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he is a very captivating speaker
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_794478.html NDP tickets: Unfair to bar previous ballot winners Published on May 2, 2012 I THANK Mr Lim Kim Thia for his feedback last Saturday ('NDP balloting: Exclude those who were successful in previous years'). Every year, on Aug 9, Singaporeans come together to celebrate National Day. The number of applications for National Day Parade (NDP) tickets overwhelmingly exceeds the seats available. Since 2003, the NDP e-balloting system has been used to allocate tickets to successful applicants on a random basis, to ensure that every applicant has an opportunity to join in the celebration at the NDP venue. Every NDP is unique. While we would like as many Singaporeans as possible to experience the parade, it would be unfair to deny those who were successful in previous years a chance to attend the nation's birthday celebration. Nonetheless, repeat ballot winners constitute a very small percentage of all successful applicants, and do not significantly reduce the chances of new applicants being allocated tickets. As we celebrate Loving Singapore, Our Home this year, those who are unable to secure tickets to the parade can join the Celebrations@The Bay, where complementary activities will be organised around the Marina Bay area. We wish to remind the public that the sale and purchase of NDP preview and actual-day tickets are strictly prohibited. Colonel Desmond Tan Chairman Exco, NDP 2012
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I am all for this system but also a realist to know that some folks will abuse it if implemented... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_793022.html EMPLOYMENT ACT REVIEW Replace MCs with honour system Published on Apr 27, 2012 I AM a doctor in a public primary health-care institution, and am currently on a six-week attachment at a hospital in San Francisco to learn some of their best practices. My hosts here have heard many good things about Singapore and its health-care system and are as keen to learn from me as I am from them. One thing which I have found difficult to explain to them is the fact that many of our patients are those seeking medical certification for sick leave, adding to our already overloaded system ('Beefing up the Employment Act'; Wednesday). It is ridiculous that people who are entrusted with carrying firearms, administering medication, making financial decisions on behalf of others or educating our young are not trusted to call in sick on their own without having to visit a doctor first. Often, patients just need a day of rest with some medication which they can easily obtain from a pharmacy before going back to work reinvigorated. In San Francisco, people are entitled to some 10 to 14 days of sick leave a year. If they take sick leave beyond a certain period, they are then required to produce a sick note. Otherwise, it is based on an honour system which seems to work well. I wonder if the Ministry of Manpower will consider removing the need for sick leave to be certified by a doctor as is stated in the Employment Act. It could limit the need for a doctor's certification only for sick leave of three days or more. This will greatly reduce the strain on public resources, freeing up time in the doctors' consulting rooms for those patients who truly need the time, as well as empower employees to take better charge of their own health. I am sure the different organisations can come up with their own incentive programmes to ensure that employees stay healthy. Dr David Tan Hsien Yung
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Helluva lot of ppl asking gahmen to help them own cars. Really! If everyone had that mentality, we sure gonna be in gridlock. Totally flabbergasted with the thinking of these individuals :angry: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_791913.html http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_791837.html http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_791838.html http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_791840.html http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_791836.html
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I couldn't sign in to sgmerc forum. I have tried to register using another username and I got the same screen. I got a feel that my IP address got banned by the moderators/administrators. Can anyone help me to inform the moderators/administrators? Username: Phang Thanks.
