Om Mani Padme Hum
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
HDB launches 8,000 flats for sale under joint BTO and SBF exercise
HDB launches 8,000 flats for sale under joint BTO and SBF exercise
By Olivia Siong
POSTED: 30 May 2013 11:22 AM
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has launched 8,000 flats for sale under the joint Build-To-Order (BTO) and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise. Three new housing measures to help first-timers, second-timers, divorcees, and the elderly will also take effect from this sales exercise.
SINGAPORE: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has launched 8,000 flats for sale under the joint Build-To-Order (BTO) and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise. Three new housing measures to help first-timers, second-timers, divorcees, and the elderly will also take effect from this sales exercise.
To help more first-timers buy a flat earlier, HDB will extend the Parenthood Priority Scheme (PPS) to married first-timers who are expecting a child.
For second-timers who are right-sizing, HDB will double the quota of two-room and three-room BTO flats for second-timers in non-mature estates from 15 per cent to 30 per cent.
Out of the 30 per cent quota, five per cent will be set aside for second-timer applicants who are divorced or widowed with children below 16 years old under the Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (Divorced/Widowed Parents), also known as ASSIST.
HDB will reserve 50 per cent of the studio apartment (SA) supply in BTO and SBF exercises for eligible elderly applicants under the Studio Apartment Priority Scheme (SAPS). This will provide greater assurance of success for elderly who want to right-size to an SA near their current flat or private property, or near their married children.
HDB will offer 4,900 BTO flats over eight projects in five non-mature towns, namely Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Sembawang, and Woodlands. The projects are EastBrook@Canberra, EastWave@Canberra, Golden Mint, Hougang Crimson, Keat Hong Crest, Spring Haven@Jurong, and Woodlands Pasture I & II.
The Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS) for parents and married children to apply jointly for flats in the same BTO project will be available to those applying for flats at EastBrook@Canberra and Spring Haven@Jurong. Fifty per cent of the SAs in Golden Mint will be set aside for eligible elderly flat applicants under the SAPS.
Analysts expect the BTO projects in Woodlands and Hougang to draw the strongest demand.
Observers added that both BTO and balance flats offer a more affordable option compared to the resale market.
"Woodlands is now undergoing a potential transformation into a regional centre. If you look at some of the past incidences of regional centres like in Tampines and Jurong Lake area, we have seen tremendous demand heading towards these areas,” said Donald Han, special adviser at HSR International Realtors.
Mr Han added: "Mainly because these are areas where the centre of commercial where your work goes towards your residential element. Woodlands will probably be the next area where demand will filter into. Prices have been quite attractive if you've been looking at like some of the price points. The differential between BTO price and resale can be as high of a difference as about 20 to 40 per cent."
HDB will offer another 3,100 balance flats in 11 non-mature and 15 mature towns/estates under the SBF Exercise, the first such exercise in 2013.
The non-mature towns are Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong East, Jurong West, Punggol, Sembawang, Sengkang, Woodlands, and Yishun.
The mature towns are Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bishan, Bukit Merah, Bukit Timah, Central, Clementi, Geylang, Kallang Whampoa, Marine Parade, Pasir Ris, Queenstown, Serangoon, Tampines, and Toa Payoh.
Twenty-eight per cent of the flats are already completed and ready for occupation while the remaining are still under construction.
It is the shorter waiting time before moving in that seems to be a big selling point for potential home buyers.
"It is faster and I need a house as soon as possible, because presently I'm staying in a rental unit," said Angel Parimala who is keen to apply under the SBF Exercise.
Another potential home buyer Darryl Lim said: "My wife is pregnant with a second one and she is due next month... so I need to quickly find a place where I can move in straight away and not wait for a BTO."
Among the mature estates, Queenstown and Bukit Merah have the most number of units on offer and market-watchers said these are likely to be the most popular.
However, all eyes are expected to be on the two units at the iconic Pinnacle@Duxton.
One unit, the equivalent of a four-room flat, is going at S$609,000 excluding grants. The unit is located on the 17th floor.
The other unit, similar to a five-room flat, is going at S$769,000 excluding grants. It is located at the 46th floor.
Last September, a unit at the Pinnacle@Duxton was offered under the Sale of Balance Flats exercise and it received 203 applications.
Director of property firm Chris International, Chris Koh said: "Everyone's talking about Pinnacle and how it is going to hit five years (Minimum Occupation Period) in another year to come and some perceive that those people will be millionaires when they sell those flats. Many would think that it is a good location where you would not see many more flats coming up in that area so if you really want to be in the heart of the city, you'd want to go for these two units at the Pinnacle."
He had a word for caution for home buyers though.
"We are looking at two flats only. It is not going to be easy to get. If you really need a flat and you want to make sure you get one, then the BTO will be a better option."
Applications for new flats launched in the May 2013 BTO and SBF Exercises can be submitted online from May 30 to June 5. Applicants can apply for only one flat type/category in one town under either the BTO or SBF Exercise.
In the next BTO launch in July 2013, HDB will offer about 3,800 BTO flats in Bukit Merah, Sengkang, and Yishun.
- CNA/ac/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Olivia Siong
POSTED: 30 May 2013 11:22 AM
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has launched 8,000 flats for sale under the joint Build-To-Order (BTO) and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise. Three new housing measures to help first-timers, second-timers, divorcees, and the elderly will also take effect from this sales exercise.
SINGAPORE: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has launched 8,000 flats for sale under the joint Build-To-Order (BTO) and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise. Three new housing measures to help first-timers, second-timers, divorcees, and the elderly will also take effect from this sales exercise.
To help more first-timers buy a flat earlier, HDB will extend the Parenthood Priority Scheme (PPS) to married first-timers who are expecting a child.
For second-timers who are right-sizing, HDB will double the quota of two-room and three-room BTO flats for second-timers in non-mature estates from 15 per cent to 30 per cent.
Out of the 30 per cent quota, five per cent will be set aside for second-timer applicants who are divorced or widowed with children below 16 years old under the Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (Divorced/Widowed Parents), also known as ASSIST.
HDB will reserve 50 per cent of the studio apartment (SA) supply in BTO and SBF exercises for eligible elderly applicants under the Studio Apartment Priority Scheme (SAPS). This will provide greater assurance of success for elderly who want to right-size to an SA near their current flat or private property, or near their married children.
HDB will offer 4,900 BTO flats over eight projects in five non-mature towns, namely Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Sembawang, and Woodlands. The projects are EastBrook@Canberra, EastWave@Canberra, Golden Mint, Hougang Crimson, Keat Hong Crest, Spring Haven@Jurong, and Woodlands Pasture I & II.
The Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS) for parents and married children to apply jointly for flats in the same BTO project will be available to those applying for flats at EastBrook@Canberra and Spring Haven@Jurong. Fifty per cent of the SAs in Golden Mint will be set aside for eligible elderly flat applicants under the SAPS.
Analysts expect the BTO projects in Woodlands and Hougang to draw the strongest demand.
Observers added that both BTO and balance flats offer a more affordable option compared to the resale market.
"Woodlands is now undergoing a potential transformation into a regional centre. If you look at some of the past incidences of regional centres like in Tampines and Jurong Lake area, we have seen tremendous demand heading towards these areas,” said Donald Han, special adviser at HSR International Realtors.
Mr Han added: "Mainly because these are areas where the centre of commercial where your work goes towards your residential element. Woodlands will probably be the next area where demand will filter into. Prices have been quite attractive if you've been looking at like some of the price points. The differential between BTO price and resale can be as high of a difference as about 20 to 40 per cent."
HDB will offer another 3,100 balance flats in 11 non-mature and 15 mature towns/estates under the SBF Exercise, the first such exercise in 2013.
The non-mature towns are Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong East, Jurong West, Punggol, Sembawang, Sengkang, Woodlands, and Yishun.
The mature towns are Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bishan, Bukit Merah, Bukit Timah, Central, Clementi, Geylang, Kallang Whampoa, Marine Parade, Pasir Ris, Queenstown, Serangoon, Tampines, and Toa Payoh.
Twenty-eight per cent of the flats are already completed and ready for occupation while the remaining are still under construction.
It is the shorter waiting time before moving in that seems to be a big selling point for potential home buyers.
"It is faster and I need a house as soon as possible, because presently I'm staying in a rental unit," said Angel Parimala who is keen to apply under the SBF Exercise.
Another potential home buyer Darryl Lim said: "My wife is pregnant with a second one and she is due next month... so I need to quickly find a place where I can move in straight away and not wait for a BTO."
Among the mature estates, Queenstown and Bukit Merah have the most number of units on offer and market-watchers said these are likely to be the most popular.
However, all eyes are expected to be on the two units at the iconic Pinnacle@Duxton.
One unit, the equivalent of a four-room flat, is going at S$609,000 excluding grants. The unit is located on the 17th floor.
The other unit, similar to a five-room flat, is going at S$769,000 excluding grants. It is located at the 46th floor.
Last September, a unit at the Pinnacle@Duxton was offered under the Sale of Balance Flats exercise and it received 203 applications.
Director of property firm Chris International, Chris Koh said: "Everyone's talking about Pinnacle and how it is going to hit five years (Minimum Occupation Period) in another year to come and some perceive that those people will be millionaires when they sell those flats. Many would think that it is a good location where you would not see many more flats coming up in that area so if you really want to be in the heart of the city, you'd want to go for these two units at the Pinnacle."
He had a word for caution for home buyers though.
"We are looking at two flats only. It is not going to be easy to get. If you really need a flat and you want to make sure you get one, then the BTO will be a better option."
Applications for new flats launched in the May 2013 BTO and SBF Exercises can be submitted online from May 30 to June 5. Applicants can apply for only one flat type/category in one town under either the BTO or SBF Exercise.
In the next BTO launch in July 2013, HDB will offer about 3,800 BTO flats in Bukit Merah, Sengkang, and Yishun.
- CNA/ac/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Great Singapore Sale begins on Friday
Great Singapore Sale begins on Friday
By Sharon See
POSTED: 30 May 2013 9:05 PM
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Great Singapore Sale, the Singapore Retailers Association said it will reward the biggest spender at the sale with S$20,000.
SINGAPORE: Retailers and food outlets islandwide will be offering a slew of deals and bargains during the Great Singapore Sale, which starts on Friday.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Great Singapore Sale, the Singapore Retailers Association said it will reward the biggest spender at the sale with S$20,000.
It is also doing its part for the community during this shopping season.
The Association is giving S$20,000 to charity, to help underprivileged children experience the the joy of shopping.
With the money, some will get to do a home makeover, while others will get a shopping budget to buy items of their choice.
Dr Jannie Chan, president of the Singapore Retailers Association, said: "Last year, I was very moved when we started this programme for two homes, and I realised they did not even have shoes, for a year, they have never had a makeover, their mothers do not even have a handbag. And we felt we want to extend this. So this year, we are extending it to five, and I am going to participate in it, and we are encouraging the sponsors to participate.
"This is something that we will probably grow because it is something that is meaningful; it is relating to shopping, it makes a difference to their lives and it will help us understand different types of consumers, and if we know that we can give more, we certainly will."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See
POSTED: 30 May 2013 9:05 PM
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Great Singapore Sale, the Singapore Retailers Association said it will reward the biggest spender at the sale with S$20,000.
SINGAPORE: Retailers and food outlets islandwide will be offering a slew of deals and bargains during the Great Singapore Sale, which starts on Friday.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Great Singapore Sale, the Singapore Retailers Association said it will reward the biggest spender at the sale with S$20,000.
It is also doing its part for the community during this shopping season.
The Association is giving S$20,000 to charity, to help underprivileged children experience the the joy of shopping.
With the money, some will get to do a home makeover, while others will get a shopping budget to buy items of their choice.
Dr Jannie Chan, president of the Singapore Retailers Association, said: "Last year, I was very moved when we started this programme for two homes, and I realised they did not even have shoes, for a year, they have never had a makeover, their mothers do not even have a handbag. And we felt we want to extend this. So this year, we are extending it to five, and I am going to participate in it, and we are encouraging the sponsors to participate.
"This is something that we will probably grow because it is something that is meaningful; it is relating to shopping, it makes a difference to their lives and it will help us understand different types of consumers, and if we know that we can give more, we certainly will."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
Bon Jovi to rock unpaid in crisis-hit Spain
Bon Jovi to rock unpaid in crisis-hit Spain
POSTED: 30 May 2013 9:40 PM
US rock supergroup Bon Jovi will waive their fee for playing a concert in recession-hit Spain next month, media reported on Thursday, with special low-price tickets for Spaniards struggling in the crisis.
MADRID: US rock supergroup Bon Jovi will waive their fee for playing a concert in recession-hit Spain next month, media reported on Thursday, with special low-price tickets for Spaniards struggling in the crisis.
Tickets for the gig in the giant Vicente Calderon football stadium in Madrid are capped at 39 euros (US$50) - a fraction of the top price in other countries on the band's "Because We Can" European tour.
Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi, 51, told newspaper El Mundo the economic conditions in Spain, where millions are unemployed and spending less, had threatened to knock the country off the tour list.
So as not to disappoint fans, he said the band agreed to play for free with ticket revenues covering the cost of staging the show and hiring the venue, which is home to Atletico Madrid football club.
"Bon Jovi wants to change the trend of exorbitant prices that stop fans from coming to many big concerts," the concert's organisers said, announcing the special ticket prices.
"Rock 'n' roll has always been for the people, and that means for everyone."
The fluffy-haired singer and his band, known for hits such "Livin' On A Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name", launch the Europe leg of their tour in Copenhagen on June 6.
They will be playing songs from their recent album, "What About Now".
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 30 May 2013 9:40 PM
US rock supergroup Bon Jovi will waive their fee for playing a concert in recession-hit Spain next month, media reported on Thursday, with special low-price tickets for Spaniards struggling in the crisis.
MADRID: US rock supergroup Bon Jovi will waive their fee for playing a concert in recession-hit Spain next month, media reported on Thursday, with special low-price tickets for Spaniards struggling in the crisis.
Tickets for the gig in the giant Vicente Calderon football stadium in Madrid are capped at 39 euros (US$50) - a fraction of the top price in other countries on the band's "Because We Can" European tour.
Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi, 51, told newspaper El Mundo the economic conditions in Spain, where millions are unemployed and spending less, had threatened to knock the country off the tour list.
So as not to disappoint fans, he said the band agreed to play for free with ticket revenues covering the cost of staging the show and hiring the venue, which is home to Atletico Madrid football club.
