Year 2009 is over very soon in less than an hour before we usher in the year 2010. Having spent some quality time taking stock on the goals set for in the beginning of year 2009, it looks like many goals remain unmet.
An analysis on the unmet goals seem to indicate dependencies among them -- an unmet goal can result in another goal not met.
With 2010 drawing near, it's time to list out new resolutions. I guess the basic rule in doing anything is to do whatever you think is not against your conscience.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Places I visited in Thailand from 25 - 31 Dec 2009
Decided to jot down my Thailand (25 to 31 Dec) itinerary so I will never forget it again. All in all, the experience was fantastic with the far beyond my expectations of Thais' warm and friendliness towards tourists. This is the first time I ever had the chance to interact with the local strangers that much.
THUMBS UP!
My memory dump
25 Dec 2009
Trip to Lopburi was planned at the very last minute but was made possible with the assistance of two very helpful service staff from Somerset Lake Point whom both deserved a commendation letter from us. I shall not indicate their name here.
THUMBS UP!
My memory dump
25 Dec 2009
- Check in to Somerset Lake Point service residence.
- Dinner at Took Lae Dee.
- Sukhumvit night market.
- Standing Buddha at Wat Indrawiharn.
Lucky Buddha (reached there but did not manage to visit it because of an on-going ceremony).There is no Lucky Buddha in Bangkok.- Erawan Lapidary (a scam but we were not conned and so please do not visit it).
- Chin Jewelry Co. Ltd.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market.
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
- Maeklong Railway Market.
- Fuji Restaurant at Siam Center.
- Sunflower fields at Lopburi.
- Pa Sak Jolasid Dam at Lopburi.
- Phra Prang Sam Yot at Lopburi.
- Fifth Avenue for dinner at Mah Boon Krong (MBK) Center.
- Mah Boon Krong (MBK) Center.
- Wat Pho.
- Grand Palace.
- Vimanmek Mansion.
- Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
- Arts of the Kingdom Exhibition.
- Chao Phraya River Cruise.
- Massage at Somerset Lake Point.
- Brunch at Crepes & Co.
- Platinum Fashion Mall.
- Dinner at Je Ngor's Seafood.
- Tesco Lotus for durians.
- Lunch at Suvarnabhumi airport (from 3 different restaurants).
Trip to Lopburi was planned at the very last minute but was made possible with the assistance of two very helpful service staff from Somerset Lake Point whom both deserved a commendation letter from us. I shall not indicate their name here.
Tempted to subscribe mobile broadband?
Can I live life without Internet access? My answer would be a YES or NO. My answer is YES if I do not wish to stay abreast to what's happening around the world. My answer is NO especially when the new semester is coming soon and I need Internet access to ballot for modules.
Having moved to a new residential location, I am yet to get myself a Internet broadband plan. The only reason why I am online and hooked onto the Internet typing this blog entry is because of a USB dongle from a friend. One obvious advantage of mobile broandband service is of course mobile - one can hook onto the Internet anywhere.
Trying my best to resist temptations to subscribe mobile broadband. NO NO NO!
Having moved to a new residential location, I am yet to get myself a Internet broadband plan. The only reason why I am online and hooked onto the Internet typing this blog entry is because of a USB dongle from a friend. One obvious advantage of mobile broandband service is of course mobile - one can hook onto the Internet anywhere.
Trying my best to resist temptations to subscribe mobile broadband. NO NO NO!
Back from Bangkok
I am finally back from my Bangkok trip but I am beginning to miss the place. I shall talk more on my trip when I have the time.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Track Santa now
Santa's journey has begun! Follow along at http://www.noradsanta.org or http://m.noradsanta.org on your mobile phone.
For Santa most recent location, track him on video at http://www.noradsanta.org/en/video.html now!
For Santa most recent location, track him on video at http://www.noradsanta.org/en/video.html now!
View SkyDrive files in Windows Explorer using SkyDrive Explorer
Google - The meaning of open
Last week, Jonathan Rosenberg, Senior Vice President of Google, Product Management, sent our an email to his employees on the meaning of 'open' as it relates to the Internet, Google, and our users.
Google is withholding its "Do not be evil" motto.
The meaning of open [via]
Google is withholding its "Do not be evil" motto.
The meaning of open [via]
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Bangkok red shirts to stage rally on 27 & 28 Dec
Bangkok red shirts are set to stage rally on 27 and 28 Dec at Sanam Luang. Looks like I am forced to change my planned itinerary and adapt to it.
Christmas and New Year Period - Foreign Market Schedule
Please kindly take note of the following Foreign Markets holidays schedule during the Christmas and New Year period:
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Pleased with my exam results
I am quite pleased with my exam results for the semester that has just passed. Guess my strategy of not "scaring" myself in doing past years' exam papers still works since Poly days.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Long day tomorrow
Tomorrow is going to be a long day for me. I have to reach Changi Airbase by 6.15am. YAWN!!!
Three Reasons To Sell A Share
This week, The Motley Fool shares three reasons in selling a share via podcast. If you are interested, listen to the below mp3 audio.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Principles of Accounts - Which is right?
Secondary school's Principles of Accounts textbook uses Creditors (XXX) instead of Accounts Payable, and Debtors (YYY) instead of Accounts Receivable in their balance sheets. So which is right?
I am 100 per cent sure A/P and A/R are correct since they are used in real corporate financial statements. However, creditors and debtors are not wrong too since they are used in GCE 'O' Levels textbook and guidebooks.
Puzzling.
I am 100 per cent sure A/P and A/R are correct since they are used in real corporate financial statements. However, creditors and debtors are not wrong too since they are used in GCE 'O' Levels textbook and guidebooks.
Puzzling.
Unit trust fees slashed to 1%
A PRICE war seems to have broken out in the unit trust industry in Singapore, with at least three fund distributors now slashing their sales charges to just 1 per cent.
Unit trust fees slashed [via]
Unit trust fees slashed [via]
Chinese banks hide 'pool of credit risk': Fitch
Chinese banks hide 'pool of credit risk': Fitch
Business Times
19 Dec 2009
Chinese banks are creating a 'growing pool of hidden credit risk' through financial moves that shift loans off balance sheets to comply with government capital requirements, Fitch Ratings warned yesterday.
The ratings agency said in a report that the practice could lead to conditions similar to those which triggered the US sub-prime crisis, in which banks suffered huge losses on mortgage-backed securities when housing prices fell.
Fitch said banks were selling loans to financial institutions or repackaging them into wealth-management products in largely unreported transactions.
'These transactions, which free up space to extend new loans and lessen the pressure on capital and liquidity, can lead to a noticeable reduction in a bank's outstanding loans,' analysts Charlene Chu and Wen Chunling said.
'Fitch suspects this activity was one factor behind the marked slowdown in aggregate loan growth figures in the second half of 2009, which may not have moderated as much as official figures suggest.'
Chinese banks issued a massive 7.4 trillion yuan (S$1.52 trillion) in new loans in the first half of the year - including a monthly record 1.89 trillion yuan in March.
The spurt came as banks heeded official calls to pump money into the world's third-largest economy to ward off a slowdown in growth.
But the pace slowed in the second half after regulators told banks to curb lending and step up risk management amid bad-loan concerns and suspicions that stimulus funds were funnelled into stocks and property, sending prices soaring.
New loans totalled 294.8 billion yuan in November, up from 253 billion yuan in October, which was the lowest level of the year. Fitch said it expected loan growth in China to be 'less brisk' in 2010, with new loans growing by 20 per cent year-on-year to eight trillion yuan. -- AFP
Business Times
19 Dec 2009
Chinese banks are creating a 'growing pool of hidden credit risk' through financial moves that shift loans off balance sheets to comply with government capital requirements, Fitch Ratings warned yesterday.
The ratings agency said in a report that the practice could lead to conditions similar to those which triggered the US sub-prime crisis, in which banks suffered huge losses on mortgage-backed securities when housing prices fell.
Fitch said banks were selling loans to financial institutions or repackaging them into wealth-management products in largely unreported transactions.
'These transactions, which free up space to extend new loans and lessen the pressure on capital and liquidity, can lead to a noticeable reduction in a bank's outstanding loans,' analysts Charlene Chu and Wen Chunling said.
'Fitch suspects this activity was one factor behind the marked slowdown in aggregate loan growth figures in the second half of 2009, which may not have moderated as much as official figures suggest.'
Chinese banks issued a massive 7.4 trillion yuan (S$1.52 trillion) in new loans in the first half of the year - including a monthly record 1.89 trillion yuan in March.
The spurt came as banks heeded official calls to pump money into the world's third-largest economy to ward off a slowdown in growth.
But the pace slowed in the second half after regulators told banks to curb lending and step up risk management amid bad-loan concerns and suspicions that stimulus funds were funnelled into stocks and property, sending prices soaring.
New loans totalled 294.8 billion yuan in November, up from 253 billion yuan in October, which was the lowest level of the year. Fitch said it expected loan growth in China to be 'less brisk' in 2010, with new loans growing by 20 per cent year-on-year to eight trillion yuan. -- AFP
Rise and Fall in Dubai
If you are interested to read how inflationary property market can lead to a fall in an economy, read the article below. If you are interested to understand the importance of supply matching real demand, read the article below.
