S-League conducts first 2.4km fitness test run, one fails
by Deborah Ong
02:09 PM Jan 08, 2013
SINGAPORE - More than 70 footballers from S-League clubs SAFFC, Tanjong Pagar United, Balestier Khalsa and Hougang United turned up at the Bishan Stadium this morning to take part in the first-ever 2.4km running test conducted by the domestic league in order to be certified fit to play in this season's tournament.
As part of a raft of changes for this year, the S-League had decided to scrap the controversial Beep Test and replace it with the 2.4km run.
In the past, the mandatory Beep Test - which required players to reach level 13.1 in order to play in the S-League - had come under criticism from many in the football fraternity who see it as an inaccurate reflection of football-specific fitness.
Last year, S-League officials had promised to review the test, and they eventually decided on the 2.4km run as an alternative.
Players now have to meet the passing mark of 10min 15sec. Those who run below 9 min will get a $100 cash reward while players who run faster than 8min 30sec will get $200.
Players who fail to meet the passing mark can retake the test as often as they want.
S-League CEO Lim Chin, who also took the test at Bishan Stadium this morning, told TODAY: "I believe that the decision to change the format of the fitness test was the right one because its aerobic nature is an accurate measurement of a player's fitness.
"Also, most of the S-league players are more familiar with the 2.4km run as they would have done it as part of the countless IPPT tests they took during their National Service, and as reservists."
All but one player passed the run this morning. The one who failed did not complete the test; the S-League declined to name the player who failed.
All of the players that TODAY spoke to said they preferred the 2.4km run to the Beep Test because they are more familiar with it, and can train for it by themselves. This is unlike the Beep Test which required additional manpower, cones and a timer to set up.
However, they could be in for a rude shock if they think the 10min 15sec passing park is a permanent fixture.
According to Lim Chin, the S-League will be reviewing the test results, and may lower the passing time - which he described as 'average' - next year and in subsequent years if it proves to be too easy for the players to meet.
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Prime shopping space in CBD shrinks
Prime shopping space in CBD shrinks
By Lynda Hong | Posted: 07 January 2013 1843 hrs
SINGAPORE: Prime shopping space in the central business district (CBD) has shrunk.
As at end of September 2012, retail space - excluding that for drinking, eating and entertainment - has fallen by about 3 per cent, according to data by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) which was analysed by real estate firm Colliers International.
Prints, an upmarket stationery retailer, has been looking to expand in the Orchard Road area. Its outlet at Chevron house has attracted a lot of corporate orders and bulk purchases from surrounding offices.
But its business is still lagging behind its other outlet at Ion Orchard. With space four times larger Chevron's, Ion brings in 20 per cent more business.
The company said expanding into the Orchard Road shopping belt may also open up new opportunities. Its third outlet at CityLink Mall sees the least business.
Prints' operation manager, Lim Fung Leng, said: "We're still looking at areas like Orchard and VivoCity because we would like to expand into the international market and we would like to attract more tourists and those area has a lot people from different walks of life it will get more exposure for our products."
More retail space in the CBD area has been converted for Food and Beverage purposes, according to a research by real estate agency Colliers International.
As a result, the available space for other retail use has become tighter.
Colliers International's research head, Chia Siew Chuin, said: "Why you see more retail space or rather more F&B space is because a lot of developers and owners of retail malls know that F&B outlets are actually magnets for people. Magnets for human traffic to be locked inside their retail malls. So gone are the days when you only see 15 per cent to 20 per cent F&B space. You can see as high as 40 or 50 per cent of your total space is F&B or leisure space."
Other analysts said prime space for F&B outlets may typically command lower rents.
Savills Singapore's research head Alan Cheong said: "F&B commands lower rentals on a dollar-psf, gross lettable area because you have a lot of non-revenue generating activities like your kitchen and in some instances you have to provide washroom compared to retail where every single space is for revenue generating purpose."
Except for the building housing the former DBS headquarters that will be redeveloped to include a sizeable retail space spanning 170,000 square feet, analysts don't see much office space being converted to retail space in the CBD.
In the next five to 10 years, new condominiums will create the need for more retail space.
But analysts said these would be F&B outlets and retail stores providing basic necessities like pharmacies, mini-grocers and supermarkets for affluent residents.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Lynda Hong | Posted: 07 January 2013 1843 hrs
SINGAPORE: Prime shopping space in the central business district (CBD) has shrunk.
As at end of September 2012, retail space - excluding that for drinking, eating and entertainment - has fallen by about 3 per cent, according to data by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) which was analysed by real estate firm Colliers International.
Prints, an upmarket stationery retailer, has been looking to expand in the Orchard Road area. Its outlet at Chevron house has attracted a lot of corporate orders and bulk purchases from surrounding offices.