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I do not think the authorities will assist much in this sort of civil disputes or come out with such an insurance scheme. If pressed I guess they will say go for BMW to save ourselves these hassles... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_782815.html Make Malaysian vehicles liable for accidents here Published on Mar 29, 2012 I WAS involved in an accident with a Malaysian vehicle on Jan 3. The Traffic Police have not charged either party. If the accident had involved two Singapore-registered vehicles, the apportioning of liability would have been 50:50. However, as this involved a Malaysian vehicle, I was advised by my insurer to make an own damage claim as it would be difficult to claim damages from the foreign vehicle or its insurer. This is grossly unfair. Singapore drivers pay road tax to drive on Singapore roads. We should be assured that in the event of an accident, our interests are protected. I have two suggestions:
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Not sure why ever since the authorities announced they intend to implement the Do-Not-Call thingy at the last quarter of next year, I have been bombarded with <ADV>.... SMSes ever since on a daily basis. Many are from property agents and really a damn bl**dy nuisance especially during working hours. They should have enacted this law like ten years ago... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_783205.html Nuisance canvassing for unsecured credit Published on Mar 30, 2012 ALMOST every other day, I get a deluge of telephone calls from banking telemarketers urging me to take up the banks' unsecured credit facility, usually with some sweeteners like zero per cent interest for the first few months. As if this is not enough, my mailbox is also filled with mailers from various banks enticing me to sign up for their easy credit, ready credit or whatever name they call their unsecured credit. Typical tactics involve sending a blank cheque addressed to me, coupled with a mailer on zero or low interest rates for the first few months. While the Government has tightened rules for licensed moneylenders, the nature of unsecured credit extended by banks to individuals is very similar to that of the loans extended by licensed moneylenders. The Government should look into the marketing tactics adopted by banks with respect to unsecured credit extended to individuals. James Wong
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Bros working in Tuas, this place really that jialat? The way he described the area machiam a big slump like that... ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_781675.html Tuas: A 'different' part of Singapore Published on Mar 26, 2012 I WORK in the Tuas industrial area and I wonder why the place is so different from the rest of Singapore. Rubbish lines the roads and cleaning is seldom carried out. Many eating places are dirty and infested with flies, and packs of dogs roam the streets. Cars are parked on pavements, and many roads are not properly maintained and often obstructed with planks or other objects that have fallen out of trucks. Public transportation is badly organised, with routes taking many twists and turns. Also, transit times from MRT stations to the area are extremely long. To drive in the mornings and evenings to and from work is a nightmare, with accidents occurring often on the Ayer Rajah Expressway. People working here deserve a spotless environment, good service, clean food outlets and properly controlled traffic. We do not have tourists visiting the area, but business contacts coming to our factories and offices often comment that Tuas is a 'different' Singapore. Rinaldo Romani
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_773082.html Ban vehicle accessories that distract drivers Published on Mar 3, 2012 I AM appalled that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) allows in-car video entertainment systems on the dashboard ('Glitzy video gadgets a distraction for drivers'; Feb 22). I am not against the use of in- vehicle entertainment devices, per se. Audio players can entertain drivers and help keep them alert. GPS devices also aid drivers in unknown territory. And having portable video players can help calm hyperactive children when travelling. However, it is ridiculous to allow drivers to install video-playing devices in the driver's view. It is already dangerous when drivers talk on their mobile phones; and it will be more so if they take their eyes off the road to watch a video. While multi-tasking is a time- saving skill in the workplace, it is a potentially deadly habit on the road. If drivers do not concentrate on driving, they will be blind to dangers. Such errant drivers must be kept off the road, for the safety of other road users, through a mandatory jail term and driving ban. In addition, insurers should treat the installation of such entertainment devices, in positions that might compromise safety, as illegal modifications, and decline insurance. The authorities should confiscate such vehicles when they are caught on the road. Tan Hong Chan
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The Straits Times; Published on Mar 8, 2012 Protect CPF savings from inflation TO ENSURE the adequacy of retirement funds, Central Provident Fund (CPF) members should consider their 'real' returns on CPF savings, after subtracting inflation, which reduces future purchasing power ('CPF Life: Wouldn't the monthly payout be eroded by inflation?' by Mr Christopher Teng; yesterday)[alt link]. The Minimum Sum is adjusted for inflation, yet the Ordinary Account (OA) and Special Account (SA) 'nominal' interest rates are not; and neither, it seems, are the CPF Life payouts, which thus create significant exposure to inflation. For example, if the SA nominal rate is 4 per cent, and inflation is 6 per cent, one loses 2 percentage point purchasing power. From 1995 to 2006, this was not so important because inflation was low, between a negative 0.4 per cent and 2 per cent, averaging 0.87 per cent annually. But from 2007 to last year, inflation rose dramatically - as high as 6.6 per cent (2008) and 5.2 per cent (last year), averaging 3.5 per cent over this five-year period, which is four times higher than that for the 1995-2006 period. So, at a 4 per cent SA rate, the real return