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by Straits Times
The latest shopping centre to suffer from traffic problems is Ion Orchard, which opened two weeks ago. The first couple of days, motorists griped about the nightmare of getting in and out of its multi-storey carpark. Tweet
by P.R. Venkat and Mohammed Hadi, Wall Street Journal
It is difficult to understand bullishness about Singapore Airlines when the carrier itself is warning of a difficult year. Tweet
by Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia
The three government resorts which were used as H1N1 quarantine centres were deactivated on Friday. Tweet
by Ho Kwon Ping, Straits Times Tweet
by Simply Gab
"It is a tough challenge to share negative bonuses". You can't share zero but you can share less. Tweet
by Sg Pirate Game Tweet
by Emiliya Mychasuk and Emiko Terazono, Financial Times
Temasek ruler Ho Ching is sparing in any interest in investing in Europe, with the fund's most recent public foray in the UK resulting in a loss on a small Barclays stake. Tweet
by Eugene Yeo, The Temasek Review
Prime minister Lee and his team should always bear in mind that their position, power and salaries are given by the people of Singapore. It is only right that we are given the opportunity to air our support or dissatisfaction openly for them to know. Tweet
by Shamim Adam, Bloomberg
Singapore employers fired fewer workers last quarter as the economy emerged from its deepest recession since independence in 1965.
Employers cut 5,500 jobs in the three months ended June, compared with 12,760 in the first quarter, the Ministry of Manpower said today. The Southeast Asian nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3 percent, unchanged from the previous quarter. That’s better than the 3.7 percent median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey of economists Tweet
by The Temasek Review
With the print media in complete control by the PAP, news articles critical of the government are hardly heard of in post-independent Singapore which explains the political apathy and ignorance of most Singaporeans.
If SPH is serious about investing more in ‘quality’ and ‘credible’ content, it should do more to improve its coverage on local political news in terms of objectivity, accuracy and fairness instead of its current lop-sided pro-government stance. Tweet
by 黄鹏 张玉琴, 信息时报
在昨日的市委九届七次全会上，不管是上午的全体会议还是下午的分组讨论，省委常委、广州市委书记、市人大常委会主任朱小丹都先后提到了“新加坡”，记者注意到，其中不仅涉及新加坡的产业转型、城市管理，也涉及到了它的城市建设，他强调广州的城市管理和建设应向新加坡看齐。 Tweet
by Tan Shock Ling, Straits Times
As the individual mentioned in the report, 'Thieves use her credit cards to charge $17k' (July 13), I wish to share what transpired between the banks and me to illustrate how banks handle victims of credit card theft. Tweet
by Balwant Singh Boachoo Singh, Straits Times
Why should Singapore credit card customers be responsible if Singapore banks do not use their best efforts to protect them? Tweet
by Rekha Manoharan, Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Goh Meng Seng, Singapore Alternatives
We may not have built a strong national identity but we definitely have one common trait, i.e. political fear initiated and cultivated by PAP's four decades of autocratic rule. This is really the sad situation we are facing right now. Tweet
by Feed Me To The Fish
Even tens of billions of dollars were lost in investments (ShinCorp, Merrill Lynch, Barclays, ABC and lately Australand just to name a few) and vanished into thin air, there is not a tinge of contrition, remorse or regret for the losses from those responsible. Tweet
by DPA
Singapore's tourism industry plummeted in the first half of 2009 as travellers cut back on their spending because of the global economic crisis, figures released Thursday by the Singapore Tourism Board showed. Visitor arrivals came to 4.5 million from January to June, a decline of 11.5 per cent from the first half of 2008, the board said. Tweet
by International Political Economy Zone
It's true enough that Singapore is filthy rich, but for how long if it just lets these things slide? Goodyear might not have been the most amiable character, but he surely had better strategic ideas than holding trashy American financials. Tweet
by Sonia Kolesnikov-Jessop, New York Times
“Hunters and Collectors: The Beginnings of the Southeast Asian Collection,” running until Sept. 21 at the Asian Civilisations Museum, focuses on several of these early collectors and features some of the artifacts they amassed, juxtaposing them with those collected directly by curators of the Raffles Library and Museum, Singapore’s first museum, which was founded by the British colonial administration in 1849 and whose primary focus was natural history. Tweet
by Timothy Ouyang, Channel NewsAsia
An estimated 12,000 non-management staff at Singapore Airlines (SIA) will take a pay cut of 10 per cent for at least three months starting from August 1. Tweet
by Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia
The Education Ministry has posted information on its website to enable parents to read about the key messages and guiding principles in the school sexuality education programme. Tweet
by Peter Cochrane, Silicon.com
I made enquires and did a few tests on public sites, and it seems 1Mbps is a widespread norm for Singapore. I also tried my 3G dongle but could never get more than about 0.9Mbps. Strangely, a lot of my contacts seemed to accept that this rate is sufficient. Tweet
by Mohammed Hadi, Wall Street Journal
If it materializes, the move certainly will set Temasek apart from the world's other government-run funds -- requiring it to become at once more inclusive and transparent, two qualities rarely associated with sovereign wealth funds.
That may well be the point. Singapore citizens, ultimately the source of Temasek's funds, have been harshly critical of recent stumbles, filling local newspapers with letters. Elected officials too have joined in. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
Singapore Airlines has reported a first quarter net loss of S$307.1 million, the first such loss since the SARS crisis in 2003. Tweet
by Chua Hian Hou, Straits Times
The economic crisis has hit innovators and content creators with a double whammy.
They not only face lower research and development budgets, but also falling demand for their products as more customers turning to pirated or counterfeit versions, said intellectual property experts at a conference on Thursday. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by That Burning Republic-State Doesn’t Sway Placidity
That Lee Kuan Yew saw it fit to appropriate The Singapore Story as the title of his autobiography reveals the conceit with which the government approaches the study of history. There is nothing inherently wrong with Lee Kuan Yew adding his voice to the larger historical narrative, but it is troubling when his voice becomes the historical narrative – and the study of Singapore history becomes an exercise in regime legitimization. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by Michael Tsen Tweet
by Yesterday.sg
Does it make us less Chinese if we do not speak Mandarin? Probably, but interest in the language or even the heritage should never be imposed upon as our younger generation need to recognize the importance of the tradition on their own. Tweet
by 弦音心谭
相比之下，新加坡引进人才不但在态度上积极开放，而且是用心良苦。 Tweet
by The Temasek Review Tweet
by 熊雪玉, 联合早报
在街上，在任何场合都可以看见夫妇或妇女推着婴孩车。但是，各有关当局可否有为这些推着婴孩车的妈妈着想？ Tweet
by The Temasek Review Tweet
by Kenneth Jeyaretnam, The Online Citizen
Investment in our only natural resource, our people, could potentially have had a much higher internal rate of return, in the form of a more highly educated workforce, than that achieved by Temasek or GIC on their overseas investments. Tweet
by Teh Jen Lee, New Paper
Diabetic mum scolded for eating sweet 3 years ago. He still refuses to take MRT. Tweet
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
It is about unyielding leadership, having conviction in their values and what they believe in, and having the stoic determination to press on with the good fight, out of an unbounded love for Singapore and for Singaporeans. Tweet
by Zul Othman, Today
District Judge Yeo said several factors led to his decision. For one, witnesses had said they saw David, 21, push himself off the roof of the bridge. Tweet
by Christie Loh, Today
Analysts have little doubt the new investors will demand more information other than the annual review put out by Temasek since 2004. Already, Singaporeans closely watch its financial performance as they view the firm as investing taxpayer funds.
