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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

GIC may have lost more than SGD$10 billion dollars (on paper) in its UBS investment as of now

GIC may have lost more than SGD$10 billion dollars (on paper) in its UBS investment as of now

Written by Our Correspondent Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) may have suffered a paper loss of more than SGD $10 billion dollars in its investment in Swiss bank UBS as of now. In December 2007, GIC agreed to invest 11 billion francs in mandatory convertible notes issued by UBS. The mandatory conversion feature of the notes held by GIC means that they must be exchanged for UBS shares by the time they mature on March 5, 2010 - two years after the notes were first issued. GIC's 11 billion franc investment means that it would receive some 228.83 million UBS shares when the notes are converted. [Source: Business Times, 21 August 2009] As of 8 February 2010 at 9.20pm, the price of UBS is 13.83 Swiss Francs per share. [Source: Yahoo Finance] This means that GIC's 228.83 million shares are worth only (13.83 x 228.83) = 3.16 billion Swiss Francs if the notes are converted now. At this moment in time, GIC has suffered a paper loss of (11 - 3.16) = 7.84 billion Swiss Francs or SGD$10.4 billion dollars. (taking 1 Swiss Franc = SGD$1.33) It is highly unlikely that UBS shares will recover to the price which GIC bought at in December 2007 by March 5 as they were purchased at the peak of the market (at A): To add salt to the injury, the Swiss government had sold off its entire 9.3 per cent stake in UBS for a tidy profit in August 2009, less than a year after it poured six billion Swiss francs into it, leaving GIC as the single largest stakeholder in UBS. Deputy Chairman of GIC Dr Tony Tan said then in a statement that GIC had “confidence in the long-term growth potential of UBS’s business, particularly in the global wealth management business”. The future of UBS looks bleak as it continues to be embroiled in a protracted court case with the U.S. government over the release of confidential information of its U.S. clients who are being suspected for tax evasion. Last week, Swiss Justice Minister warned that UBS may fail if no agreement is reached. GIC's Chairman Lee Kuan Yew appeared to be unfazed by the prospect of an impending UBS collapse. In an interview with Channel News Asia last year, he said: “When we invest, we are investing for 10, 15, 20 years. You may look as if you are making a big loss today, but you have not borrowed money to invest. You will ride the storm, the company recovers, your shares go up.” [Source: CNA, 6 Feb 2009] It now appears increasingly likely that UBS will not have any "long-term" future to speak of if it is shut out of business in the U.S., its largest market for private wealth management. As usual, the mainstream media did not report on the latest GIC's losses and neither did GIC give any updates on their UBS investments. GIC was set up in 1981 to manage the national reserves of Singapore which are accumulated from years of budget surpluses. In a way, the money belong to the people of Singaporeans who are still kept in the dark to this very day the real extent of GIC's massive losses in its disastrous foray into overseas banks.  Read More →

Video clip urging Singaporeans to vote out PAP making waves in Singapore’s blogosphere

Video clip urging Singaporeans to vote out PAP making waves in Singapore’s blogosphere

Written by Our Correspondent A video clip exhorting Singaporeans to vote for change in the next general election by famous online film-maker Wendy Neo has garnered more than 8,000 views within a few days of publication. Wendy Neo is famous for the production of videos critical of the PAP. She wrote on her Youtube profile that she is currently an undergraduate in Perth and will become an Australian citizen after she turned 21 years of age. The title of her latest video is: "Singapore General Election 2010 新加坡大选: BERUBAH 改变 மாற்றம் CHANGE": The video began with a summary of proposed changes in policy such as a minimum wage system, first world salary for Singaporeans, increased healthcare subsidy and retirement for the elderly followed by snapshots of the main opposition leaders in Singapore. The middle portion of the video clip showed an elderly lady picking cardboards for a living with a background voice saying in mandarin: "For the past forty years, I have been voting for the Foreigner Action Party (PAP) and this is what I get in return. How did things turn out this way? What happened? Now they say I am old and useless and want to dump me at JB for me to die overseas. My fellow Singaporeans, please save me which is also saving yourselves. Please remember: what happened to me now will happen to you one day." The clip then showed photos of PAP MPs enjoying themselves and urged Singaporeans not to give up their opportunity for change. Though the video clip lasted only less than 3 minutes, the message is clear and concise: vote for change and vote out the PAP! The opposition should make use of such video clips as part of their electoral campaign to get their message out to Singaporeans. To ensure that they are influenced to vote against the PAP, they must play on their emotions - their fears, anxieties, worries, anger, frustration, resentment and angst. Contrary to what the PAP would like us to believe, politics is all about emotions. The opposition must capitalize on the groundswell of dissatisfaction, unhappiness and disgruntlement against the PAP and utilize it to its benefit. Netizens can help by: 1. Sharing the video clip with your relatives from the older generation who do not surf the internet. 2. Forward the video link to all your friends and colleagues or by embedding the video on your blogs. 3. Download and burn the video clip to CDs and distribute them to the residents living in your block. If each of us were to do our part right now, our combined efforts will soon snowball into a massive grassroots movement to advocate for change in the coming election.  Read More →

Public housing – room for pragmatism?

Public housing – room for pragmatism?

