National Day Rally 2010

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:10:11 GMT

Daddy D — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:10:11 GMT

3Boys:
Daddy
But how to police this? Do we currently need to declare overseas properties investments? Land investments counted?

Legally, yes. And all income attributable to those holdings.

OIC... those self-declare thingy... u know I know the effectiveness of these policing thingy... until someone blow the whistle on you...

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:03:29 GMT

3Boys — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:03:29 GMT

Daddy
But how to police this? Do we currently need to declare overseas properties investments? Land investments counted?

Legally, yes. And all income attributable to those holdings.

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:57:31 GMT

Daddy D — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:57:31 GMT

Way2GO:
Dr. Goh Phuay Yee (ST forum, 6 Sep 2010): \"All these problems arose over the years because of a lack of foresight and swift response.\"

Wah... this Dr sibei fierce leh... later he kena blacklisted...

But interesting that foreigners (PR or new citizens) will be penalised under the new HDB ruling... that they cannot own overseas properties when buying HDB... although some SG citizens are affected too.
But how to police this? Do we currently need to declare overseas properties investments? Land investments counted?

I NOOB... cos' I no $$ invest overseas

For jobs... they always reason by saying 'no locals want to do' thingy...
Maybe our education system too successful... all students aim to be doctor/lawyer...
If you give a student an essay of \"What do you want to be when you grow up?\"... you don't expect the student to write \"I want to be bus driver/cleaner/construction worker/etc\" right?

Basically, different expectations between FT/FW and Locals.... cannot compare Apple to Orange bah...

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:47:48 GMT

Way2GO — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:47:48 GMT

3Boys:

Jobs? What's the unemployment rate?

Whereas it used to be d FW were brought in to do
menial jobs dat 'no locals want to do';
in recent years, many local PMETs hv also been displaced
by cheaper FW.

How is dis unemployment rate measured?
Let MOM publish d statistics with d supporting info for public scrutiny.

It was mentioned dat 20,000 jobs were created in IRs.
Do u know how many went to citizens?
I heard only 1 out of 8.
Maybe someone can cfm dis.

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:28:50 GMT

Way2GO — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:28:50 GMT

3Boys:

Property prices? Are the Singaporeans with significant property investments complaining? The high end will continue to streak away despite recent measures due to foreign interests, and the mass market and HDB were mainly the province of Singaporeans in any case.

D mass market n HDB used to be d province of Singaporeans
but with d huge influx of FW esp in d last 2+ years, d dynamics hv changed.
Dis influx has put immense pressure on d demand/supply resulting in
prices going beyond d highs of 1996.
Ordinary Singaporeans earning a decent wage are now estimated to take
about 30 - 35 years to fully pay for a 4 or 5 room flat whilst one generation ago,
it was just ~10 years.

In a 2009 UN report, Singapore has d second highest GINI coefficient in d world,
just behind Hong Kong and even ahead of USA.
As u know, USA has d highest number of multi millionaires n billionaires
in d world according to Forbes,
yet Singapore has a higher GINI coefficient.
Yes d moneyed top will continue to streak away.
But dis widening income dispairity between d rich n d poor is going
to cause socio problems in future if not arrested.

It is pretty obvious d current measures were taken to
soothe d ground, esp d younger generation of potential voters
in preparation for coming election.

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:38:03 GMT

3Boys — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:38:03 GMT

Way2GO:
Dr. Goh Phuay Yee (ST forum, 6 Sep 2010): “The measures to

curb property price escalation, transport congestion and the influx of foreigners
appear to be knee-jerk reactions rather than well-planned measures.
The Government is in the best position to plan ahead with information
from statistics on population numbers, availability of accommodation,
number of commuters the system can take, number of vacancies in schools,
and such. It should be able to regulate the inflow of foreigners without causing
a sudden crunch on our infrastructure, jobs and social stability.
All these problems arose over the years because of a lack of foresight
and swift response.”

Actually, I disagree.

School vacancies? Has there been anyone turned away from a P-school place? The popular schools will always be popular, but there are a limited number of them.

Jobs? What's the unemployment rate?

Property prices? Are the Singaporeans with significant property investments complaining? The high end will continue to streak away despite recent measures due to foreign interests, and the mass market and HDB were mainly the province of Singaporeans in any case.

But transport and infrastructure, perhaps.

One needs to remind ourselves and not keep our heads in hole. Without those same foreigners, will we have the people to keep our transport going? Will we have enough preschool and MT teachers? Who are the ones building our skyrises and homes?

We got to take the good with the bad.

Easy for him to be the armchair critic. Some of these policies are a bit more of an art than a science, and the only way to never suffer any pain from policy making is not to try anything new in the first place, and I am glad our gahmen doesn't shy away from such on the account of public criticism.

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:06:44 GMT

Way2GO — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:06:44 GMT

Dr. Goh Phuay Yee (ST forum, 6 Sep 2010): “The measures to

curb property price escalation, transport congestion and the influx of foreigners
appear to be knee-jerk reactions rather than well-planned measures.
The Government is in the best position to plan ahead with information
from statistics on population numbers, availability of accommodation,
number of commuters the system can take, number of vacancies in schools,
and such. It should be able to regulate the inflow of foreigners without causing
a sudden crunch on our infrastructure, jobs and social stability.
All these problems arose over the years because of a lack of foresight
and swift response.”

