|
NEW LOOK & CHANGES
2009
-
Films (Amendment)
Bill passed
-
Incorporation of the National Art Gallery
-
All clothes dryers to get energy labels from April 2009
-
Further
Medisave Liberalisation
2008
|
New
CEPAS-compliant ez-link card |
|
The Land Transport Authority’s (LTA)
next-generation e-payment system for public transit, Symphony for
e-Payment (SeP), is ready for implementation... |
|
With SeP, commuters will be able to use
cards issued by any card issuer for transit purposes as long as the
card complies with the CEPAS standard and includes the transit
application. Commuters can eventually use CEPAS-compliant cards for
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) payments in vehicles fitted with the
new generation In-vehicle Unit (IU), Electronic Parking System (EPS)
carparks and other electronic payment systems that support the CEPAS
standard... |
|
More..... |
|
|
More clinics to offer anonymous HIV testing |
|
The Ministry of Health will increase the
number of anonymous HIV test sites in Singapore from the current three -
Anteh Dispensary, Cambridge Clinic, and the Action for AIDS Anonymous
HIV Testing and Counseling Clinic - to seven, with
effect from 1 November 2008... |
|
More..... |
|
|
MOE
appoints 50 principals in 2008 |
|
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will be
appointing 50 Principals at the 11th Appointment
Ceremony for Principals to be held on 30 Dec 2008.
They comprise 27 newly-appointed Principals and 23
serving Principals/HQ officers who will take up
appointments in other schools... |
|
More..... |
|
2007
|
Estate of Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat launches $25 million
fund for education |
|
The Fund will provide for three programmes:
training opportunities to strengthen English language teaching in the
region, opportunities for needy students in our polytechnics and the
Institute of Technical Education to gain overseas exposure, and
scholarships for deserving students from Singapore and China to pursue
their undergraduate studies in Singapore universities. |
|
The Ministry of Education will administer
the fund... |
|
More..... |
|
|
New pay and career package for teachers |
|
MOE will be introducing a new Education
Scheme of Service (2008) from 1 April 2008 to better recognise and
reward good teachers. The new scheme will be more market responsive and
there will be a stronger link between pay and performance. |
|
Officers will be placed on a salary range
system with merit increments that are based on one’s performance,
potential and market wage movements. This will replace the current
salary scale system with fixed annual increments. With the revision to
the salary ranges, a one-off salary increment of up to 4% will be made
to the salaries of eligible officers on the new scheme... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Comfort and CityCab taxi fares to go up on 17 Dec 2007 |
|
Basic Fare |
|
Current |
Revised |
|
Flag Down: $2.50 for 1st km
1km to 10km: $0.10 for every 210m
Above 10km: $0.10 for every 175m
Waiting time: $0.10 for every 25sec |
Flag Down: $2.80 for 1st km
1km to 10km: $0.20 for every 385m
Above 10km: $0.20 for every 330m
Waiting time: $0.20 for every 45sec |
|
|
More..... |
|
|
Reduced hospital subsidies for non-citizens |
|
From January 1, 2008, non-PR foreigners will
not receive any healthcare subsidy. PRs will continue to be subsidised
for hospital services, but at 5 percentage points less than citizens. |
|
From July 1, 2008, another 5
percentage-point reduction will be applied... |
|
More..... |
|
|
New foreign workforce measures to meet strong market
demand |
|
With effect from 1 January 2008, the S Pass
quota for all sectors will be increased from 15% to 25%. The new S Pass
quota will come entirely from companies' Work Permit quota which will be
increased for all sectors. Companies can therefore employ more S Pass
holders, in lieu of Work Permit holders, hence improving the quality of
their foreign workforce... |
|
To strengthen our
global talent attraction and retention efforts, refinements will be made
to the PEP scheme. Foreign professionals whose last drawn fixed monthly
salary overseas was at least S$7,000 will be eligible for a PEP. The PEP
will also be granted to former P1 Employment Pass holders upon
application. |
|
These changes
will take effect from 1 March 2008. Existing and new P1 pass holders
working in Singapore that apply for the PEP ahead of the 2-year
requirement will be accorded in-principle approval. They can apply to
take up the PEP at the end of 2 years on their current P1 pass... |
|
More..... |
|
|
NEA commissions book on Singapore hawker centres |
|
The National Environment Agency has
commissioned a book that traces the social history of this uniquely
Singapore icon. |
|
"Singapore Hawker Centres - People, Places, Food" is the
definitive account on hawkers, their food and their stories. It also
features environment and public health officials who have been
instrumental in transforming hawking from a public health nightmare to a
respectable trade... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Electronic Medical Records Exchange extended to
community hospitals |
|
By the first quarter of 2008, over 4000
patients yearly at the community hospitals will be able to enjoy better
patient care, improved drug safety, fewer repeat tests and hence lower
costs with the extension of the Electronic Medical Records Exchange (EMRX)... |
|
The extension marks the first step in the
Ministry of Health's plans to extend the EMRX beyond the public
sector... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Cosmetic products to be regulated from 1 Jan 2008 |
|
Effective from 1 January 2008, all new
products must comply with the ACD requirements and notify HSA prior to
sale. |
|
All existing products that are currently
sold in the local market will be given 12 months to notify HSA and to
fully comply with the requirements by 1 Jan 2011... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Singapore to start video games classification system
in 2008 |
|
The Board of Film Censors (BFC) will be
launching a video games classification system next year to provide more
choice for adults while protecting the young. |
|
In the interim period, the BFC has decided
to selectively use games rating to enable highly anticipated games to be
launched in Singapore... |
|
More..... |
|
|
National Registry Of Diseases Bill passed |
|
Part II of the Bill establishes the
National Registry of Diseases and sets out its functions. These
include the collection of information on reportable diseases,
establishment of registers, compilation and publication of
statistics, and the provision of information for supporting health
services and national public health policies... |
|
Clause 6, in Part III of the Bill,
makes the notification of reportable diseases mandatory for
managers of all healthcare institutions. The burden is placed on
the manager as he has the management and control of the
institution. Very limited data will be required to make a
notification... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Inaugural National Infocomm Club Awards |
|
The National Infocomm Club Awards recognise
the creativity of Infocomm Club students in using technology to educate
and connect to the wider community, or within schools... |
Primary Category
Top Winner : River Valley Primary School (Project: The Adventures
of Respect)
Merit Winner : Chua Chu Kang Primary School (Project: Intelligent
Communicators)
Merit Winner : Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Project: HOPE) |
Secondary / Junior College
Category
Top Winner : Raffles Institution
(Project: E-learning Packages for Down Syndrome Youths)
Merit Winner : Hwa Chong Institution (Project: Spiderportal)
Merit Winner : Victoria Junior College (Project: Automated Quiz
Management System)... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Stiffer measures to deter errant taxi drivers |
- Stiffer penalties for errant
taxi drivers
- Taxi advisories for the public
- More taxi stands within the
Central Business District (CBD) / Street hail of taxis on CBD
roads disallowed from 1 March 2008
- Enhanced taxi QoS requirements
fully phased in from 1 January 2008
- Taxi Mystery Customer Audit
kicked off
|
|
More..... |
|
|
Changes
to SingPass system |
|
Come 25 November 2007, Singaporeans who have
forgotten their Singapore Personal Access (or SingPass) password will be
able to get it reset almost immediately... |
|
The new hotline, SingPass website and system
administration will be managed by CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd, who was
appointed by the Government through a competitive tender to develop,
operate and maintain SingPass in April 2006. SingPass was previously
managed by the Central Provident Fund Board... |
|
More..... |
|
|
S$40 million infrastructure upgrade for Orchard Road |
|
With the planned landscape and
infrastructural enhancements, Singapore’s premier shopping street will
have state of the art lighting highlighting its lush tree-lined
boulevard, new creative spaces for staging events and a more integrated
and engaging pedestrian mall... |
|
Orchard Road's infrastructure works will be
carried out in phases to minimise disruption to businesses and the public, while
access points to buildings will be maintained at all times... |
|
Works are expected to be completed by April
2009. |
|
More..... |
|
|
SGNIC launches bidding for fully numeric domain names |
|
While alphanumeric domain names already
exist, (eg, www.in2015.sg), fully numeric ones like www.123.sg have not
been allowed till now... |
|
SGNIC, the national registry for domain
names, will now also allow pure numeric domain names in all the seven .sg
categories (ie. .sg, .com.sg, .net.sg, .org.sg, .gov.sg, .edu.sg, .per.sg).
