What to expect for Singapore’s 56th birthday

NDP 2020

Do you remember how we celebrated our nation’s birthday last year? Instead of everyone gathering as one people at a venue, our sunny island focused on heartland activities instead.

But this year, things will be different. As we take steps to live with COVID-19 possibly becoming an endemic disease, this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) will return to the Marina Bay floating platform.

While it will still be a scaled-down event, there are live performers and an audience. Here’s what to expect for the upcoming NDP 2021.

#1: Performers will be tested before every rehearsal

You’ve probably read or heard the news that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has achieved herd immunity with over 90% of personnel injected with a first dose of the vaccine.

This is definitely good news, but all performers will go through antigen rapid testing before every rehearsal. Most performers will also attend dry runs in smaller groups to ensure everyone’s safety.

#2: Only fully vaccinated individuals can enter

Wave goodbye to balloting as Singapore has decided to prioritise peeps who’ve contributed selflessly in our fight against the pandemic. So if you’re a front liner, essential worker, or a community volunteer, you might stand a chance to watch the parade live in person.

However, to enter as a spectator, you will have to be fully vaccinated. Similar to the performers, there will be mandatory pre-event testing.

#3: Look forward to heartland activities
NDP heartland activity

Image Credits: lifestyleasia.com

True patriots who aren’t able to watch the NDP live in person don’t have to be blue. There will still be heartland activities, and we believe the organisers will release more details as National Day draws nearer.

If it’s similar to last year’s, residents can expect fireworks displays throughout our tiny red dot, mobile columns around the neighbourhoods, and parachutists doing their thang. Stay tuned for more information to come!

#4: NDP 2021 may not be well prepared

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has called on Singaporeans to be understanding should the show be not as well prepared compared to past years. This is due to shorter preparation times amid the evolving COVID-19 situation.

“NDP is as much about each Singaporean using the occasion to affirm together what we value about Singapore. We hope that the NDP will uplift, we hope that the NDP will encourage. We hope that the NDP will give us a wider perspective, because it’s been a tough year, a year and a half, and I think with Singaporeans’ help, we can achieve it,” he noted.

#5: Theme song is sung by well-known artists

Composed by local singer Linying and music producer Evan Low, this year’s NDP official song is titled “The Road Ahead”.

Hear the voices of Linying, Sezairi Sezali, Shye-Anne Brown, and Shabir and watch the music video directed by Huang Junxiang and Jerrold Chong via the YouTube link above!

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5 Valuable Tips To Help You Succeed As A Freelancer

Due to the effects of the recent pandemic, companies began to hire more contract workers over full-time employees. The “freelance economy” became a viable option for many Singaporeans. However, with many freelancers in the market, it is harder to stand out.

Much of the freelancer’s income depends on his or her reputation and capability to fulfill the customer’s request. Here are some valuable tips to get an online job if you want to stay in the game for a long time.

#1: INCREASE YOUR SELF-AWARENESS

Knowing yourself means recognizing different parts of your personality such as your strengths and weaknesses. The goal is not to criticize yourself, but to acknowledge where you need to improve and where you can excel. Be honest about your capacity to commit time, your home situation, and your attitude towards deadlines.

Some people look for a 9-to-5 job while others need more freedom. Some people prefer working with a team while others prefer working on their own. Find out who you really are to know who to work with.

#2: SAVE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Freelancers are project-based workers. This means that they can work anytime, as long as they finish their tasks. The downside is, they do not earn money when they do not have projects. The influx of projects is influenced by the season. For instance, you can feel an abundance of work during special events or holidays.

It is essential that you save money to cover the periods when you do not have a pipeline of projects coming your way. This way, you will be able to cover your bills and other expenses.

#3: MARKET YOURSELF

Entering the freelancing world is not easy. The competition is high! Making a name for yourself can be challenging. Thus, you must use social media or other websites to market yourself.

The key to success is being active in these platforms and having an attractive profile where your information as a freelancer can be retrieved. Samples, testimonies, and feedbacks from your past clients will make a big difference.

#4: ESTABLISH REFERRAL PARTNERSHIPS

There are three main channels where you can get clients. These channels are inbound, outbound, and referrals. Inbound refers to using methods such as content marketing or search engine optimization (SEO) to attract potential clients. Outbound refers to reaching out to potential clients by sending emails, responding to job advertisements, and so on. Lastly, referrals refer to having clients recommend you by word-of-mouth.

Many freelancers focus on networking with prospective clients only. However, you can establish referral partnerships with businesses, entrepreneurs, and other freelancers. Having a wide referral network will help you gain more access to different clients.

#5: RESEARCH YOUR COMPETITION

Spend some time researching the market to discover online portfolios and to see what others are doing. Find out the supplementary skills that they have to improve yourself and your career (e.g., photography, video editing, or podcast creation).

