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Condo owner cries after students trash her rented-out property

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Photos; TikTok screengrab/Ben's Social Club

SINGAPORE: A new condo owner was shocked to see her new property looking like a “garbage home” after some Chinese students trashed it.

In a video shared on the TikTok and YouTube pages of Ben’s Social Club, a condo unit was shown looking completely trashed. The videos were originally taken from social media sites used by the Chinese in Singapore.

The condo owner Amanda bought the unit from another person who had not lived there but had rented it out. When she first saw the unit, it was rented by some Chinese workers and was in good condition. But when she saw the unit again, however, its condition was bad enough to make her cry.

@bens_social_club

Chinese students tenants turning condo unit into ‘garbage home’😱 #chinesestudents #badtenant #messyhome #viral #fypシ #fyp #singapore #benssocialclub #tiktoksg

♬ original sound – Ben’s Social Club – Ben’s Social Club

The kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathroom were in a complete mess, with trash everywhere, including the floor. The former tenants did not bother throwing away their food containers and drink cups; waste bins were overflowing.

Somehow, even the marble counter in the bathroom was cracked.

There are old clothes, empty boxes, tissue papers, and trash strewn carelessly on every surface of the condo unit, including the beds.

However, after the transaction, it appeared that the former owner did not tell the new one that the tenants had used the deposit as the last month’s rent, so there was none left for the new owner to pay for a cleaning service.

What makes matters worse is that the students who rented the place had unpaid utility bills, and a third student, who has not been part of the contract, joined the other two in the condo unit. The new owner had to shoulder them herself.

Her comments can be seen in another TikTok.

@bens_social_club

Landlord file police report! Chinese students make a big mess in her condo and never pay utilities bills😱 #chinesestudents #messyhome #tenantproblems #viral #fypシ #fyp #benssocialclub #tiktoksg

♬ 恐龙扛狼 – DJ版 – 追梦先森

She has since been said to have filed a police report and is carrying out a full unit renovation. Watch the situation being explained in the video below.

/TISG

Landlord’s friend appeals for help in finding tenant who trashed flat and left behind ‘inflatable’ girlfriend; shares his photo & video of the mess he made

New study ranks Singapore’s public transport costs 4th cheapest in the world

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Facebook screengrab/ SBS Transit Ltd.

SINGAPORE: Public transport in Singapore’s system is in the top five in terms of cost, and the Little Red Dot is tied with Madrid, Spain’s capital, as the tenth-best city for public transport options, says a study carried out by conducted by insurance provider William Russell.

According to William Russell’s Global Transport Index, published in June, Buenos Aires, Argentina, tops the list, with public transport costing around an average of S$.21, followed by Tehran, Iran (S$0.64), and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (S$1.22).

In fourth-place Singapore, the average cost of public transport is S$1.97.

“The public transport network in Buenos Aires is efficient, and the buses, known as ‘colectivos’ are often on schedule. The subway, known locally as ‘the subte’ (short for ‘subterraneo’), is often used by commuting locals as it is quick, affordable and easy to navigate with maps,” the Index says.

Another Asian city, Hong Kong, where the average public transport cost is S$2.10, ranks fifth.

Interestingly, Stockholm, Sweden ranked highest, where the average public transport cost is S$5.23.

Screengrab/www.william-russell.com

As for the list of Top 15 cities with the best public transport options in the world, Singapore and Madrid, ranked tenth, received a score of 4.12 based on transport costs, number of stops of public transport, size of the public transport fleet, metro routes, shared bikes, e-scooter schemes, and electric vehicles.

Paris, France, which took pole position on the list, received a perfect score of 10. The City of Light is followed by Stockholm, Sweden, which has a Public Transport Score of 9.41; Hong Kong, China, 8.82; New York City, United States, 8.24. Rounding out the top 5 is Oslo, Norway, 7.65.

