Commutes Adjust as Public Transport Costs Rise 5% From Dec 27

Starting December 27, public transport fares will rise by 5%, marking the third straight year of adjustments. Adult commuters will pay 9 or 10 cents more per trip depending on distance, while concessionary passengers such as seniors, students, and low-wage workers will see smaller increases of 3 or 4 cents.

The Public Transport Council (PTC) announced the revision on October 14, describing it as a careful response to rising energy and manpower costs while keeping fares affordable. Although this follows higher hikes of 6% in 2024 and 7% in 2023, the latest increase is viewed as a more measured step to balance cost pressures with public interest.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

To soften the impact on frequent riders, the PTC will lower monthly travel pass prices. From December 27, adults will pay S$122 instead of S$128, seniors and persons with disabilities S$55 instead of S$58, and low-wage workers S$92 instead of S$96. About 155,000 commuters are expected to benefit from these reductions, helping offset the fare increase for regular users.

Additional relief will come through S$60 public transport vouchers provided by the government to households earning up to S$1,800 per person monthly. Eligible households can redeem these vouchers via the SimplyGo app or at designated kiosks and service centers beginning December 29.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Beyond fare changes, the PTC is also updating how future adjustments are calculated. Instead of relying on data from the previous calendar year, future reviews will assess energy prices, wages, and other cost factors from the 12 months leading up to June of the review year. This shift aims to make fare adjustments more responsive to real-time economic conditions and reduce delays between cost changes and fare updates.

Transport operators SBS Transit Rail and SMRT Trains had sought a 14.4% increase to cover rising maintenance and labor expenses. The PTC approved only a 5% adjustment but required both operators to contribute 20% of their additional fare revenue (i.e., about S$10.6 million combined) to the Public Transport Fund, which helps cushion fare hikes for lower-income households.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Meanwhile, express bus fares will rise slightly to reflect higher operating costs, while short-distance concessionary trips of up to 3.2 kilometers will remain unchanged. This move benefits passengers who rely on short daily commutes to schools, workplaces, and community amenities.

The fare review highlights a recurring challenge of keeping the transport system financially sustainable while easing the burden on daily commuters. Though the increase may seem modest, it reflects a broader effort to sustain efficiency and affordability in one of the region’s most advanced public transport networks.

Sources: 1 & 2

Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Lead Wicked: For Good’s Singapore Premiere on Nov 13

Wicked fans, mark your calendars. On November 13, 2025, Singapore will turn emerald green as the Lion City hosts the Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good, the much-anticipated sequel to the global hit musical film Wicked. The exclusive event will take place at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) in Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), marking a milestone moment for the region’s entertainment landscape.

Singapore stands out as the only Asian stop on the film’s international promotional tour, joining an elite lineup of cities including São Paulo, Paris, London, and New York.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wickedmovie

Leading the star-studded cast are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who reprise their iconic roles as Glinda and Elphaba. They will be joined by Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, Hollywood legend Jeff Goldblum, and director Jon M. Chu, celebrated for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights.

The celebration will begin with a special handprint ceremony, followed by the Asia-Pacific premiere screening at the Pantages Hollywood Theatre in USS. Guests can look forward to an exclusive gathering at Weave, the newly launched lifestyle and community hub of Resorts World Sentosa, which provides a fitting setting for this fusion of Hollywood glamour and Singaporean sophistication.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wickedmovie

Beyond the red carpet, the premiere represents a significant achievement for Singapore’s entertainment and tourism industries. As regional travel continues to recover, hosting one of Hollywood’s most beloved musical franchises reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a premier destination for experiential and world-class events. For Resorts World Sentosa, it also highlights a growing emphasis on immersive storytelling and entertainment-driven tourism.

Special tickets for the USS Premiere Day on November 13 are priced from S$93 for adults and S$72 for children, offering fans a rare opportunity to walk the yellow carpet alongside the cast. For Universal Studios Singapore, the premiere serves as both a marketing triumph and a renewed invitation for guests to rediscover Sentosa’s signature mix of leisure and spectacle.

Following the event, Wicked: For Good will open in local cinemas on November 20, 2025. Industry observers expect the film to set new box office records across Asia. With its timeless themes of friendship, ambition, and redemption, along with a soundtrack already evoking nostalgia, the film is set to enchant a new generation while reviving the cultural and economic magic of the Wicked legacy.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wickedmovie

As Glinda once said, “Happy is what happens when all your dreams come true.” That dream takes center stage on November 13, when Wicked arrives and the city shines in shades of green.

Sources: 1 & 2

Join Innisfree’s social media review contest this October 2025 & get 99% off any product of your choice!

Innisfree is running a social media review contest for the month of October!

Of course, it comes with T&Cs.

But don’t worry, because it’s nothing too complicated.

