5 Best Solar Panel Providers in Singapore: Ultimate Guide

If you are thinking of using solar power for your home or business, here is some useful information that could help you with your decision.

WHEN DO YOU NEED A SOLAR POWER SYSTEM IN SINGAPORE?

More than saving money on electricity bills, solar energy is preferable if you want a more sustainable energy source for your daily power needs. Solar energy gets rid of your worries about power failures and helps you contribute toward zero CO2 emissions.

If you live or if you have a remote property that is far from a power grid, all the more that you need is to consider using solar energy.

COMMON USES OF SOLAR POWER TODAY

Solar power is becoming widely used today for various residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

In your home, solar energy can be used to power your entire house. More specifically, you can have solar lighting, solar water heaters, and a solar-powered security system.

Industrial uses of solar energy include solar-powered telecommunications equipment and facilities, remote energy for the oil and gas industry, outdoor lighting for various industries, and refrigeration of commodities.

Solar-powered billboards and signages, remote security, and solar tourist boats are just a few examples of commercial uses of solar energy.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A SOLAR POWER SYSTEM?

The 4 main components of a solar power system are solar modules, charge controllers, batteries, and inverters. Your solar power system can have additional components but it will already run smoothly with just these 4.

HOW ARE SOLAR POWER COSTS CALCULATED?

The following factors can affect the cost of your solar power system:

• Size of the system – This will determine the number of panels that you need to install.
• Site or location issues – Special techniques might be needed if the solar panels are to be installed in a difficult spot or area.
• Quality of panels – Some installers might offer super cheap but inferior products. Make sure to check the products that are being offered to you by your chosen installer.

HOW MUCH DOES A SOLAR POWER SYSTEM COST IN SINGAPORE?

The cost of installing a solar power system in Singapore ranges from S$10,000 to S$50,000. Households in landed properties use an average of S$20,000 for a 10 kWp system which is equivalent to S$2,000/kWp.

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST SOLAR SYSTEM PROVIDERS?

Now that you already know the basics about using a solar power system, here is our list of the top 5 best solar panel providers in Singapore.

SolarGy

SERVICES:

• Site surveys
• Design (module layout, inverter configuration, mounting structure, etc.)
• Energy and shading simulations
• LEW submission to SP Services and PowerGrid
• PE certification of lightning protection system
• PE certification of mounting structure
• Procurement and delivery of equipment
• Site installation
• Quality control
• Testing and commissioning
• Arrangement for SP Services/PowerGrid to inspect and turn on the system
• Operations and maintenance

PRODUCTS:

• Solar panels
• BIPV
• Inverters
• Monitoring systems
• Energy storage systems & microgrids
• Ecoplugs

BRANDS CARRIED:

• Canadian Solar
• REC Solar
• JA Solar
• Jinko Solar
• SMA
• Sunpower
• Huawei
• Trinasolar
• Panasonic

SolarPVExchange

SERVICES:

• Residential solar panel installation
• Commercial solar panel installation

PRODUCTS:

• Solar PV system
• Solar panels
• Inverters

BRANDS CARRIED:

• Jinko Solar
• JA Solar
• Longi Solar
• Huwaei (inverters)

Kamtex Solar

SERVICES:

• Customs designs and solutions
• Solar System Installations

PRODUCTS:

• Complete solar systems
• Solar panels
• Solar charge controllers
• Solar kits
• Solar batteries
• Solar inverters
• Solar cables and connectors
• Solar lightings
• Solar fountains and pumps
• Solar mounting
• Solar accessories

BRANDS CARRIED:

• Kamtex Solar
• Sharp
• Phocos
• Morningstar
• Powermaster

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan for your Aging Parents

In Singapore, anyone can afford to perish, but one simply couldn’t afford to catch a sickness, as most of our elderly folks like to mutter. Working to ensure that doesn’t occur to us is made possible in significant part by health insurance. Despite the fact that some of us are certain that insurance will be adequate to meet our healthcare demands, this may vary as we grow older. Discover what types of health insurance you must be thinking about for your elderly parents as they get older by reading on.

It’s an unfortunate circumstance that almost no one of us would like to find ourselves in to be caught flatfooted during a medical emergency. Because of this, obtaining health insurance is a crucial part of reaching adulthood.

When choosing the appropriate health insurance for your elderly relatives, there are numerous aspects to take into account. The state, insurance providers, and maybe employers all offer different possibilities for healthcare coverage, in addition to the multiple plans, each of these entities offers. It goes without saying that this might make picking the best health insurance far more challenging than you might expect.

When looking into alternatives for your elderly parents’ health insurance, keep these five points in mind:

1. Existing Health Conditions

One should be aware of any medical disorders your senior parents may have had in the past. Lacking a pristine medical history is a frequent excuse for insurance firms to deny applicants. Although outright rejection may be warranted in some cases of certain diseases or health issues, including cancer and perhaps other degenerative diseases. It doesn’t mean, however, that you won’t be able to track down insurance policies that are acceptable. But as is to be anticipated, the premiums could be significantly higher.

Nevertheless, if your elderly parents don’t have any serious pre-existing problems, it’s still possible and not at all harmful to qualify for health insurance on their behalf. Singaporean citizens, for instance, are still covered by Medishield Life, notwithstanding the possibility that their premiums will be higher if they have serious pre-existing medical conditions.

