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Letter to the Editor | Criticising SIA flight attendants’ looks is unnecessary and not sensible

Dear Editor,

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s featured news, “Beauty is subjective” – Singaporeans tell off netizen who complained about SIA flight attendants’ looks (June 3).

First and foremost, we must ask the most critical requirements or criteria for being a stewardess, a waitress, or a servicewoman.

I believe the human resource department head of Singapore Airlines (SIA) will seriously look for and assess the qualities of individual candidates (who apply for the position of stewardess) for presentable appearance/look, politeness, friendliness, approachability, calmness and high passion for serving flight passengers.

Undeniably, each inflight steward and stewardess has to fulfil and carry out the following functions and tasks while on board the flight.

For instance, each passenger’s luggage and bags should be stored appropriately within the flight’s storage compartments before departure.

Besides, the stewardesses and stewards have to ensure that the passengers’ safety aspects and emergency measures are strictly adhered to during the entire flight journey.

For example, each passenger must fasten the seat belt while the flight takes off during the journey and landing. Moreover, the flight’s crews (stewards and stewardesses) must also serve meals and beverages for the inflight passengers.

Although all the abovementioned tasks are routine, repetitive, and tedious, the flight’s crews must be passionate about executing them. Hence, potential passengers must respect our SIA crew members’ sacred jobs and vital/valuable tasks.

Anyway, commenting or criticising the SIA flight attendants’ looks is unnecessary and not sensible.

Teo Kueh Liang


Featured image: Depositphotos

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of The Independent Singapore

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Jerome Powell: Future announcements have investors on edge

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All eyes will be on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as he takes the podium following the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for June 12. The meeting is expected to maintain current interest rates, reflecting concerns over persistently high inflation and a surprisingly resilient consumer base despite increasing borrowing costs.

However, it’s not the rate decision that makes investors anxious—it’s the potential for Powell’s remarks to ignite market optimism. With just a few carefully chosen words, Powell could hint at future rate cuts, potentially sparking a stock market rally.

This sentiment is echoed by veteran Wall Street strategist Ed Yardeni, who runs Yardeni Research and sees a 20% chance of a “melt-up” in the stock market. “If Powell strikes a dovish tone,” Yardeni promises to raise those odds.

 Words of Jerome Powell

Powell’s influence over markets with his words is well-documented. His remarks at the Jackson Hole symposium in August 2022, where he pledged to combat inflation even at the cost of economic pain, caused stocks to tumble as investors braced for aggressive rate hikes. Now, investors are hoping for a different kind of surprise, one that could propel the market to new heights.

In his recent note to clients, Yardeni argued that there is no immediate need for the Fed to cut rates. The economy is slowing as intended, allowing inflation to cool without triggering a recession.

For investors, however, rate cuts mean lower borrowing costs and the promise of increased lending and investment, which could supercharge the stock market’s already impressive rally, up nearly 13% year-to-date. Yardeni cautions that premature rate cuts could fuel an already budding “melt-up” in stocks.

Michael Gapen, chief U.S. economist at Bank of America, shares this view. In a note released Thursday, Gapen predicted that Powell would “preach patience.” He expects the Fed to revise its outlook to account for slower economic growth, typically a signal for rate cuts, alongside persistently high inflation, which usually calls for rate hikes.

Investors’ anticipation

“The bottom line,” Gapen wrote, “is that the Fed believes the next move will be a rate cut, but not soon.” The April employment and inflation reports have reinforced this view, indicating that the Fed will wait for more conclusive data before making any cuts.

As investors await Powell’s remarks, the anticipation is palpable. His words could very well set the tone for the stock market‘s trajectory in the coming months. Whether he delivers a dovish hint or preaches patience, Powell’s press conference promises to be a pivotal moment for investors and the economy alike.

Cover Photo: Depositphotos

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Inflation and global affairs top list of worries for Americans, study

The post Jerome Powell: Future announcements have investors on edge appeared first on The Independent News.

