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I decided to create a separate thread for AI. Things are really rapidly changing. AI to replace sales staff that are in a revolving door situation. Seems like this company has hit upon a niche that larger companies are very interested in. Not all of these ideas will work out. But you can bet a significant portion of desk/admin jobs will slowly be redundant over the next 10-15 years. Maybe by then, some of us would be working alongside AIs to do some of the routine tasks. https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/09/saleswhale-seed-funding/

Starting a thread to consolidate the sharing of SIM-only plan experiences and lobangs. Still 1 month+ left on my current M1 SIM-only contract and looking at what other players (telco and MVNO) are offering. Came across Zero1's 6u plan which seems pretty competitive, so putting this plan on my radar screen.

Has anybody feel that yesterday(Mon 8-Dec-2008) was indeed very cold? From my flat i have to wear sweater in the morning, i am jsut wondering whether it was below the official announced 24 deg C, anyone felt the same?

Boom and doom? Singapore to launch vaccinated travel lanes with India, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia SINGAPORE: Singapore will extend its vaccinated travel lane (VTL) scheme to more countries starting from Nov 29, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Monday (Nov 15). The country intends to launch VTLs with India and Indonesia from Nov 29, and with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Dec 6.

I'm beginning this thread so I can continue to discuss matters on a topic that interests me. I know there is a thread with similar content, but it's become a bit toxic, so if the mods don't mind, I'll start one here? Otherwise go ahead and merge. Basically we have an economic crisis on us, and internationally things are not doing well either. But in spite of this, property prices seem to be headed northwards and the agents will want to tell you, they won't drop. But job losses are on the way, and the capital appreciation on property isn't what it used to be and despite what agents try to tout, one must consider all factors rationally, and see if your money is better served elsewhere. Eg a good benchmark will be the 2.5% that CPF offers. But property remains enticing because it takes a lot more effort and investigation to find alternatives and not all Singaporeans are that hardworking or familiar with the investment instruments available. I wonder what the rest think? Cheers

SINGAPORE – High certificate of entitlement prices are not quelling motor dealers’ appetite to grow their portfolios. Premium Automobiles, the retail dealer for Audi, has just been appointed the distributor for Zeekr, a luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand from Chinese automotive giant Geely. The agreement was signed in late December. The showroom for the brand will be built in the Leng Kee Road area in the first half of the year, Premium Automobiles said in a statement sent to The Straits Times late on Dec 28. The service facility will be in the Ubi industrial area. When asked, Premium Automobiles said the details are still being finalised for their exact locations, but added that these will be dedicated facilities that will not be shared with Audi cars, which the company will continue to sell. Zeekr will be launched here with two models – 009, which is a multipurpose vehicle (MPV), and X, a sports utility vehicle (SUV). Deliveries will begin in the third quarter of 2024. The 009 MPV is over 5.2m long, which makes the six-seater bigger than the latest generation Toyota Alphard, which measures just under 5m. Premium Automobiles did not confirm the exact specifications of the models, but the 009 MPV has a promised range of 800km on a full charge. Its dual motor set-up offers maximum power of 400 kilowatts, enabling it to sprint from 0kmh to 100kmh in 4.5 seconds, and making it the world’s fastest MPV. The X SUV is about the same size as the Nissan Qashqai at 4.4m long. Two versions are offered in the other markets where Zeekr is already operating. One has a 200kW motor that powers the rear wheels and boasts a range of up to 440km and the other is a zippier 315kW dual-motor all-wheel-drive version that can cover 400km on a single charge. Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau will be the first places where Zeekr right-hand drive cars are available. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/chinese-ev-maker-zeekr-s-cars-to-be-sold-in-singapore-with-deliveries-from-q3-2024

lai liao 😁 @ https://www.techinasia.com/source-tesla-nears-final-approval-sell-cars-singapore

