Is TPG Telecom’s $18 for 80GB SIM-only monthly plan value for money?

TPG Telecom $18 for 80GB SIM-only plan banner

If you find yourself constantly streaming movies in high definition using data, then TPG Telecom’s $18 for 80GB SIM-only monthly plan might be a great companion.

Mobile data provided under this plan is at 4G speeds. This puts it at a spotlight when contrasted to several other “unlimited” data plans in the market. We all know how there are plans out there that promise great numbers but is slapped with limits like slow surfing speeds once a user hits a period threshold.

Local outgoing calls & international direct dialling

TPG Telecom’s $18 for 80GB SIM-only monthly plan provides 500 minutes of local outgoing calls to 21 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China. You can also enjoy up to 300 minutes of international direct dialling.

asian-woman-making-a-phone-call

Image Credits: Freepik

“We constantly challenge ourselves to provide the best value to our customers,” said TPG Singapore chief executive officer Richard Tan, recognising that in the immediate future, travelling abroad will likely be reduced.

Mr Tan noted the increasing demand for data. He adds that the company decided to launch this plan to provide its customers with more attractive options to stay in touch with their friends and family overseas, especially with the upcoming Chinese New Year approaching.

In 2019, when TPG’s trial period plan was running, the company offered its users free, limitless roaming data in Malaysia and Indonesia. But the new scheme will only provide roaming data of 2GB free-of-charge for countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand.

TPG became Singapore’s fourth telco in 2016

In April 2020, TPG started rolling out commercial services after acquiring a license in 2016 to become the fourth telco in Singapore.

TPG Telecom offline store

Image Credits: The Straits Times

But they lost the rights to Singtel, StarHub, and M1 to construct Singapore’s two national 5G networks that same month. With that said, they still have the license to run smaller 5G networks that provide spot coverage using abundant airwaves.

When asked for more details on the coverage of the telco network, Mr Tan said TPG continuously complies with the in-building coverage audits of the Infocomm Media Development Authority.

“We already have full outdoor coverage and have recently achieved full coverage for road tunnels. Rail tunnel coverage retrofitting works are currently ongoing,” he commented.

You may click through to access the TPG Telecom’s $18 for 80GB SIM-only plan webpage for more details. Think you can afford a data cut to pay a lower monthly price? Check out the $10 for 50GB SIM-only plan here.

TPG Telecom $10 for 50GB SIM-only plan banner

Image Credits: TPG Telecom

The telco is also offering a $5 for 20GB data plan (per 30 days) just for seniors. It’s only available for a limited time with no upfront fees and lock-in contract. Click through the link to find out more!

$5 for 20GB seniors data plan

Image Credits: TPG Telecom

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Applications for the COVID-19 Recovery Grant will open tomorrow (18 January)

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) first announced the new COVID-19 grant last December. It’s been a month and a long wait for some Singaporeans and permanent residents badly affected by the pandemic.

Good news! The wait is almost over, and applications for the COVID-19 Recovery Grant will start tomorrow (18 January). This new scheme targets lower- to middle-income workers and self-employed people. Up to $700 per month for three months can be provided for successful applicants.

Here’s a quick look at what you need to know.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should fulfil specific requirements, including being 21 years old and above. They must also be living in an annual value home that’s less than $21,000 and not own more than one property.

Pedestrians in the Orchard Road district of Singapore

Image Credits: Reuters

Before work or income loss or involuntary no-pay leave (NPL), individuals should have a household income of not more than $7,800 or per capita household income of less than $2,600.

They must have engaged actively in career hunts or training. Also, there’s a need to demonstrate evidence of any of the following activities within two months before the submission:

  • Applied at least two times for jobs, traineeships, or attachments via platforms like the MyCareersFuture portal or the Professional Conversion Programme portal; or
  • Have been to at least two job interviews; or
  • Regularly attending career coaching services at WSG’s Careers Connect, WSG-appointed Career Matching Providers (Ingeus or MAXIMUS), or NTUC-e2i career centres; or
  • Signed up for at least one training programme listed on MySkillsFuture (MySF) portal.

Those currently receiving monetary support from these schemes are not eligible:

  • Seafarers Relief Package;
  • COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund;
  • SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – Company Training; or
  • SGUnited Skills Programme
How to Apply

Applications will open from tomorrow (18 January) to 31 December 2021 between 9am to 10pm daily. You may also apply on weekends or public holidays.

Those who require assistance in filling the online application form can dial the ComCare Call hotline at 1800-222-0000. Or you may send an enquiry to [email protected]. Alternatively, one can also visit their nearest Social Service Office for help.

