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Woman says she became depressed after separating from S$41K/month earning guy

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SINGAPORE: A woman in her late 20s took to social media after leaving a depressing situation.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers, the woman said she was left hanging by a guy she met on a dating app. They reconnected a few years later. “We separated as he was only early months into army, he didn’t want commitment or let anyone else knew he was attached. Thereafter, we reconnected again and we both said nothing, it was silent but acted as though we were a couple. He puts his career first and likewise, didn’t want to commit but enjoying all the benefits, thoughtfulness and sweetness I would bring to him”. The woman added that she fell into depression after ending a relationship which never officially started.

“He knew I had feelings for him but watched me falling in love with him, without telling me to stop. However, as years past it just takes that one brave moment to turn away from him when all red flags were clear and seen. It saddens me how the bad people live a good life (he is in the sales industry and earns nearly half a million income) while i’m everyday working 9-5 just to lead a stable life. Life is so unfair, just because he’s rich he gets away from the wrongdoings and living a good life than many others who are more deserving and down to earth”, the woman wrote. She asked netizens for their thoughts on the matter.

Netizens who commented on the post said ultimately she chose to be with the guy despite knowing what he was doing. One said: “You’ve got yourself to blame honestly. You knew exactly what you got into and continued it. So stop whining and blaming the world”. Another commented: “You chose to be in a situation-ship with this guy, with both eyes open, heart and mind willing, all the while knowing he’s not going to put in any commitment, and you still blame the entire world for your own decision?”.

Earlier this year, a young woman who just graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) took to social media to share her poor experience on her first-ever date. In an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers, the woman wrote that she was evergreen or had no relationship or dating experience.

She added that she “didn’t find love during my university days as I was focusing on my studies. I was never into the idea of using a dating app but my friends had always been encouraging me to”.

She wrote that she found it intimidating to meet and talk to strangers. At the insistence of her friends, she went on a dating app and matched with someone she saw potential in. After messaging for about a month, she mustered the courage to meet him in person. “He brought me to fast food restaurant on the first date and we went dutch. & He then ghosted me after a few weeks”, she wrote.

Malware: How scammers control your phone and steal your money

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SINGAPORE: “How can scammers control our phones and steal our money?” is a question that has become more pressing in the wake of staggering losses between January and August in Singapore. At least S$20 million was lost to malicious malware scams during this period. To shed light on these scams’ inner workings and to alert Android and iPhone users, the program Talking Point conducted an investigation, revealing the increasingly blurry line between security and vulnerability, as reported by CNA.

One victim, Junia Tan, saw an enticing deal online—a fried chicken dinner with free delivery, found on a Facebook ad. The catch? She had to download an app to complete her order, unwittingly inviting malicious software, or malware, into her phone. The danger lies in seemingly harmless apps. For instance, Talking Point discovered an app offering S$5 items. Users were prompted to log in to their bank accounts, enabling scammers to access their credentials. With malware’s reach, it can prompt a factory reset to mask unauthorized transactions.

How does Malware Work?

Malware infiltrates your phone when you click a link or download an app. Attackers implant features that eavesdrop or extract data. Verity Lim from NUS Greyhats, an information security group, gave an example stating, “A keylogger will monitor what you tap on your device’s keyboard, extracting your username and password as you enter them.” Some malware can also capture screenshots.

Android’s Vulnerability

Malware scams in Singapore have primarily targeted Android phones. Android’s popularity compared to iPhones makes them an appealing target. Android’s open ecosystem allows third-party app installation, setting it apart from Apple’s closed system.

Google scans apps before allowing them in the Play Store, but some scammers exploit app updates. As billions of apps flood Google Play, it becomes a challenge to identify threats. Google employs Play Protect, which scans apps for malicious activity before and after download. However, controlling downloads from unofficial sources is complicated, as users grant permissions unknowingly.

