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BUSINESS News
Hong Leong Finance gets nod to expand into banking business
SINGAPORE: Hong Leong Finance has received approval from the Monetary Authority to expand its lending business.
From Thursday, the firm can underwrite and sell shares for companies which are listed, or which intend to be listed, on the Singapore Exchange.
It can also act as an agent for insurance policies covering general, long-term accident, and health policies governed by the Insurance Act.
Hong Leong can also sell life insurance policies governed by the Financial Advisers Act and offer foreign currency trading services.
The latest move effectively gives Hong Leong Finance a banking licence.
The company said it will continue to focus on the funding needs of small and medium enterprises in Singapore as well as heartlander consumers.
With the increase in services, it will be able to help SMEs in their regional expansion and listing plans. - CNA /dt
Trade ministers of Singapore, India stress mutual benefits from pact
By Channel NewsAsia's India Correspondent Vaibhav Varma
NEW DELHI : It took more than two years to work out the fine print, but Singapore and India have both come out winners.
This is the assessment of trade ministers of the two countries, who say the newly-inked comprehensive economic pact holds tremendous potential for both countries.
Trade and economic ties have been the highlight of Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's three-day visit to New Delhi.
The comprehensive economic agreement signed between leaders of the two countries opens up India's banking sector, cuts duties on more than 6,000 exports from Singapore and does away with double taxation.
Singapore's Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang and his Indian counterpart Kamal Nath said the landmark economic pact would not only give bilateral trade an immediate boost, but also generate long-term benefits.
Mr Lim said: "We would like to attract Indian companies to use Singapore not only as a place to do business but also a base for their forays into the rest of Southeast Asia and East Asia.
"So in that sense, we see the relationship as mutually beneficial and offering tremendous opportunties for both sides."
Mr Kamal Nath, Commerce and Industry Minister of India, said: "This is, we believe, an agreement, a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement which is a win-win for both countries.
"Singapore for India is a gateway for the Asean countries. Singapore is a very important international financial centre and now over the last few years, it has become a very important investment hub for investment flows, most of all to the Asian countries."
Mutually beneficial economic opportunities and synergies are the crux of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
The pact marks the beginning of a new chapter towards turning the 21st century into an Asian one. - CNA/de
Source: channelnewsasia.com
Monday, June 27, 2005
All in a Day's Work
Went back to SRJC with Jian Ming. I submitted my group's proposal to Mrs Kok, which was given the go ahead. Whee! We searched high and low for Miss Karen Ong, but couldn't seem to locate her. Oh well...
On a side note, the Drinks stall at the canteen now sells dessert. I tried the Ice Kachang, which wasn't too bad, but the ice was not finely shaved, creating a very 'rough' finish to the dessert. The new cafe beside Lecture Theatre 5 also sells reasonably priced food: More expensive than the canteen, no doubt, but drinks here cost at least half that of a cafe at Heartland Mall.
After the short visit ("Hui2 jia1 xiang1", or return to one's hometown, in Mr Philip Tan's own words), I made my way to Choa Chu Kang for my next appointment with my former campmates, including He-Who-Insisted-On-Not-Being-Named-On-My-Blog.
As I was early, I popped by World of JJ, and noticed, for the first time, that they were selling Magic:the Gathering (R) common cards for 10 cents apiece, which makes it cheaper than if I were to get it at Yishun. Hurrah! I might be going down to the Bishan branch to take a look once renovation works in the area is done.
Okay, so on to the Movie. Screening today was Initial D, which I must admit is not a very good movie. The over-emphasis on the racing scenes (There were at least four rather long racing scenes!) leaves a very much diluted storyline.
" As they are Hong Kongers adapting one of Japan's most successful comic series, there is even greater pressure on Mak and fellow director Andrew Lau. Since its launch in 1995, Initial D has sold more than 39 million copies, spawned 39 episodes of anime (Japanese animation), 23 novels and even a PS2 game. " Source: Channel Newsasia
Theme / Relevance 16%
Content / Storyline 10% (The plot was dampened by the races)
Acting / Cast 17% (There's Jay Chou, so...)
