Tag: Singaporeans

More Filipinos Moving Into More Industries In Singapore
One of Singapore’s most popular comic characters happens to be a Filipino maid called Leticia Bongnino.

A fictional character from a television sketch show, she embodies a stereotype familiar to Singaporeans who have long relied on Filipinos to tend to their homes.

But it is also a stereotype that has become outdated, as more Filipinos move into new professions here.

These days a Singaporean professional is likely to have Filipino colleagues. With many more taking up service sector jobs, he is also likely to be served by a Filipino at a restaurant, supermarket, or doctor’s clinic.

The estimated number of Filipinos working in Singapore tripled in the past decade to about 167,000 as of 2013, according to Philippines census data. The Singapore government declined to provide the BBC with official figures.

But their rising visibility in Singapore’s society has drawn attention. Amid increasing general resentment towards foreigners, a backlash towards Filipinos has taken place.

Earlier this year, a plan to hold a Philippines Independence Day celebration on Singapore’s main shopping street Orchard Road was cancelled following online complaints by some Singaporeans who said the space was special to locals.

One blogger called the move “insensitive”, saying: “Celebrating your Independence Day openly in the public (especially [at a] iconic/tourist location like Orchard Road) is provocative.”

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he was “appalled” by those who had harassed organisers, calling them a “disgrace to Singapore”. Many Singaporeans also lambasted those who complained about the event.

But anti-Filipino sentiment has continued to swirl online, culminating in a blog titled Blood Stained Singapore suggesting ways to abuse Filipinos, calling them “an infestation”.

The suggestions, which included pushing Filipinos out of trains and threats to spray insecticide on them, alarmed the public. The blog was eventually taken down by Google for infringing content rules.

Change in profile

The Philippines ambassador to Singapore, Antonio A Morales, told the BBC in a recent interview that “by and large” Filipinos were accepted in Singapore, and his embassy had not received any complaints of physical abuse.

But he expressed concern about “the few Singaporeans” who have lashed out, and condemned the blog that suggested abusing Filipinos.

“I think it was unfair and racist and discriminatory,” he said, adding that the blogger had still not been identified. Singapore police have launched an investigation and say the case is still being probed.

Part of the problem is that Filipinos are willing to take on jobs for lower salaries, with working conditions unacceptable to Singaporeans.

The trend has made Filipinos “easier to exploit”, disadvantaging both them and Singaporeans, said migrant rights activist Jolovan Wham.

Sociologist Tan Ern Ser said that when Filipinos were mostly domestic workers, “they posed less of a threat, since they were in jobs which were less attractive to locals.”

But now, “they may be perceived as competitors for jobs in sales, services, or professions that Singaporeans would take up but preferably at higher wage levels, consistent with their aspirations”.

The rise of anti-foreigner sentiment here is a recent phenomenon, with increasing immigration triggering underlying anxieties, say observers.

“Over the decades, the ruling government has emphasised that we are a small island with a lack of natural resources,” noted sociologist Terence Chong.

But this “survivalist rhetoric”, meant to spur on citizens, has now had the inadvertent effect of creating resentment against foreigners who are seen as competition for limited resources.

‘Keep our heads down’

Filipinos here said that Singaporeans have been accepting, although they are concerned about escalating anti-foreigner sentiment.

Media executive Jina L said Filipino professionals like her “keep our heads down” in Singapore. “We can be vocal, but we know when we should keep a low profile,” says the 49-year-old permanent resident.

Restaurant supervisor Michelle Villegas, 31, felt “sad and worried” about online attacks. At work she has encountered customers who have made fun of her for being Filipino.

She came to Singapore five years ago after her sister, who found a job working at the airport, urged her to follow suit. “She told me that the work is good and the salary is much better than back home because you earn in Singapore dollars. It is also very safe, so I like it here,” she said.

She is now also worried that the government will not renew her employment pass, as labour rules have been tightened following public unhappiness over the influx of foreigners.