2. Age Restriction for Purchasing an Insurance Policy

There is frequently a maximum admission age for insurance plans that you should be aware of. That would be the maximum age at which you can submit an application for medical insurance. In Singapore, it is generally considered acceptable at age 75 for the majority of insurance coverage. Accordingly, you must file an application for insurance before your elderly parents reach 75. Also, keep in mind that some policies offer coverage for a lifetime, so it may not always follow that the policy will end when your parents reach the maximum age requirement. Simply put, it implies that once you turn 75, you are no longer eligible to apply for them. There should be no problem finding your parent’s health insurance alternatives if they haven’t reached the age of 75. However, if your elderly has reached the maximum entry age of 75, you can still ask about health insurance plans for them that have higher entry ages.

3. Insurance Cost and Coverage

The major insurance providers in Singapore, perhaps, offer various health insurance policies, otherwise known as Integrated Shield Plans. These policies, generally offer distinct coverage for multiple community hospital rooms and private hospital wards. In practice, choosing private nursing homes or upscale ward types will result in higher charges. Thus, you should critically factor in the cost and coverage of medical insurance and choose your maximum ability to pay and the least level of coverage you are inclined to acknowledge.

4. Exclusions

Exclusion clauses are a part of insurance policies, as these detail, the situations and conditions wherein the carrier will not offer protection and are not insured in order to limit liabilities to the insurance firm. Before committing to the policy, it’s critical to read these exclusions carefully and make sure you comprehend them. The information should be precise and comprehensive in the policy statement. If you’re unclear about any kind of exclusions, don’t hesitate to keep asking questions. Also, keep in mind that the time required for the policy to take effect can be viewed as an exclusion.

5. Individual Preferences

It is indeed vital to engage your elders in the decision-making phase prior to actually choosing a health insurance plan for them. It might be frightening for elderly people to discuss ageing, illness, and death on their own. Have a discussion with them to learn their perspectives on healthcare coverage and any concerns they may have about their own well-being. Trying to ensure that the health insurance coverage chosen for them serves their medical needs and concerns by keeping a line of communication open such as this is beneficial.

Picking the right option for your elderly folks will take more work and analysis. By comparing coverage, qualification, fees, and connections, one can narrow their alternatives and avoid unexpected expenses for the future of their household.

Prior to accepting a senior relative’s insurance plan, make doubly sure to always ask questions. Examine the various health insurance options and carefully review the illnesses and treatments for which you want your elders to be protected. Priorities and concerns should always be thoroughly researched before committing to an agreement.

5 Reasons Why Trading is Better Than Investing

When it comes to making money in the financial market, there are two main strategies: trading and investing. Trading is a shorter-term strategy where you buy and sell assets within a few days or weeks, while investing is a longer-term strategy where you buy and hold them for months or years. While both strategies can be profitable, trading has several advantages over investing. In this guide, we’ll explain five reasons why trading is a better option than investing.

Trading vs. Investing

Trading is the act of buying and selling assets in the financial markets. When you trade, you speculate on the price movements of assets and make money when your predictions are correct. This is done on crypto, stocks, or fx trading platform. You can trade stocks, currencies, commodities, and other securities in the financial markets.

The main benefit of trading is that it offers a higher potential for profit than investing. This is because you’re actively speculating on price movements and aim to make money from short-term market fluctuations. In contrast, investors generally buy assets and hold them for extended periods of time, only making profits when they sell at a higher price than they bought at.

1. Trading is less risky than investing

Investing involves buying assets and holding them for a long period of time, which means you’re exposed to the market’s ups and downs for an extended period. With trading, you only hold assets for a short period of time, so you’re not exposed to as much risk. For example, you can easily close your positions and minimize your losses if an unexpected event occurs. But, if you’re investing, you may have to wait months or years for the market to recover.

2. Trading offers more opportunities to make profits

In the financial market, there are countless opportunities to make money. However, with investing, you can only profit from price appreciation. With trading, on the other hand, you can profit from both price appreciation and depreciation. For example, if you’re bearish on a stock, you can short it and profit from its price decline. This flexibility gives traders a greater chance of making money in the market.

3. Trading can be done with a small amount of capital

To start investing, you need a large amount of capital as you’re buying assets and holding them for an extended period. This isn’t the case with trading where you can start with a small amount of capital. For example, with some brokers, you can trade with as little as $100. This is because you can take advantage of leverage. When you’re trading with leverage, you’re using borrowed capital from your broker. This allows you to trade with more money than you have in your account. For example, if you’re trading with a 1:10 leverage, for every $1 you have in your account, you can trade with $10.

Leverage affects both your profits and losses. So, while it does give you the opportunity to trade with a small amount of capital, you need to ensure you have the money should your trade not work out as you planned. Therefore, before using leverage, make sure you understand how it works and what is involved.

4. Trading is easier than investing

Investing requires a lot of research as you need to find the right assets to buy and hold for the long term. This can be a complex and time-consuming process. On the other hand, trading is much simpler as you’re only focused on making profits in the short term. All you need to do is find an opportunity in the market and trade it.

For example, if you want to invest in a company, you need to analyze its financial statements, competitive advantage, management team, etc. However, if you’re trading that same company’s stock, you only need to consider the factors that will affect its price in the short term.

5. Trading allows you to take advantage of market fluctuations

In the financial market, prices are constantly fluctuating. This provides opportunities for traders to profit from price movements. On the other hand, investors can only profit from price appreciation as they hold their assets for a long period of time. So, if the market crashes, they’re likely to lose money.

