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It sadden me that these business owners are trying hard to avoid spending money on improving the safety of their workers, by painting a bad picture on the ban of using lorries to ferry workers. I am willing to pay more and accommodate the slight inconvenience for the safety of these foreign workers, who take up shitty jobs shunned by Singaporean. What about you? Singapore business groups warn of 'complexities', more traffic jams if firms banned from ferrying workers on back of lorries Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/complexities-traffic-jams-lorries-ferrying-workers-3669396 SINGAPORE: Any move to eliminate the transportation of workers on the backs of lorries for safety reasons involves "real, practical and operational complexities", a total of 25 business bodies said in a joint statement on Tuesday (Aug 1). The business chambers and associations, covering a wide range of industries, were responding to a call on Jul 24 by various advocacy groups and others for a timeline on banning the practice. That statement followed an accident in mid-July involving a lorry which appeared to be ferrying workers, with 26 men taken to three hospitals. This follows various accidents involving such lorries over the years. The statement from the business community, including the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, released to the media, said: "In the process of transitioning to safer transportation modes for workers, it is essential to acknowledge that society must be ready to accept a change in the social compact." One consequence of transporting workers more safely would be more traffic on the roads and greater commuter congestion, it added. "The call for regulatory change to eliminate worker transport on lorries is a matter of great concern for us," added the bodies, which cover industries including construction, food manufacturing, marine and logistics. On Jul 24, more than 40 groups, businesses and individuals put out a joint statement calling for the Government to provide a timeline of measures working towards banning the transportation of workers on lorries. They included bodies advocating for foreign workers and other groups, a law firm, a music events firm, a mental health advocacy group and activists for a range of causes. Speaking to TODAY last month, Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency Member of Parliament Louis Ng said that he supports the Jul 24 statement, and had at the July sitting of Parliament also reiterated his call for such a timeline ahead of a ban on the transportation of workers on the backs of lorries. The business community's statement on Tuesday was addressed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Acting Minister of Transport Chee Hong Tat and Senior Minister of State Amy Khor. The business groups said that the situation regarding safety in the transporting of workers had improved over the years but presents "real challenges that demand responsible and thoughtful engagement with various stakeholders". "Over the years, since 2011, we have taken significant strides in enhancing transportation safety for our workers, including the latest requirements under the Road Traffic Act, by closely collaborating with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Home Affairs (the Traffic Police) and the relevant authorities. "As a business community, we are proud to share that many of our larger companies have successfully transitioned, either fully or partially, away from transporting workers on the back of lorries." The Road Traffic Act does not allow for passengers to be transported on the back of lorries, however it makes an exception for transporting workers employed by the vehicle's owner or if it is carrying someone injured in an emergency situation. The business groups' statement added that geographical constraints, limited infrastructure and economic realities that certain regions and industries face play a part in necessitating the widespread practice of transporting workers on lorries. "Regulatory changes have the potential to acutely affect industries that have historically relied on this practice, leading to potential delays in completing projects and risking the livelihoods of workers who depend on these industries for their employment." It also stated that the associations are "resolutely committed" to working closely with the Government, relevant authorities, labour unions, and safety experts to develop a "well-considered strategy" to ensure the safety of its workers. The statement ended by saying that the business groups appreciate the public's sense of urgency of addressing worker safety, and that they would "continue to navigate the complexities involved and actively seek innovative ways to enhance worker safety".

We have read about kind hearted residents providing free wifi for workers, giving them free food and drinks when the workers are working for them (upgrading project included), but this one really take the cake! The perks of being rich. Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-family-vending-machine-free-drinks-workers-031548465.html A family residing in Siglap has set up a drinks-vending machine outside their home, so that food deliverymen and other workers can enjoy free drinks. According to The Straits Times, Eric Chiam and his wife developed this vending machine idea with their triplet children, Andre, Ethan, and Sophia. They called this family project "TYVMdrinks" or "Thank You Very Much drinks", said Chiam in a LinkedIn post on Friday (3rd March). Each of the family members had specific roles. Chiam's son wrote the first ideas and critical considerations in a Google Doc, while his other son designed the logo and vending machine stickers. His daughter manages the Instagram account, his wife orders the drinks and Chiam himself funds the project. Although he had initially intended to store drinks in a fridge by the gate of his home at Yarrow Gardens, he encountered "significant difficulty" in constructing a shelter. As a result, they decided to install a vending machine that can keep beverages cold and withstand outdoor weather conditions. During its first month of operation in January, the machine dispensed 637 drinks to food deliverymen, postal workers, and anyone else coming by on a work errand. Chaim pointed out that postmen and refuse truck workers use the vending machine daily. "The Grab and Lalamove guys were in two camps, some took the drinks, but others were in too much of a hurry to notice its presence," he said. "We reckon news of the drinks machine has not gone around in their WhatsApp groups much yet." On average, 21 cans of beverages would be dispensed daily. According to Chiam, green tea and 100 plus beverages were the clear favourites. The Straits Times reported that setting up and decorating the vending machine cost about $3,000, and the canned drinks cost less than 50 cents each. Besides replenishing the vending machine twice a week, the family also discusses the types and number of drinks to buy over meals and ways to improve the project. Dr Chiam suggested a pay-it-forward system to improve the project where others can chip in to purchase drinks for the delivery workers. Having kind comments about the vending machine online has been encouraging. Chiam told The Straits Times, "The most rewarding part of this project is definitely seeing the smiles of delivery men, drivers and service people who use it."

