Author: Jack Wong

How anxiety and workplace culture shape decisions about taking a sick day.The debate over taking medical leave (MC) has taken on renewed intensity recently. The Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a circular raising concerns about the "excessive issuance" of MCs, suggesting that some workers may be abusing their medical leave privileges. The implication? Workers taking …

Frustrated applicant cites age bias and gender preference in marketing roles as key barriers.SINGAPORE: A young Singaporean in his late twenties has shared his frustrations about the challenges of securing a job despite sending out close to 300 applications over two months.Posting on the online forum r/askSingapore on Monday (July 15), he questioned whether he …

Potted plants, furniture, and cluttered corridors raised fire safety concerns even after the removal of a wooden sauna structure.SINGAPORE: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is taking enforcement action following the discovery of fire safety violations at a Serangoon Central Housing Board flat where a sauna structure previously stood.The sauna, which had gone viral on …

Recurring controversies in athlete selection highlight systemic flaws that undermine trust in Singapore’s sports governance.SINGAPORE: Just days ago, veteran swimmer Quah Ting Wen was packing her bags for Paris, anticipating what would have been her final Olympic swansong. Quah, alongside the Sim sisters, had recently made history by qualifying for Singapore’s first-ever Olympic relay event …

Revamped regulations in Singapore spark frustration, while Hong Kong attracts high-net-worth individuals with tax incentives and residency programs.SINGAPORE: Hong Kong is once again becoming a preferred destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from mainland China, reversing a recent trend where political unrest and regulatory changes prompted many to relocate to Singapore.According to The Edge Singapore, data …

The Constitutional Court seeks additional evidence in a case that could potentially unseat Thailand's prime minister.BANGKOK: Thailand's Constitutional Court announced on Wednesday (Jul 10) that it will hold the next hearing for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal case on July 24, as it reviews further evidence and summons additional individuals.The court previously stated that a …

The end of nearly two centuries of horse racing leaves a generation of seniors grappling with the loss of community, routine, and purpose.SINGAPORE: Cheers erupt from the grandstands of the Singapore Turf Club every half hour as aging punters cheer on their chosen horses. “Zao! (Run), Sa Ho! (Number Three),” they shout in Hokkien, fists …

Efforts extend beyond high-net-worth individuals to include next-gen entrepreneurs and family office principals fostering growth in the local economy.SINGAPORE: Singapore is intensifying its efforts to attract not only high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) but also future industry leaders, including next-generation entrepreneurs, family office principals, and fast-growth company founders. These initiatives are part of the broadened Global Investor …

The state investor posted a 1.6% annual shareholder return, rebounding from last year’s negative 5.07%.SINGAPORE: Temasek Holdings reported a S$7 billion increase in its net portfolio value, reaching S$389 billion as of March 31, 2024. The growth was driven by strong returns from investments in the U.S. and India, offsetting underperformance in China.The state investor …

Lawrence Tai proves that retirement isn’t a requirement, embarking on a new business venture fueled by passion and purpose.SINGAPORE: Lawrence Tai, a 75-year-old entrepreneur, starts his day at 3:45 AM with a routine that includes stretching, preparing breakfast, and working an 11-hour shift delivering liquid soap across Singapore. After four decades in this business, he …