Rise and Fall in Dubai: An Austrian Perspective [via]
Rise and Fall in Dubai: An Austrian Perspective [via]
Warren Buffett remark on Gold
“Gold gets dug out of the ground in Africa, or some place. Then we melt it down, dig another hole, bury it again and pay people to stand around guarding it. It has no utility. Anyone watching from Mars would be scratching their head.”
Interesting :)
Interesting :)
Are banks getting even bigger?
If we have learned anything over the last couple of years, it is that banks that are too big to fail pose too much of a risk to the economy. Any serious effort to reform the financial system must ensure that no such banks exist.
Even Bigger Than Too Big to Fail [via]
Even Bigger Than Too Big to Fail [via]
Thursday, December 17, 2009
New rules on telco contract duration to benefit consumers
Come March 2010, telcos in Singapore will not be allowed to lock-in consumers for more than 24 months. Also from next March, consumers who sign on a contract longer than three months and who terminate their contract before the end of their contract period will no longer have to pay a fixed early termination charge. Instead, they will see these charges decrease over time on a month-by-month basis as they serve out their contract.
These are new guidelines set out by IDA Singapore.
Consumers to Benefit from New Guidelines on Telecommunication Services [via]
These are new guidelines set out by IDA Singapore.
Consumers to Benefit from New Guidelines on Telecommunication Services [via]
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Accounting of Love
ACCOUNTING OF LOVE
I will CREDIT you my love,
If you will DEBIT me your love.
I'll record our romance in a JOURNAL,
And POST it to the LEDGER of my heart.
I'll keep an ACCOUNT of our love,
Based on DOUBLE-ENTRY.
This way you'll know the BALANCE c/d,
And the AMOUNT of love I have for you.
Our courtship,
Is carried out on WORKSHEET.
ADJUSTING ENTRIES are necessary,
To make our love steady.
TRIAL BALANCE shows,
We are meant for each other,
Because the TOTAL of our love,
Is one and the same.
CLOSING ENTRIES are made,
When down the aisle we take.
PROFIT & LOSS statement,
Tells what has happened.
Let's see our BALANCE SHEET,
What are our ASSETS & LIABILITIES?
Oh, my goodness!
It shows a dozen kids!
I will CREDIT you my love,
If you will DEBIT me your love.
I'll record our romance in a JOURNAL,
And POST it to the LEDGER of my heart.
I'll keep an ACCOUNT of our love,
Based on DOUBLE-ENTRY.
This way you'll know the BALANCE c/d,
And the AMOUNT of love I have for you.
Our courtship,
Is carried out on WORKSHEET.
ADJUSTING ENTRIES are necessary,
To make our love steady.
TRIAL BALANCE shows,
We are meant for each other,
Because the TOTAL of our love,
Is one and the same.
CLOSING ENTRIES are made,
When down the aisle we take.
PROFIT & LOSS statement,
Tells what has happened.
Let's see our BALANCE SHEET,
What are our ASSETS & LIABILITIES?
Oh, my goodness!
It shows a dozen kids!
Stocks mostly gain
At this point in time, all stocks in my portfolio are now above waters except one - Singapore Exchange. The stocks in positive territory are ST Engineering (non employee shares) (18.22%), Koh Brothers (5%), SMRT (6.86%), Mapletree Logistics (13.06%), Parkway Holdings (32.71%), and EPure International (10.32%).
Got a special gift from Experts-Exchange :)
I just collected a gift, all the way from the United States, from Experts-Exchange. Thanks for the early Christmas surprise :)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Weekly Address: Learning from History to Reform Wall Street
The President explains that while he continues to focus on jobs, it is also profoundly important to address the problems that created this economic mess in the first place. He commends the House of Representatives for passing reforms to our financial system, including a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency, and blasts Republican Leaders and financial industry lobbyists for their joint "pep rally" to defeat it. Obama voiced his displeasure in seeing big banks not learning from past mistakes and repeat giving massive bonuses to senior executives.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Facebook accounts hacked
I was stupefied to read Facebook users actually witnessed their accounts hacked right in front of their eyes. The hacker impersonated to be the actual user to ask for cash. Cyber crimes leveraging on social engineering weaknesses are the trickiest in my opinion.
Facebook accounts hacked [via]
Facebook accounts hacked [via]
Google launches its own Dictionary service
Google has launched its very own dictionary service. It really looks like Google wants to dominate the universe.
Offline Gmail graduates from Labs
Google has announced that "Offline Gmail", an experimental feature that lets users access their web-based Gmail accounts while not connected to the internet, has finally graduated from being a Google Labs project and is being rolled out to all users.
This is not unexpected after Google announced they will not be upgrading their Google Gears and will move to HTML 5.0 instead to solve their offline mobile woes.
Offline Gmail graduates from Labs [via]
This is not unexpected after Google announced they will not be upgrading their Google Gears and will move to HTML 5.0 instead to solve their offline mobile woes.
Offline Gmail graduates from Labs [via]
Google Quick Scroll is a browser extension that helps you find what you are searching for faster.
Google Quick Scroll is a browser extension that helps you find what you are searching for faster.
After you click on a Google search result, Quick Scroll may appear on the bottom-right corner of the page, showing one or more bits of text from the page that are relevant to your query. Clicking on the text will take you to that part of the page.
Quick Scroll tries to stay out of your way, and appears only when it is likely to be useful.
NOTE: Quick Scroll works only on Google Chrome 4 BETA browser.
After you click on a Google search result, Quick Scroll may appear on the bottom-right corner of the page, showing one or more bits of text from the page that are relevant to your query. Clicking on the text will take you to that part of the page.
Quick Scroll tries to stay out of your way, and appears only when it is likely to be useful.
NOTE: Quick Scroll works only on Google Chrome 4 BETA browser.
Warren Buffett Investment Advice
"It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price."
One–Year Extension of 4% Floor Rate for all SMA and RA Monies to end of 2010
The Singapore government has announced a one–year extension of 4% floor rate on all Special and Medisave Accounts (SMA) monies and Retirement Account (RA) monies for another year until 31 December 2010.
One–Year Extension of 4% Floor Rate for all SMA and RA Monies to end of 2010
http://mycpf.cpf.gov.sg/CPF/News/News-Release/N_09Dec2009.htm
One–Year Extension of 4% Floor Rate for all SMA and RA Monies to end of 2010
http://mycpf.cpf.gov.sg/CPF/News/News-Release/N_09Dec2009.htm
Minister Mentor Lee paid millions for not doing the work
Minister Mentor Lee Kwan Yew is paid millions but all for not doing the work. He is an exception and is merely just doing the forecasting work.
"We also have a rule, I'm the exception to the rule, I'm 86.
But I'm not doing the work; I'm just forecasting... The work is being done by younger people in their late 40s and 50s. So there's an energy and a drive, and an understanding of the contemporary world. And they are also linked up with the younger generation of voters"
MM Lee says having younger politicians create better results for S'pore [via]
"We also have a rule, I'm the exception to the rule, I'm 86.
But I'm not doing the work; I'm just forecasting... The work is being done by younger people in their late 40s and 50s. So there's an energy and a drive, and an understanding of the contemporary world. And they are also linked up with the younger generation of voters"
MM Lee says having younger politicians create better results for S'pore [via]
Friday, December 04, 2009
The "mrbrown and the flood" column that was removed from insing
Warning: Contains satire and jokes but definitely creative!
What happened to my "mrbrown and the flood" column [via]
What happened to my "mrbrown and the flood" column [via]
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Gmail Labs finally allows setting default text style
Ever since Gmail was launched more than half a decade ago, Gmail Labs finally released capability in setting default text style when composing an email. This new feature can be enabled from the Labs tab, then go to General Settings and set your preferences just once.
This new feature looks almost perfect if not for Gmail Labs forgetting to set text style for signature to be the same as the 'Default Text Style'.
New in Labs: Default text styling [via]
This new feature looks almost perfect if not for Gmail Labs forgetting to set text style for signature to be the same as the 'Default Text Style'.
New in Labs: Default text styling [via]
Google Street View launched in Singapore
Google Street View has arrived in Singapore - making it the first in Southeast Asia to have a virtual street guide based on photographs.
The photo above shows a car by Google travelling around on the streets of Singapore, taking snapshots of the little island.
Google Street View launched in Singapore [via]
The photo above shows a car by Google travelling around on the streets of Singapore, taking snapshots of the little island.
Google Street View launched in Singapore [via]
Microsoft denies 'Black Screen of Death' is linked to November's security update
Microsoft states that neither its recent November's updates nor the Malicious Software Removal Tool are responsible for the recent reports of the "Black Screen of Death" (KSOD). They insisted the problem is likely due to a malware.
Reports of Issues with November Security Updates [via]
Reports of Issues with November Security Updates [via]
Dubai financial debacle will make Thaksin more desperate
Dubai financial debacle will make Thaksin more desperate
The Nation
Published on December 1, 2009
MUCH has been said about the Dubai debt moratorium, whose ripple effect on other economies and financial institutions has yet to be determined. Thailand might have to bear some negative effects, as the country imports crude oil from Dubai. For goods and services, transactions will have to be adjusted to cope with the latest development.
