5 Life Lessons from the Candy Crush Saga

Though I was late to the fad, I’ve recently indulged in the world of Candy Crush Saga. I must admit, it’s an undeniably addictive game, but surprisingly, it has also imparted some valuable life lessons. Let’s delve into it and discover what makes it so intriguing.

Candy Crush Saga can be described as a delightful puzzle game with a social twist. The objective is to connect candies of various colors, creating chains that make them vanish, all while progressing through the sugary levels of this exciting adventure.

Playing this game has taught me a few important things that I’d like to share.

#1: BIGGER ACHIEVEMENTS LED TO SWEETER REWARDS

As you progress through Candy Crush, the game not only acknowledges your achievements but also rewards you accordingly. Whether it’s a handy lollipop hammer or the coveted ultimate treasure chest, these special incentives add an extra layer of interest and engagement to the gameplay.

Likewise, in the workplace, recognizing employees for their accomplishments plays a significant role in motivating them to put in even more effort to reach their objectives and encourages them to stay committed. Rewards not only spark interest but also aid individuals in achieving their future goals. Leaders who genuinely acknowledge people and their skills become respected figures admired by many.

#2: TAKING THE RISK LETS YOU EVOLVE

I’ve taken quite a few risks in my life – working and studying overseas and switching careers. Sometimes, we can’t predict all the obstacles that lie ahead, but that shouldn’t stop us from moving forward. In the game, there are mystery blocks that reveal themselves over time. Players take the risk and forge ahead, despite not knowing what awaits them – whether it’s good or bad.

Similarly, in the workplace, we encounter situations like new technology, expansions, and process changes where the effects are unknown until later. Embracing that risk-taking attitude becomes crucial in such scenarios. Taking risks allows us to evolve, meet objectives, and achieve our goals.

As a leader, being prepared to take risks and prioritize work is essential for success. A great leader focuses on their employees, leading by example in handling risks. It’s all about taking those calculated risks when needed, as they pave the way for success and bring us closer to achieving our visions.

#3: HAVING A STRATEGY PAYS OFF

In the game, just playing continuously takes you to the next level, but it doesn’t mean you’ve truly won. To achieve victory, you must stay focused on your actions. Whenever I find myself losing repeatedly, it becomes evident that my strategy needs adjustment, and I must incorporate more special power-ups. After all, how can you expect to win without a solid strategy? It’s a no-brainer; you definitely need one.

Whether it’s in games or any aspect of life, if you aim to progress and come out on top, a strong and well-thought-out strategy is essential.

#4: BETTER RESULTS HAPPEN WHEN YOU DON’T KEEP SCORE

It’s backed by statistics, and there’s even a famous dialogue from the movie “3 Idiots” that echoes this sentiment: “Pursue Excellence and Success will follow.” I can vouch for its truthfulness – it really works!

Constantly obsessing over the scoreboard or worrying about success can actually hinder your progress. Instead, focusing on achieving excellence in whatever you do allows you to concentrate on the task at hand and perform at your best. That’s just the way life goes! So, strive for excellence, and success will naturally follow suit.

#5: THERE’S ALWAYS A WAY OUT

I’ve found myself stuck in numerous levels of Candy Crush, and at times, it’s taken me days to overcome them. But the beauty of the game lies in the fact that you must keep trying. Just like in life, it’s all about resilience and perseverance. Persistence truly holds the key to success. If you keep pushing forward, sooner or later, you’re bound to figure it out, whether through sheer determination or a stroke of luck, perhaps even both. This reminds me of my uncle’s incredible journey, from picking food out of garbage bags to eventually dining in fine dining restaurants – a true rags-to-riches story.

There are hidden paths you must seek both in the game and in life. You have to trust that there’s always a way out, leading you to the next level. Just keep playing, and sooner or later, the solution will reveal itself. It’s a valuable lesson to remember – never lose hope and believe in your ability to find a way forward, both in Candy Crush and in your own life’s challenges.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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5 Heartwarming Experiences at Singapore Zoo

Planning a memorable trip to Singapore Zoo with your beloved children? Look no further! We have curated a guide to help you create cherished moments at this extraordinary family-friendly destination.

Get ready to embark on a journey of emotions as you explore the following five exciting activities:

#1: INDULGE IN A FEEDING SESSION

Prepare to have your heart filled with joy as you witness animals delicately nibbling food from the palm of your hand. Participating in our token feeding sessions allows you to forge a profound connection with these beautiful creatures. Not only will you create lifelong memories, but your contribution will also support wildlife conservation efforts in the region.

