Latest news with #MUP
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Celebrating 60 years of nation building, 25 years of our Expand journey
SINCE its founding in 2000, Expand Construction has grown in tandem with Singapore's continued transformation, rising from a one-man startup into one of the nation's leading homegrown names in the built environment. Its progress reflects the country's own bold and forward-looking development. At the heart of Expand's growth is a distinctive planning model structured around 15-year cycles, known internally as 'GSS'. The first cycle (2000 to 2015) focused on Growth, Strength and Sustainability, echoing Singapore's priorities during that period of nation-building. The current cycle, spanning 2016 to 2030, is centred on becoming Great, enabling Succession and achieving Stability. This approach has enabled Expand to contribute meaningfully to Singapore's changing landscape while preparing for the future. 2000-2015: Expand's first 15-year cycle of GSS 2000-2005: Growth From a humble start to a foothold in the industry Started by Von Lee as a one-man operation in 2000, Expand Construction entered the built environment sector at a time when Singapore's older HDB estates were being refreshed under the government's main upgrading programme (MUP). Expand was able to contribute to this key national initiative, helping to upgrade the homes and lives of Singaporeans while gaining a foothold in the industry. Survival hinged on hard work, calculated risks, and winning tenders by outbidding the lowest bidder, a bold move that paid off. These early years were about proving Expand's ability to deliver, no matter the odds. 2006-2010: Strength A period of proving capability and earning trust In the 2000s, Singapore set out to create a new kind of urban green space, and Gardens by the Bay would become a landmark project that would reshape the Marina Bay skyline and reflect the country's focus on innovation and sustainability. At the heart of this landmark development were the towering Supertrees, which would go on to become one of Singapore's most recognisable symbols. LionGrove Supertrees. It was during this pivotal period that Expand, focused on building trust and a solid track record, earned the opportunity to contribute to the national vision. Guided by the values of continual pursuit of excellence and consistently earning the trust and support of clients, consultants, sub-contractors, and suppliers, the company secured two milestone projects: the Supertrees and the Energy Centre at Gardens by the Bay. These were defining moments that elevated Expand's profile. 2011-2015: Sustainability Turning experience into systems built to last In the early 2010s, Singapore ramped up the development of HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) flats to meet rising demand for public housing. This national effort required dependable contractors who could deliver large-scale projects efficiently while maintaining high standards. Fernvale Vines was awarded the HDB Construction Award 2024. It was against this backdrop that Expand took a significant step forward. As the company matured, so did its ambitions. It launched a new vision: 'To be a World-class Builder, with World-class Professionals.' In 2011, the company achieved A1 status under the CW01 Building category and clinched its first HDB BTO contract in Punggol West worth S$157.6 million. By 2013, it had begun systematically building a strong internal talent pool, positioning itself for long-term resilience. Expand was awarded the BCA Construction Excellence Award 2013. 2016-2030: Expand's second 15-year cycle of GSS 2016-2020: Great Defined by values, strengthened by safety When Covid-19 hit in 2020, Singapore's construction sector was among the hardest hit. Projects were halted, timelines disrupted, and some contractors were unable to carry on. In the midst of this uncertainty, Expand stepped up to complete a housing project that had been left unfulfilled by another contractor. Going above and beyond to deliver under challenging conditions, the company was recognised with a Resilience Award from HDB for its efforts. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. This commitment to responsibility reflected a broader vision that had been set in motion years earlier. The next chapter for Expand was not only about growing in size, but about becoming a 'Great' company defined by values and a deep commitment to safety. The company introduced a new safety slogan: 'Nothing is more urgent or important than working safely'. Hillock Eco-bridge. In 2018, Expand also made its first major foray into infrastructure with a S$101.8 million project at Changi Naval Base. The experience and systems built during that phase enabled the company to respond effectively during the pandemic. Launching of Von Lee Yong Miang's SUTD Bursary on Oct 10, 2019. 2021-2025: Succession Shaping the next generation of leadership As Singapore entered a period of leadership transition in the early 2020s, Expand too began preparing its next generation of leaders. Succession planning took centre stage, with senior leaders mentoring upcoming talent to ensure continuity and preserve the company's core values. Punggol Waterway Sunrise II was awarded the HDB Resilience Award 2024. At the same time, the team worked tirelessly to navigate pandemic aftershocks, supply chain disruptions and labour constraints. By 2023, the foundations for leadership renewal were firmly in place. Singtel Waterfront Theatre. In 2024, Expand began operating on a dual-engine model to keep its building arm strong while expanding its infrastructure capabilities. The milestone achievement of CW02 A1 Civil status in December 2024 marked a new level of capability for the firm. Expand also began investing in AI and digital tools to further strengthen its readiness for the future. Minister of State Dinesh and MOM officers site visit to NS Square on June 16, 2025. 