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Supporting Chee Soon Juan's caféSupporting Chee Soon Juan's café I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café despite their political preferences” (July 16). The underlying objective of doing any business is to ensure it is viable and profitable. Otherwise, there is no point of undertaking risk for it. It is natural for...

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries? I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries” (June 14) by Mr Yoong Siew Wah. It has always been a controversial topic which concerns about our top political leaders who receive their salaries that are many times higher than those foreign political leaders. Our...

Steering with stability in transition timesSteering with stability in transition times I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let us analyze and interpret this specific subject from a broad perspective, how Singapore should respond and adapt to the evolution of the entire international situation and formulate its foreign policy that is extremely...

We will lead in our own wayWe will lead in our own way I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office as 4th prime minister of Singapore” (May 15). We can get some inspiration or enlightenment from the story of the 108 heroes in Water Margin: they originally had their own abilities, aspirations and ambitions. They...

Chinese villagers living on cliffsChinese villagers living on cliffs In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff 1,400 meters above sea level. This is the village of Atuler, known as the Cliff Village with 72 families who has been living there for almost 200 years. All travel is by a ladder that leads to the sky at almost right...

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the westUkraine will cease to exist thanks to the west Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing arms control agreements, and on the staff of General Norman Schwartzkopf during the Gulf War, where he played a critical role in the hunt for Iraqi SCUD missiles. From 1991 until 1998, Mr. Ritter served as a Chief Inspector...

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride priceBride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception of rural villages, those in the cities mostly asked for hundreds of thousands in bride price (聘礼/彩礼). According to our techie who has been in China for over a decade, the bride price may include monies intended...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to moveHigher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian... I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to move” (Feb 22). In this era of rapid technological advancement, all countries are faced with the dilemma of being hungry for talent. Therefore, top talents in respective...

Where Romance Meets FinanceWhere Romance Meets Finance Sugarbook was launched by Darren Chan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a luxury dating website designed to resolve financial issues through emotional support. It provides a platform to grow your relationships through mutual benefits that are not restricted to mentorship, companionship, wealth and emotional support. It...

Marriage, children and practical concernsMarriage, children and practical concerns A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial “Marriage, children and practical concerns” (Feb 5). Since the history of human civilisation, the formation of individual family and the issue of procreation have become two...

Not in my backyardNot in my backyard I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly, the most vulnerable ones suffer” (Jan 25, 2024). A few good points from the article are worth to be probed further and discussed. In December 2023, the announcement of plans by The National Environment Agency...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presenceOpposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence” (Nov 29, 2023). As we know, Singapore political scene has been firmly dominated by the PAP since 1959. Thus, the opposition parties in Singapore have to face and withstand many challenges ahead...

Educating the next generationEducating the next generation I read with interest the Straits Times’ Editorial, “Educating the next generation” (Jan 5, 2024). Any form of spontaneous learning should provide you with a happy, positive, and memorable experience. However, only a small number of children are in exception. Therefore, based on this, parents should realize the...

GST increase in 2024GST increase in 2024 On 1 Jan 2024 GST rises 1% from 8% to 9%; this is a 12.5% increase in GST. I am not convinced that this is necessary. It will contribute to inflation, and cause economic hardship. The handouts to mitigate this are temporary and the increase is permanent. In 2015, when the possibility of GST rising was an election issue...

Race relations in SingaporeRace relations in Singapore I refer to the Today’s “Commentary: In 1954, David Marshall spoke about race relations in Singapore. Have we made real progress since then?” (Dec 15). For any country to be prosperous and powerful, it must first achieve political and social stability, and its people must live in harmony and be united. Only in this...

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Editorial
Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Strong winds that people called a mini typhoon hit Singapore on Tuesday evening, September 17, toppling...
Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

After hitting Shanghai on Monday (17th Sept), Typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province....
Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Typhoon Bebinca has made landfall in China on Monday (16th Sept). Shanghai has been slammed by the city's...
Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

The mega city of Shanghai was brought to a standstill on Monday (16th Sept) as residents at home had...
Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding continues to wreak havoc across central and eastern Europe, following days of torrential...
Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a high-ranking IRGC commander, has announced that Iran will soon...
Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Heavy rains and strong winds swept through Hainan province Friday as a powerful typhoon, dubbed Yagi,...
Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia for a visit, despite the risk of arrest under...
Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