The registration for pure numeric domain names will be phased
accordingly: |
|
- 05 November – 28 December 20071:
All qualifying applicants including businesses and individuals can
register. Trademark owners2 will get priority over other
applicants. Example: A company with "123" as its trademark will get
priority for 123.sg, or in any other .sg domain category... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Singapore population in 1990, 2000 and 2006 |
|
Total Population by
Residential Status for 1990, 2000 and 2006 (Mid-Year Estimates)[1]
|
Year
|
1990
|
2000
|
2006
|
|
Total Population
|
3,047,100
(100.0%)
|
4,027,900
(100.0%)
|
4,483,900
(100.0%)
|
|
Singapore Citizens
|
2,623,700 (86.1%)
|
2,985,900 (74.1%)
|
3,145,800 (70.2%)
|
|
Permanent Residents
|
112,100 (3.7%)
|
287,500 (7.1%)
|
462,700 (10.3%)
|
|
Non-Residents[2]
|
311,300 (10.2%)
|
754,500 (18.7%)
|
875,500 (19.5%)
|
|
|
More..... |
|
|
Travellers to declare currency or bearer negotiable
instruments over S$30,000 |
|
From 1 November 2007 onwards, persons who
move into or out of Singapore physical currency1 or bearer
negotiable instruments2 (CBNI) the total value of which
exceeds SGD 30,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) will be
required to give a report by filling up a form and submitting it to the
authorities. |
|
The form is available at all checkpoints,
police establishments, Singapore Visitors Centres and branches of
Singapore Post... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Singapore Airlines A380 enters commercial service |
|
The Singapore Airlines A380 enters
commercial service today (25 Oct 2007), with its first flight – SQ380 – from Singapore
to Sydney, Australia... |
|
The majority of the seats on the two legs of
this flight were sold on eBay, the global online marketplace, with all
proceeds donated to charities... |
|
More..... |
|
|
New governance structure for NUH and NUS School of
Medicine |
|
MOE and MOH have jointly agreed for NUS and
NHG to establish a new governance structure for the NUS School of
Medicine (NUS-SoM) and the National University Hospital (NUH)... |
|
Under the new governance structure, NUH and
NUS-SoM will be repositioned as a joint operating entity. This new
NUH-SoM entity will be governed by one Governing Board which will
include senior members from NHG, NUS, MOH and MOE... |
|
More..... |
|
|
New applied subjects at 'O' Level from 2008 |
|
From Jan 2008, eight secondary schools will partner the polytechnics to
offer to their Express and Normal (Academic) students, three new ‘O’
level subjects in applied disciplines: Creative 3D Animation,
Fundamentals of Electronics and Introduction to Enterprise Development. |
|
These new Applied Subjects will be reflected in the students’ GCE ‘O’
level Examination Certificates and be recognised for admission into
Junior Colleges and Polytechnics... |
|
More..... |
|
|
The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill passed |
|
The new section 376C (Commercial sex
with minor under 18 outside Singapore) will have extra-territorial
effect so that it would be an offence for Singapore citizens and
Permanent Residents to solicit or engage in commercial sex with
minors under 18 in other countries...
|
|
Feedback received highlighted concerns over
female sexual abuse of male minors. On further consideration, we accept
that these younger male children could be exploited by older women.
Consequently, we have decided to make it an offence for a woman to
engage in penile penetrative sexual acts with a male minor under 16 and
to have commercial sex with a male minor under 18... |
|
Whilst prostitution per se is not an
offence, new section 376B (Commercial sex with minor under 18)
will make it an offence for a person to solicit, communicate or
obtain sexual services from a minor under 18 years of age... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Secondhand Goods Dealers Act effective from 1 Dec 2007 |
|
Under the new Act, only dealers who deal in
secondhand goods that are listed in the Schedule will be regulated. This
will be regardless of whether such dealings take place at a shopfront,
via a makeshift stall or over the Internet. |
|
The list of items was drawn up based on
crime data of commonly stolen items. While the existing Act has a wider
list of items, the new regulatory regime has a reduced list which
comprises commonly stolen items. This allows a sharper regulatory focus
in preventing fencing1. |
|
Dealers who deal in items which are not in
the new list will not be regulated. The list of items may also be
revised according to crime trends... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Medical devices in Singapore to be regulated |
|
HSA is adopting a phased approach in
implementing the new regulations to minimise the impact to the
supply of medical devices and to provide sufficient time for the
industry to meet the new standards and requirements. The control
measures will be implemented in three phases, starting from 1
November 2007:.. |
|
More..... |
|
|
MOE
appoints 65 principals in 2007 |
|
This year, 23 of the 36 newly-appointed
Principals are aged 40 and below, which is the largest number of young
newly-appointed Principals in the last ten years. |
|
Among them, the youngest are Mdm Eugenia Tan
and Mrs Clara Lim-Tan at age 35. They will be heading Crescent Girls'
School and CHIJ (Kellock) respectively... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Proposed exemption from maximum credit card limit |
|
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
has issued a consultation paper proposing to exempt card issuers from
complying with the maximum credit limit when issuing credit or charge
cards to individuals with an annual income of at least $120,000 or net
personal assets exceeding $2 million[1]. |
|
With the proposed exemption, card issuers
may determine the appropriate credit limits for this higher income group
in line with their assessment of the credit worthiness of these
individuals... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Proposed amendments to the Infectious Diseases Act |
|
Therefore, we propose to amend the IDA to
empower the Director of Medical Services (DMS) to obtain left-over
samples, and send them for the tests and examinations for the purpose of
monitoring the infectious disease situation in Singapore... |
|
The Ministry proposes to expand the IDA to
empower DMS to close any premises as non-food establishments may also be
the source of an outbreak... |
|
We propose to amend the IDA so that when
required, the DMS may require medical practitioners as well as other
categories of health care workers (e.g. TCM practitioners, dentists,
pharmacists, etc.) to obtain disease related information from their
patients... |
|
MOH proposes to expand the IDA to
address the situation where an individual who, although unaware
that he is HIV-positive, has reason to believe that he has been
exposed to the risk of contracting HIV or AIDS (e.g. by having
unprotected casual sex with multiple partners)... |
|
More..... |
|
|
159 Foreign Medical Schools recognised in Singapore |
|
The Ministry of Health and the Singapore
Medical Council (SMC) will be including an additional 19 leading
international medical schools to the Schedule of the Medical
Registration Act with effect from 1st October 2007... |
|
Included are 6 medical schools from China, 4
from India, 4 from Japan, 2 from Taiwan and 1 from South Korea. 2 more
medical schools from Europe have also been added... |
|
Singaporeans graduating from any of the 159
international medical schools can also come back to Singapore, to
supplement the number graduating from our own medical schools... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Five schools to pilot boarding programmes for students |
|
Five schools will be piloting various models
of boarding programmes starting from 2008, to support the all-round
development of their students... |
|
Anglo-Chinese School
(Independent) Year 1 – Year 4 Integrated
Programme (IP) students will board together to forge bonds across
levels, through activities such as inter-hall games. Each IP student
will board for at least two semesters in total. |
|
Hwa Chong Institution
Sec 3, Sec 4, JC1 and JC2 students will have the opportunity to
board together on an optional basis, to forge bonds across levels.
