Firms unable to go paperless with monthly statements
Companies should provide the option for customers who wish to go electronic for their bills and statements.
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$24m or $200: No job is too big or small for tweens
Tweens in survey also asked what they would do if they became prime minister. -myp |
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Small changes make a big difference
Central Singapore's CDC will hold a financial literacy workshop to teach budgeting and life skills.
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This year's CNY hongbao won't be any smaller
Most will not cut back on the tradition just because of economic downturn. -myp |
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Waterford Wedgwood cracks under pressure
China-making brand name failed to buy time from creditors. -Reuters
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Budget to focus on quick fixes?
Tax experts divided, with some saying it will also take a longer-term view. -ST |
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PwC Budget wish list throws spotlight on financial relief
Quick fix package rather than structural or long term measures needed to curb storm ahead.
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Teach your kids Mandarin
Financial guru's words of wisdom on surviving the financial crisis. -AFP
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So you want to start an encore career?
Here's what you need to do to begin a new lease of working life.
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Budget wishes for a stronger Singapore
Measures should encourage worker contribution, maximise employment opportunities. -BT |
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Autos pension funds at risk
1.3 million car workers and retirees could see their pensions cut if one or more of the US automakers collapse. -Reuters
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New means to protect investors
HK banks told to implement seven new consumer protection measures. -Reuters
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'Safer' bank products in fashion
Plain-vanilla products - from endowments to monthly savings plans - are back in favour. -ST
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Insider trading: Director told to pay $50k penalty
Director second person to be fined over insider trading regarding See Hup Seng. |
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6 wishes for upcoming Budget
Some pragmatic and workable fiscal measures the budget can implement. -myp
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S'pore dream: back to basics
Survey shows priorities shifting from money to family as slump sets in. -ST |
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Smaller inter-bank spreads a good sign
Signs that there might be a good economic turnaround.
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Safer bank products back in favour
Mauled by the recession, consumers are now turning to less risky and more understandable products. |
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Study finds people still spending on beauty
Spending on cosmetics and health care appears resilient.
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Researchers finger out success among top financial traders
A longer ring finger than an index finger denotes a more successful financial trader. |
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Japan's bankruptcies up 15.7%
Last year, 12,681 companies went under in Japan, leaving combined debts of 11.91 trillion yen (S$198 billion). -AFP
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OCBC claims ex-client is out to scandalise it
Former client Anthony Soh sued for not being 'genuine' in offer. -ST |
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One-stop centre for investors
Centre to fast-track applications and approvals for the ECER projects. -The Star
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Citi to shut down China private-banking unit
Citigroup will streamline operations into its consumer-banking arm. -Reuters
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3 charged in Australia over fake credit cards
More than 200 blank credit cards seized. -NST
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Singapore-Russia avoidance of double taxation ratified
The provisions will apply to income derived on or after January 10, 2010.
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When the high life crashes with stocks
The great stock market wipeout has reversed the fortunes of many. -ST
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Reit manager proposes payouts in units
Saizen Reit will stop cash payments, instead giving shareholders Reit units.
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20% more give feedback to 2009 Budget
More than 900 feedback and suggestions were received during MOF?s 2009 pre-Budget call for feedback. -AsiaOne
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58% get compensation
More than half of the reviewed complaints of the Lehman minibonds and DBS High Notes 5 have received some compensation. -ST, AsiaOne
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Most think CPF not enough: poll
Most Singaporeans believe that CPF is not enough for their retirements and savings goals. -BT
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Trying their luck
NOT everyone who asks for help will get it, or get it indefinitely. |
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Do investors have a case against company?
Apple probably will be sued by investors unhappy with the company's about-face on Steve Jobs' health. -Reuters
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South West CDC's assistance schemes
The various assistance schemes available at South West CDC. |
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2,000 flats being readied
Flats to meet demand for lower-income Singaporeans.
