With the ongoing pandemic, more people are also seeing shorter work weeks or temporary layoffs. In the first quarter this year, 4,190 people went through such arrangements. While in the second quarter, the number saw a spike to 81,720. Foreign employment also fell by 5.7 per cent.
“At a time when so many are impacted by retrenchment or are struggling to find jobs, it is vital that we support Singaporeans and permanent residents by creating sustainable and long-term career opportunities,” said Ms Wong Sze Keed, CEO of AIA Singapore in a media release on Monday (Sep 21).
“The AIA Financial Career Scheme 2020 equips individuals with the skills and necessary financial knowledge to pursue a new career path in the financial services industry,” she added.
Training programme for successful hires
Image Credits: ibf.org.sg
Successful candidates can look forward to a 10-month training programme to kickstart their career with AIA Singapore. Upon completion of the training programme, candidates will receive these three certifications in finance and investment:
Associate Financial Planner (AFP) / Associate Financial Consultant (AFC) certification, as part of the AIA Premier1 Programme.
Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) Priority Banking Level 1 certification.
Foundation Investment Certification accreditation by AIAIM.
Financial support up to S$5,000 monthly
New hires will also be supported financially with amounts ranging between S$2,000 and S$5,000 per month during the training period. Furthermore, a bonus will be awarded upon completion of selected training modules.
Training never stops
After the 10-month training programme, more training courses will be offered over a two-year period based on one’s preferences and development needs. The candidate will also be guided by a mentor in their journey with AIA Singapore.
Enrollment period
Applications are open from now till 31 March 2021.
Those who meet the requirements will be part of the enrollment progressively. If you’re interested in the AIA Financial Career Scheme 2020, please click through the link to find out more.
Babies are tiny, delicate, and defenceless. So, as their parents, it is up to you to make sure that they remain safe and happy at all times. Now, there is no denying that this can feel like a rather overwhelming responsibility.
The good news, though, is that there is plenty of support available to you. Since baby safety is a global priority, there has been a fair amount of research conducted on the matter. So, on this note, here are the top things that you should know:
Double Check Safety Standards
You would imagine that all baby items will have been put through strenuous testing to ensure that they are functional and safe. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. There are many dangerous and unsatisfactory products on the market. This is why you have to often do the research yourself.
Fortunately, this isn’t too difficult thanks to government regulatory agencies. They often test various products to let you know if they are safe to buy. Still, you should bear in mind that these agencies tend to stick with big-ticket items such as strollers and carriers. Thus, it is up to you to check on the rest of the items. You can do this by double checking safety standards and remaining up to date on any recall notices.
Practice Sleep Safety
Your baby tends to be particularly vulnerable while they are sleeping. So, you should make a special effort with their sleeping arrangements. It starts off by finding the right crib. As consumer advisory Little One Mag explains, there are several safety features to watch out for.
To begin with, the frame must be sturdy and have limited flex. Also, the foundation for the mattress must be completely flat. Furthermore, the slats should have limited space between them and be firm.
This aren’t the only guidelines to consider, though. It is just as important to select a firm mattress that has very little give. Also, keep the crib clear of toys, pillows, and blankets. It is far better to dress your baby in warm layers and then to add or remove the layers as necessary.
Always make sure that your baby sleeps on their back. If they roll over onto their side, make sure to correct their sleeping position each and every time.
Pay Attention to Toy Features
As a new parent, you are going to want to buy lots and lots of toys for your little one. Before you do, though, you will need to examine each and every feature to ensure that it is safe for your infant. First and foremost, toys should always be big. This reduces the risk of them being swallowed.
At the same time, the toys shouldn’t have any components that can be removed and swallowed. This includes plastic parts on toys as well as eyes and buttons on stuffed animals. So, always check them out before giving them to your baby. It is best to follow the age recommendations of each and every toy.
Avoid giving your baby old toys or ones that have come from unknown sources. These probably haven’t passed the necessary safety standards. As such, you can’t guarantee that they are suitable for your little one.
These are the top baby safety tips that parents should know. Once you begin to practice them, you will have greater peace of mind concerning your baby’s wellbeing.
Do you know that it is wise to speak only about your strengths during an interview? Unless the interviewer asks you to list down your weaknesses, it’s better to stick to the positive side of things.
Also, if you think you’re up for a job but seem to be under-qualified for it, you should still go for it! Craft a cover letter unique to the company and make sure you list down the reasons why you think you will make a great fit for the position you’re applying for.
Today, we will take a look at some vacancies at OCBC Bank, FairPrice, and Singapore General Hospital.
#1: OCBC Bank – OSPL Customer Service (SGUnited Traineeships)
Image Credits: The Straits Times
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.
