SINGAPORE: A man in his 20s recently shared that his strict parents, who take 15% of his salary every month, expect him to buy a home by the time he turns 35.

In a post on the r/asksg subreddit on Sunday (Apr 26), he shared his fears, saying he does not have enough money to fulfil his parents’ wishes.

“I don’t have enough money to buy a house at 35,” he said. “I feel like my life is screwed. I’m already prepared to sleep on the streets at night.”

He then elaborated on the main reasons he has been unable to build up savings.

He recalled that when he was younger, his parents never allowed him to develop financial independence. When he needed food, he said they would “buy the food for him” instead of “giving him pocket money.”

During his polytechnic years, his parents forbade him from taking on any part-time work, limiting his ability to earn or manage his own finances. “I literally had $0 in my bank account until I started my first full-time job.”  

At age 20, after graduating from polytechnic, he said his parents pushed him straight into full-time work, as, according to him, “they didn’t want him to go to university.”

Even after he started working, he said control over his finances remained largely in their hands. His salary was deposited into a bank account managed by his parents.

“My parents have full control over the bank account where my salary goes. I also have the password and stuff, so I can log in to see the balance, but every month, my parents will log in and transfer 15% of my salary to their own bank account.”

He added that because his parents were strict about spending and limited his social life when he was younger, he later found himself overspending on experiences and items he had missed out on, such as going to Halloween Horror Nights and buying things he had previously been denied.

At 22, he said his parents pressured him to resign from his job. “The worst thing is, there were people at work who cared about me, but I was dealing with too many family issues. I didn’t have the capacity to tell people at work that I was being pressured, and I wanted to stay.”

He has remained unemployed since then. 

Despite this, he said his parents continue to stress that he needs to buy his own home by 35, something he now feels is increasingly out of reach.

“Stop giving them access for a start.”

His post drew concern from other Singaporean Redditors, many of whom urged him to take steps toward financial independence.

One commenter suggested opening a new bank account at a different bank and arranging for his salary to be credited there instead. “Just have HR transfer the money to the new account. Then, once you have enough, please further your education. A private uni or whatever niche courses are ok,” they wrote.

“Lastly, and I say this with a lot of concern, please have a good therapist. It must be stifling and traumatic growing up with these people.”

Another advised him to leave home as soon as he is able to. “Yes, you are screwed. You are their backup plan for their retirement age, not their child. I don’t know how old you are right now, but you need to walk away from them. As a legal adult, nobody can force you to do what you don’t want to do unless you let them.”

A third user criticised his parents, writing, “Them transferring money into their own account is absolutely disgusting and not normal. Stop giving them access for a start. I know the job market sucks now. But do continue trying to get a job and don’t give up. Time to start being an adult. You can’t change the past, and what’s done is done.”

In other news, a woman confessed on social media that she is starting to feel anxious about the future of her marriage, as she and her husband are still living apart a year after their wedding.

She shared on the r/askSingapore forum on Saturday (April 25) that she only stays over at her husband’s place “one to two times a week.”

Read more: ‘Husband co-owns flat with mum’: Woman says living together not possible, asks for advice

This article (Man says parents take 15% of his pay, leaving him unable to save for a home) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

The United States is offering a reward of up to US$10 million (S$12.7 million) for information about the Tai Chang Scam Centres in Myanmar.

This was first announced on April 23, when the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs said that the reward would be offered under the country’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program for “information leading to the seizure or recovery of funds involved in money laundering related to scams” operated out of the s`cam centres.

The endeavour is being carried out in support of the Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force, which was formed in 2025 to target scam operations, recover stolen assets, and prevent further victimisation.

The announcement underlined that Southeast Asia’s transnational criminal organisations have increasingly been targeting victims in the United States via large-scale cyber scam operations. It has been estimated that more than US$7.2 billion (around S$9.2 billion) was lost last year due to these scam operations.

It added that Tai Chang, which is located in Myanmar’s Karen State, is a series of compounds conducting online fraud schemes, in particular, cryptocurrency investment fraud. The coordinates for the compounds were identified here.

Cryptocurrency investment fraud, also known as “pig butchering,” is one of the fastest-growing and most damaging forms of cybercrime.

Investigations carried out by the FBI have historically included tracing proceeds from funds as well as endeavours to recover the money victims have lost. As more and more criminals hold these funds in cryptocurrency, seizing digital assets “has become a powerful tool for disrupting criminal operations,” the statement said.

The US$10 million reward offer encourages the public to disclose information leading to further financial disruptions.