The Looming Threat on iOS

Scammers have infiltrated Apple’s App Store, suggesting that iOS is not immune to threats. Attacks on iOS are expected to rise globally. These attacks are becoming more sophisticated, featuring zero-click attacks. Victims don’t need to click links; scammers infiltrate devices via emails, text messages, and phone calls.

How to Protect Yourself from Malware

In the face of these threats, experts offer essential advice:

  1. Heed Warnings: Take device warnings seriously and exercise caution with app downloads.
  2. Use Play Protect: Android users should conduct daily scans with Play Protect.
  3. Exercise Caution: Be vigilant about app sources, especially low download counts for popular apps.
  4. Two Devices: Isolate banking and social activities on separate devices to minimize risk.
  5. Stay Informed: Keep updated on the latest scams and threats. Consider a factory reset as a last resort if your device becomes infected.

Awareness and vigilance are our best defence against malware attacks. Staying informed and cautious is crucial to safety from digital threats.

/TISG

 

Read also: 

Jamus Lim: Resident shares concerns over migrant professionals crowding out locals – Singapore News 

Resident talks to Jamus Lim about challenges singles face in Singapore 

Resident tells Jamus Lim that higher prices are “too close, too many, can’t breathe” – Singapore News 

Singdollar cheques: Banks to charge S$0.75 to S$3

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SINGAPORE: Singaporean banks to charge S$0.75 to S$3 starting Nov 1 for issuing Singapore Dollar (SGD)-denominated cheques. This decision will affect individual and corporate customers and is part of an effort to adapt to the digital age and cover rising cheque-processing costs, as reported by CNA.

The fee structure for these SGD-denominated cheques will range from S$0.75 to S$3, according to the information available on the websites of seven major banks: DBS, UOB, OCBC, Citibank, HSBC, Maybank, and Standard Chartered.

For US dollar-denominated cheques, fees will begin at US$0.55 and go up to US$3.

Notably, these charges will be waived for customers aged 60 and above until 2025. This temporary relief gives customers more time to transition to digital payment methods. Some banks, such as DBS and Standard Chartered, have indicated that they may consider exceptions for specific clients facing exceptional circumstances.

Here’s a quick overview of the fees set to be imposed for issuing cheques by individual customers effective Nov 1, 2023:

  • Citibank: S$3 per SGD cheque, US$3 per USD cheque
  • DBS: S$0.75 per SGD cheque, US$1 per USD cheque
  • HSBC: S$1 per SGD cheque, Free for USD cheque
  • Maybank: S$0.75 per SGD cheque, US$0.75 per USD cheque
  • OCBC: S$0.75 per SGD cheque, US$0.55 per USD cheque
  • Standard Chartered: S$3 per SGD cheque, US$3 per USD cheque
  • UOB: S$0.75 per SGD cheque, US$0.55 per USD cheque

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) initially announced this move in July. The decision to impose these charges for issuing SGD-denominated cheques is a response to the increasing costs of cheque processing and the declining use of cheques.

MAS and ABS have highlighted that the average cost of clearing a cheque has risen significantly, from S$0.10 in 2016 to S$0.40 in 2021. If cheque volumes continue to fall, as anticipated, by another 70%, these costs are expected to surge to between S$2 and S$6 by 2025. Most banks have been subsidizing these costs, but due to the projected increase, they can no longer do so.

To address these challenges, seven banks are taking the lead by introducing these new fees, with other banks expected to follow suit by Jul 1, 2024.

In addition to fees for cheque issuance, depositors will also face charges for cheque deposits in the future. However, most banks have not disclosed specific details about these deposit charges. UOB, Maybank, and DBS have mentioned that cheque deposits will remain free for at least six months after Nov 1, 2023, thanks to government agencies and organisations’ increasing adoption of alternative payment methods such as PayNow. These banks have committed to keeping their customers informed about any changes.

While the move to charge for cheques is aimed at covering processing costs and encouraging the adoption of digital payments, it is important to note that individual cheque users will still have the option to issue cheques for a period beyond 2025, providing them with a longer transition period towards alternative payment methods.

