Ministry of Trade and Industry
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Photo editing?
Have a look at the My Paper article on the situation in Burma. (note the photo used)
Now look at the Lianhe Zaobao article on the situation in Burma (notice the difference?)
Let's see the original photo from Reuters...
Now look at the Lianhe Zaobao article on the situation in Burma (notice the difference?)
Let's see the original photo from Reuters...
一天内宣布回收50万件 美六公司同时召回中国玩具
What would it take for the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to set up a system to protect the safety of consumers? 6 US companies have just announced a recall of 500,000 pieces of China toys. Wave after wave of recalls seem to have made no impact on MTI.
一天内宣布回收50万件 美六公司同时召回中国玩具
韩咏红(北京特派员)
美国玩具公司展开新一轮的中国制造儿童产品召回行动。当地时间星期三一天内，共有六家公司宣布回收新一批总数超过50万件的中国制造玩具和儿童首饰，理由是这些产品被验出铅含量超标，达到危险水平。
市场分析人士相信，一日之内有这么多公司宣布召回问题产品，反映美国业界已加强检验产品。因此这类涉及中国制造玩具安全的召回行动，还将持续。与此同时，美国玩具商的经验已引起英国业界警惕。
英将加强玩具检查
英国的玩具及嗜好用品协会（Britain's Toy & Hobby Association）昨天表示，将加强对玩具的品质检查。
曾于2006年召回2万支中国制造儿童手电筒的美国Target Corp，本月26日宣布自愿召回35万件中国制造的儿童园艺工具和椅子，原因是这些产品的表面涂漆中的铅含量过高，这些产品从今年8月开始在美国售卖，售价介于3美元至10美元（约4.50至15新元）不等。
今年6月间刚召回150万件中国制造玩具小火车的RC2公司，这次召回800件“剑骑士”系列玩具。俄亥俄州的Jo-Ann Stores 召回1万6000件今年以来在全美各地出售的玩具草耙。
除了儿童玩具，儿童首饰也是美国公司加强检查的目标产品。纽约的TOBY N.Y.C公司扩大原来的召回规模，再召回2万3500件心型和猴型胸坠；以罗得岛为基地的Novelty公司召回850件儿童“旋转轮”金属项链，原因是这些项链的扣环铅含量超标。
虽然上述6家玩具公司均表示，没有收到报告显示这些玩具或饰品有小孩因使用这些产品而受到伤害，但从最新一轮召回行动看来，中国制造儿童玩具和用品在美国引起的铅含量安全危机，还在扩大。
全球最大的玩具商、美国美泰公司本月21日就中国制造玩具被召回一事向中方道歉，中国舆论界随后传出要求美国媒体也道歉、并要为“中国制造”赢回尊严的声浪，但新近的召回事件显示，涉及中国制造玩具的安全问题，尤其是儿童玩具和儿童用品中的铅含量问题，仍未告一段落。
美联社本周一曾发表报道说，自中国制造玩具大量被召回以后，美国一些从事产品测试的私人公司和实验室生意大增。一些有逾千名雇员的国际公司还准备增聘人手。
今年以来，美国玩具商因玩具铅含量超标而召回产品的宗数，至今已接近50宗，这个数字据说比是美国过去任何一年里玩具被召回的总数高出超过一倍。
连月来的安全风暴，给中国的玩具商以及在中国开设玩具厂的港商相当大的压力。中国的玩具商声称，一些玩具被认为有质量问题，是由于美国玩具设计本身有缺陷，但中国市场上含铅油漆，或劣质油漆的存在，仍是一些玩具厂老板的心头阴影。上个月，一名港籍玩具厂老板张树鸿即因误用了劣质油漆，导致他96万 7000件玩具被召回，张树鸿后来上吊自尽。
中国商务部：
严肃对待产品问题
另一方面，中国商务部发言人昨天对记者说，中国严肃对待产品安全问题，即使1000件产品中只有1件有问题，中国政府也会尽一切努力根据实际情况来认真解决问题。
中国国家质检总局局长李长江上周五会见美泰公司副总裁迪汤姆时也透露，为张树鸿提供不合格油漆的企业，已被追究刑事责任，四人被拘留。
一天内宣布回收50万件 美六公司同时召回中国玩具
韩咏红(北京特派员)
美国玩具公司展开新一轮的中国制造儿童产品召回行动。当地时间星期三一天内，共有六家公司宣布回收新一批总数超过50万件的中国制造玩具和儿童首饰，理由是这些产品被验出铅含量超标，达到危险水平。
市场分析人士相信，一日之内有这么多公司宣布召回问题产品，反映美国业界已加强检验产品。因此这类涉及中国制造玩具安全的召回行动，还将持续。与此同时，美国玩具商的经验已引起英国业界警惕。
英将加强玩具检查
英国的玩具及嗜好用品协会（Britain's Toy & Hobby Association）昨天表示，将加强对玩具的品质检查。
曾于2006年召回2万支中国制造儿童手电筒的美国Target Corp，本月26日宣布自愿召回35万件中国制造的儿童园艺工具和椅子，原因是这些产品的表面涂漆中的铅含量过高，这些产品从今年8月开始在美国售卖，售价介于3美元至10美元（约4.50至15新元）不等。
今年6月间刚召回150万件中国制造玩具小火车的RC2公司，这次召回800件“剑骑士”系列玩具。俄亥俄州的Jo-Ann Stores 召回1万6000件今年以来在全美各地出售的玩具草耙。
除了儿童玩具，儿童首饰也是美国公司加强检查的目标产品。纽约的TOBY N.Y.C公司扩大原来的召回规模，再召回2万3500件心型和猴型胸坠；以罗得岛为基地的Novelty公司召回850件儿童“旋转轮”金属项链，原因是这些项链的扣环铅含量超标。
虽然上述6家玩具公司均表示，没有收到报告显示这些玩具或饰品有小孩因使用这些产品而受到伤害，但从最新一轮召回行动看来，中国制造儿童玩具和用品在美国引起的铅含量安全危机，还在扩大。
全球最大的玩具商、美国美泰公司本月21日就中国制造玩具被召回一事向中方道歉，中国舆论界随后传出要求美国媒体也道歉、并要为“中国制造”赢回尊严的声浪，但新近的召回事件显示，涉及中国制造玩具的安全问题，尤其是儿童玩具和儿童用品中的铅含量问题，仍未告一段落。
美联社本周一曾发表报道说，自中国制造玩具大量被召回以后，美国一些从事产品测试的私人公司和实验室生意大增。一些有逾千名雇员的国际公司还准备增聘人手。
