft Windows. That always go nowhere.
In Computer Science, we also have something call a "silver bullet" — or, rather, a lack thereof. There is really nothing — a new technique, a new process, or a new programming language — that can increase producitivty many many times that easily.
Over on the north of the Causeway, there are people who think that it's all Singapore's fault. Just demolish the Causeway, and all will be good.
Over on the south of the Causeway, there is a company who believed that it was all Apple's fault. Just pump money into marketing, and all will be good.
The way to go, is to be the best one can be. Look into one's heart and ask: is this the best I can do? Other things are mere distractions.
News
YTL Yet To Submit Fast Rail Link To Singapore Proposal
YTL Corp Bhd, which floated the idea of a high-speed rail link to Singapore in July, had yet to submit a full proposal on the matter to the ministry, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said on Monday.
Najib Cites Singapore's Reluctance As Obstacle To Building Bridge
Singapore's reluctance to participate int he constructio of a bridge to replace the Johor Causeway is the reason why the project could not be implemented, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Monday. If Singapore was sincere, the project could have long been carried out, he said.
Khazanah Denies Saying Johoreans Should Stop Being Narrow-Minded
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Nov 6
SingTel will be awarded a licence for an internet pay-TV trial by the end of hte month, industry sources said.
Singapore Defends Financial Secrecy
Lee Kuan Yew has defended the secrecy of the government's powerful investment agencies in spite of demands that they become more accontable in the wake of Temasek Holdings' troubled takeover of Shin Corp, the Thai telecoms group.
'Govt Focused On Developing South Johor'
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday shrugged off comments made by the Sultan of Johor and said the government is focused on developing south Johor.
Johor Causeway Will Remain, Says PM
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Sunday the Johor Causeway built during the British colonial administration would remain as it is.
Open Skies - The Good And The Bad
There are compelling arguments from both supporters and critics of the open skies issue, which may explain why a formal decision by both governments has been elusive.
Indon Minister Skips Singapore Meet 'In Protest'
Indonesia's Industry Minister Fahmi Idris is still upset at Singapore's decision to raise the haze issue at the United Nations General Assembly last month.
Opinion
Royal Demolition Order, Part 2
All reported the Sultan's comments without giving the context that there is a separate idea to build an overhead bridge to replace the causeway.
Sunday, November 5, 2006
News
MRT Feasibility Studies Underway For Downtown Line
A new 40-kilometre MRT line could be in the works to connect the Bukit Timah and eastern parts of the island to the New Downtown.
Call To Demolish Causeway "Curious", Says Singapore
The Singapore Foreign Ministry has described as "curious" the remark by the Sultan of Johor who called for the demolition of the Johor Causeway. A ministry spokesman said in a Channel NewsAsia (CNA) report that Singapore did not believe the call represented the Malaysian government's position.
Khazanah Tells Johoreans To Be Open Minded When Dealing With Singapore
Khazanah Nasional today called on Johoreans to stop being narrowed minded when dealing with Singapore whose Changi Airport and sea ports will eventually be the major gateways for the movement of goods and passengers from the South Johor Economic Region (SJER).
Opinion
Discrimination At The Candy Empire In Singapore
Singapore: Racist Or No?
Singapore is supposed to be a multi-cultural society, however you tend to see certain racial groups getting certain types of jobs with few bridging the frontiers.
How To Kill The SJER?
Just make sure that the Malaysians heard it loud and clear that Singapore is going to benefit from it.
Johor Dreaming
Malaysia and Johor must work with Singapore to facilitate the massive cross-border movement of people.
Healthy Competition Or Just A Mindless Chase Of A Distant Dream?
With leaders making wild and (I really hate to use this word) stupid comments, there is no wonder Malaysia is being left behind on the conveyer belt to success.
Royal Demolition Order
It's not too late for Malaysia and Singapore to go back to the negotiating table.
Public Transport And The Rich-Poor Divide
Perhaps one of the reasons why our public transport system is the way it is is because the people who manage it don't use it, and hence don't understand some of its idiosyncracies.
Ghosts From The Past
I don't know which quack advised him on his history, but it is bad advice and bad history.
Saturday, November 4, 2006
News
Malaysia To Develop Johor To Compete With Singapore
Singapore In Kriish
How this country gained brand mileage via Bollywood.
Singapore Sea Port And Changi Airport To Be International Gateway For SJER
The Singapore sea port and Changi Airport will remain an important outlet for export from the South Johor Economic Region (SJER) and the international gateway for SJER residents and visitors, respectively, said the Johor Economic Planning Unit (EPU). However, both Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) and Senai Airport will be developed as largely horizontal system to those in Singapore, the Johor EPU said in a statement Saturday.
Sultan Of Johor Causes Stir
To the shock of the 2,000 people present and thousands of viewers at home of the live telecast over RTM 1 and TV3, the Ruler said the Causeway was built by colonialists who had used dirty tactics to deceive his ancestors.
Demolish Causeway - Sultan Iskandar
The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar, on Saturday called for demolition of the Johor Causeway, the southern gateway into Malaysia, to provide the passage for ships to pass through the Tebrau Straits which separates Malaysia and Singapore.
Singapore Transit Point For Illegals
Singapore has emerged as a transit point for illegal Bangladeshi workers entering Malaysia.
64 First-Generation SMRT Trains To Get $142m Makeover
Lee Kuan Yew Defends Shin Deal
Ex-prime minister Lee Kuan Yew said on Friday that a controversial $3.8 billion investment led by state investor Temasek in Thailand's Shin Corp was "above board" and would withstand scrutiny.
Opinion
The New Social And Political Compact
Tidbits From MM Lee
Ah, the dangers of over-reading things.
