Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day Is Back! You Even Get To Choose Local Toppings This Time!
My mama used to tell me that there was no such thing as a free lunch (or ice cream). Growing up, I always believed her. That was until I heard about Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day. How wrong you were, mama. I’m sure all of us rejoice every year and gladly join the queue for free ice cream. That’s because the best things in life are free!
[caption id="attachment_4560" align="aligncenter" width="1055"]See you there!
(featured image credit: Popsugar)
新加坡6大学学费调涨 · 永久公民国际学生受影响大
新加坡6所大学將在来临新学年全面上调学费。由于物价上涨等因素，大学面对成本上涨压力，需要通过调整学费，以维持及提升课程及教学的素质。过去七八年来，新加坡大学学费每年上调。最新一轮学费上涨幅度与往年的接近。大学受询时表示，调涨学费是为应付营运成本上涨，並强调將確保有需要的学生获得经济援助。
- 新加坡公民的学费涨幅介于0.3％至4％。而永久居民和国际学生將面对更大的学费增幅。
- 对新加坡学生来说，多数课程学费增幅介於1％至2％，而永久居民和国际学生將面对更大的学费增幅。
- 即使学费上调，政府仍继续为本地大学教育提供显著津贴，新加坡本科生一般支付大学教育的25％费用。
- 国大课程学费涨幅大约介於1％至4％。新加坡新生大多支付比上一届学生多100新元（293令吉）的学费。
- 学费涨幅最大的是医科、牙科和音乐等课程；以来届医科及牙科的新生为例，他们每年比上一届学生支付多1000新元（2936令吉）。
- 对新加坡及永久居民新生来说，护理课程是唯一没上调学费的国大课程。
5所公立大学，即新加坡国立大学、南洋理工大学、新加坡管理大学、新加坡理工大学和新加坡科技设计大学来说，受学费上调影响的是今年入学的新生。在籍学生支付的学费，以入学时的费用为准。
▲ 以南大来说，新加坡新生的学费上调幅度介於约0.6％至1.5％。医科新生的学费涨幅最高，他们比上一届学生支付多500新元（1468令吉）。
▲ 至於新工大的新加坡新生，多数得支付比上一届学生多50新元至60新元（约146令吉至176令吉）的学费，涨幅介於0.3％至0.8％。新工大与美国烹飪学院联合推出的烹飪技术课程是例外，学费將上调210新元（616令吉），涨幅约1.7％。
▲ 以新科大来说，本地新生课程学费增加250新元（734令吉），涨幅约4％。
▲ 另一方面，新跃大学则按学生每个学年修读的单元课程收费，因此所有学生將受学费调整的影响。全日制学士学位课程，学费涨幅约1％；兼读课程的涨幅约3％。
资料来源：东方日报
Singapore’s Very First Hello Kitty Cafe Is Opening In Singapore And It’s 24Hrs!
The wait is finally over.
Singapore’s first ever Hello Kitty Cafe, Hello Kitty Orchid Garden, is opening at Changi Airport Terminal 3 this coming May. And superb news, it’s not a temporary pop-up stall. It’s going to be a permanent cafe — and a 24-hour one at that.
[caption id="attachment_4233" align="alignnone" width="700"]According to Lady Iron Chef, the cafe will be adorned with a complementary mix of flowers and greens that will, no doubt, add a splash of pretty colour to the place. The full menu hasn’t been revealed yet, but word is, we can expect an all-day breakfast meals and desserts with a tinge of local flavour.
[caption id="attachment_4230" align="alignnone" width="700"]Besides satisfying our tummies, the cafe will also feature an exciting range of merchandise like postcards, plush toys, DIY plant kits, and tea blends. Is it just me, or does it feel like Changi Airport wants Hello Kitty fanatics to burn a colossal hole in their pocket?
One might wonder, with the launch of the cafe, does this mean that we’re going to have a Hello Kitty-themed hospital in the not too distant future? Only time will tell.