The Axis of Resistance groups in Iraq have escalated their threats against Israel and the US. They have...
Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia, hundreds of missiles and drones were launched targeting...
Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone assault on NATO-backed Ukraine amid rising tensions over...
Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthi-installed defence minister in Yemen has warned that his forces are ready to strike Israel. Major...
Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to present proof or videos of attacks near Tel Aviv. Israeli...
Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

The Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones towards Israel on...
How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

Singapore's fighter jets are supposedly the most advanced force in the entire Southeast Asian region. What...
Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Hezbollah and Israel both have announced large-scale military operations against each other. Israel is...
WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

Covid Done, New Virus Emerges: 100s Killed, WHO Declares Global Health Emergency. The World Health...
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was seen as a safe pair of hands when his party installed him three...
Opinions
A random thought on the comedy of error

A random thought on the comedy of error

The comedy of error that is circling around in Singapore although mind-boggling but amuses Singaporeans...
The Great America, No More

The Great America, No More

America was propagated as the Great Nation in the last century when I was born, even though the world...
A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

This is not an attempt at self-exaltation but to give a glimpse of the obscurantism of the Singapore...
Excess Deaths in Singapore

Excess Deaths in Singapore

I applaud ST journalist's effort in pursuing this issue of Excess Deaths in Singapore (which is one of...
Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Mr Shanmugam says Singapore has laws and policies to prevent riots like those seen in the UK recently...
Let dead dogs lie

Let dead dogs lie

Alas, Pritam should have let dead dogs lie. I am surprised that he is making a bid to have his case...
Total Policy Reset

Total Policy Reset

Lawrence Wong talked about "reset" but up till now, I am still not quite sure what is installed in his...
The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The euphoria that accompanied the appointment of Lawrence Wong as prime minister is understandable.because...
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

I have more praises than criticisms for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally. He...
Build Our Core

Build Our Core

On this very day of celebrating our 59th National Day, we as a people, a country and the Singaporean...
More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General Election (GE)- CNA online 22 July 2024. There are...
Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

This is the Excess Deaths Comparison Chart that MOH has neither disputed nor commented on. It...
Focusing on frail, senior patients

Focusing on frail, senior patients

Tan Tock Seng (TTS) focuses on frail, senior patients as it celebrates 180th anniversary- ST online,...
Who is replacing us?

Who is replacing us?

My fellow Singaporeans,we face an existential threat,that is exacerbated by PAP policies. The number...
Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

We first thought the attempted assassination of Trump was a "Lone Wolf" incident. However, there are...
Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance- 18 July 24, Straits Times. Allianz has done its...
I am not a 'woke'

I am not a 'woke'

I am known to be a Democratic Socialist. Democracy comes before Socialism. Traditionally, people regard...
Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

I strongly condemn the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the United States Republican presidential...
Letters
Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café...
Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?

I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries”...
Steering with stability in transition times

Steering with stability in transition times

I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let...
We will lead in our own way

We will lead in our own way

I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office...
Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore...
Marriage, children and practical concerns

Marriage, children and practical concerns

A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I...
Not in my backyard

Not in my backyard

I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly,...
Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen...
Snippets
Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

In a move to strengthen its position as a well-regulated financial hub, Singapore is set to implement...
The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

Poker is one of the world's most popular games with games being played recreationally and professionally....
How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

In our digital world, crisp, top-notch images make your content pop, whether on a website, social media,...
Chinese villagers living on cliffs

Chinese villagers living on cliffs

In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff...
Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing...
Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception...
The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The story of how Jack Ma betrayed everyone that helped and gave him what he has today. The video also...
中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

A land enshrouded in spirituality, Tibet is home to distinct cultural traditions and astounding natural...
Sticky & Recent Articles

