SINGAPORE: To share or not to share? That is the question.
In today’s animal sighting news, a monkey was seen paying a visit to people out for a picnic. However, after one of the individuals was seen on video offering the monkey a drink of water, some netizens called out the act, pointing out that feeding wild animals is illegal. Others, however, saw it as an act of kindness.
“Sharing is caring.” This was the caption of a video shared on the Singapore Incidents Facebook group on Monday (Aug 14). The 13-second clip featured a small group seemingly out for a picnic. A monkey was seen in their midst, seated very calmly beside them. Towards the end of the video, one of the individuals was seen walking towards the monkey before crouching to offer the animal a drink of water.
Netizens seemed to have a mixed response to the video. While some found it funny and cute, others called out the individual who offered the animal water. Still, others disagreed and saw the act as a show of kindness.
“So sweet of them,” said one, while another commented, “Heart of gold.”
“This is what we call ‘humanity’,” said a third.
On the other hand, some disagreed with the person’s actions, with one saying, “It is an offense to feed wild animals.”
However, one or two pointed out that monkeys are seen as sacred in some religions. “For most Hindus, they believe the monkey is the reincarnation of Hanuman,” said one, “And thus they believe in feeding or in this case giving water on a hot day as a form of gaining alms and also as an altruistic gesture to gain or earn more merits.”
What would you have done? Let us know in the comments section!
SINGAPORE: A man took to social media after his girlfriend decided to join his ‘Hair for Hope’ initiative and volunteer to shave her head, but he was more worried about their wedding photos.
In an anonymous post to popular confessions page SGWhispers, the man said that he had been in the company for six years as a Sales Engineer while his girlfriend was the Administrator of the same department. “We plan to hold a wedding in the middle of next year. Since I joined the company, I have actively participated in the company’s volunteer services (volunteer services), and then I also organize one or two event every year. Our boss also likes to do voluntary activities, and often calls on other employees to participate and support me”, he wrote.
“In end July this year, 5 close colleagues and I decided to hold a CCF “Hair for Hope” in the company to raise fund for children with cancer. Only the few of us decided to support by shaving our heads. There are also many colleagues who donate. But apart from the six of us, no one else shaves their heads. It’s not compulsory”, he wrote.
The man added that some female colleagues in the company started pushing his girlfriend to support the initiative. Due to their instigation, his girlfriend started seriously considering shaving her head as well. The man said that while her hair was not long, it was past her shoulders. He also added that they had planned to take wedding photos at the end of the year.
He continued: “Her Hair will not grow in time. I told her that there is no need to pay attention to the malicious instigation of others. These colleagues mentioned it to the boss, and suggested that we can be a role model for the sales department. Maybe a brochure with us as a bald couple. The boss thought it was good idea, and persuaded my girlfriend to her head as well”. While his girlfriend wanted to shave her head, the man asked netizens if he should stop her from shaving her head.
Here’s what others commented on the post:
Last month, a frustrated girlfriend took to social media after her boyfriend of over a year seemed to want to spend more time with his friends than with her.
In an anonymous post to popular confessions page SGWhispers, the girlfriend wrote that before their relationship was official, her boyfriend used to spend a lot of time with her, even until late at night or the wee hours of the morning even if he had work or school the next day. He also reduced his meetups with some of his friends. However, more than a year into the relationship, the girlfriend wrote that her boyfriend would often meet her after work and say he wanted to leave early because of work the next day.
SINGAPORE: Should Singapore encourage silence on trains? An online user recently shared a post regarding the matter, bringing up the issue of people who speak loudly and play music out loud on public transportation.
“Silence on trains.” A netizen took to an online news forum on Sunday (Aug 13) to talk about whether Singapore should take action to keep public transportation rides quieter.
“The number of people who talk really loudly on trains, or who play their music out loud got me thinking about whether we should – as we do with food and beverages – discourage conversations on trains,” the user wrote. “Or, as the Berliners do, have sections of the train designated as “quiet areas”. Is it just me being too petty maybe?”
A handful of Singaporeans responded to the post, sharing their two cents. While some advocated for “quiet cabins” to be set aside, others shared experiences with noisy people on trains.
“I think talking is fine,” said one. “I’m more annoyed with people blasting their video in public and 3/4 of the time its some old men. Really very annoying. Their parents never teach them what is manners.”
“Quiet cabins should be the default, said another. “Keep having people watching dramas, TikToks and whatnot at max volume in the train is very irritating…and worse are those who talk on their phones like the other side is deaf. Then there are those who speak to each other like they need to shout..and parents who let their children run around the train screaming. Some mindfulness would be good.”
SINGAPORE: A woman took to social media after being disappointed with her char kway teow, finding it deficient in quality despite being charged S$6 for it.
