Singapore Banks Have Access To S$30M Funds To Boost Cybersecurity

If you are updated with the current events, you would know that the country has suffered a serious data breaching this year. The unfortunate event compromised the personal data of 1.5 million healthcare patients including the data of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. These patients are under SingHealth – the country’s largest group of healthcare institutions spanning various clinical specialties, public hospitals, specialty centers, polyclinics, and community hospitals.

Similar stories of data breaching in other sectors have been reported in other parts of the world. Imagine how vulnerable a financial institution can be once its clients’ data has been breached!

With the increasing use of technology in global banking, Singapore needs to combat money laundering and online unlawful acts. I, for one, am vigilant when it comes to checking my balance after a transaction or an online purchase. Fortunately for us, the Singapore government and the financial institutions thought of ways to tackle the situation.

Firstly, the government acknowledged the importance of cybersecurity to financial institutions. Hence, it has signaled its willingness to ease some restrictions on importing talents for the financial-technology industry. The authorities are aware of the talent shortages. That said, financial institutions can either train or upgrade the skills of its existing employees or hire foreign talents who are experts in the field.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Secondly, the Monetary Authority of Singapore offered financial institutions access to a S$30 million grant. This funds can be used to boost their cybersecurity skill-sets and related operations. It is under the country’s Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Scheme, the grant facilitating the development of advanced cybersecurity functions such as computer forensics, malware research, and cyber threat surveillance. The funds could be tapped to cover up to 50% of a financial institution’s qualified cybersecurity expenses, with a cap of S$3 million.

Lastly, local banks can exhaust its current resources to provide cybersecurity services. For instance, three major banks in Singapore have started using artificial intelligence and data analytics to help enhance the detection of illicit cash flows. These banks are DBS, OCBC, and UOB.

We cannot deny that cyber threats continue to evolve throughout the years. Thus, it is highly encouraged for the financial sector to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities to keep us safe.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

 

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Get Your Pet A “Pink IC” For As Low As S$25

Now, more than ever, pets play an important role in enriching our lives. Whether you own a dog or a rabbit, these pets typically become a part of the family. Some pet owners go beyond dressing their pets by creating social media profiles for them. Creating their own identities strengthens their roles in your homes.

To protect your beloved pet’s identity, you may purchase a “pink identity card”. Do not rush to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) just yet! I am referring to the novelty products produced by two local companies. Both Plus Accessories and MyPetInc create tags resembling the pink NRIC. These products steer away from the traditional round pet collar tags to provide more information to identify your pets. Let us start with the products offered by Plus Accessories.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Plus-accessories

At first glance, one will be shocked by how the wallet-size “pet IC” (i.e., retails for about S$25) looks somewhat like the actual identity card. It has all the necessary details such as the pet’s name, breed, date of birth, country of birth, and identity number. Moreover, it will feature a small picture of your pet. On the top, the card playfully says that it belongs to the Republic of Singapaw! Please note that it takes about 2 months after the confirmation of design to receive the product. What’s more, the Plus Accessories offer pet tags (i.e., about S$28 to S$38) and customized car displays.

On the other hand, MyPetInc was founded in 2014. Its founders created the company to “reunite lost pets with their owners in the fastest way possible”. They created a product that provides more information than a traditional dog collar tag. That being said, relevant information relating to the pet (e.g., health condition, allergies, or address) were considered. Each collar tag is uniquely made and personalized through your order. For instance, small dogs like Chihuahuas and Terriers will be offered smaller collar tags with measurements of 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm.

Image Credits: facebook.com/MyPetIC

What I like most about this tag is that it is waterproof and coated with a layer of material that claims to withstand scratches and bites from your furry pal. MyPetInc collar tag retails for about S$29.50.

For the holiday season, you may want to check these online shops out! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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Things To Expect When Meeting A Financial Adviser For The First Time

You have decided that 2019 is the year that you are going to meet a financial adviser. Many Singaporeans can casually start a conversation about sports, fashion, and travel. However, discussing about money is another story. The mere act of reaching out to a financial adviser brings you a step ahead towards your money goals. That being said, here are the practical things that you can expect when meeting one.

1. YOUR CURRENT FINANCIAL SITUATION WILL BE ASSESSED

A competent and conscientious financial adviser will never assume to know your needs at first glance. It is important for you to provide all the necessary financial information available. I am referring to the bank statements, insurance premiums, tax returns, and so on. These details will help the financial adviser to tackle the toughest question in one’s financial life.

What steps do you need to take to secure your future?

2. YOUR FINANCIAL PHILOSOPHY WILL BE QUESTIONED

Be honest with yourself! What is your philosophy on wealth and investment?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you decide to work with a professional to give you advice on money then, ensure that he or she understands your limits. Discuss each other’s financial philosophies as these would dictate his or her actions toward your account. If you are willing to risk it all then, the financial adviser will lead you to that. While, risk averse clients will have more conservative options.

The financial adviser’s approach needs to balance your goals, your financial timeline, and your appetite for risks.

3. YOUR OVERALL PROGRESS WILL BE REVIEWED

With your financial adviser, your milestones will be set on a timetable. Do not be surprised when you are asked about your ideal retirement age or ideal marrying age. These may feel too intimate, but your success lies on having a concrete plan.

Your financial progress will be reviewed based on your plan. You see, Personal Finance is a process. It helps to have a knowledgeable and emphatic professional to track how far you have come and to guide you to your next goal.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

May your financial adviser create the most suitable financial road-map for you. Good luck! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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3 Budget-Friendly Hen Party Ideas

A hen party is a bride’s last hurrah before she ties the knot. Thus, it needs to be a special. Surprise your beloved bridal squad with these creative hen party ideas.

