Foreign investments to drop in 2016 but more skilled jobs ahead

New investments this year could yield up to 22,000 skilled jobs, up from 16,800 last year
By Chong Koh Ping, The Straits Times, 3 Feb 2016

Big foreign investments in Singapore are set to keep falling this year, given the weaker global economy.

But the number of skilled jobs this year's investments will generate is set to grow considerably.

The Economic Development Board (EDB) has pegged its latest forecast for fixed asset investments in Singapore this year at $8 billion to $10 billion - the lowest level in the past decade.

This year's target for the total capital investment in facilities, equipment and machinery is down from the $11.5 billion pulled in last year.

Last year's inbound investments exceeded the forecast range of $9 billion to $11 billion, said the EDB yesterday. This shows that Singapore is still favoured by global companies as a strategic location in Asia for key business functions.

The forecast also reflects the EDB's focus on being selective in attracting more resource-efficient investments aligned with Singapore's stage of economic development, said EDB managing director Yeoh Keat Chuan at a media briefing.

The new investments could yield 20,000 to 22,000 skilled jobs, above the 16,800 jobs that came with last year's investments.

EDB expects this year's level of investments to "remain moderate" due to uncertain global economic conditions. Singapore's economy grew 2.1 per cent last year - the slowest expansion since 2009 - with the economy expected to grow between 1 per cent and 3 per cent this year.

The agency acknowledged that weak global demand is likely to keep hurting manufacturing output here.

CPF statements give clearer picture of accounts

By Joanna Seow, The Straits Times, 3 Feb 2016

The 3.7 million Central Provident Fund (CPF) members who are in the process of receiving their yearly statement will notice a makeover.

Instead of row after row of numbers, the first page shows a colourful graphic summarising their total savings and the interest they earned in the past year. It also explains the various sources of input into the accounts, such as contributions from work, refunds and government support.

The next page shows an infographic breakdown of the amounts debited from members' accounts in the past year, categorised into various uses such as housing, healthcare and investment.

The CPF Board said yesterday it made the changes after a series of focus group discussions with members last year.

"We hope the illustrated summary can help members better understand the various contributions to and uses of their CPF balances, and will enable them to make informed financial decisions," said Ms Ong Woei Jiin, the board's director of member accounts services.

The board is also sourcing feedback via an online survey which allows users to highlight areas in the statement they find confusing.

Previously, the annual statement listed every transaction for the year. But it was up to readers to tally the amounts in the different categories.

Members will still receive the transaction list, in an updated font, at the back of the summary.

"I thought it was an advertisement at first because it's so colourful," quipped 60-year-old quantity surveyor Leu Fook Teong.

He gave the new format a thumbs up: "Last time it was just lines of numbers like an office report. Now it shows my total investment returns and medical spending, and I don't have to go add it up myself."

For those below the age of 55, a portion at the end of the summary page indicates how much more interest they stand to earn by the time they are 65 years old if they transfer $1,000 from their Ordinary Account to the Special Account. The Ordinary Account has an annual interest rate of at least 2.5 per cent, while that of the Special Account is at least 4 per cent.

Kranji Marshes, largest freshwater marshland in Singapore, opens

By Audrey Tan, The Straits Times, 2 Feb 2016

Even in built-up Singapore, there are places where nature and wildlife thrive.

The Kranji Marshes, for instance, is home to 54 species of butterflies, 33 species of dragonflies and more than 170 species of birds - including the critically endangered straw-headed bulbul.

The area was officially opened yesterday by the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the National Parks Board (NParks), which have been developing the area in collaboration with the Nature Society Singapore (NSS) and national water agency PUB since May 2014.



Even before then, NSS volunteers had helped to clear overgrown vegetation to build a suitable habitat for the wildlife.

Located in north-western Singapore, near the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, the 56.8ha Kranji Marshes is roughly the size of 60 football fields. It is the largest and most accessible freshwater marshland in Singapore, compared with the two other known freshwater marshlands here: the pond in Tampines Eco Green and Poyan Reservoir in the SAFTI Live Firing Area.



To help visitors learn more about the marsh, woodland and grass habitats in the nature area, there will be information on signboards and free guided walks by NParks and NSS.

Mr Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, was guest of honour at the opening held ahead of World Wetlands Day today.

He said: "In our dense urban landscape, nature conservation and greenery provision are key to the high-quality physical environment that we are so proud of.

"We will continue to make best use of the greenery we have, through projects like Kranji Marshes, and many others."

