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Road To Kingdom, Season 2: SHINee’s Taemin to host the show?

Lydia Koh
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Road To Kingdom, Season 2: SHINee’s Taemin to host the show?

SHINee’s Taemin may be hosting the new season of Mnet’s “Road to Kingdom”!

On July 3, News1 reported that Taemin is set to be the MC for “Road to Kingdom” Season 2.

In response, a source from Mnet shared, “Taemin is positively in talks to star as an MC for the new season of ‘Road to Kingdom.’”

In June, “Road to Kingdom” announced a major reorganization and rebranding to spotlight rising K-pop boy groups and introduce new benefits for the winning team.

It was reported that CRAVITY, xikers, THE NEW SIX, 8TURN, YOUNITE, ATBO, and TEMPEST would be joining the contestant lineup, with ONEUS also in talks to join following their appearance in Season 1.

The show will reportedly premiere in September. Stay tuned for more updates!

Photo: Instagram/Taemin

Dancing machine

Lee Taemin, popularly known as Taemin, is a multi-talented South Korean singer, dancer, actor, and model who has captivated audiences for over a decade.

Born on July 18, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, he debuted in May 2008 as the youngest member of the iconic boy group SHINee under SM Entertainment.

Known as SHINee’s “Dancing Machine,” Taemin is celebrated for his exceptional dance skills and stage presence.

As part of SHINee, Taemin has released numerous hit songs like “Ring Ding Dong,” “Lucifer,” “View,” and “Don’t Call Me.” In 2014, he launched his solo career with the EP “Ace,” showcasing his artistic versatility with solo albums and EPs spanning various genres, including R&B, pop, and contemporary dance.

Popular solo tracks include “Danger,” “Move,” “Criminal,” and his latest hit, “Guilty” (2023). Taemin is known for his captivating music videos featuring strong choreography and artistic concepts.

Acting career

Taemin has also ventured into acting, appearing in dramas like “TaeTiGo” (2012) and “Never Gonna Dance Again” (2020). Additionally, he has participated in variety shows and modelled for various brands.

“Who’s paying for the services?” — WP’s Yee Jenn Jong raises questions about free shuttle service at Marine Parade

Anna Maria Romero
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“Who’s paying for the services?” — WP’s Yee Jenn Jong raises questions about free shuttle service at Marine Parade

SINGAPORE: Former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Yee Jenn Jong asked questions about a new initiative at Marine Parade cluster, the free shuttle bus service for residents starting next Monday (July 8).

The initiative talked about in videos posted online by Marine Parade GRC MPs Tan See Leng, Edwin Tong, and Seah Kian Peng, as well as MacPherson SMC MP Tin Pei Ling, is said to be a response to feedback from residents and is aimed at helping them get to venues such as polyclinics and grocery stores easier, especially perhaps for senior citizens.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (July 2), Mr Yee, who belongs to the opposition Workers’ Party, called the initiative “interesting” but wondered what it would mean for Singapore’s public transport and transport funding policies.

“Singaporeans have often been told there is NO free lunch. Someone pays. Who is paying for the services? PA and CDC? Or the MPs (whose images are on the buses),” he asked.

Furthermore, Mr Yee addressed the issue of gaps in connectivity, which has been mentioned as the rationale for the initiative. If there are such gaps, he asked if solutions should not come under the funding for public transport.

The same need to bridge connectivity gaps exists in other areas in Singapore, as the ex-NCMP pointed out, asking whether a similar push would also be made at Limbang, Ang Mo Kio, or other neighbourhoods.

Mr Yee also asked that if the initiative is indeed under the purview of the People’s Association (PA) and the Community Development Council (CDC), “are they in the best position to sustain the operations, even if they had tendered out to a private bus company to run”?

He pointed out that “There is no economics of scale compared to that of public transport companies,” with drivers who sometimes get sick and buses needing maintenance.

“Why restrict to only Marine Parade residents for free usage, if indeed it is paid from the national funds? Do the PA and CDC need more manpower for their own internal operations for this?

Good as the intent may be, is it sustainable?”

Mr Yee also wrote that a similar pilot to improve connectivity had been launched in 2016 in Tampines, although that was a private initiative, and people who used the service were charged a S$1 fare for trips between HDB neighbourhoods and the Tampines Round Market.

