LifeStyle Updates: How to get cheaper medication & supplements in SG

Source: 

https://thesmartlocal.com/read/cheaper-medication-hacks/

ChatGPT:

With living costs rising in Singapore, many people are looking for safe and legitimate ways to save on everyday healthcare. For minor issues like colds, coughs, or mild rashes, over-the-counter (OTC) medication and supplements can often replace a GP visit — and there are smart ways to buy them more affordably.

First, always compare prices across pharmacies and platforms. The same products — such as probiotics, lozenges, vitamins, or eye drops — can vary significantly in price between clinics, retail chains, and online stores. Online pharmacies like Glovida Pharmacy often offer prices up to 20% lower due to lower overhead costs. For example, Lactokids Probiotics may cost substantially less online than at supermarket websites. Many platforms also provide free delivery above a minimum spend.

Second, use CDC or SG60 vouchers at supermarkets such as FairPrice, Cold Storage, Sheng Siong, or Giant to offset supplement purchases. While supermarkets don’t carry prescription medication and offer limited professional advice, this method works well for household staples you regularly repurchase.

Third, buying from Johor Bahru (JB) can appear cheaper due to exchange rates. However, factor in transport costs, tolls, time, and authenticity concerns before deciding. Savings may shrink after hidden costs.

Fourth, consider bundle deals for long-term needs. Multi-box discounts can reduce per-unit prices, but check expiry dates and avoid overbuying.

Finally, consult a licensed pharmacist before stocking up. Many online pharmacies now offer free WhatsApp consultations and even affordable teleconsult options, providing convenient, professional advice without clinic queues.

Overall, smarter comparison, strategic voucher use, bulk buying (when appropriate), and professional guidance can lead to meaningful healthcare savings without compromising safety.

Comments:

Interesting information.

Gaming Updates: 53% of PC gamers are stuck at 1080p (even when 1440p monitors cost $150)

Source:

https://www.howtogeek.com/2026-will-be-the-year-of-1080p-gaming/

ChatGPT:

In a February 2026 article for How-To Geek, Ismar Hrnjicevic highlights a surprising trend: despite years of hype around higher resolutions, 1080p remains the dominant PC gaming standard. According to the Steam Hardware Survey, 52.6% of PC gamers still use 1080p, compared to 21.3% on 1440p and under 5% on 4K. More than a decade after becoming mainstream, Full HD continues to hold its ground.

This persistence is striking because 1440p monitors are now highly affordable. High-refresh-rate models frequently sell for under $200, with some discounted to around $150. Even premium displays, including mini-LED and OLED options, have dropped significantly in price. On the surface, monitor cost should no longer be a barrier to upgrading.

The real bottleneck is graphics cards. Modern AAA games at 1440p typically require GPUs with 12GB to 16GB of VRAM to avoid performance issues like texture pop-in and low frame-rate dips. However, GPU prices have surged due to ongoing memory shortages, and both major manufacturers are rumored to focus heavily on 8GB cards in 2026. That amount of VRAM is increasingly insufficient for demanding games, even at 1080p in some cases.

While upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR offer partial workarounds, they don’t fully solve VRAM limitations and can compromise image quality. As a result, many gamers stick with 1080p, which remains easier to run, delivers high frame rates on modest hardware, and still looks good on typical 24-inch monitors.

Unless GPU pricing and VRAM capacity improve, 1080p’s dominance may continue longer than expected.

Comments:

Interesting information.

Gaming Updates: Matthew Ball's State of Video Gaming in 2026: "China is eating the video games industry"

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.biz/matthew-balls-state-of-video-gaming-in-2026-china-is-eating-the-video-games-industry/

ChatGPT:

Matthew Ball’s State of Video Gaming in 2026 report paints a paradoxical picture: record revenues alongside shrinking investment and industry restructuring. Global games content sales rose 5% year-on-year to an all-time high of US$195.6 billion in 2025, with new peaks across mobile, PC and console. However, private funding plunged another 55%, far below pandemic-era highs. Pre-seed and early-stage investments dropped dramatically, and deal volume in late 2025 was roughly one-fifth of Q4 2021 levels.

