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Facial Makeup: Why do women have them and for what?

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Makeup

From ancient Egypt to the modern runways of Paris, cosmetics have served various purposes, from enhancing beauty to expressing individuality. But most people wonder why women wear facial makeup. Some believe that women do it solely to attract men, an inaccurate assumption. Whether women choose to use makeup or not is entirely subjective and relies on one’s personal perspective.

Facial makeup and self-expression

Just like an artist wielding a brush, makeup enthusiasts see their face as a canvas. They use makeup to reflect their unique personalities, creativity, and moods. Whether it’s bold, vibrant eyeshadows, or a soft, natural look, makeup allows women to convey who they are and how they feel.

 Boost self-esteem – For many, it can be a transformative tool, helping them feel more self-assured and empowered.

Cultural and Social Influences – Different cultures have varying standards of beauty, and makeup can be a way to conform to or challenge these norms.

Camouflage and Confidence – Many women turn to makeup to enhance their natural beauty while discreetly concealing what they consider flaws.

Seduction – Red lips, smoky eyes, and rosy cheeks have been employed to captivate and allure. For some, wearing makeup is an intimate, sensual act that brings out their inner seductress.

Empowerment – Wearing makeup is an act of empowerment or rebellion. It can be a symbol of defying stereotypes, expectations, and societal judgments.

Experimentation – Trying new looks, colors can be a playful, creative outlet, similar to a child playing with art supplies.

A personal choice

The reasons why women wear makeup are as diverse as the shades and hues in their cosmetic collections. Ultimately, the act of wearing makeup is a personal choice, and it should be celebrated for the freedom it offers. A celebration of women’s right to define and redefine their own beauty on their own terms.

Read More News

Victoria’s Secret dumping wokeness after their sales took massive hit 

Cover Photo: Pexels

The post Facial Makeup: Why do women have them and for what? appeared first on The Independent News.

“Singapore: Not as expensive as you think if you know where to look” — SG FREE spots to visit without breaking the bank

“So let me show you six free spots you can visit on your next trip here,” a TikToker said in his video

SINGAPORE: “Someone told me Singapore is expensive, but I beg to differ.” This was the opening line of a recent video by travel and food content creators @nickandhelmi. Based in Australia, the pair recently shared a video of their trip to Singapore and the low-cost places they recommend.

Nick and Helmi are foodies and travel vloggers. In a recent video, they shared a list of places their viewers can visit in Singapore without spending anything. “Cause if you look at the right experiences, it won’t break your bank. So let me show you six free spots you can visit on your next trip here,” Nick said.

@nickandhelmi

6 Surprisingly Free Spots to visit on your next trip to Singapore Singapore is surprisingly not as expensive as you think, if you know where to look! So here is the list: 1. Gardens by the Bay an iconic attractions in Singapore, famous for their incredibly aesthetic domes – there are 2 that stands out the flower dome and of course the cloud forest but the Garden Rhapsody light show is what you are after. It happens every night, its incredibly beautiful and its free! 2. Sentosa – there are tons of activities, like the Fort Siloso Skywalk and the Sentosa Musical Fountain show that does not have admission fees. 3. Marina Barrage – this little oasis is situated behind Gardens By the Bay – a perfect place to relax, jog, ride a bike and if you go up to the roof, the view down the bay is stunning. 4. Now Singapore of course have Various parks and nature spots – Southern Ridges, which includes the Henderson Waves Bridge is Singapore’s tallest pedestrian bridge and the view is phenomenal. 5. At level 51 of the CapitaSpring building is a hidden gem where you can see down Singapore City and unobstructed views of marina bay sands – free entry 6. Jewel Changi Airport, this is an incredible mall attached to Changi Airport which you definitely need to explore when you arrive in Singapore or departing. in the middle of Jewel you have the HSBC Rain Vortex which boast one of the most beautiful view when you enter or exit Singapore. For more Singapore Things to do check out @visit_singapore #madeinsingapore #visitsingapore

♬ vlog light piano jazz cute(1492495) – Yu Yaguchi

First up on Nick and Helmi’s list is Gardens by the Bay. “It’s probably one of the most beautiful attractions here in Singapore,” Nick added. “They’ve got the Flower Dome and of course, the cloud forest. It’s so scenic, especially for nature and photography lovers. But next to it is the Garden Rhapsody light show that happens every night. It’s incredibly beautiful. Stunning light display. And it’s free.”