Apt observations.

Minister Mah Bow Tan, a day after d NDP rally:
“If you ask me whether it has got anything to do with the elections,
the answer is ‘yes’. Everything has got to do with the elections.”

DPM Wong Kan Seng during 2006 GE: “PAP ministers are special.
They can anticipate problems before they happen.”

So wat happened?

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:07:51 GMT

radiantmum — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:07:51 GMT

Happened to watch the part where PM Lee acknowledges the immigration problem and then proceeding to justify why it is necessary. Whilst I applaud the right topic hit with people (at least captivated my attention) but think the fundamental point missed is, Singaporeans understand and can possibly accept why foreign workers are needed but THE question is why that many and where’s the government’s perceived tolerable threshold (& on what basis?) It’s a little too convenient to point to other developed nations having same immigration issues but do they have the same density as we have here? I guess the mentality on the ground is since we paid millions for our govt, more innovative solutions are expected?

On the positive side, finally, they are addresing the housing concerns. Did wonder whether all are enforceable though? Example how to enforce that the HDB buyer sold off his private property within 6 months? Null the HDB buy? Will that penalise the seller and what if the poor seller got stuck i.e. already got another property and still unable to sell off own HDB?

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:02:12 GMT

3Boys — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:02:12 GMT

dunnoleh:
orh... i get it!

those not yet ROD = count money
those already ROD = just think that you are counting money
right?

:rotflmao:

I dunno to laugh or cry......pay tax but no NS benefit.

Aiyah, pay it forwards lar, hor? Consider it my contribution to someone else's education bursary...

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:59:48 GMT

dunnoleh — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:59:48 GMT

3Boys:
duriz:
[quote=\"dunnoleh\"]$$$ can count, thoughts > how to count?

Here's a thought: \"Money counts\"

Indeed

But no money, thots oso can....[/quote]orh... i get it!
those not yet ROD = count money
those already ROD = just think that you are counting money
right?

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:45:16 GMT

3Boys — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:45:16 GMT

duriz:
dunnoleh:
[quote=\"Daddy D\"]
It's the THOUGHTS that count? :lol: :celebrate:
$$$ can count, thoughts > how to count?

Here's a thought: \"Money counts\"[/quote]Indeed

But no money, thots oso can....

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:14:13 GMT

duriz — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:14:13 GMT

dunnoleh:
Daddy
[quote=\"3Boys\"]

I ROD oredi, zero dollars.....

But its not about the money, is it?
It's the THOUGHTS that count? :lol: :celebrate:

$$$ can count, thoughts > how to count? [/quote]Here's a thought: \"Money counts\"

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:05:33 GMT

dunnoleh — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:05:33 GMT

Daddy
3Boys:

I ROD oredi, zero dollars.....

But its not about the money, is it?
It's the THOUGHTS that count? :lol: :celebrate:

$$$ can count, thoughts > how to count?

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:26:19 GMT

Daddy D — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:26:19 GMT

3Boys:

I ROD oredi, zero dollars.....

But its not about the money, is it?

It's the THOUGHTS that count? :lol: :celebrate:

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:15:08 GMT

3Boys — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:15:08 GMT

raysusan:
[quote]As quoted by the PM Lee \"This will be a significant token to appreciate the contributions of citizens who have served NS\"

Here's a quick guide of whether you qualify for the awards or not:

FOR NSF (Full Time)

1) Completed Full time NS before 29 Aug 2010: No $$
2) Completed Full time NS on / after 29 Aug 2010: $3000.00 / $3500.00

FOR new NS Men

3) Completed 3 high keys / 5 ICT & Full Time NS before 29 Aug 2010: No $$
4) Completed 3 high keys / 5 ICT on / after 29 Aug 2010 but Full Time NS before 29 Aug 2010: $3000.00 / $3500.00
5) Completed 3 high keys / 5 ICT on / after 29 Aug 2010 and Full Time NS after 29 Aug 2010: $6000.00 / $6500.00

FOR Experienced NS Men who's about to complete their service

6) Completed Full NS reservist 10 year Cycle before 29 Aug 2010: No $$
7) Serviceman under Mindef Reserve: No $$
Early release to MR due to completion of 7 High Key before / on / after 29 Aug 2010: No $$
9) Completed your 10th year NS cycle zhun zhun on / after 29 Aug 2010: $3000 / $3500
10) Completed 3 high keys / 5 ICT before 29 Aug 2010 but the remainder of your NS cycle after 29 Aug 2010: $3000 / $3500

in short:

A) To qualify for $9000 / $10500 - You must complete ALL NS Full Time + 3 High Key / 5 ICT + 10th year NS cycle ON / AFTER 29 Aug 2010.
(Theorically which means those NSFs who are conscripted into service in the year 2008 and thereafter their reservist will get all the $$$ in 2020)

B) To qualify for $6000 / $6500 - You must complete 3 High Key / 5 ICT + 10th year of NS cycle ON / AFTER 29 Aug 2010.

