Singapore sees a shift in mode of transport with more people cycling and buying bicycles

woman in mask cycling

In line with Singapore’s aim to develop its cycling infrastructure as part of a car-lite city, our country is seeing a shift in the mode of transport with more people cycling and buying bicycles. Are you part of the trend?

Bike-sharing operator: Anywheel
Anywheel website

Image Credits: Anywheel

According to Anywheel’s chief executive Htay Aung, there was a 68 per cent rise in ridership in January compared to the previous month, a 25 per cent increase in February and 20 per cent in March.

While ridership fell by about 23 per cent during the circuit breaker, demand has since sprung back up, with a 39 per cent increase between June and July, he added.

“We believe that the significant increase in ridership is mainly due to our growing fleet size as well as the shift in preference in (the) mode of transport as members of the public are practising social responsibility by avoiding crowded areas during peak hours due to COVID-19,” said Mr Htay.

In July, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) granted Anywheel approval to expand its fleet from 10,000 to 15,000 bicycles.

“Based on our trip data collected during this outbreak, our bicycles have been proven to be an alternative mode of first- and last-mile transportation and have the ability to replace short trips between one to two MRT stations or several bus stops,” noting that the trend is likely to continue.

Largest player in Singapore’s bike-sharing market: SG Bike
SG Bike website

Image Credits SG Bike

SG Bike marketing director Benjamin Oh said, “There is an increasing number of users using our bicycles as a means of outdoor exercise and activities.”

Mr Oh is referring to an increased usage around neighbourhoods and outdoor parks such as along East Coast Park, Gardens by the Bay, and the Marina Bay area.

“Following the PMD ban and COVID-19 circuit breaker, we have continuously been working together with foodpanda to provide their riders to use our bicycles,” he said, adding that riders who work for other delivery companies also use their bicycles.

Compared to Anywheel’s fleet of 15,000 bicycles, SG Bike operates a fleet of 25,000 bicycles in Singapore.

A rise in business for the bicycle industry
Treknology3 website

Image Credits: Treknology3

The sale of bicycles and related accessories increased in the first quarter of this year, with 8,740 transactions compared to 5,187 during the same period last year, said OCBC group customer analytics and decisioning head, Donald MacDonald.

For bicycle retailer Treknology3, sales for bicycles, helmets, and lights went up by about 20 to 25 per cent in the last few months. Its marketing and distribution manager Azhar Abdullah believes that the upward trend in cycling is because it allows people to head outdoors while adhering to safe distancing rules at the same time.

But BofA Securities analyst Rafe Jadrosich says that the cycling boom is still in its early stages and there is still a long way to go for the trend to peak.

 

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3 Reasons Why Uptown @ Farrer Is A Good Investment Property

Uptown @ Farrer is an integrated development by Low Keng Huat, a reputable developer listed on the main board of SGX. This project is estimated to receive its Temporary Occupation Permit by 1Q 2021. Being so close to its completion date, so there only remains a small window of opportunity to gain a foothold into this unique development. Here are 3 main reasons why Uptown @ Farrer is a good investment property.

1. City Fringe Location

Uptown @ Farrer is located in an enviable city fringe location in prime district 8. It takes only 1-minute walk from Exit G of Farrer Park MRT station to reach the development. From there, you are only 2 MRT stops to Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, Singapore’s most connected MRT station with 3 interweaving lines. Because of its proximity to the MRT and city fringe location, it takes less than 15 minutes by public transport to get to Raffles Place and Orchard Road. This is the ultimate accessibility that one can enjoy!

Furthermore, the condominium is situated just opposite City Square mall, a large shopping mall catered to young families. It has a comprehensive mix of retailers such as Toys”R”us, MindChamps, Decathlon, Don Don Donki and NTUC to cater to every family’s needs.

In addition, it sits adjacent to the Ophir-Rochor road Corridor, a key district identified by URA to be a key area for growth and rejuvenation. Key plans include installation of key infrastructure to transform the entire area into a car-lite and lush green zone packed with lifestyle offerings. Uptown @Farrer is a beneficiary that stands to capture any positive spill-over effects from this massive government undertaking.

2. Easy to rent

This is a rare opportunity to invest in an integrated development that will be popular with renters. The entire project consists of a single residential tower with an exclusive number of just 116 units. Retail shop units nearby offer direct and easy access to F&B offerings (eg: Michelin star-rated Putien) and lifestyle services. These are key amenities that potential tenants will definitely come to expect and appreciate. In addition, the serviced apartment will be operated under Ascott’s co-living brand, lyf, targeted at millennials. With its social kitchen and modular spaces catering for gigs and events, it adds a whole new vibrancy to the entire development.

With fewer units located within the building adding to the exclusivity, as well as an established transport infrastructure and numerous retail offerings a stone’s throw away, this condominium will appeal heavily to renters. Positive examples such as City Square Residences are testament to the popularity of this location. The ease of renting your residential unit signals strong potential capital appreciation in the future.

