Monday, June 30, 2014

1.6 million to receive GST Voucher letters in July

1.6 million to receive GST Voucher letters in July

About 1.6 million Singaporeans will receive letters informing them of their Budget 2014 benefits including the GST Voucher (GSTV) the GSTV Special Payments, the 5-Year Medisave top-up, and Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates: MOF.

SINGAPORE: In the first week of July, about 1.6 million Singaporeans will receive letters informing them of their 2014 GST Voucher (GSTV), as well as other Budget 2014 benefits such as the 2014 GSTV Special Payments, the 5-Year Medisave top-up, as well as the Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said in a press release on Monday (June 30).
Most Singaporeans will automatically receive their GSTV payouts and 5-Year Medisave top-ups, the MOF said. Those who have not signed up for past Government payouts and/or are not CPF members will receive letters informing them of the actions they need to take by Dec 31 to receive their benefits.
The benefits are as follows:
GSTV – CASH AND GSTV – CASH: SENIORS’ BONUS
About 1.3 million Singaporeans will receive the GSTV – Cash on Aug 1. Of this group, about 660,000 Singaporeans aged 55 and above will also receive the GSTV – Cash: Seniors’ Bonus, which will see them receiving double the GSTV – Cash amount in 2014. The GSTV – Cash and GSTV – Cash: Seniors’ Bonus will cost the Government S$505 million, the MOF said.
GSTV – MEDISAVE
About 380,000 Singaporeans aged 65 and above will also receive the GSTV – Medisave top-up on Aug 1, at a cost to the Government of S$115 million.
GSTV – U-SAVE AND GSTV – U-SAVE SPECIAL PAYMENT
The regular GST Voucher – U-Save will be given out quarterly, the MOF said. In addition, a Special Payment will be given out in July 2014 and January 2015. These vouchers will offset utilities directly and cost the Government S$290 million in total. In July, 800,000 households will receive S$90 to S$195 each in rebates, depending on the type of flat they stay in.
ADDITIONAL MEDISAVE TOP-UPS UNDER 5-YEAR MEDISAVE TOP-UP SCHEME
As announced in Budget 2014, Singaporeans born on or before Dec 31, 1959 - in other words, those aged 55 and above in 2014 - and who do not enjoy Pioneer Generation benefits will receive Medisave top-ups of S$100 or S$200 annually over the next five years, the ministry said. About 530,000 Singaporeans will benefit at a cost to the Government of S$100 million. Those who stay in homes of Annual Value above S$13,000 or who own more than one property will receive S$100 a year. "The vast majority - those living in HDB flats who do not own more than one property - will get the higher top-up of S$200 a year," the MOF announced.
More information on the GST Voucher can be found at www.gstvoucher.gov.sg. For more details on GSTV – Cash, GSTV – Medisave and the 5-Year Medisave top-up, call 1800 2222 888 or email gstvoucher@cpf.gov.sg. For details on GSTV – U-Save, call 6671-7117 or email spservices@singaporepower.com.sg. 


- wong chee tat :)

Electricity tariffs to fall by 0.2% in Q3, 2014

Electricity tariffs to fall by 0.2% in Q3, 2014

The fall translates to a S$0.20 decrease in the average monthly electricity bill for families living in four-room HDB flats, SP Services says.

SINGAPORE: Electricity tariffs will drop by an average of 0.05 cent per kWh or 0.2 per cent for the period July 1 to Sept 30, Singapore Power subsidiary SP Services said on Monday (June 30).

For households, the electricity tariff will decrease from 25.73 to 25.68 cents per kWh. This translates to a S$0.20 decrease in the average monthly electricity bill for families living in four-room Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, SP Services said.

SP Services reviews electricity tariffs quarterly based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA). The latest tariffs have been approved by the EMA.