It is not about Singapore (human) population but still a piece of good news. The efforts of our zoological team pay dividends. And 998 is quite an auspicious number too. 🙃 Bountiful baby year: S’pore wildlife parks welcomed close to 1,000 newborns in 2024 Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bountiful-baby-year-spore-wildlife-parks-welcome-close-to-1000-newborns-in-2024 It was a huge bundle of joy for Mandai Wildlife Reserve in 2024 as it welcomed 998 baby animals across its parks. The bumper births surpassed 2023’s 970 newborns, which was then the highest number of babies the wildlife parks have collectively produced since 2013. Among the new additions are 34 species listed as threatened under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, Mandai Wildlife Group (MWG) said on March 27. Singapore Zoo One of them was Putri, a proboscis monkey whose wild populations are declining due to habitat loss from deforestation for timber and oil palm plantations. Putri, whose name means “princess” in the Malay and Indonesian languages, is the second offspring to parents Malaka and Jeff. She can often be seen playing with her brother Bayu or clinging to her mother at the proboscis monkey habitat. Of the 143 species that gave birth in 2024, 23 are part of internationally managed breeding programmes such as the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s Ex-situ Programme. The arrival of five slender-tailed meerkat pups – the twins residing at the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia and the triplets at Wild Africa – marks the first births of the species since 2019, said MWG. Adding to the list of crowd charmers is a female Linne’s two-toed sloth named Hope and three oriental small-clawed otters. Another highlight was the arrival of two Goeldi’s monkeys – the first infants in nine years – along with four ring-tailed lemurs and two emperor tamarins. In the realm of reptiles and amphibians, the endangered golden mantella and black-legged poison frog were among the key breeding successes, said MWG. “These species require highly specific water conditions for reproduction, and the animal care team achieved a breakthrough by studying and fine-tuning optimal water parameters,” it said, adding that the team also simulated natural seasonal changes, such as adjusting temperatures and humidity, to improve breeding success. “In a crucial step, eggs were carefully retrieved for assisted hatching, to maximise chances of survival.” The efforts put in led to a total of 31 golden mantella hatchlings, which was the highest in three years. According to MWG, another of its key breeding efforts focused on the Chrisangi leaf insect, a species native to Singapore, to prevent extinction and support conservation efforts. Night Safari A bounty of fawns were also birthed at Night Safari in 2024. Among the additions were three Malayan sambar deer, five barasinghas, and a male hog deer. The arrival of three Turkmenian markhor kids also marked a milestone as the first offspring for the species in five years. Markhors, with their wide hooves, are perfectly adapted to the rocky, mountainous terrains that they inhabit in the wild. MWG also welcomed a male woylie, the fifth joey born at Night Safari since 2021, at the Tasmanian Devil Trail. The joey, which initially stayed close to its mother after birth, is now growing bolder, curiously exploring its habitat and engaging in enrichment activities. River Wonders At River Wonders, it welcomed two special additions – a giant anteater pup and a West Indian manatee calf. Solana, the fifth pup born to Zapata and Iapura, has transitioned to a solid diet of ant eggs and boiled eggs. As she continues to get used to the presence of keepers, the playful young one often climbs onto its mother’s back for comfort. Meanwhile, the shy West Indian manatee calf at the Amazon Flooded Forest has formed a friendship with a young female born in 2023. The two can often be seen grazing together. The latest calf, like her buddy, was bottle-fed by the aquarists and tended to round the clock as no nursing behaviour was observed from its mother. The endangered Lake Titicaca frog was also successfully bred by River Wonders in the same year it was first exhibited. The blue discus, a tropical fish native to South America, continues to thrive with 80 new members joining the school. Bird Paradise High conservation value species like the golden parakeet and yellow-mantled chattering lory were born in Bird Paradise in 2024. To ensure their survival, eggs that were neglected or abandoned in the aviaries were safely retrieved and incubated at its breeding and research centre. According to MWG, newly hatched chicks are placed in a specially controlled environment. The chicks will be hand-raised and gradually exposed to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, preparing them for release to the aviaries. Other notable baby birds included first-time hatchings for MWG, such as the blue-winged leafbird, Madagascar teal and Meller’s duck as well as the first Nyasa lovebird and green honeycreeper hatchlings in over seven years. They also celebrated its first-ever penguin hatchlings with two gentoo penguin chicks born to first-time parents Riki and Peach, and one to parents Citrus and Enzo.

DINE IN & WIN SGCARMART NETS MOTORING CARDS, ONLY AT FUJIWARA TOFU SG Sgcarmart is running a collab with Fujiwara Tofu Concept Shop Singapore to give out NETS Motoring cards! A total of 35 winners will be selected to receive a limited-edition Sgcarmart NETS Motoring Card. The cards come with stored value of $5, $10, or $50. Featuring the Mazda RX-7 and "COE to the Moon" edition cards! To participate, just visit Fujiwara Tofu SG and scan the giveaway QR code located at the shop. No minimum spend is required for entry. In addition, customers may redeem an AE86 Initial D keychain with any Recommended Set purchased, while stocks last! Just show this promo when redeeming your keychain! The promotion is exclusive to Fujiwara Tofu SG, Singapore's first Initial D-inspired Japanese izakaya. Giveaway closes on 3 June 2026 at 11:59 PM. Winners will be contacted by Sgcarmart via email. Fujiwara Tofu Concept Shop Singapore Make a Reservation via their Chope booking page or simply walk in! Full Menu: https://fujiwaratofusg.com/pages/menu Location: 169 Sims Ave, #01-02, Singapore 387488

