National Day Parade 2021 Moved To Aug 21

Amidst the latest COVID-19 restrictions and the emergence of new cases, the National Day Parade 2021 (NDP) will be postponed to August 21. All Singaporeans will be able to join the National Day celebrations safely at home as there will be a livestream of the parade.

To mark Singapore’s 56th year of independence, a ceremonial parade will be held on August 9 instead. It will be similar to the celebration held last year, but it will take place at the Marina Bay floating platform. This announcement was imparted by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).

TIGHTER COVID-19 MEASURES

By the end of July, there was an emergence of a large cluster linked to Jurong Fishery Port. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated:

“Unfortunately, while our fishmongers and stall assistants were going about earning an honest living, they got infected at the port. As they went on to work at various markets around the island, many more cases in the community were seeded.”

Tightening of measures was deemed to be vital at this point. Changes in the NDP came as the country went back to stricter measures under Phase 2 – Heightened Alert. It was scheduled to last until August 18, after the National Day. During this period, dining inside eateries is not allowed, group sizes for social gatherings have been capped at two, capacity caps for attractions and malls were cut, and people were advised to minimize social interactions.

CANCELLATION OF FIREWORKS & CHANGES IN REHEARSALS

The Red Lions displays and heartland fireworks, previously announced to be held on August 7 and 8, will be cancelled. Rehearsals and preparations for the NDP will also be subjected to changes.

Last July 17, a combined rehearsal happened at the floating platform. Moreover, Red Lions parachutists made test jumps in Ghim Moh and Bishan on July 15. The succeeding rehearsals will be conducted in smaller component groups, according to Mindef. Dates will not be disclosed to the public to discourage crowds from gathering around Marina Bay.

NATIONAL DAY PARADE 2021

NDP 2021 is planned to be a centralized, in-person event at the Marina Bay floating platform. Precautions taken include requiring all the performers and spectators to be fully vaccinated. Performers must undergo rapid antigen testing before every rehearsal and spectators must undergo pre-event testing.

Tickets would be given to those who have contributed to the fight against COVID-19. These people include Singaporean front-liners, community volunteers, and essential workers.

Image Credits: unplash.com

NATIONAL DAY RALLY

NDP is an important event that brings together Singaporeans from all walks of life, as one united people to affirm unity and nationhood. Mindef said:

“The changes this year will enable NDP 2021 to be held in safer conditions, while maintaining that cherished tradition.”

Apart from the NDP changes, the Prime Minister’s Office adds that the National Day Rally will now be held on Aug 29.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Healing Crystals & Where To Find Them In Singapore

Crystals are naturally occurring rock formations valued for its unique shape, luminosity, and texture. Ancient civilizations incorporated crystals into daily life by integrating them to rituals, medicines, and beauty products. For example, the Egyptians thought that rose quartz can be used to help the wearer look young.

As many social media accounts dedicated their feeds to the beauty of these crystals, the appeal of crystals has brought a sparkle to the collective eye of many people. Let us move on to healing crystals.

Crystal healing is an alternative medicine practice that uses semi-precious stones and crystals such as opal, quartz, amethyst, and agate. Apart from being used for Fung Shui, crystals are also used as accessories for meditation or mindful living. People who subscribe to its healing properties believe that each crystal has specific properties to enhance a particular chakra or characteristic.

You can purchase your next crystal at the following local stores.

Image credits: pixabay.com

#1: SG SECRET CRYSTALS

SG Secret Crystals is your one-stop shop for all your healing crystal needs. People who love to carry their stones daily may check out SG Secret Crystals’ varied selection of pocket-sized crystals. While you can go directly to its physical store, you can also view its online offerings to score the best prices.

Location: #04-27 The Adelphi 1 Coleman St, Singapore 179803

#2: QI NEW AGE HEALING

Ran by Lay Lee, Qi New Age Healing stores a wide stream of items that are dedicated to new age needs including crystal sets and jewelry. Whether you like your crystal to be raw or cut, you can purchase some here. Qi New Age Healing’s products are showcased online and its physical store at Kandahar Street. See for yourself!

Location: 42 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198896

#3: LOVE FOR CRYSTALS BY AUDREY’S WELLNESS

Your desired crystal is waiting for you at Love for Crystals. Feast your eyes with Love for Crystals’ raw, spheres, terminated, shaped, polished, and tumbled crystals. These products are procured from responsible global sources, ranging from Tucson to Brazil. You can order online or visit the showroom during selected days. Hurry as its 10% off – GSS promotion runs until July 31.

