Singapore Banks Step Up Scam Defenses From Oct 15

From October 15, Singapore’s biggest banks will roll out new safeguards on digital transactions to protect customers from increasingly sophisticated scams. The move comes just weeks after the Singapore Police Force announced that 15 individuals would be charged for suspected roles in scam-related money mule activities. Twelve men and three women, aged between 18 and 35, were arrested in connection with scams ranging from impersonation and job fraud to e-commerce cons and loan schemes, with total losses exceeding S$8.8 million.

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Scams are not slowing down. They have grown more aggressive and more convincing, making it difficult even for savvy customers to tell a legitimate transaction from a fraudulent one. In response, banks are stepping in to close the gaps with stronger protections.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citibank, HSBC, Maybank and Standard Chartered will enforce stricter rules on digital banking starting October 15. The safeguards apply to current and savings accounts, including joint accounts, with balances of at least S$50,000. If a transaction causes more than half of an account’s funds to be withdrawn within 24 hours, the safeguard is triggered. That transaction and any that follow will either be held for 24 hours or rejected outright. This pause gives victims a vital window to cancel the transfer if they realize they have been scammed.

These measures apply only to digital banking channels such as mobile apps and internet banking, while cash withdrawals at branches and ATMs remain unaffected. The Association of Banks in Singapore, which announced the move on October 3, has cautioned that customers may experience delays in legitimate digital payments and transfers, particularly for large or time-sensitive transactions like property purchases or stock trades. Customers are advised to plan such transfers ahead of time to avoid unexpected costs.

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While the new rules may cause some inconvenience, the scam cases highlight why they are necessary. Security measures already in place prevented an estimated S$78 million in scam losses during the first seven months of this year. Singapore’s financial system is not immune to the global wave of scams, but it has chosen to act decisively. Customers may have to trade a little convenience for peace of mind, and in the fight against scams, that trade-off may well be worth it.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Mary Grace Cafe To Debut In Singapore In 2026

Another beloved food and beverage name is coming to Singapore. Mary Grace Cafe, a household favorite in the Philippines known for its heartwarming bakes and homestyle meals, will open its first outlet here in 2026. This marks the brand’s first overseas venture since it began more than two decades ago.

Although the exact opening date and location remain under wraps, fans can follow updates on the cafe’s Singapore Instagram page. Singaporeans have already had a taste of what is to come. Just last month, Mary Grace held a three day online pop up from September 11 to 13, delivering its cult favorite ensaymadas and cheese rolls. The ensaymada, a Filipino pastry with Spanish roots, is typically topped with butter, sugar and grated cheese, while the cheese roll offers a rich and pillowy bite of indulgence.

Image Credits: facebook.com/CafeMaryGrace/photos

Mary Grace prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients with no artificial colorings, additives, preservatives or pork lard. According to the brand, every pastry is made with one hundred per cent real butter and eggs, staying true to the recipes that have made them so loved in the Philippines.

The story of Mary Grace Cafe is as heartwarming as its food. What began in 2002 as a small bakery kiosk grew from the kitchen of Mary Grace, a mother of five with an entrepreneurial spirit and strong family support. By 2006, the brand expanded into a full service cafe serving hot meals alongside its signature bakes. Today, it has around 140 outlets across the Philippines, from kiosk stalls to full cafes, with a strong presence in Metro Manila at malls such as Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Circuit, Century City Mall and Bonifacio High Street.

Image Credits: facebook.com/CafeMaryGrace/photos

For fans of Filipino cuisine and those curious to try, the upcoming Singapore debut promises more than just pastries. It is a chance to savor the warmth, comfort and community that Mary Grace has built its name on. Keep an eye on their Singapore Instagram for updates on the opening date and location.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

 

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Labubu Takes Over VivoCity with a Mini Market Pop-Up Till Oct 19

Calling all Labubu fans! You only have 16 days left to experience the Labubu Mini Market Pop-Up Store at VivoCity’s East Court. Until October 19, Pop Mart is inviting you into a world where groceries are playful props, plush pendants grin from the shelves, and even a shopping basket is big enough to climb into. It is a whimsical showcase of Pop Mart’s “The Monsters Wacky Mart Series,” which first launched in June, and it has been drawing both collectors and first timers eager to see what the fuss is about.

Image Credits: facebook.com/vivocity.sg& Pop Mart

Labubu, the cheeky character with mischievous eyes and a cult following, is once again stealing the spotlight. The Mini Market presents him in the middle of a quirky convenience store where food turns into art and everyday products feel like treasures. Picture a giant shopping basket called Basket of Mischief or a retro style food truck known as Quick Bites.