Boarding will take place for one term (3 months)... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Singapore and UK conclude landmark Open Skies
Agreement |
|
Singapore and the United Kingdom (UK) have
concluded a landmark Open Skies Agreement (OSA) on 2 October 2007,
removing all restrictions on air services operated by carriers of both
countries. |
|
With this agreement, Singapore Airlines (SIA)
will now be able to operate as many services as the Singapore-UK market
could support... |
|
Similarly, UK carriers will be able to
operate any number of services beyond Singapore to any other city
in the world. These rights, which will be effective from end-March
2008, come nearly two decades after Singapore first made its
request to the UK... |
|
More..... |
|
|
New initiatives for Normal (Academic) Course |
|
Currently, the criteria for promoting the
N(A) students to Sec 5N comprise a pass in English Language (EL)
and the aggregate score of their best 3 subjects at the
‘N’ level examinations. MOE will introduce the following refinements: |
|
(a) Include both EL and
Mathematics as compulsory subjects for computation in the aggregate
score; and
(b) Increase the number of
subjects to be included in the aggregate score to 5... |
|
The refined promotion criteria will
apply to the 2009 Sec 4N(A) cohort onwards... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Singapore's seaport to be world's first Wi-Max-Ready
by 2008 |
|
By early 2008, all ships in Singapore can
have access to mobile wireless broadband, allowing real-time and
data-intensive communications between the ships and their customers and
business partners... |
|
WISEPORT is one of the initial projects
under the Infocomm@SeaPort programme, which aims to provide a mobile
wireless broadband network within 15km from Singapore's southern
coastline... |
|
More..... |
|
|
MAS issues revised property fund guidelines |
|
The revised Guidelines are intended to
improve safeguards for investors and to provide greater clarity and
flexibility for commercial transactions... |
|
MAS will amend the Securities and Futures
Act (SFA) to include REIT management as a regulated activity... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Summary of key amendments to the Penal Code |
|
It will
be made an offence to engage in penetrative acts
such as oral and anal sex with a minor under the age
of 16, with or without the consent of the minor; |
|
It will
be made an offence to obtain commercial sex from a
minor under the age of 18, or communicate with any
person for such a purpose; and |
|
A new
offence of sexual grooming of minors under the age
of 16 will be introduced... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Medisave lucky draws for self-employed and informal
workers |
|
The Government is introducing the Medisave
Contribution Draw (MCD) to encourage low-income self-employed persons (SEPs)
and informal workers to contribute to their Medisave accounts... |
|
The MCD will consist of four quarterly draws
for each year of work done... |
|
The MCD will run for three years and will be
reviewed thereafter... |
|
More..... |
|
|
HDB introduces family season parking ticket from 1 Oct
2007 |
|
The Family SPT is for HDB residents who
require SPT to two different car parks because of family arrangements... |
|
For such residents, who have already bought
a regular SPT to park at their own residential car park, there is a need
for a second SPT to park at another car park for visiting their parents,
children, grandparents, siblings or their in-laws. |
|
The Family SPT will be sold at 50% of the
regular SPT price applicable to the car park where the Family SPT is to
be purchased. |
|
More..... |
|
|
Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes
(Confiscation of Benefits) Act passed |
|
Clause 11
of the Bill makes it mandatory for anyone physically
carrying currency and bearer negotiable instruments or
CBNI, above S$30,000, into or out of Singapore, to
declare this to the authorities at the checkpoints... |
|
The threshold amount of
S$30,000 is based on the recommendation by the FATF,
and includes not only currency in circulation, but
also bearer negotiable instruments such as travellers
cheques, money orders, cheques, bonds and promissory
notes... |
|
Hence, for clarity, a crossed cheque
made payable to a specific person with the word “bearer” deleted
is not considered a bearer negotiable instrument because only the
person named on the cheque can receive the amount stated on it. |
|
The new measure would be
non-discriminatory and will be imposed on all travellers,
including citizens, residents and foreigners, entering and exiting
the country. |
|
The penalties for non-declaration and false
declaration are a maximum fine of S$50,000 or a term of imprisonment of
up to 3 years or both... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Registration of optometrists and opticians starts in
Sep 2007 |
|
In July this year, Parliament passed the
Optometrists & Opticians Act. The Act which aims to raise the standard
of eye care in Singapore will come into effect on 1 January 2008... |
|
Applications for registration by the
Optometrists and Opticians Board have just started. Optometrists
and opticians are advised to apply for registration before 15
December 2007, in order to continue practising as optometrists or
opticians from January 2008... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Foreign domestic worker levy concession for disabled
persons |
|
Employers may now apply for the FDW Levy
Concession (Persons with disability) from 15 September 2007. |
|
The FDW Levy Concession (Persons with
disability) will help families of persons with disability reduce costs
of caregiving where a full-time caregiver is needed... |
|
Employers applying for the levy concession
will need to obtain a medical assessment on the functional ability of
the person with disability in performing his/her activities of daily
living... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Employer-financed insurance for medical expenses of
foreign workers |
|
The Ministry of Manpower will require
employers to purchase and maintain insurance for the medical expenses of
foreign workers from 1 January 2008. |
|
This requirement is being implemented in
tandem with the withdrawal of healthcare subsidies for foreigners1,
which was previously announced by the Ministry of Health. The
requirement will apply to: |
- All new and existing foreign workers
on Work Permit or S Pass from 1 January 2008.
