With just a blink of the eyes today is the last day of 2008.
At the end of a year I normally try to reflect back and think of any significant issue or events that had happened.
So in 2008:
World Financial Crisis:
Well it is still affecting us now and I think this will impact 2009 as well. Many people had lost their job and I think most of us will get a pay cut sooner or later. Good think is exorbitant bankers salaries are thing of the past! : ) Well can’t say that for our Ministers though.
Mas Selamat Escape:
Where is he now? Also notice his WANTED poster are disappearing from the public.
Opening of KPE:
This shortens my taxi journeys between home and town.
Death of Sir Edmund Hillary
First man on top of Everest passed away Jan 11th. This closed a chapter in human achievement.
Beijing 2008
Ok we won the first Silver Medal since Mr Tan Howe Liang did it in 1960. but somehow I am still not impressed as we depends on foreigners. In-face I am more proud of our Para Olympians Yip Pin Xiu who won 1 GOLD and 1 Silver and Laurentia Tan who won 2 bronze instead.
Formula 1 Racing in Singapore
This is quite interesting. I had been a F1 fan since 1996 but these since these days you got to subscribe to cable to watch all kinda sport therefore I have not been following it closely. Anyway it is actually quite nice to see they try to promote the sport in Singapore but look like several teams are going to withdraw from the sport due to the financial crisis.
2008 has not been to bad on the personal level.
I managed to travel to Taipei, Seoul, Hong Kong and Tokyo for Holidays and did manage to travel to Mexico, Cancun for my business trip. First time in Mexico and on the way transited at Houston and Moscow, first time in this 2 cities as well.
Also went for a Health Check this year, both personal and FFI.
On the whole I am fit but my Triglyceride is high at 400, instead of the healthy 160, so need to work on my health in 2009.
Need to wish all my friends and families a healthy 2009 ahead. (Nothing beat good health) And remember to stay cool and pull through this financial crisis.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Just follow the book
Retired US lawyer's last wish: Scatter my ashes at Tiong Bahru Park
30 December 2008
HIS last request - to have his ashes scattered in Tiong Bahru Park
.
Those were the instructions of a 76-year-old American who had grown to love Singapore since his first visit in 1993, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Retired lawyer Paul Lawson had even developed a passion for durians and nonya food.
He first met Singaporean Kit Lam, a 51-year-old manager, at a party in San Francisco 16 years ago. They hit it off immediately.
At that time, the American had never heard of Singapore and had never visited Asia.
In 1993, he visited Mr Lam here. He liked it so much that he returned every year, staying at Mr Lam's home each time.
Mr Lam lives near Tiong Bahru Park, and Mr Lawson would go for morning walks there, even making friends with other park goers.
Then Mr Lawson was struck down by cancer earlier this year and underwent two operations.
He eventually lapsed into a week-long coma before dying on 2Jul.
Mr Lawson's family sent his ashes to Singapore, following his instructions. But he could not have his park wish fulfilled.
The National Environment Agency website states that after cremation, 'the ashes of the deceased can be stored at home or in a columbarium'.
The ashes can also be scattered at sea, 'at the designated site located about 1.5nautical miles (2.8km) south of Pulau Semakau', off the main island of Singapore.
So Mr Lam decided to place them in his home in Tiong Bahru.
Last Saturday, Mr Lam also hosted a farewell gathering for Mr Lawson.
Mr Lam said: 'I believe that Paul wouldn't want a tearful goodbye. He'd want us to remember him with a smile on our faces.'
Er.. … to me I just think Mr Lawson just got “Tua” by his Singaporean friend Lam Kit Man.
When Kit Man’s deceased friend’s LAST WISH to have his ash scattered at Tiong Bahru Park was put upon him. He just has to check the NEA website and denied Mr Lawson’s LAST WISH by some ambiguous statement on the website. (In fact I can’t find anywhere on NEA website that prohibit people of scattering the ashes in the park)
Geezz… I suspect some people have been scattering some or all of their ashes in some parts of Singapore already and more so NEA website did not say you Cannot scatter the ashes but only suggest what you can do with the deceased ashes.
30 December 2008
HIS last request - to have his ashes scattered in Tiong Bahru Park
.
Those were the instructions of a 76-year-old American who had grown to love Singapore since his first visit in 1993, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Retired lawyer Paul Lawson had even developed a passion for durians and nonya food.
He first met Singaporean Kit Lam, a 51-year-old manager, at a party in San Francisco 16 years ago. They hit it off immediately.
At that time, the American had never heard of Singapore and had never visited Asia.
In 1993, he visited Mr Lam here. He liked it so much that he returned every year, staying at Mr Lam's home each time.
Mr Lam lives near Tiong Bahru Park, and Mr Lawson would go for morning walks there, even making friends with other park goers.
Then Mr Lawson was struck down by cancer earlier this year and underwent two operations.
He eventually lapsed into a week-long coma before dying on 2Jul.
Mr Lawson's family sent his ashes to Singapore, following his instructions. But he could not have his park wish fulfilled.
The National Environment Agency website states that after cremation, 'the ashes of the deceased can be stored at home or in a columbarium'.
The ashes can also be scattered at sea, 'at the designated site located about 1.5nautical miles (2.8km) south of Pulau Semakau', off the main island of Singapore.
So Mr Lam decided to place them in his home in Tiong Bahru.
Last Saturday, Mr Lam also hosted a farewell gathering for Mr Lawson.
Mr Lam said: 'I believe that Paul wouldn't want a tearful goodbye. He'd want us to remember him with a smile on our faces.'
Er.. … to me I just think Mr Lawson just got “Tua” by his Singaporean friend Lam Kit Man.
When Kit Man’s deceased friend’s LAST WISH to have his ash scattered at Tiong Bahru Park was put upon him. He just has to check the NEA website and denied Mr Lawson’s LAST WISH by some ambiguous statement on the website. (In fact I can’t find anywhere on NEA website that prohibit people of scattering the ashes in the park)
Geezz… I suspect some people have been scattering some or all of their ashes in some parts of Singapore already and more so NEA website did not say you Cannot scatter the ashes but only suggest what you can do with the deceased ashes.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
The poor will always suffer first.
By Channel NewsAsia
03 December 2008
CapitaLand executives take pay cuts of 3-20% amid economic gloom
SINGAPORE: Property developer CapitaLand said on Tuesday it will not be laying off staff for now.
Instead, executive-level staff will take pay cuts of between three and 20 per cent as part of the company's cost management measures.
In a statement, CapitaLand said the cuts are due to the deteriorating global financial environment and economic uncertainties.
President and CEO Liew Mun Leong will bear the maximum salary reduction of 20 per cent.
According to CapitaLand's annual report, Mr Liew earned S$1.15 million in base salary in 2007, and was paid S$5.35 million in bonuses.
All salary reductions will take effect in January 2009.
CapitaLand said the salary reduction exercise is one of several cost management measures it has taken. In the last crisis from 2001 to 2003, CapitaLand had also implemented a salary freeze for management and staff.
Management subsequently took a significant pay cut when the recessionary environment persisted.
Despite the latest pay cuts, CapitaLand said it will continue its training and development efforts and review its business operations for future growth opportunities.
Its good that the top is taking the lead to take a pay cut but my question is, “Is it really enough?”
Are they taking pay cut just for show and to appease the share holders only?
Look at Liew Mun Leong’s announcement that he is taking 20% pay cut, WOW not bad you may say.
Annual Pay : $1,150,000
After Pay Cut: $920,000
Pay Cut: $230,000
Actual Pay loss in % = 230,000 / 1150000 + 5350000 = 3%
If you look at Liew Mun Leong’s pay after his pay cut, he is still taking home more then $70K a month excluding bonus.
Gosh there are really some rich people around in Singapore.
Why there is so many charities asking money from the public at bus interchange and MRT stations? They should go to where the moneys really are, AT THE BOARD ROOMS. As you see, the rich don’t take public transport.
03 December 2008
CapitaLand executives take pay cuts of 3-20% amid economic gloom
SINGAPORE: Property developer CapitaLand said on Tuesday it will not be laying off staff for now.
Instead, executive-level staff will take pay cuts of between three and 20 per cent as part of the company's cost management measures.
In a statement, CapitaLand said the cuts are due to the deteriorating global financial environment and economic uncertainties.
President and CEO Liew Mun Leong will bear the maximum salary reduction of 20 per cent.
According to CapitaLand's annual report, Mr Liew earned S$1.15 million in base salary in 2007, and was paid S$5.35 million in bonuses.
All salary reductions will take effect in January 2009.
CapitaLand said the salary reduction exercise is one of several cost management measures it has taken. In the last crisis from 2001 to 2003, CapitaLand had also implemented a salary freeze for management and staff.
Management subsequently took a significant pay cut when the recessionary environment persisted.
Despite the latest pay cuts, CapitaLand said it will continue its training and development efforts and review its business operations for future growth opportunities.
Its good that the top is taking the lead to take a pay cut but my question is, “Is it really enough?”
Are they taking pay cut just for show and to appease the share holders only?
Look at Liew Mun Leong’s announcement that he is taking 20% pay cut, WOW not bad you may say.
Annual Pay : $1,150,000
After Pay Cut: $920,000
Pay Cut: $230,000
Actual Pay loss in % = 230,000 / 1150000 + 5350000 = 3%
If you look at Liew Mun Leong’s pay after his pay cut, he is still taking home more then $70K a month excluding bonus.
Gosh there are really some rich people around in Singapore.
Why there is so many charities asking money from the public at bus interchange and MRT stations? They should go to where the moneys really are, AT THE BOARD ROOMS. As you see, the rich don’t take public transport.
Monday, November 24, 2008
My Watches
Bought my first "Luxury watch" back in 2000.Been with me for 8 years already through many ups and downs.
It is a good watch and think Tag Heuer has stop producing this model. Look at all the battle scars. Hee... will try to send it for polishing one of these days.
And my new acquisition... : )
Lame Reason
Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council says half of S$4m investment not written off
23 November 2008
SINGAPORE: Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council said while it is looking at safer options for investing, it will also take into account what residents prefer.
The town council had invested S$4 million in financial products linked to the now bankrupt US investment bank, Lehman Brothers. It said around half of the amount has not been written off.
Speaking on the sidelines of a community event on Sunday, Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council chairman, Ahmad Magad, said the council has been communicating with some residents who have asked about the investments. And going forward, it will listen to what residents prefer.
Dr Ahmad said: "If they feel that the way forward is best for us to just park our funds in fixed deposits – that's what we'll do. But bear in mind that FDs will only give you minimal returns. At times, it doesn't even cover inflation."
He added that banks have informed the town council that as of end of October, its S$4 million investment still has a residual value of S$2.1 million. But he said he is not sure if the S$2.1 million can be recovered.
"There is still residual value in our minibond investments. As of October 31, our banks have written to us indicating that the S$4 million that we have invested still has a residual value of S$2.1 million. So it's not like it's been completely written off," said Dr Ahmad.
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also one of the MPs for Pasir Ris-Punggol, said the town council had invested in the long-term interests of residents.
"It's quite unfortunate that this investment has turned bad, but we hope that over the long term, we'll still be able to get a good return so that the sinking funds that we have will be able to do all the long-term maintenance that is necessary for the residents and we're quite confident of that," said Mr Teo.
Pasir Ris-Punggol is one of eight town councils which had invested a total of S$16 million in troubled structured products.
Bunch of bullshit again!
So now they want to listen to what resident prefer? I am waiting. Why they don't listen to us in the first place by reducing the conservative fees.
23 November 2008
SINGAPORE: Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council said while it is looking at safer options for investing, it will also take into account what residents prefer.
The town council had invested S$4 million in financial products linked to the now bankrupt US investment bank, Lehman Brothers. It said around half of the amount has not been written off.
Speaking on the sidelines of a community event on Sunday, Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council chairman, Ahmad Magad, said the council has been communicating with some residents who have asked about the investments. And going forward, it will listen to what residents prefer.
Dr Ahmad said: "If they feel that the way forward is best for us to just park our funds in fixed deposits – that's what we'll do. But bear in mind that FDs will only give you minimal returns. At times, it doesn't even cover inflation."
He added that banks have informed the town council that as of end of October, its S$4 million investment still has a residual value of S$2.1 million. But he said he is not sure if the S$2.1 million can be recovered.
"There is still residual value in our minibond investments. As of October 31, our banks have written to us indicating that the S$4 million that we have invested still has a residual value of S$2.1 million. So it's not like it's been completely written off," said Dr Ahmad.
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also one of the MPs for Pasir Ris-Punggol, said the town council had invested in the long-term interests of residents.
"It's quite unfortunate that this investment has turned bad, but we hope that over the long term, we'll still be able to get a good return so that the sinking funds that we have will be able to do all the long-term maintenance that is necessary for the residents and we're quite confident of that," said Mr Teo.
Pasir Ris-Punggol is one of eight town councils which had invested a total of S$16 million in troubled structured products.
Bunch of bullshit again!
So now they want to listen to what resident prefer? I am waiting. Why they don't listen to us in the first place by reducing the conservative fees.
Less money = No money to invest = No loss.
I prefer they DON'T COLLECT SO MUCH MONEY IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Teo Chee Hean, please tell us what "long term interest" you have for us.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Why eveyone should own a G-Shock.
I was clearing my cupboard over the weekend and I found my old Casio G-Shock under a pile of paper.
It is still functioning after at least 18 years. The day and date are still accurate but it had gone faster by about an hour.
Gosh I remember this watch had been with me through school and Army day and note the outer rubber protection are all gone but the core watch is still working fine!
Shall give it a new battery and keep it working for sentimental value.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
How the Gahmen screw us.
Nov 17, 2008
$12m in troubled products
TWO town councils - Holland-Bukit Panjang and Pasir Ris-Punggol - have about $12 million invested in troubled structured products.
These products include Lehman Minibonds and Merrill Lynch Jubilee Series 3.
Senior Minister of State (National Development and Education) Grace Fu gave this update in Parliament on Monday, in response to a question from Nominated MP Eunice Olsen.
Since Dec 1 last year, the amount that town councils can invest in non-government stocks, funds or securities has been capped at 35 per cent of the sinking fund.
