Fall in public transport satisfaction among concerns in review
By S Ramesh | Posted: 26 December 2012 2140 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review (SPOR) 2012 released on Wednesday gave an update on progress across the "whole-of-government" approach in recent years.
Published once every two years, SPOR provides a perspective on how Singapore and its public sector have fared in a broad range of areas of national interest.
Political watchers Channel NewsAsia spoke to say engaging Singaporeans in service delivery and policy formulation remains a key challenge.
SPOR covers six themes -- among them is providing a world class infrastructure and strengthening social security.
While Singapore has done well in areas like improving healthcare and broadening educational pathways, there are still challenges and concerns facing Singaporeans.
One is the fall in public transport satisfaction over the last two years.
"People expect these services to be more thoughtful and to have a shorter turnaround time and be more responsive," said Liang Eng Hwa, deputy chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Finance and Trade & Industry and MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC.
"Take for example (the) MRT; we have been building kilometres of MRT lines. That is good, but people expect to have a better last mile service. For example… connectivity within the station and linkages (which allow) residents (to) more conveniently access the station," he added.
SPOR also touched on the issue of fostering stronger families.
The review said Singapore's fertility rate has declined steeply in the past decade. According to the review Singapore's fertility rate is currently at 1.2, which is far below the replacement rate of 2.1.
These and many other issues will be addressed in the White Paper on Population next month.
"The White Paper also needs to address the average Singaporean's concern as to whether immigration will actually undermine the ethos of Singapore society," said Assistant Professor Eugene Tan of Singapore Management University, who is also a nominated MP.
"Ultimately it is trying to get a consensus from Singaporeans as well as people living in Singapore about how we are going to deal with an issue which certainly generates a lot of angst," he added.
The review said improving service delivery and strengthening public engagement are key priorities for the public sector.
Public feedback has grown significantly over the years, reflecting Singaporeans' desire for greater engagement with the government on matters of public policy.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Exchange of unused expired parking coupons
Exchange of unused expired parking coupons
Posted: 27 December 2012 1125 hrs
SINGAPORE: Motorists are reminded that parking coupons valid up to Monday, 31 December can no longer be used from 1 January.
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said those with unused, expired coupons can exchange them for new ones from 2 January.
They can do so at all HDB branches and service centres, and the URA Customer Service Centre at Maxwell Road.
The parking coupons cannot be exchanged at other sales outlets such as petrol stations, shops and post offices.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 27 December 2012 1125 hrs
SINGAPORE: Motorists are reminded that parking coupons valid up to Monday, 31 December can no longer be used from 1 January.
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said those with unused, expired coupons can exchange them for new ones from 2 January.
They can do so at all HDB branches and service centres, and the URA Customer Service Centre at Maxwell Road.
The parking coupons cannot be exchanged at other sales outlets such as petrol stations, shops and post offices.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
Eight private estates selected for upgrading to provide better facilities
Eight private estates selected for upgrading to provide better facilities
By Monica Kotwani | Posted: 26 December 2012 1830 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of National Development (MND) will spend about S$29 million over the next two years to upgrade and develop the infrastructure in private estates.
Eight private estates have been selected - Goldhill, Mayflower Gardens and Yio Chu Kang Gardens, Cashew and Hazel Park Terrace, Greenleaf, Bartley Neighbourhood, Carmichael, Haig Road, and Limau.
The Ministry said these are the older private estates which have a greater scope for improvement.
Works include landscaping, play and fitness equipment, park furniture and widening of footpaths.
More than 7,000 households in these estates are expected to benefit from the improved facilities when works are completed in three to four years.
Since 2000 when the Estate Upgrading Programme first started, MND has spent S$138 million benefiting more than 34,000 households in 46 private estates.
Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Chairman of the Estate Upgrading Programme Committee, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development, said: "There is high demand for upgrading and improvement works from private estates.
