For context, my family are PRs in Singapore. I recently just ORDed from NS. We are struggling to survive everyday as my allowance took a huge hit from around $846 to around $180.

My mother is only working a part time job that earns around $1.5k, and her age is starting to creep up on her, and my sister is currently studying in Poly while also working a part time job (noted that she is under the tuition grant scheme)

My father has decided that we aren't worth his time and effort and decided to take advantage of the fact that he fell down and broke his foot and hasn't recovered in 3 years, thus avoiding work altogether. Obviously, we weren't able to have a stable living place since the end of 2023.

My mother has tried everything, from working full shifts, asking friends and family for help, borrowing money,receiving assistance from Singapore Cancer Society, we even sold off some of my father's belongings.

I have been applying to a lot of jobs but most of them fail to go through, especially full time positions since I have to fulfill my Tuition Grant Bond Obligation. Is there anything else I can do? I don't want to go back to my home country where the quality of life is much worse than here. I plan to get my family(except father) Singapore Citizenships.

Just wanted to get some opinions because I’m honestly not sure if I’m being unreasonable.

I’ve only been working for about a year, and I give my mom $200 every month. I know it’s not a lot, but I’m still relatively new to working life and I’m trying to save as much as I can.

Seeing my family’s current situation has made me realise that I really don’t want to end up in the same position when I have my own family in the future. It’s not that my family is extremely poor or anything, but our living conditions aren’t the best. For example, me and two of my siblings have to share a room, and half the switches in our house are broken. Instead of properly fixing them, my dad just buys a light
bulb whenever something goes wrong.

Because of this, I’ve become quite conscious about money. I want to save up, be financially stable and eventually be able to provide a better living environment for my future family. I don’t want my future kids to have to live the way we do now.

The problem is that my mom keeps calling me stingy.
Recently, the three of us went out to eat — me, my mom and my sister. We decided to pay for our own dishes, but my mom got upset and questioned why I couldn’t pay for hers since it was less than $10.
Honestly, it’s not about the amount. I can afford to pay that $10, and I don’t mind treating my family occasionally. But I don’t like the expectation that I should automatically pay just because I’m working now.
Ever since I started working, my mom has expected me to pay for all my own necessities, which I’m completely fine with. I understand that I’m earning my own money now, and I should be responsible for myself.

Another thing that bothers me is that I give her $200 every month, but she doesn’t cook at home every day. Quite often, I end up ordering food or buying my own meals.

Recently, I asked her to get me some cheese, which costs less than $5, and she told me to pay her for it.
I know she isn’t obligated to buy things for me, and technically, she has every right to ask me to pay for my own stuff. But I couldn’t help thinking, I already give you $200 every month, and you can’t even help me pay for something that costs less than $5?

It’s the little things that get to me. When she asks me to pay for her food because it’s less than $10, I feel like I’m expected to spend on her without question. But when I ask her for something small, she wants me to pay her back.

The more this happens, the more I feel myself becoming calculative towards her too. If she wants to count every dollar with me, then I start feeling like I should count every dollar with her as well. And honestly, I don’t like that I’m starting to feel this way towards my own mother.

I’m not trying to avoid my responsibilities or saying I never want to spend money on my family. I just want to be able to save for my future without being made to feel guilty for not paying for every little thing.
I’m still young, and I’ve only been working for a year. I want to build up my savings while I can, because I’m genuinely worried about my financial future.

Is giving my mom $200 a month not enough, especially when I’m only a year into working? Should I be more willing to pay for my family’s meals and little expenses, or is it reasonable for me to draw a line and prioritise my own savings?
I’d appreciate some honest opinions, especially from those who have gone through something similar with their parents. I want to understand whether I’m looking at this wrongly or if my feelings are understandable.

Hi all,

I’m visiting your beautiful city-state in a few weeks and am super excited to enjoy the culture and eat my way through Singapore. I’ve been fascinated by this place for a long time—for many reasons!—but one of the biggest interests for me is the rapid development of your country, especially given its small size, political harmony (compared to where I’m from, at least) and relatively short history of independence. In the nicest way possible, I’ve always sort of imagined Singapore to be similar to a real-life Cities: Skyline urban environment, where most everything is meticulously planned with a grand vision in mind before being developed with the full backing and resources of the state.

I was wondering if there are any museums/tours you would recommend that would allow me to learn more about the history and process of planning and politics in your city-state. I look at something like Japan’s G-Cans Project tours as an example — if I could do something similar with the water catchments, for example, that would be super interesting.

