Updated: Thursday, 11 April 2013 17:17
联储局可能年底结束QE3
联储局可能年底结束QE3
美国联邦储备局决策人员普遍认为，应该在年底前，结束吸购债券的经济刺激措施。
不过，联储局公布的会议记录显示，决策人员对于何时开始减慢吸购债券的速度，意见分歧。其中多数人认为，如果就业情况持续好转，就可以开始减慢吸购债券的速度；两人则认为，应该维持现状；1人认为，应该立即减慢速度。
由于不慎在预定时间前，向100多人发出会议记录，联储局这次被迫提前5个小时，公布纪录内容。联储局发言人说，种种迹象显示，这起事件纯属意外，当局已经对此展开调查。
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, April 21, 2013
黄文永今病逝 终年60岁
Saturday, 20 April 2013 20:00
独家快讯: 黄文永今病逝 终年60岁
黄文永的家人今天致电新传媒艺人管理组，表示黄文永今天在医院病逝。
新传媒艺人黄文永今天在医院病逝，终年60岁。
黄文永的家人致电新传媒艺人管理组，表示黄文永今天在医院病逝。
新传媒发布声明，对黄文永这位广受观众爱戴与喜爱的演员的逝世，表示深切哀悼。
声明指，黄文永在1980年开始加入电视台，是本地华语电视剧的先锋之一。至今，他曾演过超过100部华语电视剧和情境喜剧。他在新传媒30多年的演艺生涯中，他曾获得无数奖项，包括1997年《红星大奖》的“特别成就奖”，以及2011年《红星大奖》的“十大最受欢迎男艺人”奖。
新传媒每位成员将永远怀念黄文永这一位演技精湛的演员、亲切的同事，以及真挚的朋友。
黄文永去年尾健康亮起红灯，在去年11月出席《戏剧情牵30》节目时，爆瘦的身材引起观众震惊哗然。隔日他接受xinmsn专访时表示，体重的确跌了约7公斤，并表示去年9月多时染上肠胃型流感，消化也不好。虽然前后看了西医与中医，药也吃了，但或许因为工作时间长，饮食时间不稳定，外加摄影棚冷，他并没有立刻康复。
黄文永的最后一部电视作品是今年1月播出的《好运到》，当时举行新剧记者会，但他本人并没有现身。
直至3月18日，黄文永终于通过新传媒互动电视平台Toggle，以视频方式向关心他的观众“献声”报平安。短短1分多钟的视频录音里，黄文永并没有说明自己生了什么病，只透露身体正在康复中，并谢谢大家对他这段时间以来的关心。
- wong chee tat :)
独家快讯: 黄文永今病逝 终年60岁
黄文永的家人今天致电新传媒艺人管理组，表示黄文永今天在医院病逝。
新传媒艺人黄文永今天在医院病逝，终年60岁。
黄文永的家人致电新传媒艺人管理组，表示黄文永今天在医院病逝。
新传媒发布声明，对黄文永这位广受观众爱戴与喜爱的演员的逝世，表示深切哀悼。
声明指，黄文永在1980年开始加入电视台，是本地华语电视剧的先锋之一。至今，他曾演过超过100部华语电视剧和情境喜剧。他在新传媒30多年的演艺生涯中，他曾获得无数奖项，包括1997年《红星大奖》的“特别成就奖”，以及2011年《红星大奖》的“十大最受欢迎男艺人”奖。
新传媒每位成员将永远怀念黄文永这一位演技精湛的演员、亲切的同事，以及真挚的朋友。
黄文永去年尾健康亮起红灯，在去年11月出席《戏剧情牵30》节目时，爆瘦的身材引起观众震惊哗然。隔日他接受xinmsn专访时表示，体重的确跌了约7公斤，并表示去年9月多时染上肠胃型流感，消化也不好。虽然前后看了西医与中医，药也吃了，但或许因为工作时间长，饮食时间不稳定，外加摄影棚冷，他并没有立刻康复。
黄文永的最后一部电视作品是今年1月播出的《好运到》，当时举行新剧记者会，但他本人并没有现身。
直至3月18日，黄文永终于通过新传媒互动电视平台Toggle，以视频方式向关心他的观众“献声”报平安。短短1分多钟的视频录音里，黄文永并没有说明自己生了什么病，只透露身体正在康复中，并谢谢大家对他这段时间以来的关心。
- wong chee tat :)
Xiang Yun has "only happy memories" of Huang Wenyong
Xiang Yun has "only happy memories" of Huang Wenyong
By Han Wei Chou
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 7:12 PM
To actress Xiang Yun, veteran actor Huang Wenyong who died on Saturday surrounded by his family, is a man who was pillar of support throughout their 30-year friendship.
