Costs going UP!
What can we do?
- Pic from Internet
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label cut costs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cut costs. Show all posts
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Businesses find 2016 tough, expect 2017 to be tougher: Survey
Businesses find 2016 tough, expect 2017 to be tougher: Survey
By Calvin Hui Posted 28 Dec 2016 11:03 Updated 28 Dec 2016 12:02
SINGAPORE: Nearly two-thirds of local businesses felt that Singapore's economic climate has declined in 2016 and nearly half of the companies polled expect the situation to worsen in 2017, according to latest findings from the National Business Survey released on Wednesday (Dec 28).
The 2016/207 edition of the survey, which was conducted by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), received responses from more than 1100 companies across different industries.
Some key challenges cited by businesses included operating costs and manpower issues, which included factors like labour costs, manpower laws as well as attracting and retaining younger workers.
SBF CEO Ho Meng Kit said: ““Singapore is impacted by the current subdued external demand and global trade due to its open and outward-oriented economy.
"Domestically, high operating costs and the constraints imposed by our foreign worker policies continue to affect businesses. Businesses find operating under this persistently tepid global and domestic economy challenging.”
The survey also found that only 3 in 10 businesses are satisfied with current government policies, with small and medium enterprises being less satisfied than larger ones.
In a press statement, the SBF said this indicates that the steps taken in this year’s budget were not “far-reaching enough, and do not have significant near term impact”.
SBF added that the focus in next year’s Budget should look at measures to assist businesses with manpower issues, as well as lower government compliance costs, fees and taxes.
Meanwhile, businesses are not embracing the government's message to transform and restructure, according the SBF. Just over 60 per cent of businesses surveyed agree that there is a need for companies to transform.
Among the SMEs, the survey revealed that majority had not yet made any significant adjustments to adapt to a slowing economy, as well as technological change and disruption.
And while the push to internationalise and expand overseas have been cited as a way for businesses to thrive, the survey showed that businesses are lacking in understanding of the opportunities available and requirements needed.
The data also showed that companies feel they do not think they will benefit from trade pacts, like the ASEAN Economic Community and Free Trade Agreements.
This year’s survey was done in collaboration with Blackbox Research Pte Ltd.
- CNA/am
- wong chee tat :)
By Calvin Hui Posted 28 Dec 2016 11:03 Updated 28 Dec 2016 12:02
SINGAPORE: Nearly two-thirds of local businesses felt that Singapore's economic climate has declined in 2016 and nearly half of the companies polled expect the situation to worsen in 2017, according to latest findings from the National Business Survey released on Wednesday (Dec 28).
The 2016/207 edition of the survey, which was conducted by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), received responses from more than 1100 companies across different industries.
Some key challenges cited by businesses included operating costs and manpower issues, which included factors like labour costs, manpower laws as well as attracting and retaining younger workers.
SBF CEO Ho Meng Kit said: ““Singapore is impacted by the current subdued external demand and global trade due to its open and outward-oriented economy.
"Domestically, high operating costs and the constraints imposed by our foreign worker policies continue to affect businesses. Businesses find operating under this persistently tepid global and domestic economy challenging.”
The survey also found that only 3 in 10 businesses are satisfied with current government policies, with small and medium enterprises being less satisfied than larger ones.
In a press statement, the SBF said this indicates that the steps taken in this year’s budget were not “far-reaching enough, and do not have significant near term impact”.
SBF added that the focus in next year’s Budget should look at measures to assist businesses with manpower issues, as well as lower government compliance costs, fees and taxes.
Meanwhile, businesses are not embracing the government's message to transform and restructure, according the SBF. Just over 60 per cent of businesses surveyed agree that there is a need for companies to transform.
Among the SMEs, the survey revealed that majority had not yet made any significant adjustments to adapt to a slowing economy, as well as technological change and disruption.
And while the push to internationalise and expand overseas have been cited as a way for businesses to thrive, the survey showed that businesses are lacking in understanding of the opportunities available and requirements needed.
The data also showed that companies feel they do not think they will benefit from trade pacts, like the ASEAN Economic Community and Free Trade Agreements.
This year’s survey was done in collaboration with Blackbox Research Pte Ltd.
- CNA/am
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, August 15, 2016
Lasting Power of Attorney fees waived for 2 more years
Lasting Power of Attorney fees waived for 2 more years
Posted 15 Aug 2016 10:31 Updated 15 Aug 2016 10:40
SINGAPORE: Fees for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) form 1 applications will be waived for a further two years, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said on Monday (Aug 15).
An LPA allows a person who is at least 21 years of age to appoint one or more persons to make decisions for them should they lose their mental capacity.
In a press release, MSF said the new closing date for fee waiver is now Aug 31, 2018, "to encourage more Singaporeans to plan ahead with an LPA to protect their interests".
In a related blog post, Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin cited an Institute of Mental Health study, saying that dementia strikes one in 10 Singaporeans aged 60 and above.
"As our society ages, many of us are increasingly at risk of losing our mental capacity," he said. "It can happen to any of us. And if it does, I'm sure we would want someone we trust to make those important decisions such as our finances or those relating to our health and welfare on our behalf."
The minister added: "I encourage everyone to make a Lasting Power of Attorney early to give ourselves and our loved ones peace of mind in the event that the worst does happen."
- CNA/hs
- wong chee tat :)
Posted 15 Aug 2016 10:31 Updated 15 Aug 2016 10:40
SINGAPORE: Fees for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) form 1 applications will be waived for a further two years, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said on Monday (Aug 15).
An LPA allows a person who is at least 21 years of age to appoint one or more persons to make decisions for them should they lose their mental capacity.
In a press release, MSF said the new closing date for fee waiver is now Aug 31, 2018, "to encourage more Singaporeans to plan ahead with an LPA to protect their interests".
In a related blog post, Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin cited an Institute of Mental Health study, saying that dementia strikes one in 10 Singaporeans aged 60 and above.
"As our society ages, many of us are increasingly at risk of losing our mental capacity," he said. "It can happen to any of us. And if it does, I'm sure we would want someone we trust to make those important decisions such as our finances or those relating to our health and welfare on our behalf."
The minister added: "I encourage everyone to make a Lasting Power of Attorney early to give ourselves and our loved ones peace of mind in the event that the worst does happen."
- CNA/hs
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Bank jobs in Singapore under pressure
Bank jobs in Singapore under pressure
Banks are seeing their margins squeezed by a weak macroeconomy and some like Barclays and Standard Chartered have initiated job cuts globally. Singapore, being a key financial centre in Asia, is not immune to these layoffs.
By Linette Lim
Posted 28 Dec 2015 17:41 Updated 28 Dec 2015 23:28
SINGAPORE: The financial sector is a key source of jobs in Singapore, employing more than 200,000 people as of September, according to data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It also contributes to more than 12 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
While latest MOM statistics have showed that there is still overall job growth in the sector - with 2,600 jobs added in the third quarter - some areas, from support functions to equities-related and investment banking roles, have come under pressure.
