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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
China's 1/4 million students rode 50km to another city...

China's 1/4 million students rode 50km to another city...

On 8th Oct, about 1/4 million students in China, Hainan ZhengShou (郑州) rode about 50km to another...
Donald Trump re-elected President of the United States

Donald Trump re-elected President of the United States

Donald Trump has been re-elected president of the United States, defeating opponent Kamala Harris in...
LIVE: US Presidential Election

LIVE: US Presidential Election

The US presidential race between Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is tightening...
Iran now a full-fledged BRICS member

Iran now a full-fledged BRICS member

Iran’s full membership in BRICS, announced by Putin, signals a potential shift in global power dynamics....
Mass casualties as Hezbollah rains barrage of drones...

Mass casualties as Hezbollah rains barrage of drones...

A drone strike targeted an Israeli army base near Binyamina, about 20 miles south of Haifa. The attack...
Israel lied about massive damages to Nevatim Air Base

Israel lied about massive damages to Nevatim Air Base

According to Iran's National TV, a precision-guided Iranian missile successfully knocked out a cutting-edge,...
US begs Iran to 'go soft' on Israel

US begs Iran to 'go soft' on Israel

Israel-owned Washington has made a big appeal to Iran as the Mideast nation anticipates an attack from...
Russia warns Israel of

Russia warns Israel of "Dangerous Consequences" following...

In a shocking turn of events, an Israeli airstrike near Russia's Hmeimim Air Base in Syria has sparked...
Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng to be charged in relation...

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng to be charged in relation...

Malaysian property tycoon Ong Beng Seng will be charged in a Singapore court on Friday (Oct 4). The...
Former minister Iswaran gets 12 months’ jail for...

Former minister Iswaran gets 12 months’ jail for...

Former senior cabinet minister S Iswaran has been sentenced to 12 months in prison in a high-profile...
Isreal strikes Russian air base in Syria

Isreal strikes Russian air base in Syria

In an obvious attempt to escallate the war in the middle east and force the warmongering US into the...
Israeli air bases damaged and fighter jets destroyed...

Israeli air bases damaged and fighter jets destroyed...

Israel has closed off several military zones after the Iranian missile attack on October 1. The Israeli...
Israeli soldiers suffered mass casualties in first...

Israeli soldiers suffered mass casualties in first...

Hezbollah fighters are giving invading Israeli soldiers in south Lebanon a tough fight. In the first...
Only 20% of the missiles Iran launched at Israel were...

Only 20% of the missiles Iran launched at Israel were...

Iran launched a substantial number of ballistic missiles (180+) in a recent attack that overwhelmed Israel's...
Israel's air bases badly damaged by Iran's missile...

Israel's air bases badly damaged by Iran's missile...

On Tuesday (Oct 1), Iran launched a barrage of over 150 missiles at Israel, specifically targeting Nevatim...
Iran launches barrage of missiles at Israel

Iran launches barrage of missiles at Israel

Iran has reportedly launched more than 150 ballistic missiles towards southern Israel from Khorramabad...
Why Singapore cannot join BRICS

Why Singapore cannot join BRICS

It’s impossible for Singapore to join BRICS (Russia, China, Brazil, India and South Africa). Here's...
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...
Opinions
The fate of Singapore

The fate of Singapore

The voice of the people has always been loud and clear, until now. In the 1950s and 1960s, the people...
Donald Trump is set for a landslide

Donald Trump is set for a landslide

It's over for Kamala. Trump is set for a landslide. The Republicans are also sweeping the Senate and...
A rising start at CHOGM in Samoa

A rising start at CHOGM in Samoa

We all know about the loquacity of PM Lawence Wong because since taking office he had been ranting with...
Perception is everything

Perception is everything

Lee Hsien Yang (LHY) has declared himself a political refugee from Singapore, the land of his birth....
Political Refugees & Detainees of Singapore

Political Refugees & Detainees of Singapore

Ever since PAP came into power in 1959, party which had fought for "Democracy" has actually turned into...
The Last Wish

The Last Wish

aka THE LAST WISH OF LEE WEI LING, LEE KUAN YEW AND CHINESE EMPERORS OF YORE It's no surprise the...
Is there democracy in Singapore?

Is there democracy in Singapore?

Last week, The Straits Times published an article on a survey done by the NUS Institute of Policy Studies:...
Iswaran's Victory

Iswaran's Victory

I believe alot of people were having popcorns in their hands all ready to watch the Great Show of the...
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...
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
The Allure of Singapore Jewellery: A Blend of Tradition,...

The Allure of Singapore Jewellery: A Blend of Tradition,...

In Singapore, traditional and contemporary life come together so beautifully, and among other things...
The Impact of Global Economic Policies on Singapore’s...

The Impact of Global Economic Policies on Singapore’s...