Inside the mart, there are storage bag blind boxes, sandwich shaped mini bags, seafood ball plush pendants and more. The fun is in the surprise as much as the purchase. Some visitors come for the quirky home essentials and kitchenware, others are after the thrill of securing a limited item. Those who spend S$68 in a single receipt will earn a spinning fan from the series, while shoppers who spend S$138 walk away with a puffer keychain. Both exclusives are only available here (T&Cs apply and while stocks last).

Image Credits: facebook.com/vivocity.sg& Pop Mart

The exclusivity extends beyond the merchandise. Entry to the retail zone requires advance registration, and each shopper is given only 20 minutes to browse and buy. Even without a slot, visitors can still roam the installations outside and marvel at how the space has been transformed into a market of cuteness.

Image Credits: facebook.com/vivocity.sg& Pop Mart

What are you waiting for? Step inside, snap a picture, and maybe pick up a sandwich-shaped pillow on the way out. After all, this is one market where the real currency is playfulness.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Why Bencoolen Is Officially One of the World’s Coolest Neighborhoods

Tucked between the vibrant streets of Bugis and the cultural charm of Bras Basah, Bencoolen has long been one of Singapore’s most overlooked districts. Often passed by on the way to bigger attractions, this neighborhood is finally stepping into the global spotlight after being named one of the World’s 39 Coolest Neighborhoods by Time Out in 2025. Once you take the time to explore it, you’ll see why it deserves the attention.

Image Credits: zhenkang (CC BY-SA 4.0) via commons.wikimedia.org

Bencoolen has a creative heartbeat that’s impossible to miss. Students from NAFA and Lasalle bring the streets to life, filling the area with sketches, ideas, and youthful energy. Galleries run by these schools open doors to works from emerging artists, while Objectifs showcases bold voices in photography and film from across Southeast Asia. Along Stamford Road, the National Museum of Singapore offers a journey through history, while the Stamford Arts Centre keeps traditional arts alive with performances and showcases that connect the past with the present.

obj: Image Credits: facebook.com/objectifscentre

Food is another reason Bencoolen is earning its cool status. Fortune Centre has become a landmark for affordable and unforgettable eats, from the irresistible salted egg yolk chicken rice at New Station to hearty vegan meals at Bodhi Deli and nostalgic desserts at Yat Ka Yan. Beyond its famous food court, Bencoolen is home to cozy spots that feel like secrets waiting to be discovered, including a tiny eight-seat grill house where the chef cooks right in front of you, a playful umeshu bar, and a relaxed natural wine spot where conversations flow as easily as the drinks.

The neighborhood’s charm lies in its contrasts. Masjid Bencoolen, a historic mosque, stands alongside a modern serviced apartment tower, while Sim Lim Square buzzes with tech enthusiasts in search of bargains. These juxtapositions create a district that feels both rooted in heritage and alive with modern energy.

Image Credits: Muhammad Adrian via flickr.com/photos/198561627@N08/54579780000

Bencoolen doesn’t compete with Singapore’s flashier districts, and that’s exactly why it stands out. It’s a neighborhood full of surprises for those willing to slow down and wander. Now that the world has taken notice, perhaps it’s time you did too.

Source: 1

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The S$1 Million Dream: Can You Retire at 50?

For some Singaporeans, the dream of financial independence is not just a distant fantasy but a tangible goal. A recent survey conducted by CIMB Singapore in collaboration with the Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology reveals that 63% of respondents aim to achieve financial freedom between 40 and 60 years old. More than half believe that reaching at least S$1 million would free them from financial worries, and nearly three-quarters consider this target realistic. Yet only 43% feel confident in their ability to manage finances effectively to reach this milestone.

The study, which gathered insights from over 500 residents aged 26 to 60 in December 2024, also highlighted the anxieties that accompany these aspirations. Among those aged 40 to 50, 47% report feeling often or always anxious about their financial future. The obstacles are familiar: high living costs, family responsibilities, and limited income streams. Surprisingly, gaps in financial literacy persist. While insurance ranks among the top three tools for building wealth, alongside savings and stocks, 39% of respondents remain unsure of its effectiveness as an investment vehicle.

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Financial analyst Albert Tan suggests that early and disciplined planning can turn this dream into reality. A 25-year-old aiming to retire at 50, investing $1,000 monthly with annual increases of 3%, could potentially accumulate over S$1 million by their target age, assuming a 7% annual return. Tan notes that this approach does not account for other life priorities such as property purchases or family expenses, and relies on consistent wage growth, which is not guaranteed for everyone.

CPF savings remain a critical pillar in the retirement plan. Securing the Full Retirement Sum in a CPF Special or Retirement Account by age 55 could provide a reliable monthly payout of around S$1,700 from 65, supporting long-term financial stability.

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Ultimately, achieving financial freedom by 50 may be ambitious. However, with consistent investing, income growth strategies, and prudent CPF planning, it is far from impossible. For Singaporeans willing to map out their financial journey early, what once seemed like a distant dream could become a carefully planned reality.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

 

 

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