Should institutional investors be roped in, they will likely want Temasek to disclose its holdings every quarter, said SMU Assoc Prof of Finance Melvyn Teo. "Temasek will have to be less secretive." Tweet
by Rekha, Channel NewsAsia
The centre, which took almost a year to complete, now boasts a more spacious design, improved ventilation and better hygiene standards. Tweet
by Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen Tweet
by Gwen Robinson, Financial Times
Are things that bad, or is Temasek - or rather, Ho - a visionary that is completely revolutionising the sovereign wealth fund model? Tweet
by Jakarta Globe
The father of Indonesian student David Hartanto Widjaja said he was “very sad and disappointed” by the Singapore Coroners’ Court ruling on Wednesday that his son’s death was suicide, adding that he felt the Indonesian government had not done enough to help. Tweet
by Reuters
They came, they hunted and they collected. About a century after their travels in Southeast Asia, an exhibition at Singapore's Asian Civilisations Museum traces the exciting journeys and adventures of six mostly European explorers through a treasure chest of cultural relics. Tweet
by Master Of The Obvious
As our political leadership enters its third generation (post-LKY and GCT), left unchecked, our risk-averse bureaucracy can potentially become the proverbial conservatives within an ailing but 4.48-million large patriarchal family business that is preventing visionaries within the family from effecting change quick enough. Tweet
by Angry Angmo Never Mind...
There are three groups of major failing people, that do not have understood the rules of escalator etiquette in Singapore yet. Tweet
by Shamim Adam, Bloomberg
Temasek Holdings Pte, reeling from the aborted appointment of Charles “Chip” Goodyear, said it lost more than S$40 billion ($27.7 billion) in asset value and that the sovereign fund may allow public investment for the first time.
The Singapore investment company will seek “sophisticated investors” and won’t sell the “family jewels” for short-term gains, chief executive officer Ho Ching, the wife of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said in a speech today in Singapore. Goodyear’s departure was “unfortunate” and Temasek will continue to review its succession plans, she added. Tweet
by Nopporn Wong-Anan, Reuters
The Singapore government stands ready to step in to prevent a property bubble after signs of speculation in the real estate market, state media quoted a cabinet minister as saying on Wednesday.
National development minister Mah Bow Tan told reporters it was not clear if the buying momentum of new private homes in the past few months could be sustained and the government was keeping a negative growth projection for such demand this year. Tweet
by My Own Analysis
Asia seems to be a case study confirming that capitalism and democracy don’t need each other. Post-World War II Japan was democratic on paper, but a one-party state in reality. South Korea and Singapore followed appropriately. All three developed into wealthy countries. Tweet
by Philip Lim, AFP Tweet
by The Online Citizen Tweet
by P.R. Venkat and Se Young Lee, Wall Street Journal
Singapore state-owned investment company Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd.'s total portfolio value as of end-March fell more than 40 billion Singapore dollars (US$27.75 billion) from a year earlier, Chief Executive Ho Ching said Wednesday. Tweet
by May Wong, Channel NewsAsia
Temasek Holdings is looking to invite the public to jointly invest with the investment company in a venture. This was disclosed by Temasek's executive director and chief executive officer Ho Ching at a luncheon talk on Wednesday, organised by the Institute of Policy Studies. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by 吴汉钧, 联合早报
印尼下一任当选副总统布迪奥诺在新加坡发表公开演讲时说，印尼欢迎新加坡投资者到印尼投资建设基础设施，共摘新印双边关系里的“低垂果实”。印尼也希望能尽快落实同新加坡签定的国防合作协定和双边引渡条约。 Tweet
by Erwida Maulia, The Jakarta Post
Indonesian vice-president-elect Boediono has asked the Singaporean coroner court trying the case of the death of Indonesian student David Hartanto Widjaya to settle it fairly. Tweet
by Jia Han’s Site
我并不认为这种禁售是行不通，问题只是出于民意。 Tweet
by Rajiv Chaudhry, The Online Citizen
As Singapore moves forward, it is imperative that a Code of Practice should be properly laid down and strictly upheld in public sector appointments, so that citizens can be assured that democratic principles of openness, fairness and transparency are maintained. Tweet
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
This is yet another sorry example of how the government proudly sells the image of Singapore as a world-class financial hub, yet fails to offer consumers even the most basic protection against theft and fraud. Tweet
by Chin Sau Ho, Ministry of Finance, Straits Times
The government is a shareholder of Temasek. It does not manage succession planning for Temasek staff, including the CEO. That is, and has been, the responsibility of Temasek and its board. Tweet
by Yeo Ghim Lay, Straits Times
Work on the new air-conditioned Boon Lay bus interchange has been completed and it is expected to open during the year-end school holidays. Tweet
by Leong Sze Hian, Today
I think some Singaporeans may be intimitated by the CCTVs from speaking, or even going to listen.This may be a step backwards in Singapore's opening up to get more citizen involvement and debate on policies and issues. Tweet
by Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore is on track to increase its expenditure on research and development (R&D) to hit its target of three per cent of GDP by 2010, according to R&D funding body, the National Research Foundation (NRF). Tweet
by Property Wire
The proposals have panicked some property investors, many of whom returned to the market only recently. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by Tan Kin Lian
It is possible to be honest and sincere and win over the trust of the people. Tweet
by Irene Tham, Straits Times
Since the call went out for commuters to swop their ez-link cards for the souped-up one which can be used to pay for many more things, 2.5 million of these smart cards have been changed. But it appears retailers have been less than on the ball about changing their card readers that work with these new cards. Tweet
by The One Dimensional Island
We need civil servants with backbone, who can form their own opinion and say it. Tweet
by Andreea Papuc and Andrea Tan, Bloomberg
Temasek Holdings Pte said it will consider promoting an internal manager after abandoning plans to make Charles “Chip” Goodyear the first foreign chief executive officer of Singapore’s state-owned investment fund.
“Temasek has in place a CEO succession planning process,” Temasek said in an e-mailed response to questions. “Our board reviews external and internal candidates over various time horizons.” Tweet
by 陈蒙志, 联合早报
新加坡虽然是一个华族人口占七成以上的国家，但是在语文的地位和使用上，却是英文占有绝对优势的国家。尽管贵为母语，华文，马来文或淡米尔文等都只能陪居末座，这是当前必需承认和面对的事实。因此，在新加坡经营华文书店，是要作好面对着许多困难和挑战的准备，一点都大意不得，更经不起任何没有全盘计划或精打细算的挥霍。 Tweet
by Wayang Party
For Singapore, Mr Lee said, having a good system is important, but getting good people to run it is equally crucial. However, how can an uncompetitive system which is bent on perpetuating a political monopoly ever produce good people to run it? Tweet
by Mathia Lee Tweet
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
Our government is pursuing policies that focus on ramping up GDP through population expansion rather than organic growth in productivity. Clearly, this is not sustainable in the long run, even if such a strategy creates enormous wealth for the powers-that-be and their surrogates in the short run. Tweet
by Cai Haoxiang, Straits Times
Town councils should be more open about their projected long-term spending and provide residents with summarised financial information in a form that is easy to understand, say residents and town councillors who attended a recent dialogue. Tweet
by Singapore Democrats
Free and fair elections, a free media, the freedom to assemble are what made the difference between Hong Kong's investors and Singapore's, even though both groups were sold similar products and were caught out by similar events. Tweet
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
With such assurances by the prime minister and the home affairs minister, one must wonder why there are now five closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) at Hong Lim Park. Coming on the heels of the recent spate of new rules such as the amendments to the Films Act and the introduction of a new Public Order Act, Singaporeans are wondering if political space is being curbed, instead of being opened up, which was what the prime minister had promised. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
To ease traffic congestion, the pedestrian crossing will be closed. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said vehicles turning to and from Paterson Road and Orchard Road can also look forward to an additional turning time of at least 45 seconds.