2026-2030: Stability Securing the next chapter with confidence As Singapore continues to plan for long-term resilience in a fast-changing world, Expand is also looking ahead too. The years ahead will focus on strengthening leadership continuity and ensuring long-term stability. Construction of NS Square @Marina Bay, target to complete in 2027. As the company transitions into the hands of its second-generation leadership, it is sharpening its capabilities in AI, robotics and computational construction methods. The goal is to future-proof the business while remaining steady, sustainable and people-centred.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned over new alcohol rules in England that could lead to five big changes
A letter from leading health experts has warned that the government is not doing enough to tackle the alcohol 'crisis' in England, with a series of new rules and regulations demanded Brits could be hit with a raft of new alcohol regulations as England's current rules "are not sufficient to address the scale and complexity of harm", in warnings issued to the Labour Party government. In an open letter, leading health experts demanded that Health Secretary Wes Streeting take "ambitious" action to tackle the "scale of the current crisis" of alcohol in England. "As experts from across alcohol policy, health and treatment, we urge you to revisit the current approach to tackling alcohol harm and commit to an ambitious, evidence-based strategy that reflects the scale of the current crisis," the letter stated. "The 10-Year health plan for England offered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shift gear and deliver genuine preventative action that would reverse the rising rates of alcohol-related hospitalisations and deaths we have seen in recent years." It comes after a Reform UK police chief's 'dark heart of wokeness' claim comes under fire. READ MORE: Martin Lewis urges NatWest, Nationwide and Lloyds customers 'take action this week' The letter continued: "While the introduction of mandatory alcohol labelling and increased support for community-led schemes is welcome, these measures alone are not sufficient to address the scale and complexity of harm." Pricing The letter also advocates for implementing Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) in England, similar to the systems already in place in Scotland and Wales. The experts emphasise that "alcohol is not just the problem of a few", reports Birmingham Live. They highlight that across the UK, 30% of adults engage in "risky drinking", and nearly one in 25 of all new cancer diagnoses are estimated to be linked to alcohol. The 10-Year Plan revealed: "While many people enjoy a drink in moderation, 4% of people drink as much as 30% of alcohol consumed each year." Under the MUP guidelines, alcohol pricing is strictly regulated; for instance, a pint of beer with 2.5 units must be sold at no less than £1.25, while a 9-unit bottle of wine can't go for under £4.50. A 70cl bottle of 40% ABV vodka, containing 28 units, has a minimum price tag of £14. Hours of sale When it comes to hours of sale, there's a push for local authorities to have more control over when and how alcohol is sold, including online deliveries. The Department of Health and Social Care has weighed in, stating: "As we shift from sickness to prevention through our 10-Year Health Plan, we will make it mandatory for alcoholic drinks to display health warnings and nutritional information." They also highlighted increased funding for substance abuse services, noting: "To improve drug and alcohol treatment services and recovery support in England, the Government has also provided an additional £310 million in 2025/26, on top of the public health grant." Advertising The debate extends to advertising, with calls for tighter regulations on alcohol promotions to mirror those for foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. The authors of the letter concluded: "The public want and deserve action, and we stand ready to work with Government to deliver real progress. "By taking meaningful and co-ordinated action now, the burden of alcohol harm can fall significantly within the term of this Government, with visible results for families, the NHS, crime, and the economy." Tax The call for a shake-up in alcohol taxation has been echoed by industry voices, with the Portman Group advocating for duties to be pegged to inflation and an end to what's been dubbed "cider exceptionalism". A spokesperson for the group commented: "Whilst overall alcohol consumption and harms such as binge drinking, underage drinking and anti-social behaviour continue to fall, and the vast majority of people drink within the chief medical officer's low-risk guidance or not at all, we share concerns around rising deaths and those who continue to drink to harmful levels. "We support further targeted and tailored measures aimed at this group to manage the complex, often interrelated issues underlying harmful consumption and back calls for the further rollout of alcohol care teams and greater integration of care pathways. "As the alcohol industry regulatory body for marketing, we welcome the chance to work constructively with the Government on the proposals within its 10 year plan to help more consumers make an informed choice and drink moderately." Care teams The correspondence also stresses the necessity for enhanced funding and support for local alcohol care teams.