今年以来，美国玩具商因玩具铅含量超标而召回产品的宗数，至今已接近50宗，这个数字据说比是美国过去任何一年里玩具被召回的总数高出超过一倍。
连月来的安全风暴，给中国的玩具商以及在中国开设玩具厂的港商相当大的压力。中国的玩具商声称，一些玩具被认为有质量问题，是由于美国玩具设计本身有缺陷，但中国市场上含铅油漆，或劣质油漆的存在，仍是一些玩具厂老板的心头阴影。上个月，一名港籍玩具厂老板张树鸿即因误用了劣质油漆，导致他96万 7000件玩具被召回，张树鸿后来上吊自尽。
中国商务部：
严肃对待产品问题
另一方面，中国商务部发言人昨天对记者说，中国严肃对待产品安全问题，即使1000件产品中只有1件有问题，中国政府也会尽一切努力根据实际情况来认真解决问题。
中国国家质检总局局长李长江上周五会见美泰公司副总裁迪汤姆时也透露，为张树鸿提供不合格油漆的企业，已被追究刑事责任，四人被拘留。
Thursday, September 27, 2007
2 charged with RM200m Net scam
Malaysia Boleh! What about the Monetary Authority of Singapore?
The New Straits Times Online.......
By A. Hafiz Yatim
27 September, 2007
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara scored a first when it charged two directors with operating an Internet investment scam which saw them allegedly raking in more than RM200 million in just over a year. The directors of the Internet-based companies - PicPay Dot Com and New Mark Business Centre - became the first to be charged with collecting deposits without a licence in a get-rich-quick scheme.
The two - Briton Bryan John Marsden, 59, and his Malaysian wife Phan Sew Ken, 55 - are accused of duping thousands of investors in the scam.
Most of their victims are said to be from the United States, Australia and Britain while local investors are said to be fewer than 20.
The locals are believed to have invested RM650,000.
Marsden was charged with four counts of taking deposits without a licence while his wife was charged with two similar counts. All charges are under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989.
Marsden, a former project manager of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kuala Lumpur City Centre project, claimed trial to collecting deposits while he was a director of PicPay Dot Com and New Mark Business Centre.
Both companies were also charged with the same offence and Marsden represented them both.
Phan, a former teacher, also claimed trial to collecting deposits while being a director of both the companies.
The alleged offences occurred at PT 7323 Second floor, Jalan BBN1/2E, Bandar Baru Nilai, Seremban, between April 10, 2004, and July 4, 2005.
The couple face a maximum fine of RM10 million or 10 years’ jail, or both, for each charge if convicted.
The couple was produced at the Sessions Court here and in Seremban in August last year, where Marsden claimed trial to 51 counts of money laundering, while Phan claimed trial to 46 counts.
Marsden and Phan are being remanded at the Seremban and Kajang prisons respectively, after they failed to post bail of RM900,000 each last year.
Bank Negara deputy public prosecutor Fahmi Abdul Moin applied for bail at RM500,000 each with one surety for all six charges.
He also applied that the couple surrender their passports.
Their counsel, J. Kuldeep Kumar, told the court that their assets worth RM8 million had been frozen by Bank Negara as a result of the money-laundering cases. “I would like to apply that the frozen assets be used as bail.”