Global banks are seeing their margins squeezed by a weak macroeconomy and higher costs arising from tighter regulatory oversight. Additionally, across the sector worldwide, nearly 100,000 banking jobs were estimated to have been cut in 2015, according to an estimate by the Financial Times.
Major banks like Standard Chartered, Barclays, and Deutsche Bank have initiated job cuts globally and as Singapore is a key financial centre in Asia, it is not immune from these layoffs.
"We have seen a lot of offshoring happening, not just this year, but in 2014 as well," said Robert Walters Southeast Asia's managing director, Mr Toby Fowlston. "We've seen areas like product control downsize in a number of banking businesses, and also some of the back-office functions as well, where we've seen that shipped to cheaper cost locations."
But the concern is more than just over jobs being moved to lower-cost jurisdictions. Trading and deal-making is drying up amid a more uncertain macro environment and this is threatening equities-related and investment banking jobs. At the same time, new business models are disrupting traditional banking - a point underscored by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a speech last month.
"Digitisation, fintech - those are challenges to the traditional bank model," said Mr Ho Kok Yong, Financial Services Industry leader at Deloitte Singapore. "I think with digitisation, online banking, there's even greater reason for banks to actually cut headcount. So I would say that in the next one or two years, we will see a lot of this happening.
On the other hand, there are areas that will be in need of headcount, with vacancies exceeding the number of applicants.
Said Adecco Singapore's country manager Femke Hellemons: "The increasing emphasis on corporate governance, risk management, also drives the demand for compliance, risk management, and operations professionals. At the same time, we see a strong demand for IT finance engineers, and also relationship managers, as banks are looking to market customised solutions for their corporate clients."
As banks reorganise their business to cope with a changing business environment, recruitment consultancies have said they see hiring managers in banks here adopt a wait-and-see approach. According to Robert Walters, this has given rise to a greater use of contracting, with staff coming in on six- to 12-month fixed term contracts.
- CNA/hs
- wong chee tat :)
Banks are seeing their margins squeezed by a weak macroeconomy and some like Barclays and Standard Chartered have initiated job cuts globally. Singapore, being a key financial centre in Asia, is not immune to these layoffs.
By Linette Lim
Posted 28 Dec 2015 17:41 Updated 28 Dec 2015 23:28
SINGAPORE: The financial sector is a key source of jobs in Singapore, employing more than 200,000 people as of September, according to data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It also contributes to more than 12 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
While latest MOM statistics have showed that there is still overall job growth in the sector - with 2,600 jobs added in the third quarter - some areas, from support functions to equities-related and investment banking roles, have come under pressure.
Global banks are seeing their margins squeezed by a weak macroeconomy and higher costs arising from tighter regulatory oversight. Additionally, across the sector worldwide, nearly 100,000 banking jobs were estimated to have been cut in 2015, according to an estimate by the Financial Times.
Major banks like Standard Chartered, Barclays, and Deutsche Bank have initiated job cuts globally and as Singapore is a key financial centre in Asia, it is not immune from these layoffs.
"We have seen a lot of offshoring happening, not just this year, but in 2014 as well," said Robert Walters Southeast Asia's managing director, Mr Toby Fowlston. "We've seen areas like product control downsize in a number of banking businesses, and also some of the back-office functions as well, where we've seen that shipped to cheaper cost locations."
But the concern is more than just over jobs being moved to lower-cost jurisdictions. Trading and deal-making is drying up amid a more uncertain macro environment and this is threatening equities-related and investment banking jobs. At the same time, new business models are disrupting traditional banking - a point underscored by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a speech last month.
"Digitisation, fintech - those are challenges to the traditional bank model," said Mr Ho Kok Yong, Financial Services Industry leader at Deloitte Singapore. "I think with digitisation, online banking, there's even greater reason for banks to actually cut headcount. So I would say that in the next one or two years, we will see a lot of this happening.
On the other hand, there are areas that will be in need of headcount, with vacancies exceeding the number of applicants.
Said Adecco Singapore's country manager Femke Hellemons: "The increasing emphasis on corporate governance, risk management, also drives the demand for compliance, risk management, and operations professionals. At the same time, we see a strong demand for IT finance engineers, and also relationship managers, as banks are looking to market customised solutions for their corporate clients."
As banks reorganise their business to cope with a changing business environment, recruitment consultancies have said they see hiring managers in banks here adopt a wait-and-see approach. According to Robert Walters, this has given rise to a greater use of contracting, with staff coming in on six- to 12-month fixed term contracts.
- CNA/hs
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, January 23, 2015
Rental data to be released on quarterly basis
Rental data to be released on quarterly basis
The move comes on the back of calls from businesses for greater transparency in the rental market. This has led to the Singapore Business Federation introducing the Fair Tenancy Framework, which includes the release of clearer rental data as an initiative.
SINGAPORE: Businesses will get greater clarity on trends in Singapore's rental market. Starting on Thursday (Jan 22), more detailed data on rents for retail, office and industrial space will be released by the Government every quarter.
The move comes on the back of calls from businesses for greater transparency in the rental market. Earlier this week, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) introduced the Fair Tenancy Framework, which includes the release of clearer rental data as an initiative.
Many businesses have complained of soaring rental rates imposed by landlords, which threaten to heighten operating costs. With the new move, the public can now view rental data at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile by floor level and area.
For instance, if one wants to find out the monthly unit rent for retail space at the 25th percentile in District 9, which includes the Orchard area, one can now look at what trends are like for basement units that are 30 square metres and below. Previously, rental data was only released at the 50th percentile and by street name, excluding information by floor level and area.
Ms Cynthia Phua, chairman of the rental practices working group at SBF, said: ”Having the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile - that part in itself will give a very good range for a tenant who is assessing the rental for that unit itself, whether they are transacting at the upper range of the rental range, or the lower range."
The new data can be accessed on the websites of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and industrial landlord JTC Corporation.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry said the additional details covering floor level and unit size will help businesses make more informed decisions before signing a contract.
Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said: "Feedback from businesses is that we have to be a little bit more specific. Then the question is: How specific we want to go?
"If we want to be too specific, say, for example by every single building, we have a few considerations. Where do you get the data? And whether in obtaining the source of data, whether you actually intrude into the privacy or even ... contravene the data privacy law."
Depending on the response to the new set of data, further adjustments or additional information may be included in the future.
- CNA/ac/dl
- wong chee tat :)
The move comes on the back of calls from businesses for greater transparency in the rental market. This has led to the Singapore Business Federation introducing the Fair Tenancy Framework, which includes the release of clearer rental data as an initiative.
SINGAPORE: Businesses will get greater clarity on trends in Singapore's rental market. Starting on Thursday (Jan 22), more detailed data on rents for retail, office and industrial space will be released by the Government every quarter.
The move comes on the back of calls from businesses for greater transparency in the rental market. Earlier this week, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) introduced the Fair Tenancy Framework, which includes the release of clearer rental data as an initiative.
Many businesses have complained of soaring rental rates imposed by landlords, which threaten to heighten operating costs. With the new move, the public can now view rental data at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile by floor level and area.
