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Singapore set to flood roads with 20,000 new COEs amid growing traffic concerns

Gemma Iso
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Singapore set to flood roads with 20,000 new COEs amid growing traffic concerns

SINGAPORE: In a significant move to adjust vehicle ownership, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on October 29 that it will inject up to 20,000 additional Certificates of Entitlement (COE) across five vehicle categories starting February 2025.

According to a report published by The Straits Times, this expansion aims to accommodate a 2% increase in the vehicle population, reflecting changes in travel patterns and a noted 6% decrease in total vehicle mileage from 2019 to 2023.

Can it better manage traffic congestion?

The announcement coincides with the rollout of the new satellite-based Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, dubbed ERP 2.0, which will enable authorities to better manage traffic congestion with innovative “virtual gantries.”

These enhancements are expected to optimize vehicle usage and address congestion issues more effectively.

While the increase in COEs will boost availability, the impact on COE premiums remains uncertain. In the most recent tender held on October 23, COE prices for all categories saw a slight decline, though car premiums still surpassed the $100,000 mark.

As of September 2024, there were 1,003,126 vehicles registered in Singapore.

In terms of distribution, LTA indicated that the allocation of the new COEs will be informed by a review of traffic data and deregistration rates across various categories, although specifics about the timeline for distribution were not provided.

Additionally, LTA noted that future injections of COEs could occur as more data becomes available through the ERP 2.0 system, including the potential for distance-based charging.

Sustainable transport solutions

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat had previously expressed a willingness to explore a one-off increase in the vehicle population, which would be coupled with higher usage-based charges to mitigate congestion.

With the introduction of new COEs, LTA confirmed that ERP charges will be adjusted according to prevailing traffic conditions.

The upcoming COE injection mirrors a similar strategy employed between 1997 and 2003 when 10,500 COEs were added following the implementation of the ERP system, which provided authorities with enhanced control over vehicle usage.

This time, the increase comes in addition to the current zero growth rate for cars and motorcycles, a policy in place since 2018.

LTA observed that travel patterns have shifted significantly post-COVID-19, with reduced demand and congestion in the Central Business District (CBD). Currently, traffic speeds in the CBD are within optimal ranges, allowing for a temporary suspension of ERP charges in the area.

Despite these changes, the Government remains committed to its long-term “car-lite” vision, emphasizing walking, cycling, and public transport as preferred modes of travel. The rail network has expanded by 18% since 2019, with more MRT lines set to open in the coming years.

As for the COE growth rate, it will stay at zero for cars and motorcycles until January 31, 2028, while commercial vehicles will see a modest growth rate of 0.25% per year during the same period. This rate is reviewed every three years, with the last assessment conducted in 2021.

LTA also provided an update on the ERP 2.0 initiative, revealing that approximately 150,000 vehicles have been equipped with new onboard units since November 2023. The new system is poised to introduce distance-based charging, although LTA emphasized that no decision has yet been made on its implementation.

The planned increase in COEs marks a strategic effort to adapt to evolving travel behaviors while maintaining a focus on sustainable transport solutions in Singapore.

Both resident and non-resident employment rate surges in Q3

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Both resident and non-resident employment rate surges in Q3

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s labour market showed robust signs of recovery in the third quarter of 2024, as both resident and non-resident employment rates increased significantly.

According to the Ministry of Manpower’s latest Labour Market Report, the total number of employed individuals surged by 24,100 during the quarter, marking a growth rate approximately 1.1 times greater than the previous quarter.

The report highlighted a notable rise in resident employment, particularly in sectors such as information and communications, professional services, and medical and social services. This growth reflects an ongoing demand for skilled workers in these industries.

Conversely, the increase in non-resident employment was primarily driven by work permit holders in blue-collar positions, with notable gains seen in the construction, manufacturing, administration, and assistance services sectors.

Despite these positive trends, the unemployment rate remained stable, with resident and citizen unemployment holding steady at 2.6% and 2.7%, respectively, between August and September.