Singapore immigration
- Worried about a fast-ageing society, Singapore has allowed in more foreigners over the past decade, increasing the population by 33% to 5.47 million.
- The proportion of foreigners has nearly doubled to 29% in that same period.
- Some Singaporeans have complained about crowded public transport, high housing prices, and a lack of good jobs. The citizen unemployment rate remains low at 3%.
- Widespread unhappiness led to the ruling People’s Action Party scoring its lowest-ever share of votes in the 2011 general election.
- Since then the government has made it more difficult to hire cheap foreign labour, and incentivised productivity and innovation – but progress has been slow.
- It also ramped up transport infrastructure and housing, and attempted to cool the property market.
Tightening manpower rules

One way Singapore has tried to solve the labour crunch while placating the public’s desire for fewer foreigners is outsourcing jobs to other countries.

In the Philippines, the Singapore government-linked company Keppel set up shipyards in Batangas and Subic Bay. Last year a government agency tasked to find opportunities for Singapore companies overseas set up an office in Manila.

“Instead of our workers coming here, Singaporeans can bring their jobs to other countries, to our labour centres,” said Mr Morales.

But not all jobs can be sent offshore – and Singapore still needs to fill many job vacancies perceived as unattractive.

Meanwhile, Singaporeans still can’t get enough of Leticia Bongnino – but her writers are acknowledging the changing times. In a recent sketch, she reeled off the names of fictional relatives working at a call centre, department store and café in Singapore.

Beaming, she said: “Now there are a lot of Filipinos in Singapore… Leticia is very happy as almost all my relatives are here.”

Source: www.bbc.com
January 5, 2015
20 Brands You Didn’t Knew Were Founded In Singapore

Phua Chu Kang is unashamedly Singaporean and we love him for that. He can bochupand speak Singlish, and he runs the best construction company in Singapore, JB, and some say Batam. But besides Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd, there are other Singaporean companies that make us proud, inventing tools used in every continent, and just being plain awesome.

This list has a whole range of Singaporean companies, from startups gaining international recognition to established companies to companies that had its heyday but are now defunct. For a country that’s barely 50, we certainly have much to celebrate.

Singaporean Brands That Will Surprise You

1. Razer

Source: Wired.com

Perhaps the most famous gaming company worldwide, it’s strange how so few people know Razer was started by a Singaporean. Tan Min-Liang, the CEO and co-founder of Razer, was a law student at National University of Singapore before starting Razer with Robert Krakoff. Now in charge of Creative Design at Razer, Min-Liang is at the forefront of the global gaming industry.

Singaporeans can compete with the best.

2. TWG

Source: TWG

Many Singaporeans think TWG is an atas brand from Europe – and rightly so. TWG outlets look like classy English establishments that angmohs frequent, a far cry from Yakun Kaya Toast or Kopitiam that we know are Singaporean because of how heartlander they are.

And it’s not only about the price – TWG makes an effort to appear foreign too, with its French-looking motto “Grands Crus Prestige” and the prominence of “1837” on its logo, which most people assume refers to its date of establishment – if TWG was founded in 1837, then it can’t be Singaporean! As it turns out, 1837 is a nod to the year the Chamber of Commerce was founded in Singapore.

But hey, with outlets in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, China, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia, I can’t help but feel proud of what a Singaporean company has achieved in just 6 years of operations. Keep doing Singapore proud, good sirs!

3. Banyan Tree

Source: TravelSanya

Founded by Singaporean businessman Ho Kwon Ping, Banyan Tree’s first resort was opened in Phuket in 1995. Since then, Banyan Tree has grown to be Asia’s premier luxury hotel and resort brand. With 30 hotels and resorts in 27 countries, and with aggressive expansion plans for the future, the Banyan Tree brand is set to keep growing.

4. Raoul

Source: Posh24

Started in 2001, Raoul has gained recognition internationally. With stores in MBS and Paragon, Raoul attracts an upmarket customer base, a trait it has carried over to America, when it opened its first in-store retail outlet at Bloomingdale’s flagship outlet. Besides having a presence in America, Raoul also has outlets in Europe where both Prince William and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing its styles!

Look, Jennifer Lawrence wears Raoul, too!

