Category Archives: General

Singapore a safe haven for investors

Singapore has been ranked as the third safest country in the Asia Pacific to invest, behind Australia and Hong Kong, according to Dun & Bradstreet’s Global Risk Indicator (GRI).

The report revealed that Singapore’s ranking was boosted by its stable risk profile and low degree of economic uncertainty.

“Hong Kong and Singapore are ranked second and third respectively in the Asia Pacific region; although they are both also on a deteriorating trend,” noted the report.

“Hong Kong’s banking sector is suffering from a spate of alleged malpractices and political scandals, while Singapore is experiencing inflationary pressures and slowing economic growth.”

Meanwhile, Australia is considered one of the safest countries in the world to invest due to the relatively mild economic slowdown that it experienced during the global financial crisis.

The report placed Australia in the top four countries, with a ranking in line with Canada, Norway and Switzerland.

“The world is continuing to change at a rapid pace and although Australia is faring well compared to other nations we cannot afford to stand still,” said Christine Christian, Chief Executive of D&B.

The GRI report provides a complex assessment on the economic, political, commercial and external risk of conducting business in 131 countries around the world.

Source : PropertyGuru – 2012 May 22

Koh Brothers’ ‘Concept Home’ draws the crowds

More than one hundred applicants turned up at Koh Brothers’ office during a four-hour window period this past Saturday to submit their 100-word essay on ‘Why we deserve the best experience in life’, part of the developer’s commitment to collect feedback from “real users” of the “Concept Home”.

“The enthusiastic response to Concept Home was a pleasant surprise for us,” said Francis Koh, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive of Koh Brothers Group.

“It affirms that our aim to provide a signature lifestyle with Big ideas for Smaller spaces is going in the right direction. We want to obtain feedback so that we may incorporate some of these ideas to further fine-tune and improve our future developments, as we continue to take the lead in defining the standard for new urban lifestyle.”

Aside from offering the winning family a free-stay at its Fiorenza condo development for six months starting in June this year, the developer will also bear all utility and maintenance bills.

Some of the innovative features of the Concept Home include space optimisation ideas – from Italian imported electric-operated coffee cum dining table, 3D contemporary wall decoration and motorised sun screen technology, to SONOS advanced multi-room surround sound system and high-end ‘Cabrio In’ range of designer study/work furniture.

Koh Brothers launched the unique Concept Home at Fiorenza on 7 May.

Source : PropertyGuru – 2012 May 22