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Heymax and Visa launch campaign to reward Singapore’s public transport commuters

Want to earn miles for your daily commute with Heymax and Visa?

Heymax, a lifestyle rewards app based in Singapore, has teamed up with Visa to launch a new campaign focused on sustainability.

From now until 28 November 2024, Heymax users can earn rewards just for taking public transit.

Commuters who link their Visa card to the Heymax app will receive three Max Miles for every dollar spent on MRT or bus rides.

This small reward adds up over time, while also encouraging greener travel choices.

Riders can accumulate miles with every trip, bringing them closer to prizes like business class flights to Japan worth 200,000 miles.

Joe Lu, Heymax CEO, noted that they are seeing a growing passion among Singaporeans to travel free using loyalty points.

While the miles can fund future adventures, the core goal is to nurture sustainable habits daily, he added.

By incentivizing public transport, Heymax aims to balance promoting local green actions with global travel experiences for members.

Research shows Singaporeans increasingly rely on loyalty programs for travel rewards and Heymax data found Agoda, Trip.com, Klook, and Singapore Airlines to be top merchants.

The loyalty market is projected to grow almost 10% annually through 2028.

This campaign also complements Singapore’s $60 billion public transport investment by 2030.

“From MRT & Bus to Miles: Heymax & Visa Reward Your Rides” Campaign T&Cs

General

The campaign runs until a total of 2 million Max Miles are earned across all Heymax users.
There’s no limit on how many Max Miles each user can earn. Miles from bus or train rides will be pending until transactions are approved and then added to your account.
New users who link a Visa card for the first time during the campaign get a bonus of 100 Max Miles.

Grand Prize Drawing

To enter the drawing to win big prizes:

Take at least one bus or train ride with your linked card during the campaign
Keep a card linked through the end of the campaign

Two lucky winners will be selected randomly from eligible users. The more you transit, the better your chances of winning!

Winners will be announced after the campaign ends and contacted by email.

For more info, head to heymax.ai/campaign/visa-busmrt

Good luck!

About Heymax

Heymax is making travel rewards easy and flexible for consumers based in Singapore.

As a travel rewards and personal finance platform, Heymax allows users to earn Max Miles from everyday purchases made with over 500 major merchants.

These Max Miles can then be redeemed directly for flights or transferred to 25 airline and hotel partner loyalty programs worldwide.

Beyond just flights, Max Miles provides options through gift cards as well.

Even better, the miles never expire and are free of annual fees so you have total freedom and flexibility when redeeming.

Since launching their proprietary loyalty currency Max Miles in late 2023, Heymax has seen tremendous growth.

Over 60,000 users in Singapore have earned a collective total of 80 million Max Miles through the platform and those miles have already been put to good use, as customers have redeemed over 10,000 flights.

In partnership with Visa, Heymax also provides a handy tool for tracking spending across credit cards with the Card Maximizer feature giving real-time insights into transactions and accumulating rewards.

To learn more, visit heymax.ai.

All image credits to Heymax.ai.

Singapore’s new jobseeker support scheme to provide up to $6,000 for involuntarily unemployed residents

Singapore is launching a first-of-its-kind program to support those who have recently lost their jobs.

Good news, huh?

A new scheme that provides up to $6,000

The new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will provide up to $6,000 over six months to eligible residents.

Only Singaporeans and permanent residents aged 21+ who previously earned up to $5,000 on average per month can apply for the scheme.

Applicants must also live in a home valued at $25,000 or less annually.

Stacking multiple forms of financial aid is also allowed under this new scheme.

An estimated 60,000 residents will qualify each year, covering over 60% of involuntarily unemployed individuals and the government has allocated over $200 million annually to fund this initiative.

Who can apply?

To receive support, applicants must have involuntarily lost their job through no fault of their own—such as due to layoffs, business closure, or firing despite reasons like illness/injury.

They must also have worked steadily for at least 6 months in the past year.

Ongoing job searching and career development activities are also required to keep payments coming each month.

How’s the $6,000 split?

Payments will start at a maximum of $1,500 in the first month and gradually decrease each month.

Maximum monthly payouts for eligible jobseekers under SkillsFuture JS scheme

Image Credits: mom.gov.sg

Higher amounts are provided upfront to ease financial stress immediately after losing a job.

Payments then gradually decrease each month to encourage quickly securing new employment.

This program aims to balance offering needed short-term assistance without allowing overly lengthy joblessness that can impact future employability.

Singapore’s leaders and workforce officials hope this new scheme will help residents weather sudden unemployment and get back on their feet faster through the support and guidance provided.

