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by Under The Willow Tree
by Lynlee Foo, Channel NewsAsia
by Yaw Shin Leong, Workers' Party, theonlinecitizen
As a result of this 'unique' economic model, the societal standing of the Singaporean worker is now being eroded in our very own country. Singapore is indeed becoming a 'City of Possibilities', however, it's not for Singaporeans but foreigners.
by Reuters
Singapore's unemployment rate rose to a seasonally adjusted 2 percent in the first quarter amid mounting uncertainties in the global economy, and analysts warned the jobless rate may climb higher in the months ahead.
Preliminary data from the Ministry of Manpower showed on Wednesday that employment rose by 68,400 in the three months ot the end of March, up from 62,500 in the previous quarter.
See Also:
Employment Situation In First Quarter 2008, by Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Government. Employment growth remains strong; unemployment up; retrenchments unchanged.
by Haslinda Amin and Linus Chua, Bloomberg
Government of Singapore Investment Corp. may add more bank assets to its $18 billion of investments in UBS AG and Citigroup Inc. as it chases stable returns over periods as long as 30 years, minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
The investments haven't yielded immeidate returns. UBS shares have fallen 35 percent since GIC announced it bought into the biggest Swiss bank on Dec 11. Citigroup, the largest U.S. bank by assets, fell 2 percent since saying Jan. 15 it was getting $14.5 billion from investors including GIC. The Singaproe dollar has gained 5.5 percent since the start of the year.
by Channel NewsAsia
Reading of the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) judgment in the case concerning sovereignty over Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge will be carried out on May 23.
See Also:
Sovereignty Over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks And South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore), Court to deliver its Judgment on Friday 23 May 2008 at 10 a.m. International Court of Justice. (Note: PDF document.)
by Otterman Speaks...
by Harish Pillay
by Tan Kin Lian, theonlinecitizen
by Feed Me To The Fish
by J B Jeyaretnam, Reform Party
If the minister does not at least offer ot resign he will be seen as more interesed in keeping his $2 million yearly salary than in doing the right thing.
by Joel Tan, Daily Backtrack
by Keith Lin, Straits Times
Three civil society groups have joined hands to campaign for foreign domestic workers here to be given a regular day off.
by Seth Mydans, New York Times
The course, "Love Relations for Life: A Journey of Romance, Love and Sexuality", is the latest of many, mostly futile, campaigns by Singapore's government to get its citizens to mate and multiply. Its poularity last year has led to talk of its expansion through the higher education system.
by Ian Lim, Straits Times
by Channel NewsAsia
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has said it expects inflation to cool to an average 4 percent in the second half of this year.
Singapore's central bank also said on Tuesday that economic growth will slow in 2008 but the expansion will likely remain at healthy level even under a tighter monetary policy.
by Andrew Loh, theonlinecitizen
That the mainstream media has a vendetta against the internet, and bloggers in particular, is regrettable. How does this help the government's oft-repeated claims of wanting to engage younger Singaporeans, who increasingly surf the net and use if for self-expression?
by Teh Joo Lin and Lee Pei Qi, Straits Times
Minibuses that ferry children to school may have to be fitted with seat belts. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is considering the move after looking at the experiences of other countries.
by Mindy Tan, New Paper
Bus interchange manager puts up list showign medical leave tally of staff but when alerted, the company removes it.
by Rachel Kelly, Channel NewsAsia
According to some market-watchers, some companies are 'greenwashing' or claiming to be promoting green initiatives when they are not.
by Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia
by Gerald Giam, SIngapore Patriot
Scanning the forum pages of our English dailies, I notice a glaring absence of any letters about Mas Selamat-gate.
by Sam's Thoughts
by A Xeno Boy In Sg
The people whom Lee Hoong is trying desperately to connect with have moved on. Perhaps, this is the reason for her agner. No one cares what she writes anymore. No obe bothers. It is inconmmensurate anger because the thinking Sngaporean now has choice, has the ability to choose, to respond, to voice.
by Empty Vesel
Overcome apathy today, make a small change in your life every day and see big things happen tomorrow!
by Hiroshi Limmell, Channel NewsAsia
Got time to go play pretend ah? :-)
by Urbanrant
Alas, sadly for Singapore our opposition lacks what it takes.
by Christopher Tan, Straits Times
The electronic road-pricing (ERP) gantry on the BKE between Diary Farm Road and the Pan-Island Expressway is the only one being tweaked by the Land Transport Authority in its latest review of ERP rates.
by The Armchair Critic
He has spoken and you shall listen. You shall not question and you'll get a question in return. How dare you even doubt the truth when it is the truth and nothing but the truth.
Just withdraw the wonderful package credited to your account today and shut the hell up.
by Tantalizine
The polar opposite of the American Way isn't North Korea. The polar opposite of the American Way is Singapore. Singapore, jewel of East Asia, richest power of the south. The Singaporean dynasty enjoys the best pay with none of the responsiblities. Credit is claimed where non are due and blame is dispensed like the bolts from mighty Zeus.
by Sam's Thoughts
by Leong Sze Hian, theonlinecitizen
by Hard Hitting In The Lion City
Surely these are indications that Singaporeans will need help. Where does "if necessary" come into it?
by Jan Dahinten, Reuters
Singapore's government is advertising food stalls that offer S$2 meals to help people in Asia's second-richest country cope with consumer prices at a three-decade high, a newspaper reported on Monday.
by Alicia Wong, Today
by DPA
Fewer foreign maids are choosing to work in Singapore, with those from the Philippines and Indonesia now preferring Taiwan and Hong Kong, a survey said Monday. The 20 maid agencies surveyd by The Straits Times said that the higher pay and a compulsory weekly day off are key factors.
by Zern Liew, eicolab
So strange, so illogical, and oh so human.
by Christopher Tan, Straits Times
More than 10,000 households will be polled in what is believed to be the biggest transport survey here to date. The findings of the travel pattern survey will shape transport policies, track the efficency of the road and rail networks, and hopefully improve life for commuters.
The LTA has commissioned Media Research Consultants - a firm owned by MediaCorp - to undertake the task for close to $1 million.
by Melvin Tan, A Sampan On Singapore Soil
by Tan Dawn Wei, Straits Times
It is up for tender again, as part of a cluster with three other buildings.
by Reuters
Hundreds of Myanmar nationals, many wearing red or t-shirts with the word "No", gathered outside the Myanmar embassy in Singapore on Sunday to protest against the country's proposed new constitution.
by Catherine Lim
The disconnet is due mainly to the PAP government's failure, or refusal, to understand the importance of the affective component in a government-people relationship. Indeed anything outside their sternly pragmatic, rationalist, functionalist framework is viewed as just so much unnecessary emotionalism or ideology.
by Marina's Bloggariffic
by This Is Premium Writing, No?
Just like ordering pizza.
by John Bordsen, McClatchy Newspapers
by AFP
From taking fewer taxi rides to eating out less and shortening shower time, residents of affluent Singapore are trying to cope with inflation, which has soared to 26-year highs.
