SINGAPORE: Ever since remote work became more common, instant messaging platforms like MS Teams have become a major part of workplace communication, but along with the convenience of quick chats and replies, some employees are now wondering if there are also unspoken etiquette rules that need to be followed online.

Recently, a young worker in Singapore took to social media to ask others about workplace etiquette on MS Teams after being criticised over what colleagues described as “rude replies.”

The worker explained that they did not initially realise anything was wrong with the way they responded to messages until they were called out over it.

As an example, they shared this exchange:

CxO: Hi XX, is this thing done yet?

Me: Yeah, it’s done.

According to the worker, they were later told that replying without greeting the sender back came across as impolite.

“Not sure if it’s an MNC thing, C-suite thing, or generational thing, but I got called out for not saying ‘hi’ back in my response,” they wrote.

The worker added that they were not intentionally trying to sound cold or disrespectful.

“I was told it lacks courtesy, but I genuinely just zoomed into the question and didn’t even realise I was doing that until I got called out, but I do say ‘hi’ if I initiate the text first, so it’s really just a responsive tic.”

They also shared that a friend suggested it could be linked to workplace hierarchy or generational expectations, where some bosses may dislike communication styles that feel overly casual or too direct.

On top of that, the worker said they were also told that replying with just a “?” whenever they were confused about something could come across as rude as well.

“I guess I can sort of see why that might be the case,” they admitted, before asking others, “How do y’all text your bosses, MNC or otherwise?”

“I think the bosses won’t like it”

The post quickly drew responses from other Singaporeans, many of whom agreed that replying with only “?” or failing to return a greeting, especially when speaking to senior management, could easily be perceived as impolite in professional settings.

One user wrote, “I agree that texting or replying ‘?’ is rude and lazy. It suggests that you can’t really be bothered to be specific about what is unclear or what you would like to clarify. Which is not the way you want to come off to superiors. They aren’t your friends.”

Another commented, “Text kills tone, but yes, I think the bosses won’t like it. I usually just include their name as a sign of respect, like ‘Hey Bryan, I need help with the…’ or ‘Yes Bryan, done already’ The ‘?’ alone, in my opinion, is a bit rude, la. I don’t think it’s very hard to include a few more words…”

A third added, “Like the others, I would say ‘?’ alone is rude unless you are close with your boss. The hi-bye doesn’t feel as big an issue so long as you get the job done along with relevant queries.”

Still, not everyone felt that failing to reply with “hi” was necessarily disrespectful.

One remarked, “I don’t always say hi back either. I don’t think it’s rude when someone does it to me. What I don’t like is when someone sends a message with just ‘Hi’ or ‘Hi bro’ and then don’t say anything else and just waits for a response.”

Another shared, “I work in a German MNC. I don’t say hi or hello back. Unless the person greets me like ‘Good morning/afternoon,’ then I’ll greet back. To me, Teams is a messaging platform meant to be informal.”

In other news, a 30-year-old woman who is currently supporting her parents has turned to social media for advice after a scam wiped out her entire savings, leaving her in deep financial and emotional distress.

Posting anonymously on the NUSWhispers Facebook page, she shared the full extent of her family’s situation. She explained that she has long been the main source of financial support for her parents, who, according to her, have “very little savings” of their own.

Read more: ‘I’m their CPF and retirement’: Scam wipes out 30-year-old SG woman who is supporting parents

This article (‘Is this rude now?’: Young worker puzzled after being criticised over MS Teams replies) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A former Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) captain has been jailed after carrying out what prosecutors described as a carefully planned cryptocurrency heist against someone he knew personally.

Teo Rong Xuan, 35, was sentenced to six years and 10 months in jail on Friday after stealing close to S$2.3 million worth of cryptocurrency from an acquaintance’s cold wallet.

The case resembled a modern-day inside job rather than a typical cybercrime story as there were no hacking tools, phishing emails, or masked strangers behind computer screens. Instead, prosecutors said the theft relied on friendship, access, patience, and one photographed recovery phrase.

Teo pleaded guilty to six charges, including housebreaking, securing access to a cryptocurrency wallet to commit theft, and dealing with benefits from criminal conduct. Another 10 related charges were taken into consideration during sentencing, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reports (May 8).

A football gathering became the heist setup

Teo first met the victim, 30-year-old Xuan Songtao, in 2022 through a mutual friend. The pair later co-founded a Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) marketplace, with Teo serving as chief executive officer and Mr Xuan as chief operating officer.