https://today.duke.edu/2023/03/managers-exploit-loyal-workers-over-less-committed-colleagues A loyal worker gets more extra work than the fair, honest, or disloyal DURHAM, N.C. – Company loyalty is a double-edged sword, according to a new study. Managers target loyal workers over less committed colleagues when doling out unpaid work and additional job tasks. “Companies want loyal workers, and there is a ton of research showing that loyal workers provide all sorts of positive benefits to companies,” said Matthew Stanley, Ph.D., the lead researcher on the new paper and postdoctoral researcher at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. “But it seems like managers are apt to target them for exploitative practices.” That’s the main conclusion from a series of experiments conducted by Stanley and his colleagues Chris Neck, Ph.D. and Chris Neck, father-and-son researchers at Arizona State University and West Virginia University, respectively. The findings appeared online January 6 in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. For the study, Stanley recruited nearly 1,400 managers online to read about a fictional 29-year-old employee named John. The mangers all learned that John’s company was on a tight budget, and to keep costs down, had to decide how willing they would be to task John with extra hours and responsibilities without any extra pay. (Participants handing out the unpaid work in Stanley’s study were compensated $12 an hour.) No matter how Stanley and his colleagues framed the scenario, branding John as loyal always resulted in managers being more willing to ask him to shoulder the unpaid labor. Managers were more willing to exploit Loyal John over Disloyal John. And when a separate group of managers read a letter of recommendation about John, the letters praising John as loyal led to an increased willingness to recruit him for unpaid work over versions of John extolled for honesty or fairness. The reverse was true, too: when John was portrayed as having a reputation to accept extra hours and workload, managers rated him as more loyal than a John who had a reputation to decline the same workload. Agreeable John and Refusal John were rated as similarly honest and fair however, demonstrating that loyalty but not closely related moral traits is bolstered by a history of doing free labor. “It’s a vicious cycle,” Stanley said. “Loyal workers tend to get picked out for exploitation. And then when they do something that's exploitative, they end up getting a boost in their reputation as a loyal worker, making them more likely to get picked out in the future.” One reason managers preyed on loyal workers over others is their belief that it’s just the price to pay for being loyal. Stanley and his team found that managers targeted loyal workers because they believe that loyalty comes with a duty to make personal sacrifices for their company. It’s not all malicious, though. Exploitation may be in part just due to ignorance, or what psychologists call “ethical blindness.” “Most people want to be good,” Stanley said. “Yet, they transgress with surprising frequency in their everyday lives. A lot of it is due to ethical blindness, where people don’t see how what they're doing is inconsistent with whatever principles or values they tend to profess.” The study doesn’t provide a quick fix to eradicate employers’ exploitative practices, but one partial cure might be simply having managers recognize the error of their ways and point out these ethical blind spots, Stanley said. While company loyalty seems to come with consequence, Stanley cautions that it doesn’t mean we should just abandon work commitments or dodge uncompensated overtime. This is just an unfortunate side effect of a mostly positive trait, which Stanley recently found also happens with other aspirational traits, like generosity. “I don't want to suggest that the take-away of the paper is to not be loyal to anybody because it just leads to disaster,” Stanley said. “We value people who are loyal. We think about them in positive terms. They get awarded often. It's not just the negative side. It's really tricky and complex.”

