Category: Singapore

Discover our Singapore News section, delivering real-time and comprehensive coverage of local news in Singapore. Stay informed on politics, economy, society, culture, and more, as we dive deep into the Lion City’s developments.

Singapore’s Quirky ‘Chope’ Culture: A Fascinating Way to Reserve Seats

Singapore’s “Chope” culture, also known as seat reservation, is a unique phenomenon in Singaporean society. This culture mainly manifests in public places, especially in busy food centers, cafes, and shopping malls. To ensure a seat in crowded places, people often use personal items, such as tissue packs, napkins, umbrellas, or document bags, to reserve a seat in advance. These items are considered temporary seat markers, indicating that the seat has been reserved.

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I love Singapore 😭❤️ her beauty moves me to tears every time #minimoochi

♬ original sound – ✨ MiniMoochi 🥔🍟 – ✨ MiniMoochi 🥔🍟

The word “Chope” originates from Singapore English (Singlish), which is a Singaporean dialect that mixes English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil, among other languages. In Singapore, the word “Chope” has been given a special meaning, describing the act of reserving seats in public places. This term conveys the intention of the reservation behavior while reflecting Singapore’s multicultural characteristics.

Another theory is that the term may be related to Indian English. In India, a “chop” is a type of seal often used on documents to indicate approval or authentication. In Singapore’s seat reservation culture, using tissue packs, umbrellas, and other items as symbols of reservation can be seen as an act similar to “sealing,” indicating that the seat has been authenticated or approved for someone’s exclusive use. This may be the connection between the word “Chope” and seat reservation behavior.

Regardless of the exact origin of the word “Chope,” it has become a widely accepted term in Singapore, used to describe the act of reserving seats in public places. The seat reservation culture is widely accepted in Singapore, not only because people respect rules and order, but also because it reflects the integration of Singapore’s diverse cultures to some extent.

Seat reservation culture is widely accepted and followed in Singapore. There are deep social and cultural reasons behind this phenomenon. Firstly, Singapore is a densely populated city-state with limited public space. People adopt this method to ensure a comfortable dining space in a crowded environment.

Secondly, Singaporeans highly respect rules and order. Therefore, although seat reservation culture may be considered impolite in other countries, it is seen as an effective way of resource allocation in Singapore. Seat reservation culture also reflects the “kiasu” mentality in Singaporean society, meaning “fear of losing” or “not wanting to lose to others,” as people want to ensure they do not fall behind others in finding a seat.

However, seat reservation culture has also sparked some controversy. Some people believe this practice is unfair, as it can put those who have already obtained food but cannot find a seat in an awkward situation. Additionally, some people worry that reservation behavior may lead to resource waste, as items used to reserve other seats may be abandoned once an ideal seat is found.

Overall, Singapore’s seat reservation culture is an interesting social phenomenon that reflects local people’s coping strategies when faced with limited resources. Although this practice may cause controversy, it is widely accepted and followed in Singapore.

新加坡奇趣“占座”文化：一种令人着迷的座位预留方式

新加坡的占座文化，也称为“Chope”，是新加坡社会中一种独特的现象。这种文化主要体现在公共场所，尤其是繁忙的美食中心、咖啡厅和商场等地。人们为了确保在拥挤的地方找到座位，通常会用个人物品，如纸巾包、餐巾纸、雨伞或文件袋等，提前占据某个座位。这些物品被视为暂时的座位标记，表明该座位已被预留。

@moochihehe

I love Singapore 😭❤️ her beauty moves me to tears every time #minimoochi

♬ original sound – ✨ MiniMoochi 🥔🍟 – ✨ MiniMoochi 🥔🍟

“Chope” 这个词源于新加坡英语（Singlish），它是一种混合了英语、马来语、华语和淡米尔语等多种语言的新加坡方言。在新加坡， “Chope” 这个词被赋予了特殊的含义，用于形容人们在公共场合占座的行为。这个词汇既传达了占座行为的意图，同时也反映了新加坡多元文化的特点。

