These renewable insurance standalones cost very little in defraying very large medical bills.So you’ve used the excess time during the circuit breaker to review your finances, do the math and possibly figured out that your coverage has got gaps. With whole life, term and Integrated Shield plans being the mainstays, the gaps could come in the form of critical illness or personal accident insurance. But today, let’s talk about personal accident insurance, or the lack thereof, because I learned this the hard way when my daughter had to visit a physiotherapist due to an injury sustained at a dance training. It had never occurred to me to get personal accident coverage for her until then. I ended up paying a couple hundred dollars out of pocket – which amount to the same (or even slightly more) as the price of an annual premium. After all, they’re very affordable and they cover most of the unfortunate scenarios that tend to affect our best-laid plans. In case you are also looking out for protection against infectious diseases, something that has taken on a life of its own recently, personal accident insurance plans have increasingly turned hybrid by including COVID-19 coverage. Let’s look at what a personal accident plan really entails before we compare the best plans out there. What does a personal accident plan cover?Simply put, a personal accident insurance policy is a type of general insurance that provides benefits in the case of accidental death, disability and injury. The benefits usually cover all phases of suffering an accident, from evacuation to hospitalisation and treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. In case of a fatality, personal accident plans also provide a death benefit. It can be a tad confusing to gauge its benefits because a personal accident plan tends to overlap with other types of insurance, such as life plans, MediShield/hospitalisation plans, and travel insurance even. Ultimately, a great personal accident insurance plan, depending on the type and level of coverage, could provide you a lot higher assurance than a regular health or life insurance might. When shopping for a personal accident insurance plan, make sure that the basics are covered. These include accidental death and disability, inpatient and outpatient coverage (several good plans include physiotherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine aka TCM treatments) as well as a per diem benefit for hospital stays. Who should take up personal accident insurance?It could be your go-to plan if you want higher protection against unforeseen accidents in general. It could also be for all of you who are self-employed, regularly engage in outdoor activities and sports, or simply require higher payout for your family in case of accidental death. Here’s our roundup of the best personal accident insurance plans.
1. FWD Personal Accident and Infectious Disease CoverageLike I mentioned earlier, infectious diseases (namely COVID-19) have taken on a life of its own recently, and insurance protection against these threats are increasingly being merged into personal accident plans. One model example is the cutting edge FWD Personal Accident and Infectious Disease Coverage, launched exclusively by SingSaver and FWD Singapore. The standard death and TPD payout of $100,000 may come across run of the mill, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one with a higher death coverage from COVID-19 of $50,000, for the going premium of $98/year. It’s the first plan to offer the widest coverage of infectious diseases compared to others; other than COVID-19, Dengue fever, Zika, SARS and Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease make up part of the 24 infectious diseases covered on the list. There’s an up-to-$100 daily hospital income benefit for up to 365 days, for ICU victims. FWD Personal Accident and Infectious Disease Coverage is also perfect for workers in risky professions like construction and transport; there’s no occupational loading, meaning you don’t get ‘penalised’ with heftier premiums just because you derive satisfaction from laying bricks. Read more about the plan’s comprehensive coverage here. Annual premium: From $98 2. Aviva Personal Accident (Lite)Assuming you take advantage of the 50% promo, Aviva’s Lite is one of the budget options for personal accident-only plans. It passes for a worthy entry-level choice (wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of sign-ups come from those in the army!), with some nice touches such as a free child cover (up to certain limits) and a high TCM benefit of up to $500. If you work a desk job that causes prolonged backaches, headaches or carpal tunnel, and just want to get a basic personal accident plan without thinking too much about it, this is a good bet. Its TCM coverage isn’t the only noteworthy component. Medical expenses for both in and outpatient treatment is relatively high at $3,000, when most others cover only up to $2,000. Annual premium: From $171 (before 50% discount) 3. NTUC Income PA AssuranceIf you’re looking for something more comprehensive with higher coverage for yourself and your family, NTUC’s Income PA is one to assure them with. It has all of the expected entry-level coverage, such as $100,000 in accidental death benefit and $2,000 in medical expenses. For a top-up of its $19 rider, you enjoy bumper protection against 21 infectious diseases (including COVID-19)—the closest to FWD’s list of 24. The rider also includes a unique child support fund of $5,000, diagnostic procedures and tests (up to $1,000), physiotherapy (up to $1,000), ambulance fee, weekly cash allowance and more. The comprehensiveness of the coverage, however, comes with a price—for new policyholders at least. Existing policyholders of NTUC Income PA would be glad to know they are eligible for free COVID-19 coverage until 31 August 2020. Annual premium: From $198 4. AXA SmartPA Protect+ (Silver)AXA understands that a good insurance plan is really all about going back to the basics, and then doing it well. The foundation coverages of accidental death and total permanent disability is higher than average at $150,000 and $225,000 respectively, and the medical expenses for in and outpatient treatments are split: although you get only $2,000 for outpatient ones, inpatient expenses coverage is double at $4,000. AXA SmartPA