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Down on their luck as the recession takes hold
More families are moving into rental flats and seeking assistance. -ST |
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It's tougher to get loans
You may have to use more of your savings or CPF to pay for your dream home now, as banks get more cautious about offering loans.
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Exceptional Budget for exceptional times
Reader gives out his wishlist for the budget.
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Dealers caught cheating in test for SGX product
Exam questions leaked; exchange fines a brokerage, makes remisiers re-sit exam. -ST
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Property agents mislead with ads
Photos shown in ads are not the actual properties upon viewing. -ST |
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Wanted: A Budget that 'holds the fort'
A government-funded lender for SMEs and restructuring home loans will help.
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Budget 2009: What's in store?
What can we expect on Jan 22? We piece together clues from past recession Budgets and recent government speeches, and ask for advice from economists, tax experts and business organisations. -ST |
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1985-1986: The 'bitter pill' Budgets
Clues from the past will hint at what we can expect in the upcoming budget.
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1998: The 'playing safe' Budget
Budgets from the past could help us decipher what is in store later this year. |
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2001 and 2003: The blockbuster Budgets
2001 and 2003 saw generous budgets and popular measure from the government.
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HK residents hope for S'pore-style minibond relief
Singapore's ruling on investment products linked to Lehman Brothers has given hope to investors in Hong Kong. -TNP |
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Looking beyond the current downturn
Firms wanting to expand overseas need help from upcoming budget as well.
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Time to bring out the big guns?
Govt can take bold steps in the Budget to aggressively bring down business costs. |
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Household rebates to help with expenses
Cost of living rebates are most welcome for the average household.
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Cash handouts for low-income groups
Subsidies and cash handouts could be considered in addition to a cut in GST. |
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Sin-tax respite for smokers?
Smoking can cost you even more this year.
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Tax relief for higher earners
Move will help higer earners relieve the effects of economic downturn. |
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Cash flow aid for the jobless
The retrenched and jobless will be a major focus for budget this year.
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S'pore: $200m for Islamic programme
The Islamic bond programme is aimed to promote the growth of Islamic finance in the city-state. -Reuters
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Ideas to help businesses and households top pre-Budget feedback
More than 900 ideas and suggestions on what budget can do to help businesses and households cope with downturn.
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Ask the experts!
Here's your chance to ask the experts your questions about investment strategies, sector outlook, equities, bonds and the like.
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Hongbao how big?
What relief can the middle class wish for in Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam's Budget Speech on Thursday?
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Lehman debacle: Happy and sad faces as disputes are resolved
Investors' disputes over minibonds resolved, with more than half receiving compensation. -ST |
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GIC, Temasek's overall value's decline less than that of global market's
Finance Minister said that both were inevitably affected. -AsiaOne
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DBS financial products: Why must shareholders absorb the loss?
A shareholder says he has seen no specific communication to assure him that his interests will be well taken care of. -ST |
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EDB expects investments from abroad to be halved
The agency is taking steps to help companies already committed here.
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Changes help debtors, young entrepreneurs
Wage earners can repay debt monthly; youth can start businesses at 18.
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Home prices still falling, study shows
In developments that had registered more than one recent sale, prices fell by 4.6 per cent to 10.9 per cent, said Knight Frank.
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Singapore seen unveiling anti-recession budget: analysts
Many analysts believe the economy could shrink by three percent. -AFP
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Outcome of investors' disputes with banks fair, says Hng Kiang
'Vulnerable investors' handled fairly, with all cases carefully reviewed. -myp
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House brands a hit with middle-income families
Consumers switching to house brands because they find products a better bargain. -myp |
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High prices not always due to profiteering
However, public can report any cases to CASE. -AsiaOne
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Singaporean household income grew across all groups
The increase was highest between the 21st and 90th percentile employed households. -AsiaOne
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Dip into nation's savings for 'crisis hongbao'?
