Uncategorized Archives | Page 19 of 23

Prominent Shifts In Singapore’s Budget 2016

The Budget 2016 signifies a new era – an era that is governed by a new decade (following SG50), new government (following 2015’s general election), and a new Finance Minister. Despite this, most of the expert panel at the discussion held by The Straits Times last March 26 agreed that the strategies taken by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat was evolutionary.

Although he stayed on the path of restructuring for long-term growth and building social cohesion, as laid down over the past years, he had three main shifts in his approach. These shifts were namely: more financial help for companies, working closely with the people, and more funds for innovation.

MORE FINANCIAL HELP FOR COMPANIES

One of the most noticeable changes is seen in the government’s approach towards firms. With the S$4.5 billion Industry Transformation Package, Budget 2016 extends its financial help to companies with open arms. This promotes greater entrepreneurial spirit.

Another policy called the “Automation Support Package”, which will cost more than S$400 million over 3 years, is aimed at helping the companies to upgrade the utilization of automation in their operations. It will subsidize up to 50% or S$1 million of a project in order to help companies to expand the use of machines and progress more – even internationally.

WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE PEOPLE

In facing the challenges of tomorrow, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat is positioning the government as more of a partner than a leader.

As the Budget is given to the trade associations, companies, and unions, the solution is in their hands. Regardless of which industry you belong to, the government is going to help the firm (of a certain size) to grow!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

MORE FUNDS FOR INNOVATION

The last change is seen on Mr. Heng’s approach to focus more on innovation than productivity. In his speech, he highlights that innovation does not require high-tech software or robots. Instead, innovation is in the application of existing technologies in creative and lateral ways.

Supporting this approach is the upcoming S$100 million National Trade Platform. It will allow service providers to develop applications or value-added services on top of the platform. This is similar to an open-source environment. With this new scheme, an uncharted venture awaits!

Sources: 1 & 2

No other cards can increase your spending power by 10%

Sheng Siong: One-day CNY Promo – Offers on Dodo Seafood Ball, PMK Vanamei Prawns, Coca-Cola, F&N, & More (5 Feb 16)

Usher in the Year of the Monkey with Sheng Siong. Enjoy one-day exclusive promotion on selected goods on Feb 5. Don’t miss out on offers such as:

Dodo Seafood Ball at 2 for $6.60 (U.P 2 for $7.90)
Li Chuan Fish Roll/Fish Dumping/Vegetable Roll/Fish Slice 2 for $6.40 (U.P 2 for $6.40)
Coke / Coke Light 12s x 330ml at $4.45/carton (U.P $8.50)
PMK Vanamei Prawns/Jean Fresh Amaebi at $14.80 (U.P $19.90)
Seasons Ice Lemon Tea at $8.80/carton (U.P $12.70)
F&N drinks at 3 for $2.95 (U.P $3 for $5.10)
Happy Family NZ Wild Abalone at $32/can (U.P $$38/can)

There are other items on offer, check them out in the advertisement below:

Share these offers with your friends and loved ones!

* EXCLUSIVE: SIGN UP FOR A HSBC’S REVOLUTION CREDIT CARD AND RECEIVE A SAMSONITE RED ROBO LUGGAGE 
WORTH S$335 OR A REDMART GROCERY VOUCHER WORTH S$80! T&CS APPLY. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Deepavali Must-Haves You Do Not Want To Miss!

Tomorrow is the multicolored festivity of Deepavali in Singapore.

Deepavali or Diwali is an important festival that is observed by Hindus all over the globe! This Festival of Lights is the cerebration of good defeating evil. Also, it marks the end of harvest season and the beginning of the financial year as Lakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity) brings good fortune to everyone.

Little India, the center of Singapore’s Indian community, will be filled with bright and colorful lights and other artistic street decorations. The powerful atmosphere would not be complete without the street parades, concerts, cultural activities, and amazing bazaars!

Speaking of amazing bazaars, this list is collated just for you so you would not miss the bargain prices on clothing, oil lamps, jewelry, decorations, and so much more!

1. DEEPAVALI MALL

Located at the open field opposite Mustafa Centre, Deepavali Mall is open from 10am to 10pm till November 10. Boasting with stage performances, amusement park, and varied stalls, Deepavali Mall is the place to be!