Screengrab/www.william-russell.com

The Index shows that Singapore has 87 public transport stops per 100,000 people, 1,248 public transport vehicles per one million people, nine metro routes, and three e-scooter schemes. /TISG

“Do you guys think Singapore’s public transport deserves the praises that it is receiving?” Netizen sounds out Singaporeans

Morning Digest, Aug 18

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Photo: Pexels/Nataliya Vaitkevich (for illustration purposes only)

Maid goes home for her father’s funeral; employer initially agrees but cancels her Work Permit after she leaves

 

Indonesian domestic housemaid Murseh (only one name given), who claims her Malaysian domestic employer did not pay her wages for ten months, watches an Indonesian soap opera on television at a communal area at a shelter for migrant workers inside the premises of the Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur, 25 June 2007. Over 1,000 Indonesian workers seek refuge at their embassy in Malaysia every year because they have not been paid by their employers or have been abused, a top embassy official said 25 June. AFP PHOTO/TENGKU BAHAR (Photo by TENGKU BAHAR / AFP)

SINGAPORE: A 31-year-old maid took to social media after she went back home for her father’s funeral but found out that her employer had cancelled her Work Permit (WP) despite agreeing not to.

In a post to a Facebook support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the maid wrote that she was from the Philippines and had been working in Singapore for almost 11 months. She wrote that her father suddenly passed away and she asked her employer for three weeks of leave, after which she will come back. Her employers agreed and so she left all of her belongings in their house.

Read more here…


 

‘Rents in Singapore have tumbled. They’ve literally fallen off a cliff’ says UK real-estate firm owner

 

Photo: YT screengrab/@MaxChernov

SINGAPORE: In an interview with YouTube Max Chernov, Ms Juliet Standard, a Director at CitiProp Property Management, said that rental rates in Singapore have decreased, reversing skyrocketing prices in 2021 and especially 2022.

Ms Stannard, who had lived in Singapore for 30 years, said rental rates had fallen sharply. “They’ve literally fallen off a cliff. Just all of a sudden there’s been a correction with the supply of new properties.”

Read more here…


WP MP Louis Chua on Singapore’s public housing dilemma: Homes are expected to be both affordable and an investment

 

Photo: YouTube screengrab/The Workers’ Party

SINGAPORE: The Workers’ Party launched a series of videos on public housing on Wednesday (Aug 16), with Sengkang GRC Member of Parliament Louis Chua getting the ball rolling by putting his finger on the crux of the matter: that people want their homes to be affordable, and yet expect them to be an ever-increasing asset.

With over 80 per cent of Singaporeans living in HDB flats, public housing is surely part of the country’s success story. In the first instalment of the WP’s mini-series, The Property Slide, Mr Chua noted that public housing costs have increased by over 30 per cent in the past few years.

Read more here…


 

Indian restaurants in Singapore will be able to hire cooks from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka from Sept 1

 

Photo: Freepik (for illustration purposes only).

SINGAPORE: On Tuesday (Aug 15), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) released the application details for cooks in Indian restaurants, which will be able to hire cooks from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

In the past, Singapore employers in services and manufacturing industries have hired work permit holders from China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan. The list has since expanded to workers from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, or the Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) with work permits.

Read more here…


 

‘Kids’ meal?’ — Netizens ask why Sausage McMuffins have gotten so small

 

Photo: FB screengrab/COMPLAINT SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE: “The size had reduced significantly…,” wrote a netizen who posted a photo of a Sausage McMuffin in his hand on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on Tuesday (Aug 15).

The famed breakfast sandwich fit into the cupped palm of Mr Al Asaraf Omar Chulia’s hand, giving many the impression that it was significantly smaller than it used to be.

Read more here…


Police seize cars, watches, Louis Vuitton bags, wine, and millions in cash as 10 foreigners arrested for money laundering

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Photos: police.gov.sg

SINGAPORE: The Police announced on Tuesday night that ten people between the ages of  31 and 44 were arrested for suspected involvement in offences of forgery, money laundering, and resistance to lawful apprehension.