- All new foreign domestic workers, and
existing foreign domestic workers when employers renew their Work
Permits, from 1 January 2008.
|
|
More..... |
|
|
Eight schools to be upgraded from 2009 to 2011 |
|
As part of the Ministry of Education's (MOE)
continuing efforts to renew and support our schools, eight more schools
will be upgraded from 2009 to 2011 under the tenth phase of the Programme for Rebuilding and IMproving Existing Schools (PRIME)... |
|
Schools undergoing PRIME will also benefit
from the Flexible School Infrastructure (FlexSI) framework and the
provision of an indoor sports hall as part of the upgrading plan. |
|
More..... |
|
|
1 to
2 cents increase in bus fares and no increase in rail
fares |
|
The PTC approved a 1 to 2 cent increase in
adult EZ-Link fares for buses. Senior citizen concessionary EZ-Link bus
fares, which are flat fares pegged to the lowest adult EZ-Link fare band
will also increase by 2 cents... |
|
There will be no increase to all rail
fares, some EZLink adult bus fares, as well as cash fares for
buses, child/student fares and the prices of monthly student/NS
men concession passes... |
|
More..... |
|
|
Rapid HIV testing now available in medical clinics |
|
"As of 1 Aug 2007, the Ministry of Health (MOH)
is allowing HIV testing with rapid HIV test kits to be offered in
medical clinics. Rapid HIV tests are screening tests that produce very
quick results, in approximately 20 minutes... |
|
"Rapid HIV testing can only be conducted in a medical clinic by trained
clinic personnel, and only clinics which have participated in an MOH
training workshop on Rapid HIV Testing are allowed to offer rapid HIV
testing..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
NETS and SingTel to launch Singapore's first NFC
trials |
|
"By including a stored value wallet with
Over-The-Air (OTA) capabilities, which covers wireless downloads and
top-ups of stored value to NFC phones, the trial becomes a first in
Asia... |
|
"Under the payment solution being planned,
SingTel users will need to download a mNETS application, which will
allow them to store and top up value on the mNETS payment application in
their phones any time. Users will then be able to make payments using
NETS FlashPay by flashing their SingTel mobile phones at NETS
contactless terminals islandwide..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Dunman High School joins Chinese language elective
programme |
|
"The Ministry of Education will be
establishing a 5th Chinese Language Elective Programme (CLEP) Centre to
nurture the language talent of students with an aptitude for Chinese
Language. From 2008, the Dunman High School will be offering the CLEP... |
|
"The CLEP is a two-year programme, which
includes the study of classical and modern literature (poetry, prose,
novels, and drama) and Chinese culture..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
The Private Security Industry Bill 2007 passed |
|
"Should a private investigator or security
officer be charged with or convicted of a prescribed offence which makes
his continued employment as a private investigator or security officer
undesirable, his licence can be suspended with immediate effect. This
power is provided in Clause 24(5) of the Bill. |
|
"With the introduction of the licensing
schemes for security officers and private investigators, more than 500
private investigators and 30,000 security officers will need to apply
for a licence..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Changi Airport to be corporatised |
|
"After careful consideration, the government
believes that it is necessary to corporatise Changi Airport and to
re-structure CAAS’ existing regulatory and strategic functions under a
new regulatory body... |
|
"Corporatisation will enhance Changi
Airport’s ability to compete in this changed landscape. In being more
nimble the new entity will further strengthen Changi’s position as a
premier air hub... |
|
"Corporatisation is a complex process. We
will plan carefully and explore all possible options. The entire process
is expected to take 18 to 24 months..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Proposed amendments to the Human Organ Transplant Act |
|
"Following the recent ruling by the Fatwa
Committee of MUIS that Muslims can be included under the Human Organ
Transplant Act (HOTA), the Ministry of Health intends to amend HOTA to
improve the access of Muslim patients to donated organs... |
|
"MOH proposes to amend the HOTA to include,
upon death, Muslims who are Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
(PR) between the ages of 21 and 60 years, who are of sound mind, and who
have not opted out... |
|
"The inclusion of Muslims under HOTA is
expected to provide up to five additional organ donors per year
(yielding up to 10 kidneys, 10 corneas, 5 livers and 5 hearts)..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Significant changes to the CPF system |
|
"By 2012, we will require employers to offer re-employment to workers
reaching 62, up to age 65, and eventually to 67. This change will
precede the raising of the Draw Down Age (DDA). By 2012, employers
will be required to offer re-employment up to age 65 but the DDA to
65 will only be effected in 2018 – a significant time lag to help
workers and employers adjust... |
|
"1% additional bonus interest will be
paid on the first $60,000 in a CPF member's combined accounts, with not more than
$20,000 from the OA accounts. This will enhance CPF's existing
risk-free framework... |
|
"While our employment rates are among the highest in the world, our
residents are also among the longest living. The present DDA of 62
years is hence too early and results in the majority of members
prematurely depleting their savings. Thus, we will do the following: a.
progressively raise draw down age.. |
|
"Even after changes to DDA, there will be those who live longer than
85. We want to ensure that they have a stream of income for life. The Government will therefore be looking at making annuities
compulsory for members to protect them against outliving their
retirement savings... |
|
More..... |
|
|
New dog licensing rules from 1 Sep 2007 |
|
"All licensed dogs must be
microchipped with an ISO compliant microchip. |
|
"Dogs that were licensed before 1 Sep
07 will be exempted from the requirement. However, owners of such
dogs are strongly encouraged to have their dogs microchipped for
better traceability... |
|
"Under the new Rules1, the
annual licence fee for all unsterilised dogs (both male and
female) is $70 while the licence fee for sterilised dogs is
$14..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Special and Express courses at secondary schools to
merge |
|
"Starting from the Secondary One students in
2008, the Special and Express Courses will be merged into the "Express
Course"... |
|
"For the 2007 Secondary 1 cohort, there are
4,466 Express Course students and 4,410 Special Course students offering
HMTL. |
|
"In addition, some schools have placed
Special and Express Course students in the same classes. Thus, there is
now little distinction between Special and Express students in secondary
schools..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Online submission of school choices for Sec 1 posting |
|
"Parents of Primary 6 pupils will have an
additional channel of submitting their child’s school choices for the
Secondary One posting exercise at the end of this year. |
|
"The Ministry of Education (MOE) will be
introducing a new Internet System to make it more convenient for parents
to be able to submit their child’s Secondary One school choices online. |
|
"The new Internet System will also give
parents the option of checking their child’s Secondary One posting
results online... |
|
"Parents who wish to use hardcopy forms
to submit their child’s school options to the primary school can
still do so. The Secondary One posting exercise procedures remains
unchanged..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Rehabilitation regime for first and second-time
abusers of cannabis and cocaine |
|
"The aim
of the treatment and rehabilitation regime is to give
first and second time abusers a chance at
rehabilitation without the stigmatisation of a
criminal record... |
|
"Recalcitrant abusers with two previous records for
consumption of cannabis or cocaine or that of opiates,
synthetic drugs or buprenorphine who are arrested
again for the consumption of any of these drugs would
be liable for long term imprisonment under the Long
Term (LT) Imprisonment Regime, if convicted..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Revision of Development Charge (DC) |
|
"The DC was lowered from 70% to 50% in