Fahmi said frozen assets could not be used as a condition to post bail.
Judge Rozana Ali Yusoff fixed bail at RM400,000 with one surety for Marsden, and RM300,000 with one surety for Phan.
She also ordered that both of them surrender their passports, and fixed three days beginning May 6 for hearing.
In April, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said the government was studying laws to put a stop to Internet investment scams .
Najib said people must be aware that they could lose money in such schemes.
The New Straits Times Online.......
By A. Hafiz Yatim
27 September, 2007
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara scored a first when it charged two directors with operating an Internet investment scam which saw them allegedly raking in more than RM200 million in just over a year. The directors of the Internet-based companies - PicPay Dot Com and New Mark Business Centre - became the first to be charged with collecting deposits without a licence in a get-rich-quick scheme.
The two - Briton Bryan John Marsden, 59, and his Malaysian wife Phan Sew Ken, 55 - are accused of duping thousands of investors in the scam.
Most of their victims are said to be from the United States, Australia and Britain while local investors are said to be fewer than 20.
The locals are believed to have invested RM650,000.
Marsden was charged with four counts of taking deposits without a licence while his wife was charged with two similar counts. All charges are under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989.
Marsden, a former project manager of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kuala Lumpur City Centre project, claimed trial to collecting deposits while he was a director of PicPay Dot Com and New Mark Business Centre.
Both companies were also charged with the same offence and Marsden represented them both.
Phan, a former teacher, also claimed trial to collecting deposits while being a director of both the companies.
The alleged offences occurred at PT 7323 Second floor, Jalan BBN1/2E, Bandar Baru Nilai, Seremban, between April 10, 2004, and July 4, 2005.
The couple face a maximum fine of RM10 million or 10 years’ jail, or both, for each charge if convicted.
The couple was produced at the Sessions Court here and in Seremban in August last year, where Marsden claimed trial to 51 counts of money laundering, while Phan claimed trial to 46 counts.
Marsden and Phan are being remanded at the Seremban and Kajang prisons respectively, after they failed to post bail of RM900,000 each last year.
Bank Negara deputy public prosecutor Fahmi Abdul Moin applied for bail at RM500,000 each with one surety for all six charges.
He also applied that the couple surrender their passports.
Their counsel, J. Kuldeep Kumar, told the court that their assets worth RM8 million had been frozen by Bank Negara as a result of the money-laundering cases. “I would like to apply that the frozen assets be used as bail.”
Fahmi said frozen assets could not be used as a condition to post bail.
Judge Rozana Ali Yusoff fixed bail at RM400,000 with one surety for Marsden, and RM300,000 with one surety for Phan.
She also ordered that both of them surrender their passports, and fixed three days beginning May 6 for hearing.
In April, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said the government was studying laws to put a stop to Internet investment scams .
Najib said people must be aware that they could lose money in such schemes.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Racist blogs taken offline
TODAYonline
Tuesday • September 25, 2007
Nazry Bahrawi
nazry@mediacorp.com.sg
TWO blogs featuring racist comments have been blocked about a week after the authorities were alerted.
Peppered with vulgarities, the postings carried derogatory remarks about Muslims in Singapore. One blog was created in August and the other earlier this month. Both were apparently created by the same person — a Singapore-based male student, if the user profile on both blogs was to be believed.
Hosted on Google's Blogger site, both blogs were taken offline last week for violating the host's "terms of service". Just before they were blocked, the sites registered more than 140 hits in total.
Trainee teacher Tanveer Khan stumbled across the blogs on Sept 9. The 32-year-old immediately emailed an alert to the Media Development Authority (MDA).
Three days later, he received a reply that the police were looking into the matter. The blogs were blocked on Sept 18 and 20, respectively.
When contacted, a Google spokesperson told Today: "When we are notified of the existence of content that violates our Terms of Service, we act quickly to review it and determine whether it violates these policies.
"If we determine that it does, we will remove it immediately."
The spokesperson added: "Blogger prohibits certain kinds of content from being hosted on its servers."
More details on specific content that violates the company's policies are at www.blogger.com/content.g.
In response to queries, the Ministry of Home Affairs said: "The Government has always maintained a strong stance against activities that could disrupt our racial and religious harmony and will not hesitate to take action against those who attempt to do so."
It added: "The Police does not patrol the Internet because it is not practicable to do so. However, when warranted, the Police will inquire and investigate conduct on the Net based on specific intelligence received or information from complaints."
While such inflammatory sites should not be allowed to exist, Hong Kah GRC Member of Parliament Zaqy Mohamad agreed that it was impossible to monitor everything on the Web.
But Mr Tanveer told Today: "This person has a dangerous mind and needs to be traced. He must be stopped."
With the proposed changes to the Penal Code tabled last week in Parliament, a person convicted of causing racial and religious disharmony can be jailed up to three years or fined, or both. The Bill is up for debate next month.