SM Goh says Government is considering measure. -TNP
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Look at credit-card interest rates
What are the legal terms in credit clauses for credit-card companies? -ST |
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Investor files lawsuit against Singapore-based DBS
Singapore securities house DBS Vickers Securities reported for alleged illegal sale of shares. -The Jakarta Post/ANN
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Singapore in worst-ever recession after Q4 slump
It shrank deeper than advance estimates of a 12.5 per cent contraction. -Reuters
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Income rise dampened by inflation
Households earn 6.2% more on average, but prices of essentials are up.
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What I'll be looking for in this year's Budget
In the face of economic gloom, what are youth expecting from the Budget on Thursday? -ST |
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Govt may tap reserves
Move may be necessary to fund aggressive relief measures in downturn. -ST
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Tax cuts, tax holiday a wild card; higher chance for rebates
Revised rules may unlock more funds for govt spending. |
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Businesses hopeful that Budget will help cut operational costs
They are looking forward to a range of tax cuts. -BT
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Restrictions eased with changes to insurance law
Beneficiaries of insurance policies can be changed with new laws. |
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Banks may have to soften sales pitch for investment products
MAS review looks at clearer separation of banking functions. -BT
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Budgeting a turnaround
Professors from NTU give their take on how the budget can help set economy on growth path once again. |
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Developers want measures in Budget to boost market
ASME hopes for rebates, rent cut on commercial properties of JTC and HDB.
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Rules on structured products likely to change
Review underway, with public consultation planned by mid-march. -ST |
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Singapore's deepest recession
In this FAQ, we look at the causes, possible solutions and future prospects.
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Bank Negara cuts interest rate to lower borrowing costs
Move aimed to pre-empt downturn in Malaysia's domestic economy. -The Star/ANN
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Govt should avoid handouts
Reader lists down suggestions on how to help Singaporeans and boost the economy. -myp
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Singapore set for an extraordinary budget
The target is to keep companies afloat, save jobs and help low-income Singaporeans, says PM. -AFP |
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Budget likely to have 'very little impact' on economy
The Budget - expected to be $4 billion to $5 billion in size - may cushion the open economy, but 'any hopes that the Budget can fundamentally turn things around for the economy should be dashed'. -ST
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Govt to give $20.5 billion Resilience Package
Major fiscal package for the 2009 budget. |
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Resilience package: $20.5 billion this year
5 components of resilience package. -AsiaOne
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Enhance business cash flow & competitiveness
Rebates and tax exemptions for businesses. -AsiaOne
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Budget Speech '09: Economic performance and outlook
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam presenting the fist part of the budget speech in parliament. -Budget Speech
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Budget Speech '09: Resilience package
Budget '09 unviels a $20.5b Resilience Package to help Singapore combat recession. -Budget Speech
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Budget Speech '09: Jobs for Singaporeans
Jobs will be the main thrust of Singapore's Resilience Package. -Budget Speech
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Budget Speech '09: Stimulating bank lending
Singapore will stimulate lending by banks with Risk Sharing Initiative. -Budget Speech
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Budget "large and bold"
Market reaction: STI up 0.15 percent. -Reuters
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Budget Speech '09: Enhancing Business cash-flow and competitiveness
Budget will boost competitivity for Singapore companies. -Budget Speech
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Budget Speech '09: Supporting families
Budget will provide direct assistance to households and support the community. -Budget Speech
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Budget Speech '09: Building a home for the future
Infrastructure and development spending to increase to make Singapore a 'extremely liveable global city'. -Budget Speech
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A 'Big Bang' budget
Analysts say the economic stimuli in the 2009 budget will "help cushion some of the pain". -Reuters
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Singapore to tap reserves for the first time
President gave in-principal approval to fund $4.9 billion worth of recession-relief measures. -AsiaOne |
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Budget Speech '09: Conclusion
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam concludes the Budget Speech 2009. -Budget Speech
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Budget Speech '09: Singapore's fiscal advantage
Government will use $4.9b from reserve to fund Jobs Credit and Special Risk-Sharing Initiative. -Budget Speech
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S'pore loses most gains after annual budget
Budget failed to dispel concern about the economy. -Reuters
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Doubling of GST credits
There will also be a 20% rebate on personal income tax. -AsiaOne |
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Building a home for the future
The Resilience Package provides a further boost to investments in making Singapore an extremely liveable global city and the best home for Singaporeans. -AsiaOne
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Special risk-sharing initiative for banks
To stimulate lending, the government will take on a significant share in the risks of bank lending.
