SINGAPORE: A Singaporean shared on the Reddit forum that he saw a woman spending $80 on a Fun Claw machine at Seletar Mall, trying to catch a Labubu.
In a post on r/SGexams, he voiced his astonishment at the scene, pointing out that the money could have been spent on much more practical things. He wrote, “Crazy bro, like, with $80, I could buy 16 $5 MacDonald meals.”
He also mentioned that Labubus is popping up everywhere—on people’s bags, his mom’s wallpaper, and even for sale at TikTok Shop. “I don’t get it… Why are people so obsessed with Labubu?” he asked.
“There are a lot of people in society who will gladly just follow trends blindly”
In the comments section, many Singaporean Redditors echoed his sentiments, saying they’d rather spend that cash on something useful.
One Redditor said, “Trends? I’m not sure, but it’s probably something to do with Lisa and her ‘endorsement’ of Labubu. And then it started spreading quickly into a stupid trend.
I personally think it’s pretty ugly, la, and spending so much on such a small toy is so not worth it, with 80 dollars, I can buy a whole outfit from Uniqlo.”
Another commented, “Cannot understand too. Rather use the money to treat my laobu (mother).”
Other users weighed in, explaining that the obsession with Labubus stemmed from a broader issue of people blindly following trends out of fear of missing out (FOMO).
They noted how social media plays a huge role in creating this sense of urgency to be part of the latest craze, even if it doesn’t align with personal tastes.
One Redditor added, “You just need to remember that a lot of people in society will gladly follow trends blindly. Once you understand this, many things will start to make sense.”
On the contrary, some Redditors disagreed with the post author, saying he shouldn’t judge people for how they spend their money. One user argued, “It’s their money, which they can spend on whatever they want.”
Another asked, “Why are there such posts every time something is trending? You aren’t the target audience if you don’t understand it.”
A third stated, “$80 is not the same to a child and to an adult. To you, it represents that. To adults, it’s less than a day’s work. Which means it’s nothing.”
SINGAPORE: For Ricqo Rafiezuwan, life has often felt like a haunting existence, marked by the echoes of a past he never chose. At 25, he once described himself as a ghost, barely seen by the world around him.
“Stateless”
Living in the quiet confines of Clementi, Singapore, he spent years confined within the walls of his estate, burdened by the weight of statelessness—a label that stripped him of the basic rights to education, employment, and healthcare.
Born to an unwed, stateless mother in October 1999, Ricqo was raised by a loving Singaporean couple who knew nothing of the legal limbo that awaited him.
His mother, who eventually gained permanent residency, never applied for his citizenship.
As a result, Ricqo grew up without crucial documents like a birth certificate, leaving him adrift in a system that offered no lifelines.
With no formal education and residency status casting a long shadow, he faced relentless challenges in his quest for employment.
A pivotal turn
But the narrative began to shift dramatically in September when The Straits Times unveiled the stark realities of Ricqo and two other stateless individuals.
The article ignited a wave of support that he never expected. Offers poured in—from job opportunities to language training—illuminating a path out of the darkness he had known for so long.
“I’ve never received so much attention and support in my life. I feel there is hope,” Ricqo shared, his voice filled with emotion.
The quiet young man, who once hesitated to claim his worth, now stood on the cusp of a new chapter: employment as an operations executive with The Assembly Place, a co-living operator.
This opportunity, set to begin in November, marks a pivotal turn for someone who had silently battled the system for too long.
Eugene Lim, the founder of The Assembly Place, was moved by Ricqo’s story.
“I’ve benefited from the Singapore system, and I want to give back,” he said, emphasizing the importance of not just offering a job but also fostering Ricqo’s skills and confidence.
Their initial discussions revealed a young man full of potential yet overshadowed by self-doubt. Despite this, Ricqo was determined to try something new.
“I don’t have the confidence, but I thought, why not? Maybe it will turn out well,” he said, ready to embrace the unfamiliar.