But a well-known, notorious Thai citizen stands to be affected immensely, either through investment or personal predicament. Thaksin Shinawatra, according to news reports, has left Dubai for a trip to an unnamed European country. His purpose was also not disclosed.
The trouble in Dubai also means a lot of trouble for Thaksin, whose name and passport have been changed - from Thai to a strange-sounding name in his newly acquired Nicaraguan passport. For some years now, the fugitive has used Dubai as his base for investment and political campaigns to destabilise the Abhisit government, with marginal success.
Nobody knows, except for Thaksin, how much he has invested in real estate projects, financial and debt instruments. This is because he is unlikely to admit anything that will cast him in a bad light. But the amount will not be small, judging from the patronage the ruler of Dubai has provided for his refuge.
Going on his ego and eagerness to please the Dubai investment community and make his presence felt as a billionaire, his investments must be sizeable, if not all of what he holds as assets. It could be billions of baht, if not far more, due to his faith in the city state and its future - which resembled gold in the desert, in the eyes of investors.
His abrupt departure to Europe could mean that he must draw on financial resources, if not deposits, in countries that still serve as tax havens. His suddenly depleted resources make him look like an eagle with clipped wings, and one with less room to manoeuvre.
The reason for him calling off a planned rally in Bangkok last weekend must have been partly influenced by Dubai's problems, which could imperil his stay in the city state. If he continues to incite trouble by the red shirts, the Dubai authorities could be pressed by the Thai government to deal with the fugitive.
If Thaksin is forced to leave Dubai, it means that he cannot stay on to look after his investments and other assets, especially if those assets face the risk of being wiped out by the default of Dubai World. That means Thaksin's world will shrink again, especially with the warning from neighbouring Abu Dhabi that he cannot use the UAE capital as his base as he has done with Dubai.
With fewer resources at his disposal, Thaksin will feel more desperate, and that means his assets of Bt76 billion frozen by the Thai government becomes more valuable. It represents a larger stake than ever before.
That's why he will have to redouble his effort to reclaim that amount at whatever cost, including through political trouble by instigating the red shirts and other allies to force out the Abhisit government.
There have been disheartening rumours around town that he has offered up to half of the frozen assets to whoever is able to help him win the court case and reclaim the amount. Such rumours cannot be taken lightly judging by the huge greed of the people who are in a position to share the fortune with him.
That means we can expect more trouble, with revived street rallies this month. His desperate battle to get back the vast fortune from the state will embolden him to do whatever is necessary.
What Thaksin wants now is total freedom from all criminal prosecution, and amnesty from the jail term, so that he can travel to all countries as before. In terms of politics, he can let his cronies take control of the government via the election process. He will use big money and other tricks.
If the above transpires as Thaksin wants it to, it means more trouble ahead and an unpredictable conclusion. It will not be pleasant for us to witness. If street battles erupt, it depends on how the authorities decide to restore peace. This is an unsavoury prospect. Prime Minister Abhisit cannot foresee what will happen, but he must work to the best of his ability to manage the situation for the good of the country.
The Nation
Published on December 1, 2009
MUCH has been said about the Dubai debt moratorium, whose ripple effect on other economies and financial institutions has yet to be determined. Thailand might have to bear some negative effects, as the country imports crude oil from Dubai. For goods and services, transactions will have to be adjusted to cope with the latest development.
But a well-known, notorious Thai citizen stands to be affected immensely, either through investment or personal predicament. Thaksin Shinawatra, according to news reports, has left Dubai for a trip to an unnamed European country. His purpose was also not disclosed.
The trouble in Dubai also means a lot of trouble for Thaksin, whose name and passport have been changed - from Thai to a strange-sounding name in his newly acquired Nicaraguan passport. For some years now, the fugitive has used Dubai as his base for investment and political campaigns to destabilise the Abhisit government, with marginal success.
Nobody knows, except for Thaksin, how much he has invested in real estate projects, financial and debt instruments. This is because he is unlikely to admit anything that will cast him in a bad light. But the amount will not be small, judging from the patronage the ruler of Dubai has provided for his refuge.
Going on his ego and eagerness to please the Dubai investment community and make his presence felt as a billionaire, his investments must be sizeable, if not all of what he holds as assets. It could be billions of baht, if not far more, due to his faith in the city state and its future - which resembled gold in the desert, in the eyes of investors.
His abrupt departure to Europe could mean that he must draw on financial resources, if not deposits, in countries that still serve as tax havens. His suddenly depleted resources make him look like an eagle with clipped wings, and one with less room to manoeuvre.
The reason for him calling off a planned rally in Bangkok last weekend must have been partly influenced by Dubai's problems, which could imperil his stay in the city state. If he continues to incite trouble by the red shirts, the Dubai authorities could be pressed by the Thai government to deal with the fugitive.
If Thaksin is forced to leave Dubai, it means that he cannot stay on to look after his investments and other assets, especially if those assets face the risk of being wiped out by the default of Dubai World. That means Thaksin's world will shrink again, especially with the warning from neighbouring Abu Dhabi that he cannot use the UAE capital as his base as he has done with Dubai.
With fewer resources at his disposal, Thaksin will feel more desperate, and that means his assets of Bt76 billion frozen by the Thai government becomes more valuable. It represents a larger stake than ever before.
That's why he will have to redouble his effort to reclaim that amount at whatever cost, including through political trouble by instigating the red shirts and other allies to force out the Abhisit government.
There have been disheartening rumours around town that he has offered up to half of the frozen assets to whoever is able to help him win the court case and reclaim the amount. Such rumours cannot be taken lightly judging by the huge greed of the people who are in a position to share the fortune with him.
That means we can expect more trouble, with revived street rallies this month. His desperate battle to get back the vast fortune from the state will embolden him to do whatever is necessary.
What Thaksin wants now is total freedom from all criminal prosecution, and amnesty from the jail term, so that he can travel to all countries as before. In terms of politics, he can let his cronies take control of the government via the election process. He will use big money and other tricks.
If the above transpires as Thaksin wants it to, it means more trouble ahead and an unpredictable conclusion. It will not be pleasant for us to witness. If street battles erupt, it depends on how the authorities decide to restore peace. This is an unsavoury prospect. Prime Minister Abhisit cannot foresee what will happen, but he must work to the best of his ability to manage the situation for the good of the country.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Maeklong Market Railway
This is interesting. Look at how Maeklong Market turns to Maeklong Railway and then back to Maeklong Market in just a very short time.
Monday, November 30, 2009
China stock bubble seen bursting next year
China stock bubble seen bursting next year
Business Times - 30 Nov 2009
(SHANGHAI) China's ballooning stock market bubble, fuelled by excessive liquidity, is likely to burst in the first half of 2010, punctured by economic concerns arising from higher-than-expected inflation, Morgan Stanley Asia executive director Jerry Lou said on Thursday.
China's benchmark Shanghai Composite Index may peak around 4,000 points, as banks continue to lend massively to infrastructure projects initiated this year under the government's US$586 billion stimulus package, Mr Lou told a media briefing in Shanghai.
On Friday, Chinese shares closed down 2.36 per cent. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was down 74.72 points at 3,096.27 on turnover of 172 billion yuan (S$34.9 billion). The key index shed 6.4 per cent for the week.
'An asset price bubble is forming in China, but that process hasn't finished yet,' Mr Lou said. 'There's little room to reduce lending next year. Too much money boosts gross demand, which would translate into inflation.'
China has boosted government spending on infrastructure and social welfare projects, engineered a lending boom and re-pegged its currency to the US dollar to support exports in response to the fallout of the global financial crisis. These measures have proved effective in the short term with China's economic growth likely to exceed 9 per cent in 2010, but on the other hand, they aggravated the imbalances which are at the heart of China's mode of development, said Mr Lou.
'We see higher investment and savings rate, and thus increasing imbalances,' Mr Lou said. 'I don't expect to see a so-called golden decade for China. If China cannot stop the bleeding, it needs a blood transfusion.'
Mr Lou suggested that investors buy energy and consumer-related stocks which would benefit from inflation next year, but avoid property, steel and banking stocks. China's property prices are too high, and the government should levy higher taxes to curb speculation and make homes affordable to ordinary Chinese, he said. Mr Lou also suggested that China should decisively deregulate its capital market and allow a one-off revaluation of the yuan, in a bid to restructure its economy quickly, even at the cost of tens of millions of lost jobs. -- Reuters
Business Times - 30 Nov 2009
(SHANGHAI) China's ballooning stock market bubble, fuelled by excessive liquidity, is likely to burst in the first half of 2010, punctured by economic concerns arising from higher-than-expected inflation, Morgan Stanley Asia executive director Jerry Lou said on Thursday.
China's benchmark Shanghai Composite Index may peak around 4,000 points, as banks continue to lend massively to infrastructure projects initiated this year under the government's US$586 billion stimulus package, Mr Lou told a media briefing in Shanghai.
On Friday, Chinese shares closed down 2.36 per cent. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was down 74.72 points at 3,096.27 on turnover of 172 billion yuan (S$34.9 billion). The key index shed 6.4 per cent for the week.
'An asset price bubble is forming in China, but that process hasn't finished yet,' Mr Lou said. 'There's little room to reduce lending next year. Too much money boosts gross demand, which would translate into inflation.'
