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New measures to improve housing affordability and accessibility in Singapore

Missed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s first National Day Rally speech on new housing measures?

No worries for we’ve got you with this post.

Here are the highlights you need to know.

Good news for singles

With families in mind, singles will now have priority access to new homes.

Starting in mid-2025, singles looking to live near loved ones will receive priority when applying for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats.

This change was recently announced by PM Wong.

We all know that housing is one huge topic for many living in Singapore.

In his first National Day Rally speech, PM Wong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to affordable, accessible public housing.

Currently, only those 35 and above can purchase new two-room Flexi HDB units as singles.

Recognizing this limit, PM Wong asked how more could be done for singles.

The solution?

Grant them the same priority now given to married children who apply within 4 km of their parent’s home.

This means singles stand a better chance at balloting for a new build near family.

As PM Wong shared, many singles also wish to care for aging parents so this update ensures all children, whether married or not, can more easily live close by.

Lower-income couples received good news too

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Housing Grant, assisting first-time buyers, will see its maximum amount increased.

This extra support helps more young Singaporeans purchase their first affordable home.

“This is my assurance to all young Singaporeans: Once you start work and wish to settle down, we will make sure that there is an HDB flat that is within your budget in every region,” PM Wong noted.

“We will always keep public housing in Singapore affordable for you.”

National Development Minister Desmond Lee will announce more details soon so stay tuned to the news.

Seniors, too, are not forgotten

Additional housing options have also been created for seniors.

For instance, the brand new Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok, ready to be moved in later this year, combines apartments and care services.

Image Credits: Facebook/Desmond Lee

More such developments are planned to help the older generation age gracefully.

Recovering from the pandemic

In addition, PM Wong acknowledged past housing woes stemmed from COVID-19 disruptions.

But steady progress has been made on new construction and all delayed projects should be completed by early 2025.

This will satisfy pent-up demand while stabilizing prices.

Meanwhile, the special focus remains on keeping HDB flats attainable long-term.

Upcoming policy refinements aim to shorten waiting periods for BTOs and make prime locations feasible for all.

The government is working on its public housing mission and helping citizens realize their home dreams.

6 Travel Hacks to Help You Save Money in Bangkok

Bangkok, a popular shopping destination among Singaporeans, offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and retail therapy.

Recently, I visited Bangkok with a few friends, eager for some much-needed R&R and a bit of a shopping spree. During my three-day stay, I met a Singaporean businessman who had once led a prominent entertainment hub in Singapore. He shared his fascination with Thai culture, particularly the practice of visiting various temples to pray for success in business. Another memorable stop was the Chang Siam 100 Baht Shop, which was packed with tourists. I even bumped into another Singaporean who was lamenting how crowded the shop was, and I echoed his sentiment.

Having last visited before the pandemic, I was also struck by the prevalence of cannabis stores. Neon weed signs are now a common sight in Bangkok’s tourist hotspots, with dispensaries on nearly every corner and vendors offering cannabis-infused drinks and food. You see, Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2022 for medical purposes. However, the market appears to be almost unregulated, raising public concerns about crime and misuse.

Despite these changes, Bangkok remains a worthwhile destination, especially if you’re looking to save money. On that note, here are some travel hacks I discovered during my trip:

#1: DOWNLOAD THE BOLT APP FOR PRIVATE TRANSPORT

Traffic in Bangkok can be chaotic, especially during peak hours. If you prefer the comfort of a private ride over crowded trains and buses, Bolt is a great option.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

I discovered this app thru a friend who shared that it was the cheapest private transportation option she experienced. True enough, the prices on Bolt were significantly cheaper than regular taxis and Grab. For example, a regular taxi quoted 300 Baht for the distance from Platinum Shopping Mall to My Hotel Pratunam, but on Bolt, it was only 66 Baht. Imagine what we can do with the huge difference!

#2: VISIT LOCAL NIGHT MARKETS

Not all markets in Bangkok are created equal. While popular spots like Chatuchak and Ratchada Train Markets are great for the experience, they often come with tourist price markups.