3. Rare Loft Units That Double Up

A significant effect of Covid-19 is that working from home may soon become the new normal. Therefore, it has become very important to find a conducive place within the house where one can conduct Zoom meetings to work in peace or have their children able to do home-based learning if needed. This is why loft units have increasingly become the apartment type of choice. Uptown @ Farrer offer several types of loft units with ceiling heights reaching 5.9m! The voluminous space allows a home-owner to craft out an extra place for a work office or a study room. In addition, the developer will be providing the loft decking when the unit is completed which is normally not the case. This is an efficient and cost-effective way to carve out more space for your home!

Here are 3 key reasons why Uptown @ Farrer makes a very compelling and good investment property. Simply make an appointment online or via your preferred property agent beforehand to view the showflat and make your purchase.

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Experienced recruiter with 15 years in talent acquisition advises if you should interview for a job you don’t want

Business people interviewing young businessman in office

Times are hard these days, we understand. We’re also on the lookout for jobs and internships for you guys from time to time. Even more so for the desperate, it’s easy to mass send your resume out to companies, including job openings you don’t particularly take an interest to.

Last week, we wrote about some valuable tips for job seekers by recruitment experts from LinkedIn, Robert Walters, and Michael Page. Hop over to read if you’re currently on the lookout for a new job opportunity.

Today, we will put our focus on whether you should interview for a job you don’t want. We will be hearing from the wise words of Kevin Matthews, an experienced recruiter with 15 years in talent acquisition. He is also the managing director of KR Partners and founder & CEO of Candid-Intel.

#1: I mass sent out many applications during my job search and now I’m being called in for jobs that may not be the most suitable. Is it still worth taking the interview?

Firstly, it’s probably not a good idea to mass apply to jobs during your job search. I would advise you to get into the habit of being targeted as you will achieve better results that way. Now that you have gotten yourself in a bit of a bind with so many requests, don’t panic – go through each job that requested an interview and analyze three things before declining to attend:

  • Does the company or position match your current needs or aspirations? If your answer is no, skip the interview.
  • Are you sure you’re overqualified or not suitable for the position? For example, if the job description says they are looking for two years’ experience and you have seven, then you should probably skip it.
  • Is there anything you can learn from the interview? Interviewing, even if you’re unsure about the position or the company, can provide opportunities to practice your interpersonal and interviewing skills.

If you’re still convinced that attending the interview won’t be right for you, please respectfully decline with a short email.

#2: Is it alright to take an interview just to practice my interview skills even if I may not want the job?

“Well, I would advise if you’re unsure on the job or company that it’s still OK to attend and practice. However, if you’re 100% convinced that this opportunity is not right for you, don’t waste your time or the interviewer’s – conduct mock interviews with your friends to practice. That would be a better use of your time.”

#3: I was given a job offer and accepted it just before I was about to attend another interview. This interview was set up prior to the offer. Should I still take the meeting? Or should I decline to save everyone’s time?
Woman using mobile phone

Image Credits: Stocksy United

“My advice after spending many years in recruitment is to decline the interview and move on.

We all love to be wanted, but sometimes you have to know when it’s time to focus on the wonderful opportunity you have at hand. Running around the city and interviewing without a purpose is exhausting. Save everyone’s time and move on.”

#4: I’ve been offered several offers during my job hunt. Is this something I need to let a hiring manager know? Or is it better to keep this to myself?

“You are under no obligation to disclose whether you have been offered other job opportunities, its best to keep the information to yourself until you can gauge interest or compare offers – the hiring process is a bit like poker, so remember not to reveal your hand too early.”

#5: I’ve decided that the position is not the right fit for me. How do I politely decline the interview?

“Email is the preferable choice as many people are not comfortable declining an offer via the phone or face to face.

It’s important to remember to remain courteous in the email. Don’t be arrogant, remember you may have declined this opportunity but there could be future opportunities with the company or hiring manager that you want to be considered for. It’s advisable to remain professional and polite in your correspondence as it will leave a lasting impression.”

 

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56 year old Hawker Brand, Koung’s Wanton Mee Opens New Outlet in JEM, only $4.80 for Singapore-style Wanton Mee

He seeks to preserve his family’s time-honoured wanton mee recipe by making the award-winning dish available islandwide #KoungWTM

  • Humble beginnings: from pushcart to humble stall in Geylang and now an outlet in a shopping mall
  • Enjoy the wanton mee in an air-conditioned environment
  • All the ingredients, from wanton to noodles and char siu, are homemade

Koung’s Wanton Mee, which has 56 years of presence in Singapore, is proud to announce the launch of its new outlet at JEM on 25 August 2020. This opening marks the brand’s first-ever foray into a shopping mall. Koung’s Wanton Mee was founded in 1964, just one year before Singapore gained independence. Its humble beginnings took root when it was just a pushcart; then, in late 1960s, it expanded and became a stall at Geylang Lorong 12. The stall operated for over 36 years before it moved to Geylang Lorong 13, where it stayed for 12 years. Then, it moved to its current location at 205 Sims Avenue circa 2013.

