Trust Bank — a joint venture between Standard Chartered and FairPrice Group — announced today (May 29) that its customers are now able to directly purchase travel insurance offered by Income Insurance Limited (Income) within the Trust mobile app.

Besides this announcement, Trust’s CEO Dwaipayan Sadhu also shared some of the digital bank’s achievements thus far at a media event held earlier today.

Since its inception in September 2022, Trust has since become one of the fastest-growing digital banks — they have acquired 500,000 customers in just seven months, and their deposit balances are now over S$1 billion.

“We want to become the fourth largest retail bank in Singapore by the end of next year and to break even in 2025. To do this, we will continue to build for what our customers tell us is important and what makes a difference to their everyday needs,” he added.

Sadhu acknowledged that the great digital infrastructure and high level of digital adoption has turned Singapore into a very attractive digital banking space.

Coupled with the backing of Standard Chartered — which has a long, trusted banking heritage in Singapore and a full banking licence — as well as the NTUC ecosystem that brings strong customer advocacy and loyalty, it’s only natural for Trust to continue rolling more services that are “built on customers’ needs”.

A one-stop shop for travel

Since the start of 2023, Trust has been rolling out a slew of new features, including Budget Buddy that leverages the use of animated characters to help customers track their expenses and the recent launch of Supplementary Card (Supp Card) that existing customers can apply online.

The in-app Income travel insurance experience that’s introduced today is the latest addition to this suite of products and services. Sadhu explained that unlike most credit cards in the market that charge up to 3.5 per cent fee on every overseas transaction, Trust has a zero markup on all overseas expenses.

“There are no Forex fees, and the exchange rate for Trust is the same as what one would find on any search engine,” Sadhu said.

The travel insurance requires less than 60 seconds to apply for and is devoid of any data entry, which will greatly enhance the overall customer experience and position Trust as a comprehensive one-stop shop for travel.

Trust will soon offer instant loans and unsecured loans to customers in the coming months, with additional services like pay by trial, savings pots, and other in-app features expected to be available by the end of the year.

Sadhu added that the launch of Trust credit card nine months ago had garnered Trust data on customers behaviour and their repayment capability. This allows the digital bank to assess interest rates and customers’ eligibility in crafting more personalised offers like instant loans.

Likewise, many of the services, like the travel insurance, were initially offered by Trust via a tap-out to the Income website. It’s only after observing a high level of adoption that Trust decided to build some of these services within its mobile app.

“We believe the combination of our initial growth and continuous expansion had given us a very solid footing,” Sadhu noted.

Featured Image Credit: Trust Bank

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, announced yesterday (18 May) that its generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot will now be made available for iOS.

The ChatGPT app will be free, without advertisement, and automatically syncs users’ chat history across devices. It also integrates Whisper, OpenAI’s speech recognition system that permits voice input.

The debut of ChatGPT app comes after months of dubious and unofficial services that plagued the Apple Store. It will initially be limited to users based in the United States only, with plans to roll out to additional countries in the coming weeks and “coming soon” for an Android version.

“We’re eager to see how you use the app,” said Open AI in a media statement. “With the ChatGPT app for iOS, we’re taking another step towards our mission by transforming state-of-the-art research into useful tools that empower people, while continuously making them more accessible.”

Like its desktop counterpart, ChatGPT app surrenders users with instantaneous answers that relieve them from a general web search.

It also offers bespoke advice to those seeking guidance on learning various trades, inspires creative processes, improves productivity through an alchemy of feedback, note summarisation, and learning opportunities.

ChatGPT Plus subscribers will also be able to get exclusive access to GPT-4’s capabilities in addition to receiving early access to new features and faster response times. The ChatGPT Plus subscription was launched this February at the cost of US$20 per month, which allows subscribers to enjoy upgraded features including access to the chatbot during peak times.

Emerging trends in AI-powered mobile apps

It’s believed the ChatGPT mobile app will facelift how people today are using their smartphones to search and connect with information beyond traditional search engines and browsers.

The app’s launch also comes days after Google I/O and the removal of most waitlist restrictions to make Bard, Google’s generative AI chatbot, more widely available. Indeed, this is a time when major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook are all flexing in an arm race to bring AI to the next level.

In fact, both Microsoft and Google are integrating AI capabilities into their search engines, with the former involved in a “multi-year, multi-billion dollar” partnership with OpenAI.

Furthermore, OpenAI emphasised in its announcement that users will get instant answers “without sifting through ads or multiple results”. This bold proclamation feels like opening fire against its own ally – Microsoft, which is “exploring placing ads” in its chat experience.

Earlier in March, app store intelligence provider data.ai found that the top 10 mobile AI apps had already generated over US$14 million in consumer spending this year. This shows that there may be some strong consumer demand for ChatGPT and other generative AI app alike on smartphones.

Ironically, at the same time, The Wall Street Journal revealed that Apple is restricting the use of ChatGPT and other external AI tools — including Microsoft-owned GitHub’s Capilot — for its employees as the company is in the midst of developing similar technologies.

Apple harbours concerns around the leak of confidential data by employees who use the AI programmes. In response, OpenAI rolled out an incognito mode for ChatGPT last month so users’ conversation history will not be saved or used to improve the chatbot, though it is unclear if this feature will be made available in the ChatGPT app.

Featured Image Credit: Search Engine Land

The mother-daughter bond is probably made from a combination of whispered secrets, shared eye rolls, and occasional clashes. But what happens when the connection breaks free from the confines of the home and enters a whole new territory where ideas and commerce collide?

For this upcoming Mother’s Day, we are showcasing 10 mother-daughter duos, who have proved that the family tie can take on a whole new meaning – a formidable force in the world of business.  

1. Momshoo

The eclectic designs and handicrafts on Etsy inspired Lim Shu Ning – an avid crafter and designer – to found Momshoo in 2009.

She creates a diverse range of handmade products including coasters, pouches, aprons, bags, brooches, and other embroidered or knitted items that are not only perfect for personal use, but also great gifts.

In 2017, Shu Ning enlisted the help of her mother, Chau Lee, to cope with the growing order and ensure each item remains unique. The dynamic duo also hosts workshops where participants learn to stitch, sew, and craft alongside them.