Second is Sentosa. “There are tons of activities like the Fort Siloso Skywalk, and the Sentosa Musical Fountain Show,” Nick says. And not to mention, you can also swim at the beach.”

Marina Barrage is third on their list. “It’s behind the Gardens by the Bay. It’s a good place to relax, jog, ride a bike. And if you go up to the roof, the view down the bay is gorgeous. You can see people flying their kites. The scenic Singapore skyline is so beautiful.” Nick, narrating the video’s voice-over, adds, “Just imagine if this was sunset, guys. That would blow your mind.”

“Now Singapore has a lot of parks and nature spots like the Southern Ridges which includes the Henderson Waves Bridge,” he continues to number four. “It’s actually Singapore’s tallest pedestrian bridge. You might also remember this from the Singapore Airlines pre-flight video. It’s a stunning spot, right.”

Making it to number five is a “hidden gem.” “Now, at level 51 of this building called Capita Spring is a hidden gem which has numerous vantage points to see Singapore, ” Nick shares. “But really, you’re here to see the unobstructed views of Marina Bay Sands. It’s surreal. And yup, of course, it’s a free entry.”

Last but not least on the travel vloggers’ list is Jewel. “This is an incredible mall attached to Changi Airport,” Nick explains. “And in the middle, you have the HSBC Rain Vortex, which honestly boasts one of the most beautiful views when you enter or exit Singapore. So the next time you’re in Singapore, check out these spots.”

 

“The living standard is so high, I cannot retire. I will be 70 and will still have to work.” — Singaporeans

Another said, “I’m a financial adviser, and I’m earning about SGD 4,000 to 5,000…it’s barely enough to survive; it would be better if it was more.”

SINGAPORE: In a street interview by Asian Boss Media, local Singaporeans talked about what is considered “poor” in Singapore. The respondents also shared how they make ends meet and answered questions revolving around low income.

After asking one individual, “Do you think there are a lot of poor people in Singapore?” he answered, “Of course. Look at Bukit Merah, you know. This is the lowest-ranked zone in Singapore. Everybody in here…they are all low-income. Rich men don’t come here.” The host also asked another man, who said he works as an architecture consultant, “What do you do for a living, or what did you use to do if you are retired?” To this, he replied, “I haven’t retired. The living standard is so high. I cannot retire. I will be 70 and still work.”

“As Singapore shares the title of the world’s most expensive city with New York, we conducted a street interview to find out about the high living costs in Singapore,” the video host started. “While people in that video shared about the high living costs and expensive lifestyles, this time, we were curious to find out about what’s considered poor in Singapore. To find out, we visited an area that is less well-off to see some different perspectives.”

@asianbossmedia

We hit the streets of Singapore to find out what locals do for a living and how much they earn per month. Follow @asianbossmedia for more authentic insights from Asia! #singapore #job #career #salary #asia #asianboss #streetinterview #staycurious

♬ original sound – Asian Boss

A third said, “I’m a financial adviser, and I’m earning about SGD 4,000 to 5,000…it’s barely enough to survive; it would be better if it was more.”

The host replied, saying, “Actually, SGD 4,000 to 5,000 is considered to be the average in Singapore. But in your opinion, what would be considered low-income as a salary?”

“Low would be SGD 1,800 to 2,200,” the young man replied.

“I would say SGD 1,500 to 2,000,” responded another.

Still, one said, “Below SGD 2,000 is considered to be low-income. SGD 2,000 to 4,000 is average. SGD 5,000 is slightly more comfortable, I would say. Nowadays some youngsters without education, they can get below SGD 2,000. I don’t know how they survive. I guess the government subsidies and supports them.”