"Bon Jovi wants to change the trend of exorbitant prices that stop fans from coming to many big concerts," the concert's organisers said, announcing the special ticket prices.
"Rock 'n' roll has always been for the people, and that means for everyone."
The fluffy-haired singer and his band, known for hits such "Livin' On A Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name", launch the Europe leg of their tour in Copenhagen on June 6.
They will be playing songs from their recent album, "What About Now".
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Resale prices of private homes up 1.9% in April
Resale prices of private homes up 1.9% in April
By Wong Siew Ying
POSTED: 28 May 2013 9:14 PM
Resale prices of private homes in Singapore rose 1.9 per cent in April.
SINGAPORE: Resale prices of private homes in Singapore rose at a faster rate of 1.9 per cent in April, compared to the previous month's 1.1 per cent price increase.
The Singapore Residential Price Index (SRPI) flash estimates were published by the Institute of Real Estate Studies at the National University of Singapore on Tuesday.
The price increase was led by private homes outside the central region, which rose 2.4 per cent in April, reversing the 0.2 per cent drop in March.
Prices of small units, defined as 506 square feet and below, also trended upwards from 0.8 per cent in March to 1.8 per cent last month.
Meanwhile, resale homes in the central region bucked the trend as price growth moderated.
The SRPI for homes in the central area rose 1.3 per cent in April, down from the 2.8 per cent increase seen in March.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
By Wong Siew Ying
POSTED: 28 May 2013 9:14 PM
Resale prices of private homes in Singapore rose 1.9 per cent in April.
SINGAPORE: Resale prices of private homes in Singapore rose at a faster rate of 1.9 per cent in April, compared to the previous month's 1.1 per cent price increase.
The Singapore Residential Price Index (SRPI) flash estimates were published by the Institute of Real Estate Studies at the National University of Singapore on Tuesday.
The price increase was led by private homes outside the central region, which rose 2.4 per cent in April, reversing the 0.2 per cent drop in March.
Prices of small units, defined as 506 square feet and below, also trended upwards from 0.8 per cent in March to 1.8 per cent last month.
Meanwhile, resale homes in the central region bucked the trend as price growth moderated.
The SRPI for homes in the central area rose 1.3 per cent in April, down from the 2.8 per cent increase seen in March.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
Singapore Press to list two malls worth $2.4 bln in REIT IPO
Singapore Press to list two malls worth $2.4 bln in REIT IPO
ReutersReuters – Mon, May 27, 2013
SINGAPORE, May 27 (Reuters) - Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
(SPH) said on Monday it plans to list two shopping
malls valued at S$3.07 billion ($2.43 billion) via a real estate
investment trust (REIT) listing scheduled for July.
SPH plans to hold 70 percent of the units in SPH REIT, whose
assets are the Paragon shopping mall in the city-state's prime
Orchard shopping district and Clement Mall in a western suburb.
The Singapore publishing and property firm plans to
distribute 18 Singapore cents a share as a special dividend to
shareholders after the listing, it said in a statement.
Credit Suisse, DBS and Oversea-Chinese
Banking Corp are joint bookrunners for the IPO, IFR, a
Thomson Reuters publication, reported earlier.
($1 = 1.2644 Singapore dollars)
(Reporting by Rujun Shen; editing by Kevin Lim)
- wong chee tat :)
ReutersReuters – Mon, May 27, 2013
SINGAPORE, May 27 (Reuters) - Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
(SPH) said on Monday it plans to list two shopping
malls valued at S$3.07 billion ($2.43 billion) via a real estate
investment trust (REIT) listing scheduled for July.
SPH plans to hold 70 percent of the units in SPH REIT, whose
assets are the Paragon shopping mall in the city-state's prime
Orchard shopping district and Clement Mall in a western suburb.
The Singapore publishing and property firm plans to
distribute 18 Singapore cents a share as a special dividend to
shareholders after the listing, it said in a statement.
Credit Suisse, DBS and Oversea-Chinese
Banking Corp are joint bookrunners for the IPO, IFR, a
Thomson Reuters publication, reported earlier.
($1 = 1.2644 Singapore dollars)
(Reporting by Rujun Shen; editing by Kevin Lim)
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, May 27, 2013
Dim Sum bonds issued in Singapore
Dim Sum bonds issued in Singapore
POSTED: 27 May 2013 10:48 PM
Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC are issuing yuan-denominated (Dim Sum) bonds for the first time in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC are issuing yuan-denominated (Dim Sum) bonds for the first time in Singapore.
The announcement came as the Singapore Exchange launched its own yuan-clearing system on Monday.
Both banks are also known to be among the most aggressive players in the offshore yuan market.
Standard Chartered's offshore renminbi-denominated Senior Unsecured Notes are the first RMB bond deposited with SGX.
The timing of the bonds issuance coincides with the start of offshore yuan-clearing services by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) on Monday.
This could help free up trade in the currency and make Singapore an offshore hub for Dim Sum debt.
HSBC Singapore has issued a two-year yuan bond at a yield of about 2.25%. The notes will raise 500 million yuan.
Matthew Cannon, the head of Global Markets at HSBC in Singapore, said in a statement that the issuance shows HSBC's commitment to further develop the offshore RMB market.
He added: "The funds will be used to finance the bank's expansion of RMB-based lending assets.
"This issuance will help open the market to other issuers looking to fund themselves internationally in RMB, offer new investment opportunities to the substantial pool of wealth managed in Singapore and assist in funding the rapidly growing RMB denominated trade business in Asia."
Standard Chartered raised 1 billion yuan through its 3-year note issuance with a yield of 2.625% after generating over 3 billion yuan in orders from 75 investors across Asia.
With settlement of the bond set for 31 May, Standard Chartered said it would be the first offshore yuan bond that is listed, cleared and settled in Singapore.
Standard Chartered's CEO Ray Ferguson said in a statement that he sees this as another step in Singapore's development as an offshore RMB hub.
"Singapore already leads as a regional treasury centre; is a springboard to Southeast Asia along the key trade corridor with China and provides a hub for Asian wealth management and commodities trading. Singapore's contribution to the development of the RMB is further enhanced by this issuance," he added.
The sales will be cleared through SGX's Central Depository, which provides clearing and settlement services for securities in Singapore.
Will Hedden, IG Market's senior sales trader, said: "There's a lot of money here from China that would be looking for somewhere to go, in that respect in the fixed income space. And these banks are really there to capitalize on it.
"It's another kind of sign that perhaps people are moving away from dollars and yen and euros and other what we would consider major reserve currencies around the world and looking to get exposure into China."
Previously, most of the trading was handled through mainland China or Hong Kong-based banks.
Singapore is set to compete with other trading hubs such as Taipei, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, London and Luxembourg in a market estimated to worth up to 360 billion yuan, or US$59 billion.
SGX's depository service adds to the exchange's current offering of listing, quotation, trading, clearing and settlement of RMB-denominated securities and listing of offshore RMB bonds.
Magnus Bocker, CEO of SGX, said in a statement: "Our enhanced RMB capabilities support customers interested in the internationalization of the RMB and the growth of the Chinese economy.
"It will also complement the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China's yuan-clearing service to participating banks, which starts today (Monday).
"As Singapore's role as an international offshore RMB centre becomes increasingly important, customers coming to SGX can be assured of our commitment to keep growing and enhancing our suite of RMB and China-related products and services."
HSBC and Standard Chartered said they would manage their own sales.
Last week, DBS Group said it wants to issue yuan-denominated bonds to be cleared out of Singapore too.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 27 May 2013 10:48 PM
Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC are issuing yuan-denominated (Dim Sum) bonds for the first time in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC are issuing yuan-denominated (Dim Sum) bonds for the first time in Singapore.
The announcement came as the Singapore Exchange launched its own yuan-clearing system on Monday.
Both banks are also known to be among the most aggressive players in the offshore yuan market.
Standard Chartered's offshore renminbi-denominated Senior Unsecured Notes are the first RMB bond deposited with SGX.
The timing of the bonds issuance coincides with the start of offshore yuan-clearing services by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) on Monday.
This could help free up trade in the currency and make Singapore an offshore hub for Dim Sum debt.
HSBC Singapore has issued a two-year yuan bond at a yield of about 2.25%. The notes will raise 500 million yuan.
Matthew Cannon, the head of Global Markets at HSBC in Singapore, said in a statement that the issuance shows HSBC's commitment to further develop the offshore RMB market.
He added: "The funds will be used to finance the bank's expansion of RMB-based lending assets.
"This issuance will help open the market to other issuers looking to fund themselves internationally in RMB, offer new investment opportunities to the substantial pool of wealth managed in Singapore and assist in funding the rapidly growing RMB denominated trade business in Asia."
Standard Chartered raised 1 billion yuan through its 3-year note issuance with a yield of 2.625% after generating over 3 billion yuan in orders from 75 investors across Asia.
With settlement of the bond set for 31 May, Standard Chartered said it would be the first offshore yuan bond that is listed, cleared and settled in Singapore.
Standard Chartered's CEO Ray Ferguson said in a statement that he sees this as another step in Singapore's development as an offshore RMB hub.
"Singapore already leads as a regional treasury centre; is a springboard to Southeast Asia along the key trade corridor with China and provides a hub for Asian wealth management and commodities trading. Singapore's contribution to the development of the RMB is further enhanced by this issuance," he added.
The sales will be cleared through SGX's Central Depository, which provides clearing and settlement services for securities in Singapore.
Will Hedden, IG Market's senior sales trader, said: "There's a lot of money here from China that would be looking for somewhere to go, in that respect in the fixed income space. And these banks are really there to capitalize on it.
"It's another kind of sign that perhaps people are moving away from dollars and yen and euros and other what we would consider major reserve currencies around the world and looking to get exposure into China."
Previously, most of the trading was handled through mainland China or Hong Kong-based banks.
Singapore is set to compete with other trading hubs such as Taipei, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, London and Luxembourg in a market estimated to worth up to 360 billion yuan, or US$59 billion.
SGX's depository service adds to the exchange's current offering of listing, quotation, trading, clearing and settlement of RMB-denominated securities and listing of offshore RMB bonds.
Magnus Bocker, CEO of SGX, said in a statement: "Our enhanced RMB capabilities support customers interested in the internationalization of the RMB and the growth of the Chinese economy.
"It will also complement the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China's yuan-clearing service to participating banks, which starts today (Monday).
"As Singapore's role as an international offshore RMB centre becomes increasingly important, customers coming to SGX can be assured of our commitment to keep growing and enhancing our suite of RMB and China-related products and services."
HSBC and Standard Chartered said they would manage their own sales.
Last week, DBS Group said it wants to issue yuan-denominated bonds to be cleared out of Singapore too.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
7 injured in Bangkok bomb blast
7 injured in Bangkok bomb blast
POSTED: 27 May 2013 2:42 PM
A bomb hidden near rubbish bins in a busy suburban Bangkok shopping area left seven people wounded, Thai police said on Monday.
BANGKOK: A bomb hidden near rubbish bins in a busy suburban Bangkok shopping area left seven people wounded, Thai police said on Monday.
The home-made device exploded at about 9pm (1400 GMT) on Sunday in Ramkhamhaeng, a university area of the Thai capital, said Police colonel Narongrit Promsawan.
"Police are investigating to see what caused the explosion and who were involved. A preliminary investigation of the scene found many nails were part of the device," he told AFP.
Narongrit said police did not think the bombing was part of a broader campaign.
He said none of those hurt was in a serious condition.
Deputy government spokeswoman Sunisa Lertpakawat said security forces were urgently probing who was behind the blast.
"It is now under investigation, which may take time, but not too long because security for Thais and foreigners is a very important matter for this government," she told AFP.
- AFP/fa
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 27 May 2013 2:42 PM
A bomb hidden near rubbish bins in a busy suburban Bangkok shopping area left seven people wounded, Thai police said on Monday.
BANGKOK: A bomb hidden near rubbish bins in a busy suburban Bangkok shopping area left seven people wounded, Thai police said on Monday.
The home-made device exploded at about 9pm (1400 GMT) on Sunday in Ramkhamhaeng, a university area of the Thai capital, said Police colonel Narongrit Promsawan.
"Police are investigating to see what caused the explosion and who were involved. A preliminary investigation of the scene found many nails were part of the device," he told AFP.
Narongrit said police did not think the bombing was part of a broader campaign.
He said none of those hurt was in a serious condition.
Deputy government spokeswoman Sunisa Lertpakawat said security forces were urgently probing who was behind the blast.
"It is now under investigation, which may take time, but not too long because security for Thais and foreigners is a very important matter for this government," she told AFP.
- AFP/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Job adverts slip 0.7% on-quarter in Q1
Job adverts slip 0.7% on-quarter in Q1
POSTED: 27 May 2013 7:51 PM
Job advertisements in Singapore fell 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the last quarter of 2012, according to international recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.
SINGAPORE: Job advertisements in Singapore fell 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the last quarter of 2012, and dropped 7.3 per cent from January to March.
The advertising numbers were released by Robert Walters, an international recruitment consultancy.
The Robert Walters Asia Job Index tracks advertisement volumes for professional positions across the leading job boards and national newspapers in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
The index showed that job advertisements in Singapore for IT supervisors and administrators fell by 12.1 per cent.
Robert Walters said this correlates to the trend of companies shifting their hubs to cheaper locations in Southeast Asia to mitigate a stronger Singapore dollar.
While retail remains the largest sector by advertising numbers, the total number of advertised roles fell slightly by 0.6 per cent in Q1 compared to the previous quarter.
Advertisements for property management roles rose by 11.9 per cent in Q1 compared to Q4 last year.
The report noted that Singapore continues to build new developments to cater for a growing population.
Advertisements for accounting and finance roles increased by 4.1 per cent on the previous quarter.
The report attributed this largely to a sustained insurance market and growth in private banking and asset management, an area that is being supported by the growing number of wealthy expatriates moving to Singapore.
The total number of job advertisements for professional positions in Asia rose 4 per cent in the first quarter of 2013 from the last quarter of 2012.
From January to March 2013, recruitment advertising volumes across Asia grew by 20.6 per cent.
All territories except Singapore showed an increase in recruitment advertising in Q1 compared to Q4 2012.
The retail sector continued to be a strong area for job advertising. Advertising numbers increased in Malaysia (by 18.3 per cent), Hong Kong (10.9 per cent) and Japan (8.5 per cent).
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 27 May 2013 7:51 PM
Job advertisements in Singapore fell 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the last quarter of 2012, according to international recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.
