The plane that landed in Manila due to explosive decompression, many sources has pointed out that the plane is likely to be the VH-OJK, purchased by Qantas in 1991.
However safe the plane was is really history. I don’t know about you guys but I am not about to ride in a plane that was almost blown out of the sky previously so if I were to fly QF the next time, I’d look at the tail of the plane to make sure it ain’t VH-OJK.
I came across this article on the Channel New Asia website. “Government taking calculated risk by deferring construction projects”
I think the Government need not come out and talk about taking calculated risks in construction by deferring non-essential government projects. This risk is so mild that anyone can calculate with five fingers.
When you call something “non-essential”, that means we do not need it. Then why build?
Non-essential projects are planned for one main reason; That is, to keep a particular sector of the industry from collapsing. This can be seen in the massive infrastructural projects undertaken in the mid 80s and then later on in the late 90s when the construction industry was in the doldrums.
Waiting for an industry downturn to start on non-essential projects means they are likely to get a good deal. Companies are willing to settle for much less when the market is cool. This would include reducing margins drastically in order to land projects that can keep the company going.
Some even take projects at a loss in the hope that the project will keep their business running till an upswing is within sights. A lot did not get to see the light.
More contractors fighting for less job = Greater Bargaining Power = Greater Cost Savings
What risk? I say, nice game plan!
Deferring “non-essential” construction projects definitely has more upside than downside to it. Worst case scenario, don’t build lor.
Okay, this is really good. In fact, it is so good that after seeing the headlines from The Straits Times this morning, I had to seriously take a closer look!
Our minister has warned against an increase in wages by firms in Singapore! Bravo to that, I say! Fantastic reasons like ’short-term measures’ are not prudent, that this will reduce Singapore’s competitive advantage, that this may lead to another round of inflation in Singapore is just so damn good to hear.
I agree to this angle of argument. Common sense, really, but I guess the people need to be constantly reminded that we have no choice but to tighten our belts in the short-term.
(I hope everyone accepts this and none of my staff come and ask for a raise.)
Here comes the good part. It wasn’t too long ago that this same group of people argued to justify increasing their own salary. I believe it was sometime in April 2007. About a year ago.
I find it pretty ironic that they argued that Singapore need to be competitive, so we need to pay our ministers a ‘competitive’ salary!
Actually, I also agree to that! But what conclusion can we, the peasants draw here?
Ministers must have high pay while peasants must have low pay in order for Singapore to maintain its competitive advantage issit?
I’m afraid the message us commoners are getting from the top is pretty bleak.
I can’t help but remember our governing party’s campaign slogan back it 2006. It was “Staying Together, Moving Ahead”. Cynics in the streets were mumbling “Yah! We stay here together, but you move ahead.”
I think we are proving the cynics right.
Let’s end this post on a lighter note with this you-tube video I found…
The plane that landed in Manila due to explosive decompression, many sources has pointed out that the plane is likely to be the VH-OJK, purchased by Qantas in 1991.
