News has it that the government is making it easier for young couples to buy their first HDB flat starting in June.
And here’s what they are going to do:
Lower the initial down payment from 20% to just 2.5% of the purchase price.
What are the requirements?
Right now, couples, where one is a full-time national serviceman, student, or recently completed their studies or national service in the last year, can defer having their income assessed until right before they get the keys.
This is because if they were assessed earlier, they might not qualify for grants like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG), which requires being employed for at least a year.
By waiting until key collection to check income, the couples have a better chance of getting the grant or even qualifying for a higher loan amount.
Other requirements for deferred income assessment include one person being 30 or younger.
The couple must also be married or applying together under the Fiance-Fiancee Scheme, where the minimum age is 21.
Down payment benefits
Additionally, young couples currently have the option to split the minimum 20% down payment into two installments.
The first is either 5% or 10% depending on the loan, and the second is due at key collection.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Since 2018, over 3,700 couples have used deferred income assessment and staggered down payments to make it easier to buy their first flat earlier.
Now, the government wants to help reduce the initial costs even more.
For some, the reduced initial down payment of just 2.5% will significantly lower the financial barrier to owning a home.
The changes take effect starting with the BTO sales launch in June.
Additional rental vouchers
Families who qualify for the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) will also get temporary $300/month rental vouchers while waiting for their new homes to be completed.
HDB is doubling the supply of rental flats they provide to help meet demand.
In the interim, the government will provide eligible families vouchers for a year starting in July to help cover renting an HDB flat or bedroom on the open market.
The $300 amount was carefully set to provide relief without over-inflating rental prices for others.
To qualify for the new vouchers, families must meet the PPHS requirements and have a rental tenancy registered with HDB when applying.
Those eligible will get reimbursed based on how long their approved tenancy falls within the year.
With that said, renting from family members won’t count.
More details will be shared closer to the official launch so stay tuned if you’re eyeing this segment from the government.
Having tied the knot not once, but twice – once in a civil ceremony and again in a church – I can attest to the magic of capturing those precious moments without breaking the bank.
Whether it’s the enchanting pre-nuptial shoots or the heartwarming on-site wedding photos, here are some delightful options that won’t empty your pockets.
DOLLOP PRINT CLUB
Remember those adorable NeoPrints from the 2000s? If you’re feeling nostalgic for those fun-filled arcade days, Dollop Print Club is here to whisk you back in time! For just S$10, you’ll receive two charming photo strips adorned with various frames.
Plus, as a delightful bonus, you’ll get a complimentary digital GIF version delivered straight to your email. Perfect for printing your own invitations!
Image Credits: facebook.com/dollopsg
Location: 6 Ubi Road 1 #08-13, 408726, Singapore
YIPMAGE MOMENTS
At Yipmage Moments, capturing authentic moments of joy and happiness is not just a job – it’s a passion. Led by the talented Mathias, this team specializes in allowing couples to be themselves, resulting in photos brimming with genuine emotion.
With affordable packages tailored to suit every budget and special pre-wedding sessions that promise serendipitous discoveries, Yipmage Moments is dedicated to making your wedding day truly unforgettable.
Prices start from:
– Photoshoot session – S$100
– One hour of solemnization photography coverage – S$300
– Six hours of AD photography coverage – S$1,500
Location: 9 Jalan Arnap, Singapore 249315
LIFE4CUT
Transport yourself to the whimsical world of Korean photo studios with Life4Cut. With branches in Suntec City and Bugis Junction, this studio offers more than just photos – it’s an experience! Dress up in adorable costumes and accessories, from animal headbands to traditional Hanbok attire.
Opt for the classic “Life4Cut” strip (S$10) or go for the dynamic “Story Edition” (S$12) for a truly magical touch. Use these photos for your reception, topped with Korean-inspired flair.
Image Credits: instagram.com/life4cut_sg
Location: 200 Victoria St, #03-12B, Singapore 188021
VERA MORGANA
Step into a fairytale world with Vera Morgana, where every photo tells a story of love and enchantment. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating unforgettable moments, Vera ensures that each snapshot reflects the unique essence of the couple.
From fun and natural photo shoots to personalized concepts tailored to your preferences, Vera Morgana goes above and beyond to make your dreams a reality.
For those seeking fairy tale-worthy photographs, look no further than GrizzyPix Photography. Founded by the passionate Grismond Tien, this studio specializes in capturing candid moments and contemporary journalism-style shots that truly reflect the essence of your love story.
With packages starting from S$500 for 2 hours, GrizzyPix Photography ensures that your magical memories are preserved for a lifetime. Get a quotation for an accurate package price.
