Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Drivers can now look forward to better EV charging networks in Malaysia

By now, it’s impossible not to know that Singapore wants to establish a greener and more sustainable land transport industry, lowering peak land transport emissions by 80%. As a result, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 comprises a significant push to electrify our car population, which would assist Singapore in achieving our goal of having much cleaner energy automobiles by 2040.

With all of the latest buzz around electric vehicles (EVs) and the reopening of the Singapore-Malaysia borders, drivers are questioning if their electric car road trips to Malaysia would go smoothly. If you’ve been keeping up with the news on Malaysia’s EV infrastructure, you will know that the past journeys taken by other drivers have been a bit nerve-wracking.

Situation last year

In March 2021, drivers on Malaysian highways revealed their frustrations with driving an electric car. Many people have discovered that driving an electric car in Malaysia was difficult due to the country’s lack of infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of EVs. There were only about 300 electric charging sites in the country at that time, with the majority located along the west coast and in the Klang Valley.

In addition, drivers were aware that there were insufficient garages or maintenance services dedicated to EVs in Malaysia should urgent servicing be required. Nonetheless, many people remarked that the scenario was developing, and there was hope that in the future that taking a road trip in Malaysia in an electric car will become a more practical alternative.

Better EV charging networks this year

Image Credits: City Energy

This month, we have good news. Local gas supplier City Energy partnered with a Malaysian firm to establish a cross-border EV charging network, improving accessibility for EV drivers in both Singapore and Malaysia. The EV charging service, known as Go, is accessible via a smartphone app that allows users to identify and access charging stations that are part of this collaboration in both nations.

The service is made possible by City Energy’s relationship with Malaysian firm EV Connection, which has a network that spans Johor, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur. There are already EV charging stations along the north-south expressway and the app will provide greater ease since consumers will be able to initiate charging and make payments across Malaysia using the same City Energy Go app.

By the end of this year, the JomCharge network will have deployed at least 50 more DC (fast charging) chargers. Drivers in Malaysia should seek EV charging facilities with the JomCharge logo, which are often located at gas stations. Users will be presented with a map indicating their current location as well as the numerous EV charging sites accessible after launching the City Energy Go app.

To begin, scan the QR code at the charging station or input the ID of the charging point. Next, choose between DC and AC (regular charging) and press the “start charging” button on the screen. Once you’re done, just pay for the final billing amount via the app and you’re good to go! Easy peasy, isn’t it?

Best questions to ask at the end of an interview

The interviewer will almost always ask whether you have any questions for them at the end of an interview session. Your response should always be yes because you should take this chance to pose a few relevant ones.

Remember that the purpose of the interview isn’t merely to make your future employer want to hire you. It’s also about determining whether or not you think highly of the company and if you would be a good match. You will send a strong signal that you’re engaged and serious about the position if you ask the right inquiries.

Here are some of the best questions to ask at the end of an interview.

How do you measure success?

It’s critical to understand how a firm gauges the performance of its workers. It will assist you in determining what it would take to grow your career there and whether the employer’s beliefs are compatible with your own.

Why did the previous person leave?

While addressing this may be awkward, it demonstrates that you are keen on the organization’s operations. It’s important to discover if the individual who had the position before you was dismissed, transferred, or departed on their own before you jump into the very same role.

What do you like about this company?

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Inquiring about your interviewer’s personal experiences can provide you further clarity into the team culture as well as assist you to establish a relationship with them. Furthermore, this inquiry may offer you an inside look at the top advantages of working for the organization.

What type of person tends to succeed here?

This question demonstrates to the recruiter that you are concerned about your future with the organization, as well as assists you in determining whether you are a suitable match for the role. Imagine the individual you will be speaking to once the interviewer reveals what he or she is searching for in an applicant. Is that somebody a close match, or is it too far from who you are?

Do you have any qualms about my qualifications?