Holland-Bukit Panjang invested about 6.7 per cent of its total funds available for investment in the structured products, and Pasir Ris-Punggol, about 2.6 per cent.
The sinking funds are used to pay for long-term or cyclical expenditure, such as replacing lifts, pumps and pipes, re-roofing, and repairing and redecorating blocks.
The funds are also used to pay for lift upgrading, so that residents pay a smaller percentage of the total lift upgrading cost.
The sinking fund is distinct from the operating fund, which is used for short term expenditures.
Ms Fu said town councils need to invest their funds prudently so that the accumulated funds are not eroded by inflation.
The investment guidelines - which her ministry has no plans to change - seek to achieve an optimal balance between reasonable returns and financial prudence, she added.
She noted that investments in stocks, funds or securities must be on the advice of a qualified person, such as an investment adviser holding a licence under the Securities and Futures Act, and an approved bank or a merchant bank approved as a financial institution under the Monetary Authority of Singapore Act.
The 16 town councils manage more than $1 billion in sinking funds.
The first word that came into my mind when I read this is FUCK!
What the hell are the town councils using our money to play shares for?
If you read this whole article, you find it is full of bullshits.
Grace Fu said they need to invest so to prevent the funds from being eroded by inflation, Yeah I have a better solution for that, DON’T ACCUMULATE SO MUCH MONEY!
Have you ever how many percent of you month conservation fee actually go into the maintenance of your estate?
My block is being wash once a month and the worker only sweep it like once or twice a week.
Another question, what the town council do with the profits they the got from these investment? Bet they just keep it for themselves!!
Isn’t nice to be a town council?
Take other people money and use it on your investment. If got profit just keep it, don’t have to share it out to those who lend you the money.
Best still, if lose money, just shrug your shoulder and said too bad.
$12m in troubled products
TWO town councils - Holland-Bukit Panjang and Pasir Ris-Punggol - have about $12 million invested in troubled structured products.
These products include Lehman Minibonds and Merrill Lynch Jubilee Series 3.
Senior Minister of State (National Development and Education) Grace Fu gave this update in Parliament on Monday, in response to a question from Nominated MP Eunice Olsen.
Since Dec 1 last year, the amount that town councils can invest in non-government stocks, funds or securities has been capped at 35 per cent of the sinking fund.
Holland-Bukit Panjang invested about 6.7 per cent of its total funds available for investment in the structured products, and Pasir Ris-Punggol, about 2.6 per cent.
The sinking funds are used to pay for long-term or cyclical expenditure, such as replacing lifts, pumps and pipes, re-roofing, and repairing and redecorating blocks.
The funds are also used to pay for lift upgrading, so that residents pay a smaller percentage of the total lift upgrading cost.
The sinking fund is distinct from the operating fund, which is used for short term expenditures.
Ms Fu said town councils need to invest their funds prudently so that the accumulated funds are not eroded by inflation.
The investment guidelines - which her ministry has no plans to change - seek to achieve an optimal balance between reasonable returns and financial prudence, she added.
She noted that investments in stocks, funds or securities must be on the advice of a qualified person, such as an investment adviser holding a licence under the Securities and Futures Act, and an approved bank or a merchant bank approved as a financial institution under the Monetary Authority of Singapore Act.
The 16 town councils manage more than $1 billion in sinking funds.
The first word that came into my mind when I read this is FUCK!
What the hell are the town councils using our money to play shares for?
If you read this whole article, you find it is full of bullshits.
Grace Fu said they need to invest so to prevent the funds from being eroded by inflation, Yeah I have a better solution for that, DON’T ACCUMULATE SO MUCH MONEY!
Have you ever how many percent of you month conservation fee actually go into the maintenance of your estate?
My block is being wash once a month and the worker only sweep it like once or twice a week.
Another question, what the town council do with the profits they the got from these investment? Bet they just keep it for themselves!!
Isn’t nice to be a town council?
Take other people money and use it on your investment. If got profit just keep it, don’t have to share it out to those who lend you the money.
Best still, if lose money, just shrug your shoulder and said too bad.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Nice Advert
Receved this about a year ago.
Still never get tired of watching it.
Note this is not done by computer generation but it is actually done by serveral trial over a period of a few days. It won some award if I remember correctly.
Still never get tired of watching it.
Note this is not done by computer generation but it is actually done by serveral trial over a period of a few days. It won some award if I remember correctly.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
White Elephant
CCTV could cut taxi wait
By Christopher Tan
Oct 23, 2008
STUCK in a taxi queue that is hardly moving?
Relief may come soon from a system of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at taxi stands feeding 'live' images back to cab despatch centres, which can direct cabbies to where fares are waiting.
Home-grown information technology company Stratech Systems is devising such a system in response to a call by the Media Development Authority (MDA) for industries to design innovative business solutions.
It is disbursing $12 million for 15 such innovations, among which is Stratech's 'Dynamic Vehicle Allocation System'.
Stratech executive chairman David Chew said the system, which he claimed will be a world first, will be installed at 50 taxi stands, mostly in the Central Business District, for a start.
It should be ready for trial in nine months. He said of the current problem: 'Taxis may be waiting at a vacant stand while commuters queue in vain elsewhere.'
More than just feeding images of taxi queues back to taxi operators, he said, Stratech's system would be smart enough to adjust to changes in the numbers of waiting commuters and cabs arriving.
'Today's taxi despatch systems are dumb,' said the Stratech chief, who has begun talking to the taxi operators.
Ms Tammy Tan, spokesman for ComfortDelGro Corp, Singapore's largest cab company, said: 'We believe a taxi queue monitoring system will help our drivers pinpoint areas where there is higher demand and have in fact been exploring such a system ourselves.'
She added ComfortDelGro was 'encouraged' by the MDA's support of such an initiative and would seek to work with it on its development.
SMRT Taxis' senior manager of customer relations Eunice Lui said initiatives that will enhance taxi services for customers are welcome.
Industry observers, however, said they did not see anything compelling about the system.
Property firm executive H. Y. Loh, a 51-year-old regular cab commuter, is sceptical. She said the system would work in bad times, 'when cabbies going to taxi stands are at least assured of business'. But she is less sure it will work when good times return, because more people will be taking cabs then.
Cab companies may also not back Stratech's system fully, since doing so will hit their call-booking revenue. After all, commuters in taxi queues often resort to phoning for a cab, said Ms Loh.
But Mr Chew said that if Stratech's system works, 'it will ensure a continuous flow of taxis'.
For God’s Sake, can’t they see this is yet another White Elephant.
Firstly – The Cab will only appear when there are Surcharges. Extra bucks to be earned.
Secondly – I thought all cab in Singapore are being installed with some super duper GPS system? Isn’t this good enough to pin point where are all the cabs? Is it necessary to spend $12millions to install 15 of this junk? Who is going to pay for it anyway? Another reason to add more surchages?
This system is not solving the root cause of the problem. Say taxi stand A has no taxi and the queue is really long. So how will this $12M system help with the main problem, which is shortage of taxi at stand A? Absolutely nothing! It only confirmed there is a long queue at Stand A.
Taxi who are at Stand A picking up Passengers most likely has already called their buddies that there are a shortage of cab anyway. Or if they are kind enough they may had also call their dispatch centers.
Come on lah. No need to spend $12Millions on such White Elephant. Use the money to help the poor instead.
By Christopher Tan
Oct 23, 2008
STUCK in a taxi queue that is hardly moving?
Relief may come soon from a system of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at taxi stands feeding 'live' images back to cab despatch centres, which can direct cabbies to where fares are waiting.
Home-grown information technology company Stratech Systems is devising such a system in response to a call by the Media Development Authority (MDA) for industries to design innovative business solutions.
It is disbursing $12 million for 15 such innovations, among which is Stratech's 'Dynamic Vehicle Allocation System'.
Stratech executive chairman David Chew said the system, which he claimed will be a world first, will be installed at 50 taxi stands, mostly in the Central Business District, for a start.
It should be ready for trial in nine months. He said of the current problem: 'Taxis may be waiting at a vacant stand while commuters queue in vain elsewhere.'
More than just feeding images of taxi queues back to taxi operators, he said, Stratech's system would be smart enough to adjust to changes in the numbers of waiting commuters and cabs arriving.
'Today's taxi despatch systems are dumb,' said the Stratech chief, who has begun talking to the taxi operators.
Ms Tammy Tan, spokesman for ComfortDelGro Corp, Singapore's largest cab company, said: 'We believe a taxi queue monitoring system will help our drivers pinpoint areas where there is higher demand and have in fact been exploring such a system ourselves.'
She added ComfortDelGro was 'encouraged' by the MDA's support of such an initiative and would seek to work with it on its development.
SMRT Taxis' senior manager of customer relations Eunice Lui said initiatives that will enhance taxi services for customers are welcome.
Industry observers, however, said they did not see anything compelling about the system.
Property firm executive H. Y. Loh, a 51-year-old regular cab commuter, is sceptical. She said the system would work in bad times, 'when cabbies going to taxi stands are at least assured of business'. But she is less sure it will work when good times return, because more people will be taking cabs then.
Cab companies may also not back Stratech's system fully, since doing so will hit their call-booking revenue. After all, commuters in taxi queues often resort to phoning for a cab, said Ms Loh.
But Mr Chew said that if Stratech's system works, 'it will ensure a continuous flow of taxis'.
For God’s Sake, can’t they see this is yet another White Elephant.
Firstly – The Cab will only appear when there are Surcharges. Extra bucks to be earned.
Secondly – I thought all cab in Singapore are being installed with some super duper GPS system? Isn’t this good enough to pin point where are all the cabs? Is it necessary to spend $12millions to install 15 of this junk? Who is going to pay for it anyway? Another reason to add more surchages?
This system is not solving the root cause of the problem. Say taxi stand A has no taxi and the queue is really long. So how will this $12M system help with the main problem, which is shortage of taxi at stand A? Absolutely nothing! It only confirmed there is a long queue at Stand A.
Taxi who are at Stand A picking up Passengers most likely has already called their buddies that there are a shortage of cab anyway. Or if they are kind enough they may had also call their dispatch centers.
Come on lah. No need to spend $12Millions on such White Elephant. Use the money to help the poor instead.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Reminder Again
Just putting up this post to remind myself how shitty the Public Transport are in Singapore. Remeber what happen in 01 Oct 2007?
The Helps we are not getting
Govt looking at helping Singaporeans overcome economic hardship
18 October 2008 2149 hrs (SST)
SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said the government is looking at how it can help Singaporeans overcome temporary economic hardship next year.
Mr Goh, who was speaking at a community event on Saturday, said Singapore's economy is expected to grow by about 3 per cent this year, but next year's growth could be even slower.
But the senior minister believes that with Singapore's current diversified economy and strong economic fundamentals, the country can bounce back if Singaporeans stick together.
"The government is already thinking about what it can do to help businesses and ordinary Singaporeans – in particular lower income Singaporeans – next year," he said.
On financial products that are linked to failed investment bank Lehman Brothers, Mr Goh said the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) expects financial institutions to pay attention to vulnerable investors such as retirees.
Where there are sufficient indications that the product was mis-sold, the senior minister expects the financial institutions to take full responsibility and reach a fair settlement with investors, on a case-by-case basis.
Mr Goh said: "MAS understands from the banks and financial institutions that they will try to be helpful, so they will investigate each case thoroughly and where there is any doubt, they will try and settle in favour of the investor.
"MAS is a very professional, rational institution. It doesn't try to put pressure on people, it doesn't make big speeches to convince people that it is doing many things.
"Behind the scene, I can tell you, MAS has been quietly working with the banks and financial institutions to find a fair solution for people who have invested in the products."
The senior minister said everyone must view the losses in perspective – millions have lost their savings worldwide, so Singaporeans must be realistic in their expectations.
I think it does not take a genius to know how to "help ordinary Singaporean" but rather the question is, does the Govt really want to do it . Or as usual, they have their own interest in mind.
Some ways which I think the Man- in- White can do to help ordinary Singaporean, please bear in mind I am not even paid millions a year to come up with these ideas.
1) Cancel or reduce the 21% Electricity Pay Hike
2) Freeze all public transport fare increase for the next 3 years (Note these Public Transport Companies are still making money and I bet their business will increase even more during bad times)
3) Guarantee all deposit and Insurance in Singapore.
4) Pay cut for all ministers plus the president to set up a fund to help the old and low income Singaporean.
5) GIC and all Ministries to relook into the employee bonus and salaries especially for the Super Scale one. (Remember they just got some bonus and pay increament this year)
6) GST waiver for all essential food stuff.
7) Reduce NDP budget for the next 3 years.
8) Tax reduction for companies that did not lay off any employee.
9) Stop influx of “Foreign Talent” for the next 3 years.
10) Reduce rental of shops so these tenants will not pass the rental cost to the consumers.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Dead in NS
NSF had left MC in cupboard
Today Online Friday • October 3, 2008
THE full-time National Serviceman who died on Tuesday morning never submitted the medical certificate he was given on Sunday to his camp’s medical centre.
In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said Private Joe Foo Wei Rong’s medical certificate has since been found in his personal cupboard next to his bunk.
The Singapore General Hospital medical certificate, dated Sept 28, was for “sprains and strains of knee and leg”, said Mindef.
“PTE Foo was to rest from Sept 28 to 29 and given only light duties from Sep 30 to Oct 3,” it added.
“The medical centre had no documentation of his medical certificate.”
PTE Foo, 20, had collapsed while doing chin-ups as part of a daily basic exercise routine, at 6.05am.
According to his father, in 2004, PTE Foo suffered a seizure at home.
When contacted yesterday, hours after the NSF was given a military funeral and cremated at Mandai Crematorium, his father, Mr Foo Heng Lye, said he had told his son to submit the medical certificate.
It is not known why he had not.
Mr Foo, however, questioned why it took almost two hours to move PTE Foo to a hospital. “Why were there only medics but no medical officers on 24-hour standby in the camp?” he asked.
Mindef said on Tuesday PTE Foo was given “immediate medical attention” and taken from Lim Chu Kang Camp to Tengah Medical Centre, which had a doctor on 24-hour standby, by 6.40am.
Doctors at Tengah tried to resuscitate him, and he was packed off to National University Hospital at 7.15am. En route, the Singapore Armed Forces doctor and medic continued to resuscitate him and he arrived at 7.45am. He was pronounced dead at 8.28am. Mindef is investigating.