For instance, if one wants to find out the monthly unit rent for retail space at the 25th percentile in District 9, which includes the Orchard area, one can now look at what trends are like for basement units that are 30 square metres and below. Previously, rental data was only released at the 50th percentile and by street name, excluding information by floor level and area.
Ms Cynthia Phua, chairman of the rental practices working group at SBF, said: ”Having the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile - that part in itself will give a very good range for a tenant who is assessing the rental for that unit itself, whether they are transacting at the upper range of the rental range, or the lower range."
The new data can be accessed on the websites of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and industrial landlord JTC Corporation.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry said the additional details covering floor level and unit size will help businesses make more informed decisions before signing a contract.
Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said: "Feedback from businesses is that we have to be a little bit more specific. Then the question is: How specific we want to go?
"If we want to be too specific, say, for example by every single building, we have a few considerations. Where do you get the data? And whether in obtaining the source of data, whether you actually intrude into the privacy or even ... contravene the data privacy law."
Depending on the response to the new set of data, further adjustments or additional information may be included in the future.
- CNA/ac/dl
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, December 19, 2014
SBS Transit and SMRT submit applications for fare adjustments
SBS Transit and SMRT submit applications for fare adjustments
The PTC commenced its annual fare review exercise on Nov 19, and Friday (Dec 19) is the deadline for public transport operators to submit their applications for fare review for consideration.
SINGAPORE: The Public Transport Council (PTC) has received applications for fare adjustments from Singapore's two public transport operators - SBS Transit and SMRT.
SBS Transit submitted its application for bus and rail fare adjustments "amidst an environment of rising costs", it said in a press release on Friday (Dec 19).
SMRT said last month that it is seeking "a better alignment of fares and operating costs".
The PTC commenced its annual fare review exercise on Nov 19, and Friday is the deadline for public transport operators to submit their applications for fare review for consideration. The decision will be announced in the first quarter of next year, according to the PTC.
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew previously told Channel NewsAsia that the maximum allowed public transport fare increase for 2015 is 2.8 per cent.
To evaluate applications, the PTC will take guidance from the fare review mechanism and fare adjustment formula recommended by the Fare Review Mechanism Committee and accepted by the Government in Nov 2013.
- CNA/dl
- wong chee tat :)
The PTC commenced its annual fare review exercise on Nov 19, and Friday (Dec 19) is the deadline for public transport operators to submit their applications for fare review for consideration.
SINGAPORE: The Public Transport Council (PTC) has received applications for fare adjustments from Singapore's two public transport operators - SBS Transit and SMRT.
SBS Transit submitted its application for bus and rail fare adjustments "amidst an environment of rising costs", it said in a press release on Friday (Dec 19).
SMRT said last month that it is seeking "a better alignment of fares and operating costs".
The PTC commenced its annual fare review exercise on Nov 19, and Friday is the deadline for public transport operators to submit their applications for fare review for consideration. The decision will be announced in the first quarter of next year, according to the PTC.
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew previously told Channel NewsAsia that the maximum allowed public transport fare increase for 2015 is 2.8 per cent.
To evaluate applications, the PTC will take guidance from the fare review mechanism and fare adjustment formula recommended by the Fare Review Mechanism Committee and accepted by the Government in Nov 2013.
- CNA/dl
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Revision of HDB Resale Price Index (RPI)
Revision of HDB Resale Price Index (RPI)
Table 1: Comparison of Current and Rebased RPIs
Chart 1: Rebased RPI (1Q2009=100)
(JPG 1152KB)
Table 2: Back-testing of RPI Based on Current Method and Revised Method
- wong chee tat :)
Date issued : 09 Dec 2014
The Resale Price Index (RPI) provides the general price trend of resale HDB flats. The index computation methodology was last revised in 2002. Since then, the variety of resale flats, e.g. design, age, location, which has been transacted in the resale market has increased. It is therefore timely to update the computation methodology of the RPI. From the 4th quarter 2014, HDB will update the computation methodology of the RPI by:
- i) Adopting the Stratified Hedonic Regression Method;
ii) Switching to 5-quarter fixed weights; and
iii) Adopting a new base period of 1Q2009.
New Stratified Hedonic Regression Method
2Currently, the RPI is computed using the stratification method, with a representative basket of towns and flat models. Resale prices are stratified into segments based on flat types, models and regions. The average prices for each segment are then aggregated using 12-quarter moving average weights to derive the index.
3With effect from the 4th quarter 2014, HDB will adopt the stratified hedonic regression method to compute the RPI. This method will control for variations in flat attributes, such as proximity to amenities, age and floor level, through a hedonic regression, to derive the general price movements in each segment. These are then aggregated using 5-quarter capital value fixed weights to derive the aggregate price change. To better reflect prevailing market structure, the weights will be updated once every three years. Please see Annex 
(PDF 218KB) for the graphical illustration.
(PDF 218KB) for the graphical illustration.
Updated Base Period
4Along with these changes, the base period will be updated to 1Q2009, from 4Q1998. This means that the RPI for 1Q2009 will be at 100. The current RPI series from 1Q1990 to 3Q2014 will be re-scaled to the new base period of 1Q2009. This adjustment will only impact the absolute levels of the index (see Table 1 and Chart 1), and the quarterly percentage changes will remain unchanged.
Table 1: Comparison of Current and Rebased RPIs
Quarter
|
Current RPI
(4Q1998=100) |
Current RPI
(Rebased to 1Q2009=100) |
Previous base 4Q1998
|
100
|
72.3
|
New base 1Q2009
|
138.3
|
100
|
2Q2009
|
140.2
|
101.4
|
3Q2009
|
145.2
|
105.0
|
4Q2009
|
150.8
|
109.0
|
1Q2010
|
155.0
|
112.1
|
2Q2010
|
161.3
|
116.6
|
3Q2010
|
167.8
|
121.3
|
4Q2010
|
172.0
|
124.4
|
1Q2011
|
174.8
|
126.4
|
2Q2011
|
180.3
|
130.4
|
3Q2011
|
187.2
|
135.4
|
4Q2011
|
190.4
|
137.7
|
1Q2012
|
191.6
|
138.5
|
2Q2012
|
194.0
|
140.3
|
3Q2012
|
197.9
|
143.1
|
4Q2012
|
202.9
|
146.7
|
1Q2013
|
205.5
|
148.6
|
2Q2013
|
206.6
|
149.4
|
3Q2013
|
204.8
|
148.1
|
4Q2013
|
201.7
|
145.8
|
1Q2014
|
198.5
|
143.5
|
2Q2014
|
195.7
|
141.5
|
3Q2014
|
192.4
|
139.1
|
Note: The re-scaling uses a factor of 100 (new index in 1Q2009) / 138.3 (original index in 1Q2009) multiplied on the original index level to derive the re-based index level for the respective quarters. Indices from 1Q1990 to 4Q2008 will be similarly re-scaled using the same factor. Due to rounding, there could be some differences in the quarterly price change compared to the RPI series before re-scaling.