I recommend exploring less touristy markets where you can enjoy cheaper food and shopping. Some local favorites include Ram Inthra Expressway Market and Ramkhamhaeng Night Market.

#3: EAT LIKE A LOCAL

While indulging in high-end dining experiences is tempting, you can enjoy amazing meals anywhere in Thailand without breaking the bank. Try eating at roadside vendors or shopping mall food courts for a more budget-friendly option.

I had a delicious mango sticky rice for 100 Baht and a hearty Pad Thai for about 150 Baht. Just remember to bring antacid medicine if you have a sensitive stomach.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: HIT UP THE HYPERMARKETS

No trip to Thailand is complete without stocking up on local snacks. In Bangkok, Big C and Lotus are must-visit hypermarkets.

They offer a vast selection of snacks, fresh produce, and local treats at reasonable prices compared to smaller convenience stores. It’s a foodie’s dream come true!

#5: WITHDRAW TO THE MAX AT ATMS

In the age of contactless payments, it’s easy to forget how much cash you might need. While many places accept digital payments, you’ll still need cash at local markets and smaller establishments.

To avoid extra bank fees, withdraw the maximum amount or more than you anticipate needing at ATMs. My husband and I compared the conversion rates between paying by card and withdrawing cash, and surprisingly, the ATM rates were cheaper. But, rates may vary depending on the bank, so it’s best to compare first.

#6: NEGOTIATE PRICES WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Singaporeans, like many budget travelers, appreciate getting good value for their money. Bangkok is the perfect place for that, as you can haggle with ticket vendors, taxi drivers, market sellers, and shop owners.

For instance, I saw that the famous Poy Sian inhalers were priced at 99 Baht for six pieces at the Chang Siam Thailand 100 Baht Shop, compared to 120-140 Baht at Pratunam Night Market and Platinum Mall. Shop around and haggle whenever possible.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

These travel hacks can help you make the most of your trip to Bangkok without overspending. May you have a great trip!

Sources: 1 & 2

Latest WFH internships posted from 12 to 15 August 2024

Looking for WFH internships in the areas of social media, graphic design, and more?

Look no further for we’ve got opportunities for you in this post.

Have a look!

#1: Elevan August Media – Social Media Intern

Website: elevanaugust.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $700 – 900 monthly

Job Qualifications

Pursuing a Diploma/ Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications, Marketing, Business or a related field
Strong proficiency in English, with strong copy-vetting and writing skills
6 months of relevant experience in digital & social media marketing
Knowledge of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok trends & platform
Knowledge of content creation
Knowledge of Canva is a plus
Can work both independently and in teams
Proactive, with a positive and can-do attitude

Key Responsibilities

Creates social media campaigns, including content & ideation, and implementation schedules
Film & edit short videos for Instagram Reels, Facebook videos and TikTok
Research on trends for our platforms
Copywriting, proofreading, and editing support for different digital platforms and audiences, understanding audience profiles, and platform requirements
Manage replies and handle engagement, follower growth, etc
Execute & schedule post image and video-based content across social media channels, depending on the requirements of each channel
Monitoring the results of content delivered on major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram
Create thumbnails using Canva
Assist in any marketing ad-hoc tasks

How to apply?

View the job post here and submit your resume to [email protected].

#2: Vitamin M Pte. Ltd. – Graphic Layout / Illustrator Intern

Website: vitaminm.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $300 – 500 (project /contract based)

Job Qualifications

Knowledge of Adobe software – Photoshop, Illustrator
Have attention to details
Able to understand Chinese (dealing with Chinese text and hanyu pinyin)
A good attitude is a must

Key Responsibilities

To do graphic layout, generate files ready for printing
To draw assets for children’s products (added advantage if you can, for future projects)

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Ying Sheng via this link. You may send any work sample to [email protected] directly.