It’s sad to know another young man has die while service his country.
I think somebody in his camp is going to be in deep shit now.
Thought Pte Foo death may not be directly linked to his MC which was for “sprains and strains of knee and leg”, but nevertheless he should be resting on the day he die.
Questions 1: Why Pte Foo did not endorse his MC with the Medical Center In his camp?
Ok endorsing MC is pure stupidity in the first place. If you get a MC from a outside Doctor, which more probably is more experience then those MO in the camp, you still have to come to the medical center in you 40 degree fever to let the MO see your MC and approved it.
In fact it is the Medic who does it most of the time, MO can never been seen. I am still amazed during my NS days when I reported sick, the MO can diagnose your sickness from 3 meters away.
This show that they automatically assume who ever is reporting sick is trying to skive.
Trying not to speculate, but I guess one of the reason why Pte Foo did not endorse his MC was maybe he does not want to be label as a “chao keng”.
So why he has this thought in the 1st place? While we do not know what was said to Pte Foo and companies since he was enlisted in his camp. Maybe someone threaten those who reported sick with confinement? The result of the investigation will be very interesting.
Questions 2: Why Pte Foo was given a Pes A status when he had a history of seizure?
This could be the main reason why he dies.
This shows that the screening process of recruits are note done properly. Or manybe your life is not worth the $1000 screening process.
Today Online Friday • October 3, 2008
THE full-time National Serviceman who died on Tuesday morning never submitted the medical certificate he was given on Sunday to his camp’s medical centre.
In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said Private Joe Foo Wei Rong’s medical certificate has since been found in his personal cupboard next to his bunk.
The Singapore General Hospital medical certificate, dated Sept 28, was for “sprains and strains of knee and leg”, said Mindef.
“PTE Foo was to rest from Sept 28 to 29 and given only light duties from Sep 30 to Oct 3,” it added.
“The medical centre had no documentation of his medical certificate.”
PTE Foo, 20, had collapsed while doing chin-ups as part of a daily basic exercise routine, at 6.05am.
According to his father, in 2004, PTE Foo suffered a seizure at home.
When contacted yesterday, hours after the NSF was given a military funeral and cremated at Mandai Crematorium, his father, Mr Foo Heng Lye, said he had told his son to submit the medical certificate.
It is not known why he had not.
Mr Foo, however, questioned why it took almost two hours to move PTE Foo to a hospital. “Why were there only medics but no medical officers on 24-hour standby in the camp?” he asked.
Mindef said on Tuesday PTE Foo was given “immediate medical attention” and taken from Lim Chu Kang Camp to Tengah Medical Centre, which had a doctor on 24-hour standby, by 6.40am.
Doctors at Tengah tried to resuscitate him, and he was packed off to National University Hospital at 7.15am. En route, the Singapore Armed Forces doctor and medic continued to resuscitate him and he arrived at 7.45am. He was pronounced dead at 8.28am. Mindef is investigating.
It’s sad to know another young man has die while service his country.
I think somebody in his camp is going to be in deep shit now.
Thought Pte Foo death may not be directly linked to his MC which was for “sprains and strains of knee and leg”, but nevertheless he should be resting on the day he die.
Questions 1: Why Pte Foo did not endorse his MC with the Medical Center In his camp?
Ok endorsing MC is pure stupidity in the first place. If you get a MC from a outside Doctor, which more probably is more experience then those MO in the camp, you still have to come to the medical center in you 40 degree fever to let the MO see your MC and approved it.
In fact it is the Medic who does it most of the time, MO can never been seen. I am still amazed during my NS days when I reported sick, the MO can diagnose your sickness from 3 meters away.
This show that they automatically assume who ever is reporting sick is trying to skive.
Trying not to speculate, but I guess one of the reason why Pte Foo did not endorse his MC was maybe he does not want to be label as a “chao keng”.
So why he has this thought in the 1st place? While we do not know what was said to Pte Foo and companies since he was enlisted in his camp. Maybe someone threaten those who reported sick with confinement? The result of the investigation will be very interesting.
Questions 2: Why Pte Foo was given a Pes A status when he had a history of seizure?
This could be the main reason why he dies.
This shows that the screening process of recruits are note done properly. Or manybe your life is not worth the $1000 screening process.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Life in Singapore
Why the muddy path to the MRT?
Today Online Friday • September 12, 2008
Letter from M Lukshumayeh:
While we could arguably claim to have in Singapore, one of the best public transportation systems in the world, we are still some way off in providing proper access to some of these facilities. Commuters using Jurong East MRT Station, heading to or from the International Business Park, do not have a cemented path to use. On rainy days, commuters have to make do with a muddy footpath.
The answer is simple.
Because none of our ministers take the MRT to work.
Today Online Friday • September 12, 2008
Letter from M Lukshumayeh:
While we could arguably claim to have in Singapore, one of the best public transportation systems in the world, we are still some way off in providing proper access to some of these facilities. Commuters using Jurong East MRT Station, heading to or from the International Business Park, do not have a cemented path to use. On rainy days, commuters have to make do with a muddy footpath.
The answer is simple.
Because none of our ministers take the MRT to work.
Desperate means to get more babies.
Too young to have babies? Think again?
Today Online Friday • September 12, 2008
THE question seemed out of place in a lecture theatre of over 100 young university students: “Are you at risk of childlessness?”
Yet, as obstetrician-gynaecologist Teoh Seng Hin went on to point out, eight to 15 per cent of couples will experience fertility problems at some point in their lives, and couples who have sex during their fertile periods stand only a 30 per cent chance of conceiving.
“When people use contraception, the underlying assumption is that they are fertile,” he said.
But while female age is the overwhelming factor in sub-fertility, men’s age is “grossly overlooked”, said Dr Teoh, who was speaking yesterday at a sexual health awareness talk at the Nanyang Technological University organised by the Singapore Planned Parenthood Association, Bayer Schering Pharma and the university.
From the time men are in their late 20s, the chances of their contributing to a successful pregnancy fall by 11 per cent each year.
The chances of a successful live birth also dip, while the likelihood of passing on genetic abnormalities increase, warned Dr Teoh. Dr Teoh — who also has a Master’s degree in men’s health and andrology — said he was sharing his experience with the students so that they can be forewarned about the problems that may emerge later in their lives.
“If you see enough patients, you’ll find that a lot of them miscarry,” he said.
“Many problems can’t be reversedbecause of age,” he added.
Another fertility doctor, Prof Christopher Chen, told Today that none of the men in the couples who consulted him in the last five years has passed the “sperm test”.
“I have couples who come to see me to ask if they are all right making babies in two to three years’ time.
I tell them, ‘You don’t have to worry about contraception or abstaining because your sperm is poor anyway.’
“Within their means, couples should try not to delay too long,” advised Prof Chen, who runs a private practice at Gleneagles Hospital.
Today Online Friday • September 12, 2008
THE question seemed out of place in a lecture theatre of over 100 young university students: “Are you at risk of childlessness?”
Yet, as obstetrician-gynaecologist Teoh Seng Hin went on to point out, eight to 15 per cent of couples will experience fertility problems at some point in their lives, and couples who have sex during their fertile periods stand only a 30 per cent chance of conceiving.
“When people use contraception, the underlying assumption is that they are fertile,” he said.
But while female age is the overwhelming factor in sub-fertility, men’s age is “grossly overlooked”, said Dr Teoh, who was speaking yesterday at a sexual health awareness talk at the Nanyang Technological University organised by the Singapore Planned Parenthood Association, Bayer Schering Pharma and the university.
From the time men are in their late 20s, the chances of their contributing to a successful pregnancy fall by 11 per cent each year.
The chances of a successful live birth also dip, while the likelihood of passing on genetic abnormalities increase, warned Dr Teoh. Dr Teoh — who also has a Master’s degree in men’s health and andrology — said he was sharing his experience with the students so that they can be forewarned about the problems that may emerge later in their lives.
“If you see enough patients, you’ll find that a lot of them miscarry,” he said.
“Many problems can’t be reversedbecause of age,” he added.
Another fertility doctor, Prof Christopher Chen, told Today that none of the men in the couples who consulted him in the last five years has passed the “sperm test”.
“I have couples who come to see me to ask if they are all right making babies in two to three years’ time.
I tell them, ‘You don’t have to worry about contraception or abstaining because your sperm is poor anyway.’
“Within their means, couples should try not to delay too long,” advised Prof Chen, who runs a private practice at Gleneagles Hospital.
Now I think they are getting overboard with trying to get Singaporean to have babies.
They are not giving talk to University Students telling them not to delay too long, quickly go and make babies as soon as you can.
University student qre like, 19-24 years old women and 21- 26 years old men. Most are able to have kids physically but I don’t think they are mentally mature to raise a child.
Ask them how many of them cook for themselves and wash their own laundry?
How many of them are still taking pocket money from their parents?
Geez…. Give them some chance to start work, experience what it is like in the REAL world and then let these kids decide whether are they willing to work the rest of their life to feel an extra mouth or two.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
How bad Singapore's Society is now.
Some of the inconsiderate acts by Singaporean (or Singapore resident, don’t forget 1 in 3 of us are not born here) I have witness over the pass 2 weeks. Think we are certainly heading towards the wrong end of the spectrum in term of graciousness.
1) Teenager talking shouting and eating on public buses.
I always find that kid nowadays has much better developed vocal organ then hearing organ. For God’s sake, you friend is only sitting next to you do you really have to shout in their ears? But I guess that is the result of spending too much time on their I-pods?
Eating on public transport is really very common now. I am quite surprise that STOMP actually published pictures of people eating on MRT and Buses.
2) Motorcycle failing to stop at traffic lights
Be careful if you are using those pedestrian traffic lights. Some motorists just ignore them especially at night.
3) And the last one that get my vote!
Grandparent brought grandson for dinner at food court. Half way thru the meal, grandson wanna pee. Instead of bringing ihim to the toilet, grandpa too out a plastic bag and let his grand son pee into it. Yes in the food court! Grandpa then tied up the plastic bad and dispose it at the food court dustbin.
Then Grandpa go back to his dinner without washing hand!
Hurray!
Friday, August 22, 2008
The failing Baby Bonus Scheme
Singapore first introduced The Baby Bonus Scheme in April 2001 and enhanced in August 2004, supports parents’ decision to have more children by helping to lighten the financial costs of raising children.
Again this year the government further enhanced it from 2009 onwards.
Does giving more money really encourage Singaporean to make more babies?
Or is it just a short-term plan by the government who are unwilling to solve the root cause of falling birth rates? (Higher cost of living, lousy education system, non pro families working environment, etc….)
Looking at the fertility rate of Singapore over the year, we don’t see a dramatic increase after April 2001 and Aug 2004.
Year Fertility
1997 1.61
2002 1.37
2003 1.27
2004 1.26
2005 1.26
2006 1.28
2007 1.29
Judging by the trend I will say the fertility rate will raise by 0.03 the most to 1.32. Failing to meet the healthy rate of 2.1.
Look like it is getting expensive to get Singaporean to make babies.
Cheaper to import foreigner?
But the government have to tackle this issue very carefully due to our National Services Act.
Again this year the government further enhanced it from 2009 onwards.
Does giving more money really encourage Singaporean to make more babies?
Or is it just a short-term plan by the government who are unwilling to solve the root cause of falling birth rates? (Higher cost of living, lousy education system, non pro families working environment, etc….)
Looking at the fertility rate of Singapore over the year, we don’t see a dramatic increase after April 2001 and Aug 2004.
Year Fertility
1997 1.61
2002 1.37
2003 1.27
2004 1.26
2005 1.26
2006 1.28
2007 1.29
Judging by the trend I will say the fertility rate will raise by 0.03 the most to 1.32. Failing to meet the healthy rate of 2.1.
Look like it is getting expensive to get Singaporean to make babies.
Cheaper to import foreigner?
But the government have to tackle this issue very carefully due to our National Services Act.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Great example of overkilling!
Yesterday our dear PM gave his 2008 National Day's Rally speech.
I am not a big fan of his and I know nothing good will come out from his speech anyway.
But I turned on the TV wanting to catch other stuff on the TV but fat hope!
If you are a poor soul like me without cable TV, PM speech was being shown on every damned channels!!.
His face was on, Channel 5, Channel 8, Channel U, Suria, Air Central and Channel News Asia from 8pm – 10am.
Boy talk about over killed. Don’t forget I pay for my TV license annually not to be force fed by you guys man. But hey we all know who own mediacorp.
Yes I understand you need to have one channel for each language but do you really need 2 English channels showing exactly the same thing? (Channels News Asia and Channel 5)
Thanks God for Youtube
Maybe next year PM rally speech will be force feed to us via the internet as well.
I am not a big fan of his and I know nothing good will come out from his speech anyway.
But I turned on the TV wanting to catch other stuff on the TV but fat hope!
If you are a poor soul like me without cable TV, PM speech was being shown on every damned channels!!.
His face was on, Channel 5, Channel 8, Channel U, Suria, Air Central and Channel News Asia from 8pm – 10am.
Boy talk about over killed. Don’t forget I pay for my TV license annually not to be force fed by you guys man. But hey we all know who own mediacorp.
Yes I understand you need to have one channel for each language but do you really need 2 English channels showing exactly the same thing? (Channels News Asia and Channel 5)
Thanks God for Youtube
Maybe next year PM rally speech will be force feed to us via the internet as well.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
National Day
Nation day is just around the corner. It is the day that we celebrate our independent 43 years ago.
Looking back our country has indeed progress far. From a little fishing village to what it is now, a well-oiled sophisticate money-making machine.
These days Singaporean are divided into 2 lots when come to national day. The first lot are those who want to go to the parade (because it is free) and to get the free goodies bags and the second lots are those who don’t really care about Nation day anymore. (Except we want the free holiday to go for a short holiday)
So get me to think what is National Day for me these days.
To me I find the yearly National Day parade are a complete waste of money and is an exploitation of thousands of NSF so those regulars can get their promotions.
Gosh imagine the time and taxpayer’s money spent on those rehearsals and fireworks. Is the National day's parade really that important to the average Singaporean?
