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Have you ever received a credit card from a bank and you clearly recall that you had never applied for the card before. Whats worse is that some of these credit cards come with annual fees that is chargeable to your account.
What will happen if you choose not to activate the card and decide to just leave the card aside and not use it forever? You may think that by simply not activating the card the account’s not open, right?
Well... technically, your credit card account is usually opened the moment you’re approved, even if you don’t have the physical card. Sometimes, you’ll have to activate the card once you get it, and the amount of time you have to do so varies by issuer.
What will happen if you choose not to activate the card and decide to just leave the card aside and not use it forever? You may think that by simply not activating the card the account’s not open, right?
Well... technically, your credit card account is usually opened the moment you’re approved, even if you don’t have the physical card. Sometimes, you’ll have to activate the card once you get it, and the amount of time you have to do so varies by issuer.
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If you applied for a card with an annual fee and you were approved, it’s likely the account is open and you owe the annual fee. You may be able to contact the bank and ask the bank to waive the fee. If you haven’t activated or used the card yet and plan to close it immediately, that may help your case. There’s no reason the credit card issuer is obligated to waive the annual fee, since you agreed to it by applying for the card, but if you ask nicely the issuer may waive the fee as a courtesy.
As long as the card doesn’t have an annual fee, generally it will not affect your credit scores if you don't use it. But some of these "unapplied" credit cards charges an annual fee, e.g. OCBC's Plus card.
Usually, for security reasons, a credit card usually needs to be activated once you get it in the mail, before you can use it. Even if the physical card is un-activated, the account can still be activated. This can help prevent an unauthorized person from stealing a new credit card from your mailbox and using it. However, activation of the card isn’t the same as opening the account.
When you apply for a credit card, you’re agreeing that you want the account open if you are approved. So, in most cases, your credit card account will be opened automatically upon approval, even before your physical credit card is activated.
As long as the card doesn’t have an annual fee, generally it will not affect your credit scores if you don't use it. But some of these "unapplied" credit cards charges an annual fee, e.g. OCBC's Plus card.
Usually, for security reasons, a credit card usually needs to be activated once you get it in the mail, before you can use it. Even if the physical card is un-activated, the account can still be activated. This can help prevent an unauthorized person from stealing a new credit card from your mailbox and using it. However, activation of the card isn’t the same as opening the account.
When you apply for a credit card, you’re agreeing that you want the account open if you are approved. So, in most cases, your credit card account will be opened automatically upon approval, even before your physical credit card is activated.
Pocket Sense article online: Can You Be Charged an Annual Fee Without Activating a Credit Card?
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From 1 Jan 2020, self-employed persons (SEPs) who provide services directly to the public sector will have their Medisave contributions transferred by the government, as and when they earn such income.
The government will be making changes to Vendors@Gov to support MOM’s Contribute-As-You-Earn (CAYE) policy for Self-employed Persons (SEPs) which will be effective immediately from 1 Jan 2020 onwards.
Therefore, those self employed who provide services directly to the government through Vendors@Gov will estimate their net income - that is, deducting expenses - from such transactions. The government will then make the corresponding Medisave contribution directly to the worker's account, and pay the rest of the service fee to the worker. This will affect about 6,000 self-employed persons. Under this scheme, this group of workers will have small and regular contributions made to their MediSave accounts when the Government contract them and pay them for their services.
According to the CPF website, if you are a person with your own business, you work for yourself and you are in the position to realise a business profit or loss, you are considered a Self-Employed Person. Your income is derived from the buying and selling of goods, or from providing professional or personal services. A Self-Employed Person can be a sole-proprietor or a partner in a partnership.
The government will be making changes to Vendors@Gov to support MOM’s Contribute-As-You-Earn (CAYE) policy for Self-employed Persons (SEPs) which will be effective immediately from 1 Jan 2020 onwards.
Therefore, those self employed who provide services directly to the government through Vendors@Gov will estimate their net income - that is, deducting expenses - from such transactions. The government will then make the corresponding Medisave contribution directly to the worker's account, and pay the rest of the service fee to the worker. This will affect about 6,000 self-employed persons. Under this scheme, this group of workers will have small and regular contributions made to their MediSave accounts when the Government contract them and pay them for their services.