Source: https://mustsharenews.com/singapore-nuclear-energy-2050/ Singapore Could Potentially Use Nuclear Energy By 2050 When the topic of nuclear energy gets brought up, some might instinctively think of the dangers associated with the alternate energy source. However, nuclear energy can also be an efficient power source. On Tuesday (22 Mar), the Energy 2050 Committee published a report showing that Singapore could tap into nuclear energy in the coming decades. With recent advancements, nuclear technology has apparently become safer and more reliable. However, more research and development are needed to determine if it’s indeed viable for Singapore. Nuclear energy could supply 10% of Singapore’s needs by 2050 According to The Straits Times (ST), a report commissioned by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) concluded that about 10% of Singapore’s energy demand could be supplied by nuclear energy by 2050. While Singaporeans might understandably be worried about nuclear energy, the Energy 2050 Committee said advancements in the field have made the alternative power source safer than before. The report projected 3 uncertain geopolitical scenarios in 2050: Clean Energy Renaissance Climate Action Bloc Emergent Technology Trailblazer S’pore can determine if nuclear energy is viable by 2040s In the 3rd scenario, the world is fragmented and technology advancements will delay but eventually arrive. Singapore will be able to deploy low-carbon alternatives, such as nuclear energy, into its energy mix. The report stated that a fragmented geopolitical situation means that countries would find it harder to collaborate and achieve their climate targets. This would limit electricity imports in Singapore’s energy mix. This is as opposed to the other 2 scenarios, where electricity imports would contribute a significant portion of Singapore’s energy needs. Scenario 1: Clean Energy Renaissance Scenario 2: Climate Action Bloc Nevertheless, in all 3 scenarios, electricity imports, hydrogen, solar, and energy storage systems will be important. The Straits Times (ST) reported that in 2014, Singapore allocated $63 million to fund research and education in nuclear safety, engineering, and science. By the 2040s, Singapore would likely be able to determine if nuclear energy is viable. If so, we can start developing domestic generation capacities. Could contribute greatly to our climate efforts Once associated with danger and volatility, we are glad that modern developments have made nuclear energy much safer and hopefully more viable. While it might sound ambitious for Singapore to incorporate nuclear energy, it could contribute greatly to our nation’s climate efforts.

https://content.mycareersfuture.gov.sg/singapore-employment-salary-2023-outlook-industries/ Our job market may look healthy, but there are headwinds on the horizon for Singaporean employees and jobseekers. Without sugar-coating it, there are three significant headwinds affecting Singapore’s job market outlook. The global economic downturn where the cyclical changes will reduce employment opportunities. The ongoing pandemic crisis is still uncertain in its trajectory and may linger on for some time. Technological disruptions, particularly digitalisation, will continue to induce structural changes that make jobs and skills redundant. That said, it’s not entirely all doom and gloom for local employees and jobseekers, though there are indicators that Singapore’s labour market is slowing down with economic growth numbers. According to figures released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) in November 2022, Singapore’s economic growth is expected to slow to 0.5 to 2.5% in 2023, due to global uncertainties, down from the projected 3.5% growth in 2022. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower revealed in an October 2022 report: “In the coming months, a deteriorating global economic environment, higher global inflation, as well as geopolitical tensions could affect the labour market outlook. “Some unevenness in employment growth may emerge across sectors”, they elaborated. On the numbers front, there was a “slight uptick” in unemployment rates, and a rise in retrenchments, though both remained on par with pre-Covid levels. What’s the big picture that affects Singapore’s job market outlook? Arturo Bris, Professor of Finance and Director of the IMD World Competitiveness Centre Switzerland, shared his take with Workipedia by MyCareersFuture: “From the economic standpoint, there are two main uncertainties. “The first one is the global economic crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine and the disruption of global supply chains. “Its effects on inflation and growth are heard everywhere, including Singapore. As an economy that relies on foreign trade, it is extremely sensitive. “The second uncertainty pertains to China and the negative worrying signals from the Asian giant. In particular, there are concerns about the growth prospects of China and its preference to grow its domestic market instead of relying on neighbouring countries.” Which Singapore hiring industries could see headwinds in 2023? In fact, according to a Business Times report, Maybank analyst Chua Hak Bin noted that many sectors, such as hospitality, construction and healthcare, are still experiencing acute labour shortages. For Singaporean workers, recent employment number gains came from industries such as information and communications, professional services, and financial services. However, the MOM report states that administrative and support services saw a sustained decline, “partly reflecting the gradual scale-back of Covid-related occupations”. MTI also reported that weaker economic sentiments would weigh on the growth of outward-oriented sectors in Singapore, such as our electronics and chemicals clusters. That said, the ministry expects that Singapore’s strong recovery in air travel and international visitor arrivals will continue to benefit sectors related to aviation and tourism. This includes air transport, arts, entertainment and recreation, and consumer-facing sectors like food and beverage services. Lifting of travel restrictions in Singapore and the region has also boosted the recovery of the professional services sector. Professor Lawrence Loh, from NUS Business Schools’ Department of Strategy and Policy, said to Workipedia by MyCareersFuture: “In view of the international economic outlook, particular industries in Singapore like manufacturing and financial services will be significantly challenged due to weaker demands in 2023. “While industries affected by the pandemic such as aviation and travel have been recovering, these have to be continually on the alert for any unexpected new twist in the situation. “Moving into next year, as always, technology will almost always have impacts on organisational structures and products, as well as individual jobs and skills.” “This will happen across a broad spectrum of industries, particularly those that are manually driven such as retail, hospitality and even financial services.” What about 2023 salaries, then? 2023 looks to be a mixed bag when it comes to salaries, according to Mercer’s recently released Total Renumeration Survey (TRS). The flagship annual compensation and benefits benchmarking study identifies key remuneration trends and predictions for hiring and pay for 2023. Over 1000 Singapore-based companies participated in this year’s survey. While local employers anticipate salary increases in 2023 to surpass pre-pandemic levels, inflation is also depressing sentiment, with more than half of the companies in Singapore (54%) adopting a wait-and-see approach to their salary budgets. “Employers remain cautious about bumping up wages to match inflation,” said Mansi Sabharwal, Reward Products Leader at Mercer Singapore. “And many are turning to less permanent solutions such as benchmarking competition to stay competitive in the market (70%), focusing on total rewards communication (69%) and increasing wages of lower-income employees (55%).” Some other key findings from Mercer’s report on salaries revealed which industries could have the highest salary increments as below: Logistics: (4.4%) Banking and Finance (4.27%) Tech (4.06%) Real Estate (3.25%) The aerospace industry is also forecasted to see improvement, with salary increments expected to rise from 3.09% to 3.52% in 2023, given global travel continues to gain momentum in the aftermath of Covid-19. Working in an industry that might slow down? Here’s some advice Associate Prof. Trevor Yu, from the College of Business’ (Nanyang Business School) Division of Leadership, Management & Organisation, shared the below advice: Take a proactive look at your current skill set and project what areas you need to develop and upskill in the next few years. Consider also whether it is time to explore other options in faster-growing sectors like those listed above and what steps are needed to reskill for possible career changes and transitions. Finally, how much meaning do you derive from your current job role? Do you feel engaged both physically and psychologically? What steps can you take to craft or negotiate a better situation at work so that you can give the best that your talent can offer? Prof. Loh concludes: “There are two perennial challenges for jobs – creations and displacements – both of which will be critically influenced by the job market headwinds. “For organisations, especially those more vulnerable to the headwinds, continued transformation is the way forward – it is key to constantly adapt, innovate and strive for resilience. “As such, no skill will remain relevant forever – in fact, the shelf life for skills is getting shorter and shorter. “For workers at all levels, capability development is the surest solution – it is imperative to always upskill and reskill!”

