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“No relationship is perfect”—Woman chooses to forgive her boyfriend after discovering he cheated with an ex-colleague

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SINGAPORE: A woman shared on social media that she chose to forgive her boyfriend of four years after finding out he cheated on her with a female ex-colleague.

In an anonymous post on SGWhispers, she shared that she recently found out her boyfriend had been in regular contact with this ex-colleague. He even invited her out for a meal at HDL, offered to pick her up, and said he’d take care of the reservation—things he rarely did for her.

“Mind you, he never books anything when going out to eat at a café or restaurant with me, friends, or family. He always asks me to research and book,” she wrote.

“In my mind, I was thinking, ‘Oh, you can make bookings for her, but never for me.’ Even on Valentine’s Day, he asked me to book and said he’d just pay. Just book wherever I want. Like, bro, I feel so stupid.”

The woman also mentioned that while she sometimes gets messages from other guys who are in relationships, she never responds because she thinks it’s unfair to their partners and to her boyfriend.

“I don’t react to those messages because I know he will be uncomfortable. Like BFFR??? Why don’t I receive the same energy back?” she said.

Her boyfriend insisted that the ex-colleague was just a ‘friend,’ but she finds this hard to believe since he constantly updates this girl about his day—something he usually shares with her. When she confronted him about it, he said it was just a ‘casual chat’ and nothing harmful.

“Walao, imagine I did the same thing with a guy. Different reaction already. He would probably say, ‘No, this guy is a butterfly; it’s different. He obviously wants something from you,” she went on.“It’s very embarrassing for me to have a man who keeps updating another girl about his life instead of me. Why can you do that to an ex-colleague? Make booking la. Go fetch her, la. But when it comes to me, you sometimes say it’s too far.”

Despite the hurt caused by his betrayal, she acknowledged that “no relationship is perfect” and that everyone makes mistakes. She weighed the good times against this painful revelation and ultimately decided that their love was worth fighting for.

“I know we need to compromise and forgive each other. He is really good to me and spoiled me a lot. Anyhow, he apologized, and I choose to forgive him,” she expressed.

“Know your value.”

In the comments section, several netizens were confused as to why she forgave her boyfriend and questioned if it was truly worth it.

One netizen asked, “Aiyo this kind of man you still want? Already put you second place already. Know your value.”

Another said, “4 years, mahz, took you for granted, liao. I know this feeling. everything just leaves for you to do. Time to let him DO something, liao. If not, just dump him and find a better one.”

A third netizen commented, “Just drop him, bro. Forget it; he’s shown he can put in effort, but just not for you. And seriously, who updates their life to an ex-colleague? Jin close meh?”

Forgiving a cheating partner: Is it worth it?

We’ve all heard the advice, “Forgiveness is the key to moving on.” But when it comes to a cheating partner, that advice can feel like a slap in the face. Should you forgive them? Is it even possible to rebuild trust after such a betrayal?

The truth is, there’s no easy answer. While relationship experts might offer a million different opinions, at the end of the day, the choice is yours.

According to Regain, a website that offers relationship advice and therapy, if you choose to work things out with your partner, you might be able to address the issues that led to the betrayal and rebuild a stronger, more fulfilling relationship. Plus, you can hold on to the dreams and plans you’ve made for the future.

However, you also need to acknowledge that this can end poorly. It’s ultimately a gamble because if your partner had the capacity to cheat on you, there’s a high chance they could do it again. It can also give them the impression that you’ll always forgive them, no matter what.

Moreover, there’s a risk that you’ll never fully move on from the pain. Some days, you may feel like you’ve gotten over it, but during tough times or arguments, those haunting memories may resurface.

Additionally, by choosing to forgive them, you might miss out on the chance to find someone who treats you with the respect and loyalty you deserve.

