CNA Explains: Thailand survived a month of political mayhem – what now?

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Will there be more panic in Thai politics or will it return to balance?

14 million Move Forward citizens and 11 million Pheu Thai voters have been sent a disturbing message by the controversial criminal interventions and impenetrable in-the-middle-room discussions of the past few weeks: that their votes are irrelevant when some powers may be held responsible by the vote. &nbsp,

As one supporter at Move Forward’s headquarters yelled, after the party’s dissolution:” Why the (censored ) are we still voting then”? !

And the less politically engaged member will still be concerned about these developments as they wait for a government to reinvigorate the country’s weak market and fulfill the election promises they made.

At the other end is the 75-year-old Thaksin, who, despite holding no formal political company or group place, could visit all alliance party leaders to his house to discuss the next head of Thailand. That speaks volumes about his enduring control.

He has now paid a high price for his political interests that spanned more than 20 years, and he appears to be paying even more for his return to the country.

Second, the preceding partnership “frenemies,” who are tolerating the current design as long as electricity is being shared, are then engaged in a political battle on two fronts. However, with the ultra-pragmatic Bhumjaithai Party respiration down Pheu Thai’s chest, that peace might be over by the upcoming election campaign.

Then there’s the criticism Women’s Party. Its speed has not lost as a result of its predecessor’s collapse, and it may be able to win the following election as well. Its followers are fresh and believe in its main progressive-reformist philosophy, rather than a cult of personality. They see Mr. Thaksin’s Pheu Thai Party as a part of the social elite, which is why they are too young to have seen him as leader, and they are even very young to have aided in forming a government.

No one has had as much of an impact on Thailand and its politicians as Mr. Thaksin. He sparked the political slam drenching of the remote public as much as he sparked outrage for what critics characterized as a rule with an emperor-like pride. &nbsp,

His persistence can be demonstrated by the fact that he is still the subject of heated conversations. However, one of Mr. Thaksin’s biggest political feints may be placing his daughter in the prime minister’s chair.

If fruitless, it could not merely upend his sister’s rule, but also his own social legacy– and impose lasting damage on Thailand’s damaged democracy.

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CNA Explains: Why India’s doctors are protesting systemic violence after rape and murder of colleague

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She added that the whole process, from research to prosecutors, is mired by prejudices and discrimination, leading to target blaming, prejudice, and a lack of transparency by legislation enforcement.

People entering police stations are still unsure that their complaints will be registered, according to the statement. Quite often, that is determined by their socio-economic status, as well as the status of the perpetrator”, Grover said.

” We are a society that however is structured in nature, not just on basis of course, but also of race, which is a deeply entrenched biased attitude”.

According to analysts, the only permanent solution to significantly reducing gender-based violence is to dismantle masculine thinking and adopt a belief that women are equal to men, despite the fact that harsher penalties perhaps also instill fear of consequences. &nbsp,

Because assault is not just a constitutional issue, higher confinement is not a successful deterrent. It is a widespread political issue”, said Rashmi Venkatesan, an associate professor at the National Law School of India University.

” Rape is really about masculine violence and oppression. Without addressing those concerns, the law is unsatisfactory”.

What do activists want?

They want an reform of the program, not just a safer environment for health practitioners, but for all women in the country.

Aditi Chawla, evil chairman of the Native Doctors ‘ Association at New Delhi’s Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, said education at home is important.

Men must comprehend that they cannot do this, not yet having that believe in their heads. Tell our children what’s appropriate and what’s bad. It all begins from knowledge and upbringing”, she said.

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Indonesia’s Golkar party elects chairman with ties to Jokowi; analysts say move benefits outgoing president

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CHAIRMANSHIP A “STRATEGIC POSITION”&nbsp,

Al Azhar University Indonesia’s Ujang Komarudin, a political analyst, told CNA that Mr. Bahlil’s session as Golkar chair must have been approved by Mr. Widodo. &nbsp,

” The chairman of Golkar must have a strategic position, ( Mr) Bahlil fulfills that requirement, because he is now an extension of Jokowi”, said Mr Ujang, referring to a commonly used name of Mr Widodo. &nbsp,

He added:” In this environment, whoever the leader is, Golkar will always be under the direction of the leader. But later when Prabowo becomes leader, the Golkar chair may be close to him too” .&nbsp,

Social analyst Aditya Perdana believes that Golkar’s former chairman Airlangga Hartarto’s shock resignation was likely result of the intervention of” two powerful people”- Mr. Widodo and Mr. Prabowo- in order for them to benefit in the future. &nbsp,

” So they need a strong ( man leading ) Golkar, a determine who can assist them in the next five years, particularly Mr Prabowo”, Mr Aditya- a social teacher with the University of Indonesia- told CNA. &nbsp,

On August 10, Mr. Airlangga resigned from his position in the group, which was earlier predicted to be advantageous for Mr. Widodo.