另一种说法是，这个词可能与印度式英语有关。在印度，”chop” 是一种印章，通常用于在文件上盖章以表示批准或认证。在新加坡占座文化中，使用纸巾包、雨伞等物品作为占座的象征，可以看作是一种类似于“盖章”的行为，表明该座位已被认证或批准为某人专用。这可能是 “Chope” 这个词与占座行为之间的关联。

无论 “Chope” 这个词的确切来源如何，它已经在新加坡成为了一个普遍接受的词汇，用于描述人们在公共场合占座的行为。占座文化在新加坡被广泛接受，不仅是因为人们对规则和秩序的尊重，还因为它在一定程度上体现了新加坡多元文化的融合。

占座文化在新加坡被广泛接受和遵循。这种现象的背后有着深层次的社会和文化原因。首先，新加坡是一个人口密集的城市国家，公共空间紧张。人们为了在拥挤的环境中确保有个舒适的用餐空间，就采用了这种方法。

其次，新加坡人非常尊重规则和秩序，因此，尽管占座文化可能在其他国家被视为不礼貌的行为，但在新加坡，这种现象却被视为一种有效的资源分配方式。占座文化也反映了新加坡社会中的“kiasu”心态，意味着“怕输”或“不想输给别人”，人们希望确保自己不会在寻找座位的过程中落后于他人。

然而，占座文化也引起了一些争议。有些人认为这种行为不公平，因为它可能让那些已经拿到食物但没有找到座位的人陷入尴尬境地。此外，一些人担心占座行为可能导致资源浪费，因为人们可能在找到理想座位后，占据其他座位的物品被遗弃。

总的来说，新加坡的占座文化是一个有趣的社会现象，反映了当地人在面对有限资源时的应对策略。虽然这种做法可能会引起争议，但它在新加坡被广泛接受和遵循。

2023 Singapore Rental Laws and Policies Guide

As the rental market in Singapore is booming, it is crucial to understand the latest rental laws and policies. Here are some key information and guidelines for your reference.

Types of Housing in Singapore: Singapore’s housing types mainly include government Housing Development Board (HDB) flats, private condominiums, terraced houses, and villas. HDB flats and private condominiums are the most common rental properties in the market.

Lease Duration Restrictions: The minimum lease term for HDB flats is six months, while private condominiums have a minimum lease term of three months. In Singapore, short-term rentals shorter than three months are illegal.

Occupancy Limits: Both HDB flats and private condominiums have strict occupancy limits. For HDB flats, the limits are four occupants for one and two-bedroom units, and six occupants for three-bedroom and larger units. For private condominiums, the limits are two occupants for a single bedroom unit, four occupants for a two-bedroom unit, and six occupants for a three-bedroom unit.

Valid Documentation: Tenants must hold valid documents issued by the Singapore government, such as work permits, S Passes, Employment Passes, and long-term student visas.

Rental Costs: In addition to rent, you will also need to pay for a security deposit, stamp duty, and agency fees (if applicable).

Singapore Rental Process: Find a suitable property, arrange viewings, draft a Letter of Intent, pay a holding deposit, pay stamp duty to the Inland Revenue Authority, sign the Tenancy Agreement, and receive the keys.

Key Points to Note:

  • Ensure your name is on the lease so you can declare your address.
  • Abide by Singapore’s regulations prohibiting subletting.
  • Negotiate with the landlord regarding utility bills, furniture, moving dates, pets, cooking, and exit rules, and include these terms in the rental agreement.
  • Property management fees, insurance, and property taxes are the landlord’s responsibility.
  • Tenants under 21 years of age must sign the contract with a guardian or guarantor.
  • Keep the rental agreement legal by ensuring it complies with Singapore’s leasing regulations. Read the contract carefully before signing, and seek professional advice if you have any questions.
  • Protect tenants’ rights by seeking help from the Small Claims Court if the landlord fails to fulfill their contractual obligations or if disputes arise. Ensure the rental payment date and method are specified in the lease to avoid potential disputes.
  • Consider the security, transportation, and infrastructure of the community when choosing a rental property. Look for convenient public transportation, medical facilities, and schools to ensure a high quality of life.
  • Inspect the property facilities with the landlord or agent before signing the lease. Make sure all equipment and furniture are in good condition. If any damages or repairs are needed, note them in the Letter of Intent and request the landlord to fix them before the lease begins.
  • Understand the provisions for terminating the lease early, as well as any associated fees, in case of special circumstances.
  • Discuss lease renewal with the landlord before the lease expires. If the landlord agrees to renew, pay attention to the rent adjustment clause to ensure the new rent falls within your budget.
  • Maintain good communication with the landlord, promptly report maintenance and repair issues, and adhere to the provisions in the lease to protect both parties’ interests.
  • Consider purchasing rental insurance to protect your personal property during the rental period.