Chart 1: Rebased RPI (1Q2009=100)
(JPG 1152KB)
5Back-testing of the index using the new method on 2014 data shows that there is no change in trend, and the quarterly changes follow closely to those computed using the current method (Table 2).
Table 2: Back-testing of RPI Based on Current Method and Revised Method
Time Period
|
Current RPI
|
Revised RPI
|
1Q2014
|
-1.6%
|
-1.9%
|
2Q2014
|
-1.4%
|
-1.5%
|
3Q2014
|
-1.7%
|
-1.8%
|
6The stratified hedonic regression methodology will be adopted from the next index release, i.e. the release of the flash estimate of 4Q2014 RPI in Jan 2015.
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, December 8, 2014
Uniform Fee For Waste Collection For Remaining Four Sectors From 1 Jan 2015
Uniform Fee For Waste Collection For Remaining Four Sectors From 1 Jan 2015
Part of NEA’s move to consolidate waste collection sectors to enable greater efficiency in solid waste management industry
Singapore, 8 December 2014 –
Residents living in the Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh, Hougang-Punggol, Woodlands-Yishun and Tanglin-Bukit Merah sectors will join the Uniform Fee (UF) scheme for the collection of refuse from domestic premises with effect from 1 January 2015. The UF rate is $7.49 per month and $24.81 per month for HDB and landed premises respectively (both fees inclusive of GST).
Residents living in the Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh, Hougang-Punggol, Woodlands-Yishun and Tanglin-Bukit Merah sectors will join the Uniform Fee (UF) scheme for the collection of refuse from domestic premises with effect from 1 January 2015. The UF rate is $7.49 per month and $24.81 per month for HDB and landed premises respectively (both fees inclusive of GST).
2 Since the UF scheme was introduced in 2012, households across different parts of Singapore have been moving onto a common (uniform) fee for waste collection service, according to their housing type. It started in two sectors, Pasir Ris-Tampines and Bedok, in July 2012, followed by another three sectors, Jurong, Clementi and City, in October 2013. With effect from 1 January 2015, the UF scheme will cover the remaining four sectors, Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh, Hougang-Punggol, Woodlands-Yishun and Tanglin-Bukit Merah sectors.
3 The UF scheme, announced by NEA in May 2012, will see all households in Singapore paying the same fees for the same tier of refuse collection services. This paves the way for the Public Waste Collection (PWC) sectors to be consolidated from the current nine to six sectors progressively, each time a new PWC contract for the respective sector commences (Annex A shows the old and new PWC sectors).
4 Consolidation of sectors will allow the PWC industry to realise efficiency gains and raise standards and productivity. This will lessen the impact of rising costs in labour and operations on refuse collection fees, and help to moderate fees in future. As for lower and middle-income households, U-Save rebates are automatically credited to the utilities accounts of eligible households, which would help to offset the increase in refuse collection fees for the affected sectors.
5 Besides the consolidation of the PWC sectors and implementation of the UF, NEA has also been working with the industry to raise overall standards and productivity. This contributes towards developing an efficient waste collection and disposal system while upholding high standards of public hygiene and ensuring better service delivery to residents.
6 The next UF review is scheduled in January 2017. NEA will review the UF every two years. The public can find out which PWC sector they belong to at http://app2.nea.gov.sg/docs/default-source/energy-waste/waste-management/refuse-collection-fees-for-all-sectors-(wef-1-sep-2014).pdf?sfvrsn=0). They can also call the NEA’s hotline at 1800-2255 632 for more information about the public waste collection scheme.
~~ End ~~
For more information, please contact
Call Centre: 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632)
Email: Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg
Call Centre: 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632)
Email: Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg
Annex A
The current PWC sectors
The new PWC sectors
- wong chee tat :)
Waste collection fee for residents in four sectors to be raised next year
Waste collection fee for residents in four sectors to be raised next year
Residents in the Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh, Hougang-Punggol, Woodlands-Yishun and Tanglin-Bukit Merah sectors will be paying more for waste collection from Jan 1, 2015 onwards.
SINGAPORE: Residents in the Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh, Hougang-Punggol, Woodlands-Yishun and Tanglin-Bukit Merah sectors will be paying more for waste collection from Jan 1, 2015 onwards.
HDB households will pay a uniform fee of S$7.49 per month - they used to pay between S$4.82 and S$5.81. Those living in landed homes will pay S$24.81 per month, up from between S$17.12 and S$19.75 previously.
These four sectors are the last to be covered under the Uniform Fee (UF) scheme for the collection of refuse from domestic premises, introduced by the National Environment Agency (NEA) in May 2012. Under this scheme, households in Singapore will pay the same fees for the same tier of refuse collections services.
To help offset the increase in refuse collection fees for the lower- and middle-income households in the affected sectors, U-Save rebates are automatically credited to the utilities accounts of eligible households, NEA said in a media release on Monday (Dec 8).
NEA also said the UF scheme paves the way for the Public Waste Collection (PWC) sectors to be consolidated from the current nine to six sectors progressively, each time a new PWC contract for the respective sector starts.
The consolidation of sectors will allow the public waste collection industry to realise efficiency gains and raise standards and productivity, NEA added. These improvements will lessen the impact of rising costs in labour and operations on refuse collection fees, and help to moderate fees in future, the agency said.
The scheme's next review is scheduled in Jan 2017, and NEA will review it every two years.
Members of the public can find out which PWC sector they belong to at NEA's website.
- CNA/dl
- wong chee tat :)
Residents in the Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh, Hougang-Punggol, Woodlands-Yishun and Tanglin-Bukit Merah sectors will be paying more for waste collection from Jan 1, 2015 onwards.
SINGAPORE: Residents in the Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh, Hougang-Punggol, Woodlands-Yishun and Tanglin-Bukit Merah sectors will be paying more for waste collection from Jan 1, 2015 onwards.
HDB households will pay a uniform fee of S$7.49 per month - they used to pay between S$4.82 and S$5.81. Those living in landed homes will pay S$24.81 per month, up from between S$17.12 and S$19.75 previously.
These four sectors are the last to be covered under the Uniform Fee (UF) scheme for the collection of refuse from domestic premises, introduced by the National Environment Agency (NEA) in May 2012. Under this scheme, households in Singapore will pay the same fees for the same tier of refuse collections services.
To help offset the increase in refuse collection fees for the lower- and middle-income households in the affected sectors, U-Save rebates are automatically credited to the utilities accounts of eligible households, NEA said in a media release on Monday (Dec 8).
NEA also said the UF scheme paves the way for the Public Waste Collection (PWC) sectors to be consolidated from the current nine to six sectors progressively, each time a new PWC contract for the respective sector starts.
The consolidation of sectors will allow the public waste collection industry to realise efficiency gains and raise standards and productivity, NEA added. These improvements will lessen the impact of rising costs in labour and operations on refuse collection fees, and help to moderate fees in future, the agency said.
The scheme's next review is scheduled in Jan 2017, and NEA will review it every two years.
Members of the public can find out which PWC sector they belong to at NEA's website.
