Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Airbnb x K-pop: Exclusive Online Experiences festival to meet stars like MONSTA X, The Boyz & Jamie

Want an up-close encounter with your favourite K-pop stars? Thanks to Airbnb’s exclusive Online Experiences festival, you will get the chance to interact with some of the hottest celebrities in Korea without having to fly there.

Bookings will be available from Thursday, 21 January, starting at 7am (Singapore time). With more than 10 over K-pop experiences priced from just S$27, we’ve picked out some Online Experiences that you will love.

#1: Enter a mukbang with Joohoney & I.M of MONSTA X

Image Credits: AllKpop

Date: Monday, 25 January

Time: 9am to 10am

Hosted in: English

Join the lead rappers of MONSTA X in this one-hour mukbang adventure. Mukbang (written as 먹방 in Korean) literally translates to “eat room”. By joining this “eating show” with Joohoney and I.M, you will get a glimpse of Korea’s convenience store food. They will share with you their unique convenience store food recipes and selected Korean seasonal dishes. Feel free to bring along your snacks to munch on during the experience.

#2: Make beaded bracelets with The Boyz

Image Credits: Soompi

Date: Monday, 25 January

Time: 12pm to 1pm

Hosted in: English

Are you trying to find an activity to rid you of the recent stress and anxiety build-up? Bring along your beading DIY kit and join Jacob, Kevin, Ju Haknyeon, and Eric from The Boyz in this lunchtime session. This is your chance to chat with the members that debuted in December 2017. The Boyz is also the winner of a television programme named “Road to Kingdom” that aired last year.

#3: Cravity invites you to their recipe-sharing session

Image Credits: Metro

Date: Monday, 25 January

Time: 3pm to 4pm

Hosted in: Korean

If you can understand and speak in Korean, why not join Cravity in their one-hour recipe-sharing session? Members of the boy group like Woobin, Allen, Seongmin, and Hyeongjun will be your hosts of the Airbnb Online Experience! Along with their guidance, you will be preparing a Korean dish called Gungjung Tteokbokki (written as 궁중떡볶이 in Korean). The delicacy that’s usually prepared with soy sauce instead of red chilli paste/gochujang will transport you to the royal palace during the Joseon dynasty.

#4: Nail your K-beauty routine with Jamie

Image Credits: Koreaboo

Date: Wednesday, 27 January

Time: 9am to 10am

Hosted in: English

Fans of all things Korea might be familiar with the multi-seasonal South Korean television series titled “K-Pop Star’. If yes, the name “Park Jimin” might ring a bell. Widely known to the public as Jamie now, she’s the show’s first season proud winner. Jamie will guide you in her daily skincare routine and show you her favourite make-up look. This is not just a step-by-step guide but also a highly interactive session where you can ask questions and have them answered!

Other Korean make-up related Airbnb Online Experiences:

#5: Join Handong in a private Airbnb photoshoot

Image Credits: Soompi

Date: Wednesday, 27 January

Time: 6pm to 7pm

Hosted in: Chinese (simplified)

Chinese New Year is around the corner, and this means there will be plenty of photo-taking opportunities. Want to appear more photogenic? Learn how to ace your facial expressions, plus learn valuable tips on gestures and the right postures to take. You will be hosted by Handong, a Chinese member of a South Korean girl group – Dreamcatcher. Here’s an opportunity to take a sneak peek at a live photoshoot and behind-the-scenes action.

For gentlemen who can understand Japanese, please check this out:

26 January: K-pop photoshoot with Kevin Woo (previous U-KISS member)

#6: Enjoy a concert with K-pop singer-songwriter, NIve

Image Credits: The Hype Magazine

Date: Thursday, 28 January

Time: 12pm to 1pm

Hosted in: English

NIve (written as 니브 in Korean) is a producer, composer, and songwriter with a diverse international background. He was born in Korea, raised in Australia, musically educated in New York, and launched his career in LA. NIve has worked with many renowned celebrities, including BTS and EXO. Potential singer-songwriter wannabes should take it from the man himself on songwriting and composition tips.

#7: Learn to style hair like a K-pop idol

Image Credits: ALUU

Date: Thursday, 28 January

Time: 4pm to 5pm

Hosted in: English & Korean

K-pop stars always appear in tiptop condition on commercials, fashion shows, and professional photoshoots. Those who are keen to know the industry secrets on the art of hairstyling and products used by Korean hairstylists should join Yonghan from 알루 (ALUU) in this 60-minute online session. 알루 (ALUU) is located in Seoul’s most upscale district – Gangnam. Here’s a look at their portfolio of stars they’ve styled thus far.