An elderly woman shared her experience with having to forego acupuncture treatment for her leg due to the cost. “I used to receive acupuncture because my leg is not very good,” she said. “Because I don’t have a senior citizen card, it costs SGD 30. I can’t afford to see the doctor anymore, and it was no help when I visited the polyclinic. “SGD 60. I have some outstanding bills. I still owe a little, but I can’t afford to pay right now. I said I don’t have any money, and they told me it’s just a small amount.”

At some point in the video, the host asked another man, “How much do you think will be enough?

His response was, “How much? You see, the first thing you need to take into consideration is the family unit, right? If they have got kids…and mother and father are not working or they are old already. How? Your kids need to be educated. They need to go to school. You gotta feed them. So these are the social problems that the government must solve.”

The video host presented the architecture consultant with the question, What do you think can be done by the government to help these low-income people survive?”

“This is not only Singapore’s problem,” he answered. “This is the whole world’s…all countries’ problem. So, I don’t know how to solve it, really.”

Can 90-year-old Singaporeans really meet basic living expenses?

According to a survey, the answer is yes, but when assessing their living conditions, the results painted a more varied picture

SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by Mediacorp channels has shed light on the living conditions and economic well-being of Singapore’s elderly population. The survey, which involved more than 1,000 seniors, uncovered several significant findings, highlighting disparities in their financial status and living conditions.

According to the survey, more than 90 per cent of the elderly in Singapore reported that they could meet their basic living expenses. This figure indicates that most seniors can afford a reasonable standard of living, covering essential needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

However, when assessing their living conditions, the results painted a more varied picture.

Approximately a quarter of the elderly respondents expressed satisfaction, deeming their living conditions “very good.” In contrast, more than half of the surveyed elderly individuals described their living conditions as either “average” or “poor,” revealing a concerning disparity in the perceived quality of life among the elderly population.

Experts believe that innovative solutions may hold the key to narrowing the gap in retirement resources among local seniors and ultimately improving the quality of life for low-income seniors in their later years. The survey underscores the importance of addressing these disparities to ensure all seniors enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.

A study by the Singapore Management University’s Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) uncovered additional insights into the relationship between economic well-being and social happiness among older individuals. The research found that older people with better economic conditions reported a stronger sense of social happiness. Those living in private homes were particularly inclined to express higher social happiness compared to their counterparts residing in one- to three-room HDB flats.

Associate Professor Kalyani from the Department of Gerontology at the Singapore University of Social Sciences emphasized this connection. She told Channel 8, “Older people with better economic status in our country have more resources and are more likely to feel a stronger sense of happiness. However, those whose economic status is in the bottom 20% of seniors have relatively fewer resources, which can lead to challenges such as forgoing essential medical care to save money.”

The MediaCorp survey also revealed that about half of the respondents believed their current financial situation was below the average level. These respondents tended to have lower education levels and lacked other sources of family income, which could have a notable impact on their elder care arrangements.

ROSA director Professor Paulin Straughan highlighted this concern, saying, “One of the issues we are currently concerned about is how to bridge the gap in care services. If you can afford to hire foreign helpers, to some extent, you can build your own ecosystem where all aspects of life are taken care of. The question is what if you don’t have the ability?”

Despite these disparities, the survey also reported that 92 per cent of the elderly people surveyed believed they were able to meet their basic living expenses. This finding indicates a level of financial security among the majority of Singapore’s elderly population but also underscores the need to address the issues faced by the remaining 8 per cent who may be struggling to make ends meet.

Maid asks if she can book a hotel room to “rest and sleep on Sunday”

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SINGAPORE: A domestic helper took to social media asking if maids could book hotel rooms.

In an anonymous post to Facebook page ‘Complaint Singapore’, the helper wrote: “Can a maid book a hotel room alone? and which hotel is cheaper? I really want to rest and sleep on sunday, so that no one can disturb me”. In the comments section, the helper added that she had to share a room with a child and an elderly woman who liked to talk in her sleep.

Another helper who commented wrote: “I go botanic garden and sleep there, so I can save money,,maybe u can try find comfortable places than (sic) must spend money for hotel feel sayang lehh,,,save money for beautiful future”. A netizen added: “Changi airport departure or arrival hall got couches and air con and free. I saw travellers laying on the ground with a cover over their heads and no one stops them”.