However, he added that this did not last long.

“Awareness and keeping a localised operations sustainable remain as challenges,” wrote Mr Yee. /TISG

Read also: Free shuttle bus service for Marine Parade cluster residents starts in July

Shin Se Kyung is leaving EDAM Entertainment

Lydia Koh
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Shin Se Kyung is leaving EDAM Entertainment

EDAM Entertainment announced on July 3, KST, that after extensive discussions, Shin Se Kyung and the company have agreed to end their management relationship as of July 4, 2024.

The company expressed deep gratitude for their partnership, built on mutual trust, and cherished every moment spent together.

They continued, requesting ongoing support and interest in Shin Se Kyung’s future endeavours, wishing her the best in all her activities.

Photo: Instagram/Shin Se Kyung

Departure from previous agency

In 2021, Shin Se Kyung left Namoo Actors, her agency of 19 years since her debut, to join EDAM Entertainment, established by IU and her long-time manager.

IU welcomed her with a bouquet and rice cakes.

During her tenure with EDAM Entertainment, Shin Se Kyung appeared in tvN’s ‘Arthdal Chronicles’ and ‘Captivating the King.’ She is currently reviewing potential future projects.

Film and TV credits

Shin Se Kyung is a well-respected South Korean actress who began her career at a young age.

Born in Seoul on July 29, 1990, she started acting as a child, with a notable appearance at age eight on a Seo Taiji album cover. Her breakthrough role came in the 2009 sitcom “High Kick Through the Roof.”

Her film credits include “Hindsight” (2011), “R2B: Return to Base” (2012), and “Tazza: The Hidden Card” (2014).

On television, she has appeared in “Deep Rooted Tree” (2011), “A Girl Who Sees Smells” (2015), “Six Flying Dragons” (2015–2016), “The Bride of Habaek” (2017), “Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me” (2017–2018), “Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung” (2019), “Run On” (2020), and “Captivating the King” (2024).

Shin Se Kyung earned acclaim for portraying a wise court lady in “Deep Rooted Tree.” She studied Performing Arts at Chung-Ang University.

About half of Singapore companies are still looking to hire more staff: Report

Jewel Stolarchuk
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About half of Singapore companies are still looking to hire more staff: Report

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s labour market is expected to remain tight as demand for talent continues to surge alongside an improving economic climate.

In a recent analysis, economists at Nomura highlighted a significant uptick in their Labour Market Conditions Indicator (LMCI) for Singapore in the first quarter of 2024.

This recovery follows a period of easing from its peak over the last seven quarters.

According to Nomura, the current labour market dynamics reflect robust wage growth, with average monthly earnings now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

This wage growth is a testament to the strong demand for labour across various sectors, driven by the country’s ongoing economic recovery.

Data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) supports this outlook, showing a notable increase in the share of companies planning to hire more workers in the upcoming quarter.

This proportion rose to 50.7% in the first quarter of 2024, up from 47.7% in the previous quarter, indicating heightened business optimism and expansion plans.

Despite a slight decrease in the job vacancies-to-unemployment ratio—from 1.7% to 1.6%—the ratio remains above 1%, suggesting that job openings still significantly outnumber job seekers.

The total number of job vacancies continued to climb for the second consecutive quarter, further underscoring the strong demand for talent.

In addition to rising vacancies, the retrenchment rate has shown a positive trend, declining from 3,460 in the previous quarter to 3,030 in Q1 2024.

This reduction in job losses indicates a stabilizing job market, with fewer companies resorting to layoffs as economic conditions improve.

Employment figures across Singapore also showed growth, with the total number of employed individuals increasing by 4,700 in the first quarter.

However, despite these positive indicators, the unemployment rate edged up slightly to 2.1% as of March 2024, reflecting a gradual adjustment in the labour market.

Nomura analysts project that given the strong labour market conditions and positive economic outlook, underlying wage pressures are likely to persist.

This trend supports their longstanding view that core inflation in Singapore will remain elevated in the near term, driven by sustained wage growth and labour demand.

Singapore stocks showed strong performance on Wednesday—STI climbed 1%

Mary Alavanza
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Singapore stocks showed strong performance on Wednesday—STI climbed 1%

SINGAPORE: Singapore stocks showed strong performance on Wednesday morning, July 3, following a mixed session for global markets overnight.

