Commentary

Described as a game-changer, the recent high-speed rail link deal between Malaysia and Singapore stirred up considerable buzz on both sides of the causeway. Jointly announced by both heads of government, it is perceived as both blight and an advantage – causing airline stocks to dip and stock market prices to fluctuate. Set to be completed by 2020, the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed train presents a 90 minute journey between the cities. Whereas a direct flight will take an approximate three hours, including airport transfers and immigration queues. In a recent survey by HRG, it was revealed that business travellers are three times more likely to choose rail over air for rail journeys that are less than three hours. Taking this into account, the upcoming high-speed train seems to be the discerning choice for commuters. Nonetheless, air travel between the two cities are certainly not about to give up without a fight. With a current average of 3 flights to Kuala Lumpur leaving Singapore every hour, airlines provide the greatest flexibility and availability to business travellers, who are often faced with shifting schedules. As such, a grand total of 10 airlines ranging from budget airlines to national carriers proffer 668 flights per week between both destinations.

Singapore’s employment market may be very mature, but in reality its infrastructure could better support the attraction and retention of key local talent.

Recently we were approached by a government linked organisation which had gone through some drastic changes.

This is an article in response to Jacky Tan's article "My Letter to NTUC - Protecting PMEs in Singapore."

Once again, Budget season casts tax in its annual limelight. In the excitement of new incentives, schemes and reliefs, one should not forget the risks that could be associated with managing your company’s tax affairs.

Just as footballers need to turn in their best performances each time they step onto the pitch, the same goes for your executives every time they walk into a prospective client’s boardroom to deliver that deal-clinching pitch.

This is not a piece of commentary about Budget 2013—but in the context of elite sport, community development, and football—it is encouraging that sport participation is becoming an increasingly important part of daily life.

While the internet has created great networking opportunities for businesses and individuals, the value of face-to-face communication should not be forgotten.

Productivity is a big buzzword in Singapore today, and companies are always looking for ways to increase productivity through their employees.

At a time when the community is staging mass demonstrations against overpopulation, and the Government’s tightening of the labour force, it comes as no surprise that the 2013 Budget included a reform of the S-Pass.

Just a few weeks ago on Feb 28, 2013, Ms Park Geun-hye made history by becoming South Korea's first female president.

The Technology Risk Management Guidelines by the Monetary Authority of Singapore outline a set of principles and best practice standards for financial institutions operating in Singapore.

A recent survey revealed that being born in Singapore makes you the luckiest child in Asia. Not the world, for that you have to go to Switzerland or Australia.

I am happy to hear that you have organized this meeting to gather the opinions of PMEs (professionals, managers and executives) like us. Really appreciate your effort in seeking PMEs' view to create a better and fairer working environment.

As shared in Commandments of corporate social media policy in Singapore (Part 1) which talks about Internal Social Media Policy, there is the need for the company to create a comprehensive policy to monitor possible crisis before it occur; prepare appropriate steps to manage or mitigate the damage as well as to response quickly and appropriately both for official statements and subsequent dialogues.

What is more persuasive? Watching a brilliant TV commercial or hearing your friends comment on an awesome experience with the brand on social networking sites. Most people would find the latter an experience more persuasive and credible.