But its business is still lagging behind its other outlet at Ion Orchard. With space four times larger Chevron's, Ion brings in 20 per cent more business.
The company said expanding into the Orchard Road shopping belt may also open up new opportunities. Its third outlet at CityLink Mall sees the least business.
Prints' operation manager, Lim Fung Leng, said: "We're still looking at areas like Orchard and VivoCity because we would like to expand into the international market and we would like to attract more tourists and those area has a lot people from different walks of life it will get more exposure for our products."
More retail space in the CBD area has been converted for Food and Beverage purposes, according to a research by real estate agency Colliers International.
As a result, the available space for other retail use has become tighter.
Colliers International's research head, Chia Siew Chuin, said: "Why you see more retail space or rather more F&B space is because a lot of developers and owners of retail malls know that F&B outlets are actually magnets for people. Magnets for human traffic to be locked inside their retail malls. So gone are the days when you only see 15 per cent to 20 per cent F&B space. You can see as high as 40 or 50 per cent of your total space is F&B or leisure space."
Other analysts said prime space for F&B outlets may typically command lower rents.
Savills Singapore's research head Alan Cheong said: "F&B commands lower rentals on a dollar-psf, gross lettable area because you have a lot of non-revenue generating activities like your kitchen and in some instances you have to provide washroom compared to retail where every single space is for revenue generating purpose."
Except for the building housing the former DBS headquarters that will be redeveloped to include a sizeable retail space spanning 170,000 square feet, analysts don't see much office space being converted to retail space in the CBD.
In the next five to 10 years, new condominiums will create the need for more retail space.
But analysts said these would be F&B outlets and retail stores providing basic necessities like pharmacies, mini-grocers and supermarkets for affluent residents.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
S'pore's financial sector to be assessed by IMF
S'pore's financial sector to be assessed by IMF
By Brandon Tanoto | Posted: 08 January 2013 1445 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's financial sector is set to undergo a financial stability assessment.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced on Tuesday that Singapore will participate in the International Monetary Fund's Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) in 2013.
Singapore last participated in the programme in 2004.
As an international financial centre, MAS said Singapore is committed to undergoing periodic financial stability assessments.
Under the programme, Singapore will be assessed against international standards for the banking, insurance and securities sector to benchmark itself to the prescribed standards.
Meanwhile, the assessment will also contribute to a deeper understanding of the stability and resilience of the financial sector.
MAS is currently working closely with the financial sector in preparation for the assessment.
The FSAP mission will visit Singapore in April and May for the standards and financial stability assessments.
-CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Brandon Tanoto | Posted: 08 January 2013 1445 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's financial sector is set to undergo a financial stability assessment.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced on Tuesday that Singapore will participate in the International Monetary Fund's Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) in 2013.
Singapore last participated in the programme in 2004.
As an international financial centre, MAS said Singapore is committed to undergoing periodic financial stability assessments.
Under the programme, Singapore will be assessed against international standards for the banking, insurance and securities sector to benchmark itself to the prescribed standards.
Meanwhile, the assessment will also contribute to a deeper understanding of the stability and resilience of the financial sector.
MAS is currently working closely with the financial sector in preparation for the assessment.
The FSAP mission will visit Singapore in April and May for the standards and financial stability assessments.
-CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Outdoor roof terraces are ‘free spaces’
Outdoor roof terraces are ‘free spaces’
PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES
THE whooping price tag of $2.05 million for a 4,349 sq ft executive condominium (EC) has caught the attention of National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
The EC unit in Tampines features a 1,600 sq ft roof terrace. Its hefty price has also created a stir among Singaporeans.
Mr Khaw then found out that the developers had included the cost of the roof terraces into the price.
The outdoor roof terraces are considered free spaces as developers need not pay development charges for them.
Mr Khaw said he has asked the Urban Redevelopment Authority to “to review this policy and have it fixed”.
- wong chee tat :)
THE whooping price tag of $2.05 million for a 4,349 sq ft executive condominium (EC) has caught the attention of National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
The EC unit in Tampines features a 1,600 sq ft roof terrace. Its hefty price has also created a stir among Singaporeans.
Mr Khaw then found out that the developers had included the cost of the roof terraces into the price.
The outdoor roof terraces are considered free spaces as developers need not pay development charges for them.
Mr Khaw said he has asked the Urban Redevelopment Authority to “to review this policy and have it fixed”.
- wong chee tat :)
More cautious business outlook in 2013 than 2012: survey
More cautious business outlook in 2013 than 2012: survey
By Sylvia Paik | Posted: 07 January 2013 2051 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's business community is becoming more cautious of their business outlook in 2013 compared to 2012, based on a pre-budget survey by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) of 176 companies as part of their wish-list for the Singapore Budget in 2013.