Read also: “Is there really nothing we can do about it?” Man says touting in public is getting out of hand

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

Singapore manufacturers brace for boom; transport engineering sector leads surge of optimism ahead of 2025

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SINGAPORE: As reported by the Singapore Business Review, business sentiments in the manufacturing sector remained mostly positive despite ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges, according to EDB.

“A weighted 20% of manufacturers expect business conditions to improve whilst a weighted 10% foresee a weaker outlook,” the report stated.

Overall, a net weighted balance of 10% of manufacturing firms anticipate an improved business environment from October 2024 to March 2025.

Within the manufacturing industry, the transport engineering cluster stood out as the most optimistic, with a net 30% of firms expecting favorable conditions from October 2024 to March 2025. This was led by robust demand in aerospace and marine and offshore engineering.

This optimism is fuelled by strong global air travel and increased orders in the oil & gas and renewables sectors.

In the electronics cluster, a net weighted balance of 14% of firms foresee better business conditions in the coming months.

“This positive trend is driven primarily by the semiconductor segment, where growth in AI applications continues to boost demand for memory, storage, and networking chips,” the report noted.

Within the general manufacturing cluster, a net weighted balance of 16% of firms predicts a promising outlook, with the food, beverages & tobacco segment anticipating higher demand as the festive season approaches.

What will this mean to common Singaporeans?

The manufacturing sector is a key pillar of Singapore’s economy, contributing more than 20% to its GDP. A surge in this sector would likely lead to an overall boost in economic growth. This growth could translate into higher GDP forecasts, which in turn could lead to increased national wealth and potentially higher wages for workers across various sectors.

Likewise, a surge in this sector could lead to the creation of new jobs, both directly within manufacturing and indirectly in related industries. This could help reduce unemployment rates and provide more job opportunities for Singaporeans.

As the manufacturing sector grows, it often leads to increased demand for skilled labor, which can drive up wages. Higher wages can improve the living standards of Singaporeans, allowing them to afford better housing, education, and healthcare.

It can also help stabilize inflation by increasing the supply of goods, which can help keep prices in check. This is particularly important for common Singaporeans who are sensitive to price changes in essential goods and services.

More importantly, a thriving manufacturing sector attracts more investment, both domestic and foreign. This can lead to increased innovation and technological advancements, that can benefit the broader economy and improve the quality of life for Singaporeans.

Only 16% of Singapore employers support full remote work arrangements

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SINGAPORE: Only 16% of Singapore employers support full remote work for knowledge workers, marking a sharp drop from 42% last year. This means 84% of employers in Singapore do not support a fully remote setup for their employees.

Despite this, the Singapore Business Review reported that 76% of Singapore employers continue to provide hybrid work options, higher than the global average of 72%. These employers allow employees to work remotely two to four days a week, an increase from last year’s 54% compared to the global average of 65%.

Organisations view the social and collaborative benefits of work as major motivators for having employees spend time in the office.

However, compared to 5% globally, only 2% of Singapore employers expect knowledge workers to work fully on-site.

Workplace flexibility continues to be a major factor in attracting and retaining employees. In fact, 40% of Singapore workers listed enhanced flexibility as their second most important reason for considering a new role, which is similar to the global average. This comes just after higher salary packages, which 47% of Singaporeans (compared to 39% globally) listed as their top reason.

EY Asean People Consulting Leader Samir Bedi noted that while many organisations are encouraging employees to return to the office, survey results show that employers in Singapore continue to value flexible work arrangements.

“This commitment to flexibility is promising as we approach the implementation of the new government guidelines on flexible work arrangements in December,” he said.

He added that as organisations adapt to these guidelines, a positive shift in workplace culture is expected, one that prioritises both employee well-being and business performance. /TISG

Read also: Upskilling could be win-win solution for employers and employees dissatisfied with current hybrid work model

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

Singapore stocks fell as trading began on Friday—STI dropped by 0.8%

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SINGAPORE: Singapore stocks fell as trading began on Friday (Nov 1) following losses in global markets.