- CNA/cy

- wong chee tat :)

Tariff Rates (1 Jul 14 to 30 Sep 2014)

Tariff Rates

>  The electricity tariff for households is 25.68 cents per kWh (with effect from 1 Jul 14 to 30 Sep 14) 
   
>  The gas tariff for households is 21.08 cents per kWh (with effect from 1 May 14 to 31 Jul 14)

>  The water tariff for households is $1.17 per cubic metre (below 40m3) and $1.40 per cubic metre (above

40m3)

Electricity tariffs are regulated by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and revised quarterly to reflect the actual cost of electricity. SP Services buys electricity on behalf of customers and pays the gencos, transmission licensee and other market players based on the rates of the various cost components as approved by EMA. There are four main cost components in the electricity tariff. They are:-

 


- wong chee tat :)

Frasers Hospitality share placement 21 times subscribed

Frasers Hospitality share placement 21 times subscribed

Strong demand from institutional investors for Frasers Hospitality Trust's initial public offering.

SINGAPORE: Frasers Hospitality Trust on Monday (June 30) provided more details about its S$367.9 million initial public offering (IPO), saying the offer has seen strong demand from institutional investors.

The hotels and serviced residences real estate investment trust (REIT) said its international placement of 139.6 million stapled securities at S$0.88 apiece attracted interests valued around S$2.5 billion - which translates to a subscription rate of around 21 times.

A group of cornerstone investors, including DBS and Fortress Capital Asset Management, had subscribed for another 232.9 million stapled securities, also priced at S$0.88 each.

The public portion of its IPO, aimed at ordinary retail investors, will comprise 45.5 million stapled securities priced at S$0.88 apiece.

The public offer opens at 9am on Tuesday and closes at 12pm on July 10, Frasers Hospitality said. The stapled securities will begin trading on the Singapore Exchange on July 14.

Frasers Hospitality - which is sponsored by Singapore property giant Frasers Centrepoint Ltd - will have an initial portfolio of six hotels and six serviced residences valued around S$1.7 billion.

The six hotels, which came from Frasers Centrepoint's Thai parent TCC Group, are the InterContinental Singapore, Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour, Park International London, Best Western Cromwell London, ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe and Westin Kuala Lumpur.

The six serviced residences are Fraser Suites Singapore, Fraser Suites Sydney, Fraser Place Canary Wharf, Fraser Suites Queens Gate, Fraser Suites Glasgow and Fraser Suites Edinburgh.

Frasers Hospitality also has first right of refusal to buy another 18 properties from its parent companies.

The REIT offers investors an indicative yield of 7 per cent for the full financial year from 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015.

Frasers Centrepoint and TCC Hospitality, an associate of TCC Group, will together hold around 65 percent of Frasers Hospitality after the IPO.



- CNA/ly

- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Bonds - June 2014

Bonds - June 2014

Announcement Date

Auction Date 

Issuance Date 

Tenor 

New/Re-Opening 

Issue Code/ ISIN Code 

Maturity Date 

 Tue, 21 Jan 2014

 Tue, 28 Jan 2014

 Mon, 03 Feb 2014

 5-yr

Reopen 

NX09100W/
SG7S29941612

 01 Jun 2019

 Wed, 19 Feb 2014

 Wed, 26 Feb 2014

 Mon, 03 Mar 2014

 10-yr

 Reopen

NX13100H/
SG3260987684

 01 Jul 2023

 Thu, 20 Mar 2014

 Thu, 27 Mar 2014

 Tue, 01 Apr 2014

 2-yr

 Reopen

N511100W/
SG7Y75964288

 01 Apr 2016

 Mon, 21 Apr 2014

 Mon, 28 Apr 2014

 Fri, 02 May 2014

 20-yr

 Reopen

 NZ13100V/
SG3261987691

 01 Sep 2033

 Wed, 21 May 2014

 Wed, 28 May 2014

 Mon, 02 Jun 2014

 7-yr

 Reopen**

 NX11100X/
SG7Y76964295

 01 Jun 2021

 Thu, 19 Jun 2014

 Thu, 26 Jun 2014

 Tue, 01 Jul 2014

 15-yr

 New Issue

NY14100E/
SG3263998209

 01 Jul 2029



- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Saturday, June 28, 2014

System Status: Fan Maintenance

System Status: Fan Maintenance

Just one week ago, I posted update on the Fan maintenance and today, some corners of the fan gets clogged with dust and become dust bunnies or dust balls ! =( This is not really surprising because May and June are usually the hottest months and the fan usage is at its highest.

