The Singaporean dollar has reached a record heights against the Malaysian ringgit.
As of 10.25pm on October, 23rd, the Singapore dollar stands at S$1 to RM3.50 — the highest since July this year.
The Malaysia’s currency has been weighed down by a slump in exports partly due to a slowdown in China, rising yields in the United States and risk driven by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Singapore dollar is supported by the management of the trade-weighted SGD exchange rate by maintaining the prevailing rate of appreciation of the S$NEER policy band. This is seen as necessary to counteract the impact of rising import prices and to keep domestic cost pressures in check, ultimately ensuring price stability in the medium term.
So your boss says you only “met expectations” for the last quarterly performance review? Does it mean you don’t deserve that pay raise you’ve been eyeing?
Of course not! Just because your boss doesn’t appreciate how much you’ve been sweating this whole year doesn’t mean you should give up. Listen, even if you know you didn’t exactly set the office on fire recently, that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to get paid what you’re worth.
Review your performance review & prepare your case
Take a good look at your performance review again. Which parts are not so “power”? Double-check with your boss the areas you need to improve. Then plan how to up your game in the next few months. Maybe you can ask your mentor or senior colleagues to guide you.
After that, compile all the stuff you have done thus far that shows you deserve a promotion. Put together reports, emails, or data to build your case. Highlight your key contributions and the ways you added value to the team or company. Show how you took on more responsibilities (if any).
Timing & framing the discussion
Image Credits: forbes.com
Timing plays a huge part.
Choose a good time to talk when things at the office are not so busy. Avoid the week before major deadlines or when the company is not doing so well. Your boss will be more receptive if you bring this up at the right time.
Then, go meet your boss and be honest that the review wasn’t what you expected. But say you want to improve and have concrete ideas on how to do better. Explain the steps you will take to get there.
At the same time, don’t forget to bring up all your achievements and contributions if you’ve been in the company for some time. Tell him/her you feel you deserve a raise because you have proven yourself in the past. If he/she hesitates, ask what else you need to do to get a promotion and negotiate from there.
A few negotiating angles for your consideration
I’ve taken on more responsibilities over time. I’m now mentoring two new team members and handling some big client accounts. My job scope has increased but my pay hasn’t.
I’ve been loyal to the company. I’ve stuck around even when other opportunities came up. I believe in the work we do here and want to continue progressing in my career with this company.
I’m committed to continuous improvement. I realize I have more to learn, but I’m eager to develop my skills and strengthen my performance. If given clear feedback, I will be highly motivated to exceed expectations going forward.
I understand that now may not be the right time for a pay increase, but I wanted to express my interest in advancing my career here. If a salary bump isn’t possible at the moment, would you consider other benefits like extra annual leave or flexible work arrangements? I’m open to discussing various options.
I appreciate you taking the time to consider my request. Can we meet again in three months to revisit this conversation? I aim to prove my value to the team during this time. Thank you for your support and mentorship thus far. I look forward to continuing our discussion!
So don’t be that dejected by your not-so-fantastic review this last quarter, my friend. Though your boss may not see your value now, you know the contributions you’ve made. Take a step back and look at your wins, big and small. Prep, build your case and schedule that meeting. Go in with confidence in what you’ve achieved, give some solid examples, and ask for that raise. Your boss may surprise you if you show how much you care about career growth. If you get a ‘not now’, don’t lose hope. Use that fire in your belly to push on and exceed next year. The only way is up, so keep your head up high.
In a recent announcement, the National Environment Agency (NEA) clarified that diners at public eating areas in Singapore are not obligated to wipe their tables after use. However, it’s crucial to show respect to the workers by not leaving any litter behind on or around the tables. “These include tissues, wet wipes, shells, drink cans, and bones,” the agency added. This reminder followed an incident captured on social media where NEA enforcement officers had a discussion with a diner outside Tekka Market and Food Centre in Little India last week.