A rebuttal to PAP MP Ong Seh Hong on cultural diversity in ancient China

A rebuttal to PAP MP Ong Seh Hong on cultural diversity in ancient China

Dear Dr Ong,   I refer to your comments in parliament as reported by Straits Times on 13 Mar 2010.   You pointed out the cosmopolitan atmosphere in the Tang dynasty capital of Chang An and the foreignness of one of China's greatest poets, Li Bai to illustrate the importance of an open-door policy and of tolerance to a nation's prosperity and the flourishing of its culture and economic development.   However, as cosmopolitan as Chang An was, it is doubtful that one third of its inhabitants was foreign like in the case of Singapore.  So quoting the example of Chang An doesn't justify the situation in Singapore where the percentage of foreigners is amazingly high.  Also, while Li Bai's place of birth lies in modern day Kyrgyzstan (rather than Kazakhstan), it was actually found within Chinese territory during the Tang dynasty.  What's more, Li Bai's family originated from even closer within China.  So quoting Li Bai's place of birth also doesn't justify a pro-foreigner stance since Li Bai wasn't foreign born as far as the Tang dynasty is concerned.   While the Silk Road is a good example of the need to remain open to trade, it is not a good example to justify mass immigrations since the Silk Road was essentially a trade route, not a mass migration route.   You also pointed out the examples of the Ming and the Qing dynasties which ended up poorer for shutting up their doors.  But those are examples that point to the danger of rejecting trade that has little if anything to do with cultural diversity or renaissance.   The most powerful example of how mass immigration changed a nation's destiny is probably that of the Roman Empire which was subjected to mass immigrations towards the end of its five century dominion.  The great numbers of Goth immigrants proved too great for the Romans to handle and when they finally rebelled, it marked the end of the once mighty Roman Empire.   We don't have to look far back into history to understand how important immigrants are to a nation's success.  Modern day examples abound such as those of South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Western Europe which show that prosperity and cultural efflorescence can take place without mass immigrations.     Thank you     Ng Kok Lim  Read More →

N.Korean Security Turns to Sexual Abuse, Seduction

N.Korean Security Turns to Sexual Abuse, Seduction

Chosun Ilbo, 16 March 2010 North Korean security agents specialize in torture techniques using needles, water and electric shocks, but recently, sexual abuse is said to have become the preferred interrogation tool. Robert Park, a missionary released by Pyongyang last month after crossing the border on Christmas Eve, was severely beaten and sexually abused during his detention, according to his close associates. Park, 28, who was released after 43 days in detention has received psychiatric treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. He was severely beaten by North Korean border guards just after crossing over the border. After being transferred to Pyongyang, Park was then tortured by security agents. The sexual abuse was probably intended to break his will and exact a fabricated apology. Read rest of article here  Read More →

