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Smartphone Accidents That You Can Repair By Yourself

As you spend more time at home, it is highly likely that you have consumed more videos and sent more texts than before. The social distancing guidelines enabled us to be more virtually connected with others. So, what happens if you suddenly tumble and drop your phone on the floor? You may notice that your screen will break and the software will experience some bugs. The first instinct is to drop by the nearby repair shop to have your phone checked. However, what if the phone repair shop near you is closed due to the effects of the pandemic?

Where are you going to get your phone repaired? Well, you still have several options to get it fixed. Start by considering the possibility of fixing the problems on your own.

#1: ENHANCE THE AUDIO QUALITY

Despite the prevalence of wireless earphones, several smartphone units still come with the audio “jack”. You may experience hearing an inferior quality of sound when you plug the earphones into the jack as time passes.

When this happens, stick a cotton swab into the jack and use it to clear out any dirt or small particles. Sanitize your phone to top it all off.

#2: REPLACE YOUR BATTERY

Your smartphone’s battery gradually degrades with time. This is not usually due to misuse or accidental drops. You will typically notice that your phone dies completely or only lasts for a few hours before needing to be recharged again. You can find more information about your battery by looking at the settings.

A replacement battery is relatively cheap to buy online and it is one of the easiest components to replace. Just be careful. The battery in your phone is usually held in place by two thin adhesive strips between the battery and the back part of your phone. It plugs into the logic board with a tiny ribbon cable connector which snaps into place. Learn more about the components of your battery by browsing online, before replacing yours.

#3: REFRESH YOUR CHARGING PORT

With continued use, your charger may not fit as well into the port as it did before. The simple way to fix it is to use a sharp toothpick to remove the lint and dirt from the port. Clean the rest of your phone by using a cotton swab, cotton buds, or cotton tips with drops of distilled water.

#4: REVIVE A SOAKED SMARTPHONE

One of the common phone accidents is water damage. Even I experienced it myself. It is an event that can cause frustration and stress to many of us. So, if your phone takes an unexpected swim, remove the battery (if possible), and place it in a bag of rice for a day or two to absorb the moisture within. With luck and patience, this will do the trick.

#5: FIX A LOOSE BUTTON

Like audio jacks, buttons can be replaced easily. You can purchase tools and button replacements on hardware stores or online. If you are comfortable with opening your phone by yourself then, you can solve your phone’s button problems.

Most buttons are attached via cables to the motherboard. Thus, it is a delicate process. Be careful when re-attaching new hardware. There is a wealth of information found online with regards to replacing your phone’s power and volume buttons. Be sure to read these first, before purchasing replacement components.

#6: REPLACE YOUR BROKEN OR CRACKED SCREEN

Replacing your smartphone’s screen is usually do-able and it is simpler than you think! All it takes is the right tools and a little courage. You may start by assessing the situation. Can a tape fix it? Or, perhaps a glass screen may temporarily solve your problem.

If your smartphone looks like a spiderweb of cracks underneath, you better purchase a repair kit on eBay or iFixit. Get concise instructions online or buy a repair kit if you do not have a toolbox.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Save yourself some money and social contact by subtracting smartphone repair to your expenses! Truly, there are some issues that you can handle on your own. All it takes are tools, courage, determination, and a little help from the Internet.

Source: 1

Traineeship & Jobs: OCBC Bank, Marina Bay Sands, and NUS are hiring

Job searching amid the pandemic can be a tiring task. If you’re still on the search for a suitable position, don’t give up! The right time will come for you. Meanwhile, there are job openings at OCBC Bank, Marina Bay Sands, and NUS.

Here are the details.

#1: OCBC Bank – Digital Development Executive (9 months contract) (SGUnited Traineeship)

Image Credits: MSN.com

OCBC Bank was formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks. It is now the second-largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets and one of the world’s most highly-rated banks. Recognized for its financial strength and stability, OCBC Bank is consistently ranked among the World’s Top 50 Safest Banks by Global Finance and has been named Best Managed Bank in Singapore by The Asian Banker.