The Straits Times Index (STI) dropped by 0.8%, or 28.72 points, to 3,530.16 by 9:01 am, as reported by The Business Times.

In the broader market, declines outpaced gains, with 83 stocks down compared to 50 on the rise. A total of 117.9 million securities worth S$193.3 million were traded.

Leading in trading volume was Thai Beverage, which was down 4.7% to S$0.505 after 21.7 million shares were traded. Resort operator Genting Singapore increased slightly by 0.6%, up S$0.005 to S$0.84, while Singtel retreated 6.1%, losing S$0.19 to S$2.94.

The banking sector was also down. DBS fell 0.03%, or S$0.01, to S$38.65, while UOB saw a 0.6% decline, down S$0.20 to S$31.96. OCBC slid 0.2%, losing S$0.03 to reach S$15.16. 

US stocks ended lower on Thursday, weighed down largely by technology stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 0.9% lower at 41,763.46, while the S&P 500 lost 1.9% to settle at 5,705.45.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index dropped the most, falling 2.8% to 18,095.15, as many tech giants saw sell-offs after Microsoft and Meta reported earnings that raised concerns over the costs of advancing artificial intelligence. Apple and Amazon also declined ahead of their own earnings, following significant drops by Microsoft and Meta.

In Europe, shares were similarly down, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index dropping 1.2% to 505.39, its lowest since mid-August.

The index marked its sharpest monthly decline in a year, driven by weak corporate earnings and investor caution as they await clearer signals on macroeconomic trends and the outcome of the US election. The Stoxx 600 fell 3.4% over the month, with the technology and real estate sectors experiencing the steepest losses in the sell-off. /TISG

Read also: Singapore shares edged down on Wednesday morning—STI fell by 0.1%

Featured image by Depositphotos

Man says he failed an interview because he didn’t ask the employer any questions, seeks advice from Singaporeans on what to ask next time

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SINGAPORE: A man recently shared on social media that he failed a job interview because he came unprepared and didn’t ask the employer any questions.

Posting in Reddit’s “Ask Singapore” forum, he described how the interview, initially scheduled for 30 minutes, ended after just 12 minutes. He felt that his lack of engagement likely cost him the job opportunity, leaving him frustrated and disappointed.

“The job is a goner to me,” he lamented. “Now I want to prepare myself for the next interview. Need some advice on what to say or ask when they ask this question.”

Many users responded to his post, sharing similar experiences and offering advice on how to prepare better questions for future interviews. Some suggested preparing thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, or growth opportunities within the role.

One user shared, “Face to face interview? Usually, asking the interviewer to provide more details about the job will help your chances.

“As a hirer, since you have no questions about the company, it tells us a lot about how interested you are. So no loss for both parties if you are not shortlisted; no point going into a job uninterested.”

Another user commented, “This is very basic. Always have questions to ask.”

A third user said, “Is this your first job? Try to suss out workplace culture and actual workload.”

15 questions to ask in your next interview

Job interviews are nerve-wracking because we always think about how the employers are sizing us up. The interviewers’ presence can be intimidating, and it’s natural to feel the pressure to make a perfect impression. However, shifting your mindset can help ease the stress.

Instead of seeing it purely as a performance, try to approach it as a two-way conversation where you’re also assessing the company and the role.

Show genuine interest by being engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and doing some research beforehand. Think of it like a first date, where you’re trying to see if there’s a mutual fit—just remember to keep it professional.

According to Indeed, here are 15 of the best interview questions you can ask in the interview to make a great impression and gain valuable insights:

1.Why is this position vacant? Asking this can give you a better idea of the role’s background—whether it’s a new position, an established one, or if the last person was promoted, quit, or let go. If they were promoted, it might show there’s growth potential. If they left or were let go, it’s a chance to dig a little deeper and get a feel for any challenges or the team environment.