Location: 228A Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574360

#4: ALOOFAFA

Palm stones, crystal towers and hearts can be seen at Aloofafa. This online crystal retailer can help you decorate your home. Weekly drops happen every Sunday at 2pm. Stay updated by following Aloofafa in Instagram.

Website: instagram.com/aloofafa

Image credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Essential Updates On The COVID-19 Safety Measures From July 12 To Present

[This article has been updated to adhere to the recent announcements given last July 16.]

More COVID-19 safety measures will be eased from July 12 onwards. Here are some of the highlights.

#1: GROUPS OF UP TO 5 PEOPLE CAN DINE-IN AT F&B ESTABLISHMENTS

The limit on groups allowed to dine-in at Food and Beverage (F&B) establishments was raised from 2 to 5. Up to five people can eat together as long as they are all fully vaccinated, equipped with negative Pre-Event Testing (PET) results, proven to recover from COVID-19 within 270 days, or qualify for the 5-person group eligibility rule. You must adhere to other safety measures such as social distancing and always wearing their masks (i.e., except when eating or drinking) too.

Dining-in remains as a higher-risk activity due to having many people unmasked in close proximity with one another. We must do our best to reduce the expulsion of droplets while at these establishments. Thus, entertainment at these places such as live singing and video screening will continue to be prohibited.

#2: WEDDING RECEPTIONS RESUME WITH NO MORE THAN 250 PEOPLE

The wedding receptions have resumed with no more than 250 people allowed with Pre-Event Testing. For wedding receptions with 50 people or less, PET will only be required for the wedding party. The wedding party usually includes the couple, their bridesmaids, and groomsmen.

As wedding reception remains as a higher-risk activity where guests tend to socialize over a long period of time, guests must adhere to all other safety measures to reduce the risk of transmission.

#3: FITNESS STUDIOS AND GYMS MAY CONDUCT INDOOR MASK-OFF EXERCISE ACTIVITIES

Fitness studios and gyms are allowed to conduct indoor mask-off exercise activities in groups of up to 5 people. However, indoor high-intensity mask-off activities will limit to groups of 2 from July 19.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The cap on class size for both outdoor and indoor mask-on classes will be raised to 50 (i.e., including the instructor) or to the capacity limit of the venue, whichever is lower.

#4: SOCIAL GATHERINGS AT THE WORKPLACE CAN HAPPEN

Despite having work-from-home as a default arrangement, employers are allowed to have social gatherings in the workplace until July 18. Up to 5 people can gather for said gatherings.

Furthermore, employers must ensure that they implement flexible working hours and staggered start times.

#5: ANTIGEN RAPID SELF-TEST KITS TO BE SOLD AT SUPERMARKETS AND CONVENIENCE STORES

Antigen Rapid Test kits were made available at designated local pharmacies from June 16. Fortunately for us, these self-test kits will be available at supermarkets and convenience stores from July 16 onwards.

Customers may also purchase more than 10 kits per person. This will allow the members of the public to buy as many kits as they need.

#6: TRACETOGETHER, SAFEENTRY REQUIREMENTS WILL BE REINTRODUCED IN SUPERMARKETS FROM JULY 21

Ministry of Health stated that the high volume of patrons in supermarkets increases the risk of transmission. Thus, all supermarkets will enforce TraceTogether-only (TT) SafeEntry (SE) and deploy SafeEntry Gateways from July 21.

The reintroduction of this rule will facilitate more targeted contact tracing for people who visited indoor buildings at the same time as an infected person.

According to MOH: “We encourage all members of public to comply with the SE check-in requirements and to carry their TT Token or keep their TT App active to facilitate contact tracing and help protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When at least half of the population has been vaccinated, differentiated measures for people vaccinated under the national vaccination program will be introduced. The nation is expected to reach this milestone by the end of July.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Telltale Signs That You Need To Walk Away From A Job Interview

With the status of today’s economy, you cannot be too picky. In your efforts to filter out your job applications, sometimes the position just does not feel right. It can be in your best interest to pass on a position if any of the following red flags are present.

#1: HIRING MANAGER IS NOT EXPECTING YOU

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like a complete nuisance? If the hiring manager makes you feel that they are not expecting you, you may proceed with caution. Observe the questions of the hiring manager and determine whether the person you prepared for has glanced at your profile. Working for someone who does not respect your time and presence is not ideal.