Treated water for food outlets on Pulau Ubin

New systems installed at three places, with a fourth to get it soon, after NEA warning on the quality of well water
By Seow Bei Yi, The Straits Times, 1 Feb 2016

Around a month after the authorities warned about the quality of well water on Pulau Ubin, a few food outlets there now have treated water that they can use for cooking.

Water treatment systems were installed at three outlets there last month. Water from two of the systems has been tested and deemed safe for the preparation of food and drinks for sale.

Treated water from a system installed at a third food establishment has yet to complete tests, while a fourth system will be set up at another shop soon.

The four shops are major providers of food and drinks out of a total of seven licensed retail food outlets on the island, which has 38 residents.

The initiative was developed and coordinated by the Siglap Citizens Consultative Committee and non-governmental organisation Corporate Citizen Foundation. National water agency PUB provided technical advice.

The system, which costs around $7,000 each, is sponsored by engineering firm HSL Constructor.

Last December, the National Environment Agency (NEA) started requiring all food retail outlets on Pulau Ubin to boil well water continuously for at least a minute before using it to prepare food and drinks.

This was as testing samples of tap water had shown the presence of E. coli and total coliform bacteria, which could lead to symptoms similar to food poisoning, such as diarrhoea or nausea.

MediShield Life's impact three months after its launch

In the month of December 2015, a total of S$37.2 million was approved to meet 27,700 MediShield Life claims - an increase of 14 per cent over the average monthly claim amount approved under MediShield in 2014.
By Nadia Jansen Hassan, Channel NewsAsia, 2 Feb 2016

MediShield Life, the universal health insurance scheme which also covers pre-existing illnesses, kicked in three months ago.

In the month of December 2015, a total of S$37.2 million was approved to meet 27,700 MediShield Life claims. This was about a 14 per cent increase over the average monthly claim amount of S$32.5 million approved under MediShield in 2014.

"The increase is due to the enhanced coverage under MediShield Life, which has better benefits than MediShield, and which is extended universally to all Singaporeans. The overall impact of MediShield Life vis-a-vis MediShield will be clearer after a full year of data," according to a spokesperson from the Health Ministry.

Mdm See, who requires dialysis due to kidney complications from Lupus, has been tapping on MediShield Life to cover her medical bills. We're taking stock of the scheme for universal healthcare coverage on Singapore Tonight at 10pm. http://bit.ly/1Sy1Pjg
Posted by Channel NewsAsia Singapore on Monday, February 1, 2016

“IT’S EASIER FOR US”

Madam See May Ping, 46, was diagnosed with lupus a decade ago. She developed kidney complications in 2014 as a result and has been undergoing dialysis at home.

Under MediShield Life, she pays S$50 for treatments every month after subsidies from National Kidney Foundation, compared to the S$1,000 when she had not been covered by a health insurance scheme.

“My husband is the only one who works and we have three kids. It's quite stressful for him. Now that I'm covered, it's easier for us,” said Madam See.

More than 900 displaced individuals, families identified between 2013-2015: MSF

Between 2013 and 2015, the Social and Family Development Ministry has helped 543 individuals and 374 families. Around 80 per cent had low income and weak social support.
By Liyana Othman, Channel NewsAsia, 31 Jan 2016

The Social and Family Development Ministry (MSF) has identified more than 900 displaced individuals and families between 2013 and 2015.

While East Coast Park is where many Singaporeans go to unwind after work, it is also a temporary home for a small group of people.

Some occupants have made homes out of the makeshift tents dotting the park. Some Channel NewsAsia spoke with said they are waiting to be allocated housing, like HDB rental flats, and have no place to stay.

However, while they say nobody wants to live in these conditions, they refuse to stay in shelters as they don’t want to give up their independence and privacy. That doesn't mean they are not constantly afraid that authorities will fine them for camping illegally.

Campers at East Coast, Pasir Ris and West Coast Parks must apply for a National Parks Board permit. The permit is free, but applicants can camp for only four days a month. Those who flout the rules can be fined to up to S$2,000.

The homeless also set up makeshift beds at other public spaces like streets and shopfronts. Those who try to help them first check if they have family who can lend a hand.

“I've seen cases that come before me, to ask for rental flats for example,” said Mr Seah Kian Peng, Government Parliamentary Chair for Social and Family Development. “In some cases, our first line is always to make sure that you have no alternatives. In genuine cases, we certainly have to step in and make sure that they have a roof over their heads.”

The MP refers people who genuinely need help to the relevant authorities.

For families, the Social and Family Development Ministry could place them in transitional shelters, which they may have to share with others. Individuals are put up in temporary accommodation, where they get meals, medical help and job referrals.