1985 to avoid eroding the share of value enhancement
that accrued to developers in a declining market. |
|
"With the current buoyant property
market, the converse is true. Thus, the Government has
decided to reinstate the DC to its original rate at
70%..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Passports (Amendment) Bill passed |
|
"Thus, this Bill repeals the existing Act, and
re-enacts a new Passports Act which introduces measures against
the abuse and misuse of Singapore passports and travel documents,
as well as foreign travel documents... |
|
"Clause 45 of the Bill makes it compulsory for
Singaporeans, or a person who has parental responsibility for a
Singaporean aged 16 and below, to report the loss or theft of a
passport within 14 days when he first knows of the fact... |
|
"Clause 23 of the Bill allows the Controller to refuse passports to
persons for law enforcement reasons, such as to persons who have
been placed under supervision under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This
will ensure that they do not indulge in drug-related activities
overseas. Others who may be refused passports include those who
are the subject of warrants of arrest issued for seizeable
offences... |
|
"A person who is found guilty of giving away his Singapore
passport or travel document and is reckless as to whether it will
be misused by another person for travel or for identification
purposes will face a fine of up to $5,000, a jail term of up to
three years, or both..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Licence needed for 15 chemicals (explosive precursors) in
Singapore
|
Phasing out of temporary registered doctors for
service provision |
|
"Only temporary medical registration for service provision is being
phased out by 31 Dec 2007. |
|
"Existing temporary registered doctors brought in as service providers
before 1 Jan 2008 can still continue to work here until they either
become conditionally registered (acquired recognized postgraduate
qualifications) or they have completed their 4-6 years of service in
Singapore..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Tightening of security of Non-Biometric Passports |
|
"ICA will be
tightening the security of non-biometric passports by adopting the same
security measures as those implemented on the Singapore biometric
passport (BioPass). |
|
"Hence, with effect from 1 September 2007
(Saturday), photo update services for non-biometric passports will no
longer be available. Non-biometric passport holders who no longer
resemble their passport photo are advised to update their photos before
1 September 2007... |
|
More..... |
|
|
MAS and SGX to oversee corporate governance for listed companies |
|
Oversight of corporate governance of listed
companies will be transferred from the Council of Corporate Disclosure
and Governance (CCDG)[1] to the Monetary Authority of
Singapore (MAS) and the Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX) with effect from 1
September 2007... |
|
The Code of Corporate Governance will
continue to be implemented through the SGX Listing Rules via the “comply
or explain” approach[2], as is currently the practice... |
|
More..... |
|
|
MOE Selects First Five FutureSchools@Singapore |
|
From 2008, students at Canberra Primary
School, Crescent Girls’ School, Jurong Secondary and Hwa Chong
Institution can look forward to even more innovative teaching methods
and engaging lessons – made possible through more widespread use of
Information and Communications Technology (ICT). |
|
"These four schools will join a new primary
school, Beacon Primary School, as the pioneer FutureSchools@Singapore..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Direct School Admission Exercise 2007 for admission to polytechnic |
|
"The first Direct Polytechnic Admission (DPA)
Exercise will commence on 11 July 2007, for admission into polytechnics
in 2008... |
|
"The five polytechnics – Nanyang Polytechnic,
Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and
Temasek Polytechnic – will each admit up to 2.5% of their Academic Year
2008 intake through DPA, or about 100 students per polytechnic on
average..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Pilot project allowing cycling on all footways in Tampines |
|
"Land Transport Authority (LTA), Traffic
Police (TP) and the Tampines Grassroots Organisations (GROs) will be
conducting a study in the Tampines Town to assess the feasibility of
allowing cycling on footways with effect from 27 May 2007. |
|
"The study will last for one year and end on
30 May 2008... |
|
"Currently, under Rule 28 of the Road Traffic
Rules, enacted in 1981, cycling on footways is prohibited. Like any
other vehicles, bicycles are to be ridden on the roads and cyclists are
required to abide by all relevant traffic rules and regulations..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Changes to childcare subsidies for PRs |
|
"From 1 January 2008, PR children aged 2
months to below 7 years will only be eligible for half the current
amount of centre-based child care subsidy. |
|
"From January 2009, such children will not
be eligible for the subsidy..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Calculators for Primary 5 and 6 Mathematics |
|
"To align assessment with the curriculum, the
use of calculators will be allowed in part of the Primary School Leaving
Examination (PSLE) Mathematics and Foundation Mathematics examinations
from 2009. |
|
"These examinations will be revised from the
current single paper to a two-paper format from 2009. Calculators will
only be allowed in Paper 2 of the examinations, which will contain
questions for which a calculator can be used..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Film "Zahari's 17 Years" banned from 12 April 2007
|
Pay rise for ministers and civil servants |
|
"The resignation rate of the Management
Executive Scheme (which employs graduate officers across the
ministries) was 10.6%, up from 7.4% in 2005. At some of our entry
grades, the situation is quite serious, with resignation rates as
high as 25%. |
|
"Members of the House would also have
read from the newspapers[4] that for our Home Team, there has been
a 40% increase in the resignation of junior officers in January
and February this year, compared to the same period last year. |
|
"We need to act before the situation
becomes more serious. The Government, as an employer, has to
respond quickly and decisively to stay competitive and close the
wage gaps. Otherwise, we will deplete the Service of the able
people we need, and the service level to the public will be
affected..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
140 Foreign Medical Schools recognised in Singapore
|
Changes to Bus Lane Scheme from 1 April 2007 |
|
ADJUSTMENTS
TO
BUS LANE
HOURS
|
|
Days
|
Existing
Operation Hours
|
New
Operation Hours
|
|
Mondays to
Fridays
|
7.30am to
9.30am
|
7.30am to
9.30am
(No Change)
|
|
4.30pm to
7.00pm
|
5.00pm to
8.00pm
|
|
Saturdays
|
7.30am to
9.30am
|
No Longer
Applicable
|
|
11.30am to
2.00pm
|
|
Indicated
by a continuous yellow line
|
|
|
More..... |
|
|
RFID tags to replace paper HDB season parking tickets |
| "HDB is
introducing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags
to replace the current paper disc issued to season
parking tickets (SPT) holders... |
|
"SPT holders will be notified by post
closer to the time when the RFID tags are implemented at their car
parks. New SPT applicants will be given RFID tags when they apply
to purchase season parking..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Paying our public servants competitive salaries |
|
 |
|
"We know from head-hunters
that the entire top managements of some of our
agencies are being targeted. The Middle Eastern
countries are particularly interested. They have
studied Singapore’s success story. They want to tap
our people to join them and replicate the miracle, and
money is no object... |
|
"This is an urgent
problem. We have experienced on previous occasions the
painful consequences of responding too slowly when the
private sector surged ahead. |
|
"For example in the early
1990s, the Administrative Service lost entire cohorts
of good officers. This showed up in the age profile of
the Service – broad at the young and older age groups,
but narrow at the mid- to late-30s range. We took many
years to recover from the loss. This must not happen
again..." |
|
More..... |
|
One Singaporean, one electronic medical record (EMR) |
|
 |
|
Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health |
|
"Right now, it is one Singaporean,
multiple medical records, stored away in different clinics and
hospitals in different formats, and not connected or consolidated.
