Dakota Residences at Dakota Crescent – Singapore – District 14

Dakota Residences at Dakota Crescent – Singapore – District 14

In a pristine corner of the east quarters in Singapore is an address you’ll be proud to call home. An exceptional situation that puts everything you need and want in life at your fingertips, Dakota Residences is perfect for your lifestyle copy. Impressive and superb views of connections with this peaceful oasis you the best of all worlds.

Dakota Residences comprises 348 units ranging from two, three, four bedrooms and penthouse apartments. It is located near a river with a view of the houses landed Mountbatten Road.
Place : Dakota Crescent
Tenure: 99 years Leasehold
On completion: August 31, 2010
Development: five blocks of 19 storey residential building
Total number of units: 348
District: 14

The types of units:

2 bedroom from 1023 to 1119sqft

3 bedroom from 1292 to 1744sqft

4 bedrooms from 1830 to 1970sqft

Penthouse from 2605 to 3714sqft

Facilities: Pool, wading pool, water pool, playground, gymnasium, jogging track, barbecue, meeting rooms, the basement Hotel, security 24 hours, Amphitheatre

Residents and visitors are welcomed into the development with a large drop in the middle of a magnificent waterfall waterscape. The architectural design of the towers housing is a composition of plans and lines, suitable for a strike fa? Ade linear streaks. All the height glazing living space widens the visual space to the extent balconies, external integration with internal uninterrupted manner, while offering views over the city beyond.

The development is centrally located and it is 5 minutes walk from the future MRT station Dakota. The world-class sports and Hub East Coast Park are just a few minutes by car, while the Central Business District is less than 10 minutes.

Dakota Residences promises a lifestyle and leisure offering comfort serene respite from the busy city, while maintaining the ease of accessibility. With Dakota and be a Mountbatten and future residential area, buyers would certainly see this river edge condominiums.
Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, In Singapore
MINDY YONG

( +65 ) 91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com ( email me )

Vutton at Akyab Road– Singapore – District 11

Vutton at Akyab Road– Singapore – District 11

Vutton  is a frank District 11. Vutton is a 21-storey tower icon of 102 exclusive.
Located in Akyab road, it is walking distance Novena MRT (400m). It is near the Novena Square, Square 2, Velocity, United Square Singapore and basic medical Hub.

Opt for the art of relaxation and enjoy the wonders of nature in an attractive retirement where the senses are the show. Revitalize yourself in a gym, a freshness of a dip in the pool.

It comes with designer doors, ready to receive SCV, Daikin air con, kitchen cabinets, hotplates (2 burner electric 4 burner gas bottles) and cover. Each bedroom is to build a designer wardrobes.

A total of 102 units in full ownership elegant 21-storey modern architecture, located in the highly sought after District 11.

Property Size 19947.00 sq. ft.

Number of 102 units

Tenure in full ownership

Floor (s) / 21 floors Floor

Any unit size 484.00 sq. ft.

Building in the zone 484.00 sq. ft.

District: 11

Equipped

Pool at the 2nd floor and roof

Barbecue
Walking Distance To Novena MRT (400m)
Excellent investment / high yield of arrivals /
Findings of capital / low maintenance
Fee
Novena Medical Center
EXPECT professionals such as tenants
Surgeons / doctors / medical specialist
Expats ‘favorites! ONLY minutes
Orchard / CBD
Near Novena Sq 2 & Square
Almost as good schools IJS junior

Type A (2 +1 room, 915 square feet)

Type A1 (1 +1 bedroom, 893 square feet)

Type A2 (1 +1 bedroom, 721 square feet)

Type B (2 bedrooms, 753 square feet)

Type B1 (1 bedroom, 689 square feet)

Type B2 (1 bedroom, 603 square feet)

Type C (1 bedroom, 484 square feet)

Type D (1 bedroom, 495 square feet)

Type E (1 +1 bedroom, 689 square feet)

Type E1 (1 bedroom, 657 square feet)

Type E2 (1 bedroom, 592 square feet)

