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Majority of Singapore firms have lost IT professionals due to burnout

SINGAPORE: A recent report by Splunk has revealed that burnout among tech professionals is a significant issue in Singapore, with 82% of companies experiencing staff departures due to stress and exhaustion. This figure far surpasses the global average of 66%, underscoring the severity of the problem within the country.

One of the primary culprits contributing to burnout is the overwhelming number of false positives, with 31% of respondents identifying this as the leading issue. The excessive “noise” in the system not only disrupts operations but also leads to costly downtime and employee fatigue.

In response, many Singaporean companies are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to mitigate the problem. The report found that 65% of organizations have implemented AI for IT operations (AIOps) to automate incident resolution, which has helped reduce employee burnout and improve talent retention. Furthermore, 97% of these companies are using AI and machine learning (ML) to enhance observability, improving their ability to monitor and respond to IT issues.

AI and ML-powered systems are proving effective, with 85% of companies now able to resolve half of their alerts based on AI/ML recommendations. These tools have not only improved operational efficiency but have also contributed to quicker incident response times.

The report also introduced a maturity framework for observability, categorizing companies into four stages: ‘beginning,’ ’emerging,’ ‘evolving,’ and ‘leaders.’ Singaporean companies are spread across these stages, with 45% in the beginning phase, 27% classified as emerging, 17% evolving, and 11% recognized as leaders.

Leading organizations, which have adopted advanced observability practices, report notable improvements in performance. They are 2.8 times faster at identifying application issues compared to those in the beginning phase and estimate that 80% of their alerts are legitimate. In contrast, beginner organizations only report a 54% accuracy rate in their alerts.

This gap in performance has tangible implications, as customer expectations for seamless and secure digital experiences continue to rise. Additionally, speed is becoming a crucial factor in software development. Among leading organizations, 76% are able to deploy the majority of their application code on demand, compared to just 30% of those in the beginning stage.

Another key differentiator is the amount of time leaders spend on innovation. These organizations dedicate 38% more time to developing new solutions, whereas beginner organizations are still bogged down by repetitive tasks like troubleshooting and incident management.

With burnout a growing concern, Singaporean companies are increasingly recognizing the value of AI-powered tools in retaining tech talent, boosting productivity, and maintaining competitive advantage in the digital age.

Featured image by DepositPhotos

6 in 10 Singaporeans plan trips abroad based on astrology

SINGAPORE: A growing number of Singaporeans are turning to the stars for guidance—not just in their daily lives but in planning their vacations. According to a report by global travel marketplace Skyscanner, six in ten Singaporean travellers between the ages of 25 and 34 are choosing destinations based on their astrological signs, suggesting that astrology is becoming a significant influence on how people plan their holidays.

The report also highlights that 44% of travelers believe planetary and lunar events, such as Mercury retrograde or full moons, can impact the outcome of their trips. Whether it’s avoiding travel disruptions or seeking a more harmonious experience, many are taking these cosmic occurrences into consideration when booking their getaways.

Astrological interest extends beyond horoscopes and celestial charts—Singaporeans are literally chasing the stars. More than half of those surveyed expressed a desire to witness the northern lights, a spectacular natural phenomenon, while 40% hope to sleep under the stars in 2025, suggesting a growing interest in astro-tourism.

But it’s not just celestial events influencing travel plans. Singaporeans are also embracing culture and creativity. Nearly half of the respondents said they plan to visit immersive art exhibitions during their travels, while others are venturing out for unique experiences such as flower-viewing festivals, sporting events, gaming, and even farm tours.

Skyscanner’s findings also revealed that health and wellness are key priorities for Singaporean travellers. A significant 77% of respondents view vacations as vital for mental health and resilience, reflecting a shift toward self-care and relaxation during holidays.

Despite concerns about rising costs, Singaporeans remain committed to travel. The survey shows that 53% plan to travel more in 2025, with 83% indicating they expect to spend the same or more on flights compared to 2024. For many, travel remains a necessary investment in both well-being and personal growth.

With these trends on the rise, it appears that astrology, adventure, and wellness will continue to shape the travel landscape for Singaporeans in the years to come.