Bernard Koung, 39 year old second generation, began working at his family’s business at the age of 21, will be managing the new outlet opening at JEM. His parents have passed down their recipes to him, and he seeks to continue the 50-plus years of his family recipe. Recognising that many of the brand’s loyal fans have to travel from one end of Singapore to the another just to savour the wanton mee, Bernard has decided to launch a new outlet in JEM. Westies can now enjoy the dish with greater convenience, and in the comfort of an air-conditioned environment. Plans are in the pipeline to open more outlets in all regions of Singapore.

An offering well loved by Singaporeans and critics

The brand’s Singapore-style wanton mee is a hit amongst local gourmands, tourists and food critics. It is little wonder – all its ingredients are painstakingly made from scratch. The charcoal-grilled char siu is made with fresh quality pork, then marinated with its own homemade sauce. The springy egg noodles are made following a traditional recipe. The wantons are wrapped by hand, its generous filling a mix of fresh lean and fatty minced pork. Drenching all the ingredients are a fragrant blend of fried chilli paste and premium dark as well as light soya sauces. The dish is then topped with Koung’s Wanton Mee’s very own fried pork lard and oil, which lend an extra fragrance and a savoury punch. Both the dry and soup versions go at S$4.80 each.

The wanton mee has been featured in The Business Times’s CEOs’ Hawker Guide, and has also received numerous accolades such as the Certificate of Award for the Fine Culinary Skill, Encounter of the Kings and The Green Book’s Best Food Awards. Koung’s Wanton Mee is also a favourite haunt for many popular food bloggers such as Dr Leslie Tay.

About Koung’s Wanton Mee

Began as a pushcart in 1964, Koung’s Wanton Mee has over the years cultivated a loyal following of fans, winning over hearts with its delicious rendition of wanton mee. All the ingredients, from wanton to char siu and noodles, are homemade. Enjoy other accompaniments such as fried wanton, fried dumpling, fried wanton, dumpling soup and wanton soup as well. Its outlet at JEM marks its first-ever foray into a shopping mall.

Koung’s Wanton Mee JEM Details
Seating capacity: 35 seats
Address:  50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #B1-K14, Jem, Singapore 608549
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm

Socials:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KoungWTM
Instagram – https://instagram.com/KoungWTM/

 

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Ant shop in Singapore sells a handful of ants in a test-tube kit for about S$12 for ant hobbyists

singapore-ant-shop-starter-kit

While the average person will press their fingers against ants to get rid of them once they come to sight, a 41-year-old started an ant shop in Singapore. Just Ants is the name of the shop with about 30 to 35 species of ants.

“It started from a hobby, a small hobby,” Mr John Ye said. “And then when I actually learned more about ants, I was mind-blown. I ventured deeper and deeper. So I thought to myself, why not start an ant shop in Singapore?”

Prices

A starter test-tube kit with a handful of ants for a beginner ant hobbyist is priced at about S$12. For an established colony of 20 to 30 ants, it’s selling at S$20. While for rare ants, it can go for up to S$60.

The owner’s love for ants
singapore-ant-shop-just-ants

Image Credits: CNA

Don’t underestimate Mr Ye’s love for ants. It is that which prompted him to quit his job of distributing wholesale electronics to set up his shop in early 2019.

He even has a poem written about ants that’s framed up in his shop. “Why keep ants they say. They are not entirely pests I say,” it read. “Ant keeping can be a joy. A lot more fun than that boring toy.”

just-ants-ant-poem

Image Credits: CNA

“It’s very therapeutic. My favourite part about keeping ants will be just looking at them, gazing at them… It calms my mind after a hard day at work. They really soothe my stress,” said Mr Ye.

“They are so adorable crawling around, grooming themselves, it just tickles me. Doing their daily stuff, their strategies, the characteristics, how they organise themselves so uniquely,” he added.

His interest started randomly

“I was watching some videos online. In Singapore, it’s fairly new, but in Canada, the United States, it’s quite a hobby. So there’s a very popular ant channel in Canada – he’s also a comedian – Mikey Bustos.”

“He started the trend back then, and he did a storyline for each ant colony. So every time you will (be like) – wah, what’s the second episode like?”

The public’s reaction

“We have more curious people – not ant-keepers – but (they’re) curious as to what we are doing.”

“We even have an uncle (who started with us). He’s 79-years-old. He bought a few colonies and he said he will spend hours observing them, taking pictures… He’s very cute because he will keep asking me, ‘you have any new ants?’ I say, ‘no more, all you have already’,” Mr Ye said.

In fact, schools and the Singapore Science Centre have approached him to talk about ants.

But it’s not always a pretty picture for the ant lover. He was doubted by friends and relatives with many wondering if he was in the right state of mind. When he first started, his wife even threatened to spray his ants with Baygon if they escaped from their enclosures.

Passion over profits
exterior-of-ant-shop-just-ants

Image Credits: CNA

“I know it will not be very profitable like a full-time job as in the workforce, but as time goes by, we thought of, well, passion would be ultimately over profit. Of course, we are not earning as much (as) back then in the workforce, but slowly we found really little happiness in what we’re doing,” he said.

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