4 best-rated Chinese tuition centers to send your child to so they “jiak kantang” no more

students in a chinese language class

For many parents, finding the right Chinese tuition center is important to prevent their kids from becoming more “jiak kantang”.

If that is you, this article which explores a list of best-rated Chinese tuition centers will help your child achieve linguistic proficiency and also foster an appreciation for the Chinese language.

Read on!

HAO Chinese Tuition Centre 好学堂 (HQ)

Website: haochinesetuition.com

Google Rating: 5 (150+ reviews)

First up, you will want to gift your child a strong foundation in Chinese from an early age with HAO Chinese Tuition Center 好学堂 (HQ).

This MOE-registered center offers Chinese classes taught by a team of ex-MOE Chinese teachers and bilingual experts holding advanced degrees.

Their contextual learning approach immerses students aged 3-16 in real-life situations, enhancing mastery.

The dynamic composition insights framework guides children in crafting compelling narratives, while the “insightful reading” framework introduces advanced text analysis techniques.

Founded by passionate educators and parents, HAO Chinese Tuition Center focuses on comprehensive language development and early literacy so your child can build lasting fluency.

Tongxin Learning Centre

tongxinlc.com

Website: tongxinlc.com

Google Rating: 5 (70+ reviews)

Learning Chinese just got a whole lot more engaging as Tongxin Learning Center specializes in the teaching of the Chinese language and has a team of reliable, native-speaking instructors registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Their anchor teacher, Mdm Wong Hwee Yong, brings 17 years of invaluable experience to the table, while their award-winning ex-MOE teachers (of the team) ensure your child receives a rigorous yet supportive education.

With their credentials and expertise, these educators don’t simply teach—they open minds to Chinese culture and linguistic mastery.

BriliBrain Edu Chinese Tuition Centre (给力华文)

 

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A post shared by BriliBrain Edu (@brilibrain)

Website: brilibrainedu.com

Google Rating: 5 (60+ reviews)

Or consider BriliBrain Edu Chinese Tuition Center (给力华文), where budding language learners turn into fluent speakers in no time.

Their interactive teaching methods engage students of all ages, making Mandarin mastery feel like a walk in the park.

Passionate instructors nurture each child’s language skills with professionalism and support.

From tots (N2 and up!) to international school students, their classes ensure that Chinese fluency is achievable no matter the age or background.

Can’t commit without trying? Sign up for their FREE trial class or go for their holiday sessions!

With regular assessments and parent progress reports, you will always know where your child stands in their Chinese language journey.

Chen Higher Chinese Tuition

chenhigherchinese.sg

Website: chenhigherchinese.sg

Google Rating: 5 (50+ reviews)

Last but not least, know this: acing Chinese exams takes more than textbook theories.

It demands a mastery of comprehension skills, razor-sharp vocabulary, and an ability to compose essays on demand.

So why not give Chen Higher Chinese Tuition a try—where seasoned bilingual instructor Ms Chen and her team of MOE-trained tutors specialize in dissecting exam topics inside and out?

Armed with 12 years of experience and custom materials developed by Ms Chen herself, these language gurus equip students with techniques for decoding comprehension passages, crafting compositions, and acing those oral components.

Be it face-to-face interaction or the convenience of online classes, their tutors are fluent in the Chinese curriculum’s intricacies.

Let this star Chinese team transform your child’s exam anxieties into mastery with one grammar rule and essay at a time.

Choosing the right Chinese tuition center for your child can make ALL the difference. The best-rated centers we’ve highlighted above not only offer academic support but also create an enriching environment that encourages students to embrace Mandarin with confidence. By enrolling your child in any of these centers, you will be taking a step towards ensuring they “jiak kantang” no more. Contact them for more details!

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3 best-rated baby gyms & gymnastics in Singapore for your little one to expend their neverending energy

National Day Promo

If you’ve cared for a little one before, you would absolutely know that toddlers seem to have a boundless supply of energy that can leave even the most energetic caregiver dead tired.

Thankfully, there are plenty of baby gyms/gymnastics classes in Singapore designed to channel that energy into healthy, constructive activities.

Let’s explore some of the best-rated baby gyms and gymnastics programs on our little red dot, shall we?