Said Mr Zaqy: "If the blogger is found guilty, then I will leave it to the court to decide the punishment. I don't think there should be an exception in this case."
Nazry Bahrawi
nazry@mediacorp.com.sg
TWO blogs featuring racist comments have been blocked about a week after the authorities were alerted.
Peppered with vulgarities, the postings carried derogatory remarks about Muslims in Singapore. One blog was created in August and the other earlier this month. Both were apparently created by the same person — a Singapore-based male student, if the user profile on both blogs was to be believed.
Hosted on Google's Blogger site, both blogs were taken offline last week for violating the host's "terms of service". Just before they were blocked, the sites registered more than 140 hits in total.
Trainee teacher Tanveer Khan stumbled across the blogs on Sept 9. The 32-year-old immediately emailed an alert to the Media Development Authority (MDA).
Three days later, he received a reply that the police were looking into the matter. The blogs were blocked on Sept 18 and 20, respectively.
When contacted, a Google spokesperson told Today: "When we are notified of the existence of content that violates our Terms of Service, we act quickly to review it and determine whether it violates these policies.
"If we determine that it does, we will remove it immediately."
The spokesperson added: "Blogger prohibits certain kinds of content from being hosted on its servers."
More details on specific content that violates the company's policies are at www.blogger.com/content.g.
In response to queries, the Ministry of Home Affairs said: "The Government has always maintained a strong stance against activities that could disrupt our racial and religious harmony and will not hesitate to take action against those who attempt to do so."
It added: "The Police does not patrol the Internet because it is not practicable to do so. However, when warranted, the Police will inquire and investigate conduct on the Net based on specific intelligence received or information from complaints."
While such inflammatory sites should not be allowed to exist, Hong Kah GRC Member of Parliament Zaqy Mohamad agreed that it was impossible to monitor everything on the Web.
But Mr Tanveer told Today: "This person has a dangerous mind and needs to be traced. He must be stopped."
With the proposed changes to the Penal Code tabled last week in Parliament, a person convicted of causing racial and religious disharmony can be jailed up to three years or fined, or both. The Bill is up for debate next month.
Said Mr Zaqy: "If the blogger is found guilty, then I will leave it to the court to decide the punishment. I don't think there should be an exception in this case."
Public Statement on Internet Security
MAS
MAS had issued a public statement in July 2006 cautioning members of the public not to fall victim to unsolicited emails or letters purportedly from MAS requesting for their personal information or to transfer funds to a particular party or account.
Of late, MAS has again, learnt of isolated cases of fraudulent emails containing MAS' name, logo and letterhead. These emails ask the recipients for personal details such as banking information. We would like to reiterate that MAS does not send unsolicited emails asking for confidential information.
In light of increased internet security threats like phishing and the use of spyware, the public should be suspicious of unsolicited emails that bear the names of institutions and request for confidential information or give instructions to transfer funds to a particular party or account. Such emails usually represent an attempt to defraud the public. For tips to protect yourself from such fraudulent activities, please refer to the following MoneySENSE guides: "Phishing - How to Avoid becoming a Victim" , "Pitfalls of Dealing with Unregulated Persons" and "Protect Yourself Against Bogus Investment Opportunities".
If you receive any unsolicited emails or letters purportedly from MAS requesting for your personal information or offering to transfer funds into your bank account, you should report them to MAS immediately. You can contact us at:
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Communications Division
External Department
10 Shenton Way
MAS Building
Singapore 079117
Tel: (65) 1800 2258128
Fax: (65) 62270705
Email: webmaster@mas.gov.sg
24 September 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Interim report of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
N0746140.pdf (application/pdf Object)
In a report submitted to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Philip Alston commented on his request for a visit to Singapore.
"The Government of Singapore, for example, with the highest per capita rate of judicial executions in the world, has firmly rejected a request for a visit. Instead the Government has opted to level ad hominem attacks by accusing the Special Rapporteur of pursuing a “personal agenda” that exceeds his mandate. Rather than opting to engage, the Government of Singapore asserts that it is for the Government whose practices are called into question, rather than the Special Rapporteur, to interpret the mandate given by the Council."
In a report submitted to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Philip Alston commented on his request for a visit to Singapore.
"The Government of Singapore, for example, with the highest per capita rate of judicial executions in the world, has firmly rejected a request for a visit. Instead the Government has opted to level ad hominem attacks by accusing the Special Rapporteur of pursuing a “personal agenda” that exceeds his mandate. Rather than opting to engage, the Government of Singapore asserts that it is for the Government whose practices are called into question, rather than the Special Rapporteur, to interpret the mandate given by the Council."
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Car imports come under scrutiny
Sep 14, 2007
Car imports come under scrutiny
Two traders arrested as Customs looks into importers underdeclaring value of vehicles
By Christopher Tan
THE buzz of wheeling and dealing at the Automobile Megamart in Kampong Ubi was interrupted on Tuesday morning when officers from Singapore Customs arrested two motor traders.