now got Cathay Pacific Promotion Deals: Smartsaver Economy Class Fares $230 to bangkok, wu hua boh ??? Source: http://www.../cathay-pacific-promotion-deals-smartsaver-economy-class-fares/

Malaysia’s TB outbreak: 503 new cases recorded https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysias-tb-outbreak-503-new-cases-recorded KUALA LUMPUR - A total of 503 new tuberculosis (TB) cases were reported nationwide during the fifth epidemiological week. In a statement issued on Feb 15, the Health Ministry said the latest detections brought the cumulative number of TB cases to 2,571 across the country. The breakdown of cases shows that Sabah recorded the highest number with 614 cases, accounting for 23.88 per cent of the total reported. This was followed by Selangor with 476 cases (18.51 per cent) and Sarawak with 257 cases (10.00 per cent). Johor ranked next with 233 cases (9.06 per cent), while the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya recorded 202 cases (7.86 per cent). Penang registered 148 cases (5.76 per cent), followed by Kedah with 144 cases (5.60 per cent) and Perak with 127 cases (4.94 per cent). Lower figures were reported in the remaining states, including Kelantan with 96 cases (3.73 per cent), Pahang with 81 cases (3.15 per cent), Terengganu with 60 cases (2.33 per cent) and Negeri Sembilan, which recorded 58 cases (2.26 per cent). Meanwhile, Melaka recorded 42 cases (1.63 per cent), Perlis reported 17 cases (0.66 per cent), and the Federal Territory of Labuan registered the lowest number with 16 cases, representing 0.62 per cent of the total. The statement said in preparation for the upcoming festive season and extended public holidays, the public has been advised to remain vigilant in preventing and controlling TB transmission. “Preventive measures include practising proper cough and sneeze etiquette and wearing face masks in crowded areas. “Individuals experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss have been urged to seek immediate screening at the nearest healthcare facility,” it said. The statement emphasised that these measures are not only based on principles of personal risk assessment but also constitute an important social responsibility to protect oneself, family members and the wider community from the risk of infectious disease transmission.

