SINGAPORE: Looking for a home is not an easy decision nor a quick investment. One Reddit user with the same dilemma asked: “Anything to take note of before applying for BTO?”
With more questions in mind, he added: “We do want to upgrade to private condo in the future or even hold 1 private and 1 hdb if that’s even possible. Not sure if there’s any planning to take into consideration or anything to look out for? Also should we go with 3/4/5room? Would appreciate if anyone who has walk through this path to share your experience or learnings.”
Redditors gave their take on what’s the best thing to do. One said, “Try to BTO with the lower income spouse as owner if you can.”
Another added a more detailed take on the matter: “Just calculate one person income can take enough loan + CPF. Most likely need cash also(if mature estate), u willing to pay a portion with cash? If okay then go ahead. I think ultimately need see both of your income. If y’all doing well I think not an issue no need to worry about finances.”
Another asked: “Are you BTOing as a single (i.e. you’ve turned 35) or with your partner?”
So, if you’re considering applying for a BTO in Singapore, here’s a straightforward breakdown of what you must do.
Before Applying for BTO
Before anything else, you first need to know if you’re eligible.
1. Check Eligibility
To apply for an HDB BTO flat, you must be a citizen or a PR.
You can apply with family members or a fiancé(e).
There are income ceilings depending on the flat type.
You must not own any other property.
2. Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter
Apply for the HFE Letter on the HDB Flat Portal.
It confirms your eligibility and loan options.
It’s valid for six months.
3. Monitor Sales Launches
Regularly check the HDB website for upcoming BTO launches.
Sign up for eAlerts for notifications.
4. Ballot for Your BTO
Pay $10 to participate in the BTO application.
Results are usually known in 2 months.
5. Secure Financing
Decide between an HDB loan or a bank loan.
Get loan approval in principle (AIP).
6. Select Your BTO Flat
Choose a unit based on your queue number.
Pay an option fee (amount varies by flat type).
Apply for CPF housing grants.
7. Sign the Lease Agreement and Pay the Downpayment
Sign the lease agreement at HDB Hub.
Pay a downpayment based on loan type.
Legal fees and stamp duties are involved.
8. Collect Keys
Receive a notification to collect your keys.
Pay the remaining amount (CPF savings or cash).
Additional fees include survey fees, registration fees, and insurance.
9. Handling Agreement Of Lease Remotely
You can appoint someone with an HDB Power of Attorney if you can’t be present for the agreement process.
Bonus Tips!
Review the specific income ceilings for each flat type and plan your application accordingly.
Start the HFE Letter application early to ensure you have enough time for other steps.
Research the locations and features of upcoming projects to align with your preferences.
Be flexible with your unit choices to increase your chances of success.
Compare interest rates and terms between HDB and bank loans so you can choose the best option.
Consider factors like accessibility to amenities, public transportation, and future development plans when choosing your unit.
Review all legal documents carefully and seek professional advice if needed.
Prepare a checklist to make sure you fulfil all payment and documentation requirements.
Nominate a trusted representative well in advance and provide clear instructions for handling important tasks.
Check the HDB website and follow the official guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
SINGAPORE: In a world where personal beliefs and family dynamics often intersect, one Reddit user finds himself in a challenging situation. He asked: “What to do if my gf’s mother is super religious?”
In this Reddit post, the netizen shared, “So my gf’s family isn’t very well off, lately there’s been a lot of problems such as family and financial issues. The more dire things get, the more my gf’s mom wants to leave things to God. My gf did not want to follow Christianity and is suffering from mental issues such as PTSD. At first her mom was ok with just waiting after I convinced her that if my gf needs god, she will pursue it without needing to be convinced.”
He went on to explain: “But recently with things getting worse, my gf’s mom seems to want to have God solve everything. She started telling my gf how she doesn’t need therapy and medicine as long as she starts going to church again and pray and whether my gf needs help, she’s somehow being religion into the scenario.”
Recognizing the potential compromise, he shared his concern saying, “I know that if this continues, my gf relationship with her mom would be very strained, I’ve tried telling her mom how her daughter needs help from her and not from God but she seems to basically having given up, just saying she doesn’t want to talk about it and leave it to God. I don’t want my gf to hate her mom but it feels like I can’t talk reason with her mom.”
