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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

Here’s A Quick Way To Solve A Problem with Essay Writing

Here’s A Quick Way To Solve A Problem with Essay Writing

Problems with essays are a common issue students face during their studies at universities and colleges. If you are a student, you understand what it means to be assigned a challenging paper on a vast and rare discipline. Among the ways to solve problems with essays are standard options for asking your classmates for assistance. And if your classmates don't have enough time, try asking your teacher to help you with an essay. But one of the most popular ways students choose when facing difficulties with essays is to turn to a trusted essay writing service EssayShark, which helps with papers online. This option is fantastic if you wish to delegate complicated assignments to professionals and get the best conditions. Our article will provide you is the benefits of reaching out to a reliable writing service to get help with your papers. You get many guarantees Reliable essay writing service will provide you with many guarantees that will make the cooperation process with this team very intensive, effective, and confidential. You can be sure that when you reach out to a respectful team, you get such guarantees as free revisions, money-back guarantees, strict terms and conditions, the possibility to get client support 24/7, and that a professional writer will write your paper. Getting help from a writing service that creates students' essays means your paper is in good hands, and you can count on following the rules stated for all the parties in the process. You save your precious time One of the problems students face with writing tasks is the lack of time to finish all their papers by the deadline. When you collaborate with a reliable writing service, all problems with deadlines are fast solved. Even if the deadline is very close, you can reach out to professionals who will help you with your papers, and you will not have to worry about the volume of tasks to complete fast. Forget about sleepless nights. Delegate your writing assignments to professionals who can work quickly and do not lose the quality of written essays. You get help with structure Students who face issues with outlining often ask: 'Can I pay someone to write my paper?’ To create an essay with a good structure, one should understand how to outline college papers. Writing a well-structured essay is a way to score high grades. Professional writers help students to outline papers and make them logically arranged. Usually, an outline is a free feature of a trustworthy writing service, so count on good structure no matter how volume your essay is. You get creatively written papers Students admit that a lack of ideas and creativity is one of the challenges when they must write an essay for college. It doesn't matter what discipline you are studying. Creative ideas can make your paper stand out. If you need to be more capable of thinking out-of-the-box or feel tired of generating exciting new ideas, reaching out to a reliable writing service is a perfect option. Professional writers are full of innovative ideas and can quickly develop a compelling, nontrivial topic for you or find information that will highlight the issue of your paper from unusual sides showing new angles of scoping the problematics. You get well-researched papers Information is a treasure that can change lives. Your information must be checked and taken only from reliable sources when writing college papers. When you delegate writing your papers to professional authors who collaborate as freelancers with an online essay writing service, you get well-researched papers, and the information you get is trusted. Reliable sources that your helper will use will be relevant to the topic and actual, even if a specialist who will be writing your essay will need to access closed libraries and sources with limited data. Be sure that he or she will easily do it for you. You can control the process If you like to oversee each process and control everything, you are highly responsible. If you are hesitant to reach out to a writing service asking for help because you are unsure that you will be able to control the process, you do not have to worry about it. A respectful essay writing service will let clients get in touch with the manager or even the writer directly to discuss all the details of the forthcoming paper or give recommendations and ask for updates. We hope that now you realize that a quick way to solve a problem with essay writing is reaching out to a reliable online paper service. You can get many benefits by requesting professional writers' help. After reading our article, you might understand all the advantages. We recommend contacting writing services whenever you need some assistance with papers.      Read More →