China has boosted government spending on infrastructure and social welfare projects, engineered a lending boom and re-pegged its currency to the US dollar to support exports in response to the fallout of the global financial crisis. These measures have proved effective in the short term with China's economic growth likely to exceed 9 per cent in 2010, but on the other hand, they aggravated the imbalances which are at the heart of China's mode of development, said Mr Lou.
'We see higher investment and savings rate, and thus increasing imbalances,' Mr Lou said. 'I don't expect to see a so-called golden decade for China. If China cannot stop the bleeding, it needs a blood transfusion.'
Mr Lou suggested that investors buy energy and consumer-related stocks which would benefit from inflation next year, but avoid property, steel and banking stocks. China's property prices are too high, and the government should levy higher taxes to curb speculation and make homes affordable to ordinary Chinese, he said. Mr Lou also suggested that China should decisively deregulate its capital market and allow a one-off revaluation of the yuan, in a bid to restructure its economy quickly, even at the cost of tens of millions of lost jobs. -- Reuters
Friday, November 27, 2009
HSBC tumbles, banks retreat across Asia amid Dubai worry
A wave of contagion selling swept across Asian markets Friday, with banking giant HSBC Holdings among the hardest hit, as investors scrambled to piece together how much exposure regional lenders have to financial troubles in Dubai.
HSBC tumbles, banks retreat across Asia amid Dubai worry [via]
HSBC tumbles, banks retreat across Asia amid Dubai worry [via]
MEOW - Looks interesting
“If you are not greedy, you are not Chinese. If you are not backstabbing, you are not Indian. If you are not lazy, ’sorry’, contented, you are not Malay. If you are not made of all these three, then you are not a Singaporean.”
MEOW!
Presented by Agni Kootthu (Theatre of Fire)
Written & directed by Elangovan
Performed by Dew M Chaiyanara, Faizal Abdullah & Hemang Yadav
Performance in English - Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov 2009, 8pm The Substation Theatre $20
(Tickets available @ the door from 7 pm)
MDA Advisory: R18 (Coarse Language and Mature Themes)
Dubai World is in debt
Dubai has delivered investors a wake-up call. The Gulf State's shock decision to seek creditors a six-month standstill on debt of conglomerate Dubai World on interest payments tied to about $60 billion in debts has hit the confidence of global investors.
On Oct 16, I posted an entry titled “Dubai Support Fund Insufficient To Meet Debts”, describing Dubai's difficulty in servicing billions dollars of debts. Oil is currently trading many times below its last year's peak of around US$147 per barrel and is hitting Dubai's overly ambitious multi billion dollar projects. Even though global stock market has rebounded significantly since March 2009 and world economy showing signs of recovery, it is impossible to catch up fast enough given Dubai's huge debts.
Islamic bonds, called sukuk, from Dubai World real-estate subsidiary Nakheel dropped from around 110 cents to around 70 cents. The bonds are due to mature on December 14. European markets reacted negatively over the possibility of losses for European banks exposed to Dubai. At this point in time, Asian markets are all trading below last closing. It is lucky that some bourses are closed for the day due to Hari Raya.
The cost of insuring sovereign debt issued by Dubai has now increased by more than 50% on Thursday. Along with Dubai, debt insurance jumped among Gulf states such as Bahrain and Qatar. Debt insurance costs also rose in Turkey, Russia, Greece and Ireland.
Abu Dhabi Commercial is said to have most at stake in Dubai World.
I wonder how will Singapore Exchange react on Monday.
On Oct 16, I posted an entry titled “Dubai Support Fund Insufficient To Meet Debts”, describing Dubai's difficulty in servicing billions dollars of debts. Oil is currently trading many times below its last year's peak of around US$147 per barrel and is hitting Dubai's overly ambitious multi billion dollar projects. Even though global stock market has rebounded significantly since March 2009 and world economy showing signs of recovery, it is impossible to catch up fast enough given Dubai's huge debts.
Islamic bonds, called sukuk, from Dubai World real-estate subsidiary Nakheel dropped from around 110 cents to around 70 cents. The bonds are due to mature on December 14. European markets reacted negatively over the possibility of losses for European banks exposed to Dubai. At this point in time, Asian markets are all trading below last closing. It is lucky that some bourses are closed for the day due to Hari Raya.
The cost of insuring sovereign debt issued by Dubai has now increased by more than 50% on Thursday. Along with Dubai, debt insurance jumped among Gulf states such as Bahrain and Qatar. Debt insurance costs also rose in Turkey, Russia, Greece and Ireland.
Abu Dhabi Commercial is said to have most at stake in Dubai World.
I wonder how will Singapore Exchange react on Monday.
Final score for one of my module OUT!
On Nov 25, 1 day after my CS5261 paper, the Professor announced all answer scripts were marked. A day later, he tabulated all scores and uploaded them on the intranet.
If everything is true, I should get myself at least a minimum B+ grade since my total falls in the upper 75th percentile. Two areas I did pretty well are my class participation (10/10) and my term project (20/20) on the self-chosen topic on “Analysis of Nokia Ovi Business Model”.
Yes, I am beginning to love Economics!
B+ grade is the lowest grade I am asking for all my modules since an average of B- grade is required for graduation.
I wonder if it is against school policy to reveal final score that early.
If everything is true, I should get myself at least a minimum B+ grade since my total falls in the upper 75th percentile. Two areas I did pretty well are my class participation (10/10) and my term project (20/20) on the self-chosen topic on “Analysis of Nokia Ovi Business Model”.
Yes, I am beginning to love Economics!
B+ grade is the lowest grade I am asking for all my modules since an average of B- grade is required for graduation.
I wonder if it is against school policy to reveal final score that early.
Proliferation of ulcers
OUCH! They are getting big, bigger and biggest! This means I am on the road to recovery.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
3 Investment Myths
The Motley Fool published an article on the 3 investment myths and advises us never to fall into believing them.
The 3 investment myths are:
Myth No. 1: It's too early to plan for retirement
Myth No. 2: I can't beat Federer -- so I shouldn't play
Myth No. 3: Planning for retirement is hard
Don't Buy Into These 3 Investment Myths [via]
The 3 investment myths are:
Myth No. 1: It's too early to plan for retirement
Myth No. 2: I can't beat Federer -- so I shouldn't play
Myth No. 3: Planning for retirement is hard
Don't Buy Into These 3 Investment Myths [via]
Weekly Address: President Obama Delivers Thanksgiving Greeting
Happy Thanksgiving!
Given the holiday, U.S. President Obama has released this week's weekly address early today. In this video, President Obama calls to our attention the men and women in uniform who are away from home sacrificing time with family to protect our safety and freedom. He also talks about the progress of health care reform, the Recovery Act, and job creation to ensure that next Thanksgiving will be a brighter day.
Given the holiday, U.S. President Obama has released this week's weekly address early today. In this video, President Obama calls to our attention the men and women in uniform who are away from home sacrificing time with family to protect our safety and freedom. He also talks about the progress of health care reform, the Recovery Act, and job creation to ensure that next Thanksgiving will be a brighter day.
Thumbs up for ending estate agents dual role
Thumbs up for ending estate agents dual role
The Straits Times
26/11/2009
A PROPOSAL to ban property agents from representing both the seller and buyer in the same transaction has generated strong public interest - with many giving the idea the thumbs up.
This practice, widespread in the HDB resale market, leaves the agent with a clear conflict of interest.
But there is likely to be resistance from some agents who stand to lose commissions if it is implemented.
The proposed ban is one of a series of possible changes in a planned industry overhaul after years of complaints about questionable practices by some agents.
A public consultation exercise on a planned real estate regulatory framework drew more than 200 comments and suggestions, said the Ministry of National Development (MND) yesterday.
The proposal most commented upon was the ban on dual representation.
Many respondents also backed a plan to ensure agents have a minimum entry qualification - probably an entrance exam. They felt it was important for the exam to cover ethics, given that complaints often stem from unethical practices.
Most respondents were 'generally supportive' of the key proposals, MND said. These also include mandatory accreditation of agencies and agents, keeping a public central registry for accredited agents, setting up an independent tribunal to resolve real estate disputes, and introducing a demerit points system.
The views received during the exercise - conducted from Oct 13 to Nov 17 - were generally consistent with feedback gathered during industry consultations a month earlier, MND said. The respondents included property agents and clients who had been caught in unpleasant encounters with agents, said a spokesman.
The Government aims to better safeguard consumers' interests and raise the level of professionalism in the industry.
Some of the key proposals are long overdue, some industry players said.
Most would be welcomed by the industry, but some agents may not be happy if dual representation is disallowed.
An agent representing both sides in an HDB deal can get two commissions, even though there is clear conflict as sellers would want the highest price for their property while buyers want the lowest.
'This practice has been around since the first day HDB flats were traded. Obviously, there will be some resistance from property agents,' said C&H Realty managing director Albert Lu.
As HDB flat transactions can be complex, it is useful for buyers and sellers to have their own agents, to ensure that an unrepresented party does not delay or mess up the transaction, he said.
Some respondents suggested disallowing dual representation for rental deals.
There were suggestions to mandate co-broking, to stipulate that all buyers are to engage an agent and to require agents to inform sellers of all offers, regardless of the offer price or agent fees.
