‘JB businesses will be happy’ — Singaporeans debate pros and cons of Universal Basic Income

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June 18, 2025

merlion singapore — Photo: Depositphotos/ galsavi.ya.ru (for illustration purposes only)

SINGAPORE: When a local Redditor asked what Singaporeans think of Universal Basic Income, a commenter took somewhat of a left turn and said it would certainly make business owners in Johor happy.

In a June 17 (Wednesday) post on r/askSingapore, u/AjaxCooperwater wrote, “With people getting retrenched and AI replacing jobs, what do Singaporeans think of Universal Basic Income (UBI)? Can it be implemented in Singapore?”

They further explained that UBI “is a regular, unconditional cash payment given by the government to all citizens, regardless of their income or employment status, to cover basic living costs.”

Certain countries around the world have used or launched a trial of one form or another of basic income, such as Brazil, Kenya, and South Korea. The advantages and disadvantages of such a scheme have been widely discussed. On the one hand, UBI would significantly reduce poverty. On the other hand, it may be too expensive for countries to sustain.

As for u/AjaxCooperwater’s post, many commenters had a lot to say.

The top comment, however, was this: “If you give cash as UBI, the business owners in JB will be very happy.”

A Reddit user replied that this illustrates the biggest problem with the scheme.

“For an economy like Singapore, a lot of such money will flow out. Be it foreign investments or overseas trips/shopping. We will be essentially paying taxes to stimulate other countries’ economies. I would very much prefer CDC vouchers. At least we keep the money within the country,” they wrote.

Another seemed to agree, writing, “I’m starting to think of things like CDC and NS Home credits as extremely limited forms of UBI, with the limitation that we need to use it in the local economy.

Yes, they’re not universal, but if I’m not wrong, it’s actual usable currency, which is very different from tax rebates, etc. Plus, receiving these is very hard to game, and at the very least it’s NOT disproportionately putting money in the hands of the rich, which is a very common complaint for how governments redistribute wealth.”

Others also said that they believe Singapore already has a form of UBI.

“Your CDC vouchers, GST credits, and the slew of new fanciful vouchers are UBI dressed in different names. The government won’t suddenly announce that everyone will get $x unconditionally because they don’t like sudden shifts. They like to give a bit, look-see monitor, then shift a bit more, etc. Evolution, not revolution. Who’s gonna pay for it? We are. That’s why they had raised GST ahead of time,” one wrote.

A commenter, however, was blunt in declaring that they are not in favour of UBI at all.

“Money is not free; you are just taxing more on those who are productive and not in a good way. Prefer for the government to actually invest more in education, financial literacy, and support schemes to help uplift those who are in need. At least these have very clear ROI and impact.

Also with the mindset that some SG people have, confirm will have some that will exploit it/be damn entitled kpkb too little, want these and that. Very hard to determine a good threshold and will breed complacency. Our only resource is people and hard work, take away the motivation and SG is gonna lose competitive edge.” /TISG

Kopitiam or parking lot? PMAs lined up in a row leave Singaporean confused

By

Anna Maria Romero

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June 18, 2025

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PMA coffee shop — Photo: Reddit screengrab/ u/queeenvee

SINGAPORE: A local Reddit user wrote that they “didn’t know we have parking lots within coffee shops now” in a recent post, adding an emoji of a figure with an eyebrow raised.

To illustrate their point, u/queeenvee added a photo of a row of Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) on their June 17 (Tuesday) post on r/singapore.

There are, of course, regulations for using PMAs in Singapore, including a speed limit, which was recently lowered from 10 kmh to 6 kmh. PMAs must also conform to size and weight limits, otherwise they won’t be allowed on public paths. Additionally, the Land Transportation Authority (LTA) said that only users with certified medical needs will be allowed to use a mobility scooter. From the fourth quarter of this year, they may obtain a medical certificate from a doctor or an occupational therapist. However, this does not apply to users of motorised wheelchairs.

Nevertheless, due to the size of crowds in certain areas in Singapore, many people have been unhappy with PMA users, especially in indoor areas such as food courts or groceries.