Location: 2 Akyab Rd, Singapore 309973
With these enchanting options, you can capture the essence of your special day without breaking the bank. So, let the magic begin, and may your wedding day be filled with love, laughter, and whimsical memories that last a lifetime!
Dealing with a baby’s diaper rash is every parent’s concern, but finding an effective solution can be a challenge.
For all the moms and dads out there in search of reliable diaper rash creams, look no further for we’ve curated a list of diaper rash creams priced under $16, designed to provide your precious little one with the relief they need.
Next, we have this diaper cream that uses the same pH value as your baby’s delicate skin to soothe and protect irritated skin.
The water-in-oil formula combines panthenol and wheat bran extract to relieve inflammation and redness, while a lipid blend with lecithin and squalane moisturizes and nourishes the skin barrier.
A protective titanium dioxide film shields against irritants while the healing process begins.
Recommended for use from 1 month of age, this pediatrician-tested formula works to calm even the most severe diaper rash and promote a healthy diaper area so your baby can stay comfortable.
It’s a little tube of relief that helps keep your little one smiling.
Or you can consider Mustela, a vitamin barrier diaper cream that combines nature and science to protect your baby’s sensitive skin.
Using 98% ingredients of natural origin that are fragrance-free and preservative-free, it forms a vitamin-rich barrier that helps defend against the moisture, irritation, and bacteria that cause diaper rash.
The formula contains sunflower seed oil and avocado seed extract to soothe, moisturize, and strengthen skin.
At the same time, a blend of patented natural actives guarantees triple effectiveness at relieving existing discomfort, preventing future flare-ups, and promoting skin recovery.
Clinically tested under extreme conditions, this dermatologist-recommended cream is designed to be used daily as part of a diaper care routine.
Lastly, we have this diaper cream that protects tiny bottoms.
It’s formulated with three ingredients that work together to create a barrier against diaper rash.
Ceramides help repair and rebuild the skin’s natural protective barrier, while zinc oxide creates a physical shield against moisture.
Octenidine fights yeast growth that can irritate.
With every change, clean the diaper area thoroughly before applying a thin layer.
Pair with the Ceradan Moisturizing Wash for a double dose of protection.
This product from Singapore’s leading healthcare group ensures your little one’s skin stays happy and healthy so they can focus on crawling, walking, and exploring!
With these diaper rash creams at your disposal, you can address your baby’s discomfort promptly. Finding the right cream may involve a bit of trial and error so be patient, observe how your baby’s skin responds, and consult with a doctor if needed.
Much has been said about the dangers of screen time for children, which makes many parents in this age suspicious around technology when it comes to their kids. But on the opposite end, there are also numerous benefits that technology can provide in terms of early childhood education, as long as it used properly.
Today’s preschool classrooms are no longer limited to books, chalkboards, crayons, and paper. Contemporary classrooms also come with smart TVs, tablets, robotics kits, and other educational technology tools that are designed to provide engaging and fun learning experiences for preschool children.
In the Smart Nation of Singapore, technology can help your child understand and navigate the world they will be growing up in, ultimately in healthy ways. As they start their academic journey in preschools like Kinderland Singapore, they will be exposed to innovative ways of learning using technology as a vital tool and resource. To see this in action, prospective parents can check out Kinderland SG’s Facebook page and Kinderland SG’s Instagram page.
As a parent, it’s important to be aware of these new technologies used in preschools. In understanding these new ways of teaching and learning, you can allay any unfounded suspicions about technology and better support your child at home as well as communicate your concerns with your child’s educators. Below are just a few educational technologies used in preschools that you should know about:
1) Interactive Learning Platforms for Online Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic drove online learning platforms (OLP) to mainstream popularity. However, even before the pandemic, many online learning platforms were already in use all over the world. In fact, 63 percent of private kindergartens and childcare centres in Hong Kong have been using these platforms, as noted in a 2012 study by W.M.V. Leung, cited in a National Library of Medicine paper.
OLPs can come in custom portals developed for specific schools, and there are free OLPs, such as Khan Academy, Udemy, and Coursera, that provide age-appropriate learning programs on a variety of educational topics.
With valuable resources to support your child’s education, these OLPs can become a great platform for remote learning on days that your child can’t come to school.
2) STEM Robotics Kits for Robotics and Coding Lessons
Introducing STEM education at an early age has become an essential part of the preschool curriculum in Singapore. In some preschool institutions, basic coding and robotics concepts are actually being integrated into classroom lessons.
