Latest news with #SBSTransit
AsiaOne
4 days ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
'There is no right or wrong time': Singaporeans discuss reskilling and upskilling, Singapore News
Rekha Kaur was faced with a dilemma: stay in the same job she had been in for decades that no longer challenged her, or take a leap of faith and embrace reskilling for a career in a new industry? Kaur, now a Station Manager at SBS Transit, shared the journey of her mid-career change from the hospitality industry to her current role, in a panel discussion about reskilling and upskilling alongside Kevin Chan, Assistant Operations Manager at On Cheong Jewellery; Ho Nai Chuen, Managing Director at On Cheong Jewellery; and Kelvin Tan, Principal Career Coach at Workforce Singapore. The panel discussion, which was hosted and moderated by Munah Bagharib, featured personal anecdotes on upskilling as well as information on the strengthened support that is now available for workers keen on upgrading their skills. This includes increased channels for career guidance, structured programmes and financial schemes. Watch the video to hear what they had to share. When should I upskill or reskill For Kaur, the impetus came when she felt she was "falling into her comfort zone" towards the end of her 40s. After a long-spanning career as a hotelier, Kaur wanted to know how she could expand her career options while holding on to key aspects of her job that she found fulfilment in. It was a toss-up between continuing as a hotelier or approaching a role in land transportation with SBS Transit. While she anticipated facing numerous technical challenges in an unfamiliar industry by switching careers, the opportunity appealed to her, as she could leverage her people skills to serve passengers. Motivated by her interest in a career at SBS Transit, Kaur decided to take a chance on herself, and signed up for Workforce Singapore's (WSG) Career Conversion Programme (CCP) for Public Transport Professionals. "I had to ensure I had an open mindset and a positive attitude. That allowed me to fit right into my role," shared Kaur on how she adapted to the role change. With ample training, she was able to make a smooth transition and is now into her sixth year as a Station Manager. As for Kevin Chan, Assistant Operations Manager at On Cheong Jewellery, the motivation to upskill came from a strong desire to develop his expertise in the field and build credibility within the company he worked at. He first joined On Cheong Jewellery with minimal knowledge of gemology and metals, which are fundamental to a jeweller's work. Nonetheless, he was eager to learn, and his Managing Director, Ho Nai Chuen, shared his enthusiasm for upskilling, which helped foster a supportive learning environment. Ho shared that he routinely encourages employees to actively pursue learning opportunities regardless of their career stage. He maintains that it helps employees stay relevant, as they can tap into enhanced product knowledge and soft skills to better serve customers. "There's no right or wrong time... The world is changing very rapidly... Any time you feel like you're lagging behind, go for it," Ho commented about upskilling, encouraging workers to take back control by upgrading themselves whenever they experience a skills gap that might limit their potential. Taking that advice to heart, Chan has made continuous learning a cornerstone of his career. Over the course of his decade-long tenure, Chan has acquired numerous certifications, ranging from retail management to industry-specific skills, such as being able to identify different grades of diamonds and gemstones. Financial support and career guidance to upgrade Kaur and Chan are living proof that career mobility and growth can happen at any age. To facilitate more inspiring mid-career journeys like theirs, Singaporeans aged 40 and above have been provided a SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) top-up of $4,000, which can be used to offset fees on selected courses that lead to better employability outcomes. Eligible mid-careerists may also apply for the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance, which will grant up to $3,000 a month, up to a total of $72,000 over 24 months, should they need to take time off work to train full-time. "It's very good for career management," Chan remarked, noting how he appreciated being eligible for subsidies on courses to boost his own professional development. For those looking for greater certainty in their career direction, Kelvin Tan, Principal Career Coach at Workforce Singapore, suggests looking at resources that can help them identify vocations that would best align with their strengths and aspirations. For instance, Polaris offers a suite of personalised career guidance programmes for employed individuals, pairing them with a certified career coach to clarify their goals and create tailored career development plans to achieve their aspirations. Ease of mind amid career transitions "You can also upgrade in a way that [keeps you] more up to date with the industry," said Tan, who advised individuals to take an intentional approach to skills upgrading by considering both personal and professional goals. This extends to individuals who have lost their jobs. To support such intentional upskilling efforts, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme provides temporary financial support of up to $6,000 over six months to lower- and middle-income workers who are involuntarily unemployed. To qualify for these payouts, eligible individuals should be active in their job