Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s Notable Quotations on Economy and Life in Singapore

As the nation bids its final farewell to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, here is a humble homage for his wisdom on money and life matters.

1. “People want economic development first and foremost. The leaders may talk something else. You take a poll of any people. What is it they want? The right to write an editorial, as you like? They want homes, medicine, jobs, schools.”

~The Man and His Ideas, 1997

2. “If Singapore is a nanny state, then I am proud to have fostered one.”

~From Third World to First, The Singapore Story: 1965-2000

3. “Life is not just eating, drinking, television, and cinema…the human mind must be creative, must be self-generating. It cannot depend on just gadgets to amuse itself.”

~Speech at Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Haji Celebrations held at Joo Seng Community Centre, February 28, 1970

4. “But I’m not God, I can’t change you. But I can encourage you, give you extra help to make you do, say maybe, 20% better.”

~Success Stories, 2002

5. “Every Singaporean who owns a flat can double his value in today’s terms within the next 15 to 20 years. In other words, in the next 20 years, we can make everybody worth twice as much, at least.”

~National Day Rally, 1990

6. “If you can’t think because you can’t chew, try a banana.”

~Reply to a BBC reporter, 2000

7. “I am often accused of interfering in the private lives of citizens. Yes, if I did not, had I not done that, we wouldn’t be here today. And I say without the slightest remorse, that we wouldn’t be here, we would not have made economic progress, if we had not intervene on very personal matters – who your neighbor is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never mind what people think.”

~Straits Times, April 20, 1987

Image Credits: William Cho via Flickr

To build a strong Singapore during the most difficult years and to transform it from a Third World to a First World country is truly admirable beyond words. Mr. Lee, your outstanding leadership gave us the direction and for that your legacy will on forever.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, and 4

Delicious And Affordable Places For Thai Food in Singapore

For Thai cuisine, variety of texture, color, and taste is paramount. Thai chefs not only pay attention to how the dishes taste but they are also conscious about the balance of how it looks, smells, and how it fits with the rest of the meal. With several of delectable choices islandwide, here are the 3 delicious yet affordable restaurants in Singapore to satisfy your hunger for Thai food…

1. THAI TANTRIC

Hidden in Orchard Towers is a gem of authentic Thai cuisine called Thai Tantric. Affordable prices range from S$6 to S$10. Other than the classic Thai dishes, you must try their Thai Fried Rice (S$6) and Deep-fried Chicken Wings with Honey (S$10).

Image Credits: sg.openrice.com

Location: #03-23 Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Road

Online Rating: 100% on HungryGoWhere

2. JAI THAI

Find yourself shopping on the streets of Bugis? Feed your belly with cheap yet good tasting dishes from Jai Thai. Their Phad Thai, complete with a hearty serving of prawns, is priced at only S$5. Online voters raved for their Pandan Chicken and Tom Yum Soup.

Image Credits: Jai Thai Restaurant – Wallet Friendly Authentic Thai Cuisine via Facebook

Locations: Four outlets, visit here.

Online Rating: 70% on HungryGoWhere

3. NAKHON KITCHEN

It is undeniable that Nakhon Kitchen is a crowd favorite. Long queues, every day, are always at sight. This is because they are known for their authentic dishes yet budget-friendly prices. As said a while ago, Thai food is known for its variety so, Tom Yam Soup (S$6) comes in three kinds: clear, thick, or coconut bases. Other online voters favorite are Green Curry (S$8) and Thai Style Fried Kway Teow (S$4).

Locations:

#01-2371, Cheng San Centre, 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10

#01-166, 136 Bedok North Avenue 3

#01-341, Blk 212 Hougang Street 21

Online Rating: 64% on HungryGoWhere

Image Credits: [ThumbsForFood] via www.hungrygowhere.com

Enjoy your meal! Or, as they say in Thailand: ทาน อาหาร ให้ อร่อย นะ (thaan aa-hăan hâi à-râwy ná)!

5 Questions You Should Ask The Interviewer To Get A Good Company Insight

How will you know if you are really suited for the job and the company you are applying for unless you ask? Satisfaction at work and lesser turnover rate can only be ensured if you have a good insight of the company even during the job interview. According to studies and professional experiences, here are some questions every candidate should ask…

1. WHAT IS THE IDEAL EMPLOYEE FOR THIS POSITION?

Do not waste your time. Before saying “YES” to a job offer, consider whether you are the type of employee they are looking for. Some bosses in Singapore demand more attention and punctuality while others are loose and flexible toward their employees. You can get even more information by asking what the mission of the company is. Research showed that people are happier when there is a goodness of fit between the company’s and the employee’s goals.

2. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE WORKPLACE CULTURE?

Not all Singaporean organizations make employees work for long hours. Asking the interviewer about the workplace culture will help you grasp the management styles, dress code, employee dynamics, and more.

3. WHAT IS THE LARGEST ISSUE THAT THE COMPANY IS FACING NOW? WILL I BE ABLE TO HELP?

Demonstrate your interest in the company. This question will not only imply that you are thinking of supporting the team but it will also encourage the interviewer to visualize you in the rightful position.