But things changed after the collapse of crypto exchange FTX in late 2022, which wiped out large sums for many investors and rattled confidence across the crypto sector. Around that time, Mr Xuan moved his cryptocurrency holdings into a cold wallet for safekeeping. He also kept the wallet’s 24-word seed phrase (words and serial numbers) written on paper inside his condominium unit.

Prosecutors said Teo learned about the arrangement and began planning the theft.

During a football gathering at Mr Xuan’s condominium in December 2022, Teo allegedly took advantage of the situation by keeping the condominium access card after helping another friend enter the building.

Days later, while the victim was out celebrating New Year’s Eve at Marina Bay, Teo entered the unit alone using the access card. He searched the bedroom, found the seed phrase, photographed it, and left everything in place before meeting the group later that same evening.

The following day, prosecutors said he used the seed phrase to transfer 1.7 million USDT into his own cryptocurrency wallet.

Crypto theft still leaves a trail

The victim discovered the missing funds in March 2023 and filed a police report. A blockchain tracing company later linked parts of the transactions back to Teo’s wallet.

When confronted, Teo admitted to the theft and reportedly said he had suffered heavy losses following the FTX collapse.

Court documents showed the stolen funds were later used on luxury watches, legal and illegal gambling, and personal expenses. Some of the money also went towards paying off his Housing and Development Board (HDB) housing loan. Investigators recovered part of the proceeds, though some payments couldn’t be recovered.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Jonathan Tan argued that the crime was highly planned and driven by personal gain. He said Teo had used his knowledge of cryptocurrency systems and security practices to prepare for the theft after learning large sums would be stored in the cold wallet.

Court rejects mental health mitigation argument

The defence argued that Teo had been under psychological stress at the time of the offences. However, Deputy Principal District Judge Ong Chin Rhu said an Institute of Mental Health assessment found the former officer’s adjustment disorder was mild and not directly linked to the offences. The court decided it shouldn’t reduce his sentence.

Teo was granted a three-week deferment before beginning his sentence on May 29. His lawyer, Gino Hardial Singh, told the court that the delay was necessary to settle childcare arrangements and to bring in a domestic helper for his family.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed Teo has since been discharged from the SAF. The ministry said servicemen are expected to uphold high standards of discipline and integrity.

Investors need to rethink how they store recovery phrases and who knows about their holdings

Crypto theft cases usually involve anonymous online scams or overseas syndicates, but this case was different. The accused already knew where the assets were stored, how the wallet worked, and when the victim wouldn’t be home.

It also showed the harsh reality of digital assets: a cold wallet may protect funds from online hackers, but it cannot protect someone from physical access or misplaced trust in those around them.

As cryptocurrency is common in Singapore, this case may push more investors to rethink how they store recovery phrases and who knows about their holdings. Sometimes the weak point is human behaviour, not the surrounding technology.

This article (Jail for ex-SAF captain for breaking into an acquaintance’s condominium unit and stealing S$2.3 million in cryptocurrency) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A 43-year-old Singaporean man said he is considering “stepping down” into a lower-responsibility job with better hours after finally paying off his Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat after 11 years, as working in finance has left him burnt out and increasingly uncertain about the future of his job.

With artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly advancing, he said, “I suspect my job will be eliminated in a few years. I am actively using Claude for work and I can see how it will eventually replace me entirely.”

Although not as crippling as the burnout he felt at 33, which pushed him to pivot into his current work from a former tax consultant role, he said he is now wondering if others who have gone through something similar have taken the same path.

He shared on r/singaporefi that with just him and his wife, who currently works as a childcare teacher, no kids, they have about S$80,000 in emergency cash savings and a combined Central Provident Fund (CPF) balance of about S$240,000 after using a large portion of it to clear their HDB loan.

He also has around S$250,000 in stocks, a mix of income and growth investments, as well as an overseas investment property with about S$150,000 in equity.

While he’s not planning on quitting working altogether, he wondered if “just socking up another S$250,000 in VRWA (a popular exchange-traded fund (ETF) used by investors for broad, global stock market exposure) over the next three to four years and then calling it a day” would make sense.

In response, some commenters said what he was describing was similar to “CoastFIRE”, where one builds up enough investments earlier in life so their portfolio can grow into a comfortable retirement fund without needing further contributions, while shifting into a lower-stress, lower-pay job, just enough to cover one’s expenses.

Another added that CoastFIRE tends to happen naturally with retrenchment anyway, and in the late 40s and 50s, as in these stages of life, “you just can’t find the same high pay job back.”