2. Roselodge Florist

Roselodge Florist was founded by Agnes Kuek in 1989 and it used to be situated at Golden Mile Complex.

When her daughter, Esther Chua, became interested in floristry after taking a related course, the duo decided to team up and take the business to the next level. Esther brought in a younger crowd and turned up the social media charm to give the shop a fresh new vibe.

These days, Roselodge Florist is more than just a place to buy flowers. Whether you need a gorgeous bouquet for a special occasion, or simply want some expert advice on how to choose and care for your blooms, Agnes and Esther have got you covered.

And if you’re feeling particularly green-fingered, they even offer training workshops to help you master the art of floristry.

3. The Happy Cheongsam

Tay Yeow Ming fell in love with sewing and tailoring when she was 15. But it was not until 2014 that she decided to team up with her mother Heng Mui Kheng, who has over 50 years of tailoring experience under her belt to start an online shop selling handmade cheongsam.

The mother-daughter duo behind The Happy Cheongsam, have no interest in creating stodgy, old-fashioned designs. Instead, they are passionate about reimagining classic attire as chic and versatile pieces that can be worn every day, while still incorporating signature elements like the Mandarin collars.

Their cheongsams are anything but traditional, and they have made a name for themselves by infusing contemporary fashion sensibilities into their unique designs.

4. Myla Moza

Actress Norfasarie Mohamed Yahya was devastated when her daughter Moza was diagnosed with amniotic band syndrome, a condition that posed challenges for her right arm’s growth. At the same time, she also found strength and inspiration in Moza.

Indeed, at the tender age of 11, Moza has never let anything hold her back. In fact, she had just started her own business — Myla Moza — with her mother’s help.

This accessories line was named after Norfasarie’s two daughters and it’s all about making every day a little bit brighter, with colourful scrunchies, stylish headbands, and eye-catching earrings. Currently, Myla Moza has a mini store at Far East Plaza and does occasional pop-ups in other shopping malls.

5. Heartfelt Makan

Heartfelt Makan is a toy store that does not carry the usual teddy bears and plastic dolls. Rather, it specialises in crafting felt toys that resemble local dishes. From chicken rice, satay, to Nasi Lemak and fishball noodle, they capture the essence of Singapore’s vibrant food scene.

Heartfelt Makan is the brainchild of Lianne Ong — who also happens to be a local author of 13 children’s picture books — and her mother. It all started when the duo used felt and polyester filler to create toys for children in the family to engage in pretend play.

Gradually, it evolved into a full-fledged enterprise. They hope the felt food will not only ignite children’s imagination, but also leave them with a newfound appreciation of the local heritage.

6. Ye Traditions

Founded by Yap Jinyen and her mother, Ye Traditions is all about preserving and reviving traditional recipes and condiments from various Chinese dialect groups.

From red rice lees to fermented glutinous rice wine and longevity mee sua, these goodies are not only nutritious and flavourful, but they are also a real taste of history on one’s plate. These delicacies are steeped in history and offer a sense of comfort and nostalgia that can be shared with the whole family.

7. BodySlick

Hannah Lai is no stranger to the world of business. Since the age of 15, she had a taste for entrepreneurship, using her pocket money to buy trendy accessories and sell them in shopping malls.

Fast forward to today, Hannah has taken her business prowess to new heights by co-founding BodySlick, a soap and bath bomb label, alongside her mother Caroline.

Launched in 2018, BodySlick offers a series of gentle-to-skin and sulphate-free soaps and body cleaners, and have raked a six-figure sale by doing so.

8. Patchy Polly

After struggling to let go of her son’s outgrown baby clothes, Dione Ng stumbled upon a solution through Pinterest: repurpose the sentimental pieces into a cozy memory blanket.

With her mother’s expertise in sewing and dressmaking, Dione launched Patchy Polly, a business that transforms old garments into cherished keepsakes.

Today, the company offers a range of services that preserve not only the fabrics but also the memories they represent, allowing customers to hold onto the sentimental value of their cherished pieces.

9. Kueh Ho Jiak

There’s nothing like some good old-fashioned kueh to bring a mother and daughter closer, and that’s exactly what happened with Elizabeth Chan and Sandy Tan, the founders of Kueh Ho Jiak.

Raised by her grandmother after her father’s passing, Elizabeth’s mother had to work outside the home to provide for the family. However, making kueh helped to bridge that distance between mother and daughter, bringing them closer than ever before.

Now, Kueh Ho Jiak is putting a modern twist on the old-school confectioneries. Their signature colourful ang ku kueh come in a variety of shapes and designs including flowers, fish, and even cartoon characters.

10. YeoMama Batik

In 2017, YeoMama’s vacation to Yogyakarta may have seemed like a simple retreat, but it ended up being the genesis of a brilliant business idea. As she perused the local batik fabrics, YeoMama couldn’t help but muse about the possibility of bringing these exquisite designs back to Singapore.

The conversation was casual, just a passing remark to her daughter Desleen, but it sparked an entrepreneurial fire in both. YeoMama revealed the difficulties of finding stylish garments for her curvy figure, and while Desleen initially responded nonchalantly, she soon found herself caught up in a whirlwind of branding, logo design, and website creation. And just like that, three months later, YeoMama Batik was born.

Today, the brand is well known for its inclusive styles and designs, from A-line dresses, cheongsam maxi dresses to jumpsuits that cater to individuals in different forms.

A timeless bond

With their shared passion and dedication, these mother-daughter pairs have managed to turn their family bonds into thriving business partnerships.

From fashion and food to crafts and jewelry, these businesses showcase the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Singapore’s female entrepreneurs.

As they continue to inspire others with their stories of success, they demonstrate that working together with family can be a winning formula for creating a business that not only generates profit, but also fosters stronger bonds between loved ones.

Featured Image Credit: Momshoo, Myla Moza, The Happy Cheongsam, YeoMama Batik, Kueh Ho Jiak, and BodySlick

Motherhood is a journey filled with love, laughter, and challenges, but it’s also an incredibly demanding role that requires constant juggling of responsibilities.

As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s important to recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of all the incredible moms out there.