also bundles COVID-19 benefits given this year’s spate of events. COVID-19 related cause of death pays out $20,000 and hospitalisation offers daily income of $200 a day (for up to 90 days). Both new and existing policyholders can enjoy free COVID-19 coverage till 30 September 2020, or when DORSCON reverts to green—whichever comes first. Annual premium: From $158 5. Sompo PA StarSompo’s PA Star offers three pre-packaged tiers of coverage, with an option to add what they call ‘top-up units’ as well as optional riders when you need them. Taking the deluxe plan for instance (also for a better matched comparison with the other plans here), you would be looking at $100,000 in sum assured, and a double indemnity payout if two policyholders meet with an accidental death. The more standout coverages lie in the $3,000 in and outpatient medical expenses, the extra $200 per day in hospital cash for ICU cases, and a guardian angel payout of $1,000 for 12 months—something many other personal accident insurance lack. Guardian angel refers to the child support fund that’s paid out if the policyholder is a deceased parent. The only other plan on this list with such a benefit is FWD Personal Accident and Infectious Disease Coverage, at a generous $100,000. Speaking of children, an interesting feature is their goodwill cash payout of $100 for Marriage and Baby (and that’s per child!) So this one’s a pretty good option if you’re an engaged young couple. Annual premium: From $192.60 Read These Next: By Ana Ow The post 5 Best Personal Accident Insurance Plans In Singapore appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/5-best-personal-accident-insurance-plans-in-singapore/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-best-personal-accident-insurance-plans-in-singapore
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Banks in Singapore are known to provide very attractive interest rates packages. How does DBS compare when it comes to home loans? Here’s a list of features that are unique or beneficial to customers when it comes to applying for a home loan with DBS: Current DBS home loan package interest rates
Date of update : December 27, 2017 Check more rates in our loans comparison table which compares interest rates of major banks including OCBC, DBS, Maybank and more. Home loans in DBS On the mortgages front, DBS offers a variety of fixed and floating rate packages. DBS was the first bank to introduce their Fixed Deposit Home Rate (FHR) in 2014. As DBS is not in need of funds, it is less likely for them to adjust the rate of the FHR. This means that the bank does not need to run any form of promotions to encourage customers to put in funds. Thus, the tendency to change FD rates might be lower. This bodes well for housing loan shoppers in Singapore because it signifies greater stability in home loan interest rates. Ultimately, FHR is still a board rate that is determined internally by the bank, as compared to rates such as SIBOR or SOR. DBS also offers SIBOR, fixed and board rates packages. Like other banks, DBS adds a margin on top of the current SIBOR and board rates in deriving their actual interest rates offered to consumers. HDB Loans Interest rates on HDB loans are transparent – at the time of writing, the DBS HDB loan is pegged to FHR 9, which refers to the prevailing 9-month SGD fixed deposit interest rate. For HDB loans, there are no forms of penalty if you choose to prepay your loan. Learn more about HDB loans in our guide. A minimum loan amount of S$100,000 also applies. Types of Fixed Deposit pegged rates There are 3 sets of rates offered with FHR – FHR 8, FHR 9, and FHR 18. Each one is pegged to the respective type of fixed deposit rates in the bank. For example, FHR9 has lower interest rate than FHR18. Each one caters to a different customer segment. Fees and Charges Be it signing up for a new loan or refinancing an existing loan, various fees are bound to be incurred by the applicant. Valuation and fire insurance fees are mandatory for both new loans and refinancing, whereas legal fees (including stamping fees) are applicable for new loans. Legal fees may be subsidised by the bank, either in part or in full. Fixed Rates DBS often offers competitive fixed rates, when compared to its counterparts. For a list and explanation of different types of bank loans including fixed rates, SIBOR and other rates, refer to our guide to best home loans. Mortgage Interest Rate Cap There are interest rate caps at certain amounts. Loan Eligibility The same TDSR and MSR rules applies. DBS is able to recognise self-employed customers as salaried workers, thus forfeiting the need for a 30% haircut on the applicant’s Notice of Assessment (NOA). As such, self-employed applicants which includes entrepreneurs, real estate agents and the like would be able to secure a loan even with a lower income. Hence DBS mortgage loans remain a hot choice among this group in Singapore. Approval When it comes to your loan application with DBS, approval is fast, as long as the full set of required documents have been submitted. The speed of processing is usually dependent on the complexity of the case, but it can be as fast as a single day turnaround. Funds (Pledged/unpledged) Funds that are pledged with the bank would have to be deposited prior to loan disbursement. For showing of funds or assets under management (AUM), funds have to be shown upon application and 2 weeks before disbursement. Repayment/redemption penalty While most banks charge a 1.5% penalty, DBS charges 1.25% on the prepaid amount, and 0.25% on the original loan amount. Repayment account DBS offers the flexibility of allowing customers to use their own existing accounts as repayment accounts. Part Purchase For part purchase cases, it is necessary for customers to use the bank’s designated panel of lawyers. However, the sales & purchase (S&P) agreement does not have to be presented upfront during the loan application. Other loans provided by DBS DBS also provides personal loan and business loans. History of DBS DBS Bank, previously known as the Development Bank of Singapore, is a banking and financial services corporation headquartered in Singapore. It was established by the Singapore government in 1968 in an effort to acquire the industrial financing responsibilities from the Economic Development Board. Today, DBS is the largest Southeast Asian bank, and as of 31 Dec 2016, the company reported assets worth a total of S$482 billion. In Singapore alone, there are over a hundred branches, and its international presence stretches across 18 markets in Asia, Dubai, the United Kingdom and the United States. In markets other than Singapore, the bank’s focus is on three lines of their business, namely: wealth management, corporate/investment banking, and SME banking. In November 1998, DBS acquired POSB Bank, and this acquisition enabled customers of both banks to share banking facilities such as ATMs and cash deposit machines. Last but not least When availing yourself of any home loan, it is important to look at combination of various factors. Cheapest bank loan may not always be the best one. If unsure, always check with a trusted expert! Latest posts by The Redbrick Team (see all)