Sound / Special Effects 10% (Too much screeching of car tyres and vomiting)
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 13%
Salvation comes in the form of the letter 'Jay': 66%
Went back to SRJC with Jian Ming. I submitted my group's proposal to Mrs Kok, which was given the go ahead. Whee! We searched high and low for Miss Karen Ong, but couldn't seem to locate her. Oh well...
On a side note, the Drinks stall at the canteen now sells dessert. I tried the Ice Kachang, which wasn't too bad, but the ice was not finely shaved, creating a very 'rough' finish to the dessert. The new cafe beside Lecture Theatre 5 also sells reasonably priced food: More expensive than the canteen, no doubt, but drinks here cost at least half that of a cafe at Heartland Mall.
After the short visit ("Hui2 jia1 xiang1", or return to one's hometown, in Mr Philip Tan's own words), I made my way to Choa Chu Kang for my next appointment with my former campmates, including He-Who-Insisted-On-Not-Being-Named-On-My-Blog.
As I was early, I popped by World of JJ, and noticed, for the first time, that they were selling Magic:the Gathering (R) common cards for 10 cents apiece, which makes it cheaper than if I were to get it at Yishun. Hurrah! I might be going down to the Bishan branch to take a look once renovation works in the area is done.
Okay, so on to the Movie. Screening today was Initial D, which I must admit is not a very good movie. The over-emphasis on the racing scenes (There were at least four rather long racing scenes!) leaves a very much diluted storyline.
" As they are Hong Kongers adapting one of Japan's most successful comic series, there is even greater pressure on Mak and fellow director Andrew Lau. Since its launch in 1995, Initial D has sold more than 39 million copies, spawned 39 episodes of anime (Japanese animation), 23 novels and even a PS2 game. " Source: Channel Newsasia
Theme / Relevance 16%
Content / Storyline 10% (The plot was dampened by the races)
Acting / Cast 17% (There's Jay Chou, so...)
Sound / Special Effects 10% (Too much screeching of car tyres and vomiting)
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 13%
Salvation comes in the form of the letter 'Jay': 66%
Sunday, June 26, 2005
A Penny for Your Thoughts? I'll Give You My Two Cents Worth
On my Wishlist:
Fujitsu LifeBook T4010
Primary Specifications
Intel(R) Centrino(R) Mobile Technology
Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor 725 (1.6 GHz, 2MB Cache, 400 Mhz FSB
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG - 802.11b/g with Dual Antenna
12.1" XGA TFT "Wide Viewing Angle"
512MB DDR333 MHz, max 2GB (Optional Upgrade to 1GB)
60GB Hard Disk space (Upgradable to 80GB)
<2kg
(Optional Upgrade to Fujitsu DVD Super Multi Drive [DVD+-R/RW/RAM])
Fujitsu Deckpower P300
Primary Specifications
Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 Processor 530 with HT Technology (3Ghz, 800Mhz FSB, 1MB L2 cache)
256MB DDR 400 MHz, max 2GB
80GB SATA HDD
DVD & CD-RW Combo Drive
Integrated Graphics (32MB VRAM on board)
Integrated Audio & 100/10Mbps LAN
Ahem, so anybody interested in sponsoring me a piece? Many thanks in advance!
Cheers!
On my Wishlist:
Fujitsu LifeBook T4010
Primary Specifications
Intel(R) Centrino(R) Mobile Technology
Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor 725 (1.6 GHz, 2MB Cache, 400 Mhz FSB
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG - 802.11b/g with Dual Antenna
12.1" XGA TFT "Wide Viewing Angle"
512MB DDR333 MHz, max 2GB (Optional Upgrade to 1GB)
60GB Hard Disk space (Upgradable to 80GB)
<2kg
(Optional Upgrade to Fujitsu DVD Super Multi Drive [DVD+-R/RW/RAM])
Fujitsu Deckpower P300
Primary Specifications
Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 Processor 530 with HT Technology (3Ghz, 800Mhz FSB, 1MB L2 cache)
256MB DDR 400 MHz, max 2GB
80GB SATA HDD
DVD & CD-RW Combo Drive
Integrated Graphics (32MB VRAM on board)
Integrated Audio & 100/10Mbps LAN
Ahem, so anybody interested in sponsoring me a piece? Many thanks in advance!