OCBC Bank and its subsidiaries offer a broad array of commercial banking, specialist financial, and wealth management services, ranging from consumer, corporate, investment, private and transaction banking to treasury, insurance, asset management, and stockbroking services.

Their key markets are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Greater China. It has more than 540 branches and representative offices in 19 countries and regions. These include over 280 branches and offices in Indonesia under subsidiary Bank OCBC NISP, and over 90 branches and offices in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR under OCBC Wing Hang.

Job Qualifications

Proficient in Microsoft Excel especially in analytical tool functions. Knowledge in MS Power BI is an added advantage.
Possess strong analytical skills with excellent verbal/written communication to articulate insights from data
Able to multi-task and willingness to take up new job responsibilities when required
Meticulous and detail-oriented
Able to use design thinking principles to improve and streamline existing processes
Team player, self-motivated, and resourceful

Key Responsibilities

Improve data analytics capabilities for the department with appropriate data visualization features
Project management and explore digitalization opportunities
Assist section heads to embrace smart tools to gain meaningful insights
Provide management team with key department metrics they need to do their job
Part of department digital project team to work with users to identify areas of improvement and prepare user requirement
Assist in UAT for system enhancements prior to production deployment

How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

#2: Marina Bay Sands – Guest Service Executive (Call Centre Agent) (Express Service)

Image Credits: Wikipedia

Marina Bay Sands is a premier entertainment destination with its vibrant diversity of attractions and facilities. The vision was to build an integrated development that is timeless, a landmark that possesses a distinct identity which distinguishes Singapore from other cities.

Located along the Marina Bay waterfront, Marina Bay Sands features three cascading hotel towers topped by an extraordinary sky park, ‘floating’ crystal pavilions, a lotus-inspired Museum, retail stores featuring cutting-edge labels and international luxury brands, trendy Celebrity Chef restaurants, endless entertainment at the theatres, the hottest night clubs, and a Las Vegas-style casino.

Business visitors can also enjoy the extensive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities featuring state-of-the-art technology, highly flexible exhibition halls, and a convention centre that can host over 45,000 delegates. Marina Bay Sands seamlessly combines business and leisure into a singular destination unlike any other.

Job Qualifications

Minimally GCE ‘O’ Level, Nitec, or higher.
Customer-centric attitude and works well under pressure.
Compose in handling complaints and emergencies.
Ability to multi-task and comfortable with applications and technology.
Proficiency in other languages than English such as Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean are extremely beneficial.
Excellent telephone etiquette.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
Adaptable to rotational shifts including public holidays and overnight shifts, depending on operation needs.
Highly collaborative and adaptable to changes in a dynamic environment.
Mature, meticulous, resourceful, organized, and able to work independently.
Able to work in front of a computer and sit for extended periods of time.

Key Responsibilities

Be customer-centric with internal and external guests via all communication channels.
Deliver high touch experience that is aligned with the Company Service Strategy to all guests.
Tackle first level complaint with a pleasant disposition.
Agility to handle services and requests effectively and efficiently.
Apply logic in guests challenges and proactively offer/discuss resolutions with a Manager on Duty.
Up-to-date with hotel information of events/activities to provide accurate information in a timely manner.
Responsive to emergency situations according to hotel guidelines.
Contribute to achieving individual and team KPIs.
Support other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time.

Candidates who have proven competencies to work independently and with little supervision will be offered the option to work from home.

How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

#3: NUS – Management Assistant Officer (Centre for English Language Communication)

NUS Centre for English Language Communication (CELC)

Image Credits: Vimeo

The Centre for English Language Communication (CELC) was established in 1979. It plays a vital role in enhancing the English language and communication skills of both local and international undergraduate and graduate students at the National University of Singapore.

Their vision is to be a leading international centre for the teaching of English language and communication skills and the engagement in research that facilitates scholarly teaching. While their mission is to empower students to acquire effective English language and communication skills for their academic and professional lives through innovative teaching, promotion of independent learning, and engagement in research related to ELT.