search. To do so, they may take steps such as attending career coaching sessions, participating in eligible training courses or actively applying for roles. "This financial support helps individuals to tide over this transition period. They can make use of this time to focus on upskilling, upgrading and equipping themselves with whatever skills they may have put aside," commented Tan. Upskilling and reskilling aren't unfamiliar topics among mid-careerists. Understandably, there would be hesitation in learning something new or even switching careers after getting comfortable doing the same thing for years. However, support is out there for those looking to switch industries, take on new courses, or even cope with involuntary unemployment. If you're keen to explore a career pivot or upgrade, discover how Forward Singapore schemes and programmes can help support Singaporeans at every stage of life. This article is brought to you in partnership with
Independent Singapore
24-07-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
SBS bus captain returns wallet with work permit, S$2,400 to grateful passenger, says: ‘It was the right thing to do'
FB screengrab/ SBS Transit Ltd SINGAPORE: SBS Transit told the heartwarming story of a kind and honest bus captain who did not hesitate to return the wallet a passenger had inadvertently left behind, which happened to contain the man's work permit and S$2,400. 'It was the right thing to do. I've lost my wallet before, so I know exactly how it feels,' b us captain Tan Chiy Ping said in SBS Transit's Jul 21 (Monday) post. He had been inspecting Bus Service 138 at Ang Mo Kio Interchange after his shift before calling it a day when he found the wallet. At that moment, the passenger, who was described in the post as 'visibly distressed,' entered the bus accompanied by Senior Assistant Interchange Supervisor Nithyananthan Palne. The man had just been to the Passenger Service Office, telling the staff about his missing wallet. After Mr Palne determined where the bus was via SBS Transit's Operations Control Centre, he brought the man to Bus Service 138. ' The timing couldn't have been better,' the post reads. Mr Palne said that the passenger 'thanked us over and over again' and that he was 'extremely grateful' since he had earmarked the money to be sent to his family back home. ' A simple act, but a huge impact, and that's integrity in action because we CARE. Well done Chiy Ping and Nathan!' the post added. This is by no means the first time that an SBS bus captain has shown such honest behaviour. Earlier this year, SBS also praised one of its bus captains who had returned a lost backpack containing S$14,000 . On Feb 4, the company thanked Chen Long for being an example of what the company stands for. On his part, the 42-year-old Mr Chen empathised with the backpack owner, writing that he could 'only imagine' the amount of worry the passenger felt. 'So I'm happy I could return it,' he said, adding, 'It's about doing the right thing.' Undoubtedly, one of SBS' biggest heroes is another bus captain who saved a four-year-old girl who had strayed onto a five-lane road in 2022 . Ong Shi Chuin had been at the wheel of his SBS Service 400 bus on Marina Boulevard on a Sunday evening, waiting for the traffic light to turn green. Suddenly, he spotted a young girl running barefoot along the wide road, which stretches over five lanes. She seemed to be running towards his bus. He braked, opened the door, checked for traffic, then dashed out and scooped her up and into his bus. The girl's father was frantic. As Mr Ong told CNA: 'The father and domestic helper came to my bus and pointed at the little girl and (he) said: 'That's my kid' before thanking me.' /TISG Read also: Singaporeans praise 'old timer' bus captain for helping elderly auntie with her wheelchair () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Looking to Cut Cost? Try these 3 Singapore Transportation Stocks
If you are feeling the pinch, you're not imagining it. Last December marked the fourth successive year of public transport fare increases hitting Singapore commuters. In all likelihood, you won't see the last of these hikes, as fares are reviewed annually based on a formula that accounts for wages, energy costs and the general operating costs of public transport. Some of you might lament about the increase, while others may just accept it. But what if I told you there's a third option? You can invest in these land transport companies, which have historically paid out decent dividends. This move will not only mitigate the increase but also might help you recoup part of your transport expenses. SBS Transit (SGX: S58) SBS Transit is the largest bus operator in Singapore with about 200 bus services. It also operates rail services for the North East Line, Downtown Line, and Sengkang and Punggol LRT systems. Revenue and net profit for the past three fiscal years (FY) have stayed relatively stable at around S$1.5 billion and S$70 million respectively. However, its revenue might decrease this year, due to the expiry of the Jurong West bus package last August. The numbers from its 1Q 2025 business update partly reflect that. The quarter's revenue declined by 4.7% year-on-year (YOY) to S$374 million and profit after tax dropped by 6.1% YOY to below S$16 million. Despite this decrease, it will still be a solid set of results if the company can sustain this performance for the remaining year. But what about investors? Can SBS Transit maintain last year's generous ordinary dividends of S$0.2027? It might, but it's important to note that even excluding the one-off