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Local brand Naiise owes some vendors up to S$10,000, closes its last Singapore physical store today (11 April)

If you’ve been a Singapore resident for some time now or all your life, chances are that you must have heard of Naiise.

Naiise is a homegrown creative marketplace for creatives and makers to connect with their customers through the platform’s online and offline initiatives. But things aren’t looking good for the brand, apparently.

News has it that the brand has owed its vendors thousands of dollars. According to its founder, Dennis Tay, the company is struggling with the payouts because of the pandemic situation. However, it seems like the vendors’ payment defaults happened way before COVID-19 started.

Anyhow, Naiise will close their last local physical store at Jewel Changi Airport today (11 April) after attributing it as a significant investment at the wrong time. The decision follows after the closure of its Paya Lebar Quarter mall’s outlet in July 2020.

Naiise vendors’ side of the story

Ex-owner of Canvas Avenue, a brand specialising in handmade wooden accessories and printed clothes, created a Facebook group named “Naiise Vendors” in June 2020 after she was due to be paid S$5,000.

Image Credits: Facebook

Ms Wendy Wang said: “I thought it was a bad sign, and I put up the post to get the news out there in case we may not get our money back.” The 35-year-old was referring to the resignation of Ms Amanda Eng, chief marketing and buying officer of Naiise, during the same period.

While Ms Wang has received her due payment in full, other Naiise vendors aren’t having a pleasant time dealing with the company.

Another vendor named Ms Suzianna Mohd Sofiee noted that Naiise had been late on payments since she joined them as a merchant in December 2019. The 36-year-old added that she was denied S$1,800 in sales made from January to March 2020. Based on her contract, she was supposed to receive the amounts from April 2020 but did not.

Until she threatened to file a case with the Small Claims Tribunals in October 2020, Naiise responded. But the agreement to repay her in S$250 monthly instalments were not met, and she only got one payout in December last year. The company later requested to make S$30 recurring repayments this year instead but has yet to fulfil it.

Some merchants have given up

The co-owner of Freshly Pressed Socks said he had dismissed the debt of about S$4,000 considering the time and costs needed to chase for payments.

“Naiise used to be about supporting local designers and — yes, on principle, it is about establishing Singapore’s brand — but at the back of it, brands are all suffering because of them,” Mr Vincent Teo of Freshly Pressed Socks remarked.

Similarly, the founder of Bespoke Parfums Artisanaux shared that she had already wasted S$700 sending two official letters in 2018 and 2020 to settle a total of S$10,000 in outstanding payment.

Ms Faizah Lokman added that it would cost her up to S$4,000 if she were to file a lawsuit to enforce the demands. This is not forgetting that it may take up to six months for the entire procedure to happen.

“They can close anytime, and our company’s civil proceeding fees would go down the drain,” she noted.

Image Credits: TODAYonline

Are you one of the affected vendors, or know someone seeking claims? Maybe the Small Claims Tribunals via the State Courts of Singapore’s website can help. Click through the link for more information, and we hope you will receive a favourable outcome soon.

Do these things if you want a work promotion soon

Peeps who’ve been with the same company for some time now, it’s normal to be thinking of a pay increase or title raise.

Well, who wouldn’t want some extra cash in the bank each month for savings or investments? We could all do with a bit of perk-me-up via a position raise from “executive” to “manager”, right?

But if you’ve been working for a decade or longer, you would know that a career advancement doesn’t come that easily. Do these things if you want a work promotion soon.

#1: Seek feedback from your superior

One of the best ways to get promoted is to ask for one. Set a time to meet with your boss, and bring your case for promotion to the table.

But before you do that, make sure you’re ready to share your achievements over the years, your upgraded skills, and the potential value you can bring to the company should you be given a title raise.

If your boss seems to be sitting on the fence amid the discussion, don’t leave the conversation hanging. Seek specific projects that you can undertake or accomplish to get the promotion, and then follow your superior’s directions to earn yourself a chance in the subsequent months to bring the topic back on the radar.

#2: Observe promoted colleagues

Image Credits: Her World

Look at your coworkers who have been promoted ahead of you. Do they have something in common? Are there some aspects of what the company seeks that has made them better candidates than you do?

Maybe there is a specific certification or credential that your company finds very appealing in an employee. To find out, it’s time to be a social butterfly. Attend social work events where possible and be engaged with your peers in the same industry to get updated on what’s up and coming.

You may also volunteer to work on team projects headed by those promoted to give yourself a chance to see for yourself the skills your promoted colleagues hold.

