Category: Business

Rising Demand and Supply Constraints Push COE Costs Even Higher in Latest BiddingThe cost of car ownership in the world’s most expensive city has risen yet again. The latest Certificate of Entitlement (COE) bidding results show that the premium for Category B vehicles—larger and more powerful models—has reached S$150,001, breaking previous records.The bidding exercise on …

Strategic Price Cuts Aim to Support Singaporeans in Maximizing Value for Their HomesSINGAPORE: In an effort to make home furnishings more affordable for Singaporeans, Ikea Singapore has reduced the prices of 144 products as of September. This initiative is part of a global effort by the furniture giant to address the cost-of-living challenges faced by …

CNA Revisits Central Asia to Assess the Impact of China’s Landmark Infrastructure Project as It Celebrates Its 10th AnniversaryCENTRAL ASIA: Ten years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during a visit to Kazakhstan. This vast infrastructure project, often referred to as the new Silk Road, aims to revolutionize …

New Resource Offers Practical Advice on Saving, Insurance, and Investing for All Stages of LifeSINGAPORE: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) launched a new Basic Financial Planning Guide on October 7, aimed at helping Singaporeans manage their finances more effectively. Developed in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS), the Association of Financial …

COE prices for large cars and motorcycles continue to climb, with the Open Category crossing S$150,000 for the first time.SINGAPORE: Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums for larger vehicles surged to new heights during the latest bidding exercise on Wednesday (Oct 4).Premiums for Category B vehicles—larger and more powerful cars—rose to S$146,002 (US$106,300), up from S$140,889 …

The disparity in wages and currency value leaves Johor struggling to fill 2,800 healthcare positions and other critical roles.JOHOR BAHRU: Every day, nurse Bavanee Kengkan embarks on a grueling 90-minute commute from her home in Skudai, Johor, to her workplace in western Singapore. The journey involves multiple bus rides and a border crossing, often exacerbated …

The Monetary Authority of Singapore intensifies its crackdown on financial irregularities, with record penalties and greater focus on cross-border misconduct.SINGAPORE: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has significantly increased its enforcement efforts, imposing higher penalties and securing more convictions for breaches of financial regulations, according to the latest MAS Enforcement Report released on Sept 19.Escalating …

An analysis of fare hikes, subsidies, and rising operational costs in Singapore’s public transport system.SINGAPORE: With SBS Transit and SMRT Trains reporting robust profits, many commuters are questioning why public transport fares are set to rise. From Dec 23, bus and train fares will increase by up to 11 cents, prompting a heated discussion among …

The persistent allure of imitation in a world driven by affordability and accessibilitySINGAPORE: At the turn of the millennium, many households in Singapore were filled with pirated movies, TV shows, and music. From VCDs to DVDs, counterfeit goods offered affordability and accessibility that resonated with the masses. Fast forward to today, while physical piracy has …

A closer look at how prices have surged across key sectors since 2002SINGAPORE: Inflation has become a much-discussed topic in recent years, especially following the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Over the past two decades, the costs of food, transport, and education in Singapore have risen the most significantly, …