Hello Kitty Orchid Garden
Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3
Arrival Hall Central #01-22
Opening hours: 24 Hours
Featured image credit: Wikipedia
Also read: Local Food So Atas That Even The Coffeeshop Uncles Also Cannot Recognise!
6 Experiences To Expect When Your School Merges With Another. Fret Not!
School mergers are often a bittersweet experience. Some may view it as a blessing, with new opportunities and experiences waiting for them in a new place, while others may focus on the irreplaceable loss of their favourite things in the previous school.
Indeed, this may resonate with many secondary school students at the present as the local news has reported an extensive merger exercise of twenty-two secondary schools. The exercise will be carried out over the next two years and the mergers are due to a shortage of cohort intakes. There’s definitely plenty of excitement and anticipation among not only the students, but even the teachers as well!
If you’re one of them, you might be caught in a whirl of emotions. Will everything be the same? Will I fit in with the new surroundings? What should I do? Does this new uniform look fat on me?
[caption id="attachment_3735" align="alignnone" width="700"]How A Russian And A Singaporean Met And Are Building A Multi Million Dollar Business Together
Almost 4 years ago, Alexander Danilov, who started a company called Shopster in Russia, had received a grant from Singapore for his company. On top of just receiving the monetary benefits, Alex flew in to Singapore to connect with mentors to get feedbacks on his idea. Back then, Shopster is a mobile location based shopping service and marketing platform for retailers, and the idea seemed ripe for a country like Singapore.
In a highly competitive business world, network is key – knowing the right people can open doors and new opportunities for you. This was what Alex realised when he came to Singapore, and as luck would have it, he had the chance to meet Michael.
“I spoke to Michael, who was a mentor at Ruvento Ventures. He gave me a lot of feedback, and provided huge support, and as we continued to connect and closely work together throughout the following months, we realised that we not only share the similar business vision, but also want to solve similar problems,” Alex told Vulcan Post.
At that point, Michael is the President Asia of Phicomm, and currently has more than 18 years of consulting experience with businesses throughout Asia. He was also actively mentoring Shopster. While working on Shopster, both Michael and Alex found a bigger problem that they are looking to solve – a problem that perhaps a lot of Singaporeans are facing as well – effective and efficient delivery service.
From there, Alex and Michael became full time partners in running Zap Delivery. As we have previously noted, Zap Delivery, is a newly launched on-demand express courier service, which promises to courier your items anywhere in Singapore within 2 hours.
All Great Ideas Solve A Personal Itch
“The idea came from our own experience – there was once, my wife locked herself out of the house, and she wanted to get a locksmith to unlock the door for her. We realised that it would be way cheaper to get someone to pick up the house key from me and get it delivered to her, but the solution was not available then,” Alex shared with Vulcan Post.
After almost one year of research, preparation and making sure that there are available couriers to help customers island wide with their on demand courier requests, Zap Delivery was launched in December 2015, with a network of more than 800 courier partners, all of whom have passed stringent qualification and background checks.
“With this app, we hope to transform and disrupt the way the traditional logistics industry works,” said Michael Tan, co-founder and chief executive officer of Zap Delivery.
A typical courier request works like this: you launch the app, key in your pick up address, key in your destination, and a courier will be on its way to pick up any items and drop it off for you. The app also calculates the delivery cost as soon as the required details are entered, before payment confirmation.
Splitting the Roles
For now, both Alex and Michael are eyeing the multi million dollar courier delivery service in Singapore, all thanks to the rise of e commerce and the on-demand economy. And the logistics sector is ripe for a disruption too. According to the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, Singapore is Asia’s top performer when it comes to global freight forwarding and express carriers.
To tap on this multi million dollar industry boom, Michael takes charge of the company’s growth strategy and investor relations, while Alex is in charge of the operations and execution of the strategy. On a typical day, Michael and Alex keep track of customers’ and couriers’ satisfaction level, and that the company is hitting its growth target.
