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Saturday, April 25, 2009 Y 2:21 PM Geraldine here! hi!! it's my very 1st post here. i'm posting up articles related to plastic bags, R&D , cigaratte consumptions and consumption of alcohol, all under singapore context. :) 100,000 plastic bags saved on Bring Your Own Bag Day By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 19 April 2007 2028 hrs SINGAPORE: Singapore's first Bring Your Own Bag Day on Wednesday managed to save an estimated 100,000 plastic bags. According to leading supermarket chains NTUC Fairprice and Cold Storage, they cut the number of plastic bags by up to 60 per cent. They also sold about 20,000 reusable bags. At one Cold Storage outlet, most shoppers say they do not mind if they have to donate 10 cents to environmental projects for every plastic bag they take. "If they donate it, it's up to them, right? But I think I'll bring my own bag. It makes more sense," said one lady shopper. "I have no objection because it's contributing to the eco friendly system. I think it's good! For us businessman, for shopping we don't carry a bag! But for housewives, yes, if they have time to bring their own bag then it would be a good idea," said another shopper. But not everyone agrees. "In the first place it's an inconvenience to me. On an everyday basis, some of us [are] in a rush, then it'll add up to a big amount. But I guess as a habit it's always good to recycle," says one customer. Some viewers told Channel NewsAsia that paying "10 cents per bag is way too expensive". One viewer said she saw "two women who went shopping at a mart without shopping bags and brought the (NTUC) baskets home". Others argued that for families who shop in bulk, it is "not feasible to bring over 20 reusable bags just for that one outing." There were also suggestions for supermarkets to waive the charges for plastic bags if you spend $50 or more. So it looks like the habit of bringing your own shopping bag to cut down on the use of plastic bags will take some time to cultivate. But with so many reusable bags available in all shapes and sizes, sometimes all it takes is a little planning in your shopping schedule and you too can do your bit for the environment. One shopper says she has some 10 reusable bags, and keeps one in her car at all times. "You know you're going shopping. You know you're going to need bags, so why don't you just use [or] bring them!" Some retailers, like furniture store IKEA, plan to charge shoppers five to 10 cents for its plastic bags from this Sunday. Therefore paying for the convenience may just be the start of a new trend in Singapore. - CNA/yy The Changing Face of Manufacturing By Melissa Joan Leong http://worksingapore.com/onlineguide/articles/industry_3.php -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Singapore's manufacturing industry has evolved from a labour-intensive to a research and knowledge-based one, steadily increasing its GDP contribution and generating more jobs. The manufacturing industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of Singapore; about a third of the country's annual gross domestic product (GDP). In January 2008, manufacturing showed a promising 11.7% growth and is expected to grow 5% in 2008. Electronics and precision engineering are the industry's most established sectors. Electronics is the largest manufacturing contributor, while the increasingly diverse precision engineering sector accounts for one out of four jobs. Electronic Electronics generates an annual total output of S$75 billion, employs 90,933 workers and contributes about 7.15% of Singapore's annual GDP. Key electronics sectors here include: Semiconductors Singapore is an important destination for all major global semiconductor companies. From R&D, manufacturing, supply-chain management, logistics and distribution to HQ activities, Singapore offers a comprehensive environment for players in the semiconductor industry. There are 14 wafer fabrication plants, 20 assembly and test companies, and about 40 Integrated Circuit (IC) Design centres here, which all make use of advanced manufacturing equipment. Solar energy and photovoltaic technologies are emerging growth sectors. Computer Peripherals Over a span of 30 years, the computer industry has grown greatly, producing PCs, servers, computer peripherals and point-of-sale products. The sector grew by 14.1% year-on-year in February 2008. Some of the world's top Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) companies are located in Singapore, engaging in operations such as design and regional management. Key players include Flextronics, Venture, Sanmina-SCI and Celestica. Data Storage As early as 2005, Singapore already accounted for 25% of the global market share for disk media. In recent years, Singapore has achieved a leadership position in manufacturing hard disk media, a key component of hard disk drives. Companies like Seagate and Hitachi Global Storage have major investments here. Info-communications & Consumer Electronics As consumers become more techno-savvy and willing to spend on luxuries, the demand for digital media products such as flat panel TVs and DVD recorders has grown. Singapore's aim to be a media hub has also led to a greater need for info-communications technologies. Due to the established full value chain of services for