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Local Tech Startups That You Do Not Want To Miss!

As I was looking for the textbook definition for “Technology Startups”, I was surprised with the scarcity of written works that directly answer my question. Try to Google “What is a technology startup?” to see for yourself. Hence, I must define the term by dissecting each word – much like how Lance Weatherby addressed the situation.

According to Weatherby, defining a startup is the easy part. He was right! A startup is a company that it is in its first stage of operations. The founders of a startup often attempt to make money by developing product or service that they deem to be in demand. Startups are all about finding a market and a business model that works. Skype and Airbnb were once examples of tech startups but they have since grown to become established companies.

On the other hand, defining technology can be quite difficult. Technology is a broad and pervasive scope that encompasses something as simple as a wheel to something as complicated as an IPhone. In terms of technology startup, something must be made as a result of engineering or science.

Tech startups are on a mission to offer something to solve a problem in a different manner. In general, tech startups are unique and innovative.

On that note, here are some of the amazing tech startups in Singapore:

HIPVAN

Since its inception in 2013 with a funding of S$500,000, HipVan has been making waves regionally due to its lifestyle design inspirations and great sales. HipVan is a fashion-tech startup founded by Danny Tan, Kevin Vo, Deborah Wee, and Shobhit Datta. It is an online store that offers up to 70% off the retail prices of furniture, accessories, kitchen-wares, and so much more. Check their collections at www.hipvan.com.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/thehipvan

BURPPLE

Ranking as #9 in Singapore at startupranking.com, Burpple shines from the rest due to its clever and beautiful way of discovering and sharing food experiences. You know how Singaporeans love MAKAN! Burpple allows its users to submit eatery listings and reviews with appropriate photographs. It is now downloadable on both the App Store and Google Play.

VAULT DRAGON

Founded by Vishesh Mittal and Tseng Ching-Tse, the Vault Dragon is basically your “Dropbox” for tangible items such as your secondary school books and holiday sweaters. You simply have to put the items on the storage boxes they delivered (i.e., free delivery of storage boxes but you can use your own too) and they will collect it and store it securely. Worry not about the prices as they are all affordable!

Communication is done through their website or through their number: +65 9385 9924.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1,2, & 3

Starbucks: Salted Egg Croissant & other Delicious Treats (fr 11 May 16)

Your favourite salted egg yolk has now arrived at Starbucks.

From 11 May, Starbucks will start selling their own version of Salted Egg Croissant at all outlets, together with other delicious treats such as Creamy Chicken Foldover, Curry Chicken Puff, Golden Brown Waffles, Glazed Donuts and more.

It will only be available for a limited time, from 3pm to 6pm.

Bite into a flaky croissant crust that’s overflowing with buttery, salted egg yolk filling.

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Surefire Ways To Earn More While You Sleep

1. JUST SLEEP

As researchers had found, sleep can improve your concentration, boost your cognitive function, reduce your stress levels, and even increase your Emotional Quotient (EQ). But aside from these, it can also increase your salary! An additional hour of sleep per week has shown an increase in salary by 1.5% over the length of a season and 4.9% over the length of a few years. This increase is due to the positive effect of sleep on productivity.

2. CREATE A PAID BLOG

By constantly writing or blogging about a certain topic, you become sort of expert on that topic. In order to get started, your blog must have a thematic niche such as fashion, finance, or parenting. Preoccupy your time by improving the blog’s design and content. Then, start earning by placing advertisements or becoming an affiliate partner. The most feasible ways to earn money from your blog are paid advertisements, paid articles, offering courses, and selling books.

Curious on how much a successful blogger can make? Well, they can earn as much as S$5,000 a day.

3. SELL YOUR PRODUCTS ONLINE

Capitalize on your products to support your business and your clients’ needs. Online platforms are a great way to sell your products. You simply have to put a page, employ a shopping cart, and promote it. If you are designing a yoga sportswear collection, consider launching it online to receive a stream of revenue even as you sleep.

4. BE AN INVESTOR

According to Investopedia, an investment is a monetary asset bought with the assumption that it will provide income in the future or be sold at a higher price. Investments in Singapore include the purchase of stocks, bond, gold bars, and properties. Fortunately, you do not have to be regularly present to operate these investments. Start by knowing more about the different investment types and how each one works through indulging on the free resources available physically and virtually.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1,2,& 3

Amazing Places To Celebrate Mother’s Day In Singapore (Under S$50)

I echo the words once muttered by Jose Andres Puerta.

“I guess that from the moment we are fed by our mothers, without even knowing it, we are caught in a net that brings us comfort, something we always feel when a special woman cooks for us. It is something unique and personal – it is something we want to keep for ourselves.”