Soon after Mr Airlangga’s departure, Golkar announced it would maintain a national conference to appoint a new president. The appointment was originally scheduled for December, but rather took place on August 20 and 21.

Mr Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, the group’s time chair, denied that the two-day parliament was a mere politeness to nominate Mr Bahlil as the fresh chair. &nbsp,

” This is not a ( mere ) formality. This democratic plan needs to be put into action by the gathering. To get ready for the social plan that will come up next, especially the local elections, Mr. Agus told IDN Times.

However, political spectator Dr. Cecep Hidayat from the University of Indonesia predicted that Mr. Bahlil’s close relationships to Mr. Widodo and Mr. Prabowo will be crucial to a successful move to the upcoming government.

He thinks Mr. Bahlil might be given a higher supervisory position within Mr. Prabowo’s coming management. &nbsp,

” Bahlil could fill a relatively higher post, such as ( that of a ) coordinating minister”, Dr Cecep told CNA.

However, Ali Mochtar Ngabalin’s statement from Golkar legislator Ali Mochtar Ngabalin on August 20 that party leaders have requested that Mr. Widodo been the chairman of Golkar’s Board of Trustees may be a sign of things to come.

In order to determine several party plans, the Board of Trustees is tasked with providing guidance and suggestions to Golkar group leaders.

Golkar people informed the local media that Mr. Bahlil, the group’s newly-elected president, is in charge of appointing somebody as chair of its Board of Trustees. &nbsp,

And if Mr. Widodo does indeed resign from office in October, according to analysts, the party may give him a platform to expand his social influence outside of the Palace. &nbsp,

Previous Indonesian President Soeharto served in this advisory capacity up until he resigned in 1998. And Mr. Soeharto had complete control over setting Golkar’s party policy at the time, even though he was n’t the party chair.

A potential shift by Mr. Widodo to add Golkar will help keep his political strength and proper negotiations positions intact, according to Mr. Agung Baskoro, a political researcher at the consulting firm Trias Politika Strategis. &nbsp,

” Jokowi is a strong figure, has a clear mass base, ( and ) his track record is quite good at the executive level”, Mr Agung told CNA.

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Bangladeshi preacher used passport with different name to enter Singapore and give illegal, extremist sermon

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A Bangladeshi extremist preacher used a passport with a name that was different from what was on the country’s security databases to enter Singapore and deliver an illegal sermon there, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) on Wednesday ( Aug 21 ).

MHA claimed that although it was conscious of Amir Hamza’s history, it “did not have his fingerprint at the time of his access.”

The Bangladeshi regional is being investigated by the government for speaking to migrant employees at the Lantana Lodge hostel in Tuas without permission. Additionally, it is looking into the event’s administrator and the participants.

” Amir Hamza’s lecture propagated fundamentalist and separatist lessons that were unsafe, and harmful to Singapore’s social harmony”, said MHA.

BALANCE AT THE Territories

Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam told the media on Wednesday that Singapore must strike a balance between what its safety demands and what visitors encounter.

” You’ve got to remember, individuals from all over the world come into Singapore. We must maintain a positive experience at the airports. Individuals have to feeling welcomed to Singapore”, he said.

At the same time, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) has the “very difficult” task of guarding against people like Amir Hamza from entering Singapore.

Mr. Shanmugam pointed out that Singapore has historically prevented pastors from entering, including by disqualifying them at edges.

Indonesian priest Abdul Somad Batubara arrived at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in May 2022, but he was denied entrance and later returned to Batam on the same day.

” In this case, he ( Amir Hamza ) managed to get through”, said Mr Shanmugam.

When asked by CNA if the agency’s procedures would be reviewed, Mr. Shanmugam responded,” You don’t be interviewing every individual who is coming in as if he is even a possible radical, or someone who might be a radical.”

The minister claimed that ICA was identify each new traveler and pose specific questions to them, but doing so would adversely affect both the airport experience and Singapore’s tourism sector.