4. WHILE WORKING HERE, WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

Your interviewer who is superior in the company may have a more biased or positive view than others but, it is still worth finding out about the benefits that the job might bring once decide to stay in the company for long.

5. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE PREVIOUS PERSON WHO HELD THIS POSITION?

I have had an interviewer who told me that the post was vacant due to pregnancy but once the previous employee comes back, she would fill in a higher post. This is a good sign of the company’s flexibility and growth. If your interviewer speaks bitterly of the past employee, determine if the boss takes things personally or if the place is in turmoil.

Image Credits: Chris Potter via Flickr

After discovering the answers to these questions, ask yourself this: Are you right for the job?

Sources: Forbes and Inc.

Do-It-Yourself Gift Ideas Your BFF Would Love

As Samuel Butler once said: “Friendship is like money, easier made than kept.”

This is why it is so special to have a best friend whom is there with you for the longest time. What better message of gratitude can you convey when you pour your heart on handmade gifts? The good news is that you do not have to spend loads of cash since you can just use the materials you already have at home!

1. FOR YOUR BOOKWORM BFF

If you have beautiful earrings but you lost the other piece, do not throw it away. You can still use it as vintage looking bookmarks. Simply follow these instructions by Jewelry designer, Andrea Singarella. You can buy a meter of ribbons for only S$1.50-3 at any Spotlight or Daiso store.

Image Credits: www.countryliving.com

2. FOR YOUR JEWELS LOVING BFF

So you bought an inexpensive and simple gloves in the Flea Market or in the online shops such as Zalora and Forever 21 but you realize that it is so plain. You can make a DIY present by adding jewel embellishments that you can buy in Daiso for S$2.

Image Credits: www.clonesnclowns.com

3. FOR YOUR WORKAHOLIC BFF

The best way to reward your workaholic BFF is by giving the present of an enjoyable bath time filled with relaxing fragrance. Achieve that by making bath bombs that are similar to the ones sold at Lush Singapore.

Image Credits: www.lushsg.com

Here are four ways you can make different types of bath bombs from basic to herbal type.

4. FOR YOUR FORGETFUL BFF

Does your friend misplace his or her keys a lot? Well, you can make a special keychain for her that is easy to find. Turn your printed fabric extras or used clothing into fabric keychains. To personalize these keychains even more, you can add some finish touches such as the first letter of your BFF’s name or assorted buttons and sequins.

Image Credits: www.craftinessisnotoptional.com

Full instructions are available here.

5. FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY-JUNKIE BFF

Bring your wonderful memories to life by turning photos into very personal greeting cards. Print his or her favorite Instagram photos in JPEG format using glossy or matte photo papers available for as low as S$2 at Popular bookstores.

Image Credits: www.sayyes.com

Have fun crafting!

9 Clever Uses For A S$2 Bottle of White Vinegar

Who would have thought that S$2-3 bottle of white vinegar can lighten your teeth, clean up your toilet, and soften your feet? This all-purpose kitchen spice can do so much more to help you save time, effort, and money.

1. GET THE SHINY SMILE

Lighten your teeth by brushing it once a week with distilled white vinegar. Also, it helps to fight bad breath.

2. AVOID CRACKED EGGS

Cooking hard-boiled eggs with your Kaya Toast? Try adding two tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. The eggs and its shells will stay in place.

3. CLEAN UP YOUR BATHROOM

To clean the toilet, pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into the bowl and let it stay there for 5 hours or overnight. Then, scrub it well and flush. To clean your tub and kill the germs, spray white vinegar around the tub. Then, wipe it with wet cloth to clean.

4. STOP ITCHING FROM INSECT BITES

Treat your mosquito or insect bites with a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar. This helps disinfect the area and stop itching sensations.

5. GET SHINY COFFEE CUPS AND TEA CUPS

Easter is coming up! Showcase bright cups to your guests by scrubbing stains with ½ white vinegar and ½ salt solution.

6. RESTORE PAINT BRUSHES

Repainting your flat? There is no need to buy new paintbrushes because the old one has paint stuck on them. Simply place the brushes in a pot or vessel with white vinegar. Let it soak there for an hour then, turn the stove on and let the white vinegar simmer. Rinse the brushes to clean.

7. REMOVE CRAYON MARKS

Sometimes, children get too excited that they draw on the wall with crayons. Believe me, it is hard to remove crayon marks. For an inexpensive and non-toxic route, dip a toothbrush in white vinegar and gently scrub the surface.

Image Credits: Brandie Heinel via Flickr

8. UNSTICK OLD SCREWS

Loosen up some old screws easily by pouring white vinegar on it.

9. GET SOFT AND SMOOTH FEET

What to go to the Siloso Beach but afraid of your callused feet touching the sand? Say goodbye to calluses and cracked heels by soaking your feet in one part white vinegar and two parts lukewarm water at least 20 minutes a day. It works as the vinegar removes your dead skin.

White vinegar, you are a life saver!

Source: AllYou

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