As a result, when patients visit different doctors, they have to
have tests repeated and scans redone. This adds to unnecessary
cost. |
|
"We are moving towards this target of
'One Singaporean, One EMR'. Because of legacy systems, we cannot
achieve it in one step. But we have made progress... |
|
"However, this is a complex national
project - very few if any countries have successfully implemented
a system that links up public, private and the charity sector..." |
|
More..... |
|
Expanding
our MRT Network |
|
 |
|
MR RAYMOND LIM,
MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND SECOND MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS |
|
"Beyond this, the LTA is completing its
feasibility studies for a new 33-station Downtown Line that will
link the eastern and north western corridors to the Marina Bay. |
|
"When the Downtown Line is up,
residents in Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah, Bedok Reservoir and
Macpherson can take the train to see the bright lights of the
Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort... |
|
"As part of our long-term planning for
a future Singapore of 6.5 million population, we expect that we
will need to at least double our current rail network of 138 km
for a 50% increase in population. That means putting in the
equivalent of at least 7 North-east Lines..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Gearing up Singapore for its 2020 healthcare needs |
|
"MediShield coverage among active
workers is not bad, at 90%. But 390,000 Singaporeans below 20
years of age are not insured. The premium at their age is
inexpensive, only $30 per year. |
| "And
young parents can use their Baby Bonus to pay the
premium. So cost is not the issue... |
|
"We will introduce an
opt-out scheme for infants to be automatically covered
under MediShield from the time their births are
registered. |
|
"Premiums can be deducted
from their fathers' Medisave or alternatively their
mothers'. Parents who do not want such coverage can
opt out any time by informing the CPF Board. We will
get this done later this year..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
HDB further relaxes policy on subletting of whole flats |
|
"With immediate effect, HDB will be
relaxing its policy on the subletting of whole flats through a
further reduction of the MOP and delinking it from the lessees’
HDB loan status. The revised MOP is: |
"5 years for owners of
subsidised flats, i.e. flats
purchased directly from HDB or from the open market with a CPF
Housing Grant; and
3 years for owners of non-subsidised flats, i.e.
flats purchased from the open market without a CPF Housing
Grant..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Singapore may enter upper half of First World nations
within 20 years |
|
 |
|
"The Singapore of the 1980s is the
past. |
|
"By 2010 we will have two integrated
resorts. With conventions and world class entertainment, our
tourists may increase from 9.7 million in 2006 to 17 million by
2015. |
|
"Singapore’s landscape will change. We will have an
iconic city centre, a Marina with a promenade that
will allow pedestrians and electric golf buggies
unimpeded access round the whole Marina, with al
fresco dining, restaurants, shops and
electrically-driven pleasure boats for tourists to
cruise along the Singapore and Kallang Rivers..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Liberalisation of Medisave |
|
As part of the review of Medisave, the
Ministry of Health will be increasing the withdrawal limits in the
following four areas: |
- The inpatient per diem limit
will be increased from $400 to $450;
- The day surgery limit will be
increased from $200 to $300;
- The annual limit for psychiatric
bills will be increased from $3,500 to $5,000;
- Medisave will be allowed for
diagnostic scans such as MRI and CT scans, if they form parts of
outpatient cancer treatment.
|
|
More..... |
|
|
Turning Singapore into a city of gardens and waters |
|
 |
|
"Imagine looking out of your HDB
apartment window and instead of seeing a huge concrete canal, you
set your eyes on a sparkling river with landscaped banks, with
kayakers paddling in the stream, with lively play areas for
children, and with boardwalks and bridges for families to enjoy
outings together. |
|
"This is not a far-fetched scenario.
Singapore has an extensive water network that spans 14 reservoirs,
32 major rivers and more than 7,000 km of other waterways
including canals and drains. Few cities in the world have such a
pervasive and well-integrated network of waterways..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Singapore's postal sector to be fully liberalised from
1 April 2007 |
|
"To ensure that our security concerns of
mail integrity and accountability are met, SingPost will continue to
hold the full set of letterbox masterdoor keys... |
|
"As national stamps carry the
country's name and to prevent consumer confusion over which PPL
the national stamp belongs to, SingPost will continue to be the
only one to issue these stamps... |
|
"For greater operational efficiency,
Singapore will keep a centralised postal code management system.
SingPost will continue to manage this centralised system, while
providing access to the postal codes database to all interested
PSOs..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Income Tax (Amendment) Bill passed |
|
"Currently, the penalty for not filing an income tax
return is significantly less severe than the penalty
for under-declaring income. This creates an
incentive for taxpayers to avoid taxation by not
submitting their income tax returns. |
| "To
discourage this practice, a penalty of double the
amount of tax undercharged will be introduced for
the failure to file a tax return in respect of any
year of assessment within 3 years from the filing
deadline..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Proposed changes to rules for unsecured credit |
|
"A measured step of lowering the minimum
annual income threshold for unsecured credit facilities from $30,000 to
$20,000. A more conservative maximum credit limit of twice the
borrower's monthly income will be set for individuals in this $20,000 to
$30,000 income group, with no access to credit cards... |
|
"Create appropriate modifications to
the moneylenders regime. For instance, for unsecured loans of
$3,000 and below, no minimum income requirement would be imposed
but such loans would be subject to an interest rate cap..." |
|
More..... |
|
Secondhand Goods Dealers Bill 2007 passed |
| "The current
Act does not cover dealers operating without a shop. We
recognise that many secondhand goods dealers today actually
carry on their business via other means, such as on the
Internet, or in an open-air setting like Sungei Road. This
is unacceptable, as thieves and robbers will simply get rid
of their loot through these other dealers who do not have a
shop-front... |
| "MHA is hence
widening the coverage of the law to include those dealers
who do not operate within a shop. However, in keeping with
the emphasis on a sharper regulatory focus, only dealers who
trade in secondhand goods that are listed in the Schedule
will come under the ambit of the Act..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
PTC
revises premium bus service scheme
The Banking (Amendment) Bill passed |
| "Entities that
have not been approved to issue credit cards in Singapore
will be prohibited from soliciting for or accepting card
applications in Singapore, and this applies equally to third
parties acting on their behalf... |
| "The proposed
regime also clarifies that single party merchant credit is
exempted from regulation. Such an arrangement, where
the card is used only for transactions with the issuer, is
essentially a deferred payment scheme offered by merchants
to their customers. |
| "In addition, a
new exemption for cards granting credit in small amounts not
exceeding S$500 will be introduced. This allows
flexibility in payments for small-ticket items without
raising substantial concerns about Singaporeans spending
beyond their means..." |
|
More..... |
|
|
Changes to Medisave and MediShield in 2007 |
|
"First, the Ministry of Health will increase
the Medisave inpatient daily withdrawal limit from $400 to $450... |
|
"Second, the Ministry of Health plans to
allow Medisave use for MRI and CT scans, if they form part of an
outpatient cancer treatment... |
|
"MOH intends to further reduce the
co-payment, in particular the deductibles of Medisave-approved
private insurance plans, in 2007..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Medisave can now be used for outpatient treatment of three
additional chronic diseases
-
RSAF
to be reorganised into five commands
-
Synthetic fields for eligible schools
|
Public transport operators to handle lost & found
properties |
|
"With
effect from 1 January 2007, the public bus and taxi
companies, namely, SBS Transit Ltd, SMRT Buses Ltd,
Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd, Yellow-Top Cab Pte
Ltd, CityCab Pte Ltd, SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd, Trans-Cab
Services Pte Ltd, Smart Automobile Pte Ltd and
Premier Taxis Pte Ltd, will handle all properties
found in their vehicles and handle all reports on
lost and found properties made by their customers
and drivers..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Changes to CPF Minimum Sum and Investment schemes from 1 Jan 2007
2006
Higher school fees for PRs and foreign students |
|
"From January 2007, PR in Government
and Government-aided schools, junior colleges (JCs) and the
centralised institute (CI) will pay about 20% more for school
fees. They currently pay the same fees as citizens at the
secondary and pre-university levels. |
|
"FS, whose fees are already higher than