One user asked, “How old is your gf? Can’t she get treatment without her mum’s consent?” and added, “I don’t think most Christians / religion advocates that faith means only praying and not taking the necessary medication. God helps those who help themselves.”
Another shared some comforting words, saying, “Don’t worry, she’s still getting treatment, I’m just worried that her mom won’t change and things get worse.”
Yet another advised about standing your ground as an adult: “As I said, this is her problem, not yours. When I made decisions my parents were unhappy about, I stood my ground because there was nothing wrong with what I was doing, and they shouldn’t be meddling with my private affairs as an adult.”
To which the netizen who posted the topic answered: “for me I love her enough that I want to share these burdens, I don’t agree that since this is relating to her family, I should just close my eyes when I see her clearly struggling and not sure what to do. It might be the easy way out but it’s not the right way.”
One netizen suggested trying to understand the girlfriend’s mother’s perspective: “if she has a specific church, try talking to the pastor or volunteers that she needs actual help.”
Another advised to break up: “Want the real answer? Break up”
One more chimed in and said, “I find commenters who offer a convenient “just break up” advice irresponsible. As if one hasn’t already have that option. The reason they ask for help is because they want to overcome the problem. They are asking for solutions.”
“Is breaking up really the answer?” an online user asked while adding, “I’d like to think having a partner is because you share a reasonablly significant amount of the same world view… That means having someone in your camp and supporting you and serving as a sounding board and hopefully validation for your thoughts and decisions.”
Having conversations about these issues can be a step toward resolution and understanding. When it comes to relationships, compassion bridges divides.
Dogs, our furry companions, have a unique perspective on the world, and it’s not just because they wag their tails instead of shaking hands. These four-legged friends perceive colours and the world through a visual system that’s fundamentally different from our own.
While dogs can’t be considered true colour enthusiasts like us, they are far from seeing everything in black and white, as some may believe. Dr Emily Blackwell, a lecturer in companion animal behaviour and welfare at the University of Bristol, clarifies that dogs have a limited but distinct ability to perceive colours. “Dogs do have some colour vision. They see similar to people that are red-green colour-blind,” explains Dr Blackwell.
A world without colours?
Furthermore, dogs have roughly 4.8 million fewer photoreceptors in their retinas than humans, with only about 3% of their retinal cells being cones, as opposed to the 5% in humans. In essence, dogs see a more limited range of the colour spectrum than we do.
But there’s an intriguing twist in this tale of canine vision: dogs can perceive ultraviolet light. Dogs’ night vision is second to none, thanks to the abundance of rods in their retinas, enabling them to detect movement in low light conditions.
Doggy eyes can outperform ours
While you may perceive dogs as having a less detailed and somewhat blurry visual experience compared to ours, there is an aspect where their vision outperforms ours — their exceptional ability to detect motion. This advantage stems from something known as the critical flicker fusion rate.
To illustrate how doggy eyes can outperform ours, picture a light that flickers at an increasing rate. When the light flickers around 60 times per second, humans perceive it as a continuous and steady light source. However, according to a 1989 study in Physiology and Behavior, the light must flicker approximately 75 times per second for dogs to be similarly deceived.
In a dog’s eyes, the colours we see may look different to them. However, their remarkable capability to detect motion likely equips them to identify moving objects, such as prey, with much greater speed and precision than humans.
Narcissists have a ridiculous sense of grandiosity, lack empathy and possess many narcissistic traits. The people they look for are often highly empathetic and have attributes like beauty, wealth or status.
“Narcissists need narcissistic supply, meaning attention, validation, and recognition from other people to fuel their grandiose sense of self. That means narcissists will naturally be drawn to people who are highly agreeable, who go with the flow, want to keep the peace, don’t like conflict,” says Chelsey Cole, psychotherapist and author of “If Only I’d Known: How to Outsmart Narcissists, Set Guilt-Free Boundaries and Create Unshakeable Self-Worth.”
Understanding the Narcissist
Cole says the danger is that nice people who always seem to go with the flow, are highly agreeable, want to keep the peace and don’t like conflict are the biggest targets for this toxic category of people.
