Bloggers taken by surprise by IRAS letter on taxable income
938LIVE reports: The memo received by bloggers states that all non-monetary benefits “may be taxable and must be declared”. One blogger said it was the first time she received such a letter.
By Lee Gim Siong, 938LIVE and Justin Ong
Posted 15 Mar 2016 22:07 Updated 15 Mar 2016 22:56
SINGAPORE: Some members of Singapore’s blogging community have expressed surprise at a letter they have received from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) clarifying income components - including products or services received via their websites - which need to be declared as part of their annual Income Tax Return.
938LIVE has seen pictures of the letter in question. The memo states that all non-monetary benefits, including sponsorship of products or services received in return for writing or reviewing the sponsors’ products “may be taxable and must be declared”.
Prominent blogger Wendy Cheng, or Xiaxue, told 938LIVE this is the first time she has received such a letter from IRAS.
Ms Cheng said while she is aware that income generated from her website is subjected to tax, it is “difficult” to declare certain benefits-in-kind.
“If someone sends me a lipstick, am I supposed to go find out how much it costs and declare it? Other things like, for example, some fans give me something that’s handmade, how do I put a value on that?”
“Either that or I have to send it back to the company, but that’s very nasty. It’s like saying: 'I don’t like your product'; so it doesn’t make sense to me,” she added.
The IRAS letter sent to bloggers
Kenneth Lee, who blogs on www.5meanders.com wrote: “I think it’s sad, and a little funny, that we’ve come to a point in our country’s storied existence when a channel of expression is taxable.”
Local blogger Alvin Lim, who owns alvinology.com and asia361.com, told Channel NewsAsia the move by IRAS seemed “stringent and rather extreme”.
“If this is really true, it will kill the whole blogging scene. Who will go for food tastings now? IRAS also has to be fair to bloggers - most of us are one-man shows with no resources to do these things,” he said, adding that he presently files taxes under a registered company.
Mr Lim also noted that it would be “double standards” if the same were not applied to media companies. “Do journalists file taxes for media gifts, food tastings, family trips or media junkets?” he asked.
938LIVE understands that IRAS sent the letter as part of its regular engagement with the self-employed and is not meant to target or clamp down on bloggers.
Social media marketing firm Gushcloud said it is aware that the letter has been sent to bloggers under its management, adding that it regularly holds workshops and 1-on-1 meetings to answer their questions on the filing of their taxes.
A food blogger who declined to be identified said he has always been aware of the need to declare the benefits he received through his blog.
More information on what bloggers need to declare can be found here.
- 938LIVE/ek
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label bill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bill. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Singaporeans' understanding of basic money management getting worse: Survey
Singaporeans' understanding of basic money management getting worse: Survey
POSTED: 27 Apr 2015 15:45
UPDATED: 28 Apr 2015 09:11
“Going by the survey results, people in Singapore are finding it harder to keep up with bills, budget effectively and manage unsecured loans,” says MasterCard.
SINGAPORE: The Republic has recorded the largest decline in financial literacy in the Asia Pacific - dropping from second to sixth place, according to the MasterCard Financial Literacy Index.
In a news release on Monday (27 Apr), MasterCard said Singapore slid four index points to score 68 index points in financial literacy, while New Zealand ranked second with 71 points, losing the top spot to Taiwan.
The annual survey, conducted between July and Aug 2014 on 8,087 respondents aged 18 to 64 in 16 countries in the Asia Pacific, covers three components: Basic Money Management, Financial Planning and Investment.
The key reason for the decline in Singapore’s financial literacy is the fall in consumers’ understanding of basic money management, said the release. “Going by the survey results, people in Singapore are finding it harder to keep up with bills, budget effectively and manage unsecured loans.”
Singapore is not the only country that experienced a drop, as MasterCard revealed that the struggle to improve financial literacy “is taking place throughout the region”. Progress towards improving basic finance knowledge and skills across Asia Pacific has stalled as 12 of 16 countries recorded lower scores in financial literacy, the release added.
Other countries that saw a decline include Australia and Japan, both down by two points to fourth and sixteenth place respectively. This was also attributed as the reason behind Hong Kong’s advancement from fifth to third place.