Statelessness in Singapore
Ricqo’s journey is not merely a personal tale; it sheds light on the plight of the statelessness in Singapore.
With 853 stateless individuals in residence, many like him face similar barriers, caught in a web of bureaucracy and societal indifference.
Statistically, 24% of these individuals lack permanent residency, leaving them without access to subsidized education, healthcare, or housing.
His adoptive parents, Jamaludin and Hamidah, raised him as their own, showering him with love and support despite the challenges.
They fought to obtain Ricqo’s birth certificate, reaching out to family and authorities, yet their efforts were met with barriers.
“We didn’t know what else to do,” Hamidah lamented, reflecting on the difficulties they faced.
Yet, through the struggles, Ricqo has always been resilient. His life choices—eschewing crime and staying out of trouble—speak volumes about his character.
“That he did not turn to a life of crime is already half the battle won,” Lim remarked, expressing his commitment to support Ricqo as he navigates this new chapter.
As Ricqo prepares to step into the workforce, he also looks forward to learning and growing beyond the confines of Clementi.
With assistance from social workers and community organizations, he is gaining the skills he needs to thrive, including English lessons to bolster his confidence further.
No longer in the shadows
His journey is emblematic of hope—a young man, once unseen, now ready to forge his identity in a society that is beginning to recognize him.
“I will keep trying. I won’t give up,” Ricqo vowed, his determination evident. He is not just stepping into a job; he is stepping into his future, one filled with possibilities he once thought were beyond his reach.
As he looks ahead, the dream of citizenship remains a flicker of hope in his heart. “I hope to become a Singapore citizen one day, get married, and start my own family,” he said, envisioning a life where he can finally belong.
With the support of those who have rallied around him, Ricqo Rafiezuwan is poised to transition from a life in the shadows to one in the spotlight—proof of the transformative power of community and compassion.
MALAYSIA: If you’re considering visiting Ipoh in Malaysia, you can make the most of your trip by exploring these seven exciting spots near the city centre!
1. Tasik Cermin
Location: Tasik Cermin, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Tasik Cermin is a beautiful lake near Gunung Rapat in Ipoh, known for its stunning reflections that give it the name “Mirror Lake.”
It’s a special place recognised as one of Malaysia’s geoparks, featuring two main lakes: Tasik Cermin 1 (Mirror Lake) and Tasik Cermin 2 (Hidden World).
Photo: Facebook/TASIK CERMIN IPOH
To reach Mirror Lake, you must walk through a 90-metre mining tunnel that is over 100 years old. You’ll see a large lake surrounded by green hills when you come out.
You can take a boat ride along the lake, which lasts about 20 minutes, perfect for capturing beautiful photos of the limestone hills.
The Tasik Cermin 2, known as the Hidden World, is only accessible by boat. You must go through a 130-metre water tunnel to get there, hence its name, “hidden.”
The best time to visit Tasik Cermin is in the morning, when the sunlight enhances the reflections on the water, making it a perfect spot for photography. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the spectacular views!
2. Concubine Lane
Location: Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Concubine Lane, also known as Lorong Panglima, is a historic street in the vibrant Old Town of Ipoh.
The place is believed to have once been a private lane for a prominent local businessman’s concubine over a century ago and a place of opium dens and brothels.
Photo: Tripadvisor/ZhaoXiuMei
It has since transformed from a place associated with vices to a lively hub filled with cafés, eateries, and street art.
The lane is packed with popular places to eat, drink coffee, and enjoy desserts, making it a great spot to try local dishes. Many artists have also painted beautiful murals on the walls, making it a fantastic photo backdrop.
The lane can get busy, especially on weekends, so for a quieter visit, come on weekday mornings. Concubine Lane is just 600 metres from Ipoh Railway Station, making it easily accessible on foot.
3. Harry Potter Cafe, Platform 9 ½
Location: 22, Panglima Lane, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Don’t leave Concubine Lane just yet! The Harry Potter Cafe, called Platform 9 ½, is a café inspired by the Harry Potter series.