Layoffs also saw a decline, dropping from 3,270 in the previous quarter to 2,900 in Q3, suggesting that companies are becoming more cautious in their workforce management as they adapt to changing market conditions.

Looking ahead, a survey conducted by the Ministry of Manpower indicated that uncertain prospects in export-oriented sectors might impact hiring and wage expectations for the fourth quarter.

However, despite these challenges, the authorities remain optimistic about the labour market, projecting continued employment growth in the coming months.

Singapore’s digital economy thrives, representing 17.7% of GDP

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Singapore’s digital economy thrives, representing 17.7% of GDP

SINGAPORE: The digital economy in Singapore has demonstrated remarkable growth, contributing 17.7% to the nation’s GDP last year, amounting to S$113 billion.

This development surpasses the financial and insurance sectors and is now on par with the manufacturing industry, solidifying the digital economy’s role as a vital component of Singapore’s economic landscape.

According to the second Singapore Digital Economy Report released by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), one in every six dollars generated within Singapore’s economy originates from the digital sector.

Between 2018 and 2023, the digital economy’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was recorded at 11.2%, nearly double the overall economic growth rate during the same period.

The report highlights that the information and communication sector serves as the backbone of this digital economy, accounting for approximately one-third of its total value.

The remaining contributions arise from the integration of digital technologies across various non-information and communication industries.

94.6% of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have implemented at least one key digital technology, such as cybersecurity measures, cloud computing, electronic payment systems, e-commerce platforms, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.

This represents a 0.5 percentage point increase from the previous year.

Moreover, over 80% of SMEs are utilizing at least one digital solution to enhance their core business operations, up from less than 70% in 2021.

Commonly adopted digital tools include accounting software, document management systems, and digital marketing solutions.

Last year, 85% of SMEs also incorporated at least one industry-specific digital solution.

Notably, businesses that implemented digital solutions under the Productivity Solutions Grant reported an average cost savings of 50% between 2018 and 2023.

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has also seen significant growth, with 44% of large enterprises embracing AI last year—more than double the figure from 2018.

Small and medium-sized enterprises have also increased their AI adoption rates from 3.5% in 2018 to 4.2% last year.

IMDA emphasized that the technology sector will remain a primary driver of Singapore’s economy.

It holds that the rapid expansion of the digital economy presents an essential opportunity for all businesses, particularly SMEs, to harness digitalization as a catalyst for exponential economic growth.

SMU to offer up to 40% tuition fee discounts for master’s degree programmes in celebration of 25th anniversary

Jewel Stolarchuk
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SMU to offer up to 40% tuition fee discounts for master’s degree programmes in celebration of 25th anniversary

SINGAPORE: Starting January 2025, the Singapore Management University (SMU) will offer significant financial relief for students enrolling in its master’s degree programmes, with up to 40% tuition fee discounts.

This initiative aims to support local and overseas students, including alumni from SMU and graduates from local autonomous universities, making quality education more accessible.

As part of the university’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the tuition fee discount applies to students enrolling in full-time and part-time master’s programmes.

In addition to the fee reduction, SMU will introduce a range of scholarships to further assist students in managing their educational expenses.

This move highlights SMU’s dedication to promoting lifelong learning and its commitment to empowering professionals and alumni.

By facilitating continuous skill enhancement and career development opportunities, the university aims to alleviate the financial challenges associated with ongoing education.

This initiative is expected to significantly impact Singapore’s education landscape, encouraging more professionals to consider furthering their education.

By making master’s programmes more financially viable, SMU aims to attract diverse students from various backgrounds, enriching the learning experience and fostering a vibrant academic community.

The move also aligns with Singapore’s broader goals of becoming a knowledge-based economy, where continuous education is pivotal.