Western Telegraph
6 days ago
- Health
- Western Telegraph
Government urged to introduce minimum price for alcohol
Leading alcohol health experts urged the UK Government to take steps to 'protect the public', including the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) – a policy which sets the lowest price an alcoholic drink can be sold for. MUPs have already been introduced in Scotland and Wales. Minimum unit pricing for alcohol was associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland, according to a new study. Read this and more in our latest issue: — The Lancet (@TheLancet) April 21, 2023 A consultation was launched by Welsh officials on Wednesday to maintain MUP for alcohol in Wales beyond March 2026, and raising the unit price from 50p to 65p. The Welsh Government said that the number of harmful drinkers could be reduced by nearly 5,000 people as a result of the plans. It comes as officials in England have been urged to introduce a MUP after health experts warned that plans to tackle problem drinking 'are not sufficient to address the scale and complexity of harm'. Academics, medics and charities from around the country have urged ministers to take 'ambitious' action to tackle the 'scale of the current crisis'. The UK Government recently set out plans to improve the health of people in England over the next decade. The public want and deserve action Letter sent to Health Secretary Wes Streeting But in a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, shared with the PA news agency, experts said that the public 'want and deserve' more action to tackle the harms. The letter has been signed by 34 health leaders from leading health organisations including the Alcohol Health Alliance; the Royal College of Physicians; the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. Experts have called for a series of measures, including: – A call for the introduction of MUP in England, as seen in Scotland and Wales. – Giving local authorities the power to regulate hours of sale and online deliveries of alcohol. – For advertising regulations for alcohol to be 'aligned' with those for foods high in fat, salt and sugar. – A change to alcohol tax, linking duties to inflation and ending 'cider exceptionalism'. – More funding and support for local alcohol care teams. As we shift from sickness to prevention through our 10-Year Health Plan, we will make it mandatory for alcoholic drinks to display health warnings and nutritional information Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson The authors conclude: 'The public want and deserve action, and we stand ready to work with Government to deliver real progress. 'By taking meaningful and co-ordinated action now, the burden of alcohol harm can fall significantly within the term of this Government, with visible results for families, the NHS, crime, and the economy.' The Department of Health and Social Care said it will continue to consider the most effective interventions to reduce alcohol harms. A spokesperson said: 'As we shift from sickness to prevention through our 10-Year Health Plan, we will make it mandatory for alcoholic drinks to display health warnings and nutritional information. 'To improve drug and alcohol treatment services and recovery support in England, the Government has also provided an additional £310 million in 2025/26, on top of the public health grant.' A spokesperson for the Portman Group said: 'As the alcohol industry regulatory body for marketing, we welcome the chance to work constructively with the Government on the proposals within its 10 year plan to help more consumers make an informed choice and drink moderately.'