As you enter, you’ll notice the café is decorated like a railway train station, complete with vintage signs and fun items from the Harry Potter world.
Photo: Facebook/Nurshazwin Ramli
A recreation of the famous luggage trolley from Harry Potter is located on the stairs, making for a fun photo spot. While the trolley doesn’t disappear into a wall, it still offers a quirky backdrop for selfies.
For a fun twist, visitors can rent Harry Potter-style costumes, including scarves and witch costumes complete with wands.
Platform 9 ½ is open daily from 11:00 am on weekdays and from 10:30 am until 6:30 pm on weekends and public holidays.
You can easily find the café at the eastern end of Concubine Lane, near Jalan Bijeh Timah and Baby Coco café.
4. Gunung Lang
Location: Jalan Damai, 30100 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Gunung Lang Recreational Park is a scenic escape just five kilometres from Ipoh town.
Surrounded by limestone hills and lakes, it’s perfect for relaxing, boating, fishing, and exploring nature. With gardens, a waterfall, a mini zoo, and lookout towers, there’s something for everyone.
Photo: Tripadvisor/李智优
It’s a 10-minute drive from Ipoh city centre. Visitors can use ride-sharing apps like Grab, as there’s no direct public transport.
There are many things to do for fun in Gunung Lang. You can climb for panoramic views of the park and limestone hills at the Lookout Tower. Kids can enjoy swings, slides, and open play areas at the children’s playground.
Photo: Tripadvisor/KGB777
For families, a visit to the mini zoo is great for spotting horses, deer, peacocks, and parrots. You can also buy bread from the ticket counter to feed large carp and catfish at the lakeside.
The park is also close to Perak Cave Temple, adding more to your Ipoh adventure.
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Entry is free, with boat rides priced at RM3 (S$0.91) for adults and RM1.5 (S$0.46) for children (3 to 12 years) and seniors.
5. Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park
Location: Persiaran Meru Utama, Perak, Malaysia
Just 12.9 km from Bandaraya Ipoh is the Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park. The eco-park is a lush natural haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy a dip in the stream, have a BBQ or picnic, or go trekking, cycling, or camping.
Photo: Instagram/nmsi_cmz
The park’s Nepenthes Garden, featuring pitcher plants, also known as monkey cups, is a must-see.
Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Entry fees are as follows:
Children below 6 years old: Free
Children below 18 years old: RM1 (S$0.30)
Adults aged 18 and above: RM2 (S$0.61)
Seniors (60 years and older) and disabled individuals: Free
Non-citizens: RM5 (S$1.52)
6. Hobbitoon Village
Location: PT,24739, Mukim, 31300, Perak
Just 30 minutes from Cameron Highlands and 40 minutes from Ipoh, Hobbitoon Village in Perak is a fun spot that brings The Lord of the Rings Hobbit world to life.
Photo: Tripadvisor/Maps652355
Just opened at the beginning of this year, it is a family-friendly destination featuring unique hobbit houses and gardens, offering a playful atmosphere perfect for those travelling with their kids.
They also have an in-house café that is pork-free and open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
7. Kellie’s Castle
Location: Lot 48436, Kompleks Pelancongan Kellie’s Castle, KM 5.5, Jalan Gopeng, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia
Featured in the film Anna and the King (1999), Kellie’s Castle sits on a hill next to the Raya River in Batu Gajah, Perak. The castle was built by Scottish planter William Kellie-Smith in 1915.
Photo: Tripadvisor/Peter vanderlans
Mr Smith, who arrived in Malaya in 1890, made his fortune in rubber and tin mining. He brought his wife, Agnes, to Malaya in 1903, and they had two children. Sadly, he died in 1926, which halted the castle’s construction.
Combining Moorish, Indo-Saracenic, and Roman styles, the castle boasts beautiful arches, decorative tiles, and intricate ceilings. The rooftop offers stunning views, and despite ghost stories, the castle remains an impressive historical site.