The hiring process is an expensive endeavor, so potential employers should not be frugal with their time. It is highly likely that they frequently make hiring mistakes if they are paying less attention to you and other candidates.

#2: HIRING MANAGER’S SCHEDULING IS MESSY

A candidate can expect a few hiccups in the interview scheduling process. After all, it is not easy to coordinate multiple people’s schedules. Moreover, bosses often get pulled out for last-minute meetings.

Scheduling becomes a concern if the hiring manager keeps rescheduling your online interview or in-person interview. These actions convey that he or she thinks you can adjust your schedule endlessly to accommodate to them.

#3: HIRING MANAGER USES INTIMIDATION TACTICS

Some companies use intimidation tactics during the interview. Whether the hostile behavior reflects how people treat each other in the company or is a way to test its candidates, companies want to observe how you will act under pressure. Intimidation can go as far as forcing you to accept the job offer upfront. That happened to a friend of mine.

Hiring managers that use this technique expect the candidates to calmly approach the situation. Candidates with other options will not tolerate it.

#4: HIRING MANAGER IS NOT AWARE OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

No matter if you are applying to be an entry-level staff or the chief financial officer, the hiring manager should be able to explain the responsibilities of the role as well as how success will be measured. If he or she fails to do so, you will probably have a challenging time forging a clear path in the company.

You deserve to know what the job entails before you take it. If the answers of the hiring manager changes, it poses a concern.

#5: HIRING MANAGER DODGES QUESTIONS ABOUT GROWTH

Test how open the hiring manager is about growth potential and other matters. Everyone should have an opportunity to progress in the company’s ladder. If the hiring manager acts weird or gets annoyed when you ask about growth potential, you can expect that they have something to hide.

An interview is a preview of what your life could be like in a company. You can politely ask about the exciting and frustrating elements of the job to increase your awareness.

#6: HIRING MANAGERS ACT LIKE THEY ARE DOING YOU A FAVOR

Yes! Times are tough, but the hiring manager should not act like he is doing you a favor. Telling you that there are many people competing for the position and that you are lucky to have an interview is an intimidation tactic. Perhaps, this is embedded in the work culture. It is not ideal, especially if you end up dealing with it every day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Interviewer red flags are not difficult to spot if you know what to watch out for. Do not disregard these telltale signs during the job interview. Instead, turn your attention to finding employment or opportunity elsewhere.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Showcase Your Achievements Without Being A Jerk

In an effort to avoid sounding like a braggart, many people become overly modest. Keeping mum about your success and minimizing your achievements can be a problem too. You worked so hard to accomplish your book, brand, and so on. Perhaps, you just had a promotion that you do not want to tell anyone. Consequently, they miss out on celebrating an important milestone alongside you.

There are other ways to showcase your achievements without coming off as a jerk. Consider the following tips.

#1: EXPRESS GRATITUDE

Showing gratitude is one of the ways you can celebrate your achievement gloating. Make it clear that you do not think you deserve prosperity merely because you are a great person. Be truthful when it comes to thanking the people who helped you along the way or the company that gave you the opportunity to grow.

#2: EMPHASIZE ON HARD WORK

People rarely talk about the sacrifices that come with success. Life is not always filled with rainbows and butterflies. Saying “I barely tried” makes you sound arrogant. When you accomplish something, emphasize on your efforts by saying: “I worked really hard to make this happen”. Listeners will respect your achievements when they know the struggles behind them. Furthermore, they will be able to relate to your stories.

#3: AVOID BELITTLING OTHERS

There is no need to belittle others to showcase your status! Leave out the comparisons, as much as possible. Saying statements like: “no one else has made this much sales” or “no one else has achieved this quota” will not elevate your status. Instead, you will just sound arrogant or mean.

If you crossed the marathon and finished in first place, it is alright to say that you came first. However, it is another story if you add things to belittle the second or third placer.

#4: GIVE CREDIT WHERE IT IS DUE

Remember to acknowledge your support system or the team behind your success. Similar to the contents of the acknowledgments in a book, you are not solely responsible for your success. People are more receptive to hearing success stories when credit is given where it is due.

#5: DO NOT PRACTICE FALSE HUMILITY

Avoid statements like “I hate to brag…” as it comes off as false humility. Sticking to the facts or being direct is a better way to get your point across.

Image credits: pixabay.com

Although it can be challenging to truly honor your wins without sounding like a braggart, these tips will help you deliver the facts to your co-workers and your clients without going overboard.

Sources: 1 & 2

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