Open Door Programme: $30 million job scheme to help the disabled

It will offer such workers better job and training support, defray employers' costs

By Janice Heng, The Straits Times, 25 Apr 2014

A NEW $30 million scheme will help people with disabilities to train and look for jobs, and defray employers' costs in supporting them.

The Open Door Programme was announced last night by Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing.

Post by MSF Singapore.

Speaking at last night's Enabling Employers Awards Gala Dinner at Gardens by the Bay, he said more companies are becoming interested in hiring people with disabilities. "To take advantage of this rising interest, we have decided to provide employers and persons with disabilities better job and training support," he said.

The new scheme replaces the former Open Door Fund, which also subsidised employers' efforts to recruit and integrate disabled people.

However, whereas the fund could be tapped for only new employees, the programme covers both new and existing workers with disabilities.

The money can go towards apprenticeships, job and workplace redesign, and training staff to work with disabled colleagues. A funding cap of $100,000 per company has also been lifted.

More funding will also be given for apprenticeships: 70 per cent of the apprentice's salary capped at $1,000 a month for up to four months, with a possible two months more. This is up from 60 per cent, capped at $600 a month.

Unlike the fund, which was for companies, the programme is also open to individuals with disabilities themselves.

MOM proposes Small Claims Employment Tribunal

More help for workers in pay disputes
New labour tribunal will benefit all local workers, regardless of salary
By Toh Yong Chuan, The Straits Times, 25 Apr 2014

WORKERS who are denied their wages will be able to turn to a new labour tribunal, which will open its doors to all local employees, regardless of how much they earn.

The Small Claims Employment Tribunal, proposed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), is expected to benefit 2.1 million employees, including permanent residents, when it is launched at a yet to be determined date.

Besides the tribunal, the ministry also wants all firms to put in writing in employment contracts key terms such as salary, job scope and hours of work, to reduce the possibility of a dispute.

These two initiatives will ensure that Singapore's labour laws "keep pace and remain relevant" as the labour market changes, said Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin yesterday.

The changes come as firms grapple with a manpower crunch following curbs on the inflow of foreign workers, and in the wake of wide-ranging changes to the Employment Act which took effect this month.

Workers who earn up to $2,500 a month, up from $2,000 before, are now protected by labour laws. That works out to 150,000 more rank-and-file workers.

A further 300,000 professionals, executives and managers (PMEs) earning up to $4,500 a month are also now protected against unfair dismissal and will be able to claim sick leave benefits.

Still, PMEs earning more than $4,500 are left out. But the MOM, in a statement yesterday, said its new tribunal will be available to all local workers.

It will model the tribunal after the Small Claims Tribunal which currently handles consumer disputes involving sums of up to $10,000, or even $20,000 if both parties in the dispute agree.

MOM similarly wants claims at the labour tribunal to be capped, but it has neither fixed the amount nor set a date for its launch, saying that it will consult unions, employers and the public "in the coming months" before coming to any decision.

More details will be announced when ready, MOM said.

Jobless rate inches up amid tight labour market

Unemployment still low at 2.1% but job growth is slowest since 2011

By Joanna Seow, The Straits Times, 1 May 2014

THE job scene here is off to a tepid start this year, with the highest jobless rate and lowest increase in new jobs filled since 2011.

While unemployment remained low at 2.1 per cent in the first quarter, this seasonally adjusted rate was up from 1.8 per cent in the previous quarter.

It was coupled with the slowest employment growth since mid-2011, with some 24,900 jobs added, according to preliminary figures released yesterday by the Manpower Ministry.

In the same period last year, the number of new jobs added was 28,900.

This worried some experts, especially as the uptick in unemployment came amid a tight labour market.

"You would expect employers to be grabbing people off the street," said labour economist Randolph Tan from SIM University. "This could be a reality check about the mismatch of workers' skills with those required by vacancies."

DBS economist Irvin Seah cautioned that "it's a bit premature to get jumpy about this", but added that unemployment and job growth should be monitored going forward as the local economy is transformed.

