Singapore Economy

Committee on the Future Economy's work critical to Singapore's next lap of growth: DPM Teo

The work of the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) is a critical aspect of Singapore's next lap of growth. Acting Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said this comes against the backdrop of serious challenges the country is facing, which includes a population and workforce that is no longer growing.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/committee-on-the-future/2367534.html

http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-panel-develop-strategies-future-economy?singlepage=true


Businesses dominate panel to chart Singapore's future economy

The business sector is taking front-row seats in charting the future of Singapore's economy. Representatives from corporations and business associations make up four-fifths of the main 30-member Committee for the Future Economy (CFE) as it looks to address issues in five key areas that are deemed crucial to Singapore's future economic development.

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/businesses-dominate-panel-to-chart-singapores-future-economy

http://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/30-member-committee-to-chart-future-of-economy?login=true

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore/committee-to-review/2365838.html


Transformation to digital economy 'a top priority'

Transforming Singapore to embrace innovation and become a digital economy should be among the committee's top priorities, but a long and tough road lies ahead. Analysts, economists, industry players and MPs yesterday noted the challenges the new body will face, such as a maturing economy and finite resources.

http://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/transformation-to-digital-economy-a-top-priority?login=true


Singapore Real Estate

Take a 'tour' of building before construction starts

Building owners, designers and contractors can now take a virtual tour of their planned projects at the new Centre for Lean and Virtual Construction. The million-dollar Building and Construction Authority (BCA) facility was opened officially by Senior Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee yesterday.

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/take-a-tour-of-building-before-construction-starts?login=true


Sales value of auctioned properties at 5-year high

The value of property sold under auction has hit a five-year high of $102.27 million, although the actual number of sales has not increased. There have been 34 sales this year, the same as last year, but the total value increased by 41 per cent, from $72.5 million, property consultancy JLL said yesterday.

http://www.straitstimes.com/business/property/sales-value-of-auctioned-properties-at-5-year-high?login=true


CapitaLand eyeing Vietnam office properties

CapitaLand is looking to invest in Vietnam's office property segment, its country head said, as the real estate developer seeks to grow its portfolio beyond residential and serviced apartments in the fast-growing economy. Besides land, the company is looking to buy completed office buildings and upgrade them, Mr Chen Lian Pang, chief executive officer of CapitaLand Vietnam, told Reuters.

http://www.straitstimes.com/business/capitaland-eyeing-vietnam-office-properties?login=true


Fire breaks out at Orchard Plaza carpark; no injuries reported

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/fire-breaks-out-at/2367312.html

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/home-briefs-rubbish-catches-fire-at-orchard-plaza?login=true


Companies' Brief

Transport, property, telco stocks in focus

"We believe CDL has an underappreciated portfolio of investment properties, the value of which could be potentially unlocked near term through an asset divestment, while retaining long-term ownership. As at Sept 2015, CDL's investment properties are held at S$3.1 billion versus our estimated value of S$7.6 billion," Credit Suisse said.

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/transport-property-telco-stocks-in-focus


Global Economy & Global Real Estate

Oil slides to 11-year low amid fears glut will worsen

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/energy-commodities/oil-slides-to-11-year-low-amid-fears-glut-will-worsen


Despite fall in joblessness, US inflation may not rise

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/despite-fall-in-joblessness-us-inflation-may-not-rise


The twisted logic of the Fed

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/the-twisted-logic-of-the-fed


Lotte's hotel unit likely to file South Korea's largest IPO in recent years

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/lottes-hotel-unit-likely-to-file-south-koreas-largest-ipo-in-recent-years


Facebook paying workers to move closer to HQ

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/facebook-paying-workers-to-move-closer-to-hq


Virtual giants in a place of steep housing costs

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/virtual-giants-in-a-place-of-steep-housing-costs


Australia's Westfield sells 5 US malls for US$1.1b as part of divestment plans

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/australias-westfield-sells-5-us-malls-for-us11b-as-part-of-divestment-plans


Cape Cod town unveils tax perk to halt winter exodus

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/cape-cod-town-unveils-tax-perk-to-halt-winter-exodus


$7.6b NY apartment deal closed successfully

http://www.straitstimes.com/business/76b-ny-apartment-deal-closed-successfully?login=true


U.S. Eases 35-Year-Old Real Estate Tax on Foreign Investors

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-18/u-s-poised-to-lift-35-year-old-real-estate-tax-on-foreigners


Banks' Commercial Real Estate Lending Under Fire From Regulators

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-18/banks-commercial-real-estate-lending-under-fire-from-regulators