In a statement, the SCCCI urged the government to implement more pro-enterprise measures. It said this is to help companies tide over a "highly probably global downturn" in 2013.
The SCCCI said Singapore's business community is looking for more assistance and financial support from the government to help their productivity drive.
They also wish for greater transparency and flexibility in manpower policies, so that companies can make plans ahead with greater certainty.
The SCCCI has urged the government to consider five recommendations.
This includes firstly, helping more enterprises to better leverage on the "Productivity and Innovation Credit Scheme (PIC)", so that more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from higher cash payouts from the scheme.
Secondly, to provide greater transparency, flexibility and certainty in manpower policies.
Thirdly, to enhance grant and loan schemes to eligible companies.
Fourthly, to streamline application and reimbursement processes of grants.
Finally, to assist SMEs in overseas markets, especially in ASEAN countries and in China.
The SCCCI Pre-Budget 2013 Survey was conducted by the SCCCI over a three-week period from 5 December 2012.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Sylvia Paik | Posted: 07 January 2013 2051 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's business community is becoming more cautious of their business outlook in 2013 compared to 2012, based on a pre-budget survey by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) of 176 companies as part of their wish-list for the Singapore Budget in 2013.
In a statement, the SCCCI urged the government to implement more pro-enterprise measures. It said this is to help companies tide over a "highly probably global downturn" in 2013.
The SCCCI said Singapore's business community is looking for more assistance and financial support from the government to help their productivity drive.
They also wish for greater transparency and flexibility in manpower policies, so that companies can make plans ahead with greater certainty.
The SCCCI has urged the government to consider five recommendations.
This includes firstly, helping more enterprises to better leverage on the "Productivity and Innovation Credit Scheme (PIC)", so that more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from higher cash payouts from the scheme.
Secondly, to provide greater transparency, flexibility and certainty in manpower policies.
Thirdly, to enhance grant and loan schemes to eligible companies.
Fourthly, to streamline application and reimbursement processes of grants.
Finally, to assist SMEs in overseas markets, especially in ASEAN countries and in China.
The SCCCI Pre-Budget 2013 Survey was conducted by the SCCCI over a three-week period from 5 December 2012.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
调查：八成单身国人 想婚和多生育
Thursday, 03 January 2013 22:45
调查：八成单身国人 想婚和多生育
.
国家人口及人才署的最新调查显示，多数单身人士希望结婚，也希望生育至少两个孩子。
国家人口及人才署委托的调查是以4500名年龄介于21到45岁的国人作为研究对象。调查发现，83%的单身人士想要结婚，和2007年的调查结果相似。单身人士没有结婚的三大理由是，找不到合适的伴侣，想要专注于事业和学业，以及没有足
够的钱。
有交往对象却没有结婚的人，则是因为要筹钱买房子和准备婚礼，以及年纪太轻而延迟结婚。
调查也发现，80%的单身人士和84%的已婚人士想要生育至少两个孩子。那些不愿再生育孩子的受访者表示，经济能力和缺乏托儿安排是最大阻力。
大约七成接受调查的单身和已婚人士认为，过了35岁生育不会有问题，当局表示，这显示很多人不知道随着年龄的增长，生育能力会下降。
在工作与生活平衡方面，八成单身人士认为他们的工作与生活达到平衡，不过一些方面有待改进。而八成的女性受访者希望兼顾家庭和工作，选择部分时间工作或全职工作的女性则不相上下。
- wong chee tat :)
调查：八成单身国人 想婚和多生育
.
国家人口及人才署的最新调查显示，多数单身人士希望结婚，也希望生育至少两个孩子。
国家人口及人才署委托的调查是以4500名年龄介于21到45岁的国人作为研究对象。调查发现，83%的单身人士想要结婚，和2007年的调查结果相似。单身人士没有结婚的三大理由是，找不到合适的伴侣，想要专注于事业和学业，以及没有足
够的钱。
有交往对象却没有结婚的人，则是因为要筹钱买房子和准备婚礼，以及年纪太轻而延迟结婚。
调查也发现，80%的单身人士和84%的已婚人士想要生育至少两个孩子。那些不愿再生育孩子的受访者表示，经济能力和缺乏托儿安排是最大阻力。
大约七成接受调查的单身和已婚人士认为，过了35岁生育不会有问题，当局表示，这显示很多人不知道随着年龄的增长，生育能力会下降。
在工作与生活平衡方面，八成单身人士认为他们的工作与生活达到平衡，不过一些方面有待改进。而八成的女性受访者希望兼顾家庭和工作，选择部分时间工作或全职工作的女性则不相上下。
- wong chee tat :)
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