“Lol, I think I know which coffee shop this is… Boon Lay Drive area?” wrote a commenter on the Reddit post, adding, “The PMA situation is out of control there. Some of the elderly I know personally really have mobility issues. But quite a fair bit of the users are just the demographic you would expect, and they ride around like they own the pavement, and it’s dangerous. Quite a few are modded, and I nearly got knocked down several times myself.”

“A large number of PMAs are zooming around Toa Payoh because seniors’ estate. Uncles and aunties, fast and furious… I once saw an uncle sipping beer from his beer can in a cup holder while riding his PMA. Drink driving yo. Another uncle was watching a drama on his tablet attached to PMA. Honestly, I don’t really care about them moving about in PMAs, but can they at least ‘drive’ carefully at a reasonable speed and not put others at harm’s way with their speeding?” wrote another.

“Controversial opinion, but I think we are having a PMD epidemic. I dare say at least 50% of the elderly on PMD don’t even need it, simply due to plain laziness,” a commenter opined.

“The level of entitlement among that particular demographic often seems to be through the roof,” one chimed in, while another wrote, “When people ask what’s uniquely Singapore next time, we post this photo.” /TISG

Pasar malam stall in Malaysia charges extra if you ask for roti john ‘without vegetables’

By

Anna Maria Romero

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June 18, 2025

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MALAYSIA: At one pasar malam stall in Malaysia, diners can order food items such as roti john without veggies, but they have to pay an additional RM1 (S$0.30).

Understandably, when a local TikTok user featured the stall earlier this week, the video went viral, getting over 500,000 views and more than 400 comments.

@meowmeowwwi1

no hashtags, this was meant for you

♬ Sybau – KCK Mixes

On Sunday (June 14), user Sen, who is responsible for the @meowmeowwwi1 account, posted a video of a night market stall that had a sign that said “Roti John/Kebab/Pita/ Wraps taknak sayur tambah RM1”.

The author of the clip wrote, “What is pasar malam all about bro?” and added a meme from a film of an actor looking frightened and confused.

The sign certainly raised more than a few eyebrows.

Commenting on the video, many were as confused as Sen that the stall owner wanted to charge more for what is essentially fewer ingredients in people’s orders. Some opined that it was just another way to earn more, and that instead of charging a higher price, it should actually be reduced.

“Infinite money farming,” Sen said in a comment.

“If vegetables are placed on the side, how much is the charge?” one wondered.

“Do I get a refund if I change my mind and want the vegetables back?” another wondered.

Others had different takes, however. The top comment on the video was from someone who, perhaps jokingly, wrote that maybe it was the stall owner’s way of encouraging a healthy eating style.

“That’s okay, he wants us to live healthy,” a commenter chimed in.

A TikTok user wrote that the extra charge for veggies was a “punishment,” presumably for those who don’t want them.

One said that the extra charge could be because of the extra effort the stall staff needs to make in order to ensure the orders are vegetable-free.

“Usually, they mix vegetables with meat, and it’s ready. So when people don’t want vegetables, the vendors have to cut new and extra portions,” they explained.

Another argued that a possible reason for the extra charge for orders without vegetables is that when the veggies are taken away, more meat needs to be added, and meat costs more than vegetables.

“If they don’t, the kebab will be thinner,” the commenter added.

Some encouraged the post author and others to be more chill about the whole thing.

“It’s okay, just be willing to pay,” coaxed one. /TISG

WP announces changes to CEC; new NCMP Eileen Chong to lead Youth Wing

By

Anna Maria Romero

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June 18, 2025

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SINGAPORE: The Workers’ Party (WP) issued an update concerning its Central Executive Committee (CEC) on Wednesday (June 18), announcing that its new Members of Parliament have been co-opted into the party’s top decision-making body.

The WP also said that its Youth Wing will now be led by Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Eileen Chong, who is taking over the role from Sengkang MP Jamus Lim.

The last time Singapore’s largest opposition party issued a statement regarding its CEC was in July, when Fadli Fawzi, now an MP for Aljunied, had been co-opted as an additional member. It also announced at that point that Assoc Prof Lim was the party’s Youth Wing President.