To stand out in technology superiority, Zap Delivery also feature a patent-pending, authentication technology, which replaces the arbitrary signatures that traditional couriers usually use to confirm delivery receipts. This process ensures that items arrive not only safely, but also to the rightful recipients. Additionally, the app features real-time tracking that allows senders to know the exact location of their items, every step of the way.
Further down the road, Zap Delivery has a few new ideas up its sleeve that they choose not to reveal for now, teasing us that it will truly be groundbreaking.
How ground breaking would it be? We will be keeping you updated on that. In the meantime, if you’d like to get anything delivered for or to you, do check out Zap Delivery.
This article originally appeared on Vulcan Post.
Ghim Moh Market Has Re-Opened, Here’s The Very Best Food That Will Make You Drool!
Rejoice foodie! The Ghim Moh market and food court is finally back after a well deserved face lift. Guess what is the best thing about this comeback? Many of the original stalls that have been around since 1970 are back too! Yes, the chwee kueh aunty will still be serving her signature dish.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCrI4K2R-e9/?taken-at=30224646&hl=en[/embed]Remember how stuffy and humid it got when you took a sip of your favourite fish soup during lunch time at the temporary food centre? We can’t promise you a chilly windy lunch but according to stall owners and residents around that area, ventilation has greatly improved. On top of that, the food centre has also been scrubbed clean of years of grease and grime, and a wider walkway so foodies like us can manoeuvre around with ease.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCZPwYYJQIl/?taken-at=30224646&hl=en[/embed]7 Of The Most Important Things To Consider When Choosing A Credit Card
The fantastic plastics are everywhere, promising you life’s greatest payment convenience. Throw in the travel, living and dining perks, and it all seem so utopic. But are you choosing the right credit card? Are you truly getting more out of it?
To make the best out of all the credit cards out there, do consider these seven things before you sign up for one:
- Get this clear once and for all: there’s no free lunch. ‘Free’ gifts that come along with your new credit card aren’t exactly free. Always read the fine print and understand the minimum expenditure within a stipulated period of time. Think twice before chalking up unnecessary bills (or worse – debt) for that freebie.
- Little things count. That ‘small’ annual card fee is really the biggest fee of all. Call the bank and ask (nicely!) if they can waive the charges. But cards such as the ANZ Travel Visa Signature Card and DBS Altitude Card give away 10,000 free miles upon paying the annual fee. Worth it? It’s your call.
- Extra rewards for overseas spending can come with hefty administrative charges. Also, don’t forget to check currency conversion rates, which is only an app away before you mad-swipe.
- Thinking of getting covered by the complimentary travel insurance that comes with your card? It usually subjects you to pay for your holidays with that very same card. The problem is the coverage may not be up to snuff when stacked against proper travel insurance plans. But cards such as the Citibank PremierMiles card and ANZ Travel Visa Signature Card do offer outstanding coverage. Compare before you sign on.
- If you rely on your plastic to chalk up airmiles for that next holiday to paradise, be sure to check the miles reward system. A dollar for a mile vs a dollar for 1.2 miles, which is better? Seriously, it’s not rocket science.
- .. yes, life has taken a toll on you and a bill is forgotten, but it’s really not the bank’s job to be your financial nanny. A late fee charge is one debt you must avoid incurring. Check the terms and rates, which can change at the bank’s discretion.
- Spare yourself the agony of going through boring brochure-talk. A financial and credit card comparison site like GoBear lists out cards that work harder according to your needs. Just key in your spending habits, salary and ideal reward outcomes, and you’re ready to compare all the benefits.
So you might wonder: why GoBear? Firstly, it’s free and most importantly, the financial metasearch engine gives you an awesome overview of cards with zero advertising from the providers.
It also currently has the widest selection of cards available in Singapore, including cards not often promoted by banks. Last but not least, you get to learn a thing or two on credit card finances from the bear itself.
https://www.facebook.com/GoBearSG/posts/943370912427923:0
From 16th to 19th March, find the GoBear mascot and you could win a pair of tickets to Gold Coast. Follow GoBear on Facebook to see where and when the bear will be giving out bits of financial advice.