Without giving much detail or context to her post, another foreign domestic worker took to social media asking for advice on what to do when she was made to sleep in the kitchen. In a Facebook post, the helper posed her question to the FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum) group. She asked: “What to do if your employer took your room and made you sleep in the kitchen?”. Despite not giving any other information as to how long these sleeping arrangements were for, or if her employer had given her a reason as to why she was evicted, the helper’s post garnered over 180 reactions and 47 comments.

Most of the responses were from other maids who had experienced similar situations. Many also urged the helper to contact the Manpower Ministry (MOM) for help. There were also others who asked her to try communicating with her employer because going to MOM might lead to her employers sending her back to her home country.

Read related: Maid asks: What to do if your employer took your room and made you sleep in the kitchen?

Deepavali long weekend: ICA warns heavy traffic at Tuas & Woodlands

SINGAPORE: The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority issued an advisory on Monday (Nov 6) regarding expected traffic conditions at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from Thursday, Nov 9, to the following Tuesday, Nov 14, due to the upcoming Deepavali long weekend and year-end school holidays.

“Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue. Please observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site,” ICA reminded would-be travellers in a Facebook post on its account.

The authority added that last month, during the Children’s Day weekend from Oct 6 to 8, ICA saw its highest number of travellers to clear through the land checkpoints since the borders reopened last year after Covid-19 restrictions had been lifted.

There were more than 460,000 crossings on Oct 6, and more than half of them had been departing travellers. “Those who departed by car had to wait up to three hours before they were cleared through immigration during the peak,” ICA said.

The Authority also warned that security measures at the checkpoints have been stepped up due to the current tense situation in the Middle East.

“Travellers are thus advised to factor in additional waiting time for immigration clearance. We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site when using the land checkpoints,” ICA added.

Read also: MOM, MHA & ISD: Foreigners Shouldn’t Use Singapore As A Platform To Further Their Political Cause

The Authority also asked motorists to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints through the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring website or via the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System along the BKE and AYE before they start their journey, adding that traffic updates are also available through the social media accounts of ICA on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Updates regarding the traffic situation are also provided via local radio broadcasts on Money 89.3, One 91.3, Kiss92, Hao 96.3, and UFM 100.3.

“Motorists using the land checkpoints should refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists. ICA works closely with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions and roads leading to the land checkpoints. 

Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue. In a recent incident on 15 October 2023, ICA turned away four cars from Tuas Checkpoint due to them cutting the queue when entering Singapore,” ICA warned.

Those travelling must ensure their passports are valid for at least six months from the time they begin their trip. Singapore permanent residents with renewed passports must also transfer their Entry Permit to their new passports. Additionally, Long-Term Pass holders must notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of any change in their passport particulars before their entry into Singapore. /TISG

$1.375 million cat kidnapping drama unfolds in Oregon

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A Multnomah County Circuit Court jury awarded Joshua Smith a hefty $1.375 million after his beloved feline companion, “Frank,” was unlawfully seized by his landlord, Devon Andrade.

The catnapping case, which captivated animal lovers and legal observers alike, underscores the significance of tenant rights and the emotional bond between humans and their pets.

$1.375 million cat kidnapping

Smith’s saga began in 2017 when he graciously took in what he believed to be a stray cat, “Frank,” making the charming feline his roommate at a Portland drug recovery group home. However, in 2019, Smith returned home to an unexpectedly empty room that caused him much heartache leading to a lawsuit.

The courtroom drama on the kidnapping unfolded rapidly, with the jury’s verdict siding with the 41-year-old Smith in under two hours.

Smith had taken legal action against his landlord and the recovery home business after Andrade confessed to taking Frank away, citing a lease violation as the reason.

Andrade enlisted his girlfriend to transport Frank to a local shelter, where veterinarians discovered the cat’s microchip, revealing his true owner. However, Frank wasn’t returned to Smith.