Lil Ninja Academy

Website: lilninja-academy.com

Google Rating: 5 (40+ reviews)

First up on our list, we have Lil Ninja Academy to help unleash your child’s inner ninja.

Their safe and structured training programs cater to warriors as young as 18 months, focusing on skills like balancing, climbing, and swift mobility.

Through 60 to 75-minute sessions of guided instruction, kids develop not just physical prowess, but also problem-solving abilities and spatial awareness.

For the tiniest ninjas, their “Mommy, Daddy & I” class offers a 60-minute parent-child adventure, exploring motor skills through simple traversing, balancing obstacles, and adult-assisted activities.

Watch on as your little one’s confidence soars, teamwork blossoms, and friendships form.

Kinder Klasse

 

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Website: kinderklasse.com

Google Rating: 5 (40+ reviews)

A warm welcome to Kinder Klasse, where playtime meets purpose at their spacious 3100 sq. ft. indoor wonderland packed with excitement, from bouncy castles to ball pits.

They’ve got classes for tiny adventurers as young as 11 months.

Whether you’re looking for parent-accompanied sessions or drop-off classes, there are options to fit every schedule.

Can’t commit to a class? No worries!

They have an open gym that lets kiddos loose for an hour of unstructured fun. Think ladders, trampolines, and balance beams…

Kinder Klasse is your one-stop shop for fostering physical skills, social growth, and big smiles.

BearyFun Gym @ Choa Chu Kang

Website: bearyfungym.com 

Google Rating: 5 (30+ reviews)

Last but not least, allow your precious one to flip, jump, and grow at BearyFun Gym, where little gymnastics stars are born through this 2,520 sq. ft. space in Choa Chu Kang, a pioneer in kids’ fitness.

It’s a playground where confidence soars as high as somersaults.

From wobbly 18-month-olds to nimble 12-year-olds, children tumble into self-assurance through specially designed programs that emphasize fun over competition.

The stress-free environment allows budding gymnasts to cartwheel at their own pace, building friendships as solid as their developing core strength.

Conveniently located near Yew Tee MRT, BearyFun Gym makes it easy for Singapore’s tiniest tumblers to access world-class gymnastics instruction.

Book a trial class for $70.85 (includes an exclusive t-shirt and shorts upon signup) and watch them stick a landing into a lifelong love of fitness!

And there you have it, the 3 best-rated options we’ve explored above where your little one can thrive, socialize, and, expend their seemingly endless energy. From structured classes that build essential motor skills to open-play areas that spark creativity, Singapore’s top baby gyms provide THE outlet for your active toddler(s). Let your child leap, tumble, and giggle their way through their growing years 🙂

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Should You Help Your In-Laws Financially?

“Ding!”, you just receive an SMS from a family member that’s asking for financial support during tough times. We’ve all been there! When this happens to me, I give only what I’m comfortable losing as I don’t want to ignite conflicts. For starters, I’ve seen friends sacrifice their own financial stability to help family members, leaving them unable to save for their own future. It’s a tricky balance, and the emotional weight can be very heavy.

Watching someone you love struggle financially can be heartbreaking. If you have the means, it’s natural to want to help. But before you do, take a moment to consider the potential consequences. As financial expert Dave Ramsey wisely says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” The last thing you want is for a family member to feel indebted to you, or worse, to start viewing you as a financial safety net. This dynamic can quickly strain relationships, especially if they start reaching out to you only when they need help. On that note, consider these things when deciding to help:

#1: TAKE THINGS SLOW

When a family member asks for money, emotions can run high. You might feel that saying “yes” is the only way to maintain the relationship. But it’s important to take your time before making a decision.

Consider whether you can truly afford what’s being asked. If you’re uncertain, it might be wise to discuss it with your spouse.

#2: THINK OF THE MARITAL IMPACT

If you’re married, giving financial support to in-laws or your own parents adds another layer of complexity. The last thing you want is to create tension between you and your spouse. Money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce, so it’s crucial to ensure both partners are comfortable with the decision.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If lending money might strain your finances or relationship, explore other ways to support your family members such as helping them apply for government grants.

#3: CONSIDER GIVING A MONETARY GIFT

If you’re financially secure and your spouse agrees, consider offering a financial gift instead of a loan.

