Taylor Swift’s Singapore Concert Drives Unprecedented Increase in UOB Card Applications

UOB cardholders enter a room and make the whole world shimmer! UOB has recently announced a remarkable surge of 45 percent in card applications across Southeast Asia. This surge follows the revelation on June 21 that UOB’s credit and debit cardholders would have exclusive access to tickets for Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated The Eras Tour concerts in Singapore.

The news of UOB cardholders enjoying privileged access to Taylor Swift’s upcoming six-day performance in Singapore sparked a wave of anticipation among the public. Jacquelyn Tan, Head of Group Personal Financial Services at UOB, expressed her delight at the “very significant surge” in card application volumes, not only in Singapore but also across the bank’s markets in ASEAN.

SOARING NUMBERS TO REAP EXCLUSIVE PERKS

With this announcement, UOB has granted over seven million customers the exclusive opportunity to attend Swift’s Singapore concert, which will be her only performance in Southeast Asia as part of The Eras Tour next year.

The impact of this announcement has been felt across ASEAN countries, as card applications experienced a notable surge. According to a media statement, the daily average of UOB credit card applications in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam during the week of June 21-27 witnessed a remarkable 45 percent increase compared to the preceding weeks of the month. Additionally, debit card applications in Singapore and Vietnam soared by nearly 130 percent.

Examining the demographics of credit card applications approved between June 21-30 in the five ASEAN markets reveals interesting trends. Customers aged 30 to 40 years constituted over one-third of the total applicants, while the 20 to 30-year-old demographic made up almost 32 percent. Among these new credit cardholders, females accounted for the majority at 52 percent. Notably, the UOB One Credit Card emerged as the preferred choice among applicants during this period.

UOB TRENDS IN SINGAPORE

In Singapore, the announcement of Swift’s concert triggered a noticeable shift in the demographics of new cardholders between June 21-27. The proportion of 25 to 29-year-olds increased from 22 percent to 27 percent in the week following the announcement. Moreover, there was a significant increase of almost 10 percent in the proportion of new female cardholders compared to the earlier part of the month when the male-female ratio was nearly equal. The UOB One Credit and Debit Card stood out as clear favorites among new local card applicants in their respective categories.

To accommodate the anticipated surge in card applications, UOB took proactive measures to increase the capacity of the relevant business units responsible for processing these applications.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

TAYLOR SWIFT EFFECT

Swift’s exclusive appearance in Singapore contributes to the nation’s concert frenzy as post-Covid travel resumes. Tickets for Coldplay’s concert sold out within hours of their release, and Hong Kong pop star Jacky Cheung is set to perform for a record-breaking 11 nights. According to travel platform Agoda, accommodation searches in the city-state during Coldplay’s concert dates in January experienced an astounding 8.7-times increase, driven primarily by Malaysia and Indonesia, as stated in a released statement last month. Ultimately, various sectors within the hotel and tourism industry are poised to experience a surge in sales in the upcoming year.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How to Make the Most of Your Singapore Public Holidays in 2024

Travel enthusiasts listen up! Planning your calendar for the year ahead involves more than just noting important events and birthdays; it also means strategically utilizing public holidays to maximize your leisure time. Let’s dive into the public holidays for 2024 and explore how you can make the most of them.

The following public holidays in 2024 are worth highlighting:

1. Good Friday (29 March 2024): Falling on a Friday, this holiday presents an excellent opportunity for a long weekend getaway. Plan a short staycation or indulge in some much-needed relaxation.

2. National Day (9 August 2024): Another Friday holiday, National Day is an ideal time to celebrate Singapore’s heritage and enjoy the festivities. Explore local events, catch a fireworks display, or organize a gathering with family and friends.

3. Second day of Chinese New Year (11 February): Although this public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is worth mentioning as it provides an extended weekend. Take advantage of this time to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions and vibrant celebrations of Chinese New Year.

4. New Year’s Day (1 January 2024) and Hari Raya Haji (17 June 2024): Both these holidays fall on a Monday, offering an opportunity to plan a long weekend trip or engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. You can even plan a short trip to BKK, JB, or Batam.

5. First Day of Chinese New Year (10 February): Celebrate the arrival of the Lunar New Year by participating in traditional customs, enjoying festive cuisine, and spending quality time with loved ones. Because the first and second days of Chinese New Year fall on Saturday and Sunday, the following Monday (12 February) will be a public holiday. Thus, your family can enjoy a long weekend of three days.

6. Hari Raya Puasa (10 April 2024), Labour Day (1 May 2024), Vesak Day (22 May 2024), Deepavali (31 October 2024), and Christmas Day (25 December 2024): These Wednesday holidays provide many opportunities to unwind, reflect, and engage in leisure activities that interest you (e.g., movie watching or outdoor cycling).