SG student studies 4-5 hours daily, but her parents tell her it’s “barely enough” suggesting “8-10 hours per day” instead

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean student shared online that she’s been studying for 4-5 hours daily since the June holiday started. However, instead of patting her on the back, her parents told her that her efforts were “barely enough.”

She then asked on r/SGexams, “Like I set out tasks to complete daily and I do finish them so is studying 4-5 hours really not enough? Is it really a must to study 8-10 hours per day?!?!”

In the discussion thread, many Singaporeans agreed that the student should stick to her own pace and not be swayed by her parents’ opinions regarding the duration of her study periods.

This is because yielding to their expectations and prolonging her study hours could result in burnout, which can, in turn, compromise both her concentration and well-being.

One individual commented, “8–10 hours of study per day is really calling for a burnout! I used to do almost those hours in secondary school and it really got me so stressed out that I fell sick multiple times.”

A few also clarified that everyone has their own way of learning. What works for one person may not work for another, particularly regarding how long they can effectively study.

One individual said, “You can do notes for 10 hours straight but if nothing gets into your brain, it’s useless. However, if you make full use of just 1–2 hours and you learn something, that’s making good use of your time.”

Some also strongly emphasised ‘studying smarter, not harder.’ If the student feels that she can effectively absorb and understand her study materials within a 4-5 hour timeframe, then there’s no need to push beyond that.

One individual shared, “The quality of your study session is much more important than the duration. Even if you want to lengthen your study sessions, do it gradually.”

They also advised her to take breaks in between her sessions, as it will let her mind rest, boost her productivity, and help her retain information better. Specifically, they recommended a 5–10 minute break for every 40 minutes of studying.

One individual told her, “Take enough breaks in between to prevent yourself from burning out.”

Study finds that dedicating too many hours to studying is counterproductive

In 2022, NUS did a study on Singaporeans’ study habits and discovered that, on average, students spend approximately 50 hours every week studying. 

That breaks down to roughly 28.6 hours for classes and another 22.2 hours for hitting the books outside school. 

At first glance, this number may seem impressive, as it reflects how dedicated and hardworking Singaporean students are in their academics. However, as the study progressed, it shed light on an unexpected revelation.

Contrary to the common belief that more study time leads to better academic performance, the study highlighted that dedicating too many hours to studying can be counterproductive.

“The relationship between academic performance and out-of-school study time is positive up until 35 hours of study per week—and then becomes negative,” said Kelvin Seah Kah Cheng, a senior lecturer in the Department of Economics at NUS.

So, how many hours should students devote to studying?

As a few Singaporeans pointed out above, the ideal number of study hours can vary for each student since everyone has a unique learning style and preferences.

Nonetheless, Think Impact, a platform that provides in-depth analysis and insights on Education and Business trends, suggests that dedicating 3 to 4 hours daily is ideal, as this timeframe enables the brain to operate at its peak without getting overwhelmed.

While a student might opt to extend this duration, experts advise keeping it under 12 hours, as anything beyond that could lead to burnout.

Read also: SG student says, “my mum called me selfish just because I’m not giving my dad $700” from her $2000 award

Featured image by Depositphotos

“He literally reacted with vulgarities hurled at me” — Employee shocked by his colleague’s rude reaction because he took medical leave

SINGAPORE: An employee recently took to social media to share that his colleague became upset when he had to take a medical leave.

“He actually was super unhappy; I was really sick, and he literally reacted with vulgarities back to me when I apologised for causing him to work on my behalf. (He does not have extra work for covering me),” he wrote on r/askSingapore.

He also stated that this was not the first time he felt bullied by his colleague.

“I can let things go but I don’t think I can work with him as his partner. I am okay with keeping a friendly relationship with this colleague but I am not okay to work with him at any circumstances (unless there is no choice).

I have already spoken to my boss about my feelings but it’s futile,” he added.