Job Qualifications

GCE ‘A’ Level certificate or Polytechnic Diploma
Strong customer service skills
Proficient in MS Office applications
Meticulous and must be able to multi-task and prioritize work effectively
Able to communicate diplomatically with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
Must be a team player
Familiarity with CMIS, LumiNUS would be an advantage

Key Responsibilities

Provide support for CET, other consultancy courses, and student workshops
All matters relating to part-time staff (about 80-90 staff every semester), e.g. claims processing, recruitment, enquiries, etc.
Provide secretarial support to the Director
Leave matters
Preparation of internal logistics for onboarding of new staff
Liaise with Facilities office and external vendors
Support module administration, i.e. time-tabling, module registration, large scale test matters
Procurement

How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

Meet The Most Expensive COVID-19 Mask In The World

As you rub on the magical lamp, a genie appears. If the genie were to grant you three wishes, what would they be? Will you ask for the most expensive COVID-19 mask in the world? That was the request that Jewelry Designer Isaac Levy fulfilled – with or without a magical lamp. He works in the Israeli jewelry house called Yvel.

He was commissioned to grant three requests: that the mask will comply with the FDA/European safety standards, will be ready by the end of 2020, and will be the most expensive COVID-19 mask in the world. The last requirement was the easiest to fulfill, according to Mr. Levy.

Mr. Levy said that the item was requested by a Chinese billionaire living in the United States of America. Thus, it comes with a price tag of US$1.5 million or S$2 million. Saving face plays an essential part in the Chinese Culture, and a bejeweled mask by Yvel takes this to another level!

This expensive mask may be glamorous, but some may question its practicality. You see, it is expected to weigh about 270 grams or over half a pound. The mask consists of 250 grams of 18-carat white gold, which is embellished with more than 3,600 natural black and white diamonds. This equates to a total weight of 210 carats.

Its physical appearance aside, the mask is set to meet the strict health standards with the current pandemic in mind. Mr. Levy made sure that the mask included an N99 filter. The mask features a hole in one of its gold plates for the filter to sit. In other words, the mask will filter out at least 99% of airborne particles.

The labor-intensive process for this luxurious piece as well as its other requirements entails that this project will not only benefit one man. The Jewelry House Yvel takes pride in hiring predominantly immigrant employees and projects such as this will help them thrive during these tough times.

Mr. Levy went on and said:

“It is the most expensive mask in the world. If there will be another company that will create such a mask and will challenge us, I am sure that we’re going to find another customer to buy a more expensive mask.”

This extravagant mask comes at a time when luxury brands and designers such as Off-White and Emilia Wickstead are offering fashionable face coverings. Moreover, luxury group LVMH (which oversees Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Christian Dior) assisted in the production of hand sanitizers amidst the global shortages. They converted three fragrance factories for this purpose.

Whatever happens in the years to come, this mask will serve as a hefty memento of the life-changing pandemic.

Source: 1

The importance of getting your flu vaccine amid COVID-19

Truth be told, I used to think that the influenza vaccine is a travel vaccine. Dr Leong Choon Kit from Mission Medical Clinic identifies that the idea is a common misconception among people.

“So they may assume that since they are not travelling, the influenza (jab) is not needed,” he said.

Decline in people getting the flu vaccine

Doctors revealed the drop in the number of people getting the flu jab. They attributed it to the circuit breaker period and a general reluctance to visit clinics during the pandemic.

Dr Leong shared that the Ministry of Health (MOH) had previously advised against going to clinics for elective vaccinations. In addition to that, many people are trying their best not to visit clinics at the moment.

“I think most people are distracted by the COVID-19 outbreak,” he said.

A dose of influenza vaccination is recommended per year

Image Credits: MOH

As advised under the MOH’s National Adult Immunisation Schedule, one dose of influenza vaccination is recommended annually or per flu season.