Please keep in mind that feeding sessions operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. To secure your spot, we recommend booking the feeding session online and arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled time. We kindly request your understanding that once the capacity is reached, we won’t be able to accommodate additional guests. Reserve your feeding session now at this website.

Choose from a variety of feeding options, including elephants, giraffes, goats, tortoises, and more. Prices start at SGD 8.

#2: MEET THE ZOOKEEPERS

Ignite the curiosity of your little ones or satisfy your own inquisitive nature by immersing yourselves in the world of our dedicated zookeepers. Engage in captivating “Keepers’ Chit Chat” sessions where our knowledgeable staff will share intriguing insights and captivating anecdotes about your favorite animals. From elephant keepers to white tigers, the expertise and passion of these caretakers will leave you with a deep sense of admiration.

For session timings, please visit our website and schedule a listening experience. It’s an opportunity not to be missed!

#3: EXPERIENCE WHIMSICAL DELIGHTG

Take a moment to rejuvenate and immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of the Wild Animal Carousel. As you embark on a whimsical animal-themed ride, feel the joy radiating through every fiber of your being. This vintage merry-go-round is not only a delight for children but will also awaken the inner child within you. To avoid waiting in queues, we recommend booking your carousel ride online.

Ticket prices for the Wild Animal Carousel are as follows:
– Single Ride: $4
– Three Rides: $8

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: ENJOY CAPTIVATING SHOWS

If you find yourself yearning for the presence of your beloved pets at home, rejoice in the Rainforest Kidzworld Amphitheatre for the Animal Friends Show. Witness the talent of a remarkable cast of domestic animals as they showcase their entertaining skills. After the show, seize the opportunity to collect autographs or capture treasured photographs with these incredible performers. And for those seeking wet and wild amusement, the Splash Safari Show features the delightful antics of the California sea lion.

To find out more about the Animal Friends Show, please visit: mandai.com
For information on the Splash Safari Show, please visit: mandai.com

#5: JOIN AN EXCITING TOUR

If strolling through the vast expanse of Singapore Zoo with young children seems daunting, we invite you to embark on the Wild Discoverer Tour aboard a comfortable tour buggy. Allow yourself to relax and be chauffeured through the captivating animal exhibits while immersing yourself in tales of their care and conservation. Moreover, seize the unique opportunity to feed the rhinos and giant tortoises, fostering a profound connection with these magnificent creatures.

For an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, indulge your child’s dreams by treating them to a behind-the-scenes adventure as a zookeeper for a day. Our exclusive hands-on program allows them to work alongside our dedicated keepers, learning the art of animal care and conservation. We offer two options: one for children aged 6 to 12 and another for older children and parents, ensuring that everyone can participate in this magical experience.

Tickets for the Wild Discoverer Tour are priced at S$380 per person.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

These five activities offer a diverse range of heartwarming experiences for families visiting Singapore Zoo. From creating connections with animals through feeding sessions to engaging with passionate zookeepers, enjoying captivating shows, and embarking on immersive tours, there’s something for everyone to cherish. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories. Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable day filled with wonder and joy!

Sources: 1

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HDB Prices Continue Their Steady Rise in 2Q 2023

In the second quarter of 2023, HDB resale prices marked their 13th consecutive quarterly increase, rising by 1.5% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q). This adds to the 1% q-o-q increase witnessed in the first quarter of the year, reflecting a sustained uptrend in the public housing market.

While the prices have been steadily climbing during the first half of the year, it’s worth noting that the pace of resale price growth has shown some moderation compared to the overall trend observed in 2022, where the average quarterly growth was 2.5%.

According to the latest public housing statistics, executive flats saw a significant 2.3% q-o-q increase, with prices rising from $800,000 in 1Q 2023 to $818,000 in 2Q 2023. Meanwhile, five-room flats also experienced a rise of 1.9%, with prices climbing from $638,000 to $650,000 during the same period.