I refer to the letter by Mr Ng Kwong Yee dated 8 Feb 2010. (see below) Mr Ng chides couples for expecting their first home to be first rate.  What should couples expect then?  That their homes should be third rate?  What will that make of Singapore?  Third rate? Mr Ng also claims that couples are unwilling to live in new, outer suburbs.  But is it just distance or location that is the issue here?  The 'unwillingness' to live in new, outer suburbs may stem from the long waiting period of three years rather than the location.  Furthermore, new flats in outer suburbs aren't exactly cheap nowadays either.  If a couple is going to pay top dollar to stay in the outer suburbs, they might as well pay a bit more to get a better location. Mr Ng says that couples dislike lower floors.  Unless Mr Ng stays on the second floor, he can keep his mouth shut. Mr Ng also says that couples want their flats immediately.  How long should couples wait then?  Three years?  It takes perhaps three years for a relationship to mature and if we are going to add another three years before a family can be started, that will be a full six years from getting to know a person to starting a family.  No wonder Singaporeans are having children later. Mr Ng feels Singaporeans should not take issue with long waiting periods for BTO flats.  We can extend this argument to all other aspects of life too.  We should not take issue with long waiting periods for buses and trains.  We should not take issue with long waits at clinics and hospitals.  We should not take issue with long waits at government agencies.  Because we the citizens of Singapore deserve to wait long long in efficient Singapore. Mr Ng says BTO flats are subsidised.  But when you compare the BTO flat you are buying today with the same one that was sold three years ago, you will find that you are actually paying 30% more.  So you end up paying more despite the 'subsidies'.  So much for subsidies. Mr Ng says it is not unusual for inner-city housing price to escalate as a city prospers.  But last year was recession year and prices went up just the same.  Prosperity has become a lame duck excuse for price escalations. Mr Ng tells couples who are not happy with BTO to buy resale flats and not complain about high premiums.  Resale flat prices shot up by 30% to 40% over three short years and buyers have no right to complain?  Imagine 10% property price inflation annually and Mr Ng tells us not to complain?  He who doesn't complain when faced with such high inflation rates must be really cuckoo. Mr Ng tells us that the government should not be held accountable.  Who else but the government that has to be held accountable for the 30% inflation in flat price over three years? Mr Ng says allowing PRs to sell their flats after a period will give them a stake here and help Singapore grow.  But after a PR sells his flat and leaves Singapore, what stake will he have here?  How is he helping Singapore to grow after taking an extra thick wad of cash from some poor fellow Singaporean? Lastly, Mr Ng says that flat price appreciation is not a bad idea since 86% of the population are flat owners.  Mr Ng doesn't understand that: 1.  Price appreciation is only on paper.  Unless the flat is sold, the paper gains cannot be realised.  But where is one going to stay after one has sold one's flat? 2.  Even if one chooses to sell one's flat, the gain by one will become the loss by another.  Therefore, flat price appreciation is a zero sum game that adds nothing to the country as a whole.  For every winner, there will be a loser.  You can't have all 86% flat owners winning together because that will require all of them to sell their flats together.  But when 86% flat owners sell their flats together, where are we going to find enough buyers to buy from them?  They will end up selling to themselves and all profits and losses will simply cancel each other out. 3.  When property prices increase, your children suffers.  Your gain will be more than outweighed by the combined losses of your children many years down the road. 4.  The only real winner is the HDB and the govt.  As new flat prices are pegged to old flat prices, the HDB will stand to make more money when prices appreciate. Thank you Ng Kok Lim Room for Pragmatism THE public reaction to rising prices of HDB flats appears to be largely prompted by young, middle class couples in the sandwich class, usually snagged by the $8,000 income ceiling. They expect their first home to be first-rate, are unwilling to live in the new, outer suburbs, dislike lower floors and expect to get their flat immediately. I hold a different view. Buyers who qualify to buy directly from the HDB should not take issue with the waiting period for build-to-order (BTO) flats. These flats are subsidised and not bought in the open market. Buyers should also be open to buying flats in the outer suburbs. It is not unusual for the price of inner-city housing to escalate as a city prospers. New buyers will just have to live farther away. Successful buyers also reject flats on the lower floors during balloting for the sale of the balance flats. If they choose to do so, it is only fair that they queue up for the BTO scheme which means a longer waiting period. Either that, or buy resale, which is dearer. Rather than complain about the high cash premiums, perhaps young couples should realise they must start saving from their first day of work if they wish to have their dream flat. The Government should not be held accountable if a buyer wishes to have a more desirable flat but does not have enough Central Provident Fund savings. It is also unreasonable to impose more restrictions on permanent residents (PRs) who buy resale flats. PRs already face more restrictions than citizens in buying public flats. Allowing PRs to buy flats, and sell them after a regulated period in the open market, will give them a stake here and help Singapore grow. The Government should come down hard on people who buy flats to rent them out illegally. Despite the rules, many flats are still wholly rented out via the loophole of a locked master bedroom. Perhaps the best way to stop this practice is to reward whistle-blowers. Finally, as 86 per cent of the population are HDB flat owners, it is actually not a bad idea for the prices of HDB flats to appreciate. Ng Kwong Yee (Source: Straits Times Forum, 8 February 2010)  Read More →

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