Ng Chee Siang, 24, and Chua Wee Meng, 37, were charged in court on Wednesday for trying to recover documents seized by Customs for an investigation.
If convicted, the duo face a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and 18 months in jail.
The alleged offences took place in June, at 61 Ubi Ave 2, unit #07-05 - which is also the office of a top parallel importer here. The company would not comment yesterday.
The Straits Times understands that the arrests are part of a crackdown on car importers suspected of underdeclaring the value of their cars, a widespread practice estimated to cost the Government millions in taxes every year.
A Customs spokesman confirmed that its officers were carrying out audits on car importers, but declined to say more as investigations are ongoing.
The Straits Times reported in June that the difference between the declared values of parallel imports and comparable cars brought in by authorised agents has widened in recent years.
The difference in taxes they attract can be more than $10,000 per car - thus allowing parallel imports to be priced far more competitively.
Parallel imports now account for 27 per cent of the new car market, up from less than 5 per cent in the 1990s, when the market was liberalised to facilitate such imports.
The crackdown is already having an impact, say industry sources. They have seen the open-market value (OMV) of several popular parallel imports adjusted upwards in recent weeks.
The OMV is roughly the cost price of a car plus the cost of transporting it to Singapore. It is the base rate on which all vehicle taxes are applied.
'There were some revisions,' a Singapore Vehicle Traders Association committee member noted.
Traders have started to advertise higher OMVs for some models. This has resulted in a wider-than-normal range of prices in the showrooms of parallel importers.
For instance, the hot-selling Toyota Wish XE goes for between $72,000 and $75,000, while the Toyota Estima X ranges from $99,000 to $108,000. The Toyota Harrier is now priced between $106,000 and $101,000.
Singapore Customs said the two arrests were the first made this year. Between 2004 and last year, it took four cases to court and collected $1.23 million in fines. Another 25 cases were settled out of court when importers paid composition fines of $3.2 million.
The fines collected pale in comparison to those for similar cases in the 1990s, when Customs and the Land Transport Authority recovered tens of millions of dollars, mainly from authorised agents.
'Motor traders have become a lot smarter. They don't leave incriminating evidence like memos and e-mail around,' said an industry expert.
Many of them set up companies in Japan or Britain which act as exporters, selling them cars and allowing them to quote prices that are far below factory ones, he explained.
'The burden of proof is on Customs...to produce evidence of a trader suppressing the value of a vehicle,' he said.
Observers reckon fundamental changes are needed if the problem is to be licked.
'We should apply taxes at the point of sale, based on the retail price of the vehicle,' suggested Mr Cecil Leong, managing director of Customs consulting firm Bryan Cave International Trade.
christan@sph.com.sg
Car imports come under scrutiny
Two traders arrested as Customs looks into importers underdeclaring value of vehicles
By Christopher Tan
THE buzz of wheeling and dealing at the Automobile Megamart in Kampong Ubi was interrupted on Tuesday morning when officers from Singapore Customs arrested two motor traders.
Ng Chee Siang, 24, and Chua Wee Meng, 37, were charged in court on Wednesday for trying to recover documents seized by Customs for an investigation.
If convicted, the duo face a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and 18 months in jail.
The alleged offences took place in June, at 61 Ubi Ave 2, unit #07-05 - which is also the office of a top parallel importer here. The company would not comment yesterday.
The Straits Times understands that the arrests are part of a crackdown on car importers suspected of underdeclaring the value of their cars, a widespread practice estimated to cost the Government millions in taxes every year.
A Customs spokesman confirmed that its officers were carrying out audits on car importers, but declined to say more as investigations are ongoing.
The Straits Times reported in June that the difference between the declared values of parallel imports and comparable cars brought in by authorised agents has widened in recent years.
The difference in taxes they attract can be more than $10,000 per car - thus allowing parallel imports to be priced far more competitively.
Parallel imports now account for 27 per cent of the new car market, up from less than 5 per cent in the 1990s, when the market was liberalised to facilitate such imports.
The crackdown is already having an impact, say industry sources. They have seen the open-market value (OMV) of several popular parallel imports adjusted upwards in recent weeks.
The OMV is roughly the cost price of a car plus the cost of transporting it to Singapore. It is the base rate on which all vehicle taxes are applied.
'There were some revisions,' a Singapore Vehicle Traders Association committee member noted.
Traders have started to advertise higher OMVs for some models. This has resulted in a wider-than-normal range of prices in the showrooms of parallel importers.
For instance, the hot-selling Toyota Wish XE goes for between $72,000 and $75,000, while the Toyota Estima X ranges from $99,000 to $108,000. The Toyota Harrier is now priced between $106,000 and $101,000.
Singapore Customs said the two arrests were the first made this year. Between 2004 and last year, it took four cases to court and collected $1.23 million in fines. Another 25 cases were settled out of court when importers paid composition fines of $3.2 million.