special dividend (derived from the sale of the Soon Lee bus depot), last year's payout ratio for the ordinary dividends was unusually high at 90%. In layman's terms, SBS Transit paid out 90% of its profits. Hence, it's more prudent to project using the minimum of the company's stated dividend policy of paying out at least 50% of profit attributable to shareholders. Annualising its 1Q 2025 results, SBS Transit estimated earnings per share for the year will be around S$0.20, resulting in at least S$0.10 in dividends per share. At the current trading price of S$2.95, this provides a decent yield of close to 3.5%. Vicom Limited (SGX: WJP) What if you drive more often than take public transport? Then, Vicom is likely a familiar name. Being a duopoly in the vehicle inspection sector, and commanding over 70% market share, Vicom's position provides it with reliable revenue. Additionally, it has a non-vehicle testing segment which also contributes positively to the company's profitability. This resilience is evident from the strong set of numbers it achieved for the past five years. While the growth in its revenue and earnings are not spectacular, compounding annually at a rate of about 8.4% and 4.6% respectively over the five years is respectable. Furthermore, the business has a return of equity of around 20%, a ratio that is nothing to scoff at, especially when it doesn't carry any debt on its books. The momentum continued into 1Q 2025, where its top and bottom lines grew by an impressive 18.9% and 7.5% respectively, partly driven by the ongoing ERP 2.0 On-Board Unit (OBU) project. Additionally, it generated almost S$11 million of cash from its operating activities, resulting in an increase of its cash and equivalents to S$65 million. Consequently, Vicom is likely able to sustain its trailing dividend of S$0.058 per share, which translates to a decent yield of almost 4% at the current trading price of around S$1.52. This yield could be sustained despite the upcoming capital expenditure (capex) of S$50 million this year. The capex is primarily for the development of the new Jalan Papan integrated testing centre, which is expected to be operational in 1H 2026. Not only does the new site replace the Pioneer vehicle inspection centre, it will also provide its non-vehicle testing business with new testing capabilities. Upon the completion of the construction and development of Jalan Papan site, capex should normalise from FY 2026. In turn, Vicom should then see an increase in net cash flow in subsequent years with the potential for higher dividends from FY 2026 onwards. ComfortDelGro Corporation (SGX: C52) So far, you have heard about SBS Transit and Vicom. But there's another compelling option to consider: ComfortDelGro, or CDG. This land transport giant serves as the parent company to both, owning approximately 74% and 67% of SBS Transit and Vicom respectively. For investors, this high ownership means a large portion of the profits generated by SBS Transit and Vicom directly contribute to CDG's overall profitability and bolsters its financial strength on the balance sheet. Beyond its public transport and inspection pillars, CDG also commands the largest fleet of taxis in Singapore. Together with its private hire fleet, this segment has seen a notable improvement in its profit margin in recent years. However, the most exciting development for CDG is its significant international expansion over the past year. Besides winning bus and rail tenders, CDG also strategically acquired the CMAC Group and Addison Lee Group in the UK, along with A2B Australia Limited. This aggressive expansion has been accretive to the Group's overall results. The impact of this global strategy became evident in 1Q 2025. For the first time in the group's history, its overseas segment contributed more than 50% to the total group revenue, surpassing the Singapore segment. This diversified base, new contracts, and acquisitions propelled CDG's 1Q 2025 revenue and profit up by approximately 16% and 19% respectively. If CDG can sustain this robust performance for the remainder of the year, it's highly probable that the company can at least maintain its trailing dividend of S$0.0777 per share. This translates to an attractive yield of approximately 5.4% based on the current trading price of around S$1.43. So what's the catch, you may ask? Indeed, these substantial acquisitions have tipped CDG's balance sheet from a net cash position to a net debt position of about S$390 million. However, this debt level, resulting in a net gearing of just 11.2%, is considered highly manageable given the group's strong and consistent operating cash flow. This strategic leveraging is a calculated move to fund future growth, positioning CDG for continued strong performance. Get Smart: Beyond the land transport companies While SBS Transit, Vicom, and ComfortDelGro offer unique exposures to Singapore's transport sector, the investing principle is rooted in fundamentals. The key is to seek out quality companies that demonstrate consistent profitability and a commitment to sustainable dividends. Such investments can indeed help to mitigate rising living costs, including your transport expenses, by providing a steady stream of income. Ready to discover the next $100 billion stock? Our newest FREE report dives deep into five popular SGX companies that many say are the next big thing. Read our team's findings to guide your investment strategy. Click the link here to download now. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses! Disclosure: Chan Kin Chuah owns shares of ComfortDelgro and Vicom. The post Looking to Cut Cost? Try these 3 Singapore Transportation Stocks appeared first on The Smart Investor. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
