56 year old Hawker Brand, Koung’s Wanton Mee Opens New Outlet in JEM, only $4.80 for Singapore-style Wanton Mee

He seeks to preserve his family’s time-honoured wanton mee recipe by making the award-winning dish available islandwide #KoungWTM

  • Humble beginnings: from pushcart to humble stall in Geylang and now an outlet in a shopping mall
  • Enjoy the wanton mee in an air-conditioned environment
  • All the ingredients, from wanton to noodles and char siu, are homemade

Koung’s Wanton Mee, which has 56 years of presence in Singapore, is proud to announce the launch of its new outlet at JEM on 25 August 2020. This opening marks the brand’s first-ever foray into a shopping mall. Koung’s Wanton Mee was founded in 1964, just one year before Singapore gained independence. Its humble beginnings took root when it was just a pushcart; then, in late 1960s, it expanded and became a stall at Geylang Lorong 12. The stall operated for over 36 years before it moved to Geylang Lorong 13, where it stayed for 12 years. Then, it moved to its current location at 205 Sims Avenue circa 2013.

Bernard Koung, 39 year old second generation, began working at his family’s business at the age of 21, will be managing the new outlet opening at JEM. His parents have passed down their recipes to him, and he seeks to continue the 50-plus years of his family recipe. Recognising that many of the brand’s loyal fans have to travel from one end of Singapore to the another just to savour the wanton mee, Bernard has decided to launch a new outlet in JEM. Westies can now enjoy the dish with greater convenience, and in the comfort of an air-conditioned environment. Plans are in the pipeline to open more outlets in all regions of Singapore.

An offering well loved by Singaporeans and critics

The brand’s Singapore-style wanton mee is a hit amongst local gourmands, tourists and food critics. It is little wonder – all its ingredients are painstakingly made from scratch. The charcoal-grilled char siu is made with fresh quality pork, then marinated with its own homemade sauce. The springy egg noodles are made following a traditional recipe. The wantons are wrapped by hand, its generous filling a mix of fresh lean and fatty minced pork. Drenching all the ingredients are a fragrant blend of fried chilli paste and premium dark as well as light soya sauces. The dish is then topped with Koung’s Wanton Mee’s very own fried pork lard and oil, which lend an extra fragrance and a savoury punch. Both the dry and soup versions go at S$4.80 each.

The wanton mee has been featured in The Business Times’s CEOs’ Hawker Guide, and has also received numerous accolades such as the Certificate of Award for the Fine Culinary Skill, Encounter of the Kings and The Green Book’s Best Food Awards. Koung’s Wanton Mee is also a favourite haunt for many popular food bloggers such as Dr Leslie Tay.

About Koung’s Wanton Mee

Began as a pushcart in 1964, Koung’s Wanton Mee has over the years cultivated a loyal following of fans, winning over hearts with its delicious rendition of wanton mee. All the ingredients, from wanton to char siu and noodles, are homemade. Enjoy other accompaniments such as fried wanton, fried dumpling, fried wanton, dumpling soup and wanton soup as well. Its outlet at JEM marks its first-ever foray into a shopping mall.

Koung’s Wanton Mee JEM Details
Seating capacity: 35 seats
Address:  50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #B1-K14, Jem, Singapore 608549
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm

Socials:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KoungWTM
Instagram – https://instagram.com/KoungWTM/

 

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Ant shop in Singapore sells a handful of ants in a test-tube kit for about S$12 for ant hobbyists

singapore-ant-shop-starter-kit

While the average person will press their fingers against ants to get rid of them once they come to sight, a 41-year-old started an ant shop in Singapore. Just Ants is the name of the shop with about 30 to 35 species of ants.

“It started from a hobby, a small hobby,” Mr John Ye said. “And then when I actually learned more about ants, I was mind-blown. I ventured deeper and deeper. So I thought to myself, why not start an ant shop in Singapore?”

Prices

A starter test-tube kit with a handful of ants for a beginner ant hobbyist is priced at about S$12. For an established colony of 20 to 30 ants, it’s selling at S$20. While for rare ants, it can go for up to S$60.