Two Chinese nationals who ran a scam compound in Burma and endeavoured to open another one in Cambodia were recently charged in the US, whose authorities seized a Telegram channel that was used in recruiting human trafficking victims to a scam compound in Cambodia. They also seized 503 fraudulent web domains that had been used in perpetrating cryptocurrency investment fraud.

Additionally, the US Treasury Department also announced sanctions against Cambodian senator Kok An, who is said to control scam compounds across the country, along with 28 individuals and entities in his network.

On April 30 (Thursday), it was announced that the  a coordinated government effort to combat cryptocurrency investment fraud focusing on the Tai Chang Scam enterprise would be partly led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Diego, together with international partners such as the FBI Legal Attaché in Bangkok, and supported by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia through its Scam Center Strike Force

US authorities have taken several actions against the network, including seizing a malicious website that impersonated a legitimate investment firm and tricked victims into downloading harmful software used to steal their funds. /TISG

Read also: US seizes scam site tied to Myanmar compound, a wake-up call for Southeast Asia’s expanding crypto fraud problem

This article (US offers S$12.7 million reward for information on Myanmar’s Tai Chang scam centers) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s job market is still growing, but the pace has eased with fresh figures from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) showing total employment rose by 5,000 in the first quarter of 2026, down from the sharp 17,700 increase in the previous quarter.

The slowdown comes as businesses grow more cautious, with hiring expectations dropping and fewer firms planning to raise wages in the near term. This adjustment shows a more extensive economic uncertainty, including ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Growth continues, but at a slower pace

Despite the softer quarter, the bigger picture remains steady. Singapore has now seen employment growth for 18 consecutive quarters.

MOM’s data shows that Q1’s increase was still stronger than the same period last year, when employment rose by 2,300. The ministry attributed the slower pace partly to seasonal factors, such as reduced construction activity during the Chinese New Year period.

After adjusting for these seasonal effects, job growth still outpaced last year, though it didn’t match the strong gains seen at the end of 2025.

Both residents and non-residents saw employment gains, with resident hiring being strongest in transport, storage, and administrative support roles. Non-resident hiring in construction continued, but growth slowed.

Unemployment and retrenchments stay stable

There was little change in unemployment. Overall rates edged up slightly in March, but remained close to December levels.

Resident unemployment held at 2.9 per cent, while citizen unemployment ticked up slightly to 3.1 per cent.

Retrenchments also stayed steady. About 3,700 workers were laid off in Q1, similar to the previous quarter. Most cases were linked to business restructuring rather than sudden closures or downturns. This suggests companies are still adjusting their operations, rather than reacting to a sharp economic shock.

Hiring sentiment drops sharply

The more telling shift lies in employer sentiment. The share of firms planning to hire in the next three months fell to 44.6 per cent in March, down from 54.6 per cent in February. Wage increase expectations also dropped, from 39.3 per cent to 25.4 per cent.

MOM noted that while there are early signs of stabilisation in April, sentiment has yet to recover to earlier levels. In simple words, companies are still hiring, but they are thinking twice before expanding aggressively.

Mid-career workers are encouraged to upgrade their skills

For job seekers, the market remains open, but competition may tighten. The steady unemployment rate suggests there is still demand for workers. However, slower hiring plans mean fewer new openings in the months ahead.

Fresh graduates may feel this shift more sharply. MOM pointed to schemes like the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) as a way to gain experience when full-time roles are harder to secure.

Mid-career workers are also being encouraged to upgrade their skills. Programmes such as the Career Conversion Programme, the Mid-Career Pathways Programme, and the new SkillsFuture Workforce Development Grant (Job Redesign+) remain central to the government’s approach.

Workers who stay adaptable will be in a better position

Singapore’s labour market is moving from a strong post-pandemic recovery into a more measured phase, so growth remains, but the pace is normalising.

At the same time, external risks are creeping in. Global tensions and softer business outlooks are starting to shape hiring decisions.

For Singaporeans, however, the job market is now walking at a steadier pace. There is no crisis here, but there is a signal. Workers who stay adaptable will be in a better position. Companies that invest in skills and productivity will likely hold up better.

So growth is still happening, just not as fast. This calls for steady moves, instead of panic.

Read related: MOM: AI is complementing jobs, not displacing labour in Singapore

This article (MOM: Singapore job growth slows in Q1 2026 as hiring outlook weakens) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

MALAYSIA: The trial of former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is ongoing, and this week, it took a different turn with a prosecution witness admitting that the party president and the political party were two different entities, and the party’s property does not belong to its leader.