SINGAPORE: A food trolley trundled past us backstage area, adding to the cacophony as the production team prepared for the night's big show, “Star Awards Show 1”, which will feature a special segment to pay tribute to late veteran actor Huang Wenyong.
But it didn’t bother Xiang Yun at all.
She was too busy sharing tales of her friend for 30-years between moments of laughter and tears.
“I’ve thought of keeping silent about the matter when the media come to me for comment, but I’ve known Huang Wenyong for over 30 years. How can I have nothing to say about him?” said Xiang Yun of the teacher from Kuala Lumpur became one of Singapore’s most recognisable actors and her closest confidante.
“We’ve been working together in our youth, in our prime and in our golden years."
“We went through every stage of our lives together. We watched each other go through the ups and downs in our family lives and careers.”
She shared that Huang had been a pillar of support for her through the past three decades.
“I am really thankful. He has given me only happy memories.
“I remember when I first became a mother, and when I returned to the set after a long hiatus, there was a lot of pressure on me. But when I came back, he told a joke and made me laugh out loud."
“And then I realised it has been so long since I laughed,” said Xiang Yun, as she choked back her tears.
30-year friendship
Their friendship first blossomed when she worked with Huang in the iconic drama “The Awakening”, which traced the lives of early immigrants to Singapore.
“At first I was scared of him, because he was a teacher in Kuala Lumpur, before being hired as a voice actor in Singapore, and then becoming an actor.
“Later on, we got to know one another better but I still treated him with respect. Our relationship was really deep. We just got along really well,” said Xiang Yun.
“The director always has a headache when we appear on the same show, because we have endless things to talk about!”
“When we were shooting ‘Living the Golden Again’, the director shouted at us and said ‘Hey, are you all done talking!’ because we kept talking to one another,” said Xiang Yun with a laugh, even as tears welled up in her eyes once more.
“To me, he is always a friend and mentor. I’d still call him to ask about how to do certain shows when I run into problems later in our careers.”
A heavy blow
“I couldn’t sleep at all” was what Xiang Yun said of news of Huang's death.
Even when we spoke, she found it hard to accept that fact that Huang had died of cancer.
“When I got the call, I was trembling. I couldn’t sleep at all last night. I have so many feelings right now. I have so much that I wanted to say to him.
“I had wanted to go see him previously but he had refused to let me visit. Still, I understand him. He doesn’t want people to see him when he is ill,” she confided as her eyes turned red again.
“Although I’ve heard about his condition in recent months, I never expected him to leave so suddenly.”
“Now, there is just me and (Chen) Shucheng left from that era. Looking back at the 80s, there are only a few of us left still in the business who have gone through the age of black and white television,” said Xiang Yun thoughtfully.
She misses him dearly.
“Just now I was trying to call for Shucheng but I called out ‘Wenyong, Wenyong’ instead.”
“Everyone’s mood isn’t very good today" said Xiang Yun as the Channel 8 crew prepared for the Star Awards where Huang is up for a nomination.
"He has such a good rapport with everyone. He was always warm and cheerful," said Xiang Yun sombrely.