National Day = Parade and Firework = Free Goodies Bags.
Imagine watching the same thing over and over and over again every year.
I believe many people failed to think what National Days should be. What we see around us like the parade , the nicely decorated Community Centers and offices are just skin deep.
I think it should be a time where we reflex on our shortcoming as a Nation and improve on it.
How many people are suffering from hunger in our country and what policies should be improved etc. etc.
Take it as an annual report card, not the financial one which we had in April, but a more humanitarian one which involve Singaporean, not the million dollars civil servants.
But again there many not be much Singaporean in the future to celebrate National Day as more and more Foreigner are coming and more and more Singaporean are leaving.
Looking back our country has indeed progress far. From a little fishing village to what it is now, a well-oiled sophisticate money-making machine.
These days Singaporean are divided into 2 lots when come to national day. The first lot are those who want to go to the parade (because it is free) and to get the free goodies bags and the second lots are those who don’t really care about Nation day anymore. (Except we want the free holiday to go for a short holiday)
So get me to think what is National Day for me these days.
To me I find the yearly National Day parade are a complete waste of money and is an exploitation of thousands of NSF so those regulars can get their promotions.
Gosh imagine the time and taxpayer’s money spent on those rehearsals and fireworks. Is the National day's parade really that important to the average Singaporean?
National Day = Parade and Firework = Free Goodies Bags.
Imagine watching the same thing over and over and over again every year.
I believe many people failed to think what National Days should be. What we see around us like the parade , the nicely decorated Community Centers and offices are just skin deep.
I think it should be a time where we reflex on our shortcoming as a Nation and improve on it.
How many people are suffering from hunger in our country and what policies should be improved etc. etc.
Take it as an annual report card, not the financial one which we had in April, but a more humanitarian one which involve Singaporean, not the million dollars civil servants.
But again there many not be much Singaporean in the future to celebrate National Day as more and more Foreigner are coming and more and more Singaporean are leaving.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Social Problem in the Future Start Now!
Singapore's population up almost 200,000 between 2006 and 2007
31 July 2008 2003 hrs (SST)
SINGAPORE : Singapore's population rose by almost 200,000 between 2006 and 2007.
As of last year, total population stood at 4.59 million, up from 4.4 million in 2006. Of these, 3.58 million were citizens and permanent residents.
The latest Yearbook of Statistics released on Thursday also showed there were 39,490 births last year, up by over 1,100 babies compared to the previous year.
Marriage inched up again, registering its highest number in five years. Last year, 23,966 couples tied the knot, up 260 from 2006.
But this is still down by 1,701 compared to a decade ago, which saw 25,667 marriages registered in 1997.
More are also delaying marriage. Last year, the median age for the groom was 29.8 years old, compared with 28.4 in 1997.
For the women, the median age of brides was 27.2 last year, up from 25.7 about a decade ago. - CNA /ls
If you read this article carefully, it can be quite mind-boggling.
Take away the smoke screen, just read what is in RED.
Basically it said there is a 200,000 increased in population and if we minus the 39,490 births, this implies that we has imported 160, 510 foreigner into this country. That is equivalent to 439 new residents every day!!
Look out for more social issue coming up my friends. Unless you live in an ivory towers high up in the sky.
31 July 2008 2003 hrs (SST)
SINGAPORE : Singapore's population rose by almost 200,000 between 2006 and 2007.
As of last year, total population stood at 4.59 million, up from 4.4 million in 2006. Of these, 3.58 million were citizens and permanent residents.
The latest Yearbook of Statistics released on Thursday also showed there were 39,490 births last year, up by over 1,100 babies compared to the previous year.
Marriage inched up again, registering its highest number in five years. Last year, 23,966 couples tied the knot, up 260 from 2006.
But this is still down by 1,701 compared to a decade ago, which saw 25,667 marriages registered in 1997.
More are also delaying marriage. Last year, the median age for the groom was 29.8 years old, compared with 28.4 in 1997.
For the women, the median age of brides was 27.2 last year, up from 25.7 about a decade ago. - CNA /ls
If you read this article carefully, it can be quite mind-boggling.
Take away the smoke screen, just read what is in RED.
Basically it said there is a 200,000 increased in population and if we minus the 39,490 births, this implies that we has imported 160, 510 foreigner into this country. That is equivalent to 439 new residents every day!!
Look out for more social issue coming up my friends. Unless you live in an ivory towers high up in the sky.
Monday, July 14, 2008
All is well for the Rich
ST July 14, 2008
Let's not rule out organ trading yet, says Khaw
Stark reality of organ shortages and black market means option cannot be dismissed
SINGAPORE is not ruling out legalising organ trading.
The surprise comment from Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday is bound to re-ignite the fiery debate on the benefits and dangers of allowing the buying and selling of human kidneys, lungs and other organs.
The Government has stood firm so far on enforcing the present laws, which prohibit organ trade.
Recently, five people were taken to court in the country's first kidneys-for-sale deals.
But yesterday Mr Khaw said that organ shortages and a black market in the region made legalising trading an option.
'I think we should not write off or reject the idea of selling organs. But I think we need to study it carefully,' he said.
There are no immediate plans to change the law, as there are practical reasons why overturning the ban could backfire - like shrinking the current donor pool, he added.
'By legalising trading, you could actually lose the family members who currently donate. Instead, you could get organs from outside the family, through payment, and the result would not be as good,' he explained.
Siblings are the best bet for a perfect tissue match if a transplant is needed - with a one in four chance of success. This figure shrinks to one in 2,000 for non-relatives.
Last year, 86 Singaporeans received kidneys from living donors, including 53 who got the organ from a relative.
Hundreds of others were not so lucky, most of them languishing on waiting lists and dying within five years without a transplant.
The minister's remarks at a community event yesterday came in the wake of a highly publicised organ trading case here, in which two Indonesians were jailed earlier this month for selling their kidneys. It also involved CK Tang executive chairman Tang Wee Sung, who was charged with attempting to buy a kidney.
In an e-mail response to The Straits Times, Mr Khaw said his stance yesterday was not a turnaround from his earlier comments that the trade, motivated by financial transactions, is 'definitely wrong, morally and legally'.
He said yesterday: 'I remain of the view that organ trading is not the way to go, but we should not reject any idea given the reality.'
Meanwhile, the Singapore Medical Association (SMA) has come out steadfastly against legalising the organ trade, following an emergency meeting on Saturday.
Its spokesman, Dr Tan Sze Wee, said organ sellers face an array of short- and long-term medical risks. The sellers, almost always desperately poor, could also be abused and exploited.
'We see tremendous resources needed to enforce organ trade regulations in a transparent and equitable way.
'These make it inappropriate for SMA to support any move towards legalising the trade,' he said.
Mr Khaw said the best approach is still one of prevention, such as better control of diseases like diabetes.
Singapore should promote altruistic donations through the Human Organ Transplant Act (Hota), and live transplants among relatives.
When Hota is extended to Muslims next month, the pool of organs would increase, he said.
Singapore could also learn from Norway and Spain, where organ supply almost matched demand - a figure higher even than Iran, the only country that has legalised organ trading.
In Spain, for example, specially trained doctors and an efficient donor detection programme have contributed to its success.
Mr Khaw added that he hoped to find a solution that protects the interests of the donor and the patient.
'How? I don't know. But if we do not force ourselves to think out of the box, then we will never be able to find a better solution,' he said.
It is not such a surprise for me that the government are taking step to explore legalising human organ sales. Don’t forget certain wife of “high level people” is sick these days and also our leaders are getting older.
Of cause the Elite has to do this legalisation slowly and cautiously to prevent any public outrage. But if this go through, lives in Singapore for the poor are going to get from bad to worst.
The Rich will never die, they can afford the best medical treatments, go for full body check every year to detect any sickness, eat the best food and tonics and if all fail, just go and buy an organ.
The poor cannot afford to eat good food and often has to work hard to survive. Therefore they are more lightly to get sick. Since they can’t afford to do a full body check up every year, or at all, they most probably only discover when they are sick in the late stages. And if they found out they need to change an organ, do you think they can afford to buy one off the shelf?
Its survival of the rich and extinction of the poor here.
Let's not rule out organ trading yet, says Khaw
Stark reality of organ shortages and black market means option cannot be dismissed
SINGAPORE is not ruling out legalising organ trading.
The surprise comment from Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday is bound to re-ignite the fiery debate on the benefits and dangers of allowing the buying and selling of human kidneys, lungs and other organs.
The Government has stood firm so far on enforcing the present laws, which prohibit organ trade.
Recently, five people were taken to court in the country's first kidneys-for-sale deals.
But yesterday Mr Khaw said that organ shortages and a black market in the region made legalising trading an option.
'I think we should not write off or reject the idea of selling organs. But I think we need to study it carefully,' he said.
There are no immediate plans to change the law, as there are practical reasons why overturning the ban could backfire - like shrinking the current donor pool, he added.
'By legalising trading, you could actually lose the family members who currently donate. Instead, you could get organs from outside the family, through payment, and the result would not be as good,' he explained.
Siblings are the best bet for a perfect tissue match if a transplant is needed - with a one in four chance of success. This figure shrinks to one in 2,000 for non-relatives.
Last year, 86 Singaporeans received kidneys from living donors, including 53 who got the organ from a relative.
Hundreds of others were not so lucky, most of them languishing on waiting lists and dying within five years without a transplant.
The minister's remarks at a community event yesterday came in the wake of a highly publicised organ trading case here, in which two Indonesians were jailed earlier this month for selling their kidneys. It also involved CK Tang executive chairman Tang Wee Sung, who was charged with attempting to buy a kidney.
In an e-mail response to The Straits Times, Mr Khaw said his stance yesterday was not a turnaround from his earlier comments that the trade, motivated by financial transactions, is 'definitely wrong, morally and legally'.
He said yesterday: 'I remain of the view that organ trading is not the way to go, but we should not reject any idea given the reality.'
Meanwhile, the Singapore Medical Association (SMA) has come out steadfastly against legalising the organ trade, following an emergency meeting on Saturday.
Its spokesman, Dr Tan Sze Wee, said organ sellers face an array of short- and long-term medical risks. The sellers, almost always desperately poor, could also be abused and exploited.
'We see tremendous resources needed to enforce organ trade regulations in a transparent and equitable way.
'These make it inappropriate for SMA to support any move towards legalising the trade,' he said.
Mr Khaw said the best approach is still one of prevention, such as better control of diseases like diabetes.
Singapore should promote altruistic donations through the Human Organ Transplant Act (Hota), and live transplants among relatives.
When Hota is extended to Muslims next month, the pool of organs would increase, he said.
Singapore could also learn from Norway and Spain, where organ supply almost matched demand - a figure higher even than Iran, the only country that has legalised organ trading.
In Spain, for example, specially trained doctors and an efficient donor detection programme have contributed to its success.
Mr Khaw added that he hoped to find a solution that protects the interests of the donor and the patient.
'How? I don't know. But if we do not force ourselves to think out of the box, then we will never be able to find a better solution,' he said.
It is not such a surprise for me that the government are taking step to explore legalising human organ sales. Don’t forget certain wife of “high level people” is sick these days and also our leaders are getting older.
Of cause the Elite has to do this legalisation slowly and cautiously to prevent any public outrage. But if this go through, lives in Singapore for the poor are going to get from bad to worst.
The Rich will never die, they can afford the best medical treatments, go for full body check every year to detect any sickness, eat the best food and tonics and if all fail, just go and buy an organ.
The poor cannot afford to eat good food and often has to work hard to survive. Therefore they are more lightly to get sick. Since they can’t afford to do a full body check up every year, or at all, they most probably only discover when they are sick in the late stages. And if they found out they need to change an organ, do you think they can afford to buy one off the shelf?
Its survival of the rich and extinction of the poor here.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
A example of dumb solution.
Easing the train crush :First parallel bus service to run from Monday, but commuters say trains may still be faster
Tuesday • July 1, 2008
Leong Wee Keat
COMMUTERS living in the north will have another travel option heading to work or home starting Monday, even as Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) changes kick in.
Service 128, a new basic bus service :operated by SBS Transit, will ply between Ang Mo Kio Depot and Shenton Way Terminal — the first bus allowed to run alongside sections of mature rail lines with heavy passenger loading, and where there is limited scope to quickly expand rail capacity during peak periods.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) had previously not allowed this, as it was deemed a wasteful duplication of resources.
This new service will cover 13 MRT stations along the North-South and East-West lines and will stop at selected bus stops between stations en route.
SBS Transit spokeswoman Tammy Tan said each trip is expected to take about 74 minutes from end to end, barring poor traffic conditions.
Commuters that Today spoke to welcomed the option, but some voiced concerns over reliability and speed.
Bank administrative officer Chua Kim Choo noted that her premium bus often got caught in slow traffic as it travelled from Yishun to the city. She wondered if it would be the same for the new service.
A check of the route found that a stretch of Bishan Road, for example, was not covered under the bus lane scheme. However, as Service 128 reaches Thomson Road and beyond, it should be accorded priority, as those roads are mostly covered under the scheme.
Some commuters also suggested extending the service to areas in Yishun, while introducing new ones along the East-West Line, such as from Bedok to the city.
But lawyer Tan Hee Joek said he would stick to the trains, even if it meant not being able to get into one initially, or squeezing with others during the morning crush.
“Even if I miss one or two trains due to overcrowding, I am still guaranteed a faster ride to the office,” he said.
The LTA said “more such services would be implemented along other heavily-loaded sections of mature rail lines in future, if conditions required it”.
The introduction of Service 128, along with the 76 premium buses in operation, provides commuters with more choices, including motorists switching to public transport.
From Monday, motorists will also generally pay more at 32 gantries in the Central Business District cordon at various times of the day.
While noting recent public transport improvements, motorist Murray Lim said he is not ready to give up his car yet. “I’m in sales and I often need to run around with my goods, which can be quite heavy,” he said.
This rather a ridiculous method of “expand rail capacity during peak hour”.
I guess this is what they want you to believe.
Isn’t it easier to “ease train capacity” just by increasing the frequency of the trains?
I sense that the real purpose is to reduce the number of cars on CTE during peak hour and for God’s sake can’t they just be honest about it?