Let’s take a closer look at the areas that experienced the biggest price increases for HDB estates in 2023, compared to the growth observed from 2020 to 2023:

3-Room Flats:
– Bukit Batok recorded a substantial price growth of 52.53%
– Toa Payoh followed closely with a growth of 50.35%
– Sembawang saw a rise of 43.26%
– Woodlands experienced an increase of 42.84%

4-Room Flats:
– Bukit Batok topped the list with a remarkable growth of 59.71%
– Sembawang followed with a growth of 48.82%
– Ang Mo Kio saw a rise of 43.86%
– Woodlands experienced an increase of 38.64%

5-Room Flats:
– Sembawang led the way with a substantial growth of 47.07%
– Bukit Batok closely followed with a growth of 46.03%
– Woodlands experienced an increase of 40.19%
– Choa Chu Kang saw a rise of 32.01%

The Housing Development Board (HDB) attributes the moderation in the rate of price increase to the government’s measures aimed at maintaining a stable and sustainable property market. These measures, implemented in December 2021, September 2022, and April 2023, include a 15-month wait-out period for private property owners before purchasing a non-subsidized HDB resale flat and a lowering of the loan-to-value limit for HDB housing loans.

Analysts have noted that the slower price increase observed in the second quarter is not an isolated event. Eugene Lim, key executive officer of ERA Realty Network, emphasized that 21 out of 26 HDB towns experienced price gains in the second quarter, compared to only 12 towns in the previous quarter.

Geylang stood out with the highest increase in resale flat prices at 18.7%, followed by the Central Area with 8.6% and Bedok with 4.3%, according to Mr. Lee.

It’s worth mentioning that the resale flat prices in Bukit Timah have seen a contraction for two consecutive quarters, and this could be attributed to factors such as a lack of new supply and an aging stock of resale flats.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

In conclusion, the HDB resale market continues to show strength, with prices maintaining an upward trend. While the rate of increase has slowed somewhat, the market remains dynamic, and various factors, including government measures, continue to influence price movements across different HDB towns.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Good news financially for parents with Singaporean children born on or after 14 February 2023

Baby Bonus 2023 Updates

Here’s a breath of fresh fiscal air for local parents with little ones born on or after the day of love–14 February 2023.

The enhanced Baby Bonus, a delightful financial surprise unveiled in Budget 2023, is set to roll out next month, to be exact, from 1 August 2023, months ahead of its initially planned debut in early 2024.

These revamped benefits cater to eligible Singaporean tots, promising a more generous Baby Bonus Cash Gift, extended payouts, and augmented government top-ups in their Child Development Accounts (CDA).

In an announcement on Friday, 28 July 2023, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) revealed that the wheels of legislation and system updates have turned faster than expected, enabling an earlier launch on 1 August 2023.

Rewinding to the Budget speech on 14 February 2023, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled a S$3,000 boost to the Baby Bonus Cash Gift for eligible Singaporean newborns from that day onwards.

In addition, he announced the rejigged payout schedule, designed to provide a steady stream of financial support every six months until the child reaches six and a half years old.

Further sweetening the deal, the initial CDA First Step Grant will grow from S$3,000 to S$5,000. 

For the first and second child, the government will also raise the co-matching maximum by S$1,000, matching parents’ CDA contributions dollar for dollar, up to a set level.

So, what does this mean for parents?

With these adjustments, families welcoming babies from 14 February this year will receive S$11,000 each for their first and second children, and S$13,000 each for their third and subsequent children as part of the Baby Bonus Cash Gifts.

The eligibility criteria for the Baby Bonus Cash Gift require the child to be a Singapore citizen and their parents to be in a lawful marriage.

Want to check if your child is eligible?

You can do so via this link: babybonus-eservices.msf.gov.sg/parent-helper

Baby Bonus Scheme Eligibility Check

As for the payout timeline, a child enrolled in the Baby Bonus Scheme from 1 August 2023 will receive their First Step Grant in their CDA within two weeks of opening their accounts.

Government co-matching contributions will also be received within two weeks of depositing money into CDAs, excluding public holidays.

A phased approach will be followed for disbursement to children enrolled in the scheme from 14 February to 31 July 2023.

For more in-depth information and updates to the Baby Bonus Scheme, you can visit the official website: babybonus.msf.gov.sg.

babybonus.msf.gov.sg

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Latest WFH internships posted from 24 to 27 July 2023

woman having a video call with colleagues

Welcome to our weekly roundup of the latest WFH internships.

As we wave goodbye to July, we’re still excited to bring you the remote opportunities that popped up this week.

We’ve scoured the web to collate a list of exciting roles you can sink your teeth into from the comfort of your own home so read on.