“I really don’t know if I can remain composed during the awards show tonight."
Somehow, it's unlikely that Xiang Yun will be the only one teary-eyed during the show.
- CNA/ha/sf
- wong chee tat :)
By Han Wei Chou
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 7:12 PM
To actress Xiang Yun, veteran actor Huang Wenyong who died on Saturday surrounded by his family, is a man who was pillar of support throughout their 30-year friendship.
SINGAPORE: A food trolley trundled past us backstage area, adding to the cacophony as the production team prepared for the night's big show, “Star Awards Show 1”, which will feature a special segment to pay tribute to late veteran actor Huang Wenyong.
But it didn’t bother Xiang Yun at all.
She was too busy sharing tales of her friend for 30-years between moments of laughter and tears.
“I’ve thought of keeping silent about the matter when the media come to me for comment, but I’ve known Huang Wenyong for over 30 years. How can I have nothing to say about him?” said Xiang Yun of the teacher from Kuala Lumpur became one of Singapore’s most recognisable actors and her closest confidante.
“We’ve been working together in our youth, in our prime and in our golden years."
“We went through every stage of our lives together. We watched each other go through the ups and downs in our family lives and careers.”
She shared that Huang had been a pillar of support for her through the past three decades.
“I am really thankful. He has given me only happy memories.
“I remember when I first became a mother, and when I returned to the set after a long hiatus, there was a lot of pressure on me. But when I came back, he told a joke and made me laugh out loud."
“And then I realised it has been so long since I laughed,” said Xiang Yun, as she choked back her tears.
30-year friendship
Their friendship first blossomed when she worked with Huang in the iconic drama “The Awakening”, which traced the lives of early immigrants to Singapore.
“At first I was scared of him, because he was a teacher in Kuala Lumpur, before being hired as a voice actor in Singapore, and then becoming an actor.
“Later on, we got to know one another better but I still treated him with respect. Our relationship was really deep. We just got along really well,” said Xiang Yun.
“The director always has a headache when we appear on the same show, because we have endless things to talk about!”
“When we were shooting ‘Living the Golden Again’, the director shouted at us and said ‘Hey, are you all done talking!’ because we kept talking to one another,” said Xiang Yun with a laugh, even as tears welled up in her eyes once more.
“To me, he is always a friend and mentor. I’d still call him to ask about how to do certain shows when I run into problems later in our careers.”
A heavy blow
“I couldn’t sleep at all” was what Xiang Yun said of news of Huang's death.
Even when we spoke, she found it hard to accept that fact that Huang had died of cancer.
“When I got the call, I was trembling. I couldn’t sleep at all last night. I have so many feelings right now. I have so much that I wanted to say to him.
“I had wanted to go see him previously but he had refused to let me visit. Still, I understand him. He doesn’t want people to see him when he is ill,” she confided as her eyes turned red again.
“Although I’ve heard about his condition in recent months, I never expected him to leave so suddenly.”
“Now, there is just me and (Chen) Shucheng left from that era. Looking back at the 80s, there are only a few of us left still in the business who have gone through the age of black and white television,” said Xiang Yun thoughtfully.
She misses him dearly.
“Just now I was trying to call for Shucheng but I called out ‘Wenyong, Wenyong’ instead.”
“Everyone’s mood isn’t very good today" said Xiang Yun as the Channel 8 crew prepared for the Star Awards where Huang is up for a nomination.
"He has such a good rapport with everyone. He was always warm and cheerful," said Xiang Yun sombrely.
“I really don’t know if I can remain composed during the awards show tonight."
Somehow, it's unlikely that Xiang Yun will be the only one teary-eyed during the show.
- CNA/ha/sf
- wong chee tat :)
Huang Wenyong: The Man behind the Star
Huang Wenyong: The Man behind the Star
By Han Wei Chou
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 2:48 PM
"Big Brother" is what many have used to describe late veteran actor Huang Wenyong, but he proved to be a mentor not just to actors, but also others who had the privilege to know him
I remember.