A third advised that to people not planning kids, reaching the Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS), the maximum amount of savings CPF members aged 55 and above can top up their Retirement Accounts (RA) to receive higher monthly payouts, could be enough.

However, other commenters took a different view, with one saying that with AI, it may be better to “step up” rather than step down, arguing that lower-level roles could be more easily automated and replaced.

The post author, however, reiterated that his goal was to “live a less stressful life” and that “stepping up” just defeats the purpose.

One commenter who also worked in finance and experienced burnout himself also reminded that burnout needs to be addressed, as it can “bleed into relationships.”

In other news, a 27-year-old man who was thinking of quitting after working for just two weeks, as he found his job “very dry”, was advised by netizens to hang on until another opportunity drops. /TISG

Read also: ‘I’m job hugging even harder’: Some Singaporeans share how they’re navigating rising costs amid the Middle East war

This article (43-year-old burnt out Singapore man considers ‘stepping down’ to a more manageable job after paying off HDB) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) issued a statement on Thursday (May 7) in relation to the hantavirus that broke out on the cruise ship MV Hondius, saying that it had been noticed on May 4 and 5 that two residents of Singapore had been on the ship.

The two individuals have since been isolated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), and are being tested for the virus. 

“Their test results are pending. One has a runny nose but is otherwise well, and the other is asymptomatic,” CDA said, adding the assurance that the risk to the general public in Singapore is currently low.

Both residents are male: a 67-year-old Singaporean who arrived on May 2 and a 65-year-old Singapore Permanent Resident who entered Singapore on May 6. The men had disembarked from the MV Hondius and had been on the same flight from St Helena to Johannesburg with a person confirmed to have had hantavirus. This individual did not come to Singapore and has since died in South Africa.

Infections aboard MV Hondius 

The ship made the news recently after there were eight confirmed infections, and three people have died since the MV Hondius departed from Argentina in April.

With the COVID-19 pandemic barely in the world’s rearview mirror, concerns of another large-scale outbreak have been raised in relation to the hantavirus infections.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also been reassuring, saying on May 7 that it does not expect numerous infections similar to Covid, though more cases may emerge. It added that there is no evidence of a risk of widespread transmission.

The infections aboard MV Hondius are linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is rare but potentially severe. This strain may spread from one person to another, but only through close contact.

“Hantaviruses are viruses carried by some rodents. People can become infected when they breathe in dust contaminated with urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rodents, especially when cleaning or disturbing areas with rodent activity,” CDA wrote, adding that the symptoms of infection with the Andes strain “typically include fever, body aches, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, and difficulty breathing, and progress rapidly to shock and death.”

Why were they allowed to disembark?

After the CDA issued its statement, a number of Singaporeans online asked why the two individuals in isolation at the NCID had been allowed to disembark at all, given that at present, there are still 146 people from 23 different countries on the MV Hondius under “strict precautionary measures.”

“Why are they allowed to disembark and travel?” asked a Facebook user, who added that common sense would have dictated that the passengers should have been quarantined.

The answer may be found in the timeline of the events that unfolded.

The first death linked to the hantavirus outbreak on the vessel took place on April 11. At the time, however, it was believed that the 70-year-old Dutch male had passed away from natural causes.

On April 24, dozens of people, including the two Singapore residents, disembarked from the ship at St Helena, as their part of the trip ended.

However, several among those who left the MV Hondius at St Helena grew seriously ill, and after testing, health authorities in South Africa identified the Andes strain of hantavirus.

The earliest laboratory-confirmed hantavirus case linked to MV Hondius was not identified until May 2. By then, the two Singapore residents were already in the city-state or were shortly to arrive there.

After the authorities identified the virus, tracing, isolation, and testing began retroactively worldwide, including in Singapore. /TISG

Read also: Dozens of passengers and crew were infected with norovirus on a cruise between Singapore & California

This article (‘Why were they allowed to travel?’ Singaporeans react after 2 residents linked to hantavirus cruise are isolated) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: After a fresh grad shared on Reddit that they were having second thoughts about applying to SMEs, many Singaporean users quickly jumped into the discussion and warned them against joining one.

However, among the many responses, one comment in particular caught the attention of other readers.

The commenter, who said they had previously worked at two SMEs, gave a detailed account of the negative experiences they went through while working in such companies. 

“The leadership is filled with their blood”

According to the user, many SMEs are essentially family-run businesses where management positions are filled by relatives, including “cousins, nieces, aunts, uncles.”

The user claimed this creates an environment where it is nearly impossible for regular employees to climb the ranks.