C) To qualify for $3000 / $3500 - You must complete your 10th year of NS cycle ONLY ON / AFTER 29 Aug 2010.

P.S: $3000 for NSMen while $3500 for those in command position.

some guide lines for u guys about how the payment goes about[/quote]I ROD oredi, zero dollars.....

But its not about the money, is it?

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:14:59 GMT

Daddy D — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:14:59 GMT

raysusan:

some guide lines for u guys about how the payment goes about

Well done! \"Old birds\" have no priviledges....
Heng I still have 1 more HK to MR... still got some $$

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:01:22 GMT

raysusan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:01:22 GMT

[quote]As quoted by the PM Lee \"This will be a significant token to appreciate the contributions of citizens who have served NS\"

Here's a quick guide of whether you qualify for the awards or not:

FOR NSF (Full Time)

1) Completed Full time NS before 29 Aug 2010: No $$
2) Completed Full time NS on / after 29 Aug 2010: $3000.00 / $3500.00

FOR new NS Men

3) Completed 3 high keys / 5 ICT & Full Time NS before 29 Aug 2010: No $$
4) Completed 3 high keys / 5 ICT on / after 29 Aug 2010 but Full Time NS before 29 Aug 2010: $3000.00 / $3500.00
5) Completed 3 high keys / 5 ICT on / after 29 Aug 2010 and Full Time NS after 29 Aug 2010: $6000.00 / $6500.00

FOR Experienced NS Men who's about to complete their service

6) Completed Full NS reservist 10 year Cycle before 29 Aug 2010: No $$
7) Serviceman under Mindef Reserve: No $$
Early release to MR due to completion of 7 High Key before / on / after 29 Aug 2010: No $$
9) Completed your 10th year NS cycle zhun zhun on / after 29 Aug 2010: $3000 / $3500
10) Completed 3 high keys / 5 ICT before 29 Aug 2010 but the remainder of your NS cycle after 29 Aug 2010: $3000 / $3500

in short:

A) To qualify for $9000 / $10500 - You must complete ALL NS Full Time + 3 High Key / 5 ICT + 10th year NS cycle ON / AFTER 29 Aug 2010.
(Theorically which means those NSFs who are conscripted into service in the year 2008 and thereafter their reservist will get all the $$$ in 2020)

B) To qualify for $6000 / $6500 - You must complete 3 High Key / 5 ICT + 10th year of NS cycle ON / AFTER 29 Aug 2010.

C) To qualify for $3000 / $3500 - You must complete your 10th year of NS cycle ONLY ON / AFTER 29 Aug 2010.

P.S: $3000 for NSMen while $3500 for those in command position.[/quote]some guide lines for u guys about how the payment goes about

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:59:57 GMT

hquek — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:59:57 GMT

I read Mr Brown’s website few nights back…I like his comment on "one of the world’s highest paid minister talking about wage restraint"… it really is quite funny.

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:50:19 GMT

ChiefKiasu — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:50:19 GMT

Gecko:
My reservist quite \"tough\".

I mean .... how many times can one read papers in the morning ?

Gecko

Kekeke... yeah... I didn't realize how difficult and tiring it was to find ways to pass time until I got into reservist.

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:08:33 GMT

Gecko — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:08:33 GMT

toddles:
Gecko:
Well,

I get $9K (I hope) one way or another

Gecko
Errr... i think he announced this quite hazily... sounds like it only applies to those who have not ROD...

My reservist quite \"tough\".

I mean .... how many times can one read papers in the morning ?

Gecko

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:41:30 GMT

keroppi — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:41:30 GMT

mrswongtuition:

I'm happy to hear about the IP schools. Many schools have fought hard for it, spending alot of time developing their proposals and getting their school ready for the big change; only to be met with disappointment when they were rejected.

Many students deserve a chance in the IP programs. I think they rejected many schools previously as they had to be conservative and wait till results show before they could implement it at a larger scale.

Me too. Can't wait for MOE to announce which 7 schools are selected for IP. Good that the late bloomers are getting a chance at IP too.

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:37:25 GMT

Daddy D — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:37:25 GMT

Mindef's update on the $9K...

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1078158/1/.html

Wait till I see the $$ in my CPF acct....

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:59:01 GMT

duriz — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:59:01 GMT

toddles:
my hubby was saying talk abt microsoft so passe, it's all abt Apple and Steve Jobs now!

Absolutely.

Especially their upcoming announcements.

It won't be so much on the new iPods, iTouch and software upgrades for iPads and iPhones, but the return of Steve Jobs :idea:

Reply to National Day Rally 2010 on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:53:38 GMT

toddles — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:53:38 GMT

Daddy
Interesting that PM Lee brought up the case study of Microsoft... having Redmond and Vancouver sites due to immigration woes...

Until I came upon this 2007 article... not so impressed liao
http://www.infoworld.com/t/business/microsoft-vancouver-responds-immigration-woes-068

my hubby was saying talk abt microsoft so passe, it's all abt Apple and Steve Jobs now!