And as what LTA said, “..provides commuters with more choices, including motorists switching to public transport. “ Which in turn makes the train and buses more crowded.
This is not a very good solution to “expand rail capacity.”
The Elite drive and the peasent take take crowded public transports.
Tuesday • July 1, 2008
Leong Wee Keat
COMMUTERS living in the north will have another travel option heading to work or home starting Monday, even as Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) changes kick in.
Service 128, a new basic bus service :operated by SBS Transit, will ply between Ang Mo Kio Depot and Shenton Way Terminal — the first bus allowed to run alongside sections of mature rail lines with heavy passenger loading, and where there is limited scope to quickly expand rail capacity during peak periods.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) had previously not allowed this, as it was deemed a wasteful duplication of resources.
This new service will cover 13 MRT stations along the North-South and East-West lines and will stop at selected bus stops between stations en route.
SBS Transit spokeswoman Tammy Tan said each trip is expected to take about 74 minutes from end to end, barring poor traffic conditions.
Commuters that Today spoke to welcomed the option, but some voiced concerns over reliability and speed.
Bank administrative officer Chua Kim Choo noted that her premium bus often got caught in slow traffic as it travelled from Yishun to the city. She wondered if it would be the same for the new service.
A check of the route found that a stretch of Bishan Road, for example, was not covered under the bus lane scheme. However, as Service 128 reaches Thomson Road and beyond, it should be accorded priority, as those roads are mostly covered under the scheme.
Some commuters also suggested extending the service to areas in Yishun, while introducing new ones along the East-West Line, such as from Bedok to the city.
But lawyer Tan Hee Joek said he would stick to the trains, even if it meant not being able to get into one initially, or squeezing with others during the morning crush.
“Even if I miss one or two trains due to overcrowding, I am still guaranteed a faster ride to the office,” he said.
The LTA said “more such services would be implemented along other heavily-loaded sections of mature rail lines in future, if conditions required it”.
The introduction of Service 128, along with the 76 premium buses in operation, provides commuters with more choices, including motorists switching to public transport.
From Monday, motorists will also generally pay more at 32 gantries in the Central Business District cordon at various times of the day.
While noting recent public transport improvements, motorist Murray Lim said he is not ready to give up his car yet. “I’m in sales and I often need to run around with my goods, which can be quite heavy,” he said.
This rather a ridiculous method of “expand rail capacity during peak hour”.
I guess this is what they want you to believe.
Isn’t it easier to “ease train capacity” just by increasing the frequency of the trains?
I sense that the real purpose is to reduce the number of cars on CTE during peak hour and for God’s sake can’t they just be honest about it?
And as what LTA said, “..provides commuters with more choices, including motorists switching to public transport. “ Which in turn makes the train and buses more crowded.
This is not a very good solution to “expand rail capacity.”
The Elite drive and the peasent take take crowded public transports.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Family in Singapore.
Has not been blogging for a while now been busy lately with some traveling and well maybe I was just being lazy.
Will be heading off to Hong Kong tomorrow for a short trip so just decided to enter a blog entry before I disappear for the week.
This week saw a clip during prim time by The National Family Council.
A girl was narrating about her Dad taking care of her since young after her mom passed away, they as she grew older she admitted that it is getting more and more difficult for her Dad to cheer her up. Once scene shows she wanted a $70 red shoes but her dad managed to convince her for him to get her the $15 one. Unfortunately the shoes broke on her first date and she was quite pissed with her day. But next day, when on the way to work, she found the $70 red shoes on the shoe rack and her Dad sound asleep after working the night shift. She goes on saying her dad is a generous man beyond his mean about the greatest gift he gave her was the un-condition love.
Although I am not a pro family kind of person but I still find that this short clip is actually quite good.
First it talk about a Father’s love, which is seldom touch on and what the actress said was quite true that most parent love their child unconditionally.
So what is the purpose of this clip?
Well I guess its one of those campaign by our government to try to encourage Singaporean to have more babies.
Like I said before, I feel that the government should do more if they are serious wanting Singaporean to have more babies.
Firstly is the rising cost of living, then there is the work-life balance, better child care system, better education system etc etc…..
Showing a 3 min clips on TV or giving baby bonus will not solve the babies shortage problem.
But I guess the government had half given up by importing Foreign Talents.
I foresee some social problem coming up really soon.
Once of them is National Service.
When a Singaporean Boy reaches 18 years old, he is obliged to serve his county till 40 years old.
Let say 20 years ago, 1/3 of Singaporean man is defending 1/3 of woman and 1/3 of children and old folks. But today its ¼ of Singaporean man defending ¼ of woman , ¼ of children and old folks and additional ¼ of Foreign Talent.
Where is the logic to that? These FT are here to work and enjoy the good life while paying the government taxes to be around but they don’t serve our country. Their loyalty is not here.
If war come, they are the first one to get out of this country.
So my dear government, please do something significant to improve our population if you are serious about it.
Will be heading off to Hong Kong tomorrow for a short trip so just decided to enter a blog entry before I disappear for the week.
This week saw a clip during prim time by The National Family Council.
A girl was narrating about her Dad taking care of her since young after her mom passed away, they as she grew older she admitted that it is getting more and more difficult for her Dad to cheer her up. Once scene shows she wanted a $70 red shoes but her dad managed to convince her for him to get her the $15 one. Unfortunately the shoes broke on her first date and she was quite pissed with her day. But next day, when on the way to work, she found the $70 red shoes on the shoe rack and her Dad sound asleep after working the night shift. She goes on saying her dad is a generous man beyond his mean about the greatest gift he gave her was the un-condition love.
Although I am not a pro family kind of person but I still find that this short clip is actually quite good.
First it talk about a Father’s love, which is seldom touch on and what the actress said was quite true that most parent love their child unconditionally.
So what is the purpose of this clip?
Well I guess its one of those campaign by our government to try to encourage Singaporean to have more babies.
Like I said before, I feel that the government should do more if they are serious wanting Singaporean to have more babies.
Firstly is the rising cost of living, then there is the work-life balance, better child care system, better education system etc etc…..
Showing a 3 min clips on TV or giving baby bonus will not solve the babies shortage problem.
But I guess the government had half given up by importing Foreign Talents.
I foresee some social problem coming up really soon.
Once of them is National Service.
When a Singaporean Boy reaches 18 years old, he is obliged to serve his county till 40 years old.
Let say 20 years ago, 1/3 of Singaporean man is defending 1/3 of woman and 1/3 of children and old folks. But today its ¼ of Singaporean man defending ¼ of woman , ¼ of children and old folks and additional ¼ of Foreign Talent.
Where is the logic to that? These FT are here to work and enjoy the good life while paying the government taxes to be around but they don’t serve our country. Their loyalty is not here.
If war come, they are the first one to get out of this country.
So my dear government, please do something significant to improve our population if you are serious about it.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Loop holes.
20 firms pledge to give one-off payout to help workers cope with inflation
Channel New Asia 29th May
SINGAPORE: About 20 companies have decided to adopt the National Wages Council's recommendation to give their rank-and-file employees a one-off lump sum payment to help them cope with inflation.
"I am happy to say that in the next couple of weeks, we expect to see a few more companies following suit," said labour chief Lim Swee Say.
Taking the lead was the government, Singapore's largest employer. It said on Wednesday that civil servants will receive a one-off payment of $100 to $300 along with their mid-year bonus of a half-month's pay in July.
Mr Lim, the NTUC Secretary General, also said some companies have agreed with their unions on the amount of the one-off payment.
He said the labour movement will not dictate the quantum of the payouts.
Mr Lim said: "Most of them... target their workers earning below the median salary - S$2,500 and below. In some cases, they are providing a one-off payment ranging from S$200-S$500.
"As far as the NTUC is concerned, we do not dictate a specific number, because at the end of the day, it depends, firstly, on the affordability of the companies, and how much the companies empathise and sympathise with the low-wage workers.
"The least the employers can do is to show their sincerity and do whatever they can. The more they can afford... give more. The less they can afford... give less. But as my union leader says, something is better than nothing."
Firstly I think the gestures by these companies are good if they target the low -income workers.
But I have strong objection on how the civil service is doing it.
Yesterday from the news, it was reported that the civil services will pay ½ month salary to it workers and additional $100 - $300 more depending on their grade.
The higher your grade are, the more money you will get.
This is already wrong. Please note this is not a performance bonus as the higher position you hold, the more responsibilities you should have and therefore it is justifiable to pay you higher bonus then those below you.
However this bonus is to help with inflation, shouldn’t the one earning less be pay more instead?
I doubt the civil services cap the ½ month pay out at $2500.
Let say a civil servant month pay is $15000. Then he will get $7500 bonus for his mid year bonus.
Bloody hell if this is more then what an average Singaporean earns per month. And please, when this joker is earning $15000 do you think he should be given another $300 to help to cope with inflation?
Just buy Tag Heuer instead of Rolex and Honda instead on BMW Mr Civil Servant.
And remember, it is the taxes that you and me pay that are paying the Civil Services.
Channel New Asia 29th May
SINGAPORE: About 20 companies have decided to adopt the National Wages Council's recommendation to give their rank-and-file employees a one-off lump sum payment to help them cope with inflation.
"I am happy to say that in the next couple of weeks, we expect to see a few more companies following suit," said labour chief Lim Swee Say.
Taking the lead was the government, Singapore's largest employer. It said on Wednesday that civil servants will receive a one-off payment of $100 to $300 along with their mid-year bonus of a half-month's pay in July.
Mr Lim, the NTUC Secretary General, also said some companies have agreed with their unions on the amount of the one-off payment.
He said the labour movement will not dictate the quantum of the payouts.
Mr Lim said: "Most of them... target their workers earning below the median salary - S$2,500 and below. In some cases, they are providing a one-off payment ranging from S$200-S$500.
"As far as the NTUC is concerned, we do not dictate a specific number, because at the end of the day, it depends, firstly, on the affordability of the companies, and how much the companies empathise and sympathise with the low-wage workers.
"The least the employers can do is to show their sincerity and do whatever they can. The more they can afford... give more. The less they can afford... give less. But as my union leader says, something is better than nothing."
Firstly I think the gestures by these companies are good if they target the low -income workers.
But I have strong objection on how the civil service is doing it.
Yesterday from the news, it was reported that the civil services will pay ½ month salary to it workers and additional $100 - $300 more depending on their grade.
The higher your grade are, the more money you will get.
This is already wrong. Please note this is not a performance bonus as the higher position you hold, the more responsibilities you should have and therefore it is justifiable to pay you higher bonus then those below you.
However this bonus is to help with inflation, shouldn’t the one earning less be pay more instead?
I doubt the civil services cap the ½ month pay out at $2500.
Let say a civil servant month pay is $15000. Then he will get $7500 bonus for his mid year bonus.
Bloody hell if this is more then what an average Singaporean earns per month. And please, when this joker is earning $15000 do you think he should be given another $300 to help to cope with inflation?
Just buy Tag Heuer instead of Rolex and Honda instead on BMW Mr Civil Servant.
And remember, it is the taxes that you and me pay that are paying the Civil Services.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The sorry state of Public Transport in Singapore and the ignorance leaders.
Not too long ago, an idiot from in Singapore proudly commented that he can get from one point to another point in Singapore within 20min.
My finger to you!
My office is about 10.7km away from my home.
There is no MRT or LRT and normally I take a bus to work.
I take about 10min to walk to the bus stop and the bus ride itself during peak hours is about 40min (20min my ass!).
All in all it take me about 60min to reach my office every morning.
Today it took me 90min to reach office!! As I spend more then 30min at the bus stop waiting for the bloody bus!
20min my ass!! This show how tall the Ivory tower is for out Elites and they have totally lost touch with how daily life is for the average Singaporean.
I am not complaining about my 60min traveling time to work every day but I am complaining about the bloody 30min bus wait.
World-class transport system? My finger to you!
SBS transit? ($59m profit in 2007!) My finger to you!
20min traveling time in Singapore? (Not unless you have your own police escort!) My 2 fingers to you!
My finger to you!
My office is about 10.7km away from my home.
There is no MRT or LRT and normally I take a bus to work.
I take about 10min to walk to the bus stop and the bus ride itself during peak hours is about 40min (20min my ass!).
All in all it take me about 60min to reach my office every morning.
Today it took me 90min to reach office!! As I spend more then 30min at the bus stop waiting for the bloody bus!
20min my ass!! This show how tall the Ivory tower is for out Elites and they have totally lost touch with how daily life is for the average Singaporean.
I am not complaining about my 60min traveling time to work every day but I am complaining about the bloody 30min bus wait.
World-class transport system? My finger to you!
SBS transit? ($59m profit in 2007!) My finger to you!
20min traveling time in Singapore? (Not unless you have your own police escort!) My 2 fingers to you!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
The Wayangs
Have not been blogging much as I was rather busy at work.
In recent weeks I have notice the different type of personalities among the people I work with.
Firstly there are the workers, I called them the backbone of any companies, just leave them alone and they will get the work done. But sadly they normally fade into the background and most of the time their works are not appreciated by the boss.
Then there are the Wayangs, don’t see them around when there are works to be done buy they appeared out of nowhere when and wherever the bosses are. Even they may not be required to be there in the first place. These clowns are there to claims credits while putting in minimum effort.
Sadly as bosses are normally idiots and a fair and good boss only come about once in a blue moon, most people who moved up the corporate ladders are the Wayangs.
Same go for the government I guess.
Let say Emperor Lee decided that he want the 3rd Casino to be up and running by Dec 2009. (Impossible target). The Elites Forces aka Wayangs will not risk their balls by telling him that is impossible.
They will just happily agreed with the timelines and pass the job to the Workers.
When Dec 2009 comes and no casino, the Wayangs will blame the workers for not working 28hours eveydays.
Also the Wayangs will not be punish as they are there to fix the problem and are not there to take responsibilities.
Remember?
Friday, April 11, 2008
Stem cell for rich babies.
SINGAPORE : CordLife has opened Southeast Asia's largest cord blood bank in Singapore.
CNA 10 April 2008
Located at the Singapore Science Park, the new facility boasts bigger laboratories and features the latest technology dealing with cord blood processing and storage.
A cord blood bank is a facility which stores umbilical cord blood for future use.