Rising costs of housing, food, and transport have eaten into family budgets of Singaporeans as well as the large number of expatriates working in the city-state, consumers and analysts said. Except for the ultra-rich, the impact of the sharp price increases has cut across social classes in one of Asia's wealthiest nations, they said.
by Channel NewsAsia
by Mr Wang Says So
Mas Selamat ran away. But PM Lee said that Wong Kan Seng was not at fault and should not be punished in any way. The reason being that Wong Kan Seng personally did not do anything which allowed Mas Selamat to escape.
Strangely, if your maid runs away, it is your fault and you should be punished. Even if you did not personally do anything to let her run away (apart from giving her a day off).
by Goh Meng Seng, Singapore Alternatives
by Simply Jean
by P.S . Suryanarayana, The Hindu
Singapore's sense of urgency to engage India and China, especially in the present global economic environmment, was emphasised on Friday at a function held here to intsall the new leadership team of the 84-year-old Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
by Feed Me To The Fish
Si peh song leh, suka suka change laws, suka suka fix laws.
by Urbanrant
by Joel Tan, Daily Backtrack
by Channel NewsAsia
by Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia
While senior minister Goh Chok Tong ackowledged the debate's focus for many Singaporeans has shifted from reasons for the escape to the issue of accountability, he believes it's time to enter a "new phase of reflection and repair" and to move on.
We are no longer in a world where we can only read Straits Times and watch Channel 5 and 8. Bloggers have an important role to play now: to remind ourselves again and again what the government is trying to "move on" away from.
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
The saga of the Jemaah Islamiah leader's escape from the Whitley Detention Centre has moved beyond security concerns and the negative international image.
It has raised doubts on government accountability in Singapore and revisited the unpopular issue of high cabinet pay.
by Singapore Sojourn
by Bad News On The Doorstep
DPM Wong should resign to accept responsibility for the failure of his ministry.
by Winter Is Coming
What I was hoping to see from this COI exercise was humble contrition for a mistake made. It is one of the tenets of leadership that the leader assumes responsibility for the folies of his subordinate, notwithstanding that he may or may not have had a direct link to the deplorable event.
by Insane Polygons
This was the time to show some balls, leadership and backbone. Instead our PM failed on all 3 counts.
by Jermyn Chow, Straits Times
The government has decided to leae gaming halls out of a nationwide ban on smoking in indoor public spaces, which is being rolled out in the next few years. But the two integrated resorts will be required to draw up 'house rules' to protect non-smokers.
by Dharmendra Yadav, Today
In the constituency of public opinion, that silence of Mr Low has now been replaced by a complaining chorus: "Why, Mr Low? Why?"
by Marryam H Reshii, Business Standard
The phrase "spoilt for choice" takes on an altogether different connotation for three weeks every April in Singapore. That is when the World Gourmet Summit is on with 73 events packed into 21 days.
by Yoolim Lee and Adam Majendie, Bloomberg
The refurbished schoolhouse shows the culture — a blend of Chinese, Malay and European influences — through domestic themes such as a wedding chamber, a dining room and a kitchen.
by Rachel Kelly, Channel NewsAsia
I wonder if this applies to GIC and Temasek.
by Adventures And Random Brain Waves
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Raising wages to address the issue of rising costs may be an enticing option but that is not the right solution, said acting manpower minister Gan Kim Yong. He said adjusting wages upwards to meet rising prices would only result in a "price-wage spiral" and Singaporeans should look at the bigger picture.
In other words, this is the government telling the National Wage Council and NTUC — hey, you guys know what to say now, eh?
by Ian On The Red Dot
We shouldn't be afraid to punish our leaders if they had failed us just to prevent creating a risk adverse government.
by Random Thoughts Of A Free Thinker
by Ian On The Red Dot
by theonlinecitizen
The government's mishandling of the Mas Selamat case reveals a worrying lack of political acumen.
Simply put, the men and women put in place by the PAP are managers and technocrats, and not leaders. They rose to the top not because the people put them there, but simply by having good resume that impressed the top management of the party.
by Jane Ng, Straits Times
To parents and students concerned about the disparate grades awarded as a result of the subject being marked internally by junior college teachers, an MOE spokesman made it clear that these teachers follow marking guidelines common to the schools.
by Toh Yong Chuan, Press Secretary To DPM And Minister For Home Affairs, Straits Times
by Channel NewsAsia
Dr Tony Tan, the deputy chairman of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), has clarified that recent comments made on the world facing its worst recession in 30 years is just one of three scenarios GIC is contemplating.
It is not the GIC's forecast for the global economy.
by Sparklette.net
by Utopia
Singaporeans do deserve high standards because the government has granted themselves the right to up their pay whenever they want to.
by Shawn W Crispin, Asia Times
With the recent resurgence in economic growth, some financial analysts believe last year's total on- and off-budget surplus could have been the largest ever collected by the PAP-led government. That would go a long way in explaining the PAP's recent controversial decision to reward itself with substantially higher pay. But it also indicates just how out of touch the self-centered PAP's economic priorities have become, which over the medium term augurs ill for a small island country so highly reliant on the state for its economic, financial and moral direction.
by David Morgenstern, ZDNet.com
So, we may find other flavors of Air hardware.
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
From the latest MDA press release, it appears that "a balanced view" in Singapore means that the TV station has to pay a fine of S$15,000. We are a "fine city" after all, right?
by Mollymeek
by Lee Lilian, The Itch To Write
I don't think that it was an honest mistake made... it was a case of negligence due to complacency.
by Jump Into The Sea
PAP risks the ire and cynicism of the electorate. But to tell the truth, I doubt it's going to matter come by election time. People will forget this whole debacle and we will all move on.
by Maria Almeanoar, Straits Times
ComfortDelgro, the largest taxi operator here with about 15,000 of the country's 24,000 taxis, saw a 16 per cent increase in takings for a cabby's full day of work.
by Associated Press
A Singapore television station has been fined for airing a show that depicted a gay couple and their baby in a way that "promotes a gay lifestyle," the city-state's media regulator said Thursday
The Media Development Authority fined MediaCorp TV Channel 5 $11,000, it said in a statement on its web site, for airing an episode of a home and decor series called "Find and Design."
by Diary Of A Singaporean Mind
Of course, when it comes to the opposition, we cannot "just move on so easkly."
by Quachee's Blog
by theonlinecitizen
The STs' selective coverage and equivocal editorial position risks damaging its own credibility in the long run.
by Siew Kum Hong
What has been said about government responsibility, seems to frame the entire discussion around ministers being managers. But ministers are leaders as well. They are our leaders. And they have to demonstrate leadershi, to retain the moral authority that leaders need to have.
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Employers in Singapore are bracing for a slower job market growth this year, according to the Singapore National Employers' Federation (SNEF).
