Year: 2023

2566 posts

Facebook post raises awareness of financial strain from requests for extra utensils and dishes for Singapore hawker stores

A Facebook post by a Singapore hawker’s nephew has raised awareness of the financial strain that hawkers face when customers request extra utensils and dishes. Limited storage space, low prices, and the need to wash bowls after closing time can make it difficult for hawkers to provide extra items, which can cut into their profits.

Markets rattled as bank shares hammered

Global markets suffer losses after US jobs data raises the possibility of aggressive interest rate hikes, and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank adds to the uncertainty in the banking sector. Shares in HSBC, Standard Chartered, Barclays, and Lloyds all fell, as did Deutsche Bank and Societe Generale. Despite the news, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America had mixed performances, and the dollar fell against its main rivals despite the expected US interest rate hikes.

Netizens stand in solidarity with Bangladeshi cleaner punched by man in MacPherson

An alleged assault on a Bangladesh worker occurred in MacPherson, Singapore, according to Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament for MacPherson SMC, who took to Instagram to share the news. The victim, Ahammed Siyam, was punched in the chest by a man who had previously harassed and broken the brooms of town council workers. Investigations are ongoing, and the police are aware of the incident. Netizens expressed their support for Babul and his son, who are both town council workers, and called for respect towards workers.

Anwar’s Budget 2023 praised by financial institutions for being in touch with the real hardship faced by the people

Malaysia’s Parliament passed Budget 2023, the largest in the country’s history at RM388.1 billion (US$87.5bn), with initiatives and policies aimed at reducing the cost of living. The budget was praised for its relevance to post-pandemic challenges, with financial institutions looking forward to its implementation. However, measures such as the potential capital gains tax on unlisted shares were cautioned by Ernst & Young. Fitch Solutions predicted Malaysia is likely to achieve fiscal consolidation in the post-pandemic era, with the budget shortfall in 2023 expected to decrease.

Malaysia Parliament passed Budget 2023 at policy stage, Anwar refutes opposition ‘cruel budget’ allegation

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Budget 2023 was approved via a voice vote in Parliament. The largest on record, it allocates RM388.1 billion, with RM289.1 billion for operating expenses and RM99 billion for development spending.

George Yeo reiterates he will not contest upcoming presidential election despite speculation

George Yeo, Singapore’s former foreign minister, has again stated that he will not be running in the upcoming Singapore Presidential Election which must be held no later than 13 September.

Redditor amazed by expensive ‘cai png’ meal at MBS which cost an astonishing S$16

SINGAPORE — As the cost of living in Singapore continues to rise,…

Malaysia’s 8th Prime Minister slapped with six counts of abuse of power, money laundering charges in connection to Covid fund misuse

Malaysia’s former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin was charged on Friday (10 Mar) with accepting bribes and money laundering linked to the alleged misuse of a Covid economic recovery fund. He pleaded not guilty during the court hearing, where he was granted bail of RM2 million and ordered to surrender his passport.

Is the music for the asset enhancement policy coming to a stop?

Investing in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats was once touted as an excellent way to build a retirement fund. But with the declining returns on HDB flats, one might say that putting money into the Central Provident Fund (CPF) may be more lucrative than relying on the appreciation of HDB flats. This is especially so since the older the flat gets, the lower its value.

Democratization in Southeast Asia: Insights from Democracy Report 2023

Democracy Report 2023 by V-Dem Institute shows hope in reversing democratic backsliding in small countries, including those in Southeast Asia, but notes nine countries in the region have declined substantially.