I, personally, have friends and relatives employed in the F&B (Food and Beverage) industry. In this field, known for its dynamic and challenging nature with shifts spanning 12 hours at times. So, let’s help the F&B workers out! They would greatly appreciate it if you would clean up after eating.
2. SINGAPOREANS’ HIGH SALT INTAKE & RISING BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS
A concerning trend has emerged in Singapore, where nine out of ten residents are consuming more salt than recommended. Surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board revealed that the prevalence of high blood pressure has nearly doubled since 2010.
Additionally, fat intake among Singaporeans increased from 94g in 2019 to 100g in 2022, underlining the impact of lifestyle choices on public health. Thus, it highlights the significance of maintaining fitness and embracing a balanced diet as integral components of a lifestyle, rather than merely indulging in hobbies.
3. ICONIC DESSERT BRAND SARA LEE FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Sara Lee, the beloved Australian dessert brand known for its delectable pound cakes, is facing a precarious situation. The iconic frozen desserts company has entered voluntary administration due to rising costs.
Despite being profitable from May 2021 to July 2022, increased expenses led to price hikes across all products in May. This news has left many netizens shocked and nostalgic, as Sara Lee has been a household name in Singapore for years.
4. MCDONALD’S 1980s MENU RESURFACES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
A blast from the past took over social media when a user, by the name of “Boon Wee”, shared McDonald’s menu from the 1980s. The menu was posted on the “Heritage SG Memories” Facebook group. It featured a variety of burgers, fries, shakes, sundaes, and the iconic apple pie.
Image Credits: Boon Wee via facebook.com
Interestingly, soft drinks were priced as low as S$0.50, and the famous Big Mac was a mere S$2.35. Now, soft drinks start at S$3.15, while the Big Mac starts at a whopping S$7.25. The post garnered significant attention, with netizens expressing surprise at the inflation rates and the use of traditional Chinese characters in the 1980s menu.
Having a strong growth mindset, adaptable, learns, and moves quickly
A person who is proactive and has a strong work ethic
Ability to work well in a multi-cultural team and with senior stakeholders
Demonstrate a high level of organizational skills and ownership with attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
Act as a key contributor and thought partner to supporting Glints’ People Team leadership in various strategic initiatives
Facilitate the strategic planning and coordination of people-related special projects across teams and regions, not limited to re-organizations, engagement & change management efforts, internal communications, L&D
Simplify technical terms into simple-to-understand English
Have strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Communicate clearly and efficiently both with the team and clients
Have a basic understanding of digital marketing platforms, especially Instagram & TikTok, and online marketing strategies
Able to work with software like Canva, Google Workspace (Google Docs, Google Sheets), Zoom, Whatsapp Business
Work effectively with the team to ensure smooth and timely project execution
Check and approve the quality of work submitted by influencers
Resolve client requests & feedback professionally
Committed to continuous learning and adapting to industry best practices
Multitask and work toward several milestones on various projects simultaneously
Key Responsibilities
Client Project Management:
Manage multiple client projects simultaneously, ensuring tasks and deliverables are met on time.
Act as a point of contact for clients, addressing their inquiries and providing updates on campaign progress.
Team Collaboration:
Collaborate closely with the internal team, including creative, content, and analytics teams, to ensure all aspects of influencer campaigns are coordinated and deadlines are met.
Work closely with the Founder and Director, and provide timely updates and feedback.
Influencer Coordination:
Shortlist influencers for client campaigns using the company’s process.
Work closely with a network of influencers and content creators to ensure they receive clear briefs and guidelines for content creation.
Assist in their content creation.
Monitor influencer deliverables, deadlines, and campaign performance.
Basic knowledge of social media analytics and data interpretation.
Key Responsibilities
TikTok Content Creation: Produce and curate compelling and shareable content for TikTok channel that aligns with brand and marketing goals.
Content Strategy: Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute a TikTok content strategy that boosts brand awareness and engages the target audience.
