Category: Uniquely Singapore

True Heroes – 4 Invisible Jobs Singaporeans Take For Granted

Most of us Singaporeans are always on the go -we spend long hours at work and school before squeezing in a few hours to spend time with loved ones. Most of us are so wrapped up in our own busy lives that we tend to forget about those who make our lives so much easier.

Here are 4 jobs that are vital to Singapore (and to us Singaporeans), but aren’t getting the appreciation that they deserve!

1. Bus Captains

[caption id="attachment_21548" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Annabelle Law Productions[/caption]

Let’s be honest, we often take bus captains for granted. Think about it: when was the last time you thanked your friendly bus uncle? We might even assume that their job is easy, being that they just need to drive on the same routes day in and out.

Well, it isn’t at all.

Bus captains work long hours – they’re on the clock weekdays, weekends, public holidays rain or shine. Most importantly, they’re in charge of keeping thousands of commuters safe.

Bus captains are even faced with potentially violent situations, such as the three SBS Transit bus captains who were assaulted on New Year’s Eve. While these accidents are far and few in between, they do still occur to local bus captains who are just trying to make a living.

So what are we doing to ensure that our bus captains are getting more recognition?

The National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) has been busy meeting the 4 public bus operators to ensure bus captains get better pay, career progression and benefits.
NTWU was deeply involved in helping bus captains transit to Tower Transit, a newcomer in the Singapore public bus industry:

NTWU negotiated with Go-Ahead to keep their compensation package competitive:

The union also got SBS Transit to increase its gross monthly pay by more than 15%, with sign on bonus of $3,000 for Singaporeans and PRs:

And convinced SMRT to match the employment packages offered by the other public transport operators.

longer than what civil servants get. SBS Transit has also adopted a Progressive Wage Model where , like an extra 95 hours a month! The security sector has the they face, security officers still remain a set for the security industry. Firms also had to ensure that their security officers completed the required NTUC[/caption]

The PWM has been set to not and retaining existing security officers.

The next step is convincing buyers of security contracts to use security assessments so they know what kind of security they need, instead of making security officers work long hours just to show face.

TL;DR: The Progressive Wage Model helps security officers get proper training, a career path and higher pay. But the industry still suffers from , long working hours and were given to construction workers. This does not include across industries, and this includes construction. In Singapore, wages for foreign workers are determined by market demand and supply for labour.

In Singapore, the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) ensures that workers across several industries are working in safe environments. WSHC carries out training and safety awareness campaigns for workers and employers, as well as conduct regular workplace safety inspections.

video source: Yahoo

Organizations like , to

TL;DR: Construction workers face a variety of issues that come with working in Singapore. Organizations such as MWC ensure that migrant workers receive the aid they need.

4. Cleaners

[caption id="attachment_21549" align="alignnone" width="722"] Singapore Kindness Movement [/caption]

Singapore is known around the globe as a clean and green city. Our streets and public buildings are squeaky clean, and it’s hard to find a filthy mall or street full of trash in Singapore.

While we pride ourselves on being one of the cleanest countries in the world, the truth is that all the recognition should be going to the cleaners who work tirelessly to ensure Singapore is clean 24/7.

But how much do cleaners earn?

In June 2015, the median monthly basic wages of full-time resident cleaners was $1,100.

Recently, the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners (TCC) gave three recommendations to improve cleaners’ wages.

The TCC recommended that from 2017 to 2022, wage adjustments and increases, as well as annual bonuses should be enjoyed by those employed in the cleaning industry.

Cleaners can expect a total boost of $200 to their wages from 2017 to 2020. Since annual bonuses currently aren’t mandatory for cleaners, it’s a relief to know that from 2020, cleaners can expect to see a 3% increase in their wages every year till 2022, as well as an annual bonus (equivalent of 2 weeks of wages).

[caption id="attachment_21555" align="alignnone" width="574"] Wage Increase And Annual Bonuses For Cleaners[/caption]

TCC’s recommendations are TL;DR: Cleaners will see an increase in their wages from 2017 to 2022, but what happens after 2022? Will their wages still be held ransom to cheap-sourcing?

Also Read: 4 Jobs That Aren’t As ‘Bulletproof’ As You Once Thought

6 Obvious Ways To Impress Your Future In-Laws This Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is just around the corner and you know what that means – home visits, lots of red packets and even more food! If you’re seeing someone, CNY will also probably be the time that you visit your significant other’s parents. Don’t get the jitters because we’ve got 6 great ways to impress the future in-laws this Lunar New Year.

1) Wear Red To Impress

Okay, this one is easy.

Red, red, and MORE red right? Duh.

It’s a sure win colour. You’ll definitely be well-received if you look like a red ang pao walking through their doors bringing good luck to their family.

2) Bring A Gift

Bring a pair of Mandarin Oranges. That will be obviously expected of you.