A Ms Rani Ma Chello wrote on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE page on Sunday (Aug 13) that the Thai fried kway teow she bought was “just like an Economy fried Kway teow.”
She posted a photo of the dish she received, which the netizen said she had bought the dish at Al Ahmed Delights restaurant at 291 Yishun Street 22.
“It was just like an Economy fried Kway teow. No chicken or seafood as requested but was charged $6. It only contained an egg and very little veg. Will not recommend this stall,” she wrote.
Netizens commenting on her post appeared to agree with her regarding the meal and its price.
One popular comment is, “All halal and Malay foods seem more expensive.”
Another added, “That is not looking like Thai fried kuay teow at all!!! Trust me!”
The Independent Singapore has reached out to Ms Rani for further comment or an update.
Kway teow is an iconic Malay stir-fried flat noodle dish. It’s comparable to the classic Pad Thai noodle dish but is more savoury, while the Thai dish is sweet and tangy.
For the sake of reference, this is what Thai fried kway teow usually looks like:
Photo from Burpple review at Nakhon Kitchen at Holland Village.
Always feel like you missed out on something just before leaving for your overseas trip? You are not alone. This is why we have pooled together a list of nine travel essentials you must never leave your home without.
9 Travel Essentials for Every Trip
Whether you are vacationing at regional Phuket or travelling across the world for a professional event, make sure to bring along these nine travel essentials if you want a stress-free experience abroad.
Source: Unsplash
Travel Insurance
Getting the best travel insurance before you travel out of Singapore is a sure way to travel hassle-free because it protects you from unexpected travel mishaps and delays that may cost you more than expected. If your personal belongings get stolen or you miss a flight because of third party negligence, a good travel insurance plan can help you reduce substantial travel costs and inconveniences.
For more information on the best travel insurance available in Singapore, check out what our Valuechampion travel insurance experts have to say. They have compared policies by regions and benefits to ensure you get the best coverage based on your travel preferences.
If you want to be a savvy traveller, you should always shortlist only one to two cards for travel spend. Select cards that offer exclusive benefits like the best foreign exchange rates or top rebates for overseas expenses because they will allow you to make the most of every dollar you spend on your trip.
For example, some of the best miles credit cards in Singapore can let you earn up to 10 miles per S$1 spend and even offer free airport transfers and free travel insurance. Not sure which is the best card? Our research team has analysed the best miles credit cards in the market to identify which provide the highest value. You may even try out the credit card RealValue calculator for an instant comparison of the cards in Singapore.
This category is the most important but also most neglected, without it, you may not even get through the Singapore custom. Be sure to research the travel documents required at the point of embarkation and disembarkation and prepare them prior to the date of departure.
Here are some common official documents that you may require:
Passport with at least six-month validity
Travel visa
Travel health certificate and vaccination certificate
Flight tickets
Proof of accommodation to travel
Source: Pexels
4. Packing Organisers/Cubes
There is no better way to pack for your trip than using packing organisers, also known as packing cubes. These zippered organisers come in all shapes and sizes, making it extremely convenient to categorise your luggage while compressing bulky travel items to reduce the volume for easy handling.
It is worth investing in these packing cubes since they are relatively cheap and help you pack smart. With these organisers, you can easily locate your items even while living out of your luggage.
5. Data Roaming Plan
The thought of getting disconnected from the digital world can be a scary thing for many. Having an adequate data roaming plan ensures you will always stay connected with friends, loved ones and work even while you are in a different country.
A data roaming plan is particularly important for accessing maps, navigation apps and translation tools. Not having a connection may disrupt your travel plan and sometimes leave you stranded if you are stuck in an unpleasant predicament in a foreign land.
Source: Pexels
6. Basic First Aid and Health Kit
First aid and health kit counts as one of the most important travel essentials for anyone travelling abroad. While it is true that having the best travel insurance in Singapore can protect you from unexpected medical conditions, a decent first aid and health kit can offer quick reliefs and prevent discomforts from becoming more serious. Having a first aid kit also allows you to administer immediate care before seeking professional medical help.
Source: Pexels
7. Tech Gadgets
You may be travelling to get away from the hustle and bustle of life but there are some gadgets that you just cannot leave home without. Here is a list of common technological items that most travellers need while on the road:
Mobile device and charger
Laptop, tablet, e-reader and charger
Headphones
Camera, memory card and charger
Electrical converters and universal plug adapter
Electronics organiser
8. Toiletries
Toiletries are essential travel items for maintaining personal hygiene and upkeeping health and wellness. But, more importantly, using familiar toiletry products can contribute to your overall comfort and sense of normalcy when you are in an unfamiliar environment.