If you have a public Instagram or TikTok account, all you have to do is this:

Post a review on your favorite Innisfree products from now till 31 October 2025.
Tag them at @innisfreesingapore
Include these two hashtags: #INNIFRIENDreviews & #INNISFREESingapore

Top 10 reviews will be selected and informed on 14 November 2025 via email 📥

Tip: To increase your chances of being selected as a top 10 reviewer, review their newly launched Green Tea Ceramide Milk Range.

Their Green Tea Ceramide Milk Range includes these two main products:

INNISFREE Green Tea Ceramide Milk – Hydrating Essence for Deep Hydration, Moisture & Barrier Repair (from $17.00)

When your skin feels as parched as the Sahara, this milky essence can help. Powered by Super Green Tea™ and green tea ceramide, this lightweight formula retains moisture, keeping you hydrated for up to 72 hours. The fast-absorbing milky texture sinks right in, leaving no sticky residue, while strengthening your skin’s moisture barrier. We like how it’s proven to play nice with all skin types.

INNISFREE Green Tea Ceramide Cream 50ml – Hydrating Moisturizer for Deep Hydration, Moisture ($30.00)

INNISFREE’s Green Tea Ceramide Cream delivers deep hydration with Super Green Tea™ and Green Tea Ceramide that locks in moisture while strengthening your skin barrier. The rich yet breathable texture provides 4x more moisturization without feeling heavy. If you’re battling sensitive skin or dealing with redness that makes you look like a stop sign, this cream steps up to soothe. Those with extremely dry and sensitive skin will especially love this product.

For folks who want to try Innisfree’s Green Tea series as a set, good choice too.

They’ve got a couple of sets/bundles on up to 50% promotion for a limited time now.

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INNISFREE Supercharged Green Tea Ceramide Milk Set – 3PCS Skincare for Deep Hydration, Moisture (was $50.00, now $25.00)

Comes with these products:

Green Tea Ceramide Milk 160ml
Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream 30ml
Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam 30g

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INNISFREE Fresh & Hydrate Bundle – Green Tea Ceramide Milk Set + Green Tea Amino Cleansing Foam 150g (was $69.00, now $40.00)

Comes with these products:

1x Supercharged Green Tea Ceramide Milk Set (Green Tea Ceramide Milk 160ml + Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream 30ml + Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam 30g)
1x Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam 150g

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INNISFREE Supercharged Hydration & SPF Trio + 9PCS Gift for Deep Hydration, Barrier Repair, SPF Protection (was $122.00, now $72.00)

Comes with these products:

1x Green Tea Ceramide Milk 160ml
1x Green Tea Ceramide Cream 50ml
1x Green Tea Hyaluronic Moist Sun Serum 50ml
3x Green Tea Amino Cleansing Foam 15g
4x Green Tea Energy Mask
2x Hyaluron Moist Sunscreen 10ml

Join Innisfree’s social media review contest this October 2025 & get 99% off any product of your choice now!

Latest WFH internships posted from 6 to 10 October 2025

Let’s cut to the chase.

This week, we have WFH internship opportunities in creative content creation, PR communications, and more.

Take a look through and send in your application(s) accordingly 💻

#1: Full Smart Technology Pte Ltd – Creative Content Creator

Website: fullsmart.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Passion for creating short videos and photo content.
Comfortable editing videos.
A good storyteller who can find unique angles.
Energetic, proactive, and always bringing good vibes.
A true team player with a positive mindset

Key Responsibilities

Produce, shoot, and edit videos and images for social media
Research, brainstorm, and pitch fresh content ideas to the sales team and owners of the companies
Manage uploads and publishing across TikTok, IG, and FB
Write catchy captions and social copies

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Nicole via this link.

#2: Mad Hat Asia Pte Ltd – Winter PR Intern – Communications Project

Website: madhat.asia

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 monthly

Job Qualifications

Not specified.

Key Responsibilities

Research and compilation
Crafting communication materials (writing)
Managing media materials
Liaise with partners and vendors
Contact list and database management

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to [email protected] directly.

#3: Tate Anzur Pte Ltd – Assistant Associate (PR)

Website: tateanzur.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,200 – 1,800 monthly

Job Qualifications

Not specified.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Consumer Insights

Conduct desktop research on target audience, brand, product/service, trends, competitors, media publications
Analyze the data collected
Provide recommendations based on data analysis and insights
Generate, develop and pitch ideas / solutions
Brainstorm for and participate in business development

Client Servicing and Management

Participate in briefings, WIPs, presentations to clients
Develop meeting minutes / contact reports

Public Relations

Collate, analyze and evaluate media coverage
Support PR communications, including but not limited to media pitching, media follow-up, sourcing for media kits or materials for PR events, facilitating media interview/filming opportunities, developing and updating media list, recording and transcribing media interviews
Write and develop communications materials, including but not limited to event listing, media invitation/rsvp, media release, factsheets, spokesperson briefing documents, WIP/contact reports, communications plan/story bank, presentation slides, pitch notes
Use subscription/digital tools (e.g., Meltwater, Telum, Buzzsumo, Google Data Studio) to support PR activities
Support in PR events management and coordination

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Jocelyn via this link.

