Eyeing a dream job? Maintain your online professional profile
About 46 per cent of Singaporeans say they maintain their CVs frequently but not so their professional social media profiles, according to Hays.
SINGAPORE: Almost 50 per cent of Singaporeans say they update their CVs often, but only 29 per cent say they keep their CVs and professional social media profiles up to date, said recruiting firm Hays.
In a statement on Tuesday (Aug 12), the company said that in its poll of 736 Singaporeans, 46 per cent indicated that they update their CVs most frequently. About 25 per cent only update their professional social media profile, while 29 per cent update both.
Comparing these results with job seekers around the region, Singaporeans who update both CVs and social media profiles are equal to those in Malaysia and slightly ahead of Hong Kong (25 per cent) and Japan (27 per cent). They are behind their Chinese counterparts (38 per cent), however, Hays said.
Commenting on the findings, Ms Christine Wright, Managing Director of Hays in Asia, said: "Job seekers need a dual approach in today's job search. They need to recognise the power and relevance of social media and put their best self out there by updating their online profiles as well their CVs regularly."
Hays also suggested the following for those looking to update their online profiles:
Audit Yourself: Take a subjective view of your current online profile by searching for your name. If you do not like what you see, change it.
Strengthen Your 'Brand': Use a professional looking head-and-shoulders profile picture, as it humanises you and is important since people are unlikely to connect with an anonymous profile.
Write A Compelling Bio: Make sure potential employers can learn from the bio what sets you apart.
- CNA/kk
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label social behavior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social behavior. Show all posts
Friday, August 15, 2014
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Saturday, July 27, 2013
People urged to monitor social media for any posts by Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee
People urged to monitor social media for any posts by Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee
27 Jul 2013 08:23pm
KUALA TERENGGANU, July 27 — Communication and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Jailani Johari has urged members of the public to monitor controversial couple Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee’s blog for any possible seditious posts.
“I urge the public to help monitor the couple’s blog and social networking sites and report the same to the authorities,” he told reporters here today.
Commenting on their conditional release on bail yesterday, Jailani said stern action would be taken against the bloggers if they breached the court’s conditions.
Yesterday, High Court judge Datuk Mohd Azman Husin released them on RM30,000 bail in one surety each, with four conditions.
The conditions are, their passports are compounded, they must report to the nearest police station once a month, are prohibited from posting obscene photographs, provocative comments or articles which touch on religious and racial sensitivities, and prohibited from using network communication devices for the same purpose.
Tan or Tan Jye Yee, 25, and Vivian Lee May Ling, 24, were jointly charged with posting a seditious photograph on their Facebook page, ‘Alvin and Vivian – Alvivi’ at https://www.facebook.com/alvivi.swingers, with the caption, “Selamat Berbuka Puasa (dengan Bak Kut Teh…wangi, enak, menyelerakan !!!” (Happy Breaking Fast with Bak Kut Teh…fragrant, delicious and appetising!!!) and a halal logo.
Meanwhile, on a separate development he said that the Ministry planned to expand the ‘Klik dengan bijak’ programme nationwide, through the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission.
He said the move was to create awareness among the people on the importance of correct internet usage.
“Clicking the wrong thing can land you in trouble as we can see from numerous cases involving blogs, face book and so on,” he added. – BERNAMA
- wong chee tat :)
27 Jul 2013 08:23pm
KUALA TERENGGANU, July 27 — Communication and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Jailani Johari has urged members of the public to monitor controversial couple Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee’s blog for any possible seditious posts.
“I urge the public to help monitor the couple’s blog and social networking sites and report the same to the authorities,” he told reporters here today.
Commenting on their conditional release on bail yesterday, Jailani said stern action would be taken against the bloggers if they breached the court’s conditions.
Yesterday, High Court judge Datuk Mohd Azman Husin released them on RM30,000 bail in one surety each, with four conditions.
The conditions are, their passports are compounded, they must report to the nearest police station once a month, are prohibited from posting obscene photographs, provocative comments or articles which touch on religious and racial sensitivities, and prohibited from using network communication devices for the same purpose.
Tan or Tan Jye Yee, 25, and Vivian Lee May Ling, 24, were jointly charged with posting a seditious photograph on their Facebook page, ‘Alvin and Vivian – Alvivi’ at https://www.facebook.com/alvivi.swingers, with the caption, “Selamat Berbuka Puasa (dengan Bak Kut Teh…wangi, enak, menyelerakan !!!” (Happy Breaking Fast with Bak Kut Teh…fragrant, delicious and appetising!!!) and a halal logo.
Meanwhile, on a separate development he said that the Ministry planned to expand the ‘Klik dengan bijak’ programme nationwide, through the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission.
He said the move was to create awareness among the people on the importance of correct internet usage.
“Clicking the wrong thing can land you in trouble as we can see from numerous cases involving blogs, face book and so on,” he added. – BERNAMA
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Employers go online to snoop on potential hires: survey
Employers go online to snoop on potential hires: survey
Posted: 05 March 2013 1315 hrs
SINGAPORE: Seventy-five per cent of Singapore employers use online channels to perform background checks on potential candidates, according to an online survey by JobsCentral.
The survey was conducted from August to September 2012 among hiring managers and HR personnel in Singapore.
The top three social media sites that recruiters use to snoop on job candidates are LinkedIn (38.4 per cent), Facebook (34.3 per cent) and search engines (27.5 per cent).
The survey also showed that over 60 per cent of employers would reject job-seekers who were untruthful in their resumes or interviews.
The survey also showed that most employers spend less than 60 seconds looking through a resume. Only 4.8 per cent of recruiters spend more than five minutes to screen an application.
More than 50 per cent of employers did not approve of candidates' bad-mouthing
previous employers and sharing confidential company information.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 05 March 2013 1315 hrs
SINGAPORE: Seventy-five per cent of Singapore employers use online channels to perform background checks on potential candidates, according to an online survey by JobsCentral.
The survey was conducted from August to September 2012 among hiring managers and HR personnel in Singapore.
The top three social media sites that recruiters use to snoop on job candidates are LinkedIn (38.4 per cent), Facebook (34.3 per cent) and search engines (27.5 per cent).
The survey also showed that over 60 per cent of employers would reject job-seekers who were untruthful in their resumes or interviews.
The survey also showed that most employers spend less than 60 seconds looking through a resume. Only 4.8 per cent of recruiters spend more than five minutes to screen an application.
More than 50 per cent of employers did not approve of candidates' bad-mouthing
previous employers and sharing confidential company information.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, February 18, 2013
More cyber-extortion cases involving foreign female suspects
More cyber-extortion cases involving foreign female suspects
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 13 February 2013 1919 hrs
SINGAPORE: The number of cyber-extortion cases involving foreign female suspects has gone up.
Police say last year more than 50 such cases were reported up from the 11 such cases reported for the whole of 2011.
The suspects usually get acquainted with the male victims via social networking websites like Tagged.com or Facebook.
In each case, the suspects attempted to extort money from the victims after threatening to post photographs or videos of the victims online following a cyber-sex session over webcams.
Police advise the public to take preventive measures when interacting online.
These include being wary of messages from strangers who want to be friends.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 13 February 2013 1919 hrs
SINGAPORE: The number of cyber-extortion cases involving foreign female suspects has gone up.
Police say last year more than 50 such cases were reported up from the 11 such cases reported for the whole of 2011.
The suspects usually get acquainted with the male victims via social networking websites like Tagged.com or Facebook.
In each case, the suspects attempted to extort money from the victims after threatening to post photographs or videos of the victims online following a cyber-sex session over webcams.
Police advise the public to take preventive measures when interacting online.
These include being wary of messages from strangers who want to be friends.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Ex-SMRT bus drivers report abuse allegations in online video
Ex-SMRT bus drivers report abuse allegations in online video
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 30 January 2013 1044 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police said two defendants who had been charged for their roles in an SMRT bus strike in November 2012 have made serious allegations in a video online that they been assaulted while in police custody.
Police said in a statement on Tuesday night that they are aware of the video interviews.
They urged the two men, 32-year-old He Jun Ling and 33-year-old Liu Xiang Ying, to make a police report so that they can investigate the case.
Police said the defendants' lawyers can also raise this matter in court when the case against them is heard.
Police added that as the case is currently before the court, it is not appropriate for them to comment on it.
- CNA/ck/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 30 January 2013 1044 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police said two defendants who had been charged for their roles in an SMRT bus strike in November 2012 have made serious allegations in a video online that they been assaulted while in police custody.
Police said in a statement on Tuesday night that they are aware of the video interviews.
They urged the two men, 32-year-old He Jun Ling and 33-year-old Liu Xiang Ying, to make a police report so that they can investigate the case.
Police said the defendants' lawyers can also raise this matter in court when the case against them is heard.
Police added that as the case is currently before the court, it is not appropriate for them to comment on it.
- CNA/ck/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
SMRT sacks 3 drivers allegedly involved in Nov strike
SMRT sacks 3 drivers allegedly involved in Nov strike
Posted: 23 January 2013 1629 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT has terminated the services of three bus drivers who are facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in a strike last November - for absence from work without valid reasons.
It said He Jun Ling, Gao Yue Qiang and Liu Xiang Ying breached the terms of their employment contracts.
The contract of a fourth driver, Wang Xianjie, who had also been charged and had not reported for work, expired on 14 January.
He is no longer employed by SMRT.
SMRT said in a statement on Wednesday that the four drivers had not reported for work since they were released on bail on 6 December 2012.
In the past six weeks, it had actively sought to maintain contact with them.
They had, until recently, refused direct communication with SMRT even though they were still employed and paid by SMRT.
They also moved out of the accommodation provided by the company and rejected SMRT's offers of alternate accommodation.
SMRT said their continued absence from work without official leave is a breach of the company's policy, as well as the terms of their employment contracts.
It suspended them from their duties, pending an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Notices of the inquiry were sent to their lawyers.
The inquiry was held on 17 January for He, Gao and Liu but the three were absent.
After considering the facts and evidence, the SMRT disciplinary board found that the three were absent from work without prior leave or reasonable explanation.
They also failed to inform or attempt to inform SMRT of the reasons for their absence.
Though the men's work permits have been revoked, they will have to remain in Singapore as their case is before the courts.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 23 January 2013 1629 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT has terminated the services of three bus drivers who are facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in a strike last November - for absence from work without valid reasons.
It said He Jun Ling, Gao Yue Qiang and Liu Xiang Ying breached the terms of their employment contracts.
The contract of a fourth driver, Wang Xianjie, who had also been charged and had not reported for work, expired on 14 January.
He is no longer employed by SMRT.
SMRT said in a statement on Wednesday that the four drivers had not reported for work since they were released on bail on 6 December 2012.
In the past six weeks, it had actively sought to maintain contact with them.
They had, until recently, refused direct communication with SMRT even though they were still employed and paid by SMRT.
They also moved out of the accommodation provided by the company and rejected SMRT's offers of alternate accommodation.
SMRT said their continued absence from work without official leave is a breach of the company's policy, as well as the terms of their employment contracts.
It suspended them from their duties, pending an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Notices of the inquiry were sent to their lawyers.
The inquiry was held on 17 January for He, Gao and Liu but the three were absent.
After considering the facts and evidence, the SMRT disciplinary board found that the three were absent from work without prior leave or reasonable explanation.
They also failed to inform or attempt to inform SMRT of the reasons for their absence.
Though the men's work permits have been revoked, they will have to remain in Singapore as their case is before the courts.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, December 6, 2012
HK unionists protest outside S'pore consulate over bus strike clampdown
HK unionists protest outside S'pore consulate over bus strike clampdown
By Roland Lim | Posted: 05 December 2012 1809 hrs
HONG KONG: Hong Kong's trade union body held a protest at the Singapore Consulate on Wednesday as a show of solidarity with the Chinese mainland bus drivers who held illegal strikes in Singapore on 26 and 27 November.
About 20 members of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated and to drop the charges for the five who are detained.
Scuffles broke out between the protesters, building security personnel, and police when protesters were prevented from accessing the 9th floor Consulate office at Admiralty Centre to submit their petition letter.
The protesters were eventually granted access after a short stand-off.
The labour group said that Singapore did not respect international labour standards that allow workers to strike and called for equal remuneration for migrant workers.
SMRT bus drivers from China in strikes on 26 and 27 November protested for pay equal to that of their Malaysian counterparts, and for better housing conditions.
The Singapore government subsequently called the strike an "illegal strike" as 14 days' notice was not given to their employer.
This is mandatory under Singapore law for workers providing an "essential service".
29 drivers were eventually repatriated while five were detained by the police. One has been sentenced to six weeks' jail.
"Chinese workers, being migrant workers, feel aggrieved and may not know all the avenues that are available to them," said Lee Cheuk-Yan, general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.
"So it is a matter of information for migrant workers, and also a matter for the Singapore government to review the law and support for migrant workers instead of jailing them," he added.
The protesters also called on the Singapore government to amend the law stipulating that workers providing essential services need to give 14 days' advanced notice before striking.
A statement issued by Singapore's National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in response to the protest said that both local and migrant workers in Singapore have a right under Singapore's labour legislation to take industrial action or go on strike.
It said workers can do so if they follow the laws in Singapore.
NTUC said it had conveyed its position to the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions on two occasions, once on 30 November before the protest and once on Wednesday afternoon.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By Roland Lim | Posted: 05 December 2012 1809 hrs
HONG KONG: Hong Kong's trade union body held a protest at the Singapore Consulate on Wednesday as a show of solidarity with the Chinese mainland bus drivers who held illegal strikes in Singapore on 26 and 27 November.
About 20 members of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions called on the Singapore government to reinstate the 29 drivers who were repatriated and to drop the charges for the five who are detained.
Scuffles broke out between the protesters, building security personnel, and police when protesters were prevented from accessing the 9th floor Consulate office at Admiralty Centre to submit their petition letter.
The protesters were eventually granted access after a short stand-off.
The labour group said that Singapore did not respect international labour standards that allow workers to strike and called for equal remuneration for migrant workers.
SMRT bus drivers from China in strikes on 26 and 27 November protested for pay equal to that of their Malaysian counterparts, and for better housing conditions.
The Singapore government subsequently called the strike an "illegal strike" as 14 days' notice was not given to their employer.
This is mandatory under Singapore law for workers providing an "essential service".
29 drivers were eventually repatriated while five were detained by the police. One has been sentenced to six weeks' jail.
"Chinese workers, being migrant workers, feel aggrieved and may not know all the avenues that are available to them," said Lee Cheuk-Yan, general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.
"So it is a matter of information for migrant workers, and also a matter for the Singapore government to review the law and support for migrant workers instead of jailing them," he added.
The protesters also called on the Singapore government to amend the law stipulating that workers providing essential services need to give 14 days' advanced notice before striking.
A statement issued by Singapore's National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in response to the protest said that both local and migrant workers in Singapore have a right under Singapore's labour legislation to take industrial action or go on strike.
It said workers can do so if they follow the laws in Singapore.
NTUC said it had conveyed its position to the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions on two occasions, once on 30 November before the protest and once on Wednesday afternoon.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
4 ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating strike granted bail
4 ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating strike granted bail
By Alice Chia | Posted: 06 December 2012 1232 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT drivers from China who have been charged with instigating an illegal strike have been granted bail on Thursday.
He Jun Ling, who faces two charges of inciting SMRT drivers to take part in the strike on 26 and 27 November, was granted bail of S$20,000. His passport will have to be impounded.
According to court documents, He, 32, also made an online post about the strike on Chinese website Baidu, allegedly asking other workers to go on MC together.
Gao Yue Qiang, 32, Wang Xian Jie, 39 and Liu Xiang Ying, 33, were granted bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports will have to be impounded.
In response to a question from District Judge May Lucius Mesenas, the four accused said they're not able to raise the money.
Two officials from the Chinese embassy were present in court.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Alice Chia | Posted: 06 December 2012 1232 hrs
SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT drivers from China who have been charged with instigating an illegal strike have been granted bail on Thursday.
He Jun Ling, who faces two charges of inciting SMRT drivers to take part in the strike on 26 and 27 November, was granted bail of S$20,000. His passport will have to be impounded.
According to court documents, He, 32, also made an online post about the strike on Chinese website Baidu, allegedly asking other workers to go on MC together.
Gao Yue Qiang, 32, Wang Xian Jie, 39 and Liu Xiang Ying, 33, were granted bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports will have to be impounded.
In response to a question from District Judge May Lucius Mesenas, the four accused said they're not able to raise the money.
Two officials from the Chinese embassy were present in court.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
China's job agencies say Singapore no longer the preferred work destination
China's job agencies say Singapore no longer the preferred work destination
By Channel NewsAsia's Valarie Tan | Posted: 05 December 2012 2240 hrs
BEIJING: Job agencies in China say recruiting workers for Singapore has become increasingly difficult over the past five years as the wage gap between the two countries has narrowed.
And the fallout from the recent illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China is now deterring some from applying to work in Singapore.
Unfair and unjust - these are just some of the comments posted by Chinese internet users on Weibo after a former Chinese SMRT bus driver received a six-week jail sentence for taking part in an illegal strike in Singapore.
But some also felt that the drivers' behaviour was unreasonable, and called for more to be done to prepare Chinese workers before they go overseas.
"For the purpose of work, understand the laws of the country and the related rules, I think that's normal, and necessary."
"Before they leave the country, human resource companies should do some training in these areas in China before sending the workers out."
Recruiters in China said the majority of Chinese blue-collar workers in Singapore come from Jiangsu, Shandong and Liaoning where there's an abundance of manpower.
One agency in Jiangsu said it conducts a preparatory course for Chinese workers moving to Singapore for work.
Mr Lin Hai, General Manager of Jiangsu Huaian YunHai International Labour, said: "When they apply for work, I'll introduce Singapore's situation to them, let them understand that the 'Garden City' name is just the general environment. But work-wise, Singapore's efficiency is very high, you can't bring China's standards over, which means you have to do everything quickly."
But Mr Lin, whose agency was set up in 2006, said it has become increasingly difficult to recruit Chinese workers for Singapore companies.
He said salaries in Singapore are now almost on par with what workers would get if they stay in China.
And the latest bus driver incident has deterred some considering Singapore as a work destination.
Mr Lin said: "For example, in construction. They can get about 7,000-8,000 RMB each, a contractor can get 10,000 and more. In Singapore, a worker is paid 8,000-9,000 RMB. So if a Chinese construction worker can get this much staying here, it won't be worth it for him to travel far. So they usually won't choose to go to Singapore. Now, if they apply for work, when you mention Singapore, they don't want to go. Unless they have friends or relatives there but those are in the minority. So it's a challenge trying to recruit workers for Singapore."
Job agencies said skilled labour workers now prefer to work in Europe, Japan and South Korea over Singapore for work because they get three to five times more for the same position.
And with the growth of internet use and social media in China, workers including those in the rural areas are becoming more aware of labour laws and workers' rights, therefore making them more choosy about their workplace destination choices.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Channel NewsAsia's Valarie Tan | Posted: 05 December 2012 2240 hrs
BEIJING: Job agencies in China say recruiting workers for Singapore has become increasingly difficult over the past five years as the wage gap between the two countries has narrowed.
And the fallout from the recent illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China is now deterring some from applying to work in Singapore.
Unfair and unjust - these are just some of the comments posted by Chinese internet users on Weibo after a former Chinese SMRT bus driver received a six-week jail sentence for taking part in an illegal strike in Singapore.
But some also felt that the drivers' behaviour was unreasonable, and called for more to be done to prepare Chinese workers before they go overseas.
"For the purpose of work, understand the laws of the country and the related rules, I think that's normal, and necessary."
"Before they leave the country, human resource companies should do some training in these areas in China before sending the workers out."
Recruiters in China said the majority of Chinese blue-collar workers in Singapore come from Jiangsu, Shandong and Liaoning where there's an abundance of manpower.
One agency in Jiangsu said it conducts a preparatory course for Chinese workers moving to Singapore for work.
Mr Lin Hai, General Manager of Jiangsu Huaian YunHai International Labour, said: "When they apply for work, I'll introduce Singapore's situation to them, let them understand that the 'Garden City' name is just the general environment. But work-wise, Singapore's efficiency is very high, you can't bring China's standards over, which means you have to do everything quickly."
But Mr Lin, whose agency was set up in 2006, said it has become increasingly difficult to recruit Chinese workers for Singapore companies.
He said salaries in Singapore are now almost on par with what workers would get if they stay in China.
And the latest bus driver incident has deterred some considering Singapore as a work destination.
Mr Lin said: "For example, in construction. They can get about 7,000-8,000 RMB each, a contractor can get 10,000 and more. In Singapore, a worker is paid 8,000-9,000 RMB. So if a Chinese construction worker can get this much staying here, it won't be worth it for him to travel far. So they usually won't choose to go to Singapore. Now, if they apply for work, when you mention Singapore, they don't want to go. Unless they have friends or relatives there but those are in the minority. So it's a challenge trying to recruit workers for Singapore."
Job agencies said skilled labour workers now prefer to work in Europe, Japan and South Korea over Singapore for work because they get three to five times more for the same position.
And with the growth of internet use and social media in China, workers including those in the rural areas are becoming more aware of labour laws and workers' rights, therefore making them more choosy about their workplace destination choices.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
社交发展网出新招 “约会礼券”助升结婚率
社交发展网出新招 “约会礼券”助升结婚率
.
记者：吴俍祥
新闻视频
为提升结婚率，社会及家庭发展部属下的社交发展网首次推出约会礼券，希望单身人士的亲友在帮忙拉红线时能出一份力。
这些面值10元的约会礼券，要买几张不受限。社交发展网指出，单身男女更容易受亲友影响。因此当局希望鼓励亲友购买约会券送给单身的亲人，好让他们参加更多联谊。
礼券只能在11家通过当局鉴定的红娘公司消费，限用于新加坡公民和永久居民。约会礼券可在网上购买，或拨打当局热线询问。红娘公司的活动收费一般介于10元到1000元不等。
另外，当局将会在这个月29日到明年2月2日，一连五个星期举办约会节，举办天数比去年多了一倍。约会节期间也将举办一个速配晚宴，当局希望能够打破435名单身人士参与的南非世界纪录，或是改写52人的新加坡纪录大全。参加活动的单
身人士都能获得100元的津贴，比去年的25元多。
不过，社会及家庭发展部代部长陈振声也表示，津贴的多寡并不是重点，这些活动的重点，是要让国内的年轻单身人士，有更多机会来认识其他的朋友，或是扩大他们的社交圈子。
- wong chee tat :)
新闻视频
为提升结婚率，社会及家庭发展部属下的社交发展网首次推出约会礼券，希望单身人士的亲友在帮忙拉红线时能出一份力。
这些面值10元的约会礼券，要买几张不受限。社交发展网指出，单身男女更容易受亲友影响。因此当局希望鼓励亲友购买约会券送给单身的亲人，好让他们参加更多联谊。
礼券只能在11家通过当局鉴定的红娘公司消费，限用于新加坡公民和永久居民。约会礼券可在网上购买，或拨打当局热线询问。红娘公司的活动收费一般介于10元到1000元不等。
另外，当局将会在这个月29日到明年2月2日，一连五个星期举办约会节，举办天数比去年多了一倍。约会节期间也将举办一个速配晚宴，当局希望能够打破435名单身人士参与的南非世界纪录，或是改写52人的新加坡纪录大全。参加活动的单
身人士都能获得100元的津贴，比去年的25元多。
不过，社会及家庭发展部代部长陈振声也表示，津贴的多寡并不是重点，这些活动的重点，是要让国内的年轻单身人士，有更多机会来认识其他的朋友，或是扩大他们的社交圈子。
- wong chee tat :)
S'poreans turn to social media for travel & food products: report
S'poreans turn to social media for travel & food products: report
Posted: 05 December 2012 1107 hrs
SINGAPORE: A new report showed that social media is playing an increasing role in influencing Singaporean consumers' purchasing decisions, when it comes to food and travel.
The latest annual global Nielson Social Media Report showed that when it comes to choosing a restaurant (68 per cent) or a food and beverage product (67 per cent), more than two thirds of Singaporeans turn to social media websites or online reviews.
Nearly seven in 10 (67 per cent) also said they'd choose travel related products based on positive recommendations shared online.
The food, beverage, leisure and entertainment categories were also the most discussed products via social networking in Singapore, in the past year.
A third of Singaporeans post comments online about brands, at least once a week. And they're the most mobile compared to respondents from other countries.
Across the globe, Singapore has the highest usage of social media via mobile phone.
Seven in 10 consumers (70 per cent) here log on to social media via their mobile phone. The figure is 23 percentage points higher than the global average of 47 per cent.
Managing director of Nielsen for Singapore and Malaysia, Joan Koh, said: "With the increasing relevance and engagement levels of social media, we are now able to see a direct correlation between positive social media sentiment and actual intent to purchase products and services, especially for those operating in the food and beverage, travel and entertainment sectors.
"Social media represents a huge opportunity for brands to gain positive favour with consumers and savvy marketers can harness the growing influence of social media to impact business."
Compared to Singaporean consumers, those from the region said the top three categories where purchasing decision is most influenced by social media are - electronics (75 per cent), entertainment (74 per cent) and clothing (74 per cent).
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 05 December 2012 1107 hrs
SINGAPORE: A new report showed that social media is playing an increasing role in influencing Singaporean consumers' purchasing decisions, when it comes to food and travel.
The latest annual global Nielson Social Media Report showed that when it comes to choosing a restaurant (68 per cent) or a food and beverage product (67 per cent), more than two thirds of Singaporeans turn to social media websites or online reviews.
Nearly seven in 10 (67 per cent) also said they'd choose travel related products based on positive recommendations shared online.
The food, beverage, leisure and entertainment categories were also the most discussed products via social networking in Singapore, in the past year.
A third of Singaporeans post comments online about brands, at least once a week. And they're the most mobile compared to respondents from other countries.
Across the globe, Singapore has the highest usage of social media via mobile phone.
Seven in 10 consumers (70 per cent) here log on to social media via their mobile phone. The figure is 23 percentage points higher than the global average of 47 per cent.
Managing director of Nielsen for Singapore and Malaysia, Joan Koh, said: "With the increasing relevance and engagement levels of social media, we are now able to see a direct correlation between positive social media sentiment and actual intent to purchase products and services, especially for those operating in the food and beverage, travel and entertainment sectors.
"Social media represents a huge opportunity for brands to gain positive favour with consumers and savvy marketers can harness the growing influence of social media to impact business."
Compared to Singaporean consumers, those from the region said the top three categories where purchasing decision is most influenced by social media are - electronics (75 per cent), entertainment (74 per cent) and clothing (74 per cent).
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Most Singaporeans support punishment for SMRT drivers: poll
Most Singaporeans support punishment for SMRT drivers: poll
By Sharon See | Posted: 04 December 2012 1514 hrs
SINGAPORE: A poll has shown that 56 per cent agreed with the way the government has taken time to ascertain the facts before labelling the action as an illegal strike.
The government's feedback channel REACH conducted a snap poll to find out how Singaporeans felt about the illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China on 26 and 27 November.
It also found that nearly eight in 10 Singaporeans agreed that the bus drivers should be punished fully if they have breached Singapore laws.
Many Singaporeans seemed to be aware of the illegal strike with an average of 85 per cent of respondents indicating awareness.
REACH polled 313 Singaporeans who are 15 years old and above between 30 November and 2 December.
56 per cent agreed with the government for taking time to ascertain the facts before labelling the action as an illegal strike.
76 per cent felt the government had acted swiftly in bringing the situation under control.
Channel NewsAsia spoke to several commuters who also echoed these views.
Chow Yit Mei, a teacher, said: ""Given the time they need to take into consideration what went on, they need to go through the processes, I think the time given that they have acted was quite swift."
Jayson Khong, an engineer, said: "Regardless of whether they are from China or other nationalities, they have to abide by the laws. Any concern, I believe that they should not just go on strike, but consult with the management. I believe the government has handled the issue quite professionally, in that they have taken action and they have gone through the rightful procedure."
Mohd Amin, People's Association staff, RC Manager, said: "We being a law-abiding nation, so anything out of the law, you have to face the consequences."
The media in China had reported that Singaporeans felt sympathetic towards the drivers after details about their salary came to light.
But an average of 74 per cent of those polled felt the bus drivers from China should have gone through the proper channels to air their grievances.
Commuters also felt that SMRT could have done more.
And this was also reflected in the poll in which 76 per cent agree that while the drivers were in the wrong to have staged a strike, SMRT should bear some responsibility as it did not manage the grievances of the drivers well.
Anne Lim, a consultant, said: "They are complaining about the dormitory, the places they are living in, not in a good condition. They should look into that."
R Partipan, a freelancer, said: "They should have laid out their cards well before recruiting them and should have told them about the pay scale between Singaporean drivers, Malaysian drivers and China drivers."
In response to the poll findings, SMRT acknowledged the need to improve its management and communication efforts to be more attuned to the needs of its drivers.
The company said since the incident, it has beefed up its engagement efforts through hotlines and having representatives on the ground.
- CNA/ck/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See | Posted: 04 December 2012 1514 hrs
SINGAPORE: A poll has shown that 56 per cent agreed with the way the government has taken time to ascertain the facts before labelling the action as an illegal strike.
The government's feedback channel REACH conducted a snap poll to find out how Singaporeans felt about the illegal strike by SMRT bus drivers from China on 26 and 27 November.
It also found that nearly eight in 10 Singaporeans agreed that the bus drivers should be punished fully if they have breached Singapore laws.
Many Singaporeans seemed to be aware of the illegal strike with an average of 85 per cent of respondents indicating awareness.
REACH polled 313 Singaporeans who are 15 years old and above between 30 November and 2 December.
56 per cent agreed with the government for taking time to ascertain the facts before labelling the action as an illegal strike.
76 per cent felt the government had acted swiftly in bringing the situation under control.
Channel NewsAsia spoke to several commuters who also echoed these views.
Chow Yit Mei, a teacher, said: ""Given the time they need to take into consideration what went on, they need to go through the processes, I think the time given that they have acted was quite swift."
Jayson Khong, an engineer, said: "Regardless of whether they are from China or other nationalities, they have to abide by the laws. Any concern, I believe that they should not just go on strike, but consult with the management. I believe the government has handled the issue quite professionally, in that they have taken action and they have gone through the rightful procedure."
Mohd Amin, People's Association staff, RC Manager, said: "We being a law-abiding nation, so anything out of the law, you have to face the consequences."
The media in China had reported that Singaporeans felt sympathetic towards the drivers after details about their salary came to light.
But an average of 74 per cent of those polled felt the bus drivers from China should have gone through the proper channels to air their grievances.
Commuters also felt that SMRT could have done more.
And this was also reflected in the poll in which 76 per cent agree that while the drivers were in the wrong to have staged a strike, SMRT should bear some responsibility as it did not manage the grievances of the drivers well.
Anne Lim, a consultant, said: "They are complaining about the dormitory, the places they are living in, not in a good condition. They should look into that."
R Partipan, a freelancer, said: "They should have laid out their cards well before recruiting them and should have told them about the pay scale between Singaporean drivers, Malaysian drivers and China drivers."
In response to the poll findings, SMRT acknowledged the need to improve its management and communication efforts to be more attuned to the needs of its drivers.
The company said since the incident, it has beefed up its engagement efforts through hotlines and having representatives on the ground.
- CNA/ck/de
- wong chee tat :)
'Dating cash vouchers' launched by SDN
'Dating cash vouchers' launched by SDN
By Sara Grosse, Ashley Chia | Posted: 04 December 2012 1928 hrs
By Sara Grosse, Ashley Chia | Posted: 04 December 2012 1928 hrs
SINGAPORE: Friends and family of those who are single can now help to widen their social circle by buying them dating cash vouchers.
Launched on Tuesday by the Singapore Development Network (SDN), the vouchers come in denominations of S$10 and are valid for four months.
Single recipients can use the vouchers to pay for services at any of the eleven dating agencies accredited by SDN.
SDN has said that it hopes the cash voucher would encourage family and friends to play an active role in helping to widen the social circle of their single loved ones.
Michelle Goh, a certified dating practitioner of dating agency Complete Me, said that singles may not want to use a dating agency's services due to fear of being seen as an unsociable character.
"The stigma of dating agencies is still there, but since you have a voucher, why not utilise it? This will encourage them to take the first step forward," said Ms Goh.
SDN also announced a Dating Fest for singles, where participants can enjoy subsidies of up to 50 per cent for any accredited agencies' events, services and packages, capped at S$100 per single.
Dating vouchers can also be utilised during this period.
The Dating Fest will take place from 29 December 2012 to 2 Feb 2013.
- CNA/TODAY/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
SMRT：中国司机获调薪 基薪千一元
新闻视频
SMRT管理层星期一与中国籍司机举行对话会，宣布他们的起薪调整到1100元。SMRT强调，上调25元薪金原本就在计划中，原定这个月向员工宣布消息，这项举措不是受非法罢工的影响。公司也考虑允许司机把年假折换成现金。
SMRT在对话会上，向中国籍司机解释了长期和短期雇佣合约在薪金上的差异。总裁郭木财指出，公司每月承担中国籍司机近300元的交通、住宿和水电费，同没有获住宿安排的马来西亚籍车长、薪金相等，条件是公平的。
SMRT解释，公司无需为合约员工加薪，但为跟进市场标准，公司还是调整了司机的薪金。7月前加入的车长都获得75元加薪。公司也准备在11月中旬，上调多25元，并且让这项调整追溯到7月起生效。
也就是说，今年7月起，中国籍车长的薪金上调了100元。而加上多数中国籍司机，每月平均加班60个小时，总收入可达1800元。
郭木财承诺改善沟通，加强同员工的互动，确保住宿条件获改善。针对宿舍和车厂距离太远，因轮班不同而干扰其他房客的休息等课题，SMRT将在物色新住宿环境时，一并考虑在内。
另外，兀兰巴士转换站，星期一运作如常。早上尖峰时段，由SMRT经营的巴士路线，候车时间似乎不受车长人数减少所影响。
一司机认罪监六周 被告庭上洒泪向各造致歉
在另一边厢，一名SMRT中国籍巴士司机今天面控。他承认非法罢工，被判坐牢六个星期。现年38岁的包锋善，被控在上星期一参与非法罢工表示认罪。他是五名被控中国籍巴士司机中，第一个认罪的司机。
控状指他在上星期一清晨6点至7点间，在兀兰宿舍参与罢工，控方以华语念出控状。育有一名女儿的被告没有聘请律师，他承认罢工带来负面影响，并通过通译员深表忏悔，还含泪向新加坡政府、SMRT及他的家人道歉。
被告被指在11月26日拒绝上班，而事前并没有表明有意要在26日和27日罢工。控方指出被告虽然不是罢工煽动者，但也并非只是一个被动的参与者。法官强调，被告的行动妨碍了交通服务。
尽管在SMRT和人力部的劝导下，被告隔天还是没有回到工作岗位，他还发出威胁的言论，警告如果诉求未获得回应，将进一步罢工。不过，对于被告求情从轻发落，法官给予确认，因被告在面控后就深表悔意并认罪。被告自2008年就开始为SMRT服务。
其他四名涉嫌教唆非法罢工的中国籍巴士司机，已经在上星期四被控。
- wong chee tat :)
SMRT says no further adjustments of pay for China bus drivers
SMRT says no further adjustments of pay for China bus drivers
By Sharon See | Posted: 03 December 2012 1854 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT will not make further adjustments to the salaries of its drivers from China, despite an illegal strike last week over pay and living conditions.
But the company will look into the possibility of allowing its drivers to encash their unused leave.
This was the decision communicated to drivers by SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek at a townhall meeting on Monday morning.
Describing what has been a difficult week for everyone in SMRT, Mr Kuek said the management team is surprised and saddened that the situation had reached the point of an illegal strike.
He stressed that the existing compensation and contract terms are fair.
He also said SMRT reviews the salaries of its drivers regularly to keep pace with the market.
This year, it raised the starting pay of those who joined before July by $75, even though there's no contractual obligation to do so for short-term contract workers.
In mid-November, it decided on a second increment of $25 to their basic salary out of goodwill, backdated to July.
This is being communicated to the drivers and will be implemented in December.
Mr Kuek said the full monthly increase in salary from July 2012 would therefore be $100, and this will be implemented as planned.
With these increments, their starting pay is now $1,100.
He stressed that the remuneration package is fair and equitable, including transport, accommodation and utilities amounting to about $275 borne by the company.
Drivers from Malaysia, said Mr Kuek, are not provided accommodation by the company.
With many drivers clocking an average of 60 hours in overtime a month, their gross pay can reach $1,800 or more.
Member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, told Channel NewsAsia he agreed with SMRT's decision not to raise the pay of drivers from China.
Mr Lim said: "What the CEO has done is the right thing. From the perspective of the employee, if you feel that your salary is not right, you should actually speak to your employers about it. And if at the end of the day, employers are not prepared to increase the salary, you should then look for other employment.
"I think it is also a wrong signal to send if the company adjusts its salary upwards because of actions by employees to force their opinion on their employer to make adjustments to the salary."
Mr Lim said many drivers from China came to Singapore initially satisfied with their salary, and that it is not right for them to compare with their colleagues later and demand a change in the terms of employment.
"When you take up an employment with any company, you don't know what your future colleagues will be earning. You look at what you're offered, and you ask yourself, am I happy with this salary that I'm getting. If you say "yes", then you go in with your eyes open that this is the salary you take when you start work," he said.
Addressing complaints from some drivers about misrepresentation by agents in China who had hired them, Mr Kuek said SMRT will raise this matter with the relevant agencies to investigate further.
He also urged drivers to use the right and proper channels of communication and feedback to voice their unhappiness.
SMRT, he said, acknowledged that its managers and supervisors down the line could have been more sensitive and responsive to the needs of drivers.
It will address this shortcoming with priority and is strengthening its staff communications and engagement.
Turning to the living conditions of the drivers, Mr Kuek said he visited the drivers' rooms and surroundings recently and agreed with them that things can be improved.
As for bed bugs, the dormitory rooms were fumigated last month and again last week.
Mr Kuek said this appears to be a more persistent problem and SMRT will continue to monitor and act on this.
The Singapore Human Resources Institute said companies that employ a large number of foreign workers can do more to ease them into life in Singapore, such as through induction programmes and English lessons.
Mr David Ang, Executive Director of Singapore Human Resources Institute, said: "It is also very important that companies also explain to them that if you are working in the industry which is very important to the public, such as the essential services, then the rules and regulations as well as the law governing work in a company that is providing essential services should be explained to them."
Mr Ang added that companies' communications plan should not only include employment terms and the law, it should also explain their pay structure.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See | Posted: 03 December 2012 1854 hrs
SINGAPORE: SMRT will not make further adjustments to the salaries of its drivers from China, despite an illegal strike last week over pay and living conditions.
But the company will look into the possibility of allowing its drivers to encash their unused leave.
This was the decision communicated to drivers by SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek at a townhall meeting on Monday morning.
Describing what has been a difficult week for everyone in SMRT, Mr Kuek said the management team is surprised and saddened that the situation had reached the point of an illegal strike.
He stressed that the existing compensation and contract terms are fair.
He also said SMRT reviews the salaries of its drivers regularly to keep pace with the market.
This year, it raised the starting pay of those who joined before July by $75, even though there's no contractual obligation to do so for short-term contract workers.
In mid-November, it decided on a second increment of $25 to their basic salary out of goodwill, backdated to July.
This is being communicated to the drivers and will be implemented in December.
Mr Kuek said the full monthly increase in salary from July 2012 would therefore be $100, and this will be implemented as planned.
With these increments, their starting pay is now $1,100.
He stressed that the remuneration package is fair and equitable, including transport, accommodation and utilities amounting to about $275 borne by the company.
Drivers from Malaysia, said Mr Kuek, are not provided accommodation by the company.
With many drivers clocking an average of 60 hours in overtime a month, their gross pay can reach $1,800 or more.
Member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, told Channel NewsAsia he agreed with SMRT's decision not to raise the pay of drivers from China.
Mr Lim said: "What the CEO has done is the right thing. From the perspective of the employee, if you feel that your salary is not right, you should actually speak to your employers about it. And if at the end of the day, employers are not prepared to increase the salary, you should then look for other employment.
"I think it is also a wrong signal to send if the company adjusts its salary upwards because of actions by employees to force their opinion on their employer to make adjustments to the salary."
Mr Lim said many drivers from China came to Singapore initially satisfied with their salary, and that it is not right for them to compare with their colleagues later and demand a change in the terms of employment.
"When you take up an employment with any company, you don't know what your future colleagues will be earning. You look at what you're offered, and you ask yourself, am I happy with this salary that I'm getting. If you say "yes", then you go in with your eyes open that this is the salary you take when you start work," he said.
Addressing complaints from some drivers about misrepresentation by agents in China who had hired them, Mr Kuek said SMRT will raise this matter with the relevant agencies to investigate further.
He also urged drivers to use the right and proper channels of communication and feedback to voice their unhappiness.
SMRT, he said, acknowledged that its managers and supervisors down the line could have been more sensitive and responsive to the needs of drivers.
It will address this shortcoming with priority and is strengthening its staff communications and engagement.
Turning to the living conditions of the drivers, Mr Kuek said he visited the drivers' rooms and surroundings recently and agreed with them that things can be improved.
As for bed bugs, the dormitory rooms were fumigated last month and again last week.
Mr Kuek said this appears to be a more persistent problem and SMRT will continue to monitor and act on this.
The Singapore Human Resources Institute said companies that employ a large number of foreign workers can do more to ease them into life in Singapore, such as through induction programmes and English lessons.
Mr David Ang, Executive Director of Singapore Human Resources Institute, said: "It is also very important that companies also explain to them that if you are working in the industry which is very important to the public, such as the essential services, then the rules and regulations as well as the law governing work in a company that is providing essential services should be explained to them."
Mr Ang added that companies' communications plan should not only include employment terms and the law, it should also explain their pay structure.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, December 3, 2012
6 weeks' jail for SMRT bus driver involved in strike
6 weeks' jail for SMRT bus driver involved in strike
By Alvina Soh | Posted: 03 December 2012 1226 hrs
SINGAPORE: A SMRT bus driver from China has been sentenced to six weeks' jail for taking part in an illegal strike.
Bao Feng Shan, 38, admitted that he committed the offence on 26 November.
He appeared grim in court on Monday, as the charge was read out to him in Mandarin, accusing him of "commencing" the strike between 6am and 7am on 26 November at Woodlands Dormitory.
Bao, who did not engage a lawyer, acknowledged the "adverse effects" of the strike.
Speaking through a court interpreter, he said he was "deeply remorseful and apologetic".
Bao, who teared several times, also apologised to the government of Singapore, SMRT and his family.
He said a jail sentence would have adverse effects on his eight-year-old daughter.
Bao was deployed to Kranji Depot to drive Service 106 at the time of the offence.
The tall and bespectacled man had been working for SMRT since 2008.
Some time between 6am and 7am on 26 November, he joined many drivers in refusing to go to work.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Peggy Pao told the court that Bao was not happy that he was not entitled to the same year-end bonuses and increments as his Malaysian counterparts.
He did not give notice of his intention to strike on 26 and 27 November.
The court heard that Bao did not start the strike, but took on a participatory role.
But DPP Pao pointed out that although Bao was not charged as an instigator, he was "far from a mere passive participant".
She acknowledged that there may have been "a genuine sense of frustration" but stressed that there was no justification to resort to a strike.
The DPP had pushed for a deterrent sentence of six weeks' jail, on the grounds of the "considerable public disquiet" caused by the strike.
She said a lenient approach may encourage others to think that they can commit similar offences and "conveniently express remorse to escape custodial sentence".
She stressed that the illegal strike was not a case of a few workers refraining from work but was a large-scale organised effort to use illegal means to coerce the management of SMRT into giving in to the workers' demands.
During sentencing, Senior District Judge See Kee Oon highlighted an aggravating factor - that the act was calculated to cause obstruction and inconvenience to transport services.
He noted that Bao did not return to work the next day, even though he was advised to do so by SMRT and the Ministry of Manpower.
He also made a number of threatening comments, warning of further strikes if the demands were not met.
The judge acknowledged Bao's plea of leniency, saying he showed remorse by pleading guilty right after he was charged.
But he agreed with the prosecution that deterrence must be a primary consideration and that a jail sentence was warranted.
He said while Bao may have been motivated by a sense of grievance, he went against the law.
Bao is the first of five SMRT drivers who have been charged to plead guilty.
Four other drivers were charged last Thursday with instigating the drivers to take part in the strike.
They are He Jun Ling (32), Gao Yue Qiang (32), Liu Xiangying (33), Wang Xianjie, (33).
One of them, He, faces an additional charge of making an online post about the strike.
The four are currently remanded at the Central Police Station.
SMRT said 171 bus drivers did not report for work on 26 November and 88 of them continued to stay away from work on 27 November.
Twenty-nine of them were sent back to China on Sunday.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Alvina Soh | Posted: 03 December 2012 1226 hrs
SINGAPORE: A SMRT bus driver from China has been sentenced to six weeks' jail for taking part in an illegal strike.
Bao Feng Shan, 38, admitted that he committed the offence on 26 November.
He appeared grim in court on Monday, as the charge was read out to him in Mandarin, accusing him of "commencing" the strike between 6am and 7am on 26 November at Woodlands Dormitory.
Bao, who did not engage a lawyer, acknowledged the "adverse effects" of the strike.
Speaking through a court interpreter, he said he was "deeply remorseful and apologetic".
Bao, who teared several times, also apologised to the government of Singapore, SMRT and his family.
He said a jail sentence would have adverse effects on his eight-year-old daughter.
Bao was deployed to Kranji Depot to drive Service 106 at the time of the offence.
The tall and bespectacled man had been working for SMRT since 2008.
Some time between 6am and 7am on 26 November, he joined many drivers in refusing to go to work.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Peggy Pao told the court that Bao was not happy that he was not entitled to the same year-end bonuses and increments as his Malaysian counterparts.
He did not give notice of his intention to strike on 26 and 27 November.
The court heard that Bao did not start the strike, but took on a participatory role.
But DPP Pao pointed out that although Bao was not charged as an instigator, he was "far from a mere passive participant".
She acknowledged that there may have been "a genuine sense of frustration" but stressed that there was no justification to resort to a strike.
The DPP had pushed for a deterrent sentence of six weeks' jail, on the grounds of the "considerable public disquiet" caused by the strike.
She said a lenient approach may encourage others to think that they can commit similar offences and "conveniently express remorse to escape custodial sentence".
She stressed that the illegal strike was not a case of a few workers refraining from work but was a large-scale organised effort to use illegal means to coerce the management of SMRT into giving in to the workers' demands.
During sentencing, Senior District Judge See Kee Oon highlighted an aggravating factor - that the act was calculated to cause obstruction and inconvenience to transport services.
He noted that Bao did not return to work the next day, even though he was advised to do so by SMRT and the Ministry of Manpower.
He also made a number of threatening comments, warning of further strikes if the demands were not met.
The judge acknowledged Bao's plea of leniency, saying he showed remorse by pleading guilty right after he was charged.
But he agreed with the prosecution that deterrence must be a primary consideration and that a jail sentence was warranted.
He said while Bao may have been motivated by a sense of grievance, he went against the law.
Bao is the first of five SMRT drivers who have been charged to plead guilty.
Four other drivers were charged last Thursday with instigating the drivers to take part in the strike.
They are He Jun Ling (32), Gao Yue Qiang (32), Liu Xiangying (33), Wang Xianjie, (33).
One of them, He, faces an additional charge of making an online post about the strike.
The four are currently remanded at the Central Police Station.
SMRT said 171 bus drivers did not report for work on 26 November and 88 of them continued to stay away from work on 27 November.
Twenty-nine of them were sent back to China on Sunday.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
29 ex-SMRT bus drivers involved in illegal strike sent back to China
29 ex-SMRT bus drivers involved in illegal strike sent back to China
Posted: 02 December 2012 1739 hrs
SINGAPORE: All 29 ex-SMRT bus drivers involved in an illegal strike over pay and living conditions on 26 and 27 November have been sent back to China.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said they were placed on flights between 12:15am and 4:35pm on Sunday.
MHA said they were cooperative and that the process took place without incident.
Officials from the Chinese embassy, as well as SMRT staff, assisted in the repatriation exercise.
The 29 drivers, who were rounded up on Saturday morning, were absent from work on one or both days of the illegal strike.
Their work permits were revoked.
Although some of them had medical certificates, the authorities said these drivers were recalcitrant and participated actively in the strike.
On Thursday, four other SMRT drivers from China were charged with instigating the strike.
A fifth driver will be charged in court on Monday.
Over 150 other drivers will be let off, with police warning letters.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 02 December 2012 1739 hrs
SINGAPORE: All 29 ex-SMRT bus drivers involved in an illegal strike over pay and living conditions on 26 and 27 November have been sent back to China.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said they were placed on flights between 12:15am and 4:35pm on Sunday.
MHA said they were cooperative and that the process took place without incident.
Officials from the Chinese embassy, as well as SMRT staff, assisted in the repatriation exercise.
The 29 drivers, who were rounded up on Saturday morning, were absent from work on one or both days of the illegal strike.
Their work permits were revoked.
Although some of them had medical certificates, the authorities said these drivers were recalcitrant and participated actively in the strike.
On Thursday, four other SMRT drivers from China were charged with instigating the strike.
A fifth driver will be charged in court on Monday.
Over 150 other drivers will be let off, with police warning letters.
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, December 2, 2012
29 SMRT bus drivers' work permits revoked, will be repatriated
29 SMRT bus drivers' work permits revoked, will be repatriated
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 01 December 2012 1707 hrs
SINGAPORE: One more SMRT bus driver from China will be charged and another 29 sent back for their involvement in an illegal strike over their pay and living conditions earlier this week.
At a news conference on Saturday, the Manpower and Transport Ministries also took SMRT to task for lapses in its internal processes.
Despite the grievances raised by the bus drivers from China, the government reiterated that the workers had crossed the line and broken the law.
Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said: "We have been very deliberate and measured in our actions. The government has taken into account the roles that the bus drivers played in the strike action and also the recalcitrance of the bus drivers who had participated in the strike on the second day as well despite our efforts to persuade them to abort their plans and to return to work the following day."
Twenty-nine drivers were rounded up on Saturday morning and are now in custody. Their work permits have been revoked and they will be repatriated. They were absent from work on either or both days of the illegal strike on 26 and 27 November, without reason. Although some had medical certificates, authorities said these drivers were recalcitrant and participated actively in the strike.
The fifth person to be charged was said to be hostile and aggressive. On Thursday, four others have been charged with instigating the strike.
Over 150 other drivers will be let off. Police will issue warning letters to them and barring any new developments there should not be any further arrests or repatriation.
Mr Tan said the rest, who can continue working in Singapore, are said to have been coerced or threatened to join the strike.
There were strong words also for SMRT.
Mr Tan said the transport operator could have done better to manage the concerns of its workers. The incident he said was a timely reminder for employers to look into their obligations to workers.
He said: "SMRT must take steps to ensure that such severe breakdowns in labour relations should not happen again. We all know that there are statutory requirements that companies need to fulfil and these are expected of all companies but there are also many non-statutory practices which frankly any good company should fulfil as well and this includes how you manage your staff, employees, how you engage them and how you look after them, looking after their welfare and this includes both local and foreign employees and frankly it is common sense, companies are expected to do that.
"The issue is really why did this happen? Why was it allowed to fester? We do understand that the channels of communication are there. So the question is, did it filter upwards? Did it not filter upwards? And why not? And those are things we have to examine," Mr Tan said.
He acknowledged that one issue that needs to be looked into is the pay for bus drivers. The China workers are unhappy over their increment and remuneration compared to their colleagues from Malaysia.
Mr Tan added by and large, companies in Singapore do treat their workers well, be they locals or foreigners. But the government wants to promote better employment practices.
And given the shortfall of drivers, the Transport Ministry said commuters should expect some delays on certain routes.
Forty-five additional drivers will be mobilised within the week after they are trained and familiarised with routes and equipment. These drivers are on loan from the other transport operator SBS Transit and private bus operators.
Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said SMRT has also recalled its off-duty drivers as well as training instructors to make up for the shortfall.
It will take SMRT another two to three months to recruit new drivers and train them.
The government has also called on Singaporeans to be circumspect in their response to the incident.
Ms Teo said: "I think it's fair to say that some drivers regretted their actions and also they have chosen to go back to work. So I think we should not cast doubts firstly on their competence and secondly on their willingness and commitment to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. I think anymore casting of aspersions on their willingness to do their job properly is not helpful.
"I think we want to encourage them to continue their conversation with management, resolve their differences. Most importantly, we want them to continue to put the safety of commuters as their first priority.
On whether the incident will affect bilateral relations with China, Mr Tan said this is not a bilateral issue but a case where the law is violated.
"It's important not to politicise the issues," he added.
The Manpower Ministry said it is in talks with the Chinese Embassy.
In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, Mr Tan said: "There are many bus drivers, whether local or foreign, who continue to work hard, diligently and conscientiously discharging their duties every day bearing Singaporeans to and fro.
"All employees in Singapore, local or foreign, play an important role as responsible workers, as members of society, contributing in many ways which we often take for granted.
"So, while we may all have our individual perspectives on the incident, it is important for Singaporeans to be respectful in the way we respond. It would be remiss of us to just generalise about certain groups of people in a less than responsible way. We do need to respect those who continue to work hard to perform their duties."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 01 December 2012 1707 hrs
SINGAPORE: One more SMRT bus driver from China will be charged and another 29 sent back for their involvement in an illegal strike over their pay and living conditions earlier this week.
At a news conference on Saturday, the Manpower and Transport Ministries also took SMRT to task for lapses in its internal processes.
Despite the grievances raised by the bus drivers from China, the government reiterated that the workers had crossed the line and broken the law.
Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said: "We have been very deliberate and measured in our actions. The government has taken into account the roles that the bus drivers played in the strike action and also the recalcitrance of the bus drivers who had participated in the strike on the second day as well despite our efforts to persuade them to abort their plans and to return to work the following day."
Twenty-nine drivers were rounded up on Saturday morning and are now in custody. Their work permits have been revoked and they will be repatriated. They were absent from work on either or both days of the illegal strike on 26 and 27 November, without reason. Although some had medical certificates, authorities said these drivers were recalcitrant and participated actively in the strike.
The fifth person to be charged was said to be hostile and aggressive. On Thursday, four others have been charged with instigating the strike.
Over 150 other drivers will be let off. Police will issue warning letters to them and barring any new developments there should not be any further arrests or repatriation.
Mr Tan said the rest, who can continue working in Singapore, are said to have been coerced or threatened to join the strike.
There were strong words also for SMRT.
Mr Tan said the transport operator could have done better to manage the concerns of its workers. The incident he said was a timely reminder for employers to look into their obligations to workers.
He said: "SMRT must take steps to ensure that such severe breakdowns in labour relations should not happen again. We all know that there are statutory requirements that companies need to fulfil and these are expected of all companies but there are also many non-statutory practices which frankly any good company should fulfil as well and this includes how you manage your staff, employees, how you engage them and how you look after them, looking after their welfare and this includes both local and foreign employees and frankly it is common sense, companies are expected to do that.
"The issue is really why did this happen? Why was it allowed to fester? We do understand that the channels of communication are there. So the question is, did it filter upwards? Did it not filter upwards? And why not? And those are things we have to examine," Mr Tan said.
He acknowledged that one issue that needs to be looked into is the pay for bus drivers. The China workers are unhappy over their increment and remuneration compared to their colleagues from Malaysia.
Mr Tan added by and large, companies in Singapore do treat their workers well, be they locals or foreigners. But the government wants to promote better employment practices.
And given the shortfall of drivers, the Transport Ministry said commuters should expect some delays on certain routes.
Forty-five additional drivers will be mobilised within the week after they are trained and familiarised with routes and equipment. These drivers are on loan from the other transport operator SBS Transit and private bus operators.
Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said SMRT has also recalled its off-duty drivers as well as training instructors to make up for the shortfall.
It will take SMRT another two to three months to recruit new drivers and train them.
The government has also called on Singaporeans to be circumspect in their response to the incident.
Ms Teo said: "I think it's fair to say that some drivers regretted their actions and also they have chosen to go back to work. So I think we should not cast doubts firstly on their competence and secondly on their willingness and commitment to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. I think anymore casting of aspersions on their willingness to do their job properly is not helpful.
"I think we want to encourage them to continue their conversation with management, resolve their differences. Most importantly, we want them to continue to put the safety of commuters as their first priority.
On whether the incident will affect bilateral relations with China, Mr Tan said this is not a bilateral issue but a case where the law is violated.
"It's important not to politicise the issues," he added.
The Manpower Ministry said it is in talks with the Chinese Embassy.
In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, Mr Tan said: "There are many bus drivers, whether local or foreign, who continue to work hard, diligently and conscientiously discharging their duties every day bearing Singaporeans to and fro.
"All employees in Singapore, local or foreign, play an important role as responsible workers, as members of society, contributing in many ways which we often take for granted.
"So, while we may all have our individual perspectives on the incident, it is important for Singaporeans to be respectful in the way we respond. It would be remiss of us to just generalise about certain groups of people in a less than responsible way. We do need to respect those who continue to work hard to perform their duties."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
29 bus drivers who will be repatriated will be paid: SMRT
29 bus drivers who will be repatriated will be paid: SMRT
Posted: 01 December 2012 2156 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public transport operator SMRT said the 29 drivers who will be repatriated will be paid, before they leave the country. They will be given all salaries, all claims if any, and ex gratia bonuses on a pro-rated basis.
In its statement on Saturday evening, SMRT said there are valuable lessons learnt from this incident which are being addressed by the management.
SMRT said it needs to improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more proactive, responsible and sensitive to the needs of its drivers.
SMRT said: "We are determined to come out stronger from this episode. We want to thank all our drivers for continuing to work hard on the roads to serve our passengers, and we value their service to the company. We will continue to actively engage all drivers at all levels to address their concerns holistically, and work together to make the workplace a more conducive one for everybody."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 01 December 2012 2156 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public transport operator SMRT said the 29 drivers who will be repatriated will be paid, before they leave the country. They will be given all salaries, all claims if any, and ex gratia bonuses on a pro-rated basis.
In its statement on Saturday evening, SMRT said there are valuable lessons learnt from this incident which are being addressed by the management.
SMRT said it needs to improve its management, communication and engagement efforts to be more proactive, responsible and sensitive to the needs of its drivers.
SMRT said: "We are determined to come out stronger from this episode. We want to thank all our drivers for continuing to work hard on the roads to serve our passengers, and we value their service to the company. We will continue to actively engage all drivers at all levels to address their concerns holistically, and work together to make the workplace a more conducive one for everybody."
- CNA/ck
- wong chee tat :)
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