According to the CPF website, if you are a person with your own business, you work for yourself and you are in the position to realise a business profit or loss, you are considered a Self-Employed Person. Your income is derived from the buying and selling of goods, or from providing professional or personal services. A Self-Employed Person can be a sole-proprietor or a partner in a partnership.
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Currently, self-employed persons are required to make Medisave contributions annually, based on earnings the previous year. In any given year, about 60 per cent or 130,000 do not make their Medisave contributions in full as a lump sum.
The government's pilot Contribute-as-you-Earn (CAYE) scheme is about helping the self employed persons to keep up with their Medisave contributions, to strengthen their protection against health shocks. It does not change their CPF obligations, only how their Medisave contributions are made.
So for example, let's assume a freelance photographer who does work for the Government, he will have his MediSave contributions first paid out by the Government before he receives the rest of his payment for the job. Manpower Minister Josephine Teo says "it adds convenience and the self-employed persons don’t have to worry about having to contribute bigger lump sums during 'dry seasons'. They also start getting the 4 per cent MediSave account interest earlier."
The government's pilot Contribute-as-you-Earn (CAYE) scheme is about helping the self employed persons to keep up with their Medisave contributions, to strengthen their protection against health shocks. It does not change their CPF obligations, only how their Medisave contributions are made.
So for example, let's assume a freelance photographer who does work for the Government, he will have his MediSave contributions first paid out by the Government before he receives the rest of his payment for the job. Manpower Minister Josephine Teo says "it adds convenience and the self-employed persons don’t have to worry about having to contribute bigger lump sums during 'dry seasons'. They also start getting the 4 per cent MediSave account interest earlier."
Today Online Article on 20 August 2019: CAYE MediSave contributions to be piloted from 2020 for freelancers hired by Govt: Josephine Teo
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Professor Koh in October, wherein he called Singapore “a First World country with a Third World people.” - ST
On 22 December 2019 (Sunday), diplomat and professor Tommy Koh wrote a column in The Straits Times (ST) wherein he listed the five tests Singaporeans should pass before becoming first-world people.
This references a remark Mr Koh made in October, wherein he called Singapore “a First World country with a Third World people.” In the October speech, professor Tommy Koh said... "Singapore has many first-rate aspects such as a dynamic economy and excellent quality of life, but that some of our habits as a people did not match those standards."
In the column in the Straits Times on 22 Dec 2019, professor Tommy Koh said he wish to focus on what Singaporeans must do in order to qualify as a First World people and suggested that Singaporeans must first pass the following tests:
TEST NO. 1
The first test for Singaporeans to pass is to stop littering. First World people such as the Japanese, South Koreans and Taiwanese do not litter. In fact, they will pick up litter and dispose of it. They will also confront litterbugs and put peer pressure on them to pick up the litter. Professor Tommy Koh said he noticed that in recent years when he look around Singapore today, I see trash everywhere.
This references a remark Mr Koh made in October, wherein he called Singapore “a First World country with a Third World people.” In the October speech, professor Tommy Koh said... "Singapore has many first-rate aspects such as a dynamic economy and excellent quality of life, but that some of our habits as a people did not match those standards."
In the column in the Straits Times on 22 Dec 2019, professor Tommy Koh said he wish to focus on what Singaporeans must do in order to qualify as a First World people and suggested that Singaporeans must first pass the following tests:
TEST NO. 1
The first test for Singaporeans to pass is to stop littering. First World people such as the Japanese, South Koreans and Taiwanese do not litter. In fact, they will pick up litter and dispose of it. They will also confront litterbugs and put peer pressure on them to pick up the litter. Professor Tommy Koh said he noticed that in recent years when he look around Singapore today, I see trash everywhere.
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TEST NO. 2
The second test is to have public toilets that are as clean as those in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Singapore's public toilets used to be filthy. The situation has changed for the better because of the joint efforts of a non-governmental organisation and the Government. Professor Tommy Koh felt that even though about 70 per cent of the public toilets in Singapore have been given stars. But the remaining 30 per cent, found in markets, hawker centres, coffee shops and even some restaurants, are still very Third World. A First World people should know how to keep their public toilets clean.