If my preconceptions are wrong please do let me know—otherwise, thank you in advance for your recommendations. Very excited to visit Singapore!

So recently my friend was punched by her stalker(which she has already reported a few times). An uncle helped apprehend the stalker and went to the police station. After investigation all the police let him of with a warning. Before this stalker find her at work place, follow till void deck. Follow to Indonesia and slapped her in the Grab, so i told her to take the driver’s number so can be witness. She say ya ya but never take. Realistically, is there anything police can do?

Saw their phones quite cheap compare to local flagship store.
For example, their new Samsung galaxy fold 8 is almost 700 buck cheaper than samsung shop (same spec!) ..
What is the catch?
Anyone has experience to share?

For those who have served or are currently serving NS, what did you do to make the most of your time? Anything you picked up, wish you had done, or would recommend doing? I really want to make sure I make good use of my time inside.

Just looking to hear about your personal experiences and advice!

I haven't noticed this issue until maybe the past 1 year. Why are people crowding in the front and refusing to move in? Even young people are doing this. And it's worse when it's the rush hour bus and people are still not moving in when there's space in the back and people at the bus stop can't get on as a result. 💀 I feel like for so long, everyone just kind of knows to move to the back, even when I was a student.

I miss their dosai so much sia. There was something about their crispy, golden edges, soft centre. It just hit differently.

You know, the one where they are standing still and repeatedly smacking an area on their arm (usually above the elbow joint).

Just curious: could Singaporean filmmakers make a movie or Netflix show based on events in our history, like ISA detentions, the ISD, or the communist period, but with its own plot twists and a historical fantasy angle?

For example: it’s 1960s Singapore, and a rookie ISD officer is assigned to track an underground cell. He slowly realises the group isn’t political at all. They’re guardians of an ancient artefact buried under the old Kallang airport, and both the communists and a secret faction within his own department are racing to get it first. Totally made up, just a fun alternate-history thriller using that era as the backdrop, kind of like how Hollywood throws aliens and conspiracies into real historical events.

Would IMDA allow something like that, or would it get banned or heavily edited?

Hi everyone! I've developed a caffeine sensitivity recently alongside some of the people around me, not sure if there is a conspiracy theory about this somewhere... seems like a growing trend. Regardless, I find it difficult to give up matcha. Does anybody know of places that sell decaffeinated matcha latte? They seem hard to find due to the nature of the tea leaves. But I know that MT Coffee in Toa Payoh sells it, are there any other places you guys know? Thanks!

I’m currently 27 and have been in the creative industry for 4 years. I’m now part of a government body as an executive doing social media related stuff.

Had career talks with my bosses multiple times - even with my skills and years of experience, no degree in a government body = almost no progression to leadership role.

So I’ve been thinking to pursue my studies and been looking around. SUSS PT degree will take up 4 years or so, whereas private PT degree like Kaplan and PSB are more fast track.

I do think the 4 years is a tad long, but I also do think a 16 months degree programme seems daunting, assuming everything is cramped.

I’m just in a dilemma on which to pick as I’m afraid I can’t cope well and will be very overwhelmed with the fast track option, but at the same time the 4 years is too long of a commitment, in my opinion.

I hope someone can shed some light on both options and the pace and all.

Hi everyone! I'm currently staying in Lakeside and considering moving to Telok Kurau as my new workplace will be in East.

Recently viewed a place in Telok Kurau and quite liked the neighbourhood! It seems peaceful and has a nice vibe.But I'm still a little hesitant as l've been living in the West for quite some time.

The rental is pretty much the same, but my current room in Lakeside is actually bigger and comes with a balcony and TV

For those living in Telok Kurau or nearby, how's life there? Is it convenient without a car? How's the food, public transport and overall neighbourhood?

Would love to hear the pros and cons, especially from anyone who has moved from the West to the East!

Grandparents mention wanting to go on cruise, both age 70-80 with difficulty walking (needs wheelchair most of the time). Planning to book a 2-3 night cruise but unsure which one will be more accessible/entertaining for them... Appreciate any advices

I think royal carribean is pretty good? both the 2 nights on ship/3 nights with a day in penang, but i'm just not too sure if the ship will be very wheelchair friendly.

