The Future Of Cashless Payment

Much is known about the fact that Singapore is very much still a predominantly cash-based society. So much so that during the 2017 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned that Singapore has lagged behind in terms of electronic payments. This comes at a time when other countries have already moved forward to embrace cashless transactions and accepting phone payments with a virtual terminal. This was a wake-up call as a slow adoption rate towards electronic payments has impeded Singapore’s progress towards a Smart Nation. Several organisations and fintech startups have heeded the clarion call and responded with their own cashless mobile apps. None so has delivered in a bigger and more promising way than OPG Asia has with its very own SpherePay.

What is SpherePay

SpherePay is an integrated mobile application that allows both consumers and merchants to process cashless transactions. With a fully equipped and QR-code based transaction system, it aims to promote an ecosystem of digital transactions such as micro loans and mobile wallets. SpherePay is developed by OPG Asia Pte Ltd, one of the world’s leading providers of financial innovation and payment services. OPG Asia is committed to the development of electronic business and operations to improve the operational efficiency of society as a whole. With data security as one of its operating principles, OPG Asia is certified by the Payment Card Industry (‘PCI’) Data Security Standards. This is an important step to gain credibility and trust amongst consumers and merchants.

How To Use SpherePay

For the consumers, SpherePay provides 4 main functions- a) Scan & Pay b) Collect Money c) Top Ups, Withdrawals and D) Advance Cash Credits.

Spherepay

To start using these amazing functions on the SpherePay mobile app, follow this step-by-step guide:

  1. Download SpherePay on the Apple Store or on Google Play and sign up as a registered user.
  2. To start using the Scan & Pay function, tap here to active camera to SCAN Merchant QR Code to pay. If you are transferring money to your peers on SpherePay, also tap this function to scan your peer’s unique QR code.Sphere App high
  3. To collect money from others on SpherePay, click here to activate your own QR code to receive money transfer from others.Sphere App1
  4. To top up or withdraw money on SpherePay, click either of these 2 buttons. Consumers can link their own debit cards or bank accounts to inject or withdraw funds from SpherePay.Sphere App2
  5. To apply for advance cash credits, click here and obtain a quick loan to purchase items at merchant shops. This allows consumer to buy now and pay later. The advance cash credit will also be available on several online and e-commerce stores.

Sphere App13

These 4 key functions effectively form the core of a digital wallet and bring with them countless advantages.

Why Go Cashless With SpherePay

  • SpherePay enables consumers to link all their credit and debit cards into a single app to pay for their purchases by scanning the merchant QR code. With hundreds of merchants island-wide, this means that users can now leave their wallets in the comforts of their homes without worrying about the need for cash.
  • When the moment arrives for bills to be split at the dining table, a SpherePay user can simply transfer money on the app by just scanning the QR code on his friend’s SpherePay app.
  • Going cashless with SpherePay allows the users to snag exclusive promotions and special offers listed by participating merchants on the SpherePay app. Be notified of such exclusive promotions on the SpherePay app with the Location Based Services push notification function.
  • SpherePay is rapidly expanding its footprint. By end of 2018, SpherePay aims to have over 5,000 offline and online merchants island wide. SpherePay’s expansion plans also includes regional footprints with Thailand and Indonesia opening in 1Q2018 and the rest of South-east Asia by end 2018. This means consumers can shop easily in multiple countries without having to worry on changing physical monies at the money changers.

Download SpherePay Today

SpherePay is available for download on Google Play or The Apple Store. Download immediately and you no longer have to worry about bringing your oversized wallet out the next time!

* Note that SpherePay is no longer functioning. 

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Know These 7 Share-worthy Money Facts

It goes without saying that money is essential in all aspects of our lives – it even makes the world go round! We use it just about every day, but how much do we really know about it?

Widen your knowledge about our currency and the history with these 7 share-worthy money facts:

1. From soaps and grains to bear’s teeth and bird’s claw, there have been a variety of bizarre currencies throughout the history. The cowry is one of the longest and most widely used form of money. It is none other than the vibrant shell of a sea snail. Its durability made it a popular choice among the early civilizations.