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Asia-Insight/From-Singapore-to-Thailand-Asia-dangles-visas-to-lure-high-fliers?del_type=1&pub_date=20221004190000&seq_num=2 From Singapore to Thailand, Asia dangles visas to lure high-fliers New programs kick off as companies struggle to find skilled workers KENTARO IWAMOTO, TSUBASA SURUGA and APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writersOctober 4, 2022 06:00 JST TOKYO/SINGAPORE/BANGKOK -- During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore tightly closed its borders. While many countries did the same, it was a sharp shock to the system for a city-state that had thrived as a hub for travel and as a magnet for foreign workers. As some foreign nationals left, and entries were largely halted, Singapore's population dropped by 4.1% over the year through June 2021, to 5.45 million. The latest data released on Sept. 27, however, shows nearly as swift a turnaround, thanks to a gradual lifting of restrictions. The population rebounded by 3.4% to 5.63 million, largely driven by workers in sectors like construction and shipyards -- the unsung labor that keeps the economy going. Now, Singapore hopes to attract more highly skilled professionals with expertise and ideas that could jolt growth in the post-COVID era. "This is an age where talent makes all the difference to a nation's success," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his annual National Day Rally speech on Aug. 21, days before his government announced a new type of visa designed to lure such people. "We need to focus on attracting and retaining top talent, in the same way we focus on attracting and retaining investments." The city-state is far from the only place that covets high-flyers. From Thailand to Taiwan, a competition is heating up to entice the best of the best, and to fill hiring gaps with people equipped to excel in today's pandemic-altered workplace. Innovative sectors like digital technology and biotechnology are especially hungry for talent. Singapore's latest carrot is called the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass, a new visa for high-skill professionals who earn at least 30,000 Singapore dollars ($20,800) a month. The program will allow people with these visas to stay at least five years and work at multiple organizations. Office workers in Singapore: The city-state's newest visa will allow holders to stay at least five years and work at multiple organizations. © Reuters Thailand, meanwhile, began taking applications on Sept. 1 for a new visa that lets global professionals stay in the country for 10 years. The government hopes to bring in 1 million foreign nationals with the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, designed for those with skills in targeted sectors such as electric vehicles, biotechnology and defense. Tourism-oriented Thailand, like Singapore, has been hit hard by travel disruptions. Both also have aging populations. While Singapore is expecting growth in the 3% to 4% range this year, the Asian Development Bank's latest outlook forecasts Thailand's growth rate at 2.9%, far below Indonesia's expected growth of 5.4%, Malaysia's 6% and Vietnam's 6.5%. Malaysia, for its part, aims to attract wealthy investors with its new Premium Visa Program. The program, which began accepting applications on Saturday, allows people who can deposit 1 million ringgit (about $215,000) in the country and have an annual offshore income of around $100,000 to stay for up to 20 years. During that time, they can invest, run businesses and work. As part of a broader move to bring in more human resources, Australia recently raised its annual permanent immigration cap to 195,000 for the current fiscal year, from 160,000. These initiatives add to existing programs offered around the region, such as Taiwan's Employment Gold Card system, which started in 2018 for foreign professionals in targeted sectors such as science and technology. "Despite recession fears, many companies are backfilling from the pandemic and hiring for new roles as part of their expansion plans that they have put a pause on for the past two years," said Jaya Dass, managing director of permanent recruitment for the Asia-Pacific region at Randstad, a staffing company. Dass noted that the evolution of business and digital transformation over the past two years have created a need for professionals armed with new skills. "There is now a greater focus on high-value jobs. Besides being digitally adept, employers are looking for talent who are agile, innovative and able to think critically," Dass said. Finding that talent appears increasingly difficult. A survey by ManpowerGroup, another human resources company, found that 75% of about 40,000 companies globally reported challenges in hiring the employees they need, a big jump from 54% in 2019. Companies in some Asian economies are struggling more than the global average: 88% of Taiwanese employers reported such challenges, the highest among the 40 economies the survey covered. Singapore employers did not fare much better, at 84%. Government leaders share a sense of crisis about the competition for talent. "Right now, the best and the brightest minds aren't coming to Australia. They're going elsewhere," Canberra's Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said, announcing the immigration revision on Sept. 2. "If we want Australia to continue to thrive, then we are going to need more help." Japan is rushing to catch up with other Asian nations, planning to expand its own programs for high-skill foreign workers. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, pictured during remarks on Sept. 17, has acknowledged that Japan is "lagging" behind when it comes to competing for human resources. "We are now entering an era of global competition for human resources, in which countries around the world are competing to attract the best foreign talent," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Sept. 17. Pointing to Singapore as well as New Zealand as another country with preferential visa programs. "Japan is still lagging in this area, and we must make more efforts," he acknowledged. Businesses seem to appreciate such endeavors. Singapore's new ONE Pass has already drawn significant attention and rave reviews. Kei Shibata, a Japanese entrepreneur who runs a travel startup in Singapore, said he was interested in the new visa, as it offers a longer stay than existing programs and allows holders to work in multiple companies. "In terms of setting up and growing a business here, it would be nice to have a visa for about five years," he told Nikkei Asia. He also noted that some entrepreneurs serve as outside directors of other companies, saying he thinks there is a need for the program. Magnus Grimeland, founder and CEO of Antler, a venture capital firm established in Singapore with over 550 portfolio companies, was also upbeat. "It's a really good scheme," he said. "Super smart." Grimeland said about 60% of the founders his company supports in Singapore have set up their businesses using EntrePass, a separate visa for entrepreneurs. But ONE Pass is more flexible than existing schemes. EntrePass has no minimum salary but is only good for one year to start. Another visa, the Employment Pass (EP), is typically granted for two to three years and is tied to a specific job. "Moving [to Singapore] with their family can usually only be guaranteed for around two years, so the five-year term will give them security," he said. Not surprisingly, the new visa has raised some questions about the impact on citizens. In a parliamentary debate following the ONE Pass announcement, an opposition lawmaker stressed that "skills transfer to Singaporean workers must be at the center of our manpower policies." But the graying population is adding impetus for overseas recruiting. The latest data showed that people aged 65 or older accounted for 18.4% Singapore citizens of the total, up from 17.6% last year. Grimeland suggested Singapore has a lot to gain from programs like ONE Pass. "If you combine the best talent in Singapore with great people from abroad, it's very beneficial," he said. "Many governments are trying to do this. From our experience, Singapore is exceptional on its execution of ways to attract talented people to build companies." Likewise, Thai businesses are welcoming the LTR Visa, which has already attracted hundreds of applications. Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, chair and group CEO of industrial real estate developer WHA, said companies appreciate the policy because there is an urgent need to bring in skilled labor. The need is especially acute in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a development zone envisioned as a hub for high-tech industries such as health care, robotics, biotechnology, electric vehicles and tourism. Jareeporn said that when the EEC is promoted, "many foreigners ask whether we have enough expert workers to work here." The answer? "There are not enough expert workers, so we have to import [them]," she said. "We have to build our own [talent] too, but it takes time." Koji Sako, an associate professor at Japan's Josai International University and a longtime Asian economy watcher, said the strategy behind Thailand's new visa is to offer early incentives to attract professionals in sectors that could be major industries in the future. He suggested the government hopes to get a head start on potential competitors -- say, India, which "could potentially be an EV exporter." The Grand Palace in Bangkok lies empty of tourists in late 2020: As COVID-19 border restrictions come down, countries are looking to rev up their economies by attracting more international talent. (File photo by EPA/Jiji) The battle for high-skill workers is not just an Asian phenomenon, but a global one. For example, the U.K. earlier this year launched a new system called the High Potential Individual visa, allowing graduates of prestigious universities to stay in the country even before they land a job. Meanwhile, some markets are losing human resources. Hong Kong's population fell by 121,500, or 1.6%, over the year through June 2022, the sharpest decrease since comparable data became available in 1961. The Asian financial center has been hit by a decline in births and an outflow of people. China's strict national security law, as well as tight COVID-19 restrictions, appears to be among the reasons people are heading for the exit. Sako pointed out that geopolitics could affect the movement of workers in other ways -- and open up opportunities for Asian economies that offer the right enticements. "Highly skilled workers had been concentrated in the U.S., but due to the recent conflicts between the U.S. and China, some Chinese talent is losing their place to go," he said. With their new programs, he said Asian countries could become a destination for such people.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwinism Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution developed by the English naturalist Charles Darwin (1809–1882) and others, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce. https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/ministry-of-food-winding-up-fails-to-pay-debt-of-200000 Ministry of Food winding up, fails to pay debt of $200,000 SINGAPORE - Home-grown restaurant chain Ministry of Food is winding up after failing to pay a debt of $200,000. We all know Charles Darwin so I'm not going to explain his theory of natural selection. Nevertheless, I created this thread because it's pretty amazing we're 1 year plus into the pandemic and there are businesses/individuals that still refuses to evolve. They continue to think the world will return to normal and rely on government aid (tax payers money) or cheap labor (maximize margin) to drive their organizations (plus complain a lot). Do you think they are worth saving?