However, with trading, you can take advantage of both rising and falling markets. For example, if you’re bullish on a stock, you can buy it and profit from its price appreciation, or if you’re bearish on a stock, you can short it and profit from its price decline.

These are just a few of the reasons why trading is better than investing. If you’re looking to make money in the financial market, both strategies can be profitable. Make sure you understand all that is involved before you start trading or investing.

Important things to consider when hiring a freelance app developer in Singapore

It’s no doubt that Singapore is the leader in the South East Asian startup market. All the biggest names in technology have at least some presence in Singapore. It’s also one of the most progressive places on Earth when it comes to digital innovation. Every brand is looking for a way to take advantage of digitising some part of their business. Whether that’s to increase revenue, attract new customers, optimise internal processes, or to improve brand loyalty.

This creates many opportunities for people to build innovative solutions for these companies and then provide it as a service. Once places started to open up after a long period of lockdowns, people were afraid of germs and didn’t want to touch things in public spaces. This created an issue in places like restaurants where menus were passed on from table to table. So someone decided to digitise the traditional menu and build an app that let’s restaurants share their menus digitally. So people would simply scan a QR code on the table and then they could view the menu from their phones. This solved the problem and also created a realisation that this is better than traditional menus and many restaurants have decided that they will continue to use QR code menus in the future. This is just one example, but there is a case in almost every industry where doing something digitally is just so much better.

Having realised this, people are all trying to build new apps that solve these kinds of problems. The only problem is not everyone can code, and it’s not that simple to just learn how to do it overnight. So if you are in a similar boat, you will probably try to connect with a freelance app developer in Singapore. But this in itself is a daunting task as you will need to know where to look and how to vet candidates. So let’s dive into how you can do just that.

Where to find a freelance app developer in Singapore

The first step in hiring a freelance app developer for your project is to find one. Now there are a few places you can look. The 2 most obvious places are Upwork and Fiverr.

On Fiverr you can search for app developers who have predefined projects. They will list exactly what they will do for you with a set price. These developers can be located anywhere in the world, and won’t necessarily be in Singapore. The good thing is that you can see some reviews from past projects and Fiverr also has a pro section where they only list the vetting developers.

Now Upwork is a bit more interesting because you can find preset projects just like Fiverr, but you can also look for freelance app developers in Singapore, see their hourly rates, portfolio projects, and reviews. You will be able to contact them and discuss your exact project requirements and get a more personalised experience. You are also free to create a project by listing your requirements and budget and then developers will send you proposals so you can review and hire the best suited one for your app.

And lastly, the other option is to connect with a developer directly. The best way to do this is probably through Linkedin. You can simply set the location to Singapore and search for terms such as “app developer” or “freelance app developer”, then connect some candidates and chat to them about your project.

Working with a freelance app developer

Now if you’re working as a freelance app developer you hired through a platform such as Fiverr or Upwork, you will be projected and have customer support should any issues arise. The issue with these platforms is that the developers are generally providing low quality apps or have some issues with communications as they are based in countries where English is not the first language. The quality is also generally lower than apps made by Singapore based developers, as the standard in Singapore is much higher.

So it’s going to be much better to work with a developer directly. If you are working directly you will not have any customer support and will need to take extra precautions. Here are some things you should consider before hiring the developer.

What does their portfolio of past projects look like

The first thing you need to do is ask the developer to see their portfolio. They should have a website where they list some of their past projects. You can get a feel for the developers’ quality just by looking at their own site. You should see if the pages load quickly and if the website has been well designed. If they can’t even take care of their own website, they definitely won’t be taking care of your app. Then you should take a look at their past projects and see the types of clients they work with and how they have built their projects. You can definitely find some great developers, but it’s rare to find one that can develop and design well and that is an essential combination when creating an app.

Do they communicate well and in a professional manner

You might be able to find a developer who has managed to build a good app, but communicating is not always easy. The common problem is language. This can be solved by hiring a local developer in Singapore so you can easily understand each other. You could also hire a developer from a place like the United States, United Kingdom or Australia, and can expect good communication, but the cost will be significantly higher.

Then the other issue is that developers are typically very technical people and don’t always know how to emphasise with clients regarding the actual service the app provides. While you might see it as a solution to a business problem, they will see it as a set of features. This easily creates situations where you get lost in communication. People often choose to work with app development companies instead because of just that. Sometimes when you with with a technology partner you want to run some ideas through them to see what is actually possible. An app development company will have someone who works between the developers and you, so they can communicate at a high level to you and a low level to the develers. This is what makes a project truly successful.

Do they have a well defined process and support system

When you work with a freelance app developer, you will typically be working 1 person, who spends their time working from home or maybe even a cafe or coworking space. A person who enjoys this kind of lifestyle usually doesn’t have a process in place. They will just work on something, see if it works and then send it through to you. This might be okay if you are building an app for fun, but if your app needs to support thousands to millions of users you will need to ensure the project was well engineered from start to finish. This is usually why people instead decide to work with an app development company in Singapore if they want to build a mobile application.

An app development company has a process in which they develop apps. They do everything from strategy and planning to design and development and then have quality assurance added on top before delivering the project. Instead of just working with a single developer you are assigned a team. A team will consist of a project manager, software engineers and designers. By having a well rounded team develop your app, you can be sure that when it’s released it will check all the required boxes and keep your users happy.