While developed markets tend to rank higher than emerging markets such as Myanmar and Vietnam, Japan remains the outlier, staying in the bottom spot for the 3rd consecutive year.
“There is no one reason for the falling level of financial literacy across the region but the data clearly shows that the young and unemployed need additional support. Educating people so they can plan for the future is a crucial aspect of financial inclusion,” said Mr T V Seshadri, Group Executive, Global Products and Solutions, MasterCard Asia Pacific.
“In both developed and emerging markets, people are struggling to understand basic financial concepts such as inflation," he said. "In addition, while Asia Pacific is a region of savers, the lack of retirement planning should cause particular concern. It is not enough to provide access to financial services, we must ensure that everyone knows how to save, budget and invest so that their wellbeing can be secured over the long term.”
MasterCard Singapore group head and general manager Deborah Heng, added that a practical understanding of how to manage money, including saving and borrowing, should be provided by parents and taught at school.
“Crucial to improving financial literacy is encouraging education at an early age. The goal is to eventually develop financial know-how so that people can effectively manage money matters such as household cash-flows and loans,” she said.
- CNA/ct
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 27 Apr 2015 15:45
UPDATED: 28 Apr 2015 09:11
“Going by the survey results, people in Singapore are finding it harder to keep up with bills, budget effectively and manage unsecured loans,” says MasterCard.
SINGAPORE: The Republic has recorded the largest decline in financial literacy in the Asia Pacific - dropping from second to sixth place, according to the MasterCard Financial Literacy Index.
In a news release on Monday (27 Apr), MasterCard said Singapore slid four index points to score 68 index points in financial literacy, while New Zealand ranked second with 71 points, losing the top spot to Taiwan.
The annual survey, conducted between July and Aug 2014 on 8,087 respondents aged 18 to 64 in 16 countries in the Asia Pacific, covers three components: Basic Money Management, Financial Planning and Investment.
The key reason for the decline in Singapore’s financial literacy is the fall in consumers’ understanding of basic money management, said the release. “Going by the survey results, people in Singapore are finding it harder to keep up with bills, budget effectively and manage unsecured loans.”
Singapore is not the only country that experienced a drop, as MasterCard revealed that the struggle to improve financial literacy “is taking place throughout the region”. Progress towards improving basic finance knowledge and skills across Asia Pacific has stalled as 12 of 16 countries recorded lower scores in financial literacy, the release added.
Other countries that saw a decline include Australia and Japan, both down by two points to fourth and sixteenth place respectively. This was also attributed as the reason behind Hong Kong’s advancement from fifth to third place.
While developed markets tend to rank higher than emerging markets such as Myanmar and Vietnam, Japan remains the outlier, staying in the bottom spot for the 3rd consecutive year.
“There is no one reason for the falling level of financial literacy across the region but the data clearly shows that the young and unemployed need additional support. Educating people so they can plan for the future is a crucial aspect of financial inclusion,” said Mr T V Seshadri, Group Executive, Global Products and Solutions, MasterCard Asia Pacific.
“In both developed and emerging markets, people are struggling to understand basic financial concepts such as inflation," he said. "In addition, while Asia Pacific is a region of savers, the lack of retirement planning should cause particular concern. It is not enough to provide access to financial services, we must ensure that everyone knows how to save, budget and invest so that their wellbeing can be secured over the long term.”
MasterCard Singapore group head and general manager Deborah Heng, added that a practical understanding of how to manage money, including saving and borrowing, should be provided by parents and taught at school.
“Crucial to improving financial literacy is encouraging education at an early age. The goal is to eventually develop financial know-how so that people can effectively manage money matters such as household cash-flows and loans,” she said.
- CNA/ct
- 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 :)
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 :)
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
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 :)
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 :)
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Tariff Rates
Tariff Rates
> The water tariff for households is $1.17 per cubic metre (below 40m3) and $1.40 per cubic metre (above
- wong chee tat :)
> The electricity tariff for households is 26.08 cents per kWh (with effect from 1 Oct 13 to 31 Dec 13) 
> The gas tariff for households is 20.89 cents per kWh (with effect from 1 Aug 13 to 31 Oct 13)
> 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 :)
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Greece austerity push to cost thousands of jobs
Greece austerity push to cost thousands of jobs
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 1:36 PM
Greek deputies narrowly approved another wave of lay-offs and wage cuts affecting thousands of public sector workers Thursday, hours ahead of a rare visit to the country by the German finance minister.