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Sex-workers-from-Singapore-to-Bangkok-feel-COVID-chill?utm_campaign=RN Subscriber newsletter&utm_medium=one time newsletter&utm_source=NAR Newsletter&utm_content=article link&del_type=3&pub_date=20200809093000&seq_num=7&si=44594 Sex workers from Singapore to Bangkok feel COVID chill With no income or safety net, many turn to online jobs that 'pay far less' Bangkok in late April: The coronavirus pandemic has left sex workers across Asia struggling to make ends meet. (Photo by Akira Kodaka) DYLAN LOH, Nikkei staff writer, August 5, 2020 14:59 JST SINGAPORE -- Since the coronavirus pandemic started, Danna, a transgender "social escort" in Manila, has been afraid to meet strangers. As a companion for hire, Danna's work would involve intimate acts with customers. Strict measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia have made jobs that entail close contact difficult at best. For workers like Danna, this has been both a curse and a blessing, robbing them of their livelihoods but also reducing their infection risks. "Part of me is desperate to get back to work so I can earn money and help my family during this time, while another part of me is nervous to meet people while there's still a danger I can get sick, and then make my family sick," Danna was quoted as saying in a blog post on Smooci, a U.K.-based escort booking platform that operates across Asia -- Bangkok, Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, Hong Kong, Macao and Tokyo. The handful of stories shared on the site offer a window on how the pandemic is threatening some of Asia's most vulnerable people. Although the legalities of the trade vary from place to place, the industry typically operates on the fringes of society, with support groups warning that many workers have no access to government safety nets. Even as some economies reopen in fits and starts, international tourism in the region remains practically nonexistent and social distancing measures are in place, significantly limiting workers' options. A screen grab from Smooci, a platform for escorts, shows some who have spoken about difficulties encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy of Smooci) In Thailand, an escort named Tan spoke of financial stress and isolation. "I stayed in Bangkok as I needed to work. But I have not had many clients. Now I'm not able to earn money, and also not able to travel and be with my family," she said on Smooci. Smooci's chief executive, Kal Kingsley, told the Nikkei Asian Review that his service and Asia's sex trade in general almost came to a halt after the pandemic hit, leaving escorts anxious and desperate. "We have continued to see some companions sign up, and around 50% to 80% are still making themselves available for work, but in reality the clients and bookings are not there," he said. He said the platform -- described in some media reports as "Uber for escorts" -- saw total shutdowns in Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur in April and May, amid strict government measures to curb virus transmissions. Activity in Bangkok dropped to about 10% of normal. Pressed for income, some in the business have turned to online alternatives, such as charging for private photos and videos or offering livestreamed shows. But Kingsley said these are not perfect substitutes, adding that "web camming" is "highly competitive" and had been on the decline. "It's also important to note that camming services pay far less, and many escorts, especially in Southeast Asia, are financially responsible for entire families," he said. These services also require different skills, working hours, equipment and private spaces. Business disruptions in Asia's red light districts, like this one in Bangkok, have pushed some sex workers online, where they encounter very different challenges. (Photo by Akira Kodaka) Scammers only complicate the work of those who genuinely ply the trade for a living. Some set up fake online profiles to lure customers -- a practice known as "bait and switch" that Kingsley suggested was particularly common in Singapore. Some fraudsters ask unsuspecting customers to transfer funds in exchange for sexual favors, only to disappear once the money has changed hands. Police in the city-state reported nearly 240 "credit for sex" scams in the first three months of 2020, up about 40% from the same period of 2019. The problem did not go away despite the coronavirus restrictions imposed in April: At least 20 men reported being victims of such scams that month, losing a total of around 50,000 Singapore dollars ($36,000). Meanwhile, spots in the city-state where sex workers congregate remain quieter than usual. Orchard Towers, a shopping mall known for its clutch of rowdy pubs and massage parlors in Singapore's prime retail district, was all but deserted during the economic shutdown that lasted until June. The impact is still being felt. "Most of the girls are Filipinas and [from] some other countries, so after lockdown they don't have any money," Hameed Sulthan, owner of a convenience store at Orchard Towers, told Nikkei. "I hear most of the girls go back to their home country," he said. Famed for its rowdy pubs and massage parlors, Orchard Towers' entertainment joints were shuttered when Singapore restricted economic activity until June. (Photo by Dylan Loh) On Monday night, a handful of Orchard Towers' massage joints were open, along with a few pubs, but many establishments were still shuttered. Although a few workers beckoned passersby, the scene was far from business as usual. Project X, a nonprofit group in Singapore that supports sex workers, told Nikkei that the temporary shutdown of entertainment facilities -- including licensed brothels -- left many people with no source of income. And since many were migrant workers who did not have official documentation and could not reveal the nature of their jobs for fear of legal repercussions, they were ineligible for the government's coronavirus aid, according to Vanessa Ho, Project X's executive director. Running on donations, the organization started a program at the end of April to help sex workers with their rent, daily meals and medical costs. It has given grocery vouchers to more than 130, while also lending an ear to their troubles. "Many sex workers do what they do to survive -- to support their children, their parents and themselves," Ho said. "Due to the fact that most of their earnings go toward supporting their dependents, very few have any sort of savings, leaving them in a very vulnerable situation."