Development spending remained elevated at over US$40 billion for the second straight year, yet operating margins (excluding China and platform-owning developers) fell well below pre-pandemic levels. Despite 40% growth in consumer spending since 2019, total operating profits are lower than in 2019, reflecting rising costs and tougher competition.

Mobile spending has been flat for five years, with new titles capturing a decade-low share of player spending and downloads. User acquisition costs are crowding out discovery, strengthening established franchises. Console gaming rebounded strongly, surpassing 2020 records, while PC has grown steadily, up 30% since 2020.

China emerged as a dominant force, accounting for 20% of global player spending and 38% of growth. Chinese publishers have captured about half of global spending growth since 2019 and increased their overseas revenue share from 11% to 14%. Meanwhile, Roblox has expanded aggressively, setting records with over 45 million concurrent users.

Revenue gains increasingly stem from price hikes rather than player growth. U.S. player numbers have fallen below pre-pandemic levels, and mobile playtime has declined.

Layoffs continued but fell 40% year-on-year to 9,200 in 2025, signaling slower contraction. Overall, Ball concludes the industry is restructuring, fragmented, and increasingly shaped by China and platform ecosystems.

Comments:

Interesting news.

Some Hoyolab and NetEase games are quite good.

China games are worth a review in the game of the year awards.

Rewards Updates: How long do credit card points transfers to KrisFlyer take?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2026/02/16/how-long-do-credit-card-points-transfers-to-krisflyer-take/

ChatGPT:

If you’re converting credit card points to KrisFlyer miles, transfer times vary widely by bank — from instant to several weeks. Unlike cobrand cards that earn miles directly, most cards award bank points that must first be converted, and delays can mean missing out on award seats.

Instant transfers are available with American Express, HSBC and DBS (for yuu Points only). These conversions are typically immediate and free, making them ideal for urgent mile top-ups. However, HSBC offers a weaker transfer ratio to KrisFlyer compared to some other airline partners.

Within one day, Maybank and OCBC usually credit miles by the next calendar day, sometimes even on the same day. Both charge conversion fees.

1–3 days is the typical timeframe for Citi, DBS (DBS Points), Standard Chartered and UOB. Transfers are commonly completed within two days but may stretch to three, especially if initiated over weekends or public holidays.

The slowest option is Bank of China, which requires a manual PDF form submission. Processing can take two to three weeks, and each transfer is capped at 100,000 miles, with a fee charged per submission.

Several factors affect timing. First-time transfers often take longer due to verification checks. Some banks require advance account linking, which can delay urgent conversions if not done early. Transfers also tend to process faster on working days. Additionally, mismatched names between bank and frequent flyer accounts may cause delays or rejection.

Overall, for speed and flexibility, keeping points with instant-transfer banks is safest. Otherwise, plan ahead — especially if transferring from slower institutions — to avoid disappointment when redeeming flights.

Comments:

Good information.

Sports Updates: Tournament director calls for sanctions after Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek withdrawals

Source:

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tournament-director-calls-sanctions-aryna-180442064.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFwYXBlci5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEeIVYRNR7J-Bbvf-K_AdfEqB9HshCJnm0kpdIlXdoMoqUpZtqhKtklyYyhRuyy6iOcyaB8PVriof4WKB5PM9BUmLZbvCUU-M26IJuGzfw7CkCO-ELEROqGtkH_uxuYZr6vohQ_V5RrcPaznVlKgvbhrFQXfGSQbBiD68017g77w

ChatGPT:

The Dubai Tennis Championships has been thrown into controversy after world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and former No.1 Iga Swiatek withdrew from the WTA Masters 1000 event just one day before it began. Their late pullouts deprived fans of two of the biggest stars in women’s tennis and sparked strong criticism from tournament organisers.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak described the withdrawals as an “unfortunate surprise” and questioned the explanations provided. Swiatek cited mental readiness issues, while Sabalenka pointed to minor physical concerns. According to Tahlak, tournament medical staff did not believe Sabalenka’s issue was severe enough to require withdrawal.

