News Highlights Monday 4th February 2008

The Business Times

Inflation this year could go past 5%, says PM Lee
Speaking at the Chinese New Year Celebrations at Teck Ghee Community Centre, Mr Lee said:” Last year, inflation was about 2%. This year, it could be 5%, maybe even more. Especially in the first half (of the year), it is going to be high.” Mr Lee said what was happening was a global phenomenon produced by increased demand, disease, adverse weather and even the diversion of crops towards fuel production. But he added that unlike some neighbouring countries, the government would not move to control food prices. Nor would it subsidize “essentials”. Giving an idea of how high inflation could rise, Citigroup economist Chua Hak Bin said that “it would not be out of the question to see inflation hit 7% in February or March”.



The Business Times

Rivals? S’pore, Dubai don’t see it that way
Both Singapore and Dubai have reiterated that they do not see each other as competitors, said Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong after his meeting with the ruler of Dubai yesterday. At a briefing, he told Singapore reporters that both parties discussed the points of cooperation such as public sector reform, healthcare and education. Of note is the potential tie-up in healthcare services that may see Singapore hospitals invest in the Dubai Healthcare City – a S$3.5 billion facility with a university medical complex and medical cluster.



The Business Times

Find your dream home easily online
A new website launched recently, homespace.sg, takes the tedium out of househunting....



The Straits Times New

Mice organisers target medical, trade and gaming sectors
They will help bring in more money for Meetings, Incentive trips, Conventions or Exhibitions industry



The Straits Times

Plans for new groups to lift standards of housing agents
...The group, which will be separate from the Institute of Estate Agents (IEA), will work closely with an on-going accreditation scheme to lift the industry's game....