TEST NO. 3
The third test is the test of civic-mindedness and good manners. What are some basic good habits Singaporeans have forsaken? I think many Singaporeans have forgotten how to say "Please" and "Thank you". He saw scenarios where Singaporeans rush in without waiting for those inside the lift or train to make their exit first and some young Singaporeans choosing to ignore the priority seating sign and instead sit on seats that are reserved for people with disabilities, the elderly and pregnant women. He also criticised Singaporeans who fail to clean up their tables after their meals, talk loudly on their mobile phones in restaurants and movie theatres or during concerts. In First World countries, people do not commit such inconsiderate behaviour.
The second test is to have public toilets that are as clean as those in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Singapore's public toilets used to be filthy. The situation has changed for the better because of the joint efforts of a non-governmental organisation and the Government. Professor Tommy Koh felt that even though about 70 per cent of the public toilets in Singapore have been given stars. But the remaining 30 per cent, found in markets, hawker centres, coffee shops and even some restaurants, are still very Third World. A First World people should know how to keep their public toilets clean.
TEST NO. 3
The third test is the test of civic-mindedness and good manners. What are some basic good habits Singaporeans have forsaken? I think many Singaporeans have forgotten how to say "Please" and "Thank you". He saw scenarios where Singaporeans rush in without waiting for those inside the lift or train to make their exit first and some young Singaporeans choosing to ignore the priority seating sign and instead sit on seats that are reserved for people with disabilities, the elderly and pregnant women. He also criticised Singaporeans who fail to clean up their tables after their meals, talk loudly on their mobile phones in restaurants and movie theatres or during concerts. In First World countries, people do not commit such inconsiderate behaviour.
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TEST NO. 4
The fourth test is the test of cultural literacy. A First World people is a cultured people. In professor Tommy Koh's experience, he felt that cultured people should / should be:
TEST NO. 5
The fifth test is our attitude towards nature and the environment. A First World people should love nature and care for the environment. They should know, for example, that climate change poses an existential threat to Singapore and the world. Professor Tommy Koh felt that Singaporeans show the irresponsible attitude towards food and water by wasting them. Food waste has risen 40 per cent over the past years, from 568,000 tonnes disposed of by households and the food industry in 2008 to around 809,800 tonnes in 2017.
While some netizens agree with Professor Tommy Koh many others reject his arguments and draw attention to how those in so-called first world countries behave.
What do you think? Do you agree with him or not? Why?
The fourth test is the test of cultural literacy. A First World people is a cultured people. In professor Tommy Koh's experience, he felt that cultured people should / should be:
- gracious and kind
- treat those who serve them with courtesy and appreciation
- have an appreciation of culture and the arts
- read books and show respect for our poets and writers
- listen to music, visit our museums and take an interest in our history and heritage
TEST NO. 5
The fifth test is our attitude towards nature and the environment. A First World people should love nature and care for the environment. They should know, for example, that climate change poses an existential threat to Singapore and the world. Professor Tommy Koh felt that Singaporeans show the irresponsible attitude towards food and water by wasting them. Food waste has risen 40 per cent over the past years, from 568,000 tonnes disposed of by households and the food industry in 2008 to around 809,800 tonnes in 2017.
While some netizens agree with Professor Tommy Koh many others reject his arguments and draw attention to how those in so-called first world countries behave.
What do you think? Do you agree with him or not? Why?
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 21, 2019, with the headline 'Five tests of a truly First World people'.
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Image credits: mikemoratinos
Image credits: mikemoratinos
Have you ever met a teacher during your school days who totally inspired you? A teacher who cared and who tries to make boring lessons interesting?
Verónica Duque is that teacher. Recently, the 43-year-old decided to engage her students on a higher level and gave a class on anatomy in a full-body suit that mapped out the human body in great detail.
“I’ve been teaching for 15 years now,” Verónica told Bored Panda. “I teach natural and social science, art, as well as English and Spanish.”
Currently, Verónica teaches the third grade and is constantly looking for ideas on how to make the lessons more interesting. “I was surfing the internet when an ad of an AliExpress swimsuit popped up. Knowing how hard it is for kids this young to visualize the disposition of internal organs, I thought it was worth it giving it a try.”
Figuring out whereabouts all your various inner body parts are is kind of a tricky task, and even as an adult I would probably struggle to point you towards my kidneys. But when you have a fantastically imaginative teacher like Verónica Duque, facts and figures can slide into place far more easily. And with a great deal more fun along the way.