5 Best Babysitting and Nanny Services in Singapore

If you are a working parent looking for a nanny or babysitter for your childcare needs, this article can help you find a reliable nanny.

TYPES OF BABYSITTING AND NANNY SERVICES IN SINGAPORE

The first thing to consider when hiring a nanny or babysitter is the type of service that you need.

It can be a long-term nanny, a confinement nanny for new mothers, a temporary babysitter, or an urgent hire if something important comes up on your schedule.

You can also choose between a daytime or evening nanny and a 24-hour stay-in nanny.

Another option is to choose between babysitting at your home or the nanny’s home. Some agencies also offer babysitting at outdoor locations like parks or malls.

WHERE TO GET BABYSITTING AND NANNY SERVICES IN SINGAPORE?

Singapore has several nanny and babysitter service agencies where you can hire your childcare helper directly.

Another option is through booking platforms where you merely connect with potential nannies.

The good thing about employment agencies is that screening your nanny is less of a hassle. The agency will do it for you, along with other security measures.

On the other hand, hiring a nanny through a booking platform means you have to evaluate a candidate nanny and do the necessary background checks by yourself. However, using a booking platform is much more convenient because most hiring procedures will be done with a click on your mobile phone or laptop.

These points of consideration may be a lot to take on, so we came up with this shortlist of the 5 best babysitting and nanny services in Singapore.

Read on to learn more about each recommended company to make a well-informed choice. Good luck with your nanny hunting!

5 Best Laser Cutting & Engraving Services in Singapore

There are a number of companies that specialize in laser cutting and engraving services in Singapore. If you are looking for one now, then this list is compiled just for you.

Laser cutting is the process of heating a material using a laser machine to cut and transform it into a specific design. This can be done on materials such as metal, wood, acrylic, and textile.

The process of laser cutting is widely used in most industries including manufacturing, industrial production, architecture, automotive, and medical packaging. It is also commonly used for displays and signs. Nowadays, laser cutting and engraving services are also used by schools, small businesses, and hobbyists.

The cost of laser cutting and engraving services in Singapore usually depends on the amount of time it takes to complete the job. Most laser-cutting companies calculate their rates based on the running time of the machine. The availability of the material and design could also affect the cost.

The majority of the companies have a ready stock of materials for use which is added to the total cost. Some providers allow customers to bring their own materials. Design fees are also added if your design is not ready or if it needs enhancement.

There are laser-cutting companies that provide sample outputs for a fee if you need them before finalizing your order.

Read on to learn more about the 5 best laser cutting & engraving services in Singapore based on our research.

FMB Trading and Engineering

SERVICES:

• Laser Cutting Service
• Metal Bending Service
• Metal Rolling Service
• Metal Shearing Service
• Stainless Steel Fabrication Service
• Steel Fabrication Service
• Aluminum Fabrication Service
• Design Consultancy Service

ACCEPTED MATERIALS:

• Stainless steel
• Mild steel
• Aluminum
• Plastic
• Copper
• Brass
• Acrylic
• Wood

AVAILABLE STOCKS:

• Stainless Steel Grade 304
• Stainless Steel Grade 316
• Mild Steel (A36, SS275JR, SS375Jr, EH36)
• Aluminum Alloy
• Specialized Steel (Hardox, Weldox, Domex)
• Hollow Sections (Square, Round, Rectangular)

SUPPORTED FILE FORMATS: Any

Babysitters.sg

SERVICES:

• Full-time babysitter
• Part-time babysitter
• Ad hoc babysitter

PRICELIST:

• Babysitting at babysitter’s home, 5 days per week: From S$750/month (Mon to Fri from 10 to 12 hours)
• Babysitting at babysitter’s home, 5 days per week: From S$800/month (Mon to Fri from 10 to 12 hours and 2 Saturdays half day)
• Babysitting at babysitter’s home, 5½ days per week: From S$850 (Mon to Fri from 10 to 12 hours and all Saturdays half day)
• Babysitting at babysitter’s home, 24 hours per day: From S$1000 (Mon to Fri, day & night care)
• Babysitting at client’s home: From S$1,800/month for a full-time babysitter service (10 hours/day, Monday to Friday); From S$15/hour for a part-time babysitter service; From S$25/hour for an ad-hoc babysitter service.

 

7 Important Facts to Know About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a well-known condition these days, but this was not the case a few decades ago. It took a massive global awareness campaign in the 80s to inform people about breast cancer and increase the level of support that goes into researching the possible treatments for it. Due to this highly successful initiative, more people started getting screened for the signs of the disease, which then led to early diagnosis, prompt treatments, and better patient outcomes.

Still, it’s important to ensure that the current generation remains cognisant of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and of how treatment options for this common yet still dreaded condition have been improving over time. Below are some of the facts that people should be aware of when it comes to breast cancer.

It’s One of the Most Prevalent Types of Cancer in the World

At the end of 2020, there were about 7.8 million women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 5 years. This included the 2.3 million women who were discovered to have the condition that very same year. The number of disability-adjusted life years lost to breast cancer globally is higher compared to any other cancer. It’s the most commonly occurring cancer among women in Singapore, while it is second only to skin cancer in the list of most common cancers among women in the United States.

Men and Women Can Have Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can affect men and women alike, though less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men. In the United States, for example, about 264,000 women and 2,400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. In Singapore, around 2,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in comparison to the total of 62 cases of breast cancer in men over the past 18 years.