MAS, alongside the Association of Banks in Singapore, the financial industry, and government agencies are the ones to facilitate this transition. The goal is to develop an e-payment solution that can serve as an alternative for post-dated cheques, enhancing convenience for both corporates and individuals.

SG e-money transactions to reach $22.7b in 2024

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SINGAPORE: Analysts at UnaFinancial predict impressive growth in the electronic money sector, with transactions reaching $246.3 billion by 2024 in Southeast Asia. In particular, Singapore e-money transactions are projected to reach $22.7 billion in 2024, making a significant contribution. This growth is attributed to several key factors, including the increasing popularity of e-wallets, QR codes and the rising levels of digitalization in the region.

The study, conducted by UnaFinancial, focused on electronic money transactions, including payments and transfers via QR codes, electronic wallets, and non-bank payment systems. The analysis includes several Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Trends in Southeast Asia’s e-money market

Since the start of 2018, the electronic money market in Southeast Asia has experienced consistent monthly growth, averaging a 2% increase.

In 2022, the market’s estimated worth had reached $187 billion.

  • Indonesia accounted for the largest share at $72.1 billion
  • Thailand at $29.1 billion
  • Philippines at $28.5 billion
  • Vietnam at $20.5 billion
  • Malaysia at $19.5 billion
  • Singapore at $17.2 billion
SE Asia e-money 2022
Photo: Statista

However, Singapore boasted the highest volume of electronic money per capita at $2,867, significantly surpassing Malaysia’s $567, Thailand’s $405, Indonesia’s $259, the Philippines’ $242, and Vietnam’s $207.

Singapore also stands out for having the lowest ratio of cash to electronic money, with electronic money surpassing the volume of cash by the end of 2022. In contrast, the rest of Southeast Asia had cash volumes exceeding electronic money by 18 times in December 2022, though this trend has been declining. In early 2018, cash outpaced e-money by 34 times in the region.

The circulation of non-cash dollars in Southeast Asia remains relatively low, with just four out of every 1,000 non-cash dollars in circulation. This may seem surprising given the upward trend in electronic payments, but the sheer volume of non-cash money supply can explain it.

Over time, however, e-money has been gaining ground. From the beginning of 2018 to the close of 2022, the share of electronic money in the total volume of non-cash funds grew threefold in Thailand and Singapore and 2.5 times in Indonesia.

What’s next?

UnaFinancial’s analysts expect the electronic money sector in Southeast Asia to continue its upward trajectory, reaching $213.3 billion in 2023 and climbing to $246.3 billion in 2024.

In Singapore, the market is expected to expand to $19.7 billion in 2023 and further to $22.7 billion in 2024. Singapore will maintain its lead in e-money per capita, reaching an impressive $3,783.

e-money transactions per capita
Photo: UnaFinancial

Several factors contribute to this growth. The rising popularity of e-wallets in Singapore is a significant driver. Additionally, central banks in many countries are committed to accelerating the transition from cash to online transactions by introducing national QR code systems. Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore have also entered agreements to enhance cross-border payments.

Southeast Asia presents tremendous potential for the development of the e-money market. The region boasts high levels of digitalization, with approximately 75% internet penetration and a 76% smartphone adoption rate, facilitating widespread online access to financial services.

Singapore leads the way in terms of digitalization, with a significant share of fintech users (73%) and high levels of smartphone (94%) and internet penetration (91%).

These factors contribute to high volumes of digital transactions per capita and create a conducive environment for the growth of the electronic money market in the country.

About UnaFinancial

UnaFinancial is a group of companies that develop user-friendly digital financial solutions in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. They leverage AI-based, machine learning, and data-driven technologies and processes, providing precise and comprehensive risk management, convenience, and speed for their customers. In 2022, the group earned $139.1 million in revenues, with net profits increasing significantly to $13.1 million as of Dec 31, 2022.