SINGAPORE: Job advertisements in Singapore fell 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the last quarter of 2012, and dropped 7.3 per cent from January to March.
The advertising numbers were released by Robert Walters, an international recruitment consultancy.
The Robert Walters Asia Job Index tracks advertisement volumes for professional positions across the leading job boards and national newspapers in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
The index showed that job advertisements in Singapore for IT supervisors and administrators fell by 12.1 per cent.
Robert Walters said this correlates to the trend of companies shifting their hubs to cheaper locations in Southeast Asia to mitigate a stronger Singapore dollar.
While retail remains the largest sector by advertising numbers, the total number of advertised roles fell slightly by 0.6 per cent in Q1 compared to the previous quarter.
Advertisements for property management roles rose by 11.9 per cent in Q1 compared to Q4 last year.
The report noted that Singapore continues to build new developments to cater for a growing population.
Advertisements for accounting and finance roles increased by 4.1 per cent on the previous quarter.
The report attributed this largely to a sustained insurance market and growth in private banking and asset management, an area that is being supported by the growing number of wealthy expatriates moving to Singapore.
The total number of job advertisements for professional positions in Asia rose 4 per cent in the first quarter of 2013 from the last quarter of 2012.
From January to March 2013, recruitment advertising volumes across Asia grew by 20.6 per cent.
All territories except Singapore showed an increase in recruitment advertising in Q1 compared to Q4 2012.
The retail sector continued to be a strong area for job advertising. Advertising numbers increased in Malaysia (by 18.3 per cent), Hong Kong (10.9 per cent) and Japan (8.5 per cent).
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
iOS: Forgotten passcode or device disabled after entering wrong passcode
iOS: Forgotten passcode or device disabled after entering wrong passcode
Summary
Learn what to do if you have forgotten or can't remember your passcode, or if you see a red "disabled" message.Products Affected
iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
When you set up a passcode to secure the use
of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and you then enter the wrong
passcode, you may see a red "disabled" message. If you forgot or can't
remember your passcode, follow the steps in this article to resolve the
issue.
If you enter the wrong passcode six or more times, you'll see a message that says one of the following:
After too many attempts, your device may display, "[Device] is disabled, connect to iTunes".
If you enter the wrong passcode six or more times, you'll see a message that says one of the following:
- iPhone is disabled
- iPad is disabled
- iPod touch is disabled
After too many attempts, your device may display, "[Device] is disabled, connect to iTunes".
If you have previously synced your device with iTunes
You may be able to reset the passcode by restoring the device.
- Connect the device to the computer with which you normally sync and open iTunes.
Note: If iTunes prompts you to enter the passcode, try another computer that you have synced with. Otherwise, go to "If you have never synced your device with iTunes", below. - Right-click the device in the left column and select Back up.
- When the backup is complete, select Restore.
- When finished, restore from your most recent backup.
If you have never synced your device with iTunes
Connecting the device may result in this error message: "iTunes could
not connect to the [device] because it is locked with a passcode. You
must enter your passcode on the [device] before it can be used with
iTunes."
- Disconnect the USB cable from the device, but leave the other end of the cable connected to your computer's USB port.
- Turn off the device: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider appears, then slide the slider. Wait for the device to turn off.
- While pressing and holding the Home button, reconnect the USB cable to the device. The device should turn on.
- Continue holding the Home button until you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen. When this screen appears, release the Home button.
- iTunes should alert you that it has detected a device in recovery mode. Click OK, and then click Restore to restore the device.
If you don't have access to a computer
If you are using Find My iPhone, you can use Remote Wipe to restore your device. If you have been using iCloud to back up, you may be able to restore the most recent backup to reset the passcode.
- wong chee tat :)
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Bank of China Savings Account
Bank of China Savings Account:
Note: For those having bank of china savings account, do note that: S$2 will be charged if the monthly average balance is less than S$2,000.
- wong chee tat :)
Note: For those having bank of china savings account, do note that: S$2 will be charged if the monthly average balance is less than S$2,000.
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, May 24, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
EC sales on the rise after Khaw hints at changes in scheme
EC sales on the rise after Khaw hints at changes in scheme
By Lip Kwok Wai and Olivia Siong
POSTED: 19 May 2013 8:53 PM
Executive condominium developers said they have seen an increase in sales since National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan hinted at changes to the scheme in April.
SINGAPORE: Some executive condominium developers said they have seen an increase in sales since National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan hinted at changes to the scheme in April.
Developers of the Watercolours EC project in Pasir Ris have sold 21 units in the last two weeks alone -- it sold only 29 units in the whole of April. The project was launched in June 2012.
As for One Canberra in Yishun, its sales for the last fortnight has already exceeded what was sold in April. It sold 47 units in the last two weeks, compared to 44 units for the whole of April.
Mr Khaw had said at a housing dialogue in April that the EC scheme could not carry on in its current form. In particular, he said there was a sense of inequity that EC owners receive government subsidies, even though they make large profits from selling their unit.
One developer Channel NewsAsia spoke to said possible tweaks could be one reason why sales have gone up. However, there are other reasons as well.
Jeffrey Hong, CEO of GPS Alliance Holdings, said: "We see more first timers. That's the reason why I feel there's panic buying, fearing that the subsidies might be removed, so they better buy now. But of course that's not the main reason also. The reason is also because there are not many launches over this year, compared to last year."
There are six executive condominium launches expected this year. The first was launched in Woodlands earlier in April.
Mr Hong added that for next year, there will not be any launches expected till the last quarter of 2014. This is due to the new restrictions imposed on developers as part of the January property cooling measures. Developers have to wait a 15-month period after winning the bid before putting their project up for sale.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Lip Kwok Wai and Olivia Siong
POSTED: 19 May 2013 8:53 PM
Executive condominium developers said they have seen an increase in sales since National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan hinted at changes to the scheme in April.
SINGAPORE: Some executive condominium developers said they have seen an increase in sales since National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan hinted at changes to the scheme in April.
Developers of the Watercolours EC project in Pasir Ris have sold 21 units in the last two weeks alone -- it sold only 29 units in the whole of April. The project was launched in June 2012.
As for One Canberra in Yishun, its sales for the last fortnight has already exceeded what was sold in April. It sold 47 units in the last two weeks, compared to 44 units for the whole of April.
Mr Khaw had said at a housing dialogue in April that the EC scheme could not carry on in its current form. In particular, he said there was a sense of inequity that EC owners receive government subsidies, even though they make large profits from selling their unit.
One developer Channel NewsAsia spoke to said possible tweaks could be one reason why sales have gone up. However, there are other reasons as well.
Jeffrey Hong, CEO of GPS Alliance Holdings, said: "We see more first timers. That's the reason why I feel there's panic buying, fearing that the subsidies might be removed, so they better buy now. But of course that's not the main reason also. The reason is also because there are not many launches over this year, compared to last year."
There are six executive condominium launches expected this year. The first was launched in Woodlands earlier in April.
Mr Hong added that for next year, there will not be any launches expected till the last quarter of 2014. This is due to the new restrictions imposed on developers as part of the January property cooling measures. Developers have to wait a 15-month period after winning the bid before putting their project up for sale.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
3 new primary schools to open for P1 registration this year
3 new primary schools to open for P1 registration this year
POSTED: 20 May 2013 5:17 PM
Three new primary schools will open for Primary One registration this year and take in students from 2014.
SINGAPORE: Three new primary schools will open for Primary One registration this year and take in students from 2014.
The schools are Northoaks Primary in Sembawang, Alexandra Primary in Bukit Merah, and West Spring Primary in Bukit Panjang.
The Education Ministry said the new primary schools will have facilities, including redesigned classrooms, dance and performing arts studios and an outdoor jogging path to support the delivery of holistic education.
These will facilitate engaged learning in both academic and non-academic areas.
Northoaks Primary School will be located at Sembawang Drive. Its current site is the holding site for Sembawang Primary School which will be moving back to their original site in June this year.
Northoaks Primary's Principal will be Mdm Ng Yin Lieng Theresa, currently Principal of Peiying Primary School.
Alexandra Primary will be located at Prince Charles Crescent.
Its Principal will be Mrs Lim Bee Lay who is currently the Principal of Maha Bodhi School.
West Spring Primary will be located at Bukit Panjang Ring Road.
Mdm Phan Swee Lin Sherin Jacintha will be its Principal. She is currently the Principal of Yangzheng Primary.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 20 May 2013 5:17 PM
Three new primary schools will open for Primary One registration this year and take in students from 2014.
SINGAPORE: Three new primary schools will open for Primary One registration this year and take in students from 2014.
The schools are Northoaks Primary in Sembawang, Alexandra Primary in Bukit Merah, and West Spring Primary in Bukit Panjang.
The Education Ministry said the new primary schools will have facilities, including redesigned classrooms, dance and performing arts studios and an outdoor jogging path to support the delivery of holistic education.
These will facilitate engaged learning in both academic and non-academic areas.
Northoaks Primary School will be located at Sembawang Drive. Its current site is the holding site for Sembawang Primary School which will be moving back to their original site in June this year.
Northoaks Primary's Principal will be Mdm Ng Yin Lieng Theresa, currently Principal of Peiying Primary School.
Alexandra Primary will be located at Prince Charles Crescent.
Its Principal will be Mrs Lim Bee Lay who is currently the Principal of Maha Bodhi School.
West Spring Primary will be located at Bukit Panjang Ring Road.
Mdm Phan Swee Lin Sherin Jacintha will be its Principal. She is currently the Principal of Yangzheng Primary.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT investigating root cause of recent rail crack incidents
SMRT investigating root cause of recent rail crack incidents
POSTED: 20 May 2013 5:44 PM
SMRT will carry out a full investigation to determine the root cause of the two rail crack incidents that occurred on the North-South Line on April 29 and May 18 this year.
SINGAPORE: SMRT will carry out a full investigation to determine the root cause of the two rail crack incidents that occurred on the North-South Line on April 29 and May 18 this year.
The incidents caused delays for commuters.
SMRT said its preliminary findings revealed that both incidents bore several similarities.
Both rail cracks occurred at rail joints that were welded between old and new rails located on high rails of a curve track.
Both incidents happened on concrete tracks, at locations that were close to the tail wall of the underground stations.
The tail wall refers to the end of the station where the train pulls in.
Both affected rail joints had been welded by the same contractor in June last year and February this year.
SMRT said it will focus on the material, workmanship, stress factors, and welding process in its investigation.
It will send materials used for welding of the two cracked rails for full laboratory tests to determine their content, quality, and condition.
As for workmanship, SMRT will identify, inspect and conduct tests on all rail joints in the system that were welded by the same contractor. This is to determine the integrity of the rail joints.
SMRT will also study the possible stress factors that may have contributed to the rail cracks.
One possible stress could have resulted from a height difference formed between the welded rails.
Additional stress to the rail joints may have been caused by braking forces of passing trains at the tail wall tracks of underground stations.
To ensure that similar incidents do not occur again, SMRT said it will conduct a thorough inspection of all suspected rail joints on the entire network (North-South Line and East-West Line) and will take appropriate remedial actions.
It said this is in addition to its regular patrols and tests carried out on all its tracks to detect rail flaws in order to ensure rail integrity.
SMRT added that train services would not have been allowed to continue if it was assessed that passenger safety may be compromised in any way.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 20 May 2013 5:44 PM
SMRT will carry out a full investigation to determine the root cause of the two rail crack incidents that occurred on the North-South Line on April 29 and May 18 this year.
SINGAPORE: SMRT will carry out a full investigation to determine the root cause of the two rail crack incidents that occurred on the North-South Line on April 29 and May 18 this year.
The incidents caused delays for commuters.
SMRT said its preliminary findings revealed that both incidents bore several similarities.
Both rail cracks occurred at rail joints that were welded between old and new rails located on high rails of a curve track.
Both incidents happened on concrete tracks, at locations that were close to the tail wall of the underground stations.
The tail wall refers to the end of the station where the train pulls in.
Both affected rail joints had been welded by the same contractor in June last year and February this year.
SMRT said it will focus on the material, workmanship, stress factors, and welding process in its investigation.
It will send materials used for welding of the two cracked rails for full laboratory tests to determine their content, quality, and condition.
As for workmanship, SMRT will identify, inspect and conduct tests on all rail joints in the system that were welded by the same contractor. This is to determine the integrity of the rail joints.
SMRT will also study the possible stress factors that may have contributed to the rail cracks.
One possible stress could have resulted from a height difference formed between the welded rails.
Additional stress to the rail joints may have been caused by braking forces of passing trains at the tail wall tracks of underground stations.
To ensure that similar incidents do not occur again, SMRT said it will conduct a thorough inspection of all suspected rail joints on the entire network (North-South Line and East-West Line) and will take appropriate remedial actions.
It said this is in addition to its regular patrols and tests carried out on all its tracks to detect rail flaws in order to ensure rail integrity.
SMRT added that train services would not have been allowed to continue if it was assessed that passenger safety may be compromised in any way.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Tharman re-appointed as MAS chairman
Tharman re-appointed as MAS chairman
POSTED: 20 May 2013 6:09 PM
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam has been re-appointed as chairman of the MAS Board of Directors from 21 May 2013 to 31 May 2015.
SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam has been re-appointed as chairman of the MAS Board of Directors from 21 May 2013 to 31 May 2015.
This was announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Monday.
Mr Ravi Menon, managing director of MAS, will be re-appointed both as managing director of MAS and a member of the MAS Board of Directors for a further term of two years, with effect from 1 June 2013.
Minister for Education, Mr Heng Swee Keat, and Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State (Communications and Information), Mr Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai, will also be re-appointed as members of the MAS Board of Directors for a further term of two years, with effect from 1 June 2013.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 20 May 2013 6:09 PM
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam has been re-appointed as chairman of the MAS Board of Directors from 21 May 2013 to 31 May 2015.
SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam has been re-appointed as chairman of the MAS Board of Directors from 21 May 2013 to 31 May 2015.
This was announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Monday.
Mr Ravi Menon, managing director of MAS, will be re-appointed both as managing director of MAS and a member of the MAS Board of Directors for a further term of two years, with effect from 1 June 2013.
Minister for Education, Mr Heng Swee Keat, and Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State (Communications and Information), Mr Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai, will also be re-appointed as members of the MAS Board of Directors for a further term of two years, with effect from 1 June 2013.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Soilbuild Construction Group launches IPO
Soilbuild Construction Group launches IPO
POSTED: 17 May 2013 11:21 PM
Soilbuild Construction Group launches initial public offering (IPO), comprising 168 million new shares priced at S$0.25 per share.