2.What performance benchmarks do you look for? Ask about what they expect you to achieve within the first 30, 60, and 90 days. This will give you an idea of how to perform better on the job if hired.

3. What metrics of success might you use to evaluate my performance? This can give you clear goals to aim for when you start in the organization and help you keep track of your own success. Plus, you can figure out if those goals seem realistic.

4. Can you tell me about the company’s work culture? This question will help you determine whether you’ll fit into the environment.

5. Does the company offer any team-building activities? This will also provide insight into their work culture.

6. What are the biggest opportunities in the company right now? This question helps you figure out where the company is headed. If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you can see if the company is keeping up with the latest trends and growing. If you’re just starting out, you can get a sense of where the industry is moving by listening to what your employer says.

7. What are the biggest problems the company is dealing with right now? How the hiring manager answers this question can also give you insights into the company’s culture. If they give you a direct answer, it shows they’re taking responsibility for their issues and are working on better solutions.

8. What does the career path look like for someone in this role? This will help you get a feel for promotion opportunities, how long you might stay in the role, and the overall growth you can have in the company.

9. Do you provide professional development opportunities? This question will help you find out if the company provides any formal training services for its employees.

10. What is the company’s management style? Ask what it’s like to work with the higher-ups to see if it’s something that you can handle.

11. What is the best part of working for the company? By asking this question, you can get a sense of whether the company fairly rewards its employees. The interviewer might share details about their bonus system or salary progression in response.

12. What sets this company apart from others? This will help you figure out if this is the best company for you.

13. What traits do I need to succeed in this position? Understanding these traits can help you prepare for your future role.

14. With what other departments might collaborate? This question shows you’re interested in teamwork and helps you find out how many people you’ll work with and how much the company values collaboration.

15. What are the next steps in the interview process? Expressing your interest in the next steps shows that you’re eager to proceed and want the job.

Read also: Local man feels out of place in Singapore, says “there seem to be more foreigners than locals” these days

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

“Can’t believe the hotcake has super shrunk in size”: Customer unhappy with sausage and pancake portion at fast food restaurant

SINGAPORE: A netizen took to a Complaint group on Thursday (Oct 31) to express his disappointment over the portion of a pancake and sausage meal  at a fast-food restaurant.

After ordering a breakfast meal at a well-known fast-food chain, an unhappy customer shared his disappointment over the serving size of the meal.  “Hotcakes and sausage…” he said. “I can’t believe the hotcake has super shrunk in size! And (it) costs even more now!”

The customer also shared photos of the meal, which included three pieces of pancakes and a serving of sausage.

Read also: Shrinkflation: Diners are saying KFC chicken pieces are smaller than condiment packets

In response to the complaint, a handful of Singaporeans shared the sentiments of the writer. “Their big breakfast is no longer big and they still call it ‘big breakfast’,” said one.

Another mentioned shrinkflation, an economic phenomenon wherein a product shrinks in size or quantity with no change in price. “Every thing in everywhere (has) shrunk,” the comment read. “These days you are paying more and the food size is smaller.”

“Sizes about the same,” pointed a third. “Cost increased, inevitable because it is in Singapore as many stuff’s costs are rising rapidly.”

Still, a fourth joked that the serving is the fast-food chain’s way of helping customers cut on calories.  “Lower calorie version,” the comment read. “(They) care for you.”

Read also: “At least shrink the box so it doesn’t look this sad” — Big breakfast doesn’t look big to netizens

This is not the first time a meal on the fast-food restaurant’s menu made the news for its serving size. Back in March, a “big” breakfast order got many online users talking after a customer shared a photo of his meal, which did not fill the container it was served in.

“At least shrink the box so it doesn’t look this sad,” the online user wrote in a forum.

The photo showed two stacked buns, a sausage patty, and some scrambled egg. Many did not find the meal to be “big.”