Jury members, animal lovers too

Smith’s legal team, led by attorney Michael Fuller, argued that punitive damages and compensation for emotional distress were warranted in the case. “It turned out that the people on the jury were also animal lovers,” noted Fuller, emphasizing the importance of respecting tenants’ rights, particularly concerning their pets.

Following the legal battle, Smith has since moved on. Although currently without a pet, he shared his plans with the Oregonian to utilize the awarded funds to purchase a safe home where he can once again have and enjoy the companionship of furry friends. In fact, Smith now owns a barbershop called “The Handsome Wolf,” a testament to his journey and his hopeful future with four-legged companions by his side.

Read More News

Traveling solo, embracing adventures independently

Cover Photo: Unsplash

The post $1.375 million cat kidnapping drama unfolds in Oregon appeared first on The Independent News.

Johoreans see cost of living increase after Singaporeans coming over due to strong SGD

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“Locals are being priced out, which is hard for them and businesses that are also dependent on local customers,” the secretary of the Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association says

SINGAPORE: The Singapore dollar has been unprecedentedly strong against the Malaysian ringgit, a bonus for Singaporeans, as it has allowed the dollar to stretch further than ever for food and shopping trips across the border to Johor Bahru.

This has been good news for businesses in JB, particularly on weekends, but has also meant trouble for locals, who are finding themselves priced out in their own turf, reports say.

Mr Hussein Ibrahim, the secretary of the Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association, was quoted in The Star as saying, “We are currently seeing a 15 per cent increase in Singaporean customers at our restaurants, money changers, and even petrol stations. The current exchange rate favours the Singapore dollar compared to the ringgit, which encourages Singaporeans and those working there to come here to do their shopping and dining as it is very affordable to them.”

Nevertheless, he expressed the hope that authorities will address the situation at the soonest possible time out of concerns for ringgit-earning locals, whose spending power has been cut due to the tanking ringgit. The currency of Malaysia has been the poorest performing in Asia, second only to Japan, due to a number of factors.

Mr Ibrahim said, “The cost of living in the Johor Baru area has gone up. Locals are being priced out, which is hard for them and businesses that are also dependent on local customers.”

Read related: S’porean tells SG people to “stop being birds” making “cheap, cheap, cheap” sounds in M’sia to be considerate of M’sians

On Oct 24, the Singapore dollar recorded an all-time high against the Malaysian ringgit when it reached MYR3.5086 to S$1. The ringgit has recovered slightly since then and is now at MYR3.45 to S$1.

Last month, the ringgit fell to its lowest level in the 25 years since the Asian financial crisis (1997-1998). The rising US dollar caused the ringgit to drop 0.3 per cent to MYR4.7635 per US$1, its lowest rate since 1998.

This year, the currency has dropped by more than 8 per cent against the US dollar. Bloomberg noted on Oct 18 that in the past six months through August, Malaysia has consistently posted lower export numbers. This is due, at least in part, to an economic slowdown in China, which is the Southeast Asian country’s biggest trading partner.

“While Malaysia is not alone in experiencing sizeable currency depreciation against the US dollar, its steeper decline versus its Asean peers could be attributed to its higher exposure to the Chinese economy and renminbi movements,” said Yeah Kim Leng, an economics professor at Malaysia’s Sunway University, in a report published by the South China Morning Post earlier this year.

Read related: Why SGdollar record high against MYringgit excites Singaporeans & Johoreans /TISG

Maid doesn’t want home leave, employer asks if helper needs to be compensated

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SINGAPORE: An employer took to social media asking if her helper, who did not want to go on home leave, needed to be compensated.

In an anonymous post to a support group on social media for domestic helpers and employers alike, one woman had questions about her Indonesian helper. She wrote: “She doesn’t want to go back for her home leave and would like to extend her contract for another 2 years”. The employer asked if there were any requirements needed to extend her helper’s contract and wanted to know if she needed to pay her helper in lieu of her home leave.

One netizen who commented on the post said: “I’d like to clear up some misinformation in this group. Not all contracts offer the same type of compensation in-lieu of home leave. Best not to muddy the waters. I’ve seen many different contracts, and they aren’t all the same”.