When packing your toiletries, consider the duration of your trip, the climate and regulations of the destination. In case you do not know, some beach locales only allow entries for tourists who use biodegradable sunscreen while enforcing a ban on sunscreen products containing oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate.
Source: Pexels
9. Travel Apps – Location Guide, Maps and Translator
Using travel apps is one of the most efficient ways to enhance your travel experience and provide real-time assistance. Whether you need help for navigation, translation, budget tracking, currency conversion or on-site recommendations, there are countless travel apps that can help you discover hidden gems and authentic experiences that you may not find in tourist guides.
For example, Kakao and Naver are preferred navigation apps that you must have while travelling within South Korea. Google Translate is a helpful tool that allows you to type, talk and even take a picture of a foreign language for instant translation. Whichever app you choose to download for your next trip, just make sure it is from a trusted source. This will ensure your data and privacy are protected at all times.
Even if you are not planning to go on a trip in the immediate future, its always best to be prepared ahead of time. Check out our round up of the best miles credit cards so that you can start earning miles towards your next trip as soon as possible. If you’re holiday is right around the corner but you haven’t purchased any travel insurance yet, make sure to check out the best travel insurance promotions to find the best deals today.
The article originally appeared on ValueChampion.
• ValueChampion helps you find the most relevant information to optimise your personal finances. Like us on our Facebook page to keep up to date with our latest news and articles.
•
More From ValueChampion:
• What’s Inflating Your Travel Expenses in 2023?
SINGAPORE: The Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Wang Yi, came to Singapore last Thursday (Aug 10), and his visit was hosted by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.
A video of the two men greeting each other has made the rounds online, getting shared on TikTok and Instagram. It shows Mr Wang alighting from a vehicle and then Dr Balakrishnan coming to meet him with an arm outstretched to shake his hand and then embrace Mr Wang.
However, as soon as the hug ends, the Chinese Foreign Minister quickly removes his tie, ostensibly because he saw that his Singaporean counterpart was not wearing one. He then immediately and discreetly hands it to an aide.
In the video below, it can be seen that even before the embrace begins, Mr Wang already has a hand on the collar of his shirt, as if he wants to take his tie off.
And noticeably, in the background, another man, presumably one of Mr Wang’s colleagues, takes off his tie too.
TikTok screengrab/frontine_focus
This change in attire can be seen in a Facebook post from Dr Balakrishnan. In the first picture, as the two shake hands, Mr Wang’s tie is still on.
In the other two photos, all the men are tie-less.
In his post, Dr Balakrishnan called Mr Wang his good friend, adding that they “had a good dinner at the Botanic Gardens, and had a wide-ranging conversation on a variety of strategic issues. We discussed our mutual interest in furthering tourism and business flows, and air connectivity between China and Singapore.”
During his visit, the minister also met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. /TISG
SINGAPORE: A woman took to social media to complain when a stall would not cancel her order after waiting for a long time, and when she was finally served, she said the fish was “soft and raw.”
Facebook user Rossa Agnes wrote on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE on Saturday night (Aug 13) that the stall that had saved her the food should not be patronized.
She went on to say that while she had arrived first, another customer who arrived later had gotten served first.
Despite this, “the stall worker there do not seem apologetic or care.”
Ms Rossa claimed that the staff told her there had been orders for delivery from foodpanda, Grab, and others, which she called an excuse.
She wrote that the stall is located at 780 Woodlands Crescent.
“They don’t seem to cook my food when it was place on the first place, only when I want to cancel my order only they start to cook it,” Ms Rossa added.
Perhaps exasperated and ready to leave, Ms Rossa tried to have her order cancelled, but to no avail, as her payment was “already inside the ledger.”
She added, “What a horrible attitude, look at the food at the right side, it stinks, and the fish is soft and raw!!!”
In a photo she attached to the post, the fish did have the jelly-like texture that undercooked fish can have.
The dish looked unappetizing, and raw or undercooked fish may contain common food-poisoning bacteria, Salmonella, which can cause people to get quite ill, although some fish is served raw.
The meal cost her S$6.60 for takeaway.
Oddly enough, she tagged PAP MPs Ong Ye Kung and Poh Li San in her post.
The Independent Singapore has reached out to Ms Rossa for further update or comment. /TISG
SINGAPORE: By all accounts, The Workers’ Party’s National Day dinner this year was a big success. The crowd came out for the WP’s festivities at Hougang Neighbourhood Park on Saturday night (Aug 12).
Most of the WP MPs can be seen in the videos and photos of the event: Secretary-General and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, party chair Sylvia Lim, their fellow Aljunied GRC MP Gerald Giam, Assoc Prof Jamus Lim and Louis Chua from Sengkang GRC, as well as Hougang SMC MP Dennis Tan.