The post A guide to DBS home loan interest rates in Singapore appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/a-guide-to-dbs-home-loan-interest-rates-in-singapore/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-guide-to-dbs-home-loan-interest-rates-in-singapore Even as the National Water Service Commission (SPAN) has confirmed that the tap water in Malaysia is safe to drink, it is still always safer to have a water purifier or a water filter in your home for clean drinking water. Boiling tap water does help to kill viruses, bacteria and parasites. However, contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and more may still remain in the water. Having a good water purifier or water filter can help to effectively remove such contaminants, and ensure that your family drinks safe drinking water. Considering the extensive range of brands and models in the market, which then is the best water purifier or water filter in Malaysia? In this Best of Home series, we have curated the 11 Best Water Purifiers & Water Filters in Malaysia to recommend options that suit your lifestyle and budget. This article was last updated on 23 June 2020. 11 Best Water Purifiers & Water Filters in Malaysia1. 3M Aqua Pure HCD-2Dual filtration technologyThe premium 3M Aqua Pure HCD-2 is a filtered water dispenser featuring dual filtration technology for exceptionally clean water. Boasting one of the best water filters in Malaysia, the 3M Aqua Pure HCD-2 combines carbon block and UV lamp filtration technology to reduce pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The carbon filter removes lead, benzene, mercury, p-dichlorobenzene, toxaphene, the taste of chlorine, odour, and 99.95% of waterborne cysts, whereas the UV lamp deactivates both viruses and bacteria. Moreover, its special blend filter media helps to inhibit bacteria growth. You no longer need to boil and refill water daily as you can attach it to a water source in your home. The built-in water filter, which is very easy to replace, can filter harmful elements up to 0.5 microns.
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2. Panasonic Water Purifier TK-CS20Affordable and popular pickThe popular Panasonic TK-CS20 is one of the more affordable water purifiers in Malaysia. It utilizes filters made of non-woven fabric and powdered activated carbon to remove coarse particles of dirt and absorb harmful substances such as red rust and mould. In fact, it is certified to remove 95% residual chlorine. Long cartridge lifeInstallation is simple as you can simply connect it with a pipe to your tap. Unlike some water purifiers in Malaysia that reduce the water pressure after the purification process, the Panasonic TK-CS20 maintains strong water-flow with up to 6L water-flow per minute. Furthermore, its filter can last up to 12,800L usage. There is also a cartridge life checker to remind you when it needs to be replaced.
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3. Augienb Water Purifier Machine7-stage filtrationThe Auginb Water Purifier Machine filters water with its high-precision 7-stage filtration to remove harmful elements down to 0.01μm including bacteria, inorganic, and colloid elements. Besides that, the rich minerals in the water will be retained making it even healthier to drink. It even provides mildly alkaline water which is beneficial to your body. Why buy this:
4. Xiaomi Mijia Mi Water Purifier 2Smart water purifierLooking for a smart water purifier in Malaysia to complete your smart home? The Xiaomi Mijia Mi Water Purifier 2 provides connectivity to your mobile app, allowing you to monitor the quality of water in your home and get notified when to replace the cartridge. To ensure that the water is clean, it uses a 4-stage filtration and a Reverse Osmosis (RO) purification, which can remove harmful elements as small as 0.0001 micron. Compared to other water purifiers in Malaysia with reverse osmosis technology, this has 8 times faster filtration thanks to its multimembrane filter.
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5. Aquasana EQ-1000High-performance water filtration for 5 yearsOne of the best premium water filters in Malaysia, the Aquasana EQ-1000 provides up to 1 million gallons of clean water for your entire house, very useful especially if you have a large house. This translates into approximately 5 years of usage. Using copper-zinc mineral and activated carbon filter, this filters away elements of chlorine, heavy metals, organic chemicals, and other harmful contaminants. Another great thing about this water filter is that it removes bad odour in the water and improves the taste. This can be stored outdoor so you do not need to worry about losing space within your home. Why buy this:
6. Waterborn W-10 Master FilterAffordable long-lasting water filter systemThe Waterborn W-10 Master Filter offers powerful water pressure with a superior filtering capability. Its dual filtration uses ZeoPlus, which is a naturally occurring mineral found in places with historic volcanic activity. ZeoPlus’s microporous structure and ammonia removal properties significantly helps to improve your water quality. It also reduces the high amount of chlorine and any unpleasant odour. It has 3 modes including Backwash Mode for filter maintenance, Rinse Mode to clean dirt in the filter, and Filter Mode for regular use. Therefore, it offers hassle-free usage as you do not need to change any filters at all. You can store it outdoor to keep your home tidy.