- CNA/dl
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, May 22, 2014
May 2014 BTO Prices
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- wong chee tat :)
Monday, March 31, 2014
Prepaid SIM cards limited to three per subscriber from tomorrow
Prepaid SIM cards limited to three per subscriber from tomorrow
Measure intends to curb the use of prepaid SIM cards for illicit activities
PUBLISHED: MARCH 31, 7:25 PM UPDATED: MARCH 31, 7:26 PM
SINGAPORE — With effect from tomorrow (April 1), the maximum number of prepaid SIM cards allowed per subscriber will be reduced from 10 to three.
The new regulation means a subscriber can only register up to a maximum of three prepaid SIM cards in total, regardless of which mobile service providers the cards are purchased from.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) first introduced regulatory controls on prepaid SIM cards in 2005.
Currently, a subscriber must be at least 15 years old, and can subscribe to up to a maximum of 10 prepaid SIM cards.
The government said criminals continue to exploit prepaid SIM cards as an anonymous channel of communications for their illicit activities, and this revised limit will reduce the security risks associated with the anonymous use of prepaid SIM cards.
MHA said fraudulently-registered prepaid cards have been used to perpetuate criminal activities including unlicensed moneylending, cheating scams, vice-related and gambling-related activities.
For example, unlicensed moneylending syndicates have been found to make use of prepaid SIM cards for communications with debtors and among syndicate members in support of their illegal activities.
This revised limit makes it more onerous for errant dealers to sell prepaid SIM cards that could potentially be used for such illegal activities.
In determining this new limit, MHA and IDA said they have consulted the mobile service providers and taken into consideration the prevailing prepaid SIM card ownership patterns among consumers.
The majority of prepaid SIM card subscribers today hold three or fewer prepaid SIM cards.
The new limit will only be applied to new prepaid SIM card registrations.
Existing subscribers can continue to use their prepaid SIM cards but will not be allowed to register additional prepaid SIM cards.
CHANNEL NEWSASIA
- wong chee tat :)
Measure intends to curb the use of prepaid SIM cards for illicit activities
PUBLISHED: MARCH 31, 7:25 PM UPDATED: MARCH 31, 7:26 PM
SINGAPORE — With effect from tomorrow (April 1), the maximum number of prepaid SIM cards allowed per subscriber will be reduced from 10 to three.
The new regulation means a subscriber can only register up to a maximum of three prepaid SIM cards in total, regardless of which mobile service providers the cards are purchased from.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) first introduced regulatory controls on prepaid SIM cards in 2005.
Currently, a subscriber must be at least 15 years old, and can subscribe to up to a maximum of 10 prepaid SIM cards.
The government said criminals continue to exploit prepaid SIM cards as an anonymous channel of communications for their illicit activities, and this revised limit will reduce the security risks associated with the anonymous use of prepaid SIM cards.
MHA said fraudulently-registered prepaid cards have been used to perpetuate criminal activities including unlicensed moneylending, cheating scams, vice-related and gambling-related activities.
For example, unlicensed moneylending syndicates have been found to make use of prepaid SIM cards for communications with debtors and among syndicate members in support of their illegal activities.
This revised limit makes it more onerous for errant dealers to sell prepaid SIM cards that could potentially be used for such illegal activities.
In determining this new limit, MHA and IDA said they have consulted the mobile service providers and taken into consideration the prevailing prepaid SIM card ownership patterns among consumers.
The majority of prepaid SIM card subscribers today hold three or fewer prepaid SIM cards.
The new limit will only be applied to new prepaid SIM card registrations.
Existing subscribers can continue to use their prepaid SIM cards but will not be allowed to register additional prepaid SIM cards.
CHANNEL NEWSASIA
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
UOB TO CHARGE FOR CASH DEPOSIT
UOB TO CHARGE FOR CASH DEPOSIT
10 March, 2014
by Donavan Lim
From 1 April 2014, United Overseas Bank (UOB) depositors making the sixth over-the-counter (OTC) cash deposit/withdrawal transaction of S$3000 and below will have to pay a flat fee of S5 per transaction.
“I will not be inconvenienced by the new rules as I do not made cash deposit in person, however, I think small-time business could be affected,” said Business Executive Mr Lai.
For immediate counting of bulk cash deposit with regard to current accounts, the fee for the first S$25,000 will be waived.
A charge of 0.1 per cent, (subject to minimum S$10) with be charged for subsequent amount above S$25,000.
Previously, a flat fee of S$50 was levied for bulk cash deposit into current account.
Similarly, for deferred counting of bulk cash deposit into current account, the fee for the first S$25,000 will be waived.
However, a charge of 0.05 per cent, (subject to minimum S$5) with be charged for subsequent amount above S$25,000.
The OTC fees are designed to encourage more customers to use the many fee-free self-service options available and shorten the waiting times for customers who use the branch services, says UOB.
- wong chee tat :)
10 March, 2014
by Donavan Lim
From 1 April 2014, United Overseas Bank (UOB) depositors making the sixth over-the-counter (OTC) cash deposit/withdrawal transaction of S$3000 and below will have to pay a flat fee of S5 per transaction.
“I will not be inconvenienced by the new rules as I do not made cash deposit in person, however, I think small-time business could be affected,” said Business Executive Mr Lai.
For immediate counting of bulk cash deposit with regard to current accounts, the fee for the first S$25,000 will be waived.
A charge of 0.1 per cent, (subject to minimum S$10) with be charged for subsequent amount above S$25,000.
Previously, a flat fee of S$50 was levied for bulk cash deposit into current account.
Similarly, for deferred counting of bulk cash deposit into current account, the fee for the first S$25,000 will be waived.
However, a charge of 0.05 per cent, (subject to minimum S$5) with be charged for subsequent amount above S$25,000.
The OTC fees are designed to encourage more customers to use the many fee-free self-service options available and shorten the waiting times for customers who use the branch services, says UOB.
- wong chee tat :)
Reverse Mortgage
Definition of 'Reverse Mortgage'
A type of mortgage in which a homeowner can borrow money against the value of his or her home. No repayment of the mortgage (principal or interest) is required until the borrower dies or the home is sold. After accounting for the initial mortgage amount, the rate at which interest accrues, the length of the loan and rate of home price appreciation, the transaction is structured so that the loan amount will not exceed the value of the home over the life of the loan.
Often, the lender will require that there can be no other liens against the home. Any existing liens must be paid off with the proceeds of the reverse mortgage.
Often, the lender will require that there can be no other liens against the home. Any existing liens must be paid off with the proceeds of the reverse mortgage.
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, February 27, 2014
8 town councils to increase service & conservancy charges
8 town councils to increase service & conservancy charges
By Dylan Loh
POSTED: 27 Feb 2014 17:15
SINGAPORE: Eight town councils will increase their service and conservancy charges (S&CC) for flats, shops/offices and market/cooked food stalls, with effect from 1 April.
They are Ang Mo Kio, Jurong, Marine Parade, Moulmein-Kallang, Nee Soon, Pasir Ris-Punggol, Potong Pasir and Sembawang town councils.
Sembawang Town Council, which announced the increase in a statement, cited rising costs and inflation as reasons for the revision.