Featured image by DepositPhotos

Singaporeans favor sustainable travel, but few are willing to pay extra

SINGAPORE: A recent report has uncovered a growing interest among Singaporeans in sustainable travel, with 96.4% expressing a desire for more eco-friendly options. However, despite this enthusiasm, only 41% are willing to pay a premium for such experiences.

The report, released by Trip.com, reveals that of those open to paying more for sustainable travel, only one in five would spend up to 5% above the regular cost. This finding underscores the challenge of aligning eco-conscious preferences with consumer spending habits.

Travelers from the Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore, show a higher willingness to pay for sustainable travel compared to those in North America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. In the Asia-Pacific, around 30% of travelers decline to pay extra for eco-friendly options, while the figure rises significantly in other regions, with 53% in North America, 49.4% in Europe, and 47.3% in the Middle East & Africa.

The report also highlights that Singaporean travelers are increasingly seeking sustainable travel options online. Nearly six in 10 expect clear labels indicating eco-friendly choices, as well as practical tips for making their trips more sustainable.

While the demand for sustainable travel is high, the reluctance to pay more suggests a gap between aspirations and actions, which may pose challenges for the travel industry in promoting more eco-conscious options.

Featured image by DepositPhotos

#XiamTheScams: “Fun yet educational” anti-scam game offers over S$200,000 worth of prizes

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SINGAPORE: A new “fun yet educational” anti-scam game from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) is offering players a total of over S$200,000 worth of prizes. Named #XiamTheScams, the life simulator game launched on Tursday (Oct 24) aims to help people learn about scams while enjoying themselves.

Developed by Sqkii, a gamification marketing company best known for the #HuntTheMouse game, #XiamTheScams lets players choose one of three characters and make decisions to avoid scams that affect their scores.

According to The New Paper, throughout the game, players will face hundreds of scenarios across about 90 storylines, providing plenty of chances to learn about different types of scams. The game runs for three months and will end on Jan 22, 2025.

The top 100 players will share a total of S$55,000 in cash prizes, with the best player receiving a grand prize of S$10,000. In addition to cash, players can also earn Stars that can be exchanged for gift boxes containing vouchers and other prizes, like iPhones, PlayStations, and Logitech computer accessories.

Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam announced the game first during the NCPC gala dinner on Sept 27. This event also launched the ScamShield Suite to fight scams.

Since 2019, scams have caused losses of over S$2.7 billion in Singapore. In the first half of 2024 alone, victims reported losing more than S$385.6 million. 

Gerald Singham, chairman of the NCPC, spoke about the importance of the game. He noted that scams have been “fast evolving and employ complex tactics that can be deceiving”.

“Many scams appear legitimate and are common in our daily lives,” he said. He added that by using innovative gamification, the NCPC hopes to “engage the public in a fun yet educational way”.

To play the game, click here. /TISG

Read also: Victims lost over S$6.7M to government official and banker impersonation scams in September

Four industrial units in Redhill listed for $4.55 million

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SINGAPORE: Four B1 strata industrial units within the E-Centre at Redhill have been put on the market for $4.55 million, according to real estate firm Brilliance Capital.

The units, located at 3791 Jalan Bukit Merah, offer a combined area of 6,049 square feet. The individual units range in size from 1,259 to 1,604 square feet. The property is in proximity to major landmarks like the Tiong Bahru MRT station, IKEA Alexandra, Anchorpoint Shopping Centre, and Queensway Shopping Centre, making it a strategic location for businesses.

These industrial units are intended for manufacturing, logistics, and distribution operations, and have a remaining lease of 37 years. The site’s B1 industrial zoning also allows it to be purchased by both local and foreign corporate buyers without incurring Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), offering added appeal for investors.

Brilliance Capital is managing the sale as the sole marketing agent.

In an interview with Vogue Japan, Jin reveals that his objective is to make ARMY members happy

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KOREA: According to Allkpop, BTS member Jin shared insights into the inspiration behind his first solo album in a cover feature and interview with Vogue Japan.

Jin will double as the cover model for the December issues of Vogue Japan and GQ Japan star in Japan, becoming the first star in Japan to do so. For his Vogue Japan photoshoot, Jin presented sleek fall fashion against a backdrop of a traditional hanbok, blending Eastern and Western influences.