It Remains a Leading Cause of Cancer Death among Women

The number of deaths due to breast cancer has considerably decreased since the 1980s following the successful “pink ribbon” awareness campaign. Still, it remains to be one of the most common causes of cancer deaths among women. About 400 women in Singapore and 42,000 women in the United States die every year due to breast cancer. In 2020, 685,000 deaths globally were attributed to the condition.

Breast Cancer Can Manifest in Different Ways

Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer, and there are people who have the disease and do not show any symptoms at all. However, there are common signs that should prompt a person to seek medical advice. These include the appearance of a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in the size or shape of one’s breasts, nipple discharges other than breastmilk, redness in the breast or the nipples, irritation or thickening of the skin, pulling in of the nipple, or pain anywhere in the breast area.

Different Factors Can Lead One to Have a Heightened Risk for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is not transmissible or contagious. The condition does not have infection-related causes, and about half of the people who develop it do not have any identifiable risk factors for it other than being female and over 40 years of age. However, certain conditions can increase one’s risk for breast cancer, such as family history, obesity, alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and radiation exposure. Certain inherited gene mutations can indicate that a person is at high risk for breast cancer as well.

It’s Possible to Reduce One’s Risk for Breast Cancer

At the same time, it’s possible to reduce one’s risk for the condition. This can be done by prolonging breastfeeding, avoiding the use or exposure to substances that have been connected to breast cancer, and engaging in regular physical activity. Some women who have discovered that they have gene mutations that increase their risk for breast cancer opt to pre-emptively remove their breasts as a risk-reduction strategy, though this highly-invasive procedure should only be considered as a last resort and for a very limited number of people.

There Are Different Options for Breast Cancer Screening

Women over the age of 40 should consult their physicians about how often they should get breast cancer screening. Those over the age of 50, in particular, must get screened at least once every 2 years as a precautionary measure. They can get a mammogram or an x-ray of the breast, schedule an MRI to take pictures of the breast, get a clinical breast exam administered by a nurse or a doctor, or self-check and do a self-breast exam. If doing the last of these enables them to detect a change in one or both of their breasts, they should see a doctor as soon as possible to have the discovery thoroughly investigated.

Early detection and intervention can save lives. To do all these, though, it’s important to know the basics about breast cancer. Recognising the risks and symptoms of breast cancer early on gives the people who have the condition a better chance of overcoming this common yet serious disease.

LEVITATE Mattress @ HipVan

Sleeping on the Levitate Mattress is like sleeping on cloud nine or on a bed of marshmallows. It has a unique combination of memory foam and latex, making it super comfortable. It also has a specially designed pillow topper that absorbs your body aches and tensions. Plus, the mattress is made with individually-coiled, extra thick springs that provide the perfect support for your body. Truly, it is a mattress that is fit for royalty!

The Levitate Mattress is encased in a premium cooling Adaptive® fabric that adds breathability, so, you don’t have to worry about smelly sweat. It also underwent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial treatment as an added layer of protection.

The Levitate Mattress is readily available at Hip Van, Singapore’s leading online home furnishings brand that has served more than 100,000 customers. Its direct-to-consumer selling model makes Levitate less costly than other mattresses on the market. If you want to try out the mattress before buying, you can also visit the HipVan Experience Store in Suntec City.

HipVan offers a 12-year guarantee, 100-night free trial, and free delivery for all of its mattresses.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:

• Soft, ultra-breathable, and cooling Adaptive knitted fabric cover
• Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial treated fabric
• Latex and memory foam
• Transition foam for additional structure and durability
• Individually pocketed coil springs
• 12-year guarantee
• 100-night free trial
• Free delivery
• May hold orders for up to 3 months
• Disposal service available

MEIDE

CLEANING JOB SCOPE:

• Changing bedsheets
• Wiping down all surfaces
• Sweeping and mopping all floor surfaces and corners
• Scrubbing kitchen stove and sink
• General toilet washing of the shower area, toilet bowl, sink, and floor area
• Clearing of dustbins

Additional services upon request:

• Dusting or wiping of furniture
• Dusting, wiping, or degreasing exterior of appliances
• Laundry washing and folding
• Washing of dishes
• Packing
• Window cleaning
• Ceiling or ceiling fan cleaning

PRICES:

• Flat rate of S$22 per hour, per helper

General cleaning price guide:

• <450 sq ft / 41.8 sq m: S$50 – S$66 (1 Helper, 2-3 hours)
• 450-700 sq ft / 41.9-65 sq m: S$50 – S$88 (1 Helper, 2-4 hours)
• 701-900 sq ft / 65.1-83.6 sq m: S$66 – S$110 (1 Helper, 3-5 Hours)
• 901-1100 sq ft / 83.7-102.2 sq m: S$66 – S$220 (1-2 Helpers, 3-5 Hours)
• 1101-1300 sq ft / 102.3-129.8 sq m: S$88 – S$330 (1-3 Helpers, 3-5 Hours)
• 1301-1600 sq ft / 129.9-148.6 sq m: S$110 upwards (2-3 Helpers, 3-6 Hours)
• Please contact MEIDE for spaces above 1600 sq ft / 148.6 sq m

Note: Prices do not include cleaning tools and equipment.

5 Best Mattress Cleaning Services in Singapore

When was the last time you truly, deeply cleaned your mattress? Do you know what lurks in your mattress?