As of April 2008, over 13,000 families have signed up with CordLife, which expects to give better service with its bigger labs.
The company has also launched its "CordLife Cares" programme to provide needy families the option of private cord blood banking and access to stem cells without the waiting time and high cost.
The programme is open to residents delivering their babies in Singapore, but they must first meet the selection criteria. "
(Firstly), a combined family income of not more than S$2,000, and secondly, the ability to demonstrate that there is a medical need," said Steven Fang, Group CEO, CordLife. - CNA /ls
Singapore are offering its citizen a facilities to store cord blood, the catch is ,only if you can afford it.
According to Wikipedia :
“Public cord blood banking is strongly supported by the medical community. However, private cord blood banking is generally not recommended unless there is a family history of specific genetic diseases. Private banking is unlawful in France and Italy, and opposed by the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies.”
I totally agreed with the law in France and Italy.
No doubt that cord blood are important and I think the Singapore government should set up a good public cord blood bank which will use to treat whoever who need it.
Rich or poor, all should benefit.
Instead our government are encouraging companies to set up private cord blood banking here.
No doubt is to earn money.
ColdLife is trying to convince themselves that they are doing some sort of community services by launching its “CordLift Cares” program to help the needy.
The catch is your whole family must earn less then $2000 and you still must show them you are sick.
So those familes who earn $2001 or $2500 per month you can go fly kites of you can PAY Cordlife to store your babies cord blood for you.
“CordLife offers different payment plans to better meet the needs of expectant parents:
One time payment of $1,400* upon registration. Annual storage fee of $250 (payable from 2nd year onwards)”
Yet another reason why the rich are living longer then the poor in Singapore. Sad.
CNA 10 April 2008
Located at the Singapore Science Park, the new facility boasts bigger laboratories and features the latest technology dealing with cord blood processing and storage.
A cord blood bank is a facility which stores umbilical cord blood for future use.
As of April 2008, over 13,000 families have signed up with CordLife, which expects to give better service with its bigger labs.
The company has also launched its "CordLife Cares" programme to provide needy families the option of private cord blood banking and access to stem cells without the waiting time and high cost.
The programme is open to residents delivering their babies in Singapore, but they must first meet the selection criteria. "
(Firstly), a combined family income of not more than S$2,000, and secondly, the ability to demonstrate that there is a medical need," said Steven Fang, Group CEO, CordLife. - CNA /ls
Singapore are offering its citizen a facilities to store cord blood, the catch is ,only if you can afford it.
According to Wikipedia :
“Public cord blood banking is strongly supported by the medical community. However, private cord blood banking is generally not recommended unless there is a family history of specific genetic diseases. Private banking is unlawful in France and Italy, and opposed by the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies.”
I totally agreed with the law in France and Italy.
No doubt that cord blood are important and I think the Singapore government should set up a good public cord blood bank which will use to treat whoever who need it.
Rich or poor, all should benefit.
Instead our government are encouraging companies to set up private cord blood banking here.
No doubt is to earn money.
ColdLife is trying to convince themselves that they are doing some sort of community services by launching its “CordLift Cares” program to help the needy.
The catch is your whole family must earn less then $2000 and you still must show them you are sick.
So those familes who earn $2001 or $2500 per month you can go fly kites of you can PAY Cordlife to store your babies cord blood for you.
“CordLife offers different payment plans to better meet the needs of expectant parents:
One time payment of $1,400* upon registration. Annual storage fee of $250 (payable from 2nd year onwards)”
Yet another reason why the rich are living longer then the poor in Singapore. Sad.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Joke of the year nomination
SMRT bags top global awardWednesday • April 9, 2008
SINGAPOREANS may sometimes grumble about their train rides, but transport operator SMRT has been rated as one of the best in the world.
The transport service provider clinched the "Best Passenger Experience" award at the inaugural Metro Awards in Denmark earlier this month, beating out finalists such as Copenhagen Metro, Hong Kong's MTR and The Warsaw Metro.
They were judged on factors such as value for money, efficiency and reliability track record; additional facilities on stations and trains; ease of use; loyalty discounts; cleanliness and security; as well as their ability to deal with overcrowding.
SMRT was also a finalist in the "Best Metro" and "Best Metro Asia Pacific" categories.The awards were given out during an annual conference of the urban rail industry worldwide, which drew more than 400 delegates.
Said Metro Award director Mr Matthew Wallhead: "The judges were impressed at the great lengths that SMRT went to ensure that their train services are customer-friendly."
He added: "SMRT tipped the scores for almost all the criteria."
SMRT's latest accolade echoes the first nation-wide index on customer satisfaction released on Monday, where the transport provider scored 69.9, above the national score of 68.7. And, last month, it won the 'Most Customer-Friendly Transport' at the Land Transport Excellence Awards.
Just last week, the train operator lost its appeal against a $387,176 fine imposed for a seven-hour delay on Jan 21 that had affected some 57,000 commuters.
While the operator had highlighted the mitigating actions it had taken — such as free bus bridging services — the Land Transport Authority said these actions had already been considered in deciding on the penalty.
SINGAPOREANS may sometimes grumble about their train rides, but transport operator SMRT has been rated as one of the best in the world.
The transport service provider clinched the "Best Passenger Experience" award at the inaugural Metro Awards in Denmark earlier this month, beating out finalists such as Copenhagen Metro, Hong Kong's MTR and The Warsaw Metro.
They were judged on factors such as value for money, efficiency and reliability track record; additional facilities on stations and trains; ease of use; loyalty discounts; cleanliness and security; as well as their ability to deal with overcrowding.
SMRT was also a finalist in the "Best Metro" and "Best Metro Asia Pacific" categories.The awards were given out during an annual conference of the urban rail industry worldwide, which drew more than 400 delegates.
Said Metro Award director Mr Matthew Wallhead: "The judges were impressed at the great lengths that SMRT went to ensure that their train services are customer-friendly."
He added: "SMRT tipped the scores for almost all the criteria."
SMRT's latest accolade echoes the first nation-wide index on customer satisfaction released on Monday, where the transport provider scored 69.9, above the national score of 68.7. And, last month, it won the 'Most Customer-Friendly Transport' at the Land Transport Excellence Awards.
Just last week, the train operator lost its appeal against a $387,176 fine imposed for a seven-hour delay on Jan 21 that had affected some 57,000 commuters.
While the operator had highlighted the mitigating actions it had taken — such as free bus bridging services — the Land Transport Authority said these actions had already been considered in deciding on the penalty.
Yesterday it was reported that SMRT bags some top award for “Best Customer Experience”.
I shall nominate this for the joke of the year competition.
I would say 9/10 time when I take the trains these days, they are crowded, has long waiting time, quite often dirty and run down especially for the 1st generation train. So one will wonder how did dear SMRT won the award anyway?
Check out this statement:
“They were judged on factors such as value for money, efficiency and reliability track record; additional facilities on stations and trains; ease of use; loyalty discounts; cleanliness and security; as well as their ability to deal with overcrowding.”
1. Value for money? Remember it was making record profit from the citizen people!
2. Efficiency? How often you wait more the 8min for train during peak hour? And when the train finally came it was so full you have to wait for the next and even the next next one.
3. Reliability track record? I shall say nothing about countless train disruptions and the lousy way the handled it.
4. Additional facilites on stations and trains? Huh?
5. Loyalty discounts? Huh? Huh?
6. Cleanliness and security? Shall check out the condition of the trains these days and what security? Hiring a few man in vest checking you bags and having some jokers in red beret patrolling key stations in town clearly showed you it is for show only.
7.Ability to deal with overcrowding? Easy, just raise fair.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Decision making
Just back from a trip to Taipei.
Since it was the week after the Presidential election, there were many coverages on TV regarding Ma-Ying Jeou , 馬英九 landslide win against Frank Hsieh, 謝長廷.
The Democratic Progress Party held the Taiwan Presidential Seats since 2000 after snatching it from the KouMinTang for the 1st time and now in 2008 the power is shift back to the KouMinTang.
Taiwanese are not very happy with the performance of the DPP for the last 8 years and they are now giving the KMT another chance.
I find that this constant check of the government by the people is very important.
Any layman will know that any new party in power will go 110% out during the 1st few years in power to gain the trust of the people.
So what happen to parties which stay in power for too long? (40years)
They become compliance and proud.
When the government makes a decision, who can tell they are doing it for the Good of the country and its people or are they doing it for their own party?
I believe that a good government should make a decision base on the development and well being on the country rather then selfishly decided on what is good only to them.
Give you an example, the YOUTH OLYMPIC.
Why it is good to host it?
For the government: More Money.
For the people: More crowded trains and buses.
Yes it is good for the economy to hold big event like the Youth Olympic games and the Formular 1 race here but did the life of average Singaporean got any better off from these money making event?
The answer is no!
We are facing record high inflation, GST hikes, higher transport cost etc etc....
So where has all the money gone too?
We should think carefully about this.
Decision making is easy but to make good decision against your own gain is difficult.
Since it was the week after the Presidential election, there were many coverages on TV regarding Ma-Ying Jeou , 馬英九 landslide win against Frank Hsieh, 謝長廷.
The Democratic Progress Party held the Taiwan Presidential Seats since 2000 after snatching it from the KouMinTang for the 1st time and now in 2008 the power is shift back to the KouMinTang.
Taiwanese are not very happy with the performance of the DPP for the last 8 years and they are now giving the KMT another chance.
I find that this constant check of the government by the people is very important.
Any layman will know that any new party in power will go 110% out during the 1st few years in power to gain the trust of the people.
So what happen to parties which stay in power for too long? (40years)
They become compliance and proud.
When the government makes a decision, who can tell they are doing it for the Good of the country and its people or are they doing it for their own party?
I believe that a good government should make a decision base on the development and well being on the country rather then selfishly decided on what is good only to them.
Give you an example, the YOUTH OLYMPIC.
Why it is good to host it?
For the government: More Money.
For the people: More crowded trains and buses.
Yes it is good for the economy to hold big event like the Youth Olympic games and the Formular 1 race here but did the life of average Singaporean got any better off from these money making event?
The answer is no!
We are facing record high inflation, GST hikes, higher transport cost etc etc....
So where has all the money gone too?
We should think carefully about this.
Decision making is easy but to make good decision against your own gain is difficult.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Greed.
MediaCorp gearing up its F1 coverage
IF YOU can't get a ticket for September's SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, you won't have to shell out extra to witness the historic event, for it will be shown live on MediaCorp TV Channel 5.
The station has secured the rights to be the official free-to-air TV broadcaster for the first-ever night race around the civic district — and the first street race in Asia — featuring the likes of defending world champion Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
Announcing this yesterday, Singapore's leading media company said it is revving up its coverage of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship — which flags off this Sunday with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne — across all its media platforms.
From tomorrow, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) will begin airing the first of an 18-part Inside Grand Prix series, which will preview every race of the 2008 season, going behind the scenes to showcase the teams, players and newsmakers.
Other programmes are also planned for both CNA and Channel 5.
Today will get the adrenaline pumping with a 14-page supplement in this Saturday's Weekend Edition, driven by Mr Ian De Cotta, 48, the newspaper's F1 correspondent.
MediaCorp Radio's 987FM and Class 95 stations will also get in on the act, organising the first racing challenge in August, as a prelude to September's big event.
FHM and Arena magazines will be producing racing-themed supplements and organising parties for clients, featuring the lovely FHM girls, while MediaCorp's news and entertainment websites will start offering the latest information on the races from this weekend onwards.
"We're glad to bring the excitement of the sport to our viewers, readers, and clients, offering coverage across the whole gamut of our media platforms," said MediaCorp chief executive officer Lucas Chow during yesterday's press conference, after signing the free-to-air agreement with Singapore GP.
It wonderful that they are reviving the FREE airing of the Formula 1 race on TV.
Why I said revive?
Well about 20 years ago I first saw what is Formula 1 on TV. I believe it was a Malaysian Channels and I was hooked on it then.
During the same time, there are also weekly English football update and matches in program like “Road to Wembly” on TV which got me interested in football as well.
But alias, with every greedy broadcaster trying to secure exclusive rights for sporting events and selling them at astronomical price to Television stations. We begin to see less and less of sporting program on TV.
Event important events like The World cups and European cups are suffering from these people greed. (I wonder why RTM are showing more live matches then Mediacorp in the last world cup.)
I am happy that somehow Mediacorp got the rights to televise this year Singapore Grandprix but I wonder how long will it last.
I suspect it is an attempt to get Singaporean to be interested in Formula 1 racing and therefore they will PAY for it either buying tickets for the race itself of subscribe to cable TV show live races.
Hope I am wrong about this but I doubt so. We shall see what happen next year.
For those who are interested, you actually can catch “delayed” telecast of Formula1 races on RTM on race day itself.
IF YOU can't get a ticket for September's SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, you won't have to shell out extra to witness the historic event, for it will be shown live on MediaCorp TV Channel 5.
The station has secured the rights to be the official free-to-air TV broadcaster for the first-ever night race around the civic district — and the first street race in Asia — featuring the likes of defending world champion Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
Announcing this yesterday, Singapore's leading media company said it is revving up its coverage of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship — which flags off this Sunday with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne — across all its media platforms.
From tomorrow, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) will begin airing the first of an 18-part Inside Grand Prix series, which will preview every race of the 2008 season, going behind the scenes to showcase the teams, players and newsmakers.
Other programmes are also planned for both CNA and Channel 5.
Today will get the adrenaline pumping with a 14-page supplement in this Saturday's Weekend Edition, driven by Mr Ian De Cotta, 48, the newspaper's F1 correspondent.
MediaCorp Radio's 987FM and Class 95 stations will also get in on the act, organising the first racing challenge in August, as a prelude to September's big event.
FHM and Arena magazines will be producing racing-themed supplements and organising parties for clients, featuring the lovely FHM girls, while MediaCorp's news and entertainment websites will start offering the latest information on the races from this weekend onwards.
"We're glad to bring the excitement of the sport to our viewers, readers, and clients, offering coverage across the whole gamut of our media platforms," said MediaCorp chief executive officer Lucas Chow during yesterday's press conference, after signing the free-to-air agreement with Singapore GP.
It wonderful that they are reviving the FREE airing of the Formula 1 race on TV.
