Friday, 13 March 2026
Rewards Updates: How to Maximise KrisFlyer Miles: Ranking the Best to Worst Redemptions
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KrisFlyer miles can be easy for many Singaporeans to accumulate through credit cards, sign-up bonuses, and everyday spending. However, deciding how to redeem those miles effectively is often more challenging. The key issue is that not all redemption options deliver the same value. Some provide excellent returns per mile, while others offer little more than a small discount.
A useful way to evaluate redemptions is by calculating value per mile (VPM)—the dollar value received for each mile spent. As a rule of thumb, below 1 cent per mile is poor value, 1.5–2 cents is reasonable, and above 2–3 cents is considered excellent.
The best value redemptions typically involve premium flights. Business class or long-haul premium cabin tickets often cost several thousand dollars in cash but require far fewer miles than their equivalent price suggests. For example, a return business class flight from Singapore to London with Singapore Airlines can cost $4,000–$6,000 in cash but about 184,000 miles as a Saver award, giving strong value per mile. Many travellers therefore save their miles specifically for premium cabins they might not otherwise pay for.
Good value can also be found in premium economy on long routes or economy flights on expensive routes, especially during peak travel seasons when ticket prices surge. Because award charts remain fixed, miles can deliver higher value during holidays or last-minute bookings.
At the other end of the spectrum, some options deliver poor returns. Cheap short-haul economy flights, shopping or merchandise rewards, and conversions to KrisPay usually yield about 1 cent per mile or less.
Timing also matters. Saver awards, which require fewer miles but have limited availability, generally provide the best value compared to Advantage awards.
Overall, travellers can maximise their miles by targeting expensive flights—especially premium cabins—and checking the value per mile before redeeming. ✈️
Comments:
Good information on valuing miles.
Crypto Updates: Lido launches stablecoin yield product to expand beyond ether
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Lido has launched a new stablecoin-focused yield product as it expands beyond its traditional focus on ether-based services. The initiative introduces EarnUSD, a vault designed to help users generate returns on stablecoins without needing to actively manage decentralized finance (DeFi) strategies themselves.
The product is part of a revamped platform called Lido Earn, which now consists of two simplified vaults: EarnUSD for stablecoins and EarnETH for ether-related assets. Both aim to make crypto yield generation more accessible by automating the process of allocating funds across different DeFi opportunities.
In a vault-based system, users deposit their crypto into a pooled investment structure. The platform then automatically deploys those funds into various yield-generating strategies. With EarnUSD, users can deposit popular stablecoins such as USD Coin and Tether. The vault distributes these funds across DeFi platforms on Ethereum, including lending markets and other income-generating protocols. In return, depositors receive a token representing their share of the vault, with rewards accumulating over time.
The EarnETH vault operates similarly but focuses on ether-based assets such as ETH, WETH, and Lido’s staking token stETH. Funds are automatically distributed among several DeFi protocols, including Aave, Uniswap, and Morpho, with the system dynamically shifting allocations toward higher-performing strategies.
The launch reflects the growing importance of stablecoins in DeFi. According to Lido, roughly half of all DeFi activity on Ethereum now involves dollar-pegged tokens. By introducing EarnUSD, the platform aims to serve stablecoin users who previously had fewer options within its ecosystem.
Overall, the move marks a strategic step for Lido as it diversifies its offerings and seeks to simplify crypto yield opportunities for a broader range of investors.
Comments:
Interesting time to launch new products by Lido.
Might consider to diversify some USDC into this for better risk management in future.
Gaming Updates: Apple Arcade’s April lineup adding two of the most acclaimed recent indie games
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Apple Arcade will expand its library in April with three new titles, including two widely acclaimed indie games. Starting April 2, subscribers will gain access to Dredge+, Unpacking+, and My Very Hungry Caterpillar+.
The biggest additions are the indie hits DREDGE and Unpacking, both of which previously achieved strong critical reception and popularity outside the Arcade ecosystem.
DREDGE+ brings the complete edition of the eerie fishing adventure to Apple Arcade. Players explore foggy archipelagos, dredge up hidden treasures, and uncover dark mysteries beneath the sea. The Arcade version includes all previously released downloadable content, such as The Pale Reach, The Iron Rig, Blackstone Key, and a custom rod. This means subscribers will experience the full storyline and gameplay expansions without extra purchases.