Its presdient, Stephen Lee, said that job growth this year will moderate to about 3 to 4 percent, compared to the 7.7 percent registered in 2007.
by Aaron Ng, Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
It's either we create a culture of aversion to mistakes or we create a modern day nobility. We have to choose between a rock and a hard place. And, the choice has been made for all of us.
by A Singaporean
by The One Dimensional Island
It was a shrewd move to focus entirely on the extreme measure of the sack and argue that it's ridiculous, thereby deflecting the necessary need for censure.
by Eugene Neubronner, Straits Times
by ;Perspective
Such superior authorities I see them as figureheads as their men do all the shit work and get all the blame when things screwed-up, but they'll still be seated nicely on their throne and continue to have their salary increments annually.
by Endoh Pure Ranting Room
Mr (Insignificant) Endoh says, "If a prime minister generate the culture that no minister should be punished and (is) afrid to do something to take responsibilities over his ministry's failure - as Singaporeans always say - would be the biggest mockery of all."
by Article 14
Walter Woon is now the AG. Chan Sek Keong is the chief justice. How would the intellectually honest perform?
by Ngoc Huynh, The Post-Standard
Why do folks back home in Singaproe look down on the arts?
by Esther Fung, Today
As inflation in March hit 6.7 per cent, marking yet another 26-year high, businesses are beginning to feel the pain.
For the salaired employee, this raises the worry of whether employers will resort to reducing wages in order to cut costs.
by Gerald Giam, SIngapore Patriot
If the logic goes taht a minister should not be punished for a lapse that occurs down theline, then he will never get punished for anything, because everything the minister "does" is actually done by his civil servants.
by Choongyong.com
by Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia
The strongest comments were reserved for the issue of accountability. Despite prime minister Lee Hsien Loong's detailed explanation of his position and the need to draw lines, the commetns went beyond the issue of resignation.
Many saw the need for some sort of penalty for the senior officials who had oversight responsibilities, over and above the officers who were directly responsible.
by Alex Au, Asia Times
It remains unclear what precise changes might be in the cards, but that Lee's highly centralized and controlling government's rendition of news and events is openly being challenged by the digital revolution is clear for all web surfers to see.
by Catherine Lim
A serious disconnect between the government and the peple has arisen: while the government is still operating from the old perceptual paradigm carried over from a simpler, more innocent era, the people are developing a new one in keeping with the times. They are increasingly aware of new expectations and needs in their roles as citizens in a democratic society, and will no longer respond uncritically to the government's usual exhortations of 'Turst us', 'Also trust those we have picked to work for us,' 'Don't forget what we have achieved,' 'Look at things in perspective', 'Let's move on to more important, bread-and-butter matters,' etc.
by AFP
Two months after an alleged Islamic militant leader escaped from custody, Singapore is the object of ridicule and admits the country's reputation has been dmaaged by its failure to capture him.
Terrorism expert Clive WIlliams suspected Kastari is somewhere in the vast archipelago of Indonesia, whose nearest islands are clearly visible from Singaore. Williams, from the Australian Defence Force Academy,s aid that for Singapore to maintain Kastari is still in country only adds to the embarrassment.
by Wildfilms
The author clearly doesn't really have a sound grasp of the current situatio along our coast and the realities of our island geography.
by Yaw Shin Leong
It is certainly a wake up call for Singaporeans to steer our country towards the direction of democratic normalcy where political hegemony is absent and where no single party is in a position to compromise the healthy entrenchment of check & balances mechanisms.
by Sam's Thoughts
When it comes to taking credit, the top of the chain-of-command often gets the largest slice of the pie. When it comes to taking blame and responsibility for a mistake, there is great reluctance and the chain-of-command breaks off. I guess accountability is all about getting the lower ranked pawns to take the fall, take one for the team.
by theonlinecitizen
by Channel NewsAsia
Singaproe's consumer price index (CPI) in March went up by 6.7 percent from a year ago.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI in March was 0.3% higher compared with February.
See Also:
Singapore Consumer Price Index, March 2008, by Department of Statistics, Singapore Government.
by AFP
by Anyone Can Run
by Aaron Ng, Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
I personally would like to see something more substantial than an apology, although resignation is not necessary. Maybe a big pay cut? Or maybe a demotion to minister of state?
by I Have Succumbed To Peer Pressure
So the lesson to be learnt, ladies and gentlemen, is that in Singapore, it always pays to be friends with the people at the top.
by BothSidesOfTheJohorStraits
Take a long hard look at your next 6-figure paycheck and think who pays that to you, and what kind of responsibilities come with that kind of amount...
by Aaron Peng
One set for high ranking officers and ministers, and another for the rest.
by Salma Khalik, Straits Times
The health minister is to get sweeping powers that include the authority to shut down shopping centres, commandeer the use of private hospitals, and arrest suspects without a warrant.
by Clinton Lim Eng Hiong, Straits Times
Why not explore the idea of ferrying thousands to and from work daily via a Park 'n' Cruise scheme, to supplement the existing rail and road transport system?
by Schoolbag
by Dominatio Per Malum
Executive summary of events: Blame them (low level peons) not us.
by Simply Jean
It's like... duh...
by Lai Yew Chan, Today
by Today
The Malaysian government has put the brakes on the RM10-billion bullet train project to Singapore, reported The Malaysian Insider.
See Also:
KL-Singapore Bullet Train Derailed By High Cost, by The Star.
by Leong Wee Keat, Today
With cabinet ministers' salaries pegged to that of the private sector, shouldn't they likewise be held to the same standards of accountability?
by Mollymeek
by Gerald Giam, SIngapore Patriot
Most Singaproeans with half a brain will know it is less about being different from other cuontries, but more about protecting their own kind - the tight-knit network of elites who run this country.
by Melvin Tan, A Sampan On Singapore Soil
It is perhaps time for interested citizens to consider changing the call to: Minister Wong should take a pay cut.
Like, a big pay cut.
by A Xeno Boy In Sg
Rather than exploiting the interstices of this ISD cock-up, the opposition wastes the political opportunity pursuing dead hypotheses or demanding accountability knowing that accountability will always be provided for that group of conservative stoic Singaporeans who are the electoral bedrock of the regime's survival.
by Singaporean In NZ
The public officials in Singapore (besides being the highest paid in the world) can afford to make mistakes even though their mistakes might put the entire country at risk.
by Chee Soon Juan, Singapore Democratic Party, Singabloodypore
Mr Wong Kan Seng, the SDP calls on you to stop passing the blame. Enough is enough. It is not the officers, it is not the window, it is not the toilet. It is you. Now do the right and decent thing: Resign.
by BothSidesOfTheJohorStraits
Or are you trying to say that some animals are truly more equal than others???
by Yaw Shin Leong
A breakthrough in Singapore's political scene can only take place when our opposition parties start to put aside differences and collectively strive towards a common platform, for our next Singapore's parliamentary general elections.
by May Wong, Channel NewsAsia
Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that public officers, including ministers, should not be automatically removed or punished just because a lapse has occurred down the line.