ATHENS, Attica: Greek deputies narrowly approved another wave of lay-offs and wage cuts affecting thousands of public sector workers Thursday, hours ahead of a rare visit to the country by the German finance minister.
The sweeping bill of reforms, tied to the country's next tranche of EU-IMF loans, was passed despite days of street protests.
It gives thousands of civil servants -- including teachers and municipal police -- eight months on reduced salaries to find new posts elsewhere, or accept those offered to them.
Otherwise, they will lose their jobs.
Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside parliament for the late-night vote, a day after thousands had demonstrated in a general strike called against the reform.
The coalition government's majority carried most of the tougher articles by a vote of 153 to 140, the parliament speaker said.
It was a close call for the coalition, which has a five-seat majority in the chamber.
Two government deputies did not attend the vote, and a third had to be brought out of hospital to cast his ballot, reports said.
The bill's approval will enable Greece to receive its next instalment of 6.8 billion euros ($8.9 billion) in rescue funds cleared by eurozone finance ministers.
The vote came just hours before German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was to make a rare visit to Athens Thursday, reportedly to help set up a support fund for struggling businesses.
His visit poses another challenge for authorities. Schaeuble is seen by some in Greece as a champion of the tough austerity policies that have gripped the country like a vice for the past four years.
A large security cordon will be thrown around Athens to ward off possible protests during his visit.
Greece has been forced to implement a series of painful reforms over the past four years in exchange for 240 billion euros in rescue funds put up by the European Union and International Monetary Fund.
The sweeping job, pay and pension cuts have hit Greeks hard, sparking mass protests and general strikes.
Overall, Greece must redeploy 25,000 civil servants and fire another 4,000 by the end of the year.
About 4,200 state staff are already due to be redeployed by the end of July.
The main opposition Syriza leftists have called the measure "human sacrifice", and said the country's creditors were motivated by "hatred" for demanding it.
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Wednesday defended the unpopular measure.
"Better days will come for our people," he said in a televised address hours before the vote.
"We will not let up. We will climb uphill and reach the end, which is not far."
He also announced a 10-percent drop in restaurant sales tax to boost the tourist season.
Samaras has been under heavy pressure this past month to hold his government together after losing one of his coalition allies in June in the wake of an earlier round of job cuts affecting state broadcaster ERT.
The bill also covers a partial overhaul of the tax system, including the introduction of new criteria for taxable income and the adjustment of tax thresholds.
Some 52 specialities taught at public vocational schools will also be abolished from next week according to the bill, which leading union GSEE has called a "tombstone" for Greek workers.
About 4,000 civil servants, according to a police source, staged a sit-in on Wednesday in Athens' central Syntagma square near the parliament to protest against the vote.
The orange jackets of school caretakers mingled with the khaki uniforms of municipal police officers.
"They have destroyed our dreams," said municipal worker Nekatorios Chargidis, in tears. "What are we going to be able to tell our children?"
Municipal employees have been on strike since Monday, with garbage piling up in the streets as a result.
On Tuesday, more than 20,000 people protested in Athens and Greece's second city Thessaloniki during a general strike called by the main unions.
Now in its sixth year running of recession and with the unemployment rate at a record 27 percent, Greece is not expected to post growth before 2014.
- AFP/ac
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 1:36 PM
Greek deputies narrowly approved another wave of lay-offs and wage cuts affecting thousands of public sector workers Thursday, hours ahead of a rare visit to the country by the German finance minister.
ATHENS, Attica: Greek deputies narrowly approved another wave of lay-offs and wage cuts affecting thousands of public sector workers Thursday, hours ahead of a rare visit to the country by the German finance minister.
The sweeping bill of reforms, tied to the country's next tranche of EU-IMF loans, was passed despite days of street protests.
It gives thousands of civil servants -- including teachers and municipal police -- eight months on reduced salaries to find new posts elsewhere, or accept those offered to them.
Otherwise, they will lose their jobs.
Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside parliament for the late-night vote, a day after thousands had demonstrated in a general strike called against the reform.