“The leadership is filled with their blood,” they wrote. “It is impossible to penetrate into their ranks unless you follow them for a looong time, volunteer to do OTs on weekdays and weekends, and take initiatives to backstab your colleagues to make the company better.”

“Charged S$1 for every minute late”

The commenter also alleged that some SMEs impose extremely strict workplace policies. In one example, they claimed their “lady boss” charged employees S$1 for every minute they were late, adding that some colleagues ended up paying as much as S$1,000 a month because of traffic delays and long commutes.

They added, “If MOM mentioned a maximum of 44 hours of labour per week, they will make sure their working hours squeeze all the 44 hours in your official handbook, excluding OTs.”

The user also accused some SMEs of having a “save costs at all costs” mentality.

“They’d rather people work OTs to do tasks rather than invest in technology to save time,” the commenter wrote. “But even so, they never fail to bring the ENTIRE family to overseas trips 4x a year and change a new car every year.”

“Reporting to HR is like reporting to your boss”

The commenter went on to claim that it is difficult to report workplace issues because HR staff are often closely related to management.

“99.99% she will be the boss’s wife or sister,” they wrote.

“So reporting to her is like reporting to your boss. They will take note and keep it ‘confidential’ for show, but in the end, everyone will know you are the source for the complaints.”

“I had colleagues crying in the toilet”

The user also described the work environment as toxic and stressful, claiming employees would get screamed at publicly if they failed to deliver results.

“I had a colleague crying in the toilet every morning and after work,” they recalled.

The commenter also claimed that PRs and foreign workers were sometimes pressured into doing overtime or additional tasks outside their job scope.

“If you are PR/FT, good luck. They will threaten not to renew your permit if you don’t do OTs or take on more tasks, even if it is beyond the job scope. I have seen a lot of shouting matches between both parties, and it is a good source of reliable entertainment in the office.”

“I’d rather be jobless”

The commenter eventually said they would rather be “jobless” than work in an SME again.

“Work for MNCs if possible,” they told the fresh grad. “There are good SMEs, but the chances of stepping on a landmine are higher.”

Good reviews about SMEs

Despite the negative experiences shared in the discussion, a handful of users pointed out that working at an SME is not necessarily terrible and can even offer advantages that larger corporations may not provide.

One user compared SMEs and MNCs, saying, “SMEs might be a good start, actually. Feel that it’s much easier to make a larger impact on the organisation, meaning easier promotion/salary increments. MNC, on the other hand, everything seems relatively more structured, and it feels like we’re all just cogwheels in the entire system, process here, process there, and execs hardly know you even exist.”

Another commented, “Some SMEs, especially ang moh ones, can be quite good. Do your research when applying.”

A third added, “I would argue an SME has more learning opportunities as you have to wear many hats, but recruiters would not see that.”

Read also: ‘Just to survive’: Man juggles two gig jobs after struggling to find full-time work in Singapore

This article (‘The leadership is filled with their blood’: Singaporean shares harsh SME work experiences) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Singapore companies may be slowing down hiring, but there is no sign they are turning away from local workers in favour of foreigners.

That was the message from Manpower Minister Tan See Leng in parliament on Thursday (May 7), as concerns grow over how the Middle East conflict could affect jobs, business confidence, and long-term workforce planning in Singapore.

Dr Tan said hiring preferences between local and foreign workers have not shifted for now, even though some firms are becoming more cautious about expanding their workforce. The issue was raised by Member of Parliament Yip Hon Weng, who asked whether rising costs and uncertainty were causing employers to rethink who they hire.

Dr Tan responded by pointing to continued growth in resident employment in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year. He also defended Singapore’s work pass framework, saying policies are designed to give Singaporeans fair opportunities while allowing businesses access to foreign talent where needed, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reports.

Balancing business needs with local jobs

This balancing act between companies’ and employment needs has become a recurring pressure point in Singapore’s labour debate. Whenever economic uncertainty rises, anxieties over jobs tend to follow close behind.

Questions about foreign manpower frequently return to the spotlight, especially in sectors experiencing slower growth or undergoing restructuring. This time, however, the government appears keen to signal stability rather than alarm.

Dr Tan said upcoming changes to Employment Pass and S Pass salary requirements, along with regular reviews of shortage occupation rules, are part of efforts to maintain that balance between business needs and local career growth.

Job hiring sentiment begins to soften

Hiring sentiment is showing signs of strain as the proportion of firms intending to hire over the next three months fell to 44.6 per cent in March, down from 54.6 per cent in February, according to figures cited by the minister.