He said that while the government must admit its mistakes openly and honestly, Singapore should not encourage a culture where officials resign whenever something goes wrong on their watch or encourage witch-hunts.
See Also:
I Have Full Confidence In Wong Kan Seng: PM Lee, by Straits Times.
by Shagadelica
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
In designing any system, it is foolish to assume that humans will do their jobs perfectly all the time. Any system must be designed to tolerate human failures to a fair extent and in the case of a detention facility, this means the physical security must be robust, for it is the physical security that can be planned well in advance and tested in good time. The failure to do so suggests a basic weakness in management and policy-making.
by Eastcoastlife
I'm annoyed that the Malay Cisco guard lied to me. I made time to attend today's parliament session but was denied entry for no apparent reason.
by ieatishootipost
Drinking Mr Tea was a holy grail experience. The Teh Tarik is perfectly balanced, smooth, fragrant with a more than adequate tea taste without leaving that waxy tannin aftertaste.
by BothSidesOfTheJohorStraits
So why are the junior officers to be chastised/punished, when the director of ISD who has rightly admitted fault gets to stay on the job? A PAP that prides itself on accountability must stick to its creed. Commissioning the COI and publishing the findings to the publc is only part of the accountability that PAP promises.
by Nazry Bahrawi, Today
It was a question on several MPs' lips: Could the information made public about Mas Selamat's escape have been better managed?
by Chio Su-Mei, Channel NewsAsia
There is no evidence that rice importers in Singapore are colluding to restrict supply and drive up prices, senior minister of state for trade and industry S Iswaran said on Monday.
by Military Life: Memoirs Of A Conscript In The Lion City
It is clear that Director ISD will keep his pension. So the buck will stop at WDRC personnel as far as the chain of command goes.
by Chio Su-Mei, Channel NewsAsia
by Mindy Tan, New Paper
Fare cheats are putting bus captains between a rock and a hard place.
When they do attempt to confiscate invalid ez-link cards that are used to pay fares, bus captains occasionally face abuse and violence. But if they do not seize any invalid cards, they will not gain merit points for their work appraisal.
by Kengho Yap, News Release By UncleYap
by Mr Wang Says So
Overall, the security just seems so lax. Jurong Bird Park keeps its birds under tighter security.
by Diary Of A Singaporean Mind
Our greatest vulnerability is the crowded buses and MRT trains during the morning rush hour. The way I see it, it is a matter of security to have buses and trains run more frequently so that they are not packed like sardine cans.
by Singapore Sojourn
To the government's credit they have been as candid as they can in this matter.
by Thomson Financial
The Singapore government said on Monday that it does not plan to impose price controls amid soaring food prices and would focus on ensuring ample supply in the domestic market.
by Satish Cheney, Channel NewsAsia
In a private hearing on Monday morning, justice Tan Lee Meng said he found there were insufficient grounds to grant leave to appeal.
by mrbrown
As our sergeants usd to scream at us in national service: "You think, I thought, who confirm?"
by Straits Times
Because of the sensitivity of the details, including the identity of the Internal Security Department and other security personnel and the precise work they do, home affairs minister Wong Kan Seng said the cabinet has agreed that it is not possible to release the entire report 'without harming national interest and endangering the men and women who serve the nation'.
"We had also considered releasing the COI's report with the sensitive parts blacked out, but that was not feasible as the details are extensive. It would not only make understanding the report difficult, but also fuel the distraction of baseless speculation," said the minister.
See Also:
Ministerial Statement By The Minister For Home Affairs Made In Parliament On Monday 21 April 2008. (Note: PDF document.)
Executive Summary. (Note: PDF document.)
by Channel NewsAsia
A confluence of three critical factors led to security lapses, resulting in Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) detainee Mas Selamat Kastari's escape from detention.
First, there was a physical security breach as the ventilation window in the toilet - from which Mas Selamat made his escape - did not have grills. Second, the guards watching Mas Selamat allowed him to close the door of the urinal cubicle when they should not have done so.
And third, there was a physical weakness in the perimeter fencing outside the family vistation block, where the toilet was located, which made it easier for Mas Selamat to get out of the detention centre's premises.
by Channel NewsAsia
The Public Transport Council (PTC) has set a new service standard for buses running feeder services, stating that 85% of such bus services should run at intervals of no more than 10 minutes during weekday peak hours.
See Also:
PTC Sets New Headway Standard For Feeder Buses, by Public Transport Council, Singapore Government. (Note: PDF document.)
According to PTC's annual report, peak hours mean 7 am to 9 am, and 5 pm to 7 pm during weekday. I don't know how the 85% is going to be measured, but it seems to be 85% of services, rather than 85% of bus trips.
by Reuters
A Singaproe sovereign wealth fund that bought multi-billion stakes in beleaguered banks Citigroup and UBS said a global financial crisis and recession was increasingly likely but that its investments in western banks were long-term in nature.
by Walter Lim, Cooler Insights
What if we brand each and every one of our estates in Singapore? In other words, give them a greater individual identity, uniqueness, colour and point of differentiation.
by Choo Zheng Xi, Alex Au Waipang, Gerald Giam, Roderick Chia, Bernard Leong, Ng E-Jay, Mohan Gopalan, Scott Teng Kie Zin, Cherian Geroge, See Tong Ming, Benjamin Cheah, Ho Choon Hiong, Justin Zhuang, theonlinecitizen
As a group of active participants in internet expression with a concern for media regulation, we submit for your kind consideration the enclosed proposals. They include both a general review of process rules, as well as content regulation, with special regard to (a) political expression, (b) hate speech and (c) sex and violence.
(Note: PDF document.)
by The Musings Of An Opinionated Sod
by Salary.sg
So the agents listed are all in the top 25%, with 6 of them hugely successful by most standards.
Or, if these agents are the "averae", there may be a discrepancy between the MOM numbers and reality.
by Dudley Au, Straits Times
There is a redolence, in this context, of a sexual orientation or tendentiousness under the bushel of brand.
by Antara News
Singapore is Indonesia's third biggest trade partner after Japan and the United States, Indonesian ambassador to Singapore Wardana, said on Saturday.
by Howard Lee, Today
by SM Ong, New Paper
The irony is that even when a ban is in effect, it isn't always all that effective.
Now, let's apply this to freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly.
by Bernard Leong, Simple Is The Reason Of My Heart
Community moderation is an alternative solution to internet regulation as compared to the heavy hand approach adopted by the authorities (particularly in clamping down matters with law enforcement too quickly).
by Aidil Omar, Sheep City
Nothing else mattered except money. You must know this by now.
by Urbanrant
One cannot help but be fascinated and also kind of respect his passion for his political vocation.
by Paul Barter, Cycling In Singapore
I get an impression of the beginnings of a change of attitudes towards bicycles as transport. Or am I a hopeless optimist?
by Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia
Strengthening Singapore dollar has helped to manage rising costs as Singapore is dependent on imports, said defence minister Teo Chee Hean at a Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC event on Sunday.
by Diary Of A Singaporean Mind
by theonlinecitizen
Below is a brief recap of what the PM, DPM and MM have said so far.
by People Like Us
by Alice Cheong In Wonderland
by Warren Fernandez, Straits Times
Will recent reports of fresh plans for the Capitol Theatre finally happen - after almost two decades? I'm not holding my breath...
by Aw Cheng Wei, Straits Times
Extra costs arising from the implementation of the new M18 video classification will not be passed on to the consumer. That is what the distributor of Grand Theft Auto IV, the first game to be affected by the revamped system, said.