Shoppers will have to use an underground link to cross Paterson Road. But for wheelchair users, this will be a challenge. Tweet
by Victoria Ho, ZDNet Asia
Development in the mobile arena is particularly hot at the moment, among both individuals and software houses, according to Linux user groups in Singapore. Tweet
by Mr Wang Says So Tweet
by Guardian
Up to now, the junta has survived thanks to support from China and Russia in the UN security council, and the cynical scramble for Burma's rich natural resources which has united India, Thailand and Singapore with China and Russia. Suu Kyi will continue to languish behind bars (or under house arrest) as long as pressure on the generals is constantly deflected by the competing greed of these nations. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by Who Moved My Singapore Cheese? Tweet
by Kate Lim, Straits Times
The practice has become increasingly popular as firms start to explore alternative work arrangements beyond the typical 9-to-5 office day, according to human resource experts. Tweet
by Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen
Historically, HDB and private property prices have more or less moved in close tandem with each other, most of the time. So, why are they moving in opposite direction now? Well, the answer may lie in an altogether seemingly unrelated statistic – the number of graduates. Tweet
by Karamjit Kaur and Nicholas Yong, Straits Times
From just one destination and 56 to-and-fro flights a week, Jetstar Asia, Tiger Airways, AirAsia and Firefly (a subsidiary of MAS) now operate more than 450 flights between Singapore and nine points in Malaysia: KL, Subang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan. Tweet
by Jagdev Singh Sidhu, Malaysia Star
Marina Bay Sands, the US$5.5bil integrated resort in Singapore, is expected to see its meeting, incentive, convention and exhibitions (MICE) business run at capacity in three to five years after the resort opens its doors early next year. Tweet
by The Online Citizen Tweet
by David Goh, Straits Times
I am surprised that our industry watchdog, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), is not as efficient and influential as Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission and Hong Kong Monetary Authority in getting banks there to compensate all investors who lost money on structured products, notes or minibonds linked to Lehman Brothers. Tweet
by Neo Chai Chin, Today
Singapore's multi-religious, multi-racial and secular society is "not a weakness, but a strength", said deputy prime minister Teo Chee Hean yesterday at a community event organised by the chairmen of 69 mosques here. Tweet
by Ho Lian-Yi, New Paper
Allegations flew online that the Swede may have offered funding, a claim both men denied. Eventually, ex-NMP Siew Kum Hong made a police report. Why the online fuss? Tweet
by Singapore Democrats
It is important that Singaporeans know the truth. The Singapore Democrats are not only alive and well, but leading the way on the Internet. We cannot let the media cover up this fact. Tweet
by Bernama
The demise of renowned film and advertising director Yasmin Ahmad, 51, in Kuala Lumpur last night was not only felt by Malaysians, but also impacted film enthusiasts in Singapore. Tweet
by My Singapore News Tweet
by Foong Pek Yee, The Star
Women lawmakers here are thanking the men for the 325% jump in their numbers. The People’s Action Party (PAP) women’s wing chairman, Lim Hwee Hua, attributed the rise in the numbers to efforts not just from the women but those of the men as well. Tweet
by Alice Cheong in Wonderland
It is even more interesting to hear the subtle encouragement to challenge authority shrewdly and with street-savvyness, through it is uncommon for shrewdness and street-savvyness to be applied in this sense. Tweet
by Yu-Mei Balasingamchow, S/pores
When I was 19, I inked my name on a legal document to affirm that I would enter upon and diligently continue in an overseas university course specified by the government of the Republic of Singapore, complete it to the best of my ability, then return immediately to Singapore to serve the government for a period of eight years (hereinafter called the ‘Bonded Period’) in any body or organisation whatsoever in any appointment which the government might deem appropriate. Tweet
by Ho Weng Hin, S/pores
The point block was literally and metaphorically the pinnacle of HDB living, where upgraders from slab-blocks with smaller flats would aspire to. Tweet
by Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's political parties are devoting more resources to the Internet to extend their reach. Tweet
by New Straits Times
Wanita Barisan Nasional hopes to establish closer ties with its counterpart — the women’s wing of Singapore’s People’s Action Party — in all issues including bilateral matters. Tweet
by Ary Hermawan, Jakarta Post
The Indonesian government will not interfere with the verdict of the Singaporean coroner’s court, which is currently hearing the case of an Indonesian student who died at Nanyang Technological University in March, the Foreign Ministry said Friday. Tweet
by Seah Chiang Nee, Malaysia Star
However limited in number, these few high-profile scams are spreading far and wide across frontiers that could hurt the city’s image as a reliable, distinctive hub. Tweet
by 联合早报
源自香港的“茶餐厅”在四五年前正式登陆新加坡。经过这几年的发展，茶餐厅不但没像一些新概念饮食形态一样仅属昙花一现，反而越开越热闹，除了几年来在全岛四处涌现的港式茶餐厅，一些头脑灵光的业者，还抓紧这一股餐饮业的商机与时潮，以茶餐厅之名多样化发展，衍生出台湾茶餐厅、怡保茶餐厅，及由本地一些老字号饮食业业者开创的具本土色彩的“新加坡式”茶餐厅，将原本只属于“香港”的“茶餐厅”发展得更为形形色色。 Tweet
by Straits Times
A full-time national serviceman, who objected to having his hair cut and refused to eat camp food, claiming it was against his religious beliefs, was charged and sentenced to five days' detention. Tweet
by Goh Chin Lian, Straits Times
Give us the real you, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has urged youths aspiring to be government scholars. In an open letter to schools, PSC chairman Eddie Teo described how some would give 'politically correct' answers and appear to be pro-government, thinking that would impress the interview panel.
In doing so, 'they often end up giving the impression that they have no integrity', he said Friday in a letter that spelt out how scholars are selected, the qualities the panel looks for, and how to prepare for the interview.
I guess all will now have think up a token disagreement, just like all adults have to rehearse a 'what's your greatest weakness' answer during job interviews. :-) Tweet
by Alicia Wong and Kiersten Ow, Today
The police have installed a closed circuit television camera at Hong Lim Park, where protests have been allowed since last September. This is for "safety and security", said the police in a statement to Today, and these CCTVs "do not record audio inputs". Tweet
by Tan Kin Lian Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Mr Wang Says So
Because this is Temasek. You know their style. Through all these years, it has not changed. Basically, Temasek will never tell you anything, except perhaps the reasons why it will never tell you anything. And even those reasons will be vague and obscure. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by Reuters
"Good infrastructure and healthcare facilities, low crime and health risks, and decent air quality contribute to Singapore providing the best quality of living for Asian assignees," said Lee Quane, Asian director of ECA International, which advises on expatriate packages and allowances. Tweet
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
Singaporeans must realize that it is dangerous for an organizations such as Temasek and the GISC to be in charge of half a trillion dollars of their money, make huge losses and remain secretive. Tweet
by Eugene Yeo, The Wayang Party Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by Chan Sue Ling, Bloomberg Tweet
by Singapore Democrats
Just when you thought that freedom of expression could not become any more farcical in Singapore, the police install a CCTV at Hong Lim Park. Tweet
by Feed Me To The Fish
Having a strategy of 3 years for a succession plan and to have "strategic differences" as a reason for the failure in the succession plan is a strategy in stupidity. Tweet
by Singapore News
The resignation of Charles "Chip" Goodyear halfway through the period between his appointment in March as chief executive designate of Temasek and his assumption of the post in October is yet another illustration of a long established principle: never disagree with a member of the ruling family. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia
The labour movement's recreational arm has scrapped plans for a S$45 million resort development in Sentosa. Tweet
by Philip Lim, AFP
Thin is in among Singapore teens and young adults, but experts warn that the fad is behind a worrying spike in the number of people developing eating disorders. Tweet
by Eddie Sng, ABC Singapore Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
The consumer price index for June 2009 fell by 0.5 per cent compared to a month earlier, but was 0.2 per cent higher compared with May 2009 on a seasonally adjusted basis. The decline in June was attributed largely to lower costs of housing due mainly to lower service and conservancy charges (S&CC).
Isn't June the month where the government subsidized the S&CC charges? Tweet
by Mengwong
This is a culture that has been lobotomized twice. Tweet
by Pacey's Tots Tweet
by Peter Stein and Costas Paris, Wall Street Journal
Already, some of Mr. Goodyear's initiatives to bring about change had met with a poor reception. His proposals for the firm's new strategic direction were considered too risky by some, a person familiar with the situation said.
In addition, this person said Mr. Goodyear planned changes in senior management that weren't well received by Temasek's board. Tweet
by George Chen, Reuters
Goodyear's decision to leave likely was made after a board meeting last week when he put in a list of proposals and changes he wanted to make after taking the helm on Oct. 1, sources with knowledge of the meeting told Reuters.