Cheers!
Saturday, June 25, 2005
All in a Day's Work
Was at SAFRA Mount Faber yesterday with Yao Shun, when after coming out of the arcade, we saw several ladies smiling sheepishly at us. It was only at the pool did Yao Shun ask me, "You don't watch TV, do you?"
Apparently, one of the fine ladies was Channel U's Jamie Teo. Ho ho... Well, it also seems that media-shy stars(What an irony!) usually opt for office-hours on weekdays (ulu timeslots which won't see them swamped by fanatical goggle-box teenagers or 'sign on here, there, anywhere' aunties) to go shopping/ out with friends.
Was at SAFRA Mount Faber yesterday with Yao Shun, when after coming out of the arcade, we saw several ladies smiling sheepishly at us. It was only at the pool did Yao Shun ask me, "You don't watch TV, do you?"
Apparently, one of the fine ladies was Channel U's Jamie Teo. Ho ho... Well, it also seems that media-shy stars(What an irony!) usually opt for office-hours on weekdays (ulu timeslots which won't see them swamped by fanatical goggle-box teenagers or 'sign on here, there, anywhere' aunties) to go shopping/ out with friends.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
All in a Day's Work
Went to Yishun SAFRA to bowl, along with Jian Ming, Darryl, Zi Rong (Who was very late as usual... :P) and Loren (who was, surprisingly, able to turn up). For the record, we played one round almost like pros, all scoring a minimum of 100 pinfalls, with numberous strikes and spares going around. :)
Dinner was at Paddy's Fish Cafe (at North Point). Crumbled Fish and calamari with potato wedges was in the order. At 6 bucks (including a salad), I reckon going Western is a worthwhile option at food courts. In comparison, a simple meal of mini-wok seafood soup can set you back more than five bucks.
Went to Yishun SAFRA to bowl, along with Jian Ming, Darryl, Zi Rong (Who was very late as usual... :P) and Loren (who was, surprisingly, able to turn up). For the record, we played one round almost like pros, all scoring a minimum of 100 pinfalls, with numberous strikes and spares going around. :)
Dinner was at Paddy's Fish Cafe (at North Point). Crumbled Fish and calamari with potato wedges was in the order. At 6 bucks (including a salad), I reckon going Western is a worthwhile option at food courts. In comparison, a simple meal of mini-wok seafood soup can set you back more than five bucks.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
All in a Day's Work
Finally found time to return to Gedong to Collect my IC. My last signature (on my clearance form) was this QM guy who was on MA (Medical Appointment) last Thursday as well as today. He was supposed to return back to camp after his MA (I was waiting at the Logistics Branch, waiting to pounce upon him... :P). In the end, I got his boss to sign it. Oh well...
There's a new Chief Clerk (who seems rather nice) and a new S3, whom I heard will be getting his crab soon.
All that waiting in vain, which was why I was late for my appointment with Loren and Jian Ming at SAFRA Mount Faber. Apparently, the medics at Nee Soon Camp also chose the same day (and time) to host some function (CoC or something) at SAFRA Mount Faber.
After a dip at the pool, we headed for the famous (according to Loren and Jian Ming anyway) Laksa stall next to CMPB. As luck might have it, the whole row of shops had closed down; the housing blocks probably slated for demolition. Instead, we went to Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre, where I tried the Yee Mian (which wasn't too bad) and Soya Beancurd with Ginko Nuts (which didn't quite complement each other, one being too sweet and the other, too bitter).
Finally found time to return to Gedong to Collect my IC. My last signature (on my clearance form) was this QM guy who was on MA (Medical Appointment) last Thursday as well as today. He was supposed to return back to camp after his MA (I was waiting at the Logistics Branch, waiting to pounce upon him... :P). In the end, I got his boss to sign it. Oh well...