This article originally appeared on Vulcan Post.
A Peek At The Very Beautiful Cherry Blossoms In The Flower Dome, You Won’t Want To Miss This!
You no longer have to visit Japan to catch a sight of the lovely cherry blossoms blooming. You’ve heard the news, for the very first time ever, Gardens By The Bay has decided to bring in a variety of cherry and peach blossoms. Talk about having the best of both worlds!
The flowers are exhibited at the Flower Dome. These flowers last for a very short time – only 1 to 2 weeks. Also, half of the sakura trees have already bloomed. Don’t wait too long to visit, you won’t want to miss the beautiful sight!
[caption id="attachment_3838" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]There are all in all, 20 varieties of cherry blossoms on display. Special mention goes to the sakura trees with hanging branches, Prunus Fujishidare, those with striking white flowers, Prunus Yedoenis Yoshino, and those with lovely pale pink blooms, Prunus Accolade. As for peach blossoms, there’s the unusual and very special, Prunus Genpei Shidare, that has flowers of two different colours – red and white – on the very same plant.
[caption id="attachment_3842" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]The whole Flower Dome will be styled after a traditional Japanese garden, complete with a tori gate, Japanese screens and kimono. Perfect for a photo opportunity with your date, parents, children, or anyone whom you’d want to share this special moment with.
[caption id="attachment_3843" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]Gardens By The Bay has really outdone itself this time. This totally beats the previous hot exhibition – Tulipmania. You don’t have to go to Japan just to catch the cherry blossoms anymore!
We can’t be more proud of our very best garden.
Blossom Beats Floral Display
Date: Now till 27 March
Time: 9am – 9pm (last admission 8:30pm)
Tel: 6420 6848
Location: Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, 018953
Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT station
Parking lots available
Admission charges for locals (flower dome only):
Adult: $12
Senior Citizen: $8
Child: $8
We recommend buying your tickets online to avoid the queue. Click here.
For ticket prices and other activities,
Short 3D2N Getaways From Singapore To Make Full Use Of The Long Good Friday Weekend!
Where did January and February go?
We are almost done with the first quarter of the year 2016. In anticipation of the Good Friday long weekend from 25th to 27th March, Discover SG has curated a few 3D2N holidays for your perusal.
From the travel friendly site Expedia, we have sourced South East Asia destinations with round-trip flight from Singapore + weekend hotel stay for you to chill and explore!
BALI, INDONESIA
(Flight duration: 2h 45m)
Rama Beach Resort and Villas www.ramabeachhotel.com
Be it a romantic escape or a rejuvenating trip with your besties, Rama Beach Resort and Villas is a perfect sanctuary for its tranquil environment and privacy. Decorated in contemporary Balinese décor, you can enjoy its pampering spa and an outdoor pool with its signature waterfall.
If you like a little exploration, its convenient location means that it is within walking distance to the hustle and bustle of Kuta. You may visit the famous Lippo Shopping Mall or Waterbom Amusement Family Park.
Price: From S$412*/ person
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
(Flight duration: 1h 55m)
Plantation Urban Resort and Spa www.theplantation.asia
Like what its name suggests, this resort is a place of green paradise, right in the heart of bustling city Phnom Penh. Lounging all day by its gorgeous pool in the full-service cabana can easily be your weekend goal! This boutique hotel also has a wide range of services, from spa, restaurant, fitness room to a luxurious rooftop suite (upgrade required).
Located in the most strategic location, Plantation is just a two-minute walk away from all the ‘must see’ landmarks like Independence Monument, Nation Museum, Royal Pagoda and Royal Palace.
Price: From S$445*/ person
HANOI, VIETNAM
(Flight duration: 3h 20m)
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake www.hanoi.intercontinental.com
Looking over the scenic panorama view of the West Lake, a superb stay at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is guaranteed with first class service. Located away from the city center, the area ‘Old Quarter’ offers a fulfilling experience through a plethora of lakeside activities.