EC scheme has helped citizens 'fulfil dreams of private housing'

80% of buyers earned under $10,000, scheme to stay on track, says Khaw
By Melissa Tan, The Straits Times, 25 Apr 2014

THE executive condominium (EC) scheme has helped Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds get into the private housing market, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said yesterday.

ECs are a hybrid of public and private housing designed to cater to a "sandwiched class" of buyers who might not qualify for public housing but find private property beyond their reach.

Post by Khaw Boon Wan.

Giving more details on the profile of these buyers in a blog post, Mr Khaw pointed out that 80 per cent of EC buyers earned under $10,000 a month.

Also, 83 per cent spent under $1 million on their unit, he said. The figures were based on the more than 11,000 Singaporean families who bought an EC from October 2010 to last December.

"I am glad that the EC scheme is helping Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds meet their aspirations for private housing," Mr Khaw wrote on his blog.

He noted that the EC scheme, which is meant to help Singaporeans own a private condo at below market price, has seen a high take-up. First-timers in many cases enjoy a price advantage of about 30 per cent, he added.

However, consultants warned yesterday that although the total prices of EC units may stay affordable, developers may feel pressure to build them smaller.

NSmen to get more perks in health care, housing, education

By Lee Jian Xuan, The Straits Times, 25 Apr 2014

CITIZEN soldiers can expect more benefits in housing, health care and education soon, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, adding that more will be done to help them balance work and family with military service.

A package of "meaningful" benefits is being considered for operationally ready servicemen (NSmen), he said yesterday on the sidelines of a military exercise.

More details will be unveiled when the Committee to Strengthen National Service wraps up its deliberations in June, he said.

Started in March last year, the committee has reached out to about 40,000 people and is slated to release its report in the second half of the year.

"We want to centre the recognition benefits on giving (NSmen) a greater stake in Singapore, whether it is housing, health or education," said Dr Ng.

Currently, NSmen stand to receive $9,000 or $10,500, depending on rank, under the NS Recognition Award.

A third of this is paid into an NSman's post-secondary education account after he completes two years of service.

The rest is paid into his Central Provident Fund account in the middle and at the end of the reservist period, to meet housing or retirement needs.

"We are focused on helping NSmen contribute more and to balance their work and family commitments with NS," said Dr Ng. "We also want to empower people who want to volunteer for NS, like women, new citizens and permanent residents."

Leaders pay tribute to former MP Dixie Tan

Pioneer woman MP remembered for her dedication and natural warmth
By Goh Chin Lian, The Straits Times, 25 Apr 2014

PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong was among several political leaders who paid tribute to the late Dr Dixie Tan yesterday, pointing to her dedication as an MP and her role in promoting special education.

Mr Lee noted that she had entered politics at the same time as he did, in 1984, when for more than a decade, the MPs were all men.

Together with Dr Aline Wong and Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, they were the only women MPs elected that year.

"Far from being intimidated by their male colleagues, all three more than held their own, and stood out in the House," Mr Lee said in a condolence letter to her husband, Dr Tan Ngoh Chuan, 83.

Dr Tan had died of brain cancer on Wednesday. She was 78. She also left behind a son, two daughters and a grandson.

Recalling her quiet self-confidence, and natural warmth and concern for others, PM Lee added: "She knew her mind and spoke softly, but with conviction.

"She pressed for what she believed in and felt passionately about, and ministers took her points and requests seriously."

Mr Lee and other leaders also stressed that she worked hard as an MP for Ulu Pandan, from 1984 to 1991. Mr Lee noted that she entered politics even though her sons, Russell and Kenneth, who had intellectual disabilities, needed her care.

"She fulfilled her public as well as family duties amply." he said.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said she had to close her cardiologist practice as a result of her MP work.

"We found her apolitical, but imbued with a sincere desire to serve," Mr Goh said in a Facebook post.

Can sports sponsorship here go beyond 'big name' deals?