Testifying in Muhyiddin’s power abuse and money laundering trial, banker Norazeanti Miswan was grilled by the defence counsel on several matters.

Muhyiddin faces seven charges in total, four of which are for using his position to obtain RM225.3 million ($72.5 million) in bribes linked to the Jana Wibawa project. The bribes were allegedly obtained from three companies, namely Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd, and Mamfor, as well as Datuk Azman Yusoff, for the party.

Three of the charges are for receiving RM200 million in proceeds from unlawful activities from Bukhary Equity, which were deposited into Bersatu’s Ambank and CIMB accounts.

During the cross-examination, the assistant branch manager at Bank Muamalat Malaysia, Norazeanti, also agreed with the defence that, despite being flagged as suspicious, transactions totalling RM19.5 million, which were channelled from a local construction firm to the former PM’s political party, were approved.

She responded to defence attorney Amer Hamzah Arshad’s question regarding the internal red flags raised over the volume and frequency of funds, which were given by Mamfor Sdn Bhd to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) from May 12, 2021, to November 16, 2022; they were not given to Muhyiddin Yassin.

The defence also pointed out that there were cover letters from the company addressed to the party’s treasurer, informing them of the incoming donations.

A copy of the letter was forwarded to the bank. Therefore, he said there was full transparency and nothing to hide. The witness agreed.

He also highlighted that the letters were not addressed to his client, who is Bersatu’s president.

This is when the witness also agreed that the party president and the political party were two different entities, and the party’s property does not belong to its leader.

Amer Hamzah asked: “A contribution to Bersatu is not a contribution to Muhyiddin. In fact, [Muhyiddin] can’t claim that the contribution is his?”, to which Norazeanti replied Yes.

Norazeanti also agreed when Amer Hamzah asked, “Unusual transaction doesn’t [necessarily] mean unlawful transactions?”

“Just because there are internal Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), we can’t assume it is unlawful activity?” Hamzah followed up, and Norazeanti responded, “Correct.”

During her testimony on Tuesday (April 28), the prosecution witness testified that internal STRs were issued on all the company’s transactions (ranging from RM500,000 to RM2 million to the party), among others, as they were not in line with the nature of the company’s business.

On Wednesday, the prosecution witness said there were other transactions by the company which were flagged and that it was normal for construction companies to transact in substantial sums.

The defence lawyer asked if there were other transactions issued [questionable activity reports]? The witness said yes and agreed with the lawyer that such a company will be flagged with the STR as a safety measure for large transactions.

She further agreed that it was the prerogative of any individual or entity to spend their legitimate earnings as they deem fit, while the defence lawyer asked if donating was an offence.

This article (Prosecution witness says money wired to party not to ex-Malaysian PM) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: An Indonesian worker who’s currently earning S$6,000 a month took to Reddit to ask locals if “working from 9 am to 11 pm almost every day is actually normal in Singapore.”

The 30-year-old wrote on the r/askSingapore forum that they’ve been operating on a punishing schedule of up to 14 hours a day and have even been putting in hours on weekends.

“I keep telling myself it’s just ‘startup life’ or ‘SG hustle culture,’ but I honestly can’t tell anymore if I’m getting a normal experience or getting cooked.”

They explained that they moved to Singapore some time ago for a creative role at a tech company, where they handle a mix of video editing, AI content production, prompt engineering, and motion graphics.

“I genuinely like the work,” they said, but admitted that their routine has started to feel a bit draining. Most days are just work, then home, then sleep, on repeat. They added that they can go an entire weekend without speaking to anyone face-to-face, and it has made them realise how much they miss having a proper social circle.

“What does a reasonable workload actually look like for someone in a creative/production role here?” they asked others.

“Also, [do you have] any recommendations for communities, meetups, hobby groups, or hangout spots? An Indonesian community would be nice, but honestly, I’m open to anything—sports, board games, art stuff, expat groups, whatever’s chill.”

Regarding pay, they asked locals what the salary benchmark would be for someone in their role.

“I have zero idea what the going rate is in SG, and I don’t want to lowball myself the next time pay comes up. I was promised to get increment if I can achieve my boss expectations (but there is no contract to it), and it really is tiring to work, sleep, work, sleep nonstop. It’s nice to know there is a future for me, but it’s a bit scary to not have any fixed guarantee to it. If anyone’s in a similar lane or hires for one, I would love a ballpark.”

“14 hours is crazy.”