those for citizens and PR, will have their fees increased by about
30%. The new fees for FS will take effect two years from now (2009
), to give time for them to decide if they wish to apply to become
permanent residents..." |
|
More.... |
|
-
Withdrawal of 1998 off-budget concession on stamp duty deferment
|
Revision of hospital subsidy for foreigners |
|
"From October 2007, PRs will
continue to be subsidised for hospital services, but at 5
percentage-points less than Singapore citizens. |
|
"From October 2008, another 5
percentage-point reduction will be applied. This way, Singapore
citizens will enjoy greater subsidy than PRs, by a total of 10
percentage- points. |
|
"As for the other foreigners, there
will be no more healthcare subsidy from October 2007. ..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Tanglin Village attracts businesses with its rustic charm
-
New lighting plan for the City Centre
|
Rates for HDB rental flats to be pegged to household income |
|
"Starting from 1 Mar 07, HDB will align the
rental for its flats to the household income of the tenants. |
|
"Tenants whose monthly income is $800 and
below will continue to pay the 1st-tier rent. Similarly, tenants who
rented their flats after 1 Oct 2003 and whose monthly income is between
$801 and $1500 will continue to pay the current 2nd-tier rent. |
|
"However, tenants whose income has since
risen above these levels will be required to pay higher rent
based on their new income levels..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
New Chinese Language Curriculum for Primary 1 and 2 in 2007
Banking (Amendment) Bill - First Reading in Parliament |
|
"The Bill introduces a requirement for
foreign full and wholesale bank branches to maintain a minimum
level of eligible assets in Singapore in proportion to their
liabilities... |
|
"Such a requirement would help to
improve the recovery of assets from a failed foreign bank branch
in Singapore to meet the claims of Singapore depositors..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Scenic Changi Point coastline opens to the public
-
Proposed amendments to the Penal Code
-
Stricter smoke test for diesel vehicles from 1 January 2007
Singapore eases admission criteria for new lawyers |
|
"Government announced on 17 August 2006, its
in-principle acceptance of the recommendation of the Third Committee on
the Supply of Lawyers chaired by the former Attorney-General, to allow
Singaporean citizens or Permanent Residents ("PRs") who graduated from
Overseas Scheduled Universities with Second Class (Lower Division)
Honours to practise law in Singapore, provided they possessed certain
relevant work experience or qualifications..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
New school
principals in 2007
-
Flat buyers taking an HDB loan need HDB loan eligibility letter
Major changes in teaching of English Language in our schools |
|
Singapore students do fairly well in reading
literacy, but standards of oral and written communication are highly
uneven. Some employers have observed a decline in oral fluency, writing
skills and the ability to communicate with impact... |
|
The EL curriculum will focus on
developing oral confidence, grammar knowledge and a love for
reading to anchor EL learning throughout the primary school years... |
|
Secondary students will revisit and
build on foundational skills, in particular, grammar and spoken
English... |
|
A new subject, English Language, to be
offered at H1 and H2 levels, will be introduced at the
pre-university level from 2009... |
|
More..... |
|
-
National Museum to re-open officially in December 2006
-
AVA to implement grading scheme for pet shops
-
Singapore withdraws circulation approval for Far Eastern Economic Review
Primary schools to do away with EM3 stream from 2008 |
|
"Primary schools
will introduce Subject-based Banding starting from the 2008
Primary 5 cohort, replacing the current EM3 stream. |
|
"With
Subject-based Banding, students will be able to offer a mix
of Standard or Foundation subjects depending on their
aptitude in each subject... |
|
"Schools will
work out class and timetabling arrangements that allow
students to take separate classes in Foundation subjects
while being integrated with other students for the rest of
the curriculum..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Changi Airport's Terminal 2 completes S$240m makeover
-
Bus and train fares to increase by between 1 and 3 cents
|
MOE unveils S$250m plan to boost teaching profession |
|
"...an Enhanced PDL will allow a teacher who
has had at least 12 years of experience to take up to 2½
months (1 school term) of full-pay leave... |
|
"MOE will introduce a new Learning &
Development Scheme. In the scheme, teachers will be entitled to claim up
to $400 or $700 per year, for any learning-related expenses that they
choose... |
| "MOE is increasing the
starting salaries of Pass/ Pass (Merit) Degree and Diploma
recruits by 1 increment (which is equivalent to an increase
of 5-8%) with effect from 1 Sep 06. The current starting
salaries of trainee teachers holding other qualifications
remain competitive..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Medisave withdrawal for outpatient care for four chronic diseases
-
Medisave withdrawal limit for day surgery to go up from 1 Dec 2006
|
Key challenges facing public housing in Singapore |
|
 |
|
"Between now and 2030, the number of elderly
aged 65 years or older will increase dramatically, from 300,000 to
900,000. 1 in 5 Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above by 2030. |
|
"We will need to provide a wide range of
housing options to meet the different financial needs and lifestyle
preferences of the elderly, from smaller HDB flats like studio
apartments, to private retirement housing with dedicated care
facilities..." |
|
More..... |
|
- Easier for returning Singaporeans to go back to our schools
New personalised employment pass not tied to any employer |
|
The Ministry of Manpower will introduce a
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) from 1 January 2007 to help us better
attract and retain global talent... |
|
The PEP allows the holder to remain in
Singapore for up to six months in between jobs to evaluate new
employment opportunities. This helps us to retain selected global talent
who would otherwise have to leave Singapore... |
|
The PEP will be issued only once with a
validity of 5 years. It will be nonrenewable. A PEP holder will retain
the dependant privileges of his original EP type and the minimum annual
basic salary requirement of S$30,000 will continue to apply throughout
the 5-year duration... |
|
More..... |
|
-
New "R18"
rating for cabaret shows
-
Circulation Of Foreign Newspapers In Singapore
|
Subutex a Class A Controlled Drug from 14 Aug 2006 |
|
"From 14 August
2006, doctors will not be permitted to prescribe and
dispense any take-home dosages for existing patients. |
| "All
patients who require Subutex will have to consume their
medication under direct visual observation of the pharmacist, doctor
and/or his treatment team on a daily basis1 ..." |
|
More..... |
|
Proposed Changes to Unsecured Credit Rules |
|
"To lower the minimum income threshold
for unsecured credit facilities to $20,000 from $30,000. The minimum
income requirement for credit cards remains at $30,000. |
|
"To set the maximum aggregate credit
limit of all unsecured personal credit facilities and credit cards
granted by a financial institution at four times monthly income for
individuals with at least $30,000 in annual income. For individuals
with annual income of at least $20,000 and below $30,000, the maximum
aggregate credit limit will be twice their monthly income..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Proposed
changes to the Banking Act
Subutex to be classified as a controlled drug |
|
|
|
"While some heroin addicts appeared to have
benefited from Subutex, many others seem to have merely shifted their
addiction from heroin to Subutex. |
|
"In addition, many more who have never tried
drugs before have become new addicts. Within 4 years of introduction, we
now have at least 3800 Subutex users, 45% of them Malay, 43% Chinese and
10% Indian...." |
|
More..... |
|
True telephone number portability by 4Q 2007 |
|
"From the fourth
quarter of 2007, consumers can switch between telecoms
service providers easily and yet have full use of their
existing number, rather than having to update family
members, friends and business contacts about a new one... |
|
"Currently,
mobile subscribers can switch telecoms service providers and
keep their numbers. But he gets in essence a call-forwarding
service as a call to his old number is routed to his new
one. His contacts will see only this new number when he
makes out-going calls and sends messages (SMS)..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Number of recognised foreign medical schools increased to 120
Exit permit rules relaxed for National Servicemen from 1 Aug
2006 |
|
"Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) will
henceforth be exempted from applying for exit permits for short overseas
trips of less than 3 months... |
|
"NSmen who have completed their
Operationally-Ready National Service Training Cycle and have been
phased into the MINDEF Reserve (MR) will no longer be required to
notify the MNC of their overseas trips of more than 24 hours and
less than 6 months..." |
|
More..... |
|
Foreign domestic maids get one-day off in new
standard contract |
|
"This contract is designed to help
smoothen employer/employee relationships from the onset, by
minimising any ambiguities on the employment terms. |
|
"For example, the contract will
include the stipulation of the minimum of one
day-off entitlement for the Foreign Domestic Workers
(FDWs).