Type F (2 bedroom, 764 square feet)

Type F1 (1 +1 bedroom, 732 square feet)

Type F2 (1 +1 bedroom, 721 square feet)

Type PHA (2 bedrooms, 1302 square feet)

Type PHB (2 bedrooms, 1087 square feet)

Type of primary health care (2 bedroom, 861 square feet)

Type PHD (2 bedroom, 893 square feet)

Type PHE (2 bedrooms, 1023 square feet)

Type PHF (2 bedrooms, 1249 square feet)

Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, In Singapore

MINDY YONG

( +65 ) 91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com ( email me )

Marina Bay Suites at Marina Bay – Singapore – District 01

Marina Bay Suites at Marina Bay – Singapore – District 01

Located in the heart of the $ 30 billion Marina Bay, Asia’s most exciting centre urban lifestyle, 66 - storey, 239 metre height Marina Bay Suites sets new standards for the exquisite life of luxury in Marina Bay residents Heureux receive horizon dynamic city perspectives and viewpoints exclusive of the elegant central linear park.

An oasis of peace and tranquillity in the heart of the new downtown, the central linear park will serve a ceremony green focal point for the entire area. Wake up with the soft green of the park and the cool breeze sparkling blue water of Marina Bay.

Marina Bay Suites residents will also enjoy a superb road and rail links and ease of access to the airport and the rest of Singapore. En route direct links to the East Coast Parkway and the next U.S. $ 1.65 billion Marina coastal expressway, the air route center of the Changi airport is less than 18 minutes. Residents will also have convenient access to Raffles Place and the rest of the island through the MRT station future.

Location: Marina Boulevard
District: 01
Tenure: 99yrs leasehold
Top: 31 Aug 2012
Total number of units: 221 in a block of 66 storeys

The types of units: –
Type A Bedroom 4 –55 units (2680sqft to 2691sqft)
Type B Bedroom 4 –55 units (2045sqft to 2067sqft)
Type C 3 Bedroom –54 units (1572sqft to 1604sqft)
Type D 3 Bedroom –54 units (1615sqft to 1625sqft)
Penthouse type P Bedroom ~ 3 units (4715sqft to 8181sqft)

Services nearby: Walking distance to the CBD-Raffles Place, Garden of the Bay, Singapore Flyer, Bayfront Bridge Dam Marina, Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Business Financial Centre, Grand Prix Racing, Esplanade Theatres on the Bay.

Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, In Singapore

MINDY YONG

( +65 ) 91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com ( email me )

CityLights at Jellicoe Road – Singapore – District 08

CityLights at Jellicoe Road – Singapore – District 08

City life is changing a great need for accessibility and comfort ultimate lifestyle highly sought after by the dynamic cosmopolitan trend. Rising to 42 storeys, Citylight contemporary and timeless architecture is designed to mark a new beginning of the new landscape of the city. Putting on a spectacular view over the city attractive sites.

The single sky terrace equipped and allows you to keep bridges above views breathtaking with your own fitness club with a corner of yoga, gym outdoor Jacuzzi and other facilities recreation.

On the ground, lush vegetation surrounding many other recreational facilities like tennis courts, an elegant promenade and pool for a workout invigorating. Or relax with a quiet evening stroll, amid gardens with exciting cascade of water.

Project Infomation : CityLights
Address: 80 - 90 Jellicoe Road
Developer :  Woodsvale Land Pte Ltd, Capitaland
No. of Units: 600
Tenure : 99 from 05/01/2004
TOP : 12/2008 expected
Property Type :  CONDO
Disctrict : 8
 
Information on unit

- kitchen cabinets, oven, wardrobe, aircon.
- total number of units: 600 in four 40-storey towers and a row of townhouses conservation.
- 80, 82 (Townhouse), 84 (Clubhouse), 86, 88, 90 Jellicoe Rd
- Townhouse (10 units): the size varies
- 1 room (82 units) 52 to 55 square metres (560 to 592 square feet)
- 1 Bedroom + study (158 units) 63 to 68 square metres (678 to 732 square feet)
- 2 Room (164 units) 81 to 88 square metres (872 to 947 square feet)
- 3 Room (151 units): 122 to 156 square metres (1313 to 1679 square feet)
- 3 Bedroom + study (20 units): 171 to 187 square metres (1841 to 2013 square feet)
- 4 Room (12 units): 171 to 235 square metres (1841 to 2530 square feet)
- Penthouse (3 units): 334 sq. m. (3595 sq. ft.)