The first time I met late veteran actor Huang Wenyong was at a hotel ballroom in 2010, for a media event weeks before the Star Awards.
It was one of my first assignments as a writer for channelnewsasia.com’s entertainment section, and my task for the day was to find out what celebrities had to say of their chances at an award, along with any interesting news or gossip that might turn up.
The sight of so many celebrities in one place was overwhelming, and it must have shown on my face.
“I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new?” Huang said to me, after making his way across the room.
I nodded and told him I’ve just started writing for the website.
“A writer... So why aren’t you out talking to people?” he asked, gesturing to the sea of celebrities in the ballroom.
“I… er … They all look very busy,” I managed.
While many of them were busy answering questions from reporters and getting their photos taken, some were not.
Huang looked back at me again.
“Don’t be shy! Who do you want to talk to?” he said. “Let me introduce them to you.”
He then brought me around the room, introducing me to Michelle Chia, a then-frizzy-haired Qi Yuwu, Jessica Liu as well as a few of the other stars in attendance, guiding me along like an affable uncle.
Mentor
He also told me that he had a knack for picking winning lottery numbers, which on hindsight could have made me a wealthy men.
But that was not what burnt that encounter into my memory.
The encounter was so memorable because because he taught me the most important lesson an entertainment writer could learn - “Don’t be shy!”
Since then, I have always treated him as a bit of a mentor, who never failed to give me new insights into the local television industry.
Thus when I heard that he passed away on Saturday evening after battling cancer, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me.
I however took comfort in the tributes made by his fellow television stars like Tay Ping Hui and Eelyn Kok, who like me, were fortunate enough to have known him.
Many said that he was always ready to guide newbies, though I wonder if they knew he had a big influence on people outside the acting fraternity too.
Friend
Apart from being a mentor, Huang was a friend as well.
We would talk about a variety of topics when we had the chance to meet, be it on location during shoots or at media conferences.
He would listen to me lament about the stressful nature of a writing job, and would in turn share stories about how somebody had once impersonated him online, as well as how he would shoot for days on end when he started acting during Singapore television’s formative years.
But what stood out was his thoughts on what it meant to be popular.
“Don’t interview me lah! Interview the younger ones,” Huang would often tell me.
He said that he was comfortable with the fact that he has been superseded by younger stars.
“I don’t expect to win. I’ve been nominated every year since the awards’ inception but have never won,” said Huang with a warm smile, when we spoke in the weeks leading up to the 2011 Star Awards.
Then, something unexpected happened that year.
Actor
Huang won a “Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste Award” for the first time in 2011, after over a decade of constant nominations.
Television cameras showed an exuberant Huang with his trophy.
What they didn’t show was the way he walked with a spring in his step at the after party, virtually running from group to group, being congratulated by friends.
He was all smiles that night, and full of vigour.
He was a far cry from the Huang that appeared at the "30th Drama Anniversary Show" in November last year.
Huang was skinny and appeared a little frail during the three-hour television special to commemorate 30 years of local Mandarin dramas.
He also left quickly after the show, citing medical reasons, and never appeared at any official function after that.
Right up to the end, he never let the media in on his battle with lymphoma.
He even posted an audio clip to reassure his fans he was fine last month.
“I am well … Please do not worry,” said Huang in his audio message, though his voice betrayed signs of fatigue.
What could have made him keep his pain from the public?
Perhaps he wanted people to remember him as the resilient Ah Shui in the iconic television drama “The Awakening”, as the hilarious Ong Kim Lai in the sitcom “Don’t Worry Be Happy”, and as a consummate actor to the end.
I will remember him as a man who was so much more, as someone who always had a kind word and a warm smile, as a mentor, and as a friend.
He will be missed.