The owner’s love for ants
singapore-ant-shop-just-ants

Image Credits: CNA

Don’t underestimate Mr Ye’s love for ants. It is that which prompted him to quit his job of distributing wholesale electronics to set up his shop in early 2019.

He even has a poem written about ants that’s framed up in his shop. “Why keep ants they say. They are not entirely pests I say,” it read. “Ant keeping can be a joy. A lot more fun than that boring toy.”

just-ants-ant-poem

Image Credits: CNA

“It’s very therapeutic. My favourite part about keeping ants will be just looking at them, gazing at them… It calms my mind after a hard day at work. They really soothe my stress,” said Mr Ye.

“They are so adorable crawling around, grooming themselves, it just tickles me. Doing their daily stuff, their strategies, the characteristics, how they organise themselves so uniquely,” he added.

His interest started randomly

“I was watching some videos online. In Singapore, it’s fairly new, but in Canada, the United States, it’s quite a hobby. So there’s a very popular ant channel in Canada – he’s also a comedian – Mikey Bustos.”

“He started the trend back then, and he did a storyline for each ant colony. So every time you will (be like) – wah, what’s the second episode like?”

The public’s reaction

“We have more curious people – not ant-keepers – but (they’re) curious as to what we are doing.”

“We even have an uncle (who started with us). He’s 79-years-old. He bought a few colonies and he said he will spend hours observing them, taking pictures… He’s very cute because he will keep asking me, ‘you have any new ants?’ I say, ‘no more, all you have already’,” Mr Ye said.

In fact, schools and the Singapore Science Centre have approached him to talk about ants.

But it’s not always a pretty picture for the ant lover. He was doubted by friends and relatives with many wondering if he was in the right state of mind. When he first started, his wife even threatened to spray his ants with Baygon if they escaped from their enclosures.

Passion over profits
exterior-of-ant-shop-just-ants

Image Credits: CNA

“I know it will not be very profitable like a full-time job as in the workforce, but as time goes by, we thought of, well, passion would be ultimately over profit. Of course, we are not earning as much (as) back then in the workforce, but slowly we found really little happiness in what we’re doing,” he said.

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Save or invest? 3 questions to ask yourself as advised by certified financial planners

Save or invest

So you’re currently at the crossroads between saving and investing? CNBC Select spoke to a couple of certified financial planners regarding this issue.

According to Gordon Achtermann, a Virginia-based certified financial planner, you have to ask yourself these three questions and give a solid yes before you decide to start investing.

#1: Do I have an adequate emergency fund?

Take a good look at the amount of cash you can fall back on if the need arises. According to experts, it’s generally wise to build short-term savings and then invest with the extra cash you have left.

You have to also be aware that your money can fluctuate depending on the daily changes in the market. So, there is much more risk to bear than compared to a savings plan.

Adequate emergency fund varies from person to person but Achtermann provides these guidelines to determine the amount you should have:

  • 3 months of expenses: For couples with two incomes and very secure employment
  • 6 months of expenses: For couples with two incomes but less secure employment or one partner not working
  • 1 year of expenses: 1 year of expenses for one income that is less than very secure
#2: Am I committed to leaving the money in place for 2 to 5 years or longer?

investing for years

“Investing the cash in a diversified portfolio will usually yield a higher average return than leaving it in a savings account,” says Sebastian Rollén, a senior investing researcher at Betterment.

But to do so, you should be prepared for some shifts in your balance and expect your money to remain invested for more than a couple of years before you withdraw.

#3: Can I weather the ups and downs of the market?

Here, we’re talking about risks. You must be confident enough to handle the rapid and unpredictable changes in the market.

According to Scott Cole, an Alabama-based certified financial planner, what you want to avoid is having your money subject to risk when you actually need the money.

If you think you will need the money within less than two to three years, then avoid investing it. Instead, use whatever you have to build up savings that offer more security. But if you do not require the current funds in the next 10 years, then put that money in the market.

