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“Lost and depressed” young man turns to food delivery to make ends meet after losing job

Mary Alavanza
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“Lost and depressed” young man turns to food delivery to make ends meet after losing job

SINGAPORE: Yet another 25-year-old Singaporean man is facing unemployment and has turned to food delivery services to make ends meet. He took to social media seeking advice on whether to join Grab or foodpanda for food delivery gigs after unexpectedly losing his job a week before his notice period ends.

He shared, “I have been looking for new full-time jobs but to no avail. I have been searching for logistics jobs because that has been my job history, and also because I attend part-time school, which limits my availability to industries with office hours. Administrative roles have been very, very, very hard to get.”

He admitted he’s been “lost and depressed” and was suggested by his friends to “do grab/foodpanda while actively looking for a full time job.”

Seeking guidance from the online community, he asked, “I’m here to know which is better to join even though I heard it is also not a perfect time (to look for jobs) now.” 

Singaporeans online responded with a mix of practical advice and empathy. Many suggested that while Grab tends to offer more frequent orders, foodpanda often pays better rates, especially during peak meal times like lunch and dinner.

One commenter advised, “Grab tends to have more orders with a similar amount of money per order. You can also go online or offline anytime you want, so it’s more flexible. foodpanda pays more during peak timings but orders are lesser compared to Grab.”

Others highlighted the differences in payment and work flexibility between the platforms, adding that Deliveroo, while offering higher rates at certain times, requires more stringent scheduling and has longer account approval times.

Others urged him to try both, noting, “I see people doing both, so why not start with Grab and then join foodpanda later once you get comfortable?” one commenter suggested.

Amid the practical advice, messages of support and motivation poured in from the online community.

One commenter offered words of comfort, saying, “All the best brother, as long as you are breathing and you don’t give up on part-time school and constantly improving yourself. Let the days pass and one day you will make it.”

“Always remember that life is a marathon not a race. As long as you are alive, you have a chance!” he added. /TISG

Read also: Some workers turn to Grab deliveries or giving tuition to fill long periods of unemployment

Featured image by Depositphotos

Singapore crowned APAC’s top business travel destination

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Singapore crowned APAC’s top business travel destination

SINGAPORE: Singapore has been ranked the top destination for business travelers in BCD Travel’s latest Cities & Trends report, highlighting the country’s robust post-pandemic recovery and its continued appeal for major meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.

According to the report, Singapore outpaced other leading cities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, securing its position as the foremost destination for corporate travel. This success is attributed to comprehensive government support and strategic investments in the aviation and tourism sectors.

Notably, Singapore introduced the OneAviation Support Package, an initiative valued at $870 million in 2021, aimed at bolstering the aviation industry. Approximately $300 million in aid was also allocated to rejuvenate the tourism sector as it navigated the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Trailing Singapore in the rankings are Hong Kong, a prominent financial hub and close competitor, which secured the second spot. Bangkok followed in third place, with Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur rounding out the top five. Completing the top ten destinations were Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, Jakarta, and Manila, respectively.

BCD Travel’s analysis, based on flight transactions, revealed that Singapore was the most frequented destination in APAC last year, surpassing China and Japan in visitor numbers. The city-state’s strategic location and extensive connectivity contributed to its prominence, making it the top hub for both arrivals and layovers on APAC flights.

“The APAC region is set to play a significant role in global business travel spending this year, accounting for 42% of the total,” said Greg O’Neil, BCD Travel’s President for Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Global Network. His remarks highlight the growing importance of the region in the global business travel landscape.

Singapore’s success is also reflective of broader trends in business travel as companies and professionals seek destinations that offer not only advanced infrastructure and connectivity but also strong governmental support for the aviation and tourism sectors.

