Patients in B2, C class wards will be subsidised according to income -Singapore

Patients in B2, C class wards will be subsidised according to income -Singapore

By Hasnita A Majid, S Ramesh and May Wong
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has given an insight into the form means testing could take for patients admitted into Singapore hospitals.

This comes a week after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed in his New Year’s Message that means testing in hospitals will be one of three top priorities for the government to address in 2008.

Speaking at a healthcare dialogue session on Monday, Mr Khaw listed out several criteria which could be looked at.

He said firstly, patients must be given the freedom to choose. Rich or poor, they can choose to be admitted to a subsidised ward.

Secondly, all patients in B2 and C class wards will be subsidised, but to different degrees. Higher-income patients will be subsidised less, compared to lower-income patients, but their bills will remain affordable.

Thirdly, given the acute nature of hospitalisation, there needs to be a simple way to make an assessment.

One is to base it on the patient’s individual ability and any assessment of his financial status should preferably be automated, based on wages declared to the Inland Revenue Authority or the CPF Board.

Mr Khaw gave the assurance that the Ministry of Health (MOH) will be sensitive to the circumstances of retirees and others who are not working.

If their housing type is used for assessing their eligibility, then the threshold may be deliberately set at a sufficiently high level.

The health minister also stressed that no patient should be denied treatment because he cannot afford it.

Mr Khaw said the bottom-line is to get higher-income patients to pay more, if they want to stay in subsidised wards.

55-year-old Munawar Ahamed is hospitalised in Changi General Hospital for a hip injury.

In a six-bedded B2 ward, he has to pay about S$1,335 for a seven-day stay, but he would have to pay S$3,000 more if he had chosen a B1 ward.

Mr Munawar earns about S$10,000 a month but the subsidy that he receives now is the same as everyone else in the same class ward.

Once means testing is implemented, he is likely to enjoy a lower subsidy as he earns relatively more than other patients in the B2 class ward.

Mr Khaw reiterated that the aim of means testing is to ensure that government subsidies are given to those who truly deserve it.

The MOH has been considering the issue for some time and will continue to discuss the implementation details with unionists, members of parliament and the public.

Mr Khaw said he is confident of finding a way which is fair to all and which does not impose unnecessary burden on patients.

He stressed that the majority of Singaporeans should continue to receive the same level of subsidies as they do today.
- CNA/so
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 07 Jan 2008

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Singapore HDB forum suggestions benefit Kim Tian, Ghim Moh residents

Singapore HDB forum suggestions benefit Kim Tian, Ghim Moh residents

By Wong Siew Ying,

SINGAPORE: Residents in the Kim Tian and Ghim Moh areas are benefiting from recommendations from the Forum on HDB Heartware, aimed at giving people more say in the shaping of their neighbourhood.

The HDB has conducted a pilot project at a replacement site at Kim Tian Road to re-house residents in the Kampong Bahru and Henderson Road area, affected by the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS).

Lessees were consulted on the common facilities in their estates, through mail, internet and feedback sessions.

Some 500 households responded to the survey. 42 percent of them preferred the new precinct to be named Kim Tian Green, which has been approved.

A total of 83 percent of the respondents also supported the proposed locations for amenities like playground, activity court and garden.

HDB said 94 percent of the surveyed households agreed the consultation exercise was useful in promoting community bonding and ownership.

Separately, some residents at Ghim Moh will be the first to benefit from the enhancement of the Joint Selection Scheme under SERS.

Lessees of Blocks 9 to 12 and 9A to 12A will be allowed to select flats near their neighbours at the replacement site.
- CNA/so
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 07 Jan 2008

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S’pore Airlines stands by offer for China Eastern

S’pore Airlines stands by offer for China Eastern
SIA jet (L) at Singapore’s Changi Airport and China Eastern Airlines plane sitting on the tarmac in Beijing
SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) stuck to its position Monday, saying its offer to invest in China Eastern Airlines (CEA) at HK$3.80 (45 US cents) a share is one that will bring long-term benefits to the Shanghai-based carrier.

SIA’s plans to acquire a stake in the struggling Chinese carrier face a potential setback when CEA minority shareholders meet on Tuesday to vote on the deal amid growing rumblings the offer price severely undervalues the company.

Air China’s parent firm, China National Aviation Corp. (Group) Limited, said on Sunday that it was ready to pay at least five Hong Kong dollars a share if CEA minority shareholders rejected SIA’s offer on Tuesday.

“The strategic partnership proposed by China Eastern, Singapore Airlines and Temasek is a long-term one,” said SIA spokesman Stephen Forshaw.

“It is not a financial trade. Its approval by CEA minority shareholders this week will, in our view, be positive for the prospects of China Eastern’s share prices. We stand by that proposal. Our position is very clear and we have been consistent on it.”

SIA and Singapore’s investment firm Temasek signed a preliminary agreement in September to take a combined 24 percent stake in China Eastern for US$923 million, or HK$3.80 a share.

The deal sparked intense jockeying over China Eastern’s fate, with Air China and its strategic partner, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airlines, subsequently making, and then withdrawing, a counter-offer.

The tussle reflects the intense competition for a piece of the China aviation market, particularly the lucrative Shanghai-Hong Kong routes plied by China Eastern.

Air China’s parent firm, which owns about 12 percent of China Eastern’s Hong Kong-listed shares, said it also plans to form a strategic partnership with China Eastern Airlines if the Singapore deal falls through.

The parent firm also said last week it intended to reject the Singaporean offer at Tuesday’s shareholders’ meeting if the bid, which it said undervalued the Chinese airline, was not improved.

- AFP/ir

Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 07 Jan 2008

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Tiger Airways and Jetstar start price war over Singapore-KL flights

Tiger Airways and Jetstar start price war over Singapore-KL flights

By Satish Cheney
SINGAPORE : Low-cost carriers Jetstar Asia and Tiger Airways will start operating flights between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur from 1 February.

And the price war has begun to promote this new route.

Budget carriers Jetstar and Tiger Airways start flying passengers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur from the first of next month after a round of consultations between Singapore and Malaysia.

And these flights will be in addition to shuttle flights, operated for years now, by national carriers Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

To kick off the new flights to KL, both Jetstar and Tiger Airways have come up with various promotions.

Tiger Airways is giving away 15,000 seats free when passengers book online from Monday, 7 January.

After that, travellers will have to fork out close to S$225 for a return ticket which is still lower than shuttle flights which cost about S$400 both ways.

As for Jetstar, it is offering seats from 88 Singapore cents since its promotion started on 5 January.

It is also offering a buy-one-get-one-free for bookings made from 9 to 11 January.

This extends to flights from 10 January to 3 February to all 14 cities in its network.

But when the promotion ends on 8 January, passengers will need to pay about S$200 for a return ticket.

As of Monday (7 January) though, accessing the Jetstar website was quite challenge.

And Jetstar admits that it is likely due to the high volume of traffic.

With such low fares, some expect coach operators to suffer a loss as passengers now have a choice of a faster and cheaper way to get to KL.

But coach operators are not too worried.

They say the effect will not be too big in the long run because taking a flight does not really cut down travelling time significantly.

J Kalaiyarasan, Director, Odyssey Prestige Coaches, says: “You must be two hours ahead of schedule at the airport and the flight duration is about 45 minutes to an hour for destinations like KL and Penang. The travelling time from KLIA to KL city would be around 45 minutes to an hour and is another additional cost for the customer.”

Luxury coach operators charge around S$100 for a return ticket and the journey lasts about 5 hours each way.

Some buses not only offer refreshments, you also get video on demand and free wi-fi services.

Malaysia’s low-cost carrier AirAsia has yet to reveal its prices for the Singapore-KL route but it may announce its strategy later this week.

AirAsia had previously said it can offer return tickets at S$130 for the 45-minute flight. - CNA/ch

Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 07 Jan 2008

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SPH spending S$82m to upgrade, expand Singapore Paragon

SPH spending S$82m to upgrade, expand Singapore Paragon

By Loh Kim Chin,

SINGAPORE: Singapore Press Holdings is spending a combined S$82 million to revamp Paragon shopping centre.

The newspaper publisher will spend S$45 million to update the facade of the building and increase retail space.

The renovation will increase the nett lettable area of the retail podium by 11,600 sq ft.

Another S$37 million will be spent to expand the office and medical space above the retail podium.

With the construction of two more floors, this will add another 29,000 sq ft to the mall.

The facelift, which starts this month, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
- CNA/so
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 07 Jan 2008

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CapitaLand to make general offer for Ascott Group - Singapore

CapitaLand to make general offer for Ascott Group - Singapore

By Loh Kim Chin
SINGAPORE : CapitaLand is planning a general offer for the Ascott Group.

However it has not given any details of the offer, which is due to be announced on Tuesday.

CapitaLand says the offer will be made through one of its units.

The property developer currently owns 66.5 percent of Ascott, which operates serviced residences.

Trading in the shares of CapitaLand and Ascott, as well as Ascott Residence Trust, were suspended pending the announcement on Tuesday morning.

Ascott is the largest serviced residence operator in Europe and Asia. - CNA/ch
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 07 Jan 2008

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Investment bank UBS sees bright spots in global economy - Singapore

Investment bank UBS sees bright spots in global economy - Singapore

By Ng Baoying
SINGAPORE : Investment bank UBS is optimistic the global economy is not headed for a global recession this year.

But it says growth is likely to slow from last year and it has shaved its forecasts for US, Europe and Asia.

Despite the slowdown, the bank believes there are bright spots in 2008 where investors can park their funds. It recommends that investors avoid Asian exporters.

It says this is because the main issue across the world right now revolves around slowing US consumer demand. The effect of this will cut across major industries from technology to telecoms firms.

Instead, UBS suggests investors look at companies whose demand is largely derived from Asian economies.

Benjamin Yeo, Executive Director, Asia Corporate Research Head, UBS Wealth Management Research, says: “We’ll avoid Asian exporters. It cuts across major industries. Could be tech, telecoms, even consumer discretionary products.

“In place, we will focus more on Asian domestic names. In particular, we look at countries where a large percent of GDP comes from domestic demand. This includes countries like China, India, Indonesia.”

In the longer term, UBS says Asia is well-poised for rapid urbanisation and this makes infrastructure stocks alluring.

Mr Yeo says: “While we are seeing a global slowdown - that’s a transitional period. We believe, in Asia, we are seeing structural changes…

“I have two themes which we at UBS are interested in getting our clients into: increased affluence and rapid urbanisation in Asia. We think the two infrastructure themes can help in selecting stocks.”

UBS says the smart money will be on large companies rather than smaller cap firms.

Mr Yeo says: “In developed markets, we think big caps have underperformed and will regain performance vis a vis small caps. In Asia, on the other hand, the big caps have started to outperform since 12 to 18 months back. We think this outperformance will continue.”

As for the Singapore economy, UBS says it is healthy, with the tourism, services and property development sector keeping bad vibes at bay. - CNA/ch
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 07 Jan 2008

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Singapore Office occupancy costs in Singapore continue to soar: DTZ

Singapore Office occupancy costs in Singapore continue to soar: DTZ

By Loh Kim Chin
SINGAPORE : Office occupancy costs in Singapore has doubled from a year ago to US$16,220 per workstation per annum, according to a survey by property consultant DTZ.

The result has catapulted Singapore’s ranking globally to the 13th position. In 2006, Singapore occupied the 55th spot.

The survey also found that Singapore recorded the second highest annual growth in occupancy costs per workstation after Moscow.

The DTZ survey uses workstation costs to better reflect the costs of accommodation.

137 business districts in 49 countries and territories were covered in DTZ’s latest annual Global Office Occupancy Costs Survey.

At the top of the table was London’s West End, which was also last year’s most expensive location. It registered an occupancy cost of US$31,160 per workstation per annum.

Hong Kong followed in second position at US$27,540 per workstation. London (City) was at third position with US$20,690 per workstation.

The survey found that workers across the 137 business districts had an average 162 square feet of working space.

The lack of available office space and soaring rents in some Asia Pacific locations prompted companies to reconfigure their office space to meet expansion needs.

As a result, there was a drop in space utilisation standards in these countries. - CNA/ch
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 07 Jan 2008

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Yishun HDB Flat for Sales - 07.01.2008

Yishun HDB Flat for Sales - 07.01.2008

TYPE : [2]Rm [3]Rm [4]Rm [5]Rm [EA]Ex Apt [EM]Ex Mais [6]Rm

TNR=Tenure, DT=District, BDRM=Bedroom, AREA=Built-In, STR=Storey, Price $K=In Thousand

Price are subject to changes , please call (+65) 91002985 for lastest update
Type — 3N
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 101 #03
Area — 732
Age –
Bedroom — 2
Psf — 225
PRICE$ — 165000
Type — 3N
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 204 #10
Area — 721
Age — 20+
Bedroom — 2
Psf — 262
PRICE$ — 189000
Type — 4
District — 27
Estate — SEMBAWANG DR, BLK 478 #06
Area — 978
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 271
PRICE$ — 265000
Type — 4
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 135 #04
Area — 978
Age — 21+
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 240
PRICE$ — 235000
Type — 4A
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 249 #12
Area — 1130
Age — 18+
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 232
PRICE$ — 262000
Type — 4A
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 330 #11
Area — 1162
Age — 11
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 237
PRICE$ — 275000
Type — 4A
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 617 #06
Area — 1130
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 252
PRICE$ — 285000
Type — 4A
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 860 #06
Area — 1119
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 286
PRICE$ — 320000
Type — 4N
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 230 #04
Area — 1001
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 236
PRICE$ — 236000
Type — 4S
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 167 #11
Area — 904
Age — 15+
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 4S
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 639 #03
Area — 904
Age — 13
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 228
PRICE$ — 206000
Type — 4S
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 726 #11
Area — 904
Age — 22
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 5
District — 27
Estate — SEMBAWANG CL, BLK 339B #02
Area — 1184
Age — 4
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 5
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 871 #02
Area — 0
Age — 10
Bedroom — 3
Psf — null
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 5I
District — 27
Estate — ADMIRALTY LINK, BLK 484 #13
Area — 1193
Age –
Bedroom — 4
Psf — 256
PRICE$ — 305000
Type — 5I
District — 27
Estate — ADMIRALTY LINK, BLK 492 #15
Area — 1184
Age — 5
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 270
PRICE$ — 320000
Type — 5I
District — 27
Estate — WELLINGTON CIRCLE, BLK 501B #05
Area — 1193
Age — 05+
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 247
PRICE$ — 295000
Type — 5I
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 620 #07
Area — 1301
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 5I
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 666A #02
Area — 1301
Age — 20
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 246
PRICE$ — 320000
Type — 5I
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 798 #02
Area — 1323
Age — 12
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 287
PRICE$ — 380000
Type — 5I
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 865 #08
Area — 1312
Age — 20
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 271
PRICE$ — 355000
Type — EA
District — 27
Estate — ADMIRALTY DR, BLK 468C #15
Area — 1500
Age — 7
Bedroom — 2
Psf — 367
PRICE$ — 550000
Type — EA
District — 27
Estate — SEMBAWANG CL, BLK 341 #13
Area — 1408
Age — 05+
Bedroom — 2
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — EA
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 324 #08
Area — 1400
Age –
Bedroom — 4
Psf — 357
PRICE$ — 500000
Type — EM
District — 27
Estate — YISHUN, BLK 352 #06
Area — 1600
Age — 21
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 241
PRICE$ — 385000

Singapore Real Estate - Buy , Sell , Rent ,invest Singapore Property

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Woodlands HDB Flat for Sales - 07.01.2008

Woodlands HDB Flat for Sales - 07.01.2008

TYPE : [2]Rm [3]Rm [4]Rm [5]Rm [EA]Ex Apt [EM]Ex Mais [6]Rm

TNR=Tenure, DT=District, BDRM=Bedroom, AREA=Built-In, STR=Storey, Price $K=In Thousand

Price are subject to changes , please call (+65) 91002985 for lastest update

Type — 3A
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 152 #10
Area — 785
Age –
Bedroom — 2
Psf — 242
PRICE$ — 190000
Type — 3N
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 146 #02
Area — 732
Age — 22
Bedroom — 2
Psf — 232
PRICE$ — 170000
Type — 4
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 624B #10
Area — 1076
Age — 9
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 243
PRICE$ — 261000
Type — 4
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 683A #10
Area — 1119
Age — 8
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 252
PRICE$ — 282000
Type — 4
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 716 #10
Area — 1097
Age — 10
Bedroom — 2
Psf — 246
PRICE$ — 270000
Type — 4
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 793 #12
Area — 1076
Age — 6+
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 279
PRICE$ — 300000
Type — 4A
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 510 #09
Area — 1151
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 278
PRICE$ — 320000
Type — 4I
District — 25
Estate — MARSILING DR, BLK 7 #08
Area — 968
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 212
PRICE$ — 205000
Type — 4S
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 348 #11
Area — 904
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 4S
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 842 #04
Area — 0
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — null
PRICE$ — 178000
Type — 5
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 687B #04
Area — 1237
Age — 5
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 283
PRICE$ — 350000
Type — 5
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 688F #14
Area — 1184
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 294
PRICE$ — 348000
Type — 5
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 690D #09
Area — 1184
Age — 5
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 300
PRICE$ — 355000
Type — 5
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 878 #11
Area — 0
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — null
PRICE$ — 330000
Type — 5A
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 304 #02
Area — 1419
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 352
PRICE$ — 500000
Type — 5I
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 622 #02
Area — 1301
Age — 09+
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 5I
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 622 #02
Area — 1301
Age — 9
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 5I
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 623 #09
Area — 1291
Age — 18
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 211
PRICE$ — 272000
Type — 5I
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 727 #11
Area — 1312
Age — 11
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 244
PRICE$ — 320000
Type — 5I
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 748 #11
Area — 1323
Age — 7
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 295
PRICE$ — 390000
Type — 5I
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 762 #08
Area — 1312
Age –
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 244
PRICE$ — 320000
Type — 5I
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 859 #07
Area — 1356
Age — 9
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 6
District — 25
Estate — MARSILING DR, BLK 115 #05
Area — 1786
Age –
Bedroom — 4
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Type — 6
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 322 #13
Area — 1849
Age — 13
Bedroom — 3
Psf — 222
PRICE$ — 410000
Type — 6
District — 25
Estate — WOODLANDS, BLK 412 #05
Area — 1905
Age — 10+
Bedroom — 4
Psf — 0
PRICE$ — 0
Singapore Real Estate - Buy , Sell , Rent ,invest Singapore Property

Buy, sell and rent Singapore real estate: private property, residential apartments, commercial and industrial properties. HDB flats for sale and rental. Foreign investors, buyers, tenants or relocating expats can easily find their ideal landed house, bungalow, semi-d, terrace, condominium, townhouse, private apartment, HDB, HUDC, office, shop, factory, warehouse & land right here.

MINDY YONG

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