Had did a simple cleaning. I will need some time to open up the fan and do a totally clean up and get rid of the persistent and unwelcome guests - dust bunnies !


- wong chee tat :)














A-REIT acquires and leases back Hyflux Innovation Centre for $191.2 mil

A-REIT acquires and leases back Hyflux Innovation Centre for $191.2 mil

WRITTEN BY THE EDGE  
THURSDAY, 26 JUNE 2014 09:08

Ascendas Funds Management (S) Limited, the manager of Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust (A-REIT) is acquiring Hyflux Innovation Centre located at 80 Bendemeer Road for a total purchase consideration of $191.2 million.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Hyflux and Hydrochem will leaseback 50% of Gross Floor Area of 43,434 sqm for 15 years while all existing third party tenants in the property will be assigned to A-REIT. The property will have an occupancy rate of 83.9% and the vendor will provide rental support for the remaining vacant space for three years.

Hyflux Innovation Centre is located within the Kallang Industrial Estate and is within three minutes’ walk to Boon Keng MRT station along the North-East Line. The property is a 10-storey high-specifications building with a basement and surface car park. Current tenants include Hyflux, NEC, Covidien Private Ltd, American Express and Renesas Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd.

Tan Ser Ping, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of A-REIT Manager, said, “We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with Hyflux Ltd, with a sale-and-leaseback arrangement at Hyflux Innovation Centre. This property is a prime high-specifications development located at the fringe of the central business district. Hyflux’s commitment to lease 50% of gross floor area for 15 years will extend A-REIT’s weighted lease expiry profile to 3.96 years.”

Following the above acquisition, A-REIT’s weighted average lease term to expiry is expected to increase from 3.85 years to 3.96 years. A-REIT will own a total of 103 properties in Singapore and two business park properties in China.



- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum
Om Mani Padme Hum
Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Ezylink card

I looked everywhere and I cannot find my ezylink card yesterday. Where could the small ezylink card be?

I then realized that I must have dropped it while on way to work. Now it really sucks! Hope some kind soul can return to me.

Thanks!


- wong chee tat :)

140206一天一粒_同性戀養大的孩子寫了一本書 / 好書推薦: 我的兩個媽



- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Friday, June 27, 2014

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Monday, June 23, 2014

Heart Sutra in Sanskrit




- wong chee tat :)

Frasers Hospitality to launch IPO at 88 cents per unit

Frasers Hospitality to launch IPO at 88 cents per unit

The IPO pricing would give investors an indicative yield of 7 per cent per annum, according to Frasers Hospitality Trust.

SINGAPORE: Frasers Hospitality Trust (FHT) has priced its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) at S$0.88 per stapled security, giving investors who buy into the offer an indicative yield of 7 per cent per annum.

According to a draft prospectus filed on the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS)  website on Monday (June 23), Frasers Hospitality will sell 182.1 million stapled securities at S$0.88 apiece in its upcoming IPO.

A further 232.9 million stapled securities will be issued to cornerstone investors, such as DBS and Fortress Capital Asset Management, at the same price.

Frasers Hospitality - which has a portfolio of 12 properties including the InterContinental Singapore and Westin Kuala Lumpur hotels - will start trading on the Singapore Exchange on July 14. Its market capitalisation will be around S$1.04 billion based on the IPO price, according to the prospectus.

Frasers Hospitality is managed by Frasers Centrepoint, the former property arm of Singapore's Fraser and Neave. Its initial portfolio comprises six serviced residences from Frasers Centrepoint - Fraser Suites Singapore, Fraser Suites Sydney, Fraser Place Canary Wharf, Fraser Suites Queens Gate, Fraser Suites Glasgow, and Fraser Suites Edinburgh.