Performance Automobiles Pte Ltd (the Audi dealer in Singapore) has branched out to include a few electric brands. One of the brands In it's stable is the exclusive Authorized Dealership (AD) in Singapore for Xpeng via it's subsidiary XPremium BEV Pte Ltd. There are two Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) (currently) from Xpeng available in Singapore. One is in the shape of an SUV and referred to as the G6. The other one and detailed in this thread is the luxury 7 seat people mover - called the X9. Styled unlike other MPVs on the road, the X9 is inspired from starships with the windshield being highly sloped at a 21-degree angled to the A-pillar. The X9's height is low enough to comfortably into all MSC in Singapore - without the worry of scratching the roof. Length : 5,293mm Width : 1,988mm Height: 1,785mm Wheelbase: 3,160mm The X9 is only available in Front Wheel Drive (FWD) in Singapore with a 235kW motor producing 450Nm of torque. Can do the century sprint in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/hr. AC charging is capped at 11kW and time to re-charge will depend on the battery capacity of the two trims available. Uses a 800V architecture for rapid DC charging. Standard range. Battery: 84.5kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) from Eve Energy. Range (WLTP): 500 km WLTP energy consumption: 16.9 kWhr/100km AC charging: 5% to 100% in 9.5 hours DC charging: 283 kW; 10-80% in 20 minutes Curb weight: 2,640 kg Gross vehicle mass: 3,220 kg Net carrying weight: 580 kg Long range. Battery: 101.5kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) from CALB Range (WLTP): 590 km WLTP energy consumption: 17.2 kWhr/100km AC charging: 5% to 100% in 11 hours DC charging: 317 kW; 10-80% in 20 minute Curb weight: 2,590 kg Gross vehicle mass: 3,170 kg Net carrying weight: 580 kg The exterior design has a low coefficient of drag number of 0.236. This is reflected in class leading WLTP energy consumption number of around 17.2kWhr / 100km. The best there is now. The back is sloped 23-degree at the rear window. This is to reduce drag/wind turbulence and has the side benefit of less space required behind the vehicle to open the boot. With all seven seats up, the boot is a large 755 L of space. Enough to fit a few luggage's to the airport. When the 3rd row seats are folded down (can go completely into the floor) the available volume increases to 2,554L. Large enough to fit a road bike in the back. It's a very practical vehicle for the family. Underneath the skin, Xpeng has implemented front and rear mega (die) casting - similar to what Tesla uses to improve rigidity, stiffness and integrating with the structural battery pack makes the X9 a very strong and stable vehicle. Should get five star safety rating in Euro NCAP once tests are done. The side benefit of die-casts are reduced complexity in the manufacturing process, improving quality and cost savings in eliminating welds/stamping of multiple parts. The X9 also has a double wishbone front suspension and multilink independent rear suspension, both using dual-chamber air springs capable of 90 mm (3.5") of ride height adjustment as standard, allowing for a 37 mm (1.5") floor entry height. The air suspension can be adjusted up 40 mm and down 50 mm. Great for an aging population with easy ingress and egress inside. Xpeng claims that the suspension automatically adjusts the height based on speed, reducing wind resistance at higher speeds (higher efficiency) and thus improving range. Competition in the MPV space are: Zeekr 009 : 5,207 (L) x 2,024 (W) x 1,856 (H) mm. Wheelbase 3,205 mm. The 009 is also sold by Performance Automobiles under its AD relationship with Zeekr. BYD DENZA D9 : 5,250 (L) x 1,960 (W) x 1,920 (H) mm. Wheelbase 3,110 mm. MG Maxus 9 : 5,270 (L) x 2,000 (W) x 1,840 (H) mm. Wheelbase 3,200 mm. Toyota Alphard : 5,100 (L) x 1,850 (W) x 1,950 (H) mm. Wheelbase 3,000 mm. Hyundai Staria : 5,253 (L) x 1,997 (W) x 1,990 (H) mm. Wheelbase 3,273 mm. KIA Carnival : 5,155 (L) x 1,995 (W) x 1,740 (H) mm. Wheelbase 3,090 mm. Will do a follow up post on interior design as well as a cost breakdown for the X9.

I know we have a separate property thread, but IMO, this deserves a separate discussion. This area will be big, in size and impact.. https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/9000-housing-units-including-hdb-be-built-keppel-club-site https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ndr-2019-greater-southern-waterfront-pulau-brani-sentosa-keppel-11819376?cid=h3_referral_inarticlelinks_24082018_cna https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/specific-measures-could-dampen-lottery-effect-of-public-housing-11825766 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6xz58yCqGk

Personally, the mindset of the national is if it is FREE we will keep it hence, i dont envisage a possible reduction in our NS duration what i am very worried about is the world is moving so very fast we already had been disadvantaged by NS, resulting in being 2 or 2 1/2 years behind our girls and our foreign classmates in the future it will be worse for our children even 6 months can mean a break or score the economic cycle also is shorter hence, i am just worried about our children am i worrying too much for our kids or should i just relax TAIPEI

How many of you have heard of the term "Dalforce"? Is this taught in schools here?