New WP CEC members

The new CEC members and their roles are as follows:

Sengkang MP Abdul Muhaimin Bin Abdul Malik, Deputy Organising Secretary
NCMP Andre Low, Deputy Head, Media Team
NCMP Eileen Chong, Youth Wing President
Aljunied MP Kenneth Tiong, Deputy Treasurer

“We wish to extend our appreciation to Dr Jamus Lim for his contributions to the development of our Youth Wing, who will be handing over the leadership of the Youth Wing to Ms Eileen Chong,” the party said.

It added that there are no other changes to the roles of the other CEC members, who had been elected at the WP’s Cadre Members’ Conference on June 30, 2024.

“The Workers’ Party is confident that our new CEC members will play a vital role, as we continue to serve Singaporeans and [work] for Singapore,” it added.

About Eileen Chong

The party’s new Youth Wing head caused quite a stir when speculation began to spread that the WP would field her as a candidate in this year’s General Election.

Ms Chong, 33, joined the WP in the latter part of 2024, participating in house visits in Bedok Reservoir and Kovan. She had been a volunteer caseworker at Meet-the-People Sessions in Aljunied with Aljunied MP Gerald Giam. She works in the social impact sector at the Asia Philanthropy Circle.

Her years at the MFA include a stint at the Singapore Embassy in Beijing from 2020 to 2023. While with the ministry, she covered Singapore’s bilateral ties with China, Thailand, the Philippines, and Laos.

On May 19, the WP announced that Ms Chong and Mr Low had been appointed as NCMPs for the 15th Parliament of Singapore.

“The Elections Department has also declared that in accordance with Section 52 of the Parliamentary Elections Act 1954, Mr Low and Ms Chong have been elected as NCMPs,” said the WP at the time, adding that it “remains steadfast in our mission of working for Singapore, and all WP Members of Parliament (MPs) will carry forward the Workers’ Party’s longstanding mission to represent the interests of all Singaporeans, hold the Government to account, and advance reasoned, principled debate in Parliament.”

Ms Chong wrote in a social media post that she was “honoured to serve as NCMP” with Mr Low and thanked the WP team at Tampines, the party’s volunteers, and the residents “for making this possible.”

She also wrote that she would “serve with conviction and integrity, and work hard to earn your trust,” and she looks “forward to being your voice in Parliament while journeying alongside you to build a fairer, more compassionate and inclusive Singapore.” /TISG

WhatsApp to roll out 3 new monetisation features within its Updates tab over the next few months

By

Mary Alavanza

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June 18, 2025

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WhatsApp new features within its Updates tab — Photo: WhatsApp

SAN FRANCISCO: WhatsApp is set to roll out three new monetisation features within its Updates tab, including paid channel subscriptions, promoted channels in the Discovery directory, and ads in Status, the app’s version of Instagram stories, AFP reported.

Meta’s vice president of product management, Nikila Srinivasan, said the updates will be introduced slowly over the next few months, though no exact timeline was given.

The new features include paid monthly subscriptions for users who want exclusive updates from their favourite channels, promoted placements to help channel admins boost visibility in the directory, and ads in Status that let users discover businesses and start conversations about the products or services being promoted.

In a press release on Monday (June 16), the company said, “We’ve been talking about our plans to build a business that does not interrupt your personal chats for years, and we believe the Updates tab is the right place for these new features to work.”

The Meta-owned company stressed that users who only use the app for personal messaging will not experience any changes, as the new features will only appear on the Updates tab.

“Your personal messages, calls, and statuses will remain end-to-end encrypted. This means no one, not even us, can see or hear them, and they cannot be used for ads,” Ms Srinivasan said.

She noted that to show ads in Status or Channels, WhatsApp will rely only on basic details such as a user’s country or city, device language, and activity within the Updates tab.

“We will never sell or share your phone number to advertisers. Your personal messages, calls, and groups you are in will not be used to determine the ads you may see,” the company said.