2. Focus at the back of the S$1,000 note. A microtext of the entire lyrics of the national anthem is printed on it. See for yourself!

3. Why is the piggy bank called as such? Do pigs have their own financial institutions where the tellers would dress in suits? Not in this lifetime! In Old English, “pygg” refers to a type of clay used to make dishes and jars that contained funds. This was eventually morphed to the piggy bank that we know today.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

4. Why are polymer notes circulated instead of paper notes? For starters, polymer notes last three to four times longer than its paper counterparts. Its tear-resistant feature entails that you do not have to worry about emptying your pockets before loading your jeans into the washing machine. What’s more? Polymore notes have the ability to incorporate more security features.

5. Most modern counting machines can tally about 2,500 coins per minute. While, a bank’s note-counting machine can tally up to 100 bills in four seconds. The machines can also spot counterfeits!

6. Have you ever heard of the Roman goddess Juno? Worry not, if her name does not ring any bells. Let me provide you with a brief insight on Roman mythology. Juno is the “Goddess of Good Counsel”, whose mere name means adviser. While Moneta is the “Goddess of Memory”, a name where words mint and money were acquired from.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

These two goddesses were symbolized in “The Temple of Juno Moneta”. Ancient Romans made their coins in this temple alone as the goddesses were perceived to protect the funds.

7. The lushious tree found at the S$5 note is an actual tree in the Botanic Gardens. This Tembusu tree is believed to be at least 200 years old. It is even older than the 156-year-old garden! Amazing, right?

That rounds up seven of the most interesting facts about money. Leave a comment below, if you want to share your own mind-blowing or unusual financial fact.

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Healthy Snacks Under S$10

To an utmost degree, balancing one’s personal life and dual careers is common in Singapore. Our busy schedules hinder us from preparing sophisticated meals. Thus, a good portion of the population rely on instant or ready-made snacks. Maintaining this routine can sacrifice your health for convenience. This should not always be the case!

Just because you are challenged with the elements of limited time and tight budget does not mean that you have to undermine the health benefits of snacks. Stock up on these affordable and healthy goodies for next time!

#1: GREEK YOGURT

As an early childhood educator, I realized that you can mask nutritious fruits and vegetables by incorporating them in familiar desserts. Picky eaters will be delighted to know that there is a healthier alternative to ice cream. Simply mix your favorite fruits with Greek yogurt and freeze it overnight. You may grab DAIRY FARMER’s natural Greek Yogurt (S$7.35) at Cold Storage.

What makes Greek yogurt nutritious is its low sugar and low lactose content. This means that people who suffer from lactose intolerance can eat this snack without qualms. Its benefits are mainly due to the meticulous straining process, which results to a thicker and a creamier product.

Do not confuse Greek yogurt with Greek-style yogurt! The latter usually contains gelatin, gum blends, stabilizers, preservatives, and other add-ons to achieve a thick product despite of having a quick straining process.

#2: DRIED MIXED FRUITS

Reality check, please! We live in a fast-paced city where the mere act of peeling or chopping fruits is seen as a tedious task. However, there is an alternative to snacking on bite-sized fresh fruits. Go to FairPrice to check out a variety of packed dried fruits such as the Harvest Fields’ Dried Mixed Fruits (S$3.35). Dried fruits come in many shapes and sizes. Some companies are even bold enough to experiment by adding delectable treats such as the chocolate-coated dried mangoes from the Philippines. It goes without saying that dried fruits have a huge audience to satisfy.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Dried mixed fruits has been proven to contain twice as many as antioxidants as fresh fruits. I am not suggesting that you eat an entire bowl of dried prunes or raisins. Keep the serving size in mind during consumption. To ensure that you can maximize its nutrient content, please check the ingredients before dumping several packs into your shopping basket. Steer away from added sugars and syrups.

#3: PEANUT BUTTER

Whether you want to believe it or not, research has shown that the Peanut Butter packs a macronutrient-punch! This sweet spread is rich in carbohydrates (e.g., fiber), protein, potassium, and fat. Let us move on to the “calorie bank”. It is important to note that 100 grams of Peanut Butter only contains 588 calories. I am sure that you will control your serving when snacking on this. A healthier option is unsalted peanut butter. The “Adams Unsalted Peanut Butter” is available for S$5.90 at FairPrice.