But the proposals ran into trouble with the board, the sources said. It must have become clear to Goodyear then that running a state-linked firm is a much bigger challenge than running a privately-held company. Tweet
by Robert Clark, Telecomasia.net
IDA chief Ronnie Tay declines to say how much of this money has been spent and how and by whom, and says he has no intention of doing so. For someone whose air-conditioned office, government-issued vehicle and generous salary are part if not wholly taxpayer-funded, this seems ungrateful to say the least. Tweet
by 陈思谦, 联合早报
希望有关当局若要考虑扩大禁烟区，应把公共走廊和人行道也设为禁烟区。 Tweet
by Gilbert Goh, The Online Citizen Tweet
by Marc Van de Velde, The Art Of Dredging
It was yet another reminder on "safe anchoring" in these crowded Singapore parking lots. Tweet
by Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's Ministry of Finance(MOF) said it was not involved in the decision by Temasek Holdings to terminate the planned leadership transition. Tweet
by Aaron Low, Straits Times
Singapore's model of governance is one that tries to achieve a balance between delivering quality leadership and giving people the opportunity to voice their dissatisfaction with Government policies, said prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. Tweet
by Too Many Thoughts
One of the first things my friend visiting from Australia asked me on Sunday was, "So what language do people speak here?" Tweet
by Kevin Plumberg, Reuters
Monetary authorities from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia said on Wednesday they will coordinate a scheduled exit from full guarantees offered on bank deposits during the financial crisis by the end of 2010. Tweet
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
Have we lost all sense of compassion in a bid to follow the letter of the law, never mind the spirit of the law? Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia understands that there has been another H1N1-related death in Singapore. A 13-year-old boy, who was in critical condition at the National University Hospital after contracting H1N1, died Wednesday morning. Tweet
by Straits Times
The Mint Museum of Toys at Seah Street has the feel of a world class museum. Tweet
by Netty Ismail, Bloomberg Tweet
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
While Mr Goodyear’s credentials may indeed be impeccable, perhaps the more important question lies with the selection process itself. Clearly, despite having been intensely interviewed by the president, the cabinet, the BOA of Temasek and Ms Ho Ching herself, the exit of Mr Goodyear has shown that the selection process has flaws.
And the flaw seem to be a fundamental one – the selection process failed to determine Mr Goodyear’s stand on “strategic issues” which Temasek now says is the reason why he will no longer be chief. Tweet
by Today Tweet
by My Singapore News Tweet
by Gabriel Chen & Alvin Foo, Straits Times
Industry watchers are wondering what could have gone wrong with the chief executive (CEO) selection process and what transpired to cause Mr Goodyear, 51, to depart less than six months after accepting the top post. Temasek would only cite strategic differences for Mr Goodyear's departure without elaborating. Tweet
by Wall Street Journal
Given that Temasek manages about $84 billion in taxpayer monies, Singaporeans deserve to know what happened. Tweet
by Diary of A Singaporean Mind Tweet
by Conrad Raj, Today
Perhaps it's time for Temasek to relook its annual succession planning process. Tweet
by Singapore Democrats
Given the stakes that we are dealing with and the fact that every cent that Temasek has belongs to Singaporeans, the public has every right to demand the answers from Ms Ho and Mr Dhanabalan. Tweet
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
Without any transparency as to how to Lifelong Income Fund is managed, Mr Gan’s tepid reassurances fail to cut any ice. Tweet
by Siew Kum Hong
If one firmly and sincerely believes in protecting consumers, then one would surely adopt a proactive stance in doing the right thing, and not wait for multiple cases to occur before taking action. Tweet
by Groundnotes
NDPs make me sick. They remind me of everything that is orchestrated, superficial, rehearsed, practiced, and devised from top-down in Singapore. They are artificial cauldrons of whipped up frenzy and heightened emotions where quick spasms of ecstasy are mistaken for patriotism. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by Straits Times
Three more H1N1 patients with underlying medical problems have been admitted to intensive care units. Tweet
by Yaw Shin Leong
Why weren't strategic directions (at least in broad strokes) discussed prior to his recruitment? Why the haste then in announcing Mr Goodyear as the CEO-designate when such important issues were not sorted out in the beginning? Tweet
by John Burton, Financial Times
There has been considerable speculation in Singapore about how much independence Mr Goodyear would be given in pursuing his goals in light of the fact that Temasek owns most of the city-state’s leading companies. Tweet
by Saeed Azhar, Reuters
Singapore's Temasek Holdings said Charles (Chip) Goodyear has decided not to become the chief executive of the state investment firm due to differences on certain strategic issues that could not be resolved. Tweet
by Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Random Thoughts Of A Free Thinker Tweet
by 李静仪, 联合早报
再过两个星期，本地公共巴士服务间隔时间有望进一步缩短，让乘客在繁忙时段可更快搭到巴士。从下月起，主干和支线巴士须遵循更严格的服务准则，两家巴士公司受询时表示已做好准备，有足够车队和人手应付要求，进一步缩短乘客等车的时间。 Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
High-income earners in Singapore are saving more and investing less following the onset of the global financial crisis, according to a survey. Tweet
by Ariellah's Technoblog
What can Singapore, an island city-state, the smallest nation in southern Asia with population of about 4.5 million people teach the world about education? Tweet
by Benjamin Gan, Today
Such a tax will have disastrous consequences not just on the property market but also on the capital market. Tweet
by Straits Times
Manpower minister Gan Kim Yong has assured Singaporeans they will receive a monthly payout from the CPFLife annuity scheme for the rest of their lives, despite a 'disturbing' provision in the new law.
Mr Gan, in his bid to allay any fears, said it was not feasible to guarantee the amount paid. This is because the monthly sum would have to be adjusted regularly, 'taking into account interest rates and mortality experience to ensure the solvency of the Lifelong Income Fund'. Tweet
by Leong Wee Keat, Today Tweet
by Today
Two years ago, first-time HDB home owners used about 20 per cent of their monthly income to pay their home loan. Currently, it is about 25 per cent, for first-time home buyers of resale flats in the cheaper, non-mature estates, it was revealed yesterday.
But this is still below the HDB's "affordability benchmark" of 30 per cent, senior minister of state (national development) Grace Fu said in Parliament in response to Member of Parliament Ho Geok Choo's concern that the resale price index is "reaching a record level not since 1990". Tweet
by Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia
Between 2007 and July 2009, the MRT service was disrupted 92 times, with each incident lasting over 10 minutes. In a reply to Marine Parade MP Fatimah Lateef on Monday, transport minister Raymond Lim said in 30 of these cases, it took at least half an hour before normal service resumed. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by David Tiltman, Media
Is it fair to say Hong Kong’s ad industry is in decline, and if so, is this due to a lack of investment by government, or does the blame lie with agencies themselves? Can Singapore’s superior infrastructure make up for what in many ways is a more conservative culture? Tweet
by S.Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia
The move to ban the 10 financial institutions (FIs) from selling certain investment products as well as the publication of detailed investigation findings have dealt a blow to the reputations of the institutions.
Deputy chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Lim Hng Kiang, said this reputational hit will affect how financial institutions do business, more than the financial impact from the ban. Tweet
by Shamim Adam and Haslinda Amin, Bloomberg
Singapore, which emerged from its deepest recession since independence last quarter, won’t have a “V-shaped” recovery as a rebound in drug and electronics output may falter, trade minister Lim Hng Kiang said.
Demand for goods from the world’s biggest economies in the U.S., Europe and Japan is still weak, and any pick-up in trade will be “bumpy,” Lim said in an interview in Singapore today. Tweet
by Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia
The latest data by Singapore's health ministry shows that the country is well past the mitigation stage for the management of H1N1 flu cases.