SINGAPORE: Soilbuild Construction Group has launched an initial public offering (IPO) for a mainboard listing on the Singapore Exchange.
The IPO, comprising 168 million new shares priced at S$0.25 per share, is expected to raise gross proceeds of S$42 million for the general construction company.
Soilbuild Construction Group is the construction arm of property developer Soilbuild Group Holdings which was delisted from the Singapore Exchange in 2010.
According to its prospectus, construction projects awarded by its controlling shareholder group accounted for 58.4% of its revenue in its 2012 fiscal year.
It reported revenue of S$213.5 million and net profit of S$22.0 million in FY2012.
As at 30 April 2013, the firm's order books amounted to S$511.2 million.
The company is the main contractor in projects such as the Solaris, Montebleu and West Park BizCentral.
It intends to continue to compete in future tenders from the Housing and Development Board for public housing construction projects as well as seek opportunities in the business space sector.
Also in the pipeline are plans to grow its overseas business, including new markets like Myanmar.
The firm's shares are expected to start trading on 27 May.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 17 May 2013 11:21 PM
Soilbuild Construction Group launches initial public offering (IPO), comprising 168 million new shares priced at S$0.25 per share.
SINGAPORE: Soilbuild Construction Group has launched an initial public offering (IPO) for a mainboard listing on the Singapore Exchange.
The IPO, comprising 168 million new shares priced at S$0.25 per share, is expected to raise gross proceeds of S$42 million for the general construction company.
Soilbuild Construction Group is the construction arm of property developer Soilbuild Group Holdings which was delisted from the Singapore Exchange in 2010.
According to its prospectus, construction projects awarded by its controlling shareholder group accounted for 58.4% of its revenue in its 2012 fiscal year.
It reported revenue of S$213.5 million and net profit of S$22.0 million in FY2012.
As at 30 April 2013, the firm's order books amounted to S$511.2 million.
The company is the main contractor in projects such as the Solaris, Montebleu and West Park BizCentral.
It intends to continue to compete in future tenders from the Housing and Development Board for public housing construction projects as well as seek opportunities in the business space sector.
Also in the pipeline are plans to grow its overseas business, including new markets like Myanmar.
The firm's shares are expected to start trading on 27 May.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
Convertible Bonds
Convertible Bonds
Issuing convertible bonds is one way for a company to minimize negative investor interpretation of its corporate actions. For example, if an already public company chooses to issue stock, the market usually interprets this as a sign that the company's share price is somewhat overvalued. To avoid this negative impression, the company may choose to issue convertible bonds, which bondholders will likely convert to equity anyway should the company continue to do well.
From the investor's perspective, a convertible bond has a value-added component built into it; it is essentially a bond with a stock option hidden inside. Thus, it tends to offer a lower rate of return in exchange for the value of the option to trade the bond into stock.
- wong chee tat :)
Issuing convertible bonds is one way for a company to minimize negative investor interpretation of its corporate actions. For example, if an already public company chooses to issue stock, the market usually interprets this as a sign that the company's share price is somewhat overvalued. To avoid this negative impression, the company may choose to issue convertible bonds, which bondholders will likely convert to equity anyway should the company continue to do well.
From the investor's perspective, a convertible bond has a value-added component built into it; it is essentially a bond with a stock option hidden inside. Thus, it tends to offer a lower rate of return in exchange for the value of the option to trade the bond into stock.
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Todd's death consistent with hanging, not garrotting: pathologist
Todd's death consistent with hanging, not garrotting: pathologist
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 16 May 2013 4:22 PM
Senior consultant forensic pathologist Dr Wee Keng Poh emphasized three points to show that Dr Shane Todd's death was consistent with hanging and not garrotting which is strangulation using a cord.
SINGAPORE: A senior consultant forensic pathologist on Thursday took the stand on the fourth day of the Coroner's Inquiry into the death of American researcher Shane Todd to explain the autopsy conclusions.
Dr Wee Keng Poh, who has been practising for more than 40 years, supervised the autopsy that was performed on Dr Todd's body.
Dr Todd was found hanged in his apartment in June last year.
Dr Wee emphasized three points to show that Dr Todd's death was consistent with hanging and not garrotting which is strangulation using a cord.
Dr Todd's parents believe their son was murdered over his work at Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics but Dr Wee noted that the ligature marks around Dr Todd's neck were typical of hanging - in that they extended from below the chin towards the back of the neck in an inverted 'V' shape.
If he had been strangled, the mark would have been more horizontal and completely encircled his neck, leaving no gap.
Dr Wee also noted that at the time of the autopsy, there appeared to be no haemorrhaging or fractures inside the neck, neither were there any scratches around the neck which would have indicated a struggle to relieve strangulation.
There were no signs of external injuries to the upper limbs and hands.
Dr Wee's findings were corroborated by two independent experts whose reports have been submitted to the Court.
The Todd family had also submitted a report from an expert they consulted - Dr Edward Adelstein, a Deputy Medical Examiner.
Dr Adelstein had expressed the view that Dr Todd's death was a homicide, referring to what looked like blunt trauma to both Dr Todd's hands as evidence of a fight.
Dr Wee explained on Thursday the bruise-like discolouration to Dr Todd's hands as "postmortem lividity" in which blood pools in the dependent parts of the body due to gravity.
The Todd family then put forward more photographs taken around July 4 last year at Dr Todd's wake, which showed what appeared to be scratches around Dr Todd's neck.
Their lawyer then asked if it was possible the marks could have been there but did not show up during the autopsy.
Dr Wee reiterated his point that the marks had not been present when Dr Todd's body was examined in Singapore.
On Thursday afternoon, the psychiatrist that Dr Todd consulted last year took to the stand.
Psychiatrist Nelson Lee told the court that he had diagnosed Dr Todd with moderate major depressive disorder with a significant component of anxiety.
Dr Todd had gone for a consultation on April 4 last year and was prescribed anti-depressants.
Dr Lee said that Dr Todd had complained of symptoms such as low mood, poor sleep and energy, as well as loss of concentration.
Dr Lee noted however, that Dr Todd did not talk about, or display any suicidal tendencies or self-harm at the time of the consultation.
Dr Todd was supposed to make an appointment for a follow-up three weeks later but did not do so.
The hearing continues.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 16 May 2013 4:22 PM
Senior consultant forensic pathologist Dr Wee Keng Poh emphasized three points to show that Dr Shane Todd's death was consistent with hanging and not garrotting which is strangulation using a cord.
SINGAPORE: A senior consultant forensic pathologist on Thursday took the stand on the fourth day of the Coroner's Inquiry into the death of American researcher Shane Todd to explain the autopsy conclusions.
Dr Wee Keng Poh, who has been practising for more than 40 years, supervised the autopsy that was performed on Dr Todd's body.
Dr Todd was found hanged in his apartment in June last year.
Dr Wee emphasized three points to show that Dr Todd's death was consistent with hanging and not garrotting which is strangulation using a cord.
Dr Todd's parents believe their son was murdered over his work at Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics but Dr Wee noted that the ligature marks around Dr Todd's neck were typical of hanging - in that they extended from below the chin towards the back of the neck in an inverted 'V' shape.
If he had been strangled, the mark would have been more horizontal and completely encircled his neck, leaving no gap.
Dr Wee also noted that at the time of the autopsy, there appeared to be no haemorrhaging or fractures inside the neck, neither were there any scratches around the neck which would have indicated a struggle to relieve strangulation.
There were no signs of external injuries to the upper limbs and hands.
Dr Wee's findings were corroborated by two independent experts whose reports have been submitted to the Court.
The Todd family had also submitted a report from an expert they consulted - Dr Edward Adelstein, a Deputy Medical Examiner.
Dr Adelstein had expressed the view that Dr Todd's death was a homicide, referring to what looked like blunt trauma to both Dr Todd's hands as evidence of a fight.
Dr Wee explained on Thursday the bruise-like discolouration to Dr Todd's hands as "postmortem lividity" in which blood pools in the dependent parts of the body due to gravity.
The Todd family then put forward more photographs taken around July 4 last year at Dr Todd's wake, which showed what appeared to be scratches around Dr Todd's neck.
Their lawyer then asked if it was possible the marks could have been there but did not show up during the autopsy.
Dr Wee reiterated his point that the marks had not been present when Dr Todd's body was examined in Singapore.
On Thursday afternoon, the psychiatrist that Dr Todd consulted last year took to the stand.
Psychiatrist Nelson Lee told the court that he had diagnosed Dr Todd with moderate major depressive disorder with a significant component of anxiety.
Dr Todd had gone for a consultation on April 4 last year and was prescribed anti-depressants.
Dr Lee said that Dr Todd had complained of symptoms such as low mood, poor sleep and energy, as well as loss of concentration.
Dr Lee noted however, that Dr Todd did not talk about, or display any suicidal tendencies or self-harm at the time of the consultation.
Dr Todd was supposed to make an appointment for a follow-up three weeks later but did not do so.
The hearing continues.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Court hears how Todd was found hanged with feet on floor
Court hears how Todd was found hanged with feet on floor
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 15 May 2013 5:15 PM
UPDATED: 15 May 2013 10:51 PM
On the third day of the coroner's inquiry into the death of American researcher Shane Todd, the court was given an explanation on how he was found hanged with his feet on the floor.
SINGAPORE: The coroner's court was given an explanation on how American researcher Shane Todd was found hanged with his feet on the floor.
This came on the third day of the coroner's inquiry into Dr Todd's death.
Ms Lim Chin-Chin of the Health Sciences Authority's Forensic Science Division gave an account of the simulation experiments that were conducted based on evidence at the death scene.
One of the simulations involved testing the stretching and relaxing of a strap when subjected to a load similar in weight to Dr Todd's body.
The strap was a replica of the one from which Dr Todd was hanged.
Ms Lim revealed that for someone of Dr Todd's height - which is 183cm - there would still be a gap of between 6.5 cm and 11.2cm if the strap did not stretch.
But when subjected to a weight of 89kg - which is Dr Todd's weight - the strap would stretch sufficiently for Dr Todd's feet to have touched the floor.
Another simulation experiment also looked at whether it was possible for Dr Todd to secure the noose around his neck and put it over the top end of the door without any assistance.
The simulation experiments also sought to demonstrate that it was possible for Dr Todd to use his feet to kick a chair that had been found about 1.5 metres from where he was hanged.
Dr Todd's parents were clearly upset after hearing Ms Lim's evidence. As the family's lawyer was about to begin his cross-examination, Dr Todd's mother interrupted to ask if the hearing could be adjourned till Thursday as she felt like she was about to throw up.
Rick Todd, father of Dr Todd, said: "The evidence that has been presented, we can't rely on. It's been moved, it hasn't been preserved. We're trying to get to the bottom of it, I don't know if we will get to the bottom of it."
Dr Todd's mother, Mary Todd, added: "We came to Singapore to find out the truth and we were told the defence and our team would work as a team to find the truth. They're not adversarial. Yet they only are looking at suicide.
"We have given them evidence from the minute we heard our son (hanged), that he could have been murdered. We've given them computer forensic evidence, we've given them physical evidence and we are very, very disappointed."
Earlier, on Wednesday morning, a computer forensics expert testified that the integrity of a laptop belonging to Dr Todd was not compromised.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Kristen Soong, who is from the Technology Crime Division, said that analysis had been done on Dr Todd's laptop to check that no viruses or malicious software had been installed.
Her report was produced by the state's lawyers after lawyers for the Todd family asked if it was possible for someone to access a laptop from a remote location and upload documents on it.
"Suicide notes" - allegedly written by Dr Todd - were found on his laptop when police officers accessed it.
The Todd family's lawyers had asked police officers on Tuesday if it was possible the suicide notes were written by someone else.
ASP Soong said checks had been done for viruses, and on the operating system and user account.
She noted that there were no traces of failed log-ins, and that if the laptop had been accessed from a remote location, traces of malicious software would have been detected.
"The laptop wasn't compromised in any way through hacking or remote access. If so, there would have been traces," she told the court.
Mr Peter Ong, one of the lawyers acting for the Todd family, produced a log from StarHub which appeared to reflect outgoing data activity from his mobile phone between 25 and 29 June 2012 - after Dr Todd died.
The state's lawyers then said they would call a StarHub witness to the stand to explain the details on the log.
They said that questions on why there was activity on Dr Todd's phone after he died should be directed to the investigating officer when he takes the stand.
Meanwhile the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has responded to the Todd family's claim that the inquiry has so far focused on suicide and not homicide.
In a statement on Wednesday, the AGC said lawyers for the Todd family have yet to state their position on the matter, even though state counsel has asked them several times.
The state has also submitted all reports from the family to the court, and notes that although the family's lawyers have raised hypothetical possibilities as to what happened, no other evidence has been provided.
The AGC added that the state still welcomes information from the family regarding evidence they wish to challenge so that it can be looked into at the inquiry.
The state notes that it is prepared to provide funding for foreign witnesses that the family wish to call on to give evidence.
A pathologist consulted by the family will be giving evidence through video-link, and a computer forensic analyst, also consulted by the Todds, is expected to give evidence in court.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 15 May 2013 5:15 PM
UPDATED: 15 May 2013 10:51 PM
On the third day of the coroner's inquiry into the death of American researcher Shane Todd, the court was given an explanation on how he was found hanged with his feet on the floor.
SINGAPORE: The coroner's court was given an explanation on how American researcher Shane Todd was found hanged with his feet on the floor.
This came on the third day of the coroner's inquiry into Dr Todd's death.
Ms Lim Chin-Chin of the Health Sciences Authority's Forensic Science Division gave an account of the simulation experiments that were conducted based on evidence at the death scene.
One of the simulations involved testing the stretching and relaxing of a strap when subjected to a load similar in weight to Dr Todd's body.
The strap was a replica of the one from which Dr Todd was hanged.
Ms Lim revealed that for someone of Dr Todd's height - which is 183cm - there would still be a gap of between 6.5 cm and 11.2cm if the strap did not stretch.
But when subjected to a weight of 89kg - which is Dr Todd's weight - the strap would stretch sufficiently for Dr Todd's feet to have touched the floor.
Another simulation experiment also looked at whether it was possible for Dr Todd to secure the noose around his neck and put it over the top end of the door without any assistance.
The simulation experiments also sought to demonstrate that it was possible for Dr Todd to use his feet to kick a chair that had been found about 1.5 metres from where he was hanged.