Facilities

- pool
- Splash pool
- Barbecue
- clubhouse
- Jacuzzi
- garden pavilion
- pond
- two tennis courts
- ground terminal
- security
- sky outdoor terrace and gym on 24th floor
- children games
- fitness
- waterfall
- Cascades water

 
Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, In Singapore

MINDY YONG

( +65 ) 91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com ( email me )

Grange Infinite at Grange Road – Singapore – District 09

Grange Infinite at Grange Road – Singapore – District 09

Grange Infinite @ Grange Road

36- storey residential housing process rise with communal facilities and story car parks. All units with private Lift.

The position is settled at one of Singapore’s human residential addresses, Grange Way. Within walking interval to Singapore’s Execute Shopping Track,Orchard MRT Station.

Nearby landmarks includes Meritus Chinese Hotel, Takashimaya Shopping Confection, Orchard Cineplex
Property Type : Condominium 

Address: 27 Grange Road

District:  09 

Country:  Singapore 

Total No of Units:  68 

TOP Date : DEC 2011

Tenure : Freehold

Maintenance: est. at $680 to $1870

Developer: Citadel Equity and CEL Development Pte Ltd (Subsidiary of Chip Eng Seng Group)

Available Unit :  

21 units of 3 Bdrms— Approx 2,088 to 2,368 sq.ft

43 units of 4 Bdrms— Approx 2,530 to 2,702 sq.ft

1 units of 4 Bdrms (Triplex) Approx 6,039 sq.ft(including Roof Terrace)

2 units of 5 Bdrms Penthouses

Approx 5,339 to 5,436 sq.ft

1 unit of 5 Bdrms Penthouse (Duplex)

Approx 9,462 sq.ft with private swimming pool
Facilities :

- Swimming Pool

- Gymnasium

- Jacuzzi

- Reading Corner

- BBQ Pits

- Multi- Purpose Room

- Spa Corner

- Landscaped Gardens

- Sky Garden on 14th Floor
MRT/LRT Information 

Nearest MRT:  Somerset MRT

Walking Distance : 7 Minutes

Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, In Singapore

Mindy Yong

(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

Hillvista at Elizabeth Drive – Singapore – District 21

Hillvista at Elizabeth Drive – Singapore – District 21

Hillvista @ Elizabeth Drive
District : 21
Tenure : Freehold
Development : 3 Towers Of 10 Storeys
Land Area : 85,000sqft
Developer : Far East Organization
Total Strata Areas : 114,237.60sqft (13,400.00sqm)
Expected TOP : 4th Qtr 2011

Total Units : 129
-2 Bedroom 915sf - 1044sf (85 – 97 sqm)
-2 + 1 Bedroom 990sf – 1087sf (92 – 101 sqm)
-3 Bedroom 1130sf – 1238sf (105 – 115 sqm)
-3 + 1 Bedroom 1184sf – 1292 sf (110 – 120 sqm)
-4 Bedroom 1281sf – 1335sf (119 – 124 sqm)

Facilities :

-Spa Pavilion
-Clubhouse
-Lotus Pond
-The Spring
-Carparks
-Fitness Stations
-Foot Reflexology Area
-24 Hours Security
-Jacuzzi with Trellis
-Dining pavilion with BBQ Pits
-Aqualounges

Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, In Singapore

Mindy Yong

(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

Casa Fortuna at Balestier – Singapore – District 12

Casa Fortuna at Balestier – Singapore – District 12

Casa Fortuna at Balestier
Location : 36 Jalan Rajah & 38 Ah Hood Rd (District 12)
Tenure : Estate in Fee Simple (Freehold)
Site Area : Approx. 2585 sqm / 27,824 sq ft
Expected T.O.P : 30 June 2012
Plot Ratio : 2.8
Development : Beautiful Facade with State of The Art Twin Iconic Towers (Tower 1 - 18 Storeys & Tower 2 - 12 Storeys)
Total Units : 106

Type of Units :-
- 1 Bedroom
- 1+1 Bedroom
- 2 Bedrooms
- Penthouses

Ceiling Height :-
Typical – 2.95 m
2nd Floor & Penthouses – Minimum 4.5m

Walking Distance To MRT and 3 Stops or 10 mins Drive to Orchard

Facilities :-
2nd Storey Sky Terrace:
- Partial Cover Infinity Lap Pool ( 25 m X 5 m )
- Wadding Pool ( 5 m X 3 m )
- Pool Deck
- Gymnasium
- Children’s Play Area
- BBQ Area
- Carpark (Basement -65 Lots & Surface – 41 Lots ; Include 12 Mechanical Lots)
- 24 Hours Security
- High End Technology Using Biomatrix Keyless Entry(Thumbprint)
- 1 & 2 Bedrooms Penthouse (Type B1 & C1) with Private Pool & Jacuzzi

Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, in Singapore

Mindy Yong

(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

Lucida at Novena – Singapore – District 11

Lucida at Novena – Singapore – District 11

A factual escapist therapy, you demand less communicating to despair to the scrumptious fashion residing in it. With 62 units articulately mature in a 25-storey plumb region, every layer spells 3 magnetized apartments where nix routine is spared. The preponderant notion of immunity and joy ordinary, you’re promised the interest.

With 62 units articulately formed in a 25-storey plumb part, every plane spells 3 attractable apartments where zero everyday is spared. The paramount belief of freedom and joy everyday, you’re promised the game.

Tenure : Freehold
Location : 2 Suffolk Road (District 11)
Architect : JGP Architecture Pte Ltd
Development : 25 Storey Development with 62 Luxurious Units
Expected TOP : 31 December 2011

Floor Size :

Type A - 1 bedrm - 624 sqft
Type C - 3 bedrms - 1324 sqft
Type B - 2 bedrms - 1066 sqft
Type BP - 4 bedrms - 3854 sqft
Type B1 - 2 bedrms - 1098 sqft
Type CP - 4 bedrms - 4176 sqft
Facilities :-

- Swimming Pool
- Wading Pool
- Children’s Playground
- 24 Hours Security
- Carparks
- Hot & Cold Water Jet-
- Gymnasium
- BBQ Area
- Landscape

Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, In SIngapore

Mindy Yong

(+65) 91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

http://www.hotvictory.com

Tierra Vue at St Patrick – Singapore – District 15

Tierra Vue – Singapore – District 15

Settled along relaxed tree-lined St Patrick’s Moving within amenity-rich Marine Parade, Tierra Vue promises to be a developing with a number. Carefully and sensitively fashioned to harmonise with its environment, this 129-unit home will dimension a seeable orchestra of pools, gardens, airy balconies, growing trees and teemingness of physical loose.

From the erectile 113,000 sf curtilage,to the deliberative option of leafage that present air in the hot climate, to the symphonic prime of materials and flag that give pay the use its uncomparable individuality, Tierra Vue give be a revel to the senses with its sagittate lines, modern compeer detailing and enticing flag.

Project : Tierra Vue

Developer : MCL Land (Properties) Pte Ltd
Address : 36, 38, 40, 42 St Patrick’s Road
District : 15
Tenure : Estate in Fee Simple (Freehold)
Expected TOP : 31 December 2010
Total Number Of Units : 129

Types : 2 Bedroom

Type A - 88 - 98 sq m (27 Units)
Type A(P) - 88 -135 sq m (09 Units)

3 Bedroom

Type B - 113 - 118 sq m (51 Units)
Type B(P) - 116 - 147 sq m (16 Units)
Type TB - 142 - 170 sq m (09 Units)

4 Bedroom Penthouses

Type PH - 178 - 210 sq m (17 Units)

Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, In SIngapore

Mindy Yong

(+65) 91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

http://www.hotvictory.com

Waterfall Gardens at Holland/Farrer Road - Singapore - District 10

Waterfall Gardens at Holland/Farrer Road - Singapore - District 10

Set back against the confluence of Farrer Road and Holland Road, Waterfall Gardens is your sanctuary from the ebb and flow of everyday life.