Read also: Filet-O-Fish burger with “cheese 1/3 of 1 pc” sparks shrinkflation complaints among Singaporeans

Singaporeans have a laugh after cyclist shares photos of pigeon droppings on him while out on his bike

SINGAPORE: Online user Wangan Bryan got a laugh out of Singaporeans on Wednesday (Oct 30) after he shared photos of a rather unexpected event while out on his bike. The photos showed the aftermath of a pigeon releasing droppings on him while he was out for a ride. Many Singaporeans were entertained, with a handful referring to the superstition involving luck and pigeon droppings. 

“This isn’t the first time I was (soiled) by a pigeon!” the online user wrote. “Look closely at my right thigh, flip flop, round eyeglasses and bike helmet.”

Attached to the post were photos of the aftermath of a pigeon releasing its droppings over the cyclist.

Read also: Woman insists on feeding birds at Bukit Merah despite repeated warnings not to feed them by authorities

Bird droppings considered a sign of prosperity and good luck

According to Birdtipper, in many cultures, bird droppings are actually considered a sign of good fortune, especially if it falls on a person.

In some cultures, it is seen as a symbol of riches and is believed to bring prosperity to one’s finances. In others, it is a sign of fertility, just as bird droppings are used as fertiliser for soil.

Still, in other cultures, bird droppings are seen as a symbol of a change or transition that is about to take place in one’s life.

Read also: Resident claims birds have ‘attacked’ children at Yishun, but authorities are unresponsive ‘for weeks’

In parts of Asia, people believe that when a bird’s droppings fall on a person, it is a sign of good luck in the coming year. Thus, despite being seen as a nuisance by many, there is also a brighter side to bird droppings, especially among people who believe in superstitions surrounding luck and good fortune.

Many online users made reference to the superstition, telling the man that he was lucky, with a handful encouraging him to take a shot at the lottery.

According to the National Parks Board, however, one of the reasons why pigeons are a problem in Singapore is that they can play a role in the spread of diseases through droppings that are contaminated.

Whose responsibility is it to tell off passengers who lack manners on public transportation?

SINGAPORE: After a netizen took to a complaint forum on Thursday (Oct 31) sharing photos of passengers propping their feet up on a bus and hinting that the bus driver should make his rounds to tell them off, a couple of Singaporeans pointed out that fellow passengers can take it upon themselves to call out such behaviour

“SBS driver can’t see from his mirror,” the post read. “He needs to walk past the seats.” Included in the post were photos of two female passengers who had their feet propped up on a bus partition right in front of their seats.

In response to the post, however, many pointed out that other passengers can be the ones to address such incidents. “For such things, no need to involve the bus captain,” said one. “As a good citizen, you can just tell the two ladies off.”

Read also: “She scolded me” — Woman says she got told off for asking a bus passenger not to put “her socks cladded feet on seats, handles, and armrests”

Online users respond and turn the tables

Others turned the tables and called out the Internet user for not being the one to take action and expecting the bus conductor to do it. “You saw it…why not go tell the bus captain instead of hiding in one corner to secretly take a photo?” asked one.

“You think bus captains have free time like you,” another said.

Still, a third pointed out, “You mean he needs to stop the bus every time to check all this then when you reach your destination late, you will complain about the driver?”

“That is nothing bro,” said a fourth. “It is nothing to brag about…it doesn’t affect anyone if they put their feet there. Posting here also doesn’t change a better future or even save the world…how does this concern you? There are more important things that need to be done than showing people this which doesn’t benefit anything at all.”

Read also: Passenger complains about a man who takes off his shoes on the train, but netizens say, “If it doesn’t stink, it’s okay”

In recent news, there have also been other incidents of such behaviour on public transportation, such as a man who took off his shoes on the train. The post sparked debate among commenters, some calling for more tolerance and understanding towards others.

Completed RTS link expected to increase number of Singaporeans relocating to JB

SINGAPORE: A piece in CNBC from earlier this week underlined how the completion of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) from Singapore to Johor is expected to cause an increase in the number of Singaporeans who’ll relocate to Johor Bahru.