The Business Times reported that the Straits Times Index (STI) had climbed by 33.8 points, or 1%, reaching 3,401.7 by 9:01 am.

In the broader market, there were 66 gainers compared to 22 losers, as 36.9 million securities valued at S$76.5 million were traded.

Thai Beverage was the most actively traded stock in terms of volume despite going against the overall trend. It fell by S$0.015, or 3.4%, to S$0.425, with 8.3 million shares exchanged.

On the flip side, GS Holdings saw a significant rise, climbing by S$0.007, or 33.3%, to S$0.028, amid high trading activity.

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust also edged up, gaining S$0.01, or 0.5%, to reach S$1.98.

The three major local banks continued their upward trend, building on record highs from the previous day. DBS rose by S$0.59, or 1.6%, to S$37.69.

OCBC increased by S$0.17, or 1.2%, reaching S$14.97. UOB climbed by S$0.50, or 1.6%, to S$32.15.

In the United States, major indices were lifted by positive comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which boosted expectations for interest rate cuts.

The S&P 500 climbed by 0.6%, achieving a new high of 5,509.01.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index also rose by 0.8% to 18,028.76. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a smaller gain of 0.4%, closing at 39,331.85.

In Europe, shares fell to two-week lows due to data showing continued high inflation in the eurozone’s services sector.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index dropped by 0.4% to 510.91, slightly above near two-month lows hit earlier in the session. /TISG

Read also: Singapore stocks rose on Tuesday—STI increased by 0.2%

Featured image by Depositphotos

Singaporean digital nomads choose Japan as their most preferred destination to work

Mary Alavanza
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0
Singaporean digital nomads choose Japan as their most preferred destination to work

SINGAPORE: Japan is the most popular destination for Singaporean digital nomads, according to recent data from YouGov Surveys on Singaporeans who have been or aspire to be digital nomads.

This follows Japan’s launch of a digital nomad visa in March 2024.

Australia closely follows Japan as the second preferred destination, with 45% of Singaporeans expressing interest. New Zealand ranks third at 43%, followed by South Korea at 41% and Thailand at 40%. 

About 36% of Singaporeans have experienced being digital nomads at some point, with varying durations.

A majority (53%) have pursued this lifestyle for less than a month, while 25% have done so for one to three months. Meanwhile, 11% have embraced it for four to six months, and another 11% for over six months.

The survey also revealed the professions most likely to embrace digital nomadism among Singaporeans.

Computer and IT-related fields, such as coding and web design, lead at 21%, engineers at 19%, and coaches and consultants at 18%. Media and communication professionals were also featured prominently, at 17%.

Notably, Gen Z respondents are more likely to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle than other age groups. Digital nomads in Singapore also include those in virtual administration and financial services.

The appeal of the digital nomad lifestyle lies in its flexibility and the ability to work while travelling. A majority (57%) value flexible working hours most, followed by the ability to travel without taking leave (56%).

Many (52%) also appreciate the opportunity to break from routine and explore new environments.

Benefits of being a digital nomad according to Singaporeans
Photo: YouGov

Other benefits include networking with like-minded individuals (34%), avoiding overwork (33%), and testing potential future living locations (33%).

However, although there are benefits, the digital nomad lifestyle is not without its challenges.

Almost half (48%) find it challenging to collaborate across different time zones, while 44% struggle with long separations from family and friends.

Organising travel logistics poses difficulties for 37%, and 34% struggle to maintain a routine.

Challenges of being a digital nomad according to Singaporeans
Photo: YouGov

Interestingly, those who have not yet worked as digital nomads share similar views on its benefits and challenges.

Most (69%) value the ability to travel without taking leave, followed by flexible working (67%) and escaping routine (58%).

However, they view these challenges as more substantial obstacles to adopting the lifestyle than experienced digital nomads. /TISG

Read also: Singapore is the third most relaxing city to visit and “chill” in Asia

Featured image by Depositphotos

UOB confident to “contribute meaningfully” to Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone development

Anna Maria Romero
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UOB confident to “contribute meaningfully” to Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone development

SINGAPORE: During a visit from Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi at the headquarters of UOB in Singapore on Monday (July 1), the bank’s CEO Wee Ee Cheong said that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will benefit many companies in both Singapore and Malaysia.