The individuals rounded up are from Cyprus, Turkey, China, and Cambodia. Eight other people are wanted by the police, while 12 others assist with investigations. Everyone identified in one of Singapore’s largest anti-money laundering operations so far is believed to be connected. None of them is a Permanent Resident or a citizen of Singapore.

Over 400 police officers carried out raids on Aug 15 (Tuesday at multiple locations on), including at Good Class Bungalows (GCB) and condominiums, which resulted in the arrest of 10 persons.

Photo: https://www.police.gov.sg/
Photo: https://www.police.gov.sg/
Photo: https://www.police.gov.sg/
Photo: https://www.police.gov.sg/
Photo: https://www.police.gov.sg/

“Prohibition of disposal orders were issued against 94 properties and 50 vehicles, with a total estimated value of more than S$815 million, as well as multiple ornaments and bottles of liquor and wine.

The Police also seized more than 35 related bank accounts with a total estimated balance of more than S$110 million for investigations and to prevent dissipation of suspected criminal proceeds,” the police said.

Over 250 luxury bags and watches, more than 120 electronic devices including mobile phones and computers, over 270 pieces of jewellery, two gold bars, and 11 documents with information on virtual assets, plus cash in various currencies amounting to more than S$23 million are now in the possession of the Police.

They were charged in court on Wednesday (Aug 16), and details concerning the cases may be found in the announcement from the Singapore Police Force.

“We take the most serious stance against criminals laundering their criminal proceeds through our financial system. We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and Financial Intelligence Units to detect, deter, and prevent Singapore from hosting such criminal elements. We have zero tolerance for the use of Singapore as a safe haven for criminals or their families, nor for the abuse of our banking facilities. Our message to these criminals is simple – if we catch you, we will arrest you. If we find your ill-gotten gains, we will seize them. We will deal with you to the fullest extent of our laws,” Mr David Chew, the Director of the Commercial Affairs Department, said.

Police officers from various departments, including those from the Criminal Investigation Department, Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), Special Operations Command or riot police, and Police Intelligence Department, took part in the operations in several areas, including Tanglin, Bukit Timah, Orchard Road, Sentosa, and River Valley. /TISG

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Celebrity couples Nick Teo & Hong Ling and Edwin Goh & Rachel Wan double dating in Australia

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Photo: IG screengrab/Hong Ling

SYDNEY: Singaporean celebrity couple Nick Teo and Hong Ling recently had a double date with another local celebrity couple, Edwin Goh and Rachel Wan, in Australia.

In an Instagram post, Hong Ling shared: “Double date be like….We all wake up at around 3-4am SG time today for an “easy” hike. Did we even wake up so early in Singapore?!” 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hong Ling (@honglingg_)

Nick, Edwin, and Rachel commented on the post using their IG accounts. 

Nick Teo declared: “It’s so fun!”

Edwin Gog admitted: “I usually sleep around 3-4am in SG 😂” 

Rachel Wan said: “My legs are dead 😂” 

Goh and Wan began their relationship in March, and they moved to Sydney last July to venture out, try new experiences, and have a slower pace in life. The couple shared their reason for moving, tips on living in Sydney, Australia, and snippets of their new life on their YouTube account. 

More so, Teo is celebrating the birthday of Ling as they travel to a foreign country. In another Instagram post, he stated: “Happy birthday to the very important woman in my life… I want to thank you for being in my life. You was there at my lowest, seen the worst of me but you stayed by my side throughout.” 

Nick Teo proposed to Hong Ling last August 2022, during her birthday.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 张奕恺 Nick (@nickk_teo)

He added: “No special celebration this year because you insisted you do not want one. I hope you enjoy this trip. Posting slightly ealier cause we are in Australia right now.” 

Netizens expressed their thoughts in the comments.

One IG user stated: “Sweet couple 😍”

Another IG user remarked: “She’s a very lucky woman!”

