All Adult Singaporeans Will Receive S$100 Tourism Vouchers In December

Highlights

  • The vouchers can be spent on local attractions, tours, and hotels.
  • No limits will be given in the number of vouchers used on a single transaction.
  • Vouchers are valid from December to June 2021.
  • Attraction operators will be able to apply for an increase in their operating capacities.

Singaporeans aged 18 and above will receive S$100 in virtual SingapoRediscovers vouchers to spend on leisure attractions, local tours, and hotel staycations. These SingapoRediscovers Vouchers will be accessible through SingPass from December and can be used to offset ticket purchases and hotel bookings until June 2021.

Permanent residents will not be eligible for these vouchers.

Adult Singaporeans will be able to purchase up to six subsidized tickets for attractions and tours – each at S$10 off too. These subsidized tickets can be given to Singaporeans under the age of 18. The validity of these subsidized tickets spans from December to the end of June 2021.

Last Wednesday, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said that the duration of this program is timely as it coincides with the December, March, and June holidays. He stressed that this is an “economic scheme to help our tourist attractions preserve their capabilities that have been built up over their years while they consolidate the capacity in the interim”.

Because the tourism sector was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the $320 million SingapoRediscovers Vouchers program was part of the Government’s efforts to boost tourism in the country.

Since the SingPass is the primary mode of issuing these vouchers, it is a distinct identifier that will be less susceptible to fraudulent activities. The Government will design other anti-fraud mechanisms into the system as they work with the eventual appointed platform operators.

LARGER CAPACITY LIMITS FOR ATTRACTIONS

From September 18 onwards, attractions may apply for an increase in their operating capacity from 25% to 50%. The applications are subjected to the approval of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Attractions can also apply for an increase in the capacity of their outdoor shows. The maximum is five zones with 50 people per zone. These are all subjected to safety management measures.

CURRENT TOURISM STATUS

40 attractions, 214 hotels, and 438 tour itineraries were given the green light to resume operations with safety management measures in place. These numbers include Singapore’s 4 wildlife parks, hotels on Sentosa, and guided tours in Pulau Ubin. You will have a myriad of options to think about as you rediscover our own backyard.

With more than 200 deals and packages launched by the local tourism sector, the SingapoRediscovers vouchers will encourage more Singaporeans to see what the Red Dot has to offer. STB chief executive Keith Tan said that while F&B and retail businesses are part of their marketing campaigns, the core beneficiaries of these vouchers will be hotels, attractions, and tours.

What is nice about this program is that there are no limits in the number of vouchers you can use in a single transaction. The S$10 vouchers can be used across different visits or used up in a single staycation package.

The means as to how you use your vouchers is completely up to you!

Sources: 1 & 2

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These wallpapers, decals, and decors are perfect for peeps who miss travelling

Tres Tintas Paris

While borders are slowly reopening for business travellers and official travel, restrictions for leisure travel probably won’t be lifted so soon. If you’re an avid traveller, we feel you.

For those who are dying to travel, these wallpapers and decals are a great visual reminder that the pandemic will be over one day. When that time arrives, we will be able to explore the world again!

#1: Above The Clouds
Above the Clouds Wallpaper

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

Are you a window-, middle-, or aisle-seat kind of person? One of the greatest things about getting a window seat is the view above the clouds. Oh boy, how we miss those cotton candy clouds up from above.

Whether you choose to have this backdrop in the bedroom, study room, or home office space, it will definitely bring you back to the happy times you were up in the skies.

To proceed, please measure your wall size and enter the dimensions on this page. The team at Hello Circus has also kindly provided a guide on how to measure your wall to help you get started.

#2: Tres Tintas Paris
Tres Tintas Paris

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

A few months back in June, we read with excitement how the Eiffel Tower reopened after a three-month break due to COVID-19. Though… it will be some time before we can travel to Paris to view the iconic tower.

Travellers who have treaded the grounds of Champ de Mars and seen the 300-m tall wrought-iron lattice tower can now travel back in time with this wallpaper.