Frustrated by what he sees as a growing trend, Tahlak called for tougher penalties, arguing that monetary fines are ineffective for top players. He suggested that ranking points should be deducted for late withdrawals from mandatory events, noting that even large fines have historically done little to deter such decisions. He plans to raise the issue formally at an upcoming WTA meeting in Rome, emphasising that tournaments invest heavily in facilities and promotion, only to be undermined when star players withdraw at the last minute.

Under current WTA rules, Masters 1000 events are mandatory, and players must provide valid medical reasons to avoid sanctions. Those who miss without justification receive a “zero-pointer” on their ranking record and may also face fines. Sabalenka’s cited hip issue could exempt her from penalties, while Swiatek’s scheduling-based withdrawal may expose her to sanctions.

In their absence, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff become the top seeds, with rising talents Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala drawing attention. The incident has reignited debate over player scheduling, accountability and the balance of power between athletes and tournaments.

Comments:

Agree that monetary punishments might not work.

Although deduction of points could be based on frequencies, etc.

Not easy to strike a balance.

Gaming Updates: Not 'major leap' but 'first step': Moonton Games on Singapore recognising esports as sport

Source:

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/moonton-games-singapore-recognising-esports-sport

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s recent passage of the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill formally recognising mind sports and esports as official sports marks what industry players describe as an important starting point — though not a dramatic transformation.

The Bill, announced by Acting Minister David Neo, aims to create a more inclusive and future-ready sports ecosystem. For Moonton Games, best known for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the move is positive but not a “major leap,” according to Singapore head of esports Daniel Chew. Instead, he described it as a meaningful first step.

Chew noted that while the Bill will not instantly transform the industry, it has already shifted perceptions. Shortly after its approval, partners began reaching out with renewed interest, and previously difficult conversations became possible. The recognition provides greater legitimacy, opening doors for collaboration and growth.

Beyond business impact, both Chew and academics believe the move may help reduce long-standing stigma around gaming. Critics, particularly from older generations, often view esports as mere entertainment or a waste of time. However, formal recognition places esports within a structured sporting framework — involving coaching, physical training, nutrition and psychological support — aligning it more closely with traditional athletics.

Moonton already works with the Singapore Cybersports and Online Gaming Association to promote teamwork and sportsmanship through academy leagues. Educators argue that institutional backing could integrate esports into schools as co-curricular activities, scholarships and specialised curricula, highlighting transferable skills such as strategy, data analysis and communication.

Chew added that esports and traditional sports share core values like discipline and teamwork. Ultimately, the Bill strengthens the broader sporting ecosystem, reinforcing that gaming is no longer just a hobby, but an emerging professional sport with long-term potential in Singapore.

Comments:

As parents, still find it hard to recommend kids to full-time eSports 😅

Never say never though.

We will see what happens.

Entertainment Updates: Man in S’pore advertises himself as ‘boyfriend for rent’ on social media for Valentine’s Day & CNY

Source:

https://mustsharenews.com/boyfriend-for-rent-cny/

ChatGPT:

With Valentine’s Day just past and Chinese New Year (CNY) approaching, a Singaporean man has drawn attention online by advertising himself as a “boyfriend for rent” to help singles navigate festive social pressure. On 11 Feb, an Instagram post by Instagram user @liangjishiye showcased a tongue-in-cheek poster aimed at those weary of relatives asking why they are still single.

The eye-catching advertisement featured the man dressed in a bright yellow suit and glasses, confidently pitching himself as “The Perfect Plus-One.” The post promised services such as punctuality, appropriate dressing, polite smiling, and the ability to “automatically shut down all repetitive questions” from curious aunties during reunion gatherings.

The rental service is priced at S$500 per hour and comes with humorous terms and conditions. These include surge pricing if more than three aunties are present, extra charges for pets or babies, and complimentary transport—excluding parking fees. While the poster cheekily notes that “romance is possible,” it stresses that the arrangement is “purely optics” with zero commitment involved. The man also marketed the offer as a “2-in-1 promo” for both Valentine’s Day and CNY.

