In a recent survey, 1 in 4 Singaporeans have adopted mobile payment. In 2016 alone, over 30,000 retail points in Singapore enabled cashless payment. The most popular online wallets include DBS Paylah!, Apple Pay, and Android Pay.
You can only imagine how much growth the cashless payment received due to the Circuit Breaker period! People have been leaning towards this payment scheme due to the lack of face-to-face interaction that comes with it.
A mobile wallet stores payment information on your mobile device and lets you transact painlessly. It is fast and convenient. The downside? You are vulnerable to cyber hacking. On that note, here are several tips that you can use to secure your device while you shop.
#1: ENABLE THE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Two-factor authentication gives you an added layer of protection. Enabling this will let you control your purchases. You will be notified whenever your card or your online wallet is in use. You will get a message or an email asking for your verification code. This is something you have to put to pursue the online transaction. This will alert you in case fraudulent transactions are about to take place.
#2: BE VIGILANT AGAINST BOGUS SITES
Notice every little detail such as the web address. Cyber criminals use similar characters in the web address to virtually trick you into putting your bank details and other personal information. For instance, you may shop in amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com. Consider using tools such as Google Safe Browsing to check the current safety status of a website.
#3: PAY WITH CREDIT CARD
Credit cards are not tied to your savings account. Furthermore, it often offers fraud prevention and protection services compared to debit cards. If you use a debit card on purchases, the money will automatically be taken out from your savings account. Treat debit cards like cash. In contrast, credit cards enable you to have enough time to dispute fraudulent charges. Seek the help of the bank to investigate the incident. It is a good habit to regularly check your billing statement and your weekly transactions online.
#4: DO NOT SAVE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION
Some online retailers, like Lazada, offer the option of storing your credit card or debit card information after you have made a transaction. While it is convenient for you to do this, you must never put your personal information at risk. Major companies have suffered data breaches where consumers’ information have been stolen. Do not let this happen to you! Moreover, never provide your credit card or debit card details over an email or a phone call.
Protect yourself! Be vigilant and strategic whenever you purchase online.
According to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, plastic face shield offers adequate basic protection and can be worn if you need to go out of your home during this period.
For the general public who need to go out of their homes during this period, any mask including reusable masks, DIY masks or plastic face shields, offer adequate basic protection.
Face shields have a number of advantages over masks. It can be more comfortable to wear than a face mask and it is easier to clean and disinfects after each use.
Video by Lindsley et al, 2014/NIOSH
According to a report from JAMA Network, face shields were shown to reduce immediate viral exposure by 96% when worn by a simulated health care worker within 18 inches of a cough. Face shields also protect your eyes and other parts of the face not covered by the face masks.
While face shields offer more advantages, they are are not 100% foolproof. Experts have recommend wearing with face masks to be effective. In addition, practicing good personal hygiene and social distancing should form the first line of defence against the coronavirus.
If you are considering to get a face shield in Singapore, here are some places where you can get them:
Welcome to the new normal! The Circuit Breaker period allowed us to stay at home out of necessity, while we anxiously spray disinfectant on every item around the house. WE all know that we have to follow the social distancing measures and to wait for the COVID-19 updates. However, it is hard to stay at home when you are running out of home essentials and grocery supplies. How do you shop for your essentials? Is it safer to buy online or in store?
GOING OUT TO SHOP IN STORE
Stepping outside to buy groceries and household supplies is the quickest and simplest way to restock. It is also accessible, whereby everything you need can be found in one place. The shopping mall can also provide you with different brands and packaging sizes. You can even return a damaged item on the spot.
Going outside to shop is no longer simple and safe as it used to be. Since most stores close earlier and some ceased their operations, you will have to time your shopping accordingly. You need to wear a mask and carry a disinfectant with you. Without the usual public transport measures, you will have to walk to the store or to avoid the peak hours. You will also have to line up for hours to fulfill your grocery journey.