#4: Brightline Communications Pte Ltd – Business Sales & Operations Intern

Website: brightline.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,200 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Currently pursuing or recently completed a diploma/degree in Business, Communications, Information Systems, or related fields.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Comfortable with tech tools and cloud-based software.
Customer-focused mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

Respond to business customer inquiries via email, phone, or live chat.
Assist in the processing and fulfillment of customer orders.
Coordinate with internal teams to set up and configure BizPhone accounts for new clients.
Ensure accurate documentation of customer details and order status.
Follow up on pending orders and support requests to ensure timely resolution.
Support the operations and sales team in day-to-day administrative tasks as needed.

How to apply?

View the job post here and send your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected].

#5: Horizon Labs – Program Manager

Website: horizonlabs.ai

Allowance / Remuneration: $3,000 – 5,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Proven experience in program management, operations, or a similar role.
Strong organizational skills with an exceptional ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to build and improve operational processes.
A proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
Experience in a startup or fast-paced environment is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight: Lead the management and continuous improvement of operational processes for both People (HR/Recruitment, documentation, compliance) and Process (workflow optimization, meeting management, record keeping)
Operational Execution: Drive recurring operational tasks, including scheduling, agenda preparation, meeting notes, and sprint/roadmap documentation to ensure smooth program delivery.
Process Optimization: Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to optimize workflows, ensuring efficiency and scalability across various projects.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams and leadership to align program objectives with overall company strategy.
Documentation & Reporting: Establish and maintain comprehensive program documentation, progress reports, and performance metrics.
Problem Solving: Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges, mitigating risks to program timelines and objectives.

How to apply?

View the job post here and submit your resume here: app.dover.com/apply/horizonlabs

Editor’s note: These positions are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some are hybrid ones, and you may need to report to the office physically. For more details, contact the employer directly.

Money Talks Every Couple Must Have Before Marriage

Money is more than dollars and cents. In marriage, it reflects values, priorities, and shared dreams. With rising costs of homes, cars and childcare, financial compatibility is a necessity. Love may be blind, but bank accounts are not.

Before stepping into marriage, it is critical to put everything on the table. Debts, assets, income, and even the less glamorous realities such as credit card balances or study loans should be disclosed openly. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but transparency is the foundation of trust.

Imagine planning for a BTO down payment only to discover hidden liabilities later. The fallout can fracture not just finances but also the sense of partnership. Equally important is understanding how each partner treats money. One may be a saver who carefully monitors every dollar while the other could see money as a tool for indulgence. Neither is inherently wrong, but a lack of alignment often leads to friction. Recognizing these patterns early allows couples to assess whether their financial goals truly complement each other.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Once married, the financial conversation evolves. Couples must establish a joint budget that covers fixed commitments such as rent or mortgage, insurance premiums, and car payments. These are the essential expenses that keep a household running. Beyond that, couples also need to navigate variable costs like groceries or utilities and decide how to handle discretionary indulgences. Whether that is a weekend brunch at Dempsey Hill or a spontaneous trip to Bali. The key lies in creating an arrangement that feels fair. Some couples prefer to pool all resources into a shared account, while others split expenses equally or contribute proportionally based on income. What matters is that both partners feel respected in the chosen structure.

Not everything in a marriage’s financial life should be rigid. There is always room for negotiation. For example, while saving for retirement may be non-negotiable, the exact amount put aside each month can be adjusted according to changing circumstances (e.g., job transition or the arrival of children). This balance makes it possible for couples to thrive without feeling suffocated by financial rules.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

At the heart of these conversations lies something deeper than money itself: values. Respect is the bedrock of every healthy relationship, especially when disagreements arise. Respect does not mean uniformity, it means acknowledging and accepting differences without harsh judgment or attempts at control. Trust, too, is indispensable. It reassures both partners that financial decisions are made with the family’s best interest in mind, not hidden agendas or self serving motives. Finally, honest communication weaves everything together.

As psychologist Dr. John Gottman has long emphasized, couples who communicate openly, who share their feelings, listen actively, and respond with empathy are far better equipped to handle financial disagreements. Without this, even the most carefully planned budget will crumble under the weight of unspoken frustrations.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For couples, money conversations are not optional. They are the lifeline of a stable partnership. Love may begin with sparks and chemistry, but enduring marriages are built on shared vision, mutual respect, and a willingness to be transparent about the things that matter most.

Sources: 1 & 2