Why I said revive?
Well about 20 years ago I first saw what is Formula 1 on TV. I believe it was a Malaysian Channels and I was hooked on it then.
During the same time, there are also weekly English football update and matches in program like “Road to Wembly” on TV which got me interested in football as well.
But alias, with every greedy broadcaster trying to secure exclusive rights for sporting events and selling them at astronomical price to Television stations. We begin to see less and less of sporting program on TV.
Event important events like The World cups and European cups are suffering from these people greed. (I wonder why RTM are showing more live matches then Mediacorp in the last world cup.)
I am happy that somehow Mediacorp got the rights to televise this year Singapore Grandprix but I wonder how long will it last.
I suspect it is an attempt to get Singaporean to be interested in Formula 1 racing and therefore they will PAY for it either buying tickets for the race itself of subscribe to cable TV show live races.
Hope I am wrong about this but I doubt so. We shall see what happen next year.
For those who are interested, you actually can catch “delayed” telecast of Formula1 races on RTM on race day itself.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Shit flow downward
Yesterday LTA announced that it will fine SMRT about $400K for the train disruption it caused in January 2008 as they were found not complying to operation procedure during maintenance work.
SMRT reported it might appeal fine and ensure the discipline action will be taken against the staff concerned.
I seriously doubt any Top management from SMRT will take responsibility and resign. Most probably some poor soul will be made the scapegoat and take all the blame and be sacked.
Same go for the Mas Selamat escape.
I can be almost sure that DPM Wong and the Chief of Police will still be around for a long long time.
This is what I can “shit flow downward”.
Same things are happening at work places all the time.
When come to a crisis, no top managements are there to take the responsibilities. They are there all the time to enjoy the perks but never there to take the blames.
So if the government act like this, we can’t blame the government related companies for doing the same thing and we most certainly can’t blame Singaporean for being “bochap” and selfish.
SMRT reported it might appeal fine and ensure the discipline action will be taken against the staff concerned.
I seriously doubt any Top management from SMRT will take responsibility and resign. Most probably some poor soul will be made the scapegoat and take all the blame and be sacked.
Same go for the Mas Selamat escape.
I can be almost sure that DPM Wong and the Chief of Police will still be around for a long long time.
This is what I can “shit flow downward”.
Same things are happening at work places all the time.
When come to a crisis, no top managements are there to take the responsibilities. They are there all the time to enjoy the perks but never there to take the blames.
So if the government act like this, we can’t blame the government related companies for doing the same thing and we most certainly can’t blame Singaporean for being “bochap” and selfish.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Beware the Cons that prey on people sympathy!
No too long ago we have bogus monks and nun preying on people sympathy by collection alms. Then just a couple of month ago Straights Time run an article on beggars syndicates operating in Singapore.
I have seen a few of these “beggars” operating at various MRT and bus interchange but yesterday I witness their true colour with my own eyes.
I was at Pasir MRT yesterday evening at about 7pm and there was this crippled beggar just outside the MRT station. He was sitting on the floor begging with both hands holding on to some dollar notes and in-front on him there are some coins. ($1 or 50cents).
Then I saw a man approached the “beggar” and he squat down to give him a coin, (look like 10cent or 20cent), the “beggar” actually threw the coin back at the man!!!
The “beggar” was indication to the man he wanted noted by pointing to those he was holding on in his hand.!!!
Basket! If I see him again I will call the police and I hope he ends up in a place where they fire never stop burning.
I have seen a few of these “beggars” operating at various MRT and bus interchange but yesterday I witness their true colour with my own eyes.
I was at Pasir MRT yesterday evening at about 7pm and there was this crippled beggar just outside the MRT station. He was sitting on the floor begging with both hands holding on to some dollar notes and in-front on him there are some coins. ($1 or 50cents).
Then I saw a man approached the “beggar” and he squat down to give him a coin, (look like 10cent or 20cent), the “beggar” actually threw the coin back at the man!!!
The “beggar” was indication to the man he wanted noted by pointing to those he was holding on in his hand.!!!
Basket! If I see him again I will call the police and I hope he ends up in a place where they fire never stop burning.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
NSF are getting weak
NSF recalled to camp despite the pain and a medical certificate
Thursday • February 14, 2008
Letter from Lee Kwok Weng
My son, who is serving his full-time National Service, was given medical leave for a week by Alexandra Hospital after two of his wisdom teeth were extracted.
Two days into his medical leave, he was ordered to report back immediately to his army camp.
The pain was still causing him much discomfort. He was unable to eat solid food or get sufficient sleep.
If there wasn't an emergency situation, I find it hard to understand why he was made to go back when he was still on medical leave. Can the relevant authorities please explain?
Check out the loser NSF who need his father to write to the forum for him. How old when are you when you go to the army? At least 16-18 years old.
If Lee Kook Weng has an issue with MINDEF, he should just write to them and not to the forum. I suspect there is some hidden story behind this saga which I will SPECULATE. Hee….
Firstly which dumb ass will remove 2 wisdom teeth at the same time? Unless it is causing pain else the doctor will normally remove one at a time. Or Mr Lee son want to “Keng” since lower wisdom tooth will give you only 3 days MC and the upper ones will give you 5 days MC.
Extracting a wisdom tooth is no big deal, unless the dentist screwed up. Normally the pain will affect your for a day or two and then you are ok except feeling a little uncomfortable.
If Junior Lee is “unable to eat solid food or get sufficient sleep” after 2 days, then he should go and see the doctor again.
Also Lee Kwok Weng did not mention why his son is being asked to report back to his camp.
Maybe it is just to endorse his MC like we all have to when we get MC outside and even though we are going to die we still need to travel all the way back to get our MC endorsed.
So Lee Kwok Weng just want his son to be special? Trying to paint the black horse white I think.
This rule is dumb but I thought MINDEF had improved it somewhat?
The problem with Singaporean is they are spoiling their sons.
I see parents driving and fetching their son every weekend when they book in or out of camp. Some even help them carry the black bags.
Come on man! You son is already old enough and NS is an opportunity for him to learn to be independent. For God sake can you make he grow up?
So you see how can we depend on these mummy and daddy boys to defend the country?
Thursday • February 14, 2008
Letter from Lee Kwok Weng
My son, who is serving his full-time National Service, was given medical leave for a week by Alexandra Hospital after two of his wisdom teeth were extracted.
Two days into his medical leave, he was ordered to report back immediately to his army camp.
The pain was still causing him much discomfort. He was unable to eat solid food or get sufficient sleep.
If there wasn't an emergency situation, I find it hard to understand why he was made to go back when he was still on medical leave. Can the relevant authorities please explain?
Check out the loser NSF who need his father to write to the forum for him. How old when are you when you go to the army? At least 16-18 years old.
If Lee Kook Weng has an issue with MINDEF, he should just write to them and not to the forum. I suspect there is some hidden story behind this saga which I will SPECULATE. Hee….
Firstly which dumb ass will remove 2 wisdom teeth at the same time? Unless it is causing pain else the doctor will normally remove one at a time. Or Mr Lee son want to “Keng” since lower wisdom tooth will give you only 3 days MC and the upper ones will give you 5 days MC.
Extracting a wisdom tooth is no big deal, unless the dentist screwed up. Normally the pain will affect your for a day or two and then you are ok except feeling a little uncomfortable.
If Junior Lee is “unable to eat solid food or get sufficient sleep” after 2 days, then he should go and see the doctor again.
Also Lee Kwok Weng did not mention why his son is being asked to report back to his camp.
Maybe it is just to endorse his MC like we all have to when we get MC outside and even though we are going to die we still need to travel all the way back to get our MC endorsed.
So Lee Kwok Weng just want his son to be special? Trying to paint the black horse white I think.
This rule is dumb but I thought MINDEF had improved it somewhat?
The problem with Singaporean is they are spoiling their sons.
I see parents driving and fetching their son every weekend when they book in or out of camp. Some even help them carry the black bags.
Come on man! You son is already old enough and NS is an opportunity for him to learn to be independent. For God sake can you make he grow up?
So you see how can we depend on these mummy and daddy boys to defend the country?
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
How to be the best school in Singapore
Recently these became the talking point:
ST Jan 12, 2008
Sec 5 class advised: Go to ITE insteadPrincipal tells students that they are unlikely to do well at O levels
By Sandra Davie
ST Jan 16, 2008Principal's 'wake-up call' to Sec 5 students had to be 'conveyed'
By Jane Ng
So we see the flaw of KPI and school rankings.
Every principle had change from an educator to a businessman who is watching his/her school-passing rate like no other business.
Who can blame them when or MOE are using this to rank our schools. (Why the hell they rank schools in the first place???!!)
Actually its not too difficult to be the best or worst school in Singapore.
You just need to enroll ONE student. Yes ONE.
So if he do really good say 9 As for his O-level.
Then your school become “100% passed with 9As”.
Sound good? Better if he represent his school in some sports and win.
“100% student represent Singapore in SEA games” or “100% student win gold medals in Nationals School Swimming meet”
But you have to make sure he is a good student else you get.
“100% student fail O-level”
ST Jan 12, 2008
Sec 5 class advised: Go to ITE insteadPrincipal tells students that they are unlikely to do well at O levels
By Sandra Davie
ST Jan 16, 2008Principal's 'wake-up call' to Sec 5 students had to be 'conveyed'
By Jane Ng
So we see the flaw of KPI and school rankings.
Every principle had change from an educator to a businessman who is watching his/her school-passing rate like no other business.
Who can blame them when or MOE are using this to rank our schools. (Why the hell they rank schools in the first place???!!)
Actually its not too difficult to be the best or worst school in Singapore.
You just need to enroll ONE student. Yes ONE.
So if he do really good say 9 As for his O-level.
Then your school become “100% passed with 9As”.
Sound good? Better if he represent his school in some sports and win.
“100% student represent Singapore in SEA games” or “100% student win gold medals in Nationals School Swimming meet”
But you have to make sure he is a good student else you get.
“100% student fail O-level”
Monday, January 21, 2008
It take two hands to clap.
Jan 21, 2008
Bad salt experience at Terminal One food court
I RECENTLY patronised the food court at Terminal One upon arriving in Singapore on Jan 13.
You would never have imagined the customer service that I experienced on the very first 15 minutes upon arrival.
I ordered a can of coke from the food court at Basement 1. After I made payment, I asked for salt and the staff told me that there wasn't any. It seemed strange to me that a drinks stall did not have any salt.
I tried approaching her again to check if she could get the salt elsewhere but before I could do so, she stared at me and told me: 'Don't have means don't have".
I did not want to start an argument with her and decided to purchase fruit juice from the adjacent stall for my girlfriend instead. And right in front of that stall was a container of salt. Then it dawned on me why Singapore's world ranking is starting to decline.
There are three points that I would like to highlight:
1. There is no necessity for the staff to stare at me.
2. It was totally unnecessary for her to use an angry tone with those harsh words.
3. She didn't even have to take the salt for me. She could have just told me that the neighbouring stall had what I wanted.
The main objective of this e-mail is not to penalise the staff or request an apology. What I'm concerned about is the reputation of the nation.
Janssen Tham Kwok Onn
Not to worry Janssen, even MM said we are not gracious.
Bad salt experience at Terminal One food court
I RECENTLY patronised the food court at Terminal One upon arriving in Singapore on Jan 13.
You would never have imagined the customer service that I experienced on the very first 15 minutes upon arrival.
I ordered a can of coke from the food court at Basement 1. After I made payment, I asked for salt and the staff told me that there wasn't any. It seemed strange to me that a drinks stall did not have any salt.
I tried approaching her again to check if she could get the salt elsewhere but before I could do so, she stared at me and told me: 'Don't have means don't have".
I did not want to start an argument with her and decided to purchase fruit juice from the adjacent stall for my girlfriend instead. And right in front of that stall was a container of salt. Then it dawned on me why Singapore's world ranking is starting to decline.
There are three points that I would like to highlight:
1. There is no necessity for the staff to stare at me.
2. It was totally unnecessary for her to use an angry tone with those harsh words.
3. She didn't even have to take the salt for me. She could have just told me that the neighbouring stall had what I wanted.
The main objective of this e-mail is not to penalise the staff or request an apology. What I'm concerned about is the reputation of the nation.
Janssen Tham Kwok Onn
I am actually quite surprise that this kind of letter got published by ST Forum online. I believe ST got better letters with REAL complaints to published like “GST, Taxi Hike, Civil Service Pay rise, etc etc”
Firstly to put things straight, the Terminal One Food Court is actually a staff canteen. It main purpose is to serve the staff working in the airport but it does open to the public.
What service Janssen expect when he visit a Food Court? Does he demand the hawkers serve him with a smile everytime?
I agreed that the staff was rude but what you expect with an underpaid long hour job worker.
To answer Janssen three points:
- How to define a stare? Were you staring at her too?
- This is true but what to expect from a hawker? You are not paying for any service. Must you really have salt in your coke and since you said the salt is right in front of the adjacent stall, can’t you see it? Did you try looking for a salt first before you ask her again? Need to be spoon fed I see.
- Maybe she really don’t know the salt is there? You just assume she don’t want to help you.
Not to worry Janssen, even MM said we are not gracious.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Gracious Society? Fat hope!
I went to IKEA Tampines for Dinner yesterday.
For those who don’t know, IKEA restaurant have this policy of you clearing your own utensils after your meal. But obviously it is difficult for it to work in Singapore.
When I used to dine in IKEA, be it Alexandra or Tampines, I would say maybe 2/10 joker usually leave their mess behind.
But the situation had gone to a point of no return.
Yesterday I noticed the restaurant's tables were full of leftovers, not only that, those idiots seem to be in the competition to see who can make the biggest mess during their meals. I really pity the 2-3 cleaners who were busy clearing up the mess.
Also many parents treat the place like a big playground for their kids.
I don’t mind if the kids play in the corners but these brats were like running all over the store screaming at the top of their voice.
I think the words “Gracious” and “Considerate” are already missing in our National vocabulary.
The kid’s behaviors in the stores are the results of the adult behaviors in the restaurants.
This is indeed very sad.
For those who don’t know, IKEA restaurant have this policy of you clearing your own utensils after your meal. But obviously it is difficult for it to work in Singapore.