Kellie’s Castle is about two hours from Kuala Lumpur and just a 30-minute drive from Ipoh, accessible via Jalan Gopeng.
The castle is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Entry fees are as follows:
RM10 (S$3.03) for foreign adults, RM8 (S$2.43) for children
RM5 (S$1.52) for Malaysian adults, RM3 (S$0.91) for children
If ever there was a possibility that 38 Oxley Road would be torn down, the latest twist of events might have made it almost an impossibility now.
To demolish it could be seen as a political capitulation by the government, especially as the demolition does not appear to be central to the Lee siblings’ quarrel at this juncture.
It looks like Lee Hsien Yang may be going for beyond the house – to at least challenge the very edifice of government that his father had built, judging by the comments he made to The Guardian newspaper in Britain.
How else can one interpret his latest moves?
At the point where he said he would be applying for the demolition of the house where the late Lee Kuan Yew and his wife, Kwa Geok Choo, lived together in happier times with the three children – Lee Hsien Loong, the late daughter, Lee Wei Ling, and Lee Hsien Yang – the main issue was still only the house.
Yet almost around the same time, Lee Hsien Yang said in an interview with The Guardian in Britain, as reported by The Straits Times (ST), that he had been granted asylum in that country in August 2024 after fleeing from what he described as a “campaign of persecution”.
ST: “In The Guardian report, LHY said that the government turned on him after he endorsed the Opposition and that despite its economic prosperity, there was a dark side to it, that the government was oppressive.”
There was, according to LHY, as quoted by The Guardian, a need to look more closely at Singapore’s claim of financial probity, at its role as a facilitator for arms trade, for dirty money, for drug monies and for crypto money.
The Singapore government has quickly denied all this and said it has a robust system to deal with and tackle money laundering and other illicit money flows.
LHY also criticised “repressive measures”, many of which, he said, came “from the time my father was prime minister and from the time when it was a British colony”.
Although the Singapore government has said there was nothing to prevent LHY or his wife from returning to Singapore, he said he had applied for political asylum in Britain, which had been granted to him for five years.
We are no longer talking about any crossing of the Rubicon. It is way past that. It seems to be an outright war targeted at the government.
The question is: what exactly is LHY’s long-term objective?
Is he still contemplating going into politics? Will he be an even greater supporter of the Progress Singapore Party, which he openly backed in GE2020?
Will he want to be a catalyst for the ABP (Anything But the PAP) and middle-ground voters who want more checks and balances on the dominant People’s Action Party? Will he form his own party?
Will he be contented to be just a voice of conscience operating from abroad? Or will he be grooming his sons for a political career?
We are now beyond irony (of witnessing a Lee Kuan Yew son challenging the very establishment of which he was a part). We are in the middle of a potentially messy battle.
Tan Bah Bah is a former senior leader writer with The Straits Times. He was also managing editor of a magazine publishing company
SINGAPORE: A Singaporean worker slammed his manager on social media for creating a poor working environment.
In a post on r/SingaporeRaw, a Reddit forum, the worker shared that their manager, who was promoted from an engineering role, doesn’t have much experience leading a team and is unintentionally making things difficult.
One key issue he raised was the manager’s tendency to send emails at odd hours, like 3 am or very early in the morning. He commented, “[It] adds to the unhealthy work culture.
I’ve confronted him about it, and he just laughed it off.”
Moreover, the manager reportedly responds to work emails and messages even when he’s on leave, including during weekends.
While he doesn’t directly tell the team to do the same, this creates unspoken pressure for employees to be available outside of regular hours. “It creates the sense that if the boss is working, why aren’t we?” the worker noted.
The worker also pointed out the lack of proper documentation in the workplace, stating:
“There’s no structure to it—it’s in random Notepad files with no proper naming or formatting, which wastes time and increases the risk of errors.”
Despite providing feedback to the manager several months ago, the worker expressed disappointment that no significant changes have occurred.
