COVID-19 updates for those planning a trip to Taiwan, Japan, Canada, and South Korea

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streets of South Korea

For those who have been keeping up with the news, it’s impossible not to know that COVID-19 is firing up again.

An even more recent mutant, BA.2.75, may be on the radar as Singapore battles its most recent round of COVID-19 infections brought on by the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants.

According to a virologist at Imperial College London, the subvariant BA.2.75 is worth monitoring because of its abundance in spike mutations, apparent quick development, and extensive geographic distribution.

But for those who are still hopeful that travel plans won’t be disrupted, keep reading for COVID-19 updates in Taiwan, Japan, Canada, and South Korea.

Taiwan
night market

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Taiwan wants to end its two-year tourist ban, maybe by initially permitting both inbound and outbound group excursions at the same time. The director general of the tourism bureau stated that both incoming and outgoing tour preparations are in progress, involving the retraining of local guides and itinerary creators.

Japan
diners at a Japanese restaurant

Image Credits: unsplash.com

On 21 July, Japan’s daily COVID-19 infections hit 180,000, breaking the previous day’s record. 31,878 coronavirus cases, a peak, were reported in Tokyo, surpassing 30,000 for the first time.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated during a news conference that movement restrictions should not be considered but that it is important to monitor the effects on the healthcare system carefully.

Some members of the COVID-19 advisory group for the health ministry have urged the government to take into consideration actions like declaring prefectures where an infection is spreading quickly as an emergency.

Canada
The Toronto Lights

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For vaccinated visitors arriving in Canada by air, the four busiest Canadian airports—Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto—resumed obligatory random COVID-19 testing on 19 July.

Travelers will undergo COVID-19 tests outside of the airports, either through an in-person visit at a drugstore, testing vendor facility, or through an online appointment for a remote self-swab test.

Within 15 minutes of finishing their customs declaration, travelers will get an email notification if they have been chosen for required random testing. All necessary information needed to go through testing will be in that email too.

In addition, within 72 hours of their arrival in Canada, all visitors must utilize ArriveCAN to provide the necessary travel information, including their vaccination history.

South Korea
DDP Korea

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Due to the emergence of a highly infectious Omicron subvariant, Korea’s new coronavirus cases remained above 70,000 for the third day in a row on 21 July. 71,170 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the nation, 320 of which were international.

All visitors entering South Korea as of 25 July must undergo a PCR test within 24 hours due to the government being obliged to strengthen its testing requirements due to rising caseloads around the country. Travelers currently have up to three days after arrival to complete the test.

On the Q-code website, travelers can record the results of their on-arrival PCR tests. A seven-day quarantine at a designated quarantine facility is necessary if the on-arrival test results are positive.

South Korea is increasing the number of test facilities at airports around the nation to simplify on-arrival testing. Incheon International Airport presently has three test facilities, while Gimhae International Airport has one. This month, a testing facility will open at Jeju International Airport.

Editor’s note: All information published at the time of writing is accurate.

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Latest WFH internships posted from 18 to 22 July 2022

by  in Career and Enterprising
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a female student woking on her laptop in bed

In the modern world, obtaining that crucial job opportunity no longer depends just on having a decent degree.

Nowadays, developing a successful career depends just as much on the relevant job experience as it does on your educational background and major examination scores. As a consequence, internships have emerged as a crucial tool for individuals looking to differentiate themselves.

If you’re searching for one, here are the latest WFH internships posted from 18 to 22 July 2022.

#1: Hill+Knowlton Strategies – People + Culture Intern

Hill+Knowlton Strategies

 

Website: https://www.hkstrategies.com/en/

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,650 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Fresh graduates who have completed an education in Human Resources, Business Management, or equivalent.
  • Able to commit at least 4 to 6 months for an internship, with the possibility of conversion to Perm based on business requirements and individual performance.
  • Interest in the Marketing/ Advertising/ Communications industry.
  • Excellent written + verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Solid computer literacy skills, including practical knowledge in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, Sharepoint, and PowerPoint.
  • A basic understanding and knowledge of Singapore’s employment regulations, industry trends, current practices, new developments, and employment law is a strong plus.
  • Meticulous and detail-oriented in handling sensitive employee information and administrative work.
  • Highly organized and able to work in an agile environment.
  • Great with problem-solving, creatively driven, and able to bring fresh perspectives to the table.
  • Most importantly, you are driven, and enthusiastic and thrive best in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Operational HR admin support relating to the employee lifecycle – including recruitment, new hire onboarding/ offboarding, payroll administration support, employee welfare benefits, training and development, performance, and talent management.
  • Support talent acquisition efforts, including sourcing (direct, referrals, job boards, active search), screening, scheduling, and coordinating interviews with the hiring managers.
  • Support and execute new hire onboarding/induction and consistently deliver a positive candidate experience with timely follow-up and updates.
  • Support School Outreach programs by engaging with target polytechnics/ universities, student societies, and career centers.
  • Maintain internal employee database in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Partner with the Head of People + Culture to execute people initiatives that support the overall objectives of the Agency.
  • Organize internal training, meetings, and cultural events for the Agency.
  • Any other ad-hoc HR duties as assigned.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Noon Ling via this link.