In this article, we have rounded up 10 businesses that can help to make life a little easier for some of the busiest people on the planet. From fashion subscription services, sex toys, lactation pods, to female-friendly gym, we hope to offer a respite to those who need them most.

1. Style Theory: Fashion subscription service

Mothers spend their days in and out of various tasks, and staying on top of fashion trends is most likely the last item on their to-do lists. Let’s be real: When you are repeatedly summoned with the cries of “mom!” in the morning rush, who has time to think about how to dress in style?

Fashion subscription service Style Theory offers a lifeline for fashion-forward mothers. For a mere S$89 per month, subscribers can choose six carefully curated apparels, making sure their wardrobes are in a perpetual state of change without succumbing to the suffocating clutches of excess.

Beyond apparel, Style Theory also offers subscription plans for bag rentals, preloved clothing purchases, and the opportunity to loan out designer items for users to earn some passive income.

2. Aunty App: On-demand babysitters

Parenting — a job that demands superhero-level energy and the patience of a zen master — has found a new ally in the form of a mobile app called Aunty.

Launched in October 2021, this app offers frazzled parents an opportunity to take a breather by outsourcing their childcare needs to verified sitters.

All parents need to do is input their preferred dates and address, and scroll through profiles of sitters available on the app. The sitters can be selected based on experience, hourly rate, reviews, and even specialisation — from infants to teenagers.

The app also features a messaging function that allows parents to communicate their expectations and requirements directly with the sitters.

3. Moom Health: Personalised supplement for women’s health

In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of our health has never been more crucial, especially for busy mothers who juggle multiple responsibilities every day.

However, with so many wellness trends and supplements available, it can be overwhelming to find products that actually work and fit within our budgets. That’s where Moom Health comes in — a startup that offers daily supplements formulated for women at affordable prices.

Starting from as low as S$1 a day and nothing above S$2, the brand aims to take down the wall that separates individuals from the healthier version of themselves.

Moom Health understands that every woman’s health needs are unique, which is why they offer a personalised quiz that takes into account one’s lifestyle, general health, and women’s health issues. By taking this quiz, users can rest assured they are getting the right nutrients to meet their health goals.

4. Go! Mama: Lactation pod for breastfeeding mothers

Most breastfeeding mothers would agree that finding a hygienic and safe space to express milk or feed their young ones is a challenge or even a game of chance.

It has been found that 14 per cent of mothers in Singapore would breastfeed for longer than six months only if the facilities at work or out in the public are conducive. Most often, mothers would find themselves pumping milk in cars, toilets, and even storerooms – hardly the private, pristine, and secure space that one would hope for.

Fuelled by such frustrations, two mothers has stepped up to build Singapore’s first lactation pods with the launch of Go! Mama. The pods feature a sleek design and ultraviolet disinfection technology that offers an oasis for nursing mothers who are on-the-go.

It has launched a public trial at Sentosa and JTC launchpad @ one-north for their lactation pods, and are eyeing deployments at MRT stations next.

5. Yoga Superfuel: A guilt-free cookie treat

Yoga Superfuel was born out of a mother’s frustration and struggle to find a guilt-free indulgence as the commonly found snack options tend to be loaded with unhealthy and sugary substances.

She eventually left behind her 15 years long stint in the corporate world and in 2018, founded the superfood cookies brand that is on a mission to redefine guilt-free snacking.

All Yoga Superfuel cookies are free from refined sugar, gluten, preservatives, and are high on nutrition, like protein. They are a testament to the belief that a delicate equilibrium could be struck between keeping healthy without sacrificing taste and one’s cravings. Now, even the most health-conscious mothers can say yes to a treat.

6. BYKURAHOME: Sustainable containers

Mothers never fail to have their thinking caps on, ensuring they are ready for any and every contingency. From umbrellas to wet wipes, and everything in between, they have got us covered – quite literally.

The line of silicon bags, snack pouches, and tote bags by BYKURAHOME are the perfect vessels of convenience that empower mothers to all their family’s essentials without resorting to single-use disposables.

Their product line not only makes life more convenient for moms, but also helps to reduce waste and protect our planet.

7. Good Vibes x Hedonist: Intimate pleasure

In this age and time, self-love and acceptance are probably the two most precious commodities. However, practicing self-indulgence can be tricky, especially for busy mothers.

The Good Vibes x Hedonist sex toys are designed to foster pleasure without a tinge of pesky shame or judgment. The brand also hopes to gather a community to freely discuss and learn about sex in a positive and empowering way.

After all, mothers deserve nothing but the best, including the freedom to indulge in their own desires.

8. White Pyramid Gallery & Nail Bar: Beauty, wellness and art under one roof

White Pyramid Gallery & Nail Bar offers a unique experience that combines beauty services and art, creating a space where mothers can indulge in luxurious treatments while appreciating the beauty of art.

The nail bar offers a variety of made-to-order nail polishes that are 100 per cent vegan, cruelty-free, and free of the 10 chemicals that are commonly found in nail polishes. Meanwhile, its gallery showcases the work of local and international artists, allowing patrons to immerse themselves in the beauty of art and culture.

In addition, White Pyramid also offers a range of facial treatments that are designed to provide the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience. Mothers can indulge in a lavish facial treatment that is paired with delicate Sakura tea or bubbly champagne, allowing them to unwind and escape from the stresses of daily life.

9. Arkkies: A multi-concept gym

The five distinct concept gyms operated under Arkkies were designed to cater to a diverse range of fitness enthusiasts.

Ark Liv is an exclusive realm to empower women to push their physical limits, explore new sports, and build a supportive community. The space is boasted with a plethora of exercise options ranging from a free weight area, cardio machines, to bouldering walls, and a studio for yoga and barre.

Meanwhile, the Ark Block gym offers a unique outdoor workout experience with various stations catering to different fitness needs, while the Ark Pod provides a private workout space that never sleeps. This is ideal for mothers who need a flexible schedule to stay in tip-top shape.  

10. The Purest Co: Bird’s nest

As a doting husband, the founder of The Purest Co was determined to pamper his pregnant wife with the best of the best. He discovered bird’s nest, a popular food abundant with glycoproteins and amino acids, renowned for bolstering the immune system and promoting overall well-being.