Dr Todd's parents were clearly upset after hearing Ms Lim's evidence. As the family's lawyer was about to begin his cross-examination, Dr Todd's mother interrupted to ask if the hearing could be adjourned till Thursday as she felt like she was about to throw up.
Rick Todd, father of Dr Todd, said: "The evidence that has been presented, we can't rely on. It's been moved, it hasn't been preserved. We're trying to get to the bottom of it, I don't know if we will get to the bottom of it."
Dr Todd's mother, Mary Todd, added: "We came to Singapore to find out the truth and we were told the defence and our team would work as a team to find the truth. They're not adversarial. Yet they only are looking at suicide.
"We have given them evidence from the minute we heard our son (hanged), that he could have been murdered. We've given them computer forensic evidence, we've given them physical evidence and we are very, very disappointed."
Earlier, on Wednesday morning, a computer forensics expert testified that the integrity of a laptop belonging to Dr Todd was not compromised.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Kristen Soong, who is from the Technology Crime Division, said that analysis had been done on Dr Todd's laptop to check that no viruses or malicious software had been installed.
Her report was produced by the state's lawyers after lawyers for the Todd family asked if it was possible for someone to access a laptop from a remote location and upload documents on it.
"Suicide notes" - allegedly written by Dr Todd - were found on his laptop when police officers accessed it.
The Todd family's lawyers had asked police officers on Tuesday if it was possible the suicide notes were written by someone else.
ASP Soong said checks had been done for viruses, and on the operating system and user account.
She noted that there were no traces of failed log-ins, and that if the laptop had been accessed from a remote location, traces of malicious software would have been detected.
"The laptop wasn't compromised in any way through hacking or remote access. If so, there would have been traces," she told the court.
Mr Peter Ong, one of the lawyers acting for the Todd family, produced a log from StarHub which appeared to reflect outgoing data activity from his mobile phone between 25 and 29 June 2012 - after Dr Todd died.
The state's lawyers then said they would call a StarHub witness to the stand to explain the details on the log.
They said that questions on why there was activity on Dr Todd's phone after he died should be directed to the investigating officer when he takes the stand.
Meanwhile the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has responded to the Todd family's claim that the inquiry has so far focused on suicide and not homicide.
In a statement on Wednesday, the AGC said lawyers for the Todd family have yet to state their position on the matter, even though state counsel has asked them several times.
The state has also submitted all reports from the family to the court, and notes that although the family's lawyers have raised hypothetical possibilities as to what happened, no other evidence has been provided.
The AGC added that the state still welcomes information from the family regarding evidence they wish to challenge so that it can be looked into at the inquiry.
The state notes that it is prepared to provide funding for foreign witnesses that the family wish to call on to give evidence.
A pathologist consulted by the family will be giving evidence through video-link, and a computer forensic analyst, also consulted by the Todds, is expected to give evidence in court.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Investigator accessed Shane Todd's hard drive: computer forensics expert
Investigator accessed Shane Todd's hard drive: computer forensics expert
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 14 May 2013 11:00 PM
An investigating officer from the Singapore Police Force was the one who accessed a hard disk drive belonging to American researcher Shane Todd after he was found hanged in his apartment, the coroner's court heard on Tuesday.
SINGAPORE: An investigating officer from the Singapore Police Force was the one who accessed a hard disk drive belonging to American researcher Shane Todd after he was found hanged in his apartment.
Details of this were given by a computer forensics expert on Tuesday -- the second day of a coroner's inquiry into Dr Todd's death.
The 31-year-old was found hanged in his Singapore apartment in June last year in an apparent suicide.
The hard disk drive has been central to claims by Dr Todd's parents that their son did not take his own life.
The parents believe Dr Todd was murdered over his work for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
A hard disk drive containing work files that were accessed three days after his body was found has been central to this claim.
The coroner's court heard that the files were accessed by the investigating officer in Singapore before he returned it to Dr Todd's parents.
The officer had done so to check for any suspicious information but had returned it when he found none.
Computer forensics expert Kristen Soong, who examined the disk drive, said it was last connected to the officer's computer.
She testified that when the officer opened one particular file, a temporary file was created.
This was deleted when he closed the original file.
Her findings were supported by a report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which also examined the hard drive.
In court on Tuesday, lawyers for the Todd family also put forward several hypotheses that attempted to show that the 31-year-old did not take his own life.
Police officers had said they saw no signs of forced entry into the apartment, ransacking or foul play.
But the Todd family lawyers asked if it was possible Dr Todd died elsewhere and his body was moved back to his apartment, since no blood stains were found; whether the furniture in the apartment could have been moved back to its original position to give an impression that there was no struggle; and whether the suicide notes allegedly left by him could have been written by someone else. This was because the spelling of the word "Keyes" in reference to a place in Florida was spelt incorrectly in the note.
The raising of these possibilities led to a robust exchange between lawyers for the State and the Todd family. Three times, the State's lawyers asked if these possibilities were allegations or statements of fact.
The State's lawyers also asked if the evidence laid out in court was being challenged, but the Todd family's lawyers said they were not taking a position on the matter and were only enquiring about possibilities.
A handwriting expert and DNA analyst from the Health Sciences Authority also took the stand on Tuesday.
It was revealed that the handwriting on Post-It notes found in Dr Todd's bedroom matched his writings in his notebook.
One of the Post-It notes had a password written on it. When officers used the password to access Dr Todd's computer, they found the suicide notes.
It was also revealed that four unknown DNA imprints were found on the towel and strap which were wrapped around Dr Todd's neck.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 14 May 2013 11:00 PM
An investigating officer from the Singapore Police Force was the one who accessed a hard disk drive belonging to American researcher Shane Todd after he was found hanged in his apartment, the coroner's court heard on Tuesday.
SINGAPORE: An investigating officer from the Singapore Police Force was the one who accessed a hard disk drive belonging to American researcher Shane Todd after he was found hanged in his apartment.
Details of this were given by a computer forensics expert on Tuesday -- the second day of a coroner's inquiry into Dr Todd's death.
The 31-year-old was found hanged in his Singapore apartment in June last year in an apparent suicide.
The hard disk drive has been central to claims by Dr Todd's parents that their son did not take his own life.
The parents believe Dr Todd was murdered over his work for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
A hard disk drive containing work files that were accessed three days after his body was found has been central to this claim.
The coroner's court heard that the files were accessed by the investigating officer in Singapore before he returned it to Dr Todd's parents.
The officer had done so to check for any suspicious information but had returned it when he found none.
Computer forensics expert Kristen Soong, who examined the disk drive, said it was last connected to the officer's computer.
She testified that when the officer opened one particular file, a temporary file was created.
This was deleted when he closed the original file.
Her findings were supported by a report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which also examined the hard drive.
In court on Tuesday, lawyers for the Todd family also put forward several hypotheses that attempted to show that the 31-year-old did not take his own life.
Police officers had said they saw no signs of forced entry into the apartment, ransacking or foul play.
But the Todd family lawyers asked if it was possible Dr Todd died elsewhere and his body was moved back to his apartment, since no blood stains were found; whether the furniture in the apartment could have been moved back to its original position to give an impression that there was no struggle; and whether the suicide notes allegedly left by him could have been written by someone else. This was because the spelling of the word "Keyes" in reference to a place in Florida was spelt incorrectly in the note.
The raising of these possibilities led to a robust exchange between lawyers for the State and the Todd family. Three times, the State's lawyers asked if these possibilities were allegations or statements of fact.
The State's lawyers also asked if the evidence laid out in court was being challenged, but the Todd family's lawyers said they were not taking a position on the matter and were only enquiring about possibilities.
A handwriting expert and DNA analyst from the Health Sciences Authority also took the stand on Tuesday.
It was revealed that the handwriting on Post-It notes found in Dr Todd's bedroom matched his writings in his notebook.
One of the Post-It notes had a password written on it. When officers used the password to access Dr Todd's computer, they found the suicide notes.
It was also revealed that four unknown DNA imprints were found on the towel and strap which were wrapped around Dr Todd's neck.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
FT article on Shane Todd is "inaccurate" and "mischievous": Police
FT article on Shane Todd is "inaccurate" and "mischievous": Police
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 11 May 2013 10:05 PM
Singapore police have labelled a recent Financial Times report on American engineer Dr Shane Todd as "inaccurate", "mischievous" and "calculated to interfere with the administration of justice in Singapore".
SINGAPORE: Singapore police have labelled a recent Financial Times report on American engineer Dr Shane Todd as "inaccurate", "mischievous" and "calculated to interfere with the administration of justice in Singapore".
The article, dated May 10 and titled "Singapore inquiry prepares to open into Shane Todd's death", reported that the police gave Dr Todd's parents different versions of how he died.
Police said the paper made no attempts to confirm this with them and that the article "grossly misrepresented" its position because alleged statements exchanged between Dr Todd's parents and the police about the death were presented as facts.
According to the article, the police had told Mr and Mrs Todd that their son had drilled holes in the bathroom wall, affixed bolts and wrapped the strap through a pulley over the door.
Police said this is "highly inappropriate" and whether such statements were actually made is to be determined by the State Coroner.
More than 60 witnesses have been lined up for the Coroner's Inquiry into the death of Dr Shane Todd. However, only half that number are likely to take the stand, with the rest providing recorded statements.
His friends will be among the first on the stand when the inquiry begins on Monday. Other witnesses include the pathologist, police officers, and his parents.
Tai Wei Shyong, the senior state counsel for Dr Todd's inquiry, said: "First of all, most important is the cause of death -- the report of the forensic pathologist, what medically caused the death.
"Secondly, it is necessary to try to piece together the life of the deceased person before he died -- what was he going through, were there any events affecting him. Thirdly, were there any indications of wrong-doing or foul play. These are generic areas every coroner's case has to deal with and that's also going to be the case in this particular instance."
The 31-year-old American was found hanged in his apartment in Chinatown. His parents believe he was murdered over research he had done while working for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
During the inquiry, which is public and open, they will have the chance to raise concerns relating to the case.
Mr Tai added: "The role of the state counsel is essentially to place all of the relevant evidence before the coroner so that he can make the best possible finding as to the cause of death. Our job is to make sure everything he needs to make a decision is placed before him in an orderly and structured manner.
"Because it's an inquisitorial process and not an adversarial one, we've been working quite closely with the counsel appointed by next-of-kin, Shane's parents, that any relevant evidence that they want to place before the court will be put forward."
The inquiry will stretch till end-May. After that, the state coroner will review the evidence, and independently determine the cause of Dr Todd's death.
The coroner's findings are not subject to appeal. However, the public prosecutor may direct the coroner to reopen the inquiry if it appears further investigations are necessary.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 11 May 2013 10:05 PM
Singapore police have labelled a recent Financial Times report on American engineer Dr Shane Todd as "inaccurate", "mischievous" and "calculated to interfere with the administration of justice in Singapore".
SINGAPORE: Singapore police have labelled a recent Financial Times report on American engineer Dr Shane Todd as "inaccurate", "mischievous" and "calculated to interfere with the administration of justice in Singapore".
The article, dated May 10 and titled "Singapore inquiry prepares to open into Shane Todd's death", reported that the police gave Dr Todd's parents different versions of how he died.
Police said the paper made no attempts to confirm this with them and that the article "grossly misrepresented" its position because alleged statements exchanged between Dr Todd's parents and the police about the death were presented as facts.
According to the article, the police had told Mr and Mrs Todd that their son had drilled holes in the bathroom wall, affixed bolts and wrapped the strap through a pulley over the door.
Police said this is "highly inappropriate" and whether such statements were actually made is to be determined by the State Coroner.
More than 60 witnesses have been lined up for the Coroner's Inquiry into the death of Dr Shane Todd. However, only half that number are likely to take the stand, with the rest providing recorded statements.
His friends will be among the first on the stand when the inquiry begins on Monday. Other witnesses include the pathologist, police officers, and his parents.
Tai Wei Shyong, the senior state counsel for Dr Todd's inquiry, said: "First of all, most important is the cause of death -- the report of the forensic pathologist, what medically caused the death.
"Secondly, it is necessary to try to piece together the life of the deceased person before he died -- what was he going through, were there any events affecting him. Thirdly, were there any indications of wrong-doing or foul play. These are generic areas every coroner's case has to deal with and that's also going to be the case in this particular instance."
The 31-year-old American was found hanged in his apartment in Chinatown. His parents believe he was murdered over research he had done while working for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
During the inquiry, which is public and open, they will have the chance to raise concerns relating to the case.
Mr Tai added: "The role of the state counsel is essentially to place all of the relevant evidence before the coroner so that he can make the best possible finding as to the cause of death. Our job is to make sure everything he needs to make a decision is placed before him in an orderly and structured manner.
"Because it's an inquisitorial process and not an adversarial one, we've been working quite closely with the counsel appointed by next-of-kin, Shane's parents, that any relevant evidence that they want to place before the court will be put forward."
The inquiry will stretch till end-May. After that, the state coroner will review the evidence, and independently determine the cause of Dr Todd's death.
The coroner's findings are not subject to appeal. However, the public prosecutor may direct the coroner to reopen the inquiry if it appears further investigations are necessary.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Shane Todd's laptop showed access to suicide, depression-related websites
Shane Todd's laptop showed access to suicide, depression-related websites
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 13 May 2013 9:58 PM
Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
SINGAPORE: Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
Dr Todd's body was found hanging from a black strap in front of a closed toilet door in his bedroom. According to the police, the strap had a plastic buckle attached to it which acted as a stopper -- securing it against the top end of the toilet door.
Internet history on his laptop revealed that he had accessed suicide-related websites 19 times between March and June 2012. The last one was accessed only the day before his body was found hanged in his apartment.
According to patterns of Internet activity, Dr Todd had searched different methods of committing suicide. Depression-related webpages were also accessed -- mostly in May 2012.
Senior State Counsel Tai Wei Shyong gave these details in an opening statement to the court.
Dr Todd's parents, who have flown here for the inquiry, believe their son was murdered over research he had done while working for the Singapore Institute of Microelectronics.
However, there were notes, believed to be written by Dr Todd, found on his laptop. The notes were found after the investigation officer accessed his laptop using a password written on a post-it pad.
They were for his family, girlfriend, and friends. He said he loved them and asked their forgiveness for the pain he caused them.
Dr Todd's girlfriend and friends took the stand on Monday to describe his state of mind in the months before he died. Calling him a perfectionist, they said he was unhappy and stressed about his work. They also said he had lost weight and a twitching in his hands had become more pronounced in the months leading up to his death.