The fines collected pale in comparison to those for similar cases in the 1990s, when Customs and the Land Transport Authority recovered tens of millions of dollars, mainly from authorised agents.
'Motor traders have become a lot smarter. They don't leave incriminating evidence like memos and e-mail around,' said an industry expert.
Many of them set up companies in Japan or Britain which act as exporters, selling them cars and allowing them to quote prices that are far below factory ones, he explained.
'The burden of proof is on Customs...to produce evidence of a trader suppressing the value of a vehicle,' he said.
Observers reckon fundamental changes are needed if the problem is to be licked.
'We should apply taxes at the point of sale, based on the retail price of the vehicle,' suggested Mr Cecil Leong, managing director of Customs consulting firm Bryan Cave International Trade.
christan@sph.com.sg
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Waiting times at Polyclinics
2 new features to help people who intend to visit the polyclinics...
Queue Watch
Attendances and Waiting Times at Polyclinics
Queue Watch
Attendances and Waiting Times at Polyclinics
理财教育“课”不容缓
理财教育“课”不容缓
Financial literacy "lessons" cannot be postponed
Zaobao opinion piece, english translation to follow...
------------------------------------------
陈迎竹
房市热闹滚滚，股市谁也看不准，退休、年金和公积金又都成了最热门的话题。
这许多现象其实都涉及一个全民应该学习、但学校却并未重视的理财教育问题。
理财教育不被视为正规教育的一部分，不独新加坡如此，以先进国为主的经济合作与发展组织（OECD）到2003年才开始探讨普及理财教育（financial literacy）的问题。
它在2005年发表的报告中指出，澳洲受访者有67%表示了解复利概念，但要应用复利做计算时，事实上只有28%做得到；英国受访者有许多陷入财务危机而不自知；加拿大人则认为选择正确的投资比看牙医还紧张。
理财工作不能完全交给别人
在信息充裕的地区，民众在日常生活的大众传媒渠道中，毕竟还有耳濡目染的机会，人云亦云久之也有点概念。本地社会相形之下，信息不够普及，李光耀资政十年前就说过，新加坡金融界的“小道消息”不如香港，影响了市场的反应速度。
十年来，业内在这方面或许已有改善，但在老百姓层面，对理财的观念显然仍很贫乏，从不时在媒体出现的对金融机构的投诉就可见一斑。
理财就是个人财务的管理，不被列入正规教育的结果，是许多国人，不管受教育多寡，都缺乏这方面的知识和运作能力，乃至理解能力。
现在既然是知识经济的时代，金融商品日益多元复杂化，就像学者曾渊沧所说的，有一堆金融工程师专门在设计各种各样的投资工具，而显然其中细微与复杂的计算，莫不都站在所属金融机构的利益出发。
许多人在银行排个队，就被“顾客关系经理”游说，在无法深入理解自己所需的情况下，签下各种各样的投资商品。
在市道好的时候，皆大欢喜却不知何时应该下马；遇到市道逆转，受了内伤却可能已经找不到该有的“顾客关系”了。所以不少买了许多年的金融商品，到头来却发现白忙一场，即使不亏也没有满意的收获。
凡此种种，都是因为完全把理财的工作交给别人，一些人上巴刹买一袋青菜还得随时看紧，却在大把钱交给金融机构以后不闻不问，态度上还真是“青菜”得很。
于是，我们大多数人民的理财方式，过去莫不以公积金为依归，外加一点银行定期存款，买股票则与其说投资，很多人其实更像在赌博。
而相信还真的有相当多人认为遍布全岛三百多家的投注站是政府提供的理财便利店，生财之道多的是：多多、马票、大彩、足球，还有层出不穷的玩法，连老阿伯都会对着电脑荧屏看积分。
媒体时而免费配合赌博公司大事渲染中大奖者的故事，也更让小老百姓坚定“投注理财”的信念。
学校课程必须实际而有趣
传统教育观主导下的学校，功能从传道授业解惑到就业准备和职业训练甚至企业精神的培训，就是还没有把个人财务管理的行为与知识视为要务。
然而既已是知识经济的时代，了解这是个不能依赖一份工作做到老的时代，曾经定期提供退休储备的公积金，忽然发现都不够用了，对大多数的中低收入阶层来说，理财更成了一种必须终身持续的习惯。
现今社会上的理财知识多仰赖大众媒介，但是对受教育不高的人来说，往往可望而不可即，有心学习也缺乏系统，因此，因应时代的变迁与需要，理财教育更应该和两性教育、生命教育等等一起，成为学校教育的重要一环。
我认为学生在13到18岁之间，不管进入什么学校，都必须接受理财课程。理财事实上是一门牵涉面极其繁杂的知识，从复利的概念到投资工具、金融商品的种类，从风险的计算到金钱运用的选择，从财富的意义到面对金钱的态度，从具体细致到抽象概念。
课程可在几年的时间里传授，由浅入深，不必考试，但课程规划必须实际而有趣，教师必须有正确的态度和方法，让学生明白课程的意义和重要性。
金钱是人一生所需，大多数人一生所求，许多人穷其一生营营役役仍捉襟见肘，但正规教育却不把它纳入课程，冀望人民离开学校以后靠自己的接触去学习，是现代社会的虚矫与错误。
从小提供长期而有系统的财务管理知识训练，对国民成年以后养成理财习惯至关重要。人民有能力理财，国家才能彻底摆脱国富民贫的窘境。从这个意义上看，理财课程对绝大多数人来说，实在比物理化学几何代数重要得多了。
·作者是《联合早报》新闻编辑
Financial literacy "lessons" cannot be postponed
Zaobao opinion piece, english translation to follow...