manufacturing, more global companies have been attracted to Singapore to tap on the growing consumer electronics market. Precision Engineering The precision engineering (PE) industry is growing fast in Singapore. Output in 2007 was S$24 billion, and is expected to reach S$28 billion by 2018. The value chain of the industry covers the design and manufacturing of systems, precision modules and components that are needed for the end products of various industries. Currently, Singapore PE companies serve 70% of the global market for semiconductor wire bonder units, 60% for auto axial insertion machines and 10% for household refrigerator compressors. Major semiconductor and industrial equipment manufacturers are located here, as Singapore offers cost-effective manufacturing solutions for a wide range of applications. In an effort to improve the quality of the PE workforce, the Singapore government has also launched a $76 million PE Manpower Initiative. It will be carried out over the next 5 years to train and upgrade 2,000 professionals. Up-and-Coming: Solar Wafer Mannufacturing In March 2008, a S$20 million Solar Capability Scheme was introduced to encourage businesses to diversify their energy sources. Helping to promote the use of solar panels for new buildings, the scheme is a huge step forward in developing Singapore's solar energy industry cluster. Moreover, NorSun is investing US$300 million into a new solar wafer factory here, which will be the Norwegian company's largest production centre in the world. The factory is expected to produce 120 million mono-crystalline wafers a year, which can generate up to 350 megawatts of power. The high-end solar wafers will be the first of their kind in Singapore, and the first phase of the new plant is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2010. For this phase alone, about 300 people will be hired. Following the Renewable Energy Corporation, NorSun is the second solar wafer manufacturer to set up operations here, a testament to how Singapore continues to be highly competitive in complex manufacturing activities. Exciting Developments Other recent developments and international collaborations have cemented Singapore's position as a sustainable world-class manufacturing hub. In April 2008, Panasonic Factory Solutions Asia Pacific Private Limited (PFSAP) transferred the latest Surface Mount Technology (SMT) machine, CM602, to Singapore and launched a new Auto-Insertion (AI) platform. This is a milestone for Singapore's capabilities in complex equipment manufacturing, and demonstrates the trust that international companies have in the industry's research and development capabilities. Earlier in March 2008, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) set up its first R&D pilot plant in Singapore. Meant to support the company's expansion into Asia, the S$116 million plant now hires a team of 45 scientists and technicians from Singapore, the UK and US. GSK is looking to recruit up to 20 more synthetic chemists for its only R&D facility in Asia. German electronics company Rohde & Schwarz has also set up its first regional headquarters in Singapore, and hopes to double the number of R&D staff it employs. Singapore has become the choice destination for high-value manufacturing investments because of the emphasis that the country has placed on manufacturing innovation. Singapore's target is to increase R&D expenditure to 3% of GDP by 2010, or $7.5 billion per annum, with two-thirds of it being private research. With such a conducive environment for manufacturing research and international collaborations, Singapore's reach as a manufacturing hub is set to expand even further. Job Opportunities Currently, major employers include Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Infineon Technologies, Rockwell Automation, Solectron Technology, United Test and Assembly Center, Amtek Engineering, Fujitec Singapore and Yamazaki Mazak Singapore. As the manufacturing industry gets increasingly diversified, the number of jobs available for global talents will also grow exponentially. Whether you are an IC designer or a wafer fabrication engineer, the career options open to you in manufacturing here are vast. Emerging sectors like solar energy and the arrival of global companies also point towards sustained development in the industry, which will create long-term job prospects in Singapore for manufacturing talents from all over the world. Alcohol drinking (http://www.streetdirectory.com/food_editorials/beverages/alcoholic_drinks/health_benefits_and_disadvantages_of_alcohol.html) As confusing as it may seem, in small quantities, alcohol can be benefic for health. But excess can produce so much damage, that any trace of a benefit is erased. Moderate use of alcohol includes two drinks for a man and only one for a woman per day, under the age of 65. Together with his doctor, a person will establish whether to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer, or this can seriously affect health. In small quantities, the following benefits can result from alcohol: - It decreases the risk of cardiovascular problems - Decreases the possibility of lethal heart attack - Sometimes, alcohol reduces the possibility of ischemic or other kind of strokes - Diminishes the possibility of gallstone - It may reduce the diabetes danger In large quantities, or in