While he contemplated leaving his job due to the toxic environment created by his colleague, he expressed that he could not leave his job immediately because he had bills to pay and was the sole breadwinner in his family.

“Don’t let your job and career be determined by him.”

A few Singaporeans gave the employee some advice in the comments section: don’t just let things slide. They pointed out that bullies often pick on people who don’t stand up for themselves, so it’s crucial to fight back and not be a pushover. 

They also said quitting shouldn’t be the first thing on his mind because he has every right to be there, not the troublemaker causing issues.

One individual cited the saying, ‘even a worm squirms when stepped on,’ implying that it’s okay to stand up for himself and make things a bit uncomfortable for the person who’s been giving him a hard time.

Another individual said, “Don’t let your job and career be determined by him/her. Even if you leave your current job, there is no guarantee that you will not encounter similar people.”

Some also advised the employee to keep a detailed record of any vulgarities sent through chats, texts, or emails, as this documentation could serve as evidence if the situation escalates and requires intervention from management or HR.

On the other hand, a few Redditors speculated that there might be underlying reasons for the colleague’s behaviour and recommended clarifying the situation before taking further action. 

They suggested inviting the colleague for lunch or a chat, taking this as a chance to clear the air and sort out any misunderstandings. 

One individual added, “If your colleague has to do 2 persons work on 1 person’s pay, he is right to feel mad, though he should not have used vulgarities. 

In such a case, your colleague who has to fill the slack numerous times is the more valued employee, notwithstanding that you cannot help being sick.”

Workplace bullying in Singapore

In 2021, Channel News Asia reported about a French national who faced bullying from her boss at WWF Singapore. The story sheds light on how workplace bullying is a bigger issue in Singapore than many realize.

Associate Professor Abhijeet Vadera from the Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources department at the Singapore Management University (SMU) told CNA at the time that employees in Singapore face challenges in speaking up against bullying due to the societal norms that discourage such actions.

Many also hesitate to voice their concerns, believing that doing so will not lead to meaningful change.

He also mentioned that being in a harmful workplace not only impacts the psychological well-being of the person being targeted by bullies but also has significant repercussions for the company.

This is because employees might begin to disengage from their duties or only do the necessary work rather than exceed expectations, which is crucial for the organization’s success.

How to deal with workplace bullies

According to Very Well Mind, a reputable source for health and wellness insights, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries right from the start.

This means directly addressing individuals who bully you and letting them know their unacceptable behaviour.

If their behaviour persists, experts advise keeping documentation of the abuse, including details like the time and specifics of what occurred. Note any witnesses present and save any documents or records supporting your claims.

Having documented evidence can be instrumental when escalating the issue to higher authorities, such as HR or management.

Most importantly, prioritize self-care during difficult periods. Lean on friends or family for support, engage in relaxation methods to handle stress, and don’t hesitate to contact a mental health expert if you feel overwhelmed or distressed.

Read also: “Do you share how much increment and bonuses you received with your colleagues?” — Employee asks

Featured image by Depositphotos

28yo SG woman says she and her partner “don’t wish to get married nor have kids due to the major commitment/responsibility”

SINGAPORE: A 28-year-old woman shared on social media that she and her partner have decided not to get married or have kids.

In her post on r/askSingapore, she opened up about their relationship, explaining that they deeply love each other and are happily looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together. 

However, they’ve deliberately chosen to embrace a less conventional path and live on their terms by choosing not to marry. “We are loyal and committed to each other,” she wrote. “We don’t need a kid or a certificate to justify our relationship,” she added.

She elaborated on their priorities, noting that their decision stems from a desire to maintain their freedom and focus on their personal growth and experiences rather than adhering to societal norms. 

Despite their contentment, she expressed curiosity about what they might be missing from a different perspective. 

Thus, she asked the community, “Dear kind redditors, could you play devil’s advocate and tell me why people like me should consider marriage and/or kids?”

Singaporeans on Marriage and Parenthood

In the discussion thread, some Singaporean Redditors shared why they see marriage and having kids in a positive light.