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

Singapore unveils national anti-money laundering strategy to bolster financial integrity

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Singapore unveils national anti-money laundering strategy to bolster financial integrity

SINGAPORE: Singapore released its National Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Strategy today, marking a significant step in the city-state’s commitment to maintaining the efficacy and resilience of its AML framework.

Jointly released by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the strategy outlines the nation’s roadmap to combat money laundering (ML) while staying attuned to the evolving risks and criminal tactics associated with ML activities.

As a trusted international financial hub, Singapore enforces a strict anti-money laundering stance to protect its financial systems from criminal misuse while fostering an open environment for legitimate investments and business operations.

By continuously assessing and managing ML risks, Singapore aims to strike a balance between preventing illicit financial flows and sustaining a welcoming business climate.

The National AML Strategy emphasizes three primary pillars: preventing illicit proceeds from infiltrating Singapore’s financial systems, detecting illegal transactions, ensuring swift action for effective disruption, containment, and enforcement, and enforcing strong deterrent measures against individuals or entities that exploit Singapore’s systems for money laundering.

Supporting these pillars are three essential building blocks that form the bedrock of Singapore’s AML approach.

The first is a whole-of-society coordination and collaboration effort that unites various sectors and societal groups to enhance AML efforts.

The second is a robust legal and regulatory framework designed to remain adaptable and effective against ML activities.

The third key component is international cooperation, ensuring strong cross-border collaboration to strengthen global AML initiatives.

The strategy incorporates insights from Singapore’s updated Money Laundering National Risk Assessment (ML NRA), aggregating years of observations on ML threats and consolidating various risk evaluations.

Passenger complains about a man who takes off his shoes on the train, but netizens say, “If it doesn’t stink, it’s okay”

Anna Maria Romero
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Passenger complains about a man who takes off his shoes on the train, but netizens say, “If it doesn’t stink, it’s okay”

SINGAPORE: A Facebook user did not hide his disgust when he saw a man had removed his shoes in an MRT carriage, posting a picture of the man’s feet and writing:

“The air in the carriage has been polluted” in the caption.

梁智茪 posted the photo on the Complaint Singapore page on Oct 23, which shows a man seated on the train looking at his mobile phone while only in sock-clad feet, with the shoes he removed positioned beside his feet.

The post sparked a debate, with some commenters calling on the post author and others to be more tolerant and understanding.

One woman wrote that “unless it smells,” it’s all right for people “to air their socks and feet,” which can sometimes get wet from the rain.

And when another woman replied that this is “not a nice thing to do in public,” the original commenter doubled down, implying there is nothing wrong with it, “as long it doesn’t bother anyone (other than the sight issue).”

Others chalked it up to cultural differences, with one netizen saying they just walk away when this happens.

One woman asked the post author, “But why does it bother you unless you’re sitting beside him?” “If it doesn’t stink, it’s okay. In my office, we also remove our shoes due to carpet,” another wrote.

Some argued it would have been better to talk to the man directly about his complaint than to post his photo on social media.

“It’s never a perfect world… learn to live,” a group member chimed in.

One commenter also made an interesting point: “The difference between someone who took off their covered shoes and a person wearing slippers is very grey.

I’ll shift away if this person’s feet are smelly. Anyone brave enough should tell him straight too…”

This is hardly the first time this has happened in public transport, as some in Singapore are known to take their shoes off for greater comfort.

The Independent Singapore has contacted the post author for further comments. /TISG

Read also: “She scolded me” — Woman says she got told off for asking a bus passenger not to put “her socks cladded feet on seats, handles, and armrests”

1.2 million NSmen of the past and present to receive $200 LifeSG vouchers

Jewel Stolarchuk
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1.2 million NSmen of the past and present to receive $200 LifeSG vouchers

SINGAPORE: Recognizing their contributions to national defence and security, approximately 1.2 million current and former national servicemen will receive $200 in LifeSG credits by the end of November.

The announcement on the disbursement of the vouchers was made jointly by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), who confirmed that the credits will be automatically distributed to eligible servicemen through the LifeSG application.