There's a new Chief Clerk (who seems rather nice) and a new S3, whom I heard will be getting his crab soon.
All that waiting in vain, which was why I was late for my appointment with Loren and Jian Ming at SAFRA Mount Faber. Apparently, the medics at Nee Soon Camp also chose the same day (and time) to host some function (CoC or something) at SAFRA Mount Faber.
After a dip at the pool, we headed for the famous (according to Loren and Jian Ming anyway) Laksa stall next to CMPB. As luck might have it, the whole row of shops had closed down; the housing blocks probably slated for demolition. Instead, we went to Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre, where I tried the Yee Mian (which wasn't too bad) and Soya Beancurd with Ginko Nuts (which didn't quite complement each other, one being too sweet and the other, too bitter).
Sunday, June 19, 2005
A Penny For Your Thoughts? I'll Give You My Two Cents Worth
A panel of food tasters, comprising a food critic, two food correspondents and an ex-NCC (National Cadet Corps) member came together to sample several dishes on the Singapore Association of Foodies' (Okay, not quite so) outfield menu. Their Verdict (including selected comments)?
Peranakan Style Chicken Dumpling [3/5]
GS: 'This tastes like glutinous rice so that's good. It's not too wet or dry...'
[Ed: I have tried the Dumpling Rice, and it does taste like one. However, keeping in mind outfield conditions, it is also relatively dry and somewhat oily.]
Mutton Beriani Rice [2/5]
KH: 'It's way too gooey. Is this mutton? I thought I pulled out a piece of chiecken skin.'
[Ed: As a guideline, the pastas usually taste better than their rice counterparts. My guess is that the secret lies within the seasoning. Chicken skin? :)]
Bubur Terigu with Corn [4/5]
GS: 'This tastes as good as the desserts you'll get in the food courts.'
[Ed: I had the opportunity to try out this dish even before entering the army. Is the soldier's morale booster (apart from the Cadbury and what nots) out in the jungle. Sweet but not too thick, it quenches one's thirst and fills one's stomach. Best served chilled. :P]
Pasta with Shredded Chicken [1/5]
PL: '... I can't tell it's pasta and there's not much taste to speak of.'
[Ed: I'm surprised at the strong disapproval at a Pasta dish. SFI, take note!]
Peanut with Lotus Root [3/5]
GS: '...It tastes like sugar water.'
[Ed: Sweet relief for the soldier outfield, though it is quite starchy and too thick to make it an effective thirst quencher.]
Japanese Curry Noodles with Chicken [4/5]
AY: '... This could be good enough for airline food...'
[Ed: Have not tried the dish before, but it seems that the food critics are tossing favourable comments about the curry (That it tastes LIKE curry).]
During my outfield days, I would selectively pack the rations that will help boost my morale (Meals that are tasty, that is). During BMT, it was the pasta dishes (Pasta with ham and cheese, Pasta bolognese and Satay Chicken Pasta, in that order. Satay Chicken Pasta tasted exceptionally good when heated.). Later on, it was down to the drink sachets, the desserts only, and a single packet of Khong Guan biscuits for sustenance.
(Source: The Straits Times, 19 June 2005)
A panel of food tasters, comprising a food critic, two food correspondents and an ex-NCC (National Cadet Corps) member came together to sample several dishes on the Singapore Association of Foodies' (Okay, not quite so) outfield menu. Their Verdict (including selected comments)?
Peranakan Style Chicken Dumpling [3/5]
GS: 'This tastes like glutinous rice so that's good. It's not too wet or dry...'
[Ed: I have tried the Dumpling Rice, and it does taste like one. However, keeping in mind outfield conditions, it is also relatively dry and somewhat oily.]
Mutton Beriani Rice [2/5]
KH: 'It's way too gooey. Is this mutton? I thought I pulled out a piece of chiecken skin.'
[Ed: As a guideline, the pastas usually taste better than their rice counterparts. My guess is that the secret lies within the seasoning. Chicken skin? :)]
Bubur Terigu with Corn [4/5]
GS: 'This tastes as good as the desserts you'll get in the food courts.'