If you want to make a super impression, bring awesome gifts or food, like…

a Golden Pineapple Cake

or

a huge Huat Tart

(both from Goodwood Park Hotel)

or a Yu Sheng, so you can Lou Hei together!

We bet they’ll love you after this.

3) Offer To Help

There’s always so much to do and so little help during Chinese New Year.

If your partner’s family is hosting a huge gathering, offer to take out the trash, serve food to relatives, and look useful all the time.

You’ll get compliments in no time!

If you’re invited for an exclusive meeting (just your partner’s immediate family), volunteer to help in other ways – scoop the rice, wash the dishes, and be gentlemanly. You’ll ace the meeting, we promise.

4) Know The Taboos And Superstitions And Avoid Them

We know – there are just SO many Chinese taboos to avoid!

No washing your hair because you’re washing away your good luck, no sweeping the floor because you’re sweeping away your family’s good luck, and the list goes on…

These superstitions are amusing but let’s not take any chances with the future in-laws.

The most applicable taboo this Chinese New Year will probably revolve around meal times.

Well, we all know not to stick our chopsticks in rice because it resembles offerings. But did you know that while eating fish, you should not break any of the fish bones?

There are so many taboos and superstitions, it’s best to check with your other half, so you know what matters to their family.

5) Get Ready To Talk & Interact

We’ll let you in on a secret.

Everyone’s favourite topic is themselves.

So, get rid of all those awkward moments with his/her relatives by asking them about themselves! They’ll be talking non-stop like a machine gun. Just nod your head in approval and listen, in case they ask for your opinion.

6) Lastly, Be Yourself

So cliche but so true!

You shouldn’t claim to be knowledgable about American or Chinese politics just because your partner’s father is.

He’ll see through your lies and lack of knowledge in no time. Better to keep quiet and nod your head than speak and show you’re a fool.

Let your own personality and interest shine through instead.

Wrapping up!

Chinese New Year can be a great opportunity to meet the future in-laws because everyone’s cheerful and happy.

While certain traditions should be adhered to and certain actions should be avoided, do not let them intimidate you. Grab a pair of oranges and put on a smile while you take your relationship to the next level and meet the parents.

If your boyfriend or girlfriend is meeting your parents, don’t forget to share this with them.

Also, read Torikin: Where You Can Indulge In A Uni Hotpot Brimming With Seafood

McDonald’s Puts The Fun Back Into CNY With New Golden Prosperity Burger, Cute Red Packets & Orange Bags!

Reunion dinners are great: You get to spend time with the family, eat great food, and there’s enough leftovers for a whole week. Unfortunately, with the outrageous prices of ingredients, and the long tedious hours of preparations, cooking, and cleaning, hosting a successful reunion dinner can be just so exhausting.

Scouting for places to have the reunion dinner will make you want to pull your hair out. Well, we’ve got a good suggestion. This place will tick all your boxes. Delectable meaningful food, check. Awesome CNY freebies, check. Aircon and great service, you’ve got it.

The place is none other than…McDonald’s! This year, the McDonald’s menu AND the freebies are so awesome, you’ll be tempted to just suggest this preposterous but oh-so-possible idea of having your family’s reunion dinner there!

The Golden Prosperity Burger

Typically, McDonald’s Prosperity Burger offers a perfect harmony of juicy beef, signature black pepper sauce and slivered onions, all in one sesame seed bun.

This year, McDonald’s new Golden Prosperity Burger comes with a bonus golden, crunchy hashbrown. Time for some extra crunching as you bite into this deliciously juicy burger!

Irresistible Sides

To complete your meal, order Prosperity Twister Fries and some sweet BBQ Drumlets.

For dessert, something special has been planned. A Gula Melaka McFlurry^® with Rainbow Bites!

Enjoy the velvety vanilla soft serve swirled with yummy Gula Melaka and crunchy rainbow bites. Yes – it’s truly love at first bite.

Ang Pao Packets & Orange Bags

Still not convinced? With every purchase of a Golden Prosperity extra value meal participating McDonald’s restaurants or via McDelivery, you’ll receive a set of 6 Ang Pao Packets! *Designs may vary.

For $5, you’ll get a super adorable orange bag. These limited edition designs are adorable and useful for the coming week of visitations.

Rather than prepare Bok Choy, Fa Gao, chicken and fish because they symbolise prosperity, why not simply have your reunion dinner with McDonald’s Golden Prosperity Meal? If you’re not keen to head on out, just call McDelivery!

So bring your whole family down to the nearest McDonald’s restaurant, or order with McDelivery to eat in the comforts of your own home. Either way, you can enjoy delicious food at great prices, all while avoiding the time-consuming effort of preparing the Reunion Dinner.

Now you can put your full attention on what really matters this CNY: Spending time with your family.