Felicia Chin takes no-pay leave for 3 months to film her new Mediacorp drama

Singapore’s talented Thai kickboxers keen on dominating the rings at Muay Thai Festival

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Photo credit: World Boxing Council Muaythai Singapore

SINGAPORE — The World Boxing Council MuayThai Singapore, in partnership with Eminent Fighting Championship, will host the Muay Thai Festival 2023 on Aug 26 at Suntec City Tower 5. With the support of the Royal Thai Embassy, this exciting event will showcase talented Muay Thai athletes from around the world, including countries like Thailand, Myanmar, France, Morocco, Australia, and the USA.

The Muay Thai Festival will feature 15 matches, showcasing amateur and professional athletes, with five titles up for grabs. The main professional fights will kick off at 5 pm, with the highly anticipated main event between Thailand’s Rungubon Sagami and Morocco’s Said Ennasiri, vying for the prestigious WBC Muay Thai Nai Khanom Tom title.

The Muay Thai festival is set to captivate audiences with a thrilling lineup of 15 matches, showcasing the talents of both amateur and professional fighters, contesting for five titles on the day of competition. The main event, which promises to be an adrenaline-fueled spectacle, will commence at 5 pm. Thailand’s Rungubon Sagami will battle Said Ennasiri from Morrocco for the prestigious WBC Muay Thai Nai Khanom Tom title. 

Nevertheless, all eyes will also be on the co-main event as the youthful-looking Wynn Neo steps into the ring to take on the veteran Kenji Ong, who is 47 years old, for the WBC MuayThai Singapore Featherweight title. Despite being 20 years senior to his opponent, Ong remains strong and determined to showcase his skills while proving that age is just a number when you have the passion for the sport. This is also a testament to Ong’s perseverance and dedication in inspiring others to never give up on their dreams, regardless of age.

“If we never take the first step, we will never discover the subsequent steps that lead to glory. Whether we encounter success or failure, each experience serves as a valuable teacher in our journey of life,” shared Ong with The Independent Singapore.

Photo credit: World Boxing Council Muaythai Singapore

Ong is a seasoned Singapore Muay Thai athlete who has represented his country in numerous international competitions, notably the World Games 2009. One of his most cherished accomplishments came during the Kunlun Fight 14 in December 2014 at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club in Thailand, where he faced off against Thailand’s prison champion, Frenchman Alexis Barateau.

Another Muay Thai athlete hoping to make an impact in the tournament is Tan Xuan Yun. She will face her Thai opponent, “Glassy,” in the EFC Muay Thai Championship category.

“The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately. Wanting something isn’t good enough; waiting for something ain’t gonna get you nowhere. You need to want it bad enough to get up each day and chase it,” expressed Tan.

WBC Muay Thai Singapore Chairman, Spencer Tay, has expressed his unwavering confidence in Tan’s abilities, predicting that she will not only shine in the upcoming tournament but also achieve other accomplishments in the world of Muay Thai. Tay firmly believes Tan has what it takes to make Singapore proud and become the next world champion.

“Obviously weight does not matter. She has the highest potential at this weight category (47kg) and with her skills in the ring, and with the proper guidance and mentorship she will definitely be a world champion,” expressed Tay.

There are eight bouts in the amateurs’ categories starting from 2 pm and seven pro fights starting from 5 pm. Tickets to the events, starting from $78, can be purchased here.

Singapore’s golf rising star Aloysa Atienza’s quest to turn pro

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Photo credit: Saltine Communications

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s amateur golfer, Aloysa Margiela Atienza, is determined to fulfil her ambition of becoming a professional athlete. At 25 years old, Atienza has already demonstrated her exceptional skills with remarkable achievements at the 2022 SEA Games and the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship held earlier this year in January.

Atienza made her SEA Games debut for Team Singapore in Vietnam and won the silver medal in the women’s golf individual event. She achieved a personal best and set a course record of seven under (65) during the final round at Heron Lake Golf Course. This remarkable accomplishment brought glory to Singapore and established Atienza as one of the most promising golfers in the region.

