Tag: Singapore

No Influx Of Chinese Nationals In Johor

JOHOR BARU • Investments from China into Johor are part of a global trend and it does not make sense to say that there will soon be 700,000 Chinese nationals living in the southern state, said Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He made the remarks to rebut a claim by former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad that housing projects in Johor such as Forest City township will result in an influx of Chinese nationals into the state.

Datuk Seri Khaled said China has become an economic powerhouse with a large middle class that has a strong appetite for property all over the globe, the Malay Mail Online news website quoted him as saying on Thursday.

And Dr Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years, should understand the importance of foreign investments as he had flown all over the world to ask investors to put money in the country.

“This is a global phenomenon and it behoves all parties, particularly the private sector, to attract investment from China and, specifically, to Johor. More so when Johor is just next to Singapore,” Mr Khaled said in a statement.

“But it is wildly inaccurate to state that property… is only for the Chinese. What more when developers in Johor do not target only Chinese as their prospects.”

Dr Mahathir, who now leads an opposition party, claimed in a speech late last month that a “gigantic city” being built in Johor would be peopled by Chinese nationals.

He further claimed that he had heard that they would be given Malaysian identity cards to vote for Prime Minister Najib Razak’s ruling coalition.

“This is the frightening story I heard, that there is an attempt to issue ICs to foreigners to support Najib in the next general election,” he said in a speech at an opposition rally last week, as quoted by the Malaysian Digest news site.

“Johoreans, Malays or even local Chinese and Indians can’t fill up this gigantic city that can hold 700,000 people. Foreigners will be imported to fill these houses being funded by Chinese developers, to settle them into our community,” Dr Mahathir said.

Rebutting the claim, Mr Khaled said the 1,386ha Forest City project, which is being built on four man-made islands, is a project lasting 30 years.

“Marketing for residential properties in Forest City is not concentrated only in China but also in Australia, Middle East and other countries, and it is only offering 10,000 units,” he said, as quoted by Bernama news agency.

“After 30 years, maybe there will be 700,000 foreigners in Johor but it is unlikely all of them will be Chinese nationals.”

He added: “We, in Johor, do not want to be the backyard of Singapore. We want to develop on our own efforts, our capability, strength and on the position of Johor itself.”

Source: www.straitstimes.com

December 11, 2016
Singapore Entrepreneur Asad Jumabhoy: Singaporeans Should Stop Complaining And Start Competing

Entrepreneur Asad Jumabhoy is a member of the once-powerful Jumabhoy family whose name is synonymous with Scotts Holdings, one of Singapore’s pioneer property giants. Years of family feuds including one between Asad’s brothers weakened the family business and by the late 1990s, Asad decided to go his own way.

One of the first things he started as CEO of his Scotts Group was Asia Tax Free Shopping, a GST tax refund platform. Over the years, he’s been able to adapt and zero in on opportunities.

His latest project is UTU, a cross-border loyalty and reward points platform for consumers – a project he is working on with his son.

He goes “On the Record” with Bharati Jagdish about this, about staying competitive, and how he feels about the problems that plagued the Jumabhoy family business. But first, whether he felt a sense of apprehension in stepping out of his family business to go his own way.

STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT FOREIGNERS AND COMPETE

Jumabhoy: I think it has to do with education and skills level. If you turn around and say, “I’m as good as the foreigner that comes in. I’m probably better-educated. I’m happy to compete.” it’s fine.

It’s a question of getting our local men and women to say the same thing. You’re good enough to compete, so compete. Stop complaining. Let anybody come. You want to work or you don’t want to work? You want to work hard or you don’t want to work hard? You want to get somewhere in this world or you don’t? It’s up to you.

Don’t come and tell me foreign guys came in and took my job. Improve your skills. I see so many kids today come from every kind of background, well-of backgrounds and not well-off backgrounds. They’re knocking themselves out learning. It’s really a question on how much you’re willing to put out and how hard you’re willing to work.

Bharati: Of course some might say no matter how hard I work, I’ll never really be able to compete because the foreigner doesn’t have to deal with the high cost of living that I do and therefore is willing to accept a lower salary than me, so he becomes a more attractive employee.

Jumabhoy: That’s market practice. Every time you interfere with market pricing, you end up in a mess. It’s not just Singapore, every country. If you put currency controls for example, you’ll get a problem somewhere else. All these things are interconnected. It’s been proven and it’s very painful to prove, but the market economy is a good allocator of resources.

If you have a feeling that your talent is worth more than what you’re being paid, go do something else. Go start your own business. If the market is saying, “Asad, I’m not willing to pay you so much for this job.” then I have two choices: either I change my job and change my focus or I stick with this and accept my position.

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

December 11, 2016
Osman Sulaiman: Join Me, Achieve Our Dreams Together

I had a privileged childhood, but not many know I was once broke and penniless.

At the peak, home was a 3 storey penthouse in a condo during my secondary school days.