What were your answers?

At the start of this article, we mentioned that you have to give a solid yes before venturing into investments. If you’re sitting on the fence for even one of the questions stated above, then you’re clearly not 100% ready to get your head into the whole investment game.

But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. First and foremost, focus on your savings. Without it, you will never ever get to invest. Maybe a year or two later, you can recheck your financial status and take a step into low-risk investment portfolios.

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Travel to Brunei: 5 top-rated Airbnb rentals from S$35 you can book for your upcoming trip

Homey bungalow for six persons

Unless you live in a cave or away from social media, it’s impossible to not know the updates to Singapore’s travel advisory. Yesterday (Aug 21), we wrote about how the current travel advisory to defer all travel abroad will be updated to allow general travel to Brunei and New Zealand.

But a spokesman for New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Saturday (Aug 22) that although it is aware of Singapore’s plans to ease travel restrictions for selected countries, it will not change its travel advisory to residents.

So, we are keeping our fingers crossed for Brunei. As we await good news from the authorities in Brunei, let’s take a look at some top-rated Airbnbs you can book for your upcoming trip.

#1: Room at The Maison Hotel And Serviced Apartments

Room at The Maison Hotel And Serviced Apartments

Price: S$35/night

We’re starting our list off with the cheapest option! At only S$35/night, you get a double bed good for two guests. There is one bathroom with a shower area. The Maison Hotel And Serviced Apartments is situated in the Sungai Liang area, approximately an hour drive from Brunei International Airport.

#2: Two-bedroom house at Bunut Perpindahan

Two-bedroom house at Bunut Perpindahan

Price: S$38/night

For those travelling with your family and friends, you can book this entire house located at Bunut Perpindahan. Looking just at the price, we are honestly speechless. Recent guests have given this place a thumbs up for cleanliness! There are two bedrooms – one with a queen-size bed and the other with a bunk bed. This accommodation is a mere 20-minute drive from Brunei International Airport.

#3: Homey bungalow for six persons

Homey bungalow for six persons

Price: S$72/night

For the price you pay for an average boutique hotel room in Singapore, you get a whole bungalow space to yourself. There are two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. You can request for extra floor mattresses if necessary. Similar to our previous listing, you will be situated in the Bunut Perpindahan area, about 20 minutes away from the airport.

#4: Studio flat close to Gadong Night Market

Studio flat close to Gadong Night Market

Price: S$74/night

This studio flat is an open-concept living space. There is one king-size bed and a single bed right next to each other. You also get a two-desk workstation by a corner of the apartment. You may request for a baby cot from the host if required. It’s on the second floor of a building with plenty of options for dining and entertainment within the vicinity.

#5: Spacious apartment at Berangan

Spacious apartment at Berangan

Price: S$75/night

This spacious apartment comes with two bedrooms and four super single beds! Sounds like the perfect accommodation for friends travelling together. The lovely host will also pick you up from the airport if you’re arriving between 9am to 10pm. There is also a laundry machine available, suitable for long stays. You will find this apartment in the Berangan area, a 15-minute drive from the airport.

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How Frugal Are You Really?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, frugality is characterized by being careful in the usage of one’s resources. Those who are frugal are unwilling to lavishly enjoy the fruits of their labor. It may come as a surprise to you to know that the word frugal derives from the Latin term “frux”, meaning “fruit” or “value”.

In Behavioral Science, frugality is defined as the resourceful use of already economic goods and services to achieve a long-term goal. If you are keen to adapt this multi-dimensional consumer lifestyle trait in order to save money during the pandemic, you may read the list below to see how many frugal choices you have been doing.

#1: YOU CREATE A GROCERY LIST AND STICK TO IT

Instead of grabbing whatever attracts your eye at the counter, you prefer to create a grocery list and stick to it. It is easy to increase awareness when it comes to your grocery spending when you plan ahead. It may be challenging at first and you may forget several items, but you will find yourself becoming more intentional with your listings as time passes by.