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7. Riino Alkaline Water Purifier OLSD01For alkaline waterThe Riino Water Purifier OLSD01 provides alkaline water that can help to boost your immune system and neutralise the acidity in your body. In terms of filtering water, it uses a 4-stage ultrafiltration that combines stainless-steel as a primary filter, bio-chemical ceramic, activated carbon, and a hollow fiber ultra filtration membrane. With this filtration capability, harmful elements such as bacteria, viruses, red worm, heavy metal, rust, sediment, and residual chlorine are efficiently removed. Apart from that, it has a modern design which can enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen. An LED indicator light at the top provides intelligent filter life detection, informing you when to replace the cartridge.
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8. Panasonic PJ-225R-ZMAMini tap water filterMade of high-quality ceramic, this Panasonic PJ-225R-ZMA water filter consumes little space in your kitchen. Using Panasonic filtering technology, this mini filter can remove residual chlorine up to 99%. It also has a stream selection level that lets you choose the speed based on your preference, with 2.2L/min as the highest water-flow. Compact and easy to install, this Panasonic filter is one of the cheapest water filters in Malaysia. Why buy this:
9. Pensonic Water Filter PP-123Cheapest pickIf you are hesitant to spend much on a water filter, the Pensonic Water Filter PP-123 is probably the cheapest water filter in Malaysia. This Pensonic filter is designed with double filtration and can be installed under your sink. The first filter is made of coconut shell activated carbon that can remove chlorine taste, odour and volatile organic compounds. The second filter, which is made of polypropylene, removes dirt, sand, heavy metals such as corrosive products, and other impurities from the water. Why buy this:
10. Augienb Water PitcherPitcher water filterThe Augienb Water Pitcher comes with a built-in water filter that can be useful when you travel with your family. It has a large 3L capacity with a 0.5L flow rate per minute. It not only utilizes activated carbon to filter the harmful elements, but it also has an ionizer function that inhibits bacterial growth in the water. With specially designed pour spout, you can fill the pitcher conveniently without worrying to spill the water. You can use the filter up to 150L usage, equal to 300 water bottles. Equipped with a high-performance filter similar to a high-quality tap water filter, this pitcher is also a great alternative from buying a tap water filter that usually costs more. Why buy this:
Bonus11. Aquasana AQ-4100NSH Shower FilterShower water filterEver considered a shower water filter in Malaysia? Well, this may seem extravagant, but for a handful with sensitive skin, chlorine has the potential to cause dry skin and hair problems. This AQ-4100NSH Shower Filter is specially designed to filter your shower water from chlorine. Featuring 2 stage filter process, it takes out 99% of chlorine while at the same time, filters out the harmful VOCs and THMS while balancing the water pH. If you or your family member is sensitive to chlorine, you just might want to consider getting this. Why buy this:
FAQWhat brand of water purifier is the best in Malaysia?We find 3M to be a good brand for water purifiers in Malaysia. Alternatively, Aquasana provides quality water purifiers as well. Where to buy a water purifier in Malaysia?You used to only be able to buy a water purifier in Malaysia from retail stores, but now you can purchase them online for the ultimate convenience and even enjoy discounted prices! Lazada is my go-to for kitchen and home appliances. It is also a great place to compare prices.
We hope that our guide on the 11 Best Water Purifiers & Water Filters in Malaysia will help you to buy the best water purifier and water filter in Malaysia for your home. Do also read our other buying guides such as the best air purifiers as well. Please do share this along with your friends if you have found this useful. Do look forward to more buying guides that we will be releasing soon! This post was brought to you by The Wedding Vow. Disclosure: All opinions remain the writer’s own. There may be paid or sponsored mentions in the above article, but we believe in honesty of relationship, opinion, and identity. We will only recommend services that we have tried and tested ourselves or have done extensive research and find them to be useful recommendations. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright & disclosure policy. To get featured on The Wedding Vow, email [email protected] for advertising, [email protected] for media. The post 11 Best Water Purifiers & Water Filters in Malaysia for Clean Water (2020) appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/11-best-water-purifiers-water-filters-in-malaysia-for-clean-water-2020/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=11-best-water-purifiers-water-filters-in-malaysia-for-clean-water-2020 Singapore citizen Daniel De Costa has filed a constitutional challenge against the decision to call for an election under current circumstances. In a Facebook post on Tuesday night (23 June), Mr De Costa — who is represented by M Ravi of Carson Law Chambers — sought court declarations that “the right to vote and the right to free and fair elections are fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens of Singapore under the Constitution”. “I have just filed a constitutional challenge on behalf of Daniel De Costa that he be granted a Prohibitory Order enjoining the Returning Officer from proceeding with the holding of the general election as per section 24(3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act,” said Mr Ravi. “The application is premised on the ground that the calling of the election is in breach of the right to free and fair elections under the current circumstances,” he added. The court has accepted the application and the application has been served to the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Mr Ravi noted that a case number has been assigned. Mr Ravi’s application came after the announcement on the dissolution of the Parliament by President Halimah Yacob earlier today at the request of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The dissolution of Parliament comes three months after the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) released its report on the modified electoral map on 13 March. Mr De Costa, alongside TOC editor-in-chief Terry Xu, was charged with criminal defamation over an article alleging “corruption at the highest echelons” among members of the Singapore Cabinet. The post Singapore citizen Daniel De Costa files constitutional challenge against holding GE under present circumstances appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/singapore-citizen-daniel-de-costa-files-constitutional-challenge-against-holding-ge-under-present-circumstances/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=singapore-citizen-daniel-de-costa-files-constitutional-challenge-against-holding-ge-under-present-circumstances
The post China ‘interested’ in Trans-Pacific trade deal but keen to gauge Japan’s ‘attitude’ ahead of potential talks, ex-minister says appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/china-interested-in-trans-pacific-trade-deal-but-keen-to-gauge-japans-attitude-ahead-of-potential-talks-ex-minister-says/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=china-interested-in-trans-pacific-trade-deal-but-keen-to-gauge-japans-attitude-ahead-of-potential-talks-ex-minister-says
Since June 2, 2020, Singapore has begun to gradually reopen schools and businesses. As the nation adjusts to life in the new normal, physical return to work marks an important milestone on the path to recovery. To plan for an effective physical return, organisations need to consider the evolving external operating environment such as the public health status and work demand patterns, while placing employee well-being and experience at the centre of their plans. To better understand people experiences, let’s frame it from three perspectives: Me, We and Us.