"When selecting a site for upgrading, we consider the age and physical condition of the estate, and scope for improvement.
"We are encouraged to see the strong support for our private estate upgrading programmes, which not only create a better living environment but also strengthen community bonding."
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Monica Kotwani | Posted: 26 December 2012 1830 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of National Development (MND) will spend about S$29 million over the next two years to upgrade and develop the infrastructure in private estates.
Eight private estates have been selected - Goldhill, Mayflower Gardens and Yio Chu Kang Gardens, Cashew and Hazel Park Terrace, Greenleaf, Bartley Neighbourhood, Carmichael, Haig Road, and Limau.
The Ministry said these are the older private estates which have a greater scope for improvement.
Works include landscaping, play and fitness equipment, park furniture and widening of footpaths.
More than 7,000 households in these estates are expected to benefit from the improved facilities when works are completed in three to four years.
Since 2000 when the Estate Upgrading Programme first started, MND has spent S$138 million benefiting more than 34,000 households in 46 private estates.
Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Chairman of the Estate Upgrading Programme Committee, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development, said: "There is high demand for upgrading and improvement works from private estates.
"When selecting a site for upgrading, we consider the age and physical condition of the estate, and scope for improvement.
"We are encouraged to see the strong support for our private estate upgrading programmes, which not only create a better living environment but also strengthen community bonding."
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Industrial property prices to continue to climb in 2013, say analysts
Industrial property prices to continue to climb in 2013, say analysts
By Wong Siew Ying | Posted: 26 December 2012 2236 hrs
SINGAPORE: Prices of industrial properties in Singapore have risen by some 27 per cent in the first three quarters of 2012.
Some analysts say prices could climb by 30 per cent for the entire year, one of the highest in recent years. They attribute the increase to buoyant demand for strata-titled industrial premises.
Low interest rates, high liquidity and cooling measures in the residential property segment have further fuelled demand.
The Singapore government has set aside 24.84 hectares of industrial land for the first half of 2013. They will also require developers to build a minimum number of large factory units for selected plots under the Industrial Government Land Sales Programme.
Some market watchers however say the upward price trend is likely to continue in 2013.
"Prices are at an all-time high now. Compared to the 1997 peak, we are about 14.9 per cent higher, and compared to the most recent peak in 2008, we are now at more than 59.3 per cent higher," said Chia Siew Chuin, director of research and advisory at Colliers International.
"At the same time, buyers are also more resistant now in terms of pricing especially within such uncertain economic conditions," added Ms Chia.
The government cut lease terms for industrial sites from 60 to 30 years earlier this year in a bid to make industrial land more affordable.
However some analysts say the move has had a limited impact.
"We can expect more policy measures affecting the industrial market next year. If that transpires, we will see a flattening out in terms of industrial land price demand... (However) we will still be looking at an uptick (of) not more than 10 per cent," said Donald Han, a special advisor at HSR.
Analysts also expect rentals for industrial properties to fall in the coming year, in view of some 8 million square feet of business and industrial parks that is due to be completed in the next 16 months.
"The substantial supply that is coming in both high tech space as well as conventional industrial spaces will likely help keep rental growth in check going forward," said Chua Yang Liang, head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle.
"Capital value is a very different ball game now; it may see some stronger growth compared to rental," added Mr Chua.
Market watchers have also said that they expect rentals in the office property segment to dip by 5 per cent in 2013.
Analysts however say the decline will be mitigated by rising demand for office space in the central business district, especially from companies outside the financial services sector. These include law firms as well as a variety of consultancy firms.
However, with the uncertain economic outlook next year, analysts say a supply overhang could be a rising concern.
They expect some 4 million square feet of new office space to be available in the next two years.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By Wong Siew Ying | Posted: 26 December 2012 2236 hrs
SINGAPORE: Prices of industrial properties in Singapore have risen by some 27 per cent in the first three quarters of 2012.