Giving an update in Parliament on Monday, health minister Khaw Boon Wan said the virus circulating in Singapore currently is largely benign, with almost all patients recovering fully. Tweet
by Hard Hitting In The Lion City
When it comes to nationhood, the people in the country need to feel a sense of belonging. They must live in the country and has an express willingness to continue living in the country. Singapore does not have that. Tweet
by 台海网
据悉，某位与马英九关系极佳的文化界人士，正低调拟洽邀新加坡内阁资政李光耀11月来台发表演讲，进行私人非正式访问，马政府高层知悉此事并乐观其成。 Tweet
by 大纪元 Tweet
by Rich In Every Sense Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has decided to keep the existing guidelines where live music and performances are not allowed in restaurants and pubs located in private shophouses near residential estates. Tweet
by 杨荣发, 联合早报 Tweet
by 赵倩玉 林佩碧, 联合早报
本地垃圾虫有增无减，今年上半年的垃圾虫数量比去年同期多四成，而接受劳改的垃圾虫是去年同期的三倍。 Tweet
by Dhara Ranasinghe, Reuters
In China and India, as well as smaller markets in Southeast Asia such as Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, beer drinking is becoming a popular past time due to rising disposable income and relatively young populations who are embracing the party scene. Tweet
by Malaysia Star
A KL-Singapore high-speed rail would generate more economic benefits than the double-tracking railway from Ipoh to Thailand. Tweet
by Gilbert Tan Hee Khian, Today
The tweak to property tax announced last week - from Jan 1 next year, individuals who have sold a property in the prior four years will be subject to income tax on any subsequent home sales - is more than equitable. In fact, taxes should be imposed on every property transacted irrespective of the number of times a sale is carried out. Tweet
by S Murali, New Paper
50 is young, and so is my friend. If he slowly fades into the background, it will be a loss for his employers and his colleagues, for many of whom he is a father figure. Tweet
by Today
In the wake of Singapore's first H1N1-related death on Saturday, the Health Ministry has called on undertakers to carefully handle bodies infected with the virus. Tweet
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
As long as the PAP insists on governing in their interest rather than in the interest of Singaporeans, we will only be running around in circles, obtaining token concessions from time to time, but without the ability to compel the government to place Singaporeans first and take care of their needs in any substantial way. Tweet
by Too Many Thoughts Tweet
by Siew Kum Hong
Do they have any recourse for MAS' delay and failure to act? Tweet
by Singapore Democrats, Singapore Democrat News Tweet
by Heyzanie's World Tweet
by Sue Ann-Chia, Straits Times
Residents queuing for aid in the central district have soared by 40 per cent this year, the biggest surge among the five community development councils (CDCs) covering the island. Tweet
by Sandra Low, Malaysia Star
Our neighbour strives to upgrade its main commercial artery from a shoppers’ paradise to a world-class avenue. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Today Tweet
by Seah Chiang Nee, Malaysia Star
Employers in the service industry are struggling to hire locals, leading to an unhealthy dependence on foreigners. Tweet
by Associated Press Tweet
by Sue Ann-Chia, Straits Times
Layoffs among unionised companies and the number of workers put on shorter work week have declined drastically in the second quarter of this year.
But it is too soon celebrate as the employment outlook remains uncertain for the second half of the year, labour chief Lim Swee Say said on Friday. Tweet
by Martyn See, Only "Objective" And "Factual" Political Films Please, We're Singaporeans
In a hand-delivered letter, the BFC noted that ONUL contains excerpts from my video Zahari's 17 Years, which has been gazetted as a banned film under Section 35 of the Films Act. As such, the BFC will not classify ONUL. Tweet
by Straits Times
Singapore's exports fell the least in nine months in June, as it emerges from its deepest recession. Tweet
by Sugita Katyal, Reuters
This is one exhibition literally studded with glittering nuggets of history.
"Baba Bling: The Peranakans & Their Jewellery," at one level, showcases the unique hybrid culture of the Peranakans, little known outside Southeast Asia, through more than 300 pieces of gold, diamond and even simple metal jewelry. But the exhibition at Singapore's Peranakan Museum also chronicles the fortunes of these descendants of Chinese migrants, from the highs of the Industrial Revolution to the lows of World War Two. Tweet
by ygblog4 Tweet
by The Online Citizen Tweet
by Zit Seng’s Superwall
I think the owners of the Indonesian Panggang stall at the NUS Engineering Canteen have put to practice some good business tips. How can one maximize profits? You may be charging your customers $3 now. But if your customers are happy to pay $4, why not ask them for $4? Tweet
by Tales Over Coffee
The first thing you should know about going to the movies in Singapore is that you have to book your seats in advance. Tweet
by The Box Of Nice Things Tweet
by Mariko Oi, BBC
It will take much longer for ordinary Singaporeans to feel the miracle recovery. Tweet
by Carolyn Quek, Straits Times
Former Ren Ci Hospital chief Ming Yi admitted for the first time in court on Thursday that he helped his former personal aide Raymond Yeung to cover up taking a $50,000 loan. The 47-year-old Buddhist monk said he knew it was wrong but, among other things, he wanted to protect the charity from bad publicity. Tweet
by Reuters
Singapore's central bank on Thursday raised its 2009 inflation forecast but said monetary policy was suitable to ensure both price stability and an economic recovery. Tweet
by Krishnan Subramanian, CloudAve Tweet
by Zakir Hussain, Straits Times Tweet
by Ben Sandilands, Crikey Tweet
by Nopporn Wong-Anan, Reuters
Singapore's central bank said on Thursday it posted a net loss of S$9.2 billion ($6.34 billion) in its last financial year that ended March 2009, badly hurt by a decline in global markets. Tweet
by Subatra Suppiah, MIS Asia
Singapore CIOs are investing in innovative offbeat IT tools such as social networking and Web 2.0 mashup initiatives in preparation for economic recovery, said analyst firm IDC. Tweet
by The Online Citizen
Singapore is a safe city, we like to say. Say it often enough, loudly enough, and strangely, it becomes actual enough, safe in our factual fantasy. Tweet
by Master Of The Obvious Tweet
by E.D. Kain, The League Of Ordinary Gentlemen
But this would never work in the United States! Tweet
by Peter Macfarlane, Q Wealth Report
Generally, the rule is that convenience is a threat to privacy. Tweet
by Amresh Gunasingham, Straits Times
New data shows Singapore's rainfall has been dwindling over the last 30 years and more extreme weather changes are predicted to hit the region in the coming years. Tweet
by Gerald Giam
It is no secret that Mr Yeo was the one who pushed hard for SPRING to be relocated to Fusionopolis, to “help bring Growing Enterprises to A*STAR’s incubator facilities”. He perhaps felt that working near A*Star was more conducive for him and his executive team. But in doing so, he may have cost taxpayers over $2.8 million (assuming that the new office in Fusionopolis will also cost over $800,000). Tweet
by Alvin Foo and Fiona Chan, Straits Times
The Singapore economy has stabilised and there is no need for further stimulus measures currently, said trade and industry minister Lim Hng Kiang on Wednesday. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
It will be outright fines from now on for those caught eating and drinking in MRT trains and stations, as train operator SMRT said it will no longer issue warnings to offenders. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Victoria Ho, ZDNet Asia
In 2007, the MDA committed S$500 million (US$343 million) to start a research program for interactive digital media (IDM) projects. The MDA also hands out grants of up to S$50,000 (US$34,388) to IDM startups recommended by MDA-appointed mentors.
