Important Things To Know About The TraceTogether Token

TraceTogether is a digital system, which the Singaporean Government had implemented to allow for better contact tracing in response to the effects of the pandemic in the country. The system was originally designed as an app and was later supplemented by a physical token due to the low-usage of the TraceTogether app.

October 26 (Monday) marked the start of the mandatory use of TraceTogether app or token at all Singapore cinemas. Venues with activities that involve larger groups of people will follow the same mandate. By the end of December, checking-in with the TraceTogether app or token will be compulsory in public venues such as restaurants, workplaces, schools, cinemas, hotels, healthcare facilities, and shopping malls.

This means that you will no longer be able to gain access to these places through the SingPass mobile app or by scanning SafeEntry QR codes with your phone’s camera. Instead, you can either use the TraceTogether app or token. The former includes a function for users to scan SafeEntry QR codes that are displayed at venues. The latter comes with a QR code that can be scanned for entry. Please do not cover the QR code attached to your token.

In the recent days, Singapore has hit about 50% participation rate in its digital COVID-19 contact tracing program. This is good news because having 70% of Singapore’s population using TraceTogether is one of the conditions that has to be met for Singapore to enter phase three. This is according to Education Minister Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the COVID-19 task force.

Before you collect your token at the community centre (CC), please check token.gowhere.gov.sg to know its availability. To prevent long queues from forming, members of the public have been encouraged to collect their TraceTogether tokens from the CC nearest to where they live. There is no need to collect a physical token, if you already have the TraceTogether app. You may download the latest version of the app at tracetogether.gov.sg.

Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation initiative Vivian Balakrishnan also highlighted that there will be more than enough TraceTogether tokens for everyone. These tokens can be collected at thirty-eight CCs around the country. It will be made available at all 108 CCs by the end of November.

Once you receive your token, check its light. The green light blinks, if your token is working. It should blink once every minute. Its battery lasts for six months and is not rechargeable. You may “dress-up” your token by putting your old first-generation AirPods case. It will fit nicely on that.

Image Credits: Putri Shaghira via Facebook

Lastly, the data stored in your token will be automatically deleted after twenty-five days. There will be room for more information.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Phase 2: Bubble tea stores can be reopened on 19 June 20

You can finally have your BBTs

After two long months of wait, Singapore is currently moving to Phase 2 of reopening this Friday 1 Jun. Under phase 2, retail and food and beverage (F&B) dine-in will be allowed to reopen with safe distancing measures in place.

While it didn’t specifically mentioned about stores that retails predominantly beverages, packaged snacks and desserts, a check on the Go Business site by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) shows the list of permitted services and the corresponding SSIC codes that will be allowed to operate with effect from 19 June 2020.

SSIC codes starting with 56 basically means all restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets, food courts, coffee shops and canteens, food kiosks mainly for takeaway and delivery, food caterers and stalls selling cooked food and prepared drinks will be allowed to open except SSIC code 5613 (Pubs).

Minister for Education, Ong Ye Kung, has confirmed this in his Facebook post yesterday (15 Jun).

We can’t wait to have our bubble teas.


Get $200 cashback (no min. spend) when you apply for a DBS/POSB Credit Card from 5 – 19 Jun 20!

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How To Avoid These Common Mishaps

The Circuit Breaker period is almost over! With merely two weeks left, many Singaporeans are prepared to get back to their previous routines. Going back to the “outside world” can bring some irrational and unpleasant fears for us urban-dwellers.

What will happen if you forgot your mask at home? What if you stumbled through an open manhole? Who do you ask for help if you tripped along the stairs? This list compiled some of the most common intrusive thoughts, which run in the minds of many people. You are not alone.

#1: FALLING ONTO THE TRAIN GAPS

Going back to our “normal” travel route entails that you will encounter rush hour lines at the MRT and bus station. People jostling you when you are trying to stand behind the safety line on the platform is a commuter’s worst nightmare! Not to mention, you may fall onto the gaps. We all need personal space, especially these days. Ride during off-peak hours to avoid situations like these.

#2: BEING CRUSHED BY THE LIFT DOORS

With the rise of sensory-operated lift doors, people have embraced faster lifts. However, being caught between the lift doors can be painful and embarrassing. Prevent this from happening by being kind to your co-passengers. Always hold the lift door for someone. You will never know when you will need that favor back!

#3: HAVING YOUR GADGET EXPLODE

Few years ago, there was a particular smartphone model that explodes on its own. It was banned in several airlines worldwide. It is one of the top tech scare – having your phone explode while you are using it. Avoid this from happening by putting your gadget in your hand-carry bag. This includes your power banks, laptops, and smartphones. Keep your gadgets from overheating or overcharging.

#4: GETTING SICK FROM STREET FOOD

Singaporean street food has a diverse collection of cuisines. From Roti Prata to Kaya Toast and Ice Cream Sandwich, your tummy will be delighted with many choices. Still, some people worry about buying street food. For people with weak stomachs, check the establishment’s food safety or hygiene rating. An “A” grade means the establishment met 85 percent of the requirements. Be guided accordingly.