Rather than viewing it as a mere traditional milestone, they see marriage as a significant way to express their love, dedication, and commitment to their partners. They believe that taking this step can strengthen their emotional bond and provide a sense of security and stability in their relationship. 

Moreover, they also mentioned the practical advantages of having a marriage certificate. Aside from being able to secure an HDB flat before the age of 35, they said that getting married can relatively make the couple’s lives way easier.

One Redditor highlighted how marriage can simplify international work relocations. She explained that having a marriage certificate can streamline processes and cut down on paperwork when moving abroad as a couple, which ultimately makes the transition smoother and more manageable.

Another Redditor, who has been in a nine-year relationship with her partner, shared a personal experience. She recalled a time when she didn’t qualify for compassionate leave after her partner’s family member passed away because they weren’t married.

“I ended up having to take leave. It’s things like that make me wonder if we should get married.”

However, some Redditors reassured the woman and her partner that they could choose not to get married if they preferred. 

They then suggested practical solutions to address legal concerns, such as nominating her partner as the beneficiary of insurance policies/CPF payouts and granting her partner the power of attorney for any decision-making.

One of them said, “The only thing you’ll prolly miss out on is the BTO.”

As for having kids, some shared that this was one of the best decisions they ever made in their lives.

They spoke about the joys, fulfillment, and profound love that parenthood brought into their lives. 

One Redditor said that no matter how difficult his day at work was, all of his troubles would fade away as soon as he stepped through the door and his children ran to welcome him with shouts of  “Daddy!”

He said, “No one has looked at me with more admiration and love than my kids, not even my wife and mother.

Its pretty unpleasant most of the time, but my fondest memories came from them. Ive had great moments in my career, with my wife, etc. Nothing comes close.”

Read also: Woman asks Singaporeans who plan to remain childless: “What are your plans when you turn old?”

Featured image by Depositphotos

“I have an unrealised stock loss of S$13K. How do I re-start my investment journey?” — SG Man

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man recently shared online that his unrealized losses have now hit $13,000.

Posting on r/singaporefi, he revealed that he bought the stocks between August 2020 and December 2021, when the majority of them were near their all-time highs (ATH).

Unfortunately, the prices of the stocks have plummeted and have not recovered since then.

Among his most significant losses are in Medtecs and CORSAIR. He bought Medtecs shares at around $1.50 each, but they have since dropped to $0.15, resulting in an unrealized loss of approximately $8,000. 

Similarly, his investment in CORSAIR at $40 per share has tumbled to $11, leading to an unrealized loss of about $700.

Since 2021, the man shared that he has not made any investment moves due to his fear of incurring further financial losses and because he has been occupied with his studies, internships, and employment. 

Despite seeing his investment portfolio take a hit, the man expressed that he still hoped to earn passive income through dividends or capital gains, as he earned a modest income from his job as an allied health professional in the community sector.

“I hope to earn and amass more money to lead a more comfortable lifestyle and hopefully own a home by 35 years old,” he said.

He then asked for advice from the local online community if he should sell off the stocks in red or keep them in hopes that they would recover.

“How to re-start my investment journey? Any advice on how to re-strategise or spring clean my portfolio?” he asked.

“Invest in yourself so you can get a well-paying job.”

In the discussion thread, many advised the man to sell his stocks if they had depreciated by 50–70% of their initial value since recovery is highly unlikely.

Also, if he still intends to continue his investment journey, they stressed that he should not blindly follow trends this time and do his due diligence.

According to them, it’s crucial for him to have a deep understanding of the stocks he’s planning to purchase and to devise a clear entry and exit strategy. Furthermore, a few advised him to reassess why he bought those stocks in the first place.

If he no longer believes in the initial thesis or if there wasn’t a clear rationale, they recommend letting go of those stocks, switching over to diversified index funds like VWRA, and staying away from stock picking.