https://mothership.sg/2020/03/malaysian-sleeping-outdoors-kranji-mrt/ Sleeping outdoors In a few photos posted to social media, Malaysian workers unable to find accommodation have been camping out at Kranji MRT. The workers can be seen sleeping on mats on the cold, hard floor, outside the gates of the station. Their minimal belongings are either piled next to them or used as makeshift pillows. Kranji MRT is a common transit point between Singapore and Malaysia, as numerous bus services ferry workers from Kranji to Johor Bahru. Singaporeans offering spare rooms Some generous Singaporeans have taken to offering spaces for lodging in a bid to extend a helping hand to Malaysian workers. Activist Gilbert Goh has been acting as a liaison between Singaporeans with spare rooms and affected workers. In a few posts on his Facebook, Goh displayed offers of temporary housing. Well done to Goh for forking out the time to helping those in need. We need to have more people like this, willing to help those who are in need during times like these.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/condo-residents-in-jurong-west-shocked-to-find-foreign-workers-listed-as-tenants-under Does it matter, you may ask. If they do use your address and you aren't renting the place out, you may end up paying tax which is much higher instead of the lower tax rate for home stay. So how do you check? Go to this website: https://www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/tes If you do find illegal tenants using your address: You can log in to this MOM website with your Singpass: https://www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/tes After logging in, you'll be able to check if you have any foreign workers registered under your address, and deregister them.

amidst the claim of FW that their issue can't be helped by MOM. now, ...the art of dodging bullets..

The government's latest Town Council Management Report cardgave its sole “red” grade to Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council in the category of collecting service and conservancy charges (S&CC). The three-constituency town council, run by the opposition Workers' Party, was slapped with the red banding because "more than 5 per cent of their households had S&CC arrears overdue for three months or more," read the report. "Also, more than 50 per cent of their monthly S&CC collectible are overdue for three months or more,” it added. It also showed a white "pending" field under corporate governance, a phenomenon that, like the town council's "red" banding, occurred in the Ministry of National Development (MND)'s last report as well. The report, released Thursday at noon, measured the performance of Singapore's 15 town councils in the year ending March 2013 — contrary to four previous versions of the report, which graded the town councils' performance on a half-yearly basis. The town councils were measured for cleanliness, maintenance, lift performance, service and conservancy charge arrears and corporate governance. All the town councils scored "green" bandings for cleanliness and lift performance, but nine were banded "amber" for maintenance. These nine apart from the AHPETC were: Chua Chu Kang, East Coast, Holland-Bukit Panjang, Jurong, Marine Parade, Pasir Ris-Punggol, Tampines and West Coast. Potong Pasir Town Council was also given an "amber" banding for its conservancy charge arrears management. Yahoo Singapore has asked the Workers' Party town council management for their comments on the report's findings and is awaiting the response. http://sg.news.yahoo.com/town-council-run-by-workers--party-gets--red--grade-for-conservancy-arrears-in-govt-report-050611452.html

thankfully no serious injuries... Workers hurt after ceiling collapses at RWS casino https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/workers-hurt-after-ceiling-collapses-rws-casino

Have you suspected your wife is cheating on you , driving your car to some dark public parks for rendezvous ? Or your company employee had been secretly using your company vehicles to pick up your wife ? OK ..joking.. but do check out the review of this amazingly useful GPS Tracker. You can even use it to track your car if your car might be stolen in Malaysia ( using a malaysian 3G SIM card ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNXPUgQYyfU

ah ah ah.................lai liao another one.............lick boots call father............now detain workers..........what the dog going to do when owner shout............. http://www.businessinsider.com/philippines-detains-chinese-nationals-accused-of-running-gambling-op-2016-11?IR=T&r=US&IR=T BEIJING (Reuters) - China is concerned over the Philippines' detention of more than a thousand Chinese nationals during a crackdown on online gambling, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday, in what could be a strain for ties that have warmed in recent months. The Philippines immigration bureau last week detained about 1,200 Chinese people working in call center-like facilities suspected of running online gambling operations out of a former U.S. air base, Clark Field. The detentions marked the government's biggest such round-up of Chinese nationals in the country, many thought to be working there illegally. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had requested that the Philippines "appropriately make arrangements" for those who had been detained and quickly release individuals who have "legal identification". "At the same time, China expresses concern over the large number of Chinese citizens detained by the Philippines," Geng told reporters at a regular press briefing, adding that China always reminds its citizens who travel abroad to abide by local laws. It is unclear if the Chinese nationals were being held for gambling offences or for visa and immigration violations, but about 900 were brought to the immigration detention center in Manila, according to a Philippine police report. Online gambling is not illegal in the Philippines, but it is subject to permitting and zoning regulations. China has expressed support for the Philippines' other law enforcement efforts, including President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign, which has sparked criticism from Western countries over fears of extrajudicial killings. In contrast with the previous Philippine government's adversarial relationship with Beijing, Duterte has made efforts to improve ties with China, which have been plagued by territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Prior to leaving for an Asia-Pacific summit in Lima this month, Duterte said if Russia and China decided to create a "new order" in the world, he would be the first to join.

It is obvious that any opposition will command 30% votes in any contest and WP reputation will add 10% to it and good candidates + issues concerning Singaporeans will swing the vote for opposition to victory. I hope those in the opposition camp realised that, especially people like Desmond Lim and some parties like NSP. In fact, I hope NSP realised that some of their dead wood must go. Nicole Seah factor alone can get better % than Tampines GRC team under Goh Meng Seng and that itself is a surprise to me, though I do like what Nicole Seah has said and done to influence his peers and put a lot of old timers to shame. If I have my way, there will only be 2 opposition parties in Singapore and that is the WP and SDP.This 2 parties have clear objectives and know where they stand. To me NSP is just not branded enough to make Singaporeans know where they stand. Moreover WP and SDP are the ones who have won in elections before, so at least they have the name there. For SPP and Chiam, I wouldnt consider them anything significant and especially since Chiam was the one who founded SDP. For that I propose SPP to merge with SDP with Chiam be given a special position in the party. It was reported that Chee did tried to invite Chiam back but he declined. NSP should merge with WP. And Reform party either WP or SDP. Kenneth's father JBJ was from WP so that make sense but RP's stand seem to be more closer to SDP's so either merging with one of them is fine with me. That will make the opposition parties stronger and can field good candidates in one GRC. As for SDA, they can close shop, even though I voted for them in Pasir-Ris Punggol GRC. I am very sure if a WP team contest in my ward it will be much closer. And a WP team in AMK GRC will see LHL's vote drop to less than 60%.