#5: SLIDING OFF THE MOTORCYCLE

One of the quickest ways to travel Singapore from one end to another is by riding the motorcycle. Riding the motorcycle in the front or the back seat can save you time and money. Although, there is a slight chance that you can fall off the vehicle. This is why you must obey the road safety rules and wear proper safety gears at all times.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

We all encounter situations where we’re confronted by our own mortality. And this unpleasant situations can happen at any moment. Do yourself a favor by getting insured. Ease your worries of the future by ensuring your life and your health. You may also build an emergency fund to cushion unforeseen events.

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What On Earth Is A Fiduciary?

DEFINE

Recently, my significant other opened the idea of discussing about whether it is worth getting a fiduciary and a financial adviser. I focused on the former. A fiduciary’s duties and responsibilities goes beyond directing the individual (i.e., beneficiary) to his or her financial goals. The fiduciary acts for or on behalf of the beneficiary in certain circumstances. This is a bond established by utmost confidence and trust.

A fiduciary is either a person or an organization who has the highest legal duty of being ethically bound to act in the beneficiary’s best interest. Fiduciary relationships include:

* Trustees (of a beneficiary);
* Directors (of a company);
* Agents (of a principal);
* Lawyers (to the client); and
* Partners (to each other).

Aside from this, the Courts may find a fiduciary relationship exists when the beneficiary is dependent on the fiduciary, when the fiduciary has the discretion to act unilaterally for the beneficiary, and when such power affects the beneficiary’s legal or practical interests.

Do you qualify for any of these? Are you a fiduciary? If so, here are your duties.

DUTIES

#1: First and foremost, the fiduciary needs to avoid conflict of interest and duty. For example, a company director must not put himself or herself in a position where personal interest will conflict with that of the company’s. Do everything in good faith.

#2: Secondly, you must avoid unauthorized profits. For example, your position as a company director may be in breach of your duty if you acquire a business opportunity (i.e., belonging to the company) for yourself.

#3: Lastly, the fiduciary must manage the assets of an individual for the benefits of the beneficiary himself or herself. You cannot benefit personally from the management of the beneficiary’s assets.

LAW

According to research, Singapore is part of the common law legal tradition. Thus, the decisions of precedent cases in the superior courts are binding on the lower courts. Moreover, the decisions in other Commonwealth jurisdictions (e.g., in UK, Australia, or Malaysia) can be persuasive in the Singapore courts.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

“When a fiduciary relationship is established in one of these cases, future cases are bound to follow what has been established before. Statutes that are passed by Parliament may also impose certain statutory duties akin to fiduciary duties between parties.”

Consult legal agents to know more.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Last-Minute Christmas Shopping Guide In Singapore

The temptation to turn on the Jingle Bell Rock or the Polar Express movie is approaching its peak level! Despite it being the 24th of December, I am sure that some of you have yet to purchase a set of Yuletide gifts. Your time is running out and your meeting your family soon. What must you do to get all your presents sorted out for the party?

Firstly, throw the online shopping option out of the window. The shipping period will never come in time no matter how much you click the “express” option.

Alas! There is still work to be done. Consider these shopping spots while you begin your search.

#1: THE POPULAR ONE

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of shopping? Well, Orchard Road of course. Its world-class array of malls has gained popularity among tourists and locals alike. Hit up the retail havens such as ION Orchard and Paragon to explore international brands (of different price scales) such as Editor’s Market, Mango, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Nonetheless, almost everything can be found in TANGS.

Score great deals in footwear, cosmetics, clothing, and other items as you stroll around Orchard Road.

#2: THE HIP ONE

If you want to take Instagrammable photos while you continue your last-minute shopping, head down to Haji Lane or Bugis Street. These places attract shoppers and tourists on a daily basis. These two venues may be in close proximity with each other but, they offer contrasting shopping experiences. Haji Lane has an array of vintage or artisanal items that highlight one’s craftsmanship. While, Bugis Street is well-loved for its extremely low prices and Korean-centric stores. Both venues offer trendy and timeless pieces that will delight your fashionista friend or family member.

Get the best prices by strolling around Haji Lane or Bugis Street before committing to a final purchase.

#3: THE ALL-NIGHTER

From traditional Indian clothing to brightly-colored accessories, you can make your way to Little India to shop in a lively cultural part of Singapore. Visit Mustafa Centre for Christmastime gifts varying from children’s toys to sporting goods. What’s more? This massive store is open for 24 hours. Thus, you may literally shop until you drop.

Do indulge in a cultural immersion while you shop around.

#4: THE BIG ONE

What better way to spend your last-minute shopping ordeal than by visiting the city’s largest shopping mall – the VivoCity. VivoCity houses the cheap Japanese outlet Daiso where you can spend as little as S$2 for a stocking stuffer. Furthermore, there are other glistening brands such as Sephora and Pandora. Who can say no to a set of jewels and makeup?

If you have your little ones with you, you may let them have fun at the open-air playground on the second level or splash around in the water-based Sky Park on the third level while you shop around.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

With a countless array of shopping malls and indie outlets, Singapore offers the perfect spot for your last-minute Yuletide shopping. Good luck!

Source: Visit Singapore

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