At present, many Singaporeans are already crossing the border for shopping, eating, or vacation trips, and a growing number have brought property there.

Some older Singaporeans have even made plans to retire in Johor Bahru due to its closeness to the city-state, but a bigger reason is the cost of living, which is substantially lower in Johor Bahru.

The CNBC piece pointed out that while Singapore is considered to be one of the most expensive—if not the most expensive— cities in the world, Johor Bahru ranked 214th out of 226 cities in a list published by human resource company Mercer in June of this year comparing the cost of living.

The RTS link, scheduled for completion before the end of 2026, won’t just make traveling between the two cities easier, it will also make Johor more attractive to firms wanting to be based there.

Read related: Is investing in property near JB’s RTS Link a good idea?

The RTS link

The project began construction in November 2020, and as of May 31, 2024, the project had reached nearly 80 per cent completion, said Malaysia’s Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) in a statement on June 11.

The link is seen as an integral part of the solution to the persistent traffic problems on the Causeway between Singapore and Malaysia, which is used by around 300,000 people daily. Travel time for commuters would be cut to just five minutes on the RTS Link.

The RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North station in Singapore and has the capacity to transport around 10,000 passengers each way. The project has been budgeted to cost S$3.24 billion, with Malaysia taking on a 39 per cent share of the costs while Singapore is shouldering the remaining 61 per cent.

“This project is much more than building bridges – it is also about building a better future for both countries, strengthening our longstanding friendship and creating more win-win opportunities for our businesses and citizens in areas of common interest and mutual benefit,” Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said in January. /TISG

Read also: “You can’t compete with Johor prices” — Singapore retailers urged to attract locals with additional services as RTS link with JB nears

Singaporean burnt out at their demanding job seeks suggestions for a “relaxing” one

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean who’s been able to save up a lot due to a high paying, but also  high-pressure job, is now looking to a career change, and asked Reddit users for recommendations for a job that is more “relaxing.”

In an Oct 30 post on r/askSingapore, u/restlesspuppy said they’re in their early 30s and recognized they’ve been lucky in their career so far, but also wrote that they feel “so burnt out, exhausted and just sick and tired of client pressures.”

To give an example of this, they implied they’ll be working during this holiday weekend, adding, “nobody will let me just rest for these just 4 days and it’s driving me so close to breaking point.”

The post author added that the bulk of their salary goes toward savings and they don’t care for luxury items or business class flights.

They went on to ask for suggestions for “a chill job. The kind that once you really leave office nobody bothers you.” The other preferences they listed are having no clients, short hours, flexibility, and pay of at least S$3,000.

Other Reddit users proved to be obliging and suggested some job ideas. But perhaps more importantly, a number of commenters said they felt the same way as the post author does, which appeared to make u/restlesspuppy feel less alone.

One suggested a job as a security guard, which is said to have a salty between S$3000 and S$4000. The commenter has a friend who got burnt out in a high-paying job and ended up working in security, but called it “the best mental break he has ever had.”

“He gets to enjoy Aircon, play his game in peace, no kids or boss or colleague or client fighting for his attention. He gets to listen to wise advice and stories from his older colleagues,” the commenter added.

Along with a job as a guard, another suggested a role as an auxiliary police.

Another wrote that they’ve taken an admin and operations role in a law firm, which, while boring, at least allows them to keep regular hours, unlike their previous job. While the benefits of the new job are not great, “the peace of mind is there.”

Similarly, a commenter suggested “contract administrative work.”

Since the post author revealed in a comment that they’re a lawyer, others suggested adjacent jobs, such as teaching law or joining the legal department of a government agency.

Others suggested freelance jobs in writing, editing, or copywriting since u/restlesspuppy had said these are things they enjoy doing. /TISG

Read also: Singapore’s job market thrives – Will 2025 see soaring wages or economic headwinds?