Located in Singapore’s exclusive District 10, this freehold condominium offers unobstructed views in every direction. With the city and major expressways mere minutes away, take a plunge at anytime into the river of excitement that urban living offers.

Name :  Waterfall Gardens
Developer :  Acecharm Pte Ltd
Tenure : FH
Property Type :  CONDO
Location : 8, Farrer Road,Singapore 268820
District : 10
Unit Type :(Waterfall Gardens)

Total Units: 132 in two 12-storey buildings

3, 4 Rooms:

Penhouses with rooftop swimming pool (12 units): up to 450 sq.m. (4844 sq.ft.)

 
Facilities

BBQ pits
Covered car park
Playground
24 hours security
 Squash court
Swimming pool
Wading pool
 

 
Nearest MRT Station

Commwealth MRT Station (1.29 km)
Buona Vista MRT Station (1.73 km)
Queenstown MRT Station (1.96 km)

Nearest Schools

St Margaret’s Secondry School (1.03 km)
Nanyang Primary School (1.07 km)
New Town Primary School (1.21 km)
Buy, Sell, Rent, Invest, In Singapore

Mindy Yong

(+65) 91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

http://www.hotvictory.com

Design awards for Singapore HDB estates

Design awards for Singapore HDB estates 

Sengkang, Ghim Moh estates score well for innovative design, user-friendly features

By Ong Bi Hui 
 
HOUSING Board estates are not known for their innovative designs, but two cutting-edge ones are starting to change all that.
They have just become the first HDB estates to win design awards for both their good looks and user-friendly features.

The Coris, a precinct in Sengkang New Town, and the upgraded Ghim Moh Gardens estate, which is 32 years old, both won bronze awards at the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Universal Design Awards.

‘Universal Design’ generally refers to design that allows users to get around easily, with easy-to-use facilities.

The BCA Awards were launched in September last year, and this year saw 34 entries, with most being refurbished buildings.

Both estates stood out due to their accessibility to residents, with seamless connectivity throughout.

The Coris at Sengkang, which has 14 residential blocks, had a comprehensive signage system so visitors can find their way around easily. There are also various recreational and communal facilities, including an area for the elderly to exercise, jogging tracks and pavilions.

Ghim Moh Gardens features wheelchair-friendly lifts that stop at every floor, safer clothes-drying racks and elderly-friendly toilets. Getting around is easy, with markets and bird- viewing spots all linked by sheltered walkways.

This year, three silver and six bronze awards were given in six categories of buildings: commercial, institutional, residential, open spaces, refurbished and open.

Other winners include Terminal 3 at Changi Airport and the National Museum of Singapore.

At last year’s awards, Ikea Tampines clinched the top prize, the gold award, but a prize in this category was not handed out this year.

Professor Cheong Hee Kiat, chairman of the award assessment panel, attributes this to it having ‘raised the bar’ this year.

He said: ‘Buildings need to be a holistic package. They must be comprehensive, integrative and have that special touch, while taking into account the owner’s corporate philosophy.’

Winners will receive their awards from Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan next Thursday. Those interested in applying for next year’s awards can visit www.bca.gov.sg.