He ( Amir Hamza ) appeared to be the same as any other person entering Singapore, and we will examine it, but keep in mind that we must ensure that we balance the needs of the economy with those needs, he said.

EXPOUSING EXTREMIST VIEWS

MHA said in a media release that the Bangladeshi regional had in his Aug 9 sermon&nbsp, called non-Muslims “kafir”, which means heretics.

He even held up alleged Bangladeshi extremists as places of worship, including many Jamaat e-Islami leaders, who are banned in Bangladesh, and whose members have been detained for allegedly engaging in terrorism, according to MHA.

Amir Hamza had politicized his entire lecture as well. He claimed that the earlier Bangladeshi authorities, which was led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, had executed people who opposed them. He called the past state “oppressors.”

He also asserted that victory will come when Bangladesh becomes an” Islamic nation” ( MHA ).

According to the government, neither Amir Hamza nor the administrator had requested the necessary permission before he could deliver a speech in Singapore.

He left Singapore the following day, on August 10, and the government received authorities information on August 12.

SECURITY ATTENTION BACK HOME WITH ATTRACTED SECURITY

Amir Hamza’s reported radical teachings and connections to terror have attracted the attention of Bangladesh’s security, according to MHA.

” He has reportedly promoted religious prejudice, hatred and violence in his speeches. He is also alleged to be an influential figure in Ansar al-Islam ( AAI), a pro-Al-Qaeda terrorist organisation operating in Bangladesh”, said the ministry.

In 2021, he was arrested in Bangladesh for his alleged evil links, terrorism-related actions and inciting violence. He apparently was freed on bail while awaiting test in December of last year.

A Bangladeshi AAI-linked evil suspect who planned to attack the Bangladesh parliament was also reportedly influenced by Amir Hamza’s statements.

He apparently admitted to intentionally misinterpreting religious doctrines and spreading extremism through his speeches, according to MHA.

ZERO TOLERANCE

The authorities are looking into those responsible for the August 9 incident and may “take solid action” if it is determined that they broke Singapore’s laws or pose safety risks. &nbsp,

This includes imprisonment, trial or detention under the Internal Security Act.

The Singaporean government takes love and extremist talk quite seriously. We will not tolerate people, international or local, spreading and promoting opinions that threaten Singapore’s security, or our racial and religious harmony”, said MHA.

Additionally, it cautioned immigrants against bringing their political agendas into the nation or engaging in such actions.

Additionally, it stated that foreigners who want to hold discussions that are “religious, cause-based, or political in nature” in Singapore must get a Miscellaneous Work Pass, and that it is against the law to organize or take part in a public council without a police force. &nbsp,

” Despite our best efforts, some citizens with security concerns will pass through our investigations and enter Singapore because we are welcoming and welcoming to the rest of the world. “, said MHA. ” The government can help us by staying diligent, and reporting suspicious persons and actions to the regulators”.

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American singer Madison Beer spotted at Queensway Shopping Centre ahead of Singapore concert

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A store employee humorously complained about missing out on seeing Liquor as she was facing away from the Make You Mine singer at the time when she posted CCTV footage of the event on Pluto Days ‘ national TikTok website.

” Do you see how focused I ( was )”? she quipped. &nbsp, According to the movie’s comment, Beer had also purchased products made by the team member in question.

According to the CCTV footage, it appears that the incident occurred at 3 p.m. on Tuesday ( August 20 ).

Pluto Days has received more responses from CNA Lifestyle.

Madison Beer is currently in Singapore to attend her concert, which will take place on Thursday ( Aug 22 ) at Singapore Expo Hall 7.

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Taiwan’s tech industry taps female talent pool amid labour shortage

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FEW FEMALE EMPLOYEES

Female employees only account for about a third of the workplace in the tech sector, according to MediaTek Foundation executive director Cynthia Feng.

Female graduates make up an even smaller percentage of the workforce in the semiconductor industry and other relevant fields like electrical engineering and technological information, she continued, with 13 to 15 % of graduates in the semiconductor industry. &nbsp,

According to research publications she has published, prejudices may have prevented females from working in the tech sector, she told CNA. &nbsp,

Between the ages of 10 and 14 years old, women “lose involvement in mathematics and tech because of the perception of their roles in society or lack of confidence in their own skills,” she said.

Now, MediaTek’s female employees account for 20 per share of its entire workplace- a proportion it is looking to increase in a bid to improve innovation.