SG Red Cross: Give blood near your home

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SINGAPORE: The Singapore Red Cross has called upon the community to step forward and donate blood as they prepare for two upcoming community drives aimed at bolstering the local blood supply. In a recent Facebook post, the organisation extended their gratitude to the public and urged them to be patient as they work diligently to meet the increasing demand for blood donations as part of the SG Red Cross Give Blood Near Your Home program.

To make the donation process as convenient as possible, the Singapore Red Cross has announced two community drives scheduled for the upcoming weekend, welcoming potential donors from various regions of Singapore. The first community drive will take place in the eastern part of the city on Saturday, Oct 28, at the Tzu Chi Foundation’s premises, located at Level 1, 9 Elias Road, Singapore, 519937. The event is set to commence at 9am and run until 2pm.

The second opportunity to donate blood will be in the western region, specifically at the Taman Jurong Community Club on Sunday, Oct 29. Those interested in contributing can visit Level 3, Banyan Room (308-310) at 1 Yung Sheng Road, Singapore 618495, between 10am and 4pm.

The Singapore Red Cross has encouraged potential donors to make appointments for these community drives to facilitate the donation process and manage the flow of volunteers. The organisation has provided a dedicated hotline for scheduling appointments: “Call us at 6220 0183 to make an appointment for community drives near you.”

The Singapore Red Cross actively promotes its blood donation campaign through hashtags #GiveBloodSaveLivesSG and #SGUnited. These community drives are integral to the Singapore Red Cross’s ongoing mission to maintain an adequate and sustainable blood supply.

As Singaporeans prepare for the weekend, the call to donate blood by the Singapore Red Cross remains a call to action for the community. By coming forward to donate blood, community members can play an active role in saving lives and contributing to Singaporean’s overall well-being.

Man making S$25K/month wants to split all expenses equally with partner earning S$5K

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SINGAPORE: A woman earning about S$5,000 a month took to social media asking for advice because her future husband wanted to split all expenses equally.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers, the woman wrote that her partner made S$25,000 monthly. In her post, she asked: “If I make 5k/month and my partner makes 25k/month, would it be fair to split all expenses 50-50?” The woman explained that they were planning to get married the year after, and they had many large expenses coming up, such as the wedding, home renovations, honeymoon, car and children. She said that her partner insisted that they split everything equally, but she disagreed and was looking to gain some perspective.

Netizens who commented on the post told her to rethink her relationship.

One said: “If is hubby earning 25k I would honestly expect hubby to pay everything. Wife can pay some meals when dinning out and contribute in her way. If wife is earning 25k I would expect the wife to be understanding and have things example utilities bill or mgmt fee, meaning a proportion for hubby to pay so its fair.

The hubby is at least contributing minimum 35% of his income to the family? Or have hubby give 50% of his earning and wife pay for everything else. Subsequently increase responsibility upon him increasing his salary over years.What the wife should be looking at is the responsibility of the hubby not the earning. It depends on what are his fix expense and etc if hubby is the one earning lower.

A relationship if need to talk about money do it before marriage. Set and align expectation. If RS is gonna be tiring and calculative before marriage then actually is a signal not to continue. Because in marriage everything is money”.

Earlier this year, another woman took to social media after calculating how much it would take to start a family. In an anonymous post to popular confessions page SGWhispers, the woman said that she deserved better than her current partner. “There’s this guy I met online. He’s my age and he cooks steak and shares my faith.I mean the only reason I hold on is because I feel like he’s nice, shares my faith and my wishes and taste. Plus he can cook and clean”, she wrote.