[Ed: I had the opportunity to try out this dish even before entering the army. Is the soldier's morale booster (apart from the Cadbury and what nots) out in the jungle. Sweet but not too thick, it quenches one's thirst and fills one's stomach. Best served chilled. :P]
Pasta with Shredded Chicken [1/5]
PL: '... I can't tell it's pasta and there's not much taste to speak of.'
[Ed: I'm surprised at the strong disapproval at a Pasta dish. SFI, take note!]
Peanut with Lotus Root [3/5]
GS: '...It tastes like sugar water.'
[Ed: Sweet relief for the soldier outfield, though it is quite starchy and too thick to make it an effective thirst quencher.]
Japanese Curry Noodles with Chicken [4/5]
AY: '... This could be good enough for airline food...'
[Ed: Have not tried the dish before, but it seems that the food critics are tossing favourable comments about the curry (That it tastes LIKE curry).]
During my outfield days, I would selectively pack the rations that will help boost my morale (Meals that are tasty, that is). During BMT, it was the pasta dishes (Pasta with ham and cheese, Pasta bolognese and Satay Chicken Pasta, in that order. Satay Chicken Pasta tasted exceptionally good when heated.). Later on, it was down to the drink sachets, the desserts only, and a single packet of Khong Guan biscuits for sustenance.
(Source: The Straits Times, 19 June 2005)
Saturday, June 18, 2005
All All in a Day's Work
ORD loh.
After two years and four months (After the two month reduction), I have finally ORDed. The feeling and mood of an ORD personnel is simply not present, since I was on leave and off for much of the past three months. And to top it up, ORD is not the end of emancipation from the Force. The true celebration should come in a decade's time, when I ROD.
Which is why I didn't go back to camp to collect my IC. Yet. Was actually out at Redhill with Yao Shun, for a day of Rest and Relaxation at the SAFRA Mount Faber.
Yes, the map was deceptive. It certainly wasn't just one bus stop between the Bukit Merah Swimming Complex and SAFRA Mount Faber. After an initial fluster and three bus stops later, we were forced to seek shelter when the gloomy sky decided to pour upon us. It turned out to be passing showers, so we proceeded on to our destination.
170605
SAFRA Mount Faber is the latest addition to the (currently five-strong) SAFRA club family. One let down is the absence of a sauna, which can only be found at the Tampines branch. According to the website, "leisure swimmers may opt for the free-form pools at ... [SAFRA Mount Faber]... Surrounded by pleasing foliage, it is the ideal place for a relaxing swim, or a laze by the poolside." Having rushed down from home, I had forgotten to bring along my pair of goggles, and decided to buy one from the club's sports shop. The cheapest model, a $8.90 pair, was so poorly manufactured that it snapped upon wearing. So I topped up another eight bucks and got myself a more decent pair. So much for the 'cheap and good' mantra. Anyway, we spent a couple of hours lazing in the metre-deep pool. The natural look and feel of the clubhouse and its surrounding landscape makes it a good place to go for a relaxing experience.
After the dip at the pool, we went down to Sunshine Plaza for dinner. We had the wanton noodle set ($3), which came with a generous serving of wantons (I had four crispy and two non-crispy wantons). A must-try for all food enthusiasts. [82%]
Next up on our gastronomical tour was Bugis Junction Hawker Centre (Near Bugis Junction and Fu Lu Shou Complex) to try out the Lala (Shells). At four buckeroos for an overflowing plate of shells (It's spicy too, just so that you're mentally prepared!), we certainly got a bang for the buck. The 'fishy' taste that usually comes with seafood was also pleasantly absent, which made the dish all the more delicious. [80%]
After dinner, we went to the Harvey Norman outlet at SUNTEC City. Yao Shun finally made up his mind to get a new Personal Computer to replace his 266MHz one. I'm still contemplating if I should get one myself. There is always the urge to adopt a 'wait-and-see' approach to everything IT, as the mentality that prices will fall in future offsets the desire to purchase a spanking new, top-of-the-range gadget at a premium price. Oh well...
