SG Complains

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Cabby cheats take passengers for a ride


According to AsiaOne News:

IT IS no doubt easier to get a cab nowadays during peak hours, because you can see long queues of empty taxis and zero passengers. This has led some cabbies to take desperate measures, bordering on the dishonest. As passengers are hard to come by, especially during expensive peak hours, drivers intentionally take a longer route, hoping to stretch and make more out of what may be the only fare they’ll pick up during this time.

I had suspicions a couple of times during recent rides but didn’t think much of them as I wasn’t 100 per cent sure of the shortest routes myself. However, my journey on March 21 was a familiar one from Marine Parade to home in Potong Pasir. Instead of turning into Lichi Avenue from Upper Aljunied Road, the driver drove past this well-known straight-road connection between Upper Aljunied Road and Potong Pasir and continued along Upper Aljunied Road before turning into Upper Serangoon Road and finally reaching Potong Pasir. I hadn’t paid close attention nearing the Lichi Avenue left turn and realised too late.

When I asked the driver, he said he didn’t like making many left and right turns along Lichi Avenue, and preferred the straight road. This was not true as taking Upper Aljunied Road and Upper Serangoon Road actually includes more turns and traffic lights. The cab company was Trans-

Cab. I am 100 per cent sure the driver was trying to lengthen the journey.

To substantiate my suspicions further, I must quote another driver who checked my destination before letting me in. After I got into the cab, he admitted if my journey had been a short one, he’d not have picked me up.

I hope all cab companies will remind drivers about integrity.

I would also like to remind passengers to stay alert during cab journeys and specify your preferred route – or else you may be taken for a longer ride.

Lee Li Cheng (Ms)

- This had been a problem for long time…nothing new :)
For those who don’t want to remember nearest routes then try out the new GPS phone!! :) HAHAH….

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31 March 2008 at 15:10 - Comments
  • Jimmoo
    Don’t Wait To Hit Bottom
    Barton Biggs

    NEWSWEEK
    Updated: 11:02 AM ET Mar 22, 2008
    As this is written, the financial panic of 2008 is in full swing. Equity markets around the world are being slaughtered by waves of selling. The most recent debacle is the forced fire sale of Bear Stearns, but we can be sure that tomorrow and the day after tomorrow there will be additional disasters as financial institutions, hedge funds and individuals rush to de-leverage, setting off a vicious cycle.

    Wise men to whom we should listen respectfully (such as George Soros) are saying this is the end of the 60-year post-World War II supercycle, and the secular abyss looms. However, after living through (and surviving) nine panics over the past 45 years, my intuition is that we are close to the end of this one, and that markets around the world are poised for a rally that could be as violent as the decline. It sounds dramatic, but the Dow Jones industrial average could rise a thousand points. Here are the reasons why:

    First, stocks around the world are cheap. We employ a variety of valuation models based on earnings, free cash flow, book value, interest rates and inflation. They show that equities are either very cheap (versus interest rates) or moderately undervalued (earnings and book value). All other busts began with stocks at extremely expensive levels.

    Second, U.S. equities in particular have already had a big decline. The S&P 500 in nominal terms is more than 20 percent below its high of eight years ago (far more when adjusted for inflation) even though earnings and dividends have risen 30 to 40 percent. The emerging markets as a group are selling at about 12 times earnings despite superior growth and not really being involved in the U.S. credit crisis.

    Third, the world is still healthy. The European and Japanese economies are weakening, but not collapsing. The emerging countries now account for 30 percent of world GDP and will grow roughly 5 to 6 percent in real terms this year. The big locomotive, China, will slow to perhaps 10 percent. World GDP growth should be in excess of 3 percent. That’s hardly a disaster.

    Fourth, the U.S. economy is in a mid-cycle slowdown or a mild recession at worst. The weak dollar has made America very competitive again, and exports are growing and new plants are being located here. The federal government’s stimulus program will boost activity by late spring, and the worst of the home-building collapse is probably behind us. American companies around the world have paid down debt, have large amounts of liquid assets and are poised to increase capital spending. The biggest American companies, which dominate the market averages, earn almost half their profits abroad, so the weak dollar actually boosts their reported profits in dollars.

    Fifth, stock markets are manic-depressives swinging between fear and greed. Investor sentiment today is extremely bearish: fear dominates. We measure sentiment systematically, so this is an assertion, not a guess. This degree of bearishness is consistent with market bottoms. In the past, it has been wrong to be underinvested and selling shares when the bad news is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal, on the cover of BusinessWeek, and is blaring on CNBC.

    Finally, the so-called Authorities, the Federal Reserve and the government, have the knowledge and the powerful tools to avert a plunge into the abyss. They have now clearly signaled they will do whatever it takes to revive the economy. Persistent recessions, deflation and long, devastating bear markets as in 1929 and Japan in the 1990s occur when the Authorities don’t “get it.” However, the Authorities’ actions this time probably will result in higher inflation, as they flood the system with liquidity.

    A lot of immoral and even evil things have happened in the credit markets, and there are many reasons to be worried. There is a risk of a vicious downward spiral in asset prices—homes, stocks, fixed-income paper. However, I believe the bad news has been discounted in equity prices. It’s important to recognize that the news doesn’t have to be good for stocks to rally. It just has to be less bad than what has already been discounted.

    Most market lows trace out double bottoms. In other words, stocks fall steeply, rally sharply, then fade again and retest or even slightly undercut the first bottom. Key markets around the world made lows at about current levels on Jan. 22 and then rallied, only to fall back as the credit crisis deepened. They are currently laboriously testing those January levels. If they hold, it could be a signal that a strong rally is coming.

    There is a huge amount of liquidity on the sidelines, and the most aggressive investors, particularly hedge funds, have massive buying power. They cannot afford to miss a sustained rally. Manics can have violent mood swings. Fear can quickly become greed. The upturn could be explosive.

    There is an old trader’s saying: “If you think it’s a bottom, it’s not. If you know it’s a bottom, you missed it.” In other words, if you wait until the storm clouds have cleared and markets are healthy again, it will be too late. Admittedly, I’m an optimist—but I’d say buy some blue-chip stocks now.

    URL: http://www.newsweek.com/id/128426
  • Jimmoo
    Don’t Wait To Hit BottomBarton BiggsNEWSWEEKUpdated: 11:02 AM ET Mar 22, 2008As this is written, the financial panic of 2008 is in full swing. Equity markets around the world are being slaughtered by waves of selling. The most recent debacle is the forced fire sale of Bear Stearns, but we can be sure that tomorrow and the day after tomorrow there will be additional disasters as financial institutions, hedge funds and individuals rush to de-leverage, setting off a vicious cycle.Wise men to whom we should listen respectfully (such as George Soros) are saying this is the end of the 60-year post-World War II supercycle, and the secular abyss looms. However, after living through (and surviving) nine panics over the past 45 years, my intuition is that we are close to the end of this one, and that markets around the world are poised for a rally that could be as violent as the decline. It sounds dramatic, but the Dow Jones industrial average could rise a thousand points. Here are the reasons why:First, stocks around the world are cheap. We employ a variety of valuation models based on earnings, free cash flow, book value, interest rates and inflation. They show that equities are either very cheap (versus interest rates) or moderately undervalued (earnings and book value). All other busts began with stocks at extremely expensive levels.Second, U.S. equities in particular have already had a big decline. The S&P; 500 in nominal terms is more than 20 percent below its high of eight years ago (far more when adjusted for inflation) even though earnings and dividends have risen 30 to 40 percent. The emerging markets as a group are selling at about 12 times earnings despite superior growth and not really being involved in the U.S. credit crisis.Third, the world is still healthy. The European and Japanese economies are weakening, but not collapsing. The emerging countries now account for 30 percent of world GDP and will grow roughly 5 to 6 percent in real terms this year. The big locomotive, China, will slow to perhaps 10 percent. World GDP growth should be in excess of 3 percent. That’s hardly a disaster.Fourth, the U.S. economy is in a mid-cycle slowdown or a mild recession at worst. The weak dollar has made America very competitive again, and exports are growing and new plants are being located here. The federal government’s stimulus program will boost activity by late spring, and the worst of the home-building collapse is probably behind us. American companies around the world have paid down debt, have large amounts of liquid assets and are poised to increase capital spending. The biggest American companies, which dominate the market averages, earn almost half their profits abroad, so the weak dollar actually boosts their reported profits in dollars.Fifth, stock markets are manic-depressives swinging between fear and greed. Investor sentiment today is extremely bearish: fear dominates. We measure sentiment systematically, so this is an assertion, not a guess. This degree of bearishness is consistent with market bottoms. In the past, it has been wrong to be underinvested and selling shares when the bad news is on the front page of The Wall Street Journal, on the cover of BusinessWeek, and is blaring on CNBC.Finally, the so-called Authorities, the Federal Reserve and the government, have the knowledge and the powerful tools to avert a plunge into the abyss. They have now clearly signaled they will do whatever it takes to revive the economy. Persistent recessions, deflation and long, devastating bear markets as in 1929 and Japan in the 1990s occur when the Authorities don’t “get it.” However, the Authorities’ actions this time probably will result in higher inflation, as they flood the system with liquidity.A lot of immoral and even evil things have happened in the credit markets, and there are many reasons to be worried. There is a risk of a vicious downward spiral in asset prices—homes, stocks, fixed-income paper. However, I believe the bad news has been discounted in equity prices. It’s important to recognize that the news doesn’t have to be good for stocks to rally. It just has to be less bad than what has already been discounted.Most market lows trace out double bottoms. In other words, stocks fall steeply, rally sharply, then fade again and retest or even slightly undercut the first bottom. Key markets around the world made lows at about current levels on Jan. 22 and then rallied, only to fall back as the credit crisis deepened. They are currently laboriously testing those January levels. If they hold, it could be a signal that a strong rally is coming.There is a huge amount of liquidity on the sidelines, and the most aggressive investors, particularly hedge funds, have massive buying power. They cannot afford to miss a sustained rally. Manics can have violent mood swings. Fear can quickly become greed. The upturn could be explosive.There is an old trader’s saying: “If you think it’s a bottom, it’s not. If you know it’s a bottom, you missed it.” In other words, if you wait until the storm clouds have cleared and markets are healthy again, it will be too late. Admittedly, I’m an optimist—but I’d say buy some blue-chip stocks now.URL: http://www.newsweek.com/id/128426
  • bluegal
    i like this article jimmoo.
  • bluegal
    i like this article jimmoo.
  • Jimmoo
    Singapore well-stocked with rice; supplies secure

    THE fragrance of rice hits you once you step into the warehouse.

    Here, in Kaki Bukit, are sacks and sacks of rice from around the world, piled almost two storeys high.

    The concrete-floored warehouse is one of three which stockpile rice, enough to last three months. The others are in Pasir Panjang and Senoko.




    There is no shortage in Singapore now, importers said, although supplies are getting more difficult to come by as some rice-producing countries have imposed export controls.

    Mr Jimmy Soh, managing director of rice importer Chye Choon Foods, said his shipments of rice have arrived from Thailand without a hitch.

    Although concerned that Thailand, Singapore’s biggest supplier, may restrict exports, importers have been quick to secure contracts, even at a premium, to ensure a smooth flow.

    Two days ago, rice importer Goh Hock Ho paid US$820 (S$1,130) per tonne for Thai rice although he signed a three-month contract for US$570 per tonne last month.

    Said Mr Goh, managing director of Saga Foodstuffs Manufacturing: ‘If we refuse the new price, the exporters will stop supplying us. Last year we signed contracts where prices stayed constant for three months to a year. Now we have to top it up.’

    Despite the price rises, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran assured Singaporeans at the weekend that the rice supply is adequate.

    In the Philippines and Thailand, however, efforts have begun to stop hoarders and illegal traders from driving up prices.

    The Philippine authorities yesterday ordered police to arrest hoarders and illegal traders, while the Thai government has released rice from its stockpiles to ensure supply to the poor.

    Although Singapore has not had to dip into its stockpile, supermarkets and provision shops are reporting brisk sales.

    At NTUC FairPrice – the biggest chain with 80 outlets – rice sales went up 50 per cent over the weekend, after it raised the prices of its cheaper house brands by 10 per cent to 15 per cent, said a spokesman.

    At FairPrice’s Ang Mo Kio Hub outlet, staff are now restocking shelves twice a day, instead of once.

    Buying three 10kg sacks of premium Song He rice for about $60 yesterday was 63-year-old retiree S.P. Chan.

    ‘Prices are increasing and everyone’s buying more, so I thought I’d better get a spare bag for myself in case they’re sold out soon,’ he said in Mandarin.

    ‘I’m getting another bag for my daughter because her favourite brand at her local supermarket is sold out already.’

    There is no need for frenzied buying of rice, said Mr Seah Seng Choon, executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).

    Case officers who visited supermarkets in the last two days found them well-stocked.

    ‘There is sufficient rice to go around,’ he said. ‘It is not advisable to hoard. The more you hoard, the more you are artificially boosting demand and prices increase even more.’

    http://www.asiaone.com/News/The%2BStraits%2BTimes/Story/A1Story20080403-57701.html
  • Jimmoo
    Singapore well-stocked with rice; supplies secure THE fragrance of rice hits you once you step into the warehouse.Here, in Kaki Bukit, are sacks and sacks of rice from around the world, piled almost two storeys high.The concrete-floored warehouse is one of three which stockpile rice, enough to last three months. The others are in Pasir Panjang and Senoko. There is no shortage in Singapore now, importers said, although supplies are getting more difficult to come by as some rice-producing countries have imposed export controls.Mr Jimmy Soh, managing director of rice importer Chye Choon Foods, said his shipments of rice have arrived from Thailand without a hitch.Although concerned that Thailand, Singapore’s biggest supplier, may restrict exports, importers have been quick to secure contracts, even at a premium, to ensure a smooth flow.Two days ago, rice importer Goh Hock Ho paid US$820 (S$1,130) per tonne for Thai rice although he signed a three-month contract for US$570 per tonne last month.Said Mr Goh, managing director of Saga Foodstuffs Manufacturing: ‘If we refuse the new price, the exporters will stop supplying us. Last year we signed contracts where prices stayed constant for three months to a year. Now we have to top it up.’Despite the price rises, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran assured Singaporeans at the weekend that the rice supply is adequate.In the Philippines and Thailand, however, efforts have begun to stop hoarders and illegal traders from driving up prices.The Philippine authorities yesterday ordered police to arrest hoarders and illegal traders, while the Thai government has released rice from its stockpiles to ensure supply to the poor.Although Singapore has not had to dip into its stockpile, supermarkets and provision shops are reporting brisk sales.At NTUC FairPrice – the biggest chain with 80 outlets – rice sales went up 50 per cent over the weekend, after it raised the prices of its cheaper house brands by 10 per cent to 15 per cent, said a spokesman.At FairPrice’s Ang Mo Kio Hub outlet, staff are now restocking shelves twice a day, instead of once.Buying three 10kg sacks of premium Song He rice for about $60 yesterday was 63-year-old retiree S.P. Chan.’Prices are increasing and everyone’s buying more, so I thought I’d better get a spare bag for myself in case they’re sold out soon,’ he said in Mandarin.’I'm getting another bag for my daughter because her favourite brand at her local supermarket is sold out already.’There is no need for frenzied buying of rice, said Mr Seah Seng Choon, executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).Case officers who visited supermarkets in the last two days found them well-stocked.’There is sufficient rice to go around,’ he said. ‘It is not advisable to hoard. The more you hoard, the more you are artificially boosting demand and prices increase even more.’ http://www.asiaone.com/News/The%2BStraits%2BTimes/Story/A1Story20080403-57701.html
  • Jimmoo
    FairPrice ups price for one premium rice brand

    Jessica Lim
    Sat, Apr 05, 2008
    The Straits Times



    SINGAPORE’S biggest supermarket chain, NTUC FairPrice, on Friday hiked the price of one of its in-house brands of premium rice.

    Its Gold Thai Hom Mali Rice – an AAA grade variety – now costs $10.20 for a 5kg bag and $19.90 for a 10kg one, an increase of 90 cents and $1.60, respectively.

    The rise is NTUC’s second in as many weeks: It hiked prices of three other in-house brands of rice by between 60 cents and $1.65 last week.

    Other supermarket chains contacted by The Straits Times, including Cold Storage, Giant and Sheng Siong, said they have no immediate plans to increase their prices again, since they had already raised their prices since February.

    When asked if further increases were on the horizon, FairPrice said it could not be sure, as prices would fluctuate according to market factors of supply and demand.

    The increases in Singapore are a result of skyrocketing prices for the grain worldwide: Prices on the global market have jumped 50 per cent over the past two months.

    On Friday, NTUC’s director of integrated purchasing, Mr Tng Ah Yiam, said it was trying to soften the impact on consumers by staggering its increases.

    He added that the chain would moderate its price hikes, and keep its objective of ensuring that ‘we can maintain a price gap of 10 to 15 per cent compared to any other brand’.


    http://wineanddine.asiaone.com/Wine%252CDine%2B%2526%2BUnwind/News/Story/A1Story20080405-58137.html
  • Jimmoo
    FairPrice ups price for one premium rice brand Jessica Lim Sat, Apr 05, 2008The Straits Times SINGAPORE’S biggest supermarket chain, NTUC FairPrice, on Friday hiked the price of one of its in-house brands of premium rice.Its Gold Thai Hom Mali Rice – an AAA grade variety – now costs $10.20 for a 5kg bag and $19.90 for a 10kg one, an increase of 90 cents and $1.60, respectively.The rise is NTUC’s second in as many weeks: It hiked prices of three other in-house brands of rice by between 60 cents and $1.65 last week.Other supermarket chains contacted by The Straits Times, including Cold Storage, Giant and Sheng Siong, said they have no immediate plans to increase their prices again, since they had already raised their prices since February.When asked if further increases were on the horizon, FairPrice said it could not be sure, as prices would fluctuate according to market factors of supply and demand.The increases in Singapore are a result of skyrocketing prices for the grain worldwide: Prices on the global market have jumped 50 per cent over the past two months.On Friday, NTUC’s director of integrated purchasing, Mr Tng Ah Yiam, said it was trying to soften the impact on consumers by staggering its increases.He added that the chain would moderate its price hikes, and keep its objective of ensuring that ‘we can maintain a price gap of 10 to 15 per cent compared to any other brand’. http://wineanddine.asiaone.com/Wine%252CDine%2B%2526%2BUnwind/News/Story/A1Story20080405-58137.html
  • jimmoo
    $1m set aside to help needy cope with inflation


    Sun, Apr 06, 2008
    The Straits Times



    THE first step in a joint effort to help needy Singaporeans cope with the rising cost of food items has come in the form of a $1 million kitty.

    The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), National Trades Union Congress and NTUC Fairprice, along with private food retailers and distributors, have formed a loose group to find ways to tackle the problem.

    Details will be announced ‘very soon’, said Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Yu-Foo Yee Shoon.




    For now, MCYS is shelling out at least $1 million from its ComCare Fund, she added.

    ‘There is enough budget and we are ready to supplement the effort,’ she said.

    ComCare is a fund Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first announced in January 2005, to help those left behind – namely the elderly, the poor and the jobless – as Singapore gets on with economic restructuring.

    Prices of essential household items like coffee, tea, canned drinks, condensed milk and sugar, have been rising in the past year.

    This effort followed an announcement last Thursday by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran who said his ministry is working with MCYS to explore new schemes to help those affected by the price hikes.

    Two days ago, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan promised that the Government will provide ‘targeted assistance to people in greatest need’.

    Responding to reporters’ queries at a senior citizen walkathon at Bishan Park yesterday, Mrs Yu-Foo said while Singaporeans could still afford rice now, the general price increases add up and can affect their financial situation.

    She assured that MCYS will adopt a multi-pronged approach to help them through its social assistance schemes.

    ‘Don’t worry. We have enough resources, especially for children. Children should not drop out of school because of financial problems,’ she said.

    Anyone who needs assistance should call the ComCare helpline at 1800-222-0000.

    It received 8,600 calls from January to March this year. Twenty-two per cent asked for financial aid, 14 per cent asked for social assistance, and nine per cent, for employment. The cases were referred to the Community Development Councils and Family Service Centres.

    http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20080406-58331.html
  • jimmoo
    $1m set aside to help needy cope with inflation Sun, Apr 06, 2008The Straits Times THE first step in a joint effort to help needy Singaporeans cope with the rising cost of food items has come in the form of a $1 million kitty.The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), National Trades Union Congress and NTUC Fairprice, along with private food retailers and distributors, have formed a loose group to find ways to tackle the problem.Details will be announced ‘very soon’, said Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Yu-Foo Yee Shoon. For now, MCYS is shelling out at least $1 million from its ComCare Fund, she added.’There is enough budget and we are ready to supplement the effort,’ she said.ComCare is a fund Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first announced in January 2005, to help those left behind – namely the elderly, the poor and the jobless – as Singapore gets on with economic restructuring.Prices of essential household items like coffee, tea, canned drinks, condensed milk and sugar, have been rising in the past year.This effort followed an announcement last Thursday by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran who said his ministry is working with MCYS to explore new schemes to help those affected by the price hikes.Two days ago, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan promised that the Government will provide ‘targeted assistance to people in greatest need’.Responding to reporters’ queries at a senior citizen walkathon at Bishan Park yesterday, Mrs Yu-Foo said while Singaporeans could still afford rice now, the general price increases add up and can affect their financial situation.She assured that MCYS will adopt a multi-pronged approach to help them through its social assistance schemes.’Don’t worry. We have enough resources, especially for children. Children should not drop out of school because of financial problems,’ she said.Anyone who needs assistance should call the ComCare helpline at 1800-222-0000.It received 8,600 calls from January to March this year. Twenty-two per cent asked for financial aid, 14 per cent asked for social assistance, and nine per cent, for employment. The cases were referred to the Community Development Councils and Family Service Centres. http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20080406-58331.html
  • Melissa.H
    jimmoo, I am impressed by the way Singapore governemnt is helping the needy cope with inflation. This is what I call planning ahead of time. I am also thinking of migrating to Singapore with my family next year.
  • Melissa.H
    jimmoo, I am impressed by the way Singapore governemnt is helping the needy cope with inflation. This is what I call planning ahead of time. I am also thinking of migrating to Singapore with my family next year.
  • jimmoo
    I will leave it to my friend Simon to comment
  • jimmoo
    I will leave it to my friend Simon to comment
  • Simon Tay
    Dear Melissa.h

    Everywhere you look are greener pasture on the other side of the fence.

    The locals here wants to migrate out even! :)

    The government does do lot’s of “assistance” PR news on the newspaper but on the same time they are increasing GST (Goods and services Taxes), increasing ERP charges (Electronic Road Pricing), Removing medical subsidies for the “rich” folks, Trapping our “CPF” until we are older before they force you into a opt-out annuity insurance that pays “insignificant” amount monthly to people over 85 until they die and much much more.

    Increasing inflation caused transportation prices (Taxi, buses and MRT) to increase prices, electricity charges is forever increasing, food prices…is increasing too…

    I know you might think earning here must be higher but let me assure you, only the BEST ELITE “CERTIFIED” workers get the best jobs or the ELITE sales employees get the high income. The rest are struggling just above water servicing their loans for everything from installments of electronics, furnitures, cars, study loans, house and not one but many credit cards.

    Fortunately, there are people like me who chosed to live thriftily and have no such debts but not wealth off too.

    Oh, by the way… I got $600 ($200 per quarter) assistance incentive from government but such minimal amount is to stuff all the “frustration” in and create a sense of false calm.

    The unique thing about Singaporean is we keep our troubles inside and don’t really show our frustration in public in protest or demonstration.

    Many feel trapped and imprisoned…

    The rich had mostly migrated and living the “good” life.
  • Simon Tay
    Dear Melissa.hEverywhere you look are greener pasture on the other side of the fence.The locals here wants to migrate out even! :) The government does do lot’s of “assistance” PR news on the newspaper but on the same time they are increasing GST (Goods and services Taxes), increasing ERP charges (Electronic Road Pricing), Removing medical subsidies for the “rich” folks, Trapping our “CPF” until we are older before they force you into a opt-out annuity insurance that pays “insignificant” amount monthly to people over 85 until they die and much much more.Increasing inflation caused transportation prices (Taxi, buses and MRT) to increase prices, electricity charges is forever increasing, food prices…is increasing too…I know you might think earning here must be higher but let me assure you, only the BEST ELITE “CERTIFIED” workers get the best jobs or the ELITE sales employees get the high income. The rest are struggling just above water servicing their loans for everything from installments of electronics, furnitures, cars, study loans, house and not one but many credit cards.Fortunately, there are people like me who chosed to live thriftily and have no such debts but not wealth off too. Oh, by the way… I got $600 ($200 per quarter) assistance incentive from government but such minimal amount is to stuff all the “frustration” in and create a sense of false calm.The unique thing about Singaporean is we keep our troubles inside and don’t really show our frustration in public in protest or demonstration. Many feel trapped and imprisoned…The rich had mostly migrated and living the “good” life.
  • melissa.h
    Simon thanks for your prompt reply. I think what you are saying applies to most of the countries, not only Singapore. Things like electricity, oil, food prices can’t be control by the government. You can’t expect the government to take care of you forever right. For Singapore, at least there are incentives and funds to help people who needs them, many countries do not have such incentives at all. Be thrifty is a good thing but it certainly take a lot more ideas and effort to care for its own people.
  • melissa.h
    Simon thanks for your prompt reply. I think what you are saying applies to most of the countries, not only Singapore. Things like electricity, oil, food prices can’t be control by the government. You can’t expect the government to take care of you forever right. For Singapore, at least there are incentives and funds to help people who needs them, many countries do not have such incentives at all. Be thrifty is a good thing but it certainly take a lot more ideas and effort to care for its own people.
  • Simon Tay
    Yeah, I consider myself lucky to have a job and happily living with a small saving…

    I known some who have totally no savings and use up all their money every month end.

    The good things about Singapore is that the people here are more educated and non-violent. The crime rates are always very low and it feels safe at night.

    The people here are multi-racial and in a nice balance and harmony together.

    We speak a variety of languages making us very sought after many countries. Most have at least 3 language under their belt, the old folks might have only 2…Chinese and the dialects.

    We like to complain but that’s part and parcel of improving the environment around us. :)

    We don’t like to lose…but sometimes we are just ignorant of being a loser haha..

    I do feel helpless sometimes at things that are not right but our ideas and solutions might not suit everyone in the world.

    Search the keywords “CPF”, “ERP”, “COE”, “Compulsory Annuity”, “Minister High Pay” in google and find out more hehe..these are seldom workable in other countries except in few.
  • Simon Tay
    Yeah, I consider myself lucky to have a job and happily living with a small saving…I known some who have totally no savings and use up all their money every month end.The good things about Singapore is that the people here are more educated and non-violent. The crime rates are always very low and it feels safe at night.The people here are multi-racial and in a nice balance and harmony together.We speak a variety of languages making us very sought after many countries. Most have at least 3 language under their belt, the old folks might have only 2…Chinese and the dialects. We like to complain but that’s part and parcel of improving the environment around us. :) We don’t like to lose…but sometimes we are just ignorant of being a loser haha..I do feel helpless sometimes at things that are not right but our ideas and solutions might not suit everyone in the world.Search the keywords “CPF”, “ERP”, “COE”, “Compulsory Annuity”, “Minister High Pay” in google and find out more hehe..these are seldom workable in other countries except in few.
  • melissa.h
    Simon,you just have to accept that some things are beyond your control. I don’t know some of the terms like COE,ERP, Annunity but I am aware of the CPF which I feel is a good practice and I am 100% for it.

    Singapore is a secure place to live it but the standard of living is high also. With rising food price and oil, the lower income group will be affected, no doubt about it. Are there any volunteer group to go around teaching them how to save energy and to deal with higher food price ?
  • melissa.h
    Simon,you just have to accept that some things are beyond your control. I don’t know some of the terms like COE,ERP, Annunity but I am aware of the CPF which I feel is a good practice and I am 100% for it. Singapore is a secure place to live it but the standard of living is high also. With rising food price and oil, the lower income group will be affected, no doubt about it. Are there any volunteer group to go around teaching them how to save energy and to deal with higher food price ?
  • Simon Tay
    Volunteer group? Maybe some enterprising eco-friendly “non-profit” group did starts to spread the idea of going green and save energy.

    Yes, but it did not help that many are still addicted to air-con and 24 hours electricity.
  • Simon Tay
    Volunteer group? Maybe some enterprising eco-friendly “non-profit” group did starts to spread the idea of going green and save energy.Yes, but it did not help that many are still addicted to air-con and 24 hours electricity.
  • melissa.h
    I can see why people like to use the air-condition in Singapore due to the humid and hot weather. Actually by just setting the timer to 3-4 hours every night, you can save quite a bit on your electricity bills. The good thing is Singapore does not have winter so no need for heater which consumes more electricity.

    I heard from one of my friends in Singapore that the government is building some eco-friendly housing estates which also helps to spread the go green message.
  • melissa.h
    I can see why people like to use the air-condition in Singapore due to the humid and hot weather. Actually by just setting the timer to 3-4 hours every night, you can save quite a bit on your electricity bills. The good thing is Singapore does not have winter so no need for heater which consumes more electricity. I heard from one of my friends in Singapore that the government is building some eco-friendly housing estates which also helps to spread the go green message.
  • jimmoo
    Melissa, my friend Simon has not been using his air-con since last year. I am sure there he saved quite a bit of his bills. What I am concern is that the temperature in Singapore is rising and it may soon hit 39-40 deg C in the near future. Then we have no choice but to on the air-con. This is one of the consideration when you want to migrate to here
  • jimmoo
    Melissa, my friend Simon has not been using his air-con since last year. I am sure there he saved quite a bit of his bills. What I am concern is that the temperature in Singapore is rising and it may soon hit 39-40 deg C in the near future. Then we have no choice but to on the air-con. This is one of the consideration when you want to migrate to here
  • Simon Tay
    Warm and Humid = Sweaty everyday :)
    However, I do have ideas how to make a solar cooler in the future… ^_^

    Hope I can make it work on my next project on Solar Chilled Fan :)
  • Simon Tay
    Warm and Humid = Sweaty everyday :) However, I do have ideas how to make a solar cooler in the future… ^_^Hope I can make it work on my next project on Solar Chilled Fan :)
  • melissa.h
    How did Simon do it by not using the air-condition at night ? Won’t he be uncomfortable during the night ? Unless he is using a powerful fan or something.
  • melissa.h
    How did Simon do it by not using the air-condition at night ? Won’t he be uncomfortable during the night ? Unless he is using a powerful fan or something.
  • Simon Tay
    My solar panels are blocking the window from closing so no air con for me… :)

    I had been using a stand up fan for some time and my flat is situated on top of a mound higher above ground level which is more cooling at night.

    Yes, humidity is hard to get used to at first but after a good nice sweat it’s cooling.

    Wear good cotton shirt to absorb the sweat and let the nature cool the body down by evaporating of sweat. :)

    In no time you can get use to the humidity but the trick to avoid hot sun is to go into air con offices or shopping complex.

    Never stay under the hot sun for too long…you get heat stroke or sun burned.

    Here we have great warm and humid weather that most cold countries loves. :)
  • Simon Tay
    My solar panels are blocking the window from closing so no air con for me… :) I had been using a stand up fan for some time and my flat is situated on top of a mound higher above ground level which is more cooling at night.Yes, humidity is hard to get used to at first but after a good nice sweat it’s cooling.Wear good cotton shirt to absorb the sweat and let the nature cool the body down by evaporating of sweat. :) In no time you can get use to the humidity but the trick to avoid hot sun is to go into air con offices or shopping complex.Never stay under the hot sun for too long…you get heat stroke or sun burned.Here we have great warm and humid weather that most cold countries loves. :)
  • melissa.h
    Simon, so I assume that your electricity bills must be low because you don’t use the air-condition at all. One of my friend told me that there will be those eco-friendly flats avaliable for sale. maybe I will consider to purchase that.
  • melissa.h
    Simon, so I assume that your electricity bills must be low because you don’t use the air-condition at all. One of my friend told me that there will be those eco-friendly flats avaliable for sale. maybe I will consider to purchase that.
  • Simon Tay
    That depends on my father, he does uses the air-con on the other room.

    Monthly bills is about $100+

    That is considered expensive to others as some really are “eco-friendly” and starved off computers and other electronics when they don’t use it.

    I don’t watch TV anymore but computer is essential to me :)
  • Simon Tay
    That depends on my father, he does uses the air-con on the other room.Monthly bills is about $100+That is considered expensive to others as some really are “eco-friendly” and starved off computers and other electronics when they don’t use it.I don’t watch TV anymore but computer is essential to me :)
  • Simon Tay
    Eco-Friendly house may not have cheap electricity….

    Check all details before buying, the solar panels installed may not for the home owners to use but maybe for public lighting and the plants grown on the outside maybe for “looking eco-friendly” and have not much use.

    Hopefully I am wrong but do check all the details before buying, don’t believe all the sales person is saying…check carefully hehe.

    Solar panels cannot be used to support the whole flats as a football field size solar panels can only support 9 individual units so a HDB got about 12 level with each level house about 5 to 6 individual units..

    Total about 60++ units in a flat so the roof top may not be sufficient to give you electricity…so I suspect it’s for the public lightings, signs and lift.

    However, if compared to ordinary HDB flats…it’s more eco-friendly and help the Government save on public utilities cost.
  • Simon Tay
    Eco-Friendly house may not have cheap electricity….Check all details before buying, the solar panels installed may not for the home owners to use but maybe for public lighting and the plants grown on the outside maybe for “looking eco-friendly” and have not much use.Hopefully I am wrong but do check all the details before buying, don’t believe all the sales person is saying…check carefully hehe.Solar panels cannot be used to support the whole flats as a football field size solar panels can only support 9 individual units so a HDB got about 12 level with each level house about 5 to 6 individual units..Total about 60++ units in a flat so the roof top may not be sufficient to give you electricity…so I suspect it’s for the public lightings, signs and lift.However, if compared to ordinary HDB flats…it’s more eco-friendly and help the Government save on public utilities cost.