Car wash more than just a job for MINDS trainees

They make friends and integrate into society while working at SPC kiosk
By Kok Xing Hui, The Straits Times, 2 Feb 2016

For 15 years, Ms Lim Sock Leng, who has intellectual disabilities, has been travelling from her home in Woodlands to a car wash in the southern part of Singapore for work. The trip takes her more than an hour, but she looks forward to seeing her friends at the car wash each day.

"The customers buy drinks and food and I've friends here. I'm not bored," she told The Straits Times, a big grin on her face.

Our Carwash was featured on the Straits Times yesterday;) During the interview which took place some weeks ago, we were...
Posted by Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) on Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Ms Lim, who is in her 30s, is one of 30 trainees with intellectual disabilities who have found work at the car wash opened by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) in 2001.

MINDS chief executive Keh Eng Song said: "I think it is very successful that we've sustained MINDS Wash for 15 years."

This is something that the voluntary welfare organisation could not have done without the support of SPC, which provides MINDS with the car wash facilities, he added.

MINDS Wash was started in 2001 at a BP petrol station in Pasir Panjang with funds from Merrill Lynch.

Three years later, SPC acquired BP's retail network in Singapore.

In 2007, SPC moved MINDS Wash from Pasir Panjang to Telok Blangah "where the station is more prominently located and in clear view of the customers", said SPC managing director Xia Hongwei.

"Since 2004, SPC has been providing the venue to MINDS Wash at no cost, with the aim of helping them integrate into society and encourage their development as independent and self-supportive individuals," he said.

Death of 14-year-old student: Police to review the way youth are questioned

By Calvin Yang, The Straits Times, 2 Feb 2016

The police are reviewing their procedures for interviewing young persons after a 14-year-old boy fell to his death last week following questioning by the police.

* Benjamin Lim case: What happened?

A police statement yesterday said: "The police have been asked whether it should review the procedure to allow an appropriate adult to be present when a young person is interviewed. The police will review and address this issue."

POLICE STATEMENT ON DEATH OF 14-YEAR-OLD MALE STUDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR OUTRAGE OF MODESTY In this case, a...
Posted by Singapore Police Force on Monday, February 1, 2016

Concerns have surfaced online following reports that the student was questioned by police at his school without his parents being present or aware of it.

Police said officers went in plainclothes and unmarked cars - "to keep investigations discreet" - to his school on Jan 26 after a report of molestation was lodged the day before.

Naming him for the first time in their statements, police said that after discussions with school officials, "Benjamin" was identified through closed circuit television records.

"He was brought to the principal's office by a school official and was spoken with in the presence of a police officer," police said.

Before he was taken to the Ang Mo Kio division for more interviews, he called his mother to let her know what was going on.

The police said an officer also spoke to his mother. At the division, Benjamin was interviewed by an investigation officer at his workstation in an open office.

Benjamin was later released on bail and left the headquarters with his mother, said the police.

Singapore's sovereignty 'never a given': Bilahari Kausikan

IPS-Nathan Lectures: Lecture I - An Age without Definition

Veteran diplomat, in first of five talks, also dissects dangers of global political order
By Cheong Suk-Wai, Senior Writer, The Straits Times, 30 Jan 2016

Singaporeans have enjoyed half a century of independence, but that happy state is never a given, Ambassador-at-large Bilahari Kausikan said yesterday.

Mr Kausikan, 60, the Institute of Policy Studies' second S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore, was responding to a question at a public lecture on whether Singapore's sovereign status was guaranteed.

Calling it "a very good question", the veteran diplomat, who was ambassador to Russia and Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) from 1995 to 1998, said: "You can remain formally sovereign, but your sovereignty could be severely compromised... we must be conscious that that is not to be taken for granted."

For example, he said, the 193 countries that make up the UN were sovereign, but beyond their "one seat, one vote and one flag" there, some were either being yanked every which way by major global powers or rent asunder by internal conflicts.



He made the comments at his first of five lectures that will run throughout the year and focus on, among other things, United States-China ties, threats to comity in South-east Asia and how ready Singaporeans were for the future.

The year-long fellowship, which kicked off in 2012 and now has a fund of almost $6 million, is for deeper research into what IPS director Janadas Devan called "Singapore-centric" areas of policy.

At the start of his talk at the NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House, Mr Kausikan noted that "the level of public interest in and understanding of foreign policy is not high" in Singapore.

That, he added, was undesirable because first, Singaporeans lived in a "complicated and dangerous region" and second, with everyone hyper-connected to everyone else today, what happened abroad would affect what happened at home to some degree.