By understanding these rental guidelines and precautions, you will be more confident in dealing with various challenges in the Singapore rental market. During the rental process in Singapore, be cautious and attentive to ensure your rights are protected. We wish you a smooth experience living in Singapore!

2023年新加坡租房法律与政策指南

随着新加坡租房市场的火爆，了解最新的新加坡租房法律与政策至关重要。下面是一些关键信息和指南，供您参考。

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  1. 新加坡房屋类型：新加坡的房屋类型主要包括政府组屋（HDB）、私人公寓、排屋和别墅。其中，政府组屋和私人公寓是市场上最常见的租房房源。
  2. 租期限制：政府组屋的最短租期为六个月，而私人公寓的最短租期为三个月。在新加坡，短于三个月的民宿生意属于违法行为。
  3. 居住人数限制：政府组屋和私人公寓都有严格的居住人数限制。政府组屋的限制为：一房式和两房式最多4人，三房式和四房式及以上最多6人。私人公寓的限制为：单卧室房最多2人，双卧室房最多4人，三卧室房最多6人。
  4. 有效证件：租房者需要持有新加坡政府发放的有效证件，如工作准证、S准证、就业准证和学生签证等长期签证。
  5. 租房费用：除租金外，还需支付定金/保证金、印花税和中介费（如有）。
  6. 新加坡租房流程：寻找合适房屋、安排看房、草拟意向书、交付保留押金、向国内税务局支付印花税、签署租赁协议并获得钥匙。
  7. 注意事项：
    • 确保您的名字在租约中出现，以便申报地址。
    • 遵守新加坡不允许二房东的规定。
    • 与房东协商关于水电网费、家具、搬家时间、宠物、烹饪和退房规则等事项，并写入租房合同。
    • 房屋物业费、保险和房屋税等由房东支付。
    • 未满21岁的租客需要与监护人或担保人一同签署合同。

了解这些关键信息和指南后，您可以更好地应对新加坡租房市场，避免踩坑。祝您在新加坡顺利找到理想的租的房子！

  1. 保持租赁合同的合法性：确保您签署的租赁合同遵循新加坡的租赁法规。在签署之前，仔细阅读合同条款，如果有任何疑问，请寻求专业建议。
  2. 维护租客权益：在租期内，如遇到房东未履行合同义务或与房东发生纠纷时，可以向小额法庭寻求帮助。确保在租约中注明租金支付日期和方式，以避免潜在的纠纷。
  3. 居住环境：在选择租赁房屋时，了解所在社区的治安、交通和基础设施，如公共交通、医疗设施和学校等，以确保您的生活质量。
  4. 检查房屋设施：在签署租赁协议之前，务必与房东或中介一起检查房屋设施，确保所有设备和家具处于良好状态。如有损坏或需要维修的设施，请在意向书中注明，并要求房东在租赁开始前进行维修。
  5. 了解终止租约的规定：在签订租赁合同时，请了解提前终止租约的条件和费用，以便在遇到特殊情况时做好准备。
  6. 续租和租金调整：在租约到期前与房东沟通续租事宜。如果房东同意续租，请关注租金调整条款，确保新租金在您的预算范围内。
  7. 保持良好沟通：与房东保持良好沟通，及时报告房屋维修和保养问题，遵守租赁协议中的规定，以维护双方的权益。
  8. 租房险：考虑购买租房保险，以确保您的个人财产在租赁期间得到保障。
  9. 通过了解上述租房指南和注意事项，您将能够在新加坡租房市场中更加自信地应对各种挑战。在新加坡租房过程中，务必保持谨慎和细心，确保您的权益得到保障。祝您在新加坡的生活顺利！