” Adding children’s opinions may help to find a more creative and complete solution to a problem,” she said. &nbsp,

Additionally, it wants to hire more women to complete the gender gaps in the workforce because the tech sector is struggling with a talent shortage as a result of a declining birth rate and increased competition from foreign tech giants. More than 50 % of Taiwan’s technology companies are hiring, according to a recent study conducted by a neighborhood job bank.

Now, there are more than 100, 000 job opportunities merely for technicians.

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China’s eateries slash prices by up to half to woo diners hungry for value, but at what cost?

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According to spectators, a competitive environment is compelled to provide more value to extremely budget-conscious diners, particularly as the economy is deteriorating and prices are rising, making it more difficult for consumers to tighten their belts.

They also warn against continuing cost reductions from the perspective of the company. Eating establishments also need to make sure their food and service requirements are upheld, in order for their popularity to suffer. &nbsp,

According to Mr. Daniel Zipser, who leads McKinsey’s customer and financial function in Asia, “winners will be those who adapt quickly to new market trends and are adaptable to consumer demands with excellent service level.”

THE QUEST FOR Price

From cuisine to espresso, F&amp, B manufacturers have been slashing costs to get exceedingly budget-conscious diners in a competitive marketplace. &nbsp,

Among them is high-end diner network Hefu Noodle, which announced price reductions in June. A standard dish of pasta costs between 16 and 29 renminbi for members, almost half the price of a regular bowl of noodles when the company was founded in 2012 when Beijing Business Today first launched.

However, common Taiwanese-style cuisine network Xiabu Xiabu announced in May that the prices of its new list would “return to the ancient days”.

According to local media website Guangzhou Daily, average set meal prices that have decreased by more than 10 %, with a single food costing 58 yuan on average and a double meal costing 130 yuan.

The latest developments have sparked conversation on Taiwanese social media platforms. A netizen remarked,” Cuisine prices are falling faster than the heat of the broth.

Local diners are slashing costs, and international fast food chains are also bucking the trend. According to a report released on August 4 by the state-run newspaper Global Times, US fast food giant Burger King is pricing its unique burgers at 9.9 yuan each, almost a fourth of what it was originally priced at.

In the area of caffeine, which Reuters reported in May, Starbucks has increased the number of discount deals being offered nationwide. Belinda Wong, the CEO of Starbucks China, stated in January that the business is” not interested in entering the rate battle.”

According to experts, the price cuts are intended to entice customers because consumer spending is sucked in by the nation’s second-largest economy’s economic and labor market problems. &nbsp,

According to a research report released by Daxue Consulting in April, the latest craze for customers in China is to look for value-for-money choices.

Of the 1, 000 survey respondents, 32.6 per share viewed value as the top concern. Second was the presence of particular recipes, followed by the restaurant’s general atmosphere. &nbsp,

The current trend of pricing is not a passing cycle, and is a reaction to major shifts in the market, said Ms Ashley Dudarenok, chairman of China-focused digital firm ChoZan.

She also made note of the fact that consumer choices for the Foreign F&amp, B business vary considerably depending on the individual and the time party.

According to a survey conducted by McKinsey &amp, Company at the end of 2023, client attitudes in industrial China varied significantly between different age groups.

The Gen Zs, aged 18 to 25, exhibit a more “optimistic” perspective on their economic prospects, leading them to spend more on excellent services that offer personal and social significance. &nbsp,

In comparison, the rising middle class in primary- and second-tier towns, especially those aged 26 to 41, tends to follow a more traditional approach to investing, particularly on F&amp, B. &nbsp,

This is often due to their financial agreements, such as children’s education and loan payments, said Mr Zipser.

Better Swallows, BUT AT WHAT COST?

Experts warn that such actions may not be responsible in the long run despite F&amp, B companies dangling discounts and promotions to give consumers more for their penny.

According to Mr. Zipser, the effects on company loyalty and long-term success is questionable, particularly if lower prices come with a price.

” Consumers are looking for price choices, but compromising on service quality can quickly damage a company’s picture”, he said.

Ms Chen, the hotpot standard who frequents chain restaurant brands, said that based on her observations, outlets scarcely maintain portion sizes after reducing prices, even if the quality of food stays the same.

” For example, after Tai Er ( known for its Chinese sauerkraut fish ) lowered its prices, the portion size of its signature pickled fish dish became smaller”, she claimed.