Dr Todd's girlfriend Shirley Sarmiento said he told her he had suffered from depression since October 2011. He also told her he was unhappy after transferring to another department, and working on a project that he felt could get him into trouble with the American government.
The court heard earlier that Dr Todd had seen a psychiatrist while in Singapore and been prescribed anti-depressant pills.
Officers and paramedics who were first at the scene said there were no signs of forced entry or foul play when they entered Dr Todd's apartment.
However, the counsel for the Todd family questioned if it was right for them to cut the rope holding up Dr Todd's body before the forensics team arrived, saying that that could have changed material evidence at the scene.
The court however heard that it was standard procedure to bring down a body found hanging as the priority was to "save lives". The first-responders also said they remembered seeing Dr Todd's feet on the floor when they entered the room, but could not be sure if his legs were bearing his weight.
The Todd family also said they appreciated the help they had received for the inquiry.
Rick Todd, the father of Dr Todd, said: "We really appreciate the process going on here. It's a slow process so we really appreciate the way Singapore conducts its court system."
Earlier, he and his wife thanked the Singapore government for allowing them to be part of the inquest.
The inquiry continues.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 13 May 2013 9:58 PM
Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
SINGAPORE: Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
Dr Todd's body was found hanging from a black strap in front of a closed toilet door in his bedroom. According to the police, the strap had a plastic buckle attached to it which acted as a stopper -- securing it against the top end of the toilet door.
Internet history on his laptop revealed that he had accessed suicide-related websites 19 times between March and June 2012. The last one was accessed only the day before his body was found hanged in his apartment.
According to patterns of Internet activity, Dr Todd had searched different methods of committing suicide. Depression-related webpages were also accessed -- mostly in May 2012.
Senior State Counsel Tai Wei Shyong gave these details in an opening statement to the court.
Dr Todd's parents, who have flown here for the inquiry, believe their son was murdered over research he had done while working for the Singapore Institute of Microelectronics.
However, there were notes, believed to be written by Dr Todd, found on his laptop. The notes were found after the investigation officer accessed his laptop using a password written on a post-it pad.
They were for his family, girlfriend, and friends. He said he loved them and asked their forgiveness for the pain he caused them.
Dr Todd's girlfriend and friends took the stand on Monday to describe his state of mind in the months before he died. Calling him a perfectionist, they said he was unhappy and stressed about his work. They also said he had lost weight and a twitching in his hands had become more pronounced in the months leading up to his death.
Dr Todd's girlfriend Shirley Sarmiento said he told her he had suffered from depression since October 2011. He also told her he was unhappy after transferring to another department, and working on a project that he felt could get him into trouble with the American government.
The court heard earlier that Dr Todd had seen a psychiatrist while in Singapore and been prescribed anti-depressant pills.
Officers and paramedics who were first at the scene said there were no signs of forced entry or foul play when they entered Dr Todd's apartment.
However, the counsel for the Todd family questioned if it was right for them to cut the rope holding up Dr Todd's body before the forensics team arrived, saying that that could have changed material evidence at the scene.
The court however heard that it was standard procedure to bring down a body found hanging as the priority was to "save lives". The first-responders also said they remembered seeing Dr Todd's feet on the floor when they entered the room, but could not be sure if his legs were bearing his weight.
The Todd family also said they appreciated the help they had received for the inquiry.
Rick Todd, the father of Dr Todd, said: "We really appreciate the process going on here. It's a slow process so we really appreciate the way Singapore conducts its court system."
Earlier, he and his wife thanked the Singapore government for allowing them to be part of the inquest.
The inquiry continues.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Coroner's Inquiry into American engineer's death to begin May 13
Coroner's Inquiry into American engineer's death to begin May 13
POSTED: 08 May 2013 10:30 PM
Dr Shane Todd, 31, was found hanged in his Chinatown apartment last June in an apparent suicide. His parents arrived in Singapore on Monday to prepare for the inquiry.
SINGAPORE: A Coroner's Inquiry into the death of an American engineer will begin at the Subordinate Courts on Monday.
Dr Shane Todd, 31, was found hanged in his Chinatown apartment last June in an apparent suicide.
His parents arrived in Singapore on Monday to prepare for the inquiry - which is slated to run till the end of the month.
For Mary Todd and her husband Rick, many questions remain unanswered about their son's death.
"Well, first of all, we want to recognise how Shane died, the police have never gotten off the idea of suicide," said Rick Todd.
"We have been coping well under the circumstances but it's the most incredulous, most horrendous situation any parent could go through," said Mary Todd.
Dr Todd's parents believe he was murdered over research he had done while working for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
The Todd family have also raised doubts about the way investigations were carried out.
At the Coroner's Inquiry, the Todd family can question investigation findings, as well as forensic and medical reports.
After that, the State Coroner will review the evidence and independently determine the cause of Dr Todd's death.
Some 50 witnesses are expected to take the stand, and the family will be represented by a team of five lawyers led by Gloria James-Civetta.
When contacted, the Police reiterated their previous statements on the matter, that they are committed to ensuring investigations into Dr Todd's death are thorough... and that all evidence relevant to the case is made available at the inquiry.
The Attorney-General's Chambers told MediaCorp that a Coroner's Inquiry is a fact-finding process, solely dedicated to determining the cause of and circumstances surrounding a death.
"The Attorney-General's Chambers expressed our condolences to the family of Dr Todd for their loss. The Coroner's Inquiry is a fact-finding process, solely dedicated to determining the cause of and circumstances surrounding Dr Todd's death. During the inquiry, which will be public and open, Dr Todd's family will have the opportunity to raise concerns relating to the case. AGC is currently working with the legal counsel appointed by Dr Todd's family to ensure that all evidence relating to the case is presented to the Coroner in order for him to make a proper determination."
Dr Todd's parents have made the long trip to Singapore three times in less than a year. The first - to collect their son's body, the second - to meet with officials, and now on this third trip, they hope to get the answers that they've been looking for.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 08 May 2013 10:30 PM
Dr Shane Todd, 31, was found hanged in his Chinatown apartment last June in an apparent suicide. His parents arrived in Singapore on Monday to prepare for the inquiry.
SINGAPORE: A Coroner's Inquiry into the death of an American engineer will begin at the Subordinate Courts on Monday.
Dr Shane Todd, 31, was found hanged in his Chinatown apartment last June in an apparent suicide.
His parents arrived in Singapore on Monday to prepare for the inquiry - which is slated to run till the end of the month.
For Mary Todd and her husband Rick, many questions remain unanswered about their son's death.
"Well, first of all, we want to recognise how Shane died, the police have never gotten off the idea of suicide," said Rick Todd.
"We have been coping well under the circumstances but it's the most incredulous, most horrendous situation any parent could go through," said Mary Todd.
Dr Todd's parents believe he was murdered over research he had done while working for Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics.
The Todd family have also raised doubts about the way investigations were carried out.
At the Coroner's Inquiry, the Todd family can question investigation findings, as well as forensic and medical reports.
After that, the State Coroner will review the evidence and independently determine the cause of Dr Todd's death.
Some 50 witnesses are expected to take the stand, and the family will be represented by a team of five lawyers led by Gloria James-Civetta.
When contacted, the Police reiterated their previous statements on the matter, that they are committed to ensuring investigations into Dr Todd's death are thorough... and that all evidence relevant to the case is made available at the inquiry.
The Attorney-General's Chambers told MediaCorp that a Coroner's Inquiry is a fact-finding process, solely dedicated to determining the cause of and circumstances surrounding a death.
"The Attorney-General's Chambers expressed our condolences to the family of Dr Todd for their loss. The Coroner's Inquiry is a fact-finding process, solely dedicated to determining the cause of and circumstances surrounding Dr Todd's death. During the inquiry, which will be public and open, Dr Todd's family will have the opportunity to raise concerns relating to the case. AGC is currently working with the legal counsel appointed by Dr Todd's family to ensure that all evidence relating to the case is presented to the Coroner in order for him to make a proper determination."
Dr Todd's parents have made the long trip to Singapore three times in less than a year. The first - to collect their son's body, the second - to meet with officials, and now on this third trip, they hope to get the answers that they've been looking for.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Royal Bank of Scotland axes 1,400 more jobs
Royal Bank of Scotland axes 1,400 more jobs
POSTED: 16 May 2013 8:05 PM
State-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland axed 1,400 more positions on Thursday, taking the total number of job losses close to 40,000 since its vast state bailout at the height of the global financial crisis.
LONDON: State-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland axed 1,400 more positions on Thursday, taking the total number of job losses close to 40,000 since its vast state bailout at the height of the global financial crisis.
"RBS has announced plans to restructure its retail head office functions in the UK. The changes will result in 1,400 job losses over the next two years," said in a statement.
A company spokesman told AFP that the latest round of losses took the total job cuts to 38,900 over the past five years, as the bank has sought to transform its fortunes.
He added that following the latest losses, RBS would employ 120,000 staff worldwide.
Unite, Britain's biggest union, attacked the latest cuts as "brutal and irresponsible" behaviour.
However, RBS insisted that the move was aimed at improving customer service.
"To serve our customers well we have to ensure that our resources are focused on the things that matter most to them," said Ross McEwan, head of UK Retail.
"Regrettably, we can only do that by restructuring the way we work in head office so that every effort is concentrated on supporting our customers and the frontline staff that serve them."
The British government owns 81 per cent of RBS after the bank was bailed out in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis with 45.5-billion pounds of taxpayers' cash, making it the world's biggest banking bailout.
The lender was ravaged by its badly-timed consortium takeover of Dutch bank ABN Amro at the top of the market in 2007, just before the crisis struck.
RBS said earlier this month that it planned a return to the private sector next year following the massive restructuring programme.
The Edinburgh-based bank hopes to begin offloading the government's stake from the middle of next year or possibly earlier.
The lender had also revealed that it swung back into profit in the first quarter with net earnings of 393-million pounds (US$610 million, 467 million euros) on a drop in bad loan provisions and after a hefty loss a year earlier.
Its profit after tax for the January-March period compared with a net loss of 1.545-billion pounds in the first quarter of 2012.
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 16 May 2013 8:05 PM
State-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland axed 1,400 more positions on Thursday, taking the total number of job losses close to 40,000 since its vast state bailout at the height of the global financial crisis.
LONDON: State-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland axed 1,400 more positions on Thursday, taking the total number of job losses close to 40,000 since its vast state bailout at the height of the global financial crisis.
"RBS has announced plans to restructure its retail head office functions in the UK. The changes will result in 1,400 job losses over the next two years," said in a statement.
A company spokesman told AFP that the latest round of losses took the total job cuts to 38,900 over the past five years, as the bank has sought to transform its fortunes.
He added that following the latest losses, RBS would employ 120,000 staff worldwide.
Unite, Britain's biggest union, attacked the latest cuts as "brutal and irresponsible" behaviour.
However, RBS insisted that the move was aimed at improving customer service.
"To serve our customers well we have to ensure that our resources are focused on the things that matter most to them," said Ross McEwan, head of UK Retail.
"Regrettably, we can only do that by restructuring the way we work in head office so that every effort is concentrated on supporting our customers and the frontline staff that serve them."
The British government owns 81 per cent of RBS after the bank was bailed out in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis with 45.5-billion pounds of taxpayers' cash, making it the world's biggest banking bailout.
The lender was ravaged by its badly-timed consortium takeover of Dutch bank ABN Amro at the top of the market in 2007, just before the crisis struck.
RBS said earlier this month that it planned a return to the private sector next year following the massive restructuring programme.
The Edinburgh-based bank hopes to begin offloading the government's stake from the middle of next year or possibly earlier.
The lender had also revealed that it swung back into profit in the first quarter with net earnings of 393-million pounds (US$610 million, 467 million euros) on a drop in bad loan provisions and after a hefty loss a year earlier.
Its profit after tax for the January-March period compared with a net loss of 1.545-billion pounds in the first quarter of 2012.
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
More gantries on AYE by mid-2014
More gantries on AYE by mid-2014
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid
POSTED: 16 May 2013 11:12 AM
To further ease traffic congestion, the Ayer Rajah Expressway will have four more ERP gantries come mid-2014.
SINGAPORE: To further ease traffic congestion, the Ayer Rajah Expressway will have four more ERP gantries come mid-2014.
Three new gantries towards the city between Jurong Town Hall Road and Clementi Road will be operational during the morning and evening peak hours on weekdays.
The first gantry will be located just before Clementi Avenue 6 exit, while the other two gantries will be located at the slip roads into AYE from Clementi Avenue 6 and Clementi Avenue 2.
The fourth gantry located just before the Clementi Road exit towards Tuas (between North Buona Vista and Clementi Road) will be operational only during the weekday evening peak hours.
The Land Transport Authority said over the past one and a half years, traffic speeds at both locations have dipped, going as low as 35 kilometres per hour.
This is below the optimal speed range of 45 to 65 kilometres per hour for expressways.
Traffic conditions along the corridor are also expected to worsen when traffic demand goes up with future developments such as the Jurong Gateway.
Construction of the ERP gantries will start in the later part of this year.
LTA said it will announce the operating hours and charges closer to the implementation of the gantries.
LTA said motorists who wish to avoid paying the ERP charges can make use of alternative routes including the West Coast Highway and Commonwealth Avenue-Tiong Bahru Road corridor.
Public transport alternatives in the west will also be ramped up for motorist who wants to make the switch.
From the third quarter of 2013, commuters in Jurong West will have a City Direct bus service during peak hours.
LTA is also looking at having a similar service from Clementi.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid
POSTED: 16 May 2013 11:12 AM
To further ease traffic congestion, the Ayer Rajah Expressway will have four more ERP gantries come mid-2014.
SINGAPORE: To further ease traffic congestion, the Ayer Rajah Expressway will have four more ERP gantries come mid-2014.
Three new gantries towards the city between Jurong Town Hall Road and Clementi Road will be operational during the morning and evening peak hours on weekdays.
The first gantry will be located just before Clementi Avenue 6 exit, while the other two gantries will be located at the slip roads into AYE from Clementi Avenue 6 and Clementi Avenue 2.
The fourth gantry located just before the Clementi Road exit towards Tuas (between North Buona Vista and Clementi Road) will be operational only during the weekday evening peak hours.
The Land Transport Authority said over the past one and a half years, traffic speeds at both locations have dipped, going as low as 35 kilometres per hour.
This is below the optimal speed range of 45 to 65 kilometres per hour for expressways.