Here’s what went down at our National Day Dinner held at Hougang Neighbourhood Park last night! We hope to see you at our next event! 🤩🇸🇬💗 #wpsg#NDP2023#sg58#OnwardAsOneSG#singapore
Missing that night appear to be Sengkang MP He Ting Ru and WP vice chair Faisal Abdul Manap, who was confined last month in a hospital intensive care unit due to a cardiac condition but is now in recovery.
A video from the WP’s TikTok account, @thehammertok, showed the MPs, set to Kit Chan singing “Home,” showed the MPs coming into the venue, waving little Singapore flags and shaking hands with attendees.
The party leadership toasted the country, and Singaporeans distributed goodie bags to everyone. Mr Chua and Assoc Prof Lim also sang a duet, with the latter playing the guitar, and the other MPs later took the stage with the volunteers.
The Hougang SMC MP gave a grateful shoutout in a Facebook post to the organizers of the event, writing, “I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with many residents and friends who attended the National Day Dinner last night, organized by the Workers’ Party Grassroots Committee (WPGC) at our Hougang Avenue 5 Neighbourhood Park at Hougang SMC. Thank you to all volunteers from our various constituencies who made the event possible!”
SINGAPORE: In space-challenged Singapore, accessing public housing isn’t the easiest thing in the world, especially for singles. For one man, it was a case of if at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again.
Or again and again, rinse and repeat, till Zachary Loo struck it lucky on try number 8, although he admitted that he actually thought it might take much longer.
Mr Loo told Yahoo Finance Singapore, “I have never given up hope. Honestly, I expected to ballot 20 more times at least, because from what I’ve heard from other singles who are older than me, they only started seeing success in their 40s.
I really didn’t think I would get a ballot before I turned 40 because I thought that the HDB would assume that I still had a chance to get married and have a kid.”
He ended up with a ninth-floor unit in Yishun at its launch in November last year. And while he would have preferred one on a higher floor for a better view and fewer insects, he took what he could get.
The S$15,000 housing grant he received went to the premium, Yahoo added. And since it does not look like he’ll be marrying, he isn’t likely to see it come back.
The piece also says that Mr Loo has known he’s wanted to move out since the age of 24 and began the process of bidding as soon as he turned 35.
However, he counts himself lucky to have a family that not only understands his situation but also gives him his own room.
“I’m so old already, yet I still have to stay with my family. Lucky for me, they are understanding, and they are okay with me staying till I get my own place. That’s the only option that makes financial sense,” Yahoo quotes him as saying.
Mr Loo also told Yahoo that he understands the government policies concerning housing but wishes that the eligibility age would be lowered to 32 or even 30. /TISG
SINGAPORE — Tan Kin Lian has drawn attention to the demanding timeline of the presidential election process, which includes the issuance of the writ of election, the announcement of the certificate of eligibility, and nomination day.
Tan is the fourth and final contender to throw his name into the race for the presidency. The other three presidential hopefuls are; former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, ex-GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song, and businessman George Goh.
“This does not allow sufficient time for the candidates to come to an agreement to avoid splitting the votes of their common supporters. After the nomination, the election will be held on 1 September, 10 days later. This allows nine days for campaigning, excluding the cooling day. It takes time to print these materials and to put them up,” posted Tan on his social media page.
Prospective candidates also have to navigate the challenging financial decision of printing campaign materials and addressing other logistical needs. However, it remains uncertain whether they meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for the presidential elections.
“The amount to be spent on 5,000 posters and a few hundred banners could amount to $50,000, maybe more. Is it fair for a candidate to spend this money, and risk having it being totally wasted?” shared Tan, who contested in the 2011 Presidential Election.
Nevertheless, Tan added that he had given his campaign team instructions to print the necessary materials. He is willing to take the risk and potentially waste the $50,000 if he does not receive the certificate of eligibility.
“The risk and uncertainty could have been avoided if there is a clear period of 10 days between the release of the decision of the presidential election committee and the submission of the nomination. Why should this be compressed to one day?” added Tan, who is being proposed by Tan Jee Say and seconded by Lim Tean, for his presidential nomination.
“This is unfair, and it is unnecessary.”
The writ of election was issued on Aug 11, just hours after Tan officially launched his presidential campaign. The deadline to submit the certificate of eligibility is Aug 17, and the Presidential Elections Committee will announce the outcome by August 21.
Nomination Day will be on Aug 22, and if more than one candidate received their certificate of eligibility, Polling Day will be on Sept 1. The campaign will be from Aug 22 to Aug 30, and the Cooling off Day is Aug 31.
She went on to say that while she had arrived first, another customer who arrived later had gotten served first.