Our bed mattress may look clean on the surface, but it may contain microscopic particles that could harm our health. These can include dust mites, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful elements that you certainly don’t want inside your bedroom—or anywhere near you, for that matter.

To keep your mattress safe and clean, it is recommended that you deep clean it every 6–12 months. You don’t have to do it yourself, though, because several professional cleaning service providers are readily available in Singapore.

This list saves you from having to go through every company for the best mattress cleaner on the island. Based on our research, we have developed the 5 best mattress cleaning services in Singapore. Here, you will find all the information you need to help you choose the best according to your needs.

See also: 5 Best Mattresses to Buy in Singapore

See also: 5 Best Sofa Cleaning Services in Singapore

Fav Florist

PRODUCTS:

• Fresh flower bouquets
• Flower boxes
• Flower stands
• Wedding bouquets
• Flower domes
• Hampers
• Cake and flower bundles
• Cake and flower dome bundles
• Cake and balloon bundles
• Cake, flower, and balloon mega bundles
• Flower and balloon bundle
• Flower dome and balloon bundle
• Flower and flower dome bundle

 PRICE RANGE: S$30.90 – S$673.90

6 Ways to Reduce Costs When Setting Up Your Biotech Startup

Though biotech startups have the potential to be extremely profitable, the real trick is surviving the first few years of operation. Outside of investor funding, most biotech startups need to file useful patents and create market-viable products in order to generate income. The time to produce these innovations may take several months or years, throughout which most biotech startups tend to rely on venture capitalisation.

Thankfully, there are some proven ways to stretch that initial VC budget. Below are a few ready solutions to help biotech startups further stretch their initial operating budget.

1.) Consider Renting Space and Equipment

Fortunately, it’s now easy to find equipment and biotech lab space for rent, especially in highly developed biotech hubs like Singapore.

Rentable biotech lab spaces and equipment are almost always the best options for biotech startups. This is because starting a laboratory from scratch can be far more expensive compared to setting up a regular office. This is especially true if the laboratory needs to meet a biosafety level standard for containing hazardous materials and potential pathogens.

Renting also allows productive research work to take place almost immediately. This is an especially important consideration in the context of startups, as most need to make progress as a condition for further VC funding.

2.) Avoid Early Employee Attrition

Finding qualified biotech workers can be extremely difficult due to the specificity of the skills and experience needed. What’s more, resignations and dismissals early on can seriously hamper the progress of research work, which could be disastrous if the startup has yet to earn a regular income or create a viable product. Given this, startups in their early phases should hire very deliberately and avoid moves that cause early attrition.

3.) Consider Your Logistics Costs

The cost of logistics is one of those things that isn’t usually an issue when one is working in the academe or under the auspices of a large organisation. However, for small biotech startups, the cost of shipping the necessary equipment and consumables will eventually add up. What’s more, the complex nature of laboratory work almost makes it inevitable that people will order the wrong reagents or tools occasionally.

To avoid these issues, it pays to look at all the options for logistics before approving each purchase. Avoid using pricier logistics options for materials that aren’t time-sensitive or especially fragile, and make sure to account for return options on big-ticket purchases.

One way to further reduce the cost of logistics from the outset is to locate the startup in a known biotech or pharmaceutical hub. This way, the operation will have better access to established supply chains for most of your essential supplies. If that location is also a general logistics and air passenger hub, such as Singapore, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, Paris, or Hong Kong, then the potential costs of acquiring materials can be brought down even further.

4.) Cut Out the Middleman Whenever Possible

While sourcing materials is far easier than it’s ever been, most ventures are likely going to be paying a lot of money to middlemen simply for facilitating orders.

Though this is still unavoidable in some circumstances, it’s easier than ever before to contact suppliers directly and avoid paying fees to middlemen. A growing number of bulk suppliers may also be more willing to accommodate the smaller order sizes typical of smaller startups.

To save money on purchases, make sure to source essential materials and reagents directly from suppliers, particularly consumables that will get used up quickly. You can also try contacting manufacturers directly to see if they can accommodate reasonably small orders.

5.) Pay Attention to Your Bookkeeping

Many biotech founders often come into the business from academia, where bookkeeping is often the least of anyone’s concern. However, tracking daily expenses is extremely important for ensuring that startups have enough leeway to operate comfortably. This is especially true for new biotech startups, as they may have limited sources of regular income if they have not yet filed any approved patents or brought a product to market.

Take some time each week to reconcile all receipts, invoices, and expense reports. Over time, this should help identify sources of waste and opportunities to further bring down expenses.

6.) Look into Contract Research Organisations for Extra Manpower

Some phases of research require considerably more manpower than others. Since most small startups do not typically have access to a steady stream of grad students, they will have to look for other ways to temporarily boost their labour requirements.

In the past two decades, contract research organisations (CROs) have been filling in this gap in research. Using the services of CROs for short-term manpower exigencies is typically less expensive than hiring an extra team of full-time researchers who may be difficult to dismiss when the need for their services is no longer required. They can also be used to handle the repetitive research tasks while your core team handles the more high-value work needed to bring unique products and patents to fruition.

Save on Your Biotech Startup Costs

Biotech startups and other budding tech operations face unique challenges compared to conventional businesses in that they are usually not expected to be profitable for extended periods. However, there is still immense pressure on these ventures to prove that their research is worth the money invested in them. By renting biotech lab space and implementing the other cost reduction strategies above, biotech startups can perform cutting-edge research without unnecessarily sacrificing the quality of their work.