This has come under fire by the Auditor-General's Office (AGO), because four startups receiving grants were founded and co-owned by mentors, in spite of the scheme's guideline spelling out that startups set up and owned by mentors are ineligible for the funding. Tweet
by Reuters Tweet
by Straits Times
The Media Development Authority (MDA) has removed a travel grant for film-makers, an apparently sudden move that has rallied directors who say its abolition could stunt artistic growth. Tweet
by Straits Times
Singapore retail sales continued to decline in Mayas recession-weary shoppers stayed away from big-ticket items such as cars and jewellery, and fewer tourists came visiting. Tweet
by Jason Lee, The Online Citizen Tweet
by En Bloc Block Blog Tweet
by Fintan Ng, The Star
Singapore may have seen some stabilisation in economic numbers following a big jump in its second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) by 20.4% on an annualised basis, but it will not be sustainable as the country’s economy is still reliant on exports. Tweet
by Rachel Leow, A Historian’s Craft Tweet
by Paul Chan, Straits Times
Is it logical or reasonable for Singaporeans to pay over four times the recovery cost of drinking water - a basic human need? Tweet
by Jessica Jaganathan and Maria Almenoar, Straits Times Tweet
by Sam Ho, Sam's thoughts
What the fuck? Cursing is part of life, and definitely army life. Tweet
by Desmond Wong, Channel NewsAsia
The Auditor-General's report for the financial year 2008/9, which was released on Tuesday highlighted millions of dollars that could have been spent more prudently. Tweet
by Straits Times
Expect more grey skies and stuffy conditions as a mixture of scrub fires in Indonesia and El Nino's impending weather shift brings more haze to Singapore. These conditions will continue over the next few months, predict weather experts. Tweet
by Mr Wang Says So
That's so ... quaint. This is the army, my dear. The boys are supposed to learn how to shoot the enemies, bomb them to bits, kill them with a bayonet etc. No, there's nothing very elegant or gentlemanly about war. Tweet
by Tng Ying Hui, The Online Citizen Tweet
by Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia
The integrated resort at Sentosa is expected to open early next year, but it is already planning to stage its first event ahead of the soft launch. Resorts World at Sentosa has teamed up with children's charity, ChildAid, to host its fifth concert at the Festive Grand Theatre in December. Tweet
by Sumner Lemon, IDG News Service
A massive upgrade to computers and networks used by government agencies in Singapore is underway and on schedule, according to the agency that oversees the program. Tweet
by The Wayang Party Tweet
by Shahidan Said, Malaysia Today
The very structure of the PAP, which has ruled Singapore since independence, is totally corrupt. Tweet
by Adib Zalkapli, The Malaysian Insider
Less than 12 hours before polling begins in this rural constituency, Barisan Nasional (BN) put up banners showing picture of Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat shaking hands with Lee Kuan Yew in an attempt to drive the Malay voters away from the Kelantan Mentri Besar. Tweet
by Nopporn Wong-Anan and Wayne Cole, Reuters
Singapore's economy roared out of recession in the second quarter and a measure of Australian business conditions jumped in June, raising hopes Asia will lead a broader global recovery in the second half of 2009. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia
Singapore's economy is expected to contract four to six per cent this year, up from an earlier projection of a six to nine per cent fall, due to less severe contraction in the first half of the year.
A statement by Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Tuesday said the adjustment reflects an upward revision in first quarter performance, as well as strong second quarter growth. Tweet
by Singapore Democrats
It might be better for Mr Goh to look at his own house before sermonizing to others about the benefits of free and fair elections. You know what they say about people who live in glass houses. Tweet
by Cassell R. Meyers, Straits Times Tweet
by Andrew Loh, The Online Citizen
What we have now is a PAP-infested Select Committee which has picked, to be NMPs, a YPAP member, a NTUC member and 5 people who idolise MM Lee! Good grief! Tweet
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
I am truly amazed at Calvin Cheng’s lack of a sense of accountability as well as his almost complete lack of political acumen. Tweet
by Sam Ho, Sam's thoughts
That's politics I guess. So dirty, like the used sanitary pad and multiple cigarette buds that pepper my air-conditioner compressor. Tweet
by Desmond Wong, Channel NewsAsia
For the first time, opposition-held Potong Pasir and Hougang will be eligible for the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) for 65 precincts islandwide. Senior minister of state for national development Grace Fu revealed this to the media on Monday at a Home Improvement Programme (HIP) event. Tweet
by Diary of A Singaporean Mind
Next time someone tells you things are better in Singapore because unemployment rate (among residents) is low remember that is only half the story. Tweet
by Fiona Chan, Straits Times
If the current recession seems less painful than previous downturns, part of the reason could be that Singaporeans are richer this time around. Tweet
by Lau Chong Han, Today
How can Mr. Cheng be curious, and yet "non-active" for two years, and then suddenly felt that he got the "calling" to serve as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP)? Tweet
by Sunny Goh, Today Tweet
by Li Wenfeng, Today Tweet
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
At half time in June, the education ministry has already surpassed its annual target of recruiting 3,000 teachers this year.
Speaking at the National Institute of Education's teachers' investiture on Monday, education minister Ng Eng Hen assured that although the ministry has stepped up hiring, it has also continued to be rigorous in selecting teachers and educators. Tweet
by Moaz Yusuf Ahmad, New Straits Times
We do not deserve a high-speed rail service if we cannot even get buses and taxis to operate properly.
Short-sighted. Tweet
by Calvin Cheng, Today
Talk is cheap -- this letter is even cheaper. Tweet
by Leong Wee Keat, Today
With services primed as the long-term driver of the Singapore economy, and more job opportunities opening up in this sector relative to others - is this the perfect time to consider trimming back on the foreign-worker quota? Tweet
by Bloomberg
Singapore's economy probably expanded for the first time in five quarters as a rebound in manufacturing helped the Southeast Asian nation emerge from its worst recession since independence in 1965.
Gross domestic product rose an annualized 13.4 per cent last quarter from the previous three months, after shrinking 14.6 per cent between January and March, according to the median estimate of 12 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. The trade ministry will release the data at 8am tomorrow. Tweet
by New Paper
WHAT a father could not achieve for almost a decade, the H1N1 virus did in just one visit. Tweet
by Conrad Raj, Today
The Iras should clearly define what a trader is, and not leave everyone guessing. Tweet
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
Don’t these misconceptions demonstrate clearly the need for Comprehensive Sexuality Education? Tweet
by Blowin' In The Wind
It's telling that a Malaysian and not a Singapore newspaper noted Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew completed 50 years in office, becoming the world's longest surviving national leader, on June 5. Tweet
by mathialee, Mathia Lee ~ Plans and Preoccupations
Abstinence-only programs teach girls how to protect themselves while they are still teens in school. It leaves them with a knowledge-gap when they get married. Comprehensive Sexuality Education equips them with the knowlege they need today, and for life. Tweet
by The Kway Teow Man Tweet
by Philip Elmer-DeWitt, Fortune Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia
About 12,000 foetuses are aborted in Singapore every year and doctors say not enough people are using contraception, or are not using them correctly. Tweet
by Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen
The penalty for the 10 FIs in essence is a ban from selling structured notes for six months to two years. Given the likelihood that not many may buy such products after this saga, the penalty may seem to be rather light and inconsequential to the FIs. Tweet
by My Busy Brain Tweet
by Seah Chiang Nee, The Star
Despite his advancing age, the world’s longest surviving national leader has become more assertive at home and abroad in the last two years, averaging one overseas trip every two months. Tweet
by PN Balji, Today
Let me quote from a letter he wrote to Today: "I joined YPAP in 2006 when I visited the Teck Ghee PAP branch with a friend, and I signed up out of curiosity. Due to many reasons, I never returned."
My, my ... what does this say of this intelligent young man who graduated from Oxford and wants to be a member of the highest and most august chamber in Singapore? Tweet
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
For all the clarity on the role of Nominated Members of Parliament (NMP) within Parliament - to provide independent and non-partisan views on a wide range of topics - question marks remain over what they can and cannot do, what they should and should not do, outside the House. Tweet
by Pauline Mason, BBC
The usual stay for a cargo carrier is just ten days. That is enough time to offload one set of cargo and take on another load, re-fuel and re-stock supplies.
But, of the 220 container ships arriving in Singapore this year, - excluding the tugs, yachts and bunkering vessels which are permanent port residents - more than half have stayed longer than that. Another 44 cargo ships have been in port for more than six months. Tweet
by Ang Yiying, Straits Times
For some Eunos HDB residents, getting a lift that stops on every floor has been more of a nightmare than a dream come true. They say that new lift shafts built on the outside of their blocks have robbed their flats of privacy and ventilation and blocked their views, as well as some light. Tweet
by Chua Hian Hou, Straits Times
Five hours early was not early enough for one man anxious to be first to own the iPhone 3G at its launch here last year. Despite his efforts he ended up second in line.