Going outside also increases your chances of getting sick. You can contract the illness from surfaces, from crowded lines, or from the cash. This is according to the World Health Organization. Not to mention, the germ exposure that you can get from ATMs and banks. Remain safe wherever you are by practicing social distancing and by keeping your hands clean at all times.
The use of cash can be prevented by carrying your debit or credit card. You may also use cashless services such as Apple Wallet and PayPal. These methods are convenient and safe.
STAYING INDOORS TO SHOP
Shopping online has become more popular than ever. Getting deliveries right at your doorstep lets you skip the countless hours you spend in the store and the anxiety of getting infected. Most stores have strict disinfection practices, encourage no-contact deliveries, and accept contactless payments. It is easier to find specialty items online such as bubble milk-tea shops or freshly-baked goods.
The only downside is that you will have to visit several websites to look for everything you need. Stocks are limited too. You need to tick the item into the cart before you lose your chance. Most online stores have delivery delays due to the surge in demand. You have to be patient. Nonetheless, you can always order in advance.
FairPrice and Lazada Singapore are just a few of your online grocery options. These shops accept electronic payments and cash on delivery. After filling in the shop’s bank account details and amount, review your details and confirm. You will be spoiled with their item selections found online.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
For Singaporeans who only need a set meal without having to shop, food delivery apps can provide cravings for an entire family. This options offers all the advantages of shopping online, minus the long queue. There are upsides and setbacks to any way you choose to shop, and it is up to you to decide which best suits your lifestyle.
Lack of time, expertise and insufficient funding are some of the challenges facing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore today. This is particularly true when it comes to the adoption of new technologies and improving on customer satisfaction. The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) is an initiative of the Singaporean Government aimed at enabling businesses to embrace technological solutions in their day-to-day processes in addition to streamlining existing schemes under one roof.
Founded in 2018, the PSG was purposefully created to enable businesses to transform their operational automation and consequently improve on their productivity through adoption of the latest IT solutions.
Productivity Solutions Grant: What Does It Cover?
PSG, as stated earlier, is a government incentive to enable businesses and companies to apply technological solutions by offering up to 70 percent of the funding. For that reason, businesses can apply for this funding support and have a long-term tech-oriented investment.
The Productivity Solutions Grant provides industry specific solutions. Logistics companies, retail businesses and food vendors get assistance that is tailored to their needs. Moreover, PSG also supports the use of information technology in other areas such as financial management, data analytics, customer management, ecommerce and inventory tracking. It basically provides a platform for SMEs to expand their business to achieve a top-level business transformation.
Additionally, when companies or businesses want to prove the potential for growth and transformation to new investors, a Productivity Solutions Grant is the perfect way to achieve this. Investors are mostly interested in projects or businesses with creative IT systems as this demonstrates a high potential for growth, which in-turn means low risk and a quick return on investment.
Tips for Applying for the Productivity Solutions Grant
Below are some important tips that will help you in your application for the PSG grant
Confirm Eligibility
Just like any other grant, PSG has its requirements for one to qualify for this grant. As such, there are three basic requirements that SMEs are required to meet before applying for this grant. The first one, is that the company or business applying for the grant has to be registered and operating in Singapore. Secondly, the purchased or leased IT solution or equipment must solely be used in Singapore. And lastly, the company applying for the grant must have at least 30% local shareholders.
This is important information that you need to be aware of beforehand so as to make an informed decision as to whether or not to apply for the grant. It also helps you to roughly determine your chances for success.
Understand the Application Process
Before applying for the grant, it is prudent that you carefully study and understand the grant’s application process. Note that you are first required to apply for the grant before making payments or signing any contract with a vendor regarding the subscription, lease or purchase of an IT solution. Failure to do so will result in the application being denied.
You should also be aware of the fact that only authorized and pre-approved vendors are allowed to consider your eligibility for the grant.
Consult an IT Solutions Provider
Applying for the Productivity Solutions Grant can be quite challenging for most businesses and therefore it is advisable that you seek an information technology provider’s assistance on this. An expert IT solutions provider with immense experience and knowledge on the PSG application process will not only assist you to properly apply for the grant, but will also help to significantly lessen the processing time.