Many were shocked by the post author’s demanding work schedule, with several commenters saying it is “definitely not normal” in the country and calling the conditions unsustainable.

“I apologise for the treatment you receive in Singapore. These are unhealthy work hours. You can look for another job,” one comment read.

“A 14-hour workday for S$6k is way under the norm. That’s similar to earning S$3.5k if you work a typical 8-hour workday. Are there any RSU (restricted stock unit)? If not, that’s just mad,” another chimed in.

“14-hour days is not startup hustle, that’s just exploitation, lah. If they’re not paying you at least S$4-5k for that grind, you’re basically subsidising the company,” a third wrote.

“14 hours is crazy. I remember I did 15-16 hours per shift for conscription service, and a lot of people went crazy. So you better take it easy. Maybe you can get yourself into Pokémon and One Piece TCG. There are a lot of trade shows too. You need to enjoy yourself; if not, your long working hours will not do you any good in the long run,” a fourth added.

Some users, however, pushed back, saying such working hours are more common than people think in certain industries.

“Super common. It’s very normal to work 10-11 hrs per day and weekends too. In particular, if you are not Singaporean/PR because you can’t just quit a bad job,” one said.

“I’m not at all advocating it, but the hours are normal. And the thing is, the more creative professionals here ask to be paid, the higher the likelihood companies begin looking for remote talent they only have to pay a third to half your salary for. It’s already happened where I work. Friends in other organisations can concur,” another commented.

In other news, a man is seeking advice online after his mother, who “chased him out of their home” in 2024, is now demanding that he financially support both her and his father.

Detailing his dilemma on a local forum, he shared that his relationship with his mother had already been strained long before he was forced to leave.

Read more: ‘She chased me out’: Man says mum now demands financial support years later

This article (‘14 hours is crazy’: Worker earning S$6K questions long work hours in Singapore) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Countries in Southeast Asia are now in the middle of the hottest time of the year, and 2026 is promising to be hotter and more humid than usual.

However, for workers used to retreating to air-conditioned offices to escape the heat, this year’s energy-saving measures are making working conditions less comfortable.

So hot this year

This summer in Vietnam, temperatures in the northern and central provinces, which include Hanoi, have gone above 42°C, and in Thailand, the situation is even more intense.  The heat index, which measures humidity along with temperature, has consistently reached 50°C. Meanwhile, parts of the Philippines experienced a heat index of 46°C.

In Malaysia and Singapore, the situation isn’t quite so dire, although temperatures in Kedah, Perak, and Perlis have been between 37°C and 39°C for some weeks now. The government of Singapore said at the beginning of April that there is a low risk of heatwave for the city-state, though temperatures may reach past 35°C on rare days of lower cloud cover.

A heatwave is declared in Singapore when temperatures reach a maximum average of 35°C for three days in a row, with an average daily mean temperature for this period at least 29°C. 

More generally, heatwaves are defined by a succession of days when the nights do not cool down enough to give people’s bodies time to recover, and in areas of high humidity, even relatively lower temperatures may be considered part of a heat wave.

Raise the thermostat, save fuel

The heat, which scientists expect to grow more intense from mid to late 2026 due to a “Super El Niño,” unfortunately, comes at a time when governments in Southeast Asia are trying to save energy, including adjusting temperatures on office air-conditioners. Raising the set point on the thermostat of air-conditioning units by 1 degree Celsius is cited as providing around 6% energy savings.

In Southeast Asia, which has found itself as the canary in the coal mine of a global fuel crisis due to the war in the Middle East, this is not making life easier for office workers amid the summer heat.

Singapore’s official agencies have set their air conditioners to 25°C or higher, and during off-peak hours, light and lift operations have been reduced.

The Malaysian government mandated that air-conditioners be set at 24°C or higher, although it also implemented a work-from-home scheme for civil servants in administrative hubs that began on April 15. Dress codes have also been relaxed to help keep workers cooler.

In Thailand, meanwhile, where officials have been encouraged to wear more casual clothes, public sector offices have been ordered to set their air conditioners between 26-27°C.

The Philippines set a four-day workweek in some government offices to reduce power usage, and government offices have been told to set air-conditioners to at least 24°C. /TISG 

Read also: WP MP He Ting Ru shares what Sengkang is doing to cope with Singapore’s heat

This article (Warmer air-conditioning amid summer heatwave is making it hard for Southeast Asian workers) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE/MALAYSIA: Travelling between Singapore and Johor is about to get easier, as from May 4, licensed cross-border taxis can drop passengers at any location in Singapore and at main locations across Johor, including Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai.