The drop in the numbers comes as businesses worldwide grapple with supply chain concerns and energy uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Member of Parliament Choo Pei Ling then asked whether Singapore is preparing workers for a longer period of economic disruption, including pressures from artificial intelligence, trade fragmentation, and industry restructuring.

Dr Tan replied that the government is already adapting its workforce planning approach and said the upcoming Economic Strategy Review report would address many of these concerns. The review was launched last August, with recommendations expected by mid-2026.

Workforce stability is now tied to global risks

Parliament’s overall message centred on adapting to change rather than sounding the alarm bells, as Singapore’s economy has spent years preparing for such shocks, from pandemics to supply chain crunches.

But the latest crisis adds another reminder that workforce stability is no longer just about jobs, as energy security, Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure, and global trade routes are now also deeply tied to hiring confidence.

Member of Parliament Liang Eng Hwa asked whether the conflict could trigger longer-term structural changes, especially after damage to oil and gas infrastructure in the region.

Dr Tan said it was still too early to draw firm conclusions. Still, he noted that trends already underway could accelerate. These include supply chain diversification, digitalisation, AI adoption, and the shift towards new energy sources.

He also described energy as an increasingly critical issue due to the massive computing power required to support AI and data centres.

Workers face a changing economic future

Beyond what many workers today are worried about, such as whether jobs exist, they are wondering what kind of jobs will still matter five years from now, and whether industries can keep changing faster than workers can adapt.

Singapore’s challenge now is to keep employment stable amid uncertainty while ensuring workers don’t feel left behind as businesses race to stay competitive.

For most people, the practical concern remains whether wages stay steady, jobs remain available, and opportunities still feel within reach despite everything happening outside Singapore’s borders.

A steady labour market does matter because uncertainty travels fast, and when businesses stop hiring, and workers stop feeling secure, confidence usually weakens long before the actual numbers do.

This article (Tan See Leng: Job hiring slows, but Singapore firms are still not favouring foreigners over locals) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand is looking at storing fuel in other countries, including Singapore, with which it signed a landmark food and fuel pact earlier this week.

An AFP report quotes Resources Minister Shane Jones as saying on Friday (May 8) that the country is also considering Malaysia and South Korea for overseas fuel storage in the event that New Zealand creates a physical sovereign reserve. 

In 2022, the country’s only oil refinery at Marsden Point shut down due to a commercial decision by its private owners, Channel Infrastructure (formerly Refining NZ), as it was no longer economically profitable. 

Amid what Mr Jones called a “fuel quagmire” that New Zealand is now needing to find its way around, discussions have been held concerning global locations it could store fuel.

“We don’t have surplus storage capacity in New Zealand. We do have options, and officials have explored the capacity for us to store fuel offshore. One of the options we have been advised about is Malaysia and Singapore,” a Bloomberg report quoted him as saying.

The report cited government data from May 6 that showed a slight decline in the country’s fuel stock, with under 50 days of gasoline and diesel demand cover. Under New Zealand’s four-phase fuel security system, the country is in the first phase of monitoring developments around the world.

Last month, the country signed a letter of intent for the purchase of 90 million litres of diesel, which is equivalent to nine days of supply for the whole nation.

Mr Jones said that it has recently grown evident to the government that it does not have enough storage capacity to substantially increase its stocks

“Therefore, the officials are working and looking at options. If the New Zealand government is to increase the buffer, what is the quality of the option in the three countries where we draw our fuel from — Malaysia, Singapore, and Korea,” he added.

The country also has the possibility of buying fuel from other countries, such as Japan and the United States, as it manages the current “fuel quagmire.”

On Monday (May 4), New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sounded exultant in a video he posted on social media after the landmark agreement with Singapore was signed. He filmed the clip in front of an oil refinery, saying that the fuel from the refinery would be going straight to New Zealand. 

Essentials would flow between the two countries “even when the world gets disrupted.” He said that around one-third of New Zealand’s fuel is refined in Singapore, adding, “So what happens in Singapore affects our fuel supply at home. It’s this fuel that keeps trucks moving, farms running, and food on the table for everyone.” /TISG

Read also: Lawrence Wong says he & New Zealand Prime Minister are ‘already in sync’; landmark food, fuel pact signed

This article (New Zealand considers storing fuel in Singapore, Malaysia) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

MALAYSIA: At 101 years old, not many would expect much from a political leader who had his heyday, but Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not anyone, as he continues to write in an attempt to control the narrative in Malaysia.

