Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
J O H N :Singapore’s productivity level is 60—70% of what is possible: PM Lee
"(Husbands can) start by changing nappies!" said Mr Lee. "When the kids grow a bit older, you’re not just a father figure, but you’re helping around the house and showing them a good example, so when they grow up they also know how to look (after) the house."
Lee Hsien Loong , the Prime Minister of Singapore just discussed about the economy situation in Singapore .Pointing out there are possibilities for Singapore to increase its productivity by 60 to 70 percent . "It’s a turning point. Your numbers will grow more slowly and if you want the economy to do well, that means the productivity must go up," said Mr Lee. To help the staff to increase their productivity level , the government has come up with several ways and introduce some advanced devices to achieve the expectation .
Basically, it is a right time and right way to point out this problem. As the international economy crisis hits the Asia and influence Singapore’s original financial plan , the government must take the responsibility to cool down the over mass economy order . Singapore is a country with limited resource and space .In order to encourage domestic economic development, the financial strategy must very focus on productivity and working efficiency . The opening of Resorts World Sentosa and casino can also be consider as the another way of capital flow and investment return .
Lee Hsien Loong , the Prime Minister of Singapore just discussed about the economy situation in Singapore .Pointing out there are possibilities for Singapore to increase its productivity by 60 to 70 percent . "It’s a turning point. Your numbers will grow more slowly and if you want the economy to do well, that means the productivity must go up," said Mr Lee. To help the staff to increase their productivity level , the government has come up with several ways and introduce some advanced devices to achieve the expectation .
Basically, it is a right time and right way to point out this problem. As the international economy crisis hits the Asia and influence Singapore’s original financial plan , the government must take the responsibility to cool down the over mass economy order . Singapore is a country with limited resource and space .In order to encourage domestic economic development, the financial strategy must very focus on productivity and working efficiency . The opening of Resorts World Sentosa and casino can also be consider as the another way of capital flow and investment return .
Friday, February 12, 2010
Kevin new reflection
Loss-limit system for Singapore casino.
It's my reflection about Singapore issue, the new casino in Singapore.
In Singapore opening casino, patrons will be able to declare a loss limit before they start a game. Once they reach the limit, they may need to stop gaming or see a counsellor to continue. The NCPG said that, this voluntary loss-limit system is implemented to prevent gamers getting out of mind to lose more money. However the same policy was carried out much more strictly in Australia, that once patrons reach the limit, they will not be allowed to continue gaming.
In my opinion, no matter how, casino itself is not good for both individual and the whole society. So the policy like loss-limit system is not that beneficial. However the system in Singapore's new casino is not strict. Since I don't think the so-called counsellor will have any effect, when patrons have already been too emotional.
So I think Sinagore government pays too much attention on making profits. In addtion, if you take out a policy, you should make it strict, not only for showing people you are caring about it.
By Kevin
It's my reflection about Singapore issue, the new casino in Singapore.
In Singapore opening casino, patrons will be able to declare a loss limit before they start a game. Once they reach the limit, they may need to stop gaming or see a counsellor to continue. The NCPG said that, this voluntary loss-limit system is implemented to prevent gamers getting out of mind to lose more money. However the same policy was carried out much more strictly in Australia, that once patrons reach the limit, they will not be allowed to continue gaming.
In my opinion, no matter how, casino itself is not good for both individual and the whole society. So the policy like loss-limit system is not that beneficial. However the system in Singapore's new casino is not strict. Since I don't think the so-called counsellor will have any effect, when patrons have already been too emotional.
So I think Sinagore government pays too much attention on making profits. In addtion, if you take out a policy, you should make it strict, not only for showing people you are caring about it.
By Kevin
Tough lives of elderly Singaporeans-Sally
As a student from China, I find it strange to see most cleaners in Singapore are old people. Some of them must be over sixty years old. Some are even older. Watching them wiping tables, collecting dirty trays or cleaning toilets, I often think of my grandparents, who exercise in the morning and dance at night with other old people. Like most elderly in China, they really enjoy their retirement.
However,cafes, canteens, hawker centers, washrooms in companies or schools… the aged in singapore can be seen doing cleaning work almost everywhere. They are supposed to live in comfort in their old ages, playing with grandchildren or raising flowers. Why are they still doing this kind of menial work with low incomes?
I believe these old people work so hard not just because they do not want to retire, but need to feed themselves and their families. Most aged workers are lowly skilled and their income has either stagnated or decreased in recent years, which made it difficult for them to save for retirement. In fact, only 27% of Singaporeans between 25 and 75 said that they had sufficient funds to retire, compared with 61% of Thais and 47% of Malaysians, according to an AIA survey.
Besides, the cost of living continues rising, not to mention the always high medical expenses. There is a common saying among Singaporeans – “One can afford to die, but not fall sick in Singapore.” For aged people, their poor health conditions require more medical care, which means huge amounts of money for them.
In addition, children in Singapore are busy with their own lives. They work, buy houses or cars, get married, have children…but just forget their parents. Some may visit parents and send them money sometimes, but there are others who still “borrow” money from the poor aged or even send their parents to Nursing Homes.
Last Tuesday, Feb 2nd, a 69 year old Singapore lady by the name of Li Mei Xiang committed suicide by jumping from the 13th level of her flat because of financial distress. It is not an uncommon case in Singapore. A 74 year old elderly lady jumped from her flat a few months ago due to worries about her medical expenses.
Singapore is the second richest nation in Asia, but compared to other countries, old people here are having much tougher times. Just consider how much they have contributed to the making of the current modern and first world Singapore, I think governments should provide more social welfare benefits to them. Moreover, the sons and daughters need to consider it a moral obligation to look after their parents. It is the duty of all people and the society to ensure the elderly can enjoy a dignified retirement, and thus we will be able to prevent tragedies above from happening.
However,cafes, canteens, hawker centers, washrooms in companies or schools… the aged in singapore can be seen doing cleaning work almost everywhere. They are supposed to live in comfort in their old ages, playing with grandchildren or raising flowers. Why are they still doing this kind of menial work with low incomes?
I believe these old people work so hard not just because they do not want to retire, but need to feed themselves and their families. Most aged workers are lowly skilled and their income has either stagnated or decreased in recent years, which made it difficult for them to save for retirement. In fact, only 27% of Singaporeans between 25 and 75 said that they had sufficient funds to retire, compared with 61% of Thais and 47% of Malaysians, according to an AIA survey.
Besides, the cost of living continues rising, not to mention the always high medical expenses. There is a common saying among Singaporeans – “One can afford to die, but not fall sick in Singapore.” For aged people, their poor health conditions require more medical care, which means huge amounts of money for them.
In addition, children in Singapore are busy with their own lives. They work, buy houses or cars, get married, have children…but just forget their parents. Some may visit parents and send them money sometimes, but there are others who still “borrow” money from the poor aged or even send their parents to Nursing Homes.
Last Tuesday, Feb 2nd, a 69 year old Singapore lady by the name of Li Mei Xiang committed suicide by jumping from the 13th level of her flat because of financial distress. It is not an uncommon case in Singapore. A 74 year old elderly lady jumped from her flat a few months ago due to worries about her medical expenses.
Singapore is the second richest nation in Asia, but compared to other countries, old people here are having much tougher times. Just consider how much they have contributed to the making of the current modern and first world Singapore, I think governments should provide more social welfare benefits to them. Moreover, the sons and daughters need to consider it a moral obligation to look after their parents. It is the duty of all people and the society to ensure the elderly can enjoy a dignified retirement, and thus we will be able to prevent tragedies above from happening.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
From Airshow to YOG
Last weekend, more than 71,000 people caught the Singapore Airshow. The Airshow is described as the number one in Asia and world number three. This year, the event was successfully conducted for the long queues were not existed any more at the security check points, and there was no more transport problems. However, some visitors still felt upset about the show for part of the high level performance was canceled because of the technical fault and the economic downturn.
I think it is always not easy to hold a world level event, especially for such a high-technology one. I believe Singapore government has made an enough preparation to receive a great many of people, thus the visitors do not have to wait in the entrance for long. Furthermore, shuttle bus is a good way to solve the transport problem. Because the outdoor venue is on the east part of Singapore, it is not convenient for spectators to get there from the MRT station.
Although the Airshow holder has done a good job, I think there are still some problems besides the technical fault. First, the show was at the afternoon, most visitors have been sunburnt. It is necessary to remind them to take an umbrella or sunscreen scram. Second, the holder could provide some recommended routes to separate people to different parts. Then, there would not be so many queued in the heat for up to 30 minutes for a chance to get into the cockpit or pose for pictures with the pilots.
All in all, it is a good opportunity for Singapore government to practice for the coming Youth Olympic Games. Carry on the advantages and improve the disadvantages.
By Peter
I think it is always not easy to hold a world level event, especially for such a high-technology one. I believe Singapore government has made an enough preparation to receive a great many of people, thus the visitors do not have to wait in the entrance for long. Furthermore, shuttle bus is a good way to solve the transport problem. Because the outdoor venue is on the east part of Singapore, it is not convenient for spectators to get there from the MRT station.
Although the Airshow holder has done a good job, I think there are still some problems besides the technical fault. First, the show was at the afternoon, most visitors have been sunburnt. It is necessary to remind them to take an umbrella or sunscreen scram. Second, the holder could provide some recommended routes to separate people to different parts. Then, there would not be so many queued in the heat for up to 30 minutes for a chance to get into the cockpit or pose for pictures with the pilots.
All in all, it is a good opportunity for Singapore government to practice for the coming Youth Olympic Games. Carry on the advantages and improve the disadvantages.
By Peter
Sunday, February 7, 2010
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