Premature births on the rise in Singapore
TODAY reports: The national rate of preterm births has gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates in the past decade, said Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology,
By Eveline Gan, TODAY
POSTED: 11 Nov 2015 07:11
SINGAPORE: When Mdm Audrey Lim first saw her twin babies after giving birth to them at just 25 weeks in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), she knew they would face an uphill task to stay alive in the following months. “They had so little flesh on them that they looked two-dimensional. There were also so many tubes and wires going through them. At that moment, I felt so much heartache and helplessness,” said the 38-year-old property agent.
At birth, twins Ethan and Emma Low each weighed just slightly more than 700g. Despite their severe prematurity, the twins survived.
PRETERM BIRTHS INCREASING
It is estimated that about one in 10 babies is born too early. As preterm birth rates rise worldwide, Mdm Lim’s experience is no longer a rare occurrence - even in developed nations with top-notch medical care. A preterm birth is defined as one that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
The phenomenon has become increasingly more common here, too, said local experts TODAY spoke to ahead of World Prematurity Day on Nov 17.
Premature babies make up about 13.5 per cent of the babies born at KKH. Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology, noted an increase in the incidence of preterm births seen at KKH, from 11 per cent to 13.5 per cent in the past decade. The national rate of preterm births has also gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates over the same period, said Prof Rajadurai.
No one knows for sure what triggers premature labour. However, several factors, including older maternal age due to delayed childbearing and the use of fertility treatments, have been known to increase the likelihood.
Assisted reproductive technology is now more commonly performed than before, and that increases a woman’s chance of multiple pregnancy, which is associated with a higher risk of preterm labour, said Associate Professor Su Lin Lin, senior consultant at National University Hospital (NUH) Women’s Centre. The number of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles done at NUH Women’s Centre has more than tripled in the past decade. About 700 IVF cycles were carried out at its centre last year.
Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, senior consultant and head of Inpatient Service at KKH’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, added that the risk of preterm delivery for twin pregnancies increases three to five times compared with a singleton pregnancy. In a triplet pregnancy, the risk increases to seven to nine times.
Assoc Prof Su said that advances in medicine have also made it possible for women with certain existing illnesses that affect fertility to conceive and go through a pregnancy. Some of these conditions, such as some kidney and autoimmune diseases, are linked to a higher risk of preterm labour.
Several studies have also linked preterm labour to high levels of chronic psychological and physical stress during pregnancy, but Assoc Prof Su said this area needs further research.
Current treatments to delay preterm labour include medication such as progesterone and tocolytic drugs to stop womb contractions, said Assoc Prof Tan. The mother is then given a steroid jab to hasten the baby’s lung
development.
In instances of very early preterm labour (less than 24 weeks of pregnancy), the doctor may recommend a cervical cerclage. This is a procedure where stitches hold the cervix closed to prevent a premature birth.
In spite of the medications given to slow down contractions, Mdm Lim - whose twins were conceived naturally - was fully dilated within half a day and nothing could stop her babies from arriving four months early.
SURVIVING PREMATURITY
According to the World Health Organisation, preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths and the second-leading cause of deaths in children under the age of five. However, modern neonatal intensive care has made it possible for even the tiniest of babies to survive their prematurity. About 90 per cent of premature babies treated at KKH’s Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) survive and the majority go on to live relatively normal lives, said Prof Rajadurai.
The two smallest survivors at KKH were born about 15 years ago, at 26 weeks, with a birth weight of 435g and 470g. At Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, the lightest survivor was a 26-weeker who weighed 487g at birth in 2007. All three have gone on to lead normal lives.
However, Prof Rajadurai stressed that the above cases are exceptional as outcomes for premature babies born below 23 weeks’ gestation and/or birth weight of 500g are known to be “extremely poor”. Even with modern NICU care, the survival for premature babies born at 25 weeks is between 70 to 75 per cent, said Prof Rajadurai. About 30 per cent may have trouble with development.
After birth, Mdm Lim’s twins spent the first four months of their lives in the hospital battling a host of complications, including infections, liver and breathing problems. “The first year was the hardest because we had to constantly monitor their breathing at home, which could suddenly stop without warning. They were also hospitalised almost every other month due to low oxygen levels,” said Mdm Lim.
Today, the twins are growing well, apart from a few “manageable” health issues, said Mdm Lim. For instance, older twin Ethan has some vision-related problems and is having speech therapy as he stutters.
“Back then, my husband and I practically lived day by day not knowing what will happen to our babies. Now they look like any healthy kids who love to play and jump around. Looking back, we are really fortunate to have access to proper facilities and expertise to save our preemies,” she said.
Read the original TODAY report here.
-TODAY/av
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label kid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kid. Show all posts
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Sunday, October 18, 2015
It's a girl! Joanne Peh, Qi Yuwu welcome 'baby Qi'
It's a girl! Joanne Peh, Qi Yuwu welcome 'baby Qi'
TOGGLE reports: The baby girl was delivered at noon via natural birth at Mount Elizabeth; both mother and baby are said to be doing well.
POSTED: 07 Aug 2015 13:57 UPDATED: 07 Aug 2015 14:26
SINGAPORE: After nine months of anticipation, celebrity couple Joanne Peh and Qi Yuwu on Friday (Aug 7) welcomed the newest addition to their family – a baby girl.
The baby was delivered at noon via natural birth at Mount Elizabeth hospital. Both mother and baby are said to be doing well.
During an interview last week at a press conference for the 1965 movie, Qi shared that he will accompany Peh in the delivery ward and that they have hired a female videographer to film the entire process.
He also said they have booked a confinement nanny through their friends’ recommendation, as they felt "it would be good" to have an experienced person to help since this is their first child.
Currently based in Singapore to film Channel 8’s The Dream Makers 2, the actor said he felt lucky to be able to spend the last trimester of his wife's pregnancy by her side. He will be flying to Melbourne in September to film The Dream Makers 2 and after the drama wraps, he will head to China for another project in December.
It is not known when Peh, who recently renewed her MediaCorp contract, will resume work after giving birth. In one of her most recent interviews, she said she plans to be more selective with work assignments in order to spend more time with her baby.
The actress also said she hopes to have more autonomy over the projects she takes on in future. "With every project, there is an opportunity cost in regard to the time spent with my child. [The project] has got to be something that I feel is worthwhile and that inspires or challenges me,” she said.