#3: Kūpaa – Social Media Intern

Website: kupaa.co

Allowance / Remuneration: $600 monthly

Job Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a local Polytechnic
A love and proficiency for storytelling, content creation, social media, photography/videography, graphic design and trends
An interest and passion for the brand and what kūpaa stands for
Experience with a camera and photo/video editing software is ideal
Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines efficiently

Key Responsibilities

Master Content Creation: Capture and edit high-quality photos and videos for social media and website
Explore Trends: Research and create mood boards to generate new, fresh ideas ahead of trends and aligned with brand aesthetics
Create Impactful Content: Develop engaging content for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, enhancing visual communication skills
Design Like a Pro: Design compelling, on-brand graphics
Engage with Community: Assist in managing and growing the online community

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Julia via this link.

#4: Good Pharma Dermatology Pte Ltd – Finance & Admin Intern

Website: suubalm.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,100 monthly

Job Qualifications

Currently pursuing a degree or diploma in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Excel.
Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Finance and General Administration:

Support finance team – Handle administrative matters related to the SG Corporate Debit Card, including data entry, reconciliation, and intercompany billing.
Manage and organize financial documents, ensuring they are filed correctly and are easily accessible.

Event Support:

Support sales & marketing team – Assist with the administrative tasks and tabulation of sales after events.
Help out as a cashier and provide administrative support during company events (e.g. LTAH)

Ad Hoc Tasks:

Support the finance and sales & marketing team with any additional tasks or projects as needed.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your updated CV to [email protected].

#5: CognaLearn Pte Ltd – Founder’s Financial Analyst Intern

Website: cognalearn.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Organization: Attention to detail across multiple items.
Efficiency: Process creation and improvement.
Versatility: Switch between different things and adapt to new things.
Results: Success and outcome orientation.
Communication. Effective written and oral communicator.

Key Responsibilities

Capital raising: Investor due diligence, meetings, and pitch decks
Investor relations: Monthly investor updates and metrics tracking
Financial modeling: Update financial models and metrics

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send a cover letter and a one-page CV with the subject “Founder’s Financial Analyst Intern – [your name]” to [email protected].

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

Reasons why you should upskill (not just for a pay increase)

Thinking about upskilling for that pay bump?

While it’s obviously tempting, there’s so much more to gain than just a fatter paycheck so don’t put your focus entirely on just chasing the dollars and get disappointed when you don’t get them.

Here’s why you should upskill, not just for a pay increase.

Gain new skills to stay relevant in your field

Keeping up with industry trends

To remain competitive in your field, it’s wise to stay up-to-date with changes through continuous learning.

You don’t want to risk becoming obsolete as your skills and knowledge become outdated.

A necessity, not a choice

Upskilling and reskilling are no longer optional due to increasing employer demands.

Continuously learning helps you remain a valuable asset to your company; plus, you will likely gain a competitive edge over those who remain stagnant.

Increase your confidence & job satisfaction

Boost your self-assurance

As you expand your knowledge, you will naturally feel more self-assured in your role and that can translate to feeling more fulfilled overall.

Get energized by learning

There’s nothing quite like the rush of learning something new, doesn’t it?

Find greater job satisfaction

With continuous learning, that personal drive and ambition lead to a greater sense of job satisfaction as you feel proud of your accomplishments.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Stand out to employers

Employers love to see employees take initiative and a dedication to professional development, so by upskilling, you demonstrate your commitment to upgrading and that can give you a competitive edge for promotions/new roles down the line.

Open up NEW career opportunities and advancement

Discover fresh challenges

You may find yourself assigned exciting projects that allow you to apply your newly learned skills.

Position yourself for promotions

As you gain proficiencies that align with organizational goals, you increase your chances of being tapped for higher-level roles/leadership opportunities.

Expand your career horizons

Learning new skills can open doors to entirely different fields that pique your curiosity; perhaps you will discover an unexpected passion for certain areas that are normally “out of your job scope.”

Help colleagues in junior positions

Last but not least, as you expand your expertise, you may find yourself qualified to mentor those new/newer to the field.

Mentorship allows you to share your skills and experiences directly with junior colleagues, aiding in their career growth.