Image credits: pixabay.com

Grasp a bigger picture of what your competitors are doing and how much they are charging. This is vital in evaluating how much your service is worth. Set a reasonable price list afterwards.

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Each S’pore Household Will Get Free Oximeter From July 5

In part of Temasek Foundation’s Stay Prepared initiative, all households in Singapore will be eligible to collect a free oximeter. The efforts of the Temasek Foundation started due to the emergence of the more infectious COVID-19 variants.

According to Temasek Foundation, “silent pneumonia” is one of the most serious consequences of COVID-19. It occurs when seriously ill people feel generally well, despite having damaged lungs and dangerously low levels of oxygen.

It is important to note that COVID-19 can cause blood oxygen levels to drop. Although you feel okay, oxygen levels may drop. Prolonged low oxygen levels can damage your vital organs. Thus, giving oximeters to Singapore residents will allow them to monitor their blood oxygen levels regularly.

Stay Prepared leaflets with redemption tabs will be sent to letterboxes of every household from June 28 to July 3. You must take the leaflet (with the redemption tab) to any of the participating supermarket and pharmacy outlets of FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, Giant, Watsons, Unity, or Guardian to collect your oximeters from July 5 to August 5. Residents may also collect the oximeters on behalf of other family members or friends by bringing their leaflets along with the redemption tabs.

Check the nearest collection points at stayprepared.sg/oximeter. You can opt to collect during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds. Moreover, Temasek Foundation adds that “there is plenty of stock, so there is no need to rush”.

WHAT ARE OXIMETERS?

Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method used for monitoring a person’s oxygen saturation. A pulse oximeter is a medical device that indirectly monitors the oxygen saturation of a patient’s blood as opposed to measuring oxygen saturation directly through a blood sample.

The normal range is 95% – 100%. While you are advised to seek medical attention if your result shows 90% – 94% or <90%. A result of <90% indicates that you are in urgent need of oxygen. Some people may have lower oxygen levels due to pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma.

ADVANTAGES OF OXIMETER

The regular usage of oximeter can help alert a person to seek medical attention when his or her oxygen levels become dangerously low. You do not need rigorous training to be able to use it!

Pulse oximetry is convenient for noninvasive continuous measurement of blood oxygen saturation. Its portable nature entails that you can assess yourself anytime and anywhere.

LIMITATIONS OF OXIMETER

Pulse oximetry is not a complete measure of respiratory sufficiency as it solely measures hemoglobin saturation. It is not a substitute for the blood gas test because it gives no indication of the carbon dioxide levels, base deficit, blood pH, or bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration.

A blood gas test evaluates the lung function by measuring the blood pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. It also monitors the treatment for lung diseases and detects the acid-base imbalance in your blood.

Moreover, oximeter readings may be inaccurate if you are wearing nail polish or if you have trembling hands. World Health Organization Pulse Oximetry Training Manual adds that some people may normally have low oxygen levels (e.g., smokers or asthmatics).

HOW CAN YOU COLLECT ONE?

STEP 1: BRING YOUR STAY PREPARED LEAFLET

All residential households will receive the leaflet in their letterboxes by 3 July. Please ensure that the redemption tab is intact.

STEP 2: PRESENT THE LEAFLET TO THE STAFF AT THE COLLECTION POINT

Photocopies, digital copies, and redemption tabs without barcode fully intact will not be accepted.

STEP 3: STAFF WILL TEAR OFF THE REDEMPTION TAB

As proof of redemption, the staff will tear off and keep the redemption tab. If an oximeter is faulty, you can exchange your unit in its original condition at Temasek Shophouse (28 Orchard Road) between July 5 and Aug 31.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Apart from giving out oximeters, Temasek Foundation will also be providing other essential items such as medical-grade surgical masks and povidone iodine mouthwash in the latter half of the year.

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 new property launches in Singapore to eyeball

liv at mb condominium

Thanks to the pandemic, Singapore’s property market has been on a rollercoaster ride. With changing restrictions in place, this affected showflat and property viewings. As such, there was also a slowdown in new launch activity.

But as our tiny red dot takes small steps to reopen the economy, the property market is also expected to prosper in the months to come. For folks eyeing a new house, here are four new property launches to look out for!

#1: Klimt Cairnhill

Klimt Cairnhill

Situated at district 9, Klimt Cairnhill will be sited at the former Cairnhill Mansions along Cairnhill Road. You will find the freehold property between Orchard and Newton, and an 8-minute walk to Far East Plaza. This also means that you’re just a short driving distance to other major shopping malls in Orchard.

Its developer is Glopeak Development, a subsidiary of Low Keng Huat, which has completed projects like South Bank, One-North Residences, and Paya Lebar Square. As a potential homeowner of Klimt Cairnhill, you can expect a 36-storey residential tower with over 130 units. There is also a single-storey bungalow clubhouse.

