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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

How many unfair treaties has Singapore signed?

How many unfair treaties has Singapore signed?

Not surprisingly, the Americans are outpacing the Chinese when it comes to buying properties in Singapore. According to Ms Christine Sun, OrangeTee & Tie’s senior vice-president of research and analytics, “Mainland Chinese were the largest group of foreign buyers in Singapore from 2017 to 2022 and in the first quarter of 2023. However, this changed in the second quarter of 2023 as 56 condo units were bought by Americans, surpassing the 51 units purchased by mainland Chinese buyers.” The reason it is “not surprising” is because Americans, along with citizens of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are exempted from paying Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 60% applicable to all other foreigners, due to the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) we have signed with them (US-Singapore FTA and the European FTA). The Americans and these Europeans are thus enjoying a huge discount compared to other foreigners. The ABSD is meant to prevent foreigners from chasing prices up and thereby making property unaffordable for Singaporeans. However, the exemption as stipulated in the two FTAs compromises our ability to manage our own affairs and thus our sovereignty. As it is, despite the 60% ABSD, it will have no effect on the Americans and some Europeans. Of course, property developers, banks and other related businesses here, will be happy with the ABSD exemption as they are good for business, but for Singaporeans in general, it is a sell-out. The state press is keenly aware and tries its best to gloss over the inconvenient fact. Instead of stating “Americans and some Europeans are exempted from ABSD”, it states that they are “subjected to the same ABSD as Singaporeans” (Bear in mind Singaporeans are not subjected to ABSD for their first property). I believe using the latter phrase is the standing order, from way up, because the same phrase was used in a previous Straits Times article by another reporter. These treaties legally bind all Singaporeans and, once signed, are extremely difficult to extricate. Some segments will lose out, while others will gain. In this case, homebuyers will lose out, but property developers, banks and other related businesses here will gain, as well as the Americans and the Europeans. In the long run, the differences do stack up. Given that they are legally binding and have long-term consequences, treaties have to be ratified by parliament, ie, studied, debated and voted on. Did they take place? Did any MP ask what has housing stamp duty got to do with Free Trade Agreements? But alas, even if they did, it would have been moot; parliament would have to agree regardless, given that the ruling party controls more than two-thirds of the house. I hope people still remember the India – Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which let in hordes of Indian professionals to the delight of businesses and is still displacing many Singaporeans in white-collar jobs. Given that our government is pro-business to a fault and that parliament is generally toothless in fighting for the interests of the people, I shudder to think how many treaties have been signed that benefit big business but disadvantage the people and are slowly but surely sucking their blood dry.   Foong Swee Fong      Read More →

Netizen shares plight of hawkers at pasar malam

Netizen shares plight of hawkers at pasar malam

I read with mixed feelings of sympathy and puzzlement for the “Rental S$300 per day” — Netizen shares plight of hawkers at pasar malam (The Independent News Singapore, July 11) It is very sad to notice that the rental of one pasar malam (night market) or bazaar stall has cost between S$300 and S$666 per day depending upon the location of the pasar malams or bazaars being organised. For example, one pasar malam stall along the Jurong East Avenue 1 or Jurong West Avenue 1 could cost a stall owner between $150 and $300 per day. But, some kebab stalls at Batique Geylang Ramadan Bazaar had rocketed to S$666 per day. That is why some netizens have done their maths, and shocked to conclude that these are insane amounts - “A kebab costs like S$4 for the chicken one, and about S$5 or S$6 for the beef. How many does one stall owner need to sell per day to even recoup that rental?”. As a lot of shopping malls, neighbourhood shophouses and restaurants/eateries spread across the island city, and the stretch of stalls of pasar malam/bazaar was confined to a small street/location, and you can easily notice that the vendors were waiting for customers to patronise their stalls most of the time. Recently, at the Batique Geylang Ramadan Bazaar, a litany of complaints from stallholders worried about high rents, low visitorship and steep competition had surfaced. For examples, some people paid $16,000 to rent one stall, another Ramly burger seller in the tent paid $20,000 each for four stalls. Although the organisers of the Geylang Serai Ramadan bazaar said that the rental costs of its stalls are within market rental rates. But, they did not seriously take into consideration of the stallholders’ plights, consumers trends, consumers spending habits and purchasing power. Anyway, all the potential or interested individuals who wish to bid/tender for any pasar malams/bazaars stalls should thoroughly do their homework prior to jumping into an “unclear/muddy” water, so that they won’t make a loss in their small business.   Teo Kueh Liang (Mr)      Read More →