“He [just] thanked me and said he’d look into it, but so far, there haven’t been any real improvements. I’ve encouraged my colleagues to voice their concerns, but no one seems willing to speak up,” the worker added.
Additionally, the worker highlighted several other issues affecting the team, such as being expected to handle tasks outside of regular working hours, an overwhelming workload, the pressure to stay alert 24/7 without proper compensation, and a noticeable decline in team morale.
“While I personally enjoy the work because of the exposure I’m getting to niche skills in the tech field, my colleagues are just going through the motions.
The other local engineer has already told me he’s planning to leave once he settles his new house,” the worker went on.
“The two on S Passes are working to support their families here and will leave when they find better opportunities. Everyone seems to be just hanging on for now,” he added.
“Cut your losses and look for another job.”
In the comments section, several Singaporean Redditors suggested if he had already provided feedback to the manager and observed no changes, it might be time for him to consider seeking employment elsewhere.
One Redditor said, “The time and effort it takes to change everything, isn’t it easier to polish your own CV or your own study and find a better job?
If they expect you on call and alert 24 hours a day, I doubt you can change that, as there is only a downside for them.”
Another commented, “So you want to become the manager? Or do you want to train the manager to be a better manager? Lol, cut your losses and look for another job like your colleagues, la.”
Others advised him to simply ignore the issues at hand. One Redditor noted, “Your manager’s behaviour is not within your control. You can only control yourself. Aka, just ignore it.
As for documentation, he doesn’t want to enforce it (like mine); just enforce it on your own.”
Conversely, a few others encouraged him to elevate the issues to higher-ups or bring them up during team meetings.
They advised that discussing the feedback in a group setting could help create consensus on the need for change.
One Redditor added, “I think you will need support from your colleagues to back up your call for change.
If you are voicing alone, your manager may think this is isolated feedback, and since no one else has voiced anything, he will not rock the boat and risk changing things.”
SINGAPORE: A young Singaporean woman turned to the Reddit forum for advice after her parents decided to house their domestic helper in the bomb shelter of their new flat.
“We had a helper recently,” she wrote on r/askSingapore on Tuesday (Oct 22). “Currently, she is staying in a room we don’t use, [but] we will be moving to a new flat in about a year.
I recently found out that for the new house we bought, the plan is to use the bomb shelter room as the helper’s room.”
The young woman explained she felt uneasy about this arrangement and had tried to reason with her parents, pointing out that the bomb shelter is windowless and “would be depressing to live in.”
However, her parents dismissed her concerns without much thought, leaving her feeling frustrated and unheard.
“I don’t want my helper to stay in the bomb shelter, but I don’t know what to do since it’s also not my house,” she explained.
Determined to advocate for her helper’s well-being, she planned to raise the issue again but felt uncertain about how to approach her parents.
“I’m not sure what points to raise with my parents to convince them to let her stay in another room. Isn’t this unethical? What can I do?” she asked.
“Humans shouldn’t live in bomb shelters.”
In the comments section, many Singaporean Redditors praised the young woman for advocating for her helper’s well-being. They agreed that bomb shelters are not appropriate living spaces for anyone.
One Redditor said, “I appreciate you being outspoken about this. Domestic helpers always face this sort of unethical treatment, and it’s never addressed enough, I feel.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure that she isn’t being treated as subhuman.”
Another expressed, “Good for you. Humans shouldn’t live in bomb shelters. I wouldn’t even put my dog in one. She’s a human and deserves to be treated as such.”
Others suggested that if her parents cannot provide a decent living space for the helper, they should consider sending her back to her home country.
One Redditor commented, “You should save her from the bomb shelter! No one should be staying there.
Tell your parents to send her home since they can’t provide proper lodging for her. If they protest and say they need a maid to do the housework, you can volunteer, so no maid is needed.”
On the contrary, some have shared a different perspective, noting that certain domestic helpers actually prefer sleeping in the bomb shelter rather than sharing a room with other family members.
