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3 places in Singapore to get real Christmas trees under $250 for 2023’s Christmas

We’re slightly more than a month away from Christmas.

Have you gotten your Christmas trees yet?

Getting a Christmas tree is a tradition for many families during the holidays but instead of an artificial one, what about a fresh one for 2023?

Here are some places in Singapore where you can get an affordable real Christmas tree for under $250 this year.

Ji Mei Flower

Price: from $95

These Noble Fir trees command attention the minute you bring them home. With sturdy branches that gracefully cascade and richly fragrant needles, you will find yourself lost in its majestic beauty.

With a classic conical shape and woodsy scent that fills any room, this tree elevates even the simplest ornaments into a work of art. Choose from trees ranging from 3-4 ft ($95) to 6-7 ft ($230), and opt for delivery or select in person just days before delivery for the freshest tree that fits your standard.

Noble Fir is renowned for its ability to hold ornaments like a champion, so break out your prized heirloom decorations and watch them shine. This tree will become the centerpiece of your holiday, infusing your home with the spirit of the season.

Link to Ji Mei Flower’s Christmas collection: jm.com.sg/collections/christmas

Cold Storage

Price: from $139

Cold Storage’s Noble Fir & Fraser Fir Christmas trees truly bring the magic of the season indoors.

A Noble Fir from 5-6 ft ($139) or Fraser Fir 9-10 ft ($229) from Cold Storage will fill your home with the classic fragrance of the holidays and make memories that last. The triangular shape and fullness at the base create a silhouette that flawlessly fills any space, whether traditional or modern. Keep the tree stand/bottom filled with iced water to maintain its freshness for up to 6 weeks, and place it away from direct sunlight to prolong its life.

When you choose a tree from Cold Storage, you’re not just picking out greenery—you’re welcoming the spirit of the season into your home with aromatic evergreen branches that will remain full and strong throughout the holiday season.

Link to Cold Storage’s Christmas collection: coldstorage.com.sg/site/christmas2023/christmas-trees

Sing See Soon

Price: from $235

This Sing See Soon Fraser Fir is the ideal choice for those seeking the model Christmas tree scent and needle retention.

As one of the only options available now due to high demand, this fresh-cut tree fills your home with the nostalgic aroma of Christmas for weeks. The conical shape and horizontal branches form a classic silhouette for ornaments and lights, while the soft gray-brown bark adds visual interest. Bundle packages with lights and decorations are available for easy setup.

Pick up your tree at the Sing See Soon outlet along Punggol Road East or schedule delivery starting 24 November 2023. Well-known for its long-lasting freshness, the Fraser Fir helps keep the holiday spirit alive long after Christmas day.

Link to Sing See Soon’s Christmas collection: https://singseesoon.com/collections/christmas-tree

And that’s all from us. We hope you will find a tree that brings you and your loved ones happiness this holiday season. Whether large or small, what matters is creating new memories and traditions together. Merry, joyful Christmas to come, y’all! 🎄⛄🎅🏼🤶🦌❄

Shein has a special DAZY X HyunA fashion collection and we’ve picked up pieces <$15 that we think are worth a look at

Are you a fan of K-pop idol, HyunA?

If you love HyunA’s style and aesthetic, you will definitely want to check out Shein’s new DAZY X HyunA collection. The line features HyunA’s signature edgy yet feminine vibe.

And to save you time hunting through all the options, we picked out a few budget-friendly pieces under $15 that we think are worth a look at.

Dazy HyunA Floral Print Mock Neck Mesh Top

Price: $7

This floral print top breathes comfort with its stretchy mesh fabric for just $7.

The eye-catching blue-green floral design pops against the sheer background, great for layering with camisoles or tanks. The mock neckline and long sleeves infuse modesty while the highly stretchy polyester and elastane blend hugs your curves in all the right places.

Pair it with jeans for a chic yet casual daytime look or elevate with moto jackets and booties for an Orchard Road stroll.

Dazy HyunA Solid Off Shoulder Hanky Hem Halter Neck Crop Tee

Price: $11

This flirty crop top puts your shoulders front and center stage.

The off-shoulder design exposes your collarbone for a sexy yet playful look, while the adjustable halter neck tie holds it in place. Asymmetrical lettuce trims add an unconventional twist to the rib-knit material.

Go ahead, show some skin—the slightly thick polyester-elastane blend keeps you cozy whether you’re lounging indoors or running errands on a rainy day. The cropped hem hits right at the waist, perfect for pairing with high-waisted jeans or skirts.