#3: Add value to everything you do

The management team will judge you based on whether or not you add value to the company. In other words, it’s the assessment of worth and your indispensability for the company’s growth.

Give them the very best, no matter how small the task may be, and they will likely see you as someone worth keeping. A job well done will never be overlooked as the benefits it brings add up over time.

#4: Search for ways to be noticeable

Image Credits: moneycrashers.com

Being a great employee and an eligible candidate for that promotion may not be enough if nobody notices you and your hard work.

If you want to start being more visible, being helpful is a great way to get noticed at your workplace. Volunteer to be on projects or initiate leading challenging tasks if you think you’re up for the job. Look out for opportunities to display any relevant niche knowledge you have.

At the end of a project cycle, see if you can set an appointment with your direct supervisor to check in on what they think of your contribution. Should they be unsatisfied with your performance, work on their feedback and take it positively instead of being defensive over it.

#5: Lead whenever you can

As you advance, you will require progressively more leadership skills in the company’s hierarchy. Leadership skills can refer to conflict management and an ability to motivate or steer your colleagues in the right direction.

Keeping up with excellent work performance through taking the initiative is a way to get noticed. Both your coworkers and superiors will come to know of the good shepherd that you are. In the long run, the company will trust you with more significant projects, and if done well, a promotion awaits.

#6: Be a positive presence

a female colleague motivating her coworkers

Image Credits: HealthHub

It can be easier to dwell on negativity amid workplace stress and criticisms. But negativity won’t get you anywhere.

Companies want leaders who have a positive outlook and can inspire people, not pessimistic and off-putting ones. Being a positive presence in the office will set you apart from the crowd and distinguish you when that promotion opportunity opens up.

#7: Recognise workplace issues and solve them

Have you ever worked with someone who complains about anything and everything? Such people can be viewed as toxic as they are consistently whining about things.

Instead of making a fuss over a particular business process and grumbling about it non-stop during break times, craft real solutions to improve the situation. Find specific business cases to convince your manager that it’s worth spending some money fixing a particular process. Then do your best to pitch it to them.

Take it as an excellent way to show that you’re a self-starter and keen on doing something that can benefit the company and its employees.

#8: Keep up with your work ethics

Image Credits: europeanceo.com

One factor that all of these suggestions have in common is that they require hard work to set yourself apart from your peers. One of the best ways to do so is to show an exceptional work ethic.

Work ethic can be defined as an attitude of determination and dedication towards your job. Maintain your focus at work, be punctual for all work meetings, and make sure you’re keeping up with the deadlines. You can’t be asking for a promotion if you can’t even get your foundations right.

Final thoughts

We’re not going to lie because it will take a lot of effort to get ahead and receive that promotion. Besides the tips mentioned above, you will need to find a way to stay motivated as you work towards that pay raise.

Organise your thoughts by making a plan to achieve that long-awaited promotion. When you have it all written down, it’s easier to check back and evaluate to see if you’re on the right track. Your time will come. Keep at it!

8 ways to fine-tune so you can get into the productivity zone ASAP

It’s midweek, and you’re dying for the weekend to come.

Most of us who clock a 9 to 5 job often face such situations, so you’re definitely not the only one entertaining such thoughts. But it’s also due to such a mindset that we constantly find ourselves loitering out of the productivity zone.

This can be a massive problem if you have a work schedule to complete but can’t seem to get your head in the game. We’re here to the rescue! Or at least allow us to share with you some ways you can fine-tune to get your productivity engine moving.

#1: Clear your mind

One of the most persistent distractions we face is our mind.

Whether it’s piling bills, housework, relationship woes, or even just random racing thoughts, our mind can be an obstacle to our productivity.

As such, it’s time to take control! Clearing your mind can be as simple as jotting down your thoughts, taking a 10-minute walk around the park, or simply meditating before starting your day. For those who can’t seem to practise mindfulness at home, check out these meditation centres in Singapore to help you get started.

#2: Make changes to your environment

Image Credits: cielowigle.com

Temperature, lighting, and surrounding noise are environmental factors that affect our productivity.

It isn’t easy to focus on work if you are not physically comfortable. That’s why making changes to your environment can ease you into the productivity zone faster.

We’re sure deskbound people would agree that it somehow affects your typing speed when the office is freezing cold. Since many are still working from home from time to time and don’t have to fight over the air-conditioner’s remote, ensure you’re at ease.

Also, we hope your workspace is already well-lit and uncluttered.

#3: Create a work playlist

While we can control temperatures, we can’t always control background noise.