There were also calls for a standard commission guideline to curb undercutting among agents and to protect less educated consumers, for instance.
Respondents had also called for the licensing of individual agents. While the Government had called for industry-led accreditation, some respondents wanted the Government to handle this.
Some also wanted to see minimum educational qualifications. Mr Lu felt this was unnecessary.
Having paper qualifications does not guarantee an agent will act ethically, he said. Passing an entrance exam is enough, even though it does not ensure ethical behaviour. A Government accreditation board could suspend errant agents, he added.
Mr Lu felt that the entrance exam should also be conducted in Chinese, for the benefit of a group of older, experienced agents who are Chinese-educated.
PropNex chief executive Mohamed Ismail expects a central registry to come in to help control rogue agents, who are now able to switch agencies unchecked. Some respondents suggested posting the names of blacklisted agents online to warn the public.
Suggestions from the public include the use of standard forms and contracts as well as disallowing agencies and agents from buying new properties from developers with a view to selling them.
MND expects to announce key elements of the framework early next year.
The Straits Times
26/11/2009
A PROPOSAL to ban property agents from representing both the seller and buyer in the same transaction has generated strong public interest - with many giving the idea the thumbs up.
This practice, widespread in the HDB resale market, leaves the agent with a clear conflict of interest.
But there is likely to be resistance from some agents who stand to lose commissions if it is implemented.
The proposed ban is one of a series of possible changes in a planned industry overhaul after years of complaints about questionable practices by some agents.
A public consultation exercise on a planned real estate regulatory framework drew more than 200 comments and suggestions, said the Ministry of National Development (MND) yesterday.
The proposal most commented upon was the ban on dual representation.
Many respondents also backed a plan to ensure agents have a minimum entry qualification - probably an entrance exam. They felt it was important for the exam to cover ethics, given that complaints often stem from unethical practices.
Most respondents were 'generally supportive' of the key proposals, MND said. These also include mandatory accreditation of agencies and agents, keeping a public central registry for accredited agents, setting up an independent tribunal to resolve real estate disputes, and introducing a demerit points system.
The views received during the exercise - conducted from Oct 13 to Nov 17 - were generally consistent with feedback gathered during industry consultations a month earlier, MND said. The respondents included property agents and clients who had been caught in unpleasant encounters with agents, said a spokesman.
The Government aims to better safeguard consumers' interests and raise the level of professionalism in the industry.
Some of the key proposals are long overdue, some industry players said.
Most would be welcomed by the industry, but some agents may not be happy if dual representation is disallowed.
An agent representing both sides in an HDB deal can get two commissions, even though there is clear conflict as sellers would want the highest price for their property while buyers want the lowest.
'This practice has been around since the first day HDB flats were traded. Obviously, there will be some resistance from property agents,' said C&H Realty managing director Albert Lu.
As HDB flat transactions can be complex, it is useful for buyers and sellers to have their own agents, to ensure that an unrepresented party does not delay or mess up the transaction, he said.
Some respondents suggested disallowing dual representation for rental deals.
There were suggestions to mandate co-broking, to stipulate that all buyers are to engage an agent and to require agents to inform sellers of all offers, regardless of the offer price or agent fees.
There were also calls for a standard commission guideline to curb undercutting among agents and to protect less educated consumers, for instance.
Respondents had also called for the licensing of individual agents. While the Government had called for industry-led accreditation, some respondents wanted the Government to handle this.
Some also wanted to see minimum educational qualifications. Mr Lu felt this was unnecessary.
Having paper qualifications does not guarantee an agent will act ethically, he said. Passing an entrance exam is enough, even though it does not ensure ethical behaviour. A Government accreditation board could suspend errant agents, he added.
Mr Lu felt that the entrance exam should also be conducted in Chinese, for the benefit of a group of older, experienced agents who are Chinese-educated.
PropNex chief executive Mohamed Ismail expects a central registry to come in to help control rogue agents, who are now able to switch agencies unchecked. Some respondents suggested posting the names of blacklisted agents online to warn the public.
Suggestions from the public include the use of standard forms and contracts as well as disallowing agencies and agents from buying new properties from developers with a view to selling them.
MND expects to announce key elements of the framework early next year.
Happy Thanksgving Day
Thanksgving is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general. While perhaps religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday.
Happy Thanksgving Day! Of course, happy shopping especially to the Americans and hope offers can be made in tomorrow's Black Friday shopping sale.
Give thanks.
Happy Thanksgving Day! Of course, happy shopping especially to the Americans and hope offers can be made in tomorrow's Black Friday shopping sale.
Give thanks.
Shall look into manufacturing sector when I am free
I am betting on the manufacturing sector to prosper as the cyclical economy gets out of recession. This particular sector shall be studied after my last paper.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
S&P 500 P/E Ratio as of 24 Nov 2009
According to multpl, the S&P 500 P/E rato as of 24 Nov 2009 is approximately at 20.
Day by day, the equity market is getting more and more expensive.
Completely shocked by how efficient my Professor is
Prof Hwang Ke-Wei left me in awe, shock and disbelief after receiving an announcement from him regarding yesterday's exam.
- All answer scripts were marked
- Sample answers uploaded
- Marks to be uploaded by tomorrow
- Disputes, if any, are welcome
Attach Files in Offline Gmail
So far, I believe capability to attach files in Offline Gmail is the only feature lacking. However, Google recently announced this long-awaited feature is added!
Google ROCKS!
Attach Files in Offline Gmail [via]
Google ROCKS!
Attach Files in Offline Gmail [via]
Buying and selling behaviour of retail investors
Bull market peaks are characterised by naïve retail investors piling in to the markets, desperate to join in the profits headlined daily by the popular press. Similarly at market bottoms, the retail investor usually pulls funds out of the markets just before they turn. This unfortunate human trait has led to retail investors' funds being labelled 'dumb money'.
The 'Dumb Money' Points To A Market Fall [via]
The 'Dumb Money' Points To A Market Fall [via]
Embed MP3 onto your website
You may have a MP3 file uploaded somewhere in the Internet and would like to share it with visitors of your website or blog.
You just have to replace [MP3 URL] with the actual address.
NOTE: Another method to embed mp3, which I find it more reliable, can be found here. It makes use of Google Reader's player. http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-embed-mp3-onto-your-website-blog.html.
<embed src= "http://www.odeo.com/flash/audio_player_standard_gray.swf" quality="high" width="300" height="52" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars= "valid_sample_rate=true&external_url=[MP3 URL]" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>
You just have to replace [MP3 URL] with the actual address.
NOTE: Another method to embed mp3, which I find it more reliable, can be found here. It makes use of Google Reader's player. http://hongjun.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-embed-mp3-onto-your-website-blog.html.
Interesting podcast on Value Investing
The Motley Fool has an interesting 27 minutes podcast on Value Investing.
Full transcript of the podcast can be found here.
If you wish to listen to the podcast offline, you may download the mp3 version.
The podcast ended with the below quote from American author, Mark Twain.
"I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one" -- Mark Twain
Full transcript of the podcast can be found here.
If you wish to listen to the podcast offline, you may download the mp3 version.
The podcast ended with the below quote from American author, Mark Twain.
"I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one" -- Mark Twain
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Google Chrome OS
Last week, Google launched its long-awaited Chrome OS. What is Chrome OS? It is an operating system that boots up in seconds keeping in mind that the web browser is the most important program on your computer. In short, the web browser is in fact your operating system!
What is Google Chrome OS?
Using Google Chrome OS, one can access commonly used applications like Google Chrome web browser, Gmail, Google Docs, and so on.
Google Chrome OS UI Concept Video
Chromium OS Fast Boot (Fast forward to 3:00 not to bore you too much)
With Google Chrome OS, NOTHING is stored on your hard disk, but rather, they are stored on the Internet. What does this means? Google needs to put in double effort to make sure security and privacy issues are well taken care of. Personally, I am not comfortable with this arrangement.
Chromium OS Security
What is Google Chrome OS?
Using Google Chrome OS, one can access commonly used applications like Google Chrome web browser, Gmail, Google Docs, and so on.
Google Chrome OS UI Concept Video
Chromium OS Fast Boot (Fast forward to 3:00 not to bore you too much)
With Google Chrome OS, NOTHING is stored on your hard disk, but rather, they are stored on the Internet. What does this means? Google needs to put in double effort to make sure security and privacy issues are well taken care of. Personally, I am not comfortable with this arrangement.
Chromium OS Security
Google Navigation is a Total GPS Replacement—As Long As You're Connected
Read it yourself! Am I slowly moving from Microsoft camp to Google camp?
Google Navigation is a Total GPS Replacement—As Long As You're Connected [via]
Google Navigation is a Total GPS Replacement—As Long As You're Connected [via]
Introduction to Google Maps Singapore with Traffic & Transit
Google Maps Singapore can be accessed via http://maps.google.com.sg/transport
LTA partners Google to provide traffic & transit information
LTA partners Google to provide traffic & transit information
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 November 2009 1633 hrs
A new collaboration between Google and Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) will give commuters land transport options at their fingertips.
The result is a service that will allow commuters to plan their journeys based on current traffic status.
The partnership also marks the first time a country is working with Google to provide transport options as part of its global online map platform - Google Maps.