TISG/

Featured image by Deposit Photos

Thomson View Condominium relaunched for collective sale

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Thomson View Condominium relaunched for collective sale

SINGAPORE: Edmund Tie & Company has announced the relaunch of Thomson View Condominium for collective sale, presenting a significant opportunity for potential developers. The property, strategically located adjacent to the Upper Thomson MRT station, spans an extensive 50,197 square meters.

Zoned under “Residential,” the condominium offers a considerable development potential, with an allowable total gross floor area of 112,792 square meters. The site features 255 residential units, including 54 townhouses and a 29-storey block with a retail unit and 200 apartments.

The collective sale has retained its reserve price of $918 million, translating to approximately $1,275 per square foot per plot ratio. This valuation encompasses all relevant charges and premiums.

Thomson View Condominium’s prime location provides easy access to a variety of amenities. Residents can enjoy the proximity to multiple MRT stations and a range of educational institutions.

The area is also well-served by retail outlets, dining options, and recreational facilities, including MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Bishan Park, and the Singapore Island Country Club.

The redevelopment potential of the site has already received approval from the authorities, allowing for the construction of up to 1,240 residential units. This proposal is based on an average apartment size of 85 square meters, providing ample space for modern living in a sought-after area.

Interested parties are invited to submit their offers by 3pm on September 6. Given its location, amenities, and approved redevelopment plans, analysts expect Thomson View Condominium could present a compelling proposition for developers.

TISG/

SG employee asks, “How do you deal with perfectionistic teammates at work?”

Yoko Nicole
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SG employee asks, “How do you deal with perfectionistic teammates at work?”

SINGAPORE: Feeling completely fed up, a Singaporean employee took to social media to vent about a perfectionist teammate who’s been driving her up the wall lately.

In her post on r/askSingapore, she described how this teammate imposes exceptionally high standards on the entire team, expecting everyone to match her pace and level of work, despite not always delivering flawless results herself.

The employee lamented that her teammate also has a habit of excessively critiquing others’ work, often labeling it “low quality” while consistently showing off her own work.

“My work does not affect her deliverables in any way so I find it mightily irritating that she butts into my business.”

Recalling a particularly tense incident, she wrote, “I once misspoke and said to a boss that I was helping her “revamp” her work (in reality I was just helping to add things here and there based on my expertise) and damn she was PISSED.”

She then asked the online community on Reddit, “How do you deal with perfectionistic teammates at work?”

“Be neutral unless she interrupts your work in any way.”

The post sparked a lively discussion among Redditors, with many sharing their own experiences and offering practical tips on how to deal with perfectionistic colleagues in the workplace.

One individual advised the employee to never engage or work with her teammate unless it is absolutely necessary. She added that she should stay objective and speak up only when there are real issues with her teammate’s work.

However, she also warned against staying quiet or letting her teammate always have her way just to avoid confrontation, as this could potentially worsen her overbearing behavior over time.

Another individual said, “Be neutral unless she interrupts your work in any way.”

On the other hand, some suggested a more assertive approach. One individual recommended that the employee should find mistakes in her teammate’s work and point them out cheerfully. This approach, she explained, could help break the illusion of perfectionism.

She added, “I had a colleague who was a perfectionist till I found loads of mistakes in the work and cheerfully pointed to the colleague. The said colleague never tried to irritate me again.”

Another individual shared that whenever perfectionists at his workplace unfairly criticize others, he often steps in to defend his teammates. He mentioned that advocating for team members tends to promote a more forgiving atmosphere among everyone.

He went on to say, “I find it also helps tone down the perfectionist to remind them not everything is life and death; and it helps you professionally to be someone who knows how to be simultaneously understanding and assertive.”

Read also: Singapore worker feels “wronged” after promotion leads to colleagues turning against her

Featured image by Depositphotos

Lee Min Ho fat-shamed and called an “uncle” after new skincare ad appearance

Lydia Koh
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Lee Min Ho fat-shamed and called an “uncle” after new skincare ad appearance

Popular South Korean actor Lee Min Ho is facing criticism for appearing less than perfect in a new advertisement for Azarine Cosmetic – a stark contrast to the admiration his good looks The King: Eternal Monarch fame has gotten in the past.