They go after people who see the best in others and tend to overthink, are easily guilt-tripped, second guess themselves and have a compassionate heart. This means empaths or empathic people are the biggest targets as they show their vulnerability too quickly.
Psychotherapist and author of Healing From Toxic Relationships: 10 Essential Steps to Recover from Gaslighting, Narcissism and Emotional Abuse, Stephanie Sarkis, says that narcissists get empaths to open up to them by sharing their own bad experiences, which often makes the empaths establish a kinship with them.
“Humans do social reciprocity. When you’re an empathic person, we tend to respond in kind, because this person just shared this stuff with us, so we are more likely to share our stuff when it’s too early to do that. Keep in mind: People earn our vulnerability,” says Sarkis.
Characteristics of Narcissists
Narcissists crave admiration, seeking people who can feed their ego. According to Chelsey Cole, a psychotherapist, narcissists usually target individuals who:
Are agreeable and avoid conflict.
See the good in others.
Tend to overthink and second guess themselves.
Are easily manipulated by guilt.
Possess a compassionate nature.
Empaths, or those who are highly sensitive to others’ emotions and feelings, often become prime targets because they show their vulnerable side too quickly.
Why Empaths Become Targets
Empaths, with their deep sense of compassion, often become the primary targets of narcissists. Chelsey Cole, a psychotherapist, explains that narcissists seek out individuals who go the extra mile to maintain peace and avoid conflict.
Stephanie Sarkis, another expert, adds that empaths often share personal experiences too soon. Narcissists might divulge personal hardships, making empaths feel a connection. Empaths, in return, may share more than they should, thinking they’ve found a kindred spirit.
How to Protect Yourself from Narcissists
If you find that you have the qualities mentioned above, it’s essential to be cautious. While it’s great to be kind and compassionate, remember:
Take Your Time: Before sharing personal experiences or feelings, take time to know the person and evaluate if they’ve earned your trust.
Listen to Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore your instincts.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no. Protecting yourself should be a priority, even if it means not being agreeable all the time.
Seek Professional Guidance: If you find yourself repeatedly attracted to or involved with narcissists, consider therapy to explore the reasons and build strategies for healthier relationships.
Conclusion
Being kind and caring is a strength. But, it’s essential to know how to protect yourself from those who might take advantage of these qualities. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and set boundaries to ensure healthy relationships.
The popular iPhone 12 model has been banned in France after several years of being sold worldwide. The phone appears to emit higher radioactive emissions than is allowed for consumer goods.
According to Macrumors, France’s regulatory body, ANFR, will evaluate the impact of Apple’s software update on the electromagnetic emissions from its devices. If the update effectively aligns the emissions with European standards in France, the order to withdraw the model from the market will be lifted.
However, France recently directed Apple to cease iPhone 12 sales and rectify existing devices to comply with electromagnetic radiation regulations. This increase in emissions, linked to Apple’s software updates and not present at the iPhone 12 launch in 2020, prompted the action. While radiation levels exceeded standards, they were deemed safe for use by consumers.
In response, Apple instructed its support staff to avoid volunteering information and reassure concerned customers about rigorous product safety testing.
iPhone 12 banned in France, customers concerned
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: France banned the iPhone 12!🚨
The ANFR (French National Frequency Agency)’s tests found that the iPhone 12 emits 5.74 watts per kg of radiation (Anything above 4.0 is illegal)😳
The French government has ordered Apple to fix the issue or recall these devices! pic.twitter.com/vQu8wjbFO6
The coverage regarding the phone’s radioactivity is apparently limited to the iPhone 12. Users state that the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 pro and iPhone 12 pro max lineups are not affected by this. However, the standard baseline model is arguably the most popular option, as it is for every subsequent iPhone released after that.
Some users say this is no longer breaking news as the issue has already been known for a few days. Despite this, many complain that the tech community isn’t talking about this problem enough. The device could be dangerous, but others state that Apple will release a software update to rectify the issue.
Barely anyone is talking about it in the tech community
One netizen expressed that it is rather peculiar that this information is only out three years after the phone was released. However, X users state that this is in lieu of Apple’s latest software update. One of the probable reasons is that it might emit stronger radioactive waves when the signal is low.
this has been occurring only since the last OS update
If you’re ready to jump on the credit card bandwagon but unsure where to begin, don’t worry. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when deciding if a credit card makes sense for you as a consumer and which would be the perfect fit for you.