Verónica Duque is that teacher. Recently, the 43-year-old decided to engage her students on a higher level and gave a class on anatomy in a full-body suit that mapped out the human body in great detail.
“I’ve been teaching for 15 years now,” Verónica told Bored Panda. “I teach natural and social science, art, as well as English and Spanish.”
Currently, Verónica teaches the third grade and is constantly looking for ideas on how to make the lessons more interesting. “I was surfing the internet when an ad of an AliExpress swimsuit popped up. Knowing how hard it is for kids this young to visualize the disposition of internal organs, I thought it was worth it giving it a try.”
Figuring out whereabouts all your various inner body parts are is kind of a tricky task, and even as an adult I would probably struggle to point you towards my kidneys. But when you have a fantastically imaginative teacher like Verónica Duque, facts and figures can slide into place far more easily. And with a great deal more fun along the way.
With an adorable display of admiration for his wife’s creativity, Michael – who lives in the north of Spain – tweeted: "Very proud of this full of ideas woman that I am lucky to have as a wife. Today she taught anatomy to her students in a very original way. The kids went crazy. Hurry Veronica!!!"
The original tweet has since been liked over 65,000 times, with many people applauding Verónica’s sense of ingenuity. One person cheered, ‘More teachers with that desire to teach are needed’, while another declared that she had demonstrated ‘total dedication to the profession’.
And this sense of innovation isn’t just a one off for Verónica Duque. The gifted teacher looks to bring a sense of wonder and imagination to many of her lessons. She said, "I decided long ago to use disguises for history lessons. I’m also using cardboard crowns for my students to learn grammatical categories such as nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Different grammar kingdoms, so to say. I’d like society to stop considering teachers to be lazy bureaucratic public servants. We’re certainly not."
The original tweet has since been liked over 65,000 times, with many people applauding Verónica’s sense of ingenuity. One person cheered, ‘More teachers with that desire to teach are needed’, while another declared that she had demonstrated ‘total dedication to the profession’.
And this sense of innovation isn’t just a one off for Verónica Duque. The gifted teacher looks to bring a sense of wonder and imagination to many of her lessons. She said, "I decided long ago to use disguises for history lessons. I’m also using cardboard crowns for my students to learn grammatical categories such as nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Different grammar kingdoms, so to say. I’d like society to stop considering teachers to be lazy bureaucratic public servants. We’re certainly not."
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StandardToilet hope their loos, the wall mounted model is seen here, will solve that problem
- The 'StandardToilet' has an 'inconveniently sloped' seat at a 13 degree angle
- This will make it uncomfortable to spend more than five minutes on the toilet
- Developers say this provides some health benefits including improved posture
- They say the main benefit is to employees in improved employee productivity
An extended office bathroom break could be a thing of the past thanks to a new toilet that developers say will make people want to leave the loo after five minutes. The 'StandardToilet', created by a start-up company of the same name, has been backed by the British Toilet Association (BTA), a group that campaigns for better bathroom facilities in offices and public spaces.
A survey by Protecting.co.uk carried out in July 2019 across eight UK cities found that some people were spending up to 28 minutes in the bathroom while at work.
The newly developed toilet seat is sloped forward by about 13 degrees to increase strain on the legs similar to a gentle squat thrust, according to developer Mahabir Gill from StandardToilet. The Staffordshire based company says it has already had interest from local councils and motorway service stations for the £150 - £500 toilet.
The seat is sloped forward by about 13 degrees to increase strain on the legs similar to a gentle squat thrust, according to developer Mahabir Gill
They hope to also target offices as they believe cutting down on the length of employee bathroom breaks would dramatically improve productivity. 'It is estimated that in the United Kingdom alone, extended employee breaks costs industry and commerce an £4 billion per annum', Mr Gill said.
'With the advent of flexible zero hour contracts it is easy to see why our StandardToilet can be an asset to a business.' He says it provides health and wellbeing benefits through improved posture and encouraging less time sitting on the toilet. 'Medical studies have suggested that using the traditional WC can cause swollen haemorrhoids and weakening of pelvic muscles. 'The StandardToilet provides Increased comfort through promoting the engagement of upper and lower leg muscles which helps reduce musculoskeletan disorders.'