Processing Time

Applicants will be notified by SMS of the result of their application within approximately two weeks, upon receipt of all the necessary information needed.

person checking a message

Image Credits: BT.com

The authorities foresee a flood of applications at the start and request your understanding if the turnaround period is slower than expected.

Payout Date

Usually, the first month’s payment is remitted seven calendar days from the day the application is accepted. For the next two months, it would generally be paid by every 4th of the month.

For the full details, please head to the COVID-19 Recovery Grant webpage.

COVID-19-Recovery-Grant-infographic

Image Credits: MSF

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The Reef at King’s Dock: A new residential launch with prices from S$960,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment

Though waterfront homes are rare in Singapore, our little red dot is home to a couple of residences with spectacular sea views. An emerging estate that is expected to make headlines is The Reef at King’s Dock.

Potential buyers, here’s your chance to gain that coveted view of the waters. It will be Singapore’s first residential development with a floating deck and an underwater marine viewing platform, according to Mapletree and Keppel Land.

Located in the HarbourFront-Keppel Bay precinct
The Reef at King’s Dock location

Image Credits: reef-kings-dock-showflat.com

You will find the upcoming development a short walk away from HarbourFront MRT station, within the Greater Southern Waterfront. It is a region that the government aims to turn into a substantial new gateway along the southern coast of Singapore for modern dwellers.

The project will consist of 429 units, with a variety of apartments from 1 to 3 bedrooms. Dimensions range from 431 to 1,572 sq. ft. and is distributed across 10 housing blocks.

The Reef at King’s Dock unit distribution

Image Credits: The Reef at King’s Dock

Starting price begins somewhere from S$960,000 for a 1-bedroom unit. For a rough gauge, it will cost S$1.6 million for a 2-bedroom flat and S$2.8 million for a 3-bedroom apartment.

The Reef at King's Dock bedroom

Image Credits: reef-kings-dock-showflat.com

There will be a complete range of facilities. This includes a state-of-the-art workout centre, a tennis court, and sky gardens. There will also be a playground for kids, fitness area, and function rooms.

The Reef at King’s Dock sky terrace

Image Credits: The Reef at King’s Dock

Singapore’s first floating deck in a residential development

The 180m floating platform will accommodate several pools including an Olympic-length pool, a recreational pool, and a revitalising pool. These swimming pools would provide swimmers with an immersive experience, likening to a swim in the waters of King’s Dock itself.

The floating deck will also display The Reef at King’s Dock’s private underwater viewing platform. It’s a special area where the aquatic ecosystem in King’s Dock would be seen and enjoyed by residents and visitors.

The floating deck at The Reef at King's Dock will house a marine viewing area

Image Credits: The Reef at King’s Dock

The developers assured that they would give proper attention to maintain King’s Dock’s current structure. They will also pay extra care to conserve marine life in the surrounding waters. As such, they will build the floating deck’s primary foundation offsite and then merge it into King’s Dock during setup.

To that, Associate Professor Peter Todd from the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, and Specialist Advisor to The Reef at King’s Dock had something to add. “The submerged surface of the floating deck has been specially designed to encourage colonisation by corals that, in turn, will attract fish and other marine life,” he shared.

The Reef at King’s Dock’s sales gallery

Image Credits: reef-kings-dock-showflat.com

The Reef at King’s Dock’s sales gallery has opened at the end of HarbourFront Avenue. Bookings are slated to commence on Jan 30 with the official launch. Construction is projected to conclude by 2025.

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Get Quality Sleep With These 5 Products

Everything is set. You got to bed suited up in your softest pajamas, your silk sheets were tucked, and your pillows were fluffed. However, you still cannot sleep! Instead you kept yourself busy by playing with your phone or watching the latest series on Netflix. You found yourself counting down the few hours left until the next day begins. Like you, most people sleep less than recommended.

A good night’s sleep is not just about the quantity of hours, but also the quality. Older people above 65 were found to have a poorer quality of sleep and even experience insomnia. Sleep deprivation results to worse cognitive performance including diminished focus, attention, alertness, and memory. To improve your sleeping cycle, consider using these products. May these help you gain some peaceful snoozing.

#1: LAVENDER PILLOW MISTS

Research has found that lavender increased slow-wave sleep, which plays a role in slowing one’s heartbeat and relaxing one’s muscles. Using pillow mists and sprays that contain lavender can be beneficial for adults and children. Find a mist that has a blend of floral waters, herbal ingredients, and essential oils. Then, spritz it over your bed linen before sleeping.

The Body Shop Spa Of The World French Lavender Pillow Mist is infused with lavender essential oil from France, which aims to release soothing fragrance for a good night’s sleep. It retails for about S$26.