The additional expense stems from the Media Development Authority's (MDA 80-cent charge for a M18 label issued.
by Cowboy Caleb
The same air stewardess then returns clutching bottle of red wine and asks the Muslims "Sir, can I offer you any red wine?"
by Antara News
It is not easy for the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore to trace Indonesian corrupters who absconded with public money to this city state, Indonesian ambassador to Singapore Wardana said.
by Singapore Kopi Tok
The trick question is this: If the government is honest in admitting its incompetence, how fit is it to lead Singapore in the coming years anyway?
Guard's incompetence does not necessarily equal to government's incompetence.
by Melvin Tan, A Sampan On Singapore Soil
Perhaps it is time for all, government, opposition and the people, to consider the idea of limiting the term of the PM position to a maximum of two or three GE terms.
We don't elect prime ministers directly, unlike the election of the position of president in the U.S. Here, the head of state is from the chosen party — it doesn't make sense to limit the terms of the party leader.
by Hilary Chan, CNET Asia
So, this April 19th, I'd like to salute all those who regularly hang out their clothes to dry in Singapore.
by Kor Kian Beng, Straits Times
Opposition MP Low Thia Khiang sees his role as that of a watchdog, checking on whether the govenrment has delivered on its promises to Singaporeans or if it has short-changed them.
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
From the top down — PAP ministers to members of parliament to grassroots workers — the party is ill prepared to use the internet to gain public support.
by Singapore Life And Times
by Aaron Ng, Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Can we truly expect the government to implement most of the proposals? Wearing my pragmatic hat, I would imagine that the government will, at most, acknowledge the paper but say that it is too early to implement these proposals.
by AFP
A tough-talking new political party vowed on Friday to fight what it called the "enslavement" of Singapore after nearly half-a-century of rule by the People's Action Party (PAP).
by AFP
Singapore is materially rich but spiritually poor — and the government is partly to blame, one of the city-state's most prominent authors says.
"Press freedom, happiness and even love life and romance and so on, Singapore is ranked very low," Catherine Lim said in an interview with AFP.
by Ansley Ng, Today
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
Make no mistake, Singapore journalism is at a crossroads — and it is stil searching for the way forward.
by Neo Chai Chin, Today
The group, led by bloggers Alex Au and Choo Zheng Xi, believes that regulators should take the form of cearly stated laws rather than "licesning, bureaucratic discretion and administrative penalties as it currently the case".
The "platform-neutral" regulations should also be as minimal as those regulating the "current freest platform", which they believe to be film.
by The Boy Who Knew Too Much
I have written many, many times to the curiously named "Compulsory Education Unit" that is in charge of homeschooling, but the only replies I have ever received are: "We will revert to you shortly".
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
The whole architecture of the regulatory system is designed to be a loaded one, allowing the citizen little room to defend his rights. Focussing on the laws is not enough. The whole system mut be dismantled.
In a nutshell, the system is one that gives bureaucrats in the MDA wide discretion to write and interpret the rules (called Codes of Practice), then to judge whether you have violated them, and to either fine you or ban your work.
by Otterman Speaks...
A maturing management system that results ultimately in a healthy ecosystem.
by Ephraim Loy, A Writer's Blog
by GameAxis.com
by Melanie Lee, Reuters
The return of a veteran politicla leader in Singapore has led to talk of unity among fragmented opposition parties, but analysts on Friday dismised hopes of major change in the city-state dominated by one party.
by May Wong and Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia
The govenment will release the Committee of Inquiry's findings on Mas Selamat Kastari's escape, in Parliament on Monday.
by Channel NewsAsia
Opposition figure JB Jeyaretnam submitted an aplication on Thursday to register the new Reform Party as a political party.
He said the applicaiton would take two months to process and he does not foresee any difficulties in getting his application approved.
by Choo Zheng Xi and Alex Au, theonlinecitizen
A group of committed bloggers wil submit recommendations to the minister for information, communication and the arts within the next few days, on the subject of itnernet regulation. This open letter, which will be released to the public at the same time, will call for sweeping changes to bring Singapore in line with international norms and the reality of the new technology.
by IZ Reloaded
Journalists from traditional media like Mr Tay above can complain all they want but if they really think that the gag order makes everybody looks stupid then they should not have attended the finale if the producers insisted on the non-disclosure agreement.
by Li Xueping, Straits Times
The group is diverse, representing a cross-section of Singapore society, Ng Eng Hen said. They are 'quite mixed' - females, males, of different races and backgrounds. This is a result of the PAP casting its net 'very wide', he said.
by Ho Ai Li, Straits Times
by Presenting The(new)mediaslut!
by Ruben Schade, Rubenered Blog
Having lived both in Singapore and Malayisa since the mid 1990s I'm used to hearing a lot of big talk and not much progress on most matters of collaboration, which even just from an economic perspective is such a shame.
by mediabistro.com
Are you a victim of the expected New York Times layoffs? The Straits Times, an English-language paper based in the Malaysian country [sic], wants to hire NYT copy editors.
See Also:
Reverse Outsourcing: Facing Forced Layoff At NY Times? Telecommute To Singapore!, by Thomas Crampton. NYT staffers may have some qualms. Singapore's press freedom ranks below Nigeria and just ahead of Russia in the Reporters Sans Frontiers 2007 Press Freedom Index. The US State Department's 2006 Human Rights Assessment said that Singapore's "authoritarian style fostered an atmosphere inimical to free speech and a free press."
by Zakaria Abdul Wahab, Bernama
Malaysia and Singaproe will accept whatever decision fo the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague on Pulau Batu Putih in the Johor Straits which has been a long standing and thorny issue in the diplomatic relations between the two close neighbours.
Yeo said the judgment on Pedra Banca (as Singaporeans call Pulau Batu Putih) would likely be made by the ICJ in the middle or end of next month and the outcome would not affect bilateral relations of the two countries.
See Also:
Singapore Knows What's Best For Malaysia, by Mahathirism. Are we so ready to concede more land?
by Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia
by theonlinecitizen
"So here's my tip - if you want to make a political film and don't want to get into trouble, minimise or avoid any negative mention of Lee Kuan Yew or Lee Hsien Loong."