Each perspective presents a unique set of risks and concerns. The key lies in building a sense of comfort and trust between employees and employers. How companies “switch the lights back on” in their operations can create a corporate culture of care and confidence that will have far-reaching impact long after the pandemic has ceased to be an existential threat. While no organisation will argue against putting people first, the challenge lies in maintaining people-centricity as they confront competing priorities in the journey ahead. Return to work is not a singular event and companies should plan how and when they return to work across three phases. Now (0 to 3 months): Reopen with caution In this phase, companies will need to make physical workspace changes and organisational measures to support and protect their workforce. Clear communication support channels will need to be set up i.e., medical assistance helpline, workplace assistance captains, and technology assistance staff. Safe distancing measures will need to be implemented such as side-by-side seating, designated desks, spacing out assembly line employees, limited elevator use, signage and markings at communal facilities, and temporarily closing socialising hubs. Employers should also help the workforce get mentally and emotionally ready. This will mean a high-touch approach with check-ins with team members before the first day of return, running a regular pulse check on how employees feel and what they need, and providing counselling support. In the midst of these preparations, employers need to keep track of the evolving Covid-19 situation by establishing dedicated listening processes to monitor any changes in government regulations and situational developments. This will help inform and build health and risk scenarios that will be used to redesign policies in the areas of employee health, workplace compensation and other HR policies, which organisations will need, to develop a comprehensive, prioritised and sequenced return plan. Next (4 to 9 months): Transition While the immediate focus is on safely transitioning back to physical operations, organisations know they need to prepare to operate differently in the post Covid-19 new normal. The economic impact of Covid-19 is exposing vulnerabilities in organisational operations, processes and technology. This presents organisations with a unique opportunity to accelerate transformation to build a digital and human-centric organisation. Organisations will need to establish a centralised command centre to plan the evolution of their workforce strategy and practices and how technology will support the change by enabling the workforce to stay safe, productive and connected. The command centre has an iterative task at hand. As it plans ahead, it will need to continuously evaluate employee behaviours and organisational performance to assess and improve the effectiveness of various transformation initiatives, while monitoring new developments in the environment. In the near term, company leaders will need exceptional agility to operate across all phases, shifting back and forth in response to external shifts in the operating environment. Beyond (Over 9 months): Transform Organisations need to be realistic that transformative change takes time and that it may take months or years before achieving their transformation goals. As business models and environments continue to evolve, organisations will require a whole new set of people capabilities to be agile and responsive to future disruptions. A new area to focus on is workforce vitality i.e., keeping the organisation running, healthy and safe. Employers will also need to redefine the employee experience and new ways of working work for everyone. Workforce forecasting and modeling will become increasingly important to help organisations project future workforce demand and supply and align to anticipated employee health and business needs. At all times, humans should sit at the centre of an organisation’s transformation journey. Organisations that thrive in the emerging world will be those that put people first – whether employees, customers, business partners or society at large – and best meet their needs. Those that recognise this will have a better chance at becoming leaders who transform, while others will merely transition. The post Driving people-centricity as workplaces reopen appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/driving-people-centricity-as-workplaces-reopen/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=driving-people-centricity-as-workplaces-reopen – Advertisement – In another press conference on Tuesday (Jun 23), Secretary-General of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Dr Tan Cheng Bock announced another slate of candidates. The line-up of six consisted of: Dr Tan Meng Wah, Academic and former fellow of IPS, whose father was a trishaw driver comes from humble beginnings. Introducing him as a new candidate, Dr Tan added that Dr Tan Meng Wah’s family lived in a rented flat growing up, and that he was the youngest of five. – Advertisement – Despite facing hardships growing up, in choosing him as a candidate initially, Dr Tan Cheng Bock worried that Dr Tan Meng Wah was “too academic”. Nevertheless, he added the latter had “A wealth of working experience”. He also has a wealth of knowledge on income inequality and information on public housing, Dr Tan Cheng Bock said. When Dr Tan Meng Wah was younger, he added that he knew very little about Singapore’s economy and discovered a shift from GDP-generation to wealth-generation. “The shift has resulted in widening income inequality, particularly over the last 20 years”, he explained. “Wages are really low and stagnating for them, at the same time living costs and housing costs have spiked”, he added. If allowed to continue, “I’m worried it will hit all Singaporeans and younger generations”, he noted. Another candidate as part of the line-up was Mr Choo Shaun Ming, a law undergraduate at the National University of Singapore, who was introduced by Dr Tan Cheng Bock as “quite a good chap”. “My time is short but I know that if I can gather all these people to stand on the same stage as me, I think there will be hope”, Dr Tan said. “Many people are wondering how a student can be elected but my party is not a one-member party, or a