I refer to the report “Government looking to enact laws to protect name, image of Lee Kuan Yew” (May 23, online). It is time to enact laws on the use of our founders’ names for commercial gain or in advertisements.
For example, on May 29, 2010, NTUC Income placed a newspaper advertisement with a picture of Dr Goh Keng Swee in conjunction with its 40th anniversary. This was well intentioned: To honour his contribution towards the setting up of the insurer.
However, the use of a founder’s name and image with a company logo displayed conspicuously should be discouraged. There is a commercial factor in drawing customers through tributes to our founders; it could be deemed as indirect commercial gain.
In the case above, NTUC Income is just like any other insurer competing for business. Moreover, there is no level playing field because other insurers do not have such marketing “tools”.
Fast forward to March, and we had BreadTalk apologising for using Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s name to promote its buns in the name of charity (“BreadTalk apologises for Lee Kuan Yew commemorative bun”; March 25, online).
Besides publicising its brand in that manner, which was unacceptable, there was the question of preserving Mr Lee’s dignity. Using his image and name for a consumable item was a reprehensible, humiliating public relations stunt.
The Government would be right to introduce any legislation to protect the dignity and esteem of Singapore’s founding fathers, respected symbols who must not be treated as tradeable commodities for use in advertisements or other channels to promote sales.
To protect their names and images from commercial exploitation would be a step in the right direction.
Saturday 30 May 2015
[Today] Confer Star of Temasek on Mr Lee to mark SG50
To honour the memory of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, perhaps the Government could look into conferring on him a posthumous state order at this year’s National Day Awards ceremony.
Given the SG50 celebrations, it would be all the more meaningful and befitting of the occasion to confer on him our country’s highest award, the Bintang Temasek (The Star of Temasek).
Since its inception in 1970, no person has been awarded Singapore’s most prestigious national honour, which is awarded for acts of exceptional courage and skill, or for exhibiting conspicuous devotion to duty in circumstances of extreme danger.
What better way to honour Mr Lee than to make him the inaugural recipient of The Star of Temasek?
Given the SG50 celebrations, it would be all the more meaningful and befitting of the occasion to confer on him our country’s highest award, the Bintang Temasek (The Star of Temasek).
Since its inception in 1970, no person has been awarded Singapore’s most prestigious national honour, which is awarded for acts of exceptional courage and skill, or for exhibiting conspicuous devotion to duty in circumstances of extreme danger.
What better way to honour Mr Lee than to make him the inaugural recipient of The Star of Temasek?
[Today] High probability of land-induced recession in China
In the report “No risk of hard landing for China, says Bernanke” (May 28), former Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said China’s economic slowdown should not worry markets, as there is no risk of a hard landing. I disagree.
Some of the leading indicators are flagging a hard landing caused by a real estate bubble bursting.
First, land prices rose sharply by nearly 800 per cent between 2003 and 2010, pushed up too much by land speculation. This has resulted in an unsustainable increase in home prices. Such an event — seen in United States economic history since the 1800s — has always been followed by a decline in economic activity, then a recession. Land prices have already peaked and, with construction stalling, continue to fall, affecting the wider economy.
Secondly, the price of copper, which is used extensively as a key material in the building of houses, is considered a good indicator of economic health. Copper prices peaked in 2011 and have since fallen sharply.
Third, the yield curve is an excellent predictor of recessions. All recessions in the US since 1960 have been preceded by an inverted yield curve, caused by short-term interest rates rising above the level of long-term bonds. China’s inverted yield curve has occurred.
Fourth, it is a consistent trend that the world’s tallest buildings are completed right at the top of the real estate cycle. A few of these skyscrapers are now completed or will be completed within the next couple of years in various Chinese cities.
This phenomenon is a reliable indicator of an impending economic downturn. For example, Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers were completed in 1996, before the Asian currency crisis.
Typically, real estate values peak one to two years before a recession: A land-related recession in China may happen in 2017.
Some of the leading indicators are flagging a hard landing caused by a real estate bubble bursting.
First, land prices rose sharply by nearly 800 per cent between 2003 and 2010, pushed up too much by land speculation. This has resulted in an unsustainable increase in home prices. Such an event — seen in United States economic history since the 1800s — has always been followed by a decline in economic activity, then a recession. Land prices have already peaked and, with construction stalling, continue to fall, affecting the wider economy.
Secondly, the price of copper, which is used extensively as a key material in the building of houses, is considered a good indicator of economic health. Copper prices peaked in 2011 and have since fallen sharply.
Third, the yield curve is an excellent predictor of recessions. All recessions in the US since 1960 have been preceded by an inverted yield curve, caused by short-term interest rates rising above the level of long-term bonds. China’s inverted yield curve has occurred.
Fourth, it is a consistent trend that the world’s tallest buildings are completed right at the top of the real estate cycle. A few of these skyscrapers are now completed or will be completed within the next couple of years in various Chinese cities.
This phenomenon is a reliable indicator of an impending economic downturn. For example, Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers were completed in 1996, before the Asian currency crisis.
Typically, real estate values peak one to two years before a recession: A land-related recession in China may happen in 2017.
[Today] TDSR causing distortion in used-car prices
The total debt servicing ratio (TDSR) does not take into consideration the lifespan of the asset being bought, which is causing a distortion in used-car prices. A person reaching his debt limit can, for the same maximum quantum, finance a higher proportion of, say, an eight-year-old car than that of a new car. However, the same loan is used to finance two cars with vastly different perishable lifespans.
For example, if a person can borrow a maximum of S$30,000 due to his TDSR, he can buy an eight-year-old car at S$50,000, but not a new car at S$110,000, even though the ownership cost of the latter is lower.
This artificial affordability is allowing used-car dealers to jack up prices when people cannot buy a new car due to the TDSR constraint.
I just bought a new car at S$106,000. Considering the Preferential Additional Registration Fee rebate at the end of 10 years, the straight-line depreciation of this car is about S$10,000 a year.
Used-car advertisements show that the cost of owning an eight-year-old car is above S$12,000 a year. The less well-off are consequently driven to despair and anger.
For example, if a person can borrow a maximum of S$30,000 due to his TDSR, he can buy an eight-year-old car at S$50,000, but not a new car at S$110,000, even though the ownership cost of the latter is lower.
This artificial affordability is allowing used-car dealers to jack up prices when people cannot buy a new car due to the TDSR constraint.
I just bought a new car at S$106,000. Considering the Preferential Additional Registration Fee rebate at the end of 10 years, the straight-line depreciation of this car is about S$10,000 a year.
Used-car advertisements show that the cost of owning an eight-year-old car is above S$12,000 a year. The less well-off are consequently driven to despair and anger.
Friday 29 May 2015
[Today] Coming GE a test for all parties, not just WP
With reference to the letter “Coming GE a test of Workers’ Party’s performance” (May 27), I feel that it is prudent not to single out any one party for this coming General Election (GE), as it is a test for all parties — both incumbents and the newer, smaller fringe parties.
Also, sometimes voter behaviour is irrational. Some voters often vote on limited or inaccurate information, or even based on emotions. Logic may sometimes be unsuited to explaining voter patterns. People are more likely to vote based on personality, events and issues, and less on ideology and principles.
This leads to another point: the rise of smaller fringe parties such as the Singaporeans First Party and the pending People’s Power Party. The coming GE is a test for them too, as to whether their fringe ideology would appeal to the majority.
Lastly, the coming GE is also a test for the incumbents to assess whether their policy countermeasures have sufficiently appeased an electorate that gave them a rather poor showing in 2011.
Also, sometimes voter behaviour is irrational. Some voters often vote on limited or inaccurate information, or even based on emotions. Logic may sometimes be unsuited to explaining voter patterns. People are more likely to vote based on personality, events and issues, and less on ideology and principles.
This leads to another point: the rise of smaller fringe parties such as the Singaporeans First Party and the pending People’s Power Party. The coming GE is a test for them too, as to whether their fringe ideology would appeal to the majority.
Lastly, the coming GE is also a test for the incumbents to assess whether their policy countermeasures have sufficiently appeased an electorate that gave them a rather poor showing in 2011.
[Today] Firms must recognise value of work-life balance
I refer to the report “Work eating into S’poreans’ family time: Survey” (May 27). Family time is important in helping ensure communication and closer bonds between family members.
Companies should understand that family life is essential to a person’s well-being, and should have days for family outings or for family members to just spend time with their loved ones. Men, too, should be given equal time for this.
The authorities must step up efforts to send a clear message to companies that work-life balance is crucial in maintaining workplace productivity and employee satisfaction, and urge them to create more opportunities for family time.
Recognising this issue would help companies tailor the working hours for employees while still getting the work done on time. To allow for work-life balance, better planning is necessary.
Companies must create a flexible work environment for their employees to better manage work stress. With more family time, parents or caregivers can fulfil their responsibilities to their loved ones and also be productive at work.
More help should be given to those who are divorced, separated or widowed when addressing their concerns, as they have a greater responsibility to their family.
Also, the authorities should look at ways of providing better wages and solutions for the low-income group, to give them the same benefits of more family time. Flexible work arrangements would help them as well to foster stronger family ties.
On another point, the survey found that relatively fewer married respondents were satisfied with their marriages. Couples must work together in managing their work schedules so that they spend time with each other. Through marriage counselling, talks and preparation courses, couples could also see the need to have realistic expectations of marriage.
Ultimately, a greater sense of balance between work commitments and family time is necessary for better support of families, which would increase Singaporeans’ long-term satisfaction with their family and marriage lives.
Companies should understand that family life is essential to a person’s well-being, and should have days for family outings or for family members to just spend time with their loved ones. Men, too, should be given equal time for this.
The authorities must step up efforts to send a clear message to companies that work-life balance is crucial in maintaining workplace productivity and employee satisfaction, and urge them to create more opportunities for family time.
Recognising this issue would help companies tailor the working hours for employees while still getting the work done on time. To allow for work-life balance, better planning is necessary.
Companies must create a flexible work environment for their employees to better manage work stress. With more family time, parents or caregivers can fulfil their responsibilities to their loved ones and also be productive at work.
More help should be given to those who are divorced, separated or widowed when addressing their concerns, as they have a greater responsibility to their family.
Also, the authorities should look at ways of providing better wages and solutions for the low-income group, to give them the same benefits of more family time. Flexible work arrangements would help them as well to foster stronger family ties.
On another point, the survey found that relatively fewer married respondents were satisfied with their marriages. Couples must work together in managing their work schedules so that they spend time with each other. Through marriage counselling, talks and preparation courses, couples could also see the need to have realistic expectations of marriage.
Ultimately, a greater sense of balance between work commitments and family time is necessary for better support of families, which would increase Singaporeans’ long-term satisfaction with their family and marriage lives.
[Today] Classify second-hand smoke drifting into homes as a nuisance
We commemorate World No Tobacco Day on May 31, but for those in Singapore whose neighbours smoke, the reality will be a far cry from that.
More than 90 per cent of us live in multi-unit housing. If someone drinks alcohol at home, they are not harming anyone. But smoking is different; smoke cannot be contained.
Second-hand smoke has an impact on others’ enjoyment of their own residence, effectively removing their right to a safe, healthy environment. As the United States Surgeon General has warned, there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
Personal autonomy is not tantamount to unrestrained freedom. In the absence of smoke-free housing, cigarette/cigar smoking should be considered a disturbance if smoke drifts into a residential unit more than once a week for at least two consecutive weeks.
In Utah, if a nuisance is proven, the plaintiff may request an injunction that requires the nuisance to cease, as well as damages. In the City of Calabasas, California, the city council has declared that “exposing other persons to second-hand smoke constitutes a public nuisance and may be remedied as such”. Action may be brought by an individual or the City Attorney.
The plaintiff may receive actual damages or US$250 (S$340) for each violation; restitution; exemplary damages if oppression, fraud, malice or conscious disregard for the public health and safety is proven clearly and convincingly; legal fees; or an injunction.
In the City of Dublin, California, second-hand smoke constitutes a nuisance, and a citizen may take legal action to abate such a nuisance.
In 2013, a strata law reform in New South Wales, Australia, was proposed to “clarify that any smoke that drifts into a residential lot may be regarded as a nuisance or a hazard” and to ban smoking that “interferes unreasonably” with another resident’s use of a lot.
Canadian courts have been sympathetic to the plight of non-smokers exposed unwillingly to second-hand smoke drifting into their homes. Cases have been won on the premise of nuisance, as well as a breach of the covenant of peaceful enjoyment.
Our policymakers should study precedents in the US, Australia and Canada and take effective action to protect non-smokers from the daily assault of toxic smoke from neighbours.
More than 90 per cent of us live in multi-unit housing. If someone drinks alcohol at home, they are not harming anyone. But smoking is different; smoke cannot be contained.
Second-hand smoke has an impact on others’ enjoyment of their own residence, effectively removing their right to a safe, healthy environment. As the United States Surgeon General has warned, there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
Personal autonomy is not tantamount to unrestrained freedom. In the absence of smoke-free housing, cigarette/cigar smoking should be considered a disturbance if smoke drifts into a residential unit more than once a week for at least two consecutive weeks.
In Utah, if a nuisance is proven, the plaintiff may request an injunction that requires the nuisance to cease, as well as damages. In the City of Calabasas, California, the city council has declared that “exposing other persons to second-hand smoke constitutes a public nuisance and may be remedied as such”. Action may be brought by an individual or the City Attorney.
The plaintiff may receive actual damages or US$250 (S$340) for each violation; restitution; exemplary damages if oppression, fraud, malice or conscious disregard for the public health and safety is proven clearly and convincingly; legal fees; or an injunction.
In the City of Dublin, California, second-hand smoke constitutes a nuisance, and a citizen may take legal action to abate such a nuisance.
In 2013, a strata law reform in New South Wales, Australia, was proposed to “clarify that any smoke that drifts into a residential lot may be regarded as a nuisance or a hazard” and to ban smoking that “interferes unreasonably” with another resident’s use of a lot.
Canadian courts have been sympathetic to the plight of non-smokers exposed unwillingly to second-hand smoke drifting into their homes. Cases have been won on the premise of nuisance, as well as a breach of the covenant of peaceful enjoyment.
Our policymakers should study precedents in the US, Australia and Canada and take effective action to protect non-smokers from the daily assault of toxic smoke from neighbours.
[Today] Politicians must reach out to struggling nations
It is a sad state of affairs that few nations want to give hope to the Bangladeshi and Rohingya refugees, who will die of hunger and disease at sea if help is not rendered quickly.
Over the years, many events have changed the lives of people across the globe: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the Sept 11 attacks, the tsunami in Asia and other natural disasters such as Typhoon Hagupit, which struck the Philippines last year.
The most recent tragedy was the Nepal earthquake, though it was uplifting to the human spirit that several countries, including Singapore, rallied around the Nepalese.
Now, another blow has hit the Philippines: A heatwave that has killed two people as temperatures soared past 40°C.
With water rationing likely to come, I fear life is going to get tougher for the Filipinos.
During my trip to the Philippines in March, three street children — a girl around 10 years old and her two younger brothers — approached me for food.
The girl said they had not eaten for days. I gave her some money and hugged her. Teary-eyed, she asked me where I was from and for my name.
The world needs kindness, and one man I take my hat off to is Singaporean Thomas Wee, who set up a soup kitchen and built an orphanage in a rural Philippine village.
Likewise, politicians must not only look after their citizens’ welfare but also reach out to countries grappling with poverty and natural disasters, as all of us live on one earth and share a common destiny.
It is heartening that the Singapore Government has offered cash to countries in the region that have been aiding the Bangladeshi and Rohingya refugees (“ASEAN urges Myanmar to end crisis quickly”; May 25).
To take it a step further, our leaders should urge rich nations during international summits to do their part to make this a better world.
Over the years, many events have changed the lives of people across the globe: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the Sept 11 attacks, the tsunami in Asia and other natural disasters such as Typhoon Hagupit, which struck the Philippines last year.
The most recent tragedy was the Nepal earthquake, though it was uplifting to the human spirit that several countries, including Singapore, rallied around the Nepalese.
Now, another blow has hit the Philippines: A heatwave that has killed two people as temperatures soared past 40°C.
With water rationing likely to come, I fear life is going to get tougher for the Filipinos.
During my trip to the Philippines in March, three street children — a girl around 10 years old and her two younger brothers — approached me for food.
The girl said they had not eaten for days. I gave her some money and hugged her. Teary-eyed, she asked me where I was from and for my name.
The world needs kindness, and one man I take my hat off to is Singaporean Thomas Wee, who set up a soup kitchen and built an orphanage in a rural Philippine village.
Likewise, politicians must not only look after their citizens’ welfare but also reach out to countries grappling with poverty and natural disasters, as all of us live on one earth and share a common destiny.
It is heartening that the Singapore Government has offered cash to countries in the region that have been aiding the Bangladeshi and Rohingya refugees (“ASEAN urges Myanmar to end crisis quickly”; May 25).
To take it a step further, our leaders should urge rich nations during international summits to do their part to make this a better world.
[Today] RCs should engage, communicate with residents more
I read with interest the letter “RCs build more inclusive communities” (May 21), and trust that Residents’ Committees (RCs) must walk the talk.
For example, work is under way in my neighbourhood to construct a minimarket and eatery near thevoid deck.
Towards the end of last year, I was baffled to learn that the project was going to be carried out because most residents were in favour of it. When I asked neighbours about this, they were just as clueless.
In other words, there was no consultation process or discussion about the new amenities.
As the RC members have not engaged with the residents, we are at a loss to know who they are.
Hence, I raised the issue with our Member of Parliament, who was helpful and understanding.
She gave me an insight into the project details and assured me that my feedback and concerns would be channelled to the RC.
There has been good work done by RCs, and they can play a pivotal role in helping our society be an inclusive one.
Fostering better cooperation and rapport with residents, through effective communication and engagement, is a means to achieve this.
For example, work is under way in my neighbourhood to construct a minimarket and eatery near thevoid deck.
Towards the end of last year, I was baffled to learn that the project was going to be carried out because most residents were in favour of it. When I asked neighbours about this, they were just as clueless.
In other words, there was no consultation process or discussion about the new amenities.
As the RC members have not engaged with the residents, we are at a loss to know who they are.
Hence, I raised the issue with our Member of Parliament, who was helpful and understanding.
She gave me an insight into the project details and assured me that my feedback and concerns would be channelled to the RC.
There has been good work done by RCs, and they can play a pivotal role in helping our society be an inclusive one.
Fostering better cooperation and rapport with residents, through effective communication and engagement, is a means to achieve this.
Thursday 28 May 2015
[Straits Times] Factor in demographic change when tackling smoking
ON PAPER, Singapore has a shining record of tobacco control policies, regulations and enforcement.
However, the decline in national smoking rate appears to have plateaued in recent years.
The rate of increase of under-age smokers is also murky. We cannot tell if the rise in such smokers caught is the result of better surveillance or if there are more smokers now ("More students caught smoking; schools install detection devices"; Feb 16).
It has not been vigorously demonstrated that the decline in smoking rate has been due to smoking control policies.
In fact, over a long period of 20 to 30 years, the fall in the number of smokers could, in no small measure, be attributed to the death of large cohorts of old folk who smoked more.
Demographic factors such as this could be at play, and we should prevent ourselves from becoming complacent.
There are signs that we are facing a strong upswing in smoking rate among young adults and teens. It is time to take stock of our smoking control efforts and ensure we do not fall behind the curve.
Lim Teck Koon
However, the decline in national smoking rate appears to have plateaued in recent years.
The rate of increase of under-age smokers is also murky. We cannot tell if the rise in such smokers caught is the result of better surveillance or if there are more smokers now ("More students caught smoking; schools install detection devices"; Feb 16).
It has not been vigorously demonstrated that the decline in smoking rate has been due to smoking control policies.
In fact, over a long period of 20 to 30 years, the fall in the number of smokers could, in no small measure, be attributed to the death of large cohorts of old folk who smoked more.
Demographic factors such as this could be at play, and we should prevent ourselves from becoming complacent.
There are signs that we are facing a strong upswing in smoking rate among young adults and teens. It is time to take stock of our smoking control efforts and ensure we do not fall behind the curve.
Lim Teck Koon
[Straits Times] LionsXII win not enough for long-term boost to football
MR JEFF Tan Hong Liak suggests that an SG50 friendly game between the LionsXII and an S-League selection team at the National Stadium will bring back the Kallang Roar and drive Singapore to become a regional powerhouse ("LionsXII win a boost to S'pore football"; yesterday).
Unfortunately, it will take more than that to lift the local game out of the doldrums. Winning the Malaysian FA Cup keeps interest in Singapore football alive only for a short while.
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) must take the lead in rejuvenating the game through development programmes in schools and S-League clubs.
Interest in the S-League needs to be urgently revived, as it provides talents for our national team. We need elected officials in the FAS to provide consistent leadership and fresh ideas.
Singapore's small population of 3.3 million citizens has often been cited as the reason for our lack of success in the region. However, a similarly sized country like Uruguay, with its 3.4 million inhabitants, finished fourth at the 2010 World Cup.
The difficulty in attracting local players with the ability to turn professional lies in the fact that the game does not pay well enough to make it a feasible career. Remuneration must be raised considerably, and this can be done only by making the S-League a first-class entertainment option for soccer fans, so that the income generated can support the whole infrastructure.
The old National Stadium is synonymous with the Kallang Roar. Unfortunately, for a corporation like SportsHub Pte Ltd, developing local football talent may not be high on its agenda.
With tickets for some exhibition football games selling for up to $180, most local fans are priced out of the National Stadium. They have been replaced by well-heeled but emotionally detached spectators, who come to soak up the atmosphere - not to support our national team.
If things remain status quo, interest in local football will go into steep decline, along with the fortunes of our national team.
Edmund Khoo Kim Hock
Unfortunately, it will take more than that to lift the local game out of the doldrums. Winning the Malaysian FA Cup keeps interest in Singapore football alive only for a short while.
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) must take the lead in rejuvenating the game through development programmes in schools and S-League clubs.
Interest in the S-League needs to be urgently revived, as it provides talents for our national team. We need elected officials in the FAS to provide consistent leadership and fresh ideas.
Singapore's small population of 3.3 million citizens has often been cited as the reason for our lack of success in the region. However, a similarly sized country like Uruguay, with its 3.4 million inhabitants, finished fourth at the 2010 World Cup.
The difficulty in attracting local players with the ability to turn professional lies in the fact that the game does not pay well enough to make it a feasible career. Remuneration must be raised considerably, and this can be done only by making the S-League a first-class entertainment option for soccer fans, so that the income generated can support the whole infrastructure.
The old National Stadium is synonymous with the Kallang Roar. Unfortunately, for a corporation like SportsHub Pte Ltd, developing local football talent may not be high on its agenda.
With tickets for some exhibition football games selling for up to $180, most local fans are priced out of the National Stadium. They have been replaced by well-heeled but emotionally detached spectators, who come to soak up the atmosphere - not to support our national team.
If things remain status quo, interest in local football will go into steep decline, along with the fortunes of our national team.
Edmund Khoo Kim Hock
[Straits Times] Knowledge is power over diabetes
I APPLAUD the reports by senior health correspondent Salma Khalik on the complications of diabetes ("Many diabetics at risk of going blind"; Sunday, and "A new dialysis patient every 5 hours"; May 10).
As a Type 1 diabetic living in Singapore for the last 10 years, I have noticed that while the medical care on offer in Singapore is excellent, the knowledge patients have on the risks and the importance of being accountable for their own disease is lacking.
The reports gave me a needed reminder to go for my own eye test, which I promptly did.
Diabetes around the world is increasing dramatically - many consider it an epidemic - and the need to understand the causes and possible treatments has never been higher.
Approximately one in 10 in Singapore has the disease, and this is on the way up with alarming rapidity. While one needed response is to build, for example, more dialysis clinics to treat those with kidney failure, another is prevention, to help ensure people never get to this stage.
Prevention starts first with an understanding of the disease and how it can be avoided. If you have diabetes, you also have to know how to ensure your blood sugar remains, as far as possible, in the "normal" range.
This requires frequent testing of blood sugar by the diabetic person. These are things that the diabetic person has to commit to doing over the longer term, and may require diet and lifestyle changes.
The Internet is a great place to get information and advice on more traditional medical approaches, and can help fellow diabetics help one another.
It has got to be used carefully, to avoid poor sources of information; but with a disease in which knowledge is very much power, it can have significant benefits alongside mainstream media.
I am looking to not only ensure I am taking responsibility for my own well-being, but also to try to spread the word. I encourage others to do the same and help us beat this disease in Singapore.
Matt Pasterfield
As a Type 1 diabetic living in Singapore for the last 10 years, I have noticed that while the medical care on offer in Singapore is excellent, the knowledge patients have on the risks and the importance of being accountable for their own disease is lacking.
The reports gave me a needed reminder to go for my own eye test, which I promptly did.
Diabetes around the world is increasing dramatically - many consider it an epidemic - and the need to understand the causes and possible treatments has never been higher.
Approximately one in 10 in Singapore has the disease, and this is on the way up with alarming rapidity. While one needed response is to build, for example, more dialysis clinics to treat those with kidney failure, another is prevention, to help ensure people never get to this stage.
Prevention starts first with an understanding of the disease and how it can be avoided. If you have diabetes, you also have to know how to ensure your blood sugar remains, as far as possible, in the "normal" range.
This requires frequent testing of blood sugar by the diabetic person. These are things that the diabetic person has to commit to doing over the longer term, and may require diet and lifestyle changes.
The Internet is a great place to get information and advice on more traditional medical approaches, and can help fellow diabetics help one another.
It has got to be used carefully, to avoid poor sources of information; but with a disease in which knowledge is very much power, it can have significant benefits alongside mainstream media.
I am looking to not only ensure I am taking responsibility for my own well-being, but also to try to spread the word. I encourage others to do the same and help us beat this disease in Singapore.
Matt Pasterfield
[Straits Times] Training programmes: Important to start with end in mind
ON-THE-JOB training is highly regarded in many organisations, largely due to its benefits in helping employees perform better and boosting productivity.
However, this result is wishful thinking for some.
In some organisations, training has not produced the intended result despite heavy investment in it.
This is because the training programme fails to identify and address the needs of the employee. Learning is poor, as the training content is not highly relevant to the employee, and does not give him the skills he desires.
Better learning would result if the training programme were designed to address the trainee's needs. The trainee would also be more likely to be proactive in learning beyond the programme.
Hence, the importance of identifying training needs and skills looms large when organisations tailor training programmes. This should be at the top of the agenda.
Furthermore, the trainee should be part of the planning process, as the trainee usually knows where the knowledge gap needs to be bridged.
Ding Yuanyuan (Ms)
However, this result is wishful thinking for some.
In some organisations, training has not produced the intended result despite heavy investment in it.
This is because the training programme fails to identify and address the needs of the employee. Learning is poor, as the training content is not highly relevant to the employee, and does not give him the skills he desires.
Better learning would result if the training programme were designed to address the trainee's needs. The trainee would also be more likely to be proactive in learning beyond the programme.
Hence, the importance of identifying training needs and skills looms large when organisations tailor training programmes. This should be at the top of the agenda.
Furthermore, the trainee should be part of the planning process, as the trainee usually knows where the knowledge gap needs to be bridged.
Ding Yuanyuan (Ms)
[Straits Times] Youth Forum
Let the elderly grow old among us
I ABSOLUTELY agree with building more eldercare facilities like nursing homes, activity corners and healthcare centres within HDB estates ("Share info on eldercare facilities in housing estates" by Ms Yang Mingyi; April 30, and "Test plan to link HDB blocks to nursing homes" by Mr Christopher Tang Wei Ling; April 25).
First, the elderly would want to have a place to meet friends and have fun when they grow old.
Second, building eldercare facilities in HDB estates would definitely be very convenient for both the elderly and their families.
HDB estates are places where most elderly folk live and are familiar with.
For those in nursing homes near HDB blocks, family members can visit them whenever they like, and it is also easier for caregivers to help them out whenever they need it.
There is an exercise corner near my HDB block. Whenever I walk past it, I see elderly people happily talking and exercising there.
So, by incorporating these facilities in HDB estates, not only will this discourage Singaporeans from placing their elderly parents in nursing homes overseas, it will also encourage family bonding.
Estee Ng Mun Ting, 18, second-year polytechnic student
Service staff deserve respect
I AM disappointed at the attitude of Singaporeans as customers ("PM Lee on service standards: Be a good customer as well"; May 19).
I am aghast at the rudeness of some Singaporeans. The younger generation, especially, treats service staff as their slaves who do not deserve respect.
I hope we can be more grateful towards retail staff and be more appreciative of their efforts.
Together, we can make Singapore a better country with a good service culture, involving those who provide service, as well as those who receive it.
Kek Siew Qi, 14, Secondary 2 student
CALLING YOUNG READERS: If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any article or letter in The Straits Times, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Youth Forum". Do include your age, educational level and contact details, together with the headline of the article/letter you refer to.
I ABSOLUTELY agree with building more eldercare facilities like nursing homes, activity corners and healthcare centres within HDB estates ("Share info on eldercare facilities in housing estates" by Ms Yang Mingyi; April 30, and "Test plan to link HDB blocks to nursing homes" by Mr Christopher Tang Wei Ling; April 25).
First, the elderly would want to have a place to meet friends and have fun when they grow old.
Second, building eldercare facilities in HDB estates would definitely be very convenient for both the elderly and their families.
HDB estates are places where most elderly folk live and are familiar with.
For those in nursing homes near HDB blocks, family members can visit them whenever they like, and it is also easier for caregivers to help them out whenever they need it.
There is an exercise corner near my HDB block. Whenever I walk past it, I see elderly people happily talking and exercising there.
So, by incorporating these facilities in HDB estates, not only will this discourage Singaporeans from placing their elderly parents in nursing homes overseas, it will also encourage family bonding.
Estee Ng Mun Ting, 18, second-year polytechnic student
Service staff deserve respect
I AM disappointed at the attitude of Singaporeans as customers ("PM Lee on service standards: Be a good customer as well"; May 19).
I am aghast at the rudeness of some Singaporeans. The younger generation, especially, treats service staff as their slaves who do not deserve respect.
I hope we can be more grateful towards retail staff and be more appreciative of their efforts.
Together, we can make Singapore a better country with a good service culture, involving those who provide service, as well as those who receive it.
Kek Siew Qi, 14, Secondary 2 student
CALLING YOUNG READERS: If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any article or letter in The Straits Times, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Youth Forum". Do include your age, educational level and contact details, together with the headline of the article/letter you refer to.
[Straits Times] Harmful effects of tobacco, from production to disposal
MANY people are unaware of the harm tobacco production and disposal pose to the environment and, ultimately, to ourselves.
In order to grow tobacco plants, forests are cleared, and the wood is burnt to cure the tobacco leaves.
As the plants are short, children as young as five years old work to harvest the leaves.
The nicotine penetrates the children's skin, resulting in "green tobacco sickness", which causes nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle weakness, and dizziness.
The tobacco plant is sensitive to many diseases, thus pesticides are applied.
One commonly used pesticide is methyl bromide, a highly toxic gas which destroys ozone at the upper atmosphere.
Methyl bromide is more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, trapping solar radiation, thus changing the earth's climate.
Fertilisers are also needed. One type is the phosphate fertiliser, which contains radioactive polonium-210.
Tobacco leaves trap this radioactive element, and when a smoker lights up, this goes into the blood stream or into the air, as second-hand smoke.
With prolonged cigarette use, polonium-210 accumulates in the body and causes cancer.
For a person who smokes 11/2 packs a day for a year, the radioactivity build-up is equivalent to 300 chest X-rays.
Cigarettes contain at least 4,000 chemicals, with about 50 of these being carcinogenic.
Studies have demonstrated that one cigarette butt in a litre of water is able to kill 50 per cent of freshwater and saltwater fish.
Between August and October last year, participants of International Coastal Cleanup Singapore collected 13,968 cigarette butts in the coastal environment here.
With World No Tobacco Day coming up on May 31, I hope more people become aware of how tobacco harms us, not just in terms of first, second or third-hand smoke, but in all phases of production and disposal.
Amy Choong Mei Fun (Dr)
In order to grow tobacco plants, forests are cleared, and the wood is burnt to cure the tobacco leaves.
As the plants are short, children as young as five years old work to harvest the leaves.
The nicotine penetrates the children's skin, resulting in "green tobacco sickness", which causes nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle weakness, and dizziness.
The tobacco plant is sensitive to many diseases, thus pesticides are applied.
One commonly used pesticide is methyl bromide, a highly toxic gas which destroys ozone at the upper atmosphere.
Methyl bromide is more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, trapping solar radiation, thus changing the earth's climate.
Fertilisers are also needed. One type is the phosphate fertiliser, which contains radioactive polonium-210.
Tobacco leaves trap this radioactive element, and when a smoker lights up, this goes into the blood stream or into the air, as second-hand smoke.
With prolonged cigarette use, polonium-210 accumulates in the body and causes cancer.
For a person who smokes 11/2 packs a day for a year, the radioactivity build-up is equivalent to 300 chest X-rays.
Cigarettes contain at least 4,000 chemicals, with about 50 of these being carcinogenic.
Studies have demonstrated that one cigarette butt in a litre of water is able to kill 50 per cent of freshwater and saltwater fish.
Between August and October last year, participants of International Coastal Cleanup Singapore collected 13,968 cigarette butts in the coastal environment here.
With World No Tobacco Day coming up on May 31, I hope more people become aware of how tobacco harms us, not just in terms of first, second or third-hand smoke, but in all phases of production and disposal.
Amy Choong Mei Fun (Dr)
[Straits Times] My Point
Now, let's aim to be regional champs
AS A Singaporean football fan, I am proud of the brave victory of the LionsXII in very difficult circumstances ("LionsXII beat Kelantan to win Malaysian FA Cup"; Sunday). It is, indeed, a boost for SG50.
But I hope winning the Malaysian FA Cup does not blind the Singapore football fraternity from realising that it is only a Malaysian tournament.
Winning it is an achievement in its own right, and we have many good memories of our participation in the Malaysia Cup. But it was also during those days that we didn't win any regional trophies.
Instead, it was during the fledgling S-League's time that our national football team was Asean champion three times.
Let us celebrate a football achievement without forgetting that it is also a football underachievement, if we are still aiming for success at the Asian level.
Liew Eng Leng
GST computation not consistent
I DISAGREE with Mr Christopher Leong Chi How ("GST levied on services supplied"; yesterday).
I have a tax invoice from Singapore General Hospital for $90.70, before subsidy.
After a government subsidy of $63.49, the amount payable was $27.21. The goods and services tax (GST) was then computed on the amount payable, working out to be $1.99, and not on the total amount or the value of goods and services supplied.
This GST was then waived, as is the case at government hospitals and polyclinics.
Could the authorities clarify whether GST is to be computed on the payable amount or on the total bill?
Pang Kim Phong
High entry costs put bonds beyond reach
WHILE I applaud the latest initiative by Fundsupermart to offer an avenue for retail investors to invest in the bond markets ("Bond buying made easy for retail investors"; last Friday), it still does not overcome the main obstacle to bond investing, which is the high minimum investment amount for each bond.
Bond investments have typically been associated with high net worth individuals, given the high minimum investment amounts, typically $250,000.
This quantum is still considered prohibitively high for many investors.
Hence, while Fundsupermart's new bond portal would go a long way in educating investors and cultivating public interest in bond investing, it is not clear how it would actually translate into retail investors being able to feasibly obtain exposure to bonds in their investment portfolios.
Edwin Chan
AS A Singaporean football fan, I am proud of the brave victory of the LionsXII in very difficult circumstances ("LionsXII beat Kelantan to win Malaysian FA Cup"; Sunday). It is, indeed, a boost for SG50.
But I hope winning the Malaysian FA Cup does not blind the Singapore football fraternity from realising that it is only a Malaysian tournament.
Winning it is an achievement in its own right, and we have many good memories of our participation in the Malaysia Cup. But it was also during those days that we didn't win any regional trophies.
Instead, it was during the fledgling S-League's time that our national football team was Asean champion three times.
Let us celebrate a football achievement without forgetting that it is also a football underachievement, if we are still aiming for success at the Asian level.
Liew Eng Leng
GST computation not consistent
I DISAGREE with Mr Christopher Leong Chi How ("GST levied on services supplied"; yesterday).
I have a tax invoice from Singapore General Hospital for $90.70, before subsidy.
After a government subsidy of $63.49, the amount payable was $27.21. The goods and services tax (GST) was then computed on the amount payable, working out to be $1.99, and not on the total amount or the value of goods and services supplied.
This GST was then waived, as is the case at government hospitals and polyclinics.
Could the authorities clarify whether GST is to be computed on the payable amount or on the total bill?
Pang Kim Phong
High entry costs put bonds beyond reach
WHILE I applaud the latest initiative by Fundsupermart to offer an avenue for retail investors to invest in the bond markets ("Bond buying made easy for retail investors"; last Friday), it still does not overcome the main obstacle to bond investing, which is the high minimum investment amount for each bond.
Bond investments have typically been associated with high net worth individuals, given the high minimum investment amounts, typically $250,000.
This quantum is still considered prohibitively high for many investors.
Hence, while Fundsupermart's new bond portal would go a long way in educating investors and cultivating public interest in bond investing, it is not clear how it would actually translate into retail investors being able to feasibly obtain exposure to bonds in their investment portfolios.
Edwin Chan
[Straits Times] Set up filtered smoking rooms
THE long-term plan of the National Environment Agency (NEA) is to eventually make Singapore smoke-free, except for specific designated smoking areas.
This plan will bring welcome relief to those who have had to tolerate smokers puffing indiscriminately in public places.
Yet, while the intention behind this plan is laudable, given the known harmful effects of smoking, this move must be handled carefully, taking into account the sentiments and needs of smokers and the public.
After all, it is not illegal for adults to buy and smoke cigarettes. The Government also derives revenue from its taxation. Moreover, smoking is addictive and, despite their resolve, many do find it hard to kick the habit.
It is unclear how exactly the NEA intends to go about its plan, and where these designated smoking areas will be.
Nevertheless, one might hazard a guess that these smoking areas will be generally more remote, so that human traffic will be lower.
However, these less accessible locations may place an onerous burden on smokers, especially during work hours and in inclement weather.
Also, if the facilities are spartan, hot and uncomfortable, take-up and subsequent compliance may be negatively impacted.
Perhaps, then, the NEA may consider looking into the possibility of working with industry to come up with smoking facilities, such as rooms or portable cubicles.
These facilities, equipped with extractor fans, can be coupled with the appropriate filters, for example, activated carbon filters, to trap the gaseous toxins, pollutants and odour from cigarette smoke before it is released into the environment.
As with the use of public facilities, such as toilets, a charge may be collected for their upkeep.
If feasible, this will improve the overall quality of air and reduce the exposure of passers-by to second-hand and side-stream smoke, which are known to have deleterious health effects as well.
With the extraction of cigarette smoke, the room will be more appealing to the smokers themselves, potentially reducing their already significant risk of cancer, as well as preventing their clothes and hair from stinking with the smell of cigarette smoke.
Daniel Ng Peng Keat (Dr)
This plan will bring welcome relief to those who have had to tolerate smokers puffing indiscriminately in public places.
Yet, while the intention behind this plan is laudable, given the known harmful effects of smoking, this move must be handled carefully, taking into account the sentiments and needs of smokers and the public.
After all, it is not illegal for adults to buy and smoke cigarettes. The Government also derives revenue from its taxation. Moreover, smoking is addictive and, despite their resolve, many do find it hard to kick the habit.
It is unclear how exactly the NEA intends to go about its plan, and where these designated smoking areas will be.
Nevertheless, one might hazard a guess that these smoking areas will be generally more remote, so that human traffic will be lower.
However, these less accessible locations may place an onerous burden on smokers, especially during work hours and in inclement weather.
Also, if the facilities are spartan, hot and uncomfortable, take-up and subsequent compliance may be negatively impacted.
Perhaps, then, the NEA may consider looking into the possibility of working with industry to come up with smoking facilities, such as rooms or portable cubicles.
These facilities, equipped with extractor fans, can be coupled with the appropriate filters, for example, activated carbon filters, to trap the gaseous toxins, pollutants and odour from cigarette smoke before it is released into the environment.
As with the use of public facilities, such as toilets, a charge may be collected for their upkeep.
If feasible, this will improve the overall quality of air and reduce the exposure of passers-by to second-hand and side-stream smoke, which are known to have deleterious health effects as well.
With the extraction of cigarette smoke, the room will be more appealing to the smokers themselves, potentially reducing their already significant risk of cancer, as well as preventing their clothes and hair from stinking with the smell of cigarette smoke.
Daniel Ng Peng Keat (Dr)
[Straits Times] Customer complaints: Volkswagen replies
WE REGRET that 12 of our customers were dissatisfied with our products and subsequently lodged complaints with the Consumers Association of Singapore over the last 14 months ("Volkswagen still bugged by consumer complaints"; Monday).
As pointed out in the report, most of these complaints relate to the cars' gearboxes.
Volkswagen Singapore carried out a voluntary recall for 6,181 cars in May 2013 to fix a potential issue that could occur in cars fitted with a particular gearbox.
The recall was completed early last year, and the affected cars were upgraded with new parts.
However, what we have also witnessed in the last year is an increase in the number of customers who, after reading media coverage of the previous issues, have requested that various actions be taken on their cars.
We are, unfortunately, unable to assist them if there are no faults present.
We understand Mr Uttar Kumar believes that his car is not performing normally.
At his request, we conducted repeated tests and found the car to be functioning correctly in every way. This was communicated to him several times, but he did not accept these findings.
Volkswagen Singapore provides a comprehensive three-year, 100,000km warranty, and we will always do our best to help owners who experience any issues with their cars.
We recognise that quick follow-up and personalised care are key to customer satisfaction, and these are areas which we are continuing to improve upon.
We look forward to serving our customers even better in the future.
James Page
General Manager
Marketing and Communications
Volkswagen Group Singapore
As pointed out in the report, most of these complaints relate to the cars' gearboxes.
Volkswagen Singapore carried out a voluntary recall for 6,181 cars in May 2013 to fix a potential issue that could occur in cars fitted with a particular gearbox.
The recall was completed early last year, and the affected cars were upgraded with new parts.
However, what we have also witnessed in the last year is an increase in the number of customers who, after reading media coverage of the previous issues, have requested that various actions be taken on their cars.
We are, unfortunately, unable to assist them if there are no faults present.
We understand Mr Uttar Kumar believes that his car is not performing normally.
At his request, we conducted repeated tests and found the car to be functioning correctly in every way. This was communicated to him several times, but he did not accept these findings.
Volkswagen Singapore provides a comprehensive three-year, 100,000km warranty, and we will always do our best to help owners who experience any issues with their cars.
We recognise that quick follow-up and personalised care are key to customer satisfaction, and these are areas which we are continuing to improve upon.
We look forward to serving our customers even better in the future.
James Page
General Manager
Marketing and Communications
Volkswagen Group Singapore
[Straits Times] Boost role of optometrists in eye care
MANY ageing Singaporeans are risking irreversible loss of vision from glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related maculopathy ("Many diabetics at risk of going blind" and "Educate the elderly on need for regular eye checks: Gan"; both published on Sunday).
Loss of vision can be prevented if such eye conditions are picked up early, during routine eye examinations.
The Optometrists and Opticians Act requires optometrists to check for ocular abnormalities, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
This thorough eye exam is done each time a patient goes to an optometric practice to make a pair of spectacles (if they have not had a yearly eye exam).
Optometric practices are located all over Singapore, and operate seven days a week and after office hours. They are easily accessible, and waiting time is much shorter, as compared with polyclinics and hospitals. Any ocular abnormalities that require treatment will be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Optometrists are given this important role of performing primary eye care. However, we are currently not allowed to use diagnostic agents that dilate the pupils to provide a more comprehensive view of the retina.
Optometrists in many developed countries have been using these dilating eye drops safely, and helping to detect eye problems earlier and referring patients for timely treatment.
We are a group of well-trained professionals who play an important role in primary eye care in Singapore.
I urge the Ministry of Health to expedite the implementation of diagnostic agents by optometrists, so that we can effectively partner ophthalmologists in preventing the loss of sight in our ageing population.
Koh Liang Hwee (Dr)
President
Singapore Optometric Association
Loss of vision can be prevented if such eye conditions are picked up early, during routine eye examinations.
The Optometrists and Opticians Act requires optometrists to check for ocular abnormalities, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
This thorough eye exam is done each time a patient goes to an optometric practice to make a pair of spectacles (if they have not had a yearly eye exam).
Optometric practices are located all over Singapore, and operate seven days a week and after office hours. They are easily accessible, and waiting time is much shorter, as compared with polyclinics and hospitals. Any ocular abnormalities that require treatment will be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Optometrists are given this important role of performing primary eye care. However, we are currently not allowed to use diagnostic agents that dilate the pupils to provide a more comprehensive view of the retina.
Optometrists in many developed countries have been using these dilating eye drops safely, and helping to detect eye problems earlier and referring patients for timely treatment.
We are a group of well-trained professionals who play an important role in primary eye care in Singapore.
I urge the Ministry of Health to expedite the implementation of diagnostic agents by optometrists, so that we can effectively partner ophthalmologists in preventing the loss of sight in our ageing population.
Koh Liang Hwee (Dr)
President
Singapore Optometric Association
[Straits Times] Help disabled upgrade work skills
IT IS important that more companies continue to form partnerships with the different non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help people with disabilities lead better lives by employing them ("People with disabilities losing jobs to technology"; May 18).
NGOs that are helping people with disabilities should encourage and support these people to go for skill-set upgrading courses that would match the technological demands of today's jobs.
Such special courses will give added value to people with disabilities. Companies such as Singapore Airlines and the many NGOs could share these experiences with other companies that are willing to hire people with disabilities.
The Government and NGOs could help those people who find it hard to upgrade themselves to secure less-demanding work, such as in the area of administration.
Though retraining is a challenging task, with time and effort, NGOs should be able to find jobs for every person with disabilities.
The Government also needs to create employment schemes for people with disabilities, to help them find jobs and to address the misconception that these people are unable to contribute to society.
Our society should not stigmatise those with disabilities, as they can still contribute in the workplace, given some time and patience.
It takes the combined efforts of everyone to help those with disabilities find the motivation and support they need to make their work feel appreciated and valued.
Darren Chan Keng Leong
NGOs that are helping people with disabilities should encourage and support these people to go for skill-set upgrading courses that would match the technological demands of today's jobs.
Such special courses will give added value to people with disabilities. Companies such as Singapore Airlines and the many NGOs could share these experiences with other companies that are willing to hire people with disabilities.
The Government and NGOs could help those people who find it hard to upgrade themselves to secure less-demanding work, such as in the area of administration.
Though retraining is a challenging task, with time and effort, NGOs should be able to find jobs for every person with disabilities.
The Government also needs to create employment schemes for people with disabilities, to help them find jobs and to address the misconception that these people are unable to contribute to society.
Our society should not stigmatise those with disabilities, as they can still contribute in the workplace, given some time and patience.
It takes the combined efforts of everyone to help those with disabilities find the motivation and support they need to make their work feel appreciated and valued.
Darren Chan Keng Leong
[Straits Times] Quality benchmark for HDB flats needed
RECENT reports on workmanship issues at Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) and Build-to-Order (BTO) flats raise the question of what the HDB can do to prevent recurrences ("Many problems, so DBSS flat owners may get goodwill package"; May 15, and "Hairline cracks found on walls of new Punggol flats"; last Friday).
HDB flat buyers expect to receive a flat with quality finishing and workmanship, in line with the goals of the HDB to provide quality flats to Singaporeans.
Therefore, it is imperative that the HDB look at increasing its service standards and accountability to the public.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) already has a Quality Mark scheme for good workmanship. It sets the standard for workmanship quality in homes.
Currently, private developers can voluntarily submit their properties for assessment and get certified.
The reported issues at the DBSS and BTO projects are common issues that are part of the Quality Mark assessment.
Hence, I propose that the HDB consider including a BCA Quality Mark assessment for all HDB developments, moving forward.
This would enable the HDB to work proactively with the building developer to rectify issues before gaining the Temporary Occupation Permit, as part of the assessment, and also assure buyers of a quality home that is built based on best practices.
Besides this, it would be good to extend the assessment to all private residential developments, instead of making it voluntary, as it would raise the level of workmanship in homes for all residents in Singapore.
Wong Shih Shen
HDB flat buyers expect to receive a flat with quality finishing and workmanship, in line with the goals of the HDB to provide quality flats to Singaporeans.
Therefore, it is imperative that the HDB look at increasing its service standards and accountability to the public.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) already has a Quality Mark scheme for good workmanship. It sets the standard for workmanship quality in homes.
Currently, private developers can voluntarily submit their properties for assessment and get certified.
The reported issues at the DBSS and BTO projects are common issues that are part of the Quality Mark assessment.
Hence, I propose that the HDB consider including a BCA Quality Mark assessment for all HDB developments, moving forward.
This would enable the HDB to work proactively with the building developer to rectify issues before gaining the Temporary Occupation Permit, as part of the assessment, and also assure buyers of a quality home that is built based on best practices.
Besides this, it would be good to extend the assessment to all private residential developments, instead of making it voluntary, as it would raise the level of workmanship in homes for all residents in Singapore.
Wong Shih Shen
[Straits Times] LionsXII victory a great SG50 gift
A HEARTY congratulations to the Lions for winning the Malaysia Cup this year ("LionsXII beat Kelantan to win Malaysian FA Cup"; Sunday).
Their 3-1 victory over mighty Kelantan, which was supported by thousands of Malaysian fans, is really a dream come true.
Singaporeans who made their way to Kuala Lumpur to support our team must be overwhelmed with joy, as are the teeming masses of fans back home.
It is indeed a wonderful gift to Singapore in the light of our SG50 celebrations this year.
Phillip Tan Fong Lip
Their 3-1 victory over mighty Kelantan, which was supported by thousands of Malaysian fans, is really a dream come true.
Singaporeans who made their way to Kuala Lumpur to support our team must be overwhelmed with joy, as are the teeming masses of fans back home.
It is indeed a wonderful gift to Singapore in the light of our SG50 celebrations this year.
Phillip Tan Fong Lip
[Straits Times] Review tax breaks on rented property
CITY Developments' (CDL) suggestion that investment in property can help fight income inequality, and therefore, the Government should tweak some of the property cooling measures, is misplaced ("CDL: Property investment can help narrow income gap"; May 14, "Property investment won't narrow income gap" by Mr David Goh Chee Hoe ; last Thursday, and "Property investment: CDL replies"; last Saturday).
On the contrary, property investment will lead to a worsening of income inequality.
This is due to the fact that, by and large, only the rich can afford to borrow and invest in property.
Under the current income tax system, property investors enjoy a tax break, as interest paid on the loan or mortgage taken to purchase the property that is rented out is an allowable expense that can be deducted against rental income.
The Economist calls such tax breaks a "senseless subsidy" and adds: "People borrow more to buy property than they otherwise would, raising house prices and encouraging over-investment in real estate instead of in assets that create wealth. The tax benefits are largely reaped by the rich, worsening inequality."
It is, therefore, important that the cooling measures not only remain, but also be further strengthened by disallowing the offsetting of loan interest against the rental income.
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore should treat the loan interest in the same way, regardless of whether the property is owner-occupied or rented.
V. Navaratnam
On the contrary, property investment will lead to a worsening of income inequality.
This is due to the fact that, by and large, only the rich can afford to borrow and invest in property.
Under the current income tax system, property investors enjoy a tax break, as interest paid on the loan or mortgage taken to purchase the property that is rented out is an allowable expense that can be deducted against rental income.
The Economist calls such tax breaks a "senseless subsidy" and adds: "People borrow more to buy property than they otherwise would, raising house prices and encouraging over-investment in real estate instead of in assets that create wealth. The tax benefits are largely reaped by the rich, worsening inequality."
It is, therefore, important that the cooling measures not only remain, but also be further strengthened by disallowing the offsetting of loan interest against the rental income.
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore should treat the loan interest in the same way, regardless of whether the property is owner-occupied or rented.
V. Navaratnam
[Straits Times] High land prices to blame for high property prices
MR DAVID Goh Chee Hoe blamed the increase in property prices on an increased population, low interest rate and lack of government measures to curb residents from buying multiple properties ("Property investment won't narrow income gap"; last Thursday).
I disagree. The key factor that contributed to the rise in property prices is land cost.
Between 2008 to 2013, land value doubled from $310 to $656 per sq ft, or at a compounded 18.2 per cent increase a year, compared with price increase at 9 per cent for HDB and 5.2 per cent for private homes. ("Land costs 'outpaced rise in home prices'"; Sept 10, 2013).
Land price to total house building cost ratio also rose to three-fifths, from two-fifths since 2008.
With such a sharp rise in land cost in a relatively short period, it is clear that it is land that is driving up prices.
Rising land cost is not confined to the Singapore real estate market, but is a worldwide phenomenon that has existed for decades.
For example, in China, land prices increased 800 per cent from 2000 to 2010, while house prices rose 140 per cent.
Rising land prices incentivise builders to crush more homes onto smaller plots. They economise on the space they devote to each home, resulting in shrinking condominium units.
Therefore, to build affordable homes and, hopefully, narrow the income gap, it is imperative that land prices are well managed and controlled.
Wong Toon Tuan
I disagree. The key factor that contributed to the rise in property prices is land cost.
Between 2008 to 2013, land value doubled from $310 to $656 per sq ft, or at a compounded 18.2 per cent increase a year, compared with price increase at 9 per cent for HDB and 5.2 per cent for private homes. ("Land costs 'outpaced rise in home prices'"; Sept 10, 2013).
Land price to total house building cost ratio also rose to three-fifths, from two-fifths since 2008.
With such a sharp rise in land cost in a relatively short period, it is clear that it is land that is driving up prices.
Rising land cost is not confined to the Singapore real estate market, but is a worldwide phenomenon that has existed for decades.
For example, in China, land prices increased 800 per cent from 2000 to 2010, while house prices rose 140 per cent.
Rising land prices incentivise builders to crush more homes onto smaller plots. They economise on the space they devote to each home, resulting in shrinking condominium units.
Therefore, to build affordable homes and, hopefully, narrow the income gap, it is imperative that land prices are well managed and controlled.
Wong Toon Tuan
[Straits Times] Property can also be unpredictable
BUYING property is merely one investment tool ("Property investment won't narrow income gap" by Mr David Goh Chee Hoe; last Thursday).
Investing in property still has potential unpredictable risks.
Property investors should do their due calculations, and draw up their long-term plans and strategies to ensure their investments are sustainable in the long run, regardless of potential economic crises.
The property market boom and overheating in the recent decade could be due to more rich people investing in it.
In 2011, 17.1 per cent of households here - or one in six - were millionaires ("17% of Singapore households are millionaires"; June 2, 2012).
The late interference by the authorities in curbing speculation on the property market could also have contributed to the overheating.
The number of millionaire households is expected to grow. However, the majority of Singapore's population still worries over bread and butter issues, such as healthcare costs and the sufficiency of retirement funding.
While the ups and downs in the property market may affect the country's gross domestic product growth, and property developers, agents and developers, I agree with Mr Goh that it will not greatly narrow the gap between rich and poor.
Teo Kueh Liang
Investing in property still has potential unpredictable risks.
Property investors should do their due calculations, and draw up their long-term plans and strategies to ensure their investments are sustainable in the long run, regardless of potential economic crises.
The property market boom and overheating in the recent decade could be due to more rich people investing in it.
In 2011, 17.1 per cent of households here - or one in six - were millionaires ("17% of Singapore households are millionaires"; June 2, 2012).
The late interference by the authorities in curbing speculation on the property market could also have contributed to the overheating.
The number of millionaire households is expected to grow. However, the majority of Singapore's population still worries over bread and butter issues, such as healthcare costs and the sufficiency of retirement funding.
While the ups and downs in the property market may affect the country's gross domestic product growth, and property developers, agents and developers, I agree with Mr Goh that it will not greatly narrow the gap between rich and poor.
Teo Kueh Liang
[Straits Times] Residents at mercy of errant developers
I AGREE with Ms Pearlyn Lee Mei Chun ("Home buyers need more protection"; last Friday).
I received the keys to my executive condominium (EC) last year, and was appalled to find the estate very much a construction site.
There was water leakage everywhere - water gushed out of door bells and dripped down through the corridor lights - dozens of cracks and potholes in the carpark, and numerous flammable materials and debris being stored in the carpark.
We also discovered that several promised common area amenities were not there, or were greatly reduced in size.
There were very substantial changes to the original building plans, which we were not informed of.
We lodged complaints with various government authorities, but they advised us to deal with the developer.
As the developer was avoiding us, we sought the help of our MP to arrange a meeting.
We had a meeting with the developer, who claimed that it was at its discretion to change the plans. There was no way for us to seek recourse. However, it promised to deal with the defects, and offered minor gestures of goodwill.
To date, we have had many meetings, but the problems are still there. The water leaks are still happening. There are frequent electrical trips, and a piece of concrete even fell from the upper floors and landed on the ground floor unit.
The defects liability period is now over, and most of the workers have been moved to new projects.
The developer seems to have washed its hands of the estate and moved on to its next project to make more profits. There is no danger of repercussion. It knows that EC owners have shallow pockets, and will not have the means to commence a civil suit.
This is not an isolated problem. It seems to be very common in many ECs built by errant developers.
Perhaps all these owners should join forces to take collective action against the developer, or the Government should step in to find a better solution.
Jenny Lim Mui Yin (Ms)
I received the keys to my executive condominium (EC) last year, and was appalled to find the estate very much a construction site.
There was water leakage everywhere - water gushed out of door bells and dripped down through the corridor lights - dozens of cracks and potholes in the carpark, and numerous flammable materials and debris being stored in the carpark.
We also discovered that several promised common area amenities were not there, or were greatly reduced in size.
There were very substantial changes to the original building plans, which we were not informed of.
We lodged complaints with various government authorities, but they advised us to deal with the developer.
As the developer was avoiding us, we sought the help of our MP to arrange a meeting.
We had a meeting with the developer, who claimed that it was at its discretion to change the plans. There was no way for us to seek recourse. However, it promised to deal with the defects, and offered minor gestures of goodwill.
To date, we have had many meetings, but the problems are still there. The water leaks are still happening. There are frequent electrical trips, and a piece of concrete even fell from the upper floors and landed on the ground floor unit.
The defects liability period is now over, and most of the workers have been moved to new projects.
The developer seems to have washed its hands of the estate and moved on to its next project to make more profits. There is no danger of repercussion. It knows that EC owners have shallow pockets, and will not have the means to commence a civil suit.
This is not an isolated problem. It seems to be very common in many ECs built by errant developers.
Perhaps all these owners should join forces to take collective action against the developer, or the Government should step in to find a better solution.
Jenny Lim Mui Yin (Ms)
[Straits Times] Longer free-parking hours can boost family bonding
IT IS good that family time and family ties remain a priority for many Singaporeans ("Family ties - good; family time - not so good"; yesterday).
Nevertheless, much more needs to be done, as our infrastructure to support work-family life balance is far from ideal.
We have been working hard on the "hard" policies, with improved marriage and parenthood packages, as well as Housing Board flats suitable for multi-generational living. However, we still lack the "soft" policies that address issues such as facilitating quality time and closer bonds.
The last major policy that addressed these "soft" issues was the introduction of the five-day work week for the civil service in 2004.
This has helped to create an environment that facilitates family life for many, and anecdotally, it is now common to hear people refer to the civil service as the most supportive employer, should they intend to raise a family.
The Government could look into enacting more policies that promote family bonding.
For example, the free-parking policy is an area that can be improved on. While the Housing Board (HDB) does have a Family Season Parking Ticket scheme, it remains inadequate, due to impracticality and a lack of awareness for many.
Parking can subtly influence decisions made to visit relatives and family members that, in turn, impact the bonds built.
Hence, the HDB and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) should refine the Sunday free-parking policy, and apply it from Saturday afternoon onwards, to allow more time for people to visit their relatives.
The Government should look at more "soft" policies, such as parking, in order to move towards a more family-friendly Singapore.
Hazique Salahudin
Nevertheless, much more needs to be done, as our infrastructure to support work-family life balance is far from ideal.
We have been working hard on the "hard" policies, with improved marriage and parenthood packages, as well as Housing Board flats suitable for multi-generational living. However, we still lack the "soft" policies that address issues such as facilitating quality time and closer bonds.
The last major policy that addressed these "soft" issues was the introduction of the five-day work week for the civil service in 2004.
This has helped to create an environment that facilitates family life for many, and anecdotally, it is now common to hear people refer to the civil service as the most supportive employer, should they intend to raise a family.
The Government could look into enacting more policies that promote family bonding.
For example, the free-parking policy is an area that can be improved on. While the Housing Board (HDB) does have a Family Season Parking Ticket scheme, it remains inadequate, due to impracticality and a lack of awareness for many.
Parking can subtly influence decisions made to visit relatives and family members that, in turn, impact the bonds built.
Hence, the HDB and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) should refine the Sunday free-parking policy, and apply it from Saturday afternoon onwards, to allow more time for people to visit their relatives.
The Government should look at more "soft" policies, such as parking, in order to move towards a more family-friendly Singapore.
Hazique Salahudin
[Straits Times] Help nurture gifts of 'twice-exceptional' kids
WITH the rise in the number of children with special needs, it is heartening to learn that both awareness and support have been given to such people in our society ("Maximise talents of special education kids" by Mrs Koh Soek Ying; last Saturday, and "More special needs schools using arts to help students"; May 9).
However, among this population, there is a small percentage of children called "twice-exceptional students" - intellectually gifted children who have some form of disability.
They require more opportunities to promote their individual strengths and talents.
In my years of teaching children with learning disabilities, I have encountered such children who display artistic, musical or mathematical intelligence.
Mrs Koh suggested that we look beyond the traditional vocational training route, in maximising the talents of such children.
In order not to let the talents of special education children go to waste, the curriculum needs to be relooked.
When teachers plan for educational needs, it is crucial to focus on the development of the children's strengths, interests, and intellectual capacities.
Teachers and parents should know the importance of teaching and encouraging the use of compensation strategies.
For example, such strategies may include the use of assistive technology devices such as advanced organisers, augmentative and alternative communication, mobile applications, and others.
Besides strategies, teachers need to help students shape a healthy, realistic self-concept, in which students learn to accept their personal strengths and weaknesses. These children need an appropriate curriculum that addresses both their giftedness and learning challenges.
It should be noted that the gifts of twice-exceptional students often remain invisible to teachers, and sometimes even parents.
Often, the disability itself masks the student's expression of special gifts and talents. One should look for individuals who generate unique ideas, produce creative solutions or are extremely motivated to engage in complex and sustained creative activity.
These students need an environment that will nurture their gifts while attending to their learning disability.
It is also important to provide them with the necessary emotional support so that they can better deal with their inconsistent abilities. Only then will the talents of special education children not go to waste.
Arnold Chua Chee Keong
However, among this population, there is a small percentage of children called "twice-exceptional students" - intellectually gifted children who have some form of disability.
They require more opportunities to promote their individual strengths and talents.
In my years of teaching children with learning disabilities, I have encountered such children who display artistic, musical or mathematical intelligence.
Mrs Koh suggested that we look beyond the traditional vocational training route, in maximising the talents of such children.
In order not to let the talents of special education children go to waste, the curriculum needs to be relooked.
When teachers plan for educational needs, it is crucial to focus on the development of the children's strengths, interests, and intellectual capacities.
Teachers and parents should know the importance of teaching and encouraging the use of compensation strategies.
For example, such strategies may include the use of assistive technology devices such as advanced organisers, augmentative and alternative communication, mobile applications, and others.
Besides strategies, teachers need to help students shape a healthy, realistic self-concept, in which students learn to accept their personal strengths and weaknesses. These children need an appropriate curriculum that addresses both their giftedness and learning challenges.
It should be noted that the gifts of twice-exceptional students often remain invisible to teachers, and sometimes even parents.
Often, the disability itself masks the student's expression of special gifts and talents. One should look for individuals who generate unique ideas, produce creative solutions or are extremely motivated to engage in complex and sustained creative activity.
These students need an environment that will nurture their gifts while attending to their learning disability.
It is also important to provide them with the necessary emotional support so that they can better deal with their inconsistent abilities. Only then will the talents of special education children not go to waste.
Arnold Chua Chee Keong
[Straits Times] My Point
Allow grace period for visiting vehicles
AT SOME HDB carparks, visitor vehicles are not allowed to enter once the visitor spots are all taken.
It is common to see a long queue of vehicles forming outside such carparks. This causes traffic congestion and inconvenience to other road users.
It is also inconvenient for residents who depend on taxis or other private transport for their commute, especially during inclement weather.
The HDB has said that the reason for restricting the entry of visitor vehicles is so that they do not compete with season parking holders for space.
But this compromises the interest of not only residents who do not own private transport but also other road users in the area.
I urge the HDB to allow visitor vehicles to enter these carparks for a grace period of 10 minutes.
This would allow such vehicles to pick up or drop off passengers easily.
Enforcement can always be carried out to penalise visitor vehicles which take up season parking spaces beyond the designated hours.
Victor Tan Thiam Siew
Unsightly stickers plastered on door
I FACE the same problems and frustrations as Mr Raymond Anthony Fernando ("Stop property flier litter at flats"; Monday).
Besides fliers, stickers are also plastered to my front door, grille and doorbell.
These stickers are unsightly, unsolicited, and require great effort to remove.
I left a message on my door pleading that stickers not be left on my property, but it has been ignored.
I have approached my neighbourhood police post, but the police do not consider it littering, nor that it is serious enough to warrant any action.
I hope some government authority will take action on this matter.
Albert Lee Kwok Yin
Better ways to do good on Vesak Day
THE article, "Patrols to curb releasing of animals" (May 14), could not have come at a more opportune time, ahead of Vesak Day on June 1.
Many devotees buy captive animals such as fish and birds from pet shops and set them free, as a symbolic gesture of compassion and a virtuous act of saving a life.
However, this is a mistaken notion.
Trapping and holding animals captive is an unwholesome occupation, and buying these animals is an act of abetment, which would only encourage the former.
After all, there will be no supply if there is no demand.
The saving of lives is a virtue to cultivate, but many of these animals released into an unfamiliar and hostile environment will eventually perish.
Devotees should preserve lives by refraining from acquiring and freeing the animals.
Temples and religious centres should also discourage this act.
Instead, the money saved should be donated to a worthy cause.
Chin Kee Thou
AT SOME HDB carparks, visitor vehicles are not allowed to enter once the visitor spots are all taken.
It is common to see a long queue of vehicles forming outside such carparks. This causes traffic congestion and inconvenience to other road users.
It is also inconvenient for residents who depend on taxis or other private transport for their commute, especially during inclement weather.
The HDB has said that the reason for restricting the entry of visitor vehicles is so that they do not compete with season parking holders for space.
But this compromises the interest of not only residents who do not own private transport but also other road users in the area.
I urge the HDB to allow visitor vehicles to enter these carparks for a grace period of 10 minutes.
This would allow such vehicles to pick up or drop off passengers easily.
Enforcement can always be carried out to penalise visitor vehicles which take up season parking spaces beyond the designated hours.
Victor Tan Thiam Siew
Unsightly stickers plastered on door
I FACE the same problems and frustrations as Mr Raymond Anthony Fernando ("Stop property flier litter at flats"; Monday).
Besides fliers, stickers are also plastered to my front door, grille and doorbell.
These stickers are unsightly, unsolicited, and require great effort to remove.
I left a message on my door pleading that stickers not be left on my property, but it has been ignored.
I have approached my neighbourhood police post, but the police do not consider it littering, nor that it is serious enough to warrant any action.
I hope some government authority will take action on this matter.
Albert Lee Kwok Yin
Better ways to do good on Vesak Day
THE article, "Patrols to curb releasing of animals" (May 14), could not have come at a more opportune time, ahead of Vesak Day on June 1.
Many devotees buy captive animals such as fish and birds from pet shops and set them free, as a symbolic gesture of compassion and a virtuous act of saving a life.
However, this is a mistaken notion.
Trapping and holding animals captive is an unwholesome occupation, and buying these animals is an act of abetment, which would only encourage the former.
After all, there will be no supply if there is no demand.
The saving of lives is a virtue to cultivate, but many of these animals released into an unfamiliar and hostile environment will eventually perish.
Devotees should preserve lives by refraining from acquiring and freeing the animals.
Temples and religious centres should also discourage this act.
Instead, the money saved should be donated to a worthy cause.
Chin Kee Thou
[Straits Times] Mid-career professionals will keep navy shipshape
THE Republic of Singapore Navy should be applauded for leading the drive to attract mid-career professionals into its ranks ("Navy trains sights on mid-career professionals";
May 11).
Not unlike many other organisations in Singapore, the decline in human resource availability poses a challenge to the effective running of Singapore's defence.
The decision to attract mid-career individuals has great benefits for the navy.
These individuals, having gone through a decade or so in the corporate world, will be well poised to bring with them a set of skills that will ensure the navy keeps up with best practices in other industries, and remains at the forefront of views, opinions and ideas.
Furthermore, casting the net beyond full-time national service enlistees and young graduates will ensure that new hires are better able to make wise choices, with regard to their career options.
They are likely to have thoroughly considered the career switch, and the navy gains by ensuring it is able to attract people who otherwise would have been unsure at an earlier age.
Ultimately, it is about efficiency and productivity.
Perhaps, other than the attractive remuneration packages and career flexibility, the navy could consider having platforms for professionals who wish to serve in a greater capacity without having to quit their full-time jobs.
Such sharing of knowledge and industry-specific talent - with commercial sailors or communications specialists, for instance - will be useful for both the navy and Singapore.
Our nation's defence is essentially about its people, and the navy should constantly seek to recruit the best individuals at all levels of the career ladder.
Bryan Chow Weng Keong
May 11).
Not unlike many other organisations in Singapore, the decline in human resource availability poses a challenge to the effective running of Singapore's defence.
The decision to attract mid-career individuals has great benefits for the navy.
These individuals, having gone through a decade or so in the corporate world, will be well poised to bring with them a set of skills that will ensure the navy keeps up with best practices in other industries, and remains at the forefront of views, opinions and ideas.
Furthermore, casting the net beyond full-time national service enlistees and young graduates will ensure that new hires are better able to make wise choices, with regard to their career options.
They are likely to have thoroughly considered the career switch, and the navy gains by ensuring it is able to attract people who otherwise would have been unsure at an earlier age.
Ultimately, it is about efficiency and productivity.
Perhaps, other than the attractive remuneration packages and career flexibility, the navy could consider having platforms for professionals who wish to serve in a greater capacity without having to quit their full-time jobs.
Such sharing of knowledge and industry-specific talent - with commercial sailors or communications specialists, for instance - will be useful for both the navy and Singapore.
Our nation's defence is essentially about its people, and the navy should constantly seek to recruit the best individuals at all levels of the career ladder.
Bryan Chow Weng Keong
[Straits Times] Are we well equipped to fight money laundering?
IT IS not surprising to read that criminals continue to actively funnel large amounts of dirty money through legitimate banking systems to escape legal detection ("'Look out for dirty money in Aussie property'"; May 16).
However, it is alarming and surprising to read that Singapore is among the list of countries identified and, worse, we are seen to be a major hub for this conduit of such hot money.
Anti-money laundering laws have been in place in Singapore for years, and banks are required to familiarise themselves with them.
Consequently, if it is true that Singapore is a major site of money laundering, it raises the following fundamental questions on Singapore's banking laws and practices:
How robust are our anti-money laundering laws?
How closely are the banks operating in Singapore complying with the laws?
Are the banks fully equipped to check and clear every customer of any associated risk of money laundering?
How effective is the enforcement by our regulatory body?
Are there sufficient punishments to "crack the whip" on banks which are slack in their internal supervision and monitoring?
These billions of dollars of hot monies are derived from illicit drug trafficking, corruption, terrorism and other criminal activities.
As an international financial centre, Singapore cannot be slack in the discharge of its anti-money laundering duties.
While the report links this unhealthy situation to the fuelling of the booming Australian property market, are we sure this is not also a major reason for the Singapore property boom?
I hope the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the banks operating locally all play their part to ensure we eliminate or minimise such incidents.
To successfully fight this war on global money laundering, we need total cooperation at all levels.
Raymond Koh Bock Swi
However, it is alarming and surprising to read that Singapore is among the list of countries identified and, worse, we are seen to be a major hub for this conduit of such hot money.
Anti-money laundering laws have been in place in Singapore for years, and banks are required to familiarise themselves with them.
Consequently, if it is true that Singapore is a major site of money laundering, it raises the following fundamental questions on Singapore's banking laws and practices:
How robust are our anti-money laundering laws?
How closely are the banks operating in Singapore complying with the laws?
Are the banks fully equipped to check and clear every customer of any associated risk of money laundering?
How effective is the enforcement by our regulatory body?
Are there sufficient punishments to "crack the whip" on banks which are slack in their internal supervision and monitoring?
These billions of dollars of hot monies are derived from illicit drug trafficking, corruption, terrorism and other criminal activities.
As an international financial centre, Singapore cannot be slack in the discharge of its anti-money laundering duties.
While the report links this unhealthy situation to the fuelling of the booming Australian property market, are we sure this is not also a major reason for the Singapore property boom?
I hope the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the banks operating locally all play their part to ensure we eliminate or minimise such incidents.
To successfully fight this war on global money laundering, we need total cooperation at all levels.
Raymond Koh Bock Swi
[Straits Times] No inconsistency in GST computation
MR PANG Kim Phong's comments that goods and services tax (GST) computation is not consistent is not correct ("GST computation not consistent"; yesterday).
In his Singapore General Hospital (SGH) bill of $90.70, with a government subsidy of $63.49, the GST was computed based on $27.21 (net supply).
SGH's computation on GST is correct. SGH is state-owned, so the gross value supplied was $90.70 and the net value supplied was $27.21. Hence, GST was computed on the net value supplied of $27.21.
This is no different from a private enterprise which provides, for example, $100 gross value of services and gives the customer a $60 discount; the GST will be levied on the net value supplied, which is $40.
Mr Pang cannot compare the SGH bill with his bill from his private dentist ("Why no subsidy for GST?" last Saturday).
The government subsidy he received for his private dental treatment was not given by his dentist, so the gross and net value supplied by his private dentist was $88.50.
The waiver of GST at government hospitals and polyclinics forms part of the Government's overall subsidies for government-operated health services.
For the private healthcare sector, whether or not to waive the GST is up to the providers. If GST is waived, the private doctor, if he is GST-registered, must still pay the GST he did not collect from his patients, and the GST payments become part of the doctor's overall operating cost.
Christopher Leong Chi How
In his Singapore General Hospital (SGH) bill of $90.70, with a government subsidy of $63.49, the GST was computed based on $27.21 (net supply).
SGH's computation on GST is correct. SGH is state-owned, so the gross value supplied was $90.70 and the net value supplied was $27.21. Hence, GST was computed on the net value supplied of $27.21.
This is no different from a private enterprise which provides, for example, $100 gross value of services and gives the customer a $60 discount; the GST will be levied on the net value supplied, which is $40.
Mr Pang cannot compare the SGH bill with his bill from his private dentist ("Why no subsidy for GST?" last Saturday).
The government subsidy he received for his private dental treatment was not given by his dentist, so the gross and net value supplied by his private dentist was $88.50.
The waiver of GST at government hospitals and polyclinics forms part of the Government's overall subsidies for government-operated health services.
For the private healthcare sector, whether or not to waive the GST is up to the providers. If GST is waived, the private doctor, if he is GST-registered, must still pay the GST he did not collect from his patients, and the GST payments become part of the doctor's overall operating cost.
Christopher Leong Chi How
[Straits Times] Just playing catch-up in South China Sea
ASSOCIATE Professor Robert C. Beckman, in noting that the Philippines has taken its case to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, neglected to mention that the Philippines had engaged in construction in the disputed Spratlys for many years ("China and 'might makes right' at sea"; May 20).
Vietnam, too, did significant reclamation work in the South China Sea, even before China did ("Vietnam 'did major work in disputed S. China Sea'"; May 9).
The area Vietnam claims is almost as large as China's, but Vietnam occupies some 25 features, versus China's six or seven.
This is why some analysts suggest that China is only playing catch-up in the South China Sea, and that it is, in fact, being forced to respond pre-emptively.
United States Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recently affirmed America's naval power and said that if challenged, he would not want his troops in a "fair fight".
Thus, even if China were resorting to "might makes right", it is only following the rules of engagement set out by the US.
Chang Wen Lam (Dr)
Hong Kong
Vietnam, too, did significant reclamation work in the South China Sea, even before China did ("Vietnam 'did major work in disputed S. China Sea'"; May 9).
The area Vietnam claims is almost as large as China's, but Vietnam occupies some 25 features, versus China's six or seven.
This is why some analysts suggest that China is only playing catch-up in the South China Sea, and that it is, in fact, being forced to respond pre-emptively.
United States Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recently affirmed America's naval power and said that if challenged, he would not want his troops in a "fair fight".
Thus, even if China were resorting to "might makes right", it is only following the rules of engagement set out by the US.
Chang Wen Lam (Dr)
Hong Kong
[Straits Times] Beijing has long-laid claim to Spratlys
ASSOCIATE Professor Robert C. Beckman's claim that China had not officially claimed a 12 nautical mile (nm) territorial sea from any feature in the Spratlys has no merit ("China and 'might makes right' at sea"; May 20).
On Sept 4, 1958, China declared that the breadth of its territorial sea shall be 12nm, and this applied to all of its territories, including the Nansha (Spratly) Islands.
North Vietnam published the declaration on the front page of the official Nhan Dan newspaper on Sept 6, and then Prime Minister Pham Van Dong wrote to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai on Sept 14 to acknowledge that North Vietnam recognised and supported China's declaration on its territorial sea.
The Philippines also did not object to China's declaration.
However, on June 11, 1978, President Ferdinand Marcos passed a presidential decree to annex some islands in the Spratlys, and named them the Kalayaan islands.
The good news is that China believes the most effective way to settle maritime disputes is through negotiation and consultation, on the basis of respect for international facts and international law, and not by might.
Tan Keng Tat
On Sept 4, 1958, China declared that the breadth of its territorial sea shall be 12nm, and this applied to all of its territories, including the Nansha (Spratly) Islands.
North Vietnam published the declaration on the front page of the official Nhan Dan newspaper on Sept 6, and then Prime Minister Pham Van Dong wrote to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai on Sept 14 to acknowledge that North Vietnam recognised and supported China's declaration on its territorial sea.
The Philippines also did not object to China's declaration.
However, on June 11, 1978, President Ferdinand Marcos passed a presidential decree to annex some islands in the Spratlys, and named them the Kalayaan islands.
The good news is that China believes the most effective way to settle maritime disputes is through negotiation and consultation, on the basis of respect for international facts and international law, and not by might.
Tan Keng Tat
[Straits Times] Outlaw smoke that permeates others' homes
MY FAMILY, including two children, has had to endure the noxious fumes coming from the neighbours directly beneath us for several years now. We have approached them repeatedly to try to resolve the issue, but the couple - both smokers - are not cooperating.
There are laws to protect neighbours from water dripping from faulty air-conditioners, as well as noise pollution. But for something as serious as inhaling toxic second-hand smoke, we are left unprotected by the law.
Could the authorities consider including smoke that permeates into a neighbour's home under the proposed Civil Law (Amendment) Bill 2015 Clause 38 (1)(a)? Governments that have introduced such laws include those of Utah, and Calabasas and Dublin in California in the United States, and New South Wales, Australia.
For example, in Utah, second-hand smoke is a nuisance if it wafts into any residential unit from a home or business more than once a week for at least two consecutive weeks, and if it interferes with the neighbour's "comfortable enjoyment of life or property".
A good co-measure is to provide smoking zones within neighbourhoods where smokers can puff away to their lungs' content without similarly endangering the health of others. This has been done in Nee Soon South ("More light-up shelters to curb second-hand smoke"; Jan 28).
Considering that 86 per cent of Singapore's population are non-smokers, I truly hope the Government will take more measures to protect non-smokers' health.
Sherley Servos (Mrs)
There are laws to protect neighbours from water dripping from faulty air-conditioners, as well as noise pollution. But for something as serious as inhaling toxic second-hand smoke, we are left unprotected by the law.
Could the authorities consider including smoke that permeates into a neighbour's home under the proposed Civil Law (Amendment) Bill 2015 Clause 38 (1)(a)? Governments that have introduced such laws include those of Utah, and Calabasas and Dublin in California in the United States, and New South Wales, Australia.
For example, in Utah, second-hand smoke is a nuisance if it wafts into any residential unit from a home or business more than once a week for at least two consecutive weeks, and if it interferes with the neighbour's "comfortable enjoyment of life or property".
A good co-measure is to provide smoking zones within neighbourhoods where smokers can puff away to their lungs' content without similarly endangering the health of others. This has been done in Nee Soon South ("More light-up shelters to curb second-hand smoke"; Jan 28).
Considering that 86 per cent of Singapore's population are non-smokers, I truly hope the Government will take more measures to protect non-smokers' health.
Sherley Servos (Mrs)
[Today] Developer did maintenance work meant to be handled by AHPETC
We refer to Ms Julia Ng’s letter “Stricter enforcement, checks needed to ensure quality flats” (May 20).
Under Section 18(1) of the Town Councils Act, town councils are required to manage and maintain common property in public housing estates, including Design, Build and Sell Scheme projects. Thus far, all other town councils have done so without issue.
Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council’s (AHPETC) statutory duty to manage and maintain Parkland Residences’ common areas commenced on Nov 12.
It refused, however, to perform its duty until the developer handed over a list of documents and items specified by AHPETC.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has clarified that these were not required for AHPETC to do its day-to-day cleaning. Even so, the HDB has assisted by liaising with the developer to provide AHPETC with the documents and items.
The HDB also asked the developer to clean the estate in the interim to ensure the hygiene of residents’ living environment would not be compromised. The developer agreed to this and has been cleaning the estate since Nov 12.
We wish to clarify that service and conservancy charges collected by AHPETC are not collected on behalf of the HDB. We understand that AHPETC has agreed to manage and maintain Parkland Residences’ common property from June 1.
Pending AHPETC’s execution of its duties, the HDB will work with the developer to ensure the estate is maintained for the benefit of residents.
Under Section 18(1) of the Town Councils Act, town councils are required to manage and maintain common property in public housing estates, including Design, Build and Sell Scheme projects. Thus far, all other town councils have done so without issue.
Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council’s (AHPETC) statutory duty to manage and maintain Parkland Residences’ common areas commenced on Nov 12.
It refused, however, to perform its duty until the developer handed over a list of documents and items specified by AHPETC.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has clarified that these were not required for AHPETC to do its day-to-day cleaning. Even so, the HDB has assisted by liaising with the developer to provide AHPETC with the documents and items.
The HDB also asked the developer to clean the estate in the interim to ensure the hygiene of residents’ living environment would not be compromised. The developer agreed to this and has been cleaning the estate since Nov 12.
We wish to clarify that service and conservancy charges collected by AHPETC are not collected on behalf of the HDB. We understand that AHPETC has agreed to manage and maintain Parkland Residences’ common property from June 1.
Pending AHPETC’s execution of its duties, the HDB will work with the developer to ensure the estate is maintained for the benefit of residents.
[Today] To cut costs, install solar panels around reservoirs
I refer to the report “Bugis Junction installs 1,000sqm of solar panels” (May 26). I hope the Government will consider using the land surrounding the reservoirs to install solar panels and gather solar power in a bigger way than from rooftops alone.
There is a limit to our reliance on oil and gas to generate electricity and we must rely not only on fossil fuels to fire our power stations, but also on cheaper electricity from solar power, et cetera.
It is a competitive world and the cost of energy is one of the business costs we must do more to reduce. To remain competitive, we must stay ahead of other countries in the use of green energy.
This would also reduce our carbon footprint and pollution, which affects our health although it is an unseen factor. This is even more important to consider, as people are our only precious resource. We must not take pollution lightly.
There is a limit to our reliance on oil and gas to generate electricity and we must rely not only on fossil fuels to fire our power stations, but also on cheaper electricity from solar power, et cetera.
It is a competitive world and the cost of energy is one of the business costs we must do more to reduce. To remain competitive, we must stay ahead of other countries in the use of green energy.
This would also reduce our carbon footprint and pollution, which affects our health although it is an unseen factor. This is even more important to consider, as people are our only precious resource. We must not take pollution lightly.
[Today] Fluid approach now needed in career planning
The Big Read article “As graduate numbers grow, a hard truth: Not all degrees are equal” (May 23) points to the threat of underemployment and the imperative of matching graduate skills to the workforce.
I believe a shift in expectations and more fluid approaches to career planning are critical here. A recent article in Fast Company magazine spoke of radical changes to be expected in the job market, such as the replacement of private bankers and wealth managers with algorithms, and how artificial intelligence is threatening to make lawyers and accountants redundant.
Essentially, traditionally “safe” career choices, pegged to decades of conventional degrees, are changing.
Technology is giving birth to novel solutions to problems even as it precipitates more complex ones. How do we come to terms with this? How might the human brain figure into this equation?
This month, online magazine TechCrunch shared Infosys COE Vishal Sikka’s thoughts on the future of work: “In Sikka’s view, in the not-too-distant future, systems will do much of the problem solving and people will need to engage in ‘problem finding’.”
Hence, preparing graduates for the future may lie in cultivating their ability to take ownership of their careers and chart trajectories that will get them there. Many toolkits, coaching professionals and articles out there offer ways of doing this.
However, what I have found to be particularly useful is a framework known as design thinking, which is a continuous, interchangeable process of empathising, defining, ideation, prototyping and testing.
For graduates, this means beginning with a plethora of career-option ideas that converge gradually into a testable plan of action. Internships and part-time stints would be useful here.
After ascertaining which particular careers or companies align best with one’s abilities, one should channel one’s energy into connecting with a handpicked few. A deep understanding of oneself and where one can best create value is integral here.
One should think seriously about where one stands in this regard, at the start of one’s career planning. As we continue in the knowledge economy, graduates can and should look to new opportunities to learn and grow.
Indeed, the time of “getting a degree (to) move up” is dissipating and it is timely to look beyond the status quo. Our future industry-shapers and professionals are directly responsible for what will come to fruition.
They should maintain their thirst for knowledge and take courses in their free time, such as the myriad of free online courses available from vendors such as Coursera. The world is changing, and pining for graduates to craft it.
I believe a shift in expectations and more fluid approaches to career planning are critical here. A recent article in Fast Company magazine spoke of radical changes to be expected in the job market, such as the replacement of private bankers and wealth managers with algorithms, and how artificial intelligence is threatening to make lawyers and accountants redundant.
Essentially, traditionally “safe” career choices, pegged to decades of conventional degrees, are changing.
Technology is giving birth to novel solutions to problems even as it precipitates more complex ones. How do we come to terms with this? How might the human brain figure into this equation?
This month, online magazine TechCrunch shared Infosys COE Vishal Sikka’s thoughts on the future of work: “In Sikka’s view, in the not-too-distant future, systems will do much of the problem solving and people will need to engage in ‘problem finding’.”
Hence, preparing graduates for the future may lie in cultivating their ability to take ownership of their careers and chart trajectories that will get them there. Many toolkits, coaching professionals and articles out there offer ways of doing this.
However, what I have found to be particularly useful is a framework known as design thinking, which is a continuous, interchangeable process of empathising, defining, ideation, prototyping and testing.
For graduates, this means beginning with a plethora of career-option ideas that converge gradually into a testable plan of action. Internships and part-time stints would be useful here.
After ascertaining which particular careers or companies align best with one’s abilities, one should channel one’s energy into connecting with a handpicked few. A deep understanding of oneself and where one can best create value is integral here.
One should think seriously about where one stands in this regard, at the start of one’s career planning. As we continue in the knowledge economy, graduates can and should look to new opportunities to learn and grow.
Indeed, the time of “getting a degree (to) move up” is dissipating and it is timely to look beyond the status quo. Our future industry-shapers and professionals are directly responsible for what will come to fruition.
They should maintain their thirst for knowledge and take courses in their free time, such as the myriad of free online courses available from vendors such as Coursera. The world is changing, and pining for graduates to craft it.
[Today] Backyard breeding more than just a pet peeve
In the light of the report about an investigation by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (“Many top-graded pet shops ‘fail in animal welfare’”, May 21), I wish to highlight that there are many backyard breeders in Singapore.
I want to focus particularly on the issue of illegal cat breeding. A quick search online would show a slew of pages with animals put up for sale and with promises that the cats are registered with world-recognised cat associations.
However, what these breeders do not have are licences issued to the relevantpet businesses under the Animals and Birds Act, legislation that duly penalises businesses and their employees for errant practices and neglect of animal welfare.
There are also many non-internationally-approved breeders, whose inappropriate breeding practices often lead to genetic health issues for cats.
A look at numerous websites would show that none of them have a business registration address, which means they are effectively not registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.
Hence, they would not be subject to taxes and other matters such as manpower and hygiene.
With prices of cats ranging anywhere from S$100 to S$10,000 in the market, I am amazed that individuals are not only profiteering, but are also not required to be accountable for their actions while subjecting buyers to strict, confidential terms.
This would surely not be approved for most legal businesses here. A particular breeder even uses the word “adoption” instead of “sale” in a blatant case of false advertising.
Backyard breeding is also feeding the continued abandonment of cats, which increases the stray population, something the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is trying to halt through various programmes.
While the AVA has done a commendable job working with organisations such as the Cat Welfare Society on efforts like the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage campaign, it must stop the problem at the source: Pet shops and, more importantly, illegal backyard breeders.
I want to focus particularly on the issue of illegal cat breeding. A quick search online would show a slew of pages with animals put up for sale and with promises that the cats are registered with world-recognised cat associations.
However, what these breeders do not have are licences issued to the relevantpet businesses under the Animals and Birds Act, legislation that duly penalises businesses and their employees for errant practices and neglect of animal welfare.
There are also many non-internationally-approved breeders, whose inappropriate breeding practices often lead to genetic health issues for cats.
A look at numerous websites would show that none of them have a business registration address, which means they are effectively not registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.
Hence, they would not be subject to taxes and other matters such as manpower and hygiene.
With prices of cats ranging anywhere from S$100 to S$10,000 in the market, I am amazed that individuals are not only profiteering, but are also not required to be accountable for their actions while subjecting buyers to strict, confidential terms.
This would surely not be approved for most legal businesses here. A particular breeder even uses the word “adoption” instead of “sale” in a blatant case of false advertising.
Backyard breeding is also feeding the continued abandonment of cats, which increases the stray population, something the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is trying to halt through various programmes.
While the AVA has done a commendable job working with organisations such as the Cat Welfare Society on efforts like the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage campaign, it must stop the problem at the source: Pet shops and, more importantly, illegal backyard breeders.
Wednesday 27 May 2015
[Today] Attitude, character outweigh any degree
I cannot disagree with the content of the letter, “Degree inequality should motivate, not deter, us” (May 26). Those who fail once should not give up but keep trying.
Singapore is, however, an unforgiving society where parents are spending thousands of dollars on tuition and enrichment classes due to the pressure to succeed; hence, the chase for degrees. Children hardly enjoy the process of learning today.
Let us not forget that the degree is merely a stepping stone to fulfilling one’s dreams. Those who succeed in life are those who apply what they have learnt, be it through formal education or the school of hard knocks.
The ability to apply knowledge that has been imparted and the ability to adjust are more important than the paper stating that one has a degree.
Society must change the way it looks at non-graduates. The right attitude is more important than aptitude, and one’s character outweighs any degree one may have.
Singapore is, however, an unforgiving society where parents are spending thousands of dollars on tuition and enrichment classes due to the pressure to succeed; hence, the chase for degrees. Children hardly enjoy the process of learning today.
Let us not forget that the degree is merely a stepping stone to fulfilling one’s dreams. Those who succeed in life are those who apply what they have learnt, be it through formal education or the school of hard knocks.
The ability to apply knowledge that has been imparted and the ability to adjust are more important than the paper stating that one has a degree.
Society must change the way it looks at non-graduates. The right attitude is more important than aptitude, and one’s character outweighs any degree one may have.
[Today] Open up all bus routes to competition
The Government has introduced the bus contracting model, under which it will own and fund the bus infrastructure while contracting route services out via a competitive tender process.
It believes this will help raise service standards by increasing competition and creating more flexibility in response to changes in ridership and commuter needs.
Three packages, making up about 20 per cent of routes, will be tendered out first. The inaugural package of 26 routes went to London-based operator Tower Transit. This has been well received, generally (“Foreign bus operators will help push up standards”; May 14).
The irony is that the remaining 80 per cent will be grouped into nine packages and run by incumbents SBS Transit and SMRT on negotiated contracts under the contracting model for about five years, after their Bus Service Operating Licences expire next year.
Why the double standards? And if all remaining route parcels end up in the hands of the existing players, the exercise would be futile. If the incumbents could fulfil their roles satisfactorily, why is a new model needed?
It appears the Government wants competition but also sees the need to protect the existing operators. This will lead to the latter being complacent.
If it is believed that the competitive tender process will improve service standards, all bus routes should be opened up for tender. This would really shake up the current privatised model.
Also, all bus fares will go to the Government, which could thus make a possible profit or loss from the bus contracting. It will bear the burden of justifying any fare adjustments.
Accordingly, it should strive to maintain a break-even position as far as possible and adjust bus fares. Commuters would then benefit further from the new model.
It believes this will help raise service standards by increasing competition and creating more flexibility in response to changes in ridership and commuter needs.
Three packages, making up about 20 per cent of routes, will be tendered out first. The inaugural package of 26 routes went to London-based operator Tower Transit. This has been well received, generally (“Foreign bus operators will help push up standards”; May 14).
The irony is that the remaining 80 per cent will be grouped into nine packages and run by incumbents SBS Transit and SMRT on negotiated contracts under the contracting model for about five years, after their Bus Service Operating Licences expire next year.
Why the double standards? And if all remaining route parcels end up in the hands of the existing players, the exercise would be futile. If the incumbents could fulfil their roles satisfactorily, why is a new model needed?
It appears the Government wants competition but also sees the need to protect the existing operators. This will lead to the latter being complacent.
If it is believed that the competitive tender process will improve service standards, all bus routes should be opened up for tender. This would really shake up the current privatised model.
Also, all bus fares will go to the Government, which could thus make a possible profit or loss from the bus contracting. It will bear the burden of justifying any fare adjustments.
Accordingly, it should strive to maintain a break-even position as far as possible and adjust bus fares. Commuters would then benefit further from the new model.
[Today] Allow CPF cash top-up withdrawal from age 55 as incentive
As it stands, Central Provident Fund cash top-ups are channelled to the CPF Life scheme even if the member meets the Basic Retirement Sum with a property pledge. To incentivise Singaporeans to make cash top-ups, I suggest that withdrawal of such top-ups be allowed anytime from age 55 if the member meets the Basic Retirement Sum.
Some may now be put off by the fact that they can enjoy the fruits of their labour only from the payout eligibility age, which has risen over the years.
Some may now be put off by the fact that they can enjoy the fruits of their labour only from the payout eligibility age, which has risen over the years.
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[Today] Coming GE a test of Workers’ Party’s performance
I refer to the article “Splinter parties point to fragmented Opposition” (May 22). In any country and political scene, history tends to repeat itself and a fragmented, incongruous Opposition tends to be easily defeated by the governing party.
Also, the major lapses the Auditor-General found in Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council have raised concerns and doubts about the ability of Singapore’s leading opposition party, the Workers’ Party (WP), its transparency of governance and its integrity.
People may be asking why it did not take one step at a time, instead of staking everything on a single venture by combining its electoral constituencies into one entity.
Logic had suggested that the WP lacked the appropriate management experience, necessary resources and reliable expertise to manage such a huge town council.
Was the WP being overambitious, confident or complacent? Was it applying the principle of economies of scale to benefit its constituents?
Either way, the coming General Election will be a crucial, rigorous test of the WP’s overall performance in Parliament and in governing its town council.
Nevertheless, any political scene is bound to have splinter parties that struggle to present their best administration methodologies and governance ideologies to win over voters. It may even be healthy.
However, one rule or tactic they should preferably abide by in the elections is unity — no back-stabbing one another.
Also, the major lapses the Auditor-General found in Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council have raised concerns and doubts about the ability of Singapore’s leading opposition party, the Workers’ Party (WP), its transparency of governance and its integrity.
People may be asking why it did not take one step at a time, instead of staking everything on a single venture by combining its electoral constituencies into one entity.
Logic had suggested that the WP lacked the appropriate management experience, necessary resources and reliable expertise to manage such a huge town council.
Was the WP being overambitious, confident or complacent? Was it applying the principle of economies of scale to benefit its constituents?
Either way, the coming General Election will be a crucial, rigorous test of the WP’s overall performance in Parliament and in governing its town council.
Nevertheless, any political scene is bound to have splinter parties that struggle to present their best administration methodologies and governance ideologies to win over voters. It may even be healthy.
However, one rule or tactic they should preferably abide by in the elections is unity — no back-stabbing one another.
[Today] Here’s to more wins for Fandi and company
Hearty congratulations should go out to the LionsXII for winning the Malaysia FA Cup, as well as to their coach, our hard-working Fandi Ahmad (“More than 2,000 welcome Malaysia FA Cup champs LionsXII”; May 24, online).
Those who remember him playing for Singapore in the good old days would know how he feels, and what it is like to win an important tournament in Malaysia.
The LionsXII do not have the benefit of employing foreign players as the Malaysian teams do, so local talent is important for us. And by the looks of it, we do seem to have players of a high calibre.
I hope Fandi continues to help nurture our young talent and lead them to more successes in time to come.
Those who remember him playing for Singapore in the good old days would know how he feels, and what it is like to win an important tournament in Malaysia.
The LionsXII do not have the benefit of employing foreign players as the Malaysian teams do, so local talent is important for us. And by the looks of it, we do seem to have players of a high calibre.
I hope Fandi continues to help nurture our young talent and lead them to more successes in time to come.
[Today] Pangdemonium laudable for efforts to raise deaf awareness
I refer to the review of the play Tribes (“Loud and clear”, May 25), which is partly about deaf people.
I applaud Pangdemonium’s efforts to raise deaf awareness in Singapore. The company opened its doors to provide equal access for the deaf to appreciate theatrical arts better.
Singapore has signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Pangdemonium has achieved two articles in the Convention for the deaf, in the form of accessibility and participation.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have coached Thomas Pang and Ethel Yap. I would recommend Thomas for the Best Actor award if there is any in future. He presented his character exceptionally, based on feedback from the deaf community.
It was challenging for him, especially as he learnt sign language within a short time, but he spoke like a deaf person who learnt to speak from a young age. It surprised those who have long been involved with deaf communities.
Ethel is also great and talented in several areas. She also learnt sign language and portrayed her character, the child of deaf parents, very well. Their performances are close to our hearts.
ExtraOrdinary Horizons is a social enterprise run by the deaf
I applaud Pangdemonium’s efforts to raise deaf awareness in Singapore. The company opened its doors to provide equal access for the deaf to appreciate theatrical arts better.
Singapore has signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Pangdemonium has achieved two articles in the Convention for the deaf, in the form of accessibility and participation.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have coached Thomas Pang and Ethel Yap. I would recommend Thomas for the Best Actor award if there is any in future. He presented his character exceptionally, based on feedback from the deaf community.
It was challenging for him, especially as he learnt sign language within a short time, but he spoke like a deaf person who learnt to speak from a young age. It surprised those who have long been involved with deaf communities.
Ethel is also great and talented in several areas. She also learnt sign language and portrayed her character, the child of deaf parents, very well. Their performances are close to our hearts.
ExtraOrdinary Horizons is a social enterprise run by the deaf
Tuesday 26 May 2015
[Today] Gym chain Fitness First should respect the dignity of labour
In reference to the report “Fitness First to launch one-of-a-kind gym for captains of industry” (May 21), I take objection to Fitness First saying that chief executives “do not want to be down there ... with a lowly clerk”.
There are many facilities such as business-class seats in airlines and five-star hotels that ordinary people cannot afford. And it is fine for businesses to argue that the higher prices are due to the higher costs of providing premium services.
But to use the adjective “lowly” for a clerk is unacceptable. While many senior executives may have overcome great difficulties to attain their current position, it is equally true that not everyone starts at the same point in life’s race.
There are people in a privileged position solely because of the lottery of the womb, while others may have to quit studies early to support their family and do not get the same opportunities.
There may also be many who simply do not have the mental acumen to reach lofty heights, maybe because of malnourishment during childhood and their mother’s pregnancy.
However, if they are performing their current job well despite the odds, be it as a cleaner, bus driver, security guard or clerk, then they deserve our respect. We must teach our young about the dignity of labour, and advertisements such as Fitness First’s do not help.
There are many facilities such as business-class seats in airlines and five-star hotels that ordinary people cannot afford. And it is fine for businesses to argue that the higher prices are due to the higher costs of providing premium services.
But to use the adjective “lowly” for a clerk is unacceptable. While many senior executives may have overcome great difficulties to attain their current position, it is equally true that not everyone starts at the same point in life’s race.
There are people in a privileged position solely because of the lottery of the womb, while others may have to quit studies early to support their family and do not get the same opportunities.
There may also be many who simply do not have the mental acumen to reach lofty heights, maybe because of malnourishment during childhood and their mother’s pregnancy.
However, if they are performing their current job well despite the odds, be it as a cleaner, bus driver, security guard or clerk, then they deserve our respect. We must teach our young about the dignity of labour, and advertisements such as Fitness First’s do not help.
[Today] NS crucial for strong cohesion among citizens
I refer to the report “Prince Harry urges Britain to bring back National Service” (May 18). I agree with Prince Harry, who also thanked the army and praised what it has done for him.
In Singapore, National Service is important in ensuring that citizens, regardless of race, religion or culture, have strong cohesion.
It shapes character and attitude, builds discipline as well as encourages physical fitness and wellness — through the Individual Physical Proficiency Test, for instance.
Servicemen are, therefore, urged to work out more in order to pass the IPPT. If they do better, they receive incentives, so their effort is recognised.
Many professional services are also provided, such as by the Singapore Armed Forces Counselling Centre, for the benefit of servicemen.
As we celebrate SG50, we cannot predict what will happen in the next 50 years. However, synergy is the sine qua non, or essential ingredient, for all of us to foster a stronger Singapore.
If NS, together with close bonds among religious groups, continue to be crucial, I believe that Singapore will remain a harmonious, peaceful country.
In Singapore, National Service is important in ensuring that citizens, regardless of race, religion or culture, have strong cohesion.
It shapes character and attitude, builds discipline as well as encourages physical fitness and wellness — through the Individual Physical Proficiency Test, for instance.
Servicemen are, therefore, urged to work out more in order to pass the IPPT. If they do better, they receive incentives, so their effort is recognised.
Many professional services are also provided, such as by the Singapore Armed Forces Counselling Centre, for the benefit of servicemen.
As we celebrate SG50, we cannot predict what will happen in the next 50 years. However, synergy is the sine qua non, or essential ingredient, for all of us to foster a stronger Singapore.
If NS, together with close bonds among religious groups, continue to be crucial, I believe that Singapore will remain a harmonious, peaceful country.
[Today] Tharman dealt well with HARDtalk bluster
I took pride in how Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam stayed collected and polite throughout his interview at the St Gallen Symposium (“How the Government helps Singaporeans help themselves”; May 19).
He listened intently, framed his responses articulately with maximal effect and timing, and countered with incontrovertible logic that had the audience in stitches and his inquisitor flabbergasted when the latter thought he had Mr Tharman on the ropes.
It was done in a dignified and reasoned fashion, delivered effectively in demolishing the standard bluster and in-your-face crudeness of BBC HARDtalk presenter Stephen Sackur.
Well done, Mr Tharman.
He listened intently, framed his responses articulately with maximal effect and timing, and countered with incontrovertible logic that had the audience in stitches and his inquisitor flabbergasted when the latter thought he had Mr Tharman on the ropes.
It was done in a dignified and reasoned fashion, delivered effectively in demolishing the standard bluster and in-your-face crudeness of BBC HARDtalk presenter Stephen Sackur.
Well done, Mr Tharman.
[Today] Ageism is biggest obstacle to employability of older S’poreans
It appears that ageism may be responsible for the rise in the number of redundancies and the difficulties faced by older Singaporeans trying to re-enter the workforce (“Career switch hardest for PMETs re-entering the workforce”; May 14, online).
However, Singapore’s unemployment numbers continue to be relatively low. Older professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) will not wait indefinitely for another professional or managerial position while their savings deplete if they have a family to support. Desperation will cause many to grab the next opening that comes along — often a job for which they are overqualified.
The problem is that many older workers have a last-drawn salary that surpasses that of the hiring manager interviewing them. They may even possess more experience than the latter. Insecure managers hesitate to hire such jobseekers, who may end up displacing their supervisors.
Also, university-educated PMETs in their 40s or 50s continue to find it difficult to compete with younger and cheaper foreign white-collar workers.
However, with fewer young adults entering the workforce and many starting their careers at a later age because of tertiary studies, employers must shift away from discriminatory practices against older workers.
With increased longevity and improved health, ageing is less and less synonymous with dependency. Although the risk of chronic illness and disability increases with age, many persons with chronic conditions and functional limitations retain other significant capabilities.
The paradigm of ageing as a dependent stage of life does not match current realities. This and the stereotype of seniors as unproductive are unfair and detrimental to their dignity.
There are government policies and programmes to promote active ageing and full economic integration into society for seniors.
However, so long as the authorities do not make it compulsory to re-employ workers up to the age of 67, the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers will cut no ice with employers. In fact, because of age discrimination, many perfectly healthy older workers feel they have been forced by circumstances into leaving the labour force.
The prevailing idea that older employees must retire at an arbitrary age in order to provide jobs for younger people must also be re-examined. If people are able to work longer, society should not discourage them from doing so.
However, Singapore’s unemployment numbers continue to be relatively low. Older professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) will not wait indefinitely for another professional or managerial position while their savings deplete if they have a family to support. Desperation will cause many to grab the next opening that comes along — often a job for which they are overqualified.
The problem is that many older workers have a last-drawn salary that surpasses that of the hiring manager interviewing them. They may even possess more experience than the latter. Insecure managers hesitate to hire such jobseekers, who may end up displacing their supervisors.
Also, university-educated PMETs in their 40s or 50s continue to find it difficult to compete with younger and cheaper foreign white-collar workers.
However, with fewer young adults entering the workforce and many starting their careers at a later age because of tertiary studies, employers must shift away from discriminatory practices against older workers.
With increased longevity and improved health, ageing is less and less synonymous with dependency. Although the risk of chronic illness and disability increases with age, many persons with chronic conditions and functional limitations retain other significant capabilities.
The paradigm of ageing as a dependent stage of life does not match current realities. This and the stereotype of seniors as unproductive are unfair and detrimental to their dignity.
There are government policies and programmes to promote active ageing and full economic integration into society for seniors.
However, so long as the authorities do not make it compulsory to re-employ workers up to the age of 67, the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers will cut no ice with employers. In fact, because of age discrimination, many perfectly healthy older workers feel they have been forced by circumstances into leaving the labour force.
The prevailing idea that older employees must retire at an arbitrary age in order to provide jobs for younger people must also be re-examined. If people are able to work longer, society should not discourage them from doing so.
[Today] Healthcare should not be left to market forces
I agree with Dr Jeremy Lim that governments should focus on improving healthcare delivery with sufficient facilities at lower cost (“Healthcare on the brink of revolution”; May 13).
A responsible government delivers universal healthcare as one of its basic essential services, such as education, transport, water and electricity. Western countries running into serious financial headwinds struggled to sustain the system because of poor management and administration despite having sufficient doctors and hospital beds. Without political will, this social benefit will always elude the people.
As an essential basic service here, healthcare should be delivered on an equitable basis. Market forces should not distort fair distribution, even in a market economy, to favour the industry. The Government has a duty to regulate the industry’s healthy development and steady progress to ensure services are readily available to citizens at reasonable cost.
Technology will not save healthcare in the absence of realistic curbs on an industry dominated by a couple of listed conglomerates and private specialist clinics charging sky-high prices. As a First World country with an ageing population, Singapore should address the apparent shortage in healthcare services by creating sufficient supply to strive for equilibrium.
The Government needs to adopt a more innovative policy, with incentives to encourage more qualified local and foreign doctors to set up boutique hospitals with enough beds to compete with large conglomerates. This should be done while offering more choices to medical tourists and local patients, to ease the pressure.
To reduce patients’ costs, it should also further liberalise the sale of branded drugs in pharmacies. For example, why do patients need prescriptions to buy regular branded medicines and pay three times more at private clinics?
The key to achieving “access” and “equity” in healthcare begins with pragmatic government regulations that increase the supply of care and at lower cost, such as using generous incentives to improve availability. For instance, specialist clinics and boutique hospitals could be given five-year special concessions in rental, foreign nurse levy and amenity rates at shopping malls or buildings. Property owners can be exempted from property tax for such units.
The profitable healthcare industry should operate like other industries in complying with fair business practices and transparent, competitive pricing. The loss of some revenues to nurture the healthcare industry is worth the benefit to society.
A responsible government delivers universal healthcare as one of its basic essential services, such as education, transport, water and electricity. Western countries running into serious financial headwinds struggled to sustain the system because of poor management and administration despite having sufficient doctors and hospital beds. Without political will, this social benefit will always elude the people.
As an essential basic service here, healthcare should be delivered on an equitable basis. Market forces should not distort fair distribution, even in a market economy, to favour the industry. The Government has a duty to regulate the industry’s healthy development and steady progress to ensure services are readily available to citizens at reasonable cost.
Technology will not save healthcare in the absence of realistic curbs on an industry dominated by a couple of listed conglomerates and private specialist clinics charging sky-high prices. As a First World country with an ageing population, Singapore should address the apparent shortage in healthcare services by creating sufficient supply to strive for equilibrium.
The Government needs to adopt a more innovative policy, with incentives to encourage more qualified local and foreign doctors to set up boutique hospitals with enough beds to compete with large conglomerates. This should be done while offering more choices to medical tourists and local patients, to ease the pressure.
To reduce patients’ costs, it should also further liberalise the sale of branded drugs in pharmacies. For example, why do patients need prescriptions to buy regular branded medicines and pay three times more at private clinics?
The key to achieving “access” and “equity” in healthcare begins with pragmatic government regulations that increase the supply of care and at lower cost, such as using generous incentives to improve availability. For instance, specialist clinics and boutique hospitals could be given five-year special concessions in rental, foreign nurse levy and amenity rates at shopping malls or buildings. Property owners can be exempted from property tax for such units.
The profitable healthcare industry should operate like other industries in complying with fair business practices and transparent, competitive pricing. The loss of some revenues to nurture the healthcare industry is worth the benefit to society.
[Today] Most govt reports do not deal with policies’ budgetary impact
We thank the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for its reply (“Government agencies regularly publish reports on their performance”; May 13) to our letter, and for informing us and the public of a number of reports published by government agencies.
While these reports provide some helpful information, they do not tend to address the impact of budgetary policies per se. The statistics referenced in most of these reports relate to the social phenomena within these ministries’ remit, such as the level of crime or number of workplace accidents, rather than the allocation of expenditure under specific initiatives and policies.
The ComCare Annual Report is a welcome exception, as it shows how much money is given out under the various ComCare schemes. However, these statistics could be more comprehensive, since figures on the number of applications received are not released. In fact, a question on the acceptance rate of ComCare applications was raised in Parliament in 2013, indicating that such figures are not released regularly.
Furthermore, the statistics in the reports mentioned by the ministry tend to be given at a high level of generality. There is little disaggregation by characteristics such as gender, age, and race or ethnicity, which are especially important variables when designing social policy.
In addition, while it was helpful to receive a list of reports in response to our query, to improve transparency and public access to information even further, perhaps the MOF or the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth could also take on the tasks of maintaining a centralised list of reports. This list should be prominent and accessible to the public.
There is a precedent for this in some areas. The Ministry of Social and Family Development, for instance, maintains a webpage with links to all state reporting on the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This promotes transparency on the state’s progress on fulfilling its international commitments under this treaty.
The public should have ready access to a detailed breakdown of the programmes administrated by each ministry — both ongoing as well as newly-announced Budget initiatives. There should be specific allocations cited for each priority named in the Budget speech, as well as a breakdown of the different sub-programmes and projects under total expenditure by programme.
A more systematic distribution of information for all aspects of the Government’s performance would help improve the quality of citizen participation in policymaking.
While these reports provide some helpful information, they do not tend to address the impact of budgetary policies per se. The statistics referenced in most of these reports relate to the social phenomena within these ministries’ remit, such as the level of crime or number of workplace accidents, rather than the allocation of expenditure under specific initiatives and policies.
The ComCare Annual Report is a welcome exception, as it shows how much money is given out under the various ComCare schemes. However, these statistics could be more comprehensive, since figures on the number of applications received are not released. In fact, a question on the acceptance rate of ComCare applications was raised in Parliament in 2013, indicating that such figures are not released regularly.
Furthermore, the statistics in the reports mentioned by the ministry tend to be given at a high level of generality. There is little disaggregation by characteristics such as gender, age, and race or ethnicity, which are especially important variables when designing social policy.
In addition, while it was helpful to receive a list of reports in response to our query, to improve transparency and public access to information even further, perhaps the MOF or the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth could also take on the tasks of maintaining a centralised list of reports. This list should be prominent and accessible to the public.
There is a precedent for this in some areas. The Ministry of Social and Family Development, for instance, maintains a webpage with links to all state reporting on the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This promotes transparency on the state’s progress on fulfilling its international commitments under this treaty.
The public should have ready access to a detailed breakdown of the programmes administrated by each ministry — both ongoing as well as newly-announced Budget initiatives. There should be specific allocations cited for each priority named in the Budget speech, as well as a breakdown of the different sub-programmes and projects under total expenditure by programme.
A more systematic distribution of information for all aspects of the Government’s performance would help improve the quality of citizen participation in policymaking.
[Today] Cut down food wastage by reducing overconsumption
I refer to the new pilot to cut down on food waste (“Two hawker centres to get new food waste recycling machines”; May 19).
In dealing with the issue of food waste, perhaps one should look at what goes on to our plates in the first place.
If consumers can select the amount of food they require and pay only for that, it will encourage less wastage.
There is no better way to cut down waste than by cutting down on over-consumption.
In dealing with the issue of food waste, perhaps one should look at what goes on to our plates in the first place.
If consumers can select the amount of food they require and pay only for that, it will encourage less wastage.
There is no better way to cut down waste than by cutting down on over-consumption.
[Today] Civic District renovation needs more coordination, creativity
Surrounded by a charming mixture of colonial buildings and gleaming skyscrapers, the stretch of the Singapore River from Esplanade Walk to Boat Quay and Clarke Quay can perhaps be considered as the most elegant part of the Civic District.
With the completed refurbishment of the former Supreme Court and City Hall into the National Gallery and with the restoration of Victoria Theatre, I have been looking forward to a more scenic landscape.
Disappointingly, the area is again turning into a messy construction site — this time involving the renovation of the Asian Civilisation Museum and the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s enhancement of the public spaces along Empress Place and Esplanade Park.
Although the pedestrian paths are partially accessible, the project, which is expected to be completed by year end, has cheapened the image of the place, with areas boarded up casually by both nondescript scaffoldings and steel barricades.
The inelegant way contractors are caging up the statue of Stamford Raffles is also shocking.
While I understand the need for upgrading and refurbishment, I am less impressed with the absence of coordination among the various agencies to minimise the disruptions.
Why could not the current projects have been timed together with the earlier ones at the National Gallery and the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall?
Given the significance of the place, why is there no evidence of creative efforts in maintaining the area’s image if construction works are inevitable?
For example, the authorities could have commissioned artwork and other aesthetic projects for those blank and bland construction hoardings, and a more dignified casing to protect the statue of Raffles.
Instead of construction workers barricading the space, let our artists’ imagination beautify it.
I acknowledge the commitment of the relevant authorities, but a little more inter-agency coordination and aesthetic imagination would go a long way in maintaining our Civic District’s charm.
With the completed refurbishment of the former Supreme Court and City Hall into the National Gallery and with the restoration of Victoria Theatre, I have been looking forward to a more scenic landscape.
Disappointingly, the area is again turning into a messy construction site — this time involving the renovation of the Asian Civilisation Museum and the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s enhancement of the public spaces along Empress Place and Esplanade Park.
Although the pedestrian paths are partially accessible, the project, which is expected to be completed by year end, has cheapened the image of the place, with areas boarded up casually by both nondescript scaffoldings and steel barricades.
The inelegant way contractors are caging up the statue of Stamford Raffles is also shocking.
While I understand the need for upgrading and refurbishment, I am less impressed with the absence of coordination among the various agencies to minimise the disruptions.
Why could not the current projects have been timed together with the earlier ones at the National Gallery and the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall?
Given the significance of the place, why is there no evidence of creative efforts in maintaining the area’s image if construction works are inevitable?
For example, the authorities could have commissioned artwork and other aesthetic projects for those blank and bland construction hoardings, and a more dignified casing to protect the statue of Raffles.
Instead of construction workers barricading the space, let our artists’ imagination beautify it.
I acknowledge the commitment of the relevant authorities, but a little more inter-agency coordination and aesthetic imagination would go a long way in maintaining our Civic District’s charm.
[Today] Degree inequality should motivate, not deter, us
I refer to the article “As graduate numbers grow, a hard truth: Not all degrees are equal” (May 23). It is vital to re-establish the parameters of a degree.
First, it is a means to an end: Access to certain career paths.
And due to the relative importance accorded to jobs that certain specialised degrees offer access to, there is often a disparity among degrees, as indicated by the mean salary for graduates across jobs.
Yet, degrees cannot be measured simply based on salary. For some individuals, job satisfaction negates the peeve of a salary lower than for other professions. Degrees are measured better in terms of the validity of the skills imparted to a graduate for his or her career path, considering as well any changes in jobs throughout his or her career.
For instance, beyond offering what a solicitor would require, the skills imbibed by law graduates offer access to banking and other domains.
Given the cut-throat competition, however, a degree is not the end of one’s learning nor does it necessarily translate into secure job prospects.
Ultimately, the significance of a degree should not detract from the values of rigour and fortitude many courses aim to ingrain in their students, which are what would enable them to forge on amid unfavourable circumstances.
The debate about degrees should thus be more concerned with how successfully these tenets have been imparted than with the unequal nature of degrees.
As George Orwell wrote in Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Inequality should not be a revelation nor an entrenched setback, but rather an added motivation to surmount the odds using the tools we have.
First, it is a means to an end: Access to certain career paths.
And due to the relative importance accorded to jobs that certain specialised degrees offer access to, there is often a disparity among degrees, as indicated by the mean salary for graduates across jobs.
Yet, degrees cannot be measured simply based on salary. For some individuals, job satisfaction negates the peeve of a salary lower than for other professions. Degrees are measured better in terms of the validity of the skills imparted to a graduate for his or her career path, considering as well any changes in jobs throughout his or her career.
For instance, beyond offering what a solicitor would require, the skills imbibed by law graduates offer access to banking and other domains.
Given the cut-throat competition, however, a degree is not the end of one’s learning nor does it necessarily translate into secure job prospects.
Ultimately, the significance of a degree should not detract from the values of rigour and fortitude many courses aim to ingrain in their students, which are what would enable them to forge on amid unfavourable circumstances.
The debate about degrees should thus be more concerned with how successfully these tenets have been imparted than with the unequal nature of degrees.
As George Orwell wrote in Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Inequality should not be a revelation nor an entrenched setback, but rather an added motivation to surmount the odds using the tools we have.
[Today] Be more selective in foreign PMET entry
I refer to the article “As graduate numbers grow, a hard truth: Not all degrees are equal” (May 23) on graduate underemployment. Mizuho Bank senior economist Vishnu Varathan put it in a nutshell: Local graduates may be facing competition from foreign graduates with or without experience.
And due to the liberal intake of foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) over the past decade or so, many of these foreign graduates may have been recruited when young and would probably have held on to their jobs for many more years. Also, some of them tend to recruit workers of their own nationality. The end result is that some Singaporean graduates have missed out on job exposure and opportunities.
It is hoped that the authorities are now more discerning in issuing employment passes, especially in the PMET category. There are many PMET jobs in companies with 25 or fewer employees, which means they are exempted from the Jobs Bank advertising requirement. This headcount figure could be lowered.
And due to the liberal intake of foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) over the past decade or so, many of these foreign graduates may have been recruited when young and would probably have held on to their jobs for many more years. Also, some of them tend to recruit workers of their own nationality. The end result is that some Singaporean graduates have missed out on job exposure and opportunities.
It is hoped that the authorities are now more discerning in issuing employment passes, especially in the PMET category. There are many PMET jobs in companies with 25 or fewer employees, which means they are exempted from the Jobs Bank advertising requirement. This headcount figure could be lowered.
Monday 25 May 2015
[Today] Appointment system can help to better manage time
We thank Mr Yeo Shuan Chee for his feedback in “Fine-tune appointment system at polyclinic” (May 18, online).
At SingHealth Polyclinics, we see a large proportion of patients who visit our polyclinics regularly for follow-up. For patients to better plan their visits and reduce waiting time, we encourage them to make an appointment before their visit.
We will still attend to patients without an appointment. Upon registration, they will be given the earliest available time slot for consultation, depending on the urgency of their medical condition.
With this estimated time slot, patients can choose to wait in the polyclinic or return 15 minutes before the consultation. Patients with medical emergencies such as shortness of breath, high fever or chest pains will be attended to immediately.
The appointment system was rolled out in February. Patients were informed via posters and flyers; polyclinic staff also reminded patients proactively at various service points to make an appointment for their next visit.
Some of our patients may have missed the notifications, and we are sorry for the inconvenience caused. We also seek patients’ understanding as we review and improve the system.
We request Mr Yeo to call us at 6236-4800 or email his contact details to SingHealthPolyclinics@singhealth.com.sg so we can be in touch with him to address his feedback on his mother’s visit.
At SingHealth Polyclinics, we see a large proportion of patients who visit our polyclinics regularly for follow-up. For patients to better plan their visits and reduce waiting time, we encourage them to make an appointment before their visit.
We will still attend to patients without an appointment. Upon registration, they will be given the earliest available time slot for consultation, depending on the urgency of their medical condition.
With this estimated time slot, patients can choose to wait in the polyclinic or return 15 minutes before the consultation. Patients with medical emergencies such as shortness of breath, high fever or chest pains will be attended to immediately.
The appointment system was rolled out in February. Patients were informed via posters and flyers; polyclinic staff also reminded patients proactively at various service points to make an appointment for their next visit.
Some of our patients may have missed the notifications, and we are sorry for the inconvenience caused. We also seek patients’ understanding as we review and improve the system.
We request Mr Yeo to call us at 6236-4800 or email his contact details to SingHealthPolyclinics@singhealth.com.sg so we can be in touch with him to address his feedback on his mother’s visit.
[Straits Times] Incentivise good shopper behaviour
ENOUGH emphasis has been accorded to service providers over the years via campaigns and slogans reminding them to provide good service to customers.
Hence, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's recent remarks that the focus now should also be on customers could not have come at a better time ("PM Lee on service standards: Be a good customer as well"; Tuesday).
During the emphasis on service providers, many organisations received feedback of their staff's performance from customers.
Many a time, organisations gave recognition to their staff after they received positive feedback. This spurred them to continue to do their best.
It is time for the roles to be reversed.
I suggest that organisations
inform their staff to give feedback on good customer habits they have encountered.
Organisations should give due recognition to these deserving customers, perhaps by giving them a coupon that allows them to bypass a queue and get
service straightaway on their next visit.
Alternatively, organisations could empower staff to provide discounts on purchases if they are pleased with the customer.
I agree fully that good habits and behaviour from customers must come naturally and should not be born out of a desire to obtain incentives.
However, if such behaviour is not already second nature, then we will need to cultivate it and put in effort to develop it, in order to achieve the desired outcomes.
Perhaps, with concerted effort, being a good customer will eventually become second nature to Singaporeans.
Rajasegaran Ramasamy
Hence, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's recent remarks that the focus now should also be on customers could not have come at a better time ("PM Lee on service standards: Be a good customer as well"; Tuesday).
During the emphasis on service providers, many organisations received feedback of their staff's performance from customers.
Many a time, organisations gave recognition to their staff after they received positive feedback. This spurred them to continue to do their best.
It is time for the roles to be reversed.
I suggest that organisations
inform their staff to give feedback on good customer habits they have encountered.
Organisations should give due recognition to these deserving customers, perhaps by giving them a coupon that allows them to bypass a queue and get
service straightaway on their next visit.
Alternatively, organisations could empower staff to provide discounts on purchases if they are pleased with the customer.
I agree fully that good habits and behaviour from customers must come naturally and should not be born out of a desire to obtain incentives.
However, if such behaviour is not already second nature, then we will need to cultivate it and put in effort to develop it, in order to achieve the desired outcomes.
Perhaps, with concerted effort, being a good customer will eventually become second nature to Singaporeans.
Rajasegaran Ramasamy
[Straits Times] Time to train S'poreans to be better customers
HIGHER service standards can be attained only if good relationships between customers and service staff exist ("Service levels here still not up to scratch: Experts"; Wednesday, and "Understand difficulties retail staff face" by Ms Mary Chan Pheck Li; yesterday).
Mention poor service and sales staff invariably come to mind; little has been said about customers who contribute to this sad state of affairs.
Having worked in the retail sector for many years, it saddens me that our quality of service has not been up to expectations despite our strong emphasis on training.
Perhaps, it is time for us to view the issue in perspective.
Singaporeans may be adequately trained to serve, but things will not get any better if they are not trained to shop properly ("PM Lee on service standards: Be a good customer as well"; Tuesday).
Our local customers are characterised as irrational, bossy, impatient and lacking understanding for the problems encountered by service providers.
Comparatively, Japanese and Caucasian customers are generally more gracious and friendly, and they tend to smile and thank the staff, which could be why our sales staff prefer serving foreigners.
Unlike Singaporeans, many foreigners are considerate and gracious shoppers who would normally return merchandise
that is not to their liking to where it was originally placed.
This is not the case with locals who fling T-shirts and slippers everywhere when they find them unsuitable.
In such an uncongenial situation, some service staff may find it difficult to smile, much less provide good service.
Alas, there are customers who still harbour the archaic mentality that service staff are subservient to them; they fail to respond to greetings from service staff, thinking that the latter are employees who do not expect, or deserve, simple courtesies.
However, times have changed, and people who work in the service industry today are better educated and knowledgeable; they want a right to their dignity.
Hence, customers must shed the outmoded "the customer is always right" notion; instead, they should be considerate in their expectations of service providers.
Hopefully, then, there will be endearing customer-staff relationships which, in turn, further improve the quality of service.
Jeffrey Law Lee Beng
Mention poor service and sales staff invariably come to mind; little has been said about customers who contribute to this sad state of affairs.
Having worked in the retail sector for many years, it saddens me that our quality of service has not been up to expectations despite our strong emphasis on training.
Perhaps, it is time for us to view the issue in perspective.
Singaporeans may be adequately trained to serve, but things will not get any better if they are not trained to shop properly ("PM Lee on service standards: Be a good customer as well"; Tuesday).
Our local customers are characterised as irrational, bossy, impatient and lacking understanding for the problems encountered by service providers.
Comparatively, Japanese and Caucasian customers are generally more gracious and friendly, and they tend to smile and thank the staff, which could be why our sales staff prefer serving foreigners.
Unlike Singaporeans, many foreigners are considerate and gracious shoppers who would normally return merchandise
that is not to their liking to where it was originally placed.
This is not the case with locals who fling T-shirts and slippers everywhere when they find them unsuitable.
In such an uncongenial situation, some service staff may find it difficult to smile, much less provide good service.
Alas, there are customers who still harbour the archaic mentality that service staff are subservient to them; they fail to respond to greetings from service staff, thinking that the latter are employees who do not expect, or deserve, simple courtesies.
However, times have changed, and people who work in the service industry today are better educated and knowledgeable; they want a right to their dignity.
Hence, customers must shed the outmoded "the customer is always right" notion; instead, they should be considerate in their expectations of service providers.
Hopefully, then, there will be endearing customer-staff relationships which, in turn, further improve the quality of service.
Jeffrey Law Lee Beng
[Straits Times] Measures in place to ensure blood supply safety
WE THANK Mr Kang Choon Tian for highlighting that the integrity of our national blood supply also depends on donors' honesty and sense of social responsibility ("Enough checks on blood donors?"; May 14).
Using the most sensitive testing technologies available, every unit of donated blood in our blood banks is processed and tested for infectious diseases, including HIV. Units with positive or inconclusive results for diseases will not be for patients' use.
Such stringent and comprehensive measures, based on international standards and best practices, safeguard the health and safety of patients receiving the blood.
Like all blood banks worldwide, we are mindful of window periods, during which the early stages of infections are undetectable, even with the best available tests.
As an additional protective measure, for the safety of blood recipients, every blood donor is required to truthfully answer all questions on his medical, travel and sexual history, in the Donor Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Declaration Form.
During a face-to-face private interview, a medical screener will go through these questions with him.
After donation, the donor can contact the blood bank using the 24-hour toll-free line (1800-226-3320) if he feels that his blood is unsuitable for transfusion.
These processes ensure donors are aware of the implications of their answers on blood safety, and are given sufficient opportunities to be honest when answering the questionnaire.
Regular and potential blood donors should not be deterred from donating blood by the need to answer the questionnaire, but they should be truthful in their responses to the questions posed.
Medical personnel at the blood banks and blood mobiles will then assess their eligibility to donate blood. These steps help ensure the safety of our blood supply.
Finally, we thank all donors for their altruism and social responsibility in donating the gift of life, and encourage them to continue donating healthy and safe blood.
Ang Ai Leen (Dr)
Deputy Group Director
Blood Services Group
Health Sciences Authority
Using the most sensitive testing technologies available, every unit of donated blood in our blood banks is processed and tested for infectious diseases, including HIV. Units with positive or inconclusive results for diseases will not be for patients' use.
Such stringent and comprehensive measures, based on international standards and best practices, safeguard the health and safety of patients receiving the blood.
Like all blood banks worldwide, we are mindful of window periods, during which the early stages of infections are undetectable, even with the best available tests.
As an additional protective measure, for the safety of blood recipients, every blood donor is required to truthfully answer all questions on his medical, travel and sexual history, in the Donor Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Declaration Form.
During a face-to-face private interview, a medical screener will go through these questions with him.
After donation, the donor can contact the blood bank using the 24-hour toll-free line (1800-226-3320) if he feels that his blood is unsuitable for transfusion.
These processes ensure donors are aware of the implications of their answers on blood safety, and are given sufficient opportunities to be honest when answering the questionnaire.
Regular and potential blood donors should not be deterred from donating blood by the need to answer the questionnaire, but they should be truthful in their responses to the questions posed.
Medical personnel at the blood banks and blood mobiles will then assess their eligibility to donate blood. These steps help ensure the safety of our blood supply.
Finally, we thank all donors for their altruism and social responsibility in donating the gift of life, and encourage them to continue donating healthy and safe blood.
Ang Ai Leen (Dr)
Deputy Group Director
Blood Services Group
Health Sciences Authority
[Straits Times] Property investment: CDL replies
WE THANK Mr David Goh Chee Hoe for his views on property investment ("Property investment won't narrow income gap"; Thursday).
The property market is cyclical in nature and can be impacted by changes in the regulatory environment, recessions and global financial crises.
But such externalities do not just affect the property sector alone.
Other financial instruments, such as stocks and shares, saw prices spiralling downwards within a short timeframe, and many were severely impacted.
City Developments (CDL) has always advocated that property investment must be viewed with a medium to long-term perspective.
History has also shown that real estate assets still remain a relatively stable investment in Singapore.
Genuine buyers have benefited from recurring income and reaped substantial capital gains in property appreciation over time.
Although the purchasing power of money has eroded with time, any class of property bought years ago will, today, be worth many times more in value.
For this reason, property investment can help narrow the income divide.
Investment is a means to help grow your money. Investors are in the best position to evaluate their risk appetite and match suitable classes of assets to diversify their investment portfolio. Property can be part of the basket of assets.
Mr Goh suggested that CDL should have paid out at least 75 per cent of our net profit as dividends during the period of the property peak.
CDL takes a long-term view of our business, and, as a responsible company, we are duty bound to ensure that we continually enhance value for our shareholders.
In addition to dividend payouts, profits are reinvested for strategic growth and future expansion of the company.
The war chest also enables us to mitigate headwinds that may impact our business, particularly during an economic downturn.
CDL's dividend payout ratio is, in fact, at the top end of comparable developers in Singapore.
Belinda Lee (Ms)
Head
Corporate Communications
City Developments
The property market is cyclical in nature and can be impacted by changes in the regulatory environment, recessions and global financial crises.
But such externalities do not just affect the property sector alone.
Other financial instruments, such as stocks and shares, saw prices spiralling downwards within a short timeframe, and many were severely impacted.
City Developments (CDL) has always advocated that property investment must be viewed with a medium to long-term perspective.
History has also shown that real estate assets still remain a relatively stable investment in Singapore.
Genuine buyers have benefited from recurring income and reaped substantial capital gains in property appreciation over time.
Although the purchasing power of money has eroded with time, any class of property bought years ago will, today, be worth many times more in value.
For this reason, property investment can help narrow the income divide.
Investment is a means to help grow your money. Investors are in the best position to evaluate their risk appetite and match suitable classes of assets to diversify their investment portfolio. Property can be part of the basket of assets.
Mr Goh suggested that CDL should have paid out at least 75 per cent of our net profit as dividends during the period of the property peak.
CDL takes a long-term view of our business, and, as a responsible company, we are duty bound to ensure that we continually enhance value for our shareholders.
In addition to dividend payouts, profits are reinvested for strategic growth and future expansion of the company.
The war chest also enables us to mitigate headwinds that may impact our business, particularly during an economic downturn.
CDL's dividend payout ratio is, in fact, at the top end of comparable developers in Singapore.
Belinda Lee (Ms)
Head
Corporate Communications
City Developments
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