Traffic conditions along the corridor are also expected to worsen when traffic demand goes up with future developments such as the Jurong Gateway.
Construction of the ERP gantries will start in the later part of this year.
LTA said it will announce the operating hours and charges closer to the implementation of the gantries.
LTA said motorists who wish to avoid paying the ERP charges can make use of alternative routes including the West Coast Highway and Commonwealth Avenue-Tiong Bahru Road corridor.
Public transport alternatives in the west will also be ramped up for motorist who wants to make the switch.
From the third quarter of 2013, commuters in Jurong West will have a City Direct bus service during peak hours.
LTA is also looking at having a similar service from Clementi.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Career fair at Suntec City offers 1,000 job opportunities
Career fair at Suntec City offers 1,000 job opportunities
POSTED: 09 May 2013 11:14 PM
More than 1,000 job openings in the retail and food and beverage (F&B) sectors are on offer to Singaporeans and permanent residents at the Suntec City Mall career fair this week.
SINGAPORE: More than 1,000 job openings in the retail and food and beverage (F&B) sectors are on offer to Singaporeans and permanent residents at the Suntec City Mall career fair this week.
The jobs will be created when Phase 1 of the current renovation at Suntec is completed.
More than 120 new stores are expected to open in June later this year.
These include retail stores H&M, Uniqlo, Charles and Keith, Giant and F&B establishments like Popeyes and Breadtalk.
Employers participating in the career fair said they are looking to hire people for jobs ranging from frontline positions to administrative and technical.
Some job seekers have already been offered interviews.
Roy Chua, HR manager of Paradise Group Holdings, said: "We have a new restaurant called Le Restaurant that's opening here in Suntec City in June. It's a new concept, so we hope to be attracting talents to join this new concept through this job fair."
Chief executive officer of the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), Gilbert Tan, said they are committed to provide solutions for skilled manpower to meet the needs of the retail and F&B industry.
Selected candidates will undergo customised training to raise their skills and employability so as to improve job opportunities.
This includes a 2.5-day "Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) The Service Innovator" course and a one-day "WSQ Follow Food & Beverage Safety and Hygiene Policies and Procedures" course.
The career fair ends on Friday.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 09 May 2013 11:14 PM
More than 1,000 job openings in the retail and food and beverage (F&B) sectors are on offer to Singaporeans and permanent residents at the Suntec City Mall career fair this week.
SINGAPORE: More than 1,000 job openings in the retail and food and beverage (F&B) sectors are on offer to Singaporeans and permanent residents at the Suntec City Mall career fair this week.
The jobs will be created when Phase 1 of the current renovation at Suntec is completed.
More than 120 new stores are expected to open in June later this year.
These include retail stores H&M, Uniqlo, Charles and Keith, Giant and F&B establishments like Popeyes and Breadtalk.
Employers participating in the career fair said they are looking to hire people for jobs ranging from frontline positions to administrative and technical.
Some job seekers have already been offered interviews.
Roy Chua, HR manager of Paradise Group Holdings, said: "We have a new restaurant called Le Restaurant that's opening here in Suntec City in June. It's a new concept, so we hope to be attracting talents to join this new concept through this job fair."
Chief executive officer of the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), Gilbert Tan, said they are committed to provide solutions for skilled manpower to meet the needs of the retail and F&B industry.
Selected candidates will undergo customised training to raise their skills and employability so as to improve job opportunities.
This includes a 2.5-day "Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) The Service Innovator" course and a one-day "WSQ Follow Food & Beverage Safety and Hygiene Policies and Procedures" course.
The career fair ends on Friday.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
ElderShield claims double to S$58m between 2008 and 2012: Health Minister
ElderShield claims double to S$58m between 2008 and 2012: Health Minister
By Claire Huang
POSTED: 13 May 2013 11:36 PM
ElderShield claims have more than doubled from S$23 million to S$58 million between 2008 and 2012.
SINGAPORE: ElderShield claims have more than doubled from S$23 million to S$58 million between 2008 and 2012.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said in his written parliamentary reply that the number of claims in the same period also rose from 3,900 to 4,900.
He said claims are only expected to grow significantly in future as the scheme matures and more policyholders shift into the older age groups.
By end-2012, there were one million basic ElderShield policyholders. This means about 59 per cent of resident population is aged 40 to 80.
Mr Gan said the enrolment rate for ElderShield has improved over the years. In 2012, more than 92 per cent of those who turned 40 years enrolled in the insurance scheme, which provides basic protection from severe old-age disability.
Of the one million ElderShield policyholders, 26 per cent have purchased riders. Those aged above 80 are not eligible for ElderShield but may apply for coverage under the government-funded Interim Disability Assistance Program for the Elderly (IDAPE) instead.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Claire Huang
POSTED: 13 May 2013 11:36 PM
ElderShield claims have more than doubled from S$23 million to S$58 million between 2008 and 2012.
SINGAPORE: ElderShield claims have more than doubled from S$23 million to S$58 million between 2008 and 2012.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said in his written parliamentary reply that the number of claims in the same period also rose from 3,900 to 4,900.
He said claims are only expected to grow significantly in future as the scheme matures and more policyholders shift into the older age groups.
By end-2012, there were one million basic ElderShield policyholders. This means about 59 per cent of resident population is aged 40 to 80.
Mr Gan said the enrolment rate for ElderShield has improved over the years. In 2012, more than 92 per cent of those who turned 40 years enrolled in the insurance scheme, which provides basic protection from severe old-age disability.
Of the one million ElderShield policyholders, 26 per cent have purchased riders. Those aged above 80 are not eligible for ElderShield but may apply for coverage under the government-funded Interim Disability Assistance Program for the Elderly (IDAPE) instead.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, May 13, 2013
Microsoft Security Advisory (2847140)
Microsoft Security Advisory (2847140)
Vulnerability in Internet Explorer Could Allow Remote Code Execution
Published: | Updated:
Version: 1.1General Information
Executive Summary
The vulnerability does not affect Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 9, and Internet Explorer 10.
The vulnerability is a remote code execution vulnerability. The vulnerability exists in the way that Internet Explorer accesses an object in memory that has been deleted or has not been properly allocated. The vulnerability may corrupt memory in a way that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user within Internet Explorer. An attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit this vulnerability through Internet Explorer and then convince a user to view the website.
On completion of this investigation, Microsoft will take the appropriate action to protect our customers, which may include providing a solution through our monthly security update release process, or an out-of-cycle security update, depending on customer needs.
We are actively working with partners in our Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) to provide information that they can use to provide broader protections to customers. In addition, we are actively working with partners to monitor the threat landscape and take action against malicious sites that attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
Microsoft continues to encourage customers to follow the guidance in the Microsoft Safety & Security Center of enabling a firewall, applying all software updates, and installing antimalware software.
Mitigating Factors:
- By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 runs in a restricted mode that is known as Enhanced Security Configuration. This mode mitigates this vulnerability.
- By default, all supported versions of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, and Windows Mail open HTML email messages in the Restricted sites zone. The Restricted sites zone, which disables script and ActiveX controls, helps reduce the risk of an attacker being able to use this vulnerability to execute malicious code. If a user clicks a link in an email message, the user could still be vulnerable to exploitation of this vulnerability through the web-based attack scenario.
- An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
- In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a website that contains a webpage that is used to exploit this vulnerability. In addition, compromised websites and websites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit these websites. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the website, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker's website.
- wong chee tat :)
Virgin to launch health club in Singapore
Virgin to launch health club in Singapore
By Yvonne Chan
POSTED: 13 May 2013 2:43 PM
The Virgin brand, linked to British billionaire Richard Branson, has made its way to Asia in the form of fitness.
SINGAPORE: The Virgin brand, linked to British billionaire Richard Branson, has made its way to Asia in the form of fitness.
Singapore is the first stop in Asia for the new fitness chain Virgin Active. Mr Branson arrived in Singapore on Monday to announce the fitness chain's first outlet will open in One Raffles Place in about two months' time, with six more clubs in the pipeline in the next few years.
Virgin Active will also be launched in other Asian markets, such as Thailand and South Korea.
To stay ahead, Mr Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said it is imperative to keep re-inventing the Virgin brand.
This is a motto he applies across the Virgin Group, including the aviation arm, which includes Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America and Virgin Australia.
Having recently sold 10 per cent of Virgin Australia to Singapore Airlines, Mr Branson now has a 13 per cent stake in the company.
Mr Branson said: "The Virgin Brand will be there in Australia for many years to come. We just want to have a great group of partners. At the moment we have no plans to sell our stake but if there was a partner that was interested, and that would enhance our brand, we would certainly consider it. "
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Yvonne Chan
POSTED: 13 May 2013 2:43 PM
The Virgin brand, linked to British billionaire Richard Branson, has made its way to Asia in the form of fitness.
SINGAPORE: The Virgin brand, linked to British billionaire Richard Branson, has made its way to Asia in the form of fitness.
Singapore is the first stop in Asia for the new fitness chain Virgin Active. Mr Branson arrived in Singapore on Monday to announce the fitness chain's first outlet will open in One Raffles Place in about two months' time, with six more clubs in the pipeline in the next few years.
Virgin Active will also be launched in other Asian markets, such as Thailand and South Korea.
To stay ahead, Mr Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said it is imperative to keep re-inventing the Virgin brand.
This is a motto he applies across the Virgin Group, including the aviation arm, which includes Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America and Virgin Australia.
Having recently sold 10 per cent of Virgin Australia to Singapore Airlines, Mr Branson now has a 13 per cent stake in the company.
Mr Branson said: "The Virgin Brand will be there in Australia for many years to come. We just want to have a great group of partners. At the moment we have no plans to sell our stake but if there was a partner that was interested, and that would enhance our brand, we would certainly consider it. "
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Advance Notification Service for the May 2013 Security Bulletin Release
Advance Notification Service for the May 2013 Security Bulletin Release
(Click on the link for details)
- wong chee tat :)
Phase 2B of P1 registration non-partisan: Indranee Rajah
Phase 2B of P1 registration non-partisan: Indranee Rajah
By Saifulbahri Ismail
POSTED: 13 May 2013 4:19 PM
Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the priority system for children going through Primary One registration is non-partisan.
SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the priority system for children going through Primary One registration is non-partisan, but based on an "objective view" of community service.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Ms Indranee explained Phase 2B of the P1 Registration Framework is open to children whose parents are endorsed as "active community leaders".
bond
She was responding to questions from Non-Constituency MP Lina Chiam, who asked for the scrapping of the priority scheme for community leaders which she claims to be linked with the government.
Ms Indranee said only community leaders who are serving in the four grassroots committees -- the Residents' Committee, Neighbourhood Committee, Citizen's Consultative Committee, Community Club Management Committee and the Community Development Council -- get priority.
She said: "We recognise that there are many different social groups, which serve the community, but when we look at priority, we look at priority for active community leaders. And in defining active community leaders, we define eligibility based on an objective view of community service.
"Grassroots leaders (GRLs) support the People's Association in its mission of community building, in support of the government of the day. That is why at the current time, only active GRLs from the four grassroots organisations and district counsellors from the Community Development Councils are eligible for consideration under Phase 2B and eligibility is based on contribution and not along party lines."
In addition, Phase 2B is also open to the children of parent volunteers and endorsed members of churches or clans that are directly connected with the school.
Ms Indranee added the commitment and support from these various stakeholders help to build stronger bonds between the school and the community.
She further clarified that not all who are involved in grassroots associations get priority.
Those who do not get priority include the People's Association's Youth Executive Committees and Women's Executive Committees.
- CNA/xq/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Saifulbahri Ismail
POSTED: 13 May 2013 4:19 PM
Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the priority system for children going through Primary One registration is non-partisan.
SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the priority system for children going through Primary One registration is non-partisan, but based on an "objective view" of community service.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Ms Indranee explained Phase 2B of the P1 Registration Framework is open to children whose parents are endorsed as "active community leaders".
bond
She was responding to questions from Non-Constituency MP Lina Chiam, who asked for the scrapping of the priority scheme for community leaders which she claims to be linked with the government.
Ms Indranee said only community leaders who are serving in the four grassroots committees -- the Residents' Committee, Neighbourhood Committee, Citizen's Consultative Committee, Community Club Management Committee and the Community Development Council -- get priority.
She said: "We recognise that there are many different social groups, which serve the community, but when we look at priority, we look at priority for active community leaders. And in defining active community leaders, we define eligibility based on an objective view of community service.
"Grassroots leaders (GRLs) support the People's Association in its mission of community building, in support of the government of the day. That is why at the current time, only active GRLs from the four grassroots organisations and district counsellors from the Community Development Councils are eligible for consideration under Phase 2B and eligibility is based on contribution and not along party lines."
In addition, Phase 2B is also open to the children of parent volunteers and endorsed members of churches or clans that are directly connected with the school.
Ms Indranee added the commitment and support from these various stakeholders help to build stronger bonds between the school and the community.
She further clarified that not all who are involved in grassroots associations get priority.
Those who do not get priority include the People's Association's Youth Executive Committees and Women's Executive Committees.
- CNA/xq/ac
- wong chee tat :)
China pupil has father, sister "killed over study"
China pupil has father, sister "killed over study"
POSTED: 13 May 2013 7:13 PM
A school pupil was arrested in China for hiring hitmen who killed his father and sister because of the pressure they put on him to study.
BEIJING: A school pupil was arrested in China for hiring hitmen who killed his father and sister because of the pressure they put on him to study, reports said Monday, highlighting educational stress in the country.
The teenager was detained in the central province of Henan following the death of his father Gao Tianfeng -- a senior court official -- and his 20-year-old sister, the official Xinhua news agency said, citing local police.
"According to the police interrogation of the boy, the junior hired two men that he got to know via the Internet to kill his father and elder sister, because 'they had given him too much pressure in study'," Xinhua said.
Surveillance cameras showed two men had climbed over a wall and entered the house in Zhoukou at the time of the murder early on Sunday, the report said, adding two of the three suspects allegedly involved, including Gao's son, had been held.
Police could not be reached for comment by AFP Monday.
China has long been known for its highly disciplined approach to education, and parenting methods have drawn criticism for putting too much pressure on children to pass highly-competitive exams.
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 13 May 2013 7:13 PM
A school pupil was arrested in China for hiring hitmen who killed his father and sister because of the pressure they put on him to study.
BEIJING: A school pupil was arrested in China for hiring hitmen who killed his father and sister because of the pressure they put on him to study, reports said Monday, highlighting educational stress in the country.