#2: SCENTED CANDLES

Aromatherapy may ease your mind as you go to sleep. To set yourself up for a relaxing night ahead, simple burn an aromatherapy candle. Light the candle as you prepare for bed. You may either fulfill your skincare routine or read your favorite book before blowing the candle. Scents like Earl Grey Cucumber are great for mornings, but go with the Sage Sea Salt for restful nights. Scented candles made from different ingredients such as soy wax are available on Shopee for about S$15.

#3: BODY LOTIONS

For some people, asking their partners to massage their body can help them have a restful sleep. You can complete your night-time skincare regime by using Lush’s Sleepy Body Lotion. It is formulated with a blend of lavender oil and cocoa butter to keep your skin moisturized and comfortable all night long. Moreover, it creates a calming ambiance with its lavender scent. It costs about S$54.

#4: WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

Wearable technology is hardly new for the public. It has gained popularity in the recent years. In fact, you can wear a Fitbit to help you monitor your breathing, sleep duration, and heart rate. It records the period when you go into deep sleep and gives you data about your sleeping pattern. Awareness will help you modify and improve your sleeping habits. It is available at Lazada Singapore for over S$200.

#5: WEIGHTED BLANKETS

Weighted blankets are usually filled with small objects such as pellets and polypropylene plastic. Lying underneath evenly distributed pressure (i.e., brought by the weighted blanket), is believed to increase the release of the hormone serotonin. This helps with relaxation.

Image credits: unsplash.com

In fact, many children with ADHD have used it to help them calm down. Occupational therapists have long used these blankets to help kids with sensory issues and anxiety, including kids with ADHD. These blankets are not only limited for the use of Occupational Therapists. If you think it will work for you, you may purchase weighted blankets on Shopee.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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58-year-old man found guilty of trying to offer S$100 payoff to LTA enforcement officer to prevent the seizure of oBike

Man with an oBike

On Thursday (January 14), Wong Swee Liang, 58, was convicted of attempting to bribe a Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officer with S$100 to prevent him from confiscating a shared bicycle.

He claimed one charge of corruption, saying that he initially considered the officers as salvage contractors and only wanted to purchase the oBike from them. At the offence, the bike was his transportation medium for his daily commute.

oBike had abruptly exited Singapore last year

Only a few months back, oBike suddenly left Singapore and went into liquidation. The company claimed that it was challenging to follow new regulations under a licensing system to counter indiscriminate parking.

The black bicycle had been sold to Wong by his colleague, and he assumed it belonged to the bicycle-sharing operator oBike, although their bikes were usually yellow.

District Judge Salina Ishak rejected Wong’s defence

The judge found that the officers presented reliable and persuasive testimony of what happened on Dec 21, 2018. She also concluded that the S$100 wholly fulfilled the legal meaning of gratification to persuade the officer to comply.

On that day, two LTA compliance officers were in the area of 51 Ubi Avenue 1 to pick up discarded oBike vehicles.

clearing discarded oBikes

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Mr Norris Ang, sporting a lanyard with his LTA identification card, introduced himself to Wong. As they were dressed in plain clothing, this was part of the LTA practice.

Mr Ang confessed that he was first given S$50 by Wong. Wong stated that it was a shame that the bicycle would be sent to a junkyard. Though Mr Ang refused it, Wong attempted to give S$50 again.

He continued digging into his wallet and offering S$100 even when Mr Ang told him not to do so because it was a form of bribery. He was also quoted saying: “The bicycle is very good to ride and I give you S$100 and nobody will know.”

LTA officer’s colleague stood by his testimony

Mr Ang’s colleague substantiated this. He took a snapshot of Wong looking through his wallet. He then sent it to a WhatsApp group consisting of them and their superiors. The text read: “This guy is trying to bribe me and Norris.”

typing on WhatsApp

Image Credits: archive.siasat.com

Attorneys referred his claims to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) to tackle Wong’s appeal, where he conceded to bribing Mr Ang. They added that Wong had vetted the statements, signed them 25 times and grasped its meaning.

Even after which, during the trial, Wong questioned their validity. He dismissed the sections in which it confirmed that he knew that the officers were from the LTA. Wong also disagreed that he was planning to bribe one of them.

He also said that he had felt nervous and wanted to exit from the CPIB immediately. But the officers who received his statements reported contrary.

Directly opposed to his trial testimony, Wong asserted in his statements that after the LTA officers told him to verify with LTA if he had concerns about the confiscated bicycle, he knew they were government officials. He also confessed that he made a mistake by bribing and apologised.

On Jan 29, Wong will stand trial for mitigation and sentencing. He may be jailed for up to 5 years or fined up to S$100,000 for providing gratification. Or he could receive both charges.

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