By Fabius Chen, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2014

ONE is the national airline of Singapore; the other is a major driver of tourism dollars.

Based on their profiles alone, few would argue against the fact that the marriage between Singapore Airlines and the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix is a match made in cross-promotional heaven.

Announced last week, the union will see the next two editions of the night race take the airline's name in exchange for an annual fee believed to be worth $10 million to $15 million. That is said to be "close to" the amount that predecessor SingTel paid Formula One Group in each of its six years as title sponsor of the event, dubbed the jewel in the F1 crown.

While this announcement comes on the back of similar mega deals in recent months involving naming rights of venues and events, and is good for Singapore sports, there is also no running away from the fact that only a fraction of the amount is trickling down to the national sports associations (NSAs) and their elite athletes.

But they are the ones who will spearhead Singapore's challenge for sporting supremacy abroad as well as provide a rallying point for Singaporeans and inspiration for the next generation of local sportsmen. In other words, they are worthy of direct support.

As of now, companies seem to prefer linking their names to high-profile events or facilities in a bid to get more mileage from their financial support - and see reaching out to the wider community as a greater goal.

Laser lights a growing hazard for planes

By Karamjit Kaur, The Straits Times, 25 Apr 2014

PILOTS are becoming increasingly concerned about laser lights being flashed at planes flying in and out of Changi Airport.

Though they can appear harmless, laser pointers have the potential to cause temporary blindness, which is particularly dangerous as pilots take off and land.

Between January and March, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) received 16 reports of laser lights being flashed here, compared with 25 for the whole of last year. In 2012, there were 45 incidents reported.

The authority has launched a public awareness campaign, targeting households in the east, a spokesman told The Straits Times yesterday. About 76,000 circulars have been distributed in the last few weeks.

There are also regular enforcement patrols in the area, including East Coast beach.

The spokesman said: "A laser light shone into an aircraft cockpit could cause discomfort, distract or even confuse the pilots."

This could endanger the flight, as well as people on board and on the ground, especially during the critical phases of landing and take-off.

E-cigarettes: How harmful are they?

By Lyn Chan, The Straits Times, 25 Apr 2014

E-cigarettes are not just soaring in popularity in Singapore, but also in the rest of the world.

Under the Singapore Tobacco Act, the devices cannot be distributed, sold or imported. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday proposed a set of rules to regulate e-cigarettes.

Calls for strict rules have become louder, following data from a new Centers for Disease Control study showing the number of calls to poison centres involving e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine rose from one per month in September 2010 to 215 per month in February 2014.

These are alarming numbers. Equally distressing is that worldwide sales of e-cigarettes are expected to top US$10 billion (S$12.59 billion) by 2017, according to Wells Fargo, and will exceed those of traditional cigarettes by 2047, said Bloomberg Industries.

Exactly how dangerous are e-cigarettes to health?

Health Ministry unveils Healthy Living Masterplan

Plan targets more healthy living options by 2020
Goals include offering healthier meals in childcare centres and workplaces
By Cheryl Faith Wee, The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2014

BY 2020, childcare centres will be serving brown rice instead of white rice. HDB lift lobbies will have signs suggesting that you use the stairs instead, and eateries in business parks and industrial estates will be serving dishes that use less oil, salt and sugar.

These targets are part of the Healthy Living Master Plan which was launched yesterday.

Its vision is that one in two Singaporeans will have access to at least three healthy living options - from healthy food to nearby exercise equipment - so that they can incorporate them into their daily routine, said Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Health.

Various initiatives have already been rolled out in the community, schools and workplaces.

Signs have been put up at 219 blocks in Sembawang and Choa Chu Kang encouraging residents to exercise by using the stairs.

Some food stalls in Sembawang Mart and Woodlands Mart have started using more vegetables in their food and less oil.

About 600 people attended activities such as zumba and kickboxing conducted in the parks of Choa Chu Kang and Sembawang. There have also been 10 health- related workshops in the latter on topics such as cooking.