One individual suggested that he invest in safe bets like Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) and Treasury bills (T-bills) as an alternative. Meanwhile, others suggested another approach: investing in his skills.

One Redditor said, “Sorry to burst your bubble with some pragmatism, but the best way to earn capital gains reliably (not through gambling, aka amateur-grade stock picking, no offense) is to take a high paying job and invest your big salary into an S&P500 (or World) Index. 

So realistically, the best investment advice to you would be to invest in yourself so you can get a well-paying job.”

Read also: Singaporean advises younger generation “to focus on enhancing their skills rather than learning about investments”

Featured image by Depositphotos

SG man asks: “Is $40-50K Chinese wedding possible?”

SINGAPORE: A man recently took to social media to ask whether it’s feasible to have a Chinese wedding with a budget of $40,000 to $50,000.

In a post on r/askSingapore, he shared his concerns about whether this budget would cover all the expenses, particularly given the size of his and his girlfriend’s families.

He explained that they have many relatives, 43 aunts and uncles and their partners, which could easily double the guest count. 

This prompted him to consider the wedding logistics carefully, including the number of tables needed. He mentioned that he plans to have around 20 tables, or slightly fewer, to accommodate the guests.

“$40-50k will be for a high-end hotel.”

In the comments section, the Singaporean Redditors assured the man that $40-50,000 is enough for a wedding if he intends to have twenty tables. 

One Redditor said that with some savvy planning, any budget can work.

He then suggested looking for a more affordable restaurant instead of a fancy hotel, choosing the cheapest menu options, and trying to score discounts and freebies wherever possible.

He also recommended booking the venue early to snag a good deal. Furthermore, he suggested cutting expenses on outfits and decorations to allocate more of the budget to essential aspects like food and venue.

Another Redditor remarked that $40-50,000 is a big budget for a wedding. He then wondered whether the parents were footing the initial costs.

Some Redditors shared insights into their own wedding budget.

One Redditor recalled that she and her partner had their wedding at Voco Orchard Singapore and that they had 24 tables. They signed a contract for $42,000, which equated to $175 per head.

They also included expenses for wedding photography and videography totalling $2,700, wedding gown and suit rental, makeup costing $2,500, and pre-wedding photos amounting to $2,000.

Despite hosting a sizable number of guests, they kept their total expenses under $50,000, she said. She then added, “If you got budget, you can work with it. But of course, you need to bargain hunt, negotiate, etc.”

Another shared, “FYI, there was a couple who held their wedding lunch at their 4-room HDB unit a few years ago for just $9k and they had about 50 attendees.

They found an affordable caterer that serves reasonably good Chinese food and everyone was happy. So yes, you can do the wedding the non-elaborate way.

With $10-11k, you can go for a low-range Chinese restaurant. With $20-30K, a mid-range restaurant. $40-50k will be for a high-end hotel.”

Read also: “How much you spend on your wedding?” — $4K or $40K? Is it worth breaking the bank for?

Featured image by Depositphotos

Singaporean intern asks if sitting on Priority Seats on MRTs is okay if you feel tired or unwell

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean intern confessed to having taken a seat in the priority seat section on the MRT.

In her post, she explained that she felt tired and nauseous that morning, making standing up during her commute nearly impossible.

“No one asked me to give up my seat; if they had, I would’ve gladly done so. I always give my seat to people in need, no matter how tired I am,” she explained.

Feeling remorseful for potentially violating public transport etiquette, she shared her experience online and sought opinions on whether her actions were inappropriate.

“You can give it up if someone asks for it”

Given her poor physical condition, most Singaporeans on Reddit found her behaviour understandable.

However, they stated that it would be unacceptable if she refused to give up her seat to another elderly or disabled person entering the MRT, regardless of her illness.

One Redditor said, “You paid for your own fare, right? Same as those passengers, right? Then it is first come, first served basis. You can give it up if someone asks for it, but until then, enjoy being seated next to the door. You earned it.”