Good to see that we are heading in the right direction in the application of 3D printing. Case Study #1 Singapore showcases first on-site 3D-printed childcare centre; exterior walls built in 2 days (https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spores-first-on-site-3d-printing-of-structural-elements-cuts-down-on-needed-manpower-materials) Nestled in a Woodlands condominium stands Singapore’s first 3D-printed childcare centre, where young charges are soon expected to engage in play and study. All the exterior walls, including the curved ones, on the first floor of the two-storey building were printed on-site in Norwood Grand, a 348-unit development which is expected to be completed in July. These walls were built within two days, pumped from the nozzle of a large-scale 3D printer. The second floor was constructed the traditional way. Case Study #2 No bricklayers, only robots: Singapore’s first 3D-printed house (https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/arts-design/no-bricklayers-only-robots-singapores-first-3d-printed-house) Most architects don’t live inside their experiments. Lim Koon Park does. In the lush district of Bukit Timah, he’s built a home that rewrites the rules of construction – layer by printed layer. QR3D, the first 3D-printed house in the country, is not just a technical first. It’s a working, breathing home designed around light, air, and lived experience. Four levels. Seven bedrooms. A 6-metre-high concrete oculus at its heart. And no bricklayers in sight. For Lim, founder of the acclaimed architecture practice Park + Associates, QR3D is both a milestone and a meditation. “We weren’t interested in doing a technological demo,” he says, seated at his custom-made steel dining table. “It had to be liveable. It had to feel like a real home.” Case Study #3 S’pore’s first 3D-printed pedestrian bridge set to be completed in Jurong West in 2028 (https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/spores-first-3d-printed-pedestrian-bridge-set-to-be-completed-in-jurong-west-in-2028?ref=latest-headlines) Singapore will build its first 3D-printed concrete pedestrian bridge over Jurong River by 2028, connecting Jurong West and Tengah town. The 3D printing technology offers 50% manpower savings and significantly reduces production time.. Tests validate structural integrity; LTA views project as a pilot to assess feasibility for future 3D concrete printing applications.

Interesting site, http://www.geocities.com/raymondrjs/armyli...mecommando.html

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Energy/Surging-fuel-prices-shake-Singapore-s-electricity-market?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20211021190000&seq_num=11&si=44594 Surging fuel prices shake Singapore's electricity market Gas-reliant country urges power companies to 'at least meet' retail demand Singapore's heavy reliance on imported gas has left the city-state vulnerable to surging energy prices. © AP KENTARO IWAMOTO and DYLAN LOH, Nikkei staff writersOctober 21, 2021 14:34 JST SINGAPORE -- Singapore is taking "extraordinary" steps to secure energy supplies as rising fuel prices hit the import-reliant country's electricity market, with three retail suppliers in just over a week announcing they will halt services. While the government insists energy supplies remain sufficient, its moves come amid global concerns over tight electricity supplies that threaten both businesses and consumers. On Tuesday, Singapore's Energy Market Authority said it will make government fuel reserves available to power companies in the event gas supplies are affected or there is a need to ensure reliable electricity supply. It also asked the companies to secure enough fuel to "at least meet the demands of customers of their retail arms." "These pre-emptive measures are extraordinary but necessary to secure our fuel and electricity supply," the authority explained in a statement. While surging fuel prices have been seen worldwide, Singapore is in a unique position as about 95% of its electricity is generated from imported natural gas. This gas is delivered via pipeline from neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia or shipped in liquefied form from other gas exporters. Over the past months, spot liquified natural gas prices rose sharply due to increased demand from China and elsewhere while gas and coal production dropped. Meanwhile, gas supplies via pipeline to Singapore have been affected by upstream production issues in an Indonesian gas field, the EMA said, with reduced output expected to last until the end of the year. Singapore generates nearly 95% of its electricity using imported gas. © Reuters "The Singapore power crunch is certainly alarming," said Ken Lee, a senior analyst at energy research company Wood Mackenzie, pointing out that wholesale power prices averaged $115 Singapore dollars ($85) per megawatt-hour from January to September, but shot up to SG$635 this month as of Oct. 19. Lee said that higher power demand has also contributed to the price spike, noting that Singapore consumed about 5% more electricity this year compared with the same period last year due to a rebound from slow economic activity last year. Disruption in the local market is forcing some