Dr Pamela Tan Medical Clinic

CREDENTIALS OF THE EXPERTS:

• Accredited with the Specialist Accreditation Board (Ministry of Health)
• Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS)
• Accredited member of the Society for Colposcopy
• Cervical Pathology of Singapore (SCCPS)
• Fellow for the pre-invasive disease at the colposcopy and vulval unit at the Whittington Hospital, United Kingdom
• Fellow at the Assisted Conception Unit in Guys Hospital
• Accredited to perform advanced Level 3 minimally invasive keyhole surgery

Sidek Clinic

CREDENTIAL OF THE EXPERTS:

• MBBS (Singapore)
• MRCOG (London)
• M Med (O & G)
• FAMS (Singapore)
• Member Singapore Medical Association since 1990
• Member of The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society of Singapore since 2000

COST:

Pregnancy size	Approximate cost	Medisave allowed
Up to 9 weeks pregnancy	S$1,750	S$ 900
10 Weeks to 12 weeks pregnancy	S$2,060	S$ 900

Face of Man

THE SPA:

Face of Man is an award-winning skincare center that has brought miracles to men’s faces since 1992. This facial spa with over 30 years of experience came to life as Singapore’s first skincare center for men and is one of the most well-loved facial lounges in the city.

The center is praised for its exclusive skincare products, excellent facial solutions, and high standard of customer service. At Face of Man, each treatment is tailor-made to cater to the needs of each customer’s skin condition. Best of all, their experienced aestheticians have gained special training to handle men’s skincare.

This largest men’s salon in Singapore is easily accessible through its three outlets in City Hall, Ang Mo Kio, and Jurong. All three salons have earned the SG Clean award for their good hygiene practices.

THE FACIAL DEALS:

1. ‘Skin Correction System’ – $120: An effective treatment for scars and uneven skin tone. This skin correction system helps stimulate the skin’s own collagen and elastin production, resulting in the rejuvenation of the outermost layer of skin.
2. ‘Fm Photon Shower’ – $120: A treatment that can do wonders for all acne skin types. This advanced method combines dynamic pulsed light with the latest SND technology to achieve optimal youth and clarity for the skin. Just say goodbye to acne, pigmented spots, and fine hairs, and say hello to a new, youthful look.
3. ‘o2 blast’ – $150: An excellent therapy for treating acne, promoting skin healing, and preventing aging. This method uses high-concentration oxygen and anions to repair damaged cells, boost the immune system, and protect the skin from toxic substances.

PROMOTIONS:

• Use the code “BESTSINGAPORE” and enjoy various facial treatments at any Face of Man outlet for $98. This promotion applies to skin purification, ampoule, skin correction system, and soothing mask treatments.
• The 30th-anniversary promotion—30% off any facial services (except purifying treatment and eye treatment)—is available from now until November 2024 at any outlet.
• The center’s branch-opening promotion offers acne treatment for $80 and anti-aging treatment for $98. The promotion is available at the Jurong branch only.

LOCATIONS:

@ City Hall
The Adelphi #04-30,
01 Coleman Street, S179803
Tel: 6339 6636

@ Ang Mo Kio
728 Ang Mo Kio ave 6
#01-4214, S560728
Tel: 6456 0900

@ Jurong East MRT
2 Venture Drive, Vision Exchange
Tel: 6252 5597

WEBSITE: https://www.faceofman.com.sg/

5 Best Coliving Spaces in Singapore

Coliving spaces are a true blessing, specifically for those on a tight budget. It is affordable and brings us a chance to meet new people, have new friends, and share our interests with like-minded folks.

Most of the coliving spaces in Singapore are fully furnished. All you need to do is move in with your suitcase.

Check out our list of top coliving spaces in Singapore in 2025 to find out your new home.

Lyf by Ascott Properties

SERVICES:

• One of a kind (studio)
• All together (four bedrooms)
• Lyf style (studio)
• Two of a kind (two bedrooms)
• Up and down (bunk studio)
• One of a kind plus (studio)
• All together (two bedrooms)
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• 24/7 security
• Multifunction mobile app
• Mobile access key

PRICES:

• Studio starts from $150 per night
• Bunk Studio begins from $170 per night
• Two-Bedroom starts from $230 per night
• Four-Bedroom starts from $350 per night
• Six-Bedroom Duplex starts from $410 per night

GoodCool

SERVICES:

• General Aircon Servicing
• Aircon Repair
• Aircon Chemical Wash
• Aircon Chemical Overhaul
• Aircon Top Up Gas
• Aircon Troubleshooting
• Aircon Installation
• Aircon Regular Maintenance

 AIRCON SERVICING PRICES:

• Normal Aircon Servicing: S$81.75 for 3 units
• Aircon Chemical Wash: S$250.70 for 3 units
• Aircon Chemical Overhaul: S$425.10 for 3 units

* All prices above are inclusive of GST (9%) & transportation.

AIR CONDITIONER BRANDS:

• York
• Toshiba
• Sharp
• Sanyo
• Samsung
• Panasonic
• Mitsubishi
• Midea
• LG
• Europace
• Daikin
• Carrier

The Aurora Wedding

SERVICES:

• Wedding photography
• Wedding videography
• Bridal gown rental
• Men’s suit rental
• Makeup and hairdo
• ROM decoration
• Livestreaming
• Bridal car rental and decoration
• Fresh flower bouquet

PRICES & PACKAGES:

• All-in-One Bridal Package promotion for the first 30 couples of each month: S$598

(Inclusions: One gown rental, one men’s suit rental, one makeup & hairdo, and one hour of professional photography)

5 Best Landscaping Services in Singapore: Concept to Completion

Are you considering creating a family-friendly garden that will bring joy to everyone? Take a moment to articulate your dream, and let an experienced landscaper transform your place into a breathtaking green paradise.