When working in the office, we may have talkative colleagues, noisy pantries, or other sound sources that we can do nothing to silence. While at home, there is a whole different noise level, from inconsiderate neighbours to chattering kids.

There are benefits to listening to music while working, so slip in your earbuds. Some of us are used to upbeat tempos to get ourselves fired up, while some may focus better on instrumental music. Whatever it is, find the tunes that rock your boat and make that your personalised work playlist.

#4: Keep unnecessary interruptions at bay

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Even when we have our environment optimised and our favourite tunes playing, our focus and productivity can be swiftly destroyed by interruptions.

Do you know that according to a study at the University of California Irvine, it is revealed that a person takes about 22 minutes to return to their original task after an interruption?

We can’t eliminate all distractions, but we can take proactive steps to manage the probability of being interrupted. For example, peeps who suffer from nomophobia can set their phones to “silent mode”. Or better still, place those distractive devices in a drawer to practise “out of sight, out of mind”.

You know yourself better than anyone else, so anticipate your needs and meet them before they start creeping into your productivity zone. Yes, go ahead and get that cup of warm water or coffee and use the washroom before settling in.

Little routines like that can help you sink into your work cycle faster.

#5: Practise a pre-work ritual

Rituals can act as a powerful tool to boost performance.

Setting a consistent routine of words, thoughts, or actions before getting to work can help us clear our heads and focus better on the task at hand.

The best thing about rituals is that they do not have to be complicated. For example, watering your desk plant at 8.30am, making coffee at 8.45am, or turning on your laptop at 8.55am can become daily rituals to help you buckle in and get into the work zone.

#6: Give yourself specific deadlines

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Deadlines may not resonate very well among people since only a few enjoy having a fixed period to work on a project.

Regardless, they are still an effective way to curb procrastination and enhance your productivity. Setting a deadline such as “update the project board before the next meeting” may be too generic a goal.

A more concrete deadline would be, “Update the project board on 15 April, by 3pm”. The deadline has a specific date and time, so you can schedule right into Asana or your Google calendar. For more significant assignments, it would be best to break them down into smaller tasks so you can still practise setting deadlines.

#7: Find the right balance

The ideal task would leave you feeling engaged but not bored or overburdened.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychology and management professor at Claremont Graduate University, shares that you will start feeling the proper flow when there is a good balance between your skills and the challenge presented.

Your work should be neither too easy nor too hard, but it must be challenging enough to generate engagement. Realistically, this kind of work may not always be available. Thus, when work becomes too demanding, ask for guidance or attend a course to improve your current skillsets.

#8: Tap onto social facilitation

Image Credits: BBC

As we come to a close, know that sometimes it’s good to have someone you can account to.

Call it an accountability buddy if you would like. This person should ideally be someone you can get along with and assist you to keep your pace at work. It’s very similar to a workout buddy, encouraging you to push on when you feel the temptation to slack off to do something else.

A mutual partnership like this can aid both you and your buddy to stay in the productivity zone when the time calls for it.

Top 10 traits that can wow an interviewer

First impressions matter when we are seeking work. Whether we like it or not, research has found that most recruiters will base their decisions on a gut feeling about a candidate.

Zety’s career expert Jacques Buffett tells us that traits differ from skills. He explains that skills refer to those found on your resume. For example, hard skills may be a programming language you possess, while soft skills include leadership, teamwork, and communication.

“Personal traits are the qualities that turn up during the interview. It’s the impression you leave through your attitude and how you compose yourself from the second you walk in the door,” Buffett remarked.

Do you want to know what the top 10 traits that can wow an interviewer are? Read on.

#1: Loyalty

Loyalty is key to any company. A loyal employee is likely to continue working with the company for a long time to come, which could translate to more impactful contributions in the long run. Most importantly, faithful employees save the company money since turnover is costly.

#2: Adaptability

The pandemic and its associated changes to the global economy have proven that adaptability is an essential trait for any employee or business. Apart from that, technology and social trends change rapidly, and people must adapt to the times. As such, a flexible employee who can tackle new problems without flinching is valuable to any company.

#3: Persistence

a hand holding a sparkle in the midst of the ocean

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Persistence is intertwined with adaptability. Adaptable employees must also be persistent, working hard in the face of evolving or challenging situations. A person who sticks through their actions to achieve the company’s goals makes them highly indispensable to employers. Well, no one wants a quitter, right?

#4: Open-mindedness

A trait that ties in with adaptability and persistence is open-mindedness. Candidates who are happy to try new methods of doing business, enter fresh markets, and collaborate with people who hold different ideas than themselves are far more likely to add value to a company than candidates who don’t.

