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https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/singapore-ranked-most-liveable-city-220000368.html Singapore has maintained its position as the most liveable city in Asia, according to global mobility specialist ECA International in its annual location rating report. "With excellent infrastructure and facilities, low crime rates and little exposure to socio-political tensions, Singapore remains a very attractive location for expatriates," says Mark Harrison, ECA general manager for Asia. "However, other regional locations have improved, and the gap between Singapore and other locations has fallen." ECA's Location Ratings evaluate cities worldwide to assess the overall quality of living for expats in over 500 locations across the globe. The ranking is based on various liveability factors, including availability of health services, housing and utilities, access to a social network, recreational and leisure facilities, infrastructure, climate, personal safety, socio-political tensions and air quality. Hong Kong's overall ranking has fallen in the last five years but remains in the top 10 most liveable Asian cities. Since 2022, Hong Kong's liveability has improved since the final Covid-19 restrictions were removed. In terms of liveability for Asian expatriates, Hong Kong has fallen over the past decade from 17th globally in 2013 to 77th in 2023. "Since political demonstrations in 2014 and protests in 2019, elements of our assessment related to socio-political tensions and freedom of expression have worsened," notes Harrison. "However, Hong Kong still has excellent facilities, infrastructure, recreational options and low crime rates and remains attractive relative to many other locations in the region." Hong Kong is behind Singapore, Japan and Busan in the Korean Republic in ECA's Asian rankings. "The intrinsic risk of disruption caused by typhoons, relatively high levels of pollution and difficulties in obtaining suitable accommodation are factors which count against Hong Kong compared to locations such as Singapore," adds Harrison. Despite facing challenges associated with natural disasters, Tokyo is the second most liveable city for Asian expatriates. Indeed, Tokyo has risen from the 9th spot in 2013 to become the second most liveable city in ECA's latest assessment. Over the past decade, mainland Chinese cities have climbed significantly in the rankings despite losing some of their momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The zero-Covid policy and associated restrictions caused many Chinese cities to fall in our rankings for a couple of years," says Harrison. "But when we look at our current assessment compared to five or ten years ago, we can see that Chinese cities have risen notably in the rankings as living conditions have improved." Some aspects of life continue to be challenging for expatriates in mainland China, such as high levels of pollution, censorship, and suboptimal healthcare facilities. However, improvements in areas such as transport infrastructure and international schooling provision are the reason cities like Shenzhen (137th this year compared to 152nd ten years ago), Xi'an (163rd this year compared to 176th), and Wuhan (up from 160th to 145th) have improved in the rankings. Yangon in Myanmar is the location that has fluctuated most in the rankings over the past 10 years. Between 2013 and 2018, there was a significant improvement in its rankings (from 225th to 208th) following the reinstatement of civilian rule and strong economic growth. However, this progress was reversed when the military seized power again in 2021, and Yangon is now back down to 229th position, lower than it was 10 years ago. Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, there have been small but significant improvements in transport infrastructure, health services and recreational facilities in several locations. These cities have become more attractive to expats, for instance, Jakarta (which moved up from 213th to 196th spot), Phnom Penh (from 200th to 184th) and Hanoi (up from 160th to 144th). Outside of Asia, cities in New Zealand and Australia are the most liveable for Asian expatriates. Wellington and Adelaide are tied in second place alongside Tokyo. Eindhoven in the Netherlands is the highest-rated European city at 7th place, while Vancouver, Canada, has the highest ranking among cities in North America.

So what will it be for 2019? The effervescent Elantra The boring, reliability Corolla? Or will there be a new winner?

Bugatti claims that the Chiron Sport can hit 420km/h flat out. But is it true? Top Gear's Charlie Turner has been given the chance to experience a top speed run in a Chiron Sport at Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien test track. In its video, Turner can be seen accessing the full potential of the Chiron with a special key that activates the “high speed” mode. With the correct tyre pressures and car warmed up, he lines the car up after the turn at 200km/h before giving it all. With a straight of more than 8km long, the 8.0-litre, quad-turbo W16-equipped Chiron Sport unleashes all its 1479bhp, allowing Turner to easily go into the 400km/h range quite easily. Eventually, we see in the video that Turner managed to hit 423km/h, showcasing the genius engineering that went into its creation.