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DBS to help borrowers
Helping borrowers tide over the financial crisis will be DBS Bank's top priority. -ST
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$4.5b in cash grants to help keep jobs
Additional 50% special Workfare payment to help lower-income workers. -AsiaOne
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Direct assistance to all Singaporeans
Substantial support will be given to Singaporeans during this downturn, primarily through job preservation.
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Press Statement: Keeping jobs, building for the future
A Resilience Package totalling $20.5 billion was announced in the midst of grave economic crisis. -MOF
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Singaporeans less likely to cut spending on property and renovations: survey
Property and renovation sector most resilient, followed by fitness and wellness sector and then personal travel in this recession. -BT
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A better year for investments
Merrill Lynch advises clients to hold on to Treasuries for the next six months. |
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Debt-ridden AIG seeks buyers for AIA
US insurer wants to gauge level of interest and worth of Asian unit. -ST
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Singaporeans dig in
How will they cope with country's worst slump. -myp |
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S'poreans keep fighting spirit alive
Three resilient individuals tell my paper how they're coping with downturn. -myp
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Budget 2009: Who gets what
A $20.5 billion package has been set aside to help Singaporeans keep their jobs. -myp |
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Merrill paid billions in bonuses early
Despite the massive losses, it set aside US$15 billion for 2008 compensation. -Reuters
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The "Save the Jobs" budget
Finance experts agree it is the right time to dip into country's reserves.
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Singapore's first dip into reserves may fall short: analysts
But with reserves totalling billions of dollars the government still has plenty of ammunition, they said. -AFP
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Brolly to save jobs
The help package is targeted at helping the man in the street maintain his rice bowl. Here's how you can preserve your job: |
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Under $20.5b brolly
As you cower under the worst economic storm since Singapore's independence, here's some shelter from the Government. -TNP
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Turn brolly upside down to get...
Recession clouds will be seeded with money to help businesses here. Look and you'll find money falling all over the town. -TNP |
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Let's share brollies, folks
In stormy weather, it's always better to lend a helping hand to others. Let's not make it a case of "every man for himself". -TNP
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In short: Budget 2009
A quick runthrough of the Budget 2009 highlights. |
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An anchor for jobs, a spur to lending
Budget 2009 dips into reserves for $20.5b 'resilience package'.
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Lack of cut in tax rates a disappointment
But many welcome rebate and instalment period extension. |
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NTUC, union leaders give the thumbs up to Budget
Biggest benefit is that budget cuts across all segments: NTUC.
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Taxi operators to get at least $13m in tax reliefs
Every cab entitled to 30 per cent rebate on road tax. |
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Corporate tax cut: S'pore gains edge
Some experts say it makes Republic potentially even better than Hong Kong.
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Tissue paper peddlers still make money
Despite lean times, they say generous S'poreans still buy & donate. |
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A Budget first: Govt to draw $4.9b from past reserves
Money to go into Jobs Credit scheme and Special Risk-Sharing Initiative.
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$5,000 fine for peddlers
It is illegal to peddle tissue paper in Singapore.