Source : Straits Times - 16 May 2008

Singapore Property - Buy , Sell , Rent , Invest

Mindy Yong

(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

Singapore MM’s wife in serious condition after stroke

Singapore MM’s wife in serious condition after stroke
 
She can speak and recognise family members but remains in hospital after Monday’s stroke

By Li Xueying & Kor Kian Beng 
MORE ALERT NOW: Mrs Lee’s daughter said her intelligence is not affected but physical movements may be frustrating. — ST FILE PHOTO
 
MRS Lee Kuan Yew, wife of the Minister Mentor, is in hospital after suffering a stroke on Monday.
However, her haemorrhage has since stabilised and, while she remains in ‘a serious condition’, she is able to recognise immediate family members, said a statement from the Minister Mentor’s office yesterday.

Mrs Lee, 87, experienced sudden weakness in the left side of her body and slurring of speech at 12.20pm on Monday.

She was taken to the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) for an urgent brain scan, which revealed bleeding in the right side of the brain, and was subsequently admitted to the Neurointensive Care Unit in Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

‘The haemorrhage stabilised after two days of close monitoring and treatment, before she was transferred to the general ward on Wednesday,’ said the statement.

‘Currently, she remains in a serious condition although she is able to recognise immediate family members.’

The Lees’ daughter, Associate Professor Lee Wei Ling, who is director of the NNI, told The Straits Times that Mrs Lee was ‘more alert’ yesterday compared to earlier in the week.

‘Her intelligence is not affected, but physical movements may be frustrating,’ she said, adding that Mrs Lee’s left arm is not moving well.

‘But what we said, she understood. She can also speak. She is in good spirits given the circumstances.’

Mrs Lee suffered a stroke in 2003 when she and Mr Lee were in London on a European tour. The bleeding was also in the right side of the brain then.

She recovered soon after and was well enough to continue accompanying Mr Lee on official trips.

Their last official trip was in March when they visited Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Bahrain in the Middle East.

Source : Straits Times - 16 May 2008

Singapore Property - Buy , Sell , Rent , Invest

Mindy Yong

(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

What is a stroke?

What is a stroke? 
 
ACCORDING to Dr Alvin Hong, consultant neurosurgeon at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Gleneagles Medical Centre, there are two types of stroke.
‘One is caused by blockage in a blood vessel, so that blood cannot flow to the part of the brain that the vessel supplies.

The other is when a blood vessel within the brain bursts, causing blood to leak inside the brain. Mrs Lee suffered this type of stroke.”
What causes it?
Most haemorrhagic strokes are spontaneous, meaning there are no underlying causes, such as tumours or blood abnormalities. It often happens in older people due to degenerative changes in blood vessels.

In people in their 40s to 60s, the most common cause is high blood pressure.
Effects of stroke
Effects can vary. If the bleeding is in the brain stem, the damage can be serious.

If the stroke is in the left side of the brain, the person could be paralysed on the right of the body and also have problems communicating with others as speech is controlled in the left brain. This can be very disabling.

If the stroke is in the right side of the brain, language ability most probably won’t be affected.

Another factor is the size of the blood clot. A big blood clot will do more harm.

Swelling around the blood clot usually gets worse in the first 24 to 48 hours. Blood clots can threaten life by exerting so much pressure that the rest of the brain is also affected.
How to treat the condition
Sometimes, to save a life, doctors operate to remove the blood clot.

If the clot is not so big and the rest of the brain is less affected, doctors use medication to bring down the swelling in the brain.

If one waits long enough, all blood clots disappear. The problem is that one could die before a clot disappears.

Typically it takes five to seven days before a clot subsides significantly.

If a patient is quite stable after three to five days, he will probably remain so because swelling and bleeding are worst in the first two days.

In Mrs Lee’s case, the fact that she can recognise family members means the rest of the brain is working. The reason why it’s considered a serious condition is because it’s only the fourth day.
Recovery prospects
Doctors will have to first treat the complications of the stroke, of which a chest infection is the most common. Such patients often lie in bed and do not cough or breathe deeply enough. Secretions from the lungs are not cleared and they get a chest infection.

As the blood clot disappears and the pressure on the surrounding brain drops, the brain will begin to recover.

‘Once the danger period has passed, the patient will require intensive rehabilitation. It takes time, and patience,’ said Dr Hong.