The change, announced on April 30 by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and its Malaysian counterpart, removes a long-standing limitation that forced passengers to alight only at fixed terminals. It also brings ride-hailing into the mix, with GrabCar becoming the first operator licensed to run cross-border trips.

Exciting updates and changes on May 4

The biggest update and most exciting part is that you no longer need to plan your journey around terminals. Licensed taxis can now:

• Drop off passengers anywhere within the approved zones

• Operate through ride-hailing platforms like GrabCar

• Offer more vehicle types, including six-seaters for groups

Pick-ups, however, remain controlled, and foreign taxis can only pick up passengers at designated points in the other country. This keeps them from competing with local taxis on domestic routes.

New pick-up spots include areas near VivoCity, Century Square and Joo Koon in Singapore, and Toppen Shopping Centre, Mid Valley Southkey Mall and Angsana Mall in Johor.

Making travel smoother between Singapore and Malaysia

For years, cross-border taxis could only drop passengers at either the Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore or the Larkin Terminal in Johor. This created friction in travel convenience, so many travellers turned to unlicensed drivers offering door-to-door rides.

The new change in travel journeys targets that exact problem. By allowing legal taxis to complete full journeys, authorities are trying to:

• Reduce illegal transport services

• Protect licensed drivers’ income

• Improve convenience for daily commuters and families

LTA chief executive Ng Lang said the updated goal is to improve connectivity and make travel smoother between the two countries.

Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency director-general Ahmad Radhi Maarof presented it as part of an ongoing effort to ease movement across the Causeway, a route that remains one of the region’s busiest land borders.

More taxis and bigger vehicle service added

Both countries will add 100 more taxis each, bringing the total to 300 per side. The plan is to eventually scale up to 500. The extra quota will focus on larger and premium vehicles. This caters to:

• Families travelling together

• Business travellers needing more comfort

• Groups carrying luggage

Fares remain fixed for street-hail trips from terminals: from Singapore, prices start at S$80 for a standard four-seater and go up to S$180 for premium vehicles. Extra charges apply for longer trips.

GrabCar got the first cross-border ride-hail licence

LTA awarded the first cross-border ride-hail licence to GrabCar for three years starting April 30. The authority said Grab met the requirements on:

• Vehicle identification

• Cross-border insurance coverage

• Safeguards against illegal local trips

Other operators can still apply, but for now, Grab has a head start. Below are the guardrails for travel service operators:

• Taxis must carry at least one passenger when entering the other country

• Vehicles must be under 10 years old

• Malaysian taxis entering Singapore must install the ERP2 onboard unit

• Drivers who break rules risk losing their licences

These controls are to balance convenience with enforcement.

A practical experience for daily commuters

For regular travellers, the experience will reduce policy concerns and provide more travel time instead. No more switching cars at terminals. No more negotiating with informal vehicle drivers. The journey now becomes one continuous, exciting ride.

The travel experience also signals that cross-border journeys are no longer treated as a special case but are being folded into everyday transport systems. This is a practical fix for a long-standing travel annoyance, as it reduces friction without opening the floodgates to unregulated competition.

If enforcement holds and more operators join, this could become the default way people move across the Causeway. The next real test is whether commuters stop looking for shortcuts because the official option finally works.

This article (Cross-border taxis can now drop off passengers anywhere in Singapore and Johor from May 4) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A woman has come under fire online after describing her own boyfriend as “unromantic” for not surprising her with “just because” flowers.

In a post shared on the r/sgdatingscene subreddit on Saturday (Apr 25), she opened up about wanting more spontaneous and thoughtful gestures in her relationship. She said that, as a woman, she hopes her boyfriend would occasionally do things like buy her flowers for no particular reason, pick up small gifts simply because he was thinking of her, or make last-minute plans just because he wanted to see her.

“I wish my boyfriend could buy me just-because flowers,” she wrote. “It sucks to date an unromantic guy.”

According to her, this was not an unspoken expectation or something she had kept to herself. She shared that she had already told her boyfriend directly that she wished he would be “more romantic” and had made it clear that she loves receiving flowers. Despite that, she said there had been little to no change in his behaviour.

After laying out her frustrations, she turned to the online community for their views, asking, “Is romance dead? Ladies/men, what are your thoughts/experiences on this issue of mine?”

“To me, this is just some dopamine, which will fade over time.”