Another helper wrote: “For compensation in-lieu of home leave: Please refer to Clause 13 to 15 of the contract. It will state what to do if helper does not wish to utilise her home leave. Depending on the contract, it is either compensation in the form of cost of round trip air ticket OR lump sum stated in the contract. Some contracts may explicitly include compensation for 15 days salary as well, but not all, so please check your contractual terms. For renewal process, please refer to: https://www.mom.gov.sg/…/work…/renew-a-work-permit 

” An administrator in the group also added: “Dear OP, MOM will send renewal notice 8 weeks before WP expires. Link and guide on how to renew wp online will be written in there. As for the homeleave compensation, please check your employment contract if there’s any. The lumpsum compensation is usually written in there. If there’s no prior agreement in writing, it’s up to whether u want to pay or not. But if your helper did well in the past 2 years, then u can consider giving compensation. The usual compensation is economy return ticket equivalent to cash. You can also consider to give extra cash bonus as a form of appreciation for her good work performance in the past years. But if it’s just so so, then just follow what’s written in your contract”.

Earlier this year, one domestic helper got cheeky recently, posting a photo of a note addressed to employers to clean up after themselves on her day off. The note read, “Mam/Sir. Pls. Wash the Plates, Spoon Pork (sic) & etc. It’s my day off today!! Clean the Floor Also!! Thank you. From: Kunyang.” The note was stuck below the microwave oven and above the sink, which, in fairness, was empty of dirty dishes. /TISG

Read more: Maid leaves note for employers asking them to wash their own plates etc., and clean the floor on her day off

DBS has S$100M exposure to SG’s S$2.8B money laundering case

“I don’t see the flows to suffer,” CEO Piyush Gupta says

SINGAPORE: The exposure of DBS to the recent large-scale money laundering case is around S$100 million, Bloomberg reports Chief Executive Officer Piyush Gupta as saying on Monday (Nov 6). In August, police rounded up 10 Chinese-born nationals holding various foreign passports, nine men and one woman, connected to a money-laundering case involving S$2.8 billion. The large-scale case has caused the country’s financial institutions to tighten policies.

During a briefing where the bank reported an 18 per cent increase in third-quarter net profit on the back of higher interest rates, Mr Gupta said that DBS, Singapore’s biggest bank and South East Asia’s biggest lender, has filed so-called suspicious transaction reports to authorities.

Despite the money laundering scandal, the biggest in Singapore’s history, funds continue to flow into Singapore, he added. Bloomberg quotes him as saying, “I don’t see the flows to suffer.”

In late August, it was reported that DBS Group Holdings and Bank of Singapore, the private banking arm of OCBC Bank, had been creditors to the investment companies linked to accused persons who had been arrested in the round-up by police.

The Straits Times reported that DBS had registered four charges – generally referring to a form of security interest usually taken by a lender to secure repayment of a loan – on Aug 18, 2021, to Aiqinhai Investment. The company’s director and sole shareholder, Su Haijin, is among the 10 arrested.

Read related: DBS & BOS are creditors to alleged money launderers’ Singapore firms

Included in the S$2.8 billion in assets seized or frozen by authorities in the arrests are over 150 properties, cars, and other luxury items such as wines, designer handbags, and watches.

Nevertheless, Mr Gupta sounded optimistic in his Nov 6 statement when he said: “As we enter the coming year, higher-for-longer interest rates will be a net benefit to earnings, while our solid balance sheet with ample liquidity, prudent general allowance reserves and healthy capital ratios will provide us with strong buffers against macro uncertainties.”

Last week, Singapore’s central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), ordered a six-month pause on the bank from making non-essential IT changes. This move comes after DBS Bank faced multiple digital service disruptions this year.

Read also: MAS imposes six-month pause on DBS bank’s non-essential activities

According to MAS, “DBS Bank will not be allowed to acquire new business ventures during this period or reduce the size of its branch and ATM networks in Singapore. The actions were taken following the repeated and prolonged disruptions of DBS’ banking services this year.” DBS Group later issued a public apology and promised to allocate S$80 million to strengthen its system resilience. /TISG

Read related: DBS Group apologises for service outage; senior leadership will face pay cut