The grocery list is essential because frugal people plan their meals and frequently eat at home. You may avoid the temptation of dropping by a fast food chain by keeping a container of snacks in your bag or in your car. Calm your rumbling tummy as you travel back home.

#2: YOU DO NOT CARRY CREDIT CARD BALANCES

Frugal people are not dictated by their credit card purchases. While some have the discipline to pay off their credit cards every month in full, others choose to stay away from these entirely.

Self-awareness and control play play huge roles in a person’s success with credit cards. If you have been in debt for years, consider to cut down on your credit card spending and pay them off once and for all.

#3: YOU DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR HEALTH

Being frugal does not mean that you will only invest on cheaper alternatives and low-quality food items. Many frugal people choose to eat healthier greens and legumes and keep meat to a minimum. Frugality does not compromise health to save money. Frugal people have strategically plan their meals and have invested on insurance plans that will benefit them in the future.

#4: YOU DO NOT WASTE FOOD

Frugality entails that you use what you have until you need to replenish it. Frugal people eat leftovers until they are non-consumable or inedible. Eating your leftovers also cuts down on your food expenses and environmental waste.

You may create new meals from your leftover food. For instance, your leftover chicken can be shredded and turned into chicken sandwich. While, leftover rice can be used for your egg fried rice. Just ask Uncle Roger!

#5: YOU LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES

Frugal people are not perfect. No one is. Frugal people make financial mistakes and learn from it. You may have spent too much on your holiday shopping last year or caved in to your monthly food cravings.

It is important to be aware of these financial mistakes. If going over budget becomes a habit, you need to re-evaluate your spending patterns and your budget.

#6: YOU KEEP TRACK OF YOUR BILLS

Frugal people look for ways to save money by keeping track of their bills. Other than eliminating unnecessary plans or subscriptions, you may find it easier to pay off your dues through auto-pay programs.

Search through the profiles of your service providers and ask if they have automatic payment schemes. For instance, some telecommunication plans offer automatic payment schemes through online banking. This way, you will be able to save on time and avoid paying late fees.

#7: YOU NEGOTIATE ON A PRODUCT OR A SERVICE

Frugal people love to negotiate to get a good deal. Whether they are purchasing a gadget or an appliance, they excel in the art of negotiation or spotting the best deal. They do not shy away from purchasing second-hand or pre-loved items to get a good deal. And, they certainly do not want to spend S$85 on a cup of coffee.

#8: YOU COMPARE PRICES FIRST

In order to save more money, frugal people tend to search high and low for the best prices and free upgrades. Helpful price comparison apps and websites have flooded the market these days. Some popular price comparison websites in Singapore include pricepanda.com.sg and iprice.sg. Use these tools to help you decide on an item, before adding it to the cart.

#9: YOU SHOP OUT OF NEED

Making shopping a hobby can cause a significant hole on your wallet. Frugal people shop out of need and save money whenever they can. Finding an inexpensive hobby is easy, when you are open to the possibilities. I, myself, am learning how to play a new instrument. I have picked up a Kalimba (Thumb Piano) online for a little over 20 dollars. This inexpensive instrument has provided countless hours of entertainment for me and my family. Now, my entire house knows how to play the Kalimba.

#10: YOU DO NOT SHOP BASED ON YOUR EMOTIONS

Shopping based on your mood may lead to buyer’s remorse and impulse purchases. Frugal people can get into emotional circumstances too, but they usually are not emotional spenders.

You can be the most disciplined person under normal circumstances, but be heavily impacted with unfortunate circumstances. We are not exempted from the effects of the global pandemic. When this happens, you have the choice to throw all the structure out of the window or to slow down and examine possible solutions.

#11: YOU CONTINUE LEARNING

Personal development is important across all fields. Frugal people continue to learn from others and their own financial mistakes. It is beneficial to listen to educational audiobooks and enroll to (free or paid) online classes to boost your professional and personal growth. You may browse through the free courses by Google Digital Garage to start growing and learning.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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