Staying motivated in one’s job search is key to taking full advantage of this new program.

More monetary support other than this new scheme

Households facing financial hardship have options beyond just jobseeker support.

You may also qualify for assistance through ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance or the Goods and Services Tax Voucher scheme.

Plus, if you enroll in eligible full-time training through SkillsFuture Level-Up or a company attachment via WSG’s Mid-Career Pathways, you could receive extra cash on top of your jobseeker support payments.

Both programs offer training allowances to supplement your income, provided you meet each program’s criteria.

For example, SkillsFuture Level-Up provides up to $3,000 per month for up to two years to citizens 40+ in selected long-form courses.

The amount depends on half your average income from the last full year.

Meanwhile, Mid-Career Pathways gives citizens and PRs 40+ up to $3,800 monthly during a 4 to 6-month attachment.

So look into stacking supports from multiple qualifying programs to maximize your financial support during career transitions or skills upgrades, if you meet those criteria.

Mpox 101: Guide to Understanding the Virus

WHAT IS MPOX?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions. This illness is caused by two strains of the monkeypox virus (MPXV), identified as Clade I and Clade II.

Until 2022, Mpox was primarily reported in Central Africa (Clade I) and West Africa (Clade II), where the virus is endemic. Cases outside these regions were usually linked to travel or exposure to imported animals. Common symptoms include:

a. Skin rashes
b. Fever
c. Muscle pain
d. Headaches
e. Back pain
f. Swollen lymph nodes
g. Fatigue or significant weakness

According to the Ministry of Health, the virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets. It can also spread via contaminated materials or environments. Additionally, animal-to-human transmission can occur through bites, scratches, or direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, fluids, or skin lesions.

SPREAD AND RISK FACTORS

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported over 15,600 potential cases and 548 deaths from Mpox since the beginning of the year. Some cases have also emerged in other African nations, as well as in countries like the Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, and Sweden.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted that the current risk of Mpox in the country remains low, mainly due to the lack of direct flights to the African regions where the virus is most prevalent. However, health officials remain cautious, as the virus is expected to spread to Europe and the Middle East. As of August, Singapore had reported 13 cases of the less severe Clade II, which typically spreads through close contact.

SCREENING AND PRECAUTIONS

Singapore has implemented strict measures to contain the virus, similar to those seen during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of August 23, travelers and crew arriving at Singapore’s international airports from regions at risk of Mpox outbreaks will undergo temperature and visual screenings. The same measures will apply at sea checkpoints for those arriving by ship from affected areas.

PREVENTION AND FURTHER ACTION

A newer variant of the virus, Clade Ib, is showing a higher transmission rate, especially among children, through close contact. Global concerns have risen due to this new strain emerging in Central Africa, which appears to spread more easily through routine human interaction. This new variant has a mortality rate of about four percent, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. The goal is to prevent another widespread lockdown or other unpleasant effects similar to those experienced during the pandemic.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Although the risk of Mpox spreading in Singapore remains low, increased vigilance is essential. If you are at high risk, frequently wash your hands and wear a face mask in crowded, indoor spaces. Continuing to seek medical care for skin lesions and following infection prevention measures, as mentioned, are crucial to preventing further spread of the virus.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

Simplify Corporate Gifting: 5 Innovative Gift Ideas for Your Employees in Singapore

Corporate gifting is an essential aspect of building and maintaining a positive work culture. In Singapore, where employee appreciation plays a significant role in workplace satisfaction, finding the right gifts for your team can make all the difference. However, selecting gifts that are both meaningful and practical can be a challenge. That’s where ShopGifts.sg comes in, offering a curated selection of innovative corporate gifts that are sure to impress your employees.

Here are five innovative gift ideas to consider for your next corporate gifting occasion:

1. Personalized Stationery

In the digital age, high-quality stationery still holds a special place, especially when it’s personalized. Consider gifting your employees with custom notebooks, pens, or planners that feature their names or initials. Not only is this practical, but it also adds a personal touch that shows you value their contributions. At ShopGifts.sg, you can find a range of customizable stationery options that cater to different tastes.

2. Tech Gadgets and Accessories

With the rise of remote work, tech gadgets have become indispensable. Consider gifting your employees items like wireless chargers, portable power banks, or Bluetooth speakers. These gifts are not only useful in their daily work but also demonstrate your commitment to providing tools that enhance their productivity. ShopGifts.sg offers a variety of tech gadgets that can be tailored to your company’s brand and employee needs.