#2: Beezelo Pte Ltd – Marketing & PR Intern

Beezelo Pte Ltd

Website: https://beezelo.com/

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,100 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Someone keen to hone their skills in PR & marketing
  • Good at doing research and PowerPoint presentations – so creative thinking and basic design skills will be useful.
Key Responsibilities
  • Creating written content for website, marketing materials, and social media accounts
  • Ideation marketing & PR campaign concept and proposal submissions to clients
  • Design simple social media assets: video, gifs, and banners using Canva
  • Event planning and execution
  • Support supervisor/ manager in implementing clients’ marketing communications strategy.
  • Creating engaging content for media releases, social media platforms, and newsletters.
  • Updating and maintaining social media pages
  • Building relationships with clients and potential clients, suppliers, and the media.
  • Review campaign performance metrics and key performance indicatDevelop and design sponsorship proposals
  • Researching marketing initiatives of clients’ competitors
  • Monitoring of media coverage on events and media releases that were issued and creating press clippings.
  • Any other ad-hoc design/administrative duties
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Florence via this link.

#3: Cove Singapore – Field Sales Intern (Property)

Cove Singapore

Website: https://cove.sg/

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Completed or pursuing an undergraduate degree in any field (business related is a bonus, but if you’ve got what it takes, they’d love to have you!)
  • Strong academic track record
  • Experience in a sales/marketing/customer service role
  • Strong sense of empathy, responsibility, humor + energy
  • Independent – as your time to some extent can also be scheduled by yourself for a semi-flexible work day. Some days are heavier, and some are very light!
Key Responsibilities
  • Liaise with potential tenants to understand their requirements, share property information, arrange viewings, and onboard them to COVE
  • Leverage on sales best practices to convert leads during viewings and post-viewing stage
  • Collaborate closely with the customer support team for lead insights
  • Collate leads or tenant feedback to drive continuous improvement for the sales and marketing team
  • Help to continuously improve the tenant experience
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to shiwei@cove.sg.

#4: Upmesh (Questdev Pte Ltd – B2B Demand Generation Intern

Upmesh

Website: https://upmesh.io/sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $500 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Currently in an undergrad or postgrad course
  • Have a proven track record of entrepreneurialism
  • Naturally organized and data-driven
  • Hungry and curious
Key Responsibilities
  • Sit with merchants to understand their workflows to identify the ideal point of entry and value creation
  • Develop and personally test demand generation strategies for new products
  • Write the demand generation playbook for new products
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to victoria@upmesh.io.

#5: Isentia – Management Intern

Isentia

Website: https://www.isentia.com/

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Tertiary qualifications are preferred but not essential (ideally in Marketing, PR, Communications, or Business).
  • Strong client service focus. Self-motivated and results-driven. Team player.
  • Digital/Social media savvy. Keen interest in news and current affairs.
  • Ability to work to deadlines and under pressure.
  • Proficient in MS Office applications such as Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. GSuite knowledge is desirable. Able to adapt quickly to new technology. 
  • Excellent command of English. The ability to speak in the local language and other dialects will be an added advantage.
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist in retention of accounts – client relationships, retention, and satisfaction.
  • Relevant and timely delivery of products and services.
  • Contributes to commercial AMT KPIs and retention targets.
  • Data collection and reporting. Ensure compliance with Isentia policies and standards, and ensures compliance with all local statutory requirements.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Lih Jiun via this link.

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The dos and don’ts of job hunting while you’re still employed

by  in Career and Enterprising
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a job seeker looking at her resume

You’ve been at your job for a few years and you’ve started to feel a little antsy.

You’re not sure what it is, but you know that you’re not fulfilled and you want more. So, you start to job hunt. But then you realize that what you need is stability, so you decide to keep your job and job hunt on the side.

Sounds familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people are in the same position as you. In this post, allow us to give you some tips on how to job hunt while still employed.

Do network carefully

When you’re job hunting, it’s important to be strategic about who you network with. You don’t want to open a can of worms, so be careful about who you reach out to for help.

Your best bet is to start with your network of friends and family. They may know of job openings that you don’t, or they may be able to put in a good word for you with their contacts.