one-constituency party. The party will back every member. Every where we go, we are a team”, he added. In choosing Mr Choo, Dr Tan said: “Being young I wanted to know whether he can connect with the ground. But most importantly I know his heart is in the right place and he wants to serve Singapore. I noted the drive in him”. “He represents the bright, young and aspirational Singaporean”, said Dr Tan. Mr Choo said that he wanted to use what he has learned in Law school to give back to the community, and added that he does pro-bono work to give legal advice to people who need it. The last candidate introduced by Dr Tan was Harish Pillay. Noting that Mr Pillay said that he wanted to stand for elections because “we need diversity and inclusiveness”, Dr Tan added that the latter was definitely something Parliament needed. Mr Pillay is the Founder of Red Hat Singapore, the ASEAN headquarter of Red Hat Inc, a US company which was acquired by IBM in 2019 by a cash offer of S$30bn. Mr Pillay said that as a second-generation Singaporean he came from a simple background. He added that Singapore faces a real existential change and an actual threat of climate change which would be made even worse with population growth. He added that he wanted to be part of an alternate narrative to diversify ideas and to have more inclusivity of ideas. “I felt there was a synergy”, Mr Pillay added referring to the PSP. -/TISG – Advertisement – The post PSP’s new candidates prove that humble beginnings have spurred them on to create change – appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/psps-new-candidates-prove-that-humble-beginnings-have-spurred-them-on-to-create-change/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=psps-new-candidates-prove-that-humble-beginnings-have-spurred-them-on-to-create-change Only a few years ago, there were but a handful of specific places and situations in which it was mandatory to prove one’s identity. Opening a bank account, applying for a visa or passport, or perhaps getting your first driver’s licence. These were significant “moments” that marked transition points in life, and usually involved having to bring physical paper documents, like a birth certificate, to an imposing-looking office. Since the digital age, we have all become much more used to proving who we are. Nearly every interaction with a mobile app, website, or contact centre now involves going through the ubiquitous security checks. And although these steps have become a regular occurrence, they remain a serious time drain for the consumer, and for companies wishing to provide the best customer experiences, those irritations can be — with the application of the right technology — almost entirely removed. One interaction, many, many timesThe promise of digital proof-of-identity has not, until quite recently, been realised. That’s because each channel through which customers prove their identity to an organisation can have its own method(s), and those methods seldom replicate. An example might be an average customer with a loyalty card for a retailer (we’ve chosen retail to show that the importance of identity in a digital-first world now moves well beyond the governmental and financial arenas). Our customer might unlock an app on their phone with their face print or PIN, but in-store perhaps swipe the card through a terminal. Furthermore, when calling the retailer’s contact centre, the “security checks” might involve a question-and-answer exchange, or the remembering of a (different) PIN, or spelling out a residential address. And easily enough, those three separate identity-proving situations could happen on the same day. That’s clearly not an ideal situation for the end-user (it’s a poor customer experience), but for the company, it involves three separate technology stacks to support (on the premises, in the app and in the contact centre), and three discrete needs for staff training, three systems to maintain, upgrade, tweak and patch. Any attempt at getting the individual systems to interact would have to be manually constructed, and there would be the ever-present danger of a single point upgrade in any of the three instances breaking the connection. Worse yet, most fraudsters are sophisticated enough to find the channel of least resistance (these days, it’s typically the contact centre), so for all that trouble, your patchwork of disparate systems is really only as strong as its weakest element. In short, the digital identity conundrum is a difficult one to crack, and seemingly impossible to crack across all channels the average consumer wants to use. Fintech came firstBanks and the fintech sector have been aware of the difficulties of digitally verifying identity for many years. With nationally important issues like money-laundering and fraud at stake, this vertical was very much at the cutting-edge of strong digital authentication and KYC (know your customer). In 2020, every organisation and business is under threat from malicious identity fraud. Cybersecurity measures often hinge on proving users’ identities properly, with a single login often providing access to every private service the organisation runs. Furthermore, customers’ trust is easily lost with the slightest mismanagement of identity, one that might seem inconsequential. The theft of a few air miles or customer loyalty points might not bankrupt an individual, but the victim will probably move onto a competitor’s platform, and possibly broadcast their complaints on social media. The knock-on effect is that the organisation runs the risk of damaging their own reputation/brand recognition for not having deployed a secure customer authentication procedure for their customers. Adopt the agnosticIt seems obvious, therefore, that we look to fintech for direction. Generally speaking, their success working digitally lies in hitting three targets. The first is the need for omnichannel identity authentication: facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint, PIN, physical security keys, behavioural biometrics and whatever the future may bring in terms of the evolution of biometrics. The second is for a rigorous, effectively unbreakable authentication system, one that’s reliable, can be trusted by users and organisations, and can gain approval right up to the nation’s state government level. The third is for each of those