One Redditor shared, “I had a helper who worked for me for 15 years. When we moved house, she requested her own space and chose the bomb shelter herself.
The door of the bomb shelter faces a big window, and she sleeps there with the door open and a fan so there’s ventilation.”
A few others stepped in to defend her parents’ decision. One Redditor remarked, “It’s easy for you to judge your parents when you are not paying for the flat.
Who doesn’t want to buy a big enough house that can comfortably accommodate the helper without being a tight squeeze?
Please do not call your parents unethical when you are not paying a single cent towards your helper yet benefiting from her service.”
SINGAPORE: A man posed a question, “Is it cringy to be proud of your service in NS?” on r/NationalServiceSG, a Reddit forum, after he was humiliated for hanging a ‘keychain with his unit embroidered on it’ on his backpack.
In his post, he explained he proudly displayed the keychain as a keepsake from his time in service, believing it represented the camaraderie and experiences he shared with his fellow servicemen.
He also mentioned it was a gift from his Officer Commanding when he ORD’d (operationally ready date) earlier this year. However, while at university, a classmate asked him why he still carried the keychain.
“He (classmate) said it makes it look like I peaked in NS, and it’s really cringy,” the man wrote, adding that the pride he felt to be in NS service was completely justified.
He argued that those two years shaped who he is today, and carrying around the keychain is no different from people who still wear their school t-shirts years after graduation.
For him, it was a way of honouring an important chapter of his life.
So, he couldn’t help but wonder: Why is it seen as cringe-worthy when it comes to NS? He asked, “I wanted to know what everyone thinks about this; where’s the line between cringe and not cringe?”
“You have every right to be proud of your service!”
In the comments section, many urged him to ignore his classmates’ comments, saying that showing pride in one’s service is totally valid.
One individual said, “Hang your head high. You served two years for your nation. Unlike what some people might say or act, your service is important and valued, at least by the rest of us who’ve also served.
Which is more than what you can say about some people. Hang your keychain with pride.”
Another commented, “You have every right to be proud of your service!
The university campus on which your classmate made that remark would not exist without you and the rest of us Singaporean men proudly defending this nation.
We are the reason Singapore exists and prospers today, and we have every right to feel proud!”
Some shared their own stories of how they still carry items from their NS days and emphasized everyone has different experiences and memories tied to their service.
One individual shared, “It’s a cool thing. I had my battalion keychain, and I still use stuff from my battalion days 20 years ago.
I wore my unit t-shirt to the passing of a fellow Guardsman a few years back. You worked hard; carry it with pride.”
A few others also criticized the classmate for mocking him. One individual expressed, “He probably hated his NS as much as you liked it.
Some people like this always look at the pessimistic side of things; don’t let his comments wear you down. If you felt proud of your NS life, don’t let someone else steal that pride from you.”
Another remarked, “His perspective and the fact that he actually voiced it out is what I find to be cringe.”
SINGAPORE: A foreigner took to Reddit on Friday (Oct 25) to ask if he was wrong for telling his ‘Singaporean housemate that he eats with his mouth open.’
Over time, he noticed one housemate’s habit of smacking his lips while eating, which he found quite off-putting. “I find it really gross. Every time he eats, I have to leave the room,” he said.
After enduring this behaviour for a while, he addressed the issue directly.
“We were on a trip together—me, the other guy, and one of the Singaporeans. When the Singaporean started eating and smacking his lips again, I asked, ‘Is it common to eat with your mouth open where you’re from?’”
His question, however, did not go over well.
The Singaporean became visibly upset and denied the behaviour, leaving the foreigner confused, as he found it hard to believe that someone could be unaware of such a noticeable habit.
“One of the most awkward moments of my life. Now, the atmosphere is super weird. Was it wrong of me to say something?” he asked.
“I’ve never had someone get this upset just because I pointed something out. Why did he react like that? Telling him was a completely natural thing for me. I did not have any bad intentions at all.”
“You could have told them in private and not embarrassed in front of your other friends.”
