Singapore companies pressured to raise wages

Singapore companies are under pressure to raise their wages more than they had earlier expected, in view of higher inflation next year, said human resources services company Hewitt. Companies had budgeted for a 5 per cent wage hike next year, according to Hewitt’s latest survey of 180 companies in Singapore across sectors like hospitality, energy, retail and logistics.

Of these companies, 11 per cent were Singapore-based and the rest are international ones. Almost half of the 180 companies are units of US-based companies.

But the survey, which was conducted in April and May, does not reflect the most recent data which suggest that inflation may reach 4 to 5 per cent early next year as prices of food, oil and commodities climb.

If companies keep to their budgetted figures, real wage increases may be a measly 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent, at least during the early part of next year. (story)

Apple makes legal threats against iPhone selling stores

Next Christmas for sure, but not this one - if you hanker for a ‘legit’ iPhone, and have been checking out Sim Lim Square for it. That is because Apple, the maker of the cellphone popular in the United States and Europe, will only release it in Asia next year.

According to retailers, Apple theatened in an e-mail to go after them for illegally ‘unlocking’ parallel imported iPhones. The phones are unlocked by hacking into their software so that local SIM cards can be used.

Sim Lim Square retailers and even some online local sellers have stopped selling the gadget.

A retailer in Sim Lim Square said shops there, including his, received a warning e-mail from Apple about a month ago.

It threatened legal action should they continue to sell ‘hacked’ iPhones, which could make them liable for $1,000 per iPhone sold. (story)

Subsidized health services to be cut for non permanent residents, Jan.1

From January 1 next year, foreigners who are not Permanent Residents (PRs) will not receive any healthcare subsidy.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said PRs will continue to be subsidised for hospital services, but at 5 percentage points less than citizens.

This will be reduced by another 5 percentage points from 1 July 2008.

For example, for Class B1 ward, subsidy level for PRs will go down from 20% currently to 15% in January. By July, the subsidy will be reduced further to 10%.

For Class B2 wards, the subsidy will be lowered from 65% currently to 60% in January and then 55% in July.

For Class C wards, the subsidy will be 75% in January, down from 80% currently. This will be further reduced to 70% in July.

Subsidy for day surgery will be reduced from 65% currently to 60% and subsequently to 55%.

For Specialist Outpatient Clinic, the subsidy will eventually be 40%, down from 50% currently. (story)

Committee trying to keep graduates practicing law

Could the introduction of Law at the GCE “A” Levels help attract students with the right aptitude for the study and practice of Law?

That was one question mulled over by the committee set up to review the legal services in Singapore.

The members noted that increasingly, law graduates did not practise or they leave the practise altogether, shortly after graduation.

That was why the committee, which is chaired by High Court Appeal Judge, Justice V K Rajah, considered whether introducing “A” Level Law might improve the situation. (story)

ZoukOut dance festival to return

Singapore’s thriving entertainment scene will reach a high point December 8th, when it will host its famous annual ‘ZoukOut’ dance music festival, uniting dance music lovers from across Asia and the Middle East.

The island-nation’s trademark annual dance music festival will feature some of the world’s top international DJs.

Already in its 7th season, the high-energy extravaganza will unite tens of thousands of clubbers and music enthusiasts from around the world at the famed Siloso beach, which transforms into an exuberant outdoor party from dusk until dawn.

Singapore is a premier events destination in Asia and is rapidly gaining a reputation for its unique nightlife, which offers a safe, yet exciting and fast-paced entertainment scene for travellers from the Middle East.

“Our Annual ZoukOut Festival has become one of Singapore’s signature events. It has a strong local fan base, whilst attracting an increasing number of Middle East travellers who come specifically to attend this high octane event,” said Siew-Kheng Kang, Regional Director for South Asia, Middle East & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board. (story)

BT Group to buy Frontline Technologies

British telecoms giant BT Group said yesterday it has agreed to buy Singapore IT firm Frontline Technologies for S$202mil, as it seeks to boost its presence in Asia.

BT has sizeable operations in Japan, South Korea and Australia, but buying Frontline will give it greater exposure to China, India, Taiwan and South-East Asia as it looks to transform itself into a global IT services provider.

“Nothing is enough – it’s a good step,” BT Asia Pacific president Allen Ma told Reuters, when asked about future acquisitions in the region.

BT will pay 24.5 Singapore cents for each Frontline share, a 17% premium to Frontline’s price on Monday before its shares were suspended. (story)