Sold by Hello Circus, they are made-to-measure and numbered accordingly with the DIY installation in mind. You may also request for an installation hire at an additional cost. Get your quote from the team by clicking this link.

#3: London Houses
London Houses

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

This wallpaper of London houses reflects Hello Circus’s view of the townhouses at Notting Hill. Notting Hill is a lively neighbourhood in London and home to one of London’s best markets – Portobello Road Market.

This unique piece is created with 2D drawings, arranged, and photographed in 3D. It will be printed on high-quality non-woven paper in factories with the highest standards from Europe. Reinforced with nylon fibres, your wallpaper will also be resistant to colour fading.

Send your measurements to the team via this link.

#4: Watercolour World Map
Watercolour World Map Wallpaper

Image Credits: Urban Li’l

Price: S$85 / sqm with installation from S$240

The world’s under your watch with this world map wallpaper. Ignite your passion for adventure with this eco-friendly, child-safe, and highly durable piece from Urban Li’l. This wallpaper is produced locally in Singapore and will require about two weeks to be ready.

To order, simply click through the link to input the measurements here. Then, cart out at S$0 and the team will get back to you with a quotation of the actual price. Payment can be made offline. Oh yes, the site measurement fee at an additional S$50 is refundable upon a confirmed order.

For other colours or designs, the team at Urban Li’l can create it for you at no extra costs! Drop them a request on [email protected] or WhatsApp them using the bottom right-hand icon on their website.

#5: Wall Decals

Price: To be quoted

If you’re not ready to commit to a full-scale wallpaper for your living spaces, wall decals are great to begin with. Here are some designs that caught our eye.

Adventure is all you need

Adventure is all you need

Where will your next adventure take you?

Oh, the places you’ll go

Oh, the places you’ll go

Yeah, just think of all the places you will go when the virus is under control!

Rome

Rome

Was Rome on your travel list before the virus situation? Put it up on the wall because travelling will be made possible again. This too shall pass.

I promise to stay wild

I promise to stay wild

The thrill of booking an impromptu flight may not be possible now. But promise yourself to stay wild… in heart, mind, and spirit.

Without travel, I am lost

Without travel, I am lost

This quote speaks volume of the hearts of travel lovers. As we await the pandemic to pass, may our hearts grow fonder with the thought of seeing the world again soon.

For more travel-related wall art decals from The Hidden Folks, click here.

#6: Wall Decor

To complement your wallpapers and wall decals, you can also consider wall decors. We found a few eye-catching designs from Etsy.

Departures board art prints

Departures Board Art Prints

Price: S$16.98+

You can customize your own list of cities free of charge! Just include the relevant details under the ‘Notes to Seller’ section before carting out.

Scratch-off world map

Scratch-off world map

Price: S$33.12+

Glove trotters will appreciate this scratch-off world map to remind them of the adventures they have gone through while abroad. You can choose to have yours done in gold or silver foil.

Retro travel posters

Retro Travel Posters

Price: S$31.73

For all things retro, get this printable set of 12 travel posters. You can instantly download and print once payment is confirmed. The seller recommends that you print this on matte finish paper to reduce glare and bring out the rich colour.

Check out more travel-related wall decor from Etsy by clicking through the link.

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Jobs: Apple, Singapore Polytechnic, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development are hiring

now hiring sign

We came across a few job openings at Apple, Singapore Polytechnic, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development today. If you’re looking for a job, do beef up your resume before submitting your application.

Here are the details.

#1: Apple – Order Fulfilment Specialist (12 months contract)
Apple store in Singapore

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Founded in 1976, Apple probably needs no further introduction. It is an American multinational technology company headquartered in California. It is also one of the most well-known technology companies, alongside Google and Facebook.

The mission of Pacific Reseller Operations is to be the voice of the Reseller Channel within operations to ensure Apple products are in the right places at the right time. You will be supporting sales and Apple’s partners to achieve their financial goals. The team is focused on managing its supply chain as efficiently as possible, in order to maximize sales while driving for a frictionless order fulfilment experience.