The public first heard about the joint special economic zone on Oct 30, 2023, just before the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat, attended by then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Read also: PM Lee: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is “substantial and promising project”

“The JS-SEZ will tap into the complementary strengths of both countries to foster economic connectivity by improving cross-border flows of goods, investments, and people,” said both leaders in a statement issued after the retreat.

The two men met again in January when the memorandum of understanding for the SEZ was signed.

As for UOB, the visit paid by Johor’s Chief Minister was part of the bank’s endeavours to grow the collaboration under the special economic zone.

Mr Wee said that the SEZ will create opportunities for the whole supply chain while boosting economic ties between both countries.

“With UOB’s extensive regional network, enhanced platform capabilities, and sector expertise, we are well positioned to support business growth in Singapore, Malaysia, and across the region,” he said.

Meanwhile, UOB Malaysia CEO Ng Wei Wei said, “Leveraging UOB Group’s strong regional connectivity, I am confident that we are able to contribute meaningfully to the development of the JS-SEZ.

We will continue to collaborate with the Johor state government and key stakeholders to drive investments and trade into the country.”

UOB also held a roundtable discussion between the delegation from Johor and representatives from companies and several business organizations, including the Singapore Business Federation, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, and the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

The Chief Minister said that he believes the JS-SEZ “will definitely bring a new economic dimension to the region, like the success story of Shenzhen metropolis.”

He added that he shared what the state needs during the roundtable discussion, as well as “listened to views from the Singaporean delegation regarding the issue of skilled workforce, the readiness of utility and infrastructure, the connectivity of public transport networks in Johor, as well as the ease of going in and out at the border gates.” /TISG

Read also: PM Lee, Anwar meet over RTS Link, Johor-Singapore special economic zone

S$70K civil penalty imposed on Singapore businessman for insider trading

Anna Maria Romero
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S$70K civil penalty imposed on Singapore businessman for insider trading

SINGAPORE: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has imposed a civil penalty of S$70,000 on businessman Tay Joo Heng for insider trading.

MAS and the Commercial Affairs Department of the Singapore Police Force (CAD), which had conducted a joint investigation into the incident, announced this in a statement on Monday (July 1).

Insider trading is the intentional trading of a public company’s stock or other securities based on relevant information about the company that has not been made public.

Mr Tay has since paid the fine without court action.

The statement says that GS Holdings Limited (GHL) announced in November 2019 that it had entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement of GreatSolutions, a subsidiary of the company, to GSG Capital Pte Ltd (GSG Capital) for a consideration of S$2 million.

After the announcement, the trade of GHL shares rose dramatically, as 915,600 GHL shares changed hands the next trading day, marking a 58 per cent increase from the average daily traded volume the month before.

Mr Tay, the sole shareholder and director of GSG Capital, had been approached by GHL as a potential buyer of GreatSolutions on Oct 2, 2019.

“As GreatSolutions had been loss-making, Mr Tay held the view that the market would react positively to the news and anticipated that GHL’s share price would rise,” MAS and CAD’s statement read.

From Oct 4 to Nov 19, Mr Tay purchased a total of 515,000 GHL shares while he was in possession of non-public information about GHL’s intended sale of GreatSolutions.

The statement says that Mr Tay has admitted to contravening the insider trading provision under section 219(2)(a) of the Securities and Futures Act (SFA).

Moreover, he has paid MAS the civil penalty without court action. He has voluntarily undertaken not to be a company director or be involved in a company’s management for two years.

Section 219(2)(a) is the law prohibiting someone who is not connected to any company but is in possession of materially price-sensitive information, which would have a material effect on the price or value of securities, from subscribing for, purchasing or selling, or entering into an agreement to subscribe for, purchase or sell these securities.

Under Singapore law, MAS may take up a civil penalty action against the wrongdoer with the concurrence of the Public Prosecutor.

The court may order the payment of a fine amounting to three times the amount of profit gained or loss avoided due to the wrongdoer’s act. /TISG

Read also: MAS imposes higher penalties, more convictions for financial irregularities

BTS’s Jin to be torchbearer in 2024 Paris Summer Olympics?

Lydia Koh
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BTS’s Jin to be torchbearer in 2024 Paris Summer Olympics?

