After two long months of wait, Singapore is currently moving to Phase 2 of reopening this Friday 1 Jun. Under phase 2, retail and food and beverage (F&B) dine-in will be allowed to reopen with safe distancing measures in place.
While it didn’t specifically mentioned about stores that retails predominantly beverages, packaged snacks and desserts, a check on the Go Business site by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) shows the list of permitted services and the corresponding SSIC codes that will be allowed to operate with effect from 19 June 2020.
SSIC codes starting with 56 basically means all restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets, food courts, coffee shops and canteens, food kiosks mainly for takeaway and delivery, food caterers and stalls selling cooked food and prepared drinks will be allowed to open except SSIC code 5613 (Pubs).
Minister for Education, Ong Ye Kung, has confirmed this in his Facebook post yesterday (15 Jun).
The Circuit Breaker period is almost over! With merely two weeks left, many Singaporeans are prepared to get back to their previous routines. Going back to the “outside world” can bring some irrational and unpleasant fears for us urban-dwellers.
What will happen if you forgot your mask at home? What if you stumbled through an open manhole? Who do you ask for help if you tripped along the stairs? This list compiled some of the most common intrusive thoughts, which run in the minds of many people. You are not alone.
#1: FALLING ONTO THE TRAIN GAPS
Going back to our “normal” travel route entails that you will encounter rush hour lines at the MRT and bus station. People jostling you when you are trying to stand behind the safety line on the platform is a commuter’s worst nightmare! Not to mention, you may fall onto the gaps. We all need personal space, especially these days. Ride during off-peak hours to avoid situations like these.
#2: BEING CRUSHED BY THE LIFT DOORS
With the rise of sensory-operated lift doors, people have embraced faster lifts. However, being caught between the lift doors can be painful and embarrassing. Prevent this from happening by being kind to your co-passengers. Always hold the lift door for someone. You will never know when you will need that favor back!
#3: HAVING YOUR GADGET EXPLODE
Few years ago, there was a particular smartphone model that explodes on its own. It was banned in several airlines worldwide. It is one of the top tech scare – having your phone explode while you are using it. Avoid this from happening by putting your gadget in your hand-carry bag. This includes your power banks, laptops, and smartphones. Keep your gadgets from overheating or overcharging.
#4: GETTING SICK FROM STREET FOOD
Singaporean street food has a diverse collection of cuisines. From Roti Prata to Kaya Toast and Ice Cream Sandwich, your tummy will be delighted with many choices. Still, some people worry about buying street food. For people with weak stomachs, check the establishment’s food safety or hygiene rating. An “A” grade means the establishment met 85 percent of the requirements. Be guided accordingly.
#5: SLIDING OFF THE MOTORCYCLE
One of the quickest ways to travel Singapore from one end to another is by riding the motorcycle. Riding the motorcycle in the front or the back seat can save you time and money. Although, there is a slight chance that you can fall off the vehicle. This is why you must obey the road safety rules and wear proper safety gears at all times.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
We all encounter situations where we’re confronted by our own mortality. And this unpleasant situations can happen at any moment. Do yourself a favor by getting insured. Ease your worries of the future by ensuring your life and your health. You may also build an emergency fund to cushion unforeseen events.
Recently, my significant other opened the idea of discussing about whether it is worth getting a fiduciary and a financial adviser. I focused on the former. A fiduciary’s duties and responsibilities goes beyond directing the individual (i.e., beneficiary) to his or her financial goals. The fiduciary acts for or on behalf of the beneficiary in certain circumstances. This is a bond established by utmost confidence and trust.
A fiduciary is either a person or an organization who has the highest legal duty of being ethically bound to act in the beneficiary’s best interest. Fiduciary relationships include:
* Trustees (of a beneficiary);
* Directors (of a company);
* Agents (of a principal);
* Lawyers (to the client); and
* Partners (to each other).
Aside from this, the Courts may find a fiduciary relationship exists when the beneficiary is dependent on the fiduciary, when the fiduciary has the discretion to act unilaterally for the beneficiary, and when such power affects the beneficiary’s legal or practical interests.
Do you qualify for any of these? Are you a fiduciary? If so, here are your duties.
DUTIES
#1: First and foremost, the fiduciary needs to avoid conflict of interest and duty. For example, a company director must not put himself or herself in a position where personal interest will conflict with that of the company’s. Do everything in good faith.
#2: Secondly, you must avoid unauthorized profits. For example, your position as a company director may be in breach of your duty if you acquire a business opportunity (i.e., belonging to the company) for yourself.
#3: Lastly, the fiduciary must manage the assets of an individual for the benefits of the beneficiary himself or herself. You cannot benefit personally from the management of the beneficiary’s assets.