#2: Les Maisons Nassim

Les Maisons Nassim

Les Maisons Nassim is also another property to consider if you’re planning to stay in the heart of Tanglin and Orchard in district 10. Similar to Klimt Cairnhill, it also has a freehold tenure. It’s sited at 14 Nassim Road and an 11-minute walk to Tanglin Mall. Singapore Botanic Gardens is just a mere 15-minute walk away.

The luxury condominium is developed by Shun Tak Holdings, with a portfolio of buildings like Park Nova and 111 Somerset Road. In fact, the developer also has an extensive record in construction projects in Macau, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. There will only be 2 penthouses and 14 meticulously crafted residences amid lush greenery.

#3: Perfect Ten

Perfect Ten condo

What an apt name for a building! Perfect Ten has a freehold tenure and will be located at 317 Bukit Timah Road, formerly home to City Towers. You can find it right at district 10, an alternative to consider other than Les Maisons Nassim. It’s just a 5-minute drive to United Square Shopping Mall.

Developed by Japura Development, you can look forward to 24-storey twin towers with over 200 units. There will be 1- to 4-bedroom options for you to choose from. Just so you know, Japura Development is affiliated with Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-Shing’s CK Asset Holdings. CK Asset Holdings has completed iconic buildings, including One Raffles Quay and Marina Bay Financial Centre.

#4: LIV @ MB

liv at mb condominium

Last but not least, we have LIV @ MB. The 99 years tenure property is a redevelopment of the former Katong Park Towers along Arthur Road. Want to stay at district 15? LIV @ MB could be the project to keep your eyes on. You will just be a 3-minute drive to East Coast Park and a 7-minute drive to Katong V.

Bukit Sembawang Estates will be in charge of its development. If it sounds familiar, that’s because they are also the hands behind The Atelier along Makeway Avenue. Bukit Sembawang Estates has a portfolio of buildings like 8 St Thomas and The Vermont on Cairnhill, so you can expect standard facilities like a jacuzzi, yoga deck, sky garden, swimming pool, barbecue pavilion, and more to be built.

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What to do on a financial detox

using the calculator

When you think of the word “detox”, what comes to your mind? For us, it’s something related to food. Similarly, shift this “food detox” idea to the financial realm, and you will somehow get it.

Financial detox is essentially a process where you take time to cleanse your finances and give your money habits a thorough review. If you want to know what to do on a financial detox, keep reading.

#1: Talk about money

Money is a sensitive topic; we get it. But there is no running away from it during a financial detox.

Before you find a friend, family member, or financial advisor, you will want to sit yourself down and take a good look at your financial goals. Then, see what aspects of your habits or personality are hindering you from reaching that aim. Once your outline is ready, speak with that trusted person and thrash it out.

#2: Settle your debts

You may not be able to settle your debts immediately but if that is part of your financial goal (which it should be), start thinking of ways to get there.

A wise way to start is to set a budget. You will want to refer to your salary, spending, and bad habits when setting a budget. While sticking to a strict budget is essential when clearing debts, be mindful that bad habits take time to change. Give yourself some (cash) space to breathe if necessary.

#3: Tackle bad habits
a woman holding onto a credit card

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Speaking of bad habits, you will want to tackle them before they start creeping back into your daily routine. Use these questions to help yourself understand the money mindset you hold:

  • What is your money stance?
  • Do you tend to spend when you’re sad or happy?
  • How do you feel about saving, borrowing, and spending?
  • Have you succumbed to the YOLO concept and spend impulsively without giving much thought to your budget?

The answers to the above questions will guide you in working out some methods to deal with bad money decisions.

For example, peeps who find themselves spending hastily should consider a “cool-off period”. Instead of making a purchase immediately, give yourself a day or two to think it through. If you can live without having that latest juice mixer in your possession, then don’t buy it.

#4: Take on a financial challenge

A financial challenge should help you to start saving. We have previously written an article on money-saving challenges, and these are some of the ideas you might be interested in:

  • Borrow, don’t buy
  • Exercise the 1% trial
  • Give yourself 52 weeks
  • Set aside your spare change
  • Introduce a “no extra spend” week

The above concepts may look weird without proper context so hop over to read more here. Ultimately, you know yourself best, so tweak those challenges mentioned above so you can stick to the plan till the end.

#5: Expand your wealth
investment

Image Credits: unsplash.com

There will come a time where you will need to face retirement. Before that phase arrives, start venturing into expanding your wealth.

While savings are good, they will get depleted one day. Not sure if you want to get your hands into investing since the markets are volatile? What if we tell you there are options to start investing from $100? Whether it’s unit trusts, robo-investments, or exchange traded funds (ETFs), click through the link to find out more.

Final thoughts

Like how a food detox program is painful, a financial detox is equally tough. But it’s an absolutely vital process if you want to take hold of your finances and gain control of money on your life. You will get through it! Just take baby steps.

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