#1: UD Trucks Singapore Pte Ltd – Intern (Brand And Marketing)

 

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A post shared by UD Trucks (@udtrucksjp)

Website: udtrucks.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Good understanding of marketing and/or communications principles
  • Good knowledge of the latest technologies, and digital engagement channels
  • Fluent in English (spoken/written)
  • Good communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Basic Photoshop knowledge and hands-on experience
  • Digital mindset
  • Proactive
  • Meticulous
  • Adaptable, autonomous, and organized
  • Ability to work with several functions, across multiple levels in the organization
Key Responsibilities
  • Support in the development of digital marketing strategy and roll-out of digital marketing activities
  • Support in the content creation and design of marketing materials for omnichannel utilization
  • Support in the execution of digital marketing activities and campaigns including utilization of leads generation/marketing automation and CRM tools
  • Monitor and report statuses of digital channels across markets
  • Support in organizing virtual/physical events as applicable
  • Support in external and internal communication activities
  • Assist with marketing-related projects or initiatives
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Koh Sheau Chia via this link.

#2: Homeez Pte Ltd – Graphic Design Intern

Website: homeez.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Graphic Design major preferred
  • Basic knowledge of layouts, typography, line composition, color, and other graphic design fundamentals
  • Experience with InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator
  • Strong creative and analytical skills
  • Compelling portfolio of graphic design work
Key Responsibilities
  • Create and design print and digital materials
  • Adhere to brand guidelines and complete projects according to the deadline
  • Retouch and manipulate images
  • Use graphic design software and work with a wide variety of media
  • Collaborate with the Creative Director and Graphic Design Manager to develop design concepts
  • Receive feedback from the Creative Director and Graphic Design Manager and make necessary changes
  • Assemble final presentation material for printing as needed
How to apply?

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

#3: Asia Group Advisors – Analyst Intern

asiagroupadvisors.com

Website: asiagroupadvisors.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Outstanding research and writing skills.
  • Highly articulate English language skills, both written and verbal
  • Engaging interpersonal negotiation and communication skills, including experience in cross-cultural environments and international settings.
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  • The ability to work in a team and under tight deadlines, with a commitment to high-quality deliverables
  • Flexibility and adaptability to constantly changing priorities
  • A dynamic, positive, self-starter
  • Keen interest in the politics and economics of Singapore
Key Responsibilities
  • Supporting research on specific regulations, legislation, and policies for clients or project work
  • Local media monitoring
  • Drafting PowerPoint presentations and project updates
  • Researching new business trends and industries
  • Providing logistic support for meetings and events as needed and assigned
  • Supporting AGA’s bulletin team in drafting weekly updates, focused on political, economic, domestic/foreign policies
  • Supporting additional operational and administrative activities, when required
How to apply?

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

#4: Envision Digital International Pte. Ltd. – Procurement Intern

envision-digital.com

Website: envision-digital.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills & a strong team player 
  • Enjoys working in a multicultural & team-based environment 
  • Prior work experience in Supply Chain is preferred
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct Microsoft Dynamics roll-out for international entities (without China) (vendor creation, PR, GR)
  • Perform Power platform non-PO invoicing
  • Responsible for manual updating/checking tasks
  • Identifies, participates in (supports) procurement improvement projects/initiatives locally and globally 
  • Handle operational sourcing activities
How to apply?

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

#5: Word of Mouth Communications – PR Intern

Website: womcomm.com

Allowance / Remuneration: from $800 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Pleasant disposition with good communication skills
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills
  • Work well under pressure and deadlines
  • Have a flair for writing and a keen eye for details
  • Able to think out of the box to initiate fresh ideas/creative
  • Positive attitude with a willingness to learn
  • Able to start work immediately preferred
  • Students pursuing a degree in PR, Marketing, Journalism, or Business Studies
Key Responsibilities
  • Produce press releases, media advisories, speeches as well as any other necessary documents and reports
  • Execute day-to-day campaign activities to ensure client deadlines, targets, and deliverables are met
  • Build and maintain strong client and media relationships
  • Proactive media pitching
  • Proposal research, preparation, and presentation
  • Social media conceptualization, execution, management, and analysis
  • Media monitoring and reporting
  • Maintain accurate records & documentation on account/client projects
  • Assist with any logistical or event management support on account/client projects
  • Provide administrative support for accounts under your care
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and apply directly.

Note: We’ve selected these internships based on the “remote” tag, but some positions may still require some face-to-face time. Please contact the employer directly for more deets.

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