Remuneration: S$2,500 monthly
Job Qualifications
Customer-oriented with good oral and written communication skills
Effective interpersonal skills with both internal stakeholders and customers
Desire to help others with patience and empathy
Meticulous and able to think critically to solve problems
Able to multitask and manage time effectively
Self-motivated and able to work under pressure
A good team player with commitment and initiative
Enthusiastic, with a passion for self-improvement
Key Responsibilities
Understand customer behaviours and needs to improve their experience continuously through enhancement projects
Uphold service standards by ensuring prompt replies on service requests and deliver consistent quality
Manage assigned projects to deliver change management, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction
Attend to account-related requests via multiple channels
NTUC Fairprice is one of Singapore’s largest grocery retailers. It’s a place where we shop for a wide range of household products from fresh produce to quality wines, home care essentials, and more. If you’ve been living in Singapore for the bulk of your life, FairPrice should be a familiar brand name to you.
Remuneration: S$3,400 to S$3,900 monthly
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree preferred but other qualifications with relevant experience will be considered
Professional supply chain and customer service certifications will be an added advantage
Prior order management experience and at least 3 years’ experience handling consumer customer accounts with full-cycle customer account responsibility, preferably in a retail or consumer packaged goods environment
Understanding of returns, rejects & reverse logistics process, and basic business finance
Previous experience directly communicating with customers in person, over the phone, and by e-mail
SAP Experience & EDI experience in relation to order processing
Proficient written and verbal skills
Excellent problem-solving skills and desire to find a resolution to an inquiry
Experience using vendor replenishment systems with data management skills will be an added advantage
Aptitude for managing multiple tasks, adjusting priorities to adapt to changing customer demands while maintaining a sense of urgency
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills needed to develop strategic relations with the accounts and collaborative relationships with internal teams
An analytical, self-starting individual who will work to proactively find areas of improvement to maximize sales and turns while creating awareness around any operational issues and/or opportunities
Key Responsibilities
This position is responsible for achieving customer service satisfaction in actions related to order management, order capture, discrepancy (claims, returns & refusals), and account payable/receivable management for customers.
Order Management:
Manage customer orders from inception to delivery and through the entire order-to-cash cycle
Maintain price discrepancies in relation to order management
Administer return processing & credit/debit price adjustment
Expedite and track customer orders – answer inquiries and resolve logistics issues
Take corrective actions to resolve customer issues or order fulfilment inefficiencies
Ensure compliance to all company and business policies and administer all open sales order and ensure appropriate order flow.
Problem Solving:
Communicate with management regarding activities and significant issues related to order management & customer service
Collaborate with sales, finance, logistics, and related functions to proficiently and timely follow up and resolve customers and sales requests/issues
Analyze and evaluate alternative solutions to respond to customer requests relative to lead time expectations, deliveries, product sourcing, and availability, etc.
Logistics:
Maintain strong lines of communication with sourcing and logistics to ensure seamless order processing and execution of standard and special/urgent orders
Understanding of delivery lanes & rates and on-time delivery performance standards
Others:
Partner with account executives to develop, establish, and implement customer programs that improve inventory productivity and meet customer metrics
Work with sales and planning team to achieve fill rate targets across all categories for key accounts
Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is the first and largest hospital in Singapore. It provides affordable specialist care for patients, training for doctors and other healthcare professionals, and conducts research to bring better care to its patients.
A not-for-profit institution, SGH is wholly owned by the government of Singapore and the flagship hospital of the public healthcare system. SGH is a member of the SingHealth cluster of healthcare institutions.
Every year, the SGH Campus caters to over 1 million patients. With a 10,000-strong workforce, SGH accounts for about a quarter of the total acute hospital beds in the public sector and about one-fifth of acute beds nationwide.
SGH is also accredited by the Joint Commission International for meeting its standards of safety and quality in healthcare. It is the first in Asia to achieve the Magnet Recognition in 2010 for nursing excellence awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Remuneration: S$2,100 to S$2,800 monthly
Job Qualifications
General Diploma with at least 2 years of relevant experience in administrative work
Good command of spoken and written English
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power-point
Able to work independently and as a team
Key Responsibilities
Provide secretarial and general administrative support to the team to ensure effective and efficient operation of the Research office.
Be responsible for scheduling meetings with internal and external stakeholders, and managing the Research Director’s calendar.
Support workshops, engagement sessions, and other events organized by the Research Office.
Assist with database update and maintenance and report generation.
Support the collation of research grants, CIRB applications, and agreements.
Work with various stakeholders for office maintenance, weekly team meetings, and data compilation.
Play a part in the planning, utilization, and management of resources, consumables and office equipment.
Fantastic news! You no longer have to wait 2 years to change to a brand new phone! From now on, you can get a new phone every year with StarHub’s JUMPhone without incurring any upfront cost! All you need is a 4G SIM Only plan. It takes away the worry and hassle of owning a phone and you just need to decide on the new phone to “JUMP” onto for the next year. With immediate guaranteed savings and other amazing benefits, simply jump onto JUMPhone now and get the latest phone every year!
Save more with JUMPhone
With JUMPhone, you’ll enjoy guaranteed device savings with no upfront cost required. Let’s take a look at the cost savings between JUMPhone and current retail price when you purchase a Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G on a 4G $25 SIM Only plan.
