S'pore rocked by spate of sex scandals in 2012
By Claire Huang | Posted: 31 December 2012 1754 hrs
SINGAPORE: 2012 has been a year of sex scandals in Singapore.
In April, 44 men were charged with having sex with the same underage girl.
The number of men implicated in the online vice ring case swelled to 51 after some time.
The lack of details in the charges drew barbs.
"How is anybody going to know what he is charged for when you don't know who the girl is, you do not know what her age is? We just can't accept the word of the prosecution isn't it?" said lawyer Subhas Anandan.
"Well, we are going to ask the prosecution, the DPP, to give us further particulars. If they do not give us the further particulars, we will take it up in the High Court."
This was resolved later when certain details were disclosed to the defence.
As at mid-Dec 2012, more than 15 men have been dealt with.
The first was former principal of Pei Chun Public School, Lee Lip Hong. He pleaded guilty in April, and was sentenced to nine weeks' jail.
Following him was former executive director of the Singapore Environment Council, Howard Shaw, who was sentenced in July and aborted his appeal.
The saga is far from over as many have claimed trial, so there will be a spillover to 2013.
Outside of courts, the state of affairs was equally dramatic.
An apology came because of the indiscretion of the former Speaker of Parliament, Michael Palmer.
Mr Palmer's year-long affair with People Association's (PA) Laura Ong led to his resignation.
He said: "I have resigned to take full responsibility for a grave mistake that I have committed. I had a relationship with a member of the PA staff working in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. While the individual did not work with me directly, Punggol East used to be part of the GRC and continues to work with it. My conduct was improper and it was a serious error of judgement. I have resigned in order to avoid further embarrassment to the PAP and Parliament."
Former Hougang MP Yaw Shin Leong was also expelled from the opposition Workers' Party in February for alleged extra-marital affairs, nine months after he was elected.
Come January, three heavyweights will be jostling for the spotlight in courts.
Professor Tey Tsun Hang will start the ball rolling with his sex-for-grades trial on 10th January.
Then in January, ex-Civil Defence Force top gun, Peter Lim, will be in court for corruption charges. His trial is slated to end in late February.
In late January, the sex-for-contracts case against former Central Narcotics Bureau chief Ng Boon Gay, will be mentioned again.
In September, Ng's corruption trial took Singapore by storm, as he and key prosecution witness Cecilia Sue, gave graphic accounts of their relationship.
The judiciary looks set to get busier in the new year, when City Harvest Church's six core members return to court, on accusations of misappropriating funds.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
URA investigating sale of Forestville EC units
URA investigating sale of Forestville EC units
Posted: 31 December 2012 1952 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said it is still investigating the proposed sale of Forestville executive condominium (EC) on 28 December.
In a response to queries from Channel NewsAsia, URA said the Controller of Housing (COH) had instructed the developer, Hao Yuan Investments, on 28 December not to sell units in the Forestville EC project, pending further investigations.
The statement added "the developer has launched the project with some proposed changes to the development's plans which had not been approved, and this is not allowed."
Channel NewsAsia understands that the developer had initially received the necessary approvals from URA for the sale.
However, the company had made some changes to the development plans at the eleventh hour and this has prompted URA to step in and stop the sale.
It is believed the URA is currently looking into the entire process leading up to the intended sale.
This includes ensuring the proposed changes to the development plans are in good order.
URA added that "the results of the investigation will help us determine what further actions to take".
Hao Yuan issued a statement on Saturday to clarify that "there were no bookings of units for Forestville EC as originally intended on Dec 28."
Instead, the company said "the balloting process proceeded as usual in order to determine the sequencing order of the applicants."
It added that there were also no booking fees collected and as such there will be no forfeiture.
This came following reports on Friday claiming that about 20 per cent of the dual-key units at Forestville were snapped up within two and a half hours of the launch.
The developers have included about 200 such units in the 653-unit project.
Dual-key units are designed to contain separate living spaces under one roof.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 31 December 2012 1952 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said it is still investigating the proposed sale of Forestville executive condominium (EC) on 28 December.
In a response to queries from Channel NewsAsia, URA said the Controller of Housing (COH) had instructed the developer, Hao Yuan Investments, on 28 December not to sell units in the Forestville EC project, pending further investigations.
The statement added "the developer has launched the project with some proposed changes to the development's plans which had not been approved, and this is not allowed."
Channel NewsAsia understands that the developer had initially received the necessary approvals from URA for the sale.
However, the company had made some changes to the development plans at the eleventh hour and this has prompted URA to step in and stop the sale.
It is believed the URA is currently looking into the entire process leading up to the intended sale.
This includes ensuring the proposed changes to the development plans are in good order.
URA added that "the results of the investigation will help us determine what further actions to take".
Hao Yuan issued a statement on Saturday to clarify that "there were no bookings of units for Forestville EC as originally intended on Dec 28."
Instead, the company said "the balloting process proceeded as usual in order to determine the sequencing order of the applicants."
It added that there were also no booking fees collected and as such there will be no forfeiture.
This came following reports on Friday claiming that about 20 per cent of the dual-key units at Forestville were snapped up within two and a half hours of the launch.
The developers have included about 200 such units in the 653-unit project.
Dual-key units are designed to contain separate living spaces under one roof.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
40 couples start new year by renewing marriage vows
40 couples start new year by renewing marriage vows
By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 01 January 2013 2200 hrs
SINGAPORE: Forty couples chose to ring in the New Year with a difference.
They renewed their marriage vows in the presence of family and friends.
For the oldest couple of the night - it has been 60 years of marriage.
The event, "PAssionate Love by the Lake", aims to celebrate marriage and to bring families closer together.
It is organised by the Family Life Champions of Boon Lay, Clementi, Pioneer, Yew Tee and Yuhua divisions.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 01 January 2013 2200 hrs
SINGAPORE: Forty couples chose to ring in the New Year with a difference.
They renewed their marriage vows in the presence of family and friends.
For the oldest couple of the night - it has been 60 years of marriage.
The event, "PAssionate Love by the Lake", aims to celebrate marriage and to bring families closer together.
It is organised by the Family Life Champions of Boon Lay, Clementi, Pioneer, Yew Tee and Yuhua divisions.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Festive cheer for online shopping sites
Festive cheer for online shopping sites
Posted: 01 January 2013 1953 hrs
SINGAPORE: More shoppers are buying online during the festive period due to its convenience and wide range of products.
Many have skipped the trip to the malls and avoided the crowds by visiting web stores.
One online bookshop said sales for 2012 jumped by about 40 per cent, compared with the year before.
Its customers are mainly between 30 and 50 years old. It also has a mobile application. Customers need only scan bar codes on books to check the price on the web store.
The store has also introduced electronic gift vouchers.
Group-buying websites are also enjoying brisk business.
Customers visit the websites to buy coupons which will be redeemed for items at the store.
One site - Groupon - said its sales increased by about 30 per cent during the festive period and more than 2,000 people go to its shop every day.
Its best-selling items include electronics and branded accessories.
Groupon's chief operating officer Adrian Tan said: "We've increased the manpower by 40 per cent and at the same time, we extended the operating hours from 7.30pm to 8.30pm now. This is to cope with the increased crowd and increased number of people redeeming items."
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 01 January 2013 1953 hrs
SINGAPORE: More shoppers are buying online during the festive period due to its convenience and wide range of products.
Many have skipped the trip to the malls and avoided the crowds by visiting web stores.
One online bookshop said sales for 2012 jumped by about 40 per cent, compared with the year before.
Its customers are mainly between 30 and 50 years old. It also has a mobile application. Customers need only scan bar codes on books to check the price on the web store.
The store has also introduced electronic gift vouchers.
Group-buying websites are also enjoying brisk business.
Customers visit the websites to buy coupons which will be redeemed for items at the store.
One site - Groupon - said its sales increased by about 30 per cent during the festive period and more than 2,000 people go to its shop every day.
Its best-selling items include electronics and branded accessories.
Groupon's chief operating officer Adrian Tan said: "We've increased the manpower by 40 per cent and at the same time, we extended the operating hours from 7.30pm to 8.30pm now. This is to cope with the increased crowd and increased number of people redeeming items."
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
NTUC Income to fully own 16 Collyer Quay
NTUC Income to fully own 16 Collyer Quay
Posted: 02 January 2013 1334 hrs
SINGAPORE: NTUC Income will be acquiring a further 51 per cent stake in 16 Collyer Quay from Goldman Sachs to fully own the prime office building.
In a statement, the Singapore insurer said the acquisition values the 37-storey, 999-year leasehold building formerly known as Hitachi Tower, at around S$660 million. This works out to less than S$2,400 per square foot on a net lettable space of over 278,000 square feet.
NTUC Income had bought its initial 49 per cent stake in the prime office building in January 2011.
The insurer said its sales and purchase agreement with Goldman Sachs is scheduled for completion at the end of the month.
16 Collyer Quay is located in Singapore's central business district and has an occupancy rate of 94 per cent, comprising a mix of office and retail tenants.
NTUC Income added that it has plans to renovate the building to increase its asset value and appeal to office tenants.
Peter Heng, senior vice president and chief investment officer of NTUC Income, said: "16 Collyer Quay is part of our long-term strategy to allocate more of our investments to alternative investments, including real estate with a track record of strong income yields. Over the last five years, we have successfully diversified our portfolio to ensure stable, resilient, and higher returns for our policyholders."
NTUC Income also fully or partially owns a number of commercial properties, such as NTUC Income Centre, Capital Square, Prinsep House, Parkway Parade, Ang Mo Kio Hub, EastPoint Mall and Clementi Mall.
-CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 02 January 2013 1334 hrs
SINGAPORE: NTUC Income will be acquiring a further 51 per cent stake in 16 Collyer Quay from Goldman Sachs to fully own the prime office building.
In a statement, the Singapore insurer said the acquisition values the 37-storey, 999-year leasehold building formerly known as Hitachi Tower, at around S$660 million. This works out to less than S$2,400 per square foot on a net lettable space of over 278,000 square feet.
NTUC Income had bought its initial 49 per cent stake in the prime office building in January 2011.
The insurer said its sales and purchase agreement with Goldman Sachs is scheduled for completion at the end of the month.
16 Collyer Quay is located in Singapore's central business district and has an occupancy rate of 94 per cent, comprising a mix of office and retail tenants.
NTUC Income added that it has plans to renovate the building to increase its asset value and appeal to office tenants.
Peter Heng, senior vice president and chief investment officer of NTUC Income, said: "16 Collyer Quay is part of our long-term strategy to allocate more of our investments to alternative investments, including real estate with a track record of strong income yields. Over the last five years, we have successfully diversified our portfolio to ensure stable, resilient, and higher returns for our policyholders."
NTUC Income also fully or partially owns a number of commercial properties, such as NTUC Income Centre, Capital Square, Prinsep House, Parkway Parade, Ang Mo Kio Hub, EastPoint Mall and Clementi Mall.
-CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Private home prices up 1.8% on-quarter in Q4 2012
Private home prices up 1.8% on-quarter in Q4 2012
Posted: 02 January 2013 0931 hrs
SINGAPORE: Prices of private homes in Singapore rose to new record highs in the fourth quarter, mainly because of strong demand in the suburban areas.
Preliminary data released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority showed the private residential property price index rose 1.8 per cent to a record 211.9 points in the October-to-December period from the previous three months.
The home price index had risen 0.6 per cent in the previous quarter.
Prices of private residential properties increased by about 2.8 per cent in 2012, the pace easing from the 5.9 per cent increase in 2011.
-CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 02 January 2013 0931 hrs
SINGAPORE: Prices of private homes in Singapore rose to new record highs in the fourth quarter, mainly because of strong demand in the suburban areas.
Preliminary data released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority showed the private residential property price index rose 1.8 per cent to a record 211.9 points in the October-to-December period from the previous three months.
The home price index had risen 0.6 per cent in the previous quarter.
Prices of private residential properties increased by about 2.8 per cent in 2012, the pace easing from the 5.9 per cent increase in 2011.
-CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
HDB resale prices up 2.5% on-quarter in Q4 2012
HDB resale prices up 2.5% on-quarter in Q4 2012
Posted: 02 January 2013 1003 hrs
SINGAPORE: Resale prices for HDB flats reached another record high in the 4th quarter of 2012. Flash estimates showed HDB's Resale Price Index rose by 2.5 per cent over the previous quarter.
The index provides information on the general price movements in the public residential market.
The index for the full quarter and more detailed public housing data for the 4th Quarter of last year will be released on January 25.
HDB also said it will now target to launch at least 23,000 BTO flats. These projects will have a good geographical spread in various towns and estates.
The first batch of 3,346 BTO flats in Choa Chu Kang, Yishun, Hougang, Tampines, Kallang Whampoa, and Ang Mo Kio will be offered for sale later this month.
HDB had earlier announced that at least 20,000 BTO flats are planned for 2013.
-CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 02 January 2013 1003 hrs
SINGAPORE: Resale prices for HDB flats reached another record high in the 4th quarter of 2012. Flash estimates showed HDB's Resale Price Index rose by 2.5 per cent over the previous quarter.
The index provides information on the general price movements in the public residential market.
The index for the full quarter and more detailed public housing data for the 4th Quarter of last year will be released on January 25.
HDB also said it will now target to launch at least 23,000 BTO flats. These projects will have a good geographical spread in various towns and estates.
The first batch of 3,346 BTO flats in Choa Chu Kang, Yishun, Hougang, Tampines, Kallang Whampoa, and Ang Mo Kio will be offered for sale later this month.
HDB had earlier announced that at least 20,000 BTO flats are planned for 2013.
-CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
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