As it might seem impossible to compare every single credit card on the market, we have put together a series of questions that can guide you along your decision-making process.
Source: Unsplash
1. Why Do You Need A Credit Card?
First and foremost, you should consider why you need a credit card and how it will help you meet your financial goals.
There are a multitude of reasons why people find credit cards useful. When managed well, a credit card allows you to build your credit score by demonstrating your ability to make prompt payments every month. This can be useful in the future if you are looking to get a mortgage, as the bank will already have a record of your payment history.
Others find credit cards useful as they allow you to earn rewards, miles and cashback on your spending, potentially saving you money in the long run. Getting the most out of a credit card is all about finding the right rewards, miles or cashback programme for your spending and lifestyle. Whether you prefer to redeem your favourite electronic gadget with reward points, cash in miles for flight tickets or simply enjoy cashback on your daily spend, finding the right credit card for you can translate to thousands of dollars of savings across your lifetime.
Source: Unsplash
2. Are You Disciplined In Paying Your Bills?
This might be the single most important question when applying for a credit card. You have to assess your financial discipline and ability to handle the responsibility of having a credit card without accruing debt.
Credit cards have one of the highest interest rates among consumer products. If you are someone who already has tight control of your finances, this should not pose a problem. Be sure you make use of the tools at your disposal, like GIRO payments, to automate your bills such that you will not forget your monthly credit card bill.
Source: Pexels
3. What is Your Profile As A User?
Now that you have considered the fundamentals of owning a credit card, you’ll want to think about what type of credit card best suits your needs and lifestyle.
The most suitable credit card for you will depend on what type of benefits you prioritise. The two main categories of rewards that most credit cards offer are miles or cashback. Which one would best suit your needs also depends on what categories you primarily spend on each month.
Let’s look at some common profiles to illustrate what you should be looking out for when shopping around for the best credit card for yourself.
Unsplash
The Avid World Explorer
If you are someone who goes on multiple vacations a year, chances are you’re shelling out a decent amount annually on flight tickets. You’ll want to look for a miles credit card that earns rewards on these transactions, as flight tickets are a great way to rack up upsized rewards, and the miles you earn can go a long way in subsidising your holidays.
For avid travellers, the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card is a must-have for you and your lifestyle.
With the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card, you get to earn up to 3 miles per S$1 spend on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KrisShop, Kris+ purchases and
your everyday spend. This means that an avid traveller can easily rack up 18,000 KrisFlyer miles, which is more than enough for a pair of return tickets to Bali on Economy Class1, with just S$6,000 spend on flights with Singapore Airlines and Scoot! You can accelerate your miles even further by making payments on the Kris+ app with your KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card via Apple Pay or Google Pay when shopping and dining at your favourite Kris+ merchants such as Bacha Coffee, Harvey Norman, Paris Baguette and more. Doing so will earn you up to an additional 9 miles per S$1 spend, on top of the existing 3 miles per S$1 spend. That adds up to a whopping total of up to 12 miles per S$1 spend!2
It’s good to note that a minimum annual spend of just S$800 on Singapore Airlines, Scoot and KriShop will allow you to upsize the miles you can accumulate. The miles you’ll accumulate from your everyday spending (dining, food delivery, online shopping, online travel and transport spend) gets bumped up from 1.2 miles per S$1 spend to 3 miles per S$1 spend. If you often book flights for you and a partner or your family, this minimum S$800 annual spend is an achievable hurdle.
As if that’s not enticing enough, with the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card, you’ll get to enjoy special travel-related benefits when you fly with Scoot. This includes additional baggage allowance, standard seat selection, priority check-in and boarding and a booking flexibility waiver. Plus, you’ll also be able to take advantage of perks such as S$15 off ChangiWifi, Grab rides to or from Singapore Changi Airport and more.
The KrisFlyer miles are credited to your KrisFlyer membership account directly, every month, which means there’s no need to pay for conversion fees when you spend on your KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card.