Recognizing your own kind

Recognizing your own kind

I’ve never been much of a salesperson. My main issue is the fact that I grew up in a family that took pride in being “professional middle-class” and the “sales” was regarded as something that was a little less than classy. I was told that I was the “academic” one in the family that was my destiny to do things that required great thought rather than “sales.” My Dad’s biggest panic moments in my professional development was the time I told I was going to sell ads for the Old Rogue. In his words, “Space salesmen were the type of people ran away from.” My aversion to selling meant that while I was good at telling stories, I never quite had that instinct to “close” deals. It even went into my personal life, where I often quip that I was always a nice guy whom lots of women wanted as a friend or future husband but few were drying to jump into bed with me. Couldn’t close the deal so to speak. The aversion to “selling,” kind of ended when I started working. I was the guy who couldn’t hold a steady job in an PR agency, which was where everyone said my talents were. So, since I couldn’t hold a job, I had to look for my own jobs and somehow, with no brand name to speak of and no “agency” experience, I had to convince people to hire me. It wasn’t just a case of doing the job (which is what most employees do), I actually had to get the job and ensure that I got paid. So, I had to avoid the aversion to sales and actually sell myself well enough. I’m still not a great salesman but the experience of having to hustle for around a decade of my working life made me appreciate certain things that I probably would not have had, had I had the conventional more academic career that everything thought I would have. I appreciate hustlers. I will even go so far as to say that my sympathies are with people on the streets rather than with people in offices. I think of it as the difference between being a wife and a prostitute. The wife has one man who is in theory obliged to look after her. It’s a more “respectable” and more “secure” path. Some of the most well to do that I know have been good and “loyal” wives to their employers. Being a prostitute is a different story. It’s in a way, the rougher life because you understand that you our only looked after if the client is pleased and you are only valued as long as you are useful. As such, your mindset changes because the guy is feeding you today may stop feeding you on a whim during the next. You have to learn to be self-reliant and always have something on the side because you could be thrown out on the street the next day. In this situation you have to consistently manage relationships well because today’s enemy could be the person feeding you tomorrow. Constant selling is essential if you want to live the life of a prostitute. You need to be sharper than the wives about who you trust and who you don’t. Its easy to get f***** without getting paid, so you got to know what you are doing when you live off the streets. These days, when I go into meetings, I do things like observe non-verbal ques and I try to identify decision makers because I came from the “prostitute” path where doing such things was an essential part of life. Now, one of the most essential parts of being a prostitute if that you got to have the ability to recognize your own kind. The reason for this is simple, if you’re both selling the same products, you’re not going to be able to sell to each other and you may end up becoming very bitter competitors for the same target. This was a lesson that I was trying to get though to my newest trainee. Told him to take advantage of his good looks and youth. He then proceeded to tell me that I was also good looking in a different way (him being pretty and me being rugged) too. Had to tell him that what worked for his previous boss (a good wife to all her employers) wasn’t going to work with me. I’ve had to hustle and I recognize the signs of someone trying to hustle me. However, I know where he’s coming from and I’ve told him that we can work around things. I see where he’s coming from and I probably would have tried the same in his position. I think of the time the Old Rogue met Pam (an older black woman I was seeing). They “fell in love.” She waxed lyrical about how he was sweet old timer. He declared that she shouldn’t teach art – she was a “work of art.” Yet, they never worked together. Proposed that Pam work for him selling ads for his magazine. His instant reaction was “I don’t think Indian and Chinese school owners would take too kindly to a black woman visiting them.” How did two people who professed love for each other not work together? The answer was simple. They recognized they were the same kind and knew that they’d react in certain situations and so they avoided any possibility of getting into awful situations. If there’s anything that I hope this young man gains from working with us, it is the ability to recognize people who share his outlook and approach to life. It will, I believe save him a lot of grief in later life.   Tang Li *Although I’ve been based mainly in Singapore for nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of being able to meet people who have crossed borders and cultures. I’ve befriended ministers and ambassadors and worked on projects involving a former head of state. Yet, at the same time, I’ve had the privilege of befriending migrant labourers and former convicts. All of them have a story to tell. All of them add to the fabric of life. I hope to express the stories that inspire us to create life as it should be.          Read More →

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