electricity retailers that had offered cheaper plans for households to pull out. Earlier this week, Best Electricity Supply, which entered the market in 2015, announced it would exit the business on Thursday, citing "unexpected volatile conditions in the energy market." The company became the third retailer to pull out of the local electricity market in just over a week. "Retailers, especially independent retailers who do not own physical power plants, have suffered the most," Wood Mackenzie's Lee explained. "Such retailers were unable to manage power supply price risk as many of them have entered into fixed-price retail contracts with end-users." One longer-term question is how the power crunch might affect local businesses. Singapore's core manufacturing sectors include chemicals and electronics, both of which consume large amounts of electricity. "We have not heard anything with regards to industries and manufacturing being impacted. However, the industries that have not signed fixed-price retail contracts will very likely be impacted as they won't be shielded from the current price spikes," Lee said. Some businesses are already bracing for possible impacts. Since July, Singapore medical equipment maker Racer Technology has seen its power consumption expenses creep up. CEO Willy Koh told Nikkei Asia that electricity costs have increased by about 30% across the company's factories in the city-state amid the current energy crunch. "Right now we have a labor shortage, then we have power [costs] going up, so we are very worried in the manufacturing line," he said, referring to a shortage of workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cost of production is "getting higher and higher." Koh said he is looking to lock in energy contracts to secure power supplies at a fixed rate but only once electricity costs come down from their current highs. French energy technology provider Schneider Electric is advising its corporate clients in Singapore to use their power more efficiently. "Our customers are not spared the impact of the current energy crunch and their pain points are the potentially unstable supply, unpredictable [and] increasing energy costs, and how to increase their resiliency in case of a power outage or reduction," Yoon Young Kim, Schneider's regional president for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, told Nikkei. As far as households are concerned, electricity tariffs of state-owned Singapore Power are set at 24.11 Singapore cents per kilowatt-hour for the October-December quarter, up 12.5% from a year earlier. The government has urged residents to conserve electricity over the coming months, but electricity consumption is crucial for air conditioning in the tropical nation, especially with more people working from home. Higher utility bills could potentially cool consumption sentiment, which in turn would weigh on the economy as it begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Singapore wants top foreign talent to avoid being left behind https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/singapore-wants-top-foreign-talent-062349407.html?fbclid=IwAR0zS_Nr17XUh69xca_hVr26IfTiYN15fZEbToSIWP-CeVFjW7j2-BJBZ6E Bloomberg Sun, 21 August 2022 at 2:23 pm A points-based system for allowing in expats is set to kick in next year. Singapore wants to lure more top talent to its shores, joining Germany and the UK in the contest for cosmopolitan professionals. “In this global contest for talent, Singapore cannot afford to be creamed off, or left behind,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his annual National Day Rally address Sunday. “This is an age where talent makes all the difference to a nation’s success,” he said, adding details will be released soon. The business-friendly Southeast Asian city has long been a magnet for international talent and the rich. But worries among locals about the large numbers of foreigners and stringent Covid rules led to the largest decline in white-collar expats in over a decade last year. Meanwhile, countries including the UAE, the UK and Germany rolled out plans to attract talent. And mobile, young professionals are putting countries from Curacao to Cape Verde on their horizon. Lee signalled that the new initiatives will especially target “sectors with good potential” beyond technology, where there are already existing plans to keep talent. He also acknowledged Singaporeans are “rightly concerned” about the large numbers of foreigners in the city. “While we manage the overall population of foreign professionals here, we must not stop seeking out top talent who can contribute to our Singapore Story,” Lee said. “And every Singaporean will benefit from our progress and success.” A points-based system for allowing in expats is set to kick in next year. Singapore offers permanent residency status to entrepreneurs and investors who “intend to drive their businesses and investment growth from Singapore” via a Global Investor Programme. Another plan launched in 2021 offered 500 visas for tech-related roles.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/income-inequality-gini-household-singapore-lowest-2019-12453450 can u spot the “fake” news by our government? How much did our median income increase by?