By accumulating KrisFlyer miles every month through spending on regular day-to-day activities, you’ll be able to redeem flights with your accumulated miles in no time. It’s easy to see why the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card is so attractive for globetrotters and avid shoppers alike.
Source: Unsplash
The Trend-Setting Fashionista
Are you someone who is always up-to-date on all things fashion and beauty? Maintaining a wardrobe to die for is already a full-time job, so you probably don’t want to have to worry about keeping track of your credit card rewards as well. You’ll want a credit card that has flexible, easy-to-understand rewards that allow you to make the most of your shopping.
As someone who spends a large amount of your monthly budget on shopping both online and off, you’ll also want to find a credit card that rewards retail spending. A cashback credit card is, therefore, more suitable as it would be able to effectively let you earn while you shop through the cashback accumulated.
In that case, a credit card like the UOB EVOL Credit Card could be a good choice for you. The UOB EVOL Credit Card gives 8% cashback on both online and mobile contactless payments. Mobile contactless payment refers to all in-store contactless spending done via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Fitbit Pay which accepts the UOB EVOL Credit Card.
This means that you are able to earn cashback on all your shopping from your online Taobao shopping sprees to your in-store mobile contactless Sephora hauls. You can even earn cashback on your brunch with the girls after going shopping, as the UOB EVOL Credit Card allows you to earn cashback on all mobile contactless spending whether you eat, drink, shop or play!
Source: Unsplash
The Adventurous Home Chef
Do you have an insatiable appetite for culinary exploration and love to try diverse flavours, not only while dining out but also at home? Foodies everywhere know how expensive it can get buying top-grade ingredients to experiment with different flavours at home. If you are a budding home chef, you are likely to spend a large portion of your weekly budget on food and prioritise cashback rewards over miles to help offset your grocery bill.
Look no further than the UOB One Credit Card. With the ability to earn cashback of up to a whopping 15% on your daily spend including groceries and food delivery, it is truly a must-have in every foodie’s wallet.
The UOB One Credit Card allows you to earn a quarterly cashback of up to 3.33% on all your retail spending, including dining out. For the home chefs, the UOB One Credit Card also offers an additional cashback of 5%–6.67% at the DFI Retail Group including supermarkets like Giant, Cold Storage, CS Fresh and Jason’s Deli.
That’s not all! For new-to-UOB credit cardmembers who apply for a new UOB One Credit Card between 1 Jul and 31 Dec 2023, you’ll be eligible for an enhanced cashback of another 5%–6.67% on top of all the cashback you are already receiving, bringing the total cashback up to 15%.
We all know that with the inflation that we are currently experiencing, weekly food shops and daily essentials can easily be upwards of S$100. The high cashback that UOB One Credit Card offers presents significant savings for everyone, particularly for those who love to cook and are able to take advantage of the additional 5%–6.67% cashback at supermarkets.
Source: Unsplash
4. What are the Annual Fees and Minimum Spend?
Last but not least, after considering all the different rewards and perks of various credit cards and which ones are the most suitable for you, you have to take note of any fees you may have to incur as well as the minimum spending you may have to meet to really maximise your rewards.
If you’re worried about annual fees eating into the savings your credit card provides you, make sure to keep an eye out for credit cards that offer an annual fee waiver.
The UOB EVOL Credit Card is a great example of such a card. You get to enjoy no annual fees as long as you make three transactions every month. This is a low and achievable hurdle that almost all consumers are able to meet, making it suitable for just about anyone looking to get a credit card – even if you are a first jobber!
Other cards like the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card and the UOB One Credit Card offer a first-year annual fee waiver. Being able to save on any annual fees is definitely a perk worth looking out for to maximise your returns on your credit card spend.
As for minimum spending requirements, all three UOB cards have reasonable minimum spending criteria. As previously mentioned, the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card has a minimum S$800 annual spend on Singapore Airlines, Scoot and KrisShop purchases in order to be eligible for the accelerated rewards of up to 3 miles per S$1 spend on dining, food delivery, online shopping, online travel and transport. If you’re going through a travel lull, don’t fret — you will still be able to accumulate the minimum S$800 annual spend via KrisShop.