ORD loh.
After two years and four months (After the two month reduction), I have finally ORDed. The feeling and mood of an ORD personnel is simply not present, since I was on leave and off for much of the past three months. And to top it up, ORD is not the end of emancipation from the Force. The true celebration should come in a decade's time, when I ROD.
Which is why I didn't go back to camp to collect my IC. Yet. Was actually out at Redhill with Yao Shun, for a day of Rest and Relaxation at the SAFRA Mount Faber.
Yes, the map was deceptive. It certainly wasn't just one bus stop between the Bukit Merah Swimming Complex and SAFRA Mount Faber. After an initial fluster and three bus stops later, we were forced to seek shelter when the gloomy sky decided to pour upon us. It turned out to be passing showers, so we proceeded on to our destination.
170605
SAFRA Mount Faber is the latest addition to the (currently five-strong) SAFRA club family. One let down is the absence of a sauna, which can only be found at the Tampines branch. According to the website, "leisure swimmers may opt for the free-form pools at ... [SAFRA Mount Faber]... Surrounded by pleasing foliage, it is the ideal place for a relaxing swim, or a laze by the poolside." Having rushed down from home, I had forgotten to bring along my pair of goggles, and decided to buy one from the club's sports shop. The cheapest model, a $8.90 pair, was so poorly manufactured that it snapped upon wearing. So I topped up another eight bucks and got myself a more decent pair. So much for the 'cheap and good' mantra. Anyway, we spent a couple of hours lazing in the metre-deep pool. The natural look and feel of the clubhouse and its surrounding landscape makes it a good place to go for a relaxing experience.
After the dip at the pool, we went down to Sunshine Plaza for dinner. We had the wanton noodle set ($3), which came with a generous serving of wantons (I had four crispy and two non-crispy wantons). A must-try for all food enthusiasts. [82%]
Next up on our gastronomical tour was Bugis Junction Hawker Centre (Near Bugis Junction and Fu Lu Shou Complex) to try out the Lala (Shells). At four buckeroos for an overflowing plate of shells (It's spicy too, just so that you're mentally prepared!), we certainly got a bang for the buck. The 'fishy' taste that usually comes with seafood was also pleasantly absent, which made the dish all the more delicious. [80%]
After dinner, we went to the Harvey Norman outlet at SUNTEC City. Yao Shun finally made up his mind to get a new Personal Computer to replace his 266MHz one. I'm still contemplating if I should get one myself. There is always the urge to adopt a 'wait-and-see' approach to everything IT, as the mentality that prices will fall in future offsets the desire to purchase a spanking new, top-of-the-range gadget at a premium price. Oh well...
Thursday, June 16, 2005
All in a Day's Work
Made a trip back to Gedong after lunch, bringing with me CHEESECAKE as bribe for the starving(but they get FREE food!), underworked, overpaid (Whoops, heh, shouldn't it be 'underpaid, overworked'? :P) inmates. After hiching a ride to the bus stop on my Senior Medic's Mazda, I was horrified to board an overflowing bus, literally a can of sardines on wheels! Thursday and Nights off day for some at Gedong. No wonder!
Anyway, the Golden Bamboo Minimart at Serangoon Central is no more! Over the past week, industry big gun NTUC Fairprice renovated the place, in preparation for the big day (which was today). After browsing through the shop, I noticed several things:
1) They do not stock up on the twin pack soya milk (only Hi-Lo milk came in twin packs).
2) The queue system was not good. With the exception of counters 1 and 2 (which were built over the former cashier spots at the now defunct Golden Bamboo outlet), the rest of the counters did not have an orderly queue system, which led to many a shove. And there was a mighty long queue inside the cramped confines of the cash-out area (A problem with its predecessor as well), while the two cashiers outside the shop hardly had any customers.
3) Golden Bamboo sent their warmest regards on Fairprice's opening in the form of two garlands. So, no hard feelings about being booted from the prime spot then? *Conspiracy Theory: Were there sweeteners handed out to Golden Bamboo in return for giving up the location to Fairprice? And why did they have to fight over the same location? Was it to compete directly with rival G'Value (which has an outlet nearby)?