The LTA currently provides traffic and transit information to various other vendors for similar applications, and it hopes this service will encourage more people to take public transport.
"Our aim is to make sure that commuters have all the choices and they can choose between the different modes of transport - on the bus, on the train - and to travel in different ways to reach their destination as smoothly as possible," said Yam Ah Mee, chief executive of Land Transport Authority.
The application is available at the following website - http://maps.google.com.sg/transport.
It is sad that Google Maps does not work on my Windows Mobile 6.0 powered PDA.
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 November 2009 1633 hrs
A new collaboration between Google and Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) will give commuters land transport options at their fingertips.
The result is a service that will allow commuters to plan their journeys based on current traffic status.
The partnership also marks the first time a country is working with Google to provide transport options as part of its global online map platform - Google Maps.
The LTA currently provides traffic and transit information to various other vendors for similar applications, and it hopes this service will encourage more people to take public transport.
"Our aim is to make sure that commuters have all the choices and they can choose between the different modes of transport - on the bus, on the train - and to travel in different ways to reach their destination as smoothly as possible," said Yam Ah Mee, chief executive of Land Transport Authority.
The application is available at the following website - http://maps.google.com.sg/transport.
It is sad that Google Maps does not work on my Windows Mobile 6.0 powered PDA.
The Complete Guide to Google Wave Preview PDF
The preview edition of Gina and Adam's new book, The Complete Guide to Google Wave, is now available in PDF form for your offline, ebook-reading pleasure.
The Complete Guide to Google Wave Preview PDF [via]
The Complete Guide to Google Wave Preview PDF [via]
Monday, November 23, 2009
Mouth ulcers yet again
The three 0.3cm to 0.5cm mouth ulcers along my lower lips are killing me softly. But they are no big deal really.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Fishbowl brings Facebook to your desktop
Microsoft has launched a desktop application Fishbowl to bring popular social networking site Facebook to your desktop.
Fishbowl is a trial application and a sample demonstrating a unique user experience with Facebook content, optimized for Windows 7. It is available for download by technology enthusiasts and Facebook power users.
Fishbowl
http://www.fishbowlclient.com/
Fishbowl is a trial application and a sample demonstrating a unique user experience with Facebook content, optimized for Windows 7. It is available for download by technology enthusiasts and Facebook power users.
Fishbowl
http://www.fishbowlclient.com/
Michael Jackson - The face of change
During his brilliant career, Michael Jackson changed not only music, but also his appearance. See how his looks evolved over the course of his fame.
Michael Jackson - The face of change [via]
Michael Jackson - The face of change [via]
Are we going to see Year-End Stock Rally?
As we get closer to Black Friday, we should see a rush of shoppers patronizing retails stores for great deals. Will this rush ignite another rally in stocks?
"Nineteen years of history favors a November/December year-end rally," Citigroup said in a note adding that best performing years were usually those associated with periods when the economy was coming out of recession.
"Nineteen years of history favors a November/December year-end rally," Citigroup said in a note adding that best performing years were usually those associated with periods when the economy was coming out of recession.
The Top 500 Worst Passwords of All Time
If your password is in the list listed below, it means that you are prone to dictionary attack. None of my passwords are in the list.
The Top 500 Worst Passwords of All Time [via]
The Top 500 Worst Passwords of All Time [via]
Friday, November 20, 2009
Google "Wonder Wheel" search feature
Google "Wonder Wheel" search feature is rather interesting. A search on “da vinci” gives me a visualised search result.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Why give top students priority in networking event?
GOOD university grades can put you ahead of the campus queue to meet choice employers. You need a projected second-class (upper division) honours degree or better. That seemed to be the message at a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) networking event for graduating students and potential bosses.
I view this as discrimination against undergraduates with poorer grades.
Why give top students priority in networking event? [via]
I view this as discrimination against undergraduates with poorer grades.
Why give top students priority in networking event? [via]
Singapore MTI declared recession is over
Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry on Thursday declared that recession is finally over after data showed its economy grew for the second straight quarter in the three months from July to September. Preliminary estimates show that the Singapore economy grew by 0.6 per cent on a year-on-year basis in the third quarter of 2009.
MTI Forecasts Growth of 3.0 to 5.0 per cent in 2010 [via]
MTI Forecasts Growth of 3.0 to 5.0 per cent in 2010 [via]
Microsoft Releases Office 2010 for Windows Mobile
I hope Microsoft can release more innovative and integrated products to gain my confidence before I get myself a Android Phone (without camera if any) one day.
Microsoft Releases Office 2010 for Windows Mobile [via]
Microsoft Releases Office 2010 for Windows Mobile [via]
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sir Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity
I re-post the below video by Sir Ken Robinson on how schools kill creativity. I thought it is interesting and so re-post it the second time.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Patience proves to be the right strategy
On 18 Sep 09, I bought ST Engineering shares at the price of S$2.69 per share. Today, the share price closed higher at S$3.12 per share. Over 2 months, ST Eng share price ended higher by approximately 16%. What does this show?
Fundamentally, ST Engineering stock is a value stock with over 10 billion dollars order recorded. However, technical analysis does not look very positive. RSI is currently showing signs of overbought. However, I will definitely hold onto this blue chip and am confident its resilience is real.
BTW, other than personal stock holdings under the care of CDP, I do have quite a fair bit of employee shares under SSOS as well.
Disclaimer: Please do your own background research before trading. Fully vested.
Fundamentally, ST Engineering stock is a value stock with over 10 billion dollars order recorded. However, technical analysis does not look very positive. RSI is currently showing signs of overbought. However, I will definitely hold onto this blue chip and am confident its resilience is real.
BTW, other than personal stock holdings under the care of CDP, I do have quite a fair bit of employee shares under SSOS as well.
Disclaimer: Please do your own background research before trading. Fully vested.
Can someone confirm December's flight trials dates?
Flight trials for December are supposed to be on 15th, 16th and 17th but then it looks like the various stakeholders are in discussion again. I really do not understand why these people just cannot make up their mind and keep changing schedules as and when they like.
If these dates are not confirmed by end of this week, I shall tell them my hard dates for clearing my annual leaves.
If these dates are not confirmed by end of this week, I shall tell them my hard dates for clearing my annual leaves.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Insurance Companies Will Profit If Status Quo Continues
For several weeks the insurance industry lobby has been releasing alarmist reports about draconian the health care premium increases that could result from health reform. Despite being roundly and thoroughly debunked, the insurance lobby continues to release these studies and push their bogus conclusion about cost increases.
Wonder why? Because insurance companies can profit from blocking down reform. A newly identified report from Goldman Sachs looked at the impact of health reform on major health insurance companies and put it in stark terms – insurance company earnings could be cut by 50% over the next decade if the Senate Finance Committee version of health reform passes. The best thing for insurance companies? Maintain the status quo of skyrocketing premiums, soaring profits and a health system that threatens our economy. But according to the Goldman Sachs analysis, insurance companies will also profit if the bills in the House and Senate are watered down and stripped of the key provisions designed to protect consumers and help drive down long-term costs.
It may be good for insurance company profits to push alarmist conclusions in an attempt to water down reform, but these provisions are vital to achieving the President’s commitment to bringing down long-term health care costs:
The White House Blog: Insurance Companies Will Profit If Status Quo Continues [via]
Wonder why? Because insurance companies can profit from blocking down reform. A newly identified report from Goldman Sachs looked at the impact of health reform on major health insurance companies and put it in stark terms – insurance company earnings could be cut by 50% over the next decade if the Senate Finance Committee version of health reform passes. The best thing for insurance companies? Maintain the status quo of skyrocketing premiums, soaring profits and a health system that threatens our economy. But according to the Goldman Sachs analysis, insurance companies will also profit if the bills in the House and Senate are watered down and stripped of the key provisions designed to protect consumers and help drive down long-term costs.
It may be good for insurance company profits to push alarmist conclusions in an attempt to water down reform, but these provisions are vital to achieving the President’s commitment to bringing down long-term health care costs:
- A recent Business Roundtable report confirms that Congress is moving in the right direction on both fiscal responsibility and cost containment. The BRT-Hewitt report finds that many of the delivery system reform policies that are currently in health reform legislation will make important contributions to cost reduction, when implemented effectively. As the report explains, "[a] number of the proposed reforms offer real promise, not only to save federal dollars, but also to reduce the rate of increase in private sector spending if adopted and implemented appropriately."
- From the beginning of this process, President Obama has been clear that health insurance reform must not only provide security and stability for Americans with insurance and affordable options for uninsured Americans, but also slow the unsustainable cost growth that is burdening families, threatening businesses' viability, and exploding our national deficit.
- Fortunately, the House and Senate versions of reform share a variety of measures that will reduce the rapid growth in health care costs while also providing Americans with higher quality care including:
- Changing the way we handle hospitalizations, to prevent mistakes and to prevent unnecessary readmissions.
- Creating incentives in the payment system to reward quality of care rather than just the quantity of procedures.
- Giving physicians incentives to collaborate in the coordination of patient care.
- Investing in research into what works and what doesn't in health care.
- Reducing hospital-acquired infections and other avoidable health-center acquired conditions through rigorous reporting and transparency.
- Putting prevention first, rewarding care that focuses on wellness and treating the whole patient in an integrated and coordinated delivery system.