Immerse yourself in local culture, take day trips out to iconic places like 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda, Nha Tho Street, Hom Market and wonders of the 36-street catacomb. There are countless enriching Vietnamese experiences one can encounter in the breathtaking Hanoi.
Price: From S$559*/ person
KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA
(Flight duration: 2h 30m)
Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort
Some Singaporeans may have visited Malaysia more often than our own Sentosa island. Still and all, have you heard about the 5-star paradise of Pantai Dalit Beach on Kota Kinabalu? Enveloped by a placid nature reserve, the Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa echoes magic.
The epitome of splendour, this Malaysian-themed hotel is home to Nature Interpretation Centre; the gateway to Borneo’s wildlife. From jungle walks to nocturnal watching, you can choose to do some horse riding today and deep sea fishing tomorrow. By sunset, be ready to be served by your own private butler in a beachside gazebo with spectacular international cuisine.
Price: From S$660*/ person
KRABI, THAILAND
(Flight duration: 1h 45m)
Pakasai Resort www.pakasai.com
Just a few steps away from Ao Nang, Krabi’s most popular beach, 4-star Pakasai Resort is a haven with its tropical garden setting.With a rooftop freshwater infinity pool overlooking swaying palm trees and coastline, the view from its hill stop location is exquisite. How can any weekend be better than this?
Apart from being close to Krabi’s main shopping and entertainment district, the resort also provides curated tourist packages for experiencing community culture to green exploration. You can even hone or pick up some skills from their Southern Thai cooking class, half day canoe, or learn about the natural wonders of ‘Tha-lane’ grotto.
Price: From S$749* / person
*Prices stated include round-trip flight from Singapore, 2 nights stay, taxes and fees (via Expedia.com) on 1 March, 2016.
With a trip planned out for you, which one will you go for? Get ready to book your tickets, pack your bags, and embark on a rejuvenating weekend getaway!
Also read:
Love drinking and the nightlife scene but can’t seem to find any new places to go? There’s a revolutionary membership club in town, specifically for nightlife connoisseurs like yourself. Expect exclusive drink deals every single day of the week as The Drinking Society connects its members to the best venues and alcohol brands in Singapore. It also guarantees at least 20 free flow drinking events for its members every month. For drinking enthusiasts, that’s a very good deal for a $80/ month membership, we say! How it works: As a registered member, you’ll be invited to RSVP daily to the free flow drinking event. The free flow period is for 2 hours, and only 1 pre-designated alcoholic beverage will be offered. Naturally, for a nightlife and drinks club, the featured watering holes on their website all serve up exquisite drinks, from the sweet to the sexy. Here are some of The Drinking Society’s favourite venues: Casual picks include Bago@Lime House, a relaxing Caribbean lounge that is also the city’s first, Kult Kafe, a colonial-style bar and artsy performance space, and Mambo Beach Club, offering beachfront views and modern coastal cuisine. More drinks for you? Read about the 6 Cheap But Good Spots For Wine Lovers In Singapore. Those who love to party will love featured venues like New Asia Bar, where you can party 71 floors above ground at a bar that’s dubbed one of the 50 best in the world, Berlin Bar, a place where everyone can have a good time with DJs and live music, as well as CANVAS, a creative art space by day that transforms into a full-on nightclub when it gets dark. Looking for more party spots? Check out Food, Booze, and Chill Vibes: 4 Can’t-Miss Parties this March. Even more luxurious picks include Club Meatballs, a designer restaurant with chic interiors and equally chic drinks, and ME@OUE, an upscale gourmet restaurant that boasts panoramic views of the city’s famed Marina Bay skyline. Of course, more exclusive venues will be privy only to The Drinking Society‘s members. This first-of-its-kind club is certainly the perfect fit for alcohol connoisseurs, from vodka lovers to beer enthusiasts. We don’t know about you, but the free flow drinks sound tempting to us!A New Drinking Club Promises Free Flow Booze Every Day!
Image credit: thedrinkingsociety.com[/caption]
Drinks
Bars
Party
Restaurants
