11 November, 2009

Asset Bubble


Last couples of week, we noticed that newspaper put up "asset bubble" to be another timeboom. Previously, some statement is posted that the asset bubble risk is growing.

How this asset bubble form?
When government pump in money into the market through stimulus package. The intention is to improve the liquidity of the market which badly hit by the credit crunch.

The interest rate has been gone to the historical low level. It encourages consumer to take loan and indirectly stimulate the economy by consumer spending. Due to the low interest rate, those who disqualified for loan suddenly to become “arithmetically” qualify. The throng rush to bank and apply for loan, during crisis, people always think it is the best time to buy property with low interest rate and cheap property.

Problem begin from here.

In the foreseeable future, government will withdraw their stimulus by adjusting the cost of fund. It is to anticipate and cure the potential inflation risk in country. Increase the interest rate is one of the monetary tools that commonly used by central bank.

Those loan borrower will face the repayment difficulty with the interest rate increase because most of them do not price in the risk of rate increment as the margin of repayment is at the minimal level.

It will cause another property crisis and many fire sales or auction of property by default repayment will happen if the situation is not managed properly.

First, banker shall lower their loan percentage to 75% or 80% of property price instead of 90% or 95%.
Second, banker is to reduce the age limit instead of 70 years old to 60 years old.

The above is to provide a buffer for the bank in the event of default by the borrower in loan repayment. The bank can review and adjust the repayment by prolonging the repayment period.

Ultimately, the heat need to be gradually cool down before it becomes a second wave of crisis to the economy. Do not simply pulling 1 leg out from a swamp by deepening another leg in.

14 October, 2009

Crane on Site

This is a bird eye view of a typical construction worksite.

Generally, for high rise building, a tower crane will be erected for hoisting purpose. The Hammer Head Crane (horizontal frame) will be erected when the worksite have ample turning radius.

This type of crane has a greater lifting capacity and probably lower rental. It is very commonly used in the construction site.

The alternative lifting mean is mobile crane, which normally use for short term lifting and limited height. This crane has advantages on its mobility and it can run on the public road. The rental cost is even cheaper.
The disadvantage is the limitation of height and lifting weight. There is time consuming to find a suitable parking ground for lifting and all outriggers are required to full extend prior to lifting operation. It also need to ensure the ground condition is sound and solid for the lifting operation.

This is a combination of the above crane where it can provide greater lifting capability and certain degree of mobility. This kind of crane is to provide a medium term usage around few months of work. The crane boom is longer than mobile crane which offer wider coverage for lifting work.

In short, the selection of crane for construction worksite is required to optimum the cost and usage of crane. It requires to plan in advance to understand the requirement of work activity prior to decide on the type of machinery.

13 July, 2009

Turnstile

This is TURNSTILE

This type is common use in a tight security passage way, such as custom.


This is a normal type of turnstile which commonly use at public area. It can be used to check the number of visitors, etc.


You use it daily on LRT / MRT entrance/exit point.

02 May, 2009

Southern Bridge - A Place You Should Not Miss.

The layout of Southern Bridge.

The connection of another end of Kent Ridge Park is not shown. It is connected Nation University of Sinagpore to Clementi Wood.


Curve Shape of timber finish. It looks nice and fantastic. The curvature pattern match with steel structure member form an arch effect of the bridge.


Under the misty photo shooting, it's like a dragon riding in the cloud.


A ridge bridge is built a few meter about the ground and crossing in the only greenish land in city centre of Singapore.


It is a good place for those who love the earth.

A greenish landscape that protecting the earth and attract thousand of tourists. Good idea and good creation.