However, in a recent post, the nonagenarian gave a sign that he might finally be resigned to the reality that he is not going to unite the Malays.

Hence, he laconically said ‘failed’ and explained that all his recent efforts to unite the Malay politicians did not work.

Indeed, it is not entirely his fault, for knowing him, he would have proposed several solutions to the quarrelling group, but they chose to disregard his appeals — or are simply unable to grasp the imminent threats overshadowing their political future.

Mahathir wrote one of his shortest notes on the internet. It starts with, “I have tried for more than two years to unite the Malays. I must admit I have failed.”

He then showed empathy towards his beloved country. He believes that with his failure to unite the political figures and parties, the country will slip away into the hands of others.

“Therefore, this beloved country will slip from the hands of the Malays”

Last, but not least, he speaks to the Malays themselves, with a dire warning.

“And the history of the Malays will come to an end because they place the fate of their leaders above that of their race, nation, and religion.”

As usual, his notes on social media gather a lot of comments, thoughts and responses from a large fringe of the Malaysian population.

On Reddit, the debate centres on the use of race and religion in politics.

One user said: “Using race and ‘us vs them’ rhetoric is the fastest way politicians in Malaysia can gain support, which means votes, which means keys to Putrajaya, which means power, which means songlap millions for friends and family.

“This is what people like him and those of the same cloth, Muhiyiddin, Hamzah, etc., think about. Represent the people? Making a genuine change? Sacrificing to improve the country? This is all among the last things these people ever think about. I would argue they don’t even think about it, honestly.

“It’s the status, it’s the big money deals that can be made, it’s the VVIPPP treatment, etc.”

However, on Facebook, where his post is very popular, garnering almost 30,000 likes – something that many other political figures, including those on top, would be jealous of – the concerns are more towards Mahathir’s insistence to drive the narrative.

Still, many show high regard for the elderly statesman.

“A good leader must know when to gracefully exit their leadership position and pass it on to the next generation to govern because different eras require different leadership qualities.

“Maybe the era under Tun suits his leadership style, but not under the current young generation, who have vastly different exposure and upbringing compared to the past,” one opined, continuing, “For Malaysia to move forward and catch up with a country like South Korea, a different kind of leader is needed, maybe someone younger who is not attached to the culture of corruption and past legacies. Politics must move beyond racial divide and embrace a unified Malaysian identity to really help propel the country forward in the next 50 years.”

Others thought it was time for Mahathir to take a good rest.

On Facebook, one netizen said: “It feels like from the time Tun was in power until the end of his life, this phrase about the Malays slipping away has always been repeated… I’m already 56 years old now, about to retire, Tun. Enough is enough. Let the younger generations — your grandchildren and great-grandchildren — manage this country. Times have changed, Tun.”

This article (Mahathir admits failure in his attempts to unite the Malays) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: On social media, a pedestrian was seen glued to his phone while walking on Somme Road around 11:30 in the morning on May 2, resulting in a near collision with a van reversing into a parking spot. Fortunately, the driver of the van managed to stop just in time, and no accident happened. 

However, this incident has brought up a conversation about the risks of being distracted while walking in busy areas such as the streets, especially when using one’s smartphone. 

In the comments section, netizens shared their thoughts and opinions on the incident. For some, dealing with these kinds of people is not surprising at all—their eyes are glued to their phones, and they didn’t even realise a car was approaching them. Others commented that people should not be walking behind reversing vehicles. 

“Common occurrence. He escaped this time,” a comment claimed. 

One netizen declared that in these types of incidents, the drivers can send signals to people to indicate their presence and said: “They have their lives too, and we too sometimes may see the phone as we walk. Please watch out for them and us, signal/horn if they are really too engrossed and blocking the way. No choice, smartphones have our lives.”

This incident serves as a reminder for all road users to stay vigilant. While smartphones are indeed part of our daily lives, putting them down while crossing or near reversing vehicles could prevent life-threatening tragedies. 

Other related news 

In similar news about pedestrians, there was a report where a Toyota Hiace was caught on video running a red light along Bukit Panjang Ring Road on a rainy day, narrowly missing a pedestrian at a crossing.

The van was seen speeding past the crossing just as a pedestrian steps forward — all while a Traffic Police officer stands nearby at a bus stop.

Read more about the news story here.

This article (‘Smartphones have our lives’: Pedestrian who is seen using his phone was nearly hit by reversing van, netizens expressed mixed opinions) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: After spending five years building a life in Perth, one Singaporean woman has found the transition back home more difficult than expected, struggling to readjust to the fast-paced lifestyle that once felt normal.