In the 20-second advertisement, despite close-ups showcasing his flawless skin, Lee Min Ho did appear somewhat puffy. This prompted netizens to fat-shame the actor, with one harshly commenting, “Who is this uncle?” Another netizen added rudely that the star is now “saggy.”

Photo: Instagram/Lee Min Ho

Many of Lee Min Ho’s fans defended him, asserting, “He still looks as handsome as ever,” while some blamed the cameraman for not capturing his best angles.

Concerned fans also speculated if Lee Min Ho is being overworked and questioned if he is taking proper care of himself.

Lee Min Ho has previously disclosed that he suffers from liver problems, which can cause puffiness if he doesn’t get adequate rest.

This isn’t the first time he’s faced such criticism; in August last year, after appearing at a beauty expo in Bangkok, netizens cruelly commented that his chin had “merged with his neck.”

Lee Min Ho explained that eating supper the night before affects his appearance the next day, but assured the public he manages his diet when working on projects.

Born in Seoul in 1987, Lee Min Ho is one of the most famous South Korean stars. Initially aspiring to be a professional football player, an injury redirected his path to acting during high school, leading him to sign with Starhaus Entertainment.

He is set to star in the upcoming drama Ask the Stars and recently finished filming for the highly-anticipated movie Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint.

Singapore shares open lower on Friday—STI dropped 0.2%

Mary Alavanza
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Singapore shares open lower on Friday—STI dropped 0.2%

SINGAPORE: Singapore shares open lower on Friday, July 5, even as European markets posted gains overnight.

The Business Times reported that the Straits Times Index (STI) was down by 0.2%, dropping 6.74 points to 3,433.14 at 9:01 am.

In the broader market, there were more losers than gainers, with 52 stocks falling and 48 rising after 51.6 million securities valued at S$54.1 million were traded.

Singtel was one of the most actively traded stocks by volume. It saw a decrease of 0.7% or S$0.02, bringing its price down to S$2.87, with 3.5 million shares traded. Genting Singapore also experienced a decline, dropping 0.6% or S$0.005 to S$0.845. Yoma Strategic shares fell 2.6% or S$0.004 to S$0.153.

The banking sector was also affected by the downward trend. DBS shares fell by 0.2% or S$0.07 to S$37.91. UOB saw a decline of 0.3% or S$0.09, bringing its price to S$32.48. OCBC dipped 0.3% or S$0.05, ending at S$15.10.

In the United States, Wall Street had a mixed performance on Thursday. The broad-based S&P 500 rose by 0.5% to 5,537.02. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index performed better, jumping 0.9% to 18,188.3. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped slightly, losing 0.1% to 39,308.

European markets were more optimistic, boosted by expectations of interest rate cuts in the US following soft economic data. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index climbed 0.6% to 517.54. /TISG

Read also: Singapore stocks edge higher on Thursday—STI rose by 0.5%

Featured image by Depositphotos

Singapore wins bid to host 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship over Indian cities

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Singapore wins bid to host 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship over Indian cities

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Chess Federation (SCF) has successfully secured the bid to host the prestigious FIDE World Chess Championship Match 2024. This event will see reigning World Champion Ding Liren of China defend his title against the young and formidable Challenger Gukesh D from India.

The championship will run from November 20 to December 15, 2024.

FIDE, the International Chess Federation, selected Singapore over competing bids from New Delhi and Chennai. Singapore’s comprehensive proposal was submitted on May 31, with venue inspections following on June 11-12. This rigorous process evaluated the suitability of the proposed venues against FIDE’s stringent requirements.

According to FIDE’s guidelines, the championship venue must offer an ideal playing environment and supporting facilities. The playing area should be within or near the hotel accommodating the players and must meet high standards in terms of size, lighting, and climate control.