Recommended stalls include Trisha’s Craft and Kiran’s Textiles. Trisha’s Craft offers Indian jewelry in the traditional styles of Meenakari, Kundan, and Polki. Friendly prices start at S$10 for earrings and S$15 for necklaces.

While Kiran’s Textiles is an ethnic woman swear stall that has been longstanding for the past five years. Their prices range from S$25-120 for a three-piece Anarkali outfit.

2. IKEA

If you are planning to celebrate Deepavali with your family in the comfort of your home, consider decorating your rooms with vibrant and majestic decorations by IKEA Singapore. IKEA offers colorful cushion covers (ÅKERGYLLEN) for S$9.90. While the tea-light holder (GLANSIG) and scented tea-light candles (SINNLIG) will cost you a total of S$6.40 only.

Image Credits: facebook.com/IKEASingapore

3. DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Enjoy great deals for clothing, accessories, and crafts at Deepavali Festival Village. It is held at Hastings Road and Campbell Lane.

At Hastings Road, one stall called Design Manthraz sells ethnic children’s wear for newborns till age 10. With 10 years of reputable experience, Design Manthraz’s products are only made with soft materials such as cotton. Their prices start at S$10 for girls and S$20 for boys.

At the entrance of the Campbell Lane, you will be greeted by large eye-catching religious statues sold at Gokulam Jewels & Crafts. For 20 years, vendor Saraswathi made it a routine to sell religious statues, prayer altars, lamps, and figurines of Hindu gods. Prices start at S$3.50 for lamps and S$29 for small figurines of Lord Ganesha.

Image Credits: facebook.com/designmanthraz

Hurry as the Deepavali Festival Village is only open until 11pm today! 🙂

Sources: 1 and 2

5 Budget-Friendly Ways To Enhance Your Eyesight

With each word that we type on our computers, each group message that we read on our mobile phones, and each movie that we watch on our televisions – we rely on our eyes more than ever.

The continuous strain we put on our eyes can cause fatigue and other eye problems. Not to mention, Myopia or short-sightedness has been one of the public’s health concerns. The prevalence of Myopia in Singapore among all ages, was considered as one of the highest in the world.

That said, here are five ways to sharpen your vision and to see a “brighter” future ahead…

1. SEEK THE OUTDOORS

Scientists believe that high levels of light triggers the retina to release a chemical called “Dopamine” that stops the eyeball from lengthening. This belief was supported by studies in the United States and Australia, which showed that children who spent at least 21 hours a week outdoors have decreased their risk of suffering from short-sightedness.

So, it is best to encourage your kids to embrace the outdoorsy lifestyle. Make it a fun and rewarding experience by having family outings or playing outdoor sports.

2. EAT HEALTHY FOOD

Healthy food that are rich in zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E can help protect your eyes from age-related vision problems.

Eat your way to a better vision by indulging on leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach or kale), fishes (e.g., salmon or tuna), non-meat protein sources (e.g., nuts or beans), and citrus fruits (e.g., orange or pomelo) regularly.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

3. QUIT CIGARETTE SMOKING

Smoking affects your health in more ways than one. Aside from increasing our risk of developing heart disease and lung cancer, smoking can lead to vision loss. Smoking increases the risk of Dry Eye Syndrome, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.

If you want to keep your vision in tact, quit smoking cigarettes as early as you can. Do not lose hope if you have tried and failed in the past because more you try, the more likely you are going to succeed. Determination and perseverance are everything!

4. GIVE YOUR EYES A BREAK

Give your eyes the break it clearly deserves by looking away from the computer every once in a while. Rest your eyes about 10 minutes for every 50 minutes you spent in front of the computer screen.

If your eyes feel really tired after work, Dr. Mao Shing Ni (the bestselling author of Secrets of Longevity) suggests putting cooled cucumber slices over your eyelids while lying down.

5. EXERCISE YOUR EYES

Aside from giving your eyes a break, you must exercise it to remove the tension and to improve your vision naturally.

Simply follow these steps…

a. Rub your palms together to create heat then, place it against your eyes for 5 seconds to warm it up.

b. Roll your eyes in different directions by slowly circling them 10 times clockwise and 10 times counterclockwise.

c. Use your thumb knuckles to massage your temples in small circles 20 times in one direction and another 20 times in the opposite direction. Repeat the same motion above the midpoint of the eyebrows and at the forehead.

Or, move along with this “Animated Eye Exercises” video:

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , & 5

Search the site