Sovereignty dispute in South China Sea

Sovereignty dispute in South China Sea

1. The "nine-dash line" is a demarcation line that China claims as the outer limit of its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. The origin of the nine-dash line is not well-defined and its exact origin is a matter of historical dispute. China first made a claim to the South China Sea islands and their surrounding waters in 1947, using an 11-dash line to encompass the vast majority of the sea. In 1953, the line was reduced to nine dashes and its exact coordinates were not defined. China has not provided a clear and official explanation for the origin of the nine-dash line, and its precise legal status is the subject of ongoing territorial disputes with other coastal states in the region, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The nine-dash line has been the subject of significant international controversy and legal challenge, as it overlaps with the exclusive economic zones and territorial claims of other coastal states in the region. The exact definition and legal status of the nine-dash line remains a matter of ongoing dispute, and its resolution is likely to have far-reaching implications for the stability and security of the region. 2. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a coastal state has the right to establish an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that extends 200 nautical miles (370.4 km) from its coastal baseline. This zone gives the coastal state special rights and jurisdiction over the exploration and exploitation of living and non-living resources in the water column and seabed, including fisheries, minerals, oil, and natural gas. In this context, the extent of the economic zone beyond the shore of a country is 200 nautical miles (370.4 km) from its coastal baseline, which is a line drawn along the low-water mark along the coast. Within this area, the coastal state has exclusive rights to explore and exploit living and non-living resources, while also having certain responsibilities to conserve and manage those resources and to ensure the protection of the marine environment. It is important to note that the UNCLOS provides a framework for the conservation and management of the world's oceans and their resources, and many countries have ratified the convention and are bound by its provisions. 3. China has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China acceded to the convention on June 25, 1996 and it has been a party to the convention since that date. The UNCLOS sets out a comprehensive framework for the use and conservation of the world's oceans and their resources, and provides for the rights and responsibilities of coastal states and other states in relation to the use of the oceans. As a party to the UNCLOS, China is bound by its provisions and must adhere to the rules and regulations established by the convention in its maritime activities. 4. The distance between the shore of China and the Philippines varies depending on the specific location along the coast. However, on average, the distance between the two countries is approximately 600 to 700 kilometers (370 to 435 miles). The Philippines and China are separated by the South China Sea, which is an important shipping lane and an area of potential geopolitical tension due to overlapping territorial claims. The distance between the two countries is an important factor in trade, transportation, and communication, and has a significant impact on their economic and political relationship. 5. If the distance of 370 km is adopted to separate the exclusive economic zone, the South China Sea would be divided almost equally among the neighboring countries. 6. International shipping can travel through the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) claimed by countries, but they are subject to certain rules and regulations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Under UNCLOS, the coastal state has jurisdiction over the exploration and exploitation of living and non-living resources within its EEZ, but it must also allow for the "freedom of navigation" for ships of all states, including those engaged in transit passage or the high seas. This means that ships of all states, including foreign-flagged vessels, are entitled to pass through the EEZ without the coastal state's permission, so long as they do not engage in activities that are not for the "innocent passage" through the zone. Innocent passage means that ships must refrain from any activities that are harmful to the peace, good order or security of the coastal state, such as military exercises, intelligence gathering, and the discharge of harmful substances. It is important to note that while ships are entitled to engage in transit passage through the EEZ, they are not entitled to engage in any activities that are not related to their voyage, such as fishing, scientific research, or the exploitation of resources, without the permission of the coastal state. This means that shipping in the EEZ is subject to certain rules and regulations, and it is important for ships to be aware of and comply with the laws and regulations of the coastal state.   Tan Kin Lian      Read More →

HDB Pricing & Affordability

HDB Pricing & Affordability

When a friend from PAP camp came to boast to me how PAP has curb HDB resale prices by putting more restrictions on those who had sold their private properties to buy HDB from resale market, I laughed. I told him that's not going to solve the problem of high HDB resale prices thus High HDB BTO prices which are hedged to Resale prices because the fundamental problem is basically supply chain problem! If the pricing of HDB BTO pricing isn't de-linked from the resale market, we will continue to see the inevitable rising price trend of BTO with PAP trying to play accounting acrobatics to justify it. The reason is pretty simple. HDB BTO only caters to Singaporeans and these additions to the housing stock only cater to Singapore citizens. However, the demand of HDB resale market consists of an expansion of demand of housing due to singles as well as PRs and New Citizens. Most New Citizens can't wait 4 or 5 years for a new HDB BTO flats. Thus, in totality, there will always be a shortage of housing supply and when there is a mismatch of supply and demand, the price will continue to shoot up. As long as PAP continues with its expansionary population policy without changes to BTO pricing mechanism, Singaporeans will suffer high HDB prices! What makes things worse is that PAP are attracting filthy rich families to come to Singapore and they are treating properties as a store of value for their money. Worse still, alot of these families just buy private properties and left them empty! This aggravated the housing shortage problems. There are people who targeted Singaporeans owning a second private property while having a HDB are really missing the point totally. These are just middle ground people who are trying their best to invest their money. They won't leave their property empty because they need the cashflow. They will rent it out to foreigners and there is absolutely nothing wrong with their sound financial management.   Goh Meng Seng      Read More →

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