Distribution of these e-vouchers will commence in early November, with a commitment to complete the process by Nov 30, ensuring all eligible servicemen receive their credits.

Servicemen are assured they will not need to click on any links or submit personal information as the process is designed for secure, automatic delivery.

Once the credits have been issued, an SMS from gov.sg will be sent to the servicemen’s registered mobile numbers, followed by a formal notification letter to their home addresses.

The LifeSG credits will remain valid for one year, and servicemen can track their expiration date through the LifeSG app.

The credits can be used at online and physical merchants that accept PayNow UEN QR or NETS QR code payments, with participating partners like HomeTeamNS and SAFRA offering additional discounts for servicemen using their credits.

The measure, first announced as part of Singapore’s Budget 2024, symbolises the nation’s commitment to honouring its servicemen’s roles and contributions, extending eligibility to all enlisted by Dec 31, 2024.

For servicemen enlisting after mid-September, credits will be issued in December this year.

Netizens call out passenger for taking video of woman on PMD whom she said is just pretending to be disabled

Anna Maria Romero
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Netizens call out passenger for taking video of woman on PMD whom she said is just pretending to be disabled

SINGAPORE: A passenger claimed an older woman on a personal mobility device (PMD) on the train was just pretending to be disabled and, more than that, hindered those who wanted to enter or alight from the MRT.

A Facebook user posted a video of the woman on the Complaint Singapore group page on Oct 28 (Monday), which has been widely seen and commented on.

The post author accused the woman of “can walk till” she has “calluses on her feet,” yet wants to pretend to be disabled.

The woman was also said to have allegedly rushed into the train carriage before others could descend and then wanted to “hog” the space in front of the door, preventing others from easily entering or alighting.

Moreover, the post author added that when the woman wanted to get off the train, she even rang the bell on the PMD to get others out of the way so she could speed to the lift.

In obvious exasperation, she asked “whose boomer relative” the woman is and asked for her to be claimed by them.

She also added a remark saying she assumes the woman’s parents are already gone from the earth, as this would presumably explain the woman’s “mannerless behaviour.”

The post and its author’s frank caption did not go over well with some netizens, who found themselves defending the woman.

One told her that some elderly folks do not use PMDs because they’re unable to walk long distances and not because they’re unable to stand up.

The commenter called her out for “stealthily” taking a video of the woman’s face, calling this unethical.

“You should rather take pictures of those high-speed GRAB riders all day who are using PMA and monopolising the pedestrian lane,” the netizen added.

Another said it was uncalled for the post author to mention the woman’s parents in her caption.

Unrepentant, she answered by writing, “I’m already going down; I might as well take the speedier highway.”

One chimed in to say that the PMD the woman used had been issued by a hospital, which means she “legit has health issues that give her the vehicle.”

She also added it was better for the woman to ring her bell rather than bump into people.

Others appealed to the post author to let the woman be and not judge her harshly, with some even saying the post author should help such elderly people when they can.

The Independent Singapore has contacted the post author for further updates or comments. /TISG

Read also: Man asks AMK Hub mall to be understanding towards elderly with PMDs instead of asking them to move it to the first floor

LTA to increase COE quota to 20,000 in coming years

Jewel Stolarchuk
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LTA to increase COE quota to 20,000 in coming years

SINGAPORE: In a move aimed at managing vehicle growth and addressing traffic congestion, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced that starting February next year, the total quota of Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) available for bidding will be gradually increased to a maximum of approximately 20,000 over the coming years.

This decision comes in response to recent trends in vehicle usage and advancements in the functionality of the new generation of the Electronic Road Pricing system, known as ERP2.0.

The LTA’s announcement parallels historical practices, specifically referencing the addition of 10,500 COE quotas beyond the permitted vehicle growth rate (VGR) between 1997 and 2003.

While trucks and buses (Group C) will continue to see a growth rate, other vehicle groups have remained stagnant since 2018, maintaining a zero growth rate.