But don’t stop there! LinkedIn can be a great resource for job hunters, and it’s a great place to start networking with people in your industry. Just be sure to stay professional and avoid asking for favors too early in the relationship.

Do consider a recruiter
a recruiter extending her hand

Image Credits: flexjobs.com

When you’re looking for a new job, the last thing you want to do is quit your current one without having a new one in hand. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start your job hunt now—in fact, there are a few things you should do to make the process easier.

First, consider working with a recruiter. A recruiter can help you identify opportunities that may be a good fit for you, and they can also help manage the process of applying and interviewing. Plus, since they have relationships with hiring managers at many companies, they can often get you in the door faster than if you applied on your own.

Just make sure you choose a recruiter who is reputable and has experience in your industry. You don’t want to waste your time or theirs.

Do keep your job search private

One of the most essential things to remember while job hunting is to keep your search private.

Telling your current employer that you’re looking for a new job can put you in a very difficult position. They may see it as a lack of commitment on your part or even a sign that you’re unsatisfied with your current job.

So, how do you go about finding a new job without tipping off your current employer? The best way is to be discreet and keep your job search under wraps. This means not discussing it with co-workers, avoiding posting on social media, and not putting key company contacts in your resume.

Don’t quit your job without a plan
a man packing up and getting ready to leave

Image Credits: fortune.com

So you’ve decided that you’re ready for a new job. That’s wonderful! But before you quit your current job, there are a few things you need to consider.

First, make sure you have a solid plan in place. Don’t just quit your job without knowing what you’re going to do next. You need to have a strategy for how you’re going to pay your bills and support yourself until you find a new job.

Second, don’t burn any bridges. It’s important to maintain good relationships with your current employer, even if you’re planning on leaving. You never know when you might need them for a reference or networking opportunity in the future.

Finally, give yourself enough time to job hunt. Don’t just quit your job and start applying for random new ones the next day. It’s good to take your time and find the right position for yourself.

Don’t let your job search distract you from your current job

You might be tempted to spend all day on job boards and networking websites, but don’t let your job search distract you from your current job. The last thing you want is to get fired for job hunting on company time!

Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Dedicate a certain number of hours each day to your job search, and use the rest of the time to focus on your current work. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from job searching and come back to it later.

There’s no rush, and you don’t want to end up making careless mistakes because you’re stressed out. Stay organized and take things one step at a time—you will find a new job in no time!

Job hunting is always a challenge, but it can be even tougher when you’re still working. You don’t want to burn any bridges at your current job, but you also need to start preparing for your future. While it may seem like the ultimate experience to be looking for work and earning a living at the same time, there are a few additional hurdles that you must take into consideration. Take tactful actions moving forward unless your manager has informed you of impending layoffs and permitted you to utilize company time for job searching.

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What are demand and supply? A simple explanation for business owners

by  in Business Solutions
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shoppers hoarding toilet paper

As a business owner, you need to understand the basic concepts of demand and supply.

These principles dictate how much of a product or service is available and how much people are willing to pay for it.

In this post, we will provide a basic explanation of what demand and supply are, and how they interact to create equilibrium in the market.

What are supply and demand?

Supply and demand are one of the most basic concepts in economics. It’s the theory that drives how businesses price their products and services.

In short, supply is how much of a product or service is available, while demand is how much of a product or service people want. When these two things meet, a market is formed and prices are determined.

If there’s high demand and low supply, the price will be high. If there’s low demand and high supply, the price will be low. It’s as simple as that!

How do demand and supply affect businesses?
a pharmacy with sold out rapid antigen test kits sign

Image Credits: asia.nikkei.com

If there is more demand for a product than there is available supply, the price of the product will go up. Businesses will then be able to sell the product at a higher price, making more profit.

However, if there is more supply for a product than there is demand, the price of the product will go down. Businesses will then need to lower the price of the product to sell it, making less profit.

Tips for using demand and supply to your advantage

Now that you understand the basics of demand and supply, here are a few tips for how to use them to your advantage:

  • Take advantage of market changes. If there’s a sudden change in the market (perhaps due to a natural disaster), adjust your prices and supplies to meet the new demand.
  • Pay attention to seasonal changes. When demand is high but the supply is low (for example, during the holiday season), increase your prices to take advantage of the increased demand.
  • Keep track of your competitor’s prices. If they’re reducing their prices, it’s likely because they’re experiencing a surplus of supply; conversely, if they’re raising their prices, it’s because they’re experiencing a shortage of supply. Use this information to adjust your prices accordingly.

By using these tips, you can ensure that your business is always making the most of demand and supply!