Dazy HyunA Kpop High Waist Ruffle Hem Metallic Skirt

Price: $12 (was $15)

And talking about high-waist bottoms, this shiny metallic skirt is ready to light up the night with its asymmetrical cut and high-waist design that hits you at the most flattering part of your figure.

Crafted from a slightly stretchy viscose and polyamide blend that moves with you, it features a ruffled hem and hidden back zipper for easy wear. Snag it while it’s on sale for 20% off and style it with your favorite shoes for an edgy yet feminine look that’s ready to take on the weekend.

Whether you pair it with heels for a night out or sneakers for a day of shopping, this metallic midi skirt adds just the right amount of shine and flair to your off-duty style.

Dazy HyunA Striped Print Star Embroidery Zipper Front Tee

Price: $14

Last but not least, be the star of the show in this zipper front tee featuring a striped design and a huge embroidered print star that makes you feel like a celebrity like HyunA.

Made from a soft stretchy blend of 95% polyester and 5% elastane, this top is as comfortable as your favorite loungewear but with enough style to wear out. The zipper front lets you choose your neckline from high crew to zip-down, so mix and match with your mood.

Layer with a puffer vest for an of-the-moment runway look that’s ready for any type of stardom—casually walking down the airplane aisle or taking center stage in your very own socials overseas. The stars are aligning for you to shine in this zipper-front striped top.

Overall, the collection is full of on-trend pieces that bridge the gap between edgy and girly at affordable prices. We’ve featured pieces under $15 for the purpose of this post but if you want to channel more of HyunA’s fearless style and don’t mind spending a bit more for fashion, Shein’s DAZY X HyunA collection is worth checking out. Happy shopping!

There’s a new cross-border payment system using QR codes between Singapore and Indonesia

Woohoo, Singapore, and Indonesia have launched a new cross-border payment system using QR codes.

This means that customers in both countries can now make retail payments more easily.

The central bank of Indonesia, known as Bank Indonesia (BI), and Singapore’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), made the announcement yesterday, on 17 November 2023.

They said in a joint statement that financial institutions in Singapore and Indonesia can now link up their QR code payment systems.

This comes a year after BI and MAS first said they were working on such a linkage.

Now it’s a reality!

How to use it?

To use it, customers just need to open their existing mobile banking apps and then scan either a QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) code in Indonesia or a NETS QR code in Singapore, displayed by merchants, to make a purchase.

The central banks believe this linkage is an important milestone as it will help further integrate the digital economies and financial systems of the two countries. It should also boost economic connections between Indonesia and Singapore.

In addition, with QR code payments between nations now possible, it may open up new customers for small businesses since shop owners can now more easily accept payments from people visiting from each country.

BI and MAS pointed out this could benefit travelers

By that, they are referring to the over 600,000 people who have traveled from Singapore to Indonesia in the first half of 2023, including the > 1 million who traveled vice versa, from Indonesia to Singapore.

With the payment linkage, we and our fellow Indonesian friends won’t need to worry as much about having the right currency or payment method when visiting each other’s country.

Who are the participating banks?

And if you’re wondering if your bank is participating initially, be glad to know that OCBC and UOB are. DBS will likely join later.

On the Indonesian side, the participating banks include Bank Central Asia, Bank Mega, Bank Pembangunan Daerah Bali, Bank Rakyat Indonesia, Bank Sinarmas, Bank Syariah Indonesia, CIMB Niaga, Espay Debit Indonesia Koe, Netzme Kreasi Indonesia, and PermataBank.

More banks from both countries may link up their systems over time.

Perry Warjiyo, the governor of BI, said the linkage aligns with ASEAN’s goals of boosting regional payment connectivity.

He believes it will lead to faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments.

Ravi Menon, the managing director of MAS, agreed that the QR code system will help both individuals and small businesses engage in more e-commerce and tourism activities between the two nations.

A new local currency settlement framework is also in the works

In addition, BI and MAS signed a letter of intent to eventually set up a local currency settlement framework by 2024.

This would allow cross-border payments, including QR payments, as well as trade and investments between Indonesia and Singapore to be settled using their own currencies—the Indonesian rupiah and Singapore dollar.

Settling in local currencies could reduce costs and risks from currency exchange rates for businesses and users.

The central banks are working to promote wider use of local currencies for transactions between ASEAN countries.

These initiatives mark continued progress in growing digital and financial linkages between Singapore and its key regional partners, which is certainly a good thing for you, me, and our economy 😉

Latest WFH internships posted from 13 to 16 November 2023

Do you know it’s never too early to apply for an internship?

Some internships are posted months in advance but companies are looking for folks to start in 2024 and whatnot.