The other six properties are from Frasers Centrepoint's Thai parent TCC Group. They are the InterContinental Singapore, Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour, Park International London, Best Western Cromwell London, ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe and Westin Kuala Lumpur.

- CNA/kk


- wong chee tat :)

The Toys' Barbara Harris - Lovers Concerto




- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Random Thoughts

I can't sleep well these few nights. No, it is not because of the world cup fever.

It could be the warm nights during this June .... But there are lots of stuff that are running in my mind such as:

- increasing expenses (especially bills)
- cpf (especially for housing and retirement)
- new planned hardware to get but not enough money!!!! =(  

What to do?

I guess I have to tackle them one by one... And I need my sleep otherwise I will look like a zombie the next day!

- wong chee tat :)

Scheduled Maintenance - POSB

Scheduled Maintenance - POSB

ServiceScheduled Maintenance DateExpected DowntimeRemarks
iBanking21 Jun 20141000hrs to 0000hrs
System Maintenance
- iB trading services
21 Jun 20141000hrs to 0000hrs
System Maintenance
- Online Equity Trading
22 Jun 20140000hrs to 1200hrs
System Maintenance
- iB trading services
22 Jun 20140000hrs to 1200hrs
System Maintenance
- Online Equity Trading
Cards & unsecure Loan application forms / Vickers form--
-
mBanking--
-
iB Application--
-
iB - Trading Services--
-
--
-
D2Pay--
-
Phone Banking--
-
NETS--
-
Passbook Update--
-
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)--
-
Cash Deposit Machine---
Coin Deposit Machine---
Cheque Deposit Machine---
POSB Print---
AXS D-Pay---
Token Registration--
-


- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Saturday, June 21, 2014

System Status: Fan Maintenance

System Status: Fan Maintenance

Just about less than month and the fan gets clogged with dust and become dust bunnies or dust balls ! =(

Whate are "dust bunnies"? Are they cute?
Dust bunnies or dust balls are the fine dust and other particles settled and clumped together and formed into a ball like shaped.

No, they are not cute.
They can stuck near the edges of the fan and they should be cleaned regularly. I don't want to breath those dust in.

Fan cleaned! ^^
- wong chee tat :)




Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Friday, June 20, 2014

Om Mani Pad Me Hum

Om Mani Pad Me Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Almost half of Singaporeans are dissatisfied with their jobs: Survey

Almost half of Singaporeans are dissatisfied with their jobs: Survey

Three-quarters of employees here say their jobs are only a way to make a living and nothing more, according to the Q2 Randstad Workmonitor survey.

SINGAPORE: Employees in Singapore ranked second from bottom in the Asia-Pacific in a global quarterly survey measuring job satisfaction.

Almost half (46 per cent) of employees in Singapore say they are not satisfied in their current job, only behind Japan (56 per cent), according to the Q2 Randstad Workmonitor survey released on Tuesday (June 17). Employees in India ranked the highest, with 80 per cent saying they are happy where they are.

Highest proportion of satisfied employees (Asia-Pacific):

India
Malaysia
Hong Kong
China
New Zealand
Australia
Singapore
Japan

Of the 5,670 employees surveyed in Singapore, 75 per cent say they view their job only as a way to make a living and nothing more. The majority also said they would not hesitate to change jobs if they could make more money (80 per cent), improve their career opportunities (78 per cent) or if they found a job that better matched their educational backgrounds (71 per cent).

The study was conducted between April 16 and May 6 via an online questionnaire of respondents aged 18-65, working a minimum of 24 hours a week in a paid job, who are not self-employed. The minimal sample size is 400 interviews per country, using Survey Sampling International.



- CNA/es

- wong chee tat :)

Singaporean employees say...



Source:


- wong chee tat :)

MAS unveils new measures to promote offshore RMB

MAS unveils new measures to promote offshore RMB

The Monetary Authority of Singapore will provide an overnight RMB liquidity facility to financial institutions from July 1. The move will facilitate growth of the offshore RMB offshore market in Singapore.