Within the Reseller Operations team, this role is responsible for end-to-end channel order management from order induction to delivery. You will also need to ensure transactions in between are SOX and operationally compliant.

Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • A real passion for Operations with relevant experience in Order Management / Customer Service / Logistics Services roles.
  • Self-driven, but a collaborator with the ability to build and strengthen relationships.
  • Working knowledge of transactional systems and processes. SAP background preferred.
  • Demonstrate strong attention to detail and ability to shine under compressed timelines.
  • Adaptable, flexible, and open-minded to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that undergoes constant change.
  • Deep understanding of customs and/or regulations within Asian countries.
  • Familiarity with Project Management methodologies and frameworks
  • Expertise on productivity tools such as Excel is an added advantage.
  • Filled with positive energy and takes initiative with a thirst for personal growth
Key Responsibilities
  • Independently process orders/RMA and handle order exceptions (block management, NPI conversions, cancellation, credit/debit notes) according to SOP within set SLAs and SOX requirements.
  • Manage inbound inquiries and provide active close loop communication.
  • Understand and ensure Key Performance Indicators and order fulfilment goals are met on a consistent basis.
  • Participate in order fulfilment initiatives/UAT aimed at improving processes and tools and/or systems.
  • Root cause and work with DRIs on order fulfilment exceptions.
  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) execution activities as/when required.
How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

#2: Singapore Polytechnic – Senior / Lead Executive (Business Development), Professional and Adult Continuing Education (PACE) Academy #SGUnitedJobs
singapore-polytechnic

Image Credits: CNA

Singapore Polytechnic has been training and developing talent since 1957, fuelling the economic growth of our nation over many decades. Continuing Education and Training (CET) was given prominence in 1979 in Singapore Polytechnic when Singapore needed well-trained and skilled manpower to boost its push to value-added manufacturing and services.

The Professional & Adult Continuing Education Academy or PACE, launched at Singapore Polytechnic in 2010, provides the focal point for CET – as Singapore Polytechnic continues to build on their success in providing new and effective pathways for learners of all ages to develop their skills and knowledge so as to be employable in an ever-changing workplace.

Job Qualifications
  • At least 2 years’ experience in business development or sales, preferably in the context of adult training education.
  • A self-directed learner who is confident, exhibits initiative, and display good salesmanship
  • Possess marketing skills and ability to interact effectively
  • A self-driven individual who is both independent and a team player
  • Resourceful, with good interpersonal, organizational, and coordination skills
  • Good project management skills and time management
  • Some experience of sales & marketing would be an advantage
Key Responsibilities
  • Identify prospective customers/ trainees to identify new leads and potential new markets
  • Reach out to existing and prospective customers/ trainees through system applications, emails, telephone calls, events, webinars, meetings, and even face-to-face interactions
  • Implement corporate sales plans for client prospecting and acquisitions
  • Understand the learning needs of prospective individuals/ corporates and recommend training solutions
  • Follow-up with prospective individuals/ corporates to ensure successful lead conversions
  • Track business opportunities from GeBiz channels
  • Price courses reasonably by taking into consideration operating costs and market competitiveness  
  • Work closely with course proposers from schools and training partners to scope training programmes in response to existing and new market demands
  • Maintain fruitful relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Collaborate with the Marketing & Events team for new course launches
  • Provide administrative support to the Business Development Team
How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here. Applications close on 30 September.

#3: Ministry of Social and Family Development – Operations Officer, Sector Management (Singapore Boys’ Home) #SGUnitedJobs
Ministry of Social and Family Development

Image Credits: enablingvillage.sg

The mission of the Ministry of Social and Family Development is to nurture resilient individuals, strong families, and a caring society. At MSF, the team are professionals with a passion for people. They develop the “heartware” for Singapore through policies, community infrastructure, programmes, and services.

The Juvenile Homes comprising the Singapore Boys’ Home and the Singapore Girls’ Home, are Residential Centres for Holistic Youth Rehabilitation. The mission of the Juvenile Homes in working with youths is to “Restore Lives, Empower Transformation, and Recreate Future”, which will allow them to achieve life success and be a valuable member in the community.