Another commented, “I sit on reserved seats all the time. I just give it up if I see someone who needs it more than me.”

Adding to the discussion, others shared their own experiences of encountering individuals who remained seated in the priority section despite seeing that there were elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers who needed them more.

One Redditor shared an incident where a pregnant woman boarded a train during rush hour, but working adults occupied all reserved seats.

No one immediately offered her their seat, and seeing this, another commuter took it upon themselves to advocate for the pregnant lady, asking those seated in the reserved section to give up their seats.

However, no one moved for a few minutes, and they continued to ignore the pregnant lady, engrossed in their phones while comfortably seated.

Looking back at what happened, the Redditor pointed out how crucial it is to be ready to offer your seat to someone who needs it, no matter how old they are or their status.

She also stressed that empathy and being aware of others’ needs are crucial in places like public transport, where people can easily get wrapped up in their own lives and forget about those around them.

Kindness goes a long way—offer your seat to those who need it

It’s perfectly natural to feel hesitant to give up your seat to others, especially if you’ve just had a long, exhausting day at work and just need a good rest.

However, it’s important to remember that there are people out there who may need those seats more than you do.

People like the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and people with infants or young kids often face more difficulties and find standing for long periods on the MRT much harder. 

Kindness is free. If you’re unsure whether someone needs a seat, don’t be afraid to approach them and ask them this simple question: “Would you like to have a seat?”

Read also: Priority seating: Are elderly passengers automatically entitled to public transportation seats?

Featured image by Depositphotos

Get ready to cash in: Watch out for these 5 Singapore stocks paying out dividends in June!

SINGAPORE: If you’re looking to supplement your active income or build a retirement fund, then dividends can be a crucial component of your investment strategy.

For income investors eyeing dividend-paying stocks, here are five stocks paying out dividends in June, according to The Smart Investor.

1. Riverstone Holdings

Riverstone Holdings is a major player in the manufacturing of nitrile and natural rubber gloves, serving industries ranging from electronics to healthcare.

With six manufacturing facilities across Malaysia, Thailand, and China, the company boasts an annual production capacity of 10.5 billion gloves.

In the first quarter of 2024, Riverstone reported robust earnings, with revenue climbing 4.8% year-on-year to RM249.50 million (approx. S$71.56 million) and gross profit soaring 57.30% to RM97.5 million (approx. S$27.96 million).

Net profit surged by 54.5% to RM72.20 million (approx. S$20.71 million). The company also generated a positive free cash flow of RM 44.80 million (approx. S$12.85 million), up 19% from the previous year.

Riverstone declared an interim dividend of RM0.04 (approx. S$0.011) per share, payable on June 7.

2. NetLink NBN Trust

NetLink NBN Trust is the backbone of Singapore’s Nationwide Broadband Network, which designs, owns, and operates the passive fibre network infrastructure.

Despite facing challenges, such as a one-off write-off of decommissioned assets, the trust reported resilient earnings for fiscal 2024. Revenue inched up 1.9% to S$411.3 million, driven by higher residential connection revenue.

Although net profit dipped by 5.5% to S$103.2 million, the distribution per unit (DPU) edged up 1.1% to S$0.053, reflecting the trust’s stability.

Residential connections breached 1.5 million, and non-residential connections increased by 2.7% year-on-year. The DPU will be paid on June 12.

3. Singapore Technologies Engineering

Singapore Technologies Engineering (STE) operates at the forefront of technology and engineering, serving industries like smart cities, defence, and aerospace across more than 100 countries.

In the first quarter of 2024, STE reported an 18% year-on-year revenue increase to S$2.7 billion. During the quarter, the company secured S$3 billion in new contracts, boosting its order book to S$27.7 billion.

STE declared an interim dividend of S$0.04 per share, payable on June 5.

Management is optimistic about the growth potential of its digital business, aiming to triple its revenue to more than S$500 million by 2026.