SINGAPORE: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will introduce a facility to provide up to 5 billion renminbi (RMB) in overnight liquidity to financial institutions in Singapore as part of measures to boost the city-state's fast-growing offshore RMB market.

The overnight facility -- which will be launched on July 1 -- will give financial institutions the assurance that their short-term RMB funding needs will be met, MAS said in a statement on Friday.

The new facility will complement an existing facility that allows banks to borrow the Chinese currency on a term basis for trade, direct investment and market stability purposes.

MAS' announcement coincided with an directive issued by the People's Bank of China (PBC) Nanjing branch that said eligible corporates and individuals in the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) will be allowed to conduct cross-border RMB transactions with Singapore.

This means banks in Singapore will be allowed to lend RMB to corporates in the Suzhou park. Firms there can issue RMB-denominated bonds in Singapore, while equity investment funds in the SIP can directly invest in Singapore-based corporates.

"The introduction of cross-border RMB channels between Singapore and SIP will facilitate greater financing for companies operating in the SIP, encourage direct investment in corporates in Singapore and broaden the range of RMB activities that can be conducted out of Singapore," said MAS Deputy Managing Director Jacqueline Loh.

"We look forward to similar arrangements being put in place in the near future to allow cross-border RMB transactions between Singapore and Tianjin Eco-City," she added.

Singapore is the second largest offshore clearing centre for transactions involving the RMB, which is being used increasingly for trade and investments as China liberalises the use of its currency.


- CNA/ly

- wong chee tat :)

Hiring outlook: More short-term contracts on the cards

Hiring outlook: More short-term contracts on the cards

Labour market watchers say companies in Singapore may increase headcount in the coming months, as economic activity picks up towards the year-end. However, they expect that some of the hiring will lean towards short-term contracts.

SINGAPORE: With economic growth seen picking up, after a weaker than expected start to the year, firms may be more willing to hire towards the year-end. Human Capital Singapore, the national human resource training centre, says vacancies may open up in banking and finance, among other sectors.

"If you look at some statistics that were released in the market, it has indicated that at least about 53 per cent have indicated that they will hire more. And out of this 53 per cent, 33 per cent of them are saying that, they are looking at, at least hiring another 10 additional headcounts," said Chief Executive of Human Capital Singapore, Ms Ho Geok Choo.

With foreign worker limits in place, service-oriented industries like food and beverage may feel the squeeze. And so, to cope during busy festive seasons, more firms may look at stop-gap solutions.

"What is very fashionable nowadays is where, they are beginning to bring in people on a short-term basis - that means contract-for-service, rather than contract-of-service. So they might hire them for six months to 12 months," Ms Ho said.

However, one sector with a tepid hiring outlook may be manufacturing, with growth relatively sluggish as firms restructure.

"There is drag coming from the electronics cluster in the overall manufacturing sector. On the other hand, we are seeing some upside surprise coming from the pharmaceutical cluster, as well as the marine, offshore marine engineering cluster," said Mr Irvin Seah, a senior economist at DBS Bank. "But that being said, these two clusters tend to be quite volatile."

Economists expect the unemployment rate to be 1.9 per cent at the end of 2014. This, they say, is pretty much a situation of full employment, which means there'll be no letup in the tightness of the labour market.


- CNA/ly

- wong chee tat :)

Govt may tweak quota system to help married couples live near their parents

Govt may tweak quota system to help married couples live near their parents

Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.

SINGAPORE: Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.

Minister of State Mohamad Maliki Osman said this at the second housing conversation session on Saturday which aims to find out what more can be done to help extended families live together or close by.

He said another area is to consider extending grants to second-time home buyers purchasing HDB resale flats near their parents.

Thirty-six married participants attended the second housing conversation.

About a third said they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.

32-year-old Arina Tan, who has a one-year-old daughter, said: "We had been balloting for a flat near our parents for four times but we weren't able to get it. For the fifth time, we tried a further place at Yishun where the government has opened up more flats at the non-mature estates. We were able to get it.

“We have our flat in Yishun but we still stay weekdays at my in-laws place because of the baby. She can take care of her and we do not need to travel every day from Yishun to Jurong."

