SINGAPORE, Nov 7, 2008 (AFP) - Singapore's DBS Group, Southeast Asia's biggest bank by assets, said Friday it was cutting 900 staff to trim costs amid the global credit crisis, and reported a slump in third quarter net profit.
Chief executive Richard Stanley said most of the cuts, to be carried out at the end of the month, will come from its offices in Singapore and Hong Kong and will account for six percent of the workforce.
"To be a streamlined organisation, I believe we must run a tighter ship," he told reporters.
"We have been vigilant on costs but as the economy enters a more difficult and uncertain phase, many financial institutions around the world and in Asia have made headcount reductions," he added.
"To be more productive and efficient, we will restructure and streamline the organisation. Regrettably, this has resulted in the need to reduce our workforce by six percent or about 900 people, primarily (in) Singapore and Hong Kong, by the end of the month."
One of the factor that bonds me and hubby is that we both love online gaming. No matter how busy we are with work and caring for our son, we could still set aside some time to play. His love is Conquer Online and he has been playing this game since Year 2005.
In fact, many of his friends are still in this game after so many years. Even though it is free to register and play this game, in order to be very "powerful" in the game, "dragonballs" can be purchased to enhance the weapons, clothes & accessories etc. I heard of some gamers spending tens of thousands to purchase bulks of "dragonballs" for upgrading of the character's weapons.
For me personally, I wouldn't spend so much in games. I rather use the money to buy shoes and bags! LOL. Gaming is a form of relaxation to release work stress and to make our lives more balanced.
I had a very painful sorethroat with multiple ulcers in August. An aunt advised that I should start drinking Manuka Honey as it will help to relieve sorethroats and prevent it as well. Of couse, I need to be discipline and drink a cup everyday in order to see the effect.
I went to a Watsons store and a sales assistant of the Manuka honey counter served me with great enthusiasm. I am confused over the grades of the honey and surprised to see the price as well. So I decided to do some googling before I decide which is best for me.
"UMF" is the name of a beneficial antibacterial found in some strains of manuka honey. It measures the antibacterial potency of the honey. Generally, the higher the level, the stronger antibacterial effect as well as the healing effect. Level 16 & above are considered the superior levels.
To summarize, the benefits of taking the manuka honey are:
Every night, I'll make myself a glass of honey water (one teaspoon with lukewarm water will do, hot water will kill the effect of honey). Prevention is better than cure. I seriously do not want to go through the painful experience again. Having ulcers at the back of the throat is no joke.
Introducing my only son ~ aiden : )
