Daily Briefing: Singapore economy could face ‘underlying' growth; 10 MRT stations to shorten operating hours from August to September

And here's why PUB fined Nicon Gardens in Chua Kang Road.

From Bloomberg:

Singapore’s economy could face ‘underlying’ growth in the long term amidst the rising competition in manufacturing within the region as well as labor cost risks.

"Aging demographics and rising labor costs will weigh on the city-state, which focused on a significant manufacturing sector to support growth, economists said. Singapore stands out against a landscape of emerging Asia cities that are relying more and more on services to juice growth, according to an Oxford Economics Ltd. research note.

Whilst the Oxford economists see “modest” growth in manufacturing productivity through 2022, the sector’s employment will flat-line and exports probably will grow in line with world trade instead of outperforming.

Read more here.

From Yahoo! News Singapore:

SMRT revealed that 10 stations will have shorter operations to allow ample time of track maintenance and renewal works along the affected North-South Line stations and East-West Line segments.

"Seven East-West Line (EWL) MRT stations – from Dover to Pioneer – and three North-South Line (NSL) stations – from Bukit Gombak to Jurong East – will close earlier at 11pm on selected Fridays and Saturdays, and open later at 8am on selected Saturdays and Sundays.

During the affected weekends, train services will operate as a bi-directional shuttle between Queenstown, Commonwealth and Buona Vista MRT stations using a single track.

Bus shuttle services will be provided for commuters travelling along the affected sectors."

Read more here.

From iCompare Loan:

The Public Utilities Board (PUB) issued a $2,000 fine to the management of Nicon Gardens condominium for not repairing a service pipe which leaked about 4,000 cubic metres.

"This amount of water can fill about 1.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools and is about four times the entire condominium’s average monthly water usage.

PUB instructed the management to rectify the leak immediately to stem the water wastage. To facilitate quick repairs, PUB provided them with a list of licensed plumbers to engage. Over the following two days, PUB carried out site inspections and gave repeated reminders to the management to expedite repairs. Residents also called to enquire about the follow-up. However, the management still failed to comply."

Read more here.