 In the discussion thread, one Singaporean pointed out that romance is not a one-size-fits-all approach and can show up in different ways. “Romance comes in different languages and can be expressed differently,” they wrote. “Also, have you done the same for him?”

Another female user chimed in, saying that the post author “should not jump to conclusions” because her boyfriend might just be busy.

“Sometimes they are so caught up with work, exhaustion, problems in life, etc., that such thoughts don’t come by, especially when daily life is quite overwhelming for most people. Maybe you bring him flowers instead as a surprise, because men don’t generally get flowers as compared to us girls. It’s quite sad, actually.”

A third pointed out, “Just because flowers are supposed to be just because flowers, just because gifts are supposed to be just because gifts. If you’re expecting them, then it’s not just because it already is, is it? Yes, it will be nice to receive, but you can’t complain if you don’t. Because if you do, then to you it’s clearly not just because already. Romance is not dead. Your expectation/idea of romance might be.”

A fourth user commented, “In my opinion, you’re probably kind of ‘young’ in the relationship. To me, this is just some dopamine, which will fade over time. I am not judging you. A mature relationship will find romantic moments through small little things in the relationship. It’s probably good to let him know what you really love. If he still cannot fulfill, you already know the answer. Good luck!”

In response to all the criticism, the post author said: “Thank you for all the different perspectives, guys. Gift-wise on my part, I do all the things I’ve said I want to be reciprocated with. I did the communication and the action already.”

In other news, questions over whether children owe their parents financial transparency have resurfaced after a 28-year-old woman said her decision to withhold her salary left her parents “upset.”

Writing on the r/asksg forum, she shared that her parents had long made a habit of asking about her pay whenever she started a new job.

Read more: ‘My parents got upset when I refused to share my salary’: 28-year-old sets boundary and seeks advice online

This article (‘Is romance dead?’ Woman slammed after calling BF unromantic over ‘just-because’ flowers) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Weighing in on the controversy over the lack of Halal certification for Singapore Airlines’ Muslim meals, former People’s Action Party politician Amrin Amin has admitted that there is “no perfect solution” while urging people to refrain from labelling those with concerns.

The controversy erupted after a netizen asked whether SIA reheats Muslim meals in the same ovens it uses for non-Halal fare. The national carrier clarified that its Muslim meals are not halal-certified, despite being prepared using ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers. Attributing the lack of certification to onboard handling procedures, the airline acknowledged that meals are reheated alongside other dishes in shared ovens, and that serviceware is not separated by meal type.

As criticism mounted online, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) noted in a statement that food labelled “not halal-certified” does not necessarily mean it is non-halal.

The council explained that Muslim meals on SIA flights departing Singapore are prepared in halal-certified kitchens before being loaded onto aircraft, and that onboard processes involve reheating and handling rather than cooking.

MUIS added that airlines typically have measures in place to reduce the risk of cross-mixing, such as sealed packaging and appropriate handling procedures. It encouraged passengers to check with airlines directly if they have concerns, and suggested bringing their own food as an alternative if needed.

Amid the debate, Mr Amrin said he understands why the issue has elicited strong reactions, but asked those weighing in to avoid labelling those who have raised concerns.

He was referring to a viral post by interfaith advocate Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib, who had said the issue was “frankly, embarrassing” to him as a Muslim.

Mr Imran drew a distinction between inclusivity and entitlement, arguing that SIA’s provision of Muslim meal options reflects inclusivity, while insisting that halal certification crosses into entitlement. He noted that the airline had already made clear that its ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers.

“To further question this is no longer a question of food but one’s attitude and trust,” he wrote, adding that Muslim passengers who remain uncertain can choose not to consume the meals.

He also criticised calls for separate microwaves for halal and non-halal food, describing such demands as “annoyingly puritanical”, “misplaced” and “ignorant”.

Disagreeing with such labels, Mr Amrin wrote, “I have read various views, and I feel it is not helpful to label people as ‘entitled’ or ‘puritanical’ simply because they ask for more assurance. For many, this comes from sincere religious conviction, not from a desire to make demands.

“At the same time, we should be clear about what SIA is saying. A ‘Muslim meal’ on SIA is prepared without pork, lard or alcohol, and the ingredients are obtained from halal-certified suppliers. That is a meaningful level of assurance. It may not meet every individual threshold, but it is not without basis.”

Mr Amrin also highlighted the operational realities airlines face, noting that aircraft cabins are “constrained environments” where food is prepared on the ground, loaded onto flights and reheated onboard. Given these limitations, he said, there are practical limits to what can be done during a flight.