A week ago, courting couples gave a resounding "no" when asked if they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.

To prevent people from abusing the system, some participants said there should be conditions if absolute priority is given such as extending the Minimum Occupation Period from five, to 10 years.

However, some also acknowledged the challenges of giving absolute priority.

"If somebody were to have absolute priority, then there would be another group that wouldn't have anything at all so I think it's a bit difficult," said Joewind Han.

About half of the participants also said while they did not want absolute priority, they were in favour of more priority being given.

One option could be to tweak the quota system instead.

Dr Maliki said: "As we try to look at ways to enhance the opportunities for young couples to live near their parents, one option is to see how best we can tweak at the quota system. Today, we have about 85 per cent of BTO flats allocated to first-timers, 15 per cent to second-timers.

"One option is if you want to really look at ways to enhance the possibility, or increase the chances of second-timers who want to live near their parents, maybe we can set aside a quota within perhaps that 15 per cent. They can possibly look at how their chances can be better met. But nonetheless, we are still exploring some of these ideas."

Participants also discussed whether second-time home buyers should get housing grants when buying a resale flat near their parents.

Currently, first time home buyers purchasing a resale flat get a S$30,000 CPF Housing Grant, but this goes up to S$40,000 when they buy a resale flat to live together with, or near their parents.

Some had suggested that the additional S$10,000 be given to both first and second-timers.

Dr Maliki said: "This is a significant shift when we talk about giving grants to second-timers but I think they recognise the proposal is to give grants to those wanting to live near their parents and this is for those who did not get to exercise that option when they bought their first flat so I think it's quite a rational proposition.

"That's something that we can try to consider how else we can facilitate couples who have moved on to their next phase of their life stage to live near their parents. If it means that a grant can incentivise that, a grant can facilitate that, we will be prepared to consider that."

Participants were also split when asked if the government should continue building more Three-Generation (3Gen) flats.

Some said while they were in favour of having more 3Gen flats built, they also hoped some design improvements could be made.

"As a concept, it's great but I think if the useable space, the common spaces are not tweaked well, it could just lead to hot housing," said Goh Ling Pin.

"There could be extra conflict within the house like a lot of people crammed within a smaller space might not fulfil the purpose of helping a family get along," Goh added.

His wife Christine Choo said: "We are living with my father-in-law and I believe that he will like to have his own privacy as well, and for us to have our own privacy, but yet at the same time we want to live together so having a dual-key system where he's just next door and we're under one roof and for us to take care of the financing, would be very helpful for elderly who is also a retiree."

Dr Maliki said: "We're looking at the needs, the profile of different family types, size commensurate with the size of the family too. We want to make it optimal for families when they use the spaces."

Dr Maliki said how the first batch of 3Gen flats in Yishun pans out will have to be observed before fine-tuning designs.

The next housing conversation session is on June 19 and will target seniors with children above 21.

- CNA/fa

- wong chee tat :)

New private home sales nearly double in May

New private home sales nearly double in May

The improved sales volume came as developers launched 1,790 new units in May, nearly three times more than the 600 homes in the previous month.

SINGAPORE: The private residential property market sprang to life in May after months of remaining in the doldrums, with developers’ sales surging 96 per cent as buyers snapped up units at the slew of new launches last month.

Developers sold 1,470 new private homes last month, nearly doubling the 749 units that they moved in April, latest data by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) showed on Monday (June 16). Including executive condominiums (ECs), new developer sales rose to 1,528 units in May from 797 units in April.

The number of new private homes sold last month is the highest monthly figure since the Total Debt Servicing Ratio was introduced in June last year. The improved sales volume also came as developers launched 1,790 new units into the market in May, nearly three times more than the 600 homes recorded in the previous month.

"It is a function of supply, and supply that was with good attributes and good locations, as well as projects that were priced very attractively," Mr Desmond Sim, the Head of CBRE Research Singapore said of the rise.