However, upon researching ready-to-drink bird’s nest products, he realised that many were not transparent about their ingredients and sources. This sparked a desire in him to create a brand that offers the purest and most genuine bird’s nest products on the market.

The Purest Co was born out of a passion for providing mothers with the best possible nourishment for their health and well-being. The brand goes the extra mile by infusing traditional herbs, like American Ginseng and Wolfberries, into their products to elevate their overall goodness.

With The Purest Co, mothers can indulge in a delicious treat that not only tastes great but also supports their health and wellness journey.

Mothers deserve the best

Of course, there are many more businesses beyond this list that strive to make the whirlwind journey of motherhood a tad smoother and offer a beacon of support.

By helping to alleviate the stress and strain of motherhood, these businesses are also in a way empowering mothers to focus on what really matters — taking care of their families and themselves.

At the end of the day, amidst all the ups and downs, it is important for mums to have a little pampering and self-care to keep them going.

Featured Image Credit: 123RF

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) unveiled last Friday (April 28) a new initiative to help fresh graduates from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and those who had recently completed their full-time National Service (NS) to transit into the working world.

Dubbed the Career Starter Lab, the pilot programme will take the form of an enhanced career trial model to help youths explore their career options and gain valuable work experience. It aims to officially launch with more than 100 companies onboard by the end of this year.

Partnering with the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), the Career Starter Lab rides on the existing ecosystem of support offered by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Young NTUC, NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and other partners. 

Championing the interests of workers

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said in a media statement that the enhanced career trial model was crafted based on feedback gathered by the NTUC Youth Taskforce, to meet the needs and desires of young people.

To date, the NTUC Youth Taskforce has engaged more than 10,000 youths, from Institutes of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnics, and autonomous universities to learn how they can be better supported in their career journeys.

Out of the 10,000 youth engaged, nearly 4,000 were asked to list the resources they would need to shift from school to their dream careers. They cited quality internships (31.4 per cent), career mentorships (18.9 per cent), and part-time work (17.6 per cent) as the top three factors.

Furthermore, through a series of focus group discussions and dialogue sessions conducted last year, NTUC Youth Taskforce also found that proper supervision and mentorship were key components that make up a top-notch internship experience.

In line with these findings, the Career Starter Lab pilot will offer workplace mentorship as part of a dedicated support framework to help budding graduates and NSmen get the guidance and insights they crave. 

Participants will have a chance to partner with a mentor who will provide them with the inside scoop on their chosen industry, as they navigate their career journeys.

At the same time, mentoring also allows existing employees to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. The “pay-it-forward” factor is believed to give them a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Doing more and better for underserved segments

In his recent May Day Rally Speech, NTUC Secretary-General Ng shared that NTUC conceptualised the career trial after learning the key concerns of youths and difficulties experienced by employers in recruiting and retaining young talents due to the tight labour market and competition.

It got me thinking – can NTUC play a part to create a win-win for youths and employers, and complement IHLs’ internship programmes? Especially for youth finishing NS and transiting into work?

– NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng

The career trial is therefore aimed at bridging this gap, allowing youth to access quality jobs with the guidance of workplace mentors, and at the same time, for businesses to access a steady pipeline of young talents.

Through this initiative, NTUC and SNEF also aim to help youth better ease into their new jobs – acquaint them with the company culture, give clarity on their roles and expectations, and offer relevant learning opportunities under appropriate supervision and mentorship.

To ensure all participants have the best possible experience, NTUC and SNEF will be deploying staff to support companies that are taking part in the Career Starter Lab pilot.

They are also co-developing a career trial playbook and gathering 300 in-company mentors to build on the existing pool of over 400 volunteer career mentors, who will have access to related workshops and resources.

Additionally, in his May Day Rally speech, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong focused on the challenges posed by an ever-changing and increasingly troubled world, and stressed the importance of investing in every worker. 

DPM Wong assured that together with his 4G team, they are studying ways to invest more in workers so they can take ownership of their careers, reskill and upskill themselves to seize better opportunities.

Particularly for polytechnic graduates, they are looking at helping them deepen their skills through different pathways so they can secure better salaries and career opportunities.

The government is also working closely with NTUC to support every worker in their journey of lifelong learning, protect their interests, and enable everyone to enjoy dignity at work and retire at ease.

The 4G team and I are fully committed to look after our workers, to protect your interests, and help you earn a better living and live a better life. … Come what may, we will always be there with you, for you. We will always have your back.

– Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

How much can participants earn through Career Starter Lab? 

Through a three-month trial that comes with a structured training programme and workplace mentorship, fresh graduates and NSFs can test their job fit and get a feel for the organisational culture before committing to formal employment.

To help youths integrate better during the trial period, employers will be offered: 

• Support administered by NTUC’s e2i,
• A guide developed by NTUC and SNEF to enhance their onboarding, structured training and mentorship programmes 

Participating fresh graduates and NSmen will receive training allowance starting from S$7.50 per hour for up to 480 hours, as well as retention incentives if they are hired by the host companies and have worked for at least three months.

Current-year graduates and NSmen who have completed their service may apply to Career Starter Lab by the end of this year.

Training workshops for mentors are expected to begin in August, while interviewing and matching of jobs will kick off in September.

By December, at least 100 employers will have commenced the programme. Some of the notable enterprises that have already come onboard include Singapore Airlines, Rolls Royce, Resorts World Sentosa, Gardens by the Bay, Uniqlo, ST Engineering, Singtel and FairPrice Group.

Employers with ready permanent roles or 12-month full-time contracts and are able to offer a monthly salary of S$1,800 to S$4,200 (based on prevailing average starting salaries of respective graduates) are encouraged to participate and register their interest here.

Youths are our future workforce. As every worker matters, NTUC wants to play a bigger role in meeting our youth’s needs and serving them better as they kick start their careers.

The NTUC Career Starter Lab will help our youth seize good opportunities so that they can progress into their careers with confidence. NTUC and SNEF will rally more progressive employers into our ecosystem to provide enhanced career trials for them. We want to assure our youth that we will be alongside them as they enter the workforce.

– NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng

In line with this goal, NTUC has embarked on a partnership with MINDEF and MHA to support full-time NSFs through career and education fairs which are organised by e2i and NTUC LeaningHub, as well as complimentary courses hosted on the SkillsFuture@NS Learning eXperience Platform (SG@NS LXP).

NTUC will continue to champion the interests of workers from all walks of life 

More details about the Career Starter Lab initiative will be revealed in July when the NTUC Youth Taskforce has wrapped up its engagements.

Subsequently, all its findings and recommendations will be shared to address some of the pressing concerns and aspirations of youth in areas such as career, finances, and mental well-being.

NTUC believes that every Singaporean’s tomorrow matters and it will continue to champion the interests of workers and pave a way for the younger generation to fulfil their aspirations as a worker.

The NTUC Youth Taskforce is part of the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations. Launched last August, it is a large-scale, year-long series of engagements seeking to connect with 40,000 workers of all ages and from all walks of life, with a particular focus on Singapore’s workforce.

These engagements set out to uncover their work-life needs and aspirations, which in turn, help NTUC better understand and represent workers’ interests. In particular, they have lobbied for improved wages, benefits, and protection for platform and low-wage workers, as well as encouraged mature PMEs to upskill and increase their employability.

This laudable effort is one of the many ways in which NTUC endeavours to renew its time-honoured pledge to the workers, made more than six decades ago.

This article was written in collaboration with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

Featured Image Credit: Singapore Institute of Technology / Ministry of Defence

Singapore-based mobile network operator Circles.Life unveiled yesterday (April 27) its new loyalty programme called Circle of Joy, which will be rolled out next week.

Unlike other schemes, which often require customers to jump through the hoops before being granted membership, Circle of Joy automatically enrols subscribers via the company’s mobile app. Members can then accrue points and use them to redeem rewards at their convenience.

At the launch event, Siddarth Chaturvedi, Circles.Life’s Country Head, cited their internal research found that nearly 40 per cent of telco users prefer brands that value consumer loyalty when making their purchase decisions.

Similarly, 40 per cent of users feel that they deserve special treatment the longer they stick with a particular provider.

Singapore probably has the best communication network in the world, but our consumers are also the unhappiest. They feel like telco companies are taking their loyalty for granted. That’s where Circles.Life comes in. We believe we can do more and better.

– Siddarth Chaturvedi, Circles.Life’s Country Head

How does the loyalty programme work?

Chaturvedi explained that Circle of Joy puts power back to consumers when it comes to earning rewards. The loyalty programme comprises of four different tiers: Rookie, Apprentice, Elite, and Master — each determined by how long an individual has been with Circles.Life.

Points are awarded on an hourly basis and each tier offers different rates of point accumulation. This means the longer subscribers stay with the network, the higher their tier, and the faster and more chances they have to rack up the points.

All accumulated points have no expiry date as long as the account remains active, and they can be tracked via the Circles.Life app.

We value your investment with Circles Life. The longer you are with us, the more frequent, exciting, and joyful rewards you will get. That’s why it’s called Circle of Joy.

– Siddarth Chaturvedi, Circles.Life’s Country Head

To add an element of fun and surprise, Circle of Joy has gamified the rewards experience. Subscribers can select their rewards via virtual Gacha machines, with options ranging from bonus data, bill waivers, to premium gadgets like AirPods Pro and the latest smartphones.

Currently, seven partners have come onboard Circle of Joy to expand its rewards pool. In the next six months, Circles.Life will be bringing in at least 11 more partners so Circle Lifers can earn more diverse and tangible rewards.

According to Jeanette Wong, Head of Marketing, Circles.Life ensures rewards are not limited to mobile data and gadgets.

Neither are we talking about terms and conditions, like we give you S$5 for every S$100 spent, or you need to accumulate points for the next 10 years before you can redeem something meaningful. We are figuring out rewards that our users can truly redeem and use.

– Jeanette Wong, Head of Marketing, Circles.Life

At the end of the day, Circle of Joy ensures everyone is a winner. To celebrate the launch, all Circle Lifers (excluding those on the lite plan) are also entitled to free data bonuses of up to 100GB.

What is the loyalty programme trying to achieve?

Fundamentally, Circle of Joy aims to increase the platform’s engagement and retention.

In the past nine months that the company has been piloting the loyalty programme with its 10,000 users, they found an 80 per cent retention rate, which is a lot higher than the five per cent industrial average.

“We want our users to enjoy coming and engaging with us,” said Chaturvedi. “Previously, our monthly engagement was 35 per cent and we would like to take it to 50 per cent. We want half of our users to interact with us, give us feedback, and make sure they redeem their rewards.”

Circles.Life is always about defining delightful experiences for our users. If you haven’t noticed, on every of our Circle of Joy posters, the letter ‘O’ is designed differently because we are inviting everyone to define their own joy.

In a world where consumers are spoiled with choices, it was a conscious decision that loyalty shouldn’t be taken for granted. We wanted to do our part by raising the bar again and showing how telcos can be better for their users.

– Jeanette Wong, Head of Marketing, Circles.Life

Featured Image Credit: Circles.Life

Ride-hailing app Grab announced several changes to its mobile app at a virtual media briefing today (April 17) as it gears up for Southeast Asia (SEA)s travel revival amidst the gradual recede of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the briefing, Russell Cohen, Group Managing Director of Operations at Grab, unveiled an enhanced Grab experience catered to the needs of modern-day travellers, mainly targeting three moments of their travel experience — pre-trip, on-arrival, and at destination.  

1. Pre-trip

Grab is launching a new “Traveller Homepage”, which will be made available in about 33 top tourist cities across SEA. According to Cohen, this will allow users to explore and understand the Grab services made available at their destinations “as if they are already there.”

Specifically, users will be able to plan for their trips by searching for popular landmarks, food options, and accommodations in their destination cities. They can also check out specific routes, fares, and pricing of those routes ahead of time and add their preferred mode of payment, all before leaving their home countries.