Users and regulators have been waiting to see how Meta would monetise the platform, mainly used for chatting with friends and family. Since acquiring WhatsApp in 2014, Meta has kept the app largely free of ads, unlike Facebook and Instagram.

Until now, ads on the platform have been limited to WhatsApp Business promotional messages and some Status ad testing in certain markets. There are also no display ads in chat feeds or conversations.

In 2023, the company denied reports that it was planning to bring ads into the app to boost revenue. /TISG

Centurion’s REIT listing signals hope for Singapore IPOs

By

Gregory Yap

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June 18, 2025

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Sign of SGX, Singapore Exchange Limited — Photo: Depositphotos/tang90246 (for illustration purposes only)

SINGAPORE: Singapore-based Centurion Corporation announced plans to list a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Mainboard on June 11. This can catalyse more initial public offerings (IPOs) in Singapore’s stagnant share market.

Subsequent to the announcement, Centurion’s shares rose 3.4% to S$1.53 on June 11, a record high. About 2.4 million shares of the company changed hands, indicating strong investor interest.

The SGX and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) are currently reviewing Centurion’s submissions. The decision to list the REIT comes amid MAS efforts to boost share sales and liquidity in Singapore’s equity market.

The proposed REIT is backed by DBS Group and UBS. It has a portfolio of 37 accommodation assets, which includes 69,929 beds as of March 31, 2025. Focused on student and worker housing, it aims to capitalise on Singapore’s infrastructure growth and the post-pandemic surge in student enrollment.

At present, MAS is leading efforts to revive Singapore’s equity market. The stock market has encountered issues like low liquidity and a high number of delistings (20 in 2024 compared to four IPOs). There is also an ongoing undervaluation of small- and mid-cap stocks.

In February 2025, MAS’s Equities Market Review Group, chaired by Minister Chee Hong Tat, launched a S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP). Seeking to boost liquidity and attract growth enterprises, it’s among the different measures meant to bring firms back to Singapore’s stock market.

Singapore has the third-largest REIT market worldwide, after Tokyo and New York, with 40 S-REITs and property trusts. Together, they have a market capitalisation of about S$100 billion (US$74 billion). This accounts for 12% of SGX’s total market cap.

If successful, Centurion’s REIT listing could pave the way for more listings, joining NTT’s proposed data centre REIT listing. If both go through, they are likely to revive investor confidence and share trading in the Singapore market.

The city-state’s equity capital markets struggle with a lack of domestic capital anchors. In comparison, the bourses of Hong Kong, Sydney, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur are anchored allocations to domestic equities from public sector investors.

Pension funds in Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Hong Kong actively channel capital into local equities through a network of fund managers. Additionally, Malaysian insurers invest in local stocks. All this serves to create a sustainable cycle of institutional liquidity, stabilises the market and sustains investor confidence.

This structural gap in Singapore’s equity markets has driven weak IPO activity, market fragmentation, and losses in investor confidence.

‘She’s gonna be the boss’ — Carlos Alcaraz’s special request to play doubles with Emma Raducanu was granted

By

Aiah Bathan

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June 18, 2025

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Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu — Photo: Instagram.com/carlitosalcarazz/emmaraducanu

Carlos Alcaraz shared how excited he is to play with Emma Raducanu, after it was confirmed that both athletes will team up in the mixed doubles at this season’s US Open.

Young athletes Alcaraz and Raducanu were one of the most exciting pairs for the upcoming tournament, and they will strengthen their off-court friendship by playing on-court together for the very first time.

“She’s gonna be the boss… I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament… I’ve known Emma for a really long time, so we know each other. I have a really good relationship with her. We are going to enjoy it, for sure,” Alcaraz said.

He added, “I will try to bring my doubles skill. We will try to win, but obviously it’s going to be really, really fun… I was thinking that I couldn’t play better unless it was with Emma. I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request.”

On having doubles experience

Alcaraz has valuable experience in doubles from playing alongside Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, Raducanu has less experience. She previously played with Katie Boulter at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, yet she declared that she did not know what she was doing back then.