------------------------------------------
陈迎竹
房市热闹滚滚，股市谁也看不准，退休、年金和公积金又都成了最热门的话题。
这许多现象其实都涉及一个全民应该学习、但学校却并未重视的理财教育问题。
理财教育不被视为正规教育的一部分，不独新加坡如此，以先进国为主的经济合作与发展组织（OECD）到2003年才开始探讨普及理财教育（financial literacy）的问题。
它在2005年发表的报告中指出，澳洲受访者有67%表示了解复利概念，但要应用复利做计算时，事实上只有28%做得到；英国受访者有许多陷入财务危机而不自知；加拿大人则认为选择正确的投资比看牙医还紧张。
理财工作不能完全交给别人
在信息充裕的地区，民众在日常生活的大众传媒渠道中，毕竟还有耳濡目染的机会，人云亦云久之也有点概念。本地社会相形之下，信息不够普及，李光耀资政十年前就说过，新加坡金融界的“小道消息”不如香港，影响了市场的反应速度。
十年来，业内在这方面或许已有改善，但在老百姓层面，对理财的观念显然仍很贫乏，从不时在媒体出现的对金融机构的投诉就可见一斑。
理财就是个人财务的管理，不被列入正规教育的结果，是许多国人，不管受教育多寡，都缺乏这方面的知识和运作能力，乃至理解能力。
现在既然是知识经济的时代，金融商品日益多元复杂化，就像学者曾渊沧所说的，有一堆金融工程师专门在设计各种各样的投资工具，而显然其中细微与复杂的计算，莫不都站在所属金融机构的利益出发。
许多人在银行排个队，就被“顾客关系经理”游说，在无法深入理解自己所需的情况下，签下各种各样的投资商品。
在市道好的时候，皆大欢喜却不知何时应该下马；遇到市道逆转，受了内伤却可能已经找不到该有的“顾客关系”了。所以不少买了许多年的金融商品，到头来却发现白忙一场，即使不亏也没有满意的收获。
凡此种种，都是因为完全把理财的工作交给别人，一些人上巴刹买一袋青菜还得随时看紧，却在大把钱交给金融机构以后不闻不问，态度上还真是“青菜”得很。
于是，我们大多数人民的理财方式，过去莫不以公积金为依归，外加一点银行定期存款，买股票则与其说投资，很多人其实更像在赌博。
而相信还真的有相当多人认为遍布全岛三百多家的投注站是政府提供的理财便利店，生财之道多的是：多多、马票、大彩、足球，还有层出不穷的玩法，连老阿伯都会对着电脑荧屏看积分。
媒体时而免费配合赌博公司大事渲染中大奖者的故事，也更让小老百姓坚定“投注理财”的信念。
学校课程必须实际而有趣
传统教育观主导下的学校，功能从传道授业解惑到就业准备和职业训练甚至企业精神的培训，就是还没有把个人财务管理的行为与知识视为要务。
然而既已是知识经济的时代，了解这是个不能依赖一份工作做到老的时代，曾经定期提供退休储备的公积金，忽然发现都不够用了，对大多数的中低收入阶层来说，理财更成了一种必须终身持续的习惯。
现今社会上的理财知识多仰赖大众媒介，但是对受教育不高的人来说，往往可望而不可即，有心学习也缺乏系统，因此，因应时代的变迁与需要，理财教育更应该和两性教育、生命教育等等一起，成为学校教育的重要一环。
我认为学生在13到18岁之间，不管进入什么学校，都必须接受理财课程。理财事实上是一门牵涉面极其繁杂的知识，从复利的概念到投资工具、金融商品的种类，从风险的计算到金钱运用的选择，从财富的意义到面对金钱的态度，从具体细致到抽象概念。
课程可在几年的时间里传授，由浅入深，不必考试，但课程规划必须实际而有趣，教师必须有正确的态度和方法，让学生明白课程的意义和重要性。
金钱是人一生所需，大多数人一生所求，许多人穷其一生营营役役仍捉襟见肘，但正规教育却不把它纳入课程，冀望人民离开学校以后靠自己的接触去学习，是现代社会的虚矫与错误。
从小提供长期而有系统的财务管理知识训练，对国民成年以后养成理财习惯至关重要。人民有能力理财，国家才能彻底摆脱国富民贫的窘境。从这个意义上看，理财课程对绝大多数人来说，实在比物理化学几何代数重要得多了。
·作者是《联合早报》新闻编辑
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Additional free legal clinics by the Law Society
Singaporeans looking for free legal aid now have more options, due to additional clinics set up by the Law Society. This supplements existing legal clinics set up by various bodies, including community centres, family service centres, and other charities.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Straits Times
Sep 10, 2007
Law Society office opens doors to give free legal aid
THE Law Society of Singapore has launched a pro bono or free services office to make legal aid available to people who cannot afford to pay for it.
