Commentary

Where to invest in Singapore amidst the current volatile markets

If you are a follower of financial news, you would have noticed there's a major lack of 'good news' in the markets recently. Falling commodities prices, volatile Chinese stocks markets, poor economic growth in Singapore, and declining regional currency values... it makes one think twice about putting your hard-earned money into the markets, doesn't it?

Where to invest in Singapore amidst the current volatile markets

If you are a follower of financial news, you would have noticed there's a major lack of 'good news' in the markets recently. Falling commodities prices, volatile Chinese stocks markets, poor economic growth in Singapore, and declining regional currency values... it makes one think twice about putting your hard-earned money into the markets, doesn't it?

Here's what Singapore expats should know when planning their financial futures

The British government recently warned expats to be 'extremely vigilant' against unscrupulous financial advisers. The issue of barely qualified sales people pushing high fee retirement products at expats is a big problem undermining confidence in the industry.

5 professions in Singapore to best invest your SkillsFuture Credit

A resilient workforce begets a competitive economy, hence human capital is one of the most important resources of any country.

Airport woes and how retailers can help

Singaporeans are fortunate. Despite being in the top 15 busiest airports in the world, Changi Airport is a shining example of efficiency, comfort, and style. But the same cannot be said for the majority of airports elsewhere in the world.

Sustainable solutions: Going green in food and beverage packaging

Across the globe, the trend of 'going green' continues to grow. Since the rise of the LOHAS concept in the early 2000, sustainable living has spread to all aspects of society including agriculture, power, buildings, and even to interior design and development like the recent popularity of the Tiny House Movement.

Diagnosing the stress points in Singapore's labour market

Singapore scored very highly for wage pressure in high-skill industries and talent mismatch in a global assessment of 31 skilled labour markets.

What Singapore businesses need to know about turning data into insights

Singaporeans are one of the most active populations on social media, using on average four platforms daily. Mobile penetration rate is at 148%, whilst the country is now the world's fastest broadband nation, in addition to having top 4G speeds.

The aura of luxury: A perspective for Singaporeans

Increasing migration and wealth have been major trends in Singaporean economy over the last decade. With 9-10% millionaires per capita, Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries globally.

After Switzerland, is Singapore next?

Anyone with even a cursory interest in the world of banking has noticed what has been happening in Switzerland for the better part of the last decade. The mighty US government has managed to get Switzerland to do what no one else could ever do. The US managed to get Switzerland to circumvent their own rules on banking secrecy to turn over client details to the US authorities.

Risks of being first in the technology industry in Singapore

As we journey in this information age, it seems that more and more people want to be first. From something as simple as being first to comment on an article, to having the newest technology gadget, to supporting a new technology platform, being first sounds like the best thing that could happen to anyone. Or is it?

What sales leaders can learn from Singapore's 2015 General Election

Campaigning for the 2015 General Election kicked off early this month, with candidates from the incumbent party to opposition parties, seasoned and newly formed, thronging their respective GRCs (Group Representation Constituencies) for political support.

When will Singaporean banks help entrepreneurs?

Six years as a businessman in Singapore and I'm loving it. But if there is one thing I can change, this is it: Corporate Banking.

Why it's crucial to survive the loss of key people in SMEs

As the number of start-ups rises in Singapore, getting an insurance plan to protect against the loss of a key person -- the owner, main revenue generator, or chief product developer of the business -- has never been more important.

Nurturing Singapore's SMEs with the 'right' capital

Small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) are the engine of our economy. Today, SMEs represent 99 percent of Singaporean companies, contribute more than 50 percent of the nation’s annual GDP, and employ about 70 percent of our workforce.

Declining productivity in Singapore: Are you too busy being busy?

Sounds like an odd statement, doesn't it? Surely we're all busy and that's a good thing, isn't it? Well, maybe not. Despite the considerable efforts of the government, labour productivity in Singapore is declining rather than improving. Official figures show a contraction of 0.8% in 2014 and a further 0.6% in Q1 2015.

The ultimate white-collar boxing match: Singapore versus Hong Kong

The debate around whether Singapore or Hong Kong is the best city in Asia to work is long-running, with proponents for each city standing toe-to-toe in the ring. In one corner, we have those in favour of Singapore, waxing lyrical about the food, cleanliness, and safety of the Republic while berating Hong Kong's pollution, grumpy taxi drivers, and lack of personal space.

The changing face of recruitment in Singapore

Recruitment in Singapore has evolved to a different level in the last five years. If you have searched for a job in the recent past, the difference is quite stark.