Growing popularity heading to the US Open, the Alcaraz/Raducanu partnership is now nicknamed “Alcaranu” and has gained so much attention now.

In a social media post shared by Tennis Channel, Alcaraz shared how he ended up being partners with Emma. The post caption stated: “The duo we didn’t know we needed 🤝”

Netizens were clearly thrilled about the Alcaraz-Raducanu pairing, with many pointing out how giddy and animated Alcaraz looked while talking about it. One user wrote, “He’s so cute ☺️ sweated more during this interview than the RG final lol,” while another joked, “That man was sweating !!!!!! 😅 can’t wait to see them play!” A third added, “Awww, I’m so happy! He asked her lol! It would be fun just to watch Carlitos and Emma play mixed doubles! Such a cute matchup! 😍👏”

The US Open, which will happen on August 19-20, is making mixed doubles even more exciting by scheduling the event a week before the start of the main tournament.

Here is the list of the mixed doubles teams for the upcoming US Open (as of June 17, 2025):

Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner
Zheng Qinwen and Jack Draper
Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul
Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti
Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz
Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev
Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe
Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov
Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud
Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas
Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz
Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev
Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic
Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori
Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios

In another social media post, the US Open also shared about the mixed doubles tournament with a caption: “A STAR-STUDDED 🤩 lineup of teams have officially entered the reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship!”

Netizens expressed excitement, with some calling it the first time mixed doubles had truly captured public attention. Many said they were looking forward to the matches, commenting that they were “so ready” and eager to watch the action unfold.

Man earning S$2K a month asks: How much do you need to earn in Singapore before you’re ready to date?

By

Yoko Nicole

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June 18, 2025

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asian-man-studying-coffee-shop — Photo: Freepik (for illustration purposes only)

SINGAPORE: A man in his late 20s recently turned to social media to ask how much money someone should be making before they feel ready to start dating.

Posting on the r/askSingapore subreddit, he shared that he had just landed a short traineeship in data analytics within the finance sector. However, he revealed that his current pay is only in the mid-S$2,000 range.

He added that he plans to search for a full-time role both during and after the traineeship, in hopes of securing a better-paying position.

As for his finances, he shared that while his savings are not substantial, he has managed to set aside enough for an emergency fund and to repay his student loans. He also mentioned that he has invested in well-established companies and exchange-traded funds.

“Different girls, different expectations…”

His question prompted several responses from other Reddit users, many of whom shared their own experiences and perspectives on how money factors into modern relationships.

One user pointed out that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as expectations differ widely among individuals. They wrote, “Different girls, different expectations. There are girls who do not mind their partner earning little as long as they have a proper job and always look to improve themselves. Likewise, you can be earning five digits per month, but if your personality sucks, I am sure no girls will date you.”

Another user, identifying as female, shared that in her early 20s, income wasn’t something she paid much attention to since she and her peers were still students. But by her mid- to late 20s, her expectations had evolved. At that point in life, she wanted a partner who could at least match her financial standing

She added. “Finance affects lifestyle, and I don’t see myself lowering my lifestyle much. By the way, I’m in the same field as you. The market is not good. If it gets better, it is not an issue at all for you to earn well. Just keep hustling! No need to worry.”

A third user reflected on his own experience, saying that it all comes down to whether the woman is willing to grow with her partner. He said, “Hmm, actually, it’s more of if the lady is willing to be there for you, ba.” I did not earn a lot when my wife first dated me. I progress along the way.”

When is the right time to talk about income?

Talking about money, especially salary, can feel awkward in the early stages of dating. Many people might avoid the topic on a first or second date, fearing it might come off as too forward or transactional. However, experts suggest that this conversation shouldn’t be put off for too long. Ideally, it should take place after a few dates or before the relationship becomes official, as financial compatibility can play a big role in long-term success.

In fact, a study by Lunch Actually found that more than half of singles (52%) believe it’s important to understand their partner’s financial situation once they enter a relationship. Similarly, a separate study by Syfe revealed that 44% of Singaporeans think it’s acceptable to ask about someone’s salary before becoming a couple. Around one in three also said they would be comfortable sharing how much they earn within the first five dates.

Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)

‘I’ve applied to 130 jobs’ — 23 y/o international student in Singapore opens up about her job hunt struggles

By

Yoko Nicole

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June 18, 2025

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asian female student — Photo: Freepik (for illustration purposes only)

SINGAPORE: A 23-year-old international student currently doing her Master’s at SMU opened up online about her difficult job search experience, saying that she feels “completely lost” after months of trying to land a full-time role in Singapore.

In a post on r/SGexams, she shared that despite maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.0 and having several internships and work experiences under her belt, she has yet to receive a single offer. She also said she has applied to over 130 companies since arriving in Singapore, but has faced constant rejections or complete silence.

“Since arriving, I’ve applied to over 130 companies for full-time roles. Every application was tailored, customised resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, weeks of preparation,” she wrote.

“I recently interviewed for a Customer Support position and went through three rounds of interviews. I prepared for weeks, practised mock calls, and researched the company thoroughly, but was ultimately rejected with no feedback. That’s been the hardest part, the silence. The uncertainty. The feeling of doing everything ‘right’ and still not breaking through, especially with the constant barrier of visa sponsorship,” she continued.

She then shared details of her background, writing, “I have strong technical skills in Python, Excel, R, Stata, Tableau, and Financial Analysis. I’m fluent in English, Hindi, and conversational French. My student visa expires at the end of this year (December 2025). I’m open to data analyst, client-facing, sales, financial roles, or customer support. I just want a chance to stay, work, and build my future in Singapore.”

At the end of her post, she reached out to others who may have gone through a similar experience or who might have advice or recommendations for companies that hire international graduates. “I would be extremely grateful for any help, advice, or even just encouragement.”

“Have you tried contract roles instead for the time being?”

In the comments, one Singaporean Redditor said, “Job market is bad. The place I interned at was hiring finance/econs degree holders for a finance role, and received 200+ applications within two weeks. Imagine hundreds of people eyeing a single role. And fresh grads are competing with people with years of experience. Less than 10 people were invited for an interview after a few rounds of selection.”

Another pointed out, “Job market is already crap for locals, it will be harder for foreigners, that’s the reality.”

A third commented, “Hi, not sure about your salary/role expectations, but you might be overqualified with your Master’s for the roles available. Locals in tech/finance are also finding the job market tough right now, much less a foreigner who will require a work pass. In other words, not your fault, just bad timing.”

A fourth added, “Have you tried contract roles instead for the time being? The job market in Singapore has been dismal for the past two to three years. Wishing you the best in your personal journey.”

In other news, a 21-year-old Aussie student, “visibly disabled” and currently in Singapore on a study tour, shared on social media that no commuter has ever offered her a seat on the MRT.

Posting on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Monday (June 16), she explained that in addition to using a cane, she also wears a sunflower lanyard (an indication that someone has a disability in her home country). Even so, she said that during her trips on the train, commuters either ignore her or remain too absorbed in their own worlds to notice her discomfort.

Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)

SME boss complains about hiring fresh grads — ends up getting schooled by Reddit instead

By

Anna Maria Romero

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June 18, 2025

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SINGAPORE: When a Reddit user asked to compare notes with others who believe as he does that fresh diploma graduates are “so hard to hire these days”, he found the tables were quickly turned when commenters on his post pointed out that he, rather than the new grads, is likely to be the problem.

In a now-deleted r/askSingaoore post on Wednesday (June 18), the post author wrote that they had just attended a Focus Group discussion with other SME owners and business partners. He claimed that “one recurring issue stood out; none of us have been able to successfully hire any fresh diploma graduates in recent years.”

He asked if this was a problem only they had faced or if it was common to other industries as well.

“We’re wondering: Are diploma grads skipping straight to uni? Are the diploma grads using other options like Career Fair as a main priority for Job Hunt?” the post author wrote, asking to hear from employers and HR professionals concerning the matter, asking as well for other current HR struggles, such as ghosting, unrealistic expectations, and job-hopping.