We are special not only because a woman has bestowed her “net of comfort” towards us but also because she gave us wondrous gifts. The gift of food displayed whenever she cooks, the gift of lessons translated whenever we fall, and the gift of life manifested through our own journeys. As we are days away from Mother’s Day (May 8), it is about time to decide where you want to celebrate.

Show your superwoman how much you care for her by taking her in one of these places:

1. GOOD OLD DAYS RESTAURANT

Experience the great taste of local cuisine and other Asian fusions when you indulge at a 2-story casual dining restaurant at Beach Plaza, Sentosa Island. From the thick rice noodles and spicy flavorful broth of Laksa to the succulent chicken and fragrant rice of Chicken Rice, you are sure that Good Old Days will satisfy your appetite. You and your mom can take advantage of their ongoing Asian Dinner Buffet Promotion of S$15/head for children and S$20/head for adults.

2. REDDOT DESIGN MUSEUM

MAAD, Market Of Artists And Designers, houses unique and budget-friendly artisan pieces. Here you will find a wide array of crafts, plush toys, handmade jewelry, and paintings. The price range starts from S$10 to S$50. Shop around with your Mom on their upcoming MAAD free entry event this May 13 while enjoying the live performances from the local artists. Visit museum.red-dot.sg/maad for more information.

3. SANTA FE TEX-MEX GRILL

Known for its authentic Texan-Mexican food and southern charm, Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill is sure to shake things up this Mother’s Day. Treat your lovely angel on a hearty feast aboard the Riverboat on dinner of May 7 or May 8. Personally, their all-you-can-eat desserts as well as the Grain-fed Rib Eye Steak sounds music to my ears.

Prices are S$38++ per adult and S$24++ per child. Check out their menu, here.

4. NAILZ2U

A hidden beauty gem resides in Toa Payoh and it is called NAILZ2U. NAILZ2U offer spa, nails, waxing, and other treatment services that are already affordable even without promotions. This is why their Mother’s Day Promo is a delicious icing on the cake. Enjoy a discount (equivalent to your age) on all their ala-carte services. For example, if you are 30 years old and your mother is 60 years old then you will get a 30% off your services while she will get 60% off on hers.

I recommend that you go for the Aloe Vera Hydration Spa or Roses Icing Spa (U.P. S$25-35) and the Express Manicure/Pedicure or Classic Manicure/Pedicure (U.P. S$15-38). Worry not if your schedule does not permit you on May 8 itself as the offer ends on May 31!

Image Credits: nailz2u.com.sg/promotions

4 Essential Money Questions Poly And Uni Students Shall Ask

Entering Polytechnic or going straight to University can be exhilarating! Some even move to different countries and make significant decisions by themselves. Managing your personal finances at this age can be challenging but it is always a good idea to start early.

Because of the hefty fees and other expenses parallel to Polytechnics and Universities, it is important to consider these aspects of your finances…

1. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING WHAT?

Poly and Uni students can collect money from different streams such as their part-time jobs, parents, loans, grants, scholarships, or a combination of all these. On the other hand, the categories of expenses are varied too. You will be paying for tuition fee, books, transportation, food, living expenses (if applicable), and so on.

Sit down with your parents to discuss who is responsible for paying each of the expenses. Offer to help if possible.

2. HOW DO YOU MAKE A REALISTIC BUDGET?

It is easy to get complacent with your finances as a student especially because you do not have to pay for mortgages, for childcare, and for other “adult” responsibilities. However, it is easy to lose track of your cash flow if you are to lax about your money. Remember that your income is limited and infrequent so you have to save the most of it.

Start by creating an easy yet realistic budget with the envelope system. With this system, tracking your spending and analyzing which category to cut down does not take too much of your time.

3. WHAT IF I WAS SHORT OF CASH?

Say unexpected events happen and you run short of cash, will your parents help you out or not? If so, will the money be given as a gift or as a loan? Is it possible to get a part-time job instead?

During my first year in Uni, I did not expect the influx of social expenses such as club registration fee and school dinners. I had to save up some of my allowance and pack some lunch in order to settle this unforeseen expenses. Aside from this, you can gravitate toward part-time jobs. Your part-time job can either add to your school allowance or buffer emergency fees. Know how to hunt for a job through this simple guide.

4. WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR FINANCIAL GUIDANCE?

Every student has a different financial circumstance influenced by how much or how little the parental involvement is. I was very fortunate that my parents supported me all throughout my years as a student. I did not even have my own bank account then! Thus I can say that my parents were the ones who guided me financially as a student.

In contrast with my situation, I had two friends who were basically financially independent during their Poly and Uni years. One was a scholar while the other was in army. They monitor their own bank accounts, control their own budgets, and dictate their own spending. For financial guidance, they still seek their parents’ advice at times but mostly do everything on their own.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If that is not enough for you, you can always consider getting useful guidance from qualified financial professionals.

Sources: 1, 2, 3,& 4

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