Why!? Why!? Why?! are we still seeing such cases??? Still ask for discount??? CCB! http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/courts-crime/story/employer-used-household-items-hit-and-burn-domestic-worker-2015052 Employer used household items to hit and burn domestic worker By Elena Chong SINGAPORE - A woman heated a metal ladle until it was red hot and placed it on the calf and bare back of her domestic worker because she did not like the taste of the curry she cooked, a court heard on Friday. About a week before that, Suganthi Jayaraman, 33, used a metal pestle to hit Ms Naw Mu De Paw, 24, on her head for not frying vadais - a deep-fried snack - fast enough. The Myanmar helper bled heavily from the two spots she was hit, but was forced to continue frying, and to take the vadais to a provision shop which Suganthi and her husband were then running. Suganthi pleaded guilty to three of seven charges. The offences took place at her flat in Woodlands Drive 16. The court heard that during the time the helper was abused - from July 9 to Oct 2, 2013 - she lived in constant fear of being beaten again. She was often afraid to tell anyone about an incident and did not even dare to inspect her wounds as Suganthi would scold her for it, said Deputy Public Prosecutor Sarah Chua. Suganthi would also threaten the victim that she would get into trouble if she ran away or called the police. The victim eventually left the flat on Oct 3 and called the police. On the morning of Sept 30, Ms Naw woke up late because she had been working till 4am the night before. She was supposed to be up by 6.30am to send her employer's daughter to school. Suganthi confronted her and scolded her harshly after finding the girl still at home. Then she punched her in the face. Lawyer Louis Joseph said his client, who had been crying in the dock, deserved some discount for her guilty plea. "Even though her behaviour was unforgivable, she stands before you remorseful and regretful for what she had done," he told District Judge Christopher Goh, who will sentence her on June 5. Suganthi could be jailed for up to 10-and-a-half years and fined for causing hurt with a heated substance. The punishment for the other two offences is a jail term of up to three years and/or fine of up to $7,500 each. [email protected] Copyright © 2015 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Strange creature freak out plantation workers in Sarawak Plantation workers freaked out by sight of strange creaturePosted on January 31, 2015, Saturday SIBU: An early morning that was supposed to be a routine start for a team of Indonesian workers turned into a rather shocking one when they encountered a strange-looking animal at an oil palm plantation along the Bintangor-Sibu Road near here yesterday. According to one of them, the creature charged at them at one point. “We were shocked. None of us has ever seen such thing. One of us then hit the animal until it appeared to have passed out,” a worker said, adding that the animal had sharp claws. “It could be a rare species of bear. When it regained consciousness, we forced it to go back into the jungle,” he said. According to the worker, they did not inform the authorities about the incident. Watch more below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY5jQ99-Eks

Shot by fashion photog Geoff Ang

sharing this short video which is kind of happy and sad these farmers, who work hard their whole life to collect cocoa beans, have never tasted chocolate in their life, and they are so delighted when they first ate a piece of chocolate... while many of us never think twice before about spending $2 buying a chocolate bar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEN4hcZutO0

work life balance is good if you can balance it in a fulfilling way. Not the entitlement that you want to leave on the dot, no weekend, good appraisal, high increment, and fair promotion opportunities. some may say the old days were over when people work late and weekend, and the older generation is outdated on what productivity means. Nevertheless, my concern was what has stated, instead of advocating too much on this until your kids seeing it as an entitlement (yah try telling them to do housework and they start giving you the same excuse of what you advocate), rather parents should teach their kids about hard work, perseverance, endurance and tolerant and not take things for granted. Not asking you to clock 60 hours a week with no life (but why not if you are single and work hard for the money!), I understand many will argue that there are still people working hard today, which i agree and it was also mentioned in the article even for someone in the 30s, different background groom different people. So when you have the balance but other is putting double effort, do not blame others who worker harder getting a better chance of promoting (including FW/FT) or things in life and you just sit there and whine THIS IS UNFAIR! (life is unfair that people dun have to work so hard yet get to enjoy but that is not an entitlement, probably luck!) This is just an old man view.

40 indian construction workers based in yishun hv stopped working demanding pay. they joined their ah tiong frens who stopped working last month caused not paid salaries. SMRT strike has now started to influence others.... tomorrow pinoy nurses isit den bangla den thai den myanmar? wonder wat tan chuan jin and MOM goin to do and wat excuse? the workers complained that MOM not doin aniting and since ah tiongs already stopped work for 1 month, shouldnt someting be done by MOM,tings mus really be bad for these workers to carry on working after the ah tiongs stopped and all promises must hv been lies for them also to join in and stop work, malu the whole world now see singapore in a bad light so sad

Kudos to the workers. Wonder if the public called MSO, how long would it hv taken for the tree to be removed?...... http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/construction-workers/1328914.html SINGAPORE: A fallen tree briefly blocked off all the lanes on Still Road on Monday (Aug 26), but a group of construction workers quickly cleared the obstruction, allowing vehicles to pass. All three lanes along Still Road, heading toward Eunos, were rendered impassable after a tree fell at about 2.15pm, following heavy rain. A Twitter user, Grace, told @ChannelNewsAsia that the workers, who were helping to renovate a house nearby, immediately helped to move the fallen trunk, clearing one lane for vehicles to pass.