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has responded positively to a suggestion by Johor's chief minister Abdul Ghani Othman to link up the urban rails of Singapore and Johor Bahru.
by Straits Times
So, is Singapore sort-of making a political statement by not having the head of state at the opening ceremony?
by Zafar Anjum, Computerwold Malaysia
In Singapore, the Information Technology and Telecom sector is in the top three least optimistic industries, right after healthcare and life sciences, and manufacturing.
58 per cent of respondents in Singapore (across all sectors) say that a recesion would affect their hiring plans, a much higher figure than for any other market surveyed in Asia.
by Wong Wee Nam, Sgpolitics.net
In Singapore nobody is taught from young to covet the job. The political climate here does not allow anyone to covet the job.
I don't think it is difficult to find a prime minister for Singapore. The problem — and "problem" may be too strong a word — is that PAP have difficulty finding a prime minister. PAP lives in a small echo chamber.
by Jermyn Chow, Straits Times
Sarawak yet to make official application but it will take three years to resettle pig farmers in new, $30m centralised farm.
by The Boy Who Knew Too Much
"Soylent Green is people!"
by Zakaria Abdul Wahab, Bernama
Singapoer has been ranked as the 9th most expensive location in the world when it comes to renting a three-bedroom apartment, according to a global survey.
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
When asked what was the difference betwen Singapore Rebel and Speakers Cornered, the Board of Film Censors replied: "Party political films are prohibited under the Films Act; there is no change in the legislation."
See Also:
Speakers Cornered Has Been Approved With A Rating Of NC-16, by Princess From The Planet Of Venupitarius. Seriously, this is a film that every Singaporean should watch.
Stuffs Happenin Here, by Tan Pin Pin, Notes From Serangoon Road. In fact, I encourage schools to show it as part of National Education.
by Tan Hui Leng, Today
A year before Singapore's first Integrated Resort (IR) at Marina Bay is due to open, potential competition is already brewing to the immediate north and south.
by Liew Hanqing, New Paper
Students applying for undergraduate scholarships fromt he Nanyang Technological University (NTU) were told to submit scanned copies of their teachers' recommendations electronically, together with their scholarship applications.
This will mean students can read whatever their teachers had to say about them before they submit their applications.
by Quachee's Blog
I know I've painted a 'gloomy' picture on it, but I just want to show why some Singaporeans are leaving the country for more fresh air and open spaces.
by Rachel Kelly, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore telcos said they are ready and waiting to take on full number portability.
While some market watchers will be keen to see how many users actually make the switch, others said the market may see smaller players entering the fray.
I doubt we will see new players entering the rather saturated mobile phone market — although, well, the 7-year-old kids aren't carrying mobile phones yet. However, I do see the emergence of "superstar mobile phones" that telcos will use to entice customers, starting with the iPhone in, if the rumors are right, September.
See Also:
Who Wins In Numbers Game?, by Hedirman Supian.
by Lee Weijia, theonlinecitizen
Without newspapers pushing for transparency and accountability, and helping citizens make informed decision, the possibility of corruption in all areas of society increases.
by Huang Shoou Chyuan, nofearSingapore
A political structure that leaves little room for alternative paths and views is "regulated and stifling".
by Mr Wang Says So
by Martyn See, No Political Films Please, We're Singaporeans
It took the Board of Film Censors more than four months to come to a decision, but finally, Speakers Cornered has been passed clean and rated NC16.
However, this does not mean that it is cleared for public screening as that would require a separate application.
by Channel NewsAsia
Come 13 June, cellphone subscribers in Singapore will enjoy full mobile number portability.
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) says the new solution will replace the current one where a mobile subscriber holds two numbers so that calls to his old number are call-forwarded to a new one.
See Also:
Singapore To Enjoy Full Mobile Number Portability From 13 June, by IDA, Singapor Government.
Singapore finally joins many other countires with this "full mobile number portability" deal.
by theonlinecitizen
TOC has just been informed that the Media Development Authority (MDA) has approved Martyn See's film Speakers Cornered for screening, with a NC 16 rating.
by Anak Melayu Boleh Blog
From now on I'll just stick with Sheng Shiong.
by Zakir Hussain, Straits Times
The Whitley Road Detention Centre has been the site of countless investigaive interrogations and detentions since 1966. These examples provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs highlight various terrorist and espionage threats that they helped to curb.
by Song Yee Soon, Straits Times
A couple earning $8,000 combined should not commit to a new HDB flat valued at more than $500,000.
Or, quit one's job, statisfy the income ceiling, then go back to work. :-)
by ieatishootipost
by A Long And Arduous Road Of An Entrepreneur
by Alice Cheong In Wonderland
by Vidya Ranganathan, Reuters
As the dust settles, market participants are increasingly worried about the side effects of what was effectively a revaluation of the currency and the pitfalls of the peculiar Singaporean policy settings.
Critics argue that by endorsing an appreciating trend in the Singapore dollar, the central bank is opening the door to more capital inflows and more cash in the local market. The result could be downward pressure on domestic interest rates and so more inflationary pressure.
by Nicholas Guan Yong Sheng, Today
The government's willingness to adopt new media as an alternative communication channel seems to be overly cautious. I find this a pity as new media has so much to offer.
by Tan Hui Leng, Today
The rapid growth of Asia's biomedical sciences industry has fuelled an increasing demand not ust for senior staff, but also for junior and mid-level scientists and executives.
by New Paper
Tourists love it but locals are harder to please.
This article will be more interesting if New Paper asked the same question to tourists and locals at the London Eye.
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
He might be the first backbencher in more than two decades to be parachuted into the post of a full-fledged cabinet minister, but law minister-designate K Shanmugam is keen to play down the hype over his fast-track political career.
by The Extra Scoop
Unless PAP amends its media policies and unless the liberal minority becomes the majority, Singapore journalism looks set to remain in stasis for a long while more.
by The Sometimes Damsel In Distress
My friends and I did a really crazy thing last Saturday. We went to SUnset Gril & Pub and oredred the level 10 buffalo wings.
by Tessa Wong, Straits Times
The Consumer Assocation of Singapore (Case) will be publishing a survey of prices of food sold at cooked food stalls on its website next month, to help conusmers make price comparisons.
No mention of food portion, I think.
by Reuters
Temasek is potentially sitting on losses of around $540 million as Merrill shares have fallen 11 percent below its purchase price.
by Mr Wang Says So
Oooh, I see. PM Lee is worried about expensive online films and advertisements.
So, hypothetically speaking, suppose an opposition candidate merely uses his own cheap, lousy video camera at home to film his own speech, and then he posts the video on Youtube, where it is widely viewed by Singaporeans, PM Lee shouldn't be worried about that, should he?
by Channel NewsAsia
by Hard Hitting In The Lion City
I'm afraid it's a little too late to ask questions on why we were so eager to invest int he West when the US are on the verge of a recession, and it's a little useless to ask as well. After all, it's not as if anyone is going to bother answering questions from ordinary Singaporeans why they are wasting our public money.