4. Fraser & Neave

Fraser & Neave (F&N) is a renowned food and beverage company with a global presence, boasting brands like Magnolia and 100Plus.

In the first half of fiscal 2024, F&N reported a 2.5% year-on-year revenue increase to S$1.1 billion and a staggering 52.4% jump in net profit to S$83.8 million.

The company also generated a positive free cash flow of S$100.3 million, marking a 40% increase from the S$71.5 million generated the previous year.

The company declared an interim dividend of S$0.015 per share, payable on June 7.

F&N is expanding its footprint in Cambodia with a new dairy manufacturing facility set to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026.

5. Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust

Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust (FLCT) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) with a diverse portfolio spanning Singapore, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK.

Despite challenges, FLCT reported a 3.9% year-on-year revenue increase to S$216 million for the first half of fiscal 2024.

Adjusted net property income rose 1.8% to S$158.7 million, but the distribution per unit (DPU) slipped by 1.1% to S$0.0348 due to increased finance costs. The DPU will be paid on June 18.

FLCT’s portfolio has a positive rental reversion of 14.2%, and its aggregate leverage stood at a comfortable 32.7%. /TISG

Read also: 4 Singapore blue-chip stocks showing strong potential for profit growth


Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Investors should conduct their due diligence before making major financial decisions

Featured image by Depositphotos

Daughter says, “I don’t feel comfortable with my mum giving her male friend access to my home CCTV 24/7”

SINGAPORE: A young woman took to social media to share that her mum has given her male friend access to their home CCTV.

According to her post on r/askSingapore, her mum is caught up in a hectic schedule and thus needs assistance monitoring their domestic helper and ensuring the safety of her baby brother.

As a solution, she turned to her male friend, asking him to keep an eye on the CCTV footage.

However, this arrangement has left the daughter feeling extremely uneasy, as most of the family members in the household were female.

“I don’t feel comfortable having a male have access to my house 24/7 and look whenever he wants to,” she complained.

Despite bringing up her discomfort with her mum, she felt her concerns were dismissed. “She doesn’t care and just wants him to be able to look at my helper and brother,” she added.

“Please help me. What should I do to convince her not to give a male stranger access to our CCTV?” she asked for advice.

“How can a stranger have access to your own house’s CCTV?”

In the comments section, numerous Singaporeans expressed their shock and bewilderment at her mum’s actions and questioned why she would hire a domestic helper that she didn’t trust in the first place.

They also criticized the male friend for agreeing to watch the CCTV, especially if he knew that it contained footage of young females not related to him.

One individual commented, “Most Singapore thing ever. Give up privacy and alienate my children…because I MUST keep an eye on my helper!! Can never understand how anyone can live with anyone they don’t trust.”

Another said, “Break the damn CCTV! Family friend is a stranger. How can a stranger have access to your own house’s CCTV?”

Furthermore, some individuals mentioned that the CCTV system typically retains footage for 2-3 days, which allows her mom to review it whenever she has spare time.

Meanwhile, others proposed practical solutions. One suggestion was to perform a master reset on the CCTV system, allowing the young woman to regain control and remove the male friend’s access.

Another suggestion involved buying an iPad and telling her mum she could monitor the helper and baby brother through the device herself.

One Redditor also proposed involving her relatives in the matter, saying, “If you have any relatives that you can trust, please let them know everything about this that is going on. I don’t like how this is turning out.”

Another echoed this sentiment: “If my niece came to me saying some dude is spying on her by CCTV, I would resolve it myself one way or another.”

Additionally, a few proposed switching on the power of the CCTV only when her brother was alone with the helper.

Alternatively, she could consider lodging a complaint with the police, as granting access to a non-family member is considered an invasion of privacy.

In similar news, a woman also took to social media earlier this year to express that she and five other ladies renting a coliving space felt uneasy when their landlord suddenly installed a CCTV camera in the living room.

Read more: “Is this even legal?” — Tenant asks after her landlord installs CCTV where he can watch 5 ladies coliving