This query throws you into a competitive disadvantage, but it also demonstrates that you are confident in your ability to tackle your shortcomings. Their response may also offer you insight into where you rank and allow you to resolve any reservations the interviewer may have while you have their undivided attention during the session.

Can you let me in on the daily responsibilities of this job?

Lastly, this question might help you understand the many facets of the job, notably if it’s a cross-functional post or a high team collaboration position. You will ideally have a better grasp of the work duties, which will aid you in deciding whether or not it’s a suitable position for you. You will also have a deeper understanding of the precise skillsets necessary.

Failure to prepare questions might give the impression that you are uninterested in the position, so consider what you can gain from the interview if you ask a few. It’s critical that you use these questions to determine whether the work is truly appropriate for you. Consider adding some of the abovementioned interview questions while creating your list and use the opportunity to convince the employer that you will be a valuable asset to the team.

Here’s a glance at Singapore’s new private home sales for Q1 2022

Watching the property market, especially for new private home sales this year? Before we take a glance at 2022, allow us to refresh your memory on December 2021’s stats:

In the wake of new cooling measures and the regular year-end slump, new private property sales in Singapore plunged 58% in December 2021 compared to November that same year. Overall sales, nonetheless, recorded an eight-year high in 2021. Experts believed that purchasers who were not subjected to the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) scheme will boost demand this year. These are first-time purchasers or people who have sold or plan to sell their current residential property to purchase another.

Fast forward to 2022, here’s a glance at Singapore’s new private home sales for Q1 2022.

January: Rose by 3.5%

In January, new private house sales in Singapore increased by 3.5%, following a significant drop in December 2021. Ikigai and Belgravia Ace were the only two launches in January, and the latter strata-landed development sold 77 apartments at an average caveated amount of S$4.4 million.

The majority of the customers, according to a Huttons Asia official, were first-time buyers who were unfazed by the cooling measures. He went on to say that the purchasers’ capacity to spend more than a million for the downpayment and stamp duties indicated either adequate cash flow or a hereditary transfer of wealth.

February: Fell by 22.5%

Image Credits: royalhallmark.com

Sales of new private residences decreased 22.5% in February, owing to a combination of cooling measures and global uncertainty related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Other barriers might include increased loan rates, property tax increases in 2023, and fewer housing alternatives as a result of this year’s lower lineup of project debuts.

The single February launch, Royal Hallmark, fared quite well though, selling about one-third of its units despite cooling measures and some uncertainty brought on by the Ukraine conflict. The percentage of transactions worth more than S$2 million also remained unchanged. In other words, affordability remained steady, owing to the market’s substantial liquidity.

March: Rebounded by 20.7%

According to recent reports, new private house sales increased by 20.7% in March, following a significant drop in February. Last month, the private housing markets showed signs of improvement, with developers selling more properties. This might be a response to the relaxation of safe management requirements, allowing more people to view show flats. As a consequence of the greater visitor traffic, the number of deals closed increased.

According to an OrangeTee & Tie spokesperson, there were no big project launches above 200 units in March, and existing projects continued to reduce their unsold inventory as buyers returned to the market. The US interest rate rises, on the other hand, may raise mortgage rates and encourage more purchasers to re-enter the market. Some on-the-fence purchasers are likely to lock in house loans before interest rates rise too much since a sharp increase in the cost of borrowing might push some upgraders out of the sector.

Co-parenting tips for couples going through a divorce

Unless you have dealt with pressing concerns like violence or addiction problems, co-parenting, where both parents participate actively in their children’s lives is the best way to ensure that all of your kid’s needs are being met while also allowing them to maintain intimate ties with both parental figures.

The overall well-being of kids, as well as the prevalence of anxiety and panic attacks, are all influenced by the quality of co-parenting relationships. Without a doubt, laying relationship difficulties aside and agreeing to co-parent is often tricky, more specifically after a traumatic divorce when you’re busy picking up the pieces.

That is why we could all use some co-parenting tips for couples going through a divorce.