The toilet has been sloped at 13 degrees as it is inconvenient for the employee but not harmful, in fact it could have some health benefits around improving posture, according to Mr Gill. 'Anything higher would cause wider problems. Thirteen degrees is not too inconvenient, but you'd soon want to get off the seat'. He said he was inspired by time working as an engineer when he would find workers asleep on the toilet or from queues for public restrooms.
'With the advent of flexible zero hour contracts it is easy to see why our StandardToilet can be an asset to a business.' He says it provides health and wellbeing benefits through improved posture and encouraging less time sitting on the toilet. 'Medical studies have suggested that using the traditional WC can cause swollen haemorrhoids and weakening of pelvic muscles. 'The StandardToilet provides Increased comfort through promoting the engagement of upper and lower leg muscles which helps reduce musculoskeletan disorders.'
The toilet has been sloped at 13 degrees as it is inconvenient for the employee but not harmful, in fact it could have some health benefits around improving posture, according to Mr Gill. 'Anything higher would cause wider problems. Thirteen degrees is not too inconvenient, but you'd soon want to get off the seat'. He said he was inspired by time working as an engineer when he would find workers asleep on the toilet or from queues for public restrooms.
Daily Mail Online: "Toilets that are tilted downwards by 13 degrees to stop workers spending too long on the loo"
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A one-year-old boy was prescribed antidepressants by the NHS in Scotland, as prescriptions for the drugs soared across the UK. NHS Tayside in Dundee prescribed the medication to 450 children between January and May in 2016, with the youngest being seven years old. In 2014, the trust prescribed antidepressants to a one-year-old boy, according to figures by Dundee Evening Telegraph.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside told the Evening Telegraph the drugs could be used to treat a number of different conditions beyond their most common use as a treatment for clinical depression. She said: “Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat clinical depression, or prevent it from recurring. “However, they can also be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as chronic pain and anxiety disorders.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside told the Evening Telegraph the drugs could be used to treat a number of different conditions beyond their most common use as a treatment for clinical depression. She said: “Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat clinical depression, or prevent it from recurring. “However, they can also be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as chronic pain and anxiety disorders.
In January this year, the largest ever review of clinical study reports compiled by drug companies found teenagers were twice as likely to commit suicide if they were taking antidepressants. The review also said the risks for adults may have been seriously underestimated. Though NHS guidelines state that under 18s should not be prescribed antidepressants, over 100,000 prescriptions a year are given to teenagers, according to the Daily Telegraph. In very young children, antidepressants can be prescribed for problems including bed-wetting and chronic pain.
While antidepressants have been shown to be effective in treating major depression and anxiety in children and teens, they need to be used cautiously and monitored closely to make sure there are no serious side effects. Keep in mind that antidepressant use is often temporary and may just be needed for a short time. If your child has mild depression, psychotherapy may be all she needs to help her symptoms improve. However, if the depression is severe or not responding to psychotherapy, an antidepressant may be needed to help your child live the best, and most fulfilling life that he can. If you have concerns and questions, be sure to discuss them with a mental health professional.
While antidepressants have been shown to be effective in treating major depression and anxiety in children and teens, they need to be used cautiously and monitored closely to make sure there are no serious side effects. Keep in mind that antidepressant use is often temporary and may just be needed for a short time. If your child has mild depression, psychotherapy may be all she needs to help her symptoms improve. However, if the depression is severe or not responding to psychotherapy, an antidepressant may be needed to help your child live the best, and most fulfilling life that he can. If you have concerns and questions, be sure to discuss them with a mental health professional.
Independent News Online - One-year-old prescribed antidepressants by NHS in Scotland
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I compiled a list of 18 most 'scarily challenging' carparks in Singapore researched from the internet that many drivers in Singapore are terrified of due to the challenging manoeuvring that drivers must endure to park their precious cars there. These carparks listed below are known to have either one or various combinations of very narrow driveways, low ceiling height, turning giddying rounds & rounds to reach your parking lot, darkly lit, surprisingly difficult 90-degree turns, tight corners, acutely angled 45 degree ramps, etc...
Based on the non exhaustive list of carparks featured below, which carpark in your experience have you encountered that you believe is the most challenging for drivers and that newbie drivers should avoid.
Based on the non exhaustive list of carparks featured below, which carpark in your experience have you encountered that you believe is the most challenging for drivers and that newbie drivers should avoid.