“This is for optimal protection against circulating influenza viruses, especially when the symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 are similar and not easily distinguishable,” said MOH.

Flu season usually highest at the end of the year

“There will be a challenge to distinguish flu symptoms from COVID symptoms as both diseases circulate simultaneously. Getting flu shots will hopefully reduce the background noise,” Farrer Park Hospital’s infectious diseases specialist Dr Lam Mun San said.

Dr Leong adds that it is more important for the population to be vaccinated against influenza now. Compared to the other years, there’s an even more urgent need this year.

Getting a flu vaccination may help reduce the strain on healthcare facilities

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Dr Barnaby Young from the National Centre for Infectious Diseases’ (NCID) advises us to follow MOH’s advice on vaccinations.

“Vaccinations are safe and effective at preventing influenza infections, they can reduce the strain on clinics and hospitals during flu season, and will protect vulnerable people in the community.”

NCID’s clinical director Dr Shawn Vasoo also explained from a public health and resource perspective. Minimizing influenza rates or preventing it may put less strain on testing resources and better use of hospitalisations or isolation beds for patients who might need it more.

Dr Vasoo also shared that with the easing of borders and social restrictions in the community, our country may see a rise in acute respiratory infections and COVID-19 cases.

“Getting an influenza jab can help to prevent and decrease the circulation, morbidity and consequences from both diseases and is therefore a useful tool, both at a public health and at an individual level,” he added.

Maid sentenced to four weeks’ jail for stealing cash and items from her employer’s family

A 46-year-old Indonesian maid, Rina Tilaar, was sentenced to four weeks’ jail after pleading guilty to two counts of theft as a servant and one charge of theft.

For theft by a servant, she could have been jailed for up to seven years and fined.

Started stealing between February and May 2020

Rina started work with her employer and family at the end of January this year. Over a span of four months, she started stealing cash and items from her employer’s family.

Employer’s mother noticed missing cash and her coin pouch

Image Credits: Braun Buffel

During the crime period, the employer’s mother started noticing missing cash amounts from her wallet in her bedroom. Her Braun Buffel coin pouch worth S$150 also went missing.

Employer and his wife also not spared

The employer’s wife also experienced missing items in March. She had placed a cardholder with cash of S$52 and an EZ-Link card on a table in the living room, but could not find those items after.

Following the incident, the wife found out in April that a total of S$200 in cash was missing from her wallet in her bedroom on four occasions. On May 19, she discovered S$20 missing from her wallet.

Between mid-April and May, Rina’s 39-year-old employer also realized that a total of S$300 had gone missing from his wallet.

Police were informed on May 21

Image Credits: todayonline.com

On May 21, the couple checked Rina’s belongings while she was out. They found a total cash amount of S$1,203.95 in a Braun Buffel coin pouch.

At the start of her employment, Rina had signed a declaration form stating her possession of only a cash amount of S$17.70 and 200 Indonesian rupiah (S$0.20). Her employer also transfers her monthly salary directly to her Indonesian bank account, said State Prosecuting Officer Nasri Haron.

Since the amount was higher than what their helper had initially declared, they called the police.

Rina pleaded guilty

She confessed to taking cash of about S$1,000 from the family, a Braun Buffel coin pouch belonging to her employer’s mother, and the cardholder and EZ-Link card from her employer’s wife.

Her side of the story

“She drop porridge on my hand and (poke me) with the chopstick,” she cried via a video-link from her place of remand.

“I never use this money. My employer lie to me. She do wrong to me, I never complain to police and MOM (Ministry of Manpower). But I just quiet because I want to work.”

She said she did not use the money she stole and had taken it because her employer treated her like an animal. The judge rejected her plea as she did not admit to the acts. To which Rina reversed her claims and pleaded for leniency instead.

“I am very sorry to the court, to my employers and to my agencies and also to Your Honour,” she said.

Considering the recovered amounts and items, District Judge Ong Hian Sun gave Rina four weeks’ jail.