They added that they also wanted to hear from fresh grads themselves, asking them what turns them off from SME job listings.

On Reddit, a platform where many Singaporeans have expressed despair over their job prospects and struggles, commenters did not take very kindly to the post.

The top commenter posted excerpts from some of the Glassdoor reviews of the post author’s company, and added, “The younger generation is getting more tech-savvy and doing their own diligence on the companies they apply for.”

The reviews allegedly say that employees are fined not only when they arrive late, but “for every mistake” they make. Furthermore, employees are allowed to work from home only when they hit their targets, and 8.5 days of leave out of 14 are blocked by the company, which is not mentioned until employees sign their contracts.

“I understand block leave, but having more than half your leave balance to block leave is ridiculous,” the commenter wrote, adding, “I don’t think you can justify monetary penalties paid to be used to celebrate occasions such as birthdays and team gatherings—not for company profit.”

“Per his post history, this guy is also a landlord and apparently tried to make his tenant co-pay for the replacement of a 17-year-old air-con unit (which he was also lambasted for in the comments),” another added.

“Fining people is such an SME move and a major major turn off. If you need to penalise employees, do it via discretionary pay (ie, lower or no bonus). Or if you need to assess a good employee from a bad one, that’s what a probation period is for. Empower people and earn their trust. It’s a two-way street,” a Reddit user observed.

One wrote that the post author wanted to find out “issues on diploma graduates, got educated on what a toxic company looks like”.

“As someone in HR, here’s my honest advice: Trust your employees to be adults. When you implement rigid policies that monitor and punish, all you’re doing is creating a culture of fear and distrust.

“The idea of a block leave — forcing everyone to rest at the same time — isn’t employee-friendly. It’s a red flag that your team is running too lean. If people can’t take individual time off without disrupting operations, the real issue is that you’re not hiring enough. MNCs handle staggered leave just fine — the difference is that they build resilient teams. You need to ask yourself: why aren’t you?” a commenter advised. /TISG

‘JB businesses will be happy’ — Singaporeans debate pros and cons of Universal Basic Income

Kopitiam or parking lot? PMAs lined up in a row leave Singaporean confused

Pasar malam stall in Malaysia charges extra if you ask for roti john ‘without vegetables’

WP announces changes to CEC; new NCMP Eileen Chong to lead Youth Wing

New WP CEC members

About Eileen Chong

WhatsApp to roll out 3 new monetisation features within its Updates tab over the next few months

Centurion’s REIT listing signals hope for Singapore IPOs

‘She’s gonna be the boss’ — Carlos Alcaraz’s special request to play doubles with Emma Raducanu was granted

On having doubles experience

Man earning S$2K a month asks: How much do you need to earn in Singapore before you’re ready to date?

“Different girls, different expectations…”

When is the right time to talk about income?

‘I’ve applied to 130 jobs’ — 23 y/o international student in Singapore opens up about her job hunt struggles

“Have you tried contract roles instead for the time being?”

SME boss complains about hiring fresh grads — ends up getting schooled by Reddit instead

Singapore News

Singapore is becoming Southeast Asia’s main hub for luxury, finance, and yachting

Seah Kian Peng nominated for re-election as Speaker of Parliament

“Why no English?” — Are foreign businesses in Singapore leaving locals behind?

Enjoy 6 long weekends next year! Singapore public holiday dates for 2026

Business

Jobseeker torn over offer with 50% pay cut after 8 months of unemployment

Singapore is becoming Southeast Asia’s main hub for luxury, finance, and yachting

The millionaire mindset: 3 powerful ways wealthy people think differently

Malaysia’s PM Anwar vows to ‘make necessary adjustments’ from SEZ foreign investors’ feedback ‘if absolutely necessary’

Singapore Politics

Seah Kian Peng nominated for re-election as Speaker of Parliament

Where’s Michael Thng? Commenters ask after WP announces CEC update

WP announces changes to CEC; new NCMP Eileen Chong to lead Youth Wing

Better support system needed for Serangoon seniors for accessing public services, says WP MP Kenneth Tiong