- Tackling the insurance bureaucracy, streamlining the payment system to save time and money that is now spent processing claims and navigating through the byzantine insurance system.
- Establishing a health insurance exchange with a public insurance option, where individuals and small businesses can buy lower-cost insurance that will spur competition and put downward pressure on costs.
- These measures build upon the significant down payment we already made in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to begin switching from paper records to computerized records; to strengthen preventive care; to invest in patient-centered health research; and to build up the workforce of primary care providers.
- And there are also ideas that will further control cost growth that have been proposed and are being looked at as the legislative process continues, such as:
- A fee on insurance companies offering high-premium plans — which would create a strong incentive for more efficient plans that would help reduce the growth of premiums.
- Establishing a Medicare commission — which would develop and submit proposals to Congress aimed at extending the solvency of Medicare, slowing Medicare cost growth, and improving the quality of care delivered to Medicare beneficiaries.
The White House Blog: Insurance Companies Will Profit If Status Quo Continues [via]
Craving for the below
Eng Seng Restaurant - Pepper Crabs
Mellben Seafood - Crab Bee Hoon
Sun with Moon - Tofu Cheesecake
Mellben Seafood - Crab Bee Hoon
Sun with Moon - Tofu Cheesecake
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cannot ping - How to refresh network settings?
Ever wondered why PC A can ping PC B but not the other way round? One possible reason could be due to firewall or you just need a network settings refresh.
How to refresh network settings?
How to refresh network settings?
- From Start Menu, Click Run.
- Type cmd.
- Type netsh and hit Enter.
- Type int and hit Enter.
- Type ip and hit Enter.
- Type reset and hit Enter.
- Type winsock and hit Enter.
- Type reset and hit Enter.
- Type firewall and hit Enter.
- Type reset and hit Enter.
- Type bye and hit Enter.
- Type exit and hit Enter.
- Restart your computer.
Enid Blyton as a barking-mad adulterous bully?
One of Britain's greatest writer, Enid Blyton, creator of Noddy, the Famous Five, the Secret Seven and Malory Towers was in truth a cold-hearted mother and a vindictive adultress who set out to destroy her former husband. Her private life story will be broadcasted on BBC4.
Do read on the article below on Enid's private life and you will be astonished.
Naked tennis, a lesbian affair with the nanny: New TV drama reveals Enid Blyton as a barking-mad adulterous bully [via]
Do read on the article below on Enid's private life and you will be astonished.
Naked tennis, a lesbian affair with the nanny: New TV drama reveals Enid Blyton as a barking-mad adulterous bully [via]
Microsoft Adding Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm to Xbox Live
Users will be able to update their Facebook status or send and read Twitter tweets directly from the Xbox Live interface, the company said. Last.fm stations will also be available, complete with gamer-specific stations, Microosft said.
Microsoft Adding Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm to Xbox Live [via]
Microsoft Adding Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm to Xbox Live [via]
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Comments meant for spamming or marketing will be rejected
I have been receiving several comments that are meant for spamming or marketing for the past few days. Such irrelevant and unhelpful comments will be rejected.
So, please do not waste time doing spamming or/and marketing in this blog.
So, please do not waste time doing spamming or/and marketing in this blog.
Google Go: An Open-Source Programming Language
Tech giant, Google, has announced its own open-source, object-oriented programming language, called Go.
According to a blog post, Go combines the development speed of working in a dynamic language like Python with the performance and safety of a compiled language like C or C++. Typical builds feel instantaneous; even large binaries compile in just a few seconds. And the compiled code runs close to the speed of C. Go lets you move fast.
Go comes with support for multi-processing, and is a fresh and lightweight take on object-oriented design. It also comes with some cool features like true closures and reflection.
The Go Programming Language
http://golang.org/
Google Go: An Open-Source Programming Language [via]
According to a blog post, Go combines the development speed of working in a dynamic language like Python with the performance and safety of a compiled language like C or C++. Typical builds feel instantaneous; even large binaries compile in just a few seconds. And the compiled code runs close to the speed of C. Go lets you move fast.
Go comes with support for multi-processing, and is a fresh and lightweight take on object-oriented design. It also comes with some cool features like true closures and reflection.
The Go Programming Language
http://golang.org/
Google Go: An Open-Source Programming Language [via]
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Koh Brothers record 1172% higher profit if 3Q08 exceptional items were excluded
Koh Brothers Group Limited [K75] recorded 11-fold or 1172% higher net profit for 3Q09 attributable to shareholders as compared to 3Q08 if exceptional items for 2008 were excluded.
Let's see if Koh Brothers stock will surge after this Nov 11 06:06PM announcement. I have my due respect for the management team in Koh Brothers.
Let's see if Koh Brothers stock will surge after this Nov 11 06:06PM announcement. I have my due respect for the management team in Koh Brothers.
Got 10/10 for class participation
I got myself 10/10 for "CS5261 - Telecoms and International Network" for participating actively in IVLE forum and asking too many questions during lecture breaks. YEAH!
Google's 'Caffeine' Super Search Is Almost Here
Google says Caffeine, the next version of its search engine, will soon be available to a wider audience, offering technology designed to deliver faster and more accurate results.
Google hints at impending Caffeine launch [via]
Why MapletreeLog fell almost 3% today?
Mapletree Logistics Trust [M44U] requested to halt its trading on Singapore Exchange on Nov 09 1353hr in anticipation of an upcoming significant announcement.
MapletreeLog announced they will launch a private placement to raise between $79 million and $82 million for acquisitions. A total of 115 million new units will be issued. The new units will be priced at between 69 cents and 71 cents each, representing a discount of 3.9 per cent to 6.6 per cent as compared to the last trading price of last Friday's. About $78 million from the private placement will go towards two yield accretive acquisitions in Singapore. The private placement is likely to reduce the stake held by MapletreeLog sponsor, Mapletree Investments, from 46.9 per cent to 44.3 per cent.
Is today's 3 per cent fall, after the trading halt was lifted, a cause for concern? According to MapletreeLog, the yield accretive acquisition will add, on a proforma basis, 0.04 cents or 0.7 per cent to the annualised distribution per unit (DPU) for the period from Jan to Sept. Accretive usually means an acquisition which is expected to increase earnings per share (EPS). MapletreeLog expects the acquisitions total returns will exceed 10 per cent. The trust's annualised distribution yield as at Nov 9 was around 8.1 per cent so far, in my opinion is a good investment.
My personal opinion is that there isn't really a need to press the panic button and sell the stock away. It is important to look beyond and have a longer investment horizon. MapletreeLog has a history of giving out high dividend yields and have performed reasonably well in financial terms. Keep cool.
In a Nov 10 press release from MapletreeLog, it says,
"In connection with the Private Placement, the Manager has announced on 9 November 2009 that, in respect of the Existing Units, a distribution of the distributable income for the period from 1 October 2009 to the day immediately prior to the date on which the New Units are issued pursuant to the Private Placement (the “Advanced Distribution”) will be made on or around 24 December 2009, to those unitholders whose securities account with The Central Depository (Pte) Limited are credited with MapletreeLog Units as at 5:00 pm on 17 November 2009."
MapletreeLog announced they will launch a private placement to raise between $79 million and $82 million for acquisitions. A total of 115 million new units will be issued. The new units will be priced at between 69 cents and 71 cents each, representing a discount of 3.9 per cent to 6.6 per cent as compared to the last trading price of last Friday's. About $78 million from the private placement will go towards two yield accretive acquisitions in Singapore. The private placement is likely to reduce the stake held by MapletreeLog sponsor, Mapletree Investments, from 46.9 per cent to 44.3 per cent.
Is today's 3 per cent fall, after the trading halt was lifted, a cause for concern? According to MapletreeLog, the yield accretive acquisition will add, on a proforma basis, 0.04 cents or 0.7 per cent to the annualised distribution per unit (DPU) for the period from Jan to Sept. Accretive usually means an acquisition which is expected to increase earnings per share (EPS). MapletreeLog expects the acquisitions total returns will exceed 10 per cent. The trust's annualised distribution yield as at Nov 9 was around 8.1 per cent so far, in my opinion is a good investment.
My personal opinion is that there isn't really a need to press the panic button and sell the stock away. It is important to look beyond and have a longer investment horizon. MapletreeLog has a history of giving out high dividend yields and have performed reasonably well in financial terms. Keep cool.
In a Nov 10 press release from MapletreeLog, it says,
"In connection with the Private Placement, the Manager has announced on 9 November 2009 that, in respect of the Existing Units, a distribution of the distributable income for the period from 1 October 2009 to the day immediately prior to the date on which the New Units are issued pursuant to the Private Placement (the “Advanced Distribution”) will be made on or around 24 December 2009, to those unitholders whose securities account with The Central Depository (Pte) Limited are credited with MapletreeLog Units as at 5:00 pm on 17 November 2009."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Panda Cloud Antivirus Available for Download
Panda Cloud Antivirus is a lightweight, always updated virus killer because Panda does most of its computing, file-checking, and threat updating on its own servers. Anti-virus definition is updated almost real time on cloud without users having to update it himself.
Panda Cloud is finally out of beta for public download for FREE.
Panda Cloud Antivirus - The first free cloud antivirus [via]
Panda Cloud is finally out of beta for public download for FREE.