authentication methods to interoperate, and work from the same “core”. If your customer has identified themselves correctly using a mobile app, when transferred to a voice call for better customer service, why should he or she need to answer security questions? Is there such a solution, available now that hits the magic trio of requirements? Yes, there is, but read on — there is another key concept we need to kick around a little, first. There’s an important detail to add at this point, and that’s of extending the agnosticism across factors (face, voice, etc.) and channels (mobile, web, contact centre, etc.) to the back end of authentication methods. Every organisation’s chosen security models depend to a degree on their needs, and the vertical in which they operate: FIDO or server-side, cloud or on-premise, open-source or proprietary. As long as the identity platform on which the changing requirements of business sits remains interoperable with multiple methods in the front and back offices, the organisation’s customers will get the best experience. And, the enterprise massively reduces its overheads as one agnostic identity management and security system provides multiple solutions, on any topology. We recommendInterestingly, during the course of the research for this article, we came across a company whose platform is commonplace in many online authentication interactions, yet as it’s the white-label authentication and digital KYC platform of choice for many Fortune 100 companies, its own identity is less well-known. In a further article, we’ll be looking in more depth at Daon’s agnostic, omnichannel authentication and KYC platform, IdentityX. But the chances are, you will already have used it, often without knowing that you have. Here are just a few examples of Daon customer deployments (Atom Bank, BNP Paribas, and mypensionID) that show how the Daon platform is making end-users’ interaction with companies much smoother. And the company’s initial success in banking and financial services has now extended to dozens of other vertical markets, including telcos, healthcare, eCommerce, and sports betting. In fact, just this month Daon revealed its move into the aviation and higher education markets with high-profile announcements from Denver International Airport and Anderson University, respectively. From any business’s point of view, Daon’s platform makes sense. However your legacy stack is configured with regards to security and authentication, the Daon IndentityX platform just “fits in”, pushing up the quality of customer experiences while pushing down the back-end overheads. The open-ended and integrated nature of IdentityX is such that it’s deployed across multiple channels and is architected in such a way that it’s suitable in equal measure for every vertical, but also for whatever method in the future on which companies may come to rely. For the next article in this series, we’ll be digging a little deeper into the concept of multiple channel authentication, and looking at Daon’s offerings in more detail both technically (it holds 160+ identity authentication patents) and in pure business terms, too. For now, however, you can follow the links above to those case studies, or find out more from a (virtual) face-to-face with a representative today. The post The best KYC and digital identity management platform for white label appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/the-best-kyc-and-digital-identity-management-platform-for-white-label/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-kyc-and-digital-identity-management-platform-for-white-label IMAGE: ALYX Matthew Williams founded ALYX (pronounced A-Leeks) in 2015, a brand that has gained immense popularity over the years, one that even made its debut at Paris Fashion Week in 2018. It’s also known for partnering with one of the biggest names in fashion, with Williams’ signature rollercoaster buckle prominently featured in the men’s bags and leather goods line-up under Kim Jones for French luxury house Dior. The buckle’s origins started out on a simple Rollercoaster Belt, which has now gone on to become a staple element in 1017 ALYX 9SM’s accessories collection, appearing on keychains and necklaces, as well as the chainlink bracelets that are the subject of today’s post. Take a look at the Hero Bracelet, one that’s currently offered in two variations. The first comes with a gold-toned brass chain and finished with a black anodised aluminium buckle, while the other comes with a silver anodised aluminium buckle that’s paired with a silver-tone brass chain. In addition, both pieces feature charms like 1017 which represents Williams’ birthday (17 October), along with 9SM which is an abbreviation of the very first Alyx Studio address at 9 Saint Mark’s Place in New York City. If you’re keen on getting one (or two), you can head over to ALYX’s online store via this link, where you will find the Hero Bracelet priced from EUR395 and up. The other piece of good news? They do offer shipping to Singapore, so act fast before they are all sold out. IMAGE: ALYX The post ALYX 1017 9SM Hero Bracelet – BAGAHOLICBOY appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/alyx-1017-9sm-hero-bracelet-bagaholicboy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=alyx-1017-9sm-hero-bracelet-bagaholicboy Looking for a job? Have you tried asking your friends and family (and even your extended family) for lobangs? And have you gone online to try your luck with job search sites and job portals? . . . Still no luck? Well… have you tried using a job recruitment agency yet? TL;DR: Best Job Recruitment Agencies in Singapore for Your Next Career Move