Disappointed, medical test subject recruiter Jackson Low turned up at 9am on Friday - almost 12 hours before sales of the speedier iPhone 3GS began to make sure he would be there ahead of the thousands of other eager iFans. Tweet
by Jarkata Post
David Hartanto Widjaja, an Indonesian student who died at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU), was murdered and did not commit suicide as many Singaporean media outlets have reportered, Otto Cornelis Kaligis, the lawyer for David's family, said Thurday. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by Straits Times
Temperature checks for H1N1 cases at all Singapore borders will be discontinued from Saturday, said a government statement on Friday. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by 938 Live Tweet
by Gerald Giam
Singaporeans do not wish to see racial riots. That is a given. But Singaporeans are not stupid either. They know the difference between a peaceful assembly by a few public spirited individuals, and a riotous gathering by troublemakers out to wreak havoc. I’m sure the PAP government knows that too, but chooses to conflate the two for the sake of clamping down on anything that could remotely challenge its authority. Tweet
by An American Girl In Singapore
Aren't coffee shops the #2 place to study with the library being #1? Tweet
by The Wayang Party
We need to move from being overly obsessed with material growth to caring and nurturing our people in our governance to ensure that no Singaporean is left behind. Tweet
by Chong Pooi Koon, Business Times Malaysia
Johor is studying plans to connect Iskandar Malaysia to Singapore via mass rapid transit (MRT) system over the next five years, now that chances for a third bridge across the causeway get slimmer. Tweet
by Kevin Lim, Reuters Tweet
by Rachael Kam, Malaysia Star
Genting Singapore’s Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) is in a good position to pull ahead of Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands (MBS) in the race to open the first casino in Singapore following a delay in the MBS project, analysts said. Tweet
by Lim Wei Chean, Straits Times
Tourism players say the signs that there would be a delay in the opening of the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort (IR) were visible: Construction at the site was proceeding slower than it should have been. Tweet
by K C Vijayan, Straits Times
Court inquiries into cases of unnatural death should be merely fact-finding missions, instead of exercises into whether anyone should shoulder the blame. A new Bill that is now up for public consultation proposes these and other changes to the way the Coroner's Court operates. Tweet
by Today
Singapore academic Thio Li-Ann's appointment as a visiting professor to teach human rights law at New York University (NYU) has caused a stir among some students. Tweet
by Singapore Democrats
The opposition must work towards bring about a system that encourages citizens to actively participate in the public process and one that allows them to vote freely and fairly. Tweet
by Thuc Minh, Thanh Nien
A Thanh Nien investigation into a red-light district and brothels in Singapore found that many are having to work hard only to have their earnings extorted from the pimps who help them go abroad. Tweet
by Satish Cheney, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore Muslim community has developed its own identity, reflecting its rootedness and progressiveness in Islam, said minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. Tweet
by Desmond Wong, Channel NewsAsia
The Singapore government is currently in talks with Marina Bay Sands over the integrated resort's announced delay.
Another issue is a possible staff shortage as observers note Singaporeans tend to shy away from the gaming industry. Tweet
by Memories
At Sentosa. Tweet
by Diary of A Singaporean Mind
We have the income distribution of a 3rd world country and cost of living that is number 10 among the most expensive cities in the world. So what is quality of life for the bottom one third of the population? Tweet
by Goh Eng Yeow, Straits Times
The finance ministry has clarified that its proposal to make the law clearer on taxing the gains on property sales gains is not intended to tighten current policy on the matter. Rather, the proposed tax change is to relax the income tax treatment 'aimed at giving certainty of non-taxation' to individuals who do not sell properties frequently. Tweet
by New Straits Times
Toll at the Second Link expressway should be lowered to get more motorists to use the second Malaysia-Singapore crossing. In making the call, Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said only a lower toll would encourage people using the Causeway to switch to the Second Link. Tweet
by Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia
Senior minister of state for education, S Iswaran, said the education ministry is looking to increase the numbers of students entering polytechnics to cater to the rising aspirations of students as well as industry demand for skilled workers. But he added the ministry is still working out the target numbers. Tweet
by Goh Eng Yeow, Straits Times
A government proposal to make the rules clearer on taxing gains on property sales has left developers and investors scratching their heads. Since the public consultation paper on the subject was put up by the Finance Ministry last month, there have been quiet discussions in some circles on the impact the step might have on the property market. So quiet that most people were apparently unaware of it. Tweet
by Article 14
The Law minister is making a case for messiness in the law. Is it acceptable to have some messiness in the law? Tweet
by Peter Thal Larsen, Reuters
Who needs a whole new government agency to protect consumers from irresponsible banks? Authorities in Singapore have taken a refreshingly straightforward approach in tackling banks deemed to have been less than scrupulous when selling structured notes dragged down by the failure of Lehman Brothers: they banned them. Tweet
by Calvin Cheng, Today
I joined the YPAP in 2006 when I visited the Teck Ghee PAP branch with a friend, and I signed up out of curiosity. Due to many reasons, I never returned. Notwithstanding these facts, to clear all doubts, I decided to submit a verbal resignation on the night of Tuesday, July 7, 2009, followed up with an official written resignation on the morning of Wednesday, July 8. Tweet
by Lin Yan Qin, Today Tweet
by Esther Ng, Today Tweet
by Jessica Cheam, Straits Times
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) will offer 8,000 new flats this year, or more if the pick up is stronger, said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan on Wednesday. Tweet
by Straits Times
The Preservation of Monuments Board (PMB) has merged with the National Heritage Board (NHB) as part of an on-going move by the Government for smaller statutory boards to merge with larger ones. Tweet
by Bhuvaneswary Narayanan, Straits Times
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will extend two new road safety initiatives - Traffic Calming Markings (TrCM) and Your Speed Sign (YSS) - to more areas following positive results from its pilot run. Tweet
by Grace Chua, Straits Times
Starting Wednesday, the Ministry of Health will no longer track the total number of Influenza A (H1N1) infections here, or the number of cases from affected countries. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Associated Press
Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson said the opening of the company's $5.5 billion Singapore casino and resort will be delayed until early next year because of problems sourcing construction materials. Tweet
by Phua Sui Lin, Today
Does the exco has the power and authority to make such a decision without consulting its members? Tweet
by Cambodia Calling
Honestly, despite growing up with the courtesy campaign, I am quite sure it had little effect on me and my friends. Tweet
by Singapore Government Tweet
by RTT News Tweet
by Esther Ng, Today
One of the nine new names is a Young PAP member. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia
More are coming forward to serve as Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) and political watchers said that this is a healthy trend as it shows that Singapore's political system has matured. Tweet
by Terence Roth, Dow Jones
Hong Kong and Singapore topped a global list measuring countries' free-trade attributes, with the U.S. ranking 16th and Japan 23rd, the World Economic Forum said Tuesday. Tweet
by The Online Citizen
Singapore’s defence spending will amount to US$11.4bn or 6% of GDP in 2009. As a percentage of GDP, this amounts to one of the biggest defence budgets in recent history. Tweet
by Lee Siew Hoon, Channel NewsAsia
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has, for the first time, imposed bans on the sale of structured notes by 10 financial institutions (FIs) which had distributed toxic structured notes linked to the collapsed US financial institution Lehman Brothers. Tweet
by Leong Sze Hian, The Online Citizen Tweet
by Diana Othman, Straits Times
Singapore is now the 10th most expensive city in the world for expatriates, having climbed up three places from last year, according to a survey conducted by human resource and financial consultant Mercer. Tweet
by Ross O. Storey, Computerworld
Singapore has been highlighted as one of the world's leading targets for black hat Web security attacks, in a new research by network security provider Fortinet. Tweet
by Kevin Lim and Harry Suhartono, Reuters
Singapore's finance minister said on Tuesday that Singapore and the world economy have not yet started to recover from the financial crisis and that any pickup in growth will be slower than in previous recessions. Tweet