According to a Dispatch report, BTS’ Jin is set to carry the torch for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

He will participate as a torchbearer and soon leave for France, though the exact dates and locations remain undisclosed.

Following his military discharge, Jin has been increasingly active. Besides the torch relay, he is currently recording new music.

Photo: Instagram/Jin

Various torchbearers

The Paris Olympic torch, lit in Greece, arrived in France last month and will journey through over 400 locations, covering about 12,000 kilometres before the opening ceremony on June 27.

Around 11,000 torchbearers, including Jin, notable athletes, Holocaust survivors, relatives of Nice terror attack victims, astronauts, and sanitation workers, will participate.

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics will occur from June 27 to Aug 11, featuring over 15,000 athletes from 206 countries competing in 329 events across 32 sports.

Up to 142 participants from South Korea will compete in 21 disciplines, hoping to win gold in taekwondo, fencing, badminton, and archery. The farewell ceremony for the Korean team is set for July 9.

Sweet vocals

Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok Jin, was born on Dec 4, 1992. Known for his sweet vocals and striking visuals, Jin often takes centre stage in BTS’s powerful ballads.

Three solo tracks—”Awake” (2016), “Epiphany” (2018), and “Moon” (2020)— were co-written and released with BTS by Jin.

He ventured into solo work with the digital single “Tonight” in 2019 and made his official solo debut with “The Astronaut” in October 2022, collaborating with Coldplay on the track.

After completing his mandatory military service in June 2024, Jin has been active, participating in the 2024 BTS Festa celebration and filming upcoming variety shows.

Reports show he might star in the outdoor reality show “The Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island,” marking his return to variety shows.

Fans often call Jin “Worldwide Handsome” for his self-proclaimed global appeal. Known for his humour and wit, Jin frequently lightens the mood within BTS. He also enjoys cooking and is a big foodie.

Woman regrets resigning her job and leaving Singapore after finding food in Canada more expensive

Anna Maria Romero
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0
Woman regrets resigning her job and leaving Singapore after finding food in Canada more expensive

SINGAPORE: A woman who relocated from Singapore to Canada took to social media to express her regret, especially after seeing how expensive certain food prices are in Canada.

The Facebook (FB) user posted photos on the Complaint Singapore FB page that showed the produce sold at a T & T Supermarket in Edmonton, Alberta, the largest Asian grocery store chain in Canada.

She noted how surveys have shown that Singapore is a very expensive country, but prices for certain ingredients are cheaper there than elsewhere.

“Why on earth (did) I come to Canada? Now I regret I resigned my job in Singapore,” she wrote.

In Singapore, fresh chilli padi cost 50 cents, while in Canada, she paid $3.62. The Philippine citrus calamansi, meanwhile, which she can also get for 50 cents in Singapore, costs her $8 for 12 pieces.

“That 100-year-old sweet potato leaves for $9.37 while in SG I can get S$1 for a beautiful fresh one, that useless soft eggplant omg the price!!!

I went to the supermarket and believe me I almost got a heart attack,” the netizen wrote, punctuating her post with two crying emojis.

But it’s not just the food that she missed, writing:

“There’s no beautiful place like SG … those authentic foods no more!!!!!!!!!  Those friendly Singaporeans no more!!!! Those annoying but funny ah pek, ah ma no more!!!!

“I love and I really miss SINGAPORE more than any country in this world.”

In comments to the post, she wrote that she is originally from the Philippines but worked as a caregiver in Singapore for 10 years.

As her family had moved to Canada, she felt she had no choice but to join them there.

Netizens endeavoured to help the woman understand that due to importing costs, produce from Asia is naturally more expensive in Canada, especially in more remote areas.

Prices in cities such as Montreal and Calgary are likely cheaper than where Ms Bonita is.

“Comparing and complaining on imported produces doesn’t make sense, as like strawberry, blueberry, cherry are significantly cheaper in Canada than in Singapore,” wrote one commenter.

Others encouraged her to plant vegetables and fruit, which would help her spend less, while some advised her to buy Asian produce from mom-and-pop shops instead of grocery chains.

Some pointed out, meanwhile, that home and car ownership are much more expensive in Singapore than in other places in the world. /TISG

Read also: Singapore is the world’s priciest location to own a car and still the most expensive city for the ultra-wealthy—Report

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