Image Credits: mom.gov.sg

Now, let’s address the important matter of remuneration for work done on public holidays:

A. Employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to 11 paid public holidays as mentioned above. However, employers and employees may mutually agree to substitute a public holiday for another working day to accommodate specific circumstances.

B. Employees who are required to work on a public holiday are entitled to an extra day’s salary at the basic rate of pay, in addition to their gross rate of pay for that day. This recognizes the extra effort put in by employees during public holidays.

C. Employers also have the option of granting time-off-in-lieu, based on a mutually agreed number of hours, for employees who work on a public holiday. This provision applies to workmen earning more than S$4,500 a month, non-workmen earning more than S$2,600 a month, and all Managers and Executives. It allows employees to take time off on another day as compensation for working on a public holiday.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

As you plan your travels or leisure activities for the year, keep these public holidays in mind. Utilize them wisely to relax, explore, spend quality time with loved ones, or engage in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenation. Remember, strategically planning your leaves from work around these public holidays will help you make the most of your time off in 2024.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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4 Spectacular, New Places to Explore in Singapore

Grab your favorite cup of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha and treat yourself with a trip to these spectacular, new places in Singapore! Let the good times roll with your friends and family members ’tis Yuletide season.

#1: STROLL DOWN ORCHARD ROAD

From now until January 2, 2023, Orchard Road glistens with streetlights and big Christmas trees. Take beautiful pictures with your loved ones as the entire stretch is dazzled with fairy lights, towering Christmas trees, and plenty of festive props. You can start from Plaza Singapura and end at Tanglin Mall.

Image Credits: facebook.com/VisitSingaporeANZ

Head down to Tanglin Mall for some winter wonderland glamour. This mall is a popular attraction for kids and young at heart. Near here is the Forum The Shopping Mall, which has pink neon lights decor that glows magically at night. While strolling some more, you will see Wheelock Place. Wheelock Place will draw you to its star-shaped illuminations suspended within its structure. Lastly, you will experience luxury with ION Orchard’s enormous star-shaped tree topper from Dior. This is your perfect backdrop for an IG snap!

#2: WITNESS THE CHANGI AIRPORT CONNECTOR

Witness the Changi Airport Connector light up in bioluminescence until Jan. 31, 2023. The 3-kilometer-long festive installation is called the Dino Glow. The Dino Glow greets its guests with a trail of 1,100 levitating jellyfish beneath the T2 Skytrain tracks. Along the park connector are 4,000 dandelions and 3,600 mushrooms, which leads to a 40-meter tunnel of lighted arches. The dinosaurs at Jurassic Mile are also decked out in festive gear. The light-up runs daily from 7pm to 1am.

Image Credits: Changi Airport Group

Apart from these, there will also be local food, burgers, and desserts. Some are blue too! There will be blueberry bubble tea and blue donburis. The food trucks are open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from now until Jan. 1, 2023 at 5pm to 10pm.

#3: APPRECIATE HYPERREALISTIC ART AT ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM

Patricia Piccinini: We Are Connected exhibition reimagines reality at ArtScience Museum until Jan. 29, 2023. It features more than forty artworks and installations by contemporary artist Patricia Piccinini. Guests will be amazed by the strange reality where human-animal hybrids exist. Through her life-like sculptures, Patricia explores the advancements in biotechnology such as genetic engineering. Ticket prices range from S$16 to S$21.

Other activities at ArtScience Museum include the guided tours of the exhibition, which are available in Mandarin and English. Additional fees apply.

#4: PLAY AT THE GREAT BAY FIESTA

The Great Bay Fiesta displays attractions at Marina Bay, which runs from now until Jan. 1, 2023. The 20,000-square meter space includes four main event segments: The Great Cirque des Cascades, The Great World Carnival, The Great Food Fiesta, and Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice.

As someone who has never watched circus acts before, you will be impressed by the various performing acts that the Great Cirque des Cascades offers throughout its 80-minute runtime.

Image Credits: facebook.com/cheekiemonkies

At -10 degrees, Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice is the closest winter experience you can have in Singapore. The indoor ice playground will delight your children and their peers. Admission to the Great Bay Fiesta is priced from S$10. Additional payment applies for the activities.

 

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IKEA’s new menu has Salmon with chilli crab sauce and mantou, Horfun, Iberico pork dishes and more

More reasons to dine at IKEA Restaurant

IKEA Singapore has introduced new items on their restaurants menu and we bet you can’t wait to try out. From Iberico pork dishes to Salmon with chilli crab sauce and mantou, and more.

Let’s check them out below:

Wednesday Dinner Special – Iberico Pork Menu (Every Wednesday after 5pm from 16 Feb – 30 Mar 2022)

New Menu @ IKEA Jurong

Local breakfast menu

IKEA now has Horfun on their breakfast menu and it will be available on Tuesday at IKEA Alexandra.