The UOB EVOL Credit Card has a minimum spend of S$600 a month and the UOB One Credit Card has a minimum spend of at least $500 a month on all spending to earn the prevailing cashback. Make sure to consider if you are able to meet these minimum spend requirements, or you may not be eligible for any cashback rewards. For the average adult spending in Singapore, these minimum spending requirements are once again fairly feasible.
Now that you have been armed with this checklist, your journey of finding your ideal credit card should be a little smoother. Once you have decided which credit card makes the most sense for your lifestyle and needs, make sure to take advantage of any sign-up promotions to truly get the most bang for your buck.
You’ll be eligible to receive S$350 cash credit if you are one of the first 200 new-to-UOB customers to apply for a UOB One Credit Card by 30 September 2023 or S$500 worth of Grab vouchers if you apply for a UOB EVOL Credit Card by 31 October 2023. For the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card, you’ll be able to earn up to 31,000 miles and a waiver of the first year’s annual fee if you apply by 30 September 2023.*
If you are interested in learning more about UOB Credit Cards, check out our round-up on the best UOB Credit Cards in 2023.
1Based on Singapore Airlines Saver Awards rates.
2Up to 9 miles per S$1 spend is awarded by Kris+, while 3 miles per S$1 spend is awarded by KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card.
*T&Cs apply for the above promotions and card privileges, visit the respective card pages to find out more
Humans aren’t the only ones feeling the heat. A groundbreaking study published in the journal Trends in Ecology & Evolution reveals that animals across the globe are undergoing significant evolutionary changes to cope with our warming planet.
Co-author Sara Ryding, a renowned bird researcher from Deakin University in Australia, emphasized, “The climate change that we have created is heaping a whole lot of pressure on them, and while some species will adapt, others will not.”
Climate change pressures animals?
This remarkable phenomenon is closely tied to a biological theory known as “Allen’s rule,” which posits that animals in warmer climates tend to develop longer limbs and appendages compared to their counterparts in cooler regions. This adaptation allows them to efficiently shed excess body heat, thus ensuring their survival.
As our planet’s temperature continues to rise due to climate change, creatures are evolving with larger ears, beaks, and legs, all aimed at aiding in the dissipation of surplus heat.
Sara Ryding explained, “Climate change is a complex phenomenon with many facets, making it challenging to pinpoint a singular cause for these shapeshifting adaptations.”
Birds, in particular, have been extensively affected by this evolutionary shift. Several species of Australian parrots have seen their beak sizes increase by percentages ranging from 4% to 10% since 1871. In North America, researchers have discovered a correlation between temperature fluctuations and bill size in dark-eyed juncos.
However, it’s not only avian creatures that are experiencing these changes. Scientists have also observed an increase in tail length among wood mice and masked shrews.
Animals shapeshift to survive
Ryding concludes, “Shapeshifting does not mean that animals are coping with climate change and that all is fine. It just means they are evolving to survive it. We’re not sure what the other ecological consequences of these changes are, or indeed if all species are capable of changing and surviving in this rapidly shifting world.”
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, and it’s a guarantee that challenges will arise along the way. From personal setbacks to professional obstacles, these challenges can seem like insurmountable barriers.
However, the most successful individuals understand that every challenge holds the potential to become their greatest asset.
Challenges as Opportunities
Rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of a difficult situation, focus on what you can gain from it. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? How can I use this experience to my advantage?” By shifting your perspective, you can uncover hidden opportunities within challenges.
Embrace a Growth Mindset – Instead of viewing challenges as roadblocks, see them as opportunities for growth and learning. A growth mindset allows you to approach problems with curiosity, resilience, and a belief that you can improve.
Learn from Failure – Never fear failure; use it as a valuable learning tool. When you fail, you gain insight into what doesn’t work, which can guide you toward better solutions. Some of the world’s most successful individuals have faced failure and used it to fuel their determination to succeed.
Develop Resilience – Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity stronger than before. When you encounter setbacks, focus on developing your resilience by maintaining a positive outlook, seeking support from others, and using setbacks to build mental and emotional strength.
Adapt and Innovate – Don’t resist change; embrace it as an opportunity to evolve and improve. Innovate your approach to problem-solving, experiment with new strategies, and be open to trying unconventional solutions. Some of the most significant breakthroughs have come from thinking outside the box.