Workers in Singapore are the unhappiest in Asia Pacific and nearly two-thirds would like to quit their jobs in the next year, a survey by recruiting firm Randstad showed today (Jan 22). The top three reasons identified by the report as the cause of job dissatisfaction include misalignment with the company culture, having a difficult boss and being asked to do more in their role with less. The survey also found that 23 per cent of Singapore employees feel unmotivated in their jobs and say that their skills are not being used effectively. Randstad’s World of Work Report surveyed 14,000 employers and professionals across Asia Pacific countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and India. Indian workers emerged as the happiest employees with seven in ten satisfied at work, saying they feel challenged, motivated and are mentored to learn new skills. Mr Michael Smith, Country Director of Randstad Singapore, said that the findings send a strong signal to organisations in Singapore that more needs to be done to engage current and prospective talent. He also warned against the decline in employee engagement in Singapore over the last 12 months as “cost-conscious employers cut back on company events and forums”. “While these seem like easy targets for cost-cutting, forgoing opportunities to connect with employees and listen to their feedback comes at a high price — impacting productivity, retention and an organisations reputation,” Mr Smith added. “The strong reputation of an employer brand is cited as the single biggest reason (54 per cent) for an organisation’s success in attracting talent.” Findings from the World of Work Report also showed that Singaporean employees are placing more importance on achieving work life balance, with the percentage of employees ranking it as one of the main reasons to stay with their organisation jumping from 15 per cent in 2012 to 50 per cent last year. Nonetheless, Singapore workers may look forward to a more positive working experience as business leaders surveyed said they are ready to respond, with two thirds (67 per cent) of them planning to strengthen employee engagement and collaboration in the next five years to improve productivity. “There is no magic equation for retention, but having career development opportunities readily available is a great start. Good opportunities for career growth and advancement — or lack of — are repeatedly cited as the key reason employees will remain loyal to their current organisation or leave to develop their career elsewhere,” said Mr Smith. Source: http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/singapore-workers-unhappiest-asia-pacific-report?page=1

Number of notices issued on the rise, but other violations have fallen: LTA KEEPING TO THE LIMIT: While most lorry loads keep within the designated passenger loads, an increasing number are violating the maximum limit. The number of lorry drivers caught carrying too many workers on their vehicles is on the rise, going by latest figures provided by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). There were 559 notices issued to drivers for carrying too many passengers on lorry load decks for the first eight months of this year alone, surpassing the number of notices issued for the whole of last year. There were 429 notices issued last year, a jump of more than eight times from the 51 in 2011. Since September last year, every worker has been required to have at least 8 sq ft of deck space to himself, up from 4 sq ft previously. Another rule was introduced to reduce the number of workers that may be carried, if goods or equipment are also transported, according to the remaining available floor space. Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/more-drivers-caught-overloading-lorries-workers-20131026