The new parents previously said that they have picked an English name for the baby, but have yet to reveal it.
Qi and Peh, who have been friends and colleagues for more than 10 years, started dating in 2013 and tied the knot in a private wedding ceremony held in Sentosa last September. They have collaborated on several dramas, with the latest being 2014’s C.L.I.F. 3 and local film 1965.
- TOGGLE/cy
- wong chee tat ):
TOGGLE reports: The baby girl was delivered at noon via natural birth at Mount Elizabeth; both mother and baby are said to be doing well.
POSTED: 07 Aug 2015 13:57 UPDATED: 07 Aug 2015 14:26
SINGAPORE: After nine months of anticipation, celebrity couple Joanne Peh and Qi Yuwu on Friday (Aug 7) welcomed the newest addition to their family – a baby girl.
The baby was delivered at noon via natural birth at Mount Elizabeth hospital. Both mother and baby are said to be doing well.
During an interview last week at a press conference for the 1965 movie, Qi shared that he will accompany Peh in the delivery ward and that they have hired a female videographer to film the entire process.
He also said they have booked a confinement nanny through their friends’ recommendation, as they felt "it would be good" to have an experienced person to help since this is their first child.
Currently based in Singapore to film Channel 8’s The Dream Makers 2, the actor said he felt lucky to be able to spend the last trimester of his wife's pregnancy by her side. He will be flying to Melbourne in September to film The Dream Makers 2 and after the drama wraps, he will head to China for another project in December.
It is not known when Peh, who recently renewed her MediaCorp contract, will resume work after giving birth. In one of her most recent interviews, she said she plans to be more selective with work assignments in order to spend more time with her baby.
The actress also said she hopes to have more autonomy over the projects she takes on in future. "With every project, there is an opportunity cost in regard to the time spent with my child. [The project] has got to be something that I feel is worthwhile and that inspires or challenges me,” she said.
The new parents previously said that they have picked an English name for the baby, but have yet to reveal it.
Qi and Peh, who have been friends and colleagues for more than 10 years, started dating in 2013 and tied the knot in a private wedding ceremony held in Sentosa last September. They have collaborated on several dramas, with the latest being 2014’s C.L.I.F. 3 and local film 1965.
- TOGGLE/cy
- wong chee tat ):
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Govt may tweak quota system to help married couples live near their parents
Govt may tweak quota system to help married couples live near their parents
Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.
SINGAPORE: Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.
Minister of State Mohamad Maliki Osman said this at the second housing conversation session on Saturday which aims to find out what more can be done to help extended families live together or close by.
He said another area is to consider extending grants to second-time home buyers purchasing HDB resale flats near their parents.
Thirty-six married participants attended the second housing conversation.
About a third said they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.
32-year-old Arina Tan, who has a one-year-old daughter, said: "We had been balloting for a flat near our parents for four times but we weren't able to get it. For the fifth time, we tried a further place at Yishun where the government has opened up more flats at the non-mature estates. We were able to get it.
“We have our flat in Yishun but we still stay weekdays at my in-laws place because of the baby. She can take care of her and we do not need to travel every day from Yishun to Jurong."
A week ago, courting couples gave a resounding "no" when asked if they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.
To prevent people from abusing the system, some participants said there should be conditions if absolute priority is given such as extending the Minimum Occupation Period from five, to 10 years.
However, some also acknowledged the challenges of giving absolute priority.
"If somebody were to have absolute priority, then there would be another group that wouldn't have anything at all so I think it's a bit difficult," said Joewind Han.
About half of the participants also said while they did not want absolute priority, they were in favour of more priority being given.
One option could be to tweak the quota system instead.
Dr Maliki said: "As we try to look at ways to enhance the opportunities for young couples to live near their parents, one option is to see how best we can tweak at the quota system. Today, we have about 85 per cent of BTO flats allocated to first-timers, 15 per cent to second-timers.
"One option is if you want to really look at ways to enhance the possibility, or increase the chances of second-timers who want to live near their parents, maybe we can set aside a quota within perhaps that 15 per cent. They can possibly look at how their chances can be better met. But nonetheless, we are still exploring some of these ideas."
Participants also discussed whether second-time home buyers should get housing grants when buying a resale flat near their parents.
Currently, first time home buyers purchasing a resale flat get a S$30,000 CPF Housing Grant, but this goes up to S$40,000 when they buy a resale flat to live together with, or near their parents.
Some had suggested that the additional S$10,000 be given to both first and second-timers.
Dr Maliki said: "This is a significant shift when we talk about giving grants to second-timers but I think they recognise the proposal is to give grants to those wanting to live near their parents and this is for those who did not get to exercise that option when they bought their first flat so I think it's quite a rational proposition.
"That's something that we can try to consider how else we can facilitate couples who have moved on to their next phase of their life stage to live near their parents. If it means that a grant can incentivise that, a grant can facilitate that, we will be prepared to consider that."
Participants were also split when asked if the government should continue building more Three-Generation (3Gen) flats.
Some said while they were in favour of having more 3Gen flats built, they also hoped some design improvements could be made.
"As a concept, it's great but I think if the useable space, the common spaces are not tweaked well, it could just lead to hot housing," said Goh Ling Pin.
"There could be extra conflict within the house like a lot of people crammed within a smaller space might not fulfil the purpose of helping a family get along," Goh added.
His wife Christine Choo said: "We are living with my father-in-law and I believe that he will like to have his own privacy as well, and for us to have our own privacy, but yet at the same time we want to live together so having a dual-key system where he's just next door and we're under one roof and for us to take care of the financing, would be very helpful for elderly who is also a retiree."
Dr Maliki said: "We're looking at the needs, the profile of different family types, size commensurate with the size of the family too. We want to make it optimal for families when they use the spaces."
Dr Maliki said how the first batch of 3Gen flats in Yishun pans out will have to be observed before fine-tuning designs.
The next housing conversation session is on June 19 and will target seniors with children above 21.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.
SINGAPORE: Tweaking the quota system is one option the government could look into to improve the chances of those hoping to live near their parents.
Minister of State Mohamad Maliki Osman said this at the second housing conversation session on Saturday which aims to find out what more can be done to help extended families live together or close by.
He said another area is to consider extending grants to second-time home buyers purchasing HDB resale flats near their parents.
Thirty-six married participants attended the second housing conversation.
About a third said they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.