LAW
According to research, Singapore is part of the common law legal tradition. Thus, the decisions of precedent cases in the superior courts are binding on the lower courts. Moreover, the decisions in other Commonwealth jurisdictions (e.g., in UK, Australia, or Malaysia) can be persuasive in the Singapore courts.
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“When a fiduciary relationship is established in one of these cases, future cases are bound to follow what has been established before. Statutes that are passed by Parliament may also impose certain statutory duties akin to fiduciary duties between parties.”
The temptation to turn on the Jingle Bell Rock or the Polar Express movie is approaching its peak level! Despite it being the 24th of December, I am sure that some of you have yet to purchase a set of Yuletide gifts. Your time is running out and your meeting your family soon. What must you do to get all your presents sorted out for the party?
Firstly, throw the online shopping option out of the window. The shipping period will never come in time no matter how much you click the “express” option.
Alas! There is still work to be done. Consider these shopping spots while you begin your search.
#1: THE POPULAR ONE
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of shopping? Well, Orchard Road of course. Its world-class array of malls has gained popularity among tourists and locals alike. Hit up the retail havens such as ION Orchard and Paragon to explore international brands (of different price scales) such as Editor’s Market, Mango, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Nonetheless, almost everything can be found in TANGS.
Score great deals in footwear, cosmetics, clothing, and other items as you stroll around Orchard Road.
#2: THE HIP ONE
If you want to take Instagrammable photos while you continue your last-minute shopping, head down to Haji Lane or Bugis Street. These places attract shoppers and tourists on a daily basis. These two venues may be in close proximity with each other but, they offer contrasting shopping experiences. Haji Lane has an array of vintage or artisanal items that highlight one’s craftsmanship. While, Bugis Street is well-loved for its extremely low prices and Korean-centric stores. Both venues offer trendy and timeless pieces that will delight your fashionista friend or family member.
Get the best prices by strolling around Haji Lane or Bugis Street before committing to a final purchase.
#3: THE ALL-NIGHTER
From traditional Indian clothing to brightly-colored accessories, you can make your way to Little India to shop in a lively cultural part of Singapore. Visit Mustafa Centre for Christmastime gifts varying from children’s toys to sporting goods. What’s more? This massive store is open for 24 hours. Thus, you may literally shop until you drop.
Do indulge in a cultural immersion while you shop around.
#4: THE BIG ONE
What better way to spend your last-minute shopping ordeal than by visiting the city’s largest shopping mall – the VivoCity. VivoCity houses the cheap Japanese outlet Daiso where you can spend as little as S$2 for a stocking stuffer. Furthermore, there are other glistening brands such as Sephora and Pandora. Who can say no to a set of jewels and makeup?
If you have your little ones with you, you may let them have fun at the open-air playground on the second level or splash around in the water-based Sky Park on the third level while you shop around.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
With a countless array of shopping malls and indie outlets, Singapore offers the perfect spot for your last-minute Yuletide shopping. Good luck!
Let me start by saying that you must not spend more than what you can afford. Remember that credit is a loan, which is meant to be repaid. It is your responsibility to stay on top of your debts and to keep your commitment with the lenders. Maintain your control by avoiding the credit limit of your cards.
DO CHECK YOUR CREDIT HISTORY
Reality check! Credit cards with premier rewards and terms fall down to candidates with the best credit. This is why it is important to see your financial circumstance in the eyes of an issuer. Consider getting a credit report, before availing a credit card. Keep your eyes peeled to some errors!
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DO NOT PICK AN UNSPECIFIC CARD
Much like a box of chocolates, credit cards exist to embody different functions. Some are used for travel miles and others are used for shopping rebates. You must figure out which credit card suits you best! Compare credit card options from different issuers, before making a grand decision.
DO KEEP UP WITH YOUR STATEMENTS
To reap the benefits of your credit cards, you must fully pay for your statement each month. Not paying the full amount entails acquiring interest. The interest that you will be paying for will just cancel out any benefits that you are meant to receive. Moreover, paying off your statement each months ensures that you stay out of debt too.
DO NOT GIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION AWAY
As much as you trust a partner or a friend, you must not give your credit card information to someone else. It may entice this person to use it against the law. Say that you lent your credit card to a co-worker. While some cashiers do not check NRIC these days, you will never know when someone will ask for it. You would not want to be entangled with a “fraudulent” scene.
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DO MEMORIZE THE ISSUER’S HOTLINE
A credit card offers an additional layer of protection than a debit card. Debit cards only offer the pin numbers as protection. You see, credit card companies often have a department that follows up on reports of fraudulent charges. Things will be taken cared of, if you quickly report a stolen credit card. Thus, you must know the no-cost hotline of your credit card issuer.