“北岸广场意外：排水沟盖破裂，男子险些遭遇严重伤害——谁应负责？”

事发在榜鹅北岸广场（Northshore Plaza）外的排水沟，一名36岁的会计师徐先生在陪伴孩子在附近的游乐场玩耍时，踩到一个排水沟盖突然破裂，从而跌入约1.8米深的排水沟中。徐先生受到腰部、膝盖和脚踝的轻伤。

示意图片

据《新明日报》报道，事故发生在4月1日中午12点左右。徐先生当时正走过一排水沟盖，准备扔掉垃圾。不幸的是，他踩到的一个排水沟盖突然破裂，导致他整个身体陷入排水沟中。徐先生形容这次经历“令人震惊”，就像游乐园的自由落体游乐设施。幸好，他的快速反应使得他没有遭受更严重的伤害。

事发时，附近有两名男子上前帮助徐先生从排水沟中拉出。其中一人提出拨打救护车电话，但徐先生拒绝了，原因是他不想吓到孩子们。事后，徐先生通知了商场管理层，并警告其他人注意安全。目前，事发地点已被封锁，现场还放置了一个警示牌，提醒行人注意危险。

徐先生表示，如果是一位老人或小孩跌入排水沟，后果将会更加严重。他因事故受到腰部伤害，膝盖和脚踝也有擦伤。他还表示，这起事件很危险，因为事发地点靠近许多儿童玩耍和跑动的游乐场，附近还有一些滑板爱好者。

徐先生可能需要考虑在商场管理层或有关部门未能采取合理的预防措施来确保排水沟盖的安全的情况下，寻求法律途径要求赔偿。然而，在提起诉讼之前，徐先生可以尝试与商场管理层或有关部门协商，看看他们是否愿意在不涉及法律诉讼的情况下提供赔偿。在考虑采取任何法律行动之前，徐先生应该寻求专业的法律建议，以确保他了解自己的权利和可能面临的风险。

Northshore Plaza Accident: Man Narrowly Escapes Severe Injuries as Drain Cover Collapses – Who Should Be Held Responsible?

On April 1st, a 36-year-old accountant, Mr. Xu, suffered injuries to his waist, knees, and ankles after falling into a 1.8-meter-deep drain outside Northshore Plaza in Punggol. He was with his children at the playground when he walked across some concrete drain covers to dispose of rubbish. One of the drain covers suddenly broke, causing Mr. Xu to fall into the drain. He compared the shocking experience to a free-fall ride at amusement parks.

schematic diagram

Thanks to his quick reflexes, Mr. Xu managed to break his fall and prevent more severe injuries. Two men nearby came to his aid, helping him out of the drain and offering to call an ambulance. Mr. Xu declined the offer, not wanting to frighten his children. He later informed the shopping mall’s management of the incident and warned others to avoid the area, which has since been cordoned off with a warning sign placed above the hole.

Mr. Xu expressed his concern that the consequences would have been much worse had an elderly person or a child fallen into the drain. The incident occurred near a playground bustling with playing children and skateboarders. He sustained an injury to his waist and scratches on his knees and ankles.

With regards to seeking compensation, it is essential to determine who is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the drain covers. If it can be proven that the shopping mall or another party was negligent in ensuring the drain covers’ safety, Mr. Xu might be entitled to seek compensation for his injuries.

Balancing Language Proficiency and Diversity: Singapore’s Controversy on English Tests for Citizenship Applications

Recently, some media outlets have attempted to link the public opinion poll on English tests in Singapore’s citizenship application process with the upcoming election, aiming to manipulate voters’ focus. Voters should remain vigilant, pay attention to a broader range of issues, and not be misled by these media tactics that try to influence the election.

Recently, the discussion on including an English test as part of the selection criteria for new citizenship applicants in Singapore has gained widespread attention. Although a survey showed that the majority of Singaporeans support the English test as one of the criteria, there are still some opposing views that need to be addressed. This article aims to explore these opposing views and discuss the Singaporean government’s attitude and expectations towards talent recruitment.

