Month: June 2013

Singapore’s real estate is clearer now. The new guides can safeguard and protect the interests of Singaporeans or those that are considering real estate. Real estate is a broad term that usually refers to land (everything made part of it) and the level of one’s interest in them. Real estate may be obtained, owned and transferred by individuals, business corporations, religious, educational, charitable and other stakeholders. Generally, real estate is obtained by purchase, descent or by gift.

In Singapore, the government is advising the consumers to be knowledgeable about the real estate industry. The government therefore released guidelines for consumers and agents. Some of the guidelines issued by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) include:

No more “blank “cheques

There is a practice in Singapore when consumers release “blank” cheques to reserve private properties before the launching. Property agents are now prohibited to collect “blank” cheques unless the developer requests it through writing. With this, many contemplated that it will reduce the impulsiveness of the consumers to buy.

 

Professional service manual

The manual discusses the conduct of agents when it comes to dealing with consumers or customers especially those who are financially unstable or uneducated. Practices of agents are highlighted in the manual. If agents ignore the manual, they are bound to pay up to S$75000 and suspension of their license.

Agents should help the consumer decide not just think of the commission.

Consumer guide

Consumers are encouraged to attend a seminar to educate them on their responsibilities. There are brochures given to help consumers judge better. Transactions will be easier and clearer of consumers know some basics.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last Tuesday, September 10,2013 at the KNPA’s HQ in Seoul, South Korea. The MOU was signed by SPF’s Police Commissioner Ng Joo Hee and KNPA’s General Commissioner Lee Sung-han. The MOU endeavours to fortify law enforcement and cooperation between two forces.

The MOU is expected to supplement information sharing, training and capacity building. This is so far, a big step and milestone for both forces. What is the role of SPF? It is obvious but you should be reminded again in case you forgot.

Keeping Peace and Order

Police have the responsibility to keep and maintain peace and order. They should ensure that no one tries to compromise or threat the amity. They should also make sure that crimes are not present or prevented.

Enforcing the Law

Police officers should be certain to enforce law so they can establish order. If the people commit something, the police should reprimand it.

Protection

The protection of individuals from crimes and other unlawful acts should be duly noted. Apart from individuals, police officers should protect their properties too.

Investigation

The prime duty of the police is to prevent crimes. If the crimes happen, they have the task to investigate it and then make sure justice is served.

Basically, that’s it but there are police forces with special trainings like counter terrorism. The SPF, together with the army and all its branches work hard to achieve one common goal- to keep Singapore in the best possible condition. It is your role as a citizen to be obedient and vigilant.

Diamond, gold, silver or platinum—a wedding ring or an engagement ring may just be a tiny piece of metal worn on the fourth finger, but it is full of interesting facts.

Wearing of wedding bands happened in Egypt over four millenniums ago. Wedding rings back then were made by weaving and braiding reeds and rushes. These rings were exchanged by a new bride and groom as a symbol of lifetime commitment.

The circle is an emblem of eternity. In the B.C. era, a proposal ring symbolizes the will of a man to be with a woman forever and a day. Circle, as a shape, perfectly symbolizes marriage as it means there is no beginning and no end in love. For the ancient Egyptians, the circle and the hole where the finger is placed were meaningful. The circle shape suggested reverence and adoration for the sun, while the hole was like a door leading to the future.

The finger where an engagement ring is placed led directly to the heart. An interesting note of history states that ancient Egyptians wore rings in the fourth finger (now called the “ring finger”) since the vein in it leads to the heart where love resides. This legend influenced many cultures today, including weddings in Singapore.

A gold wedding ring is a symbol of wealth in some ancient cultures. Thousands of years ago, rings, especially those that were made of gold, served as money.  A wealthy person could easily be identified by the jewellery they wore. Also, engagement ringssuch as Ling wedding bands from Singapore served as a commitment that the man could support the woman financially.

The first wedding bands were mostly made of brass and copper. However, the Romans preferred iron as it denoted strength. It was the perfect material to represent the strength of emotions of the groom for his bride. In addition to that, nowadays in Singapore, rings are usually made of malleable metals, but back then, they were far from being perfectly round and they often had precious stones.

In some ancient cultures, rings were not given at the marriage ceremony. Today, in modern weddings, rings are given during the exchanging of vows. However, long time ago, sometimes they were given after the whole ceremony was over and the newlywed has finally arrived at their new home.

The practice of ring engraving began in the 17^th century. A proposal ring during this period had small inscriptions in it. Simple words of devotion, hope and love made the ring extra special. Ring engraving made wedding bands more meaningful and sentimental. Nowadays, inscriptions can be as short as one word or be as long as a stanza of a love song.

The wedding bands are worth two months’ salary of the groom. Well, that is according to a little bit old fashioned convention. Nowadays in some countries, even in Singapore, it is already acceptable to have rings that are not as lavish as the entire wedding itself. After all, the commitment to love each other for the rest of their lives cannot be measured by the cost of the wedding ring.