“When I decided to move to Perth five years ago, I never expected to be back in Singapore so soon,” she said, reflecting on the decision that changed the course of her life.

After spending most of her life in Singapore, the move to Perth felt transformative. “I had been living in Singapore since I was born and had grown used to the hectic lifestyle,” she said, “But when I moved to Perth, it was like a breath of fresh air for me.”

She added, “Living in Australia was a dream come true – the laidback lifestyle, sunny days and the breathtaking beaches were a stark contrast to the fast-paced environment of Singapore.”

The Singaporean described Perth as a place where life felt calmer. “Everything was so relaxed and comfortable – it was like coming home,” she said, adding that she spent the next five years working while exploring the city and embracing its slower pace of life.

Despite enjoying life in Australia, homesickness and family ties eventually pulled her back to Singapore. Still, she admitted that the decision was not an easy one.

“After five years, I made the difficult decision to move back to Singapore,” she said, “I had grown used to the relaxed lifestyle and was not sure if I could handle the hustle and bustle of Singapore again.”

The challenges of readjusting quickly became apparent after returning home. After years of living at a slower pace, the Singaporean said she felt overwhelmed by the speed of life back home. Every day routines, work culture, and the general environment all seemed to move much faster than she remembered.

The woman shared that she had grown accustomed to taking life more slowly in Perth, where there was more room to pause and appreciate their surroundings. Returning to Singapore’s tightly scheduled lifestyle has made it difficult to settle back in. “I was used to taking my time and taking in my surroundings, and it was difficult to adjust to the fast-paced lifestyle of Singapore,” she explained.

She also said she often finds herself longing for the life she left behind in Australia, including the beaches, sunsets, and food.

Sharing that it often felt harder in Singapore to find time to unwind and simply enjoy daily life, she wrote, “I felt like I was missing out on all the fun things in Perth. In Singapore, everything seems to be done on a tight schedule, and it’s hard to find time to just relax and enjoy yourself.”

Social interactions in Singapore have also felt different since returning home. The woman said she feels people in Singapore are more focused on their own responsibilities and routines, making it harder to meet new people and form friendships. They contrasted this with Perth’s more relaxed and open atmosphere.

She contrasted this with the more relaxed culture she experienced in Australia, saying, “I was also used to Perth’s more laidback attitude, and it was difficult to adjust to Singapore’s more competitive environment.”

The experience has left the Singaporean seriously contemplating whether to return to Australia for good. She said they had even thought about relocating her family to Perth, but acknowledged that her loved ones have become deeply accustomed to life in Singapore and may not want to leave.

For now, she says she is trying her best to settle back into life in Singapore, even if part of her still longs for Perth. “I guess all I can do now is try to get used to the hectic lifestyle over here again,” she said.

Singaporeans responding to her candid sharing were understanding and urged her to follow her heart. One commenter said, “Go where you feel most comfortable. Come back for holiday if you miss your family. Best of both worlds.”

Others who have lived in Perth shared similar sentiments. One woman wrote, “Have lived in Perth for 54 years, will never live anywhere else. My father did a great favour for us by moving to Perth. He sowed the seed, and we are reaping the harvest.”

Another commenter added, “I’ve been living in Perth for the last 19 years. Can’t beat the amount of work-life balance here in Perth. SG is hectic.”

Quite a few commenters agreed with the comparisons about the different pace of life in Western Australia. One netizen shared, “I was in Perth for a good 5 years and totally understand when she said about pace of life here. Took me a good 3 years to readjust to living in Singapore again.”

Others felt there are trade-offs in every country. A commenter who used to live in Perth said, “I used to live in Perth, so I know where you are coming from. I guess at the end of the day, it’s where you want to be or can be.”

“Life is about making choices based on your circumstances, financial or career, etc. There is no perfect place, there will always be trade-offs,” she advised, “Make the decision that would work for you in terms of life goals. It’s all about your resilience and adaptability.”

Another netizen wrote, “It’s all about managing expectations and trading sacrifices. There’s no perfect world out there.”

This article (Singaporean who moved back from Perth says she can’t deal with the fast paced life here) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A woman turned to Reddit to ask whether “silent marriages are normal in Singapore” after her husband stopped talking to her.

In a post on the r/asksg subreddit on Tuesday (May 5), she shared that communication between them has become extremely limited following a mistake she made two months ago.

