News

Marriott to launch membership program in Asia with free internet access as benefit

The hotel chain's executive vice president Asia Pacific & Australia, Craig Smith, says this programme change is a great incentive for frequent travelers.

Stocks selling at a bargain as GE nears

Various developer stocks are currently trading at a sharper discount to their book value, or at a smaller premium than before.

Government raises income limit for BTO flats to S$10,000

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong indicated that couples who were about to exceed the current $8,000 ceiling may "get some relief".

Industrial leases soar in 1Q11 despite rates increase

1Q11 average monthly rent for island-wide industrial properties rose 3.27% QoQ and 23.4% YoY to $1.58 psf, according to CBRE.

KKR in talks to buy Oceanus

The deal to privatise the abalone farmer is worth ~US$500mln (S$612.5mln), according to various sources.

Singapore hotel room rates to increase by up to 15% in 2011

The STB's target of 12 million to 12.5 million visitors is expected to be met this 2011, said CBRE.

ST Electronics to divest interest in subsidiary

ST Engineering's electronic arm entered into an agreement to sell its entire 51% equity interest in Brightspot Interactive Learning Pte Ltd (BSIL).

SingTel roaming black out in Hong Kong

Frustrated SingTel customers in Hong Kong have been unable to roam for most of Tuesday.

SMOE emerges as frontrunner for US$1bln topside project

The contract from PTTEP could potentially lift Sembcorp Marine's YTD orders to about S$2.0bln.

PM says wage increase has a hidden risk

Should built-in wages grow too much and too fast, Singapore would generate a wage-price spiral that feeds inflation, said PM Lee.

Government payout to swell by 50% in 2011

The government will make special efforts to help low income worker through the Workfare Special Bonus.

Hiring freeze in 2Q11 for 82% of services sector firms

The financial and insurance industry forecasts the highest growth in employment with 38% while 10% in the retail trade industry expects the level of employment to decrease.

Pirates hijacked Singapore-registered vessel MT Gemini

The chemical tanker with 25 personnel on board is believed to have been hijacked off Kenyan waters and heading towards Somalia.

Government shells out $2bln for Singaporeans

About 2.4 million adult Singaporeans would have received about $1.5 billion in Growth Dividends and 1.3 million Singaporeans would have received abou $500 million in CPF Medisave Top-ups.

Consumers can soon choose their power supplier if EMA's plans continue

The Energy Market of Singapore is working towards opening up the entire electricity market to competition.

Unemployment rate plunges to 3-year low in 1Q 2011

Reflecting the tight labour market, the overall unemployment rate fell from a seasonally adjusted 2.2% in December 2010 to 1.9% in March 2011.