The individual behind the post is 52-year-old hawker Dominic Neo, who told MS News this is the second time he has offered such a service. He said the idea came from observing that many single women still struggle to find suitable partners.

Although no CNY bookings have been confirmed so far, Mr Neo has received several enquiries. He explained that the S$500 hourly rate reflects his humorous personality and added that prices are negotiable, even offering a promotional rate covering both Valentine’s Day and CNY.

Comments:

Ho Seh Bo Uncle Neo 😂

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Core PCE, FOMC Minutes, and Earnings from Walmart, Palo Alto Networks, Carvana and Booking)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/65647920/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-core-pce-fomc?level=1&data_ticket=1771205507529085

ChatGPT:

The coming week is a compressed but high-impact stretch for markets, shaped by key U.S. macro data and heavyweight earnings. With U.S. markets closed on Monday for President’s Day, attention intensifies across four trading days, beginning with Wednesday’s FOMC minutes and culminating in Friday’s inflation and growth data.

Investors will scrutinize the FOMC minutes for signals on whether the Federal Reserve is shifting from a “pause” stance to holding rates higher for longer. That debate will be tested by a powerful Friday macro bundle: the delayed Q4 GDP print, Personal Income and Spending, and Core PCE inflation. Together, these releases will drive expectations around growth durability and the timing of eventual rate cuts, influencing yields and risk appetite across asset classes.

Earnings are equally pivotal. Results from Walmart will serve as the primary gauge of consumer resilience, with investors weighing same-store sales, margin mix, and forward guidance. Palo Alto Networks anchors the cybersecurity space, where billings trends will reveal whether enterprise security spending remains firm amid shifting AI priorities. Carvana faces a credibility test as markets assess profitability progress against lingering short-seller concerns, while Booking Holdings is under pressure to explain how it defends demand and loyalty as AI-driven trip planners reshape travel search behavior.

Weekly jobless claims on Thursday offer the fastest read on labor-market momentum, potentially swinging sentiment between growth concerns and sticky inflation fears.

Recent trading has been dominated by rate-cut repricing and “AI anxiety,” with heavy turnover in AI, mega-cap, and crypto-linked stocks. Names like NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Amazon continue to act as both AI barometers and stability anchors as markets head into a catalyst-dense week.

Comments:

Walmart earnings and jobless claims data could be important.

Happy Chinese New Year 2026

Rewards Updates: Good news: Pelago via Kris+ now supports promo code stacking

Source:

https://milelion.com/2026/02/15/good-news-pelago-via-kris-now-supports-promo-code-stacking/

ChatGPT:

Pelago bookings made via Kris+ now support promo code stacking, allowing users to combine monthly bonus miles with selected discounts. Previously, while Kris+ offered the same base earn rate of 3 miles per dollar (mpd) as Pelago’s website or app — with promotional boosts of up to 10 mpd — users could not apply promo codes when booking through Kris+. This meant popular discounts, including the year-round offer for Singapore Airlines and Scoot passengers, were excluded.

With the latest update, Kris+ now allows the use of promo codes — but currently only for SIA or Scoot passenger (PNR-based) discounts. Other promo codes remain unsupported, and it is unclear whether this limitation will be lifted.

Kris+ bookings typically offer better value. February 2026’s promotional rate stands at 5 mpd (down from 10 mpd in December 2025), suggesting lower bonuses may become the norm, partially offset by stacked discounts. Compared to Pelago’s website/app, Kris+ offers higher promotional earn rates, no explicit miles cap per booking (though daily spend is capped at S$20,000), and faster mile crediting (one day after activity completion versus seven). However, Kris+ does not support cashback platforms like HeyMax or ShopBack.

SIA passengers enjoy 10% off (capped at S$50, usable three times per PNR), while Scoot passengers receive 20% off (capped at S$15, once per PNR). Discounts are valid for bookings made by 31 December 2026.

Payments via Kris+ code as MCC 4722 (travel agencies), making select cards eligible for up to 4 mpd, though some travel-excluded cards should be avoided.

Overall, Kris+ is now usually the better option unless cashback rebates elsewhere are especially compelling.

Comments:

This is good.