Photo from asiaone.com
Compilation of non exhaustive list of carparks (not in ranking order)
- Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
- The Central @ Clark Quay
- Liang Court (this mall will be revamped from March 2020, we hope that the new mall will have less horrendous carpark design)
- Bugis Junction
- Golden Mile Complex
- Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
- Orchard Central
- Burlington Square
- Peninsula Plaza
- Clifford Centre
- Chevron House
- Eastpoint Mall
- 313 Somerset
- One Raffles Place
- OCBC Centre
- Orchard Building
- Shaw Towers
- Tampines Mart
In your opinion and past experience, which carpark tops the list as the most horribly challenging carpark for drivers to attempt.
List compiled from sgcarmart.com, Carparks of Singapore youtube channel, mycarforum.com and other platforms
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MOE would like to remind everyone that the novel containing vulgarities that was chosen by a school as a literary text was NOT part of the recommended text list from the Ministry of Education (MOE) but selected by a school for its "literary merit" - the ministry announced on 9 Dec 2019.
The book was selected to complement the school's English Language lessons
On 7 Dec 2019 - Saturday, a Facebook group called Singaporeans Defending Marriage and Family criticised the book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which contains several swear words. It said the book uses "foul and blasphemous language" and claimed it "breaks Singapore's racial and religious harmony laws". The post, which did not identify the school, continued: “Do parents need to inspect every single (school's) material and sit inside every classroom to ensure our children are free from unacceptable immoral indoctrination and corruption?”
The book, written by British author Mark Haddon, features a 15-year-old protagonist with Asperger's syndrome. It was selected by the school for its extended reading programme to complement its English Language lessons, said Mr Jeffrey Low, director of English Language and Literature at MOE.
The book, written by British author Mark Haddon, features a 15-year-old protagonist with Asperger's syndrome. It was selected by the school for its extended reading programme to complement its English Language lessons, said Mr Jeffrey Low, director of English Language and Literature at MOE.
Photo of the text in the book from the facebook page of "Singaporeans Defending Marriage & Family"
MOE also provides a set of criteria for selecting texts outside of the recommended list. "This set of criteria includes the literary value, appropriateness and accessibility of the text in terms of themes and language for the target age-group of the students, the values the text promotes, and careful consideration of any areas of concern, such as social and cultural sensitivities," Mr Low explained.
In 2015, the book made headlines after it was withdrawn from a Florida school's summer reading list following concerns from parents about swearing. In response, Mr Haddon told The Guardian his book was “not just a novel that contains swearing but a novel about swearing”. He also noted that the main character Christopher is “completely unaware of the offence that swearing is intended to cause and therefore it simply washes over him”.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book and was named 2003 Whitbread Book of the Year. It also took home the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize that year.
In 2015, the book made headlines after it was withdrawn from a Florida school's summer reading list following concerns from parents about swearing. In response, Mr Haddon told The Guardian his book was “not just a novel that contains swearing but a novel about swearing”. He also noted that the main character Christopher is “completely unaware of the offence that swearing is intended to cause and therefore it simply washes over him”.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book and was named 2003 Whitbread Book of the Year. It also took home the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize that year.
CNA online article: "Book containing vulgarities not on MOE's recommended list, chosen by school"
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Driving simulators in ComfortDelGro Driving Centre
Learning to drive a car or ride a motorcycle? You will have to undergo compulsory simulator training starting later this month, the police said on 7 Dec 2019 - Saturday.
From 16 Dec 2019, all Class 2, 2A, 2B, 3 and 3A learner motorists will have to complete the driving simulator training before they are allowed to book their practical driving or riding tests. The requirement does not apply to those who enrolled with driving schools before Dec 16. The training comprises three modules, with each taking about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Learner motorists must have completed a minimum of five practical lessons before booking the simulator training.
The scenarios used in the simulator training are based on the top 10 causes of traffic accidents that often result in injuries. These include high-speed expressway cornering, cyclists in blind spots and driving or riding in wet weather conditions.
As part of efforts to help learner drivers and motorcyclists better prepare for various road situations, and to inculcate good driving habits, the simulator training provides learner motorists with the opportunity to practise defensive driving or riding in a safe and controlled environment.
The simulator training will be available at the ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, Bukit Batok Driving Centre and Singapore Safety Driving Centre.