3. Wellness Kits

Employee well-being is more important than ever, and a thoughtfully curated wellness kit can make a big impact. These kits might include items like stress-relief candles, herbal teas, or ergonomic accessories for the home office. By promoting wellness, you show your employees that their health and happiness are priorities for the company. Explore the wellness gift options available at ShopGifts.sg to find the perfect kit for your team.

4. Eco-Friendly Gifts

Sustainability is a growing concern, and many employees appreciate gifts that align with their values. Consider eco-friendly gifts such as reusable water bottles, bamboo desk organizers, or sustainable tote bags. These items not only reduce your company’s environmental footprint but also resonate with employees who are environmentally conscious. ShopGifts.sg offers a selection of eco-friendly corporate gifts that are both stylish and sustainable.

5. Experience-Based Gifts

Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t physical items but memorable experiences. Consider gifting your employees with vouchers for activities like cooking classes, spa treatments, or team-building adventures. These experiences can create lasting memories and help foster a sense of camaraderie among your team. At ShopGifts.sg, you can explore various experience-based gift options that cater to different interests.

Conclusion

Corporate gifting doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By choosing innovative and thoughtful gifts, you can show your employees that you truly value their hard work and dedication. Whether it’s personalized stationery, tech gadgets, wellness kits, eco-friendly items, or experience-based gifts, ShopGifts.sg has everything you need to make corporate gifting simple and impactful.

Ready to elevate your corporate gifting game? Visit ShopGifts.sg today and discover a wide range of options that will leave a lasting impression on your employees.

4 detox shampoos under $59 to try if you need a thorough clean-up

Have you been wrestling with product buildup, environmental pollutants, or an oily scalp?

A detox shampoo can provide the deep cleanse your hair desperately needs.

Here are our top picks from Sephora.

Ouai Detox Shampoo

Price: $23

Are you ready to hit the reset button on your hair?

If yes, Ouai’s Detox Shampoo is THE cleanse you need for your tresses.

This clarifying shampoo swoops in to banish product buildup and other follicle freeloaders without leaving your locks dry.

Apple cider vinegar exfoliates your scalp, kicking flakes to the curb, while hydrolyzed keratin smooths frizz and adds mirror-like shine.

Get hair that’s softer, stronger, and ready for close-ups.

Tip: Let the solution sit for a few minutes to get a clean slate for your scalp and a fresh start for your strands.

Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo

Price: $27

Or consider this your new hair savior: Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo.

This product is here to bring skincare science to your locks, giving you that fresh-from-the-shower feeling without a drop of water.

Its light-as-air technology cleanses your scalp and strands, leaving zero powdery residue.

Packed with antioxidant-rich rambutan seed extract, it soothes your scalp while neutralizing odors and fending off pollutants.

The ultra-fine rice micro starch works to absorb excess oil, and it’s clinically proven not to clog pores.

Exclusively available at Sephora.

Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Clarifying Detox Shampoo

Price: $37

Coco & Eve’s Like A Virgin Clarifying Detox Shampoo is here to save your strands with its antioxidant-rich formula, which acts like a cleanse for your locks, whisking away excess oils and even traces of heavy metals.

Packed with natural ingredients like hibiscus cider vinegar and lemon peel extract, it deep cleans without stripping away moisture.

Get hair that’s soothed, detoxified, and restored to virgin-like softness and shine.

It’s like sending your hair to spa day, minus the cucumber slices.

And since it’s dermatologically tested, you can trust that it’s safe on your scalp too.

K18 Peptide Prep™ Detox Shampoo

Price: $58

Last but not least, we have K18’s Peptide Prep™ Detox Shampoo.

Activated charcoal and salicylic acid team up to oust build-up and unclog follicles, while the patented K18Peptide™ keeps your strands nourished and happy.

This non-stripping formula works to prep your mane to soak up all the goodness of a K18 leave-in treatment (sold separately).

Swap out your regular shampoo for this color-safe power wash once a week, and watch your hair change from “meh” to “marvelous”.

To remove stubborn product buildup, combat excess oil, or simply refresh your scalp, consider the abovementioned options. Give one of these under-$59 shampoos a try, and enjoy the benefits of thoroughly cleansed hair that feels as good as it looks. Happy shampooing!

A new scheme that provides up to $6,000

Who can apply?

How’s the $6,000 split?

More monetary support other than this new scheme

1. Personalized Stationery

2. Tech Gadgets and Accessories

3. Wellness Kits

4. Eco-Friendly Gifts

5. Experience-Based Gifts

Conclusion

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