from 1995 to 2006 would have averaged 3.13 per cent (4 per cent minus 0.87 per cent), and from 2007 to last year, a low 0.5 per cent (4 per cent minus 3.5 per cent). To demonstrate the magnitude of these real return differences over a career, compound $10,000 annually over a 30-year period. Using a 3.13 per cent real return yields $25,200 after 30 years, while 0.5 per cent correspondingly yields only $11,600. Thus, today's real yields will leave retirees with only half the real purchasing power of the earlier period, and their CPF Life payouts are also exposed to inflation. While future inflation and OA/SA rates are unknown risks, it is clear that inflation can affect retirement purchasing power dramatically. Without inflation indexing, CPF members seem to have no means to maintain purchasing power over the long haul should inflation continue or escalate rapidly. Perhaps returns in CPF retirement accounts should be set at a minimum real yield to factor in inflation. Many countries offer inflation-protected notes and bonds, so this is a mainstream practice. The Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, which invests the CPF capital, has a target long-term real return that takes inflation into account. Factoring inflation protection into the SA rate assures CPF members, who will rely on their retirement savings, that these are protected from the unpredictable ravages of inflation. Michael Dee Copyright -
From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_773752.html Not always easy to work with older employees Published on Mar 5, 2012 WHILE I have met and worked with many older staff who are dedicated, knowledgeable and helpful, I have also encountered many who are a constant challenge to work with ('Unproductive to stereotype older staff' by Ms Kelly Fu Su Yin; last Tuesday). Here are some instances:
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Some how kinda hard to believe...could there be a misunderstanding or really it is normal? From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_773718.html Arrived at Terminal 1, luggage handled at Terminal 2 Published on Mar 5, 2012 I ARRIVED at Changi Airport's Terminal 1 on Flight SQ425 yesterday. After clearing Customs, I went to buy some beer at the DFS shop. While queueing, I saw a fellow passenger being asked to make his purchase at the DFS shop at Terminal 2 instead. He dropped the items and walked off with a look of frustration. When it came to my turn, a staff member explained that passengers who arrived on my flight were supposed to make their purchases at the Terminal 2 DFS shop, as the luggage handling was done at that terminal. She said this was because my point of disembarkation was 'very near' Terminal 1. This piece of information came as a surprise, and no one in the queue was aware of this at all. Why did the crew on board not advise the passengers prior to landing? Can a passenger clear Customs at Terminal 1 while his luggage is being handled at Terminal 2? And how does he make his way from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 without violating security regulations? I had no check-in luggage, but I could imagine the frustration and confusion of the other passengers. This could give foreign visitors a bad impression of the country. I was embarrassed to overhear one Singaporean passenger saying: 'This cannot happen in Singapore.' The relevant organisations need to provide an explanation. Song Heng Mun
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_771289.html $70 fine for ERP misdemeanour Published on Feb 28, 2012 THE Land Transport Authority (LTA) dispatched a letter to me last week informing me that I did not have an ERP card inserted when I entered an Electronic Road Pricing zone. What shocked me was the $70 fine. It was an honest mistake and besides, most motorists would not deliberately cross an ERP gantry without having an inserted card, knowing full well that there would be no escape from the clutches of the LTA. Previously, one would be fined only $10 for the offence. In fact, one was given a $2 discount if one paid electronically. That, I thought, was a nice gesture and punishment enough when the cost of entering the ERP zone was only 50 cents. Since when did the LTA decide to raise the fine to $70? What is the reason for spiking the fee amount so drastically? Such a punitive fine is unwarranted, especially since the LTA does not have a convenient system of settling ERP charges, requiring motorists to top up their cards ever so often. David Lim
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The GRC which her estate is in is anchored by two heavy-weight cabinet ministers. Maybe it will finally be cleaned when the ministers conduct a visit? In any case, littering is quite a worrying issue in HDB estates and you can see cleaners doing their daily work clearing lift lobbies of bulky disued furnitures, fridges, etc and sweeping away tissues, sweet wrappers, ciggy butts, etc around blocks. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_771293.html Slow to clean in this heartland block Published on Feb 28, 2012 WHILE I support and applaud the recent raise in salaries for cleaners in PAP town councils ('Town council cleaners get more pay now'; last Tuesday), I am dismayed by the state of my block of flats managed by the Sembawang Town Council. The littered corridors are often unswept and not cleaned; and strewn often with paper, fliers, cigarette butts and sweet wrappers, which are left there for days. Unfinished drinks and cup noodles left on staircases are uncleared for just as long and are equally a common sight. Certainly, uncivic residents - and non-residents - should be held to account but there is also no reason for trash and litter to be left uncleared for days, and sometimes for as long as a week. When I expressed my concerns to the town council, the reply was that the corridors of each floor should be swept daily. Apparently, that did not include my block. The council employee promised me that she would inform the town council management. But, one year later, the situation has not improved. Neighbourhood cleanliness should rank higher in the council's priorities. Lim Suyin (Ms)