Our young guns seem to be reporting many good news lately. So who say small country small population cannot produce great athletes? Its a matter of are we willing to put in the effort, resources, and patience to see they grow!!! Are we willing to give them the support as a society, be it families, friends, gov, and most importantly the schools!!!. This young man is going to SEA games end of the year, at a young age of 17, one of the very young ones to be playing at the SEA games. Lets all wish him well!!! Bring back proud Koen!!!! https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/table-tennis-koen-pang-moves-to-no-1-in-the-under-18-boys-world-ranking

Wow Honda #1 http://www.carbuyer.com.sg/singapores-top-10-car-brands-of-2018/

Who will it be for 2018? Top ten for 2016: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/honda-top-brand-2016-new-cars-hit-road Top ten for 2015: http://business.asiaone.com/news/toyota-surges-no-1-brand-singapore Top ten for 2014: http://www.carbuyer.com.sg/features/399-can-you-guess-singapore-s-best-selling-car http://focus2move.com/mercedes-e-class-best-selling-car-singapore/ http://www.sgcarmart.com/news/article.php?AID=10795 Top ten for 2013: http://www.lifestyleasia.com/380529/top-selling-car-in-singapore-2013/

2016 is ending, and its been an interesting ride. The usual suspects have been doing well: Toyota (Corolla); Honda HRV / Vezels (especially if you include PI cars) Mazda 3 Hyundai Elantra Mercedes C or E Class? Nissan QQ? The Uber / Grab phenomenon has changed the ratios, and Toyota (Axio), Mazda (3), Honda (Vezel), a bit of Kia (K3) and some others have benefitted. So who will make it to the top ten of 2016? The COE prices have been on a down trend, coming from highs in 2013-2014. The COE quotas were on an increase, but the government is putting the squeeze, and the quota is dropping again. With this, the COEs may rise, each time the COEs go up, the marquee brands do better. See 2013 / 2014, when Merc had 3-4 cars in the top ten, and brands like BMW, Audi also featured. http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/mercedes-benz-beating-bmw-as-best-selling-brand-in-singapore?login=true The contenders for 2016: http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/category/singapore/ Top ten for 2015: http://business.asiaone.com/news/toyota-surges-no-1-brand-singapore Top ten for 2014: http://www.carbuyer.com.sg/features/399-can-you-guess-singapore-s-best-selling-car http://focus2move.com/mercedes-e-class-best-selling-car-singapore/ http://www.sgcarmart.com/news/article.php?AID=10795 Top ten for 2013: http://www.lifestyleasia.com/380529/top-selling-car-in-singapore-2013/

Singapore’s 5 coolest workplaces. http://www.straitstimes.com/news/business/more-business-stories/story/5-the-coolest-workplaces-singapore-20141127 SINGAPORE - More companies here are putting in the money and effort to spruce up their offices with fun designs and playful elements beyond the typical drab and grey cubicles, in the hope that this will keep staff happy and motivated. Here is a look at 5 workplaces that are possibly ‘cool’ enough for you to stay past knocking-off time. 1. Spencer Ogden Energy recruitment specialist Spencer Ogden’s Asia-Pacific headquarters in Eu Tong Sen Street boasts Astroturf flooring, reclaimed wood round tables, and American-style diners. It is also home to a large, bronze gong - which employees hit by way of celebrating each time they clinch a deal 2. SAP Singapore Need a nap while at work? This is not taboo at SAP Singapore, which sells and develops business management software. Employees can catch forty winks in a sleep pod – a reclining sofa fitted with a helmet-like dome for privacy. It is painted black on the inside, and comes with built-in audio speakers “The pod is imported from overseas and designed for power napping at work, to help employees recharge, manage stress and increase productivity,” managing director Kowshik Sriman told The New Paper. SAP’s office at the Mapletree Business City in Pasir Panjang also features cosy corners, or sitting rooms, with swing-like seats suspended from the ceiling. There is even a foot-reflexology path to rejuvenate tired feet 3. Google Singapore Search engine giant Google has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a dorm room and a garage. Hammocks hang from one part of its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Asia Square, where employees can find a quiet spot to work. To encourage its employees to make healthy eating choices, Google Singapore provides organic breakfasts, lunches and to-go dinners free of charge at its well-stocked pantries and cafeterias, including one that resembles a Peranakan shophouse. 4. SapientNitro Employees at marketing and consulting agency SapientNitro often flock to its two outdoor garden terraces for a breath of fresh air. Decked with vertical greenery and hanging foliage, the garden terraces, used for casual meetings as well as company events and celebrations, also feature an in-built bar area. “It helps give the office a sense of calm and also allows for breakout sessions and team bonding activities amidst a peaceful setting – all the better to inspire creativity,” said Mr Kim Douglas, vice-president and managing director for the firm’s Singapore and Hong Kong operations. Meeting rooms at the office in Cecil Street are also lined with glass walls and whiteboard spaces, which are designed for conducive brainstorming sessions and effective visual conceptualising. 5. Spotify Singapore What is a day at Spotify without music? The commercial music streaming service’s office at Boat Quay comes with several Spotify Connect devices, where staff can share their playlists through the in-room speakers. Its open-concept office space also features adjustable standing desks and chill-out areas with bean bags. “Our ‘play everywhere’ concept allows us to become more productive and our office space is designed to help us to do exactly that,” said Ms Sunita Kaur, managing director (Asia). “We want Spotifiers to feel comfortable in their surroundings and create an environment that's a perfect mix of work and play.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svEezyIXUWg Anybody got balls as hard as him?