It said: "In order to keep S&CC charges as affordable as possible for residents, the town councils have been making a conscious effort to control costs to avoid increasing the S&CC rates, despite rising inflation every year.
"The town councils have succeeded in resisting S&CC increases for the last 10 years, even when the inflation rate hit a high of 6.6 per cent in 2008.
"However, with current cost increases, it is becoming increasingly difficult to continue operations at current S&CC rates, with several town councils running into operating deficits."
The statement cited electricity as one of the biggest contributors to cost increases for the town councils.
Maintenance costs have also gone up, due to most towns having successfully undergone the Lift Upgrading Programme.
The S&CC increase will be phased over two years.
The first-tier increase on 1 April this year ranges from S$0.50 per month for those living in HDB's one-room flats to S$8.50 per month for executive flat home owners.
Commercial property owners and tenants will see an increase ranging from S$0.10 to S$0.21 per psm/month while the increase for most cooked food stalls is between S$9.90 and S$15.83 per month.
The second-tier adjustment will be effected on 1 April 2015.
The S&CC increase will range from S$0.50 for HDB's one-room to S$6.50 per month for executive flat home owners, depending on the type of flat.
Commercial property owners and tenants will see an increase ranging from S$0.07 to S$0.11 per psm/month while the increase for most cooked food stalls is between S$9.50 and S$12.00 per month.
According to the statement, the last S&CC revision by the majority of these town councils was 10 years ago, in 2004.
The last time there was an S&CC revision was in September 2012, when seven town councils -- Bishan-Toa Payoh, Chua Chu Kang, East Coast, Holland-Bukit Panjang, Tanjong Pagar, Tampines and West Coast -- raised their charges.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Dylan Loh
POSTED: 27 Feb 2014 17:15
SINGAPORE: Eight town councils will increase their service and conservancy charges (S&CC) for flats, shops/offices and market/cooked food stalls, with effect from 1 April.
They are Ang Mo Kio, Jurong, Marine Parade, Moulmein-Kallang, Nee Soon, Pasir Ris-Punggol, Potong Pasir and Sembawang town councils.
Sembawang Town Council, which announced the increase in a statement, cited rising costs and inflation as reasons for the revision.
It said: "In order to keep S&CC charges as affordable as possible for residents, the town councils have been making a conscious effort to control costs to avoid increasing the S&CC rates, despite rising inflation every year.
"The town councils have succeeded in resisting S&CC increases for the last 10 years, even when the inflation rate hit a high of 6.6 per cent in 2008.
"However, with current cost increases, it is becoming increasingly difficult to continue operations at current S&CC rates, with several town councils running into operating deficits."
The statement cited electricity as one of the biggest contributors to cost increases for the town councils.
Maintenance costs have also gone up, due to most towns having successfully undergone the Lift Upgrading Programme.
The S&CC increase will be phased over two years.
The first-tier increase on 1 April this year ranges from S$0.50 per month for those living in HDB's one-room flats to S$8.50 per month for executive flat home owners.
Commercial property owners and tenants will see an increase ranging from S$0.10 to S$0.21 per psm/month while the increase for most cooked food stalls is between S$9.90 and S$15.83 per month.
The second-tier adjustment will be effected on 1 April 2015.
The S&CC increase will range from S$0.50 for HDB's one-room to S$6.50 per month for executive flat home owners, depending on the type of flat.
Commercial property owners and tenants will see an increase ranging from S$0.07 to S$0.11 per psm/month while the increase for most cooked food stalls is between S$9.50 and S$12.00 per month.
According to the statement, the last S&CC revision by the majority of these town councils was 10 years ago, in 2004.
The last time there was an S&CC revision was in September 2012, when seven town councils -- Bishan-Toa Payoh, Chua Chu Kang, East Coast, Holland-Bukit Panjang, Tanjong Pagar, Tampines and West Coast -- raised their charges.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Govt will ensure MediShield Life premiums affordable: Gan
Govt will ensure MediShield Life premiums affordable: Gan
By Eileen Poh
POSTED: 25 Feb 2014 19:08
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Gan Kim Yong has said the government will ensure that MediShield Life premiums will be affordable for Singaporeans.
And lower-income families may receive more help to pay for the premiums.
Mr Gan was speaking to reporters after the recording of the Budget Forum in Mandarin organised by MediaCorp.
$8 billion has been set aside for the Pioneer Generation Fund. It will help 450,000 pioneers cope with healthcare costs for the rest of their lives.
The package will benefit not only the elderly.
Mr Gan said: "This Pioneer Generation Package is one effort to lighten load on the younger generation because today, many of the elderly are supported by their younger children. And so by helping the elderly, we are reducing the burden on the younger generation."
He added that the government is aware that making more funding available may drive up demand and eventually prices for healthcare services.
So to better manage healthcare costs, the ministry is adopting a few strategies, such as proper gatekeeping to ensure that access to high-end acute care is on a need basis.
Mr Gan said: "For example, if you don't need to be in the acute hospital, then you ought not to be in the hospital; you may be looked after in a community hospital, the nursing homes or even at home.
"We will also be enhancing community support, primary care, from our polyclinics through CHAS enhancement and through our community services support, by building more senior care centres, for example."
Mr Gan said details on more support for such care in the community, including step-down care and home care services, will be announced during the parliamentary debate on his ministry's budget next month.
Apart from Mr Gan, the Budget Forum included representatives from social services, business associations and grassroots organisations.
The Budget Forum in Mandarin will be aired on Channel 8 on Thursday at 10.30pm.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Eileen Poh
POSTED: 25 Feb 2014 19:08
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Gan Kim Yong has said the government will ensure that MediShield Life premiums will be affordable for Singaporeans.
And lower-income families may receive more help to pay for the premiums.
Mr Gan was speaking to reporters after the recording of the Budget Forum in Mandarin organised by MediaCorp.
$8 billion has been set aside for the Pioneer Generation Fund. It will help 450,000 pioneers cope with healthcare costs for the rest of their lives.
The package will benefit not only the elderly.
Mr Gan said: "This Pioneer Generation Package is one effort to lighten load on the younger generation because today, many of the elderly are supported by their younger children. And so by helping the elderly, we are reducing the burden on the younger generation."
He added that the government is aware that making more funding available may drive up demand and eventually prices for healthcare services.
So to better manage healthcare costs, the ministry is adopting a few strategies, such as proper gatekeeping to ensure that access to high-end acute care is on a need basis.
Mr Gan said: "For example, if you don't need to be in the acute hospital, then you ought not to be in the hospital; you may be looked after in a community hospital, the nursing homes or even at home.
"We will also be enhancing community support, primary care, from our polyclinics through CHAS enhancement and through our community services support, by building more senior care centres, for example."
Mr Gan said details on more support for such care in the community, including step-down care and home care services, will be announced during the parliamentary debate on his ministry's budget next month.
Apart from Mr Gan, the Budget Forum included representatives from social services, business associations and grassroots organisations.