If your in-laws are facing hardship due to job loss or health issues, a one-time gift can provide relief without the expectation of repayment, which can ease any potential tension.

#4: BE PREPARED TO SAY NO

If you decide that you can’t or shouldn’t provide financial help, it’s important to approach the conversation with honesty and empathy. For instance, it might be best to wait until your in-laws are more emotionally calm before having this discussion. Setting boundaries is important, but timing and sensitivity can make a big difference in how your decision is received.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Helping family members in financial need is never an easy decision. By considering the potential impact on your relationships and financial health, you can make a choice that supports both your loved ones and yourself.

Sources: 1 & 2

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New measures to improve housing affordability and accessibility in Singapore

singapore flats

Missed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s first National Day Rally speech on new housing measures?

No worries for we’ve got you with this post.

Here are the highlights you need to know.

Good news for singles

With families in mind, singles will now have priority access to new homes.

Starting in mid-2025, singles looking to live near loved ones will receive priority when applying for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats.

This change was recently announced by PM Wong.

We all know that housing is one huge topic for many living in Singapore.

In his first National Day Rally speech, PM Wong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to affordable, accessible public housing.

Currently, only those 35 and above can purchase new two-room Flexi HDB units as singles.

Recognizing this limit, PM Wong asked how more could be done for singles.

The solution?

Grant them the same priority now given to married children who apply within 4 km of their parent’s home.

This means singles stand a better chance at balloting for a new build near family.

As PM Wong shared, many singles also wish to care for aging parents so this update ensures all children, whether married or not, can more easily live close by.

Lower-income couples received good news too

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Housing Grant, assisting first-time buyers, will see its maximum amount increased.

This extra support helps more young Singaporeans purchase their first affordable home.

“This is my assurance to all young Singaporeans: Once you start work and wish to settle down, we will make sure that there is an HDB flat that is within your budget in every region,” PM Wong noted.

“We will always keep public housing in Singapore affordable for you.”

National Development Minister Desmond Lee will announce more details soon so stay tuned to the news.

Seniors, too, are not forgotten

Additional housing options have also been created for seniors.

For instance, the brand new Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok, ready to be moved in later this year, combines apartments and care services.

harmony-village-bukit-batok

Image Credits: Facebook/Desmond Lee

More such developments are planned to help the older generation age gracefully.

Recovering from the pandemic

In addition, PM Wong acknowledged past housing woes stemmed from COVID-19 disruptions.

But steady progress has been made on new construction and all delayed projects should be completed by early 2025.

This will satisfy pent-up demand while stabilizing prices.

Meanwhile, the special focus remains on keeping HDB flats attainable long-term.

Upcoming policy refinements aim to shorten waiting periods for BTOs and make prime locations feasible for all.

The government is working on its public housing mission and helping citizens realize their home dreams.

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HDB has allocated over $742 million for upgrading works of these HDB flats islandwide

833 Jurong West Street 81

The Ministry of National Development (MND) and Housing & Development Board (HDB) have earmarked over 53,000 HDB flats for enhancements, as part of the latest Home Improvement Programme (HIP) selection.

These flats are dispersed throughout the island, and here’s the full list:

Hougang

Blks 358 – 363 Hougang Avenue 5

Blks 830 – 835 Hougang Central

Blks 460 – 468 Hougang Avenue 8/Hougang Ave 10/Upper Serangoon Road

Serangoon

Blks 531 – 535, 535A & 536 – 542 Serangoon North Avenue 4

Blks 500 – 506, 506A, 506B & 507 – 511 Serangoon North Avenue 4

Blks 232A, 234A, 236A & 255 – 258 Serangoon Avenue 2 / Central Drive

Ang Mo Kio

Blk 317 Ang Mo Kio Street 31

Blks 104A, 104B, 253 & 253A Ang Mo Kio Street 11/21

Blks 613 – 619 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4

Toa Payoh

Blks 35 – 37, 43 – 46 & 48 – 50 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh

Blks 80, 80A, 80B, 81, 81A, 81B, 82, 82A, 82B, 84, 84A, 84B & 86 Lorong 2/4 Toa Payoh

Choa Chu Kang

Blks 201 – 204 & 205 – 221 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1/Central

Blks 223 – 239 Choa Chu Kang Central

Blks 553 – 569 Choa Chu Kang North 6 / Street 52

Blks 305 – 308, 340 – 346 & 350 – 355 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4/Loop/Central