Not only does this benefit the individuals involved, but it also increases your “worth” in the office.

Boosting your skills makes you more well-rounded. It’s a smart investment in your long-term growth and future-proofing your career. Plus, what could be more rewarding than being a better version of yourself than yesterday?

Top Spots to Catch the NDP 2024 Celebrations

Today, Singapore proudly celebrates its 59th year of independence. Since August 9, 1965, the nation has transformed into a sea of red and white, with flags adorning buildings and homes as Singaporeans come together to mark this significant day.

The highlight of the celebrations is the National Day Parade (NDP), which turns the city into a vibrant spectacle filled with impressive military displays, diverse cultural performances, and dazzling fireworks.

Whether you’re eager to join the festivities, marvel at the stunning fireworks, or simply soak in the patriotic spirit, we have all the details you need to make the most of this year’s celebrations!

WHAT TO EXPECT

This year’s “United We Stand” Parade and Ceremony will be unforgettable, featuring a Military Tattoo with the SAF Band and four school bands, the return of the Volunteer Contingent, and crowd favorites like the State Flag Flypast and Presidential Gun Salute. Don’t miss the inaugural Onward March at the Padang, bringing the parade closer to the crowd.

The Total Defence 40 (TD40) Dynamic Defence Display themed “Together, We Are Strong,” will debut at the Padang, showcasing Singapore’s defense capabilities with thrilling responses to threats and emergencies.

Finally, the “Our People” Show will celebrate Singapore’s strength and unity through four chapters and three short films, featuring mass performances, familiar songs, and emotive filmlets.

WHERE TO WATCH

While watching the parade on TV is convenient, experiencing the festivities in person is truly magical. Consider these top spots to catch all the action:

Image Credits: unsplash.com

1. PROMONTORY @ MARINA BAY

For the first time, National Day celebrations will extend to the nearby Promontory @ Marina Bay, making it a prime location to soak in the festive vibes.

2. HELIX BRIDGE

Located near Marina Bay, Helix Bridge offers clear views of the fireworks. Its striking design and lighting create a stunning backdrop for photos. Plus, indulge in the nearby dining options.

3. MARINA SQUARE ROOFTOP

For a more relaxed experience, head to Marina Square Rooftop. The open garden terrace offers unobstructed views of the fireworks and a serene setting away from the crowds.

4. MARINA BARRAGE

If you prefer to sit back and enjoy, Marina Barrage is ideal. Arrive early to secure a spot, bring a picnic mat, and savor a meal with loved ones as you wait for the fireworks.

5. MOUNT FABER PEAK

For a scenic and tranquil view, Mount Faber Peak is a great choice. This hilltop spot provides a quieter setting away from the crowds, panoramic views of the city, and the chance to explore lush surroundings. Enjoy nearby restaurants, a cable car ride, and more.

6. THE HEARTLANDS

Celebrate National Day in the heartlands on August 10, 2024, with festivities from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the fun at Bishan, Punggol, Yishun, Buona Vista, and Paya Lebar for interactive activities, carnival games, workshops, and vibrant fireworks.

WHERE TO GET FREE COUPONS

Don’t miss out on some fantastic deals this National Day!

Avail offers like S$10 off at Holistic Way with a minimum spend of S$88, a “Buy 2 Get 2 Free” deal on selected OWNDAYS Color Contact Lenses, a S$5.90 combo at Auntie Anne’s, S$10 off at COURTS with a minimum spend of S$100, up to S$59 off at Harnn Singapore, a 3-for-S$7.50 Bread Bundle at Paris Baguette, a S$59 Teaser Local Package at iFly Singapore, 59% off XD theater rides at the Singapore Discovery Centre, and more.

Check out all the offers here: greendotmedia.com.sg/coupons/ndp.

WHAT TIME TO WATCH

The early NDP fireworks begin around 7:30 PM, with the main display and national anthem at 8:15 PM. Arrive by 7:30 PM to secure a great spot for the best viewing experience.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Happy National Day, everyone!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4