Ladies who are keen on the tricks of maintaining your bangs should book this session:

29 January: Tips on recreating the most popular K-pop hairstyles

**#8: Master dance moves from IZ*ONE’s choreographer**

Image Credits: Airbnb

Date: Friday, 29 January

Time: 12pm to 1pm

Hosted in: English & Korean

You will be learning directly from Dasom, a choreographer for girl group IZ*ONE. The Korean-Japanese K-pop group was formed in 2018 through a competition show titled “Produce 48”, which is also the third season of “Produce 101”. Your host is part of the Freemind dance crew and has created several dance routines for well-known artistes such as Monsta X and Cravity. See for yourself how dance routines come alive, including the derivation of inspiration.

Here are other dance classes to consider:

Have a blast at Airbnb’s exclusive Online Experiences K-pop festival. One week only, don’t miss it!

Pocket-friendly basic yu sheng platters from S$9.90 for CNY celebrations

Yu sheng (鱼生) is also commonly known as yu sang in Cantonese. Most of us who have a basic understanding of Chinese know that yu sheng literally translates to “raw fish”. But it also refers to a Chinese New Year dish with various vegetables, thin slices of raw fish, and seasonings.

Do you know that yu sheng has over 2,000 years of history in China? This well-known dish to many Singaporeans almost disappeared in China during the Qing dynasty. Thankfully, this tradition is still well-kept on our sunny island. Will you have it on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year? If yes, 18 February is the date to note.

Here are some pocket-friendly basic yu sheng platters from S$9.90 you can buy for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Under S$10

#1: Sing Long Loh Hey Yee Sang 350g

Price: S$9.90

Where to buy: Sheng Siong

We will start our list with the cheapest option. Sing Long’s Loh Hey Yee Sang is the only one that’s priced under S$10. It contains several shredded ingredients including papaya, golden lemon, and winter melon.

Under S$15

#2: Happy Family Fa Cai Yu Sheng 500g

Sale Price: S$11.80

Usual Price: S$12.80

Where to buy: Sheng Siong

For our under S$15 category, the most affordable product is Happy Family’s Fa Cai Yu Sheng. There is an ongoing sale at the point of writing so if you want to take advantage of the dollar savings, then get yours soon! This box serves up to eight people.

#3: Fortune Prosperity Yu Sheng 500g

Price: S$11.90

Where to buy: Cold Storage

Similar to the previous listing, this is another 500g option you can consider. As you toss to prosperity and good luck during lo hei this year, how about wowing your loved ones with phrases such as 一本万利 (yi ben wan li) and 青春常驻 (qing chun chang zhu)?

#4: Tungsan Prosperous Yu-Sheng 520g

Price: S$12

Where to buy: FairPrice

Tungsan Prosperous Yu-Sheng is a product of Singapore. According to the item’s listing on FairPrice, it’s suitable for vegetarians. It’s also halal-certified and trans-fat free! Although not a common sight, it contains assorted yam slices and one free red packet. Huat ah!

#5: Harvest Prosperity Yu Sheng 500g

Price: S$12.50

Where to buy: FairPrice

Harvest Prosperity Yu Sheng is just right for a group of eight persons. Why not let the seniors take a break from saying auspicious phrases this year? Allow yourself to take on the challenge! Need a guide? Click through the link to find out what you need to say when adding the different yu sheng ingredients.

#6: Sing Long Yee Sang 600g

Price: S$13.80

Where to buy: Cold Storage

We started this article with Sing Long’s Loh Hey Yee Sang at S$9.90. But if you have more mouths to feed, then this 600g option would be perfect. Instead of raw fish slices, you can also add some abalone to the platter. New Moon’s New Zealand Abalone 425g is currently on a 19% discount! Get yours at S$36.80 before the promotion ends.

#7: Chef Chen Green Tea Yusheng 650g

Price: S$13.80

Where to buy: FairPrice

Oh wow, wasn’t expecting a green tea flavoured yu sheng to make our list. This pack from Chef Chen offers up to 10 abundant servings! It comes with the healthier choice label, so health-conscious peeps can enjoy it guilt-free.

Under S$20

#8: MCM Yee Sang – CNY Red Box Yu Sheng (Small) 350g

Sale Price: S$16.80 (till 1 February)

Usual Price: S$19.90

Where to buy: FairPrice

This item is a recent addition to FairPrice. It’s a product of Malaysia and can serve up to six persons. If you have a little more budget to spare and would like to present a bag of yu sheng as a gift to someone, consider the MCM Yee Sang – CNY Gold Box Hong Yun Yu Sheng (Big). The well-packaged 600g box is priced at S$22.80 (promotion till 1 February only).