In a Jul 19 report from the Chinese financial paper The Securities Times, Jiumaojiu acknowledged that the exclusive pursuit of low prices is “unsustainable.” &nbsp,

The catering business added that it would instead” continue to maintain the product value-for-money ratio while achieving a balance between quality and price.”

Similarly, Haidilao does n’t see lower prices as the pivotal factor in attracting business, even as it comes out with more budget ventures.

The Chinese hotpot chain first introduced Xiao Hai Hotpot last year, which the company claims is aimed at offering affordable yet high-quality hotpot options. Customers have each spent under 80 yuan on average, it added.

According to popular review and rating app Dianping, checks by CNA found that a 54-yuan value for an individual weekday lunch hotpot set meal coupon at Xiao Hai Hotpot is comparable to a children’s meal coupon, which is only valid for 0. 9 yuan.
 

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‘A fresh start’: Singapore Sports School’s Kallang move will boost larger ecosystem, say current and ex-students

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While he was a student at the Sports School, original world champion Loh Kean Yew may also travel to and from Kallang and Woodlands.

” I needed to think:’ May I be staying at Woodlands, or if I be staying at Kallang? “,” Loh, who was pursuing a certification that Republic Polytechnic and SSP simultaneously offered, recalled Loh.

In order to save money, he finally occupied a place with his brother in the Geylang region and cycled to teaching.

Liew, the sprinter, said:”( The ride ) takes away a lot of time for athletes to recover and sleep and even do work. “

A more visible location will protect time- and even mean that more students may choose to never board at the school, she added, nothing that it can be” very limiting” spending almost all of one’s time in the same environment.

” You do n’t get as much time with family members; companions from inside,” she explained. I believe I would have been a little happier student-athlete if I had the opportunity to attend Sports School and return home. “

The open-water sprinter added that the school’s location in Kallang could draw in more kids and, possibly, expand the possibilities for partnerships with other educational institutions.

The centralization of the various sports ‘ training facilities at Kallang, according to Mr. Hairul Sahril, whose daughter will join SSP in the following year, will also result in fewer student-athletes having to travel to the individual program record.

AN EXTRA PUSH

The SSP’s transfer to Kallang will likewise give student-athletes the opportunity to learn from Team Singapore players who are also training nearby.

The athlete’s degree will likely increase the more they gather in one place, according to former federal soldier and two-time earth champion Darren Choy.

Amita Berthier, a two-time Gymnast, predicted a perfect environment for SSP kids.

When you are surrounded by people who share your goals or had achieved excellent outcomes. You soon look up to them,” said the fighter.

” That’s just the nature of sports in general. You try to find inspiration. And I believe this will undoubtedly give the kids more encouragement because it can be a little tiresome when you’re in Woodlands in the middle of nothing.

” ( With the move ), it’s like, refreshing… a new start. “

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StarHub broadband service disrupted in many areas across Singapore

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SINGAPORE: StarHub customers in numerous areas of Singapore reported issues with their broadband service on Tuesday night ( Aug 20 ). Some people complained about slow internet connection, while others claimed they had no access to any kind of services. &nbsp,

As of 9 p.m., more than 7, 000 reports were made to the Downdetector failure monitoring system. &nbsp,

StarHub stated in a Facebook article at around 8 p.m. that it was conscious that some consumers may be experiencing “disruptions” to their broadband service.

” Our team is working to resolve the problem immediately. We apologize for the inconvenience and may keep you informed as soon as possible.

By around 8.50pm, Star Hub’s Facebook post had garnered more than 600 comments.

Problems were reported by Twitter users in areas like as&nbsp, Pasir Ris, Woodlands, Bukit Batok, Jurong, Hougang, East Coast, Boon Keng, Dover, Tampines, Choa Chu Kang, Kovan, Bukit Merah, River Valley, Toa Payoh, Yio Chu Kang, Simei, Telok Blangah, Commonwealth and Boon Lay.

CNA has contacted StarHub for more information.

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Tightening of HDB loan limits will have limited impact on property market in the long run, say analysts

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Property analysts CNA spoke to on Tuesday ( Aug 20 ) and said the tightening of the Housing and Development Board ( HDB) loan limits may slow down demand in the short term but it will have a small impact on prices in the long run.