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/gen-z-young-workers-job-hop-career-switch-5217766 A CNA survey finds that on average, Singapore’s Gen Z workers prefer to stay in a job for 2.9 years – the shortest duration among their peers in Asia. SINGAPORE: When Ms Kumar, 27, told her parents she planned to leave her first job, her mother was taken aback and questioned her lack of “loyalty" to the company. Ms Kumar, who preferred to be known by her surname only, found this sentiment “quite ridiculous”. She left her job as a university administrative executive early last year. “You have to be loyal to yourself ... what you deserve and how you want to improve. If the company’s not serving you, it’s okay to leave,” she told CNA. Her point of view appears to be shared by working-age peers in Gen Z – loosely defined as the generation born from 1997 to 2012, and aged 13 to 28 this year. In a survey by CNA's Money Mind programme, Gen Z workers in Singapore aged 21 to 28 reported the shortest mean optimum period – 2.9 years – for staying in a job, compared to their counterparts in Asian countries. It was 3.5 years for workers in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines; 3.7 in Malaysia; and the longest of 4.6 in China. Staying for three to four years was the most popular option for Gen Z workers in most countries, including Singapore. China and the Philippines bucked the trend, with most choosing to stay for five years or more. In Singapore, 37 per cent of Gen Z workers would choose to stay for a shorter period of one to two years. This was higher than all other countries, particularly China, where just 5 per cent chose this option. Out of the 508 respondents in Singapore, only 14 per cent chose five years or more as the optimum duration in a job. This was by far the lowest proportion among countries surveyed. Gen Z workers have a strong desire for higher salaries and career growth, and changing jobs every two to three years is seen as an effective way to develop their careers, said Mr David Blasco, country director at recruiter Randstad Singapore. But individual motivations aside, structural reasons may also be a factor. “The pandemic and economic instability, marked by a surge in ‘revenge hiring’ quickly followed by global restructuring and a slowing economy, have made traditional job security feel less attainable,” said Mr Blasco. “As a result, Gen Z’s tendency to job-hop is better understood as a rational response to a more volatile market, not simply a lack of commitment.” NOT RESTING ON LAURELS Ms Kumar, now a programme executive in a non-profit, cited job satisfaction and personal and career development as her main reasons for switching both job and industry. The Money Mind survey found that in Singapore, work-life balance (65 per cent), high wages (62 per cent) and flexible work arrangements (53 per cent) were Gen Z workers’ top reasons for staying in a job. On the flip side, work-related stress (48 per cent), lack of career advancement (44 per cent) and unhappiness with a superior or colleague (44 per cent) were their top reasons for quitting in Singapore. Other Gen Z workers interviewed by CNA cited similar motivations as Ms Kumar. Mr Heng T J, 28, a public servant in healthcare who asked to be identified by his initials, has changed jobs three times in five years. Since he started working in 2020, his longest role has been for about two years in a university, while his shortest stint has been around half a year in a bank. Mr Heng said he did not intentionally set out to change jobs so frequently. But in the early stages of his career, learning is a priority. “(After) two, two-and-a-half years, if I’m not learning in my role, I guess the hesitation to leave will not be that high,” he said. “I don’t think I should be resting on my laurels.” His reasons for switching jobs include being a poor fit with the job and workplace culture; lack of growth potential; and dissatisfaction at his scope of work changing after a company reorganisation. Another Gen Z worker, a 29-year-old advertising and public relations account manager who did not want to be named for this story, has worked in four agencies since 2020. She stayed for about a year in each position. “At each step, I already know what exactly I want to do, and what I want to achieve out of this agency,” she said. For example, her goal could be to manage a marketing campaign budget of a certain size, or to run an offline campaign. “If I’ve already achieved it, whether it’s one year or less than a year, I’ve done what I came here to do. I’ll just move on.” Human capital experts said Gen Z workers’ priorities differ from those of older workers. Flexible work arrangements, learning opportunities and quality of management matter more to Gen Z workers, while older workers focus on pay and benefits, job security and job location, according to Aon’s head of talent solutions for Asia-Pacific Puneet Swani. Mr Blasco said professional and career progression are especially important to Gen Z. “They expect clear growth and development opportunities, seeing each job as a stepping stone rather than a long-term destination.” Job-hopping also presents an opportunity to negotiate for a higher salary, which was a consistent outcome for the Gen Z workers CNA spoke with. The account manager said the salary hikes from each job switch outpaced what she would have got from yearly increments if she had stayed put. Mr Heng, who also got a salary increment each time, recalled a senior’s advice that "the hiring budget at most companies is always higher than the retaining budget”, which he said shaped his thinking. Mr Swani stressed however that workers should consider job changes for the sake of learning and exposure rather than a salary boost to perform the same role. “Is it merely a 5 to 10 per cent salary increase, or is it the pursuit of new skills and competencies by transitioning to a different organisation? “Research indicates that employees who remain with one company tend to perform well, prompting the organisation to invest in their development, fast-track their career progression, and enhance their skills,” he argued. But organisations must in turn invest in their employees and support skills acquisition, or workers are likely to look elsewhere, he said. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR WORK Job-hopping is naturally a challenge for employers because of the substantial costs associated with training and acclimatising new workers, said Mr Swani. Employers can also see job-hopping as a sign of instability and lack of experience on the part of the potential employee, said Mr Blasco. “Rather than focusing solely on individual tenures, employers should focus on the clear upsides that Gen Z workers bring,” he said. “Gen Z’s creativity, comfort with technology and openness to new ideas can accelerate digital transformation, reinvent and strengthen existing processes, and introduce more collaborative, inclusive ways of working.” Employers should also think about retaining younger workers by aligning with their expectations for competitive salary increases, work flexibility, clear opportunities for career advancement and a “people-centric” workplace culture, added Mr Blasco. As for workers, “what matters more is being able to show that each job move was made thoughtfully and that you brought commitment and credibility to every role”, he advised. The Gen Z workers told CNA that although their peers have fears and worries over job-hopping, they themselves have not felt disadvantaged in their job searches so far. The account manager said that in her industry of advertising and public relations, employers collectively consider the amount of work, clientele and experience she has, rather than looking into how long she was in one company. This only changed when she was being considered for in-house marketing roles rather than agency ones, with companies in the former category questioning her short stints. “It says a lot about them as well,” she said. “It’s a two-way street – I am reviewing them as they are reviewing me.” Mr Heng felt the same. “If the hiring manager is of a very traditional and rigid kind of mindset, would you really want to join such a company?” Both however expect their attitude and approach towards job-hopping to evolve, with more time spent in the workforce. Mr Heng said his priorities will change as he goes through different life and career milestones, such as starting a family or becoming a manager. The account manager said changing jobs every year would not be sustainable in the long run, and believes this is probably “the last year” she can do this. “Moving forward, I would also like to find an environment that I will be happy with for two years,” she said. “It’s not that I want to leave every one year to earn more money or something. If I can do that in a comfortable place, why would I want to leave?”

hi all started this new thread for perodua owners in s'pore. can share tips on modi, spare parts n accessories, etc.