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Geeez, thought only car owners kena this type of situation Typical scenario: You just found out that your 5 yo ride's a/c seemed to go have gone AWOL and after asking around you decided to go to a "recommended" ws since the AD's warranty was up. First the "experienced" mechanic claimed there was insufficient refrigerant so he topped up the gas but still the car interior felt warmed. Then he said oh the piping hardened liao & got cracks so needed a new one so he changed it but still the oven feeling was felt. So he proposed next to flush the entire a/c system but you swear there was still no improvement at all after that. He then scratched his head & suggested the compressor might be faulty so you reluctantly agreed to a re-con one. But the re-con compressor quit on you on day two so you drove back to the ws to seek redress and the fella now tells you look I think its better you buy a new one... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_769539.html Agony over efforts to plug a leak Published on Feb 23, 2012
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_768477.html Issue of parking in private estates a complex one Published on Feb 20, 2012 WHILE the Land Transport Authority regularly enforces against illegal parking or stopping along expressways and major arterial roads, we manage the enforcement in private residential estates taking into account the needs of its many users ('Illegal parking a chronic problem' by Mr Song Koon Poh; last Monday). Public roads in private residential estates serve its residents, community service providers and visitors to the estate, so parking needs will vary among different private estates. Where the situation is complex, we consult the neighbourhood committee, grassroots and residents when working out the parking restriction arrangement. For example, residents and visitors to an estate may be allowed to park along the roads if they do not pose a safety hazard, obstruct traffic or block access, and if the community at large accepts such an arrangement. We seek the understanding of residents that the issue of parking in private estates is a complex one, especially as more households own more than one car. We will continue to work closely with the residents in each community to strike an appropriate balance between providing for parking needs and ensuring smooth traffic flow. Where there is indiscriminate parking, we will take enforcement action against these vehicles. We thank Mr Song for his feedback. Helen Lim (Ms) Director, Media Relations & Public Education Land Transport Authority
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Caveat emptor. Sorry to hear that this old gentlemen had had a bad experience but he should have insisted to know the price instead of just relying on the owner's words. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_767364.html Frequent visitor's crabby experience Published on Feb 17, 2012
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_765952.html RACE TO STAY AHEAD Parents hiring help to do tuition homework Published on Feb 13, 2012 I THANK Ms Irene Tham for last Thursday's article ('Worried parents taking kids to psychologists'). As a parent of two primary school children, I can identify with the stress parents, and children, feel because of today's education demands. In fact, I have discovered this absurdity: parents who engage tuition teachers as a second line of help, to help their children with tuition homework. They enrol their child at an elite centre which insists that pupils maintain high standards. When the child cannot cope with the work assigned by the centre, the parents hire a tutor, or enrol their child in another centre, to help the pupil with the exacting demands of the elite tuition centre. A friend of mine was asked by a parent to serve as a second-line tutor while another friend who used to teach at an elite tuition centre confirmed she had pupils who engaged extra tutors to help them with their tuition homework. Is such stress necessary and is such an education culture healthy? How far will parents go just to ensure that their children stay ahead? I thank The Straits Times for continuing to highlight education issues. Hopefully, it will enlighten the authorities and help them make better decisions about the education system. Crystal Teo (Mrs)
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I think for all road users including pedestrians, a little respect, a little patience and a little tolerance goes a long way to prevent senseless accidents... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_763407.html Put the brakes on bad driving habits
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She is not the only one as many of us are also constantly bombarded by these calls, day and night. Some are not deterred by or ignorant of the foreign ring tone when they dial the number My response to all the cold-calls is very simple: NOT INTERESTED and then I just hang it up. From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_762460.html Helpless against property brokers Published on Feb 3, 2012 THERE has been no let-up in property agents representing agencies like ECG, ERA and HSR haranguing me on whether my property is for sale. I have been plagued by calls because they got hold of my phone number. They also know where I live. Once my child answered the phone and they asked for my name... and now they know that as well. Each time I have asked them to remove me from their list, or to speak to a supervisor, or for an e-mail to unsubscribe, all to no avail. These agents have stock answers ready such as: sorry, the managers are all out or have gone home; sorry, they do not know the e-mail addresses; sorry they do not have a number in the office I could call. While I can unsubscribe from receiving SMS messages, I cannot get them to stop calling me. Li Zhenyi (Ms)
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Redefining the political landscape Monday, 30 January 2012 Singapore Democrats SDP's Treasurer, Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, spoke at the 'The Young Guns Forum 2012' last week organised by the National University of Singapore Political Association. The other panel speakers were PAP's Mr Vikram Nair, NSP's Ms Nicole Seah, and WP's Mr Gerald Giam. Dr Wijeysingha outlined the prerequisites of a progressive society which were based on "principal freedoms" that emerged from societal struggles in the past. Below is the full text of his speech.