5. World Scientific Publishing Company

Source: Nobel

Book publishers tend to fly under the radar, unless you’re Bloomsbury or Penguin Books. World Scientific Publishing Company publishes non-fiction books, including textbooks used by Ivy League universities like Harvard and Princeton. Counting Nobel Laureates among their regular contributors, World Scientific Publishing Company has made its mark on the world’s intellectual elite. Perhaps it’s time we recognized their contribution in establishing Singapore as an intellectual powerhouse.

6. Axe Oil

Source: ZaoDich

Leung Kai Fook Medical Company holds the unique honor of having a product that’s not a household name but a household smell. We all know when Axe Oil is near – the potent smell belies its small bottle. Used for everyday maladies ranging from headaches to stomachaches, Axe Oil left an indelible mark on my childhood. My mother swears by this oil to cure everything. Considering the vintage packaging and Chinese wordings, I always thought Axe Oil was either from China or Hong Kong.

Axe oil has since expanded to cover markets including Vietnam, Myanmar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Philippines and Turkey. The next time you go on a holiday to one of these places, look out for its distinctive smell!

7. The Patent Holder of The Thumbdrive – Trek 2000 International

Source: Thumbdrive

You might not have heard of this company, but you would have seen one of its products in the past 24 hours. While there is some debate over who invented the thumbdrive, it is patented to Trek 2000 International, a Singaporean company that also played a huge role in getting it marketed globally in partnership with IBM. Imagine that: the word “thumbdrive”, used all over the world, was first come up with in our tiny red dot!

8. Pirate3D

Screenshot from Kickstarter

From a company whose heyday was a decade ago, we now turn to a startup that’s been making waves in recent years. In May 2013, Pirate3D launched a Kickstarter campaign, promising contributors an easy-to-use 3D printer at an affordable cost. The campaign was wildly successful, raising US$1.4 million, exceeding the $100,000 target.

Since then, Pirate3D has been working overtime to fulfill their orders which have been delayed due to overwhelming demand. Hopefully Pirate3D will kick on from this and do Singapore proud!

9. X-mini

Source: Clive Darra

Recognize these mini capsule speakers? They’re small and pretty but pack a heavy bass. The X-Mini Capsule Speakers are designed and manufactured by a Singaporean firm – Xmi Pte Ltd. Headquartered at Neil Road, Xmi Pte Ltd has distribution networks in 80 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia. Not bad at all for an idea only conceived in 2006!

10. Browhaus

Source: Browhaus Browhaus

Eyes are the windows to one’s soul. But you never dismiss the importance of a pleasant set of eyebrows. They are acutely important in framing your face and eyes, emphasizing the delicate features unique to you. Well, that’s what I learnt after my first trip to Browhaus at the tender age of 20. I had to visit Browhaus after discovering that a guy friend had a brow grooming package with them.

Browhaus is a one-stop salon dedicated to perfect your lashes and brows. It was established in 2004, under the wings of Spa Esprit Group, making this exclusive brand 100% Singaporean. It is phenomenal how far Browhaus has gone with outlets in New York City, London, Shanghai, as well as others in the South East Asian region.

The packages here are on the pricier side but at least you know you’re in good hands at Browhaus because they know what they’re doing. I wouldn’t entrust my brows to the hands of those working in nondescript heartland “beauty salons”.

11. OSIM

OSIM, a behemoth that capitalizes on improving one’s well-being by introducing massage chairs, devices to improve and promote healthy lifestyles, is through and through homegrown. Founder Ron Sim, is prouder than ever having watched OSIM grow since its inception in 1993 with over 850 outlets scattered across more than 111 cities globally over the years.

With superstars like Andy Lau and Lee Min Ho fronting OSIM’s commercials, it is only natural that everyone acknowledges this well-loved global brand to be top tier. After all, OSIM is probably the first brand that pops into your head whenever you think of luxurious massage chairs.