AsiaOne
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
More seats, better air-con systems: New two-car trains debut on Sengkang-Punggol LRT Line, Singapore News
The first of two new light rail vehicles (LRV) for the Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) line began its first passenger service on Tuesday (July 15) where it completed three loops over the course of an hour in the afternoon. The two new trains will ply the 14-station line, and will be deployed to the Punggol West Loop and Punggol East Loop over the two upcoming weekends, announced the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SBS Transit. They will then be deployed for weekday service towards the end of July. These trains are part of the 25 new third-generation LRVs which will be progressively introduced into passenger service beyond the third quarter of 2025 after comprehensive testing and commissioning. Come end 2028, the SPLRT fleet will consist 33 two-car LRVs, which will increase passenger capacity to meet ridership demand, LTA and SBS Transit said. Speaking with the media at the first train's maiden voyage at Punggol station, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling shared that residents of Punggol and Sengkang "have been looking forward to this development for many years now". Fellow Punggol MPs were also present at the launch, including Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Senior Minister of State of Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary and Yeo Wan Ling. Sengkang GRC MPs Theodora Lai and Bernadette Giam were also at the event, along with Jalan Kayu SMC's Ng Chee Meng. The new two-car trains promise a smoother and more comfortable journey, with more seating capacity and ergonomic seats, Senior Minister of State Sun stated. This is on top of brighter and more energy-efficient LED lighting, clearer LCD passenger information displays, new door-closing indicator light strips, as well as improved air-conditioning systems, according to LTA and SBS Transit. In the event of emergencies, the new LRVs also have inter-car doors to facilitate safer and quicker passenger evacuation. "As part of the replacement for the new train fleet, we will see the expansion of the depot," Sun added. "There could be some disruption to the services in the meantime, and we hope for the consideration of residents in Punggol and Sengkang." Expansion of the depot will include a physical size increase from 3.5 to 11.1 hectares to accommodate the operation of a larger LRV fleet. Two new reception tracks will reduce LRV launch times and three additional traction power substations will cater to the higher power demand of the new LRVs. There will also be service adjustments along stretches of the SPLRT line to facilitate these depot expansion works which are on track for completion by 2027. [[nid:719791]] khooyihang@
CNA
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
New two-car trains begin service on Sengkang-Punggol LRT Line
SINGAPORE: The first two of 25 new trains have entered service on the Sengkang-Punggol LRT line, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SBS Transit announced. After their first day of service on Tuesday (Jul 15), the new two-car trains will initially operate on the Punggol West and East loops over the next two weekends, before being deployed for weekday service towards the end of July. The remaining 23 trains from the fleet will arrive progressively and will enter passenger service from the third quarter of 2025. Each two-car train will be able to carry about 200 passengers. By the end of 2028, these third-generation trains will fully replace the existing first-generation fleet, which currently comprises 25 one-car and eight two-car trains. Eight second-generation two-car trains will remain in operation. Once the transition is complete, the Sengkang-Punggol LRT will have a fleet of 33 two-car trains, increasing passenger capacity to meet ridership demand, LTA and SBS Transit said. "Residents of Punggol and Sengkang have been looking forward to this development for many years now," Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said on the sidelines of the launch. "We hope for the residents' consideration as we seek to improve transport connectivity," said Ms Sun, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) for Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC). Ms Sun was joined at the launch by fellow Punggol MPs: Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Senior Minister of State of Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary, and Ms Yeo Wan Ling. IMPROVED FEATURES The new trains have ergonomic seating, improved air-conditioning systems and indicator light strips for clearer door-closing alerts. They also include operational upgrades such as an onboard touch-screen diagnosis panel for quicker fault detection during testing and maintenance, as well as easier access to equipment for staff. The new trains are also equipped with inter-car doors to facilitate safer and quicker passenger evacuation during emergencies. To support the larger fleet, the Sengkang-Punggol LRT depot will be expanded from 3.5ha to 11.1ha, to provide additional stabling and maintenance facilities. To facilitate these depot expansion works, service adjustments will be required along select stretches of the Sengkang-Punggol LRT line, LTA and SBS Transit said. More details will be announced at a later date.