No Demand For Singaproe Restricted Passport
There is little practical value in re-iintroducing the Singapore Restricted Passport when its production cost would be no different from that of the international passport.
Entertainment
What's The Opposite Of Beauty?
To those staying in the Western side of Singapore, the opposite of Beauty World is often associated with the word 'delicious'.
Friday, November 3, 2006
News
Mastering Art Of Governance Takes At Least 2 Terms In Government: MM Lee
Opening Address By Mr S R Nathan, President, At The Opening Of Parliament, 2 November 2006, 8.30PM: A Competitive Economy, An Inclusive Society
Press Digest - Singapore Newspapers - Nov 3
The total taxes collected by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore reached S$19.9 billion — a five-year high — in its financial year 2005-06, up 11 percent from the year before; Singapore intends to ride on China's economic growth wave for the next 10 to 15 years, former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew said.
Singapore: Took Leng How Hanged
Wire services are reporting the Singapore government this morning hanged Malaysian man Took Leng How. He had been convicted of murdering an eight year-old girl in October 2004.
Singapore Counts Its Millionaires
The ranks of millionaires in Singapore have swelled to a record 1,738 as a result of the roaring stockmarket and buoyant economy, tax data showed Friday.
I Must Use 100 Phonecards In 2 Months Which Is About 4,000 Calls
SingTel is phasing out magentic phonecards by 31 Dec.
Longer Monitoring Of Taxi Phone Bookings
From January, LTA will extend period to 11 pm in effort to improve standard.
Govt Pledge: No One Will Be Left Behind As Singapore Tackles Change
Singapore's 11th Parliament opened yesterday evening, with the government pledging to build an inclusive society here even as the economy becomes plugged globally.
Opinion
Make Public Transport, Not Fares, World-Class
While we push for a world-class public transport system, let's try out utmost to avoid having to impose world-class fares.
Solution To Elitism = Inclusive Society
Disabled Dad Thrown Out Of Candy Shop With Vulgarities
Why build ramps in the mall only to limit access to certain shops? Are handicapped individuals allowed only to window shop?
IPT A Voluntary Programme To Keep NSmen Physically Fit
The IPT is not intended as a cost-cutting measure. It is designed to complement Remedial Training by offering NSmen a proactive option, rather than a remedial solution, to improve their level of fitness.
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Ramblings
What's Behind MediaCorp's Move?
The general public may never know — but then, how to keep a secret within more than 2 person? — what's going on inside MediaCorp's news operation... However, here's an alleged insider giving us the dirt.
News
Sarong Party Girls
Out to catch Caucasian men, the SPGs, dubbed shameless, have found a spokesperson.
Immigration Turns Back 200
About 200 Malaysian who wanted to enter Singapore by tendering their restricted passports were turned away by Immigration officers at the Johor side of the Causeway.
Singapore's Economy Poised To Take Off
Myriad factors are making Singapore an attractive destination for investors who are seeking long-term value.
Judge Grants Chee Copies Of Police tape
Copies of videotape evidence that showed Opposition politician Chee Soon Juan and two others speaking to the public at a Yishun market square will be given to the trio, a district court ruled yesterday.
Opinion
Official Endorsement For Lottery Operators' Meet Is Disappointing
Is economics all that the government cares about?
Why Peasants Are Satisfied With Bus Services
I Got The Power
Singaporeans trash Singapore because of its perceived failings. I am a believer in Singapore because I am a convert to Singapore, the idealogy and the country.
Human Rights Vs. Cultural Norms
Do we tell Singapore that they're violating universal human rights, or do we accept that these people have voluntarily given up what we consider essential because they think something else is more important?
Technology
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Ramblings
We Have Singapore Air, But Not Singapore Ship And Singapore Train
The Singapore government often boost that we have a super effficient airport over at Changi.
Has anyone looked at the immigration facilities and operations in Woodlands or at Habourfront, and see how efficient (or lack of) they are?
News
Singapore Parliament Opens Thursday, First Sitting Since May Election
The Singaproe parliament will sit on Thursday, the first time since the May general election when the ruling People's Action Party returned to power with 66.6 per cent popular votes, winning 82 out of 84 seats.
Public Transport Council Survey On Bus Satisfaction Finds Slight Improvement
The survey found that satisfaction has gone up to 8 in 10 respondents, up from 7 in 10 last year.
The Worst Of Singapore Haze Is Over, Says NEA
The National Environment Agency says that the air quality will not get any worse for the remainder of the year.
Press Digest - Singapore Newspaper - Nov 1
Chee's Ghandi's Motions Rejected
Sructural Changes At MediaCorp For Greater Integration Across Platforms
Opinion
Small Wonder Why NUS Alumni Not Donating Back To Alma Mater
This is because in NUS, students have no voice.
The Royal Shaft
If your family has been in power for almost 50 years and you live in a very small country and can keep tabs on anyone of any significance, it can be difficult to understand the workings of power in more complex societies. Even royal families may be less tight-knit than your own.
A Government For All Its Intelligence, Is Nothing If It Lacks Empathy
Drama In The Courtroom
I guess we all get careless once in a while.
Postcard From Singapore - The Meeting Of World Bank And IMF
Aside from the lost sleep, the only cost for the license was $20. Free speech may not be free in Singapore, but it is cheap.
Son's Wheelchair Not Allowed In Candy Store
Candy Empire: At the entrance there is a notice which reads: "Please do not bring your trolley or wheelchair into the shop."
Are Fees Of StarHub's Cable TV Competitive?
StarHub's basic subscription charges are higher in terms of service and programme content when compared to the neighbouring countries.