For the very first time, Grab will be made available in Chinese, Japanese and Korean, as they are traditionally “amongst the top source markets for tourists and visitors to SEA”, Cohen offered. By eliminating the language barrier, Grab hopes to make the app more prompt, intuitive and handy for these groups of travellers.

In mid-2023, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean speakers can also search for places of interest in their respective native languages on Grab app and save them before travelling.

“Visiting a new city or country can be daunting. Logically, many people plan their trips from their home countries. Grab’s data revealed that two-thirds of travellers would download and register an account on Grab prior leaving. As such, the company introduced a range of new features to help these travellers to better plan ahead,” said Cohen.

2. On-arrival

Cohen added one of the major concerns raised by travellers was finding their way through busy, unfamiliar airports to the right pickup locations. As such, Grab is working to further increase their presence and create easy pick-up and drop-off zones at major airports across the region.

The company has already set up dedicated Grab lounges in four Indonesia airports, where travellers can get assistance to book a ride and wait in comfort for their pickup. In Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, there is also an exclusive pickup line for Grab rides.

At the same time, Grab is revamping one of its in-app features that provide passengers with image-based walking directions that help them navigate the airport to the right entry or exit point before booking for a ride. Previously, this function was only made available after booking for a Grab ride.

This “venue feature” is not just limited to airports, but also more than 4,000 sites across SEA, including shopping malls, office buildings, hospitals, as well as other recreational sites and attractions.

Grab will also be rolling out a currency converter to show travellers fares in their home currency so they won’t need to do manual conversions. “Some of these may seem like small features, but I just wanted to share how far Grab is going to remove all the friction that’s affecting tourist experiences,” Cohen said.

3. At destination

To facilitate travellers’ exploration of the best local flavours and cuisines around them, all menus available on the Grab delivery platform in key cities across Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand will be translated into English. Chinese-translated menus are also made available in cities across Indonesia.

Cohen shared that the move was propelled by Grab’s observation on travellers’ increasing desire for food delivery while they are on holidays in the post-pandemic times. For example, in just three months between December 2022 and March 2023, there was a five per cent growth in food business specifically delivered to tourists in Bali.

Lastly, recognising that some travellers may not want to download yet another app on their mobiles, Grab is teaming up with some of the other popular apps in Asia like Alipay, Ctrip, WeChat, Kakao T and Booking.com to offer a more seamless experience while booking a ride.

“Using these apps, travellers will be able to select pick-up and drop-off points,” said Cohen. “They can select a full range of vehicle types made available locally, view and make their payments in their home currencies.”

A decision not shaped by the pandemic

In the media briefing, Cohen explained that these moves were not influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather, Grab sees it as more of a preparatory move ahead of a tourism revival in SEA.

He cited that the forecast on tourism recovery varies, with Singapore expecting a full tourism recovery by 2024 and Vietnam in 2025.

Nevertheless, tourism has always played a significant part of the region’s economy and local businesses. In 2019, it peaked at just under US$400 million to SEA’s GDP and the region welcomed about 143 million visitor arrivals.

What Grab has observed, as Cohen pointed out, airports are naturally where people engage with the app for the very first time, as the company saw three times jump between January and December 2022 for airport rides.

As such, if they can provide tourists with a great experience there and then, there would be a much higher chance of seeing repeated use and growth.

“Personally, I’ve taken about 13 trips in the last 12 months visiting the Grab teams,” Cohen said. “I was at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore the other day, right after the nightly light show. The main concourse was packed with tourists and I counted about 10 different tour company flags.”

“Tourism is definitely back in Southeast Asia, we are seeing it in Grab, seeing it in our cities. We just want to make sure that Grab is at the forefront of this revival.”

Featured Image Credit: Grab

Also Read: Grab to raise platform fee from S$0.30 to S$0.70 for S’pore users from May 5

“I was first triggered to read about climate change when I went snorkelling at Lady Elliot Island in Australia,” recalled Michelle Chow, founder of Pass It On, an environmentally conscious lifestyle brand based in Singapore. 

“As I saw the contrast between healthy, thriving and bleached corals, it dawned on me that my then four-year-old niece might not be able to see the breathtaking reefs when she is of age to dive.”

The epiphany propelled Michelle to embark on a research journey – one that would make any scholar proud. She not only delved into the complex world of climate change and its profound impact on our planet, but she also went on to build a brand that specialises in making plantable candles to support reforestation and other sustainability efforts and spreading of awareness.

Michelle has gone from a curious onlooker to a passionate climate advocate, all thanks to her fateful underwater encounter at the Great Barrier Reef. However, that was never an overnight phenomenon and wouldn’t be possible without a mental odyssey into the world of books and resources.

Indeed, in an era where people’s first action tends to be “just Google it”, it’s refreshing to find a group of people who still value libraries in search of answers and boost their knowledge. We are talking about people like entrepreneurs – the go-getters who are always on the lookout for new information that can give them an edge in their businesses. 

Reading is the most important thing that entrepreneurs can do

When asked if Michelle was particularly inspired by any books or articles, she said that it’s hard to pinpoint one. “It was the overall gravitas of the situation that got me hooked.” 

Darius Cheung, founder of online property platform 99.co shared a similar sentiment. “I am a big fan of books – eBooks, to be precise. I read mostly on topics related to running a company and leadership. For leisure, I indulge in science fiction,” he candidly said. 

Darius strongly believes reading is one of the most important things that entrepreneurs can do. Most of the time, it’s not just about the content, but the act of reading that is the game-changer. 

“Reading is like taking your brain to the gym,” Darius described. “The mental workout stretches your brain muscles, improves your cognitive agility, resilience, and more importantly, broadens your perspective.”

Indeed, reading levels up the entrepreneurial game, but being an entrepreneur is tough. There are only so many hours in a day, and most of those are spent on securing deals and partnerships, meeting people, and figuring out where the business would go next. Reading hardly makes it to the top of the list of to-do things.

With that, Michelle believes in the cultivation of habits. Usually, her reading routine consists of going through the daily news articles in the morning, a few key topical reads around climate change and sustainability throughout the day, and a handful of self-improvement books as her nighttime reads.

For daily news, Michelle’s go-to sources are Channel NewsAsia, The Straits Times, and The Economist, which she subscribes to. 