McDonald’s Chinese New Year 2017
Must-try: Golden Prosperity Burger, BBQ Drumlets, Gula Melaka McFlurry with Rainbow Bites
Must-have: Orange bags and red packets
Date: From 12 January, while stocks last

Information on Orange Bags & Ang Pao Packets

The Prosperity orange bags come in two designs – French Fries and McCafe Frappe. They’re available for purchase at $5 each with any order made via McDelivery and over the McCafe counters. Limited to one orange bag per transaction.

The red packets are available in four designs; French Fries, Big Mac, Sundae, McCafe Frappe. You’ll get a free pack of six with every purchase of a Golden Prosperity Burger Extra Value Meal at all participating McDonald’s restaurants and via McDelivery. Red packet Sundae design is only available at restaurants, while the McCafe Frappe design is only available via McDelivery. However depending on stock availability, designs may be vary. Restaurants not participating are branches at KK Hospital, Parklane Shopping Mall, Lucky Chinatown Point, and Tampines Interchange Kiosk.

Also, read 10 Activities To Do During Chinese New Year That Doesn’t Involve Empty Malls

Top 8 ‘Spoil Market’ Ang Pao Designs Worth Queuing Up For This Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year is all about the amazing festive foods and the family get-togethers you love to hate but it’s also about ANG PAOS! While we can all agree it’s what inside that matters the most, ang pao designs have definitely upped their game in the recent years. We went on a little scavenger hunt to track down this year’s cutest looking ang pao designs!

1. DBS

DBS went all out for their own 2017 ang pao design. Featuring flowers and fans, the cute kids on the ang pao are just the cherry on top of a really sweet treat. Probably one of the few ang pao designs that fills the entire space, DBS has upped the standard for their ang paos.

2. Yellow Octopus 

Local marketing company Yellow Octopus has come up with a more modern and contemporary design for their 2017 ang paos. Mainly featuring yellow, red and splashes of blue this ang pao is perfect if you’re looking for a more sleek ang pao packets to hand out this year.

3. Peel Fresh 

Who knew Peel Fresh churned out their own ang paos? We sure didn’t! Featuring a golden etched ball and a Chinese character that makes up the word ‘Spring’ the simple ang pao design reminds us of a pineapple (or is that just us?)!

4. Popeyes

Popeye’s played up this year’s Rooster year by featuring them on their very own ang pao packets. We must admit they’re insanely cute and check out what they did to the ‘Prosperity’ character. Cute and innovate, WIN!

5. POSB

Family friendly, cute, colourful and featuring POSB’s official mascot, POSB’s ang pao design this year is cute enough to give both kids and umm..much older (single) kids. You can goodbye to multiple ang pao designs because all you really need is THIS ONE.

6. Standard Charterd

Standard Chartered has kept it all traditional this festive season. With gold etched flowers on a simple red background and the Chinese New Year greeting “prosperity will bloom for you in full richness”, do your parents a favour and get this traditional ang pao for them (you might even get a bigger ang pao than expected)!

6. UNIQLO

UNIQLO has kept to its roots this festive season by coming up with a simple Ang Pao design. Featuring a scattering of gold boxes and the Chinese character for ‘Prosperity’, this Ang Pao is a minimalist’s dream!

7. UOB

Featuring geometric shapes, this year’s UOB ang pao design has several roosters adorning the ang baos. The perfect balance of traditional and modern, this year’s UOB ang bao is simple yet colourful enough to grab our attention.

8. McDonald’s

McDonald’s has churned out a series of ang paos featuring their Big Mac, French Fries and Strawberry Sundae. Colourful and very different from your usual red themed ang paos, McDonald’s 2017 ang pao design is already making us crave for their eats!

This festive season uou can finally throw away your boring old red packets and get queuing for these cute and pretty unique ang paos! Which one is YOUR favourite? Let us know in the comments!

(feature image: Kenny Louie)

Also Read: 10 Activities To Do During Chinese New Year That Doesn’t Involve Empty Malls

Rich And Famous, But These 5 Local Artistes Show That Success Is More Than That

Confirm poor. No future. Difficult to succeed. These are thoughts that probably cross your mind when you think about local artistes and the music industry. Well, think again! Despite it being a tough industry to break into, here are 5 of our local artistes who have MADE IT internationally.

That’s right: record deals, multiple albums, tours and the big bucks. These over-achieving local artistes inspire us to dream big and work hard, without sacrificing the truly important things in life.

Let’s take a closer look at the stories of our nation’s 5 shining music stars.

1) JJ Lin

With 12 studio albums (yes, 12!) and 4 world tours tucked under his belt, JJ Lin is one of the most successful local artistes to this date.

Besides playing DOTA, JJ Lin has snagged numerous music awards for singing and song writing from the Golden Melody Awards, Global Pop Awards and the Apple Entertainment music awards.