Photo: Instagram/Jin

Feeling alive

During the interview, Jin was asked about moments when he felt most like himself. He said that making others laugh is when he feels most authentic.”I feel alive when I see someone smile because of me.”

Discussing his current goals as an artist, Jin said his dream is to see ARMY members happy.”As long as they’re happy, I can keep working, even if it exhausts me. I’m currently working on fulfilling that dream.”

Jin’s debut solo album, titled Happy, is set to release on Nov 15.

Eldest member of BTS

Kim Seokjin, better known by his stage name Jin, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actor. He is the oldest member of the popular boy group BTS.

Jin is often praised for his good looks and is frequently voted as one of the most handsome men in the world.

While often seen as the “visual” of the group, Jin has a powerful and unique vocal range. He has showcased his singing abilities in various BTS songs and solo projects. Jin is known as the “Mom of BTS” due to his love of cooking. He frequently uses social media to share his culinary masterpieces with his fans and fellow members.
Jin is known for his sense of humour and often brings laughter to the group and their fans.

Senoko Energy partners with Gentari to import hydrogen gas from Malaysia to Singapore to help reduce carbon emissions

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SINGAPORE: Senoko Energy, one of Singapore’s largest energy companies, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Gentari, a clean energy provider, to explore importing hydrogen gas from Malaysia to Singapore.

According to the Singapore Business Review, the plan is to integrate hydrogen into Senoko’s existing gas turbine systems, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions.

The 20-year supply deal is expected to begin by 2029, with an initial goal of cutting 18,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. That is equivalent to taking about 4,000 cars off the roads. Over time, this could lead to a total reduction of up to 535,000 tonnes, equivalent to 119,000 cars.

Senoko aims to be the first in Singapore to use hydrogen for power generation, helping the city-state reach its 2050 net-zero emissions goal.

Frederik Baerts, Senoko Energy’s president and CEO, shared hydrogen’s role in lowering emissions. He stated, “Hydrogen has the potential to play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, and so together, we are taking a bold step towards creating a more sustainable energy landscape and low-carbon future.

Michèle Azalbert, Gentari’s chief hydrogen officer, added, “Gentari firmly believes hydrogen is crucial to decarbonising multiple sectors on the path to Net Zero, and we’re encouraged by stakeholder support and rising demand for low-carbon hydrogen derivatives.”

In June 2023, Senoko also signed an MoU with City Energy to explore hydrogen options. In addition, the company launched SolarShare 2.0, Singapore’s first peer-to-peer solar energy trading platform, and is looking into green electricity imports, a new H-Class Combined Cycle Plant, and on-site solar PV. /TISG

Read also: Singapore CEOs are shifting focus to AI investments, deprioritising investing in sustainability initiatives

Malaysia joins BRICS as a partner country to “strike a balance with great powers and open new business and investment opportunities”

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MALAYSIA: Malaysia is now a partner country to BRICS (Brazil, India, China, and South Africa), an alliance described by Al Jazeera as aiming to challenge the economic and political monopoly of the West. 

The update was shared by @BRICSInfo on X (previously Twitter), confirming that Malaysia, along with 12 other nations, is classified as a “partner country (not a full member).” The nations added alongside Malaysia include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

According to Malay Mail, on July 28, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Malaysia had submitted its application to Russia, the current chair of BRICS. Prior to that, Mr Anwar had expressed Malaysia’s intention to join during a conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on June 18. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that Malaysia’s inclusion in BRICS as a partner country would create better trade opportunities, given the combined 3.2 billion population of BRICS member states.

In a written parliamentary response, he mentioned that Malaysia is committed to advancing the Global South agenda to enhance South-to-South cooperation and collaboration, especially during its upcoming tenure as chair of ASEAN next year.

According to the minister, Malaysia’s decision to join BRICS is “Malaysia’s effort to uphold policies and identity as an independent and neutral country, striking a balance with great powers and opening up new business and investment opportunities.”

He added that joining BRICS will boost Malaysia’s visibility internationally, especially in addressing urgent global issues.

Despite this new partnership with BRICS, Malaysia remains focused on its existing trade relationships with key partners like the United States and the European Union. 