Photo credit: Saltine Communications

“I firmly believe in the mantra ‘hard work pays off. I embrace the challenges and the long hours of practice and repetition required to excel in golf. Representing Singapore and winning a medal at the SEA Games has been a dream come true, and it has fueled my ambition to compete at the highest level,” expressed Atienza.

Proving her growth potential on the international stage, Atienza had an outstanding performance in various tournaments last year. Her notable achievements include a third-place finish at the 2022 Malaysian Amateur Open and a joint-13th position at the Women’s Australian Master of the Amateurs.

At the SCGA Women’s Amateur Championship, Atienza displayed her skills and determination by securing a remarkable second-place finish. Despite missing the title, she showcased her talent and resilience alongside tournament winner Ashley Yun.

Adding to her ever-growing list of accolades, Atienza also claimed a commendable third-place finish at the Donna Andrews Invitational in 2022. These consistent achievements highlight Atienza’s continuous progress and potential as a rising star in the golfing world.

Photo: Website screengrab / wagr.com

As Atienza prepares for the next phase in her golfing journey to turn professional, she is currently getting herself ready for Stage 1 of the LPGA Q-School in California at the end of August. After that, she will be representing Singapore at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, this September, aiming to make her mark on the international stage again. Additionally, Atienza is considering participation in the 30th World Amateur Team Championship in Abu Dhabi in October.

In her relentless pursuit of becoming a professional golfer, Atienza has embarked on a strategic journey, travelling far and wide to compete alongside some of the best amateur players. Since May, she has dedicated herself to the United States, where she has soaked in the invaluable experiences of playing on diverse and challenging courses and adapting to ever-changing conditions. This immersive exposure has sharpened her skills as an athlete and cultivated her personal growth, setting the stage for her triumphant foray into the professional realm.

She has competed in several tournaments since her move overseas. In June, she came in 19th position in the Southwestern Amateur event. In July, she competed in the North & South Women’s Amateur Championship and Women’s Western Amateur Championship, while she placed 43rd at the recent Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship that was held earlier in Aug.

Since her move overseas, she has participated in multiple tournaments. In June, she achieved a 19th position in the Southwestern Amateur event. A month later, she competed in the North & South Women’s Amateur Championship and the Women’s Western Amateur Championship. In the recent Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in August, she placed 43rd.

Prizm Digital Singapore will be leading fundraising efforts to support Atienza on her path to becoming a professional golfer. Further details on these fundraising initiatives will be announced in the near future.

‘Kids’ meal?’ — Netizens ask why Sausage McMuffins have gotten so small

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Photo: FB screengrab/COMPLAINT SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE: “The size had reduced significantly…,” wrote a netizen who posted a photo of a Sausage McMuffin in his hand on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on Tuesday (Aug 15).

The famed breakfast sandwich fit into the cupped palm of Mr Al Asaraf Omar Chulia’s hand, giving many the impression that it was significantly smaller than it used to be.

A Sausage McMuffin is supposed to be 4 ounces or 115 grams. And while the fast food giant’s exact specifications for its offerings are very likely to be a closely guarded secret, the sandwich is said to have been patterned after the English muffin, which is commonly 4 inches (10 cm) round and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) tall.

Photo: McDonald’s SG website

Netizens commenting on the post agreed that it looked smaller than usual, with one asking if it was a kid’s meal, something that had crossed the post author’s mind.

Another agreed, writing that he had “Paid adult price for kid size portion. Look at Big Mac meat patty. So thin…”

A commenter jokingly called it a “Penyet McMuffin.” Penyet is a Javanese term for “pressed” or “squeezed,” which is how it’s used in the dish “ayam penyet.”

Other netizens said that various McDonald’s items have also decreased in size.