Instead of grappling with landscaping designs, installations, and ongoing care, entrust these tasks to a skilled professional. This will allow you to unwind and bask in the tranquillity of your meticulously crafted garden.

To assist you in making an informed decision, we have curated a list of the 5 best landscaping services in Singapore. Rest assured, this compilation will help you select the most suitable service provider to meet your specific needs.

2022 PLQ Hari Raya – Abundant Festive Treats Await

This Hari Raya, head down to PLQ where abundance festive treats await.

From 22 April to 31 May, be rewarded a $10 Lendlease E-Voucher when you submit your receipts of $200 via the Lendlease Plus mobile app. Shoppers can also get parking discounts by redeeming $3 Park Plus$ at the PLQ Mall L4 Concierge Desk when you spend $20 in a single same-day receipt. On top of that, shoppers can redeem $10 Retailer E-Voucher(s) with only 1,500Plus$, from brands including Krispy Kreme, Shaw Theatres, Tuk Tuk Cha and more on the ‘REWARDS’ section of your Lendlease Plus mobile app! Deals drop at 12pm on 29 April, 6 May, 13 May. Limited quantities up for grabs!

Don’t miss the chance to have a festive photoshoot with the life-sized Ketupat (a traditional delicacy of rice cake wrapped in woven leaves) display at PLQ Plaza too!

Other T&Cs apply. Visit the PLQ Mall website for more information.

Big BlockWalk 2022

Join us for Big BlockWalk 2022, the largest virtual community clean-up across Singapore!

As part of the “Keep Clean, Singapore!” campaign, Habitat for Humanity Singapore is partnering with the Public Hygiene Council in organising Big BlockWalk. We are seeking to rally 1,000 volunteers to simultaneously be part of an islandwide effort to pick litter in our community spaces in the heartlands or favourite green spaces.

Supporting our efforts will be Guest of Honour Senior Minister of State, Dr Amy Khor, along with special guest, Mayor Denise Phua, who will kickoff this event through Zoom along with host Paul Foster.

Date/Time: 28 May 2022, Sat, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Venue: Any outdoor area you preferred
Nature of event: Family-friendly litter picking session
Price: Free-of-charge

YOC International Youth Opera Festival 2022

Celebrating the inaugural International Youth Opera Festival is a 3-day event from 2-4 June 2022! Opening with a concert by New Opera Singapore’s ‘Youth Opera Comique (YOC)’, these singers aged 14 and above will introduce audiences to the wonderful world of Opera and art songs. Alongside a Masterclass and vocal-related workshops held throughout the Festival, the culmination of the Festival features contestants and judges from around the world gathering at the Victoria Concert Hall on 4 June 2022, 7:30pm for the Competition Finals and prize-giving ceremony.

Energizer Fitness Fiesta for Long Lasting Energy 2022

Makers of the world’s longest lasting batteries, Energizer will be hosting its first ever Energizer Fitness Fiesta for Long Lasting Energy, happening on Sunday, 3 July 2022 at OCBC Square, Singapore Sports Hub! Take part in fitness challenges that will gauge your agility, balance and muscle endurance. These challenges will also have fun family-friendly alternatives where you can test your fitness levels in more creative ways. Gain Energy Points earned from competing in these fitness challenges and fun quests to exchange for exclusive Energizer merchandise! Stand a chance to win Grand Lucky Draw prizes worth over $5000 and that includes Jaybird Sports Wireless Earbuds, Garmin Venus 2 Plus, GoPro Hero Sports Camera, Nintendo Switch with Ring Fit Adventure and more. Simply spend a minimum of $10 worth of Energizer products in a single receipt to gain a pair of entry passes to the Energizer Fitness Fiesta!

Derrick Hoh 何維健 《HERE AS I AM 我還是我》Live Concert 2022

This is the story of a boy.

A mysterious yet charming boy, born from an asteroid somewhere in the solar system. In search of his dream, he roamed the galaxies, visited countless wonders and places, before making his way to Earth. It is there he realised what he had been looking for was, all along, hidden within this vast sky…

Come along with Derrick Hoh as he embarks on a magical journey of self-exploration. Witness the ups and downs of a boy’s transformation to a man and a better version of himself. After 6 years of anticipation, Derrick Hoh launches his biggest concert “Here As I Am”, complete with a new song and a new look!

這是關於迷人而神秘男孩的故事。

來自太陽系中某個小行星的他，為了找尋夢想開始在各星球中漫遊，造訪無數奇觀異物，最終 回歸到地球上。他赫然發現一直追尋的竟然藏在這片遼闊天空。。。

以「我」為核心，隨著何維健展開一場探索自我的奇幻旅程，目睹從前的稚氣男生經歷起起伏伏 的人生階段，蛻變成為男人而體現出更好的自己。睽違6年後展開最大型《我還是我》個人售票 演唱會，何維健親自參與演唱會規劃，以全新編曲和百變面貌，讓觀眾看到最全面的何維健!

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