Things took a drastic change when my dad was declared a bankrupt during the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis.

I served my national service in 1997 and at that time, my allowance from the state was a meagre $290 p/mth.

During the two years serving the nation, I depended on handouts from relatives and friends. There’s not even enough money for anything except basic necessities. I went into deficit every month.

After national service, I worked at my sister’s event company for 10 yrs. Finances were better until the business eventually fizzled out. Im back to square one. Destitute.

Searched high and low for a ‘proper’ office job. Its amazing that I couldnt land any with a diploma in hand. In the meantime, i tried all kinds of work to make ends meet.

It was while I’m working part-time as a security guard that I got to know there’s an opening for an admin assistant at the place where im working. Broken and broke, what have i got to lose? (yup, im prepared to start from the bottom rung at age 30).

I applied. Was told to wait for what seems like an eternity. I secured the job after 2 months of convincing them (I pestered the person in charge a few times to be given the opportunity)

Worked diligently although sometimes like a cow. Covered 2 roles frequently whenever someone would resign. After 3 yrs, i got promoted to supervisory level. Stayed on for another 2 yrs and moved for greener pastures. Lasted a total of 10 yrs in the corporate world with my last designation as a Payroll & HR Exec in an MNC.

Then the opportunity came to co-own a renovation company. Took some calculated risk and plonked my entire savings into the venture. The very first big risk I took.

After a year, I did what many people would consider foolish. I quit my cushy paying full time job and go for broke. And the rest is history.

Today, I’m calling out to people who want to live their dreams to join me. Not as an employee but rather as someone to partner me and grow the business together. You will be one of the shareholders and work in the company to build an empire.

People would naturally ask why would I want to share my business with others? To the cynics, it’s nothing unusual. I use unorthodox ways to expand my business and this is one of them.

If 10 years ago you are dreaming of making it big, and today, you are still stuck with the same old thing, then it’s time you do something different or the next 10 years will be a history lesson of your previous 10 years.

Create your own fate. Im luring you for the chance of a lifetime to have a better life with God’s grace insyallah. Fortune will favour the brave. Ive started the train. Hop on and take advantage of it. Now it’s over to you.

#Jgncakapabangtakpayung
#syukuralhamdulillah

Source: Khan Osman Sulaiman

December 10, 2016
SCDF: Warning! We Do Not Endorse Any Fire-Extinguishers Or First Aid Kits, Don’t Fall For Scam

ALERT OF COMPANIES ATTEMPTING TO SELL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRST AID KITS

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has received public feedback about companies claiming to be endorsed by the SCDF to sell fire extinguishers and/ or first aid kits. In some cases, insistent ‘hard-sell’ techniques were used to get the public to purchase their products. Sales personnel were also reported to be wearing lanyards to give the impression that they were representatives from a government organisation.

We would like to inform members of the public that the SCDF is not involved in any sales of fire extinguishers and first aid kits. The SCDF has also not authorised any company to conduct such activities on its behalf. The SCDF would like to remind members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with such persons or companies.

It is a standard procedure for SCDF personnel on official duties to display their warrant card, NS Identity Card or letter of authorisation, as proof of authentication. SCDF personnel will not compel residents to purchase fire extinguishers and first aid kits for their households. While it is encouraged for each household to be equipped with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, it is not mandatory and residents will not be fined by SCDF for not having these items at home.

Members of the public are advised to lodge a police report for cases involving the impersonation of SCDF officers or unauthorised business activities.

Individuals who wish to file a complaint against such companies can call CASE’s hotline 6100-0315 for assistance. They can also file an online complaint via CASE’s website at https://www.case.org.sg/complaint.aspx or walk in to CASE’s office located at 170 Ghim Moh Road.

Source: Singapore Civil Defence Force

December 10, 2016
Eyewitness Needed – Motorcyclist Died In Early Morning Accident, Helmet With Camera Missing

Hi, would like to plead for witnesses or with car cameras footage of a fatal accident involving my late friend’s, bike FBG9912Z along KJE (Towards BKE) before sungei tengah/brickland rd exit (Lamp post #272) on the 8th December 2016 in between 4.15am to 4.52am.

It was believed that Police received a call from member of public informing of the accident at 4.52am and upon police arrival, his body was found on the ground. His helmet was nowhere to be found and I suspected that someone might have removed the Caberg duke flip up helmet (black) since it’s attached with a camera to run away with the evidence as there are only minor scratches found on the face. Police are still investigating the case and so far it’s being classified as a self skidded which my friends and myself refused to accept as he is a very safe rider and always cautious when riding his bike. He was on the way home from work and just few turns away from his destination.

He left behind a wife and a 7 month’s old son. I will be grateful if any eyewitness who may have pass by during that time to step out to assist with investigation.

I’ve attached a picture and the cut off area is where the body is found.

For the culprit who stole his helmet, do believe in karma and I hope you will be caught and justice be served!!!

Thanks guys!

Source: Anjang Andakz

December 10, 2016