Watch your favorite TV series by snacking on whole grain crackers smeared with the said spread. Drop by the nearby FairPrice to know the difference between plain crackers and Munchy’s Wheat Cracker (S$2.30).

#4: BANANA

Banana is an ideal snack for active athletes, growing children, tireless employees, and hungry minions. Humor aside, banana is a tropical fruit containing high potassium, soluble fiber, and easily digestible simple sugars.

Presenting itself as a snack with the slightest effort to prepare, the banana has been known as the “happy fruit”. Why is this so? Banana increases serotonin levels to improve your mood. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. Possessing positive emotions can prevent the risk of emotional binge eating.

Fortunately for you, I stumbled upon an organic online store that offers some of the best prices in the country. A quick search to organicdelivery.sg will bring you to the Organic Thai bananas that costs S$3.75 per 500 grams. Browse to their site to choose among the wide varieties of organic fruits.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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How Your Investment in Peer-to-Peer Lending Supports Local Businesses

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are at the heart of Singapore’s economy. They make up 99% of our enterprises, employ two-thirds of our workforce, and account for about half of Singapore’s GDP. To date, there are nearly 200,000 SMEs in Singapore.

While we often see success stories on news and social media, the road to success is sometimes not as straightforward. Find out how you can invest in peer-to-peer (P2P) lending with Funding Societies and support emerging Singapore SMEs.

Your contribution can directly make an impact on the business you’re supporting

According to a 2017 Straits Times poll, 40% of SMEs said that they thought the Singapore economy would grow in the next 12 months and 43% felt positive sales growth was on the cards.

By investing in SMEs through P2P lending, you directly contribute to immediate cashflow needs of the SMEs to grow their businesses. In return, you’re rewarded in monetary returns from the interests of the business loans. Funding Societies is one such platform in Singapore that is supporting local businesses through crowdfunding.

Read about how peer-to-peer lending works.

You earn potentially high returns on your investments while supporting local businesses

P2P lending harnesses the power of people to help local, homegrown businesses to grow and expand. Investing in P2P lending allows you to potentially earn up to 14% per annum returns on your investment.

It is actually really easy to invest in SMEs in Singapore through P2P lending. Funding Societies is a digital P2P lending platform that is dedicated to serving SMEs, therefore the mission of Funding Societies is aptly, “Stronger SMEs, Stronger Societies.” Investors receive monthly repayments which they can re-invest to support even more local businesses.

Support SMEs across multiple industries

The Ministry of Trade and Industry announced a $4.5 Billion industry transformation programme to systematically raise productivity, develop skills, drive innovation, and promote internationalisation, so as to catalyse transformation and achieve the stated vision of each industry. There’s also Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Go Digital Programme — an initiative that allows SMEs to increase productivity and capture more online sales through digitalization of their businesses.

However, the Singapore Budget 2017 recognizes that the government alone cannot help all businesses transform and the need to strengthen partnerships and collaborations in order to help SMEs succeed. Financial institutions, including alternative finance companies such as Funding Societies, play an important role in providing financial support to help SMEs grow and prosper.

As the minimum investment for peer-to-peer lending starts as low as $100 on the Funding Societies platform, you could help the economy holistically by investing in multiple industries and companies at the same time, in turn diversifying your investment portfolio across sectors.

Since its inception in 2015, Funding Societies has already expanded to two more Southeast Asian countries over the last two years – Indonesia and Malaysia. It is the only P2P lending platform to have won the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Fintech Award in 2016 and was recognised as one of the Top 250 Fintech companies globally.

More than 23,000 investors are already on Funding Societies’ platform regionally. Find out how to invest on the platform here.

Interested? Sign up for your investor account with Funding Societies now.

Disclaimer

This article is contributed by Funding Societies.

It should not be construed that Moneydigest is endorsing this article or any of the products and services provided by Funding Societies.