Some analysts say prices could climb by 30 per cent for the entire year, one of the highest in recent years. They attribute the increase to buoyant demand for strata-titled industrial premises.
Low interest rates, high liquidity and cooling measures in the residential property segment have further fuelled demand.
The Singapore government has set aside 24.84 hectares of industrial land for the first half of 2013. They will also require developers to build a minimum number of large factory units for selected plots under the Industrial Government Land Sales Programme.
Some market watchers however say the upward price trend is likely to continue in 2013.
"Prices are at an all-time high now. Compared to the 1997 peak, we are about 14.9 per cent higher, and compared to the most recent peak in 2008, we are now at more than 59.3 per cent higher," said Chia Siew Chuin, director of research and advisory at Colliers International.
"At the same time, buyers are also more resistant now in terms of pricing especially within such uncertain economic conditions," added Ms Chia.
The government cut lease terms for industrial sites from 60 to 30 years earlier this year in a bid to make industrial land more affordable.
However some analysts say the move has had a limited impact.
"We can expect more policy measures affecting the industrial market next year. If that transpires, we will see a flattening out in terms of industrial land price demand... (However) we will still be looking at an uptick (of) not more than 10 per cent," said Donald Han, a special advisor at HSR.
Analysts also expect rentals for industrial properties to fall in the coming year, in view of some 8 million square feet of business and industrial parks that is due to be completed in the next 16 months.
"The substantial supply that is coming in both high tech space as well as conventional industrial spaces will likely help keep rental growth in check going forward," said Chua Yang Liang, head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle.
"Capital value is a very different ball game now; it may see some stronger growth compared to rental," added Mr Chua.
Market watchers have also said that they expect rentals in the office property segment to dip by 5 per cent in 2013.
Analysts however say the decline will be mitigated by rising demand for office space in the central business district, especially from companies outside the financial services sector. These include law firms as well as a variety of consultancy firms.
However, with the uncertain economic outlook next year, analysts say a supply overhang could be a rising concern.
They expect some 4 million square feet of new office space to be available in the next two years.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Ascott strengthening market presence in China
Ascott strengthening market presence in China
Posted: 26 December 2012 1635 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ascott, CapitaLand's wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, is strengthening its market presence in China.
In a filing to the Singapore Exchange, the firm said it has secured contracts to manage three properties with more than 500 apartment units in China.
The 90-unit Ascott Heng Shan Shanghai is scheduled to open in 2014.
Meanwhile, two serviced apartments in Suzhou - the 250-unit Ascott Emerald City Suzhou and the 194-unit Somerset Baitang Suzhou - will start operations in 2015 and 2017 respectively.
With the latest additions, Ascott will have more than 10 serviced residences in Shanghai and Suzhou.
Mr Lee Chee Koon, Ascott's Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director for North Asia, said, "Deepening our presence in these two cities enables us to better tap the fast-growing demand for serviced residences and build economies of scale in our operations."
These new contracts will also reinforce the firm's leadership position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in China, with over 8,000 apartment units in 46 properties across 17 cities.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 26 December 2012 1635 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ascott, CapitaLand's wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, is strengthening its market presence in China.
In a filing to the Singapore Exchange, the firm said it has secured contracts to manage three properties with more than 500 apartment units in China.
The 90-unit Ascott Heng Shan Shanghai is scheduled to open in 2014.
Meanwhile, two serviced apartments in Suzhou - the 250-unit Ascott Emerald City Suzhou and the 194-unit Somerset Baitang Suzhou - will start operations in 2015 and 2017 respectively.
With the latest additions, Ascott will have more than 10 serviced residences in Shanghai and Suzhou.
Mr Lee Chee Koon, Ascott's Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director for North Asia, said, "Deepening our presence in these two cities enables us to better tap the fast-growing demand for serviced residences and build economies of scale in our operations."
These new contracts will also reinforce the firm's leadership position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in China, with over 8,000 apartment units in 46 properties across 17 cities.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
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