However, the woman added that the man did not give her security or assurance when it came to the topic of cheating. “He’d give me that giggle like he’s hiding something. Weird”, she wrote. She also added that her friend told her that all married men cheat behind their wives’ backs. Because of this, the woman was hesitant to marry but said she did not want to be alone either. “I calculated that it would take $20k to start a family of 2 kids. I feel that somehow, I deserve a better guy. I earn more than my current partner. I earn close to $10k. I can cook, I clean, I can grow plants too”, she wrote, asking netizens if she deserved better in a partner. /TISG

Maid tells her employer she can’t look after pets, but employer gets 3 pets anyway

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SINGAPORE: A foreign domestic helper took to social media asking for advice after her employer decided to get three pets despite her saying that she was not keen on looking after them. In a post to a support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the woman wrote: “… How will you react when your employer is buying pets one after another, despite saying during interview that you are not keen to look after pets and employer said, they don’t have plans of getting any”.

She explained that during her interview for the job with her employer, she expressed that she did not want to take care of pets. However, a month after she started working for her employer, the latter proceeded to buy a dog, a hamster and a cat. The maid added that she would often have to forgo her usual day off to look after the pets. “But just 1 month after joining in, employer bought a dog, then a hamster then a cat. Because of the pets, helper need to forgo her usual day off n can only take time off when family are away. Otherwise, the house will be a mess when the pets are left too long”, the maid wrote in her post.

She asked others in the group for advice on whether she should leave or stay and take the situation as part of the job. Some helpers who commented said that it was a no for them. Others said that she should be a bit flexible but should not give up her days off.

One wrote: “I think taking care of pets isn’t the issue, it is the forgoing of the day off that is unacceptable. How can it be that having some pets prevents the helper from taking a day off? It makes no sense. Family circumstances change. One of my helpers joined when we had one child and by the time she left we had three”.

Another voiced similar sentiments: “I think it’s fair that you try to cope and be flexi with the additional job scope. It depends on how much you dislike the role of care giving towards pets. Just like at work, our boss will give additional task as we progress in our role. If it’s bearable and within limits i would give it a try. Hope you manage to find your answer. Most importantly, you do not dread doing it. Otherwise, give advance notice and move on”. /TISG

NEA to discontinue daily haze advisory

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SINGAPORE: On Tuesday, Oct 24, NEA announced that they will discontinue the daily haze advisory due to improved conditions and a low likelihood of transboundary haze affecting Singapore for the remainder of 2023. This decision follows an update from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) that lowered the haze alert level from Level 2 to Level 1 for the southern Southeast Asia region.

Over the past week, Singapore and the surrounding region have experienced showers, while hotspot counts over Sumatra have remained low and stable. This has resulted in no significant transboundary haze affecting Singapore in recent times.

The region’s weather outlook for the coming weeks also looks promising as Singapore transitions into the inter-monsoon season from the end of October. This transition is expected to bring increased rainfall, accompanied by light and variable winds throughout November and December. Consequently, the likelihood of transboundary haze affecting Singapore is minimal for the rest of the year.

On their Facebook page, NEA shared, “We expect more rainfall to the region with light and variable winds in Nov and Dec.”

As NEA stated, “With the improved conditions and low risk of haze, the National Environment Agency will cease the daily haze advisory from today. We will, however, continue to closely monitor the situation and will resume daily advisories if necessary.”
NEA emphasized the importance of staying informed through their various platforms. Singaporeans can find updates and information through various NEA platforms, including the haze microsite, NEA website, MSS website, mobile app myENV, and NEA’s social media channels on Facebook and Twitter(@NEAsg). Information on the distribution of hotspots detected over the past fortnight in the region can be found on the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website.

Public Service Division: New round of personnel redeployments for permanent secretaries

SINGAPORE: The Public Service Division (PSD) has revealed a series of personnel redeployments for permanent secretaries that will take effect in the coming months.

Several high-ranking officials will see changes in their roles and responsibilities from Jan 1, 2024.

Mr Jeffrey Siow Chen Siang, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Enterprise Singapore, will take on a new role as Second Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Manpower.

Mr Siow, 45, has an extensive background in public service, with previous appointments at various government ministries, including the Ministry of Manpower, Public Service Division, Civil Service College, Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Transport. Notably, he served as the Principal Private Secretary to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong from 2017 to 2021.