For dynamics to develop within Singapore's financial markets, global economic policies are incredibly...
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...
Sticky & Recent Articles

TECH Singapore: The World’s Largest University

TECH Singapore: The World’s Largest University

With an academic offer of more than 10,000 programs, presence in more than 150 countries, and a 100% online method, TECH Singapore aims to break the foundations of traditional education and enable the academic and professional development of thousands of students. TECH Technological University has positioned itself as the world’s largest online university thanks to its wide range of degrees and innovative academic methods. With its arrival in Singapore, a new opportunity opens for all professionals, students, and people interested in getting a decisive competitive advantage in their career paths. The OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) estimates that the chances of getting a job with postgraduate studies are higher, this shows the importance of this type of degree in the labor market, since in many cases they are decisive when choosing a candidate or getting a promotion. For this reason, TECH has burst onto the university academic scene guaranteeing 99% employability to all its graduates based on technological innovation and advanced teaching methodologies. "The chances of having a job increase if you have a postgraduate study. TECH offers accessible, modern higher education adapted to all professional profiles." Technological University aims to offer accessible higher education that makes a difference in its students' career progress. With more than 10,000 university degrees, available in more than 10 different languages, there are programs ranging from Health Sciences to Communication or Education, through faculties such as Business, Computer Science, Design, Education, and even Video Games. It covers a wide range of academic offerings, tailored to the individual needs of its own students. Among others, there are bachelor's degrees, official master's degrees, and Grand Master's degrees for those seeking a broad improvement of their competencies, while the University Experts and University Courses offer an exhaustive development of more specific areas of knowledge. The professors in charge also guarantee the quality of each lesson, as there are more than 5,000 professional experts in their areas of knowledge. Professors, department heads and leading academics make up a multidisciplinary faculty, which brings to the programs a unique practical perspective for each subject covered. Educational elite within everyone's reach The purpose set by Technological University is to be able to offer an elite education for everyone. The Financial Times recognized it as one of the 200 fastest growing companies in Europe and Forbes considers it "The best digital university in the world". Such is the recognition that TECH has positioned itself as the Official Online University of the NBA (National Basketball Association), with many exclusive academic programs focused on the health, athletic and business sides of the sport. This is an exceptional opportunity for people looking to specialize in the sports sector, with educational resources of the highest level. "Forbes recognizes TECH as <<The best digital university in the world>>, becoming one of the 200 fastest growing European companies according to the Financial Times." The high percentage of employability is one of the most important motivations for students to enter TECH, as 99% of graduates find employment in less than a year, which proves the importance of advanced and complete studies in today's competitive job market. Innovative teaching method Over the years, TECH has perfected its work method, based on Relearning, which handles reiterating the key contents of each syllabus, summarized by the experts who created them. The student can review these contents as many times as they wish, which results in a more organic assimilation of the keys and relevant techniques of each program. This means that students do not have to spend excessive hours of study time or take on a heavy teaching load when undertaking their degrees. In addition, a high percentage of the content of each program is offered in a multimedia format, resulting in much more visual and direct learning. Based on Miller's competency model, TECH includes in each program many simulated cases, practical examples and real-life situations. This ensures that the student not only integrates the knowledge gained, but also knows how to apply it in their field of action.    Read More →

Sky-high COE premiums

Sky-high COE premiums

The ST Senior Transport Correspondent, Christopher Tan, pointed out that private-hire car population has increased 500% since their arrival 10 years ago. In contrast, the private-car population has inched up by a mere 6.4%. It is therefore true to say that private-hire car operators are major contributors to the sky-high COE premiums. These operators have the financial muscle to bid high to secure COEs, and having secured them, can pass the cost to the hirers. They also have an incentive to keep COE premium high as a sharp drop would result in them sitting on negative equity, given their huge holding of cars. Also, a sky-high COE premium would drive private-car owners to give up their cars and take private-hire rides. As perverse as it sounds, it makes business sense to keep COE premium high, albeit short term thinking. Indeed, the few big private-hire players - GRAB, Delgro, Gojek (Temasek linked?) - not only have the financial but monopolistic power, to influence the COE premium. The original COE system did not conflate premium for private vehicle with premium for commercial vehicle. Thus there is a Commercial Vehicle COE category. When taxi companies bidding for COEs in Category A chased up the premium back in 2012, they were taken out of the bidding process and instead paid the Prevailing Quota Premium (PQP). In this way, commercial interest did not push up premiums for private vehicle owners. (Although I think it is still wrong as it is a loophole around the current 0% vehicle growth policy.) Private-hire cars are commercial vehicles, period. They, as well as taxis, should be lumped with other commercial vehicles in the Commercial Vehicle COE category to reflect the true cost of doing business, and not “free-riding” in the private-car categories.   Foong Swee Fong      Read More →

Crucial Upgrading for TR Emeritus (2 of 3)

Crucial Upgrading for TR Emeritus (2 of 3)

Please be informed that we are currently attempting to upgrade our deprecated plugins for our EOL website, including but not limited to the newly re-coded theme. During this period, the website may appear distorted and may even be inaccessible for a prolong period. We had originally intended to enlist the services of competent third parties to effect the necessary, but unfortunately we did not have sufficient funding (still short by about US$3000, please donate), so our techie will be attempting to perform the upgrading that is mostly beyond his pay grade. If everything goes smoothly, it should be completed within a week and if it does not, then our website is officially screwed and will be left to die a natural death. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period. Thank you for your continued support.   Team@TR Emeritus   First, second and third attempts on 5th Oct at upgrading have failed, server was rolled-back to an image captured a few hours earlier. Some posts and comments on the day have been lost. 7th Oct: The newly minted theme has been installed and most deprecated plugin has been replaced/removed/upgraded on the website. Final phase of relocation to a new server with the required new OS has been paused due to lack of funding.      Read More →

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