Drawing comparisons with other dietary requirements, he noted that SIA also provides kosher meals, which are prepared and sealed by certified kitchens before being loaded onto aircraft. In such cases, assurance is derived largely from sourcing and packaging on the ground, rather than from having separate equipment onboard.

He suggested that similar approaches could help balance different needs in a shared environment. These may include using sealed or double-wrapped meals to minimise the risk of contamination during reheating, offering cold meal options that do not require heating, or allowing passengers to use disposable utensils or bring their own.

“Accommodation is possible, but it has to be practical,” he said, adding that such measures reflect how airlines manage diverse dietary requirements within operational constraints.

Mr Amrin also noted that these issues are not unique to air travel, pointing out that similar challenges arise on the ground in shared catering environments. Efforts to accommodate one group’s dietary needs, he said, can sometimes raise concerns for others with different religious requirements, making it difficult to draw clear lines in a diverse society.

Ultimately, he said, “there is no perfect solution”, encouraging a balanced approach where individuals make choices based on their own comfort levels. Passengers who are satisfied with the available assurances can opt for the meals provided, while those who are not may consider alternatives such as bringing their own food or abstaining.

Calling for a more constructive tone, Mr Amrin said the conversation should continue “calmly and respectfully”, with recognition of good-faith efforts on all sides while allowing space for differing perspectives.

This article (Ex-PAP MP admits there’s ‘no perfect solution’ as SIA confirms Muslim meals are not halal-certified) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: In the sphere of vending machines, getting a couple of spritzes of designer perfume is just the latest in a long line of unusual products.

Hey, visitors to Singapore are still thrilled to get freshly-squeezed orange juice, and marvel that they can get luxury cars, Japanese cakes in cans, tele-consultations, and hot meals from vending machines.

But let’s talk perfumes, shall we?

Last month, machines from a company called Scentphony at the Marina Square, Downtown East and Bukit Panjang Plaza shopping centers introduced vending machines where you can get two sprays of designer perfume for the extremely reasonable price of S$1.

There will be five types of scents in each vending machine, and scents will appear in rotation. But right now, what’s available are the following: Jo Malone London’s English Pear & Freesia Cologne, Roja’s Burlington 1819, Dior’s Sauvage, Nishane’s Wulóng Chá, and Maison Margiela’s Replica From The Garden.

Perfect for this summer, right? You might be all hot and sweaty after a day’s work, and your colleagues suggest a get-together, but you’re no longer at your freshest. Well, Scentphony may end up being your next best friend.

The process could not be simpler, according to this video. Just simply walk up to the vending machine, use the touch screen to choose the scent you like, utilise any of the convenient payment systems, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, and there you have it, two spritzes of your perfume of choice, and you’re ready for your evening.

The machine carries a warning for users not to bring their faces, especially their eyes, too close to the spray dispensers, which appear to be at around neck or chest level, depending on a person’s height.

Singapore is not the only place where you can get an instant refresh from a vending machine. They’ve been spotted in a few locations across the globe, including some of Miami’s hotspots and clubs in the US, in airports and fashion retail space in Europe, and at high-end malls in the Middle East, where the fragrance culture is strong. Like Singapore, they’ve also been rolled out experimentally in Japan and South Korea.

Would you use a perfume vending machine? /TISG

Read also: ‘Doctor in a vending machine’ at Tampines Shell station offers free teleconsultation, 24-7 medicine and even digital MC

This article (You can now buy designer perfume for S$1 from vending machines in Singapore) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

MALAYSIA: In a country that has embraced digitalisation, cashless transactions, and artificial intelligence, Malaysia’s night market (also known as pasar malam) and hawker culture might appear outdated at first glance. Yet in 2026, they remain deeply relevant not in spite of economic pressures, but because of them.

These informal markets continue to function as both an economic safety net and a social anchor for communities navigating rising living costs and uncertain employment conditions.

While national discourse often focuses on high-growth industries and macroeconomic performance, the lived reality for many Malaysians tells a more complex story. Even with moderate growth projections, cost-of-living pressures remain persistent.

In this environment, pasar malam and hawker stalls provide an essential form of everyday relief. Affordable meals such as nasi lemak and char kuey teow allow households to manage daily expenses without relying on higher-cost commercial dining. For students and lower-income groups, these are not lifestyle choices but necessities.

At the same time, these spaces play a critical economic role. For many in the B40 and lower M40 groups, hawking is not merely supplemental income but a primary livelihood.