South Wales Argus
01-08-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Cheaper booze isn't the answer to reducing alcohol harm
First introduced in Wales in 2020, MUP ensures that one unit of alcohol – 10ml of pure alcohol – cannot be sold for less than 50p. This means an average bottle of wine – around 10 units of alcohol – must be priced no lower than £5 and a pint of beer or cider – about 2½ units – at least £1.25. This had no effect on prices in Wales' pubs, which were already well above these levels. Where it made a real difference was in shops. It got rid of big bottles of super-strength cider from the shelves; removed many of the cheapest spirits from sale; and made it more difficult for supermarkets to offer multi-buy discounts, such as three bottles of wine for the price of two. Yet, MUP doesn't solve alcohol problems on its own. To do that, we must make sure we have services in place that can reach the most vulnerable drinkers and support them into recovery. That includes those who report going without food in order to afford alcohol; not by making alcohol cheaper, but by improving their access to food and wider support. That's why Alcohol Change UK worked with Barod and the Nelson Trust to develop the Feeding Recovery Handbook, setting out practical ways that local services can help people with alcohol issues to eat more and better food. We all know that inflation rates have been high over the last few years. MUP has been in force in Wales for just over five years, and the original 50p level has not kept up with price increases. For MUP to do in 2025 what it was doing in 2020, it needs to rise from 50p to 65p, as has already happened in Scotland. This will allow the measure to carry on keeping the cheapest, strongest drinks out of the shops, whilst still not penalising pubs. Yours faithfully, Andrew Misell, Director for Wales, Alcohol Change UK
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Alcohol kills as many people in Scotland as drugs
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's Alcohol Awareness Week, and as a GP of over 25 years, I've been reflecting on the devastating impact alcohol misuse can have on a person, their family, and society. Whether it's losing a patient to cirrhosis, seeing babies born with foetal alcohol syndrome, or family and friends struggling to support their loved ones —alcohol dependence and misuse damages too many lives in Scotland. Scotland has a deeply problematic relationship with alcohol. We consistently rank among the highest in Europe for alcohol consumption, and data published last month showed that more than half of Scots continue to drink above the safe limit of 14 units per week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the occasional few drinks can be enjoyable and carry minimal health risks, we need to be honest and accept that too many of us are drinking beyond what can be considered safe. Alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland have reached a 15-year high, following a rise of nearly 25 per cent since 2019 (Picture: Joe Raedle/Newsmakers) | Getty Images Covid's effect on drinking habits Alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland have reached a 15-year high, with 1,277 people dying prematurely in 2023 – nearly 25 per cent higher than in 2019, the last full year before the Covid hit. There is no doubt that the pandemic led to an increase in unhealthy drinking patterns, the effects of which are still being realised. Some have argued that these statistics show minimum unit pricing (MUP) has failed as an intervention. I firmly believe the opposite is true: without MUP, the number of Scots dying from alcohol misuse would be significantly higher. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When MUP was introduced, the aim was to reduce alcohol consumption among those drinking at harmful levels, and to lower overall population consumption. On both counts, MUP has had a discernible positive impact. READ MORE: Cocaine hospital stays reach highest ever level amid 14 per cent soar in drug admissions Research published in The Lancet demonstrates that MUP was associated with a 13.4 per cent reduction in deaths wholly attributable to alcohol. The greatest improvements were seen in the most socioeconomically deprived deciles and among men – groups disproportionately affected by alcohol misuse. At a population level, alcohol sales fell by 3 per cent. Put simply, an average of 156 alcohol-related deaths have been prevented each year since MUP came into force. Hospitalisations decreased by 4.1 per cent – a figure not to be lightly dismissed given the pressures facing my colleagues in hospitals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Deaths of despair Wales and the Republic of Ireland have since followed Scotland's lead and introduced their own MUP regimes, and it is disappointing that Wes Streeting has opted not to follow suit in England. No one ever claimed MUP would be a panacea, but we must now build on its success and address alcohol-related harms in a broader context. Tackling alcohol-related harms should be given parity with Scotland's drug death crisis. Given that alcohol kills around the same number of Scots as drugs, there should be additional resources, political attention, and public messaging to reduce alcohol-related harm. This must include a serious examination of alcohol advertising. Ultimately, deaths caused by alcohol in Scotland are intrinsically linked to poverty, deprivation, and despair. Alcohol-related deaths in the most deprived areas are 4.5 times higher than in the least deprived. If we are to make serious progress in reducing Scotland's shameful alcohol death figures, then tackling poverty and giving people hope is non-negotiable.