For climate news, she is actively on CNN Climate Instagram, Singapore Climate Rally Instagram, and Eco-business News on Telegram. She also opted for direct notifications from many sustainable-related websites like Good On You, BBC Earth, among others.

Michelle chooses to read based on her present interests around different environmental issues and follows channels (like the ones she mentioned above) that publish quality articles regularly. 

For example, the National Library Board (NLB) LearnX Sustainability feature offers a range of age-appropriate videos, podcasts, and reading recommendations that give readers insights into the science and technology behind various sustainability efforts. 

“I did bookmark a few articles on possible solutions to climate change – as a reminder to myself on how I started this entire journey with Pass It On,” Michelle said. “And most importantly, my initial desire to make a change.” 

Michelle was referring to an article, written by prolific environment journalist Craig Welch in 2019, on the urgency for more aggressive decarbonisation strategies and potential of ground-level initiatives. This is something that’s closely aligned with what Michelle is doing now – trying to make a change in the world via small endeavours. 

Likewise, Darius makes an effort to find time to read amidst his busy schedules. He gets most of his reading materials from his personal e-Reader, but also visits the libraries when he is unsure if he wants to invest on a new title. 

Beyond libraries, NLB has actually rolled out an initiative that encourages reading and sharing among the community. Called BookNodes, it allows readers to easily pick up a used library book, or scan the QR codes on the bookcase doors to borrow an eBook at different locations such as Foreword Coffee outlets. 

With its significant role in fostering a love of reading beyond just the library walls, Darius praised the NLB as a “national treasure” and he often encouraged his team to make good use of its resources. 

“I am a big fan of NLB,” he confessed. “My team and I accessed its many resources from books, to periodicals to courses. We promote active use of NLB services especially since many entrepreneurs and professionals are unaware of what is available.” 

The convenience and affordability of digital reading materials at NLB

Indeed, both Darius and Michelle value the convenience and affordability of digital reading materials. 

In particular, NLB’s eResources cater to busy entrepreneurs and professionals who value reading on-the-go or listening to audio materials and podcasts using their handheld devices. It acts as a personal library in a pocket, which they can access anytime and anywhere. 

Many of these books or publications can be found online as part of NLB’s collection of eResources. For example, The Straits Times and The Economist that Michelle subscribes to, are available for free via NLB Mobile app or NLB’s website under SPH eNewspapers and eMagazines under PressReader respectively. 

In addition, NLB provides a wide range of academic, historical and professional resources. Some of them include BiblioAsia, Infopedia, NewspaperSG, and many other popular journals and archives. 

Through the NLB eResources portal and NLB Mobile app, professionals can also have access to foreign newspapers, business magazines, business courses, getabstract book summaries, and business databases. All these can be accessed by simply having an NLB myLibrary account.

“As I grow older, I am drawn to books that are for self-development, or rather insights to life in general,” added Michelle. “Our world gets more crowded with noise, opinions, and thoughts as we go along, and so I find a lot of comfort when I have a good self-help book to turn to and where I can open my mind to new perspectives within my own terms.”

These days, Michelle is especially inspired by John Mackey’s Conscious Leadership and finds it extremely helpful in running Pass It On. For Darius, he said while 99.co is one of the top publishers of market research and trends, they do subscribe to raw market data and hopes that NLB can make more of them accessible in the future.

Reading is an investment in yourself 

It’s not just Darius and Michelle who value the power of reading, though. In general, entrepreneurs are believed to be avid readers and some of the more successful people have credited reading as a factor in their success.

They understand that the world is constantly changing, and the only way to keep up is by constantly learning and evolving.

Moving forward, Michelle said that she would love to read more paperback books. But given her environmentally conscious and busy lifestyle, she prefers to read from her handheld devices.

This is why the NLB Mobile app becomes handy. It not only grants her access to NLB’s eResources, but also allows her to borrow physical books via a quick scan of the QR codes or barcodes on the book at the library. 

Of course, as much as people like saying “they love to read”, not everyone is on board with reading. There are still some who believe they are too time-starved to read, and that it’s better to be out there in the field making things happen. 

To those people, we say this: sure, you can be out there making things happen, but if you’re not constantly learning and growing, you’re going to get left behind. And in today’s fast-paced world, that’s not a risk you want to take.

As Michelle puts it, “Reading is not just a hobby, but it is an investment in yourself.”

This article was written in collaboration with National Library Board (NLB).

Featured Image Credit: Pass It On / Beamstart

foodpanda officially kickstarted a direct pick-up function at its newest pandamart outlet in Telok Ayer today (March 29).

The new function allows customers to make a grocery order through the foodpanda app and self-collect it in a swift 15 minutes, making it the fastest online grocery service in Singapore to date.

The introduction of the pick-up function not only streamlines the online grocery shopping experience, but also helps meet the demand for on-the-go workers in the Central Business District (CBD).

Well-stocked with a selection of more than 5,000 products, the Telok Ayer flagship pandamart also carries exclusive store-only items like organic produce, tomahawk steak, cuts of wagyu, and baked goods. It’s a perfect pitstop for those looking to top up their office pantry stash, or the time-starved who want quick and convenient supermarket trips.

“As we return to normalcy post-pandemic, we’re seeing a preference in having more options for grocery shopping, where customers value the ease of switching between online and offline shopping,” said Kevin Zagolin, Director of Quick-Commerce at foodpanda Singapore.

“pandamart’s newest store at Telok Ayer makes an ideal location to trial our pick-up option, which will help cater to the wide and differing needs of consumers in the CBD area. With this, we’re excited to unveil a new chapter of grocery shopping and uphold our commitment to meeting our customers’ ever-changing needs.”

How does the pick-up function work?

I had a first-hand experience of the pick-up function at the launch event earlier today.

For starters, I must change my delivery address to 101 Telok Ayer and select the “pick-up” option. I can then start adding items to cart, bearing in mind all the latest deals and offers that are offered to me.

But it gets interesting after I check out and complete my order.

A “picker” or a pandamart personnel stationed at Telok Ayer will accept my order on his device. He will then proceed to take the item off the shelf and scan its barcode. This will inform and update the inventory in real-time so when the stock is low or unavailable, the app will stop the next customer from ordering the item.