Job Qualifications
  • Tertiary education with relevant experience in operations and staffing work in the social service setting
  • Proficient in IT, have strong analytical ability, and possess good writing & presentation skills.
Key Responsibilities

Assist in staffing, planning, and coordination work within the respective sectors.

How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here. Applications close on 28 September.

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Here’s why you’re experiencing increasing intolerance for dairy products as you age

Dairy products

As we age, are you realizing an increasing intolerance for dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream? You’re not alone. According to the US National Institutes of Health, over 90 per cent of East Asians experience lactose intolerance.

After a cup of our favourite bubble milk tea, one might feel bloated, gassy, nauseous, diarrhoeal, pain in the abdomen, and/or even rumblings from the abdomen.

Here’s why.

It’s all in the digestive system
digestive-system

Image Credits: Portugal Resident

When we get older, our digestive system starts to produce less lactase. In fact, many Asians lack lactase to begin with. Lactase is an enzyme present in the small intestine which helps us to break down lactose into simple sugars.

The reason why you’re going through symptoms of lactose intolerance is because of the undigested lactose. The substance passes through our intestines and gets fermented by the gut bacteria.

Dr Alex Soh, a consultant with National University Hospital’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, said, “These symptoms often occur about 30 minutes to a few hours after consuming the lactose-containing food or beverage.”

“Its severity depends on how much lactose is consumed – higher amounts of lactose could result in more symptoms.”

Lactose intolerance is not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Though we can’t rule out the fact that peeps with IBS may not react well to lactose.

Here’s the solution
mug-milk-with-cookies

Image Credits: Freepik

Based on a study by Purdue University’s School of Consumer and Family Sciences, restoring your digestive system to accept dairy products again may be possible. To do so, one has to consume a controlled amount of dairy foods.

Professor Dennis Savaiano, the school’s dean, said, “If you only consume dairy products once in a while, you are more likely to have symptoms from them.”

“Also, if you consume them by themselves, as opposed to as part of a meal, they tend to be transported throughout the intestine more rapidly and are more likely to cause symptoms.”

The main idea is to start in small quantities and increase by the week. “By altering the diet over time, bacteria more effectively digest lactose, making milk very well tolerated.”

Products with lactose
Greek-Yogurt-Dressing

Image Credits: Savory Experiments

Being aware of products with lactose is also key to a controlled diet. Lactose is not just found in cheese and yoghurt. It may also be present in foods such as salad dressings, biscuits, cakes, cereals, and pancake mixes.

Processed foods may also contain lactose. For your next grocery trip, you might want to pay special notice to these ingredients on the packaging:

  • Whey
  • Caseinates
  • Casein
  • Nougat
  • Milk byproducts
  • Dry milk solids
  • Dry milk powder
  • Butter
  • Curd
  • Nonfat dry milk

Dr Soh also points our attention to lactose powder, a common food additive found in some foods and condiments.

According to MedicineNet, lactose may even be present in over-the-counter medicines like some tablets for stomach acid and gas. The good news? It’s usually in small amounts and will most likely only affect those with severe lactose intolerance.

As we come to a close, Dr Soh highlighted that people with lactose intolerance are often able to tolerate up to 12g of lactose without symptoms. To increase your tolerance threshold, consume lactose with food.

You may also try supplementing with a lactase enzyme to improve lactose digestion and symptoms. And of course, please consult a doctor before popping any pills.

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Jobs: LTA, Ministry of Law, and Singapore General Hospital are hiring

jobs available

It’s a new week! Hope everyone’s off to a good start.

For those who are job searching, we chanced upon some openings with the LTA, Ministry of Law, and Singapore General Hospital. LTA’s vacancy closes on 15 September according to the job post so send your applications quick if you’re interested.

#1: LTA – Executive Assistant (12 months temporary contract) #SGUnitedJobs
LTA careers

Image Credits: LTA

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) spearheads land transport developments in Singapore. They plan, design, build, and maintain Singapore’s land transport infrastructure and systems.