4) The Fairprice outlet has a more 'spacious' feel, and the aisle are actually wider (to allow trolleys to be pushed around.
5) Oh, and they didn't have any feedback forms ready for (insert:unhappy, angry, frustrated, dissatisfied) customers. Boo!
*Disclaimer: Of course, these are just opinions based on the author's imagination, and not entirely on facts.
Made a trip back to Gedong after lunch, bringing with me CHEESECAKE as bribe for the starving(but they get FREE food!), underworked, overpaid (Whoops, heh, shouldn't it be 'underpaid, overworked'? :P) inmates. After hiching a ride to the bus stop on my Senior Medic's Mazda, I was horrified to board an overflowing bus, literally a can of sardines on wheels! Thursday and Nights off day for some at Gedong. No wonder!
Anyway, the Golden Bamboo Minimart at Serangoon Central is no more! Over the past week, industry big gun NTUC Fairprice renovated the place, in preparation for the big day (which was today). After browsing through the shop, I noticed several things:
1) They do not stock up on the twin pack soya milk (only Hi-Lo milk came in twin packs).
2) The queue system was not good. With the exception of counters 1 and 2 (which were built over the former cashier spots at the now defunct Golden Bamboo outlet), the rest of the counters did not have an orderly queue system, which led to many a shove. And there was a mighty long queue inside the cramped confines of the cash-out area (A problem with its predecessor as well), while the two cashiers outside the shop hardly had any customers.
3) Golden Bamboo sent their warmest regards on Fairprice's opening in the form of two garlands. So, no hard feelings about being booted from the prime spot then? *Conspiracy Theory: Were there sweeteners handed out to Golden Bamboo in return for giving up the location to Fairprice? And why did they have to fight over the same location? Was it to compete directly with rival G'Value (which has an outlet nearby)?
4) The Fairprice outlet has a more 'spacious' feel, and the aisle are actually wider (to allow trolleys to be pushed around.
5) Oh, and they didn't have any feedback forms ready for (insert:unhappy, angry, frustrated, dissatisfied) customers. Boo!
*Disclaimer: Of course, these are just opinions based on the author's imagination, and not entirely on facts.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
All in a Day's Work
Spent the day (as well as yesterday at SRJC-Heartland Mall) with the AWesome WAymakers. We went down to AWWA to finalize some details, then proceeded to the YMCA Building for the lesson on Financial Management. Chatted up two past year winners, Ian and Malcom, as well as some of the participants. I guess we learned much from the sharing session.
Thankfully the session was not packed with participants... Heh... which meant there were more refreshments for us (And they egg sandwiches were rather nice... :P)
Fresh Off the 'Net
2.8390715290765, 1.4080820618134, 0.15425144988758, 2.6669380616523, 2.9649660284921, 1.9524129804152, 3.6333192030863, 2.110387243839
Spent the day (as well as yesterday at SRJC-Heartland Mall) with the AWesome WAymakers. We went down to AWWA to finalize some details, then proceeded to the YMCA Building for the lesson on Financial Management. Chatted up two past year winners, Ian and Malcom, as well as some of the participants. I guess we learned much from the sharing session.
Thankfully the session was not packed with participants... Heh... which meant there were more refreshments for us (And they egg sandwiches were rather nice... :P)
Fresh Off the 'Net
2.8390715290765, 1.4080820618134, 0.15425144988758, 2.6669380616523, 2.9649660284921, 1.9524129804152, 3.6333192030863, 2.110387243839
Congratulations Swee Shoon, you are...
Scarlett Ting of joewei.blogspot.com
You are independent, smart and beautiful. Its too bad you don't see that yourself because life's little difficulties brought down a lot of your self confidence. As a result, you talk cryptic and you don't trust people easily. You care a lot for your friends and your loved ones, sometimes even more than you care for yourself, although they don't always seem to appreciate it. Don't let that affect you. As the saying goes, you don't miss the water till the well runs dry. So hang in there, you're a star in the making.