12. Thai Express

Source: Thai Express

Besides heading down to Golden Mile Complex, a.k.a. Singapore’s Little Thailand, for your Thai food fix, you have the option of strutting into one of the many Thai Express outlets that have sprung up all over Singapore. It’s all about convenience these days when everyone is rushing for time. And, of course, decent food that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

This Singaporean contemporary Thai casual restaurant chain impressively helms the title to the world’s “Largest Chain of Modern Thai Restaurants” in less than a decade since its establishment. Cheers to their sweet success, for not charging exorbitantly even though they could have, and for insisting on serving up only authentic Thai dishes for her diners.

13. Akira

Source: Groupon

With a name like Akira, you would have been forgiven if you thought it’s Japanese. Akira sounds Singaporean to you meh? All I knew was that their products are priced more competitively than those from “premium” Japanese brands like Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric. I wouldn’t have guessed this homegrown brand’s been around longer than I have been – Akira was founded in 1990!

Akira caters quality yet affordable electrical appliances for the mass-market. Knowing that the people behind the brand considered the fact that not every household out there can afford quality electronic appliances warms my heart.

14. Bakerzin

Source: Jan Loves to Eat

Take your pick from chocolate cakes, cheese cakes, fruit cakes, flans, macarons and even mooncakes! Bakerzin, a French patisserie, has been in the industry since 1998. Fans of Bakerzin can order online through their website now. That added convenience is a bonus for all.

Constantly reinventing themselves and conjuring up new desserts and pastries, they’ve grown from dealing with wholesale restaurant and hotel orders to opening nine outlets within Singapore and five in Indonesia. That’s quite a feat considering the number of independent cafes and bakeries that have sprung up in Singapore in recent years.

15. Skinny Pizza

Source: Gourmet Estorie

Those who love their pizzas but loathe the carbs that come with thick crusts would be familiar with Skinny Pizza. Skinny Pizza is one of the brands under the Spa Esprit Group. Their famous biscuit-thin crisp crust is inspired from a local delicacy – the paper prata. Besides boasting tummy-friendly crusts, they are known for their wide variety of unique toppings like squid ink and truffle mushroom.

16. Prints

Source: Prints

Neatly compartmentalized according to their vivid colours are premium quality paper products, notebooks, diaries and stationeries that are wholly lovingly designed and handmade in Singapore. Love their concept of stocking Scandinavian-style products that are pretty, functional, and chic!

Despite having only two outlets in Singapore, Prints has been successful in venturing into overseas markets in Hong Kong, Japan and United Kingdom. Extra brownie points for this amazing company that champions sustainability and eco-friendliness.

17. Breadtalk

Source: Closet Domestic Bunny

It’s been 14 years since the first Breadtalk outlet appeared in Singapore and you’ve had your fair share of their famous Flosss (yes, it’s spelled that way) buns that come in both spicy and non-spicy variants. These golden pillows are heaven on earth – you can admit you gobble them up too quickly, disregarding the film of grease that coats your lips each time you sink your teeth into the soft, sweet bun!

Breadtalk’s been on a roll locally and overseas – Singaporean founder George Quek would thank you for being such loyal customers of his massive chain of Japanese-inspired boutique bakeries.

18. Creative Technology

Source: CNet

Creative is the most famous Singapore company to have made it to date, absolutely revolutionising the computer audio industry worldwide. Before Creative started marketing its computer soundcards, most computers could only make beeping noises – those of us who played computer games in that era would know what I mean. The fact that we are able to listen to music on our computers today is very much thanks to Creative.

But more than that, it also made its mark in the global scene for its digital entertainment products. Since its inception in 1981, it has produced digital products ranging from soundcards to premium portable media devices, wireless speakers, and earphones.

My first “big ticket” item was a MP3 player from Creative that drained $300 from my savings account! It will always hold a special place in my heart.

19. Charles & Keith

Source: Charles & Keith

Brothers Charles and Keith Wong sure understand women’s fetish for shoes and handbags. Give any girl one of these – or better yet both – and you’re guaranteed a smile plastered on her face.

Leveraging on women’s incessant desire to own stylish shoes and accessories, Charles and Keith opened their first store in 1996 and has more than 350 stores worldwide. This fast fashion brand is famous for stocking chic pieces and updating 20-30 contemporary designs in their stores weekly. For shopaholics more comfortable with shopping in the cyber world, you can browse their catalogue on their official website for added convenience.