Celebrate Your Achievements – As you navigate and conquer challenges, don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they seem. Recognizing your progress and accomplishments will reinforce your resilience and motivate you to confidently tackle future challenges.
Skill and a Way of Life
Turning challenges into your greatest assets is not just a skill; it’s a mindset and a way of life. So, the next time you encounter a hurdle, don’t just see it as an obstacle but as an opportunity for growth and greatness.
SINGAPORE: A woman sought advice online for getting her husband to do the tasks she’s asked him to, saying she hates it when her husband tells her to stop nagging him.
u/Ashamed-Tooth-9035 wrote on u/askSingapore on Sept 16 that she understands how her husband feels because she hated it when her parents used to nag her. “However.. if I don’t nag, he simply does not do what I’ve asked him to do,” she wrote, adding that she “99% of the mental load in maintaining (their) household,” which includes one child and her in-laws.
Despite being a working mum, she’s taken to doing the tasks she can handle herself. Like her, her husband has a demanding job but is also busy with hobbies after work and during weekends.
“And one more thing that annoys me to no end. Sometimes when I am nagging, my husband will respond “You do lah! You got job meh?” I just think this is very disrespectful, because I DO have a go***mn job even if I earn less than 20% of what he earns.”
Some commenters wrote that a monotasking system—wherein tasks are divided completely—works for them.
“Do only your part. Example, wash only your clothes & the kid’s. Leave his dirty with no clean underwear to wear. Or simply hire a helper,” wrote another.
“Time is precious, instead of nagging hit him in his wallet instead,” one advised.
A Reddit user had this to say: “One thing is for sure though, if you have kids, let him know he’s setting a bad example. If you both have a daughter, he’s showing her that this is how she can expect to be treated by her bf/husband next time when she’s older. And if you have a son, he’s showing his son that it is ok to dump all the responsibilities at home to the women – the wife, the mother, sister, helper, grandma. All the womenfolk. He’s showing his son that it’s ok to treat his future gf/wife this way.”
One male Reddit user said, “Tell him clearly what tasks you need him to do, and when you need him to do, e.g. can you sweep/mop the floor by 10, because xxx is coming to visit our house around 10.15.”
SINGAPORE: In the latest case of abuse against security officers, an 80-year-old was brutally assaulted for simply carrying out his duty and requesting someone he found sleeping on a public bench to move. The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by security personnel in the line of duty and has sparked outrage in the community.
According to the Union of Security Employees (USE), Officer Kwek Moh Chai was patrolling Bedok Central at 2am on Saturday (9 Sept) when he encountered a man sleeping on a public bench. Mr Kwek approached the man and informed him of the rules, requesting that he vacate the bench.
In response to Mr Kwek’s request, the man became aggressive and began yelling at the elderly security guard. Shockingly, the situation escalated as the man punched Mr Kwek in the face, causing him to lose his balance, fall and break his glasses.
Fortunately, two employees from a nearby restaurant witnessed the attack and immediately intervened. They subdued the assailant and promptly contacted the police, ensuring that the situation was brought under control.
Mr Kwek suffered visible injuries from the assault, including bruises and facial swelling. He was swiftly taken to a local hospital for medical treatment and was subsequently placed on medical leave as he recovered from his injuries.
USE has condemned the attack, emphasizing that security guards play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property. The union has called for swift legal action against individuals who assault security personnel while performing their duties.
Statistics provided by the union reveal an alarming 44 per cent increase in violent incidents against security personnel from January to August this year, signalling the need for continued efforts to protect these essential workers.
On its official USE Facebook page, it was revealed that USE’s General Secretary Raymond Chin, Aedge Services Director Blaise Ong and Mediation Services Supervisor Murugason S/O Muthusamy, visited Mr Kwek at his home on 12 Sept. They provided vouchers and support to the elderly security guard.
USE also reiterated the importance of its officers in maintaining public safety and highlighted the protections provided to them under the Private Security Industry Act, which was enhanced in May 2022 to offer increased safeguards. The union called for the assailant to be held accountable under the law and encouraged anyone with information about abuses of security officers to report incidents through their app or email.
