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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Smartphone Accidents That You Can Repair By Yourself

As you spend more time at home, it is highly likely that you have consumed more videos and sent more texts than before. The social distancing guidelines enabled us to be more virtually connected with others. So, what happens if you suddenly tumble and drop your phone on the floor? You may notice that your screen will break and the software will experience some bugs. The first instinct is to drop by the nearby repair shop to have your phone checked. However, what if the phone repair shop near you is closed due to the effects of the pandemic?

Where are you going to get your phone repaired? Well, you still have several options to get it fixed. Start by considering the possibility of fixing the problems on your own.

#1: ENHANCE THE AUDIO QUALITY

Despite the prevalence of wireless earphones, several smartphone units still come with the audio “jack”. You may experience hearing an inferior quality of sound when you plug the earphones into the jack as time passes.

When this happens, stick a cotton swab into the jack and use it to clear out any dirt or small particles. Sanitize your phone to top it all off.

#2: REPLACE YOUR BATTERY

Your smartphone’s battery gradually degrades with time. This is not usually due to misuse or accidental drops. You will typically notice that your phone dies completely or only lasts for a few hours before needing to be recharged again. You can find more information about your battery by looking at the settings.

A replacement battery is relatively cheap to buy online and it is one of the easiest components to replace. Just be careful. The battery in your phone is usually held in place by two thin adhesive strips between the battery and the back part of your phone. It plugs into the logic board with a tiny ribbon cable connector which snaps into place. Learn more about the components of your battery by browsing online, before replacing yours.

#3: REFRESH YOUR CHARGING PORT

With continued use, your charger may not fit as well into the port as it did before. The simple way to fix it is to use a sharp toothpick to remove the lint and dirt from the port. Clean the rest of your phone by using a cotton swab, cotton buds, or cotton tips with drops of distilled water.

#4: REVIVE A SOAKED SMARTPHONE

One of the common phone accidents is water damage. Even I experienced it myself. It is an event that can cause frustration and stress to many of us. So, if your phone takes an unexpected swim, remove the battery (if possible), and place it in a bag of rice for a day or two to absorb the moisture within. With luck and patience, this will do the trick.

#5: FIX A LOOSE BUTTON

Like audio jacks, buttons can be replaced easily. You can purchase tools and button replacements on hardware stores or online. If you are comfortable with opening your phone by yourself then, you can solve your phone’s button problems.

Most buttons are attached via cables to the motherboard. Thus, it is a delicate process. Be careful when re-attaching new hardware. There is a wealth of information found online with regards to replacing your phone’s power and volume buttons. Be sure to read these first, before purchasing replacement components.

#6: REPLACE YOUR BROKEN OR CRACKED SCREEN

Replacing your smartphone’s screen is usually do-able and it is simpler than you think! All it takes is the right tools and a little courage. You may start by assessing the situation. Can a tape fix it? Or, perhaps a glass screen may temporarily solve your problem.

If your smartphone looks like a spiderweb of cracks underneath, you better purchase a repair kit on eBay or iFixit. Get concise instructions online or buy a repair kit if you do not have a toolbox.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Save yourself some money and social contact by subtracting smartphone repair to your expenses! Truly, there are some issues that you can handle on your own. All it takes are tools, courage, determination, and a little help from the Internet.

Source: 1

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Meet The Most Expensive COVID-19 Mask In The World

As you rub on the magical lamp, a genie appears. If the genie were to grant you three wishes, what would they be? Will you ask for the most expensive COVID-19 mask in the world? That was the request that Jewelry Designer Isaac Levy fulfilled – with or without a magical lamp. He works in the Israeli jewelry house called Yvel.

He was commissioned to grant three requests: that the mask will comply with the FDA/European safety standards, will be ready by the end of 2020, and will be the most expensive COVID-19 mask in the world. The last requirement was the easiest to fulfill, according to Mr. Levy.

Mr. Levy said that the item was requested by a Chinese billionaire living in the United States of America. Thus, it comes with a price tag of US$1.5 million or S$2 million. Saving face plays an essential part in the Chinese Culture, and a bejeweled mask by Yvel takes this to another level!

This expensive mask may be glamorous, but some may question its practicality. You see, it is expected to weigh about 270 grams or over half a pound. The mask consists of 250 grams of 18-carat white gold, which is embellished with more than 3,600 natural black and white diamonds. This equates to a total weight of 210 carats.

Its physical appearance aside, the mask is set to meet the strict health standards with the current pandemic in mind. Mr. Levy made sure that the mask included an N99 filter. The mask features a hole in one of its gold plates for the filter to sit. In other words, the mask will filter out at least 99% of airborne particles.

The labor-intensive process for this luxurious piece as well as its other requirements entails that this project will not only benefit one man. The Jewelry House Yvel takes pride in hiring predominantly immigrant employees and projects such as this will help them thrive during these tough times.

Mr. Levy went on and said:

“It is the most expensive mask in the world. If there will be another company that will create such a mask and will challenge us, I am sure that we’re going to find another customer to buy a more expensive mask.”

This extravagant mask comes at a time when luxury brands and designers such as Off-White and Emilia Wickstead are offering fashionable face coverings. Moreover, luxury group LVMH (which oversees Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Christian Dior) assisted in the production of hand sanitizers amidst the global shortages. They converted three fragrance factories for this purpose.

Whatever happens in the years to come, this mask will serve as a hefty memento of the life-changing pandemic.

Source: 1

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Most Beautiful Flower Bouquets For Weddings & Other Romantic Events

If you want to add beauty to a wedding ceremony or to encapsulate a meaningful message for a person, you may look for the perfect blooms. This may not be an easy task as it takes planning in order for you to locate the best flower arrangement at a friendly price.