JUMPhone with 4G $25 SIM Only plan
Phone at retail price with 4G $25 SIM Only plan
Upfront Cost
$0
$1,898
JUMPhone Device Cost
$2,182
N/A
Guaranteed Upfront Device Savings
$354
N/A
JUMPhone Monthly Instalment
$76.13
N/A
Monthly Mobile Subscription
$25
$25
Monthly Worry-Free Device Care
You're covered!
$12
Total Cost over 24 months
$2,427
$2,786
Savings from JUMPhone
$359
-
Low Monthly Payments
You get to pay a low monthly fee to enjoy the new phone and your chosen SIM Only plan for 24 months. Moreover, you’re eligible to jump to a new phone after 12 months with a nominal fee and enjoy the excitement of experiencing a new device, every year. You also have the option of owning the phone anytime. Simply purchase the phone in one payment!
Total phone after-sales care with FREE SmartSupport
JUMPhone truly takes away the worry of phone ownership. Customers on JUMPhone can enjoy complete peace-of-mind with the assurance of total phone after-sales care which is bundled FREE as a standard feature. Customers can swap or replace their phones with the same make and model in as soon as 4 hours for a nominal fee. Furthermore, getting technical support is just a chat or call away via the SmartSupport App.
Phones Available on JUMPhone
Currently, the following phone models are available on StarHub’s JUMPhone.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
With a variety of devices to choose from, there is definitely a device that’s for you! Furthermore, as more device launches are slated for the rest of the year, you can be certain that more devices will be added! Details at starhub.com/jumphone.
Due to the safety measures and social restrictions brought by the pandemic, we tend to spend most of our days at home. Now is the perfect time to declutter and reorganize your own space! From creating your own key holders to storing your stuffed animals, these tips will squeeze your creative juices without breaking the bank.
Use what you have as you organize your home with these cheap storage hacks:
#1: MULTI-PURPOSE FILE DIVIDERS
Do not throw your shoe boxes just yet! Shoe box, usually made of paper, is more than just a storage for shoes. It can also be used in packaging several items in retail stores or in your home. If you have a collection of bills, photos, sewing supplies, tools, and other small items, you may store it inside a shoe box for easier access.
Divide the sections of the shoe box by cutting the cover into rectangular and square pieces. Get creative! You may also cover the shoe box with a patterned fabric to echo the décor of your room.
#2: HAIR TIE HOLDERS
Let us face it! Hair ties always get lost. The solution? Store your hair ties on an empty tissue roll core. Widen the hair tie and insert it on the empty tissue roll core. This way, you will know where to find them.
Aside from hair ties, the empty tissue roll core may be used to store your cords. Prevent getting your cords tangled by tucking in the cords inside an empty tissue roll core. Put a label on the cardboard tube so you will know which cord is which.
#3: STATIONARY VASES
Jars can be ideal for preserving jams, jellies, sauces, mustards and flavored vinegars. Basically, it is storage for your food. But aside from that, you may organize your office supplies with a jar. Let the jar act as a stationary vase for your paper clips, pens, staplers, highlighters, and more.
You may also style your jar by painting it with enamel or a chalkboard paint. A chalkboard paint allows you to create a blackboard area with a durable black finish. This product can be applied to any smooth non-porous surface such as drywall, plaster, metal, and glass.
#4: STUFFED ANIMALS STORAGE AREA
Keep all your child’s stuffed animals in one area by sticking a few Velcro strips or hook-and-loop fasteners on the wall. Attach the half of the strip on a lightweight stuffed animal and the other half on a wall. Use the soft side of the Velco or the hook-and-loop fastener to avoid getting potential scrapes on your beloved little one.
#5: REUSABLE STORAGE BAGS
Tired of seeing your children’s toys scattered around? Do not forget the smaller ones such as the action figures or doll clothes that are lying on the floor. Well, re-sealable or reusable zipper bags may come in handy. The most famous brand is the Ziploc bag, but you may also use other variations of this. The see-through exterior provides easy identification of the stored contents.
Just store your child’s toys, crayons, and markers in a labeled reusable storage bag to keep it organized. You may also keep some manuals and brochures inside.
#6: FRAMED KEY HOLDERS
You will be surprised to know that a picture frame may be revamped as a key holder and a dry-erase board. Let us start with the key holder. Create your own aesthetically pleasing key holder with a single picture frame. Simply remove the glass and paint the background or cover it with fabric or colored paper. Then, attach several key hooks using a strong adhesive. Hang the frame near the exit door. This will ensure that all keys are kept in one place.
Lastly, you may create a dry-erase board with a picture frame. Stay on top of your tasks and errands with a DIY dry-erase board. Use an old picture frame and put a fabric or a wallpaper inside. Use a whiteboard or a dry-erase marker to note down your reminders on the glass.
#7: BEDDING BAGS
Tote bags, made of canvas, are usually inexpensive. Take your beddings and blankets and put it inside the tote bags for heightened organization. You may also put your old or underused clothes inside the tote bags and donate it to those who need it the most.
Celeste Elle
MoneyDigest
Anna Agoncillo