To keep to the 15-minute promise, “pickers” — usually two to six will be stationed at the outlet — will have to take and scan each item within 15 seconds. To optimise the speed, a barcode will appear beside each of the ordered items on his device, so all he needs to do is go to the shelf with the same barcode to pick up the item.

There are charts displayed near the fresh good sections to remind the pickers to eye for produce that are not up to standard, and only select those that are of the best quality for customers. Since I was already at the store, the entire process probably took about five minutes.

My picker moves with such agility that I was literally running after him across the shelves. I can’t help but wonder which part of his body moves first – brain, hand, leg – when he collects my order.

For those who are interested to try out this feature, it’s available everyday from 7am to 10pm. You can select your preferred collection time and visit the Telok Ayer pandamart to pick up orders.

The driving force behind the new pick-up feature

Together with the launch, foodpanda also released an infographic – called ‘Transforming Grocery Shopping in Singapore’ – detailing how Singaporeans have been using pandamart to fulfill their grocery needs.

Thanks to the pandemic, many customers have turned to home-cooked meals and it seems they’re not giving up their newfound culinary skills anytime soon.

Data from foodpanda also revealed that cooking ingredients have seen a whopping 200 per cent increase since the pandemic began, while bread, milk, and ice-cream remain the most sought-after items.

As consumers shift towards smaller, more frequent purchases, foodpanda is forced to keep up with the times, providing people with the goods that they need when they need them.

Like the way that many quickly pivoted at the dawn of the pandemic to keep afloat, the new pick-up function, is perhaps another strategy to survive the vast and ever-changing quick commerce scene.

Featured Image Credit: foodpanda

Last November, 23-year-old content creator Yoga, attended the Singapore Fintech Festival. She was searching for a quiet space to finish her reporting and estimated she would need about two hours.

Not realising there was a media centre, Yoga headed to a café near the event venue. It is a natural and convenient move for many of us when we think of getting some work done in the public. Yet Yoga found that the cafes were already packed with patrons and the only available seat did not allow her to charge her laptop.

Just when she was wondering what would be the next best fit, Yoga stumbled upon a working pod, which is a rather fancy term for an office work booth.

It’s a cordoned off space, now commonly found in a shopping mall, set up with WiFi access, charging points, and all that’s needed for a semblance of privacy and peace.

Yoga hopped on it without thinking twice.

However, to her dismay, the overall upkeep of the working pod she found herself in, was subpar. Not only was the ventilation bad, but she also found crumpled pieces of papers on the floor and hair on the table. Yoga felt like she was in a stuffy sauna upon entering and 40 minutes into her work, she was perspiring heavily and feeling claustrophobic.

While the working pod’s soundproof feature was great for better concentration, passersby could still peek through the semi-transparent door which made her uncomfortable at times. If all these weren’t bad enough, Yoga was truly surprised by what she needed to pay — she was charged about S$15 for a 1.5-hour use.

A growing demand

Co-working spaces first appeared in Singapore in 2011, as a contemporary solution for early-day tech businesses that were conscious about paying monthly office rental.

It soon sprouted up into a trend. Many buy into the idea that traditional workspaces were meant for dinosaurs, which don’t facilitate networking, collaboration, and flexibility.

Property consultancy CBRE said in a report published last November that the demand for flexible workspaces in Singapore has rebounded from an average of 50 to 60 per cent during the pandemic, to an average of 80 to 90 per cent in the third quarter of 2022.

The recovery was mainly attributed to the reopening of borders and the return to office-based work arrangements.

By 2030, market experts predict that co-working space will increase from 10 to 15 per cent of total office supply across Southeast Asia, compared to the present five per cent. Despite the growing demand, escalating expenses due to inflation, property rents and cleaning and utility costs are driving co-working space operators to adopt a higher price tag.

To help you avoid any unpleasant surprises like Yoga’s, we have researched and compiled a list of co-working spaces in Singapore that suit different needs, budget and location.

How much do co-working spaces cost?

Understandably, co-working spaces in the heartlands are economical (i.e. a private pod starting at S$5/hour) compared to those in the centralised locations (i.e. a hot desk starting at S$8/hour).

Although centralised locations offer convenience, not everyone enjoys commuting to busy areas and paying for expensive lunches. Regardless, if you’re looking for something affordable yet comfortable, at least you know there are available options.

Most co-working spaces offer complimentary use of the meeting rooms, printing services, meals, and other miscellaneous services to those who have signed on a longer lease.

Some co-working spaces (such as Cosy Corner and Staytion, to name a few) are made available to students and other members of the public. Others like MOX is especially designed for ‘creative-preneurs’, while The Cocoon Space is popular among designers as it’s located within Singapore Fashion Council.

Cross Coop and One&Co are co-working spaces that offer services in Japanese, while Gather Cowork is pet-friendly. Additionally, The Workshop, The Hive, and other co-working spaces have on-site photography and broadcasting studios.

Converge Spot aims to facilitate connections between small businesses. Spaceship is a unique co-working space that also provides storage solutions in their warehouse, and Ucommune offers customisable event spaces that can be used for various community activities.

If you are brand-driven and/or a frequent traveller, JustCo and WeWork have membership plans that allow you to work from all locations around the world. Some of the co-working spaces are massive (like Distrii for example), while others are homely or convenient (like Staytion, which is housed inside the MRT station).

So, even if you don’t exactly know what you are looking for, the bare minimum you can do is to assess how susceptible you are to background noise (i.e., typing sounds, people moving themselves or the furniture around, non-stop talking etc.) and non-essential socialising (i.e., needing to stop work once every 10 minutes because people walking past say hi and ask what are you working on).

Despite the growing demand for co-working spaces in Singapore and researchers believing that those who work in one thrive better, it’s important to remember that not everyone may find them to be the ideal solution.

While co-working spaces may offer greater flexibility, networking opportunities, and a sense of community, they can also be more expensive than traditional office spaces. Ultimately, whether or not co-working spaces are the right fit for you or your business will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, working style, and personal preferences.

Feature Image Credit: Hush Office/JustCo