To give you an idea of what are the current flower trends in the market, here are some flower arrangements that you may consider. Moreover, please ensure that the flower shop you are eyeing on is open during this time.

1. BOHEMIAN FLORAL

Move away traditional veils as flower crowns take the center stage! With the growing popularity of free-spirited bohemian chic weddings and events, more and more brides have been opting for halo blooms that exude ultimate “bohoness”. Flower crowns can either be made by the wonderfully delicate Gypsophila (Baby’s-breath) or by the vibrant fullness of Hydrangea.

It is best to do it by yourself. Remember that it all depends your personal preference. However, if you are looking for a bouquet that combines the calming blend of white Hydrangea and Baby’s Breath, you may go for Wildflower’s “Fuyu” arrangement costing S$77.90 or the preserved lavender-scented Hydrangea for S$33.

2. SOPHISTICATED CHARM

Nothing screams sophistication better than a clean and simple bouquet filled with a single variety of blooms. To achieve the sophisticated charm look, your floral arrangement must be in the shades of white and ivory. Opt for a traditional handful of calla lilies or roses to create an impact yet still keeping the timeless elegance.

You may consider the combination of snow roses and cool succulents by A Better Florist. It retails for S$93, which includes free shipping.

3. CASCADING FLOWERS

If you want to feel like Princess Diana on your intimate wedding day, you may also carry a cascading bouquet. Cascading bouquets are versatile arrangements that can add volume, drama, color, and texture to any type of wedding. Opt for this floral arrangement if you want to leave a memorable statement!

Princess Diana’s 42-inch long bouquet had white orchids, roses, and myrtle. You may get a potted White Orchid Phalaenopsis Arrangement for S$129 at Farm Florist or cheaper potted Orchid options at Carousell (some retail for as low as S$7).

4. FREESTYLE BLOSSOMS

With the same free-spirited look as the bohemian floral, freestyle blossoms are mixed flower arrangements that can be picked out within one’s home. Freestyle floral arrangements are consist of flowers that fall within a color palette and non-floral items such as acorns and berries that give off a wild yet magical look.

This unique bouquet is sure to make some heads turn. Picking out the flowers that you already have not only minimizes the costs, but also helps you to customize your own bouquet.

5. HANGING FLOWERS

Aside from the blooms that you carry to the aisle, they can be used as decorative ornaments to brighten the place. These are also good gifts to your friends or parents. Use your creative juices as you put a bunch of blooms inside Mason jars for table centerpieces or inside vintage bottles that you can hang all over the reception.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Hanging plants such as Petunia are available on Carousell. One seller is even selling a potted Petunia plant for only S$5.

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4 Costly Investment Mistakes To Avoid During Pandemic

Investment is defined as the money committed or property owned that is acquired for future income. It has two main classes namely: fixed income (e.g., bonds or fixed deposits) and variable income (e.g., property ownership). The choices you make when investing your money can influence your future.

Most of us are unaware of the investment mistakes and other financial missteps that can affect our short-term and long-term financial goals. However, the pandemic has given us no choice but to face our financial nightmares head-on. On that note, please do your best to avoid making costly investment mistakes.

#1: SELLING OFF INVESTMENTS OUT OF FEAR

2020 hit us hard. Many people are maxing out on their credit cards and are breaking their savings to pay for rent, groceries, and other essentials. The market crash triggered a global panic as people are selling off investments, losing billions in the bear market.

Let us be honest. It is impossible to know when another market crash will happen. The market’s recovery has been based on the idea that the pandemic has become more manageable. The reality is that the COVID-19 cases continue to spike each day. The numbers may continue to get worse as the global economy reopens. In Singapore, new closures and safety restrictions have been employed by retail stores and other commercial establishments.

It is tempting to sell off your investments given the current situation. Think about it. You should not sell something due to relatively short-term market conditions. You are in this for the long-haul. Unless your investment beliefs and strategies have changed, you must consider keeping those stocks. Building an emergency fund by investing money can be a lifesaver.

#2: BELIEVING IN MARKET GURUS

Some people eagerly listen to “money gurus” that are believed to predict the market. Media gurus make their money from discussing about investments, selling their advice or charging fees to manage other people’s money. But, their followers are not all rich. If you could predict the market’s future, wouldn’t you shut your mouth and make money for yourself?

Forget about the money gurus, what will help you is to diversify your portfolio. Knowing the right companies to allocate your money to takes guts, wits, and luck.

#3: FOLLOWING YOUR PORTFOLIO ON A DAILY BASIS

The market is volatile and people are more concerned about the stock market than before. There is a lot of noise surrounding this. The noise may brew fear inside of you, which can lead to bad decisions. Try not to follow your portfolio on a daily basis.

Do not let fear consume you as many people are screaming voices of gloom and doom. As was mentioned a while ago, you are in it for the long-haul. You are not invested for today or tomorrow. Markets will fall and crash, but good companies will eventually recover as history showed us.

#4: WAITING FOR A BOTTOM TO BUY STOCKS

In theory, you can buy good stocks at a discount when the market crashes. However, it is nearly impossible to purchase something at a perfect price and a perfect time. Do not try to time the market as it can cause you to miss glistening opportunities.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

No one knows when a crash will come or where the bottom is exactly. Consider purchasing stocks from good companies at all-time highs. If you are planning to be in this journey for a long time, you can buy shares from the businesses you believe in. Just be strategic and realistic!

Source: 1

 

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