Due to a combination of demand and supply factors, prices crashed below USD30 per barrel in 2016 and is still about 45% below its 2015 peak.
What caused the oil rout, and what opportunities are there in this low oil price environment?
We’ve gathered the key facts that every investor ought to know:
Want to find out more? Watch our video which explains the oil rout in detail and read our research reports for coverage of each sector and how they are impacted by oil prices.
If your budget does not allow you to invite your child’s entire class, then you do not have to. Instead, you can opt for the “age plus one rule”. For instance, if you are planning to throw a party for your 5-year-old, then invite 6 guests. Keep the numbers down by making it clear that the guests’ siblings are not invited.
Aside from that, you can forgo printing services by sending out electronic invitations through Facebook or Email. This works just as fine!
2. SAVE ON THE VENUE
If your home does not have enough space, parties can be hosted at the local park or playground.
For a playground venue that kids will surely love, go to Tiong Bahru Adventure Playground. Tiong Bahru Adventure Playground’s center has a train-themed structure that is perfect for your boy’s Thomas the Tank party. There is also a little maze and a merry-go-round.
For a park venue, consider having it at East Coast Park as its wide open spaces is suitable for energetic party games and active guests. While parks are generally free, if you are planning an organized party, some parks do require permission to be given ahead of time.
3. D-I-Y YOUR PARTY BAGS
A children’s party will not be complete without the party goodie or loot bag. Assemble your own loot bag by purchasing S$2 brown or white paper bags from Daiso and decorating it with colored markers. Put a multitude of sweets and stickers that are also available at Daiso, for the same price.
4. TRY THESE PARTY THEMES
There are two exciting yet affordable party themes that you must try, namely: Circle Party and Indoor Games Party. The circle party is ideal for children aged 2-4. You start by decorating the place with all things circle such as balls, balloons, polka dots, and candies. Then, keep the activities simple such as running while forming a circle.
For children beyond age 5, you can entertain them with a party that is filled with board games, cards, and puzzles.
Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)
If you need to purchase a board game, you may check out Toys “R” Us. Toys “R” Us provides huge selection of toys and infant products that are priced to give you value for you money. Round up the guests and play the Disney Assorted Inlay Wood Puzzles (S$9.95), UNO® Disney Frozen Cards (S$11.90), or the Pavilion Giant Snakes & Ladders (S$19.95)!
Eager to go on a shopping spree within your budget? Visit IMM! IMM is the largest outlet store in Singapore that boasts with 80 stores offering discounts of up to 80% all year round. Parking here is free for the first two hours and the first entry. Charges for subsequent time are S$0.30/15 minutes and S$1.07/hour. These rates apply from Monday to Sunday including Public Holidays.
Location: 2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609601
2. MUSTAFA CENTRE
Open for 24 hours, Mustafa Centre is heavily popular in the shopping scene. From inexpensive groceries to affordable jewelry. You name it – they have it! In the management’s effort to improve your experience, they are giving away free parking for the first hour daily. Every subsequent 30 minutes or part thereof is charged with S$1.
Be prepared with at least S$2 as you might get drowned with all of Mustafa’s choices!
Location: 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704
3. WEST COAST PARK
If you are hoping to de-stress from the city’s work life, grab a bicycle or a kite and retreat at West Coast Park. It is basically East Coast Park’s less crowded counterpart.
Best of all? The parking at Carparks 2 and 3 are free daily!
Location: West Coast Park, West Coast Highway, Singapore
4. CITY SQUARE MALL
City Square Mall, Singapore’s first eco-mall, is at close proximity to Farrer Park MRT station. Aside from its environmentally friendly features and array of food selections, customers can enjoy their free parking deals (details here).
Otherwise, you will have to pay the following rates:
Monday to Friday (except Public Holiday)
$1.40 for the first hour
$0.70 for every subsequent 30 minutes
$3.00 per entry
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday
$1.40 for the first hour
$0.70 for every subsequent 30 minutes
$3.50 per entry
Motorcycle Parking
$2.00 per entry (whole day)
Location: 180 Kitchener Rd, Singapore 208539
5. IKEA ALEXANDRA
IKEA Alexandra Singapore offers free parking for the first three hours for both IKEA FAMILY and Non-IKEA FAMILY members (T&Cs apply). IKEA FAMILY members can avail the free parking with a minimum spending of S$5 on home furnishing products. Non-members can enjoy the same privilege by spending a minimum of S$15 on home furnishing products. Nonetheless, you will be charged with S$1.50/30 minutes.
