Rich lowry

SINGAPORE: The new set of progressive tax rates introduced in Budget 2013 will see high-end property owners paying more in property taxes. While the tax bill may be higher for the rich in percentage terms, analysts say this may not dampen investor sentiment to buy luxury properties. From January 2014, properties with higher annual values will be taxed at higher rates. With a tax rate of between zero and 15 per cent, there will be a significant gap in the property tax bill between mass and higher-end homes. Still, analysts said most high-end home owners will just take this in stride. Nicholas Mak, executive director of research and consultancy at SLP International, explained: "The increase may seem substantial. It can range anywhere from 20 per cent to 70 per cent in some cases. But if we look at it in absolute quantum, in thousands of dollars, the increase is only a few thousands of dollars. And I think if the person is able to spend a few million dollars on a high-end … [Read more...] about Progressive property tax rates unlikely to dampen investor sentiment: analysts

SINGAPORE: Observers say the move by the Singapore government to subsidise the pay increase of low-wage workers will only go some way to help companies struggling with restructuring. But it is seen as a significant move in which the government recognises that meritocracy alone cannot be relied upon as a social leveller. Under the scheme, the government will co-fund 40 per cent of wage increases for Singaporean workers earning up to a gross monthly wage of S$4,000. Companies welcome the initiative but some say it will still be a struggle, especially when wages in certain industries have been depressed for so long due to cheap foreign labour. Andrew Khoo, honorary treasurer at Restaurant Association of Singapore, said: "Increasing wages is definitely a step in the right direction but is it enough to attract local Singaporeans into this industry? I think that's something we're not entirely sure about. "At this point in time, it's not an industry that a lot of Singaporeans … [Read more...] about Wage Credit Scheme draws mixed reactions

Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall are back as Prince Akeem and Semmi in Coming 2 America , the sequel to the 1988 comedy classic Coming to America. It's been 33 years since we caught up with our favorite Zamundans, and in some ways a lot has changed. In other ways, so much remains the same. The setup for the sequel is pretty straightforward. Akeem discovers he has an illegitimate son in the US. He and Semmi return to New York City to find his child and prepare him to become heir to the Zamunda throne. To complicate matters, Akeem has three daughters with his wife, Lisa (Shari Headley), any of whom would make an excellent ruler of Zamunda were it not for a law preventing women from taking the throne. Watch it on Amazon (Friday) The largely successful sequel, streaming on Amazon Prime March 5, takes the Star Wars: The Force Awakens approach, following a similar formula as the first film while reuniting us with some of our favorite characters. But instead of the … [Read more...] about Coming 2 America review: Not as much heart as the original, but still funny

If you've binged The Mandalorian and are on the hunt for your next big Disney Plus addiction, here are a few live-action gems to check out. Comedies like Lizzie McGuire are a must, along with more from the sci-fi, superhero world, including Marvel's Agent Carter and lesser-known gem So Weird. Let's round up the best live-action shows Disney has to offer. See Disney Plus subscription options Read more : The 35 best movies to watch on Disney Plus | Everything you need to know to sign up to Disney Plus WandaVision Disney Plus Outside The Mandalorian, the reason you paid for Disney Plus is here. WandaVision is the first of the promised barrage of premium Marvel Studios TV series. Six hours, released over nine weekly episodes, find Wanda and Vision hopping through eras of sitcom TV, starting in the black-and-white '50s. Why are Earth's mightiest heroes now a house wife and a suit working a nondescript day job? It might have something to do with -- … [Read more...] about 14 of the best TV shows on Disney Plus

Amazon Prime Video has gathered an impressive lineup of original shows to keep you entertained. It's also picked up excellent programs from other countries to stream in the US. Thankfully, those exclusives, like A Very English Scandal and Catastrophe, can be appreciated by a wider audience. Let's round up the best TV shows Amazon has to offer. CNET Culture Entertain your brain with the coolest news from streaming to superheroes, memes to video games. Read more : The 20 best movies to watch on Amazon Prime Video | Everything you need to know to sign up to Amazon Prime Video Informer Amazon Studios This gripping British series is about, yes, an informer, and the murky territory involved in coercing someone to take on the dangerous gig. Paddy Considine (who now has a gig on the Game of Thrones prequel) stars as DS Gabe Waters, a counterterrorism officer tasked with infiltrating a far-right movement in West Yorkshire. Partnered with an excellent … [Read more...] about 22 of the best TV shows to binge on Amazon Prime Video