#5: Honesty

Honesty is the quality of being upright. It is easy to see why interviewers are attracted to candidates who display signs of integrity. These potential employees are likely to do the right thing and uphold an honourable code of conduct throughout employment.

On the flip side, employees without integrity are likely to participate in corrupt or unethical activities that could shed an unnecessary spotlight on the company.

#6: Sincerity

Image Credits: collegegrad.com

Sincerity is a highly subjective trait but a critical one. “It boils down to an impression a recruiter gets during an interview and if they really believe what the person is saying,” says Buffet.

If the recruiter believes the applicant to be insincere during an interview, they will likely not consider that applicant for employment. Colleagues and customers alike, too, would not want to deal with someone untruthful.

#7: Patience

Patience may seem like an impossible trait to possess in our fast-paced world. But it is essential when seeking employment.

Most modern workplaces are team-oriented, and to work effectively in a group, one must have patience. Rushing a customer through an order, demanding faster responses from a busy colleague, or otherwise behaving in demanding ways is not ideal at the workplace.

#8: Kindness

Truth be told, businesses can sometimes be highly competitive, and kindness seems out of the question. However, candidates who are harsh are most probably unable to work effectively with their teammates as inconsiderate behaviour is distasteful.

Thus, HR managers will be on the lookout for interviewees with pleasant personalities since such people can usually build relationships with others faster, which helps in project collaborations.

#9: Tolerance

Image Credits: iStock

For the Chinese-educated, we bet you have heard of this phrase: 忍一时风平浪静, 退一步海阔天空. In other words, “Just tahan lah!” if faced with a difficult person or situation.

Well, this is somewhat the tolerance we’re talking about. Folks who are easily prejudiced or intolerant of others will not work effectively within an organisation composed of diverse and unique people.

“Hiring an intolerant employee can create an untenable environment, and recruiters want to avoid its negative effects,” Buffet notes.

#10: Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is essential, especially if you’re applying for a leadership position.

“There are plenty of bad bosses out there, and to be (a) good boss, you need emotional understanding and compassion. Employees aren’t robots. Teams are made up of unique individuals with unique traits and qualities,” highlighted Buffet.

With that said, we think working in any environment requires identifying and managing other coworkers’ emotions and feelings. Emotionally intelligent individuals are aware of their own emotions, capable of harnessing those emotions to drive productive output and regulating their sentiments to handle challenging situations best.

Final thoughts

Recruiters often use their first impressions of an interviewee to evaluate whether they have the abovementioned desirable traits. This means observation starts the moment you enter the meeting room or a video conference.

Some may even turn to modern tools such as social media to evaluate a candidate, as these platforms can be quite revealing of a person’s innermost traits. Ensure you do the necessary digital detox if you don’t want to reveal the less desirable sides of your secret life.

Work from anywhere, for you and your team at SAFRA Jurong

The world’s first on-demand platform for workspace, Switch, has arrived at SAFRA Jurong.

Switch is your key to unlocking workspaces wherever and whenever you need it so you can be productive anytime, anywhere. Find your preferred workspace using the Switch mobile app—from a co-working space to a private booth and pay only for the time used, be it for just a minute or an hour!

Two new private work booths have arrived in SAFRA Jurong and these are the first of its kind in SAFRA! Now you can conveniently work in the club for an hour to a whole day. Each booth comes with a work table, sitting for four pax, WiFi, Bluetooth speakers, lights, power point and privacy screen.

If you have yet to try the new work booth, click here to receive an e-voucher that entitles you to a one-time free entry (valid for maximum 75 minutes) to the SAFRA Jurong’s Switch booth!

Terms & Conditions

Promotion is valid till 30 June 2021 or while stocks last.
One mobile number can only redeem one Switch Free Trial, while stocks last.
Usage is only valid on the day of redemption.
Switch will not reissue a new QR code for any unused redemption.
Free Trial is not exchangeable for cash and non-refundable and/or non-exchangeable in the event of loss, theft or damage.
Free Trial is valid for use for a single entry and will expire when you leave the Switch space.
No re-entry will be allowed.
Free Trial is not valid with other promotions.
Free Trial can only be used at SAFRA Jurong during operating hours.
Free Trial used at booths is only valid for maximum 75 mins.
Switch reserves the right to vary and amend these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.
SAFRA is not an agent of the merchant. Any dispute regarding the quality or service standard must be resolved directly with the respective merchants. SAFRA will not assume any liability or responsibility for the acts of the merchants or any defects in products or services offered in the promotion.

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