To effectively demonstrate the principles of coding and robotics, developmentally appropriate STEM kits have been created for preschool students to try. In some popular robotics kits, simple blocks contain basic commands that kids can put together to animate the robot included in the kit.
In the classroom, children can experiment with the robot, giving it commands to solve puzzles and perform experiments. Through hands-on learning and play with technology kits like these, your child can develop their critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities—both of which they’ll need to flourish in competitive learning environments such as those of Singapore.
3) Tablets and Computers for Digital Storytelling
Digital storytelling is a concept that goes further than simply reading an e-book on a tablet. It also encompasses a wider range of learning activities, several of which are now being used in preschool classrooms.
In digital storytelling activities, preschoolers are challenged to create their own stories using tools like age-appropriate storytelling apps. Aside from enhancing their linguistic and communication skills, kids can also use digital storytelling to let their creative juices flow by drawing the scenes and animating the characters in their narratives. If implemented properly in the preschool classroom, digital storytelling can be an effective way to achieve interdisciplinary learning.
4) Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) for Immersive Learning
The use of AR and VR in early childhood education is still relatively new. However, these advanced technologies open up more possibilities for immersive learning, which is being studied as a more engaging way to teach preschool children.
Through VR applications, your child can go on virtual tours all over the world, visiting locations like Mt. Everest, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Louvre. Meanwhile, AR apps like SkyView and Wonderscope provide a fun and educational AR experience in which your child can learn about space and learn to read through storytelling.
These immersive experiences can stimulate a preschooler’s curiosity and enhance their comprehension of abstract concepts. Indeed, AR and VR technologies may come to your local preschool someday and expand your child’s mind beyond the confines of the traditional classroom.
5) Assistive Technologies for Children with Special Needs
Inclusive education lies at the heart of Singapore’s preschool system, and assistive technologies play a critical role in ensuring equal learning opportunities for all children.
Tailored to children with special needs, assistive technologies support their unique learning requirements to make their educational experience richer and more enjoyable. Some examples of assistive technology are screen readers and braille printers for the visually impaired and text-to-speech apps for non-verbal children.
Preschools that integrate assistive technologies for children with special needs truly show their commitment to nurturing every child’s development. They are also valuable champions for inclusive and healthy learning environment for all.
If used appropriately, technology in early childhood education will provide a richer learning experience for your child and prepare them for a future where technology is present in every sector of society. As a parent with their child’s best interests at heart, it would be good for you to continue learning about technology’s role in the classroom and how it will affect your child’s present and future education.
Finding a dance school to inspire your child’s rhythmic talents?
To guide you through (or at least attempt to narrow down choices), we have curated a list of the best-rated dance schools in Singapore, where your little one can hone their passion for movement and music from a tender age.
Since 1999, John & Josephine Dance Creative has been bringing joy to people’s feet with their dance lessons.
If you have a child who wants to learn the basics of ballroom, their professional instructors make learning fun through private or group classes in styles from the waltz to the jive.
Private lessons for just $350 include four 45-minute sessions to tailor their technique, while group lessons for $160 consist of six one-hour classes to practice new moves with like-minded dancers.
Located in Bras Basah Complex, John & Josephine Dance Creative is your one-stop for all things ballroom, Latin, and social, helping your child gracefully glide across the dance floor with confidence.
Next, we have Dancer’s Dream Studio (DDS) which brings big dreams to life through dance classes for all ages and skill levels.
Located along Dempsey Road, their dance curriculum balances skills with creative play to nurture a love for movement.
Their DDS Latin Dance for Kids program is designed to make Latin dance accessible and fun for young children or for those looking to pick up a new hobby.
Your kid will pick up foundational syllabus figures while being entertained through games and creative thinking within routines.
If you want to see your child love every spin and twirl as they discover their inner performer, join them on their studio floors.
DDS will provide the music, the moves, and the mentorship to help your child find their rhythm.
Last but not least, Dance At The Difference promises a nurturing environment for little ones to learn many types of dance from expert instructors.
Children up to 8 years old can discover their passion for Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and more during regular classes or the upcoming Easter Dance Camp—5 mornings of dancing fun full of exciting activities for ages 3 to 8 in April 2024 for just $300.
Located at Goldhill Center, parents can try a free trial class to see their child’s eyes light up as they learn music and movement, and build confidence and social skills through dance at a boutique studio focused on helping children shine.
Contact them for more deets!
You can witness your child’s dance dreams take flight at one of the abovementioned dance schools in Singapore. Whether they twirl in tutus or groove to modern beats, the foundation laid at a young age will shape their future. Enroll your little ones today and watch as they blossom into dancers, guided by the expertise of the pros. Let the music play and the joy of movement unfold.