However, if the day-off is not taken, the employer will have to
compensate the FDW in cash..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Foreign Worker Levy and S-Pass quota to go up
-
SMRT
taxi fares to go up from 17 July 2006
-
Newton Food Centre reopens after nine-month makeover
Changes To Conditions For Massage Establishments |
|
Under the new
requirements, establishments administering foot-reflexology,
physiotherapy, traditional massage or curative massage must
ensure that the massage services are conducted in full view
of the public and satisfy the following new requirements
before they are exempted from the provisions of the Act... |
| To safeguard public health
and safety, masseuses, therapists and reflexologists who are
working or will be working in licensed massage
establishments may be required to undergo and pass a medical
health screening before they can be allowed to work for any
licensed establishment for massage... |
|
More..... |
|
Hawker centres, coffeeshops and cafes prepare for smoking
ban |
|
Smoking ban will be extended to hawker
centres, coffeeshops and cafes come 1st July. |
|
To protect patrons from second-hand smoke, foodshop operators can set up smoking corners for
those who want to light up. To date, close to half of the affected
outlets have decided to set up smoking corners in their outdoor
refreshment areas... |
|
More..... |
|
-
Age limit for taxi drivers to be raised to 73 years
-
Use of MyKad & cancellation of Malaysian restricted passports
-
Medisave for outpatient treatment of four chronic diseases by end 2006
Amended Enlistment Act requires males 13 years & older to
get exit permits |
|
 |
|
MINDEF will require
pre-enlistees aged 13 to 16½ to apply for Exit Permits if they
intend to be away from Singapore for 3 months or more... |
|
Those who require Exit Permits of 2
years or more will be required to furnish a bond... |
|
The penalty regime for Exit Permit
offences for those aged 13 to 16½ will be only a fine of up
to $2,000, with no custodial sentences... |
|
We will thus be introducing a new
offence in the Enlistment Act under which parents and guardians can
be made liable for the Exit Permit offences of their children or
wards of ages 13 to 16½ so that the penalty can be imposed on their
parents or guardians when the circumstances warrant it. The penalty
regime for the offence will also be a fine of up to $2,000. |
|
More..... |
|
-
203 buildings in Syed Alwi Road area to be conserved
-
Law against Singaporeans who sexually exploit minors overseas
|
2nd Defence Minister speaks on NS deferment & disruption |
|
|
|
Therefore, MINDEF will only grant
deferment for pre-enlistees to gain their basic educational
qualifications of ‘A’ levels, polytechnic diploma, or below. |
|
This is reasonable as most of our 18
year old NS enlistees would either have completed their basic
qualification programme or are about to complete it. |
| As university degrees are
considered higher educational qualifications, deferments for
university studies will no longer be allowed.
This new policy for deferments has been in place from the end of
last year. |
|
More..... |
|
-
Workplace Safety and Health Act replaces Factories Act
-
The
Singapore Sweep gets a major makeover
-
LTA to administer bus lane offences from 1 Feb 2006
-
MAS liberalises multi-function stored-value card market
-
Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) ups fines for errant soldiers
MINDEF to press for jail sentence in serious cases of NS
defaulters |
|
 |
|
"Since the appeal case in the High Court in 1993,
besides Melvyn Tan there have been 13 other cases of convicted defaulters who
were sentenced only to a fine and who were not subsequently enlisted because
they were already over 40 or almost 40. |
|
"This is something that we need to look into more
closely, especially as there may now be more defaulters who are 40 or older
coming before the courts with the passing of time... |
|
"MINDEF will be proposing to the House to increase
the maximum fine provided for in the Enlistment Act from the current $5,000 to
$10,000... |
|
"...from now on, MINDEF will ask the
prosecutor to press for a jail sentence in serious cases of NS defaulters, and
explain why we consider a jail sentence appropriate in a particular case... " |
|
More..... |
|
2005
-
Schools to get more say in design of school facilities
-
Pay half-hourly rates for night parking at HDB/URA carparks
Changes proposed for nomination of beneficiaries in
insurance policies |
|
"Presently,...a nomination by a policyholder
of his spouse and/or children will automatically create a
statutory trust in favour of the spouse and/or children governed by section 73 of the
Conveyancing and Law of Property Act (CLPA). |
|
"The creation of a statutory trust
effectively causes the policyholder to lose all rights to and control
over the policy. This means that without the consent of all the
beneficiaries, he cannot make any change to his nomination or the terms
of the policy... |
|
"MAS proposes to amend the Insurance Act to
bring under its purview the nomination of beneficiaries in
respect of the proceeds of insurance policies..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
Small Claims Tribunal to cover short-term residential tenancy agreements
Law amended to impose heavier penalties on loansharks |
|
 |
|
"But the number of unlicensed moneylending
and related harassment cases continues to rise: from some 1,500 cases in
1995 to almost 6,000 cases in 2004. |
|
"In some instances, parties who did not
borrow money were also harassed; for example, new occupants of dwellings
that were formerly occupied by debtors and people who had lost or
misplaced their identity cards. |
|
"In addition, the number of arrests made in
harassment cases more than doubled from 123 arrests in 2003 to 284
arrests in 2004..." |
|
More..... |
|
NUS
Corporatisation Bill |
|
"The new legislation aims to safeguard the
Government’s strategic interest in the university sector and
yet, give the universities the autonomy to be nimble and
responsive to the dynamic landscape... |
|
"The NUS Bill also provides the legislative
provisions to transfer NUS’ property, rights and liabilities to the
successor university company, and will repeal the existing NUS Act which
establishes NUS as a statutory board..." |
|
More..... |
|
- 51 new
school principals for 2006
-
New speed limits for 55 roads in southern Singapore from 1 Nov 2005
|
Compulsory registration for pre-paid SIM card holders |
|
"From 1 November, mobile service providers,
such as the Singapore Telecom Mobile Pte Ltd, StarHub Mobile Pte Ltd and
MobileOne Ltd, will be required to ensure compliance in recording the
personal details of all customers who buy prepaid SIM cards... |
|
"...all existing prepaid SIM card users are
required to re-register at retail outlets which sell prepaid SIM
cards sold by their respective mobile service providers. |
|
"Customers must be at least 15 years old
before being eligible to purchase a prepaid SIM card..." |
|
More..... |
|
-
CapitaLand acquires Seiyu stores in Singapore
-
Tourist attraction Newton Food Centre closes for makeover
-
New speed limits for 27 roads in the northeast
|
What's New - New Look & Changes