So if you’re not available to start right away, that’s okay. It’s still wise to keep up with the latest internship opportunities to see what’s in the market.

And who knows? You might find that one brand that you really wanna work with and they could be on this list:

#1: Dive Deals – Marketing Intern

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A post shared by Dive Deals (@sgdivedeals)

Website: divedeals.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Undergraduate from NTU, SMU, NUS, SIT, SUSS, SUTD, or SIM only (eligibility criteria for Global Ready Talent Programme).
Minimum commitment of 6 months (high priority given to candidates who can commit for a longer duration).
Love deals <3
Affluent social media user, preferably an influencer.
Experience with Canva or equivalent.
Good communication or copywriting skills.
Mature, diligent, and meticulous with positive attitudes: growth mindset and self-discipline.

Key Responsibilities

Manage Dive’s social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Telegram
Develop simple creatives, hand-picking daily & weekly highlights worth sharing.
Research, write, and edit blog articles.
Devise growth marketing campaign, plan and execute tactics to raise awareness and increase traffic.
Engage with communities in various channels.
Building the brands page & populating deals on the custom database.

How to apply?

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

#2: Mercedes-Benz Singapore Pte. Ltd. – Intern – IT Product (Marketing & Communications)

Website: mercedes-benz.com/en

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

Job Qualifications

Undergrad degree in Business, Marketing & Communications
Positive, team-player, and good working attitude
Exceptional writing skills in English
Proficiency in Google Analytics, Google Ads, LinkedIn campaign management
Self-starter with willingness and openness to take on new and different tasks
Ability to multi-task and meet multiple timelines
Strong ability to communicate with cross-functional teams and resilience in own opinions and input regarding the product

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute digital marketing plans to increase product awareness, drive traffic to the website, and generate marketing-qualified leads
Maintain a content marketing calendar that schedules all aspects of the creation and delivery of content throughout the year across all platforms, including email, website, blog
Assist with the development and implementation of SEO on website and blog
Copywrite content for internal and external communications i.e. blog, LinkedIn posts
Effectively write, edit, and collaborate on communications with other stakeholders, including platform-level content
Create engaging and visually appealing graphics for use in digital marketing campaigns
Reviewing analytics reports and making recommendations for improving website performance

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Ezra Tan / Kimberly Yeo via this link.

#3: X10 Media Pte Ltd – Business Development Intern

Website: x10.media

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Years of experience of a minimum of 1-2 years in Business Development or Marketing experience.
Fresh grads with Business Development, Media, and Marketing backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience.
Proven business acumen in project planning and management.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Passionate about influencer marketing.
Self driven & highly motivated.
You have proven knowledge and execution of successful development strategies.
Focused and goal-oriented.

Key Responsibilities

Source & prospect potential brands through different communication channels that could work with X10 Media for social media campaigns.
Attain individual objectives by scheduling meetings, generating quotations, and securing signed deals monthly during your internship period.
Craft proposals with suggested strategies and directions for potential brand collaborations.
Prepare campaign agreements/invoices for brands.
Be involved in company meetings and may be required to participate in company events.
Assist in strategist campaign idealization, content planning, and executions regarding social media and video production.
You may also be assigned to different tasks to support your learning and exposure period during your tenure with the company, based on skill set and/or as deemed necessary at your direct superior’s discretion.
To perform ad hoc duties as assigned.

How to apply?

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

#4: Clarins Pte Ltd – Finance Intern – Travel Retail Asia Pacific

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A post shared by Clarins Official (@clarinsofficial)

Website: clarins.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,200 – 1,300 monthly

Job Qualifications

Business or Finance degree
No particular experience is required but generally eager to learn and discover a fast-paced business in a multicultural and dynamic international company
Basic Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint knowledge
Eager to learn from experienced professionals (hard and soft skills)
A high degree of responsibility, integrity, and attention to detail.
Investigative nature
Entrepreneurial mindset, challenging the existing, and seeking for perfection
People and communication skills with an ability to adapt to different personalities

Key Responsibilities

MONTHLY SALES REPORTING AND ANALYSIS

FX reporting and trend analysis
SOSI (Sell Out – Sell In) sales reports and analysis
Net invoicing group reports preparation and analysis
Forecast file update
Monthly market trends update
GTR S&OP (Sales and Operations) meeting preparation

BUDGET AND RE-ESTIMATE

Participate in commercial budget and re-estimate reviews
Convert financial data into intelligible PowerPoint illustrations for the general public
Help feed top management with ad-hoc analysis contributing to the budget storytelling

DAY TO DAY

Implement and extract prices from M3 for actual billing purposes
Develop SOSI ownership (updates, maintain, and improve)
Analysis and use of the numerous Group reports (Inventories; Itemized analysis…)
Maintain customer database
Improve and document processes continuously
Be alert to market trends, macro and microeconomics, geopolitics, etc.