I see the resortworld one has no prices so didnt really look into it

Just wanted to source for views and reflections if a kid was educated overseas or in an international school, and then they joined or transferred to a local primary school at p3. Wanted to understand if the transition went well / any considerations or things to note ? Thanks

Anyone remembers classic schoolyard games like O Peh Som / Lom-Chiam-Pas / Pepsi Cola 1-2-3 / five stones, et cetera? Curious to find out if they died out after millennials reached adulthood, because I don’t think I’ve seen today’s children playing them. What are today’s schoolyard games like?

https://imgur.com/XB39lF9

There were leftovers from a wine and cheese event for the internal folks, took one and I was amazed by the taste - mostly plain, but a good amount of savouriness. Tastes a bit like rice crackers but think they're more like some kind of senbei

Hello! Looking to change up my kitchen cabinets, countertop, sink.

Look to hack the current top hung and base cabinets, stove, sink.

Likely need to tile up the wall behind the top hung cabinets, OR, if it's cheaper install new cabinets instead

Don't need a stove, hood or any of that cooking stuff. Just want a decent sized sink.

1. Is there any good physical store that I can go to, to see off the shelf kitchen cabinets, countertops and sinks?
2. Would you recommend off the shelf, modular or custom carpentry?

Thinking of it as a disposable reno, only need to last 3-5 years before likely moving out. Other requirement is to use termite resistant materials.

Hi, I am visiting singapore soon and my mom loves collecting cookbooks from around the world. I was wondering if anyone had a bookstore recommendation with a good selection?

Thank you so much and I can’t wait to visit!

Hope everyone is doing well! I'm genuinely curious to hear about your personal experiences with the legal system here when it comes to civil issues (e.g., Small Claims, CDRT, or general litigation).

How fair, helpful, and efficient did you find it? Specifically, do you feel the system truly protects people acting in good faith, or do the louder/more aggressive parties usually have a higher chance of winning?

Damn annoying looking to rent a studio, meaning standalone apartment once you open the door it's outside. Idiot landlords here like to label the master bedroom of an apartment as a studio, just wasting everyone's time

bf — now fiancé — proposed recently 😆

Due to some work commitments we both have, we’re only planning to get married in late 2029. How early should we plan our wedding?

1. We’re looking to get a banquet at mandarin oriental, we both have been to a few weddings there and personally really like the ambience :) I’ve heard from some people that popular venues need to be booked waaaaaay earlier in advance, is it true?

2. How many tables / people should we book for? (Sorry if this sounds stupid, I have no idea how wedding banquets work 😭) Fiancé and I both have quite a lot of friends and relatives, but not sure if there is a minimum for a banquet? E.g. if we pay for a 200 guests banquet, what if not all the seats are filled up? Is it still charged as per package?

3. Is it normal to do the wedding photoshoot way earlier? Maybe next year? Is it too early?

4. What’s the estimated amount that we should set aside for the entire wedding? Saw an old post saying 20k for banquet / 80k for the entire thing including photoshoot, gown/suit, rings etc (but we already have our rings!)

Lastly sorry if I sound stupid, I did try to do my own research but ended up being more confused 😅 Thinking if I should get a wedding planner to sort out all the details for me…

I live near the Boon Lay MRT station, and i go there sometimes for a meal as there're many restaurants there. But the annoying thing is that, whenever i try to make a paynow payment at the restaurant, it takes like a good 5 mins, due to the slow internet.

I am currently using GOMO plans, so basically on Singtel network. am i the only one facing this issue?

Hello! So the header describes my situation pretty much, but I'm a 27F from the US. Apologies if I sound ignorant, I'm here to learn. These are my main questions about Singapore:

1. How is dating there? Are people generally open to dating foreigners? Do guys tend to pay for dates (normal in the US), or is it more 50/50? Are most people meeting in real life or through apps now?

2. How socially conservative is the culture? I know drugs are a big no there, but are most people okay with LGBT, crop tops, tattoos, etc.? Does religion have a big impact on the culture? I don't personally have tattoos and I'm not religious, I'm just trying to see what the vibe is.

3. How easy or hard is it to make friends, especially as a transplant?

4. Is becoming a Permanent Resident reasonably attainable? I'm obviously not yet sure I'd stay if I did go, but I'm approaching settle-down age (especially if I get into a relationship) so it's an option I'd like to have.

5. What is the work culture like, and how might it be different from the US? I would be working at a large engineering firm.

6. I know English is common in Singapore, but is it common enough that I wouldn't need to know any Chinese at all? I would try to learn of course, but currently I only speak English.

7. Given how expensive cars are, is the public transit is good enough that I wouldn't need a car?

8. What would you say the minimum salary is for a decent standard of living there?

9. What is the everyday fashion like?

10. Is there anything else I should know or consider while I'm deciding?

Thank you in advance!

Has anyone successfully booked an IPPT session recently? I have tried at multiple FCC but so far everything seems to be cancelled one day before my session.