32-year-old Arina Tan, who has a one-year-old daughter, said: "We had been balloting for a flat near our parents for four times but we weren't able to get it. For the fifth time, we tried a further place at Yishun where the government has opened up more flats at the non-mature estates. We were able to get it.
“We have our flat in Yishun but we still stay weekdays at my in-laws place because of the baby. She can take care of her and we do not need to travel every day from Yishun to Jurong."
A week ago, courting couples gave a resounding "no" when asked if they were in favour of giving absolute priority to those hoping to buy a new flat near their parents.
To prevent people from abusing the system, some participants said there should be conditions if absolute priority is given such as extending the Minimum Occupation Period from five, to 10 years.
However, some also acknowledged the challenges of giving absolute priority.
"If somebody were to have absolute priority, then there would be another group that wouldn't have anything at all so I think it's a bit difficult," said Joewind Han.
About half of the participants also said while they did not want absolute priority, they were in favour of more priority being given.
One option could be to tweak the quota system instead.
Dr Maliki said: "As we try to look at ways to enhance the opportunities for young couples to live near their parents, one option is to see how best we can tweak at the quota system. Today, we have about 85 per cent of BTO flats allocated to first-timers, 15 per cent to second-timers.
"One option is if you want to really look at ways to enhance the possibility, or increase the chances of second-timers who want to live near their parents, maybe we can set aside a quota within perhaps that 15 per cent. They can possibly look at how their chances can be better met. But nonetheless, we are still exploring some of these ideas."
Participants also discussed whether second-time home buyers should get housing grants when buying a resale flat near their parents.
Currently, first time home buyers purchasing a resale flat get a S$30,000 CPF Housing Grant, but this goes up to S$40,000 when they buy a resale flat to live together with, or near their parents.
Some had suggested that the additional S$10,000 be given to both first and second-timers.
Dr Maliki said: "This is a significant shift when we talk about giving grants to second-timers but I think they recognise the proposal is to give grants to those wanting to live near their parents and this is for those who did not get to exercise that option when they bought their first flat so I think it's quite a rational proposition.
"That's something that we can try to consider how else we can facilitate couples who have moved on to their next phase of their life stage to live near their parents. If it means that a grant can incentivise that, a grant can facilitate that, we will be prepared to consider that."
Participants were also split when asked if the government should continue building more Three-Generation (3Gen) flats.
Some said while they were in favour of having more 3Gen flats built, they also hoped some design improvements could be made.
"As a concept, it's great but I think if the useable space, the common spaces are not tweaked well, it could just lead to hot housing," said Goh Ling Pin.
"There could be extra conflict within the house like a lot of people crammed within a smaller space might not fulfil the purpose of helping a family get along," Goh added.
His wife Christine Choo said: "We are living with my father-in-law and I believe that he will like to have his own privacy as well, and for us to have our own privacy, but yet at the same time we want to live together so having a dual-key system where he's just next door and we're under one roof and for us to take care of the financing, would be very helpful for elderly who is also a retiree."
Dr Maliki said: "We're looking at the needs, the profile of different family types, size commensurate with the size of the family too. We want to make it optimal for families when they use the spaces."
Dr Maliki said how the first batch of 3Gen flats in Yishun pans out will have to be observed before fine-tuning designs.
The next housing conversation session is on June 19 and will target seniors with children above 21.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Gift pack for babies born next year to celebrate S’pore’s 50th birthday
Gift pack for babies born next year to celebrate S’pore’s 50th birthday
BY JOY FANG
PUBLISHED: APRIL 2, 6:20 AM(PAGE 1 OF 1) - PAGINATE
SINGAPORE — With ideas from the public pouring in on ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s independence, it was announced yesterday that all Singaporean babies born next year, including those born overseas, will receive a gift pack from the Government that could consist of practical and commemorative items.
The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), which will fund the Jubilee Baby Gift, is calling for suggestions on the items to be included in the gift pack. It has ruled out giving cash handouts, as parents of newborns already receive monetary incentives under the existing Marriage and Parenthood Package.
There could be about five to 10 items and the idea is to make the gift pack “a meaningful, significant (and) tangible keepsake with heritage value”, the NPTD said. Among the gift ideas thrown up at a focus group discussion yesterday were a chain with a key, baby shoes and bibs, while Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu suggested a sarong with a national flag motif, which she felt is practical — parents can use it to carry their child or during breastfeeding — and signifies a parental bond.
Separately, the two-month call for celebration ideas from the public — which ended on March 23 — has garnered a wide range of suggestions including organising a local music festival, reviving the Kallang Roar at the new National Stadium and holding nationwide quizzes on the Republic’s history.
A spokesman for the Singapore50 (SG50) Programme Office Secretariat said it is looking through all the ideas submitted via the various platforms to see how they can be incorporated into the celebration plans under the respective SG50 committees.
To date, the secretariat has also received almost 60 formal applications to tap the SG50 Celebration Fund, which was set up to seek and support meaningful ground-up initiatives. The applications ranged from charity and volunteerism initiatives to music and visual arts platforms. Applications for the fund are open until Aug 31 next year.
Speaking at the focus group discussion, Ms Fu described the gift pack as the nation’s little birthday surprise. “As we celebrate Singapore’s past and honour the contributions of our pioneer generation, we also set our sights on the future ... our Golden Jubilee babies symbolise our hopes and aspirations for the Singapore of tomorrow,” she said.
The public can submit ideas through the Jubilee Baby Gift’s microsite (http://www.nptd.gov.sg/jubilee) or at feedback booths islandwide until April 15. The first two booths will be set up at Jurong Point on April 5 and 6, and at VivoCity on April 12 and 13.
Singaporeans can also register their interest to participate in focus groups on what to include in the gift pack by emailing outreach@reach.gov.sg.
Between April 18 and May 15, the suggestions will be collated and curated in consultation with a five-member advisory panel comprising people-sector and community representatives. The panel, which will advise on the suitability of the items and the design, will be chaired by Ms Anita Fam, who serves on the council of Families for Life.
During this period, the public can vote on the shortlisted items.
Responding to TODAY’s queries, an NPTD spokesperson said: “We envision the gift to consist of a small package of items that newborns in 2015 could use in their early years. It would also have commemorative elements and serve as a token from our current generation to the next.”
She added: “As parents of Singaporean newborns already receive a cash gift under the existing Marriage and Parenthood Package, there is no intention to have a cash gift as one of the items.”
The budget for the gift pack will be finalised after the public engagement efforts are completed.