When I used to dine in IKEA, be it Alexandra or Tampines, I would say maybe 2/10 joker usually leave their mess behind.
But the situation had gone to a point of no return.
Yesterday I noticed the restaurant's tables were full of leftovers, not only that, those idiots seem to be in the competition to see who can make the biggest mess during their meals. I really pity the 2-3 cleaners who were busy clearing up the mess.
Also many parents treat the place like a big playground for their kids.
I don’t mind if the kids play in the corners but these brats were like running all over the store screaming at the top of their voice.
I think the words “Gracious” and “Considerate” are already missing in our National vocabulary.
The kid’s behaviors in the stores are the results of the adult behaviors in the restaurants.
This is indeed very sad.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Happy New Year SBS!
Look like some things just don't change.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is the 3rd time I am writing to SBS Transit within 6 months.
I last written to you in July and Aug 2007 in regard to the service standard of Service 89 at Pasir Ris during morning peak hour.
The load factor and schedule of Service 89 seem to fluctuate randomly. For the pass few months, the load factor and frequency are still acceptable. Just when I am about to comment that SBS really do take public feedbacks seriously thing starts to deteriorate.
Today, again at Bus stop 77019, I missed a Service 89 at 0800hrs. In the end, I have to wait till about 0826 for the next bus.
Is close to 30min waiting time acceptable to SBS transit?
Please provide your schedule for Service 89 which you failed to provide for when I asked in my previous two emails.
Under Public Transport Council guideline on Quality of Bus service standards item :
4.4 Bus service scheduled headways (frequencies):
a) At least 80% of bus services to operate at headway of not more than 15 minutes (to be changed to 10 minutes with effect from Aug 2009) during weekday (excluding public holidays) peak periods, unless otherwise stipulated by the PTC
Under you Customer Service Charter for Buses:
“Availability: Waiting time for 75% of bus services to be within 15min and 80% to be within 20min during peak hour”.
From my personal experience, it look like SBS transit need to be constantly reminded on its real service standard from the public.
I do not sense any sincerity for SBS Transit to provide quality services to your customer as promised by your service charter.
I hope you will be looking into the matter seriously and I look forward to your prompt response.
Please do show some sincerity by not sending my a template replies as per your previous two responses.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is the 3rd time I am writing to SBS Transit within 6 months.
I last written to you in July and Aug 2007 in regard to the service standard of Service 89 at Pasir Ris during morning peak hour.
The load factor and schedule of Service 89 seem to fluctuate randomly. For the pass few months, the load factor and frequency are still acceptable. Just when I am about to comment that SBS really do take public feedbacks seriously thing starts to deteriorate.
Today, again at Bus stop 77019, I missed a Service 89 at 0800hrs. In the end, I have to wait till about 0826 for the next bus.
Is close to 30min waiting time acceptable to SBS transit?
Please provide your schedule for Service 89 which you failed to provide for when I asked in my previous two emails.
Under Public Transport Council guideline on Quality of Bus service standards item :
4.4 Bus service scheduled headways (frequencies):
a) At least 80% of bus services to operate at headway of not more than 15 minutes (to be changed to 10 minutes with effect from Aug 2009) during weekday (excluding public holidays) peak periods, unless otherwise stipulated by the PTC
Under you Customer Service Charter for Buses:
“Availability: Waiting time for 75% of bus services to be within 15min and 80% to be within 20min during peak hour”.
From my personal experience, it look like SBS transit need to be constantly reminded on its real service standard from the public.
I do not sense any sincerity for SBS Transit to provide quality services to your customer as promised by your service charter.
I hope you will be looking into the matter seriously and I look forward to your prompt response.
Please do show some sincerity by not sending my a template replies as per your previous two responses.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Why our public transport are hopless?
I think I finally know why our public transport are so screwed up.
Let see what the PTC suppose to do:
The Public Transport Council (PTC) is an independent body that regulates bus services, public transport fares and ticket payment services. It is constituted under the Public Transport Council Act (Cap 259B), which was brought into force on 14 August 1987. As an independent regulator, the PTC is entrusted with the challenging mission of both safeguarding the interest of the public and ensuring the long-term viability of public transport operators. It aims to strike an optimum balance between the two and, on this basis, seeks to:
Look who are the council members for Public Transport Council!!
I seriously doubt the claims. “Many of the Council Members are regular users of public transport…..”
Council Members were appointed on the basis of their competency, good public standing and experience, especially their ability to contribute effectively to PTC's deliberations on issues relating to public transport. They are drawn from a wide cross-section of society including:
Many of the Council Members are regular users of public transport and all are familiar with the operations of the public transport system both locally and overseas.
The composition of the Council facilitates a wide representation of views from the public. It enables PTC's deliberations to be comprehensive and rigorous, taking into full account of the diverse technical, economic, financial and social perspectives. This ensures that decisions made are robust, balanced and readily acceptable to the public.
Let see what the PTC suppose to do:
The Public Transport Council (PTC) is an independent body that regulates bus services, public transport fares and ticket payment services. It is constituted under the Public Transport Council Act (Cap 259B), which was brought into force on 14 August 1987. As an independent regulator, the PTC is entrusted with the challenging mission of both safeguarding the interest of the public and ensuring the long-term viability of public transport operators. It aims to strike an optimum balance between the two and, on this basis, seeks to:
- Create a comprehensive and integrated bus network;
- Assure quality bus services;
- Maintain affordable bus and train fares for the public; and
- Safeguard public interest in the mode of payment of fares.
Look who are the council members for Public Transport Council!!
I seriously doubt the claims. “Many of the Council Members are regular users of public transport…..”
Council Members were appointed on the basis of their competency, good public standing and experience, especially their ability to contribute effectively to PTC's deliberations on issues relating to public transport. They are drawn from a wide cross-section of society including:
- professional services
- business enterprises
- academic institutions
- labour unions
- grassroots organisations
Many of the Council Members are regular users of public transport and all are familiar with the operations of the public transport system both locally and overseas.
The composition of the Council facilitates a wide representation of views from the public. It enables PTC's deliberations to be comprehensive and rigorous, taking into full account of the diverse technical, economic, financial and social perspectives. This ensures that decisions made are robust, balanced and readily acceptable to the public.
Taxi in Singapore
Income of its drivers up by 10 per cent, says ComfortDelGro
Today Online Friday • January 4, 2008A
Some cabbies had griped about seeing their takings plummet since fares were hiked three weeks ago — but an initial finding by the largest taxi operator here suggests that the contrary is, in fact, true.
"From our initial findings, income of drivers has gone up by about 10 per cent," said ComfortDelGro spokeswoman Tammy Tan, in response to Today's queries.
"We have over 30,000 drivers and while some have indicated a drop in takings, others have seen an increase. "
The fare revision is aimed not just at regulating demand and supply but also increasing driver income, and early indications are that this is happening."
Some cabbies claim to have suffered a 5- to 50-per-cent cut in takings as commuters resist the impulse to take taxis, turning instead to trains and buses.
Nr Ng Kian Cha, 54, groused: "Business has gone down especially during the morning peak hours. I picked up only three people in two-and-a-half hours. It is even worse after 5pm."
But other taxi companies say it is too early to tell if their drivers indeed face an income crunch.
Mr Lim Chong Boo, managing director of Premier Taxis, with a fleet of 2,400, said the number of call bookings dipped during the Christmas period — which he attributed to people going on holiday overseas — but picked up just before the new year.
"It's too premature to come to any conclusion," he said.
Meanwhile, commuters are still coming to grips with how the revised surcharges are tallied — and a few unscrupulous taxi drivers are taking advantage of their confusion.
One cabbie allegedly charged undergraduate Daniel Soh an extra $3 on Wednesday night, after a short journey from Newton MRT station to Zouk discotheque in Kim Seng Road.Under the new fare structure, a $3 city area surcharge is levied between 5pm and midnight from Monday to Saturday, for anyone boarding a taxi within the zone bounded by the electronic road pricing gantries. Newton falls outside this.
"I knew there was no surcharge but the driver said there was," said Mr Soh, 23, who paid the fare but complained to the taxi company.
Office manager Ziehan Adnan, 25, claimed she was taken on a roundabout route on Wednesday, after she had boarded the taxi 10 minutes before the peak hour surcharge — now 35 per cent of the metered fare — expired.
When confronted, the taxi driver argued that she was paying less in surcharges than if the whole ride had fallen within the peak period.
"I am more angry about the drivers' attitudes than about the money," she said.
While new fare guides have been posted in taxis, bank executive Audrey Chow, 27, said: "There are just too many surcharges and you cannot remember them all. I will just pay whatever is on the meter."
Cabbie Teo Teck Huat, 60, said there was little incentive for drivers to inflate fares by taking a longer route "because that would waste a lot of our own time".
A spokeswoman for SMRT Taxis, which has 3,000 taxis, told Today it had not received any complaints."
To ensure our passengers are charged the correct fare, our taxi meters automatically capture any additional surcharges incurred throughout the journey," she said.
Still, commuters are advised to keep their receipts, which give a breakdown of the fare.
ComfortDelGro's Ms Tan said: "Our meters are tamper-proof so there is little risk of miscalculation."
I believe this article to rubbished those complaints from cabbies that claim they income have dropped due to lack of passengers after the increase in fare.
The first part of the article states that some comfort taxi drivers income increase by 10% instead.
This statement is so idiotic.
Note that Tammy don’t provide any figure.
We only know comfort has about 30 000 drivers. But how many of them actually had a 10% increase in his income? Could be only just 1 of the 30 000!!
Scenario:
Before the fare restructuring, Comfort Driver Bo Jo Kang only drive his cab 2 days in a week and he take his normally take it easy so his average daily income is about $100. Multiply by 2 and his weekly income in $200.
After the fare restructuring, Bo Jo Kang daily income dropped by 50%. So he need to work longer hours to compensate. He drive 5 days instead of 2 days in a week and his weekly income is about $250. A whopping 25% increase in his income! Hooray!
So what we see here? Bo Jo Kang had to work longer to earn what his used to get. At the end of the day it is the bloody taxi company that benefit from all the fare restructuring. Now drivers had to rent more cabs from them while the drivers and passengers suffered.
Then the article speaks for itself how some driver increase they taking of the days. BY OVERCHARGING.
Sad….
Today Online Friday • January 4, 2008A
Some cabbies had griped about seeing their takings plummet since fares were hiked three weeks ago — but an initial finding by the largest taxi operator here suggests that the contrary is, in fact, true.
"From our initial findings, income of drivers has gone up by about 10 per cent," said ComfortDelGro spokeswoman Tammy Tan, in response to Today's queries.
"We have over 30,000 drivers and while some have indicated a drop in takings, others have seen an increase. "
The fare revision is aimed not just at regulating demand and supply but also increasing driver income, and early indications are that this is happening."
Some cabbies claim to have suffered a 5- to 50-per-cent cut in takings as commuters resist the impulse to take taxis, turning instead to trains and buses.
Nr Ng Kian Cha, 54, groused: "Business has gone down especially during the morning peak hours. I picked up only three people in two-and-a-half hours. It is even worse after 5pm."
But other taxi companies say it is too early to tell if their drivers indeed face an income crunch.
Mr Lim Chong Boo, managing director of Premier Taxis, with a fleet of 2,400, said the number of call bookings dipped during the Christmas period — which he attributed to people going on holiday overseas — but picked up just before the new year.
"It's too premature to come to any conclusion," he said.
Meanwhile, commuters are still coming to grips with how the revised surcharges are tallied — and a few unscrupulous taxi drivers are taking advantage of their confusion.
One cabbie allegedly charged undergraduate Daniel Soh an extra $3 on Wednesday night, after a short journey from Newton MRT station to Zouk discotheque in Kim Seng Road.Under the new fare structure, a $3 city area surcharge is levied between 5pm and midnight from Monday to Saturday, for anyone boarding a taxi within the zone bounded by the electronic road pricing gantries. Newton falls outside this.
"I knew there was no surcharge but the driver said there was," said Mr Soh, 23, who paid the fare but complained to the taxi company.
Office manager Ziehan Adnan, 25, claimed she was taken on a roundabout route on Wednesday, after she had boarded the taxi 10 minutes before the peak hour surcharge — now 35 per cent of the metered fare — expired.
When confronted, the taxi driver argued that she was paying less in surcharges than if the whole ride had fallen within the peak period.
"I am more angry about the drivers' attitudes than about the money," she said.
While new fare guides have been posted in taxis, bank executive Audrey Chow, 27, said: "There are just too many surcharges and you cannot remember them all. I will just pay whatever is on the meter."
Cabbie Teo Teck Huat, 60, said there was little incentive for drivers to inflate fares by taking a longer route "because that would waste a lot of our own time".
A spokeswoman for SMRT Taxis, which has 3,000 taxis, told Today it had not received any complaints."
To ensure our passengers are charged the correct fare, our taxi meters automatically capture any additional surcharges incurred throughout the journey," she said.
Still, commuters are advised to keep their receipts, which give a breakdown of the fare.
ComfortDelGro's Ms Tan said: "Our meters are tamper-proof so there is little risk of miscalculation."
I believe this article to rubbished those complaints from cabbies that claim they income have dropped due to lack of passengers after the increase in fare.
The first part of the article states that some comfort taxi drivers income increase by 10% instead.
This statement is so idiotic.
Note that Tammy don’t provide any figure.
We only know comfort has about 30 000 drivers. But how many of them actually had a 10% increase in his income? Could be only just 1 of the 30 000!!
Scenario:
Before the fare restructuring, Comfort Driver Bo Jo Kang only drive his cab 2 days in a week and he take his normally take it easy so his average daily income is about $100. Multiply by 2 and his weekly income in $200.
After the fare restructuring, Bo Jo Kang daily income dropped by 50%. So he need to work longer hours to compensate. He drive 5 days instead of 2 days in a week and his weekly income is about $250. A whopping 25% increase in his income! Hooray!
So what we see here? Bo Jo Kang had to work longer to earn what his used to get. At the end of the day it is the bloody taxi company that benefit from all the fare restructuring. Now drivers had to rent more cabs from them while the drivers and passengers suffered.
Then the article speaks for itself how some driver increase they taking of the days. BY OVERCHARGING.
Sad….
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