Toyota is the best-selling automotive brand for the second straight year and it is not slowing down with plans of selling 10 million vehicles worldwide in 2014. Sales across the globe increased 2.4 percent to 9.98 million vehicles last year as compared to General Motor's (GM) and Volkswagen's (VW) 9.71 million and over 9.7 million units respectively. According to Chief Executive Officer Akio Toyoda, Toyota remained in pole position while still earning well. He also claimed that the Japanese brand outearned GM and VW combined in the previous quarter. However, he acknowledged the fact that the competition is heating up. While Toyota led GM by about 460,000 units in 2012, this year, the gap has narrowed to about 270,000 units. The Americans have also been coming up with many great cars in the recent years. Plus, they have been winning awards like North American Car and Truck of the Year awards at the Detroit Motor Show with its Corvette Stingray sports car and Silverado pickup. Not to be left behind, VW will spending more than $7 billion during the next five years in North America. It will also try to increase sales of its namesake and Audi brands to 1 million vehicles by 2018 when it believes it would be the top-selling automotive brand in the world. So 2014 is shaping up to be an interesting year with Toyota trying to be the first automotive brand in the world to surpass the 10 million sales mark. Who do you reckon will emerge as the champ this year?

2013 has been a wonderful year. A very busy one actually. I have not shot so much in a year before and I have to say I had fun shooting each and every car. So being a photographer more than anything else, I would like to share with you, in no particular order, 15 of my favourite shots for 2013... Giving the Grand Cherokee the SRT8 treatment is such a wonderful combo. Felt invincible driving it. The Range Rover Sport. It can now wear its 'sport' badge proudly now. Probably one of the best handling SUV around. Always wanted to shoot at weird places. Good that the RAV4 had ample ground clearance. My favourite Volvo for this year. I must say the R-design package makes the V40 a better driver's car. Plus, that Polestar blue paint is simply stunning. While the rest of the world downsizes into turbocharged in-line fours, the IS250's V6 engine is a breath of fresh air. And in this LFA-inspired F Sport trim that, the sliding tachometer is darn cool. Manual, 280bhp, FWD with LSD, trick HiPerStruct front suspension and Brembo brakes in a sexy looking hatch. What more could you ask for? Need a fast and good looking SUV? This is your answer. Or get the newly-launched SQ5 if you have the cash. Love the noise, love the drive, love the looks. While most of my colleagues prefer the V6S, I will have me the laugh-out-loud V8 any day. Can't wait for the Coupe to be here. Hidden gem. The best fast-performance diesel for me this year. 650Nm of torque coupled with quattro makes it unbeatable in the real world. A value for money large off-roader. Seats seven with ease and looks good. The facelifted E-Class is a much improved car. Drives well and rides well. No wonder Singaporeans are lapping it up. Until I have sampled the new S-Class, I reckon the Range Rover is the best luxury car for the bosses. The interior is just so classy and the ride is impeccable. Knowing it has excellent off-roading abilities is just another bonus. Some facts about the F12berlinetta... The only NA V12-engined car I shot this year. The only Ferrari I shot this year. And the fastest car that we reviewed that I did not get to have a go in. Oh well. Some facts about the Koenigsegg Agera S... The fastest car I shot this year. Nuff' said. Both the Suzuki Swift Sport and the Toyota 86 aren't new cars for 2013 but both are firm favourites here in the office. Happily both carry the NA flag proudly and are excellent drivers' car.