The coalition government's majority carried most of the tougher articles by a vote of 153 to 140, the parliament speaker said.
It was a close call for the coalition, which has a five-seat majority in the chamber.
Two government deputies did not attend the vote, and a third had to be brought out of hospital to cast his ballot, reports said.
The bill's approval will enable Greece to receive its next instalment of 6.8 billion euros ($8.9 billion) in rescue funds cleared by eurozone finance ministers.
The vote came just hours before German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was to make a rare visit to Athens Thursday, reportedly to help set up a support fund for struggling businesses.
His visit poses another challenge for authorities. Schaeuble is seen by some in Greece as a champion of the tough austerity policies that have gripped the country like a vice for the past four years.
A large security cordon will be thrown around Athens to ward off possible protests during his visit.
Greece has been forced to implement a series of painful reforms over the past four years in exchange for 240 billion euros in rescue funds put up by the European Union and International Monetary Fund.
The sweeping job, pay and pension cuts have hit Greeks hard, sparking mass protests and general strikes.
Overall, Greece must redeploy 25,000 civil servants and fire another 4,000 by the end of the year.
About 4,200 state staff are already due to be redeployed by the end of July.
The main opposition Syriza leftists have called the measure "human sacrifice", and said the country's creditors were motivated by "hatred" for demanding it.
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Wednesday defended the unpopular measure.
"Better days will come for our people," he said in a televised address hours before the vote.
"We will not let up. We will climb uphill and reach the end, which is not far."
He also announced a 10-percent drop in restaurant sales tax to boost the tourist season.
Samaras has been under heavy pressure this past month to hold his government together after losing one of his coalition allies in June in the wake of an earlier round of job cuts affecting state broadcaster ERT.
The bill also covers a partial overhaul of the tax system, including the introduction of new criteria for taxable income and the adjustment of tax thresholds.
Some 52 specialities taught at public vocational schools will also be abolished from next week according to the bill, which leading union GSEE has called a "tombstone" for Greek workers.
About 4,000 civil servants, according to a police source, staged a sit-in on Wednesday in Athens' central Syntagma square near the parliament to protest against the vote.
The orange jackets of school caretakers mingled with the khaki uniforms of municipal police officers.
"They have destroyed our dreams," said municipal worker Nekatorios Chargidis, in tears. "What are we going to be able to tell our children?"
Municipal employees have been on strike since Monday, with garbage piling up in the streets as a result.
On Tuesday, more than 20,000 people protested in Athens and Greece's second city Thessaloniki during a general strike called by the main unions.
Now in its sixth year running of recession and with the unemployment rate at a record 27 percent, Greece is not expected to post growth before 2014.
- AFP/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Average electricity consumption rises in June
Average electricity consumption rises in June
By Chng Kheng Leng and Sara Grosse
POSTED: 03 Jul 2013 9:03 PM
The average electricity consumption in June has increased as compared to May, but Singapore Power said there is no evidence that it was due to the haze.
SINGAPORE: The average electricity consumption in June has increased as compared to May, but Singapore Power said there is no evidence that it was due to the haze.
According to Singapore Power, the average electricity consumption of domestic customers in June 2013 was 520.23 kWh, compared to May, which was 509.57 kWh.
Based on statistics over the past four years, consumption in June tends to be higher. This is likely due to the hot weather during the month.
Electronic stores MediaCorp spoke with said they received about 30 per cent to 50 per cent more requests for aircon installations in June.
Aircon servicing companies also saw an increase in requests last month.
According to Gain City, it saw double the requests for aircon servicing, while Absolute Solutions saw 40 per cent more servicing requests.
Stan Toh, operations manager at Absolute Solutions, said: "We would actually recommend our customers to do a three-month normal servicing. And at the same time, we also recommend them to keep their temperatures at 25 degrees Celsius. They should also be using an inverter unit. If they do all the above, they can actually look at up to S$350 savings in their electricity bill per year."
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Chng Kheng Leng and Sara Grosse
POSTED: 03 Jul 2013 9:03 PM
The average electricity consumption in June has increased as compared to May, but Singapore Power said there is no evidence that it was due to the haze.
SINGAPORE: The average electricity consumption in June has increased as compared to May, but Singapore Power said there is no evidence that it was due to the haze.