The teenager was detained in the central province of Henan following the death of his father Gao Tianfeng -- a senior court official -- and his 20-year-old sister, the official Xinhua news agency said, citing local police.
"According to the police interrogation of the boy, the junior hired two men that he got to know via the Internet to kill his father and elder sister, because 'they had given him too much pressure in study'," Xinhua said.
Surveillance cameras showed two men had climbed over a wall and entered the house in Zhoukou at the time of the murder early on Sunday, the report said, adding two of the three suspects allegedly involved, including Gao's son, had been held.
Police could not be reached for comment by AFP Monday.
China has long been known for its highly disciplined approach to education, and parenting methods have drawn criticism for putting too much pressure on children to pass highly-competitive exams.
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
China "shadow banking" growing fast
China "shadow banking" growing fast
POSTED: 13 May 2013 7:36 PM
China's shadow banking activities have risen nearly 70 per cent over the past two years and now total more than half the size of the world's second-largest economy.
BEIJING: China's shadow banking activities have risen nearly 70 per cent over the past two years and now total more than half the size of the world's second-largest economy, ratings agency Moody's said on Monday.
Shadow banking includes private lending, off-balance-sheet vehicles and trusts, and allows borrowers to circumvent banks' formal underwriting standards, as well as official regulation.
Such lending has surged 67 per cent since the end of 2010, Moody's said in a report, reaching an estimated total of 29 trillion yuan (US$4.7 trillion) at the end of last year, or 55 per cent of China's GDP.
The rapid growth was partly due to some borrowers having difficulties obtaining regular bank loans, according to the report, and threatened the health of the banking system and the overall economy.
"Shadow banking may encourage excessive financial leverage in the broad economy and add to credit bubble concerns," Moody's said.
"Given the substantial scale and growth of shadow banking activities in China, we are doubtful of the banks' ability to isolate themselves from a significant increase in defaults in the shadow banking domain."
China's banking regulator has sought to rein in non-transparent lending activities and in March ordered banks to step up checks on wealth management products as part of a bid to boost risk control and openness.
But Moody's said: "The impact from shadow banking on banks will depend on the amount and timing of losses and how they are allocated, variables that are difficult to assess at this point, given the lack of transparency and fast-evolving nature of shadow banking in China."
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 13 May 2013 7:36 PM
China's shadow banking activities have risen nearly 70 per cent over the past two years and now total more than half the size of the world's second-largest economy.
BEIJING: China's shadow banking activities have risen nearly 70 per cent over the past two years and now total more than half the size of the world's second-largest economy, ratings agency Moody's said on Monday.
Shadow banking includes private lending, off-balance-sheet vehicles and trusts, and allows borrowers to circumvent banks' formal underwriting standards, as well as official regulation.
Such lending has surged 67 per cent since the end of 2010, Moody's said in a report, reaching an estimated total of 29 trillion yuan (US$4.7 trillion) at the end of last year, or 55 per cent of China's GDP.
The rapid growth was partly due to some borrowers having difficulties obtaining regular bank loans, according to the report, and threatened the health of the banking system and the overall economy.
"Shadow banking may encourage excessive financial leverage in the broad economy and add to credit bubble concerns," Moody's said.
"Given the substantial scale and growth of shadow banking activities in China, we are doubtful of the banks' ability to isolate themselves from a significant increase in defaults in the shadow banking domain."
China's banking regulator has sought to rein in non-transparent lending activities and in March ordered banks to step up checks on wealth management products as part of a bid to boost risk control and openness.
But Moody's said: "The impact from shadow banking on banks will depend on the amount and timing of losses and how they are allocated, variables that are difficult to assess at this point, given the lack of transparency and fast-evolving nature of shadow banking in China."
- AFP/fl
- wong chee tat :)
New childcare centres in Sengkang, Punggol within next 2 years
New childcare centres in Sengkang, Punggol within next 2 years
POSTED: 13 May 2013 8:25 PM
SINGAPORE: Sengkang and Punggol will each have 14 new childcare centres within the next two years.
And by 2018, Sengkang will have an additional nine centres, while Punggol will have another 12 centres.
Acting Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing said the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is working with the Housing and Development Board to pre-build childcare facilities alongside upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) projects.
Responding to MP for Punggol East Lee Li Lian, Mr Chan said there will be a childcare centre within Rivervale Arc by early 2015, as part of this effort.
The ECDA is also open to alternative locations, such as workplaces, disused facilities and integrated developments.
Tin Pei Ling, MP for Marine Parade GRC, asked: "How is demand determined? I'm asking because even for mature estates, there are BTO projects coming up and anticipated would-be young families moving in as well. So there would be an increase in demand for childcare, student care and even infant care."
Mr Chan replied: "How we determine demand is based on the cohort size in the respective estates. We also take in feedback from the respective grassroots leaders if they see demand for such things. We also look at the queue at the existing childcare places in the vicinity so we have a sense of where is the demand.
"For example, we also understand that in Sengkang and Punggol generally, the young families there have less grandparent support, so they will need a bit more childcare places, and we have catered for it accordingly."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 13 May 2013 8:25 PM
SINGAPORE: Sengkang and Punggol will each have 14 new childcare centres within the next two years.
And by 2018, Sengkang will have an additional nine centres, while Punggol will have another 12 centres.
Acting Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing said the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is working with the Housing and Development Board to pre-build childcare facilities alongside upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) projects.
Responding to MP for Punggol East Lee Li Lian, Mr Chan said there will be a childcare centre within Rivervale Arc by early 2015, as part of this effort.
The ECDA is also open to alternative locations, such as workplaces, disused facilities and integrated developments.
Tin Pei Ling, MP for Marine Parade GRC, asked: "How is demand determined? I'm asking because even for mature estates, there are BTO projects coming up and anticipated would-be young families moving in as well. So there would be an increase in demand for childcare, student care and even infant care."
Mr Chan replied: "How we determine demand is based on the cohort size in the respective estates. We also take in feedback from the respective grassroots leaders if they see demand for such things. We also look at the queue at the existing childcare places in the vicinity so we have a sense of where is the demand.
"For example, we also understand that in Sengkang and Punggol generally, the young families there have less grandparent support, so they will need a bit more childcare places, and we have catered for it accordingly."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
Shane Todd's laptop showed access to suicide, depression-related websites
Shane Todd's laptop showed access to suicide, depression-related websites
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 13 May 2013 9:58 PM
SINGAPORE: Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
Dr Todd's body was found hanging from a black strap in front of a closed toilet door in his bedroom. According to the police, the strap had a plastic buckle attached to it which acted as a stopper -- securing it against the top end of the toilet door.
Internet history on his laptop revealed that he had accessed suicide-related websites 19 times between March and June 2012. The last one was accessed only the day before his body was found hanged in his apartment.
According to patterns of Internet activity, Dr Todd had searched different methods of committing suicide. Depression-related webpages were also accessed -- mostly in May 2012.
Senior State Counsel Tai Wei Shyong gave these details in an opening statement to the court.
Dr Todd's parents, who have flown here for the inquiry, believe their son was murdered over research he had done while working for the Singapore Institute of Microelectronics.
However, there were notes, believed to be written by Dr Todd, found on his laptop. The notes were found after the investigation officer accessed his laptop using a password written on a post-it pad.
They were for his family, girlfriend, and friends. He said he loved them and asked their forgiveness for the pain he caused them.
Dr Todd's girlfriend and friends took the stand on Monday to describe his state of mind in the months before he died. Calling him a perfectionist, they said he was unhappy and stressed about his work. They also said he had lost weight and a twitching in his hands had become more pronounced in the months leading up to his death.
Dr Todd's girlfriend Shirley Sarmiento said he told her he had suffered from depression since October 2011. He also told her he was unhappy after transferring to another department, and working on a project that he felt could get him into trouble with the American government.
The court heard earlier that Dr Todd had seen a psychiatrist while in Singapore and been prescribed anti-depressant pills.
Officers and paramedics who were first at the scene said there were no signs of forced entry or foul play when they entered Dr Todd's apartment.
However, the counsel for the Todd family questioned if it was right for them to cut the rope holding up Dr Todd's body before the forensics team arrived, saying that that could have changed material evidence at the scene.
The court however heard that it was standard procedure to bring down a body found hanging as the priority was to "save lives". The first-responders also said they remembered seeing Dr Todd's feet on the floor when they entered the room, but could not be sure if his legs were bearing his weight.
The Todd family also said they appreciated the help they had received for the inquiry.
Rick Todd, the father of Dr Todd, said: "We really appreciate the process going on here. It's a slow process so we really appreciate the way Singapore conducts its court system."
Earlier, he and his wife thanked the Singapore government for allowing them to be part of the inquest.
The inquiry continues.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 13 May 2013 9:58 PM
SINGAPORE: Internet history on American researcher Shane Todd's laptop showed that he had run searches on suicide and depression-related websites in the days before he died. This was revealed on the first day of a coroner's inquiry into his death.
Dr Todd's body was found hanging from a black strap in front of a closed toilet door in his bedroom. According to the police, the strap had a plastic buckle attached to it which acted as a stopper -- securing it against the top end of the toilet door.
Internet history on his laptop revealed that he had accessed suicide-related websites 19 times between March and June 2012. The last one was accessed only the day before his body was found hanged in his apartment.
According to patterns of Internet activity, Dr Todd had searched different methods of committing suicide. Depression-related webpages were also accessed -- mostly in May 2012.
Senior State Counsel Tai Wei Shyong gave these details in an opening statement to the court.
Dr Todd's parents, who have flown here for the inquiry, believe their son was murdered over research he had done while working for the Singapore Institute of Microelectronics.
However, there were notes, believed to be written by Dr Todd, found on his laptop. The notes were found after the investigation officer accessed his laptop using a password written on a post-it pad.
They were for his family, girlfriend, and friends. He said he loved them and asked their forgiveness for the pain he caused them.
Dr Todd's girlfriend and friends took the stand on Monday to describe his state of mind in the months before he died. Calling him a perfectionist, they said he was unhappy and stressed about his work. They also said he had lost weight and a twitching in his hands had become more pronounced in the months leading up to his death.
Dr Todd's girlfriend Shirley Sarmiento said he told her he had suffered from depression since October 2011. He also told her he was unhappy after transferring to another department, and working on a project that he felt could get him into trouble with the American government.
The court heard earlier that Dr Todd had seen a psychiatrist while in Singapore and been prescribed anti-depressant pills.
Officers and paramedics who were first at the scene said there were no signs of forced entry or foul play when they entered Dr Todd's apartment.
However, the counsel for the Todd family questioned if it was right for them to cut the rope holding up Dr Todd's body before the forensics team arrived, saying that that could have changed material evidence at the scene.
The court however heard that it was standard procedure to bring down a body found hanging as the priority was to "save lives". The first-responders also said they remembered seeing Dr Todd's feet on the floor when they entered the room, but could not be sure if his legs were bearing his weight.
The Todd family also said they appreciated the help they had received for the inquiry.
Rick Todd, the father of Dr Todd, said: "We really appreciate the process going on here. It's a slow process so we really appreciate the way Singapore conducts its court system."
Earlier, he and his wife thanked the Singapore government for allowing them to be part of the inquest.
The inquiry continues.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Medium Term Note
Medium Term Note:
1. Notes range in maturity from one to 10 years. By knowing that a note is medium term, investors have an idea of what its maturity will be when they compare its price to that of other fixed-income securities. All else being equal, the coupon rate on medium-term notes will be higher than those achieved on short-term notes.
2. This type of debt program is used by a company so it can have constant cash flows coming in from its debt issuance; it allows a company to tailor its debt issuance to meet its financing needs. Medium-term notes allow a company to register with the SEC only once, instead of every time for differing maturities.
Source: Investopedia
- wong chee tat :)
1. Notes range in maturity from one to 10 years. By knowing that a note is medium term, investors have an idea of what its maturity will be when they compare its price to that of other fixed-income securities. All else being equal, the coupon rate on medium-term notes will be higher than those achieved on short-term notes.
2. This type of debt program is used by a company so it can have constant cash flows coming in from its debt issuance; it allows a company to tailor its debt issuance to meet its financing needs. Medium-term notes allow a company to register with the SEC only once, instead of every time for differing maturities.
Source: Investopedia
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Types of Investors
Types of Investors
Retail Investor:
Individual investors who buy and sell securities for their personal account, and not for another company or organization.
Also known as an "individual investor" or "small investor".
Institutional Investor:
A non-bank person or organization that trades securities in large enough share quantities or dollar amounts that they qualify for preferential treatment and lower commissions. Institutional investors face fewer protective regulations because it is assumed that they are more knowledgeable and better able to protect themselves.
Accredited Investor:
A term used by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Regulation D to refer to investors who are financially sophisticated and have a reduced need for the protection provided by certain government filings. Accredited investors include individuals, banks, insurance companies, employee benefit plans, and trusts.
Sophisticated Investor:
A type of investor who is deemed to have sufficient investing experience and knowledge to weigh the risks and merits of an investment opportunity.
For certain purposes, net worth and income restrictions must be met before a person can be classified a sophisticated investor. The distinction makes an investor eligible to buy into certain investment opportunities, such as pre-IPO securities, that are considered "non-disclosure" or "non-prospectus" issues. Typically, a sophisticated investor must have either a net worth of $2.5 million or have earned more than $250,000 in the past two years to qualify.
Source:
Investopedia
- wong chee tat :)
Retail Investor:
Individual investors who buy and sell securities for their personal account, and not for another company or organization.
Also known as an "individual investor" or "small investor".
Institutional Investor:
A non-bank person or organization that trades securities in large enough share quantities or dollar amounts that they qualify for preferential treatment and lower commissions. Institutional investors face fewer protective regulations because it is assumed that they are more knowledgeable and better able to protect themselves.
Accredited Investor:
A term used by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Regulation D to refer to investors who are financially sophisticated and have a reduced need for the protection provided by certain government filings. Accredited investors include individuals, banks, insurance companies, employee benefit plans, and trusts.
Sophisticated Investor:
A type of investor who is deemed to have sufficient investing experience and knowledge to weigh the risks and merits of an investment opportunity.
For certain purposes, net worth and income restrictions must be met before a person can be classified a sophisticated investor. The distinction makes an investor eligible to buy into certain investment opportunities, such as pre-IPO securities, that are considered "non-disclosure" or "non-prospectus" issues. Typically, a sophisticated investor must have either a net worth of $2.5 million or have earned more than $250,000 in the past two years to qualify.
Source:
Investopedia
- wong chee tat :)
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