From 16 Dec 2019, all Class 2, 2A, 2B, 3 and 3A learner motorists will have to complete the driving simulator training before they are allowed to book their practical driving or riding tests. The requirement does not apply to those who enrolled with driving schools before Dec 16. The training comprises three modules, with each taking about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Learner motorists must have completed a minimum of five practical lessons before booking the simulator training.
The scenarios used in the simulator training are based on the top 10 causes of traffic accidents that often result in injuries. These include high-speed expressway cornering, cyclists in blind spots and driving or riding in wet weather conditions.
As part of efforts to help learner drivers and motorcyclists better prepare for various road situations, and to inculcate good driving habits, the simulator training provides learner motorists with the opportunity to practise defensive driving or riding in a safe and controlled environment.
The simulator training will be available at the ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, Bukit Batok Driving Centre and Singapore Safety Driving Centre.
CNA Online article: "Compulsory simulator training for learner drivers, motorcyclists to start Dec 16"
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A District Judge in Singapore ruled in favour of the home owner against the MC of a condo in West Coast making it a test case about placing personal items in a common corridor and the extent to which an MC can intervene.
The judge Lim Wen Juin said that placing the shoe cabinet in the common corridor broke the The Infiniti condo's by-law but he added that the MC is not getting the court order that will require the unit's owner to remove the cabinet. Such an order would be a "disproportionate" response to the by-law breach, because the cabinet does not obstruct movement in the corridor nor intrude on any person's rights but to the "most negligible degree", he said.
In decision grounds issued earlier this month, the judge also took issue with the MC's conduct, which he found "unreasonable and objectionable". The cabinet, placed beside the apartment's front door, is 1.06m long and 0.36m wide.
The judge Lim Wen Juin said that placing the shoe cabinet in the common corridor broke the The Infiniti condo's by-law but he added that the MC is not getting the court order that will require the unit's owner to remove the cabinet. Such an order would be a "disproportionate" response to the by-law breach, because the cabinet does not obstruct movement in the corridor nor intrude on any person's rights but to the "most negligible degree", he said.
In decision grounds issued earlier this month, the judge also took issue with the MC's conduct, which he found "unreasonable and objectionable". The cabinet, placed beside the apartment's front door, is 1.06m long and 0.36m wide.
The Infiniti in West Coast Park - Straits Times Photo
One of the MC's claims is the cabinet reduced the width of the common corridor available for fire escape. Evidence failed to bear it out. The defendants' lawyer, Mr Raymond Lye, pointed to the Singapore Civil Defence Force's practice code for fire safety precautions. It prescribed a minimum width of 1.2m for corridors in high-rise buildings. As the 0.36m-wide cabinet reduced the corridor width to no less than 1.44m, it satisfied the code.
The case eventually turned on a broadly phrased additional by-law that prohibits storing, leaving or discarding personal belongings in common areas and staircases, regardless of the size, nature and whether the object obstructs people's path. It is so widely couched that it could be a breach to leave even small items such as a flower pot or a pair of shoes in a common corridor, the judge noted. He chided the MC for not being even-handed in enforcing its by-laws.
The case eventually turned on a broadly phrased additional by-law that prohibits storing, leaving or discarding personal belongings in common areas and staircases, regardless of the size, nature and whether the object obstructs people's path. It is so widely couched that it could be a breach to leave even small items such as a flower pot or a pair of shoes in a common corridor, the judge noted. He chided the MC for not being even-handed in enforcing its by-laws.
The cabinet, placed beside the apartment's front door, is 1.06m long and 0.36m wide - Straits Times Photo
Photographs showed many other owners had left personal belongings in the common corridor outside their units, thus breaching the same by-law.
The MC said it targeted the shoe cabinet as it was the newest and largest of the offending cabinets and that it would go after the rest after it succeeded in this case. The judge also had doubts the MC intended to take any steps against the other owners. The MC is appealing against the decision, said its lawyer Leo Cheng Suan. Meanwhile, the shoe cabinet remains outside the unit.
The MC said it targeted the shoe cabinet as it was the newest and largest of the offending cabinets and that it would go after the rest after it succeeded in this case. The judge also had doubts the MC intended to take any steps against the other owners. The MC is appealing against the decision, said its lawyer Leo Cheng Suan. Meanwhile, the shoe cabinet remains outside the unit.
Straits Times Online 29 Oct 2019: "Court rejects condo MC's bid to clear shoe cabinet from corridor"
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