Give an explanation

It’s critical to explain what’s going on to your kids. Some couples are so distraught about their separation that they refuse to discuss it with their children. But it’s crucial to note that humans are naturally filled with curiosity, no matter their age, and want factual information to help them understand things.

Aim for disciplinary consistency

The rules set don’t have to be identical in both families, but if you and your ex-spouse create generally similar boundaries, your children won’t have to switch between two vastly distinct disciplinary contexts. This makes it less confusing for them as they potentially rotate between two households.

Put your negative emotions aside

When it comes to co-parenting, your negative feelings must take a second seat to your child’s welfare. Forgoing intense sentiments is undoubtedly the most challenging element of learning to work effectively with your ex, but it’s also the most important.

It’s normal to be wounded during the process, but you don’t have to let your emotions control your actions. Rather, let your actions be guided by what is best for your children. If you’re upset or spiteful, consider why you need to behave with intent for it’s in the best interest of your child. Whenever you need to get nasty thoughts off your mind, maybe a session with a counselor can help.

Never put your children in a tough spot

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You may never be able to overcome your sentiments of animosity about your split, but you can isolate them and convince yourself that these are your problems, not your child’s. When you use your kids to communicate with your ex, they become stuck in the middle of your argument.

Aim to contact your ex personally if you want to keep your kids out of your marital conflict. It’s also a good idea to avoid saying anything unpleasant about your ex-spouse to your children or making them feel obligated to make a decision. Your kid has the right to have a bond with their other parent that is not heavily influenced by you.

The cornerstone for co-parenting should be simple etiquette. Allowing your ex to know about school activities, being accommodating with your scheduling when feasible, and considering their viewpoint thoroughly are all examples of being courteous. If you have a significant disagreement, you must continue to communicate. But keep in mind not to address your disagreements in front of your child. If you still can’t arrive at a consensus, you might need to see a third party, such as a mediator.

Don’t accept the job offer if you face these circumstances

Accepting an unsuitable job offer is a common blunder made by many job seekers. A large portion of this is attributable to the joy of receiving a contract in the first place. Finding out you’ve chosen the wrong job can be a self-searching or blaming experience later.

However, if you’ve been listening closely or questioning yourself in the right direction, you will notice warning signs along the way that point to a rotten egg. Here are some telltale indications that the job is a flop to help you avoid making a career-altering misstep.

High turnover rate

You don’t want to work for a corporation for less than a year, do you? While this is unfortunate, certain office environments are indeed unhealthy. Consider inquiring as to what happened to the former occupant of the same post. Start examining alternatives if your interviewer begins slamming past employees or mentions anything that suggests the organization has a high turnover rate.

Dodgy on inquiries

If an interviewer brushes off your questions, he or she may have something to conceal. Because an interview is a brief glimpse into what your life may be like at the organization, you should bring up both the exciting and challenging aspects of the job. Consider it a method of determining how open people at the company are. If the interviewer avoids answering any questions, it’s a warning indication that they’re intentionally concealing the facts.

Forced to compromise

Ask yourself ahead of time what attributes you want in a position, and then see if the proposed post meets all of your requirements. Don’t make a rash decision if you find yourself sacrificing on your must-haves and then justifying those sacrifices. You shouldn’t have to push yourself to fit the work in most case scenarios since it should be the other way round.

Unclear job requirements

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The job description said that it was a marketing role when you applied. However, when you go for the job interview, you discover that it is a mixture of everything from PR to business development. Well, many current roles do combine several responsibilities into a single position.

However, gently decline the offer if your potential boss characterizes the work obligations so generically that it seems like three positions in one, and you believe they’re imprecise on essential specifics about the scope of the position.

Even if you need a position desperately, there are instances when you just have to decline and forgo those follow-up interview tests. Sometimes it’s a negative feeling, a shady interviewer, or something strange about the job requirements that give you the goosebumps. Though we can’t advise you not to accept a job because every occurrence is different, think about the above circumstances you could come across throughout your job hunt and make an informed choice before signing on the line.