Though JJ Lin, whose English name is Wayne, is influential (friends with Harlem Yu and A-Mei), he remains humble and very much a family man. He actually invited his mother, father, and brother to perform on stage with him for his Genesis World Tour concert in Singapore.

JJ Lin’s artiste summary
Which record label? Warner Music Taiwan
How rich? According to Forbes, JJ Lin’s net worth was reported to be $50,940,000 in 2016! This makes him the 31st most bankable Chinese Star in the world.
Famous in? Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, America
No. of awards? Over 100
No. of albums released to date? 12
No. of world tours? 4

2) Stefanie Sun

When a singer has her own Madame Tussaud’s wax twin standing in Sentosa, you know she’s made it. Singapore’s Queen of Mandopop has 12 studio albums and sold over 30 million copies of them to date.

Together with notable singers Wang Leehom, Wang Feng and Jane Zhang, she recorded the theme song for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games titled “Light the Passion, Share the Dream”.

The myriad of awards under her name are but the echo of Sun’s spectacular success.

Despite her success, Stephanie Sun remains as tongue-in-cheek and down-to-earth as possible.

When a picture of her looking like an aunty queueing at McDonald’s surfaced, she took the opportunity to show that beauty is more than skin-deep.

Stephanie Sun’s artiste summary
Which record label? Universal Music
How rich? Taiwanese tabloid has reported her as earning up to SGD 1,348,630,404. That makes her a billionaire. But, most of that sum came from her property investments (3 in Singapore), and other property and stock market investments.
Famous in? China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia
No. of awards? 69
No. of albums released to date? 12
No. of World tours? 3

3) Kit Chan

“This is home, truly, where I know I must be..”

Yes, Kit Chan is the songstress of our nation’s favourite NDP song, Home!

She also happens to be an extremely successful singer with 14 albums (she released her latest album just this year) and has set up her very own record label, Banshee Empire.

Chan’s ability to sing in Mandarin, Cantonese and English has propelled her to perform in many parts of Asia, the United States, Hong Kong, and even New Zealand.

Further, she was given the title of Singapore’s “national treasure” for good reasons. Ever since she debuted in 1993, she has displayed the multiplicity of her many talents – in singing, theatre, television drama, poetry, song writing, and entrepreneurship (she runs two floral boutiques in Singapore: Flowers in the Attic and Roses in the Loft).

As if that wasn’t enough, Kit Chan was continually involved in community involvement projects – as ambassadors for National Youth Council, National Heritage Board, and relief organization “World Vision”.

Kit Chan’s artiste summary
Which record label? Banshee Empire (Her own company)
How rich? Definite Millionaire
Famous in? China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore
No. of awards? 9
No. of albums released to date? 25
No. of World tours? –

4) A-Do

You wouldn’t believe it, but A-Do (Do Cheng Yi) started out as a humble construction worker right here in Singapore. He was scouted by local producer Billy Koh in a talent search audition. Everything in his life changed after that. A-Do was propelled to astounding fame across Asia when he released his first album in 2002.

While his life story sounds like it came right out of the movies, there is no mistaking how talented and successful this local singer is. A-Do is famed for his unique husky vocals which won him over 20 awards to date.

He is adored for his bashful personality and modest demeanour, especially among his Chinese fans. In spite of his wealth and success, he drives a small Honda, is still best buddies with his former construction colleagues, and is afraid to get on an airplane, as reported by  Image Credits: MMIA[/caption]

Chua is also effectively bilingual, which has enabled her to release 10 Chinese and 4 English albums thus far. In fact, bilingualism is but one of her many musical talents.

She has written and produced a number of songs for prominent singers like Fish Leong, Stefanie Sun, and S.H.E.

Tanya Chua has been praised as a “musician”, not just a mere “performer” by the widely-revered Taiwanese producer and songwriter Jonathan Lee because of her profound musical abilities.

Unwilling to settle for karaoke-friendly ballads, she continues to learn and explore music and song-writing. Rather than write songs for the market, she aims to keep her music fresh, creative, and real. Her passion and courage to go against the grain, take risks and seek growth makes her not just admirable, but also inspirational.

Tanya Chua’s artiste summary
Which record label? Asia Muse
How rich? Possible millionaire
Famous in? China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore
No. of awards? 8
No. of albums released to date? 18
No. of World tours? 1

Singapore may be a small country but it has nevertheless produced some BIG talents in the music industry. Even the biggest and brightest of names had to start from humble beginnings, like A-Do, before working their way up. All while maintaining close bonds with their loved ones like JJ Lin, or declaring their love for our home country in an NDP song like Tanya Chua and Stefanie Sun!

Indeed, these 5 individuals are role models for us all, and remind us that success is not all about the glitz and glamour, but remembering the things closest to our hearts.

Also, read 10 Places To Fly Your Drone For Amazing, Never Seen Before Photos Of Singapore