Panda Cloud Antivirus - The first free cloud antivirus [via]
Monday, November 09, 2009
Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal Forward Leaning Trick
The video below shows what will happen if the forward leaning anti gravity trick does not go smoothly. Forward leaning anti gravity dance trick is Michael Jackson's creation and is patented.
Michael Jackson's 45 degree angle lean explained
So how does this anti gravity trick works? According to gizmodo,
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MICHAEL JACKSON.
Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion (MJ Patent) [via]
The Secret of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" Forward Leaning Move [via]
Michael Jackson's 45 degree angle lean explained
So how does this anti gravity trick works? According to gizmodo,
Trying to lean beyond one's center of gravity normally leads to a giant, awkward step forward to retain balance, so to achieve the 45-degree angle he wanted, Michael and his dancers used special shoes as well as a trick in the stage floor. When the time came for the move, a peg-like aperture would protrude from the dance floor. The heel of the dancers' shoes featured a triangular cut out that could be hitched onto the peg, anchoring the dancers to lean much farther forward, and thus blowing the world's collective mind.
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MICHAEL JACKSON.
Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion (MJ Patent) [via]
The Secret of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" Forward Leaning Move [via]
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Parkway Holdings
Ever since I bought Parkway Holdings [P27], the trend is only in one direction - UP. Is the upward trend going to be reversed?
If we were to just study the technical aspects, the upward trend may soon be reversed. However, it is to note that the stock
What about the fundamentals? Parkway Holdings is the leading private healthcare provider in Asia, offering bespoke healthcare. Its ability to sell the Novena medical suites in 1Q10 may lead to many brokerage houses' re-rating of the stock. Do note that Parkway Life Reits declared a higher DPU this quarter.
I believe Parkway Holdings still hold sound fundamentals for mid and long term investors.
Historic healthcare overhaul passes House: Vote 220-215
The House of Representatives on Saturday approved the most sweeping healthcare legislation since the creation of Medicare 44 years ago, giving a boost to President Obama's campaign to guarantee health coverage to almost all Americans.
Historic healthcare overhaul passes House [via]
Historic healthcare overhaul passes House [via]
Understanding Null, Empty, Blank, #N/A, ZLS, Nothing, Missing
An article published on Experts-Exchange discussed on the differences among the many terms we often faced in programming - Null, Empty, Blank, #N/A, ZLS, Nothing, Missing.
The author, Markus G Fischer, explains the concepts technically well and sometimes funny in places to make the lengthy article not so boring. If you have problems viewing the article due to some membership access restriction, I am most willing to send it to you.
Understanding Null, Empty, Blank, #N/A, ZLS, Nothing, Missing [via]
The author, Markus G Fischer, explains the concepts technically well and sometimes funny in places to make the lengthy article not so boring. If you have problems viewing the article due to some membership access restriction, I am most willing to send it to you.
Understanding Null, Empty, Blank, #N/A, ZLS, Nothing, Missing [via]
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Five political risks to watch in Singapore
Forbes.com presents five key Singapore risks to watch:
- Security
- Political change
- Corruption and lack of transparency
- Relations with neighbours
- Demographics and race relations
Photoshop is now available on Google Android Phones!
Photo editor, Photoshop, is now available on Google Android phones! Guess this is going to be a pull factor for new smart phones users.
Photoshop.com Mobile Android
http://mobile.photoshop.com/android/
Photoshop.com Mobile Android
http://mobile.photoshop.com/android/
Michael Jackson's songs with Planet Earth and Civil Liberties as their theme
What About Us (Earth song)
We are the World
Heal the World
They don't care about us (with Olodum)
We are the World
Heal the World
They don't care about us (with Olodum)
Google Dashboard - Manage privacy settings easily
Google Dashboard summarizes data for each product that you use (when signed in to your account) and provides you direct links to control your personal settings. Today, the Dashboard covers more than 20 products and services, including Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Web History, Orkut, YouTube, Picasa, Talk, Reader, Alerts, Latitude and many more.
Transparency, choice and control — now complete with a Dashboard! [via]
Transparency, choice and control — now complete with a Dashboard! [via]
Investing in water and wastewater treatment companies in China
One of the reason as to why I invested in EPure International Ltd is because I know China is investing in water and wastewater projects.
On 6 Nov, Epure won a landmark contract to run 8 wastewater treatment plants in Hainan. According to a press release by EPure,
China’s leading water solutions provider, Epure International Ltd. (Epure, the Group or 伊普国际), has clinched a high-profile deal to manage and operate eight municipal wastewater treatment plants in Hainan province.
In accordance with China’s 11th Five-Year Plan, state-owned Hainan Provincial Water Conservancy & Power Group Co., Ltd. has built 16 new water treatment plants to revamp the province’s wastewater disposal system. The provincial government has “packaged” them under two large operating contracts for bidding by private companies, with each contract covering eight plants. This model is the first of its kind in China, and other provincial governments are expected to follow suit.
Epure’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Li Li (李力), said: “We are proud to announce that we have won a landmark contract to operate and manage eight municipal wastewater treatment plants in Hainan. This contract, highly anticipated within China’s wastewater treatment industry, has been keenly sought after by more than 20 reputable players. Winning this contract demonstrates that Epure’s technical expertise and operating capabilities are recognised across the sector, and affirms the Group’s leading position in this industry.”
“This contract will further reinforce our strategy to grow our recurrent earnings stream, with the key advantage being that no capital expenditure is required. It will also enable us to quickly scale up our operations to create a more robust earnings model. We will seek out more of such opportunities as we continue to build up our portfolio of build, operate and transfer (BOT) projects.”
Under the five-year contract, Epure will manage and operate eight wastewater treatment plants with a total maximum treatment capacity of up to 142,000 tonnes a day. The contract is worth approximately RMB124 million, based on tonnage of wastewater treated, and is expected to contribute to the Group’s earnings from 2010.
According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the country still has more than 200 cities without sewage treatment capabilities at present. With China’s wastewater emissions increasing, the Chinese government has set aside a budget of RMB330 billion in its 11th Five-Year Plan to increase its wastewater treatment capacity, of which 35% will be invested in building wastewater treatment plants.
Discussing the prospects opened up by this investment, Mr Li commented: “With this strong support from the Chinese government to grow the wastewater treatment industry, we see immense opportunities for Epure to secure more engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and BOT projects, as well as contracts to manage wastewater treatment plants. In this regard, our outstanding track record and expertise as a full-fledged water solutions provider will place us well ahead of the competition.”
Just last month, Epure added two more BOT projects in Anyang city and Jiangyan city, bringing the overall number of such projects under its belt to nine.
On 6 Nov, Epure won a landmark contract to run 8 wastewater treatment plants in Hainan. According to a press release by EPure,
- Deal is first of its kind in China to offer “bundled” operating contracts for multiple municipal plants to private bidders
- Provides strong affirmation of Group’s operating capabilities and technical expertise
- China’s growing wastewater treatment needs and government plans to raise capacity continue to fuel growth
China’s leading water solutions provider, Epure International Ltd. (Epure, the Group or 伊普国际), has clinched a high-profile deal to manage and operate eight municipal wastewater treatment plants in Hainan province.
In accordance with China’s 11th Five-Year Plan, state-owned Hainan Provincial Water Conservancy & Power Group Co., Ltd. has built 16 new water treatment plants to revamp the province’s wastewater disposal system. The provincial government has “packaged” them under two large operating contracts for bidding by private companies, with each contract covering eight plants. This model is the first of its kind in China, and other provincial governments are expected to follow suit.
Epure’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Li Li (李力), said: “We are proud to announce that we have won a landmark contract to operate and manage eight municipal wastewater treatment plants in Hainan. This contract, highly anticipated within China’s wastewater treatment industry, has been keenly sought after by more than 20 reputable players. Winning this contract demonstrates that Epure’s technical expertise and operating capabilities are recognised across the sector, and affirms the Group’s leading position in this industry.”
“This contract will further reinforce our strategy to grow our recurrent earnings stream, with the key advantage being that no capital expenditure is required. It will also enable us to quickly scale up our operations to create a more robust earnings model. We will seek out more of such opportunities as we continue to build up our portfolio of build, operate and transfer (BOT) projects.”
Under the five-year contract, Epure will manage and operate eight wastewater treatment plants with a total maximum treatment capacity of up to 142,000 tonnes a day. The contract is worth approximately RMB124 million, based on tonnage of wastewater treated, and is expected to contribute to the Group’s earnings from 2010.
According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the country still has more than 200 cities without sewage treatment capabilities at present. With China’s wastewater emissions increasing, the Chinese government has set aside a budget of RMB330 billion in its 11th Five-Year Plan to increase its wastewater treatment capacity, of which 35% will be invested in building wastewater treatment plants.
Discussing the prospects opened up by this investment, Mr Li commented: “With this strong support from the Chinese government to grow the wastewater treatment industry, we see immense opportunities for Epure to secure more engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and BOT projects, as well as contracts to manage wastewater treatment plants. In this regard, our outstanding track record and expertise as a full-fledged water solutions provider will place us well ahead of the competition.”
Just last month, Epure added two more BOT projects in Anyang city and Jiangyan city, bringing the overall number of such projects under its belt to nine.
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