Unpacking+ offers a relaxing puzzle experience centered on unpacking moving boxes and arranging items in a new home. Blending block-fitting puzzles with interior decoration, the game gradually reveals a character’s life story through the belongings being unpacked. The title received recognition as a Cultural Impact winner in the 2023 App Store Awards, highlighting its emotional storytelling and calming gameplay. The Arcade version arrives fully unlocked for subscribers.
The third addition, My Very Hungry Caterpillar+, is based on the famous children’s character from Eric Carle’s books. In the game, players care for a caterpillar by feeding it, playing with it, and exploring its environment. As the creature grows, it unlocks new activities before eventually forming a cocoon and transforming into a butterfly, recreating the classic story in interactive form.
Beyond the new games, Apple Arcade will also introduce updates to existing titles, including a Star Wars-inspired event in Disney SpellStruck on March 19 and a Garden mode update for Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop on April 9.
Apple Arcade costs $6.99 per month after a one-month free trial and supports Family Sharing for up to five users, offering an ad-free gaming experience with no in-app purchases.
Comments:
Nice additions to the service.
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Gaming Updates: Mobile accounts for 55% of total games revenue in 2025 as studios shift towards retention
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Mobile gaming generated 55% of total global games revenue in 2025, confirming it remains the largest segment of the industry. The figures come from the Mobile App Trends report by Adjust, which also estimates that nearly three billion people worldwide now play mobile games.
The report shows that developers are increasingly prioritising player retention and long-term engagement instead of focusing solely on acquiring new users. Across gaming apps, day-one retention reached 27% in 2025, indicating that more players continue using a game after their first day. At the same time, the paid-to-organic install ratio rose 61%, climbing from 2.07 to 3.33, meaning paid marketing is contributing a larger share of installs compared with organic discovery.
Overall engagement remained relatively stable. Global gaming app sessions increased 1% year-over-year, reflecting modest growth as studios work to keep existing players active. Publishers are also becoming more selective with marketing channels: the average number of acquisition partners per app fell from six to 5.3, suggesting developers are narrowing their focus to more effective advertising platforms.
Regional trends varied. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) saw 2% install growth and a 7% rise in sessions, making it one of the strongest regions. In contrast, Europe and Latin America recorded declines in installs of 7% and 9%, though session activity still grew slightly. Asia-Pacific and North America experienced small declines in both installs and sessions.
Genre trends also shifted. Strategy games saw the fastest growth in engagement, with sessions rising 57% year-over-year. Meanwhile, hypercasual games continued to dominate downloads, accounting for 29% of installs, though they generated only 15% of total sessions. Other genres showed stronger engagement, with puzzle games making up 13% of sessions and action games accounting for 17%, despite fewer installs.
Overall, the report highlights a clear industry shift toward improving retention and deeper player engagement rather than relying purely on rapid download growth.
Comments:
Interesting information.
Travel Updates: Why My 3 Kids Loved The Dino Exhibition At Science Centre Singapore: Get A Limited-Edition Pin Before It Closes 23 Mar
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The Disney Adventure is the newest and largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, sailing from Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. It offers three-day and four-day “cruises to nowhere”, meaning the ship itself is the destination. With over 2,000 staterooms and capacity for about 6,700 guests, it delivers a floating Disney theme-park experience featuring entertainment, themed areas, and family activities.
The ship is organised into seven themed zones that help guests navigate the large vessel. At its heart is Disney Imagination Garden, a central hub with performances and quick-service dining. Town Square features princess-themed dΓ©cor and character meet-and-greets. Discovery Reef, inspired by ocean-themed Disney and Pixar stories, hosts several eateries and specialty restaurants. At the rear is Wayfinder Bay, a Moana-inspired outdoor amphitheatre used for shows and poolside relaxation.
Family entertainment continues in San Fransokyo Street, themed after Big Hero 6, where arcades, cinemas, and youth clubs are located. Toy Story Place, inspired by Toy Story, offers pools, splash zones, and water slides. Thrill-seekers can visit Marvel Landing, which includes attractions like the Ironcycle Test Run roller coaster and other rides based on Marvel characters.
Dining is a major highlight with six main restaurants, including Animator’s Palate, Navigator’s Club, and Pixar Market Restaurant. The cruise uses Disney’s rotational dining system, where guests rotate restaurants but keep the same servers. Quick-service eateries and room service are included in the fare, while specialty venues offer premium options.
Entertainment includes Broadway-style shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, such as Disney Seas the Adventