Singapore MediShield premiums to go up for better cover

Singapore MediShield premiums to go up for better cover

The aim is to bring payments by patients down to 20% of large bills

By Salma Khalik

YEARLY premiums for basic MediShield insurance are set to increase - by about $120 for most people - to ensure that subsidised patients saddled with big hospital bills will get better payouts.
With better coverage, they should pay just 20 per cent of a large bill of over $10,000, compared with 40 per cent now, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday.

He said that claim limits would be raised for mainly two items: daily treatment fees and implants.

Premiums now range from $30, for those aged 30 and under, to $705 for those aged 83 and 84. They will go up for everyone, with older policy-holders bearing higher increases, and younger ones most likely paying just a few dollars more.

This would be his final revision to MediShield, Mr Khaw said yesterday, after he donated blood at the Bloodbank@HSA.

The national medical insurance scheme, which provides 2.8 million people here with hospital insurance, was overhauled three years ago to improve coverage for subsidised patients.

Many were then paying up to 60 per cent of large bills. Their co-payments went down to 40 per cent when premiums were increased in July 2005 by between $1.50 and $11.25 a month.

The Health Ministry said about 2 per cent of B2 and C class patients have bills that exceed $5,000. It did not have the number whose bills exceeded $10,000.

Hefty government subsidies and insurance coverage could not make up for the relatively low ceilings on what patients could claim for some items. Mr Khaw said one was the daily claim limit for intensive care, now capped at $500, which is not enough in most cases for the critically ill.

The other was the cap on claims for expensive implants, especially for orthopaedic treatments. He said: ‘Orthopaedic patients are increasingly using more expensive implants. It they are better for the patient, and we increase the withdrawal limit, it would benefit them.’

Patients can claim up to $2,500 for implants.

But spinal implants, for example, can set a patient back by anything from $2,500 to $18,000.

Mr Khaw said he would set the upper limit of premium increases to about $10 a month - the comfort zone agreed at through public consultations three years ago.

Three MPs on the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health welcomed the move. They felt that an increase of $10 a month was not too much, especially since MediShield premiums are paid from the Medisave savings account.

Dr Lam Pin Min called it a timely move, while Ms Josephine Teo said better coverage would counter medical inflation, which was over 4 per cent last year.

GPC chairman Madam Halimah Yacob said: ‘The increase in the daily limits for intensive care and non-standard implants are good improvements as these are items which can cause quite a dent in the pocket.’

But the timing for the increase may not be ideal, said Mr Eddy Cheong, head of family office services at financial advisory firm Providend. ‘Everything is going up - from transport to foodstuff… It makes it hard for people to accept.’ he said.

With means testing coming to hospitals, those who can afford higher insurance cover than the basic MediShield policy should go for it, said Mr Khaw.

In means testing, an income ceiling will be set for the full government subsidy. Those earning more will pay more for health care.

Some 60 per cent of the 2.8 million MediShield subscribers are covered by enhanced schemes, which help pay for more expensive ward classes, including in private hospitals. But Mr Khaw estimated that another 10 to 20 per cent more people need higher coverage.

Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 30 Jan 2008

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Oceanfront @ Sentosa Cove - Singapore - District 01-08

Oceanfront @ Sentosa Cove - Singapore - District 01-08

DESCRIPTION / DETAILS
Address: Ocean Drive, Sentosa Cove, Sentosa Island
Type of Development: Seafront Condominium
Tenure: 99 years
District: 04
No. of Units: 264
Year of Completion: 2008
Developer: TC Development Pte Ltd
Unit sizes:
2 bedrooms apartments:
113 sq m (1,216 sq ft) - 166 sq m (1,787 sq ft)
3 bedrooms apartments:
153 sq m (1,647 sq ft) - 209 sq m (2,250 sq ft)
4 bedrooms apartments:
187 sq m (2,013 sq ft) - 398 sq m (4,284 sq ft)
Villas 426 sq m (4,585 sq ft) - 437 sq m (4,704 sq ft)
Sky Suites 309 sq m (3,326 sq ft) - 468 sq m (5,038 sq ft)
Sky Villas 255 sq m (2,745 sq ft) - 752 sq m (8,095 sq ft)

LANDMARK LIVING BY THE SEA

An architectural masterwork of glowing and awe-inspiring towers that soar above the rest, giving its privileged residents the finest views on Sentosa Cove.

A landmark that stands sentinel at the gateway of a glittering Marina, this is seafront living that Singapore has never seen before.

The inspired creation of intentionally celebrated award-wining architect, Wimberly Allision Tong and Goo Inc., The Oceanfront is the new benchmark in luxury seafront living.

ULTIMATE INDULGENCE FOR THE PRIVILEGED FEW

Just minutes from the downtown vibrance of Singapore, one of Asia’s most exciting cities, is the exclusive residential enclave of Sentosa Cove.

Among the world’s most anticipated integrated marina precincts, Sentosa Cove is a gated community of seafront bungalows and condominiums.

Poised as the tallest residences at Sentosa Cove, The oceanfront promises a splendid lifestyle filled with endless entertainment amidst spectacular beauty. With a full Marina, tree-lined driveways, boardwalks, promenaded, Sentosa Cove also features an exciting quayside complete with fine dining, shopping and more.

REVEAL IN A WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT

A short drive from Sentosa Cove, you can experience the excitement of a multi-billion dollar Integrated Resort .A kaleidoscope of world-class leisure amenities, the future Integrated Resort promises a sophisticated mix of restaurants, boutiques and many other entertainment options for your family and friends.

INDULGE IN THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE

Fine dining under the stars, designer shopping, marina lifestyle - these are all aspects of the glamorous, international quayside experience you will enjoy at Sentosa Cove’s Quayside Village.

And as sea of pleasures await the nautically with a full-fledged ONE 15 Marina Club right at your doorstep. The venue of international events like BoatAsia and the Clipper Around-The-World Yacht Race, this is another rare delight that awaits you.

TEE OFF TO A WORLD OF PRIVILEGE

Minutes form your home are the manicured perfection of the greens and fairways in Singapore’s most admires golf courses at the Sentosa Golf Club.

Set amongst shimmering waters and lush greenery, these two 18-hole championship courses are amongst the best in the region.

CAPTIVATING FACILITIES AMIDST BREATHTAKING BEAUTY

The Oceanfront @ Sentosa Cove features a host of luxurious facilities that are set against an exquisite backdrop of sun, sea and sky.
Lush in landscaped gardens with an elevated timber deck, elegant walkways, delightful water features and so much more add a touch of magic to life here. A fully equipped gymnasium is designed to take full advantage of Marina views and a stunning, infinity-edged lap pool stretches into the horizon.

FINISHED IN SUPERB STYLE

Your home at The Oceanfront @ Sentosa Cove is surrounded by sweeping vistas of natural beauty. With full length windows in the living and dining areas, you will enjoy the unique experience of true seafront living.

Delight in the luxury of space when you choose from among the 264 exquisitely designed sky villas, sky suites, villas and 2-, 3- & 4-bedroo apartments. each impeccably designed unit has its own private lift lobby and most units have balconies - just perfect for a morning cuppa while enjoying the sunrise.

THE DESIGNER TOUCH

The Oceanfront is the first condominium in Singapore to be fitted with the Hansgrohe Axro Citterio premium bathroom collection designed by Antonio Citterio, a world-renowned architect and designer who has worked with B&B Italia, Capellini, Cerutti and Bvlgari Hotel in Milan, amongst other famous brands. All bathrooms at The Oceanfront come fully equipped with Antonio Citterio’s star design - a luxurious single level basin mixer - along with other quality fittings from the designer’s collection.

The sleek and stylish kitchen features the clean lines, design and functionality of premium, stainless steel Miele appliances.
These include the cooker hood and hob, built-in oven, dishwasher and refrigerator. and to add a special touch to entertaining at home, every kitchen also comes complete with a Miele wine-cooler.

FACILITIES AT The Oceanfront @ Sentosa COVE
Lap pool

Leisure pool

Children’s pool

Jacuzzi

Clubhouse

Gymnasium

Steam bath

Multi-purpose room

Laurette

BBQ corner

Steam bath

Playground

Basement car park

24 hours security

WHO SUITS WHAT
Suitable for investment purposes, targeted for the well-heeled locals and foreign investors.

After the condominium is completed, The Oceanfront @ Sentosa will be suitable for families who would like to stay in a resort home. Living in Sentosa Cove will be a dream come true for many, nothing beats the feel and the natural environment of waterfront living on a off-shore island while still near to the city.

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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St. Regis Residences - Singapore - District 09-10

St. Regis Residences - Singapore - District 09-10

St. Regis Residences - The Pinnacle of Luxury

St. Regis Residences - from New York to Bali, Aspen to Anguilla. Experience a different kind of living!! The 1st and only residence offering the renowned St. Regis Butler Service in Singapore, other services such as in-residence dining, housekeeping, even childcare as well as full condominum facilities that has cigar rooms, private exercise and massage rooms! Located in the heart of town this most prestigious residence with concierge services offers 173 units with stunning sky villas and sky suites! Units sizes range from 1959 to 4069 sq.ft. Prices start from S$2500 per sq.ft. Local property tycoon expects prices to reach S$3500 per sq.ft.!

Developer - Richmond Hotel Pte Ltd - A Joint Venture between City Developments Limited, Hong Leong Holdings Ltd. & TID Pte. Ltd.

Location - Bounded by Tanglin Road / Tomlinson Road / Cuscaden Road

Official Address - 29 Tanglin Road (Hotel) , 31 Tanglin Road (Tower B) , 33 Tanglin Road (Tower C)

Development Layout - Mixed development with one 20-storey hotel tower, two 23-storey residential towers and three basement floors of parking lots

Tenure of Land - 999-year leasehold

Site Area - 179,691 square feet (16,694 square metre)

Residences Apartment Configurations -
173 units 3 bedroom:
19 units at 1,500 square feet
4 bedroom: 140 units from 2,000 - 4,000 square feet Sky Suite:
7 units from 4,300-6,000 square feet Sky Villa:
7 units from 5,000-7,200 square feet (Penthouse) Private lifts access for all apartments

Recreation Facilities - • 25m Lap Pool & Pool Deck
• Children’s Pool & Playground
• Landscape Garden • Entrance Water
Feature
• Reflective Pool
• Relaxation Terrace
• Seating Alcove
• BBQ Area
• Outdoor Tennis Court
• Clubhouse Amenities - Multi-function room - Gymnasium - Lounge/Sitting Area - Cigar Lounge - Private Exercise and Massage Rooms

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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One Shenton - Singapore - District 01-08

One Shenton - Singapore - District 01-08

One Shenton,at residential hot spot Marina Bay, the iconic residential development located in the CBD, and just next to the Marina Bay Integrated Resort & the Business Financial Centre, will soon be unveiled.

Rising 50-storeys & 42-storeys high with 341 luxury apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms & penthouses, the 99-year leasehold One Shenton is poised to become a global architectural landmark in Singapore.

The two distinctive crowns & glittering gold-and-silver facade of the towers will be the sparkling treasures in Singapore’s new skyline. Conceived to maximise views of the waterfront & the city, One Shenton boasts stunning reflective glass exteriors, and hanging sky bridges accommodating sky suites with jet pools, a Sky Gym, Spa . Garden & a host of facilities creating a serene sanctuary high above the excitement of the city.
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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The Tresor at Duchess Rd - Singapore - District 09-10

The Tresor at Duchess Rd - Singapore - District 09-10

The Tresor - D10 ( Duchess Rd )

The Tresor is an 999years exclusive 62-unit condominium development along Duchess Road. Sitting in a quiet residential enclave off Bukit Timah Road, the development offers 2- to 4-bedroom apartment units, ranging from 980 to 2,896 sf in floor areas. Main facilities include a swimming pool, a clubhouse, a gymnasium, a jacuzzi, a function room, a children play area, a fitness area and barbecue pits. It is also surrounded by many good schools like Raffles Girl Primary, Nanyang Primary, Nanyang Girl High, The Chinese High, Hwa Chong and National Junior Colleges.

2 room - 990 sq ft ( $1.28M )

3 room - 1485 sq ft ( $ 1.92M )

4 room - 1927sq ft to 2551 sq ft ( $2.49M To $3.3M )
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

( +65 ) 91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com ( email me )

Singapore Condominium housing site at Yishun Ave 1and 2 up for sale

Singapore Condominium housing site at Yishun Ave 1and 2 up for sale

By Loh Kim Chin

SINGAPORE : A 27,000 square metre site at Yishun Avenue 1/Avenue 2 has been offered for sale under the confirmed list of the government land sales programme.

The 99-year leasehold site by the Housing and Development Board has been set aside for condominium housing.

It can yield up to 56,600 square metres in gross floor area.

The sale of the site is in line with the government’s plan to offer more housing choices in Yishun.

This is part of the “Remaking Our Heartland” plans to rejuvenate communities in middle-aged towns and estates. - CNA/ms
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 30 Jan 2008

Singapore Property - Buy , Sell , Rent , Invest

Mindy Yong

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Circumstances make S’pore two wealth funds different from most

Circumstances make S’pore two wealth funds different from most

By Ng Baoying

SINGAPORE: Among countries with sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), Singapore stands out for a few reasons.

First, it is commonly seen as having not one but two such funds, both of which are grouped among the top seven state wealth funds in the world, with more than S$100 billion in assets apiece.

In addition, the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) and Temasek Holdings were born out of circumstances different from that of nations with surplus reserves.

So why and how is Singapore’s approach to wealth funds different? How are GIC and Temasek different from each other?

To many in the business community, Norway stands out for its sovereign wealth fund.

Set up in 1995 to preserve its oil wealth, Norway’s Government Pension Fund is funded by surplus cash from commodities, just like many other sovereign wealth funds.

Gerard Lyons, group head of global research at Standard Chartered, said: “Singapore is different because Singapore not only has two funds, but unlike some of the other big funds, it doesn’t have a natural commodity base from which to build its sovereign fund… For example when you look at Europe, Norway set up a fund when it discovered oil, Britain didn’t. One could argue that (the) UK was looking very much at current consumption, not long-term investment. Norway, in contrast, was building up future investments. In many respects Singapore was of that ilk, thinking longer term, how to build up a future wealth of its nation.”

Both Temasek Holdings and GIC look across the globe for investments with the best returns. But that is where the similarities end.

One big difference between the two is that GIC manages Singapore’s foreign reserves while Temasek started with some government assets as capital.

Temasek Holdings’ executive director Simon Israel said: “The word ’sovereign wealth fund’ by nature almost implies fund manager. We are not a fund manager. As a private company we own our assets. That’s a key point of differentiation. So we act (on) our own, not as managers. If you look at Temasek, we began at inception with S$350m of state assets transferred to us by the government. There were subsequent injections over the years. But it’s the management of that investment portfolio over the years that has grown in excess of S$160 billion that we term our ’sweat capital’, which is our source of funding, together with a modest level of debt.”

“So unlike other SWFs we’re not managing currency reserves, oil surpluses or anything like that. It’s purely commercial investment activity and that’s what drives us,” he added.

If one defines a sovereign wealth fund as a fund manager for a country’s reserves, Temasek said it will then not be classified as one.

Mr Israel said: “We are state-owned but not state-directed… Temasek was established as a private company on a commercial charter to undertake these investments. Together with that we have a board of directors, a majority of whom are independent directors from the private sector. And we have a governance framework which is not dissimilar to that of a listed company.”

As part of a push towards greater transparency, Temasek has opened its books to international ratings agencies for its credit rating. It also publishes an annual report in which it outlines its financial performance.

Temasek and GIC are autonomous in the way they operate.

GIC’s deputy chairman and executive director Tony Tan said: “Let me say categorically that Temasek and GIC operate entirely separately. We have no common members on the boards of directors and no common management members. Temasek and GIC are independent companies. We don’t consult each other and I don’t see that there is any reason to regard Temasek and GIC as working in constant.”

“They are entirely separate corporations, although of course both are owned by the Singapore government. We endeavour that this separateness of Temasek and GIC is maintained,” he added.

Analysts said both GIC and Temasek have their strengths, and there is value in having them separate from each other.

Vice dean of finance and administration at the National University of Singapore Ho Yew Kee said: “It’s a good way of doing things… not to put all your eggs in one basket… They started off as two different funds - one at home, one overseas. At some point in time, as their sizes grew, their objectives slightly overlap. But yet there’s no necessity to merge them… into one.”

Temasek was established in 1974, and GIC in 1981. - CNA/ac
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 30 Jan 2008

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Hope for ‘generous’ budget - Singapore

Hope for ‘generous’ budget - Singapore

By Loh Chee Kong,
SINGAPORE: Following Singapore’s buoyant economic performance last year, pundits are expecting a “generous” Budget and their wish lists include cuts in personal tax rates, the abolishment of estate duty, rebates to offset the higher costs of living, and more money from employers to support the greying workforce.

Budget Day will fall on Feb 15, the Parliamentary Clerk announced yesterday.

Citigroup economist Kit Wei Zheng believes that the “bulging Government coffers” suggest “ample fiscal space” to tackle the soaring rate of inflation, which hit a 25-year high late last year.

He said that the Government’s fiscal 2007 Budget assumptions were “overly conservative, under-estimating revenue and overestimating expenditures”. Instead of a primary fiscal deficit of $640 million projected, Singapore posted a primary fiscal surplus of $8.6 billion in the first half of the year.

“On hindsight, the 2-percentage-point hike in the Goods and Services Tax may have been unnecessary, or could have been delayed or staggered,” he said.

Expecting the Government to cut personal tax rate for high earners, which would “go some way” in maintaining Singapore’s edge as an attractive place for top global talent, Mr Zheng said there could also “be a case for larger cuts in the lower and middle-income brackets”, who had been hit by economic restructuring between 2002 and 2006.

He also expects the employers’ CPF contribution rate to be restored to 16 per cent, a move that would raise the inflow of funds “to offset the erosion in purchasing power of CPF savings from higher inflation”.

The corporate tax rate stands at 18 per cent and Ernst and Young’s head of tax Pok Soy Yoong and corporate tax partner Ang Lea Lea urged the Government to refresh the tax incentives regime beyond merely lowering the tax rate.

Already low tax rates are “fast eroding the perceived effectiveness of many of these incentives in the minds of the investors”. They said: “When the tax savings is at most 3 per cent, the investor would wonder what the fuss is all about.”

Mr David Sandison, Pricewaterhouse-Coopers’ tax partner in Singapore, said: “What is really needed is some enhanced fiscal support for employer-sponsored pension schemes”.

These would “not only help fill the increasingly widening pension gap, but also go hand-in-hand with Singapore’s aim to be king of wealth management in Asia”, he said. — TODAY/ar

Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 30 Jan 2008

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Keppel Land posts full-year earnings of S$779m - Singapore

Keppel Land posts full-year earnings of S$779m - Singapore

By Rachel Kelly

SINGAPORE : Keppel Land has surpassed market expectations, with full-year earnings hitting a record S$779 million in 2007.

This is up sharply from just S$200 million the previous year - boosted by strong sales at its high-end luxury residential projects.

With money in the bank, Keppel Land is eyeing greater overseas expansion in 2008.

Reflections at Keppel Bay and Marina Bay Residence are just two of the projects that have helped Keppel Land achieve record earnings last year.

Not only was net income at a record high, turnover also hit its highest ever at S$1.4 billion.

Kevin Wong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Keppel Land Limited, said, “2007 is a record year, in terms of price increase as well as number of units taken up. Looking ahead, we see that the high-end market direction will probably be dependant on the outcome of the US sub-prime problem, but (as for) the middle and mass market segment, we expect prices to continue to go up steadily.”

The numbers include gains from the sale of its one-third stake in One Raffles Quay, as well as appreciation in the value of its office portfolio.

All in, Keppel sold more than 760 residential units in Singapore last year - a new record for the company.

Keppel Land also saw an 82 percent jump in earnings from property trading.

Overseas markets such as China and Vietnam contributed to 40 percent of total earnings.

However, Keppel Land is seeking to drive this up to 50 percent this year.

Mr Wong said, “Firstly, we spend on the shareholders - 12 cents. Secondly, what we will be doing is we would go where the market is, and Vietnam is a good place to expand; China again is a good place to expand, and we have started on some projects in Middle East, but there is no hard and fast route.”

Keppel Land is paying out a final dividend of 8 cents a share and a special dividend of 12 cents a share. - CNA/ms

Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 30 Jan 2008

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Singapore NTUC aims to improve job skills, wages for 35,000 workers in 2008

Singapore NTUC aims to improve job skills, wages for 35,000 workers in 2008

By Julia Ng
SINGAPORE: The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) wants to focus on three areas this year - raising the employment rate, lowering unemployment, and bringing down underemployment.

Some 35,000 unionised workers are expected to get help to improve their skills and wages, and the ultimate aim is to help workers weather any turmoil in the global economy.

The NTUC also wants to get some 100,000 low-wage workers, including contract and part-time workers, onto the CPF scheme, so that they would not miss out on help schemes such as the Workfare Income Supplement scheme.

The International Labour Organisation estimates that the world will see a five per cent GDP growth. Unemployment, however, will outstrip that growth at over 6.1 per cent, which means five million more people could go jobless around the globe.

Speaking to unionists and workers at the annual Labour Movement Workplan Seminar, labour chief Lim Swee Say assured workers that the job outlook for Singaporeans remains bright, thanks to Singapore’s sterling economic performance in 2007 with a 7.5 per cent GDP growth against a low unemployment rate of 1.7 per cent.

Mr Lim said: “We want to continue to do better than the rest of the world. We are in a much better position than many, many other countries.

“Should there be a downturn in the global economy, we’re optimistic that at least in Singapore, the pipeline of investments that we’ve built up, the momentum of employment creation that we’ve built up over the last two years will be able to carry us through the years.”

He said there is enough buffer in the current labour market to withstand any shocks in the global economy. So in the year ahead, the labour movement will focus on helping workers stay nimble to adapt to changes.

Therefore, the NTUC is adopting a three-pronged strategy this year.

The first is to lower unemployment further and help 8,000 jobless people find work in more sectors.

It also targets to raise employment rate and help another 8,000 mature qualified Singaporeans stay employed. These will be done through re-employment, re-deployment and back-to-work initiatives.

Another 19,000 underemployed workers will receive skills and job-upgrading training to help them upgrade in their careers and earn better pay through the Job Re-creation Programme and industry re-development efforts.

NTUC’s director for industrial relations, Cham Hui Fong, said: “That’s something we’ll continue to push for to ensure that generally everyone (gets) some real wage increases, whether in terms of wage increases or bonuses.”

On its part, NTUC also helped workers stretch their dollar through its cooperatives like Fairprice, which offers house brands at lower prices so that workers could save on essential items.

NTUC deputy secretary-general Halimah Yacob said: “This is just what the labour movement is doing. We also do expect to see… the government doing something.

“So in the Budget this year, I do hope that the government will come out with some measures to help our low-income workers to cope with the rising costs of living.”

The NTUC will be rolling out new initiatives to strengthen its job and skill upgrading programmes later this week.

Mr Lim also said NTUC is also rebranding itself in May to reach out to more Singaporeans. - CNA/ac
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 30 Jan 2008

Singapore Property - Buy , Sell , Rent , Invest

Mindy Yong

(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com