In the comments section, numerous Redditors said he was wrong, not necessarily because he pointed out the habit but because of how he said it.
Many emphasized the phrasing of his question might have come off as accusatory rather than constructive.
Some Redditors suggested a more tactful approach would have been to express his discomfort in a less accusatory way. For instance, they recommended saying, “Would you do me a favour and change this behaviour?”
One Redditor added, “There was no need to ask if it was common for people from Singapore. All you had to say was:
‘I’m sorry to bring this up because I’m sure it’s going to make both of us a little uncomfortable, but I have been having a very hard time sharing meals with you because you tend to chew with your mouth open.’
You weren’t actually curious about all Singaporean people chewing with their mouths open; you were annoyed and wanted him to know why.”
A few also speculated his housemate might have felt embarrassed because the question was asked in front of others or because it was posed while he was still eating, which made him more self-conscious.
One Redditor said, “You could have told them privately and not embarrassed in front of your other friends.
Also, he might have some breathing problems/allergies, and he cannot eat with his mouth closed. So assuming it is his ‘culture’ is kinda insulting.”
Others pointed out the importance of being mindful of cultural differences, reminding him what might be considered rude in one culture could be perfectly acceptable in another.
One Redditor shared, “I’ve been in some Asian countries where slurping, smacking your lips and generally being noisy about enjoying your food is the norm.”
On the contrary, several Redditors agreed with the foreigner and said he was not entirely wrong.
They acknowledged that while tact could have been employed, it was reasonable to expect basic table manners in a shared living situation.
One Redditor stated, “Even just reading that made me shudder. Good for you for pointing it out, despite the awkwardness.”
Another remarked, “People who go live in foreign countries need to pay attention and make an effort to adapt—within reason, of course.
If he’s at a table and the only one smacking and chewing his food with his mouth open, he needs to adjust; it’s obvious.”
NEW YORK: Nvidia briefly surpassed Apple on Friday, Oct 25, becoming the world’s most valuable company as its stock soared, fuelled by strong demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) chips.
Nvidia’s market value reached US$3.53 trillion (S$4.66 trillion), just ahead of Apple’s US$3.52 trillion (S$4.65 trillion), according to data from LSEG.
According to Reuters, by the end of the day, Nvidia’s valuation closed at US$3.47 trillion (S$4.58 trillion), while Apple finished at US$3.52 trillion (S$4.65 trillion) after a slight stock rise.
In June this year, Nvidia briefly took the lead as the world’s most valuable company but was later overtaken by Microsoft and Apple. For months, these tech giants’ values have moved closely.
Microsoft’s market value currently sits at US$3.18 trillion (S$4.20 trillion), following a 0.8 per cent rise.
Nvidia has become a key player in AI technology. It dominates the supply of processors used in AI computing, with companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms racing to build a foothold in the rapidly evolving AI space.
Nvidia’s stock climbed roughly 18 per cent in October. This latest rise follows a funding round announcement from OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, which raised US$6.6 billion (S$8.72 billion).
Nvidia and other semiconductor stocks were boosted on Friday after data storage company Western Digital reported stronger-than-expected quarterly profits, boosting hopes for continued data centre demand.
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, commented that “more companies are now embracing artificial intelligence in their everyday tasks, and demand remains strong for Nvidia chips.”
He added that as long as the US avoids a “big economic downturn,” companies will keep investing in AI technology, “creating a healthy tailwind for Nvidia.”
Reuters reported that on Tuesday, Nvidia’s shares hit an all-time high, adding to its upward momentum from last week.
This recent surge followed a 54 per cent quarterly profit jump by TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, driven by high demand for AI chips.
Meanwhile, Apple is grappling with slower iPhone sales. In China, iPhone sales dipped by 0.3 per cent in the third quarter, while rival Huawei reported a 42 per cent surge in sales during the same period.