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Wonder how much Mr Mohan is advertising to pay for this job? From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_757592.html Analyse skill sets of jobless to fine-tune intake of foreigners Published on Jan 20, 2012 I DISAGREE with the view that foreign workers are taking jobs away from citizens and suppressing the potential pay of Singaporeans (''Foreign talent policy had effect on income gap''; Tuesday). I have had a business in software services for more than 32 years and I have seen my staffing headcount drop to 15 from 65 because I offshored the work. My company is automated in every conceivable way possible but there is a minimum number of IT skilled staff we need. We advertise regularly for staff and only about 2 per cent of the applicants can pass the skills test that we set, and even then, just barely. In one case, the applicant took a toilet break and did not return for the test. The skill sets of the unemployed should be analysed so we can see which type of person is unable to obtain a job. Once that is established, the foreign worker quotas can be fine-tuned accordingly. The increase in the minimum salary for employment passes has, in certain categories, just increased employers' costs as suitable Singaporeans cannot be found. Harendra Mohan
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Noble reasons and passionate plea but given that our HDB always insist on charging "market" rates for their units, residential, commercial or industrial, this reader is unlikely to succeed convincing them. Besides, aunty lucy's chain and other similarly-theme super-markets are now almost everywhere and most traditional heartland shops stand no chance competing with them. It is inevitable that the majority of these type of shops will go the way of the dinosaurs eventually... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_757687.html Do more to protect heartland vibrancy Published on Jan 20, 2012 I AM happy that the Housing Board has set aside $11 million to upgrade the common areas of heartland shopping zones and fund promotional activities for up to six years ('HDB to give shops $11m boost'; last Saturday). But the authorities can do more to protect heartland businesses that are an essential part of the way of life of most Singaporeans. Given rising inflation and rentals, coupled with the aggressive encroachment of megamalls into our housing estates, many of our locally owned and operated shops - be they traditional provision shops or food stalls - are struggling to survive. Some shops which have served the community for decades are giving way to rows of nondescript, low-price chain stores that stock a limited range of substandard products. Instead of allotting shops to the highest bidder, the HDB should consider giving more leeway to traditional provision shops that have defined the neighbourhood for decades and are now a part of Singapore's urban heritage. Shops within HDB estates can also be a seeding ground for encouraging potentially promising start-up businesses by aspiring young Singaporeans, many of whom would not stand a chance in a mall with a rental rate of about $25,000 a month. The authorities can even consider letting out units at token rates to arts groups which could use the space to create and exhibit their works. Preference should be given to residents in the vicinity of the estates. As for the process of selecting the types of activities and businesses, the Government should establish a more inclusive system with local committees comprising a mix of grassroots volunteers, community organisations and ordinary residents. Like our public housing, the value of the shops leased out by the HDB should not be pegged to short-term fluctuations of the private market. The shops should aim to give Singaporeans a greater sense of ownership and belonging to their homes and to Singapore. Liew Kai Khiun
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From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_757250.html Do parallel importers ignore manufacturers' recall advice? Published on Jan 19, 2012 TWO years ago, I deviated from my habit of buying a car from an authorised dealer, opting instead to buy one from a parallel importer because of the huge savings. But I regret that decision now. Some time ago, I received a letter informing me that there was a manufacturer's recall for my Honda Stream. When I telephoned the workshop named, I was told that I had to pay for my car to be checked. From my experience with authorised distributors, I knew there was no such charge. But as the amount was small, I did not object. When I took my car to the workshop, the staff inspected it briefly and said there was no need to change anything. I was shocked because from my experience with authorised dealers, whenever the car company announced a recall, the part would be changed regardless of whether it was defective. When I demanded that the part be changed, the workshop manager said there was no stock and that I had to obtain the part from the parallel importer. When I checked with the parallel importer, I was told that as long as the workshop said the part was not faulty, there was no need to replace it. I discovered that some of my colleagues who had bought cars from parallel importers also faced the same situation during a recall. None had the car parts changed. The Land Transport Authority should investigate the practice for safety reasons. Sam Gan -
Yep another typical don't-know-how-lucky-you-are letter from a foreigner. Geee why are there an increasing number of such citizen-admonishing letters lately? Again to folks like them, being a cabinet minister here is a thankless job. Well for $1.1m, most inlcuding yours truly are willing to accept the "thankless" part. [laugh] http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_754518.html Ballot box answer to minister's salary Published on Jan 12, 2012 THE job of a politician is much more complex than that of a chief executive officer (CEO) of a private company ('Variable component' by Mr Kevin Kwek; Tuesday). A CEO is motivated purely by profits, even if it means axing jobs. A minister's task is multi-dimensional. He has to keep the economy on a sound footing, create wealth, jobs and infrastructure as well as look to security, to name a few. If a minister does not perform, vote him out - that is how the question of his salary should be resolved. I am from India on a long-term visit pass and I clearly see the distinction with which Singapore has been steered by its ministers. Singaporeans should be proud of the leaders they have had, and have, and reward them well for a job well done. This will encourage a fresh crop of non-corrupt, young, talented citizens to take up the thankless job of a minister. Marcel J. Misquith