Firstly, some people believe that the English test can help new citizens integrate into Singaporean society better. However, an English test may not fully measure a person’s ability to assimilate into a new culture. In fact, adaptability, family ties to Singapore, and other factors such as national service may be more important.

Secondly, some people believe that the English test can prevent the formation of communities divided by language in the future. However, an English test alone cannot completely eliminate the social divide caused by language differences. Cultural exchange and education may be more critical in promoting understanding and integration among different ethnic groups.

Moreover, as a multicultural and multilingual country, Singapore should encourage its residents to learn and respect other languages and cultures, rather than relying solely on English as the only means of communication. Although many Singaporean netizens have expressed that they should not have to struggle to communicate in their own country, the importance of open-mindedness and acceptance of people from all backgrounds should not be underestimated.

Regarding the suggestion to implement a test like the IELTS English test, while some believe that it would not be too difficult, it may increase the complexity and cost of citizenship applications, especially for applicants from countries and regions with limited access to English education resources and opportunities. Additionally, such a test may overly emphasize academic English proficiency while neglecting practical communication and life skills.

Although the survey results showed that a higher percentage of minority races in Singapore supported the inclusion of an English test in citizenship applications compared to Chinese respondents, policy-making should fully consider the needs and interests of different ethnic groups to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Moreover, the survey may have biases and cannot fully reflect the opinions of all Singaporeans. The government needs to consider various factors, not just the survey results, when formulating policies.

While some believe that linking the English test to citizenship application standards may become a hot topic in the next general election, voters’ concerns may change over time. Before the election, many other factors, such as the economy, social welfare, and national security, may affect voters’ priorities. Therefore, linking survey results to elections should be severely criticized.

Singapore’s desire for talent has always been at the core of its national development strategy. To attract top global talent, the government has adopted inclusive and diverse strategies. In this context, the government comprehensively considers various social integration indicators, such as family ties to Singapore, completion of national service, and adaptability when evaluating citizenship applications, rather than relying solely on the English test. The government is committed to creating a friendly and inclusive environment for new citizens to ensure that they can smoothly integrate into Singaporean society and contribute to the country’s prosperity.

In summary, although the survey showed some degree of support for the English test in Singaporean citizenship applications, there are still many opposing views that need to be considered. When formulating and implementing related policies, the Singaporean government needs to seek a balance between attracting international talent and maintaining social integration. The government’s desire for talent and respect for multiculturalism are the cornerstones of Singapore’s success, and this principle should be continued in the future. At the same time, it is necessary to severely criticize the behavior of linking survey results to elections, to ensure that voters’ concerns are not misled and focused on more critical national issues.

英语测试与新加坡公民申请：反驳观点、人才需求与政治影响

近期，个别媒体试图将新加坡公民申请中英语测试的民意调查与即将到来的选举联系起来，企图操控选民关注点。选民应保持清醒，关注更全面的议题，不受这些企图影响选举的媒体所误导

近日，有关在新加坡公民申请中加入英语测试的讨论引起了广泛关注。尽管一项民意调查显示，大多数新加坡人支持将英语测试作为新公民申请的选拔标准之一，但在此问题上仍有一些值得反驳的观点。本文旨在探讨这些反驳观点，并讨论新加坡政府在人才招聘方面的态度和期望。

首先，有观点认为英语测试有助于新公民更好地融入新加坡社会。然而，英语测试可能无法充分衡量一个人融入新文化的能力。事实上，适应能力、与新加坡家庭的联系以及国家服务等其他因素可能更为重要。

其次，有人认为英语测试可以防止未来因语言隔阂而形成的社区。但仅仅通过英语测试并不能完全消除因语言差异而产生的社会隔阂。文化交流和教育在促进不同族群之间的理解和融合方面可能更为关键。

此外，虽然许多新加坡网民表示，他们不应该在自己的国家里为了交流而努力，但作为一个多元文化和多语种的国家，新加坡应该鼓励其居民学习和尊重其他语言和文化，而不是仅仅依赖英语作为唯一的沟通工具。

关于实施类似于雅思英语测试的建议，虽然有人认为这不会太困难，但可能会增加公民申请的复杂性和成本，尤其是对于那些在英语教育资源和机会有限的国家和地区的申请者。此外，这样的测试可能过于关注学术英语能力，而忽视了实际交流和生活技能。