by The Reform Party Tweet
by Slugger O'Toole
It’s important to note that the Singaporean approach leverages the market as a means-to-an-end, that is quality affordable health care for all, rather than an ideological (free market) end in itself. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by News Release by UncleYap
One would be so surprised that this is only one of the exits at Bugis MRT Station in Singapore. I may say that if Ah Seng needed any more space to satisfy his CCTV Camera fetish, there will be no more space left on the ceilings for him except to dismental the lightings. Tweet
by Loh Chee Kong, Today
Former Nominated Member of Parliament Siew Kum Hong, 34, has no regrets "as to what (he) did over the last two-and-a-half years". Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Aaron Low, Straits Times
Aware president Dana Lam said on Monday that her 12-member committee, elected at a May 2 extraordinary general meeting, did not intend to pursue the matter as they wanted to move on, and close the chapter as quickly as possible. Tweet
by Sue-Ann Chia & Aaron Low, Straits Times
The Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) on Monday announced new projects to champion women's issues, as well as changes to its Constitution to prevent a repeat of the leadership takeover by newbies. Tweet
by Siew Kum Hong Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Maria Almenoar, Straits Times
At $170 a month for the basic pass and $190 for the enhanced one, a commuter must spend at least $6.33 a day on public transport to make savings. Tweet
by Chua Hian Hou, Straits Times
Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel), the handset's exclusive local distributor, on Monday announced that the iPhone 3GS will be given free to those who sign up for its $205 a month mobile plans, while those on its new low-end $39 a month plan will pay $678. Tweet
by Sgpolitics.net
Opposition MPs like Low Thia Khiang and Chiam See Tong have been winning elections in single-member wards many times over. It must utterly scare some young PAP MPs to imagine that may have to do likewise for the next election. Tweet
by Gilbert Goh, Today
While I appreciate Singapore's efforts to try to keep Singaporeans in their own country after graduation, I am afraid that these efforts will be in vain unless employment opportunities improve, especially for those aged above 40 years old. Tweet
by Lim Hong Lin, Today
Such "improvements" typify an all-too-prevalent syndrome: A mindless desire to constantly seek enhancements without realising that not all things need to be enhanced, and if they do, there should be a modicum of intelligence behind it. Tweet
by Martyn See, Only "Objective" And "Factual" Political Films Please, We're Singaporeans Tweet
by Sue-Ann Chia, Straits Times
Law Minister K. Shanmugam stands by a controversial suggestion he made six years ago: that Singapore should have some form of affirmative action to ensure that able people from minority races are in top posts. But this must not be done by having quotas or setting aside places for minorities. Tweet
by Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia
Law minister K Shanmugam has said Singapore will not decriminalise gay sex but the courts have the power to decide how the law, Section 377, is applied. Section 377A of the Penal Code deems sex between men a crime. Tweet
by Jakarta Post
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKB) predicted Sunday that the haze currently blanketing Riau province would likely move to nearby Singapore and Malaysia. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Eveline Danubrata, Reuters Tweet
by Mathia Lee Tweet
by Glass Castle Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Lin Yan Qin, Today Tweet
by Seah Chiang Nee, Malaysia Star
Banking has now lost its shine. Emphasis appears to be shifting towards accumulating land-based assets. Tweet
by P. Gunasegaram, Malaysia Star Tweet
by 联合早报
香港人对这种南洋价值开始羡慕的时候，新加坡年轻一代更应该捍卫这种南洋优良传统。 Tweet
by Business Times Malaysia
Community airline Firefly, which launched its Subang-Singapore flight this week, is confident of growth from all its routes to Singapore based on a 70 to 75 per cent load factor target set for each route. Tweet
by Karen Tan, Ministry of Health, Straits Times
Patients, however, have to pay the normal attendance fees at the hospital emergency department and ward charges if they are hospitalised. Tweet
by Chia Hui Keng, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Straits Times Tweet
by Jessica Lim, Straits Times
Plans are afoot to transform the area around the historic Johore Battery and Abingdon Work Release Camp in Changi into a heaving hub filled with shops, restaurants and museums. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
The Elections Department has started appointing assistant returning officers to conduct Singapore's next general election, which is due by February 2012. Tweet
by Nicholas Yong , Straits Times
Changi Airport on Friday welcomed Firefly, the fourth new airline to join Changi this year. Firefly is also the seventh carrier to fly the booming Singapore-Malaysia sector. Tweet
by Kong Rithdee, Bangkok Post
Singapore's film industry is on the rise thanks to one director's challenging take on the country's culture and its people's ability to laugh at themselves. Tweet
by Dow Jones Tweet
by A Singapore Blog Tweet
by Denis Distant, Straits Times Tweet
by Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net
It is up to activists, opposition parties and alternative media to set a new agenda, one that is markedly different from that of the ruling party and one which places Singaporeans first politically and economically, and to push that agenda vigorously. Tweet
by Times Of My Life Tweet
by Joanne Lee, Straits Times
Who is going to step up to support our local artistes? Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
by Ishwar Mahtani, Today Tweet
by Liz Lightfoot, Independent
It sounds crazy but Singapore has shot up the league tables by dropping traditional methods from its maths lessons and getting children to be creative. Tweet
by Bernadette Low, SMRT Corporation, Straits Times
We would like to clarify that since June last year, SMRT has increased train trips to enhance commuters' travel experience on weekends. Up to 65 train trips were added on Sundays last year. Since February, another 32 train trips were added on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Tweet
by Benita Aw Yeong, New Paper
Schools have also implemented a host of precautionary measures, including the stopping of certain outdoor events, to slow the spread of H1N1 here.
Adding to the mixed signals is the fact that while many CCAs and non-essential activities have been scaled back, in line with MOE's recommendations, physical education has been proceeding as usual. Tweet
by Channel NewsAsia Tweet
by Singapore Democrats Tweet
by Tang See Kit, Channel NewsAsia
Singapore has moved a notch higher to 18th spot as the most expensive retail location in the world, despite easing rental rates for super prime retail space. Tweet
by S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
Minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew said Singapore must restructure and strengthen its airport operations and regulatory system so that when recovery comes, the country's aviation sector will be ready to meet new challenges. Tweet
by Alastair Su, Gimme Some Truth!
If we narrow our understanding of economic development to just sustaining our GDP, we will neglect alot of other important factors too. Tweet
by Joshua Rhett Miller, FOX News
An advertisement for Burger King's latest sandwich leaves little to the imagination and should be discontinued due to "distasteful" and unappetizing references to oral sex, advertising experts told FOXNews.com. Tweet
by Coleman Yee, μεταcole
Whole populations of Singaporeans are being excluded from such online government services simply because they use a Mac instead of a PC, or because they don’t wish to use (the technically inferior) Internet Explorer.
And we’re not even talking about access by small screen devices like mobile phones, or access by disabled users. The situation is far worse for them. Tweet
by Business Times Malaysia
Conglomerate YTL Corporation Bhd hopes that the government will pursue the proposed RM8 billion bullet train project between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore given its potential economic spin-offs. Tweet
by Gabriel Chen, Straits Times
Bad news for the legions of savers already being squeezed by the meagre interest paid out on their deposits. Today, interest rates on the millions of savings accounts at both DBS Bank and POSB will be trimmed to levels not seen since 2005.
POSB savings and passbook account holders, who previously got 0.25 per cent for the first $50,000, will now get just 0.125 per cent. For those holding a deposit of $10,000, the decrease works out to $12.50 less a year. Tweet
by Teo Kueh Liang, Straits Times
It will make economical sense to extend the MRT and bus operating hours to 2am, so that shoppers can enjoy their shopping without the hassle of worrying about how to get home. Tweet
by Ginny Goh, Media Development Authority, Today
With regard to the recent rape scenes on local dramas "Fighting Spiders" and "Red Thread", MDA has assessed the scenes and found them to be brief, non-explicit and relevant to the development of the dramas' storylines. As such, they are within the guidelines for programmes shown on free-to-air channels during family viewing hours. Tweet
by May Wong, Channel NewsAsia
Liew Mun Leong – the president and chief executive officer of CapitaLand Limited – will chair the new airport company that has yet to be named. Tweet
by Straits Times Tweet
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