excess, the consequences may be terrible: - The pancreas, the mouth, pharynx, esophageal, breast and liver are more likely to be affected by cancer - Pancreatitis may appear, especially in youth - Stroke - Atrophy of the brain - Cirrhosis - Pregnancy problems, like spontaneous abortion - Possible malformations and other birth problems of the fetus - Car accidents - Suicidal tendencies - Sudden death in case of cardiovascular problems - Cardiophaty generated by alcohol There are certain diseases that forbid the affected person to drink at all, such as: - Conditions of the liver - Affection of the pancreas - Precancerous stages affecting the digestive system - A record including a previous hemorrhagic stroke Pregnant women or people whose family has an alcohol related background must be extremely cautious and, if possible, not to drink at all. One drink each day is permitted to persons over 65 years, because in their case, a higher consume is more dangerous; the process of absorption needs more time, the effects are stronger, and the risk of intoxication is a real one. Alcohol must not be used during the following medications' administration: - Anticoagulants - Medication for diabetes - Beta blockers - Antihistamines - Antibiotics - Antidepressants - Pain relievers - Sleeping pills Alcohol should not interfere with medication at all, because in combination to aspirin increases its stomach damaging action and the possibility of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, if combined with acetamine damages the liver. Both the positive effects of a reduced quantity and the dangerous, negative ones must be taken into consideration. Also, a person shouldn't be influenced to drink, because no doctor will give such piece of advice. Consumed with responsibility and moderation, in case of healthy persons, the alcohol doesn't need to be completely eliminated. Jan 18, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009 Y 12:10 AM  Using economic analysis,explain why the S'pore govt is increasing its spending on RnD. plan plan plan:  INTRO: define RND- creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications Research and development is nowadays of great importance in business as the level of competition, production processes and methods are rapidly increasing. It is of special importance in the field of Marketing where companies keep an eagle eye on competitors and customers in order to keep pace with modern trends and analyze the needs, demands and desires of their customers. (some statistics regarding RnD) Long-term trends Since 2000, R&D expenditure relative to GDP (R&D intensity) has increased in Japan, and it has decreased slightly in the United States. In 2004 and 2005, Sweden, Finland, and Japan were the only three OECD countries in which the R&D-to-GDP ratio exceeded 3%, well above the OECD average of 2.3%. Since the mid-1990s, R&D expenditure (in real terms) has been growing the fastest in Iceland and Turkey, both with average annual growth rates above 10%. R&D expenditure for China has been growing even faster than GDP, resulting in a rapidly increasing R&D intensity, growing from 0.9% in 2000 to 1.4% in 2006. body to be continued........... done by the 09s417 real mugger xinyi((:
Friday, April 17, 2009 Y 12:02 PM HELLO PEEPOS. Tagboard is set up alrdy! Pls tag! MUACKS. OKAY! GTG. -anonymous- Tuesday, April 14, 2009 Y 7:43 PM R&D or R&B R&D of course. No wonder local singers aren't getting any attention! =/7.5 BILLION target for Singapore's R&D o.O I have no idea why this line is here Anyhow... 1. Using economic analysis, explain why the Singapore government (yup you guessed it, PM Lee =DD) is increasing its spending on R&D. 2. Suggest reasons why the government has increased R&D expenditure gradually. Y 7:22 PM Semisynthetic organic amorphous solid bags!! Love it or hate it? Ban it or not to ban it? This is sns bsn This is SPARTA!!! (RaNdOm =O) 1. Would a ban on plastic bags achieve economic efficency in Singapore? o.O Explain your answer. 2. Which type of externalities do the use of plastic bags constitute? Give examples plox. 3. Suggest alternative measures besides a complete ban that the Singapore government (the Lee guy =D) could undertake to reduce the usage of plastic bags.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Y 6:17 PM First of all, A big thanks to Shuwen and Xin Yi for helping create this very colourful and interesting blog. =)Moving on, Please do the worksheet on falling commodity prices by monday! However, you need not do the 2nd case study in the tutorial book (Prices work). If you have not received the worksheet or have any queries about homework, please do sms me and i will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Daniel Tuesday, April 7, 2009 Y 11:08 PM  we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs we love econs
Y 4:31 PM ahnnyeonghaseyo! this is 09S417's economics blog =) welcome and ENJOY your stay! CHEERS! |
colourful HELLOS PEEPS! this is 09S417 econs-addicts blog! Click here if you want to leave. ongoing WE ARE 09S417 Adarrel Daniel Dionne Dorothy Fairul Fairuz Geraldine Haneef Huwaina Jarren Joshua Karishma Khairiah Ming Yang Rahimah Salihin Shu Wen Siddiq Syamimi Xiao Qi Xin Yi Zhi Han Zhi Yin into our past April 2009 May 2009 APPLAUSE basecodes by: detonatedlove/♥s} images: photobucket designer: /♥s}xinyi} |