The Budget Forum in Mandarin will be aired on Channel 8 on Thursday at 10.30pm.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Tariff Rates - 1 Jan 14 to 31 Mar 14
Tariff Rates > The electricity tariff for households is 25.65 cents per kWh (with effect from 1 Jan 14 to 31 Mar 14)  > The gas tariff for households is 21.18 cents per kWh (with effect from 1 Nov 13 to 31 Jan 14) > The water tariff for households is $1.17 per cubic metre (below 40m3) and $1.40 per cubic metre (above 40m3) - wong chee tat :) |
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Sengkang, Punggol resale-flat sellers feel the pain
Sengkang, Punggol resale-flat sellers feel the pain
FOR some, the housing dream at Sengkang and Punggol has turned sour. More than half of all resale transactions in these estates last month were found to have closed below valuation.
The sellers were the hardest hit among those from Housing Board towns that clocked deals with a negative cash-over-valuation, revealed the Singapore Real Estate Exchange yesterday.
Overall, one in five HDB resale deals was closed below valuation.
Other areas that had more than 30 per cent of all transactions made below valuation included Choa Chu Kang, Sembawang and the outskirts of Woodlands.
Executive director Andy Choa of real-estate firm DWG pointed out that the "abundance of willing sellers" in Sengkang and Punggol could be related to the demographics of homeowners in both areas.
"They are mostly young couples who could be looking to move elsewhere to suit their families' evolving needs," he said.
Mr Nicholas Mak, executive director of research and consultancy at SLP International, said that the ramped-up supply of Build-To-Order flats in both areas could pressure homeowners into selling their flats at a lower price than expected.
"It is likely that sellers are choosing to sell their flats now, rather than run the risk of selling them at even lower prices when new flats come up in the future," he said.
However, both Mr Choa and Mr Mak said that, because home prices in Sengkang and Punggol remain high, sellers still stand to gain even if they let go of their flats at valuation, or lower.
Flat buyers raise hopes as COV hits 4-year low
OVERALL Housing Board (HDB) resale cash premiums tumbled to a new low of $5,000 last month, according to flash estimates released by the Singapore Real Estate Exchange (SRX) yesterday.
It was the lowest cash-over-valuation (COV) since June 2009, when it dropped to $3,000 during the global financial crisis.
Over the course of last year, the median COV for resale homes has dropped by more than 85 per cent from its peak of $35,000 last January.
A rising number of sellers are selling below valuation, too. SRX records show that a fifth of HDB resale deals last month closed below valuation, the highest ratio seen since the financial crisis, which saw a quarter of deals closed below valuation in May 2009.
The chief executive of PropNex Realty, Mr Mohamed Ismail, said that cash premiums could slip further in the next few months, on the back of an increasing number of negative COV transactions.
He expects more deals to be done at valuation or lower, but added: "Flats in mature estates or with good locality attributes will still be fetching reasonable premiums."
Mr Eugene Lim, key executive of ERA Realty, said that resale-transaction volume is expected to be eight to 10 per cent better than that last year, which saw a historical low of less than 20,000.
He said: "As resale prices and COV continue to decline, and with the Government decreasing the supply of new three-room and larger flats, we may see more buyers back in the resale market over the course of this year."
For writer Gregory Leow, 39, who has been looking for a flat for a year, the lower COV for resale flats is good news.
"My wife and I didn't even consider buying a resale flat previously, because the COV was just too high. But things have moved a step in the right direction for us now," he said.
tsjwoo@sph.com.sg
- See more at: http://news.omy.sg/News/Finance/Sengkang-Punggol-resaleflat-sellers-feel-the-pain-233572#sthash.BG7IqUrc.dpuf
- wong chee tat :)
FOR some, the housing dream at Sengkang and Punggol has turned sour. More than half of all resale transactions in these estates last month were found to have closed below valuation.
The sellers were the hardest hit among those from Housing Board towns that clocked deals with a negative cash-over-valuation, revealed the Singapore Real Estate Exchange yesterday.
Overall, one in five HDB resale deals was closed below valuation.
Other areas that had more than 30 per cent of all transactions made below valuation included Choa Chu Kang, Sembawang and the outskirts of Woodlands.
Executive director Andy Choa of real-estate firm DWG pointed out that the "abundance of willing sellers" in Sengkang and Punggol could be related to the demographics of homeowners in both areas.
"They are mostly young couples who could be looking to move elsewhere to suit their families' evolving needs," he said.
Mr Nicholas Mak, executive director of research and consultancy at SLP International, said that the ramped-up supply of Build-To-Order flats in both areas could pressure homeowners into selling their flats at a lower price than expected.
"It is likely that sellers are choosing to sell their flats now, rather than run the risk of selling them at even lower prices when new flats come up in the future," he said.
However, both Mr Choa and Mr Mak said that, because home prices in Sengkang and Punggol remain high, sellers still stand to gain even if they let go of their flats at valuation, or lower.
Flat buyers raise hopes as COV hits 4-year low
OVERALL Housing Board (HDB) resale cash premiums tumbled to a new low of $5,000 last month, according to flash estimates released by the Singapore Real Estate Exchange (SRX) yesterday.
It was the lowest cash-over-valuation (COV) since June 2009, when it dropped to $3,000 during the global financial crisis.
Over the course of last year, the median COV for resale homes has dropped by more than 85 per cent from its peak of $35,000 last January.
A rising number of sellers are selling below valuation, too. SRX records show that a fifth of HDB resale deals last month closed below valuation, the highest ratio seen since the financial crisis, which saw a quarter of deals closed below valuation in May 2009.
The chief executive of PropNex Realty, Mr Mohamed Ismail, said that cash premiums could slip further in the next few months, on the back of an increasing number of negative COV transactions.
He expects more deals to be done at valuation or lower, but added: "Flats in mature estates or with good locality attributes will still be fetching reasonable premiums."
Mr Eugene Lim, key executive of ERA Realty, said that resale-transaction volume is expected to be eight to 10 per cent better than that last year, which saw a historical low of less than 20,000.
He said: "As resale prices and COV continue to decline, and with the Government decreasing the supply of new three-room and larger flats, we may see more buyers back in the resale market over the course of this year."
For writer Gregory Leow, 39, who has been looking for a flat for a year, the lower COV for resale flats is good news.