Pro-tip: if you’re looking for jobs in a particular industry, check out the job recruitment agencies which only specialise in a few industries and happen to focus on the industry which you want to get into. These agencies are more likely to have built close ties with companies and businesses in the particular industry or sector you’re interested in. And they’ll be able to better help you get the job you want. That’s not to say that the generalists can’t help. But hey, you’ve only limited hours a day right? So it’s best to prioritise your job search! . . . Have questions about your career or your job search? Why not ask the friendly SeedlyCommunity? There’re community members there from all walks of life who’re more than willing to share career-related tips and personal experiences to help you make a better decision! I Have A Career-Related Question! What Is A Job Recruitment Agency?A job agency is an agency that matches you with jobs listed by various companies. Different agencies have different kinds of matching services so before you register your profile with one. It’s a good idea to find out whether they are focused on placing jobseekers in short-term or temporary jobs. Or are they placing jobseekers in long-term or permanent jobs. Some agencies also focus on matching people to jobs in very specific fields and roles like a data analyst or an IT engineer. So you’ll also want to find out if the agency you’re working with is able to match you with jobs in the field which you’re interested in. So… Should I Use a Job Recruitment Agency?Here are a couple of reasons why you should try using a job recruitment agency. I mean, no harm, right? It’s Free (Most of the Time)In my experience, most job recruitment agencies are free to use. It’s usually the employers who will have to pay the agency a commission when they make a successful hire. So before you decide to go with any recruitment agency. Check if they charge any “extra fees” or “commissions” to avoid any unexpected surprises. I mean, it would really suck if you were successfully hired and realise that you have to pay 50 per cent of your salary for the first 3 months to the agency right? Note: always read the terms and conditions before signing anything! And if your recruiter insists that you have to pay something for their services. You can simply take your resume and cover letter with you and try another job recruitment agency instead since there’re so many out there. Variety of Jobs AvailableWhile you might be only interested in jobs in a particular industry or sector. Companies or businesses might not be hiring — for a myriad of reasons. If you’re working with a job recruitment agency, your recruiter can offer you a variety of jobs which match your profile. Granted, it might not necessarily be in the field you want to work in. But this gives you more options. Some of which you might not have even thought of. And sometimes, it’s not a bad idea to accept a job and build skills or experience while looking out for your ideal career. First Dibs and the Inside ScoopSince recruitment agencies work very closely with their clients (aka the employers who are hiring). There’s a high probability that the job recruitment agency will be the first to know of any job openings these companies have. In fact, some of these openings might only be made available via the job recruitment agency. Because these companies use the agency to cut through the noise and find talent that is worth their time. This way, they don’t have to deal with every Tom, Dick, and Harry who applies through say… their company job portal or LinkedIn page. So if you’re a mid-career jobseeker looking to switch industries or find better opportunities. Some of the more senior or highly-paid positions which you’re interested in might only be available through a job recruitment agency. Since companies will be highly selective about the candidates applying for these coveted jobs. Experience and FeedbackIf you’re a fresh graduate applying for your first job, you might not have the most illustrious background or tonnes of relevant experience. Heck, you wouldn’t even know how to craft your resume. Or what kind of information you should provide in your job application. But a recruitment agency can do stuff like help you tidy up your resume and tailor it to what a potential employer wants. Just think about it. While you’ve only just entered the job market and are just starting your job search. These job recruiters are pros who’ve been searching and matching people to jobs, full-time. They can highlight your relevant skill sets, give you interview and presentation tips. And most importantly, they can prepare and give you an edge over other applicants because they already know what employers are looking for. These kinds of free feedback is invaluable. And like I mentioned earlier, most of these recruiters only earn the commission if you are hired. So it’s definitely in their interest that you successfully get the job… Support After You Get a JobSome recruitment agencies (and job recruiters) will also support you if you have any HR-related questions or concerns. This support will usually be extended to you while you transition into your job with your new employer. But you really should be talking to your direct manager of the human resources department of your new company to get the most accurate information. How Do I Use a Job Recruitment Agency To Get the Best Results?Once you’ve decided on which job recruitment agency to work with. You’ll usually need to create a profile, which includes your personal details, highest level of education, certifications, and work experience. You’ll also have to choose the industries or jobs which you are interested in. Next, you’ll need to upload a resume — some of the better agencies will have resume vetting services or will offer to optimise your resume for industry-specific keywords. The agencies will usually link you up with a recruiter who will take care of your profile. While you wait to hear back from the agency (or recruiter), continue the job search on your own by checking out job portals or job search websites. If your recruiter doesn’t proactively reach out (read: red flag here), or maybe you haven’t received an email notification of any available positions. It’ll be good to check-in often with your recruiter to see if there’re any job openings which match your profile. Or jobs which you might potentially consider as well. Once you do land an interview, the agency will provide you with information like:
If you feel that the position is not a good fit, it’s okay to say no. It’s important to be honest with the recruiter and explain why you feel otherwise. This way, he or she will be able to find a job that better meets your expectations. The post How to Use Recruitment Agencies to Maximise Your Job Search appeared first on TinySG. via TinySG https://tinysg.com/how-to-use-recruitment-agencies-to-maximise-your-job-search/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-use-recruitment-agencies-to-maximise-your-job-search |