Late on Monday, HDB and the Ministry of National Development ( MND ) announced that the loan-to-value ( LTV ) cap for HDB loans will be lowered from 80 % to 75 %, thereby lowering the maximum amount that home buyers can borrow from HDB. &nbsp,

Since December 2021, when the LTV for HDB loans was lowered from 90 % to 85 %, this set of property cooling measures is the fourth. It was &nbsp, further reduce to 80 per cent&nbsp, in September 2022.

Mr Lee Sze Teck, top producer of data analysis at Huttons, said&nbsp, the sale need may decrease briefly in the near term as purchasers take inventory of the new measures.

But, over time, he said demand will return and costs will continue to rise.

Mr Lee added that an estimated 7, 000 cottages may reach their maximum job time ( MOP) next yr- lower than this year’s estimated 12, 000 cottages. As such, &nbsp, he said HDB resale prices may continue to rise next year.

There is also a “possibility” that there may be more gains in the prices of two-room and three-room resale flats, according to Mr Lee. &nbsp,

He claimed that most buyers for four-bedroom and larger flats do not see an increase in grants and use bank loans for their purchases, so the most recent cooling measures are of” no difference to them.”

However, prices are likely to increase as a result of the lower supply of 4- and 5-bedroom apartments that are currently available on the open market after passing the MOP ( minimal occupation period ).

Mr. Nicholas Mak, the chief research officer at property technology portal Mogul, shared his thoughts. Sg, who agreed that the measures will have a constrained effect on the market. &nbsp,

” It will probably slow down the rising prices of HDB flats but… this measure cannot be used alone, it has to be used in conjunction with… a steady, strong supply of Build-to-Order ( BTO ) flats because this measure only addresses the demand side of the equation, it does not address supply side”, said Mr Mak. &nbsp,

He added that those who are currently in financial predicaments will be affected by the tightening of loan limits.

” This group will try to max out their loan-to-value ratio, their total debt servicing ratio… to buy the HDB flat”, he said.

FINANCIAL PRUDENCY

In a television interview with CNA presenter Elizabeth Neo, Professor&nbsp, Sing Tien Foo, &nbsp, provost’s chair professor in the real estate department at the National University of&nbsp, Singapore’s business school, said the reduction in loan-to-value limit can help to boost financial prudency of buyers especially in the HDB resale market. &nbsp,

He noted that in the first two quarters of this year, HDB resale property prices increased by about 4 % &nbsp.

” A lot of these are driven by the mature HDB market transactions, especially the more expensive transactions in the first half of the year” ,&nbsp, said Prof Sing. &nbsp,

I believe that this action is intended to actually slow down or stabilize the resale market rather than to dampen property prices, particularly in the resale market.

He questioned whether additional steps could be taken to reduce the private property sector, despite the high prices that are still present. &nbsp,

” I believe it’s crucial to actually keep an eye on the situation without actually making too early an intervention. At the moment, I think this can actually bring uncertainty to the market”.

RAISING OF GRANTS COUNTERINTUITIVE?

The enhanced&nbsp, Central Provident Fund ( CPF ) Housing Grant, which will see eligible&nbsp, first-timer families get up to&nbsp, S$ 120, 000, up from the current&nbsp, S$ 80, 000 limit, will benefit lower-income groups the most, said property analysts. &nbsp,

With no restrictions on the location or type of flat, the amounts are distributed according to household income.

Depending on the monthly household income, the increase will range from S$ 5, 000 to S$ 40, 000 for families and from S$ 2, 500 to S$ 20, 000 for singles, with higher increases for lower-income households who require more support.

” The cooling measures (tightening of HDB loan limits ) is a broad-based measure, regardless of income level, but at least the grants will help to cushion this for the lower income bracket. The lower their income, the bigger the cushion”, said Mr Mak.

Ms&nbsp, Christine Sun, chief researcher&nbsp, and strategist at OrangeTee Group, noted the measures seem to be” carefully calibrated”.

Despite the lower LTV, those who require financial assistance, such as those in the lower income groups and first-time buyers who are eligible, will still be able to afford an HDB flat because they will be receiving more assistance, she said, in the form of the enhanced CPF Housing Grant. &nbsp,

” This is a good move as the measures will likely be more targeted”, Ms Sun added.

Mr Lee said this might also, conversely, encourage some buyers to spend more on their house. &nbsp,

” When you increase the grant, there’s a possibility that people can take this amount… and pay more or the seller may ask for more money”, he said. &nbsp,

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