"My wife and I didn't even consider buying a resale flat previously, because the COV was just too high. But things have moved a step in the right direction for us now," he said.
tsjwoo@sph.com.sg
- See more at: http://news.omy.sg/News/Finance/Sengkang-Punggol-resaleflat-sellers-feel-the-pain-233572#sthash.BG7IqUrc.dpuf
- wong chee tat :)
去年多个地区零售租金下跌
去年多个地区零售租金下跌
多家郊区商场在去年陆续开业，为本地零售商场带来竞争，导致多个地区的零售租金下跌。
房地产咨询公司戴德梁行（DTZ）的数据显示，乌节路／史各士路一带的零售空间租金在去年下跌了0.3％，而其他市区的租金全年下跌多达0.9％。郊区的零售空间租金则下跌0.2％。
分层地契零售单位 去年交易量大减；料获更好支持。完整报道，请翻阅11.01.2014《联合早报》。
- See more at: http://news.omy.sg/News/Finance/Qu-Nian-Duo-Ge-Di-Qu-Ling-Shou-Zu-Jin-Xia-Die-233971#sthash.WYaPlFdR.dpuf
- wong chee tat :)
多家郊区商场在去年陆续开业，为本地零售商场带来竞争，导致多个地区的零售租金下跌。
房地产咨询公司戴德梁行（DTZ）的数据显示，乌节路／史各士路一带的零售空间租金在去年下跌了0.3％，而其他市区的租金全年下跌多达0.9％。郊区的零售空间租金则下跌0.2％。
分层地契零售单位 去年交易量大减；料获更好支持。完整报道，请翻阅11.01.2014《联合早报》。
- See more at: http://news.omy.sg/News/Finance/Qu-Nian-Duo-Ge-Di-Qu-Ling-Shou-Zu-Jin-Xia-Die-233971#sthash.WYaPlFdR.dpuf
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Conservancy workers at PAP town councils to get pay rise
Conservancy workers at PAP town councils to get pay rise
By Saifulbahri Ismail
POSTED: 03 Nov 2013 18:40
Conservancy workers at the 15 PAP Town Councils will soon be able to earn more under a progressive wage model salary structure. Under the new salary structure, the salary of cleaners will start from S$1,200 a month, up from an average of S$1,000 currently.
SINGAPORE: Conservancy workers at the 15 PAP Town Councils will soon be able to earn more under a progressive wage model salary structure. Under the new salary structure, the salary of cleaners will start from S$1,200 a month, up from an average of S$1,000 currently.
However, residents may have to pay more for service and conservancy charges.
Coordinating chairman of the PAP Town Councils, Dr Teo Ho Pin, said: "Definitely, when we improve our services to better serve our residents, the cost of maintenance will increase. So, at some point in time we will need to revise the S&C charges.
"But I think our residents understand that quality comes with a price. We want to do this to achieve a few objectives. First, is that we would like to better serve our residents -- so that we can enhance the conservancy standards in all our housing estates, in all the 15 PAP Town Councils.
"Secondly, we want to support the government's effort to increase the salary of the low-wage workers and also to protect the employment benefits of the low-wage workers."
The PAP Town Councils signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 19 conservancy contractors to pay them according to the recommended salary.
As the worker upgrades to be a supervisor, he can earn S$1,600 and above. However, even with the higher salaries, companies said attracting workers is still a challenge.
Dennis Tan, general manager of LS 2 Services, said: "To be honest, estate cleaning... it's a harsh environment. It requires block sweeping, outdoor sweeping. So, I think we still face challenges.
"But with the implementation of progressive wage, we hope that more workers will join our cleaning industry. With more training and improvement of productivity, I hope this industry can be professionalised."
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Saifulbahri Ismail
POSTED: 03 Nov 2013 18:40
Conservancy workers at the 15 PAP Town Councils will soon be able to earn more under a progressive wage model salary structure. Under the new salary structure, the salary of cleaners will start from S$1,200 a month, up from an average of S$1,000 currently.
SINGAPORE: Conservancy workers at the 15 PAP Town Councils will soon be able to earn more under a progressive wage model salary structure. Under the new salary structure, the salary of cleaners will start from S$1,200 a month, up from an average of S$1,000 currently.
However, residents may have to pay more for service and conservancy charges.
Coordinating chairman of the PAP Town Councils, Dr Teo Ho Pin, said: "Definitely, when we improve our services to better serve our residents, the cost of maintenance will increase. So, at some point in time we will need to revise the S&C charges.
"But I think our residents understand that quality comes with a price. We want to do this to achieve a few objectives. First, is that we would like to better serve our residents -- so that we can enhance the conservancy standards in all our housing estates, in all the 15 PAP Town Councils.
"Secondly, we want to support the government's effort to increase the salary of the low-wage workers and also to protect the employment benefits of the low-wage workers."
The PAP Town Councils signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 19 conservancy contractors to pay them according to the recommended salary.
As the worker upgrades to be a supervisor, he can earn S$1,600 and above. However, even with the higher salaries, companies said attracting workers is still a challenge.
Dennis Tan, general manager of LS 2 Services, said: "To be honest, estate cleaning... it's a harsh environment. It requires block sweeping, outdoor sweeping. So, I think we still face challenges.
"But with the implementation of progressive wage, we hope that more workers will join our cleaning industry. With more training and improvement of productivity, I hope this industry can be professionalised."
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Rental, labour costs push cooked food prices higher
Rental, labour costs push cooked food prices higher
By Loi Kar Yee
POSTED: 31 Oct 2013 22:20
Rental and labour costs have affected cooked food prices. Some hawkers told Channel NewsAsia cooked food prices have risen by at least 10 per cent compared to the same period last year.
SINGAPORE: Rental and labour costs have affected cooked food prices.
Some hawkers told Channel NewsAsia that cooked food prices have risen by at least 10 per cent compared to the same period last year.
NTUC Foodfare, a social enterprise that runs food courts and cooked food stalls, said it had to adjust its cooked food prices by about seven per cent.
The enterprise has a social outreach programme called 'Rice Garden', and the price of its cheapest meal starts at about S$2 at some hawker stalls.
Foodfare said it has plans to roll out this programme to more hawker centres by opening two stalls every month in order to have 100 stalls by 2015.
Perry Ong, CEO of NTUC Foodfare, said: "Even though we may be a social enterprise, we are not immune to the reality of the market today.
"As you know, the market for labour is very tight, so we have seen our fair share of increases in terms of labour costs. Rental costs have also continued to climb.
"This year, compared to the past years, and based on our own experiences, the labour cost has gone up in excess of six per cent, and for rental cost over the last year, we have seen an increase of anything between five and 20 per cent."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
By Loi Kar Yee
POSTED: 31 Oct 2013 22:20
Rental and labour costs have affected cooked food prices. Some hawkers told Channel NewsAsia cooked food prices have risen by at least 10 per cent compared to the same period last year.
SINGAPORE: Rental and labour costs have affected cooked food prices.
Some hawkers told Channel NewsAsia that cooked food prices have risen by at least 10 per cent compared to the same period last year.
NTUC Foodfare, a social enterprise that runs food courts and cooked food stalls, said it had to adjust its cooked food prices by about seven per cent.
The enterprise has a social outreach programme called 'Rice Garden', and the price of its cheapest meal starts at about S$2 at some hawker stalls.
Foodfare said it has plans to roll out this programme to more hawker centres by opening two stalls every month in order to have 100 stalls by 2015.
Perry Ong, CEO of NTUC Foodfare, said: "Even though we may be a social enterprise, we are not immune to the reality of the market today.
"As you know, the market for labour is very tight, so we have seen our fair share of increases in terms of labour costs. Rental costs have also continued to climb.
"This year, compared to the past years, and based on our own experiences, the labour cost has gone up in excess of six per cent, and for rental cost over the last year, we have seen an increase of anything between five and 20 per cent."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
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