Ms Teoh Zsin Woon will assume the role of Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. She will continue concurrently as Permanent Secretary (Development) at the Public Service Division.

Ms Teoh, 49, has had a diverse career in public service, including positions at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Manpower, the Workforce Development Agency, and the Ministry of National Development. She served as Deputy Secretary (Development) at the Ministry of Health in 2013 and, more recently, as Second Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Development and the Public Service Division.

Ms Tan Gee Keow will relinquish her position as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. However, she will continue to serve as Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Division.

Ms Tan, 48, has held roles in various government ministries, such as the Ministry of Finance, Public Service Division, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Education. She was appointed as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth in 2018 and later as Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Division in October 2023.

Former Chief of Defence Force, Mr Melvyn Ong Su Kiat, the current Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) at the Ministry of Defence, will be concurrently appointed as Permanent Secretary (Development) at the Ministry of National Development.

Mr Ong, 48, has a distinguished career with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and has held significant command and staff positions. Aside from his role as CDF, he has been seconded to the Civil Service as Deputy Chief Executive of the Early Childhood Development Agency, Ministry of Social and Family Development, between 2013 and 2014.

Mr Chng Kai Fong, the current Permanent Secretary (Development) at the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and Permanent Secretary (Development) (Cybersecurity) at the Prime Minister’s Office, will undergo a redesignation.

Starting from Nov 1, 2023, he will become Permanent Secretary (Information and Development) at MCI while retaining his role as Permanent Secretary (Development) (Cybersecurity) in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Mr Chng, 44, has served in various government departments and was previously Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. He was Managing Director of the Economic Development Board in 2017 and took on roles within the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) and MCI in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

The reshuffle is expected to enhance the public service’s efficiency and capabilities in delivering essential services to the nation.

HDB to invite 8.6K residents to share about their needs & aspirations

SINGAPORE: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore has launched the Sample Household Survey (SHS) 2023/24, a study to gather feedback from residents about their public housing experience and evolving needs.

About 8,600 households and single occupiers residing in HDB towns and estates across the island will be invited to participate in the survey, which will run from October 2023 to April 2024.

The SHS, conducted every five years since 1968, has provided valuable insights into housing preferences and satisfaction levels of Singaporean residents. The latest SHS, the 12th iteration, will introduce three main focus areas: household and singles needs and aspirations, social well-being, and physical living environment.

The SHS 2023/24 aims to gather views from a diverse range of HDB residents, including families, single homeowners, elderly citizens, and rental households. A key highlight of this year’s survey is the inclusion of singles, specifically those aged between 21 and 54, residing in HDB flats but not owning one. This survey will explore their views on marriage, housing needs and aspirations, sense of belonging, and outlook on life.

The survey also promises to thoroughly examine the well-being of HDB residents on personal, family, and community levels, focusing on both physical and mental well-being.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, SHS 2023/24 is expected to be instrumental in understanding the concept of community resilience and how physical and social infrastructure can support communities in bouncing back from shocks and stresses.

The quality of the physical living environment is crucial in influencing housing aspirations and determining residents’ mobility for work, leisure, and education. This section of the survey will evaluate residents’ satisfaction with the various facilities available within their HDB estates and their housing preferences and aspirations.

Notification letters will be sent out in batches to HDB residents, inviting them to participate in the survey. The survey can be conducted face-to-face or online, ensuring maximum accessibility to residents.

To conduct the surveys, HDB has commissioned an external vendor, Media Research Consultants (MRC) Pte Ltd, whose representatives will carry their company’s identity pass and HDB’s Authorisation Letter during their fieldwork. Residents invited to participate in the survey are encouraged to actively share their views, ultimately playing a crucial role in shaping their home and community.

The results for SHS 2023/24 are expected to be available in 2025, offering valuable insights into the evolving housing needs and well-being of Singapore’s residents.