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.
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