Being more plugged into what was happening elsewhere in the world would give them "a sense of proportion" when they discussed domestic policies.

He added: "Too many of our compatriots, especially... the intelligentsia, sometimes seem almost ashamed of being Singaporean, whereas we are quite often the object of admiration and emulation by foreigners."

Happiness can be so overrated

A recent study suggests happiness doesn't necessarily translate into health and long life. In fact, living a life of purpose and meaning can sometimes be anathema to happiness.
By Chong Siow Ann, Published The Straits Times, 30 Jan 2016

A widely publicised study published on Dec 9 last year in the venerable medical journal, The Lancet, refuted the long-held and widely subscribed view that happiness enhances health and longevity.

Investigators of the Million Women Study tracked one million middle-aged women in Britain for 10 years; the eventual analysis, which involved about 720,000 women, found that unhappiness and stress did not lead to an increased risk of death. "Good news for the grumpy," was what one of the authors claimed in the popular press.

The authors believe that the previously established connections between unhappiness and earlier death were spurious and a case of "reverse causality" where unhappiness was erroneously thought to lead to poor health and illnesses and subsequently causing death when, in actuality, unhappiness was a by-product of poor health and illness.

This study, whose strengths are in the large number of participants and its sophisticated statistical analyses, has the essential weakness common to most studies of this genre: it depends on the participants declaring whether they are "happy" and left it entirely to them to interpret happiness in whichever way they chose. Critics find this approach too vague for something that is subjective, complex and nuanced. (The ancient Chinese sage Zhuangzi, upon seeing some goldfish in a pond, remarked: "See how happy they are!" A mystified companion asked: "How do you know they are happy?" To which Zhuangzi retorted: "How do you know that I don't know?")

Wanted: 'Silver Friends' for seniors

Central Singapore CDC looking for 2,500 more volunteers to befriend elderly residents
By Kok Xing Hui, The Sunday Times, 31 Jan 2016

With Singapore's elderly population on the increase and more of them living alone and socially isolated, there is a greater need for volunteers to befriend and look after them.

The Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) has 2,000 "Silver Friends" and is looking to recruit 2,500 more.

Have a heart for the elderly and want to give back? Join us in serving the silver community through our Silver Friends...
Posted by Central Singapore Community Development Council on Sunday, January 31, 2016

They regularly visit elderly people on low incomes, check on their health and needs, remind them of medication and doctor appointments, and organise social activities.

The additional 2,500 volunteers will help Central CDC to aid 5,000 more vulnerable elderly people. Last year, 4,200 received help.

"Central Singapore has the highest number of seniors - we have about 366,000," said Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District. "Two-thirds of Singapore's rental flats are here and about 20,000 elderly are living in them. Many do not have family support and may be at risk of being socially isolated."

Ms Phua, also a Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC, launched the Silver Friends recruitment drive at a Chinese New Year celebration for needy elderly residents yesterday.

Parliament debate on President's Address 2016: Day 5

Parliament backs President's Address at the opening of the 13th Parliament after 5 day debate

Let's create value and share it: Heng Swee Keat
By Janice Heng, The Straits Times, 30 Jan 2016

For every Singaporean to realise his dreams, Singapore must continue to create value and share that value among its people, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat told Parliament yesterday.

The Republic can achieve this by being an innovation laboratory for the world, where good ideas can be turned into useful products and services, he added.

"If we can be a place to help solve a fraction of the world's challenges, we will create value - we will have our place in the world," he said, adding that the Committee on the Future Economy, which he chairs, will study this in detail.

His speech came at the tail end of the five-day debate on the President's Address, after 62 MPs, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, spoke.

They covered issues ranging from Singapore's safety and security to the economic renewal and how to build a more caring society. PM Lee had also spoken about proposed changes to Singapore's Non-Constituency MP and Elected President schemes.



Yesterday, painting an image of Singapore as the world's sandbox, where ideas can be perfected, Mr Heng urged Singaporeans to ride the new wave of invention and economic disruption.

If Singapore is to thrive in the new global economy, it must stay open, innovative, adaptive to change, and remain useful to the world, he said.

To this end, he added, Singapore is well-placed to succeed, thanks to three conditions: it has no choice but to innovate, no lack of support to do so, and no limit to its imagination.

Since its founding, Singapore has faced challenges which spur innovation, from a lack of water to an ageing population, he said.

The country has also been investing in research and development and connecting with the world, making it well-placed to serve as a global hub for ideas.