Despite this, LSEG data suggests that Apple is projected to report a 5.55 per cent revenue growth, with an expected US$94.5 billion (S$124.83 billion) in revenue in its quarterly results due Thursday.
Meanwhile, analysts expect Nvidia to post a revenue increase of nearly 82 per cent, with an estimated US$32.9 billion (S$43.46 billion) in revenue.
Shares of Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft hold major influence over the high-value tech sector and the wider US stock market, making up about a fifth of the S&P 500 index’s weight.
Nvidia’s sharp rise has attracted option traders and has become one of the most actively traded, according to Trade Alert, an options analytics provider.
The stock has climbed nearly 190 per cent this year, fuelled by the generative AI boom.
Optimism about AI’s potential hopes for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and a strong start to the earnings season lifted the S&P 500 to a record high last week.
However, some analysts question if Nvidia’s revenue growth “will last for a long time.”
Rick Meckler, partner at Cherry Lane Investments, noted that the “emotion of investors” around AI may be driving the numbers “rather than any ability to prove or disprove the thesis that AI is overdone.”
He added that he thinks that Nvidia knows that near-term, numbers are likely to be “quite remarkable.” /TISG
SINGAPORE: The long-awaited dream for Tampines Rovers Football Club player Kyoga Nakamura is finally over, as he has been granted Singapore citizenship.
The Japanese-born footballer took the oath of allegiance to the Republic at the ICA Building on Friday, Oct 25.
“Just now, I took the oath to officially become a Singapore citizen – and it was an emotional moment for me,” shared a joyful Nakamura on social media.
The former Japan national U17 footballer obtained Singapore permanent residency earlier in June, which fuels his ambition to follow in the footsteps of Lion City Sailors player Song Ui-young to represent Singapore on the international football stage.
South Korean-born Song became a naturalised Lion in 2021.
The Singapore national team has leveraged the ‘Foreign Sports Talent Scheme’, launched in 1996, to recruit naturalised players, including pioneering foreign-born footballers such as Mirko Grabovac from Croatia and Egmar Goncalves from Brazil.
Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore
Nakamura began his professional career with JEF United Chiba before turning out for other Japanese clubs such as YSCC Yokohama and FC Ryukyu.
He was signed by Singapore Premier League club Albirex Niigata (Singapore) in 2019 and joined Tampines the following year.
During his first season in Singapore, Nakamura was nominated for the ‘Young Player of the Year’ and ‘Goal of the Season’ awards.
“Kyoga is a fantastic footballer and an even better person. I am delighted to welcome him as a new citizen, and I am proud to stand alongside him as a fellow Singaporean,” said Tampines chairman Desmond Ong.
Prior to gaining Singaporean citizenship, Nakamura, along with Cardiff City’s Perry Ng, was extended an invitation by the Football Association of Singapore to participate in a familiarisation stint with the Singapore national team’s centralised training in September.
The Tampines midfielder was once again called up to the Lions’ squad by national team head coach Tsutoms Ogura for centralised training in Japan earlier this month.
Singapore played three friendlies with local Japanese clubs in preparation for the year-end ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Mitsubishi Electric Cup to be held on Dec 8–Jan 5.
The Lions lost 4-0 to FC Tokyo in their opening match on Oct 8 but clinched a morale-boosting 2-1 win against Tokyo Verdy in their next game three days later.
They ended their stint in Japan with a crushing 7-1 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos in their final friendly match on Oct 14.
“I’m really excited to finally be Singaporean, and from here on in, I will try my best to contribute whatever I can to our country and our football.
I am no superstar, but I will work hard for our flag and do whatever I can, on and off the pitch,” expressed the 28-year-old.
Singapore is in Group A with defending champions Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Timor Leste for the biennial regional tournament.
The Lions have won the ASEAN Championship four times: in 1998, 2004, 2007, and 2012.
In the previous edition of the tournament held in 2022, Singapore’s campaign was cut short and failed to advance to the semi-finals. They disappointingly finished third in the group stage, behind Vietnam and Malaysia.