In summary, demand is how much of a product or service is desired by consumers. Supply is how much of a product or service is available to meet that demand. When there is equilibrium between the two, prices stay stable and businesses can operate successfully. However, when demand goes up and supply can’t keep up, prices for the product or service go up as well. On the other hand, if there is more supply than people want, prices go down. Business owners need to be aware of these things so they can adjust their prices and profit strategies accordingly.

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Scientifically proven ways to instantly lessen stress

by  in Lifestyle
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a woman laughing

We all know what it feels like to be stressed out. The pressure to succeed, the never-ending to-do list, the crushing sense of responsibility… It can be hard to keep our cool sometimes.

But what if we told you there are ways to instantly lessen stress? That’s right – (almost) no waiting necessary. All it takes is a little bit of know-how and some practice.

In this post, we will share some scientifically proven methods for instantly lessening stress.

Develop a stress management plan

If you’re feeling stressed out, it’s time to craft a stress management plan. A stress management plan is a customizable set of coping mechanisms you can use when you feel over the top.

Many different methods can help you relieve stress, and you need to find what works best for you. Some people may find relief in exercise, while others may prefer relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. There are also individuals who find comfort in indulging in calming scents, listening to instrumental music, or reading inspirational books.

The crucial thing is to find what works for you and to stick with it. When you have a toolkit of strategies to fall back on, you will be able to manage stress more effectively and lessen its harmful effects on your mind and body.

Connect with loved ones

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, one of the best things you can do is connect with loved ones. Whether that means sending a text, talking on the phone, or hanging out in person, spending time with your friends and family can help you feel more relaxed.

Plus, it’s a great way to de-stress and forget about your problems for a little while. So if you’re feeling swamped, don’t hesitate to reach out to the people you love. Most would be more than glad to help you unwind and take your mind off things.

Eat a healthy diet

a healthy bowl of fruits and vegetables

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Your diet can have a huge impact on your tension levels. When you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to eat healthy foods that will help to nourish your body and mind.

Foods that are high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can help to protect your cells from the effects of stress. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, can also help to reduce inflammation and enhance moods.

It’s also important to avoid foods that can make stress worse. Junk foods and sugary snacks can cause a blood sugar spike, which can lead to heightened feelings of anxiousness. Alcohol and caffeine can also impair your sleep routine, so it’s best to limit your intake or avoid it altogether.

Get enough sleep

One of the best ways to diminish stress is to get enough rest. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body doesn’t have the time or energy to recover from the day’s stressors, which can lead to feeling even more crushed and stressed out.

It’s almost common sense for adults to get seven to nine hours of shuteye each night. If you can’t seem to get enough bedtime, try these tips:

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
  • Avoid working or using electronic devices in bed.
  • Establish a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as reading or listening to soothing music.

Take breaks

When you’re extremely busy, taking a break is often the last thing on your mind. But it’s one of the most useful things you can do for yourself! Giving yourself some time to relax and rejuvenate can help to improve your mood, focus, and productivity.

There are plenty of ways to take a break, but not all of them are created equal. The following are some of our favorites:

  • Head out for a walk and some fresh air.
  • Watch a funny video or read a comedy-themed book.
  • Spend some time with your pet or take them out for a game of catch.
  • Step away from your work desk for a few minutes and take a few deep breaths.

Meditate

meditating

Image Credits: unsplash.com

One of the most popular methods for instantly lessening stress is meditation. This involves sitting still and focusing on your breath for a set amount of time.

During meditation, you may notice that your mind begins to wander. When this happens, simply refocus your attention back to your breath. Regular meditators have cultivated the ability to train their bodies to unwind at will and, as a result, can cope with stress more skillfully.

Exercise

There’s a reason why people always say that exercise is one of the best ways to destress. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and can help to relieve stress.

Not to mention, exercise is a great way to take your mind off of whatever is stressing you out and gives you some time to yourself. If you’re feeling worried and conquered, try fitting in a quick workout. Even something as simple as a 10-minute stroll outdoors can help to improve your mood and make you feel more coolheaded.

Laugh

Laughter is the best medicine. When you’re feeling stressed out, nothing beats a good laugh to help you snap out of it.

In fact, studies have shown that laughter can instantly lower stress, improve moods, and boost cognitive function. So next time you’re feeling overpowered, don’t forget to take a few minutes to laugh it off. It will help you feel better in no time.

You don’t have to let stress take over your life. There are many scientifically proven methods to instantly lessen stress. We’ve listed some of the most effective ways to get you started. Whether you’re looking for a way to relax your mind and body or increase your productivity, don’t wait any longer. Start reducing stress today and feel better tomorrow!

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