“I had sent feedback to McDonald but no responses or they don’t even want to respond. Last time, eat 1 meal will be full. Now is have to eat 2 Sausage McMuffin then is call full,” wrote another.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to Mr Al Asaraf Omar Chulia, as well as to McDonald’s, for further comments. /TISG

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Indian restaurants in Singapore will be able to hire cooks from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka from Sept 1

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Photo: Freepik (for illustration purposes only).

SINGAPORE: On Tuesday (Aug 15), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) released the application details for cooks in Indian restaurants, which will be able to hire cooks from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

In the past, Singapore employers in services and manufacturing industries have hired work permit holders from China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan. The list has since expanded to workers from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, or the Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) with work permits.

This will help address the manpower crunch that has affected certain sectors.

MOM said in a release on Aug 15 that the Non-Traditional Source Occupation List (NTS OL) it had announced at the Committee of Supply 2022 will be implemented with effect beginning on Sept 1 of this year.

“The NTS OL is intended to help firms adjust to the S Pass qualifying salary and levy increases by allowing them access to NTS Work Permit holders for occupations with pressing manpower needs, but see low take-up by locals and are harder to automate,” said the Ministry.

Two more job roles have been added to the NTS OL: housekeepers and porters.

In the same release, MOM provided details for applications to work as cooks at Indian restaurants for individuals from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Singapore restaurants are currently allowed to hire Work Permit holders from Malaysia, People’s Republic of China and North Asian Sources.

“We appreciate the Government’s effort in coming up with the NTS OL scheme to allow Indian restaurants to hire cooks at the Work Permit level. This will help us greatly in our mission to serve authentic Indian cuisine and preserve the Indian heritage in Singapore,” MOM quoted Mr S.Mahenthiran, Chief Executive Officer, Catering Solutions and Honorary Secretary of the Indian Restaurants Association of Singapore, as saying.

From Sept 1, Indian restaurants wishing to hire NTS Work Permit Holders may apply via a FormSG link on the MOM website.

“Applications will be assessed on their eligibility by a panel comprising industry and government stakeholders in Indian cuisine. Eligible Indian restaurants may thereafter submit their Work Permit applications via MOM’s Work Permit Online (WPOL),” the Ministry added.

The MOM release may be read in full here. /TISG

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WP MP Louis Chua on Singapore’s public housing dilemma: Homes are expected to be both affordable and an investment

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Photo: YouTube screengrab/The Workers' Party

SINGAPORE: The Workers’ Party launched a series of videos on public housing on Wednesday (Aug 16), with Sengkang GRC Member of Parliament Louis Chua getting the ball rolling by putting his finger on the crux of the matter: that people want their homes to be affordable, and yet expect them to be an ever-increasing asset.

With over 80 per cent of Singaporeans living in HDB flats, public housing is surely part of the country’s success story. In the first instalment of the WP’s mini-series, The Property Slide, Mr Chua noted that public housing costs have increased by over 30 per cent in the past few years.

But on the other hand, Mr Chua noted that older Singaporeans increasingly rely on their primary property, which they rely on for their retirement, “may find that this valuable retirement will get eroded with the passage of time.”

The two major factors to consider, in other words, are affordability and retirement adequacy.

This is a problem because the model of the public housing market, built on ever-appreciating prices, cannot be sustainable, said Mr Chua.

And while it can be said that HDB flats are an appreciating asset, “there is still the issue of the 99-year-lease,” he added,” where “if all else goes according to plan, the higher the prices go, the harder the fall.

He also mentioned the widening disparity between the value of older HDB flats, whose lease term is approaching, and the newer BTO flats, a problem Singapore will see more of in mature estates.

Mr Chua’s fellow Sengkang MP, who shared the video, put it this way: “On one hand, we want to have affordable public housing that all Singaporeans can call a home, while on the other, we want this same house to be the main way that we finance our retirement, since we pay for it with our CPF. These goals are hard to reconcile, since in one case we want the flat to be as cheap as possible, but in the other, we want it to fetch as much as possible. #makingyourvotecount” /TISG

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