Why It Matters
Every day on Page 2 of The Straits Times, reporters write about why certain news reports matter to readers. This is a weekly round-up of the columns.
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The Monetary Authority of Singapore has cautioned Singaporeans to review their investment portfolios as part of its Financial Stability Review. Assistant business editor Yasmine Yahya noted that the cost of borrowing could go up and Singaporeans should heed the advice before plunging into property investments. http://str.sg/4QBD
Over-dependence on acute hospital care has resulted in a shortage of beds and higher healthcare costs, senior health correspondent Salma Khalik said. But community hospitals help save costs, give patients time to recover fully and make the best use of limited manpower. http://str.sg/4Qni
Manpower reporter Joanna Seow welcomed the new rule that requires employers to notify the Manpower Ministry of retrenchments within five working days. She said this will help the ministry track laid-off workers and offer assistance for retraining and job hunts. http://str.sg/4QWT
Black Friday sales brought some much-needed excitement, and sales, back to Orchard Road as shoppers stormed Robinsons for discounts of up to 80 per cent. Consumer reporter Melissa Lin observed that steep discounts are not a sustainable promotion tactic and small businesses need to transform their businesses to stay competitive. http://str.sg/4QYC
News that American online radio service Pandora has launched a dedicated Singapore station is cause for celebration as it means made-in-Singapore music has a new platform. Music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi said the US music market is the biggest in the world and if even a small portion of that tunes into Singapore music there is a chance for a local act to break into the big time. http://str.sg/4QpZ