20. Pedro

Source: Daily Male Models

Slightly more upmarket than Charles & Keith, Pedro stocks timeless footwear and accessories for men and women. I love the minimalist and sophisticated pieces they design! Pedro is a spin-off from Charles & Keith, so that makes this Italian-sounding brand 100% Singaporean. Like its parent company, it has established itself successfully in both local and overseas markets, boasting a total of 75 stores – some as faraway as Morocco and United Arab Emirates!

BONUS: Chin Han

Source: Warner Bros

US-based Chin Han is making his name in Hollywood, starring in the $100+ million Netflix production Marco Polo. But for those of us with long memories will remember that before he was Lau in The Dark Knight, Chin Han graced our screens in Masters of the Sea, Singapore’s first English drama. That was in 1994 though, and we should be proud that a Singaporean has successfully broken into Hollywood.

Source: www.thesmartlocal.com

January 5, 2015
Fernvale Lea Residents Request Refunds From HDB In Light Of Plans For Columbarium

Upset about an upcoming columbarium close to their future flats, some would-be residents of Fernvale Lea have asked the Housing Board for a refund.

Their request came even after Dr Lam Pin Min, MP for Sengkang West, held a dialogue with residents on Sunday and said that there would not be a crematorium or funeral parlour services at the Chinese temple where the columbarium would be housed.

Some residents stood in line to leave their contact details with the HDB after a three-hour dialogue with Dr Lam and representatives from Life Corp, the company developing the temple.

Residents at the dialogue said the HDB should have been more upfront about the Chinese temple housing a columbarium.

News of the columbarium, which is expected to be completed by 2016, had surprised many residents when it was reported last week. An online petition started on Tuesday to stop the development of the columbarium had garnered more than 800 signatures.

Speaking on the sidelines of the dialogue, Dr Lam said the authorities had been upfront, noting that it was indicated in the Fernvale Lea brochure for the new flats that the temple may include a columbarium allowed under the guidelines of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). “There is really nothing to hide,” he added.

Some residents had also asked why the Chinese temple is being developed by a private company.

Dr Lam said URA guidelines did not restrict the type of company that can develop a religious institution and he understood from the URA that it has been done before.

Source: www.straitstimes.com

January 5, 2015
Is There A Cat Killer On The Loose?

A serial cat killer may be on the loose in Singapore.

Some 50 cats have died at the Beach Road housing estate over the past three years and they appeared to have been abused, according to a YouTube video posted on Christmas Day by Coconuts TV.

The dead cats were found with broken bones and some people suspect they were killed using a slingshot or were thrown from a balcony. Some residents have one suspect in mind, but no eyewitnesses have come forward.

“Problem is a lot of eyewitnesses are not willing to go to the police or AVA to point fingers at this guy,” said resident Anthony Hong, who started the website Save the Beach Road Cats, said in the video.

Authorities have reportedly looked into the matter. However, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) claimed they could not find evidence to show whether humans caused the wounds on the cats, according to the video report.

“I do understand that the resident of that neighbourhood had reported it to the police and they had also hired a private investigator to look into the suspect… however, the police and the investigator came out short without forensics examination to determine whether they were puncture wounds caused by a sharp object or puncture wounds caused by a dog bite,” said Corinne Fong, executive director of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

There is also very little that SPCA could do as they have no power to detain or even “enter a suspected animal abuser’s home”, according to the video.

Meanwhile Joanne Ng, the chief executive officer of the Cat Welfare Society, seemed frustrated at the lack of actions undertaken by the authorities.

“Why are the authorities not doing anything about it? What happens if the person who is doing all this harm ends up murdering a small kid? Only then we’ll think it’s enough? And only then we’ll do something about it?”

She added, “But then it would be too late right? By then, you’ve already shaped a monster.”

If the suspect is convicted, he or she could be liable for a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and a year in jail.

Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com

December 30, 2014
Slow Wage Growth Likely To Persist

For those who have placed the blame for slow wage growth squarely on cheap imported labour, this year’s headline figures in manpower would have been sobering. Despite sharp pullbacks in manpower inflows in the past few years — to the extent that the percentage of vacancies being filled by Singaporeans rather than foreigners this year hit its highest level since 2011 — average pay cheques, after adjusting for inflation, grew by only 0.4 per cent amid tight labour market conditions.

And if Singapore’s struggles with boosting productivity persist, the picture on the wage growth front next year is unlikely to be any rosier, said economists, especially given the poor global economic outlook. The impending cessation of the Wage Credit Scheme (WCS), which subsidises firms for pay raises, will add another chokehold, they added.

“Companies don’t want their margin to be squeezed. They want to save more, hold on to a profit margin, to prepare for the next year when there’s no more WCS,” said UOB economist Francis Tan. “Once you increase the wages, it will be hard to move them down again. And if … the workers are still not as productive as you want them to be, it can be quite dangerous for the existence of the company.”

Labour productivity contracted 0.8 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter, worse than the 0.3 per cent fall in the first half, figures from the Ministry of Manpower showed. The first half of last year registered a 1.3 per cent decline, but this improved to 0.8 per cent growth in the second half.

The repercussions of flagging productivity, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned, could extend to the whole of the Republic’s economy. With the tightening of the tap on foreign workers pushing up wages more quickly than productivity, not only will firms pass on the higher costs to consumers, but Singapore’s potential growth and competitiveness could also suffer a blow, the IMF said.

DBS economist Irvin Seah noted: “Businesses are unable to pursue more orders because of this labour crunch. This will also prevent them from increasing their top-line, unless the productivity of the existing manpower is able to improve.”

Besides sluggish productivity growth, OCBC’s Ms Selena Ling said companies face pressure from higher rental costs. Singapore is expected to top the rental forecast for Asia-Pacific cities, with a 25 per cent increase in office rents from this year to 2019, based on a report from property consultancy Knight Frank in September.

In adjusting to these costs, business will take into account the differing flexibility of the various types of business costs. Between rental and wage costs, wages provide a “little bit more room for negotiation”, said Ms Ling.

Agreeing, Mr Tan said many companies have been moving towards higher variable components in wages to help buffer against economic cycles.

Workers who benefit from WCS — those earning below S$4,000 — are not considered as vulnerable as low-wage workers. But given the modest growth prospects next year, some economists speculate that the Government could extend the scheme.

“At this moment, it looks like the United States is showing signs of much more broad-based sustained recovery, while the rest of the world is in different stages of recovery and slowdown,” noted CIMB Research economist Song Seng Wun.

Mr Seah, however, noted that the WCS, which represents a form of government transfer, was never meant to last and that the more sustainable approach to boost workers’ pay is to equip them with the right skills.

“Although I think our fiscal policies are gradually becoming more socialistic in nature, I think the Government has continued to emphasise the need for self-sufficiency and the notion of meritocracy,” he said. “I think such principles should continue to remain the hallmark of our economic policies.”

Indeed, firms have had no choice but to pay more in the stretched labour market, which workers have been quick to capitalise on.

“And it’s not just the blue-collar workers, but the senior and middle management too,” said RecruitPlus Consulting’s managing director, Mr Adrian Tan.

Mr Erman Tan, president of the Singapore Human Resources Institute, added that firms will face pressure to keep wage growth at least on a par with inflation. Core inflation, which indicates the rise in everyday out-of-pocket costs, has been estimated at 2 to 3 per cent next year, higher than the 2 to 2.5 per cent expected this year.

“Inflation is still putting pressure on staff. Firms have to make sure staff have the peace of mind to work, so you can change work procedures, change mindsets and invest in automation, leading to improvement in productivity,” he said.

There has at least been one bright spark this year in the push for wages to grow because of productivity improvement. In September, the cleaning industry became the first to adopt a skill-wage ladder as a criterion to secure licensing, representing a breakthrough in lifting the pay of a group of workers who have seen their income stagnate. The Progressive Wage Model was also announced for security guards and will be implemented in 2016.

Source: www.todayonline.com

December 30, 2014