There were 32,000 citizen births last year and the NPTD expects the figure to remain about the same next year, although it is hoping for more.
“I don’t think parents would have children just for the gifts, but I think if we can all celebrate family and newborns, we hope it would encourage more to think about having their own family,” said Ms Fu.
(PAGE 1 OF 1) - PAGINATE
- wong chee tat :)
BY JOY FANG
PUBLISHED: APRIL 2, 6:20 AM(PAGE 1 OF 1) - PAGINATE
SINGAPORE — With ideas from the public pouring in on ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s independence, it was announced yesterday that all Singaporean babies born next year, including those born overseas, will receive a gift pack from the Government that could consist of practical and commemorative items.
The National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), which will fund the Jubilee Baby Gift, is calling for suggestions on the items to be included in the gift pack. It has ruled out giving cash handouts, as parents of newborns already receive monetary incentives under the existing Marriage and Parenthood Package.
There could be about five to 10 items and the idea is to make the gift pack “a meaningful, significant (and) tangible keepsake with heritage value”, the NPTD said. Among the gift ideas thrown up at a focus group discussion yesterday were a chain with a key, baby shoes and bibs, while Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu suggested a sarong with a national flag motif, which she felt is practical — parents can use it to carry their child or during breastfeeding — and signifies a parental bond.
Separately, the two-month call for celebration ideas from the public — which ended on March 23 — has garnered a wide range of suggestions including organising a local music festival, reviving the Kallang Roar at the new National Stadium and holding nationwide quizzes on the Republic’s history.
A spokesman for the Singapore50 (SG50) Programme Office Secretariat said it is looking through all the ideas submitted via the various platforms to see how they can be incorporated into the celebration plans under the respective SG50 committees.
To date, the secretariat has also received almost 60 formal applications to tap the SG50 Celebration Fund, which was set up to seek and support meaningful ground-up initiatives. The applications ranged from charity and volunteerism initiatives to music and visual arts platforms. Applications for the fund are open until Aug 31 next year.
Speaking at the focus group discussion, Ms Fu described the gift pack as the nation’s little birthday surprise. “As we celebrate Singapore’s past and honour the contributions of our pioneer generation, we also set our sights on the future ... our Golden Jubilee babies symbolise our hopes and aspirations for the Singapore of tomorrow,” she said.
The public can submit ideas through the Jubilee Baby Gift’s microsite (http://www.nptd.gov.sg/jubilee) or at feedback booths islandwide until April 15. The first two booths will be set up at Jurong Point on April 5 and 6, and at VivoCity on April 12 and 13.
Singaporeans can also register their interest to participate in focus groups on what to include in the gift pack by emailing outreach@reach.gov.sg.
Between April 18 and May 15, the suggestions will be collated and curated in consultation with a five-member advisory panel comprising people-sector and community representatives. The panel, which will advise on the suitability of the items and the design, will be chaired by Ms Anita Fam, who serves on the council of Families for Life.
During this period, the public can vote on the shortlisted items.
Responding to TODAY’s queries, an NPTD spokesperson said: “We envision the gift to consist of a small package of items that newborns in 2015 could use in their early years. It would also have commemorative elements and serve as a token from our current generation to the next.”
She added: “As parents of Singaporean newborns already receive a cash gift under the existing Marriage and Parenthood Package, there is no intention to have a cash gift as one of the items.”
The budget for the gift pack will be finalised after the public engagement efforts are completed.
There were 32,000 citizen births last year and the NPTD expects the figure to remain about the same next year, although it is hoping for more.
“I don’t think parents would have children just for the gifts, but I think if we can all celebrate family and newborns, we hope it would encourage more to think about having their own family,” said Ms Fu.
(PAGE 1 OF 1) - PAGINATE
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, September 7, 2013
HDB on track to deliver 13,600 new flats this year, says Khaw Boon Wan
HDB on track to deliver 13,600 new flats this year, says Khaw Boon Wan
POSTED: 06 Sep 2013 4:01 PM
Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is on track to deliver 13,600 new flats to Singaporeans this year.
SINGAPORE: Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is on track to deliver 13,600 new flats to Singaporeans this year.
In a blogpost, Mr Khaw said he witnessed the handover of keys from the main contractor to HDB at Floral Spring @ Yishun on Friday. The project marks the completion of 9,000 HDB flats this year.
This is 50 per cent more than in June, when 6,000 new flats were completed.
More than just meeting numbers, HDB is also delivering quality flats to home buyers.
Mr Khaw said Floral Spring @ Yishun is a good example. The housing project is located in an infill site, surrounded by existing residential developments.
Together, HDB and the contractors completed the project on schedule while minimising inconvenience to surrounding residents.
Despite the site challenges, they achieved a high Construction Quality Assessment System score of 88 for the project, comparable to those achieved by condominiums.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 06 Sep 2013 4:01 PM
Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is on track to deliver 13,600 new flats to Singaporeans this year.
SINGAPORE: Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is on track to deliver 13,600 new flats to Singaporeans this year.
In a blogpost, Mr Khaw said he witnessed the handover of keys from the main contractor to HDB at Floral Spring @ Yishun on Friday. The project marks the completion of 9,000 HDB flats this year.
This is 50 per cent more than in June, when 6,000 new flats were completed.
More than just meeting numbers, HDB is also delivering quality flats to home buyers.
Mr Khaw said Floral Spring @ Yishun is a good example. The housing project is located in an infill site, surrounded by existing residential developments.
Together, HDB and the contractors completed the project on schedule while minimising inconvenience to surrounding residents.
Despite the site challenges, they achieved a high Construction Quality Assessment System score of 88 for the project, comparable to those achieved by condominiums.
- CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Modern Montessori International to open 29th centre at Spooner Road
Modern Montessori International to open 29th centre at Spooner Road
By Lip Kwok Wai and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 03 Sep 2013 12:07 AM
One of Singapore's largest pre-school operators Modern Montessori International is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
SINGAPORE: Modern Montessori International, one of Singapore's largest pre-school operators, is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
The school’s 29th centre at Spooner Road is a refurbished bungalow with the latest teaching facilities, including a swimming pool and an eco-garden as part of environmental learning.
About 20,000 more places in pre-schools will be needed by 2015 and the centre will begin catering up to 100 children from the ages of three to six in October.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman of Modern Montessori International, said: "The response has been good; we have got about 220 parents who have registered their interest. So we are very optimistic."