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Planning a trip to Singapore? Be sure to keep the average cost of things in Singapore in mind, such as food, accommodation, transportation, and more.

younger Singapore residents

How Much Should You Budget For a Trip to Singapore?

With its amazing futuristic architecture, exotic and unspoiled nature, and hundreds of unique stores and shopping malls, it’s no wonder why Singapore is one of the top places to visit in Asia.

However, many travelers (especially those who are visiting Singapore for the first time!) will often wonder how much it costs to travel to the country, and if Singapore is budget-friendly at all.

If you already have the Singapore arrival card for US citizens and are ready to see the Little Red Dot, here is how much you can expect to spend:

Airline Tickets 

Depending on your location, Singapore is either fairly close or on the other side of the world.

Unless you live in Asia or the Middle East, airline tickets will usually be the biggest expense for your trip to Singapore. For quick reference, here is how much a one-way ticket to Singapore will cost from major cities (in USD):

  • New York to Singapore – $500
  • Paris to Singapore – $600
  • Istanbul to Singapore – $1000
  • Dubai to Singapore – $300

Keep in mind that in most cases, buying a round-trip ticket to Singapore may be significantly cheaper and could reduce the price by 20 to 40 percent!

Another trick to save money is to compare neighboring airline hubs around Singapore, such as Bangkok, Thailand or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

If you find a cheaper flight to one of these places, you can use a budget airline (like Scoot or AirAsia) to fly to Singapore and see two countries in one trip!

Accommodations

Although Singapore is popular with tourists all year round, it is especially busy during the dry season, which runs from December to April. Since this is considered the peak tourist season, it is advised to book your hotel in advance.

When it comes to accommodation, travelers have plenty of options at different price points, including hostels, hotels, resorts, luxury hotels, and guesthouses. As with most touristic cities, the price will depend on many factors, such as location, comfort, amenities, and additional services like breakfast or airport transfers.

Travelers can expect to pay around $50 per night for a double room in an average, 3-star hotel. Those who are looking for prestige and luxury can expect to spend between $100 to $200+ for a 4- or 5-star hotel.

Of course, there is also the world famous Marina Bay Sands, which normally costs from $200 and up to $4,500 per night, depending on the room and season!

To get the best rooms, availability, and price, it is highly recommended to book accommodations as soon as you know when you plan to travel to Singapore.

Food and Drinks

While traveling in Singapore, be sure to try the delicious local food. There are so many excellent cafes and restaurants that are sure to delight your taste buds!

Similar to other Southeast Asian countries, it is customary to eat street food or fast homemade dishes in places like hawker centres, which there are plenty in Chinatown and Little India. Dishes in hawker centres will typically set you back only a few dollars (under $5 per dish).

Breakfast for two in a budget-friendly cafe will cost $10, lunch around $15, and a meal set from McDonald’s — around $9. Dinner at an inexpensive restaurant, without alcohol, will cost $30.

Transportation

Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that includes busses, rail (MRT), and even ferry services.

The city is served by more than four thousand buses that easily reach any part of Singapore. A ticket for a regular city bus is calculated by distance, and typically costs around $1 or $2, while longer distances have a price tag between $3 to $8. There are free busses and shuttles around Sentosa Island.

The MRT in Singapore (which is both underground and overground) is considered one of the best in the world. As with buses, prices depend on distance. One trip around the city can cost from 50 cents to 3 dollars.

There is also the monorail, which connects Singapore and Sentosa Island. The journey takes 8 minutes and costs $3. Taxis are more expensive and slower than the metro, but a great choice for families and groups. On average, a trip in the city will cost $8 to 15, and a trip to the airport from the city center will cost $18 to 25.

Due to high taxes, additional fees, and parking costs, renting a car in Singapore will not be cheap. The cost of renting a standard car starts around $70 to $100 per day and will go up depending on the model (SUV, sports car, etc). Likewise, travelers can expect to pay around $1.80 for a liter of gas.

Sightseeing, Excursions, and Souvenirs 

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to leave a little room in your budget for fun!

Although the price for tickets and attractions differ based on the place, you can expect to spend between $5 to $15 for a ticket to a museum or exhibitions.

If you’re planning to visit Universal Studios Singapore, be prepared to pay around $60 for a non-resident ticket.

Finally, the entrance fee to the most popular attraction in Singapore (the Gardens by the Bay) starts at $10 and goes up based on extras, like a guided tour or special event.

As for tours, there are plenty of options, including group walking tours to fully private tours. A private tour will cost about $100, while group walking tours start around $20 per person.

No trip to Singapore is complete without souvenirs — thankfully, there are plenty of places to buy gifts, such as Lucky Plaza, Bugis Street, and Chinatown. Prices range from $2 for a simple magnet to $10 for a shirt and onward.

 

 

 

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