'No one in Singapore should be bereft of someone to turn to if they should need legal advice or help, including those who cannot afford to pay for it,' said president of the Law Society Mr Philip Jeyaretnam on Monday.
Two pilot community legal clinics have been launched, as part of a new pro bono initiative by the Ministry of Law and the Law Society, with the support of the Singapore Academy of Law and the North-West and South-East Community Development Councils.
The two clinics will provide 'basic legal advice and information to needy Singaporeans and permanent residents', said Mr Jeyaretnam at the official opening at the Subordinate Courts.
'The opening of this Office clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Law Society of Singapore to its mission of serving the community by facilitating access to justice,' said Mr Jeyaretnam .
The pro bono services office encourages lawyers to contribute 25 hours of work a year, he said.
The office will administer the Law Society's pro bono programmes - Project Law Help and the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme - and will also work with the Legal Aid Bureau to develop new schemes.
'This will provide many more avenues for lawyers to volunteer their time to help needy Singaporeans.'
He commended lawyers who have been contributing to helping those in need. 'Over the years now, many lawyers from both large and small firms have been rendering voluntary service quietly behind the scenes in various ways,' he said.
'In these and other ways, lawyers do their part in making Singapore a 'happening' place.'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Straits Times
Sep 10, 2007
Law Society office opens doors to give free legal aid
THE Law Society of Singapore has launched a pro bono or free services office to make legal aid available to people who cannot afford to pay for it.
'No one in Singapore should be bereft of someone to turn to if they should need legal advice or help, including those who cannot afford to pay for it,' said president of the Law Society Mr Philip Jeyaretnam on Monday.
Two pilot community legal clinics have been launched, as part of a new pro bono initiative by the Ministry of Law and the Law Society, with the support of the Singapore Academy of Law and the North-West and South-East Community Development Councils.
The two clinics will provide 'basic legal advice and information to needy Singaporeans and permanent residents', said Mr Jeyaretnam at the official opening at the Subordinate Courts.
'The opening of this Office clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Law Society of Singapore to its mission of serving the community by facilitating access to justice,' said Mr Jeyaretnam .
The pro bono services office encourages lawyers to contribute 25 hours of work a year, he said.
The office will administer the Law Society's pro bono programmes - Project Law Help and the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme - and will also work with the Legal Aid Bureau to develop new schemes.
'This will provide many more avenues for lawyers to volunteer their time to help needy Singaporeans.'
He commended lawyers who have been contributing to helping those in need. 'Over the years now, many lawyers from both large and small firms have been rendering voluntary service quietly behind the scenes in various ways,' he said.
'In these and other ways, lawyers do their part in making Singapore a 'happening' place.'
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Too many laws? (a.k.a. Not enough enforcement, not enough knowledge)
Lets sit down and try to list down the laws that relate directly to consumer protection in one way or another
- Banking Act
- Business Registration Act
- Central Provident Fund Act
- Charities Act
- Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act
- Consumer Protection (Trade Descriptions and Safety Requirements) Act
- Companies Act
- Financial Advisers Act
- Employment Agencies Act
- Goods and Services Tax Act
- Health Products Act 2007
- Hire-Purchase Act
- House to House and Street Collections Act
- Insurance Act
- Medical Registration Act
- Minors’ Contracts Act
- Misrepresentation Act
- Money-changing and Remittance Businesses Act
- Moneylenders Act
- Multi-level Marketing and Pyramid Selling (Prohibition) Act
- Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007
- Pawnbrokers Act
- Poisons Act
- Price Control Act
- Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act
- Sale of Drugs Act
- Sale of Food Act
- Secondhand Goods Dealers Act 2007
- Small Claims Tribunals Act
- Spam Control Act 2007
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act
- Travel Agents Act
- Unfair Contract Terms Act
- Weights and Measures Act
Monday, September 03, 2007
Cellphones affect human cells without heating them - health - 30 August 2007 - New Scientist
30 August 2007 - New Scientist
sgwatchDOG is tracking this story closely...the original journal article can be found here.
sgwatchDOG is tracking this story closely...the original journal article can be found here.
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