Trade between Malaysia and the US reached RM250.25 billion (S$75.98 billion) in 2023, while trade with the European Union amounted to RM206.69 billion (S$62.75 billion).

Mr Mohamad Hasan added that Malaysia would continue exploring collaboration in areas such as green technology, renewable energy, and education with the US and European Union.

BRICS now represents roughly 40% of the world’s population and holds a collective gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 26.6 trillion (S$35.13 trillion), or 26.2% of the world’s GDP.

This positions BRICS as an economic force nearly equal to the Group of Seven (G7). The G7 is an informal alliance of seven of the world’s advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union. /TISG

“Western Union is best placed to bring Dash to the next level”: Singtel assures users support after conditional agreement with Western Union

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SINGAPORE: Singtel has signed a conditional agreement to sell Singapore’s leading all-in-one mobile wallet, Dash, to Western Union, as part of its efforts to simplify its portfolio.

In a released statement on Oct 24, Anna Yip, Singtel Singapore’s deputy CEO, reassured Dash users that they would continue to be supported throughout the transition.

She said, “In line with our Group’s Singtel28 strategy to focus on our core business and competencies, we have decided that Western Union is best placed to bring Dash to the next level. We will work closely with Western Union to ensure that our Dash customers and business partners continue to be well-supported and the transition is seamless.”

The Edge Singapore reported that the sale is still subject to regulatory approval, with no financial details disclosed.

Dash, launched in 2014, is an all-in-one mobile wallet app allowing users to pay, remit, save, invest, and insure. Dash has over 1.4 million users, and the app is available to anyone, regardless of their telco or bank provider. For now, all services will remain accessible to current users.

Western Union said that this move supports its Evolve 2025 vision and will help the company strengthen its global digital capabilities.

Sohini Rajola, Western Union’s Head of Asia Pacific, said, “We are excited to have the opportunity to welcome Dash to Western Union and are working collaboratively with Singtel to secure regulatory approvals.” /TISG

Read also: OpenAI to set up office in Singapore; hiring 5 to 10 local talents in sales, security and solutions engineering before 2025

Only in SG: Reddit users amazed at mobile phone & wallet used to chope table

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SINGAPORE: Singapore is known to be one of the safest countries in the world, where people have left their laptops, purses, backpacks, keys, and other items of value in eateries, especially for the purpose of “chope”, letting people know they’re reserving these spaces.

A big part of the reason why people feel so safe to leave their valuables unattended is that there are an estimated one million CCTV cameras installed around the city-state, many of which are used by the authorities to aid investigations.

When a diner left his wallet and mobile phone to reserve a place at what appears to be a food court in a mall, a local Reddit user took a photo of this and posted it with the caption, “Only in Singapore.”

The Oct 22 post has since gone viral on r/Singapore, receiving many comments.

One wrote that he saw someone actually using a credit card for chope purposes at a hawker centre, while another said they saw someone using their identity card (IC) at a McDonald’s outlet to do the same.

Others warned against this, though, as someone with ill intentions could take photos of the front and back of the cards and use them online.

Another said this should only be done when the credit card is expired, but even this is less than safe.

Others said they’d seen office access lanyards and car keys used to chope places.

Read related: Swiss woman says, in SG, queueing, chope, Singlish, calling people “Uncles & Aunties” are ‘bizarre Singaporean habits’

However, some Reddit users, including the post author, said they would never leave their wallet or phone unattended in public.

If they really have nothing they can safely leave on a table, one commenter says he removes his phone casing and uses that.

Others chimed in to suggest umbrellas and, of course, the most popular chope tool—tissue packets.

Still, some argued that leaving valuables in public does not necessarily happen only in Singapore, citing cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi as places where people leave their laptops in food courts regularly.

Others wrote that Japan, Korea, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries are also equally safe.

Some commenters warned, however, that if people leave things in places where there are no cameras, such as toilets, in Singapore, chances increase that these could be stolen,

“Don’t change, Singapore,” one Reddit user wrote.

Featured photo above: Reddit screengrab/u/woonsc /TISG

Read also: Aussie woman shocked at Singapore’s “chope-ing” culture when SG man “chopes” food court table even with a notepad