#9: RedMart Prosperity Yusheng 850g

Sale Price: S$17.30

Usual Price: S$18.30

Where to buy: RedMart

RedMart’s platter is made up of freshly shredded vegetables, unlike the ones we’ve introduced thus far. Those who are concerned with excessive preservatives, this yu sheng kit might put you at ease. Please store in the refrigerator if you’re not serving it immediately upon delivery.

#10: Sin Hwa Dee Fa Cai Yu Sheng 635g

Price: S$17.80

Where to buy: FairPrice

We like the unique packaging on this one. A box has up to 15 servings for everyone to eat their fill! Add some Fukuyama Frozen Hokkaido Scallops or fresh shrimps if you prefer variety over the usual raw fish slices.

Under S$30

#11: Din Tai Fung Prosperity Yu Sheng (Vegetarian)

Price: S$26.80

Where to buy: Din Tai Fung

A standard plate of vegetarian prosperity yu sheng from Din Tai Fung will cost you only S$26.80, and that’s why we’ve parked it at the “under S$30” category. But families who don’t mind spending a little more can consider the non-vegetarian options shown in the graphic above. UOB cardmembers get 10% off.

Cheers to a bountiful and flourishing 2021, everyone!

Is TPG Telecom’s $18 for 80GB SIM-only monthly plan value for money?

If you find yourself constantly streaming movies in high definition using data, then TPG Telecom’s $18 for 80GB SIM-only monthly plan might be a great companion.

Mobile data provided under this plan is at 4G speeds. This puts it at a spotlight when contrasted to several other “unlimited” data plans in the market. We all know how there are plans out there that promise great numbers but is slapped with limits like slow surfing speeds once a user hits a period threshold.

Local outgoing calls & international direct dialling

TPG Telecom’s $18 for 80GB SIM-only monthly plan provides 500 minutes of local outgoing calls to 21 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China. You can also enjoy up to 300 minutes of international direct dialling.

Image Credits: Freepik

“We constantly challenge ourselves to provide the best value to our customers,” said TPG Singapore chief executive officer Richard Tan, recognising that in the immediate future, travelling abroad will likely be reduced.

Mr Tan noted the increasing demand for data. He adds that the company decided to launch this plan to provide its customers with more attractive options to stay in touch with their friends and family overseas, especially with the upcoming Chinese New Year approaching.

In 2019, when TPG’s trial period plan was running, the company offered its users free, limitless roaming data in Malaysia and Indonesia. But the new scheme will only provide roaming data of 2GB free-of-charge for countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand.

TPG became Singapore’s fourth telco in 2016

In April 2020, TPG started rolling out commercial services after acquiring a license in 2016 to become the fourth telco in Singapore.

Image Credits: The Straits Times

But they lost the rights to Singtel, StarHub, and M1 to construct Singapore’s two national 5G networks that same month. With that said, they still have the license to run smaller 5G networks that provide spot coverage using abundant airwaves.

When asked for more details on the coverage of the telco network, Mr Tan said TPG continuously complies with the in-building coverage audits of the Infocomm Media Development Authority.

“We already have full outdoor coverage and have recently achieved full coverage for road tunnels. Rail tunnel coverage retrofitting works are currently ongoing,” he commented.

You may click through to access the TPG Telecom’s $18 for 80GB SIM-only plan webpage for more details. Think you can afford a data cut to pay a lower monthly price? Check out the $10 for 50GB SIM-only plan here.

TPG Telecom $10 for 50GB SIM-only plan banner

Image Credits: TPG Telecom

The telco is also offering a $5 for 20GB data plan (per 30 days) just for seniors. It’s only available for a limited time with no upfront fees and lock-in contract. Click through the link to find out more!

Image Credits: TPG Telecom

Applications for the COVID-19 Recovery Grant will open tomorrow (18 January)

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) first announced the new COVID-19 grant last December. It’s been a month and a long wait for some Singaporeans and permanent residents badly affected by the pandemic.

Good news! The wait is almost over, and applications for the COVID-19 Recovery Grant will start tomorrow (18 January). This new scheme targets lower- to middle-income workers and self-employed people. Up to $700 per month for three months can be provided for successful applicants.

Here’s a quick look at what you need to know.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should fulfil specific requirements, including being 21 years old and above. They must also be living in an annual value home that’s less than $21,000 and not own more than one property.