Two projects by City Developments topped the best-selling list for the month. Coco Palms at Pasir Ris Grove moved 590 of the 600 condominium units launched at a median price of S$1,018 per square foot (psf), while Commonwealth Towers at Commonwealth Avenue sold 275 of 400 homes at S$1,626 psf.

Analysts note the higher sales volume last month is a sign that underlying demand is strong, but some say it may be too early to rejoice.

"The statistics in May do show that buyers did come back (to the market), but that is after five months of drought, of very low sales," said Mr Nicholas Mak, the Executive Director of Research and Consultancy at SLP International Property Consultants.

"In May, we actually saw a surge in the number of units launched. Developers launched roughly about three times more private home units in May compared to April. But the take-up rate only doubled. It actually shows that the private home market is still fairly soft," Mr Mak said.

Observers say attractive prices will continue to be the key consideration for buyers against the backdrop of existing cooling measures.

For instance, the 100 units sold last month at The Panorama at Ang Mo Kio were transacted at a median price of $1,241 psf. This is about eight per cent lower than what units were going for at the project's launch in January this year.

Another project in the vicinity also achieved similar results after it slashed prices. Developers of The Sky Habitat in Bishan trimmed prices by some 13 percent when the project was re-launched last month. It then sold 130 units at a median price of $1,377 per square foot.

"Projects like Panorama and Sky Habitat, they have turned in very good numbers after they have relaunched at better pricings. With the success of this, I am not surprised that developers out there will consider that as an option to move units," said Mr Sim.

For the whole of 2014, analysts expect developers to sell about 9,500 to about 12,000 units. That is about 20 per cent shy of some 15,000 units sold in 2013.


-TODAY/cy

- wong chee tat :)

Pioneer Generation Package notification letters sent out

Pioneer Generation Package notification letters sent out

Seniors who qualify for the Pioneer Generation Package have begun receiving letters informing them of their eligibility. These include about 1,000 people who do not have CPF accounts.

SINGAPORE: Seniors who qualify for the Pioneer Generation Package have begun receiving letters informing them of their eligibility.

These include about 1,000 people who do not have CPF accounts.

They would have received instructions on how to set up an account in order to receive Medisave top-ups.

Pioneers will receive their Pioneer Generation card in the mail by September.

They can then use the card at all participating health institutions.

The Health Ministry said these institutions will have the pioneers' details in their computer systems by September, when the scheme kicks in.

But Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health Chia Shi-Lu is urging for more to be done.

He said some seniors may not have their cards with them when they visit the doctor.

Dr Chia said: "It may be difficult to expect people to have the PG cards with them at all times.

"I believe that information relating to all the benefits and plans should be integrated with NRIC cards, so that when registration is done, the computer system will pick up on whether they are covered."

- CNA/xq

- wong chee tat :)

Contracting shingles may cost up to S$340: National Skin Centre

Contracting shingles may cost up to S$340: National Skin Centre

The average total bill for treating shingles, along with the economic cost of not working, could cost as much as S$340, according to a study by the National Skin Centre.


Shingles is a rash and can cause long-lasting nerve pain for months or even years.

SINGAPORE: About one in five shingles patients experienced pain for more than one month.

In addition, the average total bill for treatment, along with the economic cost of not working, could cost as much as S$340, according to a study by the National Skin Centre.

The study also found that the duration of pain increases with age.

In one case, a 72-year-old patient who had shingles 12 years ago still experiences pain on a regular basis.

Shingles is a rash and can cause long-lasting nerve pain for months or even years.

There is no cure for shingles and one in three people who had chicken pox will develop shingles in their lifetime.

Vaccination is recommended for people who are above 50 years old.

Dr Pan Jiun Yit, a consultant dermatologist at the National Skin Centre, said: "It affects your sleep quality; it affects your productivity at work and affects your family life.

"And if you have shingles affecting a part of your body that is visible, for example your face, this can also result in cosmetic disfigurement as well."

- CNA/ec

- wong chee tat :)

Monday, June 16, 2014

Sunny day

Today is bright and sunny. And super hot too. I got to drink more water.

- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Friday, June 13, 2014

System Updates: Router Changes

System Updates: Router Changes

- minor modifications made to dns servers selection


- wong chee tat :)

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

- wong chee tat :)

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Scheduled Maintenance - POSB

Scheduled Maintenance - POSB

ServiceScheduled Maintenance DateExpected DowntimeRemarks
iBanking15 Jun 20140005hrs to 0010hrs
System Maintenance
-  MCSA Funds Transfer, and Portfolio Enquiry
15 Jun 20140550hrs to 0555hrs
System Maintenance
-  MCSA Funds Transfer, and Portfolio Enquiry
15 Jun 20140005hrs to 0630hrs
System Maintenance
- Online Equity Trading
Cards & unsecure Loan application forms / Vickers form--
-
mBanking--
-
iB Application--
-
iB - Trading Services24 May 20141800hrs to 0000hrs
System Maintenance
25 May 20140000hrs to 1200hrsSystem Maintenance
D2Pay--
-
Phone Banking--
-
NETS--
-
Passbook Update--
-
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)--
-
Cash Deposit Machine---
Coin Deposit Machine---
Cheque Deposit Machine---
POSB Print---
AXS D-Pay---
Token Registration--
-

- wong chee tat :)

weather

Rained heavily yesterday night but still hot!

- wong chee tat :)

Java™ SE Development Kit 7, Update 60 (JDK 7u60)


Update Release Notes

Update Release Notes Index


Java™ SE Development Kit 7, Update 60 (JDK 7u60)

The full version string for this update release is 1.7.0_60-b19 (where "b" means "build"). The version number is 7u60.

Highlights

This update release contains several enhancements and changes including the following:

IANA Data 2014b

JDK 7u60 contains IANA time zone data version 2014b. For more information, refer to Timezone Data Versions in the JRE Software.

Security Baselines

The security baselines for the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) at the time of the release of JDK 7u60 are specified in the following table:
JRE Family VersionJRE Security Baseline
(Full Version String)
71.7.0_55
61.6.0_75
5.01.5.0_65

JRE Expiration Date

The JRE expires whenever a new release with security vulnerability fixes becomes available. Critical patch updates, which contain security vulnerability fixes, are announced one year in advance on Critical Patch Updates, Security Alerts and Third Party Bulletin. This JRE (version 7u60) will expire with the release of the next critical patch update scheduled for July 15, 2014.
For systems unable to reach the Oracle Servers, a secondary mechanism expires this JRE (version 7u60) on August 15, 2014. After either condition is met (new release becoming available or expiration date reached), the JRE will provide additional warnings and reminders to users to update to the newer version. For more information, see JRE Expiration Date.

JavaFX

This JDK release includes JavaFX version 2.2.60.

Java Mission Control

This JDK release includes Java Mission Control(JMC) version 5.3. For more information, see JMC 5.3 Release Notes.

New Features and Changes


Java ignores deployment.expiration.check.enabled property for first launch

If you have an older version of Java and expiration check is turned off throughdeployment.properties file, Java may ignore this property for first launch.
To ensure that expiration check is disabled, use the following Java Web Start command:
javaws -userConfig deployment.expiration.check.enabled false
If this property is changed in the deployment.properties file, open the Java Control Panel before starting an application to ensure that the native cache is synchronized with the file. For more information, see Deployment Configuration File and Properties.

New flags added to Java Management API

The flags MinHeapFreeRatio and MaxHeapFreeRatio have been made manageable. This means they can be changed at runtime using the management API in Java. Support for these flags have also been added to the ParallelGC as part of the adaptive size policy.

Bug Fixes

For a list of bug fixes included in this release, see JDK 7u60 Bug Fixes page.
The following are some of the notable bug fixes in this release:
Area: security-libs/java.security
Synopsis: Realm.getRealmsList returns realms list in wrong order
Java does not support the [capaths] section in krb5.conf correctly if there are more then one intermediate realm between the client realm and the server realm.
See 8012615.

- wong chee tat :)