Nothing in this article should be construed as constitute or form a recommendation, financial advice, or an offer, invitation or solicitation from Funding Societies to buy or subscribe for any securities and/or investment products. The content and materials made available are for informational purposes only and should not be relied on without obtaining the necessary independent financial or other advice in connection therewith before making an investment or other decision as may be appropriate.

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3 Budget-Friendly Animal Cafes In Singapore

Best known for writing the “Supreme Philosophy of Man”, American author Alfred Montapert once expressed his ideals on animals. For him: “Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”

How can we compete with non-judgmental creatures that seek companionship and empathy? As much as you want to surround yourselves with adorable pets, you may be restricted by the law. You have to follow the neighborhood pet guidelines mandated by the HDB. Furthermore, you may be excessively preoccupied with work or school that you do not have enough time to maintain one. A good alternative to satisfy your fondness for cats, dogs, or birds is to visit an animal cafe.

Animal cafes may have been a rising trend in Singapore but, it has been prevalent in other parts of the world for years. Let us take Japan as an example. You will not believe the wide variety of animal cafes in Japan! From exotic reptiles to heartwarming bunnies, store owners explore unconventional pet possibilities. These cafes were primarily built to ease the stress of the country’s hardworking citizens. Previous studies support the therapeutic effects of interacting with animals.

Whether you want to chill at a relaxing environment or to build new relationships, consider visiting any of these places.

OFUR PAW CAFE

If your happy place consists of giving unlimited belly rubs then, Ofur Paw Cafe is perfect for you.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city is a gem called Ofur Paw Cafe. It is a pleasant addition to the sprouting dog cafes in Singapore. How is this so? For starters, the establishment offers Do-It-Yourself pancakes (from S$6.90) for your pup. Let your creativity run wild using their red velvet, strawberry, and chocolate batters.

You will not leave with an empty stomach as they feature an array of Western fusion cuisine. Personally, I am into their Pacific Salmon (about S$16.80) and Truffle Mushroom Pasta (about S$14.80).

Location: 21 Lorong Kilat, Bukit Timah Sun Court, #01-03, Singapore 598123
Website: facebook.com/ofurpawcafe

THE CAT CAFE

Living in a bustling concrete city does not mean that we lack the presence of furry felines! Spend a meaningful day with your family as you drop by The Cat Cafe. Before any cuddling and bouncing commence, you may take a sip of their freshly brewed coffee or a bite of their freshly baked pastery.

What separates The Cat Cafe from other establishments is its entrance fee of S$15, which includes a complimentary drink. You read that right! You do not have to pay per hour just to interact or to feed the animals (i.e., feeding portion is scheduled throughout the day). Yogurt, Tuxedo, and their friends cannot wait to meet you!

Location: 241B Victoria Street, The Cat Cafe, Singapore 188030
Website: thecatcafe.sg

PAWS N PANS

The glistening charm of Paws n Pans (or Paws & Pans) roots from its inspiring advocacy to promote a sustainable change in pet ownership. Its first outlet at Joo Chiat Road was aimed to help homeless dogs to find a haven in Singapore. In addition to this, the establishment works with various Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs) to increase awareness on the rights of pets. As an animal lover, how can you not support this great cause?

Let us move on to the eclectic dining experience. This pooch cafe serves food that can both be consumed by humans and their pets. It creates an environment that allows you exchange conversations with your fellow dog-owners. Try their popcorn chicken, Thai tea, and other treats found here. You may host an intimate party for your beloved pet by renting a room at their three-storey space.

Image Credits:  facebook.com/pawsnpans

Image Credits:
facebook.com/pawsnpans

Your children, no matter how young, can come with you inside the cafe. What’s more? Admission is totally free!

Location: 327 Joo Chiat Road, Paws n Pans, Singapore 427584
Website: pawsnpans.com.sg

BONUS: If your budget is more lenient, you can enjoy a lively lunch with the parrots of Jurong Bird Park. Expect to enjoy colorful performances as you indulge on a hearty buffet. Prices are S$25 for adults and S$20 for children. These prices exclude the exclude park admission fees.

Those are some of the budget-friendly animal cafes in the country. Which one is your favorite? Feel free to leave a comment below! 🙂

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