Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Less than a third of private education bodies under compulsory framework
Less than a third of private education bodies under compulsory framework
By Dylan Loh | Posted: 30 May 2011 2149 hrs
SINGAPORE : Less than a third of an estimated 1,000 private education bodies in Singapore - 274 institutions - are under an Enhanced Registration Framework as of April this year.
The compulsory framework was introduced in 2009 and has stringent requirements for greater quality assurance in private education.
Of the 274 private education bodies, 63 institutions have been awarded the EduTrust certification, while another 107 registration applications are still being processed.
The EduTrust certification distinguishes higher quality players in the private education industry.
With the June 20 registration deadline looming, some 100 institutions have yet to apply for the framework.
Singapore's Private Education Council said 130-odd institutions have closed or will cease operations, while about 170 bodies are being acquired or merged, or are undergoing restructuring.
Any institution providing private education after June 20 and has not registered will be operating illegally.
The Private Education Council said it is reaching out to institutions that have yet to apply for the Enhanced Registration Framework.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
By Dylan Loh | Posted: 30 May 2011 2149 hrs
SINGAPORE : Less than a third of an estimated 1,000 private education bodies in Singapore - 274 institutions - are under an Enhanced Registration Framework as of April this year.
The compulsory framework was introduced in 2009 and has stringent requirements for greater quality assurance in private education.
Of the 274 private education bodies, 63 institutions have been awarded the EduTrust certification, while another 107 registration applications are still being processed.
The EduTrust certification distinguishes higher quality players in the private education industry.
With the June 20 registration deadline looming, some 100 institutions have yet to apply for the framework.
Singapore's Private Education Council said 130-odd institutions have closed or will cease operations, while about 170 bodies are being acquired or merged, or are undergoing restructuring.
Any institution providing private education after June 20 and has not registered will be operating illegally.
The Private Education Council said it is reaching out to institutions that have yet to apply for the Enhanced Registration Framework.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
Move to build more HDB flats may benefit construction industry
Move to build more HDB flats may benefit construction industry
By Stella Lee | Posted: 30 May 2011 2206 hrs
SINGAPORE: Analysts said the move by the Ministry of National Development to build more HDB flats may give the local construction industry a fresh boost.
The majority of first time HDB home buyers can rejoice with the MND's decision to develop more build-to-order (BTO) flats this year.
And with the decision to address rental flat shortages, industry observers said the planned supply changes would be positive for the construction industry as developers bid for more contracts.
However, the plan for more homes in Singapore also comes with challenges like rising costs in the industry.
"If you suddenly have an increase base you need more of these materials. These stockpiles may not be adequate so you'll have to import more," said Mr Vashdev Khialani, engineer at C&V Consultants LLP.
"Prices of construction will generally go up across the board, whether it is HDB or private, residential, commercial or industrial."
And the need for more construction workers will only add to construction price woes.
"Foreign worker levies are on the uptrend, so construction companies when they bid they have to be more aware. They've got to price their costs very carefully, and see if they can retain an attractive margin," said investment analyst at SIAS Research, Liu Jinshu.
Industry observers said that aside from construction, engineering businesses will also benefit from more HDB supply as a chain effect.
Analysts added that a lift in income ceiling for first time buyers could further prompt HDB to build flats ahead of demand.
"The ceiling is S$8,000 for first time flat buyers. So if they do lift up this ceiling, then it would be an astute move to build ahead of demand, to smooth any impact on the raising of the income ceiling as well," said Mr Liu.
Going forward, analysts said a likely rise in income ceiling may shift preferences for private homes in the mass market condo segment to the HDB market.
- CNA/cc
- wong chee tat :)
By Stella Lee | Posted: 30 May 2011 2206 hrs
SINGAPORE: Analysts said the move by the Ministry of National Development to build more HDB flats may give the local construction industry a fresh boost.
The majority of first time HDB home buyers can rejoice with the MND's decision to develop more build-to-order (BTO) flats this year.
And with the decision to address rental flat shortages, industry observers said the planned supply changes would be positive for the construction industry as developers bid for more contracts.
However, the plan for more homes in Singapore also comes with challenges like rising costs in the industry.
"If you suddenly have an increase base you need more of these materials. These stockpiles may not be adequate so you'll have to import more," said Mr Vashdev Khialani, engineer at C&V Consultants LLP.
"Prices of construction will generally go up across the board, whether it is HDB or private, residential, commercial or industrial."
And the need for more construction workers will only add to construction price woes.
"Foreign worker levies are on the uptrend, so construction companies when they bid they have to be more aware. They've got to price their costs very carefully, and see if they can retain an attractive margin," said investment analyst at SIAS Research, Liu Jinshu.
Industry observers said that aside from construction, engineering businesses will also benefit from more HDB supply as a chain effect.
Analysts added that a lift in income ceiling for first time buyers could further prompt HDB to build flats ahead of demand.
"The ceiling is S$8,000 for first time flat buyers. So if they do lift up this ceiling, then it would be an astute move to build ahead of demand, to smooth any impact on the raising of the income ceiling as well," said Mr Liu.
Going forward, analysts said a likely rise in income ceiling may shift preferences for private homes in the mass market condo segment to the HDB market.
- CNA/cc
- wong chee tat :)
URA accepts joint tender for Jurong Gateway site at nearly S$969m
URA accepts joint tender for Jurong Gateway site at nearly S$969m
By Stella Lee | Posted: 30 May 2011 2242 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has accepted a joint tender for the Jurong Gateway site at a tender price of nearly S$969 million from CapitaMall Trust, CapitaMalls Asia and CapitaLand.
The 99-year leasehold site is likely to be developed into a mixed retail and office space.
It has a land area of approximately 18,159 square metres, with a maximum permissible total gross floor area of 88,980 square metres.
Jurong Gateway is located beside the Jurong East MRT interchange station, and close to JCube and IMM building.
- CNA/cc
- wong chee tat :)
By Stella Lee | Posted: 30 May 2011 2242 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has accepted a joint tender for the Jurong Gateway site at a tender price of nearly S$969 million from CapitaMall Trust, CapitaMalls Asia and CapitaLand.
The 99-year leasehold site is likely to be developed into a mixed retail and office space.
It has a land area of approximately 18,159 square metres, with a maximum permissible total gross floor area of 88,980 square metres.
Jurong Gateway is located beside the Jurong East MRT interchange station, and close to JCube and IMM building.
- CNA/cc
- wong chee tat :)
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