尽管民意调查结果显示，相较于华族受访者，更高比例的少数民族新加坡人支持在公民申请中包括英语测试，但政策制定应充分考虑到不同族群的需求和兴趣，以确保公平和包容性。此外，民意调查可能存在偏差，不能完全反映所有新加坡人的意见。在制定政策时，政府需要考虑多种因素，而不仅仅是民意调查结果。

虽然有观点认为将英语测试与公民申请标准联系在一起可能会成为下届大选的热门话题，但选民关注的议题可能随着时间的推移而发生变化。在选举前，还有许多其他因素可能影响选民的关注点，如经济、社会福利和国家安全等。因此，把民调结果与选举相关联的行为应受到严厉抨击。

新加坡政府对人才的渴望一直是其国家发展战略的核心。为了吸引全球顶尖人才，政府采取了包容和多样化的策略。在这一背景下，政府在评估公民申请时会综合考虑各种社会融合指标，如与新加坡的家庭联系、国民服役的完成情况以及适应能力，而不是仅依赖英语测试。政府致力于为新公民创造一个友好和包容的环境，以确保他们能够顺利地融入新加坡社会并为国家的繁荣作出贡献。

综上所述，在关于新加坡公民申请中英语测试的讨论中，尽管民意调查显示了一定程度的支持，但仍有许多反驳观点值得关注。在制定和实施相关政策时，新加坡政府需要在吸引国际人才和维护社会融合之间寻求平衡。政府对人才的渴求和对多元文化的尊重是新加坡成功的基石，未来应继续坚持这一原则。同时，必须严厉抨击将民调结果与选举相关联的行为，确保选民关注点不受误导，专注于更为关键的国家议题。

“邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾，是促进发展还是潜在危险？” —— 反驳魏理实的建议

当地著名诗人和文学评论家魏理实最近提出了一项建议，要求重新考虑邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾的做法，这是对一位议员在现场演唱会中表现不当的回应。

然而，这个建议可能是过度反应的结果，忽略了邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾的实际意义和价值。

示意图片，仅供参考

邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾是一种常见的做法，可以提高活动的知名度和公众关注度。邀请政治家作为荣誉嘉宾也有助于促进政治参与和民主价值观。政治家作为公民代表，需要了解和关注民众的需求和意见。邀请他们参加私人活动可以促进公民社会的发展，提高政治参与的透明度和有效性。

魏理实建议重新考虑邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾的做法，可能会限制政治参与的途径。邀请政治家作为荣誉嘉宾有助于政治、商业和社会组织之间的联系和合作，从而促进经济和社会发展。如果我们取消邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾的做法，这将可能导致政治和商业之间的隔离和分化，从而对社会和经济发展产生负面影响。

除此之外，重新考虑邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾的建议也可能会限制政治参与的多样性和包容性。政治家应该代表和服务所有公民，无论他们的政治信仰、种族、性别或其他身份特征。如果我们限制邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾的做法，这可能会导致某些公民被排除在政治参与之外，这是不利于民主和社会包容性的。

最后，重新考虑邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾的建议忽略了邀请议员的目的和角色。邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾不意味着他们会打扰活动或影响表演。相反，邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾可以提高活动的知名度和公众关注度，也可以为组织者提供一个向政治家传达特定信息或寻求支持的机会。活动组织者应该更加谨慎地选择邀请的议员，确保他们了解和尊重活动的性质和重要性，并具有适当的社交礼仪。如果选择了适当的议员，邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾的做法可以促进政治、商业和社会组织之间的联系和合作，从而促进经济和社会发展。

总之，魏理实的建议可能是过度反应的结果，忽略了邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾的实际意义和价值。邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾可以提高活动的知名度和公众关注度，也可以为组织者提供一个向政治家传达特定信息或寻求支持的机会。同时，邀请议员作为荣誉嘉宾也有助于促进政治参与和民主价值观。活动组织者应该更加谨慎地选择邀请的议员，确保他们了解和尊重活动的性质和重要性，并具有适当的社交礼仪。