Mr Goh Peng Hong, vice-chairman of the Sembawang Citizens' Consultative Committee, said: "At our events in future, we will have some time set aside for health-related awareness, such as exhibits and talks, that can have ripple effects."

Some pre-schools, such as the PAP Community Foundation (PCF) ones in Sembawang, Woodgrove and Admiralty, have started improving children's dietary habits. At the 17 PCFs there, children are given brown rice and wholegrain bread.

Anti-Vaccination Celebrity who twists the truth

Actress Jenny McCarthy spoke against vaccines publicly for years but now says she has been pro-vaccine
By Frank Bruni, Published The Straits Times, 24 Apr 2014

New York - What do you call someone who sows misinformation, stokes fear, abets behaviour that endangers people's health, extracts enormous visibility from doing so and then says the equivalent of "Who? Me?" I'm not aware of any common noun for a bad actor of this sort. But there's a proper noun: Jenny McCarthy.

For much of the past decade, the model-actress has been the panicked face and intemperate voice of a movement that posits a link between autism and childhood vaccinations and that badmouths vaccines in general, saying that they have toxins in them and that children get too many of them at once.



Because she posed nude for Playboy, dated actor Jim Carrey and is blonde and bellicose, she has received platforms for this message that her fellow nonsense peddlers might not have. She has spread the twisted word more efficiently than the rest.

And then, earlier this month, she said the craziest thing of all, in a column for The Chicago Sun-Times.

"I am not 'anti-vaccine'," she wrote, going on to add: "For years, I have repeatedly stated that I am, in fact, 'pro-vaccine' and for years I have been wrongly branded."

You can call this revisionism. Or you can call it "a complete and utter lie", as the writer Michael Specter said to me. Specter's 2009 book, Denialism, looks at irrational retorts to proven science such as McCarthy's long and undeniable campaign against vaccines.

McCarthy waded into the subject after her son Evan was given a diagnosis of autism in 2005. She was initially motivated, it seems, by heartache and genuine concern.

She proceeded to hysteria and wild hypothesis. She got traction, and pressed on and on.

In 2007, she was invited on Oprah and said that when she took Evan to the doctor for the combined measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, she had "a very bad feeling" about what she recklessly termed "the autism shot". She added that after the vaccination, "Boom! Soul, gone from his eyes". In an online Q&A after the show, she wrote: "If I had another child, I would not vaccinate."

Message films reach out with a moving story

Message films are being reshaped into stories to touch hearts

By John Lui, The Straits Times, 23 Apr 2014

Cancer. Dementia. Death and dying.

These topics, shunned in daily conversation, are being brought to life on the screen by a handful of Singapore filmmakers.

Message films - once associated with dull educational works or propaganda - are being reshaped into stories to touch hearts and, perhaps, alter how you live your life.

In the suspenseful feature-length drama 3.50, now showing at The Arts House, a documentary maker played by Singapore actress Eunice Olsen dives into the world of sex slavery in Cambodia. Recipe, shown on Channel 8 last year, features Zoe Tay as a chef trying to juggle a career while caring for a mother losing her mind to dementia.

The documentary Pink Paddlers (2007) tells the uplifting story of Singapore's first breast-cancer survivor dragonboat team.

What sets these works apart from others is they have a sense of mission. They seek to start a conversation, usually about a topic which most people ignore or find uncomfortable.

In the package of films which form the art project Both Sides, Now, launched last year, visitors to a hospital watch children and animated figures discuss death and dying, in all its shadings.

Sometimes, the call to action is more explicit. In family drama Love Cuts (2010), also featuring Zoe Tay as the lead, the message is for women of a certain age to get screened regularly for breast cancer.

The moving image is a powerfully engaging storytelling medium, says acclaimed Singapore film-maker Eric Khoo, 49, which is why the Health Promotion Board (HPB) commissioned a film to raise awareness of dementia as a supplement to other methods, he says.

He felt telling a moving story in the form of a fiction feature would "reach out to a lot more people" compared with a documentary, but it was crucial to get a narrative framework which would speak to everyone.