According to Singapore Power, the average electricity consumption of domestic customers in June 2013 was 520.23 kWh, compared to May, which was 509.57 kWh.
Based on statistics over the past four years, consumption in June tends to be higher. This is likely due to the hot weather during the month.
Electronic stores MediaCorp spoke with said they received about 30 per cent to 50 per cent more requests for aircon installations in June.
Aircon servicing companies also saw an increase in requests last month.
According to Gain City, it saw double the requests for aircon servicing, while Absolute Solutions saw 40 per cent more servicing requests.
Stan Toh, operations manager at Absolute Solutions, said: "We would actually recommend our customers to do a three-month normal servicing. And at the same time, we also recommend them to keep their temperatures at 25 degrees Celsius. They should also be using an inverter unit. If they do all the above, they can actually look at up to S$350 savings in their electricity bill per year."
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Electricity tariffs to fall by 2.9%
Electricity tariffs to fall by 2.9%
Lower tariffs due to lower cost of natural gas used for electricity generation
28 June
SINGAPORE — Electricity tariffs will drop by an average of 2.9 per cent for the period July 1 to September 30, SP Services said today (June 28).
This tariff reduction is due to the lower cost of natural gas used for electricity generation, which fell by 5.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter of this year.
The electricity tariff for households will decrease by 2.8 per cent in the third quarter of this year, from 26.70 to 25.95 cents per kWh.
Families living in four-room Housing Board flats (HDB) will see a S$3.08 decrease in their average monthly electricity bills.
SP Services reviews the electricity tariffs quarterly based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the electricity industry regulator.
- wong chee tat :)
Lower tariffs due to lower cost of natural gas used for electricity generation
28 June
SINGAPORE — Electricity tariffs will drop by an average of 2.9 per cent for the period July 1 to September 30, SP Services said today (June 28).
This tariff reduction is due to the lower cost of natural gas used for electricity generation, which fell by 5.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter of this year.
The electricity tariff for households will decrease by 2.8 per cent in the third quarter of this year, from 26.70 to 25.95 cents per kWh.
Families living in four-room Housing Board flats (HDB) will see a S$3.08 decrease in their average monthly electricity bills.
SP Services reviews the electricity tariffs quarterly based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the electricity industry regulator.
- wong chee tat :)
Electricity tariffs to fall by 2.9%
Electricity tariffs to fall by 2.9%
POSTED: 28 Jun 2013 2:13 PM
Electricity tariffs will drop by an average of 2.9 per cent for the period July 1 to September 30, SP Services said on Friday.
SINGAPORE: Electricity tariffs will drop by an average of 2.9 per cent for the period July 1 to September 30, SP Services said on Friday.
This tariff reduction is due to the lower cost of natural gas used for electricity generation, which fell by 5.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter of this year.
The electricity tariff for households will decrease by 2.8 per cent in the third quarter of this year, from 26.70 to 25.95 cents per kWh.
Families living in four-room Housing & Development Board flats (HDB) will see a S$3.80 decrease in their average monthly electricity bills.
SP Services reviews the electricity tariffs quarterly based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the electricity industry regulator.
-TODAY/fa
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 28 Jun 2013 2:13 PM
Electricity tariffs will drop by an average of 2.9 per cent for the period July 1 to September 30, SP Services said on Friday.
SINGAPORE: Electricity tariffs will drop by an average of 2.9 per cent for the period July 1 to September 30, SP Services said on Friday.
This tariff reduction is due to the lower cost of natural gas used for electricity generation, which fell by 5.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter of this year.
The electricity tariff for households will decrease by 2.8 per cent in the third quarter of this year, from 26.70 to 25.95 cents per kWh.
Families living in four-room Housing & Development Board flats (HDB) will see a S$3.80 decrease in their average monthly electricity bills.
SP Services reviews the electricity tariffs quarterly based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the electricity industry regulator.
