SINGAPORE REAL ESTATE
Public database on companies’ safety records expanded to let developers choose better contractors: Zaqy
Singapore – A public database of company safety records has been expanded to include those outside of the construction sector, to help real estate developers here better choose contractors for their projects.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/public-database-on-companies-safety-records-expanded-to-let-developers-choose-better-contractors-zaqy
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/work-safety-accidents-construction-developer-redas-2899381
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20220825-1306389
Boat Quay conservation shophouse up for sale with S$18.8 million guide price
A conservation shophouse at 10 Lorong Telok has been put up for sale with a guide price of S$18.8 million via an expression of interest on Tuesday (Aug 23). Nestled within the Boat Quay conservation area, the 3-storey plus attic property has a land size of about 1,410 square feet (sq ft) and a built-up area of about 4,000 sq ft, said exclusive marketing agent Huttons Asia.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/boat-quay-conservation-shophouse-up-for-sale-with-s188-million-guide-price
Deals fall through for Parkview Square in Bugis, 22 units at Draycott Eight
A sale has failed to materialise for Parkview Square, a 24-storey art deco style office tower in the Bugis area for which Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) had been doing exclusive due diligence for a potential purchase at around S$900 million.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/deals-fall-through-for-parkview-square-in-bugis-22-units-at-draycott-eight
SINGAPORE ECONOMY
Close to six in 10 SMEs in Singapore with enough cash to last them less than six months: Study
Singapore – Close to six in 10, or 58 per cent, of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore said their existing cash flow can sustain them for only less than six months, a study published this month has found.
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/close-to-six-in-10-smes-in-singapore-with-enough-cash-to-last-them-less-than-six-months-study
Tourism players hitch a lift as Singapore Grand Prix flags off once more
After a forced 2-year break brought on by the global pandemic, the Singapore Grand Prix is finally zipping back into town. This is the first race since 2019 as Singapore doubles down on the rebound in travel and tourism, having freshly inked a 7-year contract to remain a host venue.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/tourism-players-hitch-a-lift-as-singapore-grand-prix-flags-off-once-more
UPDATE ON COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019) SITUATION
Covid-19 task force to remain in place, says Lawrence Wong
Singapore – Although the Republic’s Covid-19 situation has improved, the multi-ministry task force (MTF) tackling the pandemic will not be stood down, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday (Aug 24).
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/covid-19-taskforce-to-remain-in-place-says-lawrence-wong
3 possible Covid-19 scenarios for Singapore in the months ahead
Singapore – The Republic needs to be prepared for a possible Covid-19 wave at the year end, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Wednesday (Aug 24). Here are a few scenarios the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force outlined on Wednesday at a press conference.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/3-possible-covid-19-scenarios-for-singapore-in-the-months-ahead
Singapore must prepare for year-end Covid-19 wave possibly caused by variant of concern
Singapore – With around seven in 10 people here having been infected with Covid-19, the next big wave will likely be a wave of reinfections. While Singapore is more resilient now given that its current wave has just subside, the Republic needs to be prepared for a year-end wave that may be caused by a variant of concern that dodges immunity from past infection, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Wednesday morning (Aug 24).
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/next-covid-19-wave-will-be-one-of-reinfections-about-70-of-spore-population-has-already-been-infected
askST: Can a taxi driver ask me to mask up? What you need to know about easing of mask restrictions
Singapore – Masks will not be required in most indoor settings from Monday (Aug 29) as Singapore takes a significant step towards living with Covid-19. The Straits Times answers some of the questions readers may have on the easing of mask restrictions.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/askst-can-a-taxi-driver-ask-me-to-mask-up-what-you-need-to-know-about-easing-of-mask-restrictions
Taxi and private-hire drivers surprised at change in mask-wearing rule, worried about Covid-19 transmission
Singapore – Taxi driver Thomas Lim was taken aback when he learnt on Wednesday (Aug 24) that mask-wearing will no longer be compulsory on taxis and private-hire car rides from next Monday.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/taxi-and-private-hire-drivers-surprised-at-change-in-mask-wearing-rule-worried-about-covid-19-transmission
No masks required on some SIA flights and in Changi Airport
Singapore – From next Monday (Aug 29), passengers flying on Singapore Airlines will no longer need to wear face masks on board some flights, as SIA joins other international airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic that have had similar policies in place since earlier this year.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/passengers-no-longer-need-to-wear-masks-on-some-sia-flights
Masks optional but vaccination rule stays for F&B outlets, nightspots, large events
Singapore – While mask-wearing rules will be eased from Aug 29, vaccination-differentiated safe management measures (VDS) will remain for food and beverage (F&B) establishments, large events and nightlife venues.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/masks-optional-but-vaccinated-differentiated-measures-to-remain-for-fb-large-events-nightlife
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/masks-optional-in-most-indoor-settings-from-aug-29-businesses-have-no-plans-for
Rules relaxed, but caution must remain
A slew of measures announced yesterday add up to a relaxation of anti-Covid-19 protocols as the latest wave of the coronavirus pandemic passes and the population becomes more Covid-19- resilient because of high vaccination and booster rates and safe recovery from infections.
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/st-editorial/the-straits-times-says-rules-relaxed-but-caution-must-remain
*For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health (MOH) website at www.moh.gov.sg and refer to go.gov.sg/mohupdates for updates on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) situation
GLOBAL ECONOMY & GLOBAL REAL ESTATE
US pending home sales drop to lowest since start of the pandemic
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/us-pending-home-sales-drop-to-lowest-since-start-of-the-pandemic
US job growth through March revised higher
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/us-job-growth-through-march-revised-higher
John Lim’s family office backs Savills IM strategy for £200m UK build-to-rent platform
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/john-lims-family-office-backs-savills-im-strategy-for-200m-uk-build-to-rent-platform
Inflation pressures threaten to upend one of Europe’s hottest housing markets
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/inflation-pressures-threaten-to-upend-one-of-europes-hottest-housing-markets
War hit to German economy will last years: economist
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/war-hit-to-german-economy-will-last-years-economist
Australia’s slumping property market raises risk of a recession
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/australias-slumping-property-market-raises-risk-of-a-recession
China adds 1t yuan more of stimulus to rescue economy
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/china-adds-1t-yuan-more-of-stimulus-to-rescue-economy
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/south-korea-tempers-inflation-fight-with-smaller-rate-hike-amid-economic-concerns
China exerting growing pressure on foreign companies, study finds
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/china-exerting-growing-pressure-on-foreign-companies-study-finds
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/china-exerting-growing-pressure-on-foreign-companies-study-finds
China to take more steps to support economy
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/china-to-take-more-steps-to-support-economy
China property developers to see marginal ease in liquidity pressure: UOBKH
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/china-property-developers-to-see-marginal-ease-in-liquidity-pressure-uobkh
China probes property executives for possible law violations
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/china-probes-property-executives-for-possible-law-violations
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/property/china-probes-real-estate-executives-for-possible-law-violations
China’s reserve requirement ratio cut in play as Beijing seeks to aid property
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/chinas-reserve-requirement-ratio-cut-in-play-as-beijing-seeks-to-aid-property
Japan sees economy picking up modestly, flags looming risks
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/japan-sees-economy-picking-up-modestly-flags-looming-risks
Japan waives pre-departure Covid-19 tests for vaccinated visitors but daily caps remain
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-waives-pre-departure-covid-19-tests-for-vaccinated-visitors-but-daily-caps-remain
South Korea tempers inflation fight with smaller rate hike amid economic concerns
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/south-korea-tempers-inflation-fight-with-smaller-rate-hike-amid-economic-concerns