Aside from academic performance, one area that presents students with a challenge is healthy living. If you are a tertiary student, there are certain hindering factors such as tight budget, busy schedules, and lack of knowledge in cooking.
But there are quick, easy, and cheap ways to improve your diet. Start with these tips:
1. B-A-N-A-N-A
Banana is more than just the fruit that Gwen Stefani was chanting in her song called Hollaback Girl! It is a super nutritious and inexpensive food that is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium. Potassium, a mineral that helps control blood pressure, inside a medium-sized banana totals to more than 400 milligrams. This is why eating banana is a good way to start the day.
2. HEARTY OATMEAL
Regardless of your age, it is time you embrace the go-to breakfast of many – the oatmeal. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber which helps lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. To upgrade your oatmeal, top it off with grated apples, almonds, or honey.
If you think oatmeal is fancy, try the Quaker Quickcook Oatmeal Hearty Supreme that retails for only S$2.95 (at Fair Price)!
3. VERSATILE EGGS
Eggs are packed with the essentials choline, selenium, and protein. For lunchtime, you can prepare the eggs in many dishes such as hard-boiled and scrambled. Feel full and energized at the same time with quality eggs that are sold for as low as S$1.85 at the grocery.
4. WATER & TEA
Sodas are high in calories as well as carbonated bubbles. This bubbles can accumulate in your belly and add a buldge. So stick to water and tea as much as possible. If you are feeling traditional, try the Sea Dyke Oolong Tea for S$0.90. Or you may try the Dilmah Green Tea With Natural Jasmine Petals, which is on sale until 30th April.
5. DIVINE CARROTS
Like Bugs Bunny, you must create a love affair with carrots to get abundant supply of vitamin A. Vitamin A derives from beta-carotene in carrots. Vitamin A promotes eye health and boosts the body’s immune system.
Whether you want to admit it or not, Singapore is a country that is barely seen in the World Map. But despite its size, it is flourishing with a relatively stable economy, an excellent Internet connectivity, a high Smartphone prevalence, and a strategic geographic location. That said, Singapore is a suitable place for E-commerce to boom.
As of the moment, the E-commerce scene has been thriving in Singapore and other countries in Southeast Asia. In fact, Giosis (the firm behind Qoo10) saw its transaction volumes double last 2014. The power of E-Commerce towards our demanding society does not seem to go away any time soon.
To illustrate its scope, here are 4 of the most famous E-Commerce websites in Singapore:
Qoo10 is a simplistic marketplace that carries everything from coffee filters to pet supplies. It offers regular discounts and promotions to keep you coming back for more.
Aside from this, the website offers a Curator Affiliate Program that gives 2% of the total sales amount if the item is sold due to your curation efforts. And if the item is sold due to your advertising efforts, you will receive additional rewards that are set by the sellers. Join this program with no minimum traffic numbers and no initial fee by clicking this link.
Carousell is the brainchild of an impressive Singaporean startup. Carousell, with a concept synonymous to eBay, serves as a marketplace for people worldwide. It is pretty much a Smartphone version of eBay. However, its edge relies on its straightforward listing, selling, and buying experience. In the recent years, the mobile app has expanded in Malaysia, Indonesia, China, and Taiwan.
What are you waiting for? Explore through your pile of books, clothes, and other items. Look for anything of value and good condition that you do not want or need anymore. Then, sell it on Carousell.
This list will not be complete without the powerhouse that called Zalora. Known for its wide range of international and local brands available at several countries, ZALORA is one of the top online retailers that sell bags, accessories, shoes, apparel, and beauty products for both men and women.
ZALORA Singapore comes to my mind whenever I think of workplace suitable shoes or bags that create a balance between shape, function, and affordability.
Reebonz offers the widest collection for both new and pre-loved designer bags, jewelry, wallets, shoes and watches. From Chanel, YSL, to Louis Vuitton bags – they have it all!
As an E-Commerce space, Reebonz boasts with their own brand identity and a long-running presence in Singapore. Its growth touched several markets across Asia-Pacific and has raised about US$50 million (S$68 million) in disclosed funding.