Singapore National Football Team: Let’s talk about statistics

Singapore National Football Team: Let’s talk about statistics

[email protected] Dust is now beginning to settle on the Lions’ ultimately unsuccessful 2011 Asian Cup qualification. The unsavoury media reports on the indiscipline of the Lions leading up to the crucial Group game in Jordan had turned a few heads in the local media and a few others journalists had expressed their utter disappointment on the circumstances that led to the defeat. However, like everything in life, the Lions’ performance throughout the qualifying campaign must be taken into perspective. Ultimately, success is relative, especially in sports - where no one team can win matches without someone else losing. With that in mind, the editorial team had decided to access the development and relative success (or lack of) of our national team since 2000. For the purpose of analysis, four other regional national teams are selected as benchmarks, namely Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Besides our geographical ties, these four teams are by and large considered on par with the Lions. The Ingredients The best chefs in the world will agree that the best dishes require the best ingredients. At international level, the most successful national teams are relatively populous nations where football had been embedded into their history for over a hundred years. The past five different winners of the World Cup prove this – Italy (60million), Brazil (192m), France (65m), Germany (82m) and Argentina (40m). Apologies for stating the obvious, but this is where Singapore is in an extremely disadvantageous position. Our population is only about 2% of Indonesia’s and 6% of Vietnam’s. Because of this, our domestic league is relatively smaller in size and hence the estimated pool of professional players whom our national coach can choose from is relatively smaller. For the sake of comparison, it should be noted that we also do not have a huge pool of players who are based overseas (unlike a nation of similar size like the Republic of Ireland, where they have large numbers of players based in England). Table 1   Singapore Thailand Malaysia Indonesia Vietnam Country population 4,987,600 63,389,730 28,306,700 231,369,500 85,789,573 Estimate pool of Professional players (in top flight domestic football)** 150 410 308 450 280 Professional domestic league since 1996 1996 2004 1994 N/A Number of prominent national players based overseas 4 5 0 0 0 ** Average number of registered players less foreigners of all local teams in top flight. International Stage With that in mind, we will be looking at our showing at the international stage over the past ten years. In terms of FIFA world ranking, Singapore fared relatively no different from our rivals, with the exception of Thailand. Like Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, Singapore has achieved the highest FIFA ranking of mid-70s and is currently ranking outside the top 100. Another acid test to judge the Lions’ performance is qualification in continental competitions and for the World Cup. For qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, all five nations in question were eliminated in the 2nd round. Thailand came the closest, finishing third in their group and four points away from qualification for the next round. Singapore finished 15 points away from progress. The 2007 Asian Cup was not a fair gauge as our rivals all qualified as co-hosts, while Singapore missed out, finishing 7 points from progress. For the 2010 World Cup qualification, Singapore was arguably the best performer in the region. We finished third in a tough group in the 3rd third round, nine points from progress. Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam were all eliminated before this round and Thailand was bottom of their group. And for the most recent qualification campaign, Singapore was just two points from qualification and again, only Thailand fared slightly better. The other three nations were no where near qualifying. Besides showing that the Lions had fared better than average in qualification campaigns, it is interesting to note the overall progress which the team had enjoyed over the course of the last four qualification campaigns. The Lions were perennial whipping boys before, but our past two qualification campaigns had proven that the team can go out to win a couple of games and seriously challenge.  Table 2   Singapore Thailand Malaysia Indonesia Vietnam Highest FIFA ranking 73 (Aug 1993) 43 (Sep 1998) 75 (Aug 1993) 73 (Sep 1998) 84 (Sep 1998) Current FIFA ranking (Feb 2010) 120 98 159 136 116 World Cup 2006 Qualification 4th in 2nd round (15pts from next round) 3rd in 2nd round (4pts from next round) 4th in 2nd round (15pts from next round) 3rd in 2nd round (11pts from next round) 3rd in 2nd round (10pts from next round) Asian Cup 2007 qualification 3rd in Final qualifying Group (7 points away from qualification) Qualified as co-hosts Qualified as co-hosts Qualified as co-hosts Qualified as co-hosts World Cup 2010 Qualification 3rd in 3rd round (9pts away) 4th in 3rd round (10pts) Eliminated in 1st round Eliminated in 2nd round Eliminated in 1st round Asian Cup 2011 qualification 4th in Final qualifying Group (2 pts away) 3rd in Final qualifying Group (2 pts) 3rd in Final qualifying Group (9 pts) 4th in Final qualifying Group (6 pts) 3rd in Final qualifying Group (8 pts)    Regional Supremacy Another way to look at success is to look at how you have performed against your rivals directly. Two regional competitions to analyse this is of course the ASEAN Championship (previously Tiger Cup) and the SEA Games. In this aspect, Singapore is clearly number two in the region, with Thailand being the dominant force over the last ten years or so. In terms of victories in the ASEAN championships, we are tied at three-all with the Thais, though they have clearly performed much better in the SEA Games tournaments (which feature the U23 teams since 2001). All FIFA ‘A’ listed games between Singapore and the regional rivals since 2000 had also been compiled. It is interesting to note that only Vietnam has a better head-to-head record against the Lions. We have beaten Thailand four times in the past decade and they had only come up tops thrice.  Table 3   Singapore Thailand Malaysia Indonesia Vietnam ASEAN Championship (Previously Tiger Cup) performances 3 Titles 3 Titles; 2 Runners-up 1 Runners-up 3 Runners-up 1 Title, 1 Runners-up SEA Games performances (since 2001) 0 4 Titles 1 Title; 1 Runners-up 0 3 Runners-up   Table 4 - Singapore head-to-head vs regional rivals   P W D L Pts Average pts F A GD Indonesia 9 5 3 1 18 2.00 12 6 6 Thailand 10 4 3 3 15 1.50 10 16 -6 Malaysia 12 3 6 3 15 1.25 12 14 -2 Vietnam 8 1 5 2 8 1.00 6 7 -1    The decade ahead Statistically, it must be said that the Singapore national team had outperformed our regional rivals since 2000, with the exception of perhaps Thailand. However, the Thais had been the traditional powerhouse for a long time and our recent records do suggest that we can match them. The decade ahead will be the team’s chance to usurp the Thais as the dominant force in South East Asia and then move on to conquer bigger things. From now till the end of this year, the Lions will have all the time in the world to prepare for the ASEAN championship, which will be held in Vietnam and Indonesia (knock-out stages will be two-legged). It is fair to say that the Lions need a strong performance in that competition to brush aside any doubts in the media which may be still lingering by then. Other articles on the Lions: Singapore National Football Team Saga: Straits Times article VS Avramovic’s subsequent clarification Heartbreak for Lions Lions on the verge of making history  Read More →

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