Low entry barriers allow individuals to start small, test ideas, and gradually build income stability. In a labour market increasingly shaped by automation and structural change, this flexibility provides an important alternative to formal employment.

As noted by Bernama, more Malaysians are turning to small-scale food vending and informal trade as a response to economic strain and limited wage growth.

Public sentiment, however, reflects tension rather than consensus. Online discussions on Reddit frequently highlight rising prices, with users remarking that “RM10 is the new RM6” and describing pasar malam as “no longer what it used to, now it’s just expensive.”

Some question whether it is still worth visiting at all. Yet these criticisms are often followed by a different reality, many still return, albeit less frequently, saying they go “just to jalan-jalan” or out of nostalgia.

This contradiction is important; it shows that relevance has not disappeared, but shifted from affordability alone to experience, familiarity, and cultural attachment.

Insights from the Khazanah Research Institute reinforce this evolution, framing pasar malam as community ecosystems rather than purely transactional spaces. They sustain social interaction, preserve food heritage, and reflect everyday Malaysian life in ways that modern retail environments often cannot replicate.

Ultimately, pasar malam in 2026 persists because they adapt. They are no longer defined solely by low prices, but by their ability to meet both economic needs and emotional continuity. This raises an important question about whether municipal policies are doing enough to preserve and support these informal spaces, given their growing role in livelihood resilience and community life.

This article (Beyond the price tag: Why the pasar malam remains Malaysia’s greatest social anchor) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Finally landing a job after months of sending applications felt incredibly rewarding for one Singaporean, who went online to share their experience and the lessons they picked up along the way.

In a post on the r/NUS subreddit on Tuesday (Mar 28), they wrote, “Honestly, I am just feeling super blessed and fortunate to secure something before grad. Just wanted to share this because I finally signed an offer today. For a while, it felt like it wasn’t going to happen at all, especially after hearing so many horror stories from friends about being unemployed for an indefinite amount of time.”

They shared that they began job hunting in December 2025 and initially felt “optimistic” because they had a referral and believed finding a role would be easier. However, the company eventually ghosted them. “There was no news at all.”

According to the Singaporean, the experience triggered a great deal of anxiety. “That kicked off a super anxious 5-month grind. If you have ever refreshed your email every day just to see nothing, or if you ever received an interview invitation but have not heard back since, you know the feeling. I am just really glad I managed to pull through.”

Things they learned from the process

Looking back, they said there were a few things that greatly helped them secure a job offer.

One was “being selective, but still consistent.” Instead of sending out applications everywhere, they focused on roles that actually matched their strengths and interests and kept at it steadily.

“I did not spam hundreds of applications. I tried to be quite selective with where I applied, and I made sure the job scope was something that aligned with my strengths and interests.”

They also tracked every application in an Excel sheet.

“I kept an Excel sheet for every single application. It helps so much with the mental clutter. Seeing it laid out helps you realise when a company has likely ghosted you, so you can mentally move on instead of waiting forever. Personal experience told me that there is no exception.”

Moreover, they learned not to be too complacent. This, they wrote, was “the biggest lesson” for them.

“Reaching Round 3 or Round 4 feels like you are almost there, but in this market, it does not mean anything until the contract is signed. I had two that went all the way to Round 3 and Round 4 and still ended up with no news. Keep searching and applying until that offer is concrete. Never stop just because a final interview went well.”

How they prepared for interviews

When it came to interviews, they kept their approach straightforward. Read the job description properly, think about how your past experience connects to the role, and be ready to talk about it in a clear, honest way.

“Figure out how to demonstrate your strengths via personal experience, like internships or schoolwork,” they said. “Do not overprepare the interview. You can align the job description with your strengths, but overpreparing will eat into your confidence.”

They also discouraged relying heavily on scripted responses or AI-generated answers. They said interviews are like “presentations,” and if you forget a memorised line, it can make you anxious and affect your performance.

They encouraged candidates to speak more naturally and just have at least one thoughtful question ready to ask during the interview. 

At the end of their post, they shared a message for job seekers:

“To those who already got your offers, huge congrats. But to those who are still in the trenches and seeking, please, please, please do not give up. I know it is soul-crushing when the No News pile keeps growing, but it really only takes one Yes to change the whole map. I am rooting for you all. Happy to answer any questions if you are curious about specific stages!”

Read also: Singaporeans share the ‘final straw’ that made them quit their job without a backup plan

This article (Singaporean lands job offer after 5 stressful months, shares ‘key takeaways’ for fellow jobseekers) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.