She said they now only talk when it concerns their children or household matters, and even then, his responses are often just “one or two words.”

The woman added that she has already apologised and made repeated efforts to fix the relationship and start conversations, but nothing has improved. According to her, her husband continues to shut her out emotionally.

“I’m aware a lot of older couples often stay in marriages even though they live separate lives, sleep in different rooms, and barely communicate,” she wrote. “Question is… am I weak for wanting to separate if this continues, maybe for a year? Or is this actually a somewhat common situation? Is silent marriage common in Singapore?”

While she acknowledged that leaving the marriage could come with serious consequences, she said she is struggling to picture spending the rest of her life “living with someone who treats me as something invisible.”

She did not disclose what mistake she made, but clarified that it did not involve infidelity.

“Give it time and talk to him about it.”

The woman’s post quickly drew attention online. Many criticised the husband for being “petty” towards his wife. Some also called his behaviour “manipulative,” “immature,” and “cowardly.”

Others warned her that staying in the marriage could eventually damage her mental health.

One individual said, “This is actually a form of mental abuse. It’s not good for you long-term. Don’t let him treat you this way anymore. Get help.”

Another commented, “Silent treatment for that long is petty as hell. Silent treatment should never be used, and differences should be settled by the day’s end. Letting it fester for so long will lead to one party hating the other.”

A third added, “Cold wars, silent treatment, and stonewalling are forms of emotional abuse and will ruin your mental health when they are prolonged.”

On the other hand, some users felt it was unfair to criticise the husband since the woman never explained what “the mistake” was. 

One commenter wrote, “It’s hard to judge without knowing what it was (not asking you to share). It could be a little thing and him being petty, or it could be something much more serious and should have warranted a divorce. Give it time and talk to him about it.”

Another suggested, “Let him know that it has been bothering you and you really treasure this relationship and want to work it out with him. If it does not work out, maybe try out marriage counselling if he is willing?”

In other news, a commuter in her 20s has vented online after an elderly woman allegedly confronted her for sitting in a reserved seat and repeatedly insisted it was “for seniors only.”

Posting on the r/SMRTRabak forum on Friday (April 24), the commuter said she had just finished a shift that left her “physically and mentally” drained.

Read more: ‘This seat is for seniors only’: Woman says she was confronted over reserved seat in MRT

This article (Woman asks if ‘silent marriages’ are normal in Singapore after husband stops talking to her) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is considering a new law that would require children to care for their ageing parents, following growing concern over cases of elderly neglect and abandonment.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the proposed “Parent Care Act” would focus on “the responsibility of children in caring for their parents,” after reports of senior citizens being left in hospitals and care homes without proper support.

The proposal has sparked discussion because it touches on an issue many Malaysians view seriously. Across Asian societies, caring for ageing parents is often seen as both a moral duty and a cultural expectation shaped by family and religious values.

At the same time, the proposal also raises broader questions about how family responsibilities are changing alongside economic realities.

Many working adults today are managing rising living costs, housing commitments and childcare expenses while also supporting elderly parents. Longer life expectancy and Malaysia’s ageing population are expected to increase these pressures further in the coming years.

As a result, elderly care is becoming not only a family matter, but also a social and economic challenge.

Countries such as Singapore, China and India already have laws requiring children to support ageing parents. However, these laws are generally implemented alongside wider welfare measures, mediation systems or eldercare support frameworks.

Malaysia is still studying how such an approach could be adapted locally. Zahid noted, in a report shared by The Edge Malaysia, that “several countries have already implemented similar legislation, but Malaysia is still at the stage of discussion and review.”

The proposal also raises practical questions about implementation. For example, how would authorities determine whether a child has failed to provide reasonable support? How would cases involving financial hardship, estranged family relationships or caregiving limitations be handled?

These questions suggest that any future law would likely require clear guidelines and support mechanisms to ensure fair implementation.

Beyond legal obligations, the discussion reflects a larger shift taking place in Malaysian society. Traditional expectations around family care remain strong, but changing economic conditions and modern lifestyles are reshaping how families manage caregiving responsibilities.

Zahid said the proposal is important to ensure “family, religious and Eastern values continue to be preserved.” However, many observers also note that long-term elderly welfare will depend not only on family responsibility, but also on access to healthcare, retirement security, affordable care services and broader social support systems.

As Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing society, the conversation surrounding the proposed Parent Care Act may ultimately reflect a wider effort to balance traditional values with modern social realities.

This article (Malaysia’s proposed Parent Care Act raises questions about eldercare and financial pressures) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.