AD-HOC PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Itemized sales report excellence
Any ad-hoc projects relevant to the business

How to apply?

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

#5: Redex Pte Ltd – Intern (Human Resources & Administration)

Website: redex.eco

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,100 – 1,350 monthly

Job Qualifications

Currently pursuing or recently completed a diploma or degree in Business or a related field.
Proficient in MS Office
Possess good communication and interpersonal skills
Able to multitask and enjoy a fast-paced environment
Full-time interns preferred (3-6 months)

Key Responsibilities

Support the recruitment process including onboarding and offboarding tasks
Assist with various HR activities
Provide administrative support, such as arranging meetings
Other ad-hoc duties as required

How to apply?

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

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.

3 roomy accommodations with an ocean view under $115/night in Okinawa, Japan, for group travelers who are space-conscious

Wanna take advantage of the exchange rate to travel to Japan soon?

You better do so quickly because analysts have it that the Japanese yen is likely to recover in 2024 with government interventions or shifts in the Japanese central bank’s policy stance.

So while the rates are still good now, gather your gang and book your flights, and let’s be on our way.

Oh yes, before you travel, you will need a place to stay, right?

In this week’s ‘Travel Thursday’ series, I’ve helped us search for some really roomy accommodations with an ocean view under $115/night in Okinawa, Japan.

In my opinion, it’s apt for group travelers who are space-conscious. So without further ado, let’s get the list started in here!

2-bedroom homey unit with a view of Yaka’s sea

Price: $110 (for 3 persons)

This inviting home away from home offers a wonderful seaside retreat for families and friends.

Nestled in a quiet residential area along Yaka’s beautiful coastline, this 2-bedroom unit provides ample space and privacy for 3 or 4 guests. Children under 5 stay for free, so little ones can join the fun with child-friendly furnishings and toys provided (do request in advance).

Wake up to sweeping views of the sea from the comfort of your rental unit, then spend lazy mornings sipping coffee in your living room. The well-equipped kitchen allows you to prep meals or heat leftovers to enjoy together, and free parking means you can arrive on-site and settle right in. When you’re ready for adventure, Yaka’s beach and hotspots are just minutes away.

With spacious rooms, an ideal location, and all the comforts of home, this affordable unit provides an impressive coastal getaway you will want to return to again and again.

Bright and modern home along Nagahama Beach

Price: $112 (for 3 persons)

This bright and airy beachside retreat will have you feeling like a local in no time. Nestled along Nagahama Beach, this modern home sleeps 3 to 4 guests and is 2 hours from Naha Airport.

The open floor plan features ample natural light, high ceilings, and ocean views from the comfort of your unit. Two bedrooms—one with a double bed and the other with a bunk bed—spaciously accommodate your travel companions. The fully equipped kitchen is stocked with essentials so you can cook up some meals if you need them. Just 10 minutes away is Nakijin Castle Ruins, perfect for an afternoon excursion.

Your host is on hand to meet you upon arrival and ensure you have everything you need to fully unwind during your stay. This home offers all the conveniences of home in a prime beachfront spot, providing the ideal balance of relaxation and experience.

3-bedroom huge traditional Japanese-style house for 8 guests

Price: $114 (for 8 persons)

We’ve saved the best for the last—an authentic Japanese-style house nestled in Nanjō, a city in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

This traditional 3-bedroom vacation home sleeps up to 8 guests comfortably and features partial sea views, great for large families or groups seeking an affordable getaway. Old-world charm abounds from the tatami mat floors to the shoji screens. Spread out in 1 of the 3 bedrooms, each with futons and mattresses for all, or lounge on the veranda and take in the surrounding views.

Just 40 minutes from Naha Airport by car or 1.5 hours by bus, this hidden escape has a free onsite parking space where you can leave the car behind once you’re done exploring the nearby attractions and the beach.

Children 5 and under stay gratis, making it ideal for multigenerational trips. For a truly authentic slice of old Japan in a huge home all to yourselves, this traditional vacation house has you covered.

Over $100/night may seem a lot for the budget traveler… But if you do some travel math and split the cost, it doesn’t even cost that much per person. Especially for the last listing, $114 ÷ 8 persons = $14.25! That’s probably cheaper than an awkward bed space in a hostel. So gather your tomodachis (friends), it’s time to conquer the land of the rising sun.