Blks 150 – 152 & 154 – 160 & 162 – 164 Jalan Teck Whye

Blks 751 – 761 Choa Chu Kang North 5

Blks 762 – 771 Choa Chu Kang North 5 / Street 54

Bedok

Blk 140 Bedok North Street 2

Bukit Panjang

Blks 437, 440, 442 & 447 – 453 Fajar Road/Bukit Panjang Ring Road

Blks 170 – 176 Gangsa Road / Lompang Road

171 Gangsa Road

Image Credits: Google

Kallang

Blks 4, 5 & 6 Boon Keng Road

Blks 13, 14, 14A Upper Boon Keng Road

Blks 59A, 59B, 59C & 60 Geylang Bahru

Bukit Batok

Blks 285 – 287, 290A – 290G & 291A – 291E Bukit Batok East Avenue 3 / Street 24

Geylang

Blks 27 – 29, 33, 41, 42, 55, 56, 92 & 92A Balam Road / Circuit Road /Pipit Road

Blks 28, 30, 56 & 9 Cassia Crescent / Pine Close

Woodlands

Blks 401, 406, 408 – 410, 413 – 418, 421 & 424 – 427 Woodlands Street 41

Blks 851 & 856 – 864 Woodlands Street 83 / Blks 601 – 605 Woodlands Drive 42

Blks 701 –713 Woodlands Drive 40 / 70 / Blks 744 –747 Woodlands Circle

Blks 714 –720 Woodlands Drive 70 / Avenue 6

Blks 659 – 664 Woodlands Ring Road

Pasir Ris

Blks 463 – 466 & 478 – 487 Pasir Ris Street 41 / Drive 4

Blks 531 – 543 & 564 – 569 Pasir Ris Drive 1 / Street 51

Blks 544 – 562 Pasir Ris Street 51

Blks 203 – 216 Pasir Ris Street 21

Blks 217 – 230 Pasir Ris Street 21

Blks 231 – 251 Pasir Ris Drive 4 / Street 21

Blks 180 – 199 Pasir Ris Street 11/12

Blks 500 – 521 Pasir Ris Street 52

Sengkang

Blks 229 – 236 Compassvale Walk

Tampines

Blks 491A – H, 492B – D, 493A – E, 494B, 494C, 495A – F, 496B – G Tampines Avenue 9 / Street 43 / 45

Blks 242 – 247 & 253 – 256 Simei Street 1/5

Blks 472, 474, 476, 477, 479 – 484, 485A, 485B, 486A – C, 487A – C, 488A, 488B, 489A – C, 490A & 490B Tampines Avenue 9 / Street 43 / 44 / 45

Blks 301 – 323 Tampines Street 32 / 33

Blks 371 – 374 & 381 – 396 Tampines Avenue 7 / Street 32 / 34

Queenstown

Blks 129 – 133 Clarence Lane

Blk 134, 135 & 139 Jalan Bukit Merah

Blks 3, 3A, 5, 30, 30A Holland Close / Blks 7, 7A Commonwealth Avenue

Jurong West

Blks 961, 965 – 966 & 974 – 980 Jurong West Street 92 / 93

Blks 810 – 832, 828A & 830A Jurong West Street 81

Blks 357 – 363 & 365 – 369 Yung An Road / Corporation Drive

Blks 752 – 761 & 764 – 766 Jurong West Street 74

Blks 833 – 853 Jurong West Street 81

Blks 115 & 321 – 336 Ho Ching Road/ Tah Ching Road/ Kang Ching Road

A budget exceeding $742 million has been allocated for these upgrades.

Initiated in 2007, HIP assists flat owners in addressing prevalent maintenance issues like spalling concrete and ceiling leakage, which occur due to the natural aging of older flats.

This year, flats chosen for HIP will use a new Corrosion Resistant Repair (CRR) method in bathrooms to reduce recurrence.

Although the CRR method is more expensive and time-consuming, it will be primarily used for repairing spalling concrete in toilets, where the issue is most prevalent.

For other areas, HDB will continue using the current localized repair method.

The program will also include upgrades to improve the general living conditions of these flats.

Will you or someone you know be affected? Spread the news!

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