How to Apply for the PSG
You can apply for the PSG through the Business Grant Portal which is also the same portal to use when applying for any other business grant. For you to login to the portal, you’ll be required to have a CorpPass account which is also used for all corporate business deals on government digital services.
After you’ve set-up your account, the next thing is to decide on which solution best fits your business model. Once you have identified the right solution, the next thing to do is contact a vendor for a quotation. There are quite a few pre-approved vendors to consider. Shopify, for example, is a great choice for e-commerce business models. Note that, at this stage, you are not supposed to buy the solution yet.
The next step involves filling the PSG application forms. The forms are available on the business grant portal and can only be accessed upon signing in. After you’ve correctly filled the application forms, you will then have to submit the forms together with the quote through the portal.
It usually takes approximately 6 weeks for the application to be evaluated. Once it is approved, you will receive an email notification. You will then be required to accept the application via the portal within 31 days.
Finally, you will only receive the disbursement once you’ve purchased the solution, submitted your claim documents and paid all the expenses.
So that’s it. Don’t let a good opportunity go to waste. The Productivity Solutions Grant is a great government initiative that removes the funding barrier for Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises. Confirm your eligibility and get an application started today.
From a vibrant and fulfilling digital ecosystem to one that is evolving, adapting and changing to a new post-Coronavirus world, social media’s role in the crisis cannot be underestimated. If you had to pick one digital medium, which has evolved because of the Coronavirus, it has to be social media platforms.
All of us have been heavily dependent on social media for not only our entertainment needs, but also several different kinds of important needs.
We are talking about learning, fitness and health, news and information along with buying essential goods and services.
One way brands have been using social media successfully is by not pushing just products and services all the time. In this article, we are going to look at different ways brands are using the creative and exciting strategy of ‘Influencer Marketing’ during the Coronavirus crisis.
5 Ways Brands are using Social Media Influencers during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Start Important and Engaging Conversations-
Some of the best brands are using Singapore influencers to start engagement with their target audiences on platforms like Facebook Live, Insta Live and Tik Tok. This can be anything from discussing problems being faced to offering solutions. For example, many skin care brands are working with influencers to have Q&A sessions Live on social media platforms.
Sell Products and Services-
Do not think that selling products and services has taken a backseat during the Coronavirus. Influencers are working hard to align the products and services of a brand with how they can be helpful during such trying times. Many brands who are into supplying service people for repairing household appliances are demonstrating them through the homes of influencers.
Improving Brand Building and Brand Recall-
Influencer driven campaigns are very good at improving brand recall and product placements at strategic places. If you see an Influencer go live always, look out for some of the products, which are occupying the frame. Most of these products are sponsored and advertised by brands. They also end up getting many queries and sales query after the ‘Live’ session of the Influencer.
Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and helping community-
Many brands are working on building their brand image by helping communities most affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. This involves distributing essentials like medicines, food items and clothing to people. Many brands are also using influencers and collaborating with them for increased publicity and general goodwill improvement.
Future Product Launches and creating a Buzz for the same-
Many automobile manufacturers are collaborating with auto influencers and reviewers to create the right kind of noise about their new upcoming launches. Many manufacturers are also launching their new products on a purely digital level. We often find many influencers join the digital launch online and then share the same with their audiences on social media platforms.
How to choose the best Social Media Influencers for your Brand?
It is important to note that many brands go wrong at this precise juncture when it comes to selecting the right influencers to represent their brands. It is critical that brands look for influencers who share their virtues and ideals and appear to be an extension of the brand’s values on social media platforms.
When it comes to selecting influencers, it is best that a brand look at the percentage of engagement rates, which an influencer has, rather than look at mere number of followers. Some brands have also started experimenting with micro and nano influencers as they are credible and have higher engagement rates.
Price and affordability are also other things that a brand needs to pay attention to while selecting an influencer. However, what is certain is that a properly executed influencer marketing campaign during the Coronavirus pandemic can be really helpful and impactful for a brand.