Pedestrians in the Orchard Road district of Singapore

Image Credits: Reuters

Before work or income loss or involuntary no-pay leave (NPL), individuals should have a household income of not more than $7,800 or per capita household income of less than $2,600.

They must have engaged actively in career hunts or training. Also, there’s a need to demonstrate evidence of any of the following activities within two months before the submission:

Applied at least two times for jobs, traineeships, or attachments via platforms like the MyCareersFuture portal or the Professional Conversion Programme portal; or
Have been to at least two job interviews; or
Regularly attending career coaching services at WSG’s Careers Connect, WSG-appointed Career Matching Providers (Ingeus or MAXIMUS), or NTUC-e2i career centres; or
Signed up for at least one training programme listed on MySkillsFuture (MySF) portal.

Those currently receiving monetary support from these schemes are not eligible:

Seafarers Relief Package;
COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund;
SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – Company Training; or
SGUnited Skills Programme

How to Apply

Applications will open from tomorrow (18 January) to 31 December 2021 between 9am to 10pm daily. You may also apply on weekends or public holidays.

Those who require assistance in filling the online application form can dial the ComCare Call hotline at 1800-222-0000. Or you may send an enquiry to [email protected]. Alternatively, one can also visit their nearest Social Service Office for help.

Processing Time

Applicants will be notified by SMS of the result of their application within approximately two weeks, upon receipt of all the necessary information needed.

Image Credits: BT.com

The authorities foresee a flood of applications at the start and request your understanding if the turnaround period is slower than expected.

Payout Date

Usually, the first month’s payment is remitted seven calendar days from the day the application is accepted. For the next two months, it would generally be paid by every 4th of the month.

For the full details, please head to the COVID-19 Recovery Grant webpage.

Image Credits: MSF

The Reef at King’s Dock: A new residential launch with prices from S$960,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment

Though waterfront homes are rare in Singapore, our little red dot is home to a couple of residences with spectacular sea views. An emerging estate that is expected to make headlines is The Reef at King’s Dock.

Potential buyers, here’s your chance to gain that coveted view of the waters. It will be Singapore’s first residential development with a floating deck and an underwater marine viewing platform, according to Mapletree and Keppel Land.

Located in the HarbourFront-Keppel Bay precinct

Image Credits: reef-kings-dock-showflat.com

You will find the upcoming development a short walk away from HarbourFront MRT station, within the Greater Southern Waterfront. It is a region that the government aims to turn into a substantial new gateway along the southern coast of Singapore for modern dwellers.

The project will consist of 429 units, with a variety of apartments from 1 to 3 bedrooms. Dimensions range from 431 to 1,572 sq. ft. and is distributed across 10 housing blocks.

The Reef at King’s Dock unit distribution

Image Credits: The Reef at King’s Dock

Starting price begins somewhere from S$960,000 for a 1-bedroom unit. For a rough gauge, it will cost S$1.6 million for a 2-bedroom flat and S$2.8 million for a 3-bedroom apartment.

Image Credits: reef-kings-dock-showflat.com

There will be a complete range of facilities. This includes a state-of-the-art workout centre, a tennis court, and sky gardens. There will also be a playground for kids, fitness area, and function rooms.

Image Credits: The Reef at King’s Dock

Singapore’s first floating deck in a residential development

The 180m floating platform will accommodate several pools including an Olympic-length pool, a recreational pool, and a revitalising pool. These swimming pools would provide swimmers with an immersive experience, likening to a swim in the waters of King’s Dock itself.

The floating deck will also display The Reef at King’s Dock’s private underwater viewing platform. It’s a special area where the aquatic ecosystem in King’s Dock would be seen and enjoyed by residents and visitors.

The floating deck at The Reef at King's Dock will house a marine viewing area

Image Credits: The Reef at King’s Dock

The developers assured that they would give proper attention to maintain King’s Dock’s current structure. They will also pay extra care to conserve marine life in the surrounding waters. As such, they will build the floating deck’s primary foundation offsite and then merge it into King’s Dock during setup.

To that, Associate Professor Peter Todd from the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, and Specialist Advisor to The Reef at King’s Dock had something to add. “The submerged surface of the floating deck has been specially designed to encourage colonisation by corals that, in turn, will attract fish and other marine life,” he shared.

The Reef at King’s Dock’s sales gallery

Image Credits: reef-kings-dock-showflat.com

The Reef at King’s Dock’s sales gallery has opened at the end of HarbourFront Avenue. Bookings are slated to commence on Jan 30 with the official launch. Construction is projected to conclude by 2025.