modern monopoly

Inspired by this post, I thought i'd pen some thoughts about a modern version of monopoly for Singapore.

Firstly, instead of railway stations, there is a chance card that decrees one property of yours be taken over for public transport with compensation by the bank (based on market value)(there may be some fixed public transport stations). That may sound like a bad thing, but it also means that all neighbouring properties and houses appreciate in value by 0.X number of times (determined by double dice throw, so maximum amount of appreciation capped at 1.2 times the market value).

There will be no more free parking space (hellooooo, this is Singapore leh), instead by purchasing the property, you have the option of building a multistory carpark (number of stories = number of houses, with increasing rents).

Instead of luxury tax, there is income tax everytime you pass go. This is calculated based on your perceived income per round, matched with the appropriate income tax bracket. Also, purchase of any house/hotel is subject to stamp duty payable to the bank.

After winning the beauty contest (used to get $20 remember?) in chance/community chest, you have to say "Boomz" each time you want to collect rent.

If you are ever caught speeding in your car (throwing doubles three times in a row), after you get out of jail, you are banned from driving for 3 rounds, afterwhich have to retake your (expensive) driving test.....and you probably will not pass the first time (you must throw double six to pass).

Singapore's economy

When i first heard the news on the radio this morning, i was a bit concerned because it was reported that the rate of inflation has been revised from 1.5-2% to 2.5-3% (with the increase in COE taking responsibility).

Then saw this article on Asiaone, which made me chuckle when i read the following:

Singapore manages monetary policy by letting the its dollar rise or fall in
a undisclosed band against a secret trade-weighted basket of currencies of its
main trading partners.

Because it had neglected add that said monetary policy was guarded managed by hidden grey ninjas in an anonymous building at an unidentified part of Singapore.