They also aspire to strengthen Singapore’s land transport connectivity and integrate a greener and more inclusive public transport system complemented by walk and cycle options. The organization harnesses technology to strengthen Singapore’s rail and bus infrastructure and develop exciting options for future land transport.

The land transport network has transformed significantly since the inception of LTA in 1995, with more than 160km of expressways spanning the island, an MRT network of more than 200 km, 120 km of cycling paths, and increasingly varied commuting options.

Job Qualifications
  • Diploma in any discipline
  • Meticulous, proactive, and responsible
  • Pleasant personality and able to adapt easily
  • Strong command of English will be a plus
  • Good overall computing proficiency including Microsoft Office
Key Responsibilities

You will be supporting the Deputy Director in overall secretarial, administrative, finance, logistics, and project matters; support Division administrative tasks and initiatives.

How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

#2: Ministry of Law – Officer (Data Entry and Quality Control), Finance & Office Admin #SGUnitedJobs
Singapore Ministry of Law

Image Credits: Singapore Business Review

In Singapore, having the rule of law and advancing people’s access to justice are not just lofty ideals but the backbone of a functioning and a progressive society.

At the Ministry of Law, the team not only contributes to developing the legal frameworks and policies that uphold the public’s way of life but also provide community legal services that Singaporeans benefit from. The key policies they oversee include Singapore’s legal and intellectual property infrastructure, the civil and criminal justice systems, as well as land resources.

Their officers are experts from different fields and enjoy an excellent and challenging career in a fast-paced environment with plenty of opportunities to grow. If you share their vision of shaping the future of Singapore, you will be a right fit at the Ministry of Law.

Job Qualifications
  • Good knowledge in Microsoft Excel
  • Meticulous and fit for physical work
  • Preferably with digitization experience or data entry experience
Key Responsibilities

You will be part of the Records Management team. Your responsibilities include:

  • Quality Control (QC) checks on digitized files for completeness of scanning and defects.
  • Reporting of defects, using Excel for data entry, and creation of manifest for extracted records.
  • Physical work such as checking, moving, and repacking of files and cartons.
How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

#3: Singapore General Hospital – Executive, Integrated Care Operations (2 years Contract)
Singapore General Hospital

Image Credits: todayonline.com

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is the first and largest hospital in Singapore. It provides affordable specialist care for patients, training for doctors and other healthcare professionals, and conducts research to bring better care to its patients.

A not-for-profit institution, SGH is wholly owned by the government of Singapore and the flagship hospital of the public healthcare system. SGH is a member of the SingHealth cluster of healthcare institutions.

Every year, the SGH Campus caters to over 1 million patients. With a 10,000-strong workforce, SGH accounts for about a quarter of the total acute hospital beds in the public sector and about one-fifth of acute beds nationwide. 

SGH is also accredited by the Joint Commission International for meeting its standards of safety and quality in healthcare. It is the first in Asia to achieve the Magnet Recognition in 2010 for nursing excellence awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Job Qualifications
  • A recognized degree in any discipline
  • Proficient computer knowledge (MS Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Effective team player who is resourceful and willing to learn
  • Good problem-solving skills with a “never-say-die” attitude
Key Responsibilities

You will be facilitating the development of and supporting new and existing care integration programmes. Your job duties include, but not limited to, the following:

  • Perform data collection, analysis, and reporting on the outcomes of key disease management programmes and other care integration activities to SGH Senior Management, MOH, the Agency for Integrated Care, and any other external agencies so as to support policymaking.
  • Coordinate and liaise with clinical departments and multi-disciplinary care teams to implement and carry out specific disease management and care intervention programmes
  • Develop community care outreach programmes and collaboration efforts with ILTC and Primary Care sectors.
  • Cooperate with external funding agencies e.g. MOH, AIC etc. and manage matters pertaining to external funding applications and grant submissions for care integration programmes.
  • Manage care integration activities in terms of planning, promoting, implementing and providing support for specific department events organized for internal/external stakeholders.
  • Other administrative duties such as work plan and budget preparation.
How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

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