Source : Straits Times - 16 May 2008

Singapore Property - Buy , Sell , Rent , Invest

Mindy Yong

(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

Singapore Retail sales index up 5.6% in March

Singapore Retail sales index up 5.6% in March

By OH BOON PING

Excluding motor vehicles, overall sales volume rose by 6.1 per cent.

The strong growth was partly attributed to higher prices, but at constant prices the volume of retail sales actually declined marginally from a year ago, says the DOS.

Total retail sales value in March was estimated at $2.89 billion, compared with February’s $2.59 billion, with almost all retail sectors reporting higher turnover year on year.

 
 
For example, sales of supermarket goods, furniture & household equipment, department store items, optical goods & books, watches & jewellery and telecommunications apparatuses & computers in March this year continued to grow at 13.6 per cent to 16.7 per cent.

However, the motor-vehicle segment reported a decline of 8.1 per cent, continuing its downward trend since October 2007.

As for restaurants, receipts fell 1.8 per cent from the previous year, even though sales of fast-food outlets and food caterers rose during the period.

For example, turnover at fast-food restaurants rose by 1.6 per cent while revenue of food caterers and other eating places increased by 8.9 per cent and 6 per cent respectively.

The DOS said the increase was partly due to higher food prices. ‘After removing the price effect, the volume of catering trade declined by 3.1 per cent.’

In a report, HSBC economist Prakriti Sofat noted the contraction in motor-vehicle sales, but added that as certificate of entitlement (COE) premiums fall ‘to the lowest level in around a year, motor-vehicle sales will probably see a bounce in the months ahead’.

Looking ahead, the economist believes that retail spending here should remain firm.

‘Singaporeans got their first ‘growth dividend’ at the end of April (with the second in October) which, together with tax rebates, healthy job gains and historically low interest rates, suggests that households should let loose the purse strings,’ Ms Sofat said.

 
Source : Business Times - 16 May 2008

Singapore Property - Buy , Sell , Rent , Invest

Mindy Yong

(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

Singapore CDL reveals what it does for society and environment

Singapore CDL reveals what it does for society and environment

By CONRAD TAN
CITY Developments Ltd (CDL) yesterday launched its first annual report focusing on the property developer’s impact on the environment, such as energy usage and carbon emissions.
The 54-page voluntary report, one of the first of its kind for a Singapore public-listed company, also details CDL’s activities and performance on various social and environmental issues, including efforts to improve the efficiency of energy and water use at its property projects and to reduce the amount of waste it generates.

But profits still come first, managing director Kwek Leng Joo said at a media conference to launch the report yesterday.

‘Businesses are for profit. Companies are out there not primarily to do charity work, think about how they should protect the environment or how they should repay kindness to society,’ he said. ‘The primary obligations are to the shareholders and investors.’

A company needs to be profitable first ‘before it can even put itself in a position to talk about CSR (corporate social responsibility) or anything else’, Mr Kwek said.

Just a day earlier, CDL reported a 31 per cent jump in net profit to $165 million in the first quarter from a year earlier. And last year saw record revenue and profit for the second-largest developer here amid the boom in property prices.

 
 
But a public-listed company must also be sure that ‘whatever kind of business it is in is sustainable’, which is where CSR issues are relevant, Mr Kwek said.

As a major property developer, paying attention to environmental conservation and protection issues is necessary to ensure that its core business of developing and managing new projects is sustainable in the long term, he added.

According to the report, CDL invests 2-5 per cent of the construction cost of a project in environmentally friendly ‘green’ design and features.

The company said it aims to track and measure its social and environmental efforts and performance against international benchmarks, and is setting up a formal CSR committee comprising senior management that will report directly to Mr Kwek.

Zoe Knight, head of socially responsible investment research at Merrill Lynch, said the report is a ‘breakthrough’ for Singapore.

Other Singapore-listed companies that have published separate environmental impact reports include Singapore Airlines and Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Source : Business Times - 16 May 2008

Singapore Property - Buy , Sell , Rent , Invest

Mindy Yong

(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com