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DBS vows to stand by loyal customers - even in bad times
Bank is processing loan applications from small businesses 'as fast as it can'. -BT
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Beware of fund collectors
M'sia's Inland Revenue Board denied appointing agents to collect donations from companies. -The Star/ANN
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Under the $20.5b brolly
As you cower under the worst economic storm since Singapore's independence, here's some shelter from the Government. -TNP
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Crisis dampens CNY
China's Premier Wen Jiabao warned of challenges in the year ahead. -AFP
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Indian police arrest two Pricewaterhouse officials
They were taken into custody in connection with the billion-dollar Satyam fraud. -AFP
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A 'very decisive' Budget
PM Lee also gave the reassurance that the Government has ample reserves. -ST
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Europe banks unveil losses
Europe bank shares race higher, index up 6%. -Reuters
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Budget a 'decisive' one for tough times
Various help measures for employers and households; Govt will see how things go over next few months: PM |
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Dipping into reserves is good move
Timely hongbao goes a long way to helping Singaporeans prepare for downturn. -myp
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GST Credits: Enough to help out?
Some want more cash payouts, while MPs say saving jobs is the Budget's ultimate aim. |
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We'll need more help, jobless execs say
While welcoming the Govt's efforts, they deem tax instalment, other plans insufficient.
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Tapping reserves: Many back move
They see it as a step in the right direction as unlocked money is for two special measures to help save jobs. |
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Off-Budget measures likely, say experts
Budget package may not be enough, with layoffs predicted to persist in the months ahead.
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GST credits to tide her over for 2 months
Mdm Cheng shares on how getting retrenched has affected her Lunar New Year, and how the budget helps her situation. |
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Rental waiver helps free up some cash
Mr Lim shares on how the recession has affected him and his Lunar New Year.
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Landlord: They stayed on after lease ended
He insists verbal agreement with tenants subject to a monthly review.
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Couple: Landlord kicked us out
Their things stay locked in flat as row over verbal agreement continues. -myp
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DBS halts share trading
Trading halted pending announcement. -Reuters
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More seek legal aid with debts
But law firms not necessarily profiting, as clients prefer settlements to lawsuits to recover money. -myp
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DBS says CEO has leukemia, to take leave
He will take 3 to 6 months medical leave. -Reuters |
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DBS shares fall marginally on news of CEO's illness
By 11:35am, DBS shares were down 0.8 percent at $5.17. -Reuters
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Asia prospects sound in the long term
This is despite an uncertain economic outlook for 2009. -AsiaOne
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Leadership vacuum at DBS
Chairman will take charge after shock announcement that CEO Richard Stanley has leukemia. -Reuters
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$41.5m rebates for tenants
This will translate to about 4 per cent rebate for CapitaLand tenants. -ST
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Up to seven firms could bid for fraud-hit Satyam: director
Satyam Computer is India's fourth largest outsourcing company. -AFP
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$20.5b package is pro-worker, says Swee Say
More pro-worker than employees may realise, said labour chief. -ST
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Mini-Madoffs appearing
Bernard Madoff allegedly ran the mother of all pyramid schemes. Now meet the kids. -AFP
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Banks to transfer US$535m to Madoff trustee
This is part of the trustee's effort to gather assets to be returned to defrauded investors. -Reuters
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More jobs, wealth lost
Policymakers prepare more drastic action. -Reuters
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The P word
Forget the R word. We know what that means... and we?re feeling the pinch. Here's how the P word can help you ride this economic storm. -tabla! |
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Bank fails to bankrupt guarantor over $287k
Time lapse of 12 years makes loan judgement invalid. -ST
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Planning helps clear big chunk of $7,500 debt
They are determined to stand on their own two feet despite life's hardships. -TNP |
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Paycap for Wall St execs?
White House, Senate take aim at Wall St pay. -Reuters
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$20.5b package is pro-worker, says Swee Say
Jobs Credit Scheme subsidises workers and avoids the need to cut employers contribution to CPF, helping to save jobs. |
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The man who blew the whistle on Maytas
Elattuvalapil Sreedharan had questioned the Satyam company's Hyderabad Metro Rail contract in
September last year. -tabla!
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