-TODAY/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, April 28, 2013
MAS Bills
MAS Bills
MAS announced on 29 July 2010 that short term MAS bills would be issued as part of money market operations, serving as a complement to three other instruments – FX swaps, clean lending and borrowing, and SGS repos – which are used to inject or withdraw liquidity from the financial system.The implementation of the MAS bills programme began in April 2011, with the issuance of 4-week MAS Bills, followed in August 2011 with the issuance of 8-week MAS bills. In July 2012, MAS plans to extend the tenor of its bills by issuing 12-week MAS bills.
By the end of FY11, about S$18 billion in outstanding MAS Bills were available for financial institutions. These help to broaden the availability and diversity of high-quality assets available in the market, to allow financial institutions to better manage their liquidity.
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Starhub to implement a ‘one-minute minimum charge’
Starhub to implement a ‘one-minute minimum charge’
Yahoo! Newsroom
By Nurul Azliah Aripin | Yahoo! Newsroom –
Starhub’s mobile customers have to pay 16.05 cents for the first minute of each local outgoing call starting 1 May, even for talk times shorter than one minute.
This means that customers will have to pay more than they do now for calls lasting less than 60 seconds, according to information found on the telco’s website.
Starhub customers are currently being billed at about 0.27 cents per second from the start of each local outgoing call.
By next month, a one-minute charge will be fixed to each call before customers are billed on a per second basis starting from the 61st second of talk time, according to Starhub’s corporate communications and investor relations person, Cassie Fong.
The new billing method will apply to all mobile post-paid customers when they make local outgoing calls through voice or 3G video.
Fong, who noted that Starhub has been billing their customers on a per second basis for the past 13 years, added that the company has decided to implement the new method instead of increasing call rates amid rising costs of “network maintenance, upgrade and expansion”.
Since April, the telco has been notifying their customers on the new billing method through their website as well as notices sent to customers together with their bills, she said. Customers who want to sign up or renew their mobile plans, will also be informed by the staff available at Starhub stores.
Furthermore, Fong said that customers would not see a “significant difference” in their charges as most customers use their outgoing calls within their monthly talk-time bundle.
- wong chee tat :)
Yahoo! Newsroom
By Nurul Azliah Aripin | Yahoo! Newsroom –
Starhub’s mobile customers have to pay 16.05 cents for the first minute of each local outgoing call starting 1 May, even for talk times shorter than one minute.
This means that customers will have to pay more than they do now for calls lasting less than 60 seconds, according to information found on the telco’s website.
Starhub customers are currently being billed at about 0.27 cents per second from the start of each local outgoing call.
By next month, a one-minute charge will be fixed to each call before customers are billed on a per second basis starting from the 61st second of talk time, according to Starhub’s corporate communications and investor relations person, Cassie Fong.
The new billing method will apply to all mobile post-paid customers when they make local outgoing calls through voice or 3G video.
Fong, who noted that Starhub has been billing their customers on a per second basis for the past 13 years, added that the company has decided to implement the new method instead of increasing call rates amid rising costs of “network maintenance, upgrade and expansion”.
Since April, the telco has been notifying their customers on the new billing method through their website as well as notices sent to customers together with their bills, she said. Customers who want to sign up or renew their mobile plans, will also be informed by the staff available at Starhub stores.
Furthermore, Fong said that customers would not see a “significant difference” in their charges as most customers use their outgoing calls within their monthly talk-time bundle.
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, November 13, 2009
Record $653,000 for flat
Record $653,000 for flat http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_453576.html
| By Jessica Cheam | ||
 |  | |
Chris Neo (left) and Kelvin Lim (right), seller of the flat Michael Nandakumaran (center), with sold a HDB flat at Blk 48, Strathmore Avenue for a record price of $653k. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM
A FOUR-ROOM Queenstown HDB flat has sold for $653,000, setting a new record for price per sq ft (psf), amid continuing red-hot demand for resale flats.
The buyers, a male Indonesian permanent resident and a Singaporean woman, could have bought a condominium unit in an outlying area for the price.
But they were won over by the location, just five minutes walk from Queenstown MRT station, and on the top, 40th floor of the block, with unblocked views of greenery from all windows.
The four-year-old 969sqft unit at Forfar Heights, Strathmore Avenue, sold for $68,000 above valuation - a level determined by an independent valuer.
This works out to $674 psf, smashing the previous record of $609 psf, achieved in January last year, by about 10per cent.
This may be an unusually high price but resale prices have been moving up.
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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