Community Engagement: Engage with followers, respond to comments, and actively participate in conversations to foster a vibrant and interactive TikTok community.
Analytics and Reporting: Monitor performance metrics, track growth, and provide regular reports on TikTok channel performance, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with TikTok trends, features, and algorithm changes to ensure content remains fresh and relevant.
Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with other social media platforms and marketing channels to ensure a consistent brand message and cross-promotion opportunities.
Travel and On-Site Engagement: As part of this role, you will need to travel to various locations to capture on-site content and engage with customers. This may involve visiting homes, capturing content, and creating unique experiences for followers.
Editor’s note: These internships are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some positions are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more deets, do contact the employer directly.
So your little one has been coming to disturb you, complaining about their allowance not being enough?
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to teach them money sense and the value of hard work. If not, as they mature into young adults, they might still expect everything to drop from the sky for them.
Nothing comes free in this world, you tell them. Talk to them and set clear rules on what they should spend on. Guide them on saving up for bigger items they want. This way they appreciate the value of money and don’t end up always complaining to mummy and daddy whenever they want something.
Why your child is dissatisfied
Before you point fingers and start yelling, take the time to understand your child’s needs.
Is it because their friends are getting more? Kids often compare with their peers, and if their friends get more pocket money, they will feel like they’re being shortchanged.
Or maybe their needs (and wants) are increasing? As children grow, their expenses increase too. The amount that used to be enough may no longer cut it.
Perhaps they don’t understand the value of money? Some kids don’t appreciate how much things cost in the real world. They just want more money to spend because that’s what their friends are doing, without realizing the effort required to earn it.
Setting appropriate expectations
Before saying a big fat “no” or caving into their demands for an increase, consider these factors:
How much is really enough?
Evaluate if the current amount is indeed too little to cover basic expenses. Think about your child’s age and what the money is meant for—food, entertainment, or saving up for bigger buys. As they get older, more pocket money is reasonable since their needs and wants will increase. But don’t feel obliged to match what their friends get, especially if you’re barely making ends meet.
Image Credits: tnp.straitstimes.com
Teach them financial responsibility
Pocket money is a chance for your child to learn money skills like budgeting and saving. If they blow through it all within the first few days of a school week, that’s a sign the amount may be too much for them to handle responsibly at this point. Help them create a budget and encourage saving for bigger purchases. These are lessons that will benefit them for life.
Set clear rules and expectations
Lay down some ground rules on what the money can be used for. Be very clear in communicating your expectations to avoid future complaints about it being too little. Let your child know that the amount will be reviewed periodically based on their needs (not wants) and responsible behavior. Establish that whinging will not get them an increase. With the right guidance, your child will appreciate the pocket money for what it is.
Encouraging earning extra money
Why not allow your kids to do some housework to earn extra money, like sweeping the floor, washing the car, or helping with groceries? Pay them a reasonable rate for their time and effort. This teaches them that money needs to be earned through work, not given freely.
If they’ve got the talent, they can also sell some homemade stuff to friends and neighbors, like baked goods or crafts. Supervise them to make sure the quality is okay and the price is fair. This shows them how a business works while building confidence. Let them keep part of the earnings and deposit the rest into their bank.
For the older ones, suggest to them part-time jobs. Things like retail work, tutoring, freelancing, etc. are good for teens. Make sure the job is suitable for their age and doesn’t affect their studies. Let them handle their pay to learn money management.
The more kids work for and earn their own money, the more they will appreciate its value. Be patient as it may take time for them to understand, just as it did for you while you were growing up.
When your kid keeps whining for more money, don’t just wave it off or give in to their demands. Show them some tough love instead. Explain your reasons why their allowance amount is what it is. Teach them financial responsibility and how to budget what they receive. Get them to earn some of it through chores or a part-time job. Also, set a good example through your own behavior. Kids often mimic what their parents do, so make sure you practice what you preach! Tough it out and your kids will thank you for these life lessons someday.