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/insigh...titled-20130713 Are Singaporean workers... expensive & entitled? These are the charges some employers have levelled against locals in a recent debate over wages and skills. Robin Chan investigates. Published on Jul 13, 2013 A YOUNG university graduate walks into his first job interview at a shipping firm waving a salary survey his school provided for him and demands a starting salary above $4,000. But that is what a more senior employee gets only after three to four years on the job. Another, applying for an analyst position at an investment bank, asks if he will have his own office and secretary. There are others: Singaporean professionals turning down overseas postings, job-hopping with a vengeance or wanting more benefits and less work. These stories of professionals behaving badly have emerged in the wake of a Sunday Times commentary last month in which a multinational corporation (MNC) boss asked: "Do Singaporeans deserve the salaries they are paid?" They lack the skills, and the hunger, he observed. The article sparked much discussion, with readers writing in worried that the new generation might be too soft and lack the skills to keep up in the global contest of talent. Others empathised with the plight of the Singaporean worker, saying salaries need to rise faster to keep up with the high cost of living. There does seem a growing perception that the Singaporean employee is getting more demanding and less deserving of his pay. But are the criticisms justified? Or are these Singaporeans just misunderstood? Common complaints CERTAINLY, there is no lack of gripes about the Singaporean worker. The more than 10 employers, headhunters and human resource experts The Straits Times spoke to mostly agreed that some of the criticisms are deserved. Mr Chan Chong Beng, president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (Asme) and the founder of interior design firm Goodrich Global, says he finds foreign professionals much more motivated at work. "The foreigner is worried that you don't give him work," he says. "The Singaporean is worried that he has too much work! The foreigners are also actually more committed to their work, that is the general consensus within my company." Mr V. S. Kumar, managing director of local courier company Network Express Courier Services, says Singaporean workers only seem motivated just to do enough and have no qualms about dropping everything and leaving on the dot at 5.30pm every day. However, his staff from India, the Philippines and Vietnam are keen to stay back after office hours to learn new skills. Others criticised Singaporeans for lacking communication skills. One consultant from the United States says his Singaporean team members tend to be more quiet during team meetings and conference calls with clients. Mr Na Boon Chong, managing director at HR consultancy Aon Hewitt, says: "If you're talking about the ability to present their ideas, to communicate, then, in general, local PMETs are behind their Western counterparts. The differences might be down to culture and the respective education systems." When they do speak up, however, it is to demand things such as more work-life balance and faster promotions. Mr Asothan Samynathan, general manager of Ark Vision Spare and Engineering, a distributor of marine equipment, says: "Singaporeans are quite impatient and want to become managers and above in a short time." In MNCs where overseas assignments and postings are common, Singaporeans have also tended to be more resistant to being moved, the employers say. Mr Peter Baker, director of human resources at shipping firm Maersk Line in the Asia-Pacific region, says: "People from countries like Vietnam, China, Indonesia or Australia are more willing to move away, whereas Singaporeans, historically, have been less willing to move outside of Singapore." What do employees think about all this? Some found the criticisms unfounded or an over-generalisation. National University of Singapore (NUS) student Claudio Chock, 24, who is set to graduate with an arts degree, says: "It is very subjective. There may be some who lack communication skills, but there are others, too, who do have the soft skills." Others say Singapore workers may be falling behind foreign co-workers. An assistant manager at OCBC bank, Mr Gary Hoon, 25, says there "is a basis of truth" that it has been relatively easier for Singaporeans in the past five to 10 years. But he says a bit of perspective is needed: "Comparing the entire Singaporean workforce with this small select group of employees who left their home country to make it into another country to work here, naturally they would be more driven." Another, who gave his name only as Mr Toh, 34, and is now self-employed after leaving a job in sales at an MNC, feels it is only fair that a salary should reflect the amount of work put into the job. But he adds Singaporeans probably want more out of a job than before: "I also look at opportunities for personal growth and good mentorship. If a company can't give me what I am looking for, then I'll find a better job." Generation misaligned? PERHAPS Singapore has become a victim of its own success. The much-celebrated rapid economic growth and first-class education has led to a better quality of life for the majority of Singaporeans very quickly. Just over the last decade, Singapore's per capita gross domestic product rose from $38,865 in 2002 to $65,048 last year. According to the World Bank, this makes Singapore, on a per head basis, wealthier than Hong Kong and the United States. The number of degree and diploma holders has surged from 31 per cent of the labour force in 2002 to 48 per cent last year. Could this affect the hunger and competitive drive? Indeed, former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew once observed: "The spurs are not stuck on the hinds (of Singaporeans). They are part of the herd - why go faster? But when you're lagging behind, you must go faster to catch up with the herd." With this economic and educational progress has come higher expectations from Singaporeans for a certain quality of life. Says Mr Toby Fowlston, managing director at recruitment firm Robert Walters Singapore: "Good academic qualifications are not a rite of passage, especially given the ever-increasing numbers of graduates who are hitting high academic standards." Aon Hewitt's Mr Na, too, has noticed a distinct change in attitude to work: "Where I'm seeing change is in these workers wanting work-life balance instead of just focusing on career progression, the more qualitative aspects. "The PMET (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) is becoming more assertive about what he or she wants and is more comfortable voicing these concerns. It is very different from 10 to 15 years ago." Better work-life balance has been a major topic in the Our Singapore Conversation. A recent survey of 6,000 university students here by consultancy Universum found that the main thing they want from their careers is work-life balance, beating job security, intellectual challenge and an international career. In the last decade, unemployment has also been remarkably low here, so finding a job or switching jobs has not been difficult. More than nine in 10 polytechnic and university graduates who entered the job market last year were able to get a job within six months of graduating. The impact of a tight labour market has also created "an employee's market", says Mr Victor Tay, chief operating officer of the Singapore Business Federation. "Workers can be a lot choosier, not just with salary, but also the job scope, exposure they will receive and even the location of their offices," he says. The shortage of workers has also led to a situation where people are prematurely promoted before they reach the necessary performance level, he adds. A tight labour market - getting tighter with more restrictions on foreign workers - has also inflated wages in some sectors. Salaries do not reflect real productivity-driven growth - straining companies' costs, while further raising expectations of employees. Dr Richard Arvey, head of the Department of Management and Organisation at NUS Business School, says: "When unemployment is so low that people can hop jobs, that puts pressures on companies to maintain or raise the salaries and it raises expectations of many of the people here." The latest unemployment rate is 1.9 per cent, and among residents it is 2.9 per cent, both much lower than in the United States and Britain where unemployment has soared. Even compared to other competitive Asian economies such as Hong Kong, where unemployment is 3.4 per cent, and South Korea, where it is 3.2 per cent, it holds up well. This has been supported by new growth drivers in the form of the integrated resorts, as well as government intervention by way of the Jobs Credit Scheme during the financial crisis, which prompts employers like Goodrich Global's Mr Chan to bemoan that the Singaporean worker is "overprotected" by the Government, leading to a stronger sense of entitlement among workers. "How will they react when the economy really gets bad?" he wonders. At the same time, the pursuit of higher salaries is partly because Singaporeans are increasingly worried about maintaining social mobility and their living standards. Property prices have soared, fuelled by low interest rates and easy money. An influx of foreigners to boost the economy has put a squeeze on resources. A survey of 1,000 white collar workers in Singapore by recruitment firm Michael Page found their most pressing concern this year to be meeting their growing cost of living with their current salary. Sociologist Tan Ern Ser at the Institute of Policy Studies says that a younger generation entering the workforce is finding it much more difficult to achieve their aspirations compared to their parents, creating a "misalignment" of expectations with reality when they start to work. "With rising competition for jobs and rising costs of the big ticket items, they feel that the goal posts have shifted further away," he says. Regaining its mojo THERE is no quick fix to helping the Singaporean white-collar worker recover his edge. The answer lies with employers, employees and schools and the need for them to adapt to changing economic circumstances and societal expectations. In the workplace, HR practices need to evolve to get the best out of the new generation workforce, and retain and develop individuals better, say the experts. OCBC bank has changed its HR programmes across different generations to allow for leadership development, there are job rotations internationally and any employee who has worked for five years in the company is entitled to a three-month unpaid break, no questions asked, says Ms Jacinta Low, head of HR planning at the bank. As for improving communication skills and critical thinking, schools could start honing these skills at an earlier age. More project work at schools that requires teamwork and problem-solving, and public speaking and presentations to build up confidence are all needed, employers suggest. Schools and employers need to also emphasise and better reward technical skills rather than just academic ones, they say, to encourage Singaporeans to place more emphasis on these abilities. Many employers also point to overseas experience as doing wonders to a person's development, especially at an early age. This requires support from schools, parents and a mindset change among Singaporeans themselves. Improving commuting to workplaces outside the CBD such as Tuas will also help make it easier to attract and retain Singaporeans in a larger variety of sectors. But all that cannot replace what is perhaps the biggest factor - self-motivation and pride to continually get better. As living standards and aspirations rise, it is even more of an imperative for the individual Singaporean to strive to improve, to compete and stay relevant. "You feel the stress of competition, but it is fair game. In this day and age it is unavoidable, and it should spur you on to greater heights," says bank assistant manager Mr Hoon. [email protected] Additional reporting by Debbie Lee and Lester Wong

http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/...t-year-20130613 wah peng.... free train ride then... now new bus service.... So the rest of ppl that work outside of CBD , esp those that need to travel from East to West , or West to East , no need subsidies and no need additional bus service...