- CNA/gn
- wong chee tat :)
By Lip Kwok Wai and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 03 Sep 2013 12:07 AM
One of Singapore's largest pre-school operators Modern Montessori International is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
SINGAPORE: Modern Montessori International, one of Singapore's largest pre-school operators, is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
The school’s 29th centre at Spooner Road is a refurbished bungalow with the latest teaching facilities, including a swimming pool and an eco-garden as part of environmental learning.
About 20,000 more places in pre-schools will be needed by 2015 and the centre will begin catering up to 100 children from the ages of three to six in October.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman of Modern Montessori International, said: "The response has been good; we have got about 220 parents who have registered their interest. So we are very optimistic."
- CNA/gn
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
New 3Gen flats for multi-generation families
New 3Gen flats for multi-generation families
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 6:28 PM
The government will pilot a new type of Three-Generation (3Gen) flats to cater to multi-generation families living under one roof.
SINGAPORE: The government will pilot a new type of Three-Generation (3Gen) flats to cater to multi-generation families living under one roof.
The flats will feature four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with an internal floor area of about 115 square metres.
To be eligible for 3Gen flats, applicants must form a multi-generation family comprising a married or courting couple and their parents.
To prevent abuse of the scheme, subletting of rooms will not be allowed during the five-year minimum occupation period.
After fulfilling the minimum occupation period, the flats can only be resold in the open market to other eligible multi-generation families.
The first project of about 80 units of 3Gen flats will be launched in Yishun in the upcoming September BTO exercise.
Concurrently, the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme will be enhanced.
Parents can now apply for 3-room flats under this scheme.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 6:28 PM
The government will pilot a new type of Three-Generation (3Gen) flats to cater to multi-generation families living under one roof.
SINGAPORE: The government will pilot a new type of Three-Generation (3Gen) flats to cater to multi-generation families living under one roof.
The flats will feature four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with an internal floor area of about 115 square metres.
To be eligible for 3Gen flats, applicants must form a multi-generation family comprising a married or courting couple and their parents.
To prevent abuse of the scheme, subletting of rooms will not be allowed during the five-year minimum occupation period.
After fulfilling the minimum occupation period, the flats can only be resold in the open market to other eligible multi-generation families.
The first project of about 80 units of 3Gen flats will be launched in Yishun in the upcoming September BTO exercise.
Concurrently, the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme will be enhanced.
Parents can now apply for 3-room flats under this scheme.
- CNA/al
- wong chee tat :)
New measures to cool HDB resale market
New measures to cool HDB resale market
By Sumita Sreedharan
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 5:48 PM
With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
SINGAPORE - With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio (MSR) limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
Previously, the maximum HDB loan tenure was at 30 years and the MSR limit was at 35 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
From August 28, financial institutions will in tandem reduce the maximum tenure of new housing loans and re-financing facilities from 35 years to 30 years.
With immediate effect as well, Permanent Residents (PR) who want to buy resale flats will have to wait three years after receiving their PR status. Prior to this change, they could buy a flat as soon as they received PR status.
Announcing these changes on Tuesday, the HDB also provided more details of the extension of the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) and the new Step-Up CPF Housing Grant, which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first announced during the National Day Rally.
The income ceiling for SHG will be raised significantly, from S$2,250 a month to S$6,500 a month for families and S$3,250 for singles. Mr Lee previously announced that the SHG would be extended to middle-income households and could be used for buying new four-room flats.
Under the new Step-Up Housing Grant, families who want to upgrade from a two-room to a three-room flat can get a housing grant of S$15,000.
The changes to the housing grants will apply from the July 2013 Built-To-Order (BTO) exercise.
From next month, parents who want to live near their children will also be offered more alternatives.
Parents will be allowed to apply for three-room flats, under the multi-generation priority scheme (MGPS). Currently, the scheme allows parents to jointly apply, with their married child, for either a studio apartment or two-room flat, together with another flat in the same project. This will come into effect in next month's BTO exercise.
To further cater to multi-generation families who wish to live under the same roof, the HDB will pilot a new type of flat.
The new Three-Generation flats - 80 of which will be available for sale in Yishun in the BTO exercise next month - will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with an internal floor area of about 115 square metres. Subletting of rooms in these new flats will not be allowed for the Minimum Occupation Period to ensure it serves its purpose.
-TODAY/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Sumita Sreedharan
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 5:48 PM
With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
SINGAPORE - With immediate effect, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has shortened its maximum loan tenure to 25 years and the mortgage servicing ratio (MSR) limit has also been cut to 30 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
Previously, the maximum HDB loan tenure was at 30 years and the MSR limit was at 35 per cent of the borrower's gross monthly salary.
From August 28, financial institutions will in tandem reduce the maximum tenure of new housing loans and re-financing facilities from 35 years to 30 years.
With immediate effect as well, Permanent Residents (PR) who want to buy resale flats will have to wait three years after receiving their PR status. Prior to this change, they could buy a flat as soon as they received PR status.
Announcing these changes on Tuesday, the HDB also provided more details of the extension of the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) and the new Step-Up CPF Housing Grant, which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first announced during the National Day Rally.
The income ceiling for SHG will be raised significantly, from S$2,250 a month to S$6,500 a month for families and S$3,250 for singles. Mr Lee previously announced that the SHG would be extended to middle-income households and could be used for buying new four-room flats.
Under the new Step-Up Housing Grant, families who want to upgrade from a two-room to a three-room flat can get a housing grant of S$15,000.
The changes to the housing grants will apply from the July 2013 Built-To-Order (BTO) exercise.
From next month, parents who want to live near their children will also be offered more alternatives.
Parents will be allowed to apply for three-room flats, under the multi-generation priority scheme (MGPS). Currently, the scheme allows parents to jointly apply, with their married child, for either a studio apartment or two-room flat, together with another flat in the same project. This will come into effect in next month's BTO exercise.
To further cater to multi-generation families who wish to live under the same roof, the HDB will pilot a new type of flat.
The new Three-Generation flats - 80 of which will be available for sale in Yishun in the BTO exercise next month - will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with an internal floor area of about 115 square metres. Subletting of rooms in these new flats will not be allowed for the Minimum Occupation Period to ensure it serves its purpose.
-TODAY/ir
- wong chee tat :)
5 commercial pre-schools apply to be anchor operators
5 commercial pre-schools apply to be anchor operators
By Chng Kheng Leng and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 9:26 PM
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem to be anchor operators while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
SINGAPORE: Five commercial operators that run pre-schools have applied to be anchor operators.
The deadline for applications closed on Tuesday.
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
Acquiring anchor operator status means the centres will be eligible for government subsidies and get first priority in the allocation of sites in HDB flats.
However, there are stringent criteria to become an anchor operator. These include running at least 10 centres or having an enrolment of 1,000 children, providing a financial guarantee of six months of operating costs or S$10 million (whichever is lower), and having a governing body with independent members.
Modern Montessori and Carpe Diem are joining resources to ensure that they meet the financial requirements.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman and CEO of Modern Montessori International, said: "We have the strength in terms of delivery standards and Carpe Diem has been very, very popular especially in their fees structure and most of their centres are within the heartland. I think they bring with them solid background."
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Chng Kheng Leng and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 9:26 PM
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem to be anchor operators while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
SINGAPORE: Five commercial operators that run pre-schools have applied to be anchor operators.
The deadline for applications closed on Tuesday.
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
Acquiring anchor operator status means the centres will be eligible for government subsidies and get first priority in the allocation of sites in HDB flats.
However, there are stringent criteria to become an anchor operator. These include running at least 10 centres or having an enrolment of 1,000 children, providing a financial guarantee of six months of operating costs or S$10 million (whichever is lower), and having a governing body with independent members.
Modern Montessori and Carpe Diem are joining resources to ensure that they meet the financial requirements.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman and CEO of Modern Montessori International, said: "We have the strength in terms of delivery standards and Carpe Diem has been very, very popular especially in their fees structure and most of their centres are within the heartland. I think they bring with them solid background."
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
Sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
18 Jul 2013 03:08pm
KUALA LUMPUR: It has been revealed in the Sessions Court at Jalan Duta here that sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
The court was told Vivian teaches at an unnamed kindergarten and her salary is RM900 a month. Her sex partner Alvin Tan is unemployed.
- wong chee tat :)
18 Jul 2013 03:08pm
KUALA LUMPUR: It has been revealed in the Sessions Court at Jalan Duta here that sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
The court was told Vivian teaches at an unnamed kindergarten and her salary is RM900 a month. Her sex partner Alvin Tan is unemployed.
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, July 18, 2013
My First Skool to implement measures to reassure parents amid alleged abuse case
My First Skool to implement measures to reassure parents amid alleged abuse case
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 8:01 PM
My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
SINGAPORE: My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
On Wednesday, My First Skool was informed by the Early Childhood Development Agency through a warning letter that the licence tenure of its childcare centre at Blk 192 Toa Payoh would be cut from 24 months to six months with immediate effect.
The measures are aimed at improving its communications with parents, enhancing the incident review process, reinforcing the importance of proper care of children and stepping up support for teachers.
To improve parent communications, parents can direct their queries to its headquarters via a newly-set up email address (feedback@myfirstskool.com). Calls can also be made to its customer service team at 6634 9989.
My First Skool's management said it will see to the closure of all feedback.
As for improving the incident review process, it said all cases of injury, accident or mishandling reported through its principals or HQ are investigated thoroughly and promptly.
It added that complex cases will be assessed by an independent review panel with the aim to give parents greater assurance of transparency and accountability of the incident review process.
In terms of proper care for children, My First Skool said it will encourage staff to report questionable practices to their supervisors.
It wants its staff to escalate their feedback under its whistle-blowing policy should the issues not be satisfactorily attended to.
My First Skool said whistle blowing is done through an independent channel which reports to the board audit committee.
As for support for teachers, My First Skool said it will also deploy additional resources over time to assist teachers in managing classes that require more support.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 8:01 PM
My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
SINGAPORE: My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
On Wednesday, My First Skool was informed by the Early Childhood Development Agency through a warning letter that the licence tenure of its childcare centre at Blk 192 Toa Payoh would be cut from 24 months to six months with immediate effect.
The measures are aimed at improving its communications with parents, enhancing the incident review process, reinforcing the importance of proper care of children and stepping up support for teachers.
To improve parent communications, parents can direct their queries to its headquarters via a newly-set up email address (feedback@myfirstskool.com). Calls can also be made to its customer service team at 6634 9989.
My First Skool's management said it will see to the closure of all feedback.
As for improving the incident review process, it said all cases of injury, accident or mishandling reported through its principals or HQ are investigated thoroughly and promptly.
It added that complex cases will be assessed by an independent review panel with the aim to give parents greater assurance of transparency and accountability of the incident review process.
In terms of proper care for children, My First Skool said it will encourage staff to report questionable practices to their supervisors.
It wants its staff to escalate their feedback under its whistle-blowing policy should the issues not be satisfactorily attended to.
My First Skool said whistle blowing is done through an independent channel which reports to the board audit committee.
As for support for teachers, My First Skool said it will also deploy additional resources over time to assist teachers in managing classes that require more support.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
My First Skool in Toa Payoh gets licence tenure cut
My First Skool in Toa Payoh gets licence tenure cut
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 12:32 PM
The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
SINGAPORE: The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
Earlier this month, a teacher there was arrested after CCTV footage showed her allegedly dragging a three-year-old boy across the floor and pushing him to the floor with force.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said that it conducted its investigations at My First Skool in Toa Payoh and found that there were certain aspects that required improvements.
This means that ECDA will conduct more frequent checks at the centre and it will have to demonstrate its compliance with certain conditions. This includes providing better support and training to its teachers to handle difficult situations, clearer standard operating procedures for reporting incidents, and improving its programmes.
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added that following the alleged abuse incident, the priority is to strengthen processes within the sector, as well as build trust between parents, teachers and operators.
He said this on Thursday on the sidelines of a visit to teacher training programmes and pre-schools under the Crestar Education Group.
Mr Chan said: "Over the next six months we fully expect NTUC My First Skool to work closely with ECDA to comply with the regulations so that they can up their standards necessary. And then we will review the situation after six months."
- CNA/ac/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 12:32 PM
The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
SINGAPORE: The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
Earlier this month, a teacher there was arrested after CCTV footage showed her allegedly dragging a three-year-old boy across the floor and pushing him to the floor with force.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said that it conducted its investigations at My First Skool in Toa Payoh and found that there were certain aspects that required improvements.
This means that ECDA will conduct more frequent checks at the centre and it will have to demonstrate its compliance with certain conditions. This includes providing better support and training to its teachers to handle difficult situations, clearer standard operating procedures for reporting incidents, and improving its programmes.
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added that following the alleged abuse incident, the priority is to strengthen processes within the sector, as well as build trust between parents, teachers and operators.
He said this on Thursday on the sidelines of a visit to teacher training programmes and pre-schools under the Crestar Education Group.
Mr Chan said: "Over the next six months we fully expect NTUC My First Skool to work closely with ECDA to comply with the regulations so that they can up their standards necessary. And then we will review the situation after six months."
- CNA/ac/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, May 13, 2013
Phase 2B of P1 registration non-partisan: Indranee Rajah
Phase 2B of P1 registration non-partisan: Indranee Rajah
By Saifulbahri Ismail
POSTED: 13 May 2013 4:19 PM
Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the priority system for children going through Primary One registration is non-partisan.
SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the priority system for children going through Primary One registration is non-partisan, but based on an "objective view" of community service.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Ms Indranee explained Phase 2B of the P1 Registration Framework is open to children whose parents are endorsed as "active community leaders".
bond
She was responding to questions from Non-Constituency MP Lina Chiam, who asked for the scrapping of the priority scheme for community leaders which she claims to be linked with the government.
Ms Indranee said only community leaders who are serving in the four grassroots committees -- the Residents' Committee, Neighbourhood Committee, Citizen's Consultative Committee, Community Club Management Committee and the Community Development Council -- get priority.
She said: "We recognise that there are many different social groups, which serve the community, but when we look at priority, we look at priority for active community leaders. And in defining active community leaders, we define eligibility based on an objective view of community service.
"Grassroots leaders (GRLs) support the People's Association in its mission of community building, in support of the government of the day. That is why at the current time, only active GRLs from the four grassroots organisations and district counsellors from the Community Development Councils are eligible for consideration under Phase 2B and eligibility is based on contribution and not along party lines."
In addition, Phase 2B is also open to the children of parent volunteers and endorsed members of churches or clans that are directly connected with the school.
Ms Indranee added the commitment and support from these various stakeholders help to build stronger bonds between the school and the community.
She further clarified that not all who are involved in grassroots associations get priority.
Those who do not get priority include the People's Association's Youth Executive Committees and Women's Executive Committees.
- CNA/xq/ac
- wong chee tat :)
By Saifulbahri Ismail
POSTED: 13 May 2013 4:19 PM
Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the priority system for children going through Primary One registration is non-partisan.
SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the priority system for children going through Primary One registration is non-partisan, but based on an "objective view" of community service.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Ms Indranee explained Phase 2B of the P1 Registration Framework is open to children whose parents are endorsed as "active community leaders".
bond
She was responding to questions from Non-Constituency MP Lina Chiam, who asked for the scrapping of the priority scheme for community leaders which she claims to be linked with the government.
Ms Indranee said only community leaders who are serving in the four grassroots committees -- the Residents' Committee, Neighbourhood Committee, Citizen's Consultative Committee, Community Club Management Committee and the Community Development Council -- get priority.
She said: "We recognise that there are many different social groups, which serve the community, but when we look at priority, we look at priority for active community leaders. And in defining active community leaders, we define eligibility based on an objective view of community service.
"Grassroots leaders (GRLs) support the People's Association in its mission of community building, in support of the government of the day. That is why at the current time, only active GRLs from the four grassroots organisations and district counsellors from the Community Development Councils are eligible for consideration under Phase 2B and eligibility is based on contribution and not along party lines."
In addition, Phase 2B is also open to the children of parent volunteers and endorsed members of churches or clans that are directly connected with the school.
Ms Indranee added the commitment and support from these various stakeholders help to build stronger bonds between the school and the community.
She further clarified that not all who are involved in grassroots associations get priority.
Those who do not get priority include the People's Association's Youth Executive Committees and Women's Executive Committees.
- CNA/xq/ac
- wong chee tat :)
New childcare centres in Sengkang, Punggol within next 2 years
New childcare centres in Sengkang, Punggol within next 2 years
POSTED: 13 May 2013 8:25 PM
SINGAPORE: Sengkang and Punggol will each have 14 new childcare centres within the next two years.
And by 2018, Sengkang will have an additional nine centres, while Punggol will have another 12 centres.
Acting Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing said the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is working with the Housing and Development Board to pre-build childcare facilities alongside upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) projects.
Responding to MP for Punggol East Lee Li Lian, Mr Chan said there will be a childcare centre within Rivervale Arc by early 2015, as part of this effort.
The ECDA is also open to alternative locations, such as workplaces, disused facilities and integrated developments.
Tin Pei Ling, MP for Marine Parade GRC, asked: "How is demand determined? I'm asking because even for mature estates, there are BTO projects coming up and anticipated would-be young families moving in as well. So there would be an increase in demand for childcare, student care and even infant care."
Mr Chan replied: "How we determine demand is based on the cohort size in the respective estates. We also take in feedback from the respective grassroots leaders if they see demand for such things. We also look at the queue at the existing childcare places in the vicinity so we have a sense of where is the demand.
"For example, we also understand that in Sengkang and Punggol generally, the young families there have less grandparent support, so they will need a bit more childcare places, and we have catered for it accordingly."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 13 May 2013 8:25 PM
SINGAPORE: Sengkang and Punggol will each have 14 new childcare centres within the next two years.
And by 2018, Sengkang will have an additional nine centres, while Punggol will have another 12 centres.
Acting Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing said the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is working with the Housing and Development Board to pre-build childcare facilities alongside upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) projects.
Responding to MP for Punggol East Lee Li Lian, Mr Chan said there will be a childcare centre within Rivervale Arc by early 2015, as part of this effort.
The ECDA is also open to alternative locations, such as workplaces, disused facilities and integrated developments.
Tin Pei Ling, MP for Marine Parade GRC, asked: "How is demand determined? I'm asking because even for mature estates, there are BTO projects coming up and anticipated would-be young families moving in as well. So there would be an increase in demand for childcare, student care and even infant care."
Mr Chan replied: "How we determine demand is based on the cohort size in the respective estates. We also take in feedback from the respective grassroots leaders if they see demand for such things. We also look at the queue at the existing childcare places in the vicinity so we have a sense of where is the demand.
"For example, we also understand that in Sengkang and Punggol generally, the young families there have less grandparent support, so they will need a bit more childcare places, and we have catered for it accordingly."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, December 14, 2012
More Supplementary Retirement Scheme accounts opened at year-end
More Supplementary Retirement Scheme accounts opened at year-end
By Linette Lim | Posted: 13 December 2012 1928 hrs
SINGAPORE: More Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) accounts are opened in the month of December each year, according to banks in Singapore.
The SRS is a voluntary savings scheme and administered by three local banks.
OCBC Bank said SRS account openings this month can be more than five times that of other months.
As the year comes to a close, financial advisors said more clients are topping up SRS accounts in order to qualify for tax savings.
Launched by the government in 2001, the scheme encourages people to put aside money for their retirement. This is over and above what they have in their mandatory CPF accounts.
The money can only be withdrawn at retirement age, which currently stands at 62, but only half of it will be taxed upon withdrawal.
Wong Sui Jau, General Manager of Fundsupermart.com, said: "It works based on a deferred tax scheme, so for monies that you actually put into the SRS, it will not count towards your chargeable income. I think the biggest benefits is for people in high-income tax brackets, because it allows them to reduce their chargeable income for tax."
The number of SRS account holders is growing at above 10 per cent each year since the scheme began.
The take-up rate for the scheme is modest, relative to the size of the taxable population.
There are more than a million taxable individuals in Singapore as at 2010, according to official statistics.
However, not everyone pays tax as their income could be too low.
Assuming only those with an annual income above $40,000 pays tax, there are around 720,000 tax-paying individuals. Out of this, only slightly more than 70,000 are SRS account holders.
This means only 10 per cent of people who are eligible to open an SRS account have done so.
Wong Sui Jau added: "SRS is not like your CPF ordinary account or special account where you have special interest rates you will receive. The interest rate is no different from what you get if you put it in a bank which almost definitely mean you will really need to invest it because this is money that is going to be locked up for the long term."
Money in SRS accounts can be used to invest in stocks and insurance, and the investment returns are accumulated tax-free.
Still, experts say the SRS is not for everyone. For example, it may not be appropriate for those with many dependents under their charge.
Chew Hock Beng, Associate Director of Financial Advisory Group, Financial Alliance, said: "They probably have to take care of four parents for a married couple, and two to three kids, so a lot of money have been used for expenses."
According to DBS, SRS contributors should make sure that they have adequate disposable income and emergency funds, because premature withdrawals will incur a 5 per cent penalty and will be 100 per cent taxed.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Linette Lim | Posted: 13 December 2012 1928 hrs
SINGAPORE: More Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) accounts are opened in the month of December each year, according to banks in Singapore.
The SRS is a voluntary savings scheme and administered by three local banks.
OCBC Bank said SRS account openings this month can be more than five times that of other months.
As the year comes to a close, financial advisors said more clients are topping up SRS accounts in order to qualify for tax savings.
Launched by the government in 2001, the scheme encourages people to put aside money for their retirement. This is over and above what they have in their mandatory CPF accounts.
The money can only be withdrawn at retirement age, which currently stands at 62, but only half of it will be taxed upon withdrawal.
Wong Sui Jau, General Manager of Fundsupermart.com, said: "It works based on a deferred tax scheme, so for monies that you actually put into the SRS, it will not count towards your chargeable income. I think the biggest benefits is for people in high-income tax brackets, because it allows them to reduce their chargeable income for tax."
The number of SRS account holders is growing at above 10 per cent each year since the scheme began.
The take-up rate for the scheme is modest, relative to the size of the taxable population.
There are more than a million taxable individuals in Singapore as at 2010, according to official statistics.
However, not everyone pays tax as their income could be too low.
Assuming only those with an annual income above $40,000 pays tax, there are around 720,000 tax-paying individuals. Out of this, only slightly more than 70,000 are SRS account holders.
This means only 10 per cent of people who are eligible to open an SRS account have done so.
Wong Sui Jau added: "SRS is not like your CPF ordinary account or special account where you have special interest rates you will receive. The interest rate is no different from what you get if you put it in a bank which almost definitely mean you will really need to invest it because this is money that is going to be locked up for the long term."
Money in SRS accounts can be used to invest in stocks and insurance, and the investment returns are accumulated tax-free.
Still, experts say the SRS is not for everyone. For example, it may not be appropriate for those with many dependents under their charge.
Chew Hock Beng, Associate Director of Financial Advisory Group, Financial Alliance, said: "They probably have to take care of four parents for a married couple, and two to three kids, so a lot of money have been used for expenses."
According to DBS, SRS contributors should make sure that they have adequate disposable income and emergency funds, because premature withdrawals will incur a 5 per cent penalty and will be 100 per cent taxed.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Experts caution against toddlers getting too familiar with devices
Experts caution against toddlers getting too familiar with devices
By Evelyn Lam, Dylan Loh | Posted: 24 November 2012 2242 hrs
SINGAPORE: Experts have cautioned against letting toddlers three years old and below, get too familiar with mobile devices.
They said it might hamper their ability to learn as they grow.
Three-year-old Randy Smith has been playing with an iPad since the age of two, and his parents said he is quite familiar with some of the more advanced features in the mobile device.
Experts said children this young should spend more time interacting with their physical environment.
They said interacting too much with a virtual interface could interfere with a child's ability to understand the world around him.
Colin Smith, father of Randy Smith, said: "There was once when we just left him (Randy) to go to bed with an iPad.
"We didn't check on him till about two hours later because both of us were working at home and when we got to him, we found that he had been playing for the past two hours and didn't want to go to sleep."
- CNA/lp
- wong chee tat :)
By Evelyn Lam, Dylan Loh | Posted: 24 November 2012 2242 hrs
SINGAPORE: Experts have cautioned against letting toddlers three years old and below, get too familiar with mobile devices.
They said it might hamper their ability to learn as they grow.
Three-year-old Randy Smith has been playing with an iPad since the age of two, and his parents said he is quite familiar with some of the more advanced features in the mobile device.
Experts said children this young should spend more time interacting with their physical environment.
They said interacting too much with a virtual interface could interfere with a child's ability to understand the world around him.
Colin Smith, father of Randy Smith, said: "There was once when we just left him (Randy) to go to bed with an iPad.
"We didn't check on him till about two hours later because both of us were working at home and when we got to him, we found that he had been playing for the past two hours and didn't want to go to sleep."
- CNA/lp
- wong chee tat :)
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