Additionally, the venue must provide amenities such as a players’ lounge, a fair-play check room, outdoor spaces, and refreshments. Key specifications include:

  • A playing area of at least 10 square meters, with high-quality tables, electronic boards, pieces, and clocks.
  • The temperature maintained between 21 and 23°C and lighting of at least 450 lux to prevent shadows or glare.
  • Carpeted floors and a quiet environment.

Additional venue requirements extend to various dedicated rooms, including spaces for broadcasting, commentary, and press conferences. These facilities must be equipped with high-speed internet and other technical supports to ensure smooth operation and coverage of the event.

The total prize for the championship winner stands at a substantial $3.38 million (US$2.5 million), reflecting the high stakes and global prestige of the competition.

The final decision on the specific venue within Singapore is pending and will be announced soon. The SCF’s successful bid underscores Singapore’s growing influence in the global chess community and its capacity to host international sporting events of the highest caliber.

TISG/

Amy Khor’s 2018 claim that that stall rentals do not affect food prices resurfaces online

Anna Maria Romero
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Amy Khor’s 2018 claim that that stall rentals do not affect food prices resurfaces online

SINGAPORE: A comment ruling party politician Amy Khor made in 2018 has resurfaced online, sparking heated debate after the Prolific Skins blog called attention to how Dr Amy Khor, then-Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources, said in Parliament that the rental price of hawker stalls does not directly affect food prices.

Opposition politician Lim Tean has also highlighted the comment, in a Facebook post on Tuesday (Jul 2). Mr Lim, who is the founder and secretary-general of Peoples Voice party, wrote, “I Am Absolutely Stunned Hearing Amy Khor Say That Hawkers’ Rentals Have No Direct Relation To The Food Prices They Charge! Go And Work That One Out!”

Dr Khor, who is now Senior Minister of State for Transport and for Sustainability and the Environment, had said in Parliament on Nov 19, 2018, that the rental costs of hawkers only indirectly affect their overall costs, adding that they do not directly affect food prices.

She cited a 2014 study from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the Ministry of Trade and Industry showing that 76 per cent of hawkers’ costs went to manpower and raw materials, while the cost of rentals only took up 12 per cent.

“Hence, stall rentals do not directly affect food prices,” said Dr Khor, adding that hawkers “generally price food according to what the market can bear.”

Moreover, she said competition in the vicinity and the demographic profile of customers also influence food prices.

Just as netizens were angered by Dr Khor’s comments at the time, many commenters were also upset when Mr Lim drew attention to her comment afresh.

Some felt that Dr Khor is disconnected from the realities that people face every day.

Others who commented on the People’s Voice chief’s post expressed shock.

“Is there something that we don’t know that she knows? Every business is complaining about rental, yet our minister said otherwise,” wrote one commenter.

In May, Makansutra founder Kf Seetoh, who has long been a champion of Singapore’s hawkers, posted an article on his site titled “The Problem with Hawkers,” wherein he called for people to stop complaining about “that $12 plate of nasi padang,” and explained the challenges that hawkers have to face, which include the bidding system, cleaning and washing rates, the requirement to offer a low-priced dish, and rental rates at Social Enterprise Hawker Centres (SEHC).

He wrote that rental rates at SEHCs are now at an average of S$2,000, which causes hawkers to sell popular low-cost fare, and cuts innovation and creativity.

“This systematically dulls the great Singapore hawker menu as it forces them to just sell what is popular and money churners. You should differentiate rentals for stall offering vanishing or fading items. Don’t we have enough bak chor mee, fishball noodle, wanton mee, porridge, chicken rice and nasi lemak stalls already?” he wrote.