A key driver behind this decision is the shift in travel patterns influenced by flexible work arrangements that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to LTA data, total vehicle mileage has decreased by approximately 6% from 2019 to 2023, indicating a shift in commuting behaviour among the populace.

Another contributing factor to the vehicle growth strategy is the enhanced accessibility of public transportation.

The recent expansions of the MRT network, which has increased by 18% from 228 kilometres in 2019 to around 270 kilometres today, have further improved public transport options for residents.

Upcoming projects, including the expansion of the North East Line, Thomson-Eastern Line, Downtown Line, and Circle Line, as well as the introduction of the new Jurong Region Line, are expected to bolster these improvements.

With the introduction of ERP2.0, traffic management will also benefit from the utilization of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology.

This new system will allow for more effective congestion management through the implementation of ‘virtual gates,’ facilitating a more flexible and responsive approach to traffic control.

ERP2.0 also paves the way for potential distance-based pricing options, providing an additional tool for regulating vehicle usage and alleviating road congestion.

Despite the increase in COE quotas, the LTA emphasized its commitment to a long-term vision of reducing car usage and promoting a “car-lite” lifestyle.

From Feb 1, 2025, to Jan 31, 2028, the annual growth rates for small and medium-sized cars (Group A), large and luxury cars (Group B), and motorcycles (Group D) will remain at zero, while trucks and buses (Group C) will maintain a growth rate of 0.25%.

The LTA stated that it will continue to monitor traffic conditions and adjust electronic highway toll collection systems as necessary.

As ERP2.0 generates more data and additional tools are implemented, further calibration of vehicle quotas, including the potential introduction of distance-based charging, will be considered.

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

“Scared to buy outside food now” — Woman says after finding a foreign object, possibly a “steel wool or metal scrubber piece” in her meal

Anna Maria Romero
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“Scared to buy outside food now” — Woman says after finding a foreign object, possibly a “steel wool or metal scrubber piece” in her meal

SINGAPORE: A woman took to social media to post a photo of an unwanted object in her ordered meal, calling herself “lucky” that she did not eat it.

In an Oct 30 (Wednesday) post on the Complaint Singapore Facebook page, Charmer Gay Agudo Sumogat also said she is “now scared to buy food outside.”

Ms Charmer added that she was posting for awareness only so people would be careful when eating the food they buy. “I’m not here to complain,” she wrote, “I just want to share an awareness.”

In an answer to a question from a commenter, she added she had bought the food at Sembawang MRT.

The post contains three pictures. The first two show a partially eaten chicken leg and fried rice meal. The final photo, however, shows a hand with a forefinger holding up what appears to be a piece of metal.

FB screengrab/Complaint Singapore/Charmer Gay Agudo Sumogat

Commenters on this particular photo said the piece may have come from a scrubbing ball or pad used for washing plates or cooking pans.

One noted these pieces can easily break off when the scrubber has been used too many times and is worn out.

Finding foreign objects in food is, unfortunately, not that uncommon.

Read related: FairPrice suspends sale of xiao long bao after woman finds plastic in the dumplings

In another comment, Ms Charmer posted a photo of such a scrubber and wrote, “This is steel wool or metal scrubber pieces can cause mechanical damage to the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.”

A physician online has said there is a risk of injury or irritation to the digestive tract when a person has swallowed part of a steel wool scrubber, and those who think they’ve done so should monitor for symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting.

If these persist or grow severe, then medical help should be sought.

Nevertheless, swallowed objects usually make it to a person’s stomach and are passed through their stool in two to three days.

Other commenters on Ms Charmer’s post have said the same thing has happened to them.

A number of group members, however, said that this affirms their choice to cook at home, as they can be assured of the quality and cleanliness of the meals they prepare themselves.

The Independent Singapore has contacted Ms Charmer for further comments or updates. /TISG

Read also: Customer upset after finding wire mesh in dish at Zi Char stall

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