LET THE SWAPPING BEGIN

As fashionistas, your friends may be interested to throw a “Wardrobe Swapping Night”. Start by choosing a venue by volunteering your own flat or your fellow bridesmaid’s. After setting a venue, give the guests an ample amount of time to raid their closets. Ensure that everyone will bring clothing articles or accessories of good condition. Encourage each bridesmaid to share a story behind each item before starting the swap. Stories and negotiations will get better over a few drinks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Not only will you free up some space in your closet, but you will be able to pass your stylish item to a friend that has been eyeing it for ages!

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

For adventurous brides who choose to navigate their lives on the active lane, you may explore the country’s great outdoors! A weekend spent trekking, camping, and cycling is equally frugal and fantastic. Isn’t it amazing to let your hair down and not worry about how you will look for a few days?

Image Credits: nparks.gov.sg

Enjoy dressing down and connecting with Mother Nature by visiting the Southern Ridges and the East Coast Park. The former is one of Singapore’s best walking trails, which covers Mt. Faber, Kent Ridge, Hort, and Telok Blangah Hill parks. It spans through 10 kilometers of lush forest and canopy walkways. While, the latter is the perfect place to have a picnic with friends. Do not forget to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. See the website of National Parks for more details.

TAKE THE TRADITIONAL ROUTE

One of the things that I look forward to experience as a child was having my friends over at my house. Relive your treasured youthful memories by having an adult sleepover. Suitable for a small group of people, having a sleepover entails an intimate hen party experience. What’s more? You will be able to have proper chats while drinking your favorite booze.

Once your venue is set (e.g., the bride’s flat), encourage everyone to bring their share of treats and drinks. Have a supply of indoor games ready as well. Do not forget the classic Twister, Scrabble, and Truth or Dare. You may also put a twist to these classic games by putting the groom’s face all over the cards or other cheeky hints. Have your Netflix account ready as well!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lastly, you may hire a person that offers home nail services. Cindy of Tenth Nail provides nail services at your own convenience. Her rates start at S$25 exclusive of the transportation and parking fees. Please book (by calling +65 9004 4605) at least three days in advance to secure her for your hen party.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Free Mobile Games To Spice Up Your Life

Entertainment does not have to come with an excessive price tag! You see, there are hundreds or even thousands of mobile games available for Android and iOS. A lot of these games are available for absolutely nothing.

Whether a game is ad-supported or fueled on a “freemium” model (i.e., offering the basic services for free and the advanced features at a premium), the following games will surely make your commute less boring. What are you waiting for? Spice up your life with these free apps:

FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE

Need a dose of speed in your life? Look no further as you download Gameloft’s Asphalt series. People who enjoy racing games will be impressed by the Asphalt 8 and 9. Asphalt 8: Airborne was released in 2013 and Asphalt 9: Legends was released this year. These two installations involve dramatic chases and slow-motion collisions. The former involves cars that can perform outrageous aerial stunts in realistic tracks. While, the latter travels around the world to answer why you are legendary.

Personally speaking, I prefer Asphalt 8 as you can play with it offline. Both Android and iOS users can download these games for free!

FOR THE STRANGER THINGS ADDICT

Whether you are an avid fan of Netflix’s Stranger Things or not, you will enjoy the nostalgic vibe that the Stranger Things mobile game radiate. The game starts inside the Hawkins Lab whereby Chief Hopper sets out to find the missing children. Each character has a specific set of skills, which he or she can use to unlock a certain chapter of the game. Controls are simple as you can just tap to walk or interact (e.g., punch). When you are tired with tapping, you can drag your finger across the screen to move your character. You need to figure out how to defeat each enemy without dying!

It its essence, you are diving into an adventure game involving combat and puzzle solving. Best of all? It is completely free! It exists without ads and in-app purchases.

FOR THE MAKEOVER ENTHUSIAST

I, for one, can spend countless commuting time on home design games. I love building things from the ground up. Finding a game that puts a twist on interior design such as incorporating puzzles will impress me to the core! Fortunately, a friend of mine recommended that I download the “Matchington Mansion”. It is a no-cost puzzle game released by Firecraft Studios for both Android and iOS platforms.

The story starts with receiving a life-changing news. The player will inherit a massive mansion! The catch is, it is outdated and neglected. You are now on a mission to use your creativity and wits to decorate the house. Complete a series of puzzles to accomplish each task (e.g., revamping your bed). You may also visit your neighbors to unlock furniture and wall decoration options that are not readily available to you.

FOR THE ONE WHO LOVES MMORPG

MMORPG is short for Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Game. It combines role-playing video games with an option to interact with a vast number of players within a virtual world. Majority of the popular MMORPGs focus on traditional fantasy themes, often comparable to the in-game universe of Dungeons & Dragons. Some examples of globally popular MMORPGs include World of Warcraft, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Ragnarok. For the sake of this list, I am going to put a spotlight on the latter.

Ragnarok is back! It is mobile form, Ragnarok continues the adventure that you left behind 15 years ago. Southeast Asian fans can play the Ragnarok Mobile: Eternal Love game on Android or iOS devices for free.

The game is a faithful recreation of the original online game with most of its contents remaining intact such as the character’s jobs, costumes, and guild PvP. Players can access a wide varity of job classes including the brand new Blacksmith class. Furthermore, you may fight against other players in guild PvP to take advantage of the game’s real-time combat feature.

Please note that its attractive 3D world is relatively new. Launching last month, there is still a long way to improve!

Sources: 1 & 2

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