- CNA/ha
- wong chee tat :)
By Han Wei Chou
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 2:48 PM
"Big Brother" is what many have used to describe late veteran actor Huang Wenyong, but he proved to be a mentor not just to actors, but also others who had the privilege to know him
I remember.
The first time I met late veteran actor Huang Wenyong was at a hotel ballroom in 2010, for a media event weeks before the Star Awards.
It was one of my first assignments as a writer for channelnewsasia.com’s entertainment section, and my task for the day was to find out what celebrities had to say of their chances at an award, along with any interesting news or gossip that might turn up.
The sight of so many celebrities in one place was overwhelming, and it must have shown on my face.
“I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new?” Huang said to me, after making his way across the room.
I nodded and told him I’ve just started writing for the website.
“A writer... So why aren’t you out talking to people?” he asked, gesturing to the sea of celebrities in the ballroom.
“I… er … They all look very busy,” I managed.
While many of them were busy answering questions from reporters and getting their photos taken, some were not.
Huang looked back at me again.
“Don’t be shy! Who do you want to talk to?” he said. “Let me introduce them to you.”
He then brought me around the room, introducing me to Michelle Chia, a then-frizzy-haired Qi Yuwu, Jessica Liu as well as a few of the other stars in attendance, guiding me along like an affable uncle.
Mentor
He also told me that he had a knack for picking winning lottery numbers, which on hindsight could have made me a wealthy men.
But that was not what burnt that encounter into my memory.
The encounter was so memorable because because he taught me the most important lesson an entertainment writer could learn - “Don’t be shy!”
Since then, I have always treated him as a bit of a mentor, who never failed to give me new insights into the local television industry.
Thus when I heard that he passed away on Saturday evening after battling cancer, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me.
I however took comfort in the tributes made by his fellow television stars like Tay Ping Hui and Eelyn Kok, who like me, were fortunate enough to have known him.
Many said that he was always ready to guide newbies, though I wonder if they knew he had a big influence on people outside the acting fraternity too.
Friend
Apart from being a mentor, Huang was a friend as well.
We would talk about a variety of topics when we had the chance to meet, be it on location during shoots or at media conferences.
He would listen to me lament about the stressful nature of a writing job, and would in turn share stories about how somebody had once impersonated him online, as well as how he would shoot for days on end when he started acting during Singapore television’s formative years.
But what stood out was his thoughts on what it meant to be popular.
“Don’t interview me lah! Interview the younger ones,” Huang would often tell me.
He said that he was comfortable with the fact that he has been superseded by younger stars.
“I don’t expect to win. I’ve been nominated every year since the awards’ inception but have never won,” said Huang with a warm smile, when we spoke in the weeks leading up to the 2011 Star Awards.
Then, something unexpected happened that year.
Actor
Huang won a “Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste Award” for the first time in 2011, after over a decade of constant nominations.
Television cameras showed an exuberant Huang with his trophy.
What they didn’t show was the way he walked with a spring in his step at the after party, virtually running from group to group, being congratulated by friends.
He was all smiles that night, and full of vigour.
He was a far cry from the Huang that appeared at the "30th Drama Anniversary Show" in November last year.
Huang was skinny and appeared a little frail during the three-hour television special to commemorate 30 years of local Mandarin dramas.
He also left quickly after the show, citing medical reasons, and never appeared at any official function after that.
Right up to the end, he never let the media in on his battle with lymphoma.
He even posted an audio clip to reassure his fans he was fine last month.
“I am well … Please do not worry,” said Huang in his audio message, though his voice betrayed signs of fatigue.
What could have made him keep his pain from the public?
Perhaps he wanted people to remember him as the resilient Ah Shui in the iconic television drama “The Awakening”, as the hilarious Ong Kim Lai in the sitcom “Don’t Worry Be Happy”, and as a consummate actor to the end.
I will remember him as a man who was so much more, as someone who always had a kind word and a warm smile, as a mentor, and as a friend.
He will be missed.