In Parliament in March 2023, Dr Khor said that median rental rates at non-subsidised cooked food stalls, around $1,250, have remained constant since 2018. /TISG

Read also: Singaporeans livid at Amy Khor who said “stall rentals do not directly affect food prices”

“Let him live his own life in private” – Tan Chuan-Jin receives some sympathy as he joins philanthropic group as consultant

Jewel Stolarchuk
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“Let him live his own life in private” – Tan Chuan-Jin receives some sympathy as he joins philanthropic group as consultant

SINGAPORE: Amid the usual tongue-in-cheek jests and sarcastic comments in response to his return to the public eye, some Singaporeans have extended sympathy and denounced the continued criticism former ruling party politician Tan Chuan-Jin keeps receiving for a personal indiscretion that spilled into the public domain more than a year ago.

A fresh wave of brickbats was triggered after philanthropic organisation, the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, revealed that the former Speaker of Parliament has joined its team as a consultant. The group shared on LinkedIn that Mr Tan co-hosted a roundtable discussion last week, as part of his duties.

The organisation shared on LinkedIn that Mr Tan had co-hosted a roundtable discussion last Wednesday (26 June). The event was geared to “identify potential gaps and hopefully foster collaborations amongst agencies from the public, private and people sectors serving the elderly in Singapore”.

While many responding to Mr Tan’s latest role were quick to have a go at him on online forums and messaging platforms, some welcomed his new position and quipped that it was “better optics” than the $1,000 leadership masterclass he was featured in, earlier this year.

Other Singaporeans have asserted that the man should be able to live his own life and that critics should stop judging him, now that he is out of office.

The controversy has sparked broader discussions about forgiveness, redemption, and the extent to which individuals should be held accountable for their actions, even after facing consequences. Despite the mixed reactions, the ethics of continuing to judge him for past indiscretions, particularly considering the fact that he has “paid the price” by exiting politics, continue to be debated online.

TISG/

Singaporeans call on Leon Perera to rejoin politics and contest next election

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Singaporeans call on Leon Perera to rejoin politics and contest next election

SINGAPORE: Some Singaporeans online have expressed a desire to see former Workers’ Party (WP) politician Leon Perera rejoin politics and contest the next general election, a year after he resigned from the party due to a personal indiscretion.

The calls for Mr Perera to make a comeback in the political sphere come on the heels of his latest Facebook post, in which he reflected on his recent trip to the UK. In the post, he discussed the value of celebrating wins while remembering one’s setbacks.

Asserting the importance of standing up for the right values and making sure one’s work serves everyone, Mr Perera also said that one must “own your scars and never forget the setbacks that made you stronger.”

Pointing out that one must “keep adapting and improving as times change,” as well, he added: “Here’s to building on the past to make things better.”

While Mr Perera’s post framed these takeaways in the context of the Old Trafford Museum in the UK, some observers online are speculating that the reminders he voiced could be a veiled indication that he could be prepared to step into the political fray once again.

Others, meanwhile, are directly appealing to the ex-MP on social media to rejoin politics. One Facebook user, K Collins, urged Mr Perera to contest a single-member constituency in the looming election. He added that Singaporeans, especially younger voters, “won’t reject your talents” if he throws his hat into the ring once again.

Another commenter, Sastos Sal, added, “Come back and fight them. You will always get the support needed,” while Facebook user Patrick Ng urged Mr Perera to “help beat PAP at the ballot box.”

Some Singaporeans called on him to stand as an independent candidate at the upcoming polls while others urged him to join an opposition that aligns with his values.

Some pointed to the “outstanding work” Mr Perera has done in standing up for Singaporeans over the past decade, first as a non-constituency member of parliament and then an elected MP. Others asserted that they find Mr Perera to be “much more honest than most other politicians,” with his heart in the right place.

Last year, when he accepted Mr Perera’s resignation in July 2023, WP chief Pritam Singh called the former a “committed and dedicated MP, advocating in the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans.” He added that his resignation represents the “loss of a steadfast opposition voice” as he urged Mr Perera to come back from the controversy stronger.

TISG/

Ex-WP MP Leon Perera elected to HOME board

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