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
It seemed to me that it is entirely natural for people who are politically engaged to want to want to speak out, and that peole will be creative in the ways tey use what media and platform available. In Singapore's case, it will require the extra step of civil disobedience — recognising that the laws we have are illegitimate and refusing to be cowed by them. SIngaporeans need to see it as an act of patriotism to do so.
by Mr Wang Says So
This could be a very complex, challenging case for the prosecution, if the accused persons claim trial.
by Lioness In Japan
If there's posh Singaporean fare, this is it.
by The Biz Walk
by mrbrown
by theonlinecitizen
How a society protects and provides for its most vulnerable is the best reflection of its values. On questions of values, PM Lee's government has been notably firghtened to take the lead. Even when it affects people's livelihood.
by Bernama
The proposed multi-billion ringgit high speed train linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which has receivd mixed reaction from the public, will face tough financial challenges as well as require government support to ensure its success.
With many priority areas requiring the government's attention and support, the question is whether the government should give it the green liht and provide resources for it.
by Shamim Adam, Bloomberg
Singapore's retail sales unexpectedly declined for the first time in seven mnths in February as inflation at the highest in 26 years sapped consumer confidence and spending.
by Saeed Azhar, The Guardian
Singapore state investor Temasek, sitting on paper losses of $1.2 billion for its investments in Merrill Lynch and Barclays, is expected to shed more assets and conserve cash to offset its exposure to the ailing western financial sector.
See Also:
Report: Singapore's GIC Mulls Further Investment In UBS, by Associated Press.
by Reuters
Singapore's inflation will remain high in the first half of theyear at above 6.5 per cent, the country's trade minister said on Tuesday, despite the central bank tightening monetary policy last week to fight rising prices.
Yes, prices are rising everywhere in the world. But the various government policies that adds a lot of middlemen — and, thus costs — into the marketplace doesn't help too. And, of course, even though there's never a good time to raise taxes, the 2% GST increment.
by Lee Lilian, The Itch To Write
Over the years, they had expanded and now we have 'Auntie Lucy' doing nearly everything.
by Dimsumdolly
If I wanted to have a good view of Singapore, I'd rather go to Equinox or New Asia Bar in Swisshotel. I mea, at least I get to have a drink!
And as someone who had worked in one of the top floors of one of the Suntec towers — the view is no longer a big deal.
by Gerald Giam, Singapore Patriot
The bottom line in all these arguments: Whatever is not advantageous to the PAP, we will continue to ban.
by New Paper
6 in 7 stores sell M18 VCDs to underaged girl.
by Ariel Tam, Today
by The Sun Shines On Singapore
The co-opting strategy shrinks the opposition's potential talent pool as well as legitimises the PAP and its supposed quests for reform.
If PAP can convince its critics to accept and join the party, more power to it.
by Channel NewsAsia
A new two-rating classification system for video gams will be launched from 28 April.
See Also:
Singapore Rolls Out Game Classification System, by GameAxis.com. Interesting enough, the rating system comes into effect on April 28 - one day before the release of GTA IV.
by Mollymeek
There's something about the prime minister that makes me feel really, really irked whenever he says something.
by Straits Times
The escape of Jemaah Islamiah (JI) leader Mas Selamat Kastari has understandably resulted in public criticism of Singapore's security agencies.
But deputy prime minister S. Jayakumar on Monday cautioned against letting 'this one episode' overshadow an important fact: the 'truly outstanding work' of the Home Team and Internal Security Department (ISD) in having kept Singapore safe and secure over the years.
by Maria Almenoar, Straits Times
The $3 city surcharge - added last December to taxi fares for rides starting in the city between 5pm and midngiht on weekdays and Saturdays - has drawn taxis into the city area.
The queues at shopping centres such as Ngee Ann City and Centrepoint, once a bane of commuters, have vanished. Instead, the queues have moved to the city fringe.
by Hong Xinyi, Straits Times
More farms going into agri-tainment for extra income.
by Tan Chui Hua, Straits Times
Shouldn't a country whose society aspires to world class living for its citizens respect their privacy, preferences and hearing safety?
by Dominique Loh, Today
Finanace minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam says Singapore has to be on its guard against inflation, as a lack of attention paid to the issue could undermine the country's growth.
by Nazry Bahrawi, Today
Almost a decade after Singapore banned the import of Malaysian pork; there is a possiblity that the authorities may now consider relaxing the restriction and bring in live pigs, with a resultant lowering of retail prices now at an average high of $18 a kg.
Nothing to do with this news story, but I remembered eating and liking to eat pig blood in my yau tau foo. That's all.
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
"If the People's Action Party wants to continue to have the support of the people, it has to maintain an incorruptible and capable government; continue to reflect the wishes of the people; and continue to strive for a better future for Singapore," said Mr Lee.
I can't help but think that the major opposition gains in Malaysia politics is in fact an endorsement of the PAP government, as many of the points made by the opposition parites actually alligns with the mindset of the PAP, from anti-corruption, transparency, and meritocracy.
by Insane Polygons
The politicians, bureaucrats and scholar civil servants turned GLC bosses in Singapore has got probably the best jobs in the world. Job security, good renumeration and the privilege of never having to answer for anything. They take the lion's share of credits, accolades and rewards but when something goes wrong, it's always someone else's fault.
Best job in the world.
by Jamie Ee Wen Wei and Aw Cheng Wei, Straits Times
Rising food prices have prompted more people to turn up at places serving free meals.
The organisers - religious and welfare groups - say they can cope with the demand for now, though some have noted a worrying drop in donations from sponsors.
by Liquidstranger
'If it won't change a thing, why bother to make a fuss?' I detest such.
by The Bald Golfer
by Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
Lee's observation may be valid, but his implied prescription — stop protesting against China — is not only wrong, but downright laughable. No passionate believer in freedom is going to self-censor. No democratic government is going to stop people from protesting.
China needs to be free in order to be truly part of the greater world, in order to be a force for peace. That's what we should be working towards, not deference to dictators' fears and to uninformed, nationalistic xenophobes' pride. Enforced quiescence on the streets is not peace. Not in Tibet, not anywhere.
by Insane Polygons
Being an able bodied male means I am right at the bottom of the seat totem pole.
by Sue-Ann Chia, Straits Times
The National Wages Council faces a tough task in deciding wage guidelines for this year, analysts said yesterday. It will have to strike a balance between forces pulling in different directions.
by Selene Cheng, Straits Times
by Ravi Veloo, Today
Having a 65-member panel agree with a ban could defuse criticism, but the root of the problem doesn't go away: WHose view presides? A few loud voices can set the agend, claiming to speak for the rest of us.
And even if this 65-mmeber panel all agree with each other, the point remains: why should this 65 people determine what I can or cannot see?
Limit only what we need to protect children, when we can.
Even so, I, as a parent, should be the one deciding on what my young children can or cannot see. Not you. Not the government.
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
Singapore's Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, has worsened from 42.5 in 1998 to 47.2 in 2006, which makes it in league with the Philippines and Guatemala, and worse than CHina, according to the World Bank.
This is one of the worst failures of the modern People's Action Party, despite its 'democratic socialism' principles.
by Gerald Giam, SIngapore Patriot
In his effort to butter up the Communist Chinese, PM Lee has revealed how out ot step he and his government are with regard to the growing tide of democratization and justice that is sweeping even our end of the world.
by Leong Sze Hian and Andrew Loh, theonlinecitizen
by Chio Su-Mei, Channel NewsAsia
The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) announced on Friday that the implementation date of hte increase in public assistance (PA) rates will be brought forward from July to May.
by Asha Popatlel, Channel NewsAsia
This will make it easier for them to pass on ERP costs to customers in a transparent manner.
by Au Waipang, Yawning Bread
by Associated Press
by Straits Times
Singapore must accept the outflow of top talent as a reality, with more Singaporeans going abroad for study and work, said prime ministe lee Hsien Loong on Friday.
We have no idea how to compete with cities like Silicon Valley or London for top talents. What to do?
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned that the outrage in China, espeically among the young, over the displays of contempt for China and things Chinese will have consequences well beyond the Beijing Olympic Games.
by Singapore Life And Times
It is just that the award doesn't square with our experience.
by Gerald Giam, SIngapore Patriot
I just checked the calendar, and I think it's 11 April today, which means that the report is more than 10 days late.
by Goh Chin Lian, Straits Times
The cost of rice is a small fraction of shoppers' expenditure at NTUC FairPrice supermarkets, according to labour chief Lim Swee Say. So, despite exporters doubling the global price of rice, it has not burnt as big a hole in the pockets of consumers, he told 80 union leaders.
I guess nobody in Singapore is so poor that he can only afford rice and maybe one piece of luncheon meat every meal, eh? Rice too expensive? Go eat cake.
by Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia
by Joyce Teo, Straits Times
by New Zealand National Business Review
Police have been discussing recruiting officers from Singapore to help fill the 1000 extra places promised under the agreement between the government and New Zealand First.
by Channel NewsAsia
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced on Thursday that it will re-centre the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate (S$NEER) policy band at the prevailing level.
See Also:
Monetary Authority Of Singapore Tightens Forex Policy To Curb Inflation, by Thomsons Financial. This means the central bank will tolerate further strengthening of the Singpaore dollar, which has appreciated by some 5.6 percent so far this year. A strong currency will help insulate the domestic economy from soaring global commodity prices.
by Karen Wong, New Paper
The blog is called "It's where we talk". But is walking the talk becoming too time-consuming?
To me, the P65 blog is simply just another piece of neglected PR machine. There's no a single piece of genuine conversation in the entire blog. It's all the usual I-talk-you-listen mode.
by Megha Gupta, New Paper
Though there have been improvements, the disabled are still facing problems when using public transport.
by Ng Baoying, Channel NewsAsia
by Christopher Tan, Straits Times
Public transport users will have a choice of more than one card to pay for bus and train fares and road toll charges next year.
by David Boey, Straits Times
In what wold be a first for the army, private companies could some day supervise soldiers as they practise gunning down targets at outdoor firing ranges.
by Associated Press
The Media Development Authority said in a statement on its web site that it has fined StarHub Cable Visiion 10,000 Singapore dollars for airing the commercial in November.
The commercial,w hich was to promote a song by Mandarin pop singer Olivia Yan, was aired on MTV's Mandarin-language channel, the media regulator said.
by Mike Spence, Red County
Singapore has not signed enough of treaties.
by Only Blue, Only Blue
by Ridz.sg
So we might actually be the 'best'. But if it doesn't meet the 'world-class' standards that we've set for ourselves, it's still a let down.
by Alicia Wong, Today
Even as rice importers are encouraged to import more, the problem lies int eh high costs and lack of storage space, not the supply availability — so say importers who met with International Enterprise (IE) Singapore on Tuesday.
by Melissa Chua, Computerworld Singapore
A whopping $1 billion is the amount of public funds that will be available to private sector companies keen to take part in the building and operation of the island's upcoming National Broadband Network (NBN), which is scheduled for completion in 2015.
by Elia Diodati, E Pur Si Muove
by Aidil Omar, Sheep City
It is an experience all right, and I hate it.
by Foo Yoon Fatt, Today
Without such exclusive agreements, consumers will be in a better position to choose which operator they want.
Unfortunately, without exclusive agreements, we may not even get these programming into Singapore in the first place. It's back to World-of-Sports-Incorporating-One-Hour-Match-Highlight on Sunday mornings.
Alternatively, MDA can insist onmandatory channel resale for core content such as sports event to level the playing field.
Why is foreign clubs playing against each other in foreign lands a "core content"?
by Chirstopher Tan, Straits Times
To make it easier for newcomers to break into the public bus industry, the government may foot the bill for sizeable investments such as bus depots and information systems.
Industry watchers pointed out that previous attempts to introduce more players were foiled, mainly because of high start-up costs.
The government is finding out that it is difficult to undo many of its penny-wise-pound-foolish decisions made in the 70s and 80s.
by Kee Lay Cheng, Housing & Development Board, Straits Times
Our records show that Mr Lim had been successfully shortlisted for a new flat under the HDB's Build-to-Order (BTO) exercise for Treelodge@Punggol in March last year. However, he did not select a flat despite having over 400 flats to choose from.
In other words, stop blaming us for your own picky-ness.
by Mohd Rashed Badarudin, Straits Times
Is it fair that accountability lies only with certain strata of staff members of a corporation?
by Today
After being spared from the worst effects of the haze last year, Singapore and its neighbours are bracking themselves for the days when smoke will once again get into their eyes.
by Recruit Ong
Want to sue people yet don't dare to go trial and face people in court? Like this where got any credibility left?
by Channel NewsAsia
I have no idea who entered the contest, and what is the criteria for winning. The list of winners are listed on this web page.
by Wong Mun Wai, Channel NewsAsia
Four private operators, including Singapore Surfer, have also applied to provide premium bus services.
by Mr Wang Says So
Now of course, PM Lee Hisen Loong will nt use A-level grades as his sole selection criteria. But the fact that he uses A-level grades as a selection criterion at all quite shocking.
I used to tell others that after a few years working, school grades deosn't really matter on a resume. I guess I'll have to amend that to say that school grades doesn't really matter, unless you want to join the PAP.
by Siew Kum Hong
by Lina Lim, Land Transport Authority, Han Yong Hoe, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Straits Times
The government does not limit the number of parking lots in a building. Developers can provide more parking lots than the stipulated minimum.
by Lin Yanqin and Nazry Bahrawi, Today
Is a nation-wide food voucher scheme — a possibility alluded to by the government when it announced that a $1-million scheme was on the way to help with rising food costs — the best stop-gap measure?
by Snapshots Of Life
by The Sun Shines On Singapore
If SIngaporeans are to be blamed for anything, it is our complancency to vote this government in over and over again.