- CNA/ha
- wong chee tat :)
Star Awards pays tribute to Huang Wenyong amid outpouring of grief
Star Awards pays tribute to Huang Wenyong amid outpouring of grief
By Han Wei Chou and Evelyn Lam
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 6:56 PM
Channel 8's Star Awards schedules a special tribute to long-time actor Huang Wenyong as his death from cancer triggers an the outpouring of grief
The Channel 8 actor who hailed from Malaysia joined the fore-runner to MediaCorp (Singapore Broadcasting Corporation) in 1977 at the age of 17.
SINGAPORE: The glitzy “Star Awards Show 1” on Channel 8 slotted in a special segment to pay tribute to veteran MediaCorp actor Huang Wenyong.
Producers of the show revealed plans for the show turnaround in response to the death of Huang less than 24 hours earlier.
The tribute special is expected to leave few dry eyes as there has been an outpouring of grief as news spread of the death of the veteran MediaCorp actor.
The 60-year-old died of lymphoma in hospital on Saturday.
At the wake in Ubi Road, many of those who paid their last respects were Huang's colleagues at MediaCorp.
The actor was diagnosed with cancer in November last year and was undergoing treatment but he kept his condition from many.
MediaCorp artiste Lin Mei Jiao said: "I knew about his condition. But Wenyong is low-profile and didn't want to alarm others, so we gave him privacy. I couldn't bear to lose him, but that's life. We've been friends for so many years."
"My deepest impression of him is, every time he takes me out, he'll make sure he sends me home. He's that responsible as a big brother," said MediaCorp artiste Dennis Chew.
"Wenyong may seem like an introvert, but he'll joke with us occasionally. When I saw him during the 30th Drama Anniversary Show, I asked him why he had lost so much weight. He jokingly told me that's because he's taken on a weight-loss advertisement deal. Wherever he is, he brings joy to those around him," said MediaCorp artiste Chen Shucheng.
Many also went online to leave messages of condolence on platforms, such as Channel NewsAsia's Facebook page.
They said they had grown up watching Huang on various TV shows on MediaCorp's Chanel 8.
- CNA/ir/sf
- wong chee tat :)
By Han Wei Chou and Evelyn Lam
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 6:56 PM
Channel 8's Star Awards schedules a special tribute to long-time actor Huang Wenyong as his death from cancer triggers an the outpouring of grief
The Channel 8 actor who hailed from Malaysia joined the fore-runner to MediaCorp (Singapore Broadcasting Corporation) in 1977 at the age of 17.
SINGAPORE: The glitzy “Star Awards Show 1” on Channel 8 slotted in a special segment to pay tribute to veteran MediaCorp actor Huang Wenyong.
Producers of the show revealed plans for the show turnaround in response to the death of Huang less than 24 hours earlier.
The tribute special is expected to leave few dry eyes as there has been an outpouring of grief as news spread of the death of the veteran MediaCorp actor.
The 60-year-old died of lymphoma in hospital on Saturday.
At the wake in Ubi Road, many of those who paid their last respects were Huang's colleagues at MediaCorp.
The actor was diagnosed with cancer in November last year and was undergoing treatment but he kept his condition from many.
MediaCorp artiste Lin Mei Jiao said: "I knew about his condition. But Wenyong is low-profile and didn't want to alarm others, so we gave him privacy. I couldn't bear to lose him, but that's life. We've been friends for so many years."
"My deepest impression of him is, every time he takes me out, he'll make sure he sends me home. He's that responsible as a big brother," said MediaCorp artiste Dennis Chew.
"Wenyong may seem like an introvert, but he'll joke with us occasionally. When I saw him during the 30th Drama Anniversary Show, I asked him why he had lost so much weight. He jokingly told me that's because he's taken on a weight-loss advertisement deal. Wherever he is, he brings joy to those around him," said MediaCorp artiste Chen Shucheng.
Many also went online to leave messages of condolence on platforms, such as Channel NewsAsia's Facebook page.
They said they had grown up watching Huang on various TV shows on MediaCorp's Chanel 8.
- CNA/ir/sf
- wong chee tat :)
Value every cabbie to meet taxi availability targets: NTA
Value every cabbie to meet taxi availability targets: NTA
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 12:16 AM
The National Taxi Association regrets the premature action taken by some taxi operators who have recently informed their drivers that their hiring agreement could cease if they are unable to meet the Taxi Availability standards.
SINGAPORE: The National Taxi Association regrets the premature action taken by some taxi operators who have recently informed their drivers that their hiring agreement could cease if they are unable to meet the Taxi Availability standards.
Advisor to the Association Ang Hin Kee said drivers have been working hard to meet the mileage requirements since the standards were introduced over the last four months.
He said operators should value every driver and not simply pass the blame on drivers who are unable to meet the standards.
The Association has asked the operators and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to develop reasonable incentive schemes to motivate drivers as well as assistance programmes such as helping drivers find relief drivers.
It called on the LTA to play a more proactive role to ensure that taxi drivers are fairly treated as they work to meet the standards.
It also urged operators to instead work alongside drivers so that together, the target can be met.
Since January, cab companies have had to meet new standards for taxi availability.
These include requiring 70 per cent of all taxis - per cab company - to reach a minimum daily mileage of 250 kilometres.
They must also ensure that 70 per cent of the fleet is on the road during the morning and evening peak periods.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 12:16 AM
The National Taxi Association regrets the premature action taken by some taxi operators who have recently informed their drivers that their hiring agreement could cease if they are unable to meet the Taxi Availability standards.
SINGAPORE: The National Taxi Association regrets the premature action taken by some taxi operators who have recently informed their drivers that their hiring agreement could cease if they are unable to meet the Taxi Availability standards.
Advisor to the Association Ang Hin Kee said drivers have been working hard to meet the mileage requirements since the standards were introduced over the last four months.
He said operators should value every driver and not simply pass the blame on drivers who are unable to meet the standards.
The Association has asked the operators and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to develop reasonable incentive schemes to motivate drivers as well as assistance programmes such as helping drivers find relief drivers.
It called on the LTA to play a more proactive role to ensure that taxi drivers are fairly treated as they work to meet the standards.
It also urged operators to instead work alongside drivers so that together, the target can be met.
Since January, cab companies have had to meet new standards for taxi availability.
These include requiring 70 per cent of all taxis - per cab company - to reach a minimum daily mileage of 250 kilometres.
They must also ensure that 70 per cent of the fleet is on the road during the morning and evening peak periods.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
IMF steps up calls for Britain to ease austerity drive
IMF steps up calls for Britain to ease austerity drive
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 8:59 AM
A senior member of the International Monetary Fund added to calls Saturday for Britain to slow the pace of its austerity programme, a day after the country was stripped of its triple-A rating.
LONDON: A senior member of the International Monetary Fund added to calls Saturday for Britain to slow the pace of its austerity programme, a day after the country was stripped of its triple-A rating.
David Lipton, the IMF's first deputy managing director, said the "pace of consolidation" should be reconsidered in light of the weaker than expected British economy.
Earlier this week the IMF cut Britain's growth forecast growth for this year from 1 per cent to 0.7 per cent and lowered its 2014 projection from 1.9 per cent to 1.5 per cent.
"The Fund's view is clear," Lipton told Sky News. "The UK economy has turned out to be somewhat weaker than had been foreseen, so our view is that the pace of consolidation ought to be reconsidered, and we'll want to come and have some discussions over that."
His comments come after ratings agency Fitch lowered Britain's status from AAA to AA+ on Friday, citing a "weaker economic and fiscal outlook".
In response, Britain's coalition government indicated that the downgrade would not alter the path of deep spending cuts set out by finance minister George Osborne.
Fitch's downgrade comes after rival agency Moody's stripped Britain of a triple-A debt rating on February 22, dropping it by one notch. Moody's argued that government debt was still mounting and that growth was too weak to reverse the trend before 2016.
Lipton's remarks add to the pressure from the IMF's chief economist, Olivier Blanchard, who has also urged Britain to lessen the pace of its austerity programme because of the threat of a triple-dip recession.
Official economic data out next week will show whether Britain fell into recession during the first quarter of 2013.
Lipton said it remained "very important" for the British government to continue reducing its debt.
But he added: "The question now is whether the pace is right or too ambitious given the weakness of the economy.
"The key to us, the bottom line to us, is that they may want to consider adjusting the pace of consolidation."
A spokeswoman for Britain's Treasury stressed that Britain is forecast to have stronger growth than France or Germany in 2013. Difficulties in the eurozone were "creating economic headwinds", she added.
"However, as the Chancellor said at the Budget, we are slowly but surely fixing this country's economic problems," she added.
"The deficit is down by a third, a million and a quarter new private sector jobs have been created and, because of the credibility the government has earned, families and businesses are benefiting from near-record low interest rates."
Recent official data revealed that British gross domestic product (GDP) shrank 0.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with the previous three months.
Another contraction in the first quarter of 2013 would place Britain in its third recession in under four years.
- AFP/jc
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 21 Apr 2013 8:59 AM
A senior member of the International Monetary Fund added to calls Saturday for Britain to slow the pace of its austerity programme, a day after the country was stripped of its triple-A rating.
LONDON: A senior member of the International Monetary Fund added to calls Saturday for Britain to slow the pace of its austerity programme, a day after the country was stripped of its triple-A rating.
David Lipton, the IMF's first deputy managing director, said the "pace of consolidation" should be reconsidered in light of the weaker than expected British economy.
Earlier this week the IMF cut Britain's growth forecast growth for this year from 1 per cent to 0.7 per cent and lowered its 2014 projection from 1.9 per cent to 1.5 per cent.
"The Fund's view is clear," Lipton told Sky News. "The UK economy has turned out to be somewhat weaker than had been foreseen, so our view is that the pace of consolidation ought to be reconsidered, and we'll want to come and have some discussions over that."
His comments come after ratings agency Fitch lowered Britain's status from AAA to AA+ on Friday, citing a "weaker economic and fiscal outlook".
In response, Britain's coalition government indicated that the downgrade would not alter the path of deep spending cuts set out by finance minister George Osborne.
Fitch's downgrade comes after rival agency Moody's stripped Britain of a triple-A debt rating on February 22, dropping it by one notch. Moody's argued that government debt was still mounting and that growth was too weak to reverse the trend before 2016.
Lipton's remarks add to the pressure from the IMF's chief economist, Olivier Blanchard, who has also urged Britain to lessen the pace of its austerity programme because of the threat of a triple-dip recession.
Official economic data out next week will show whether Britain fell into recession during the first quarter of 2013.
Lipton said it remained "very important" for the British government to continue reducing its debt.
But he added: "The question now is whether the pace is right or too ambitious given the weakness of the economy.
"The key to us, the bottom line to us, is that they may want to consider adjusting the pace of consolidation."
A spokeswoman for Britain's Treasury stressed that Britain is forecast to have stronger growth than France or Germany in 2013. Difficulties in the eurozone were "creating economic headwinds", she added.
"However, as the Chancellor said at the Budget, we are slowly but surely fixing this country's economic problems," she added.
"The deficit is down by a third, a million and a quarter new private sector jobs have been created and, because of the credibility the government has earned, families and businesses are benefiting from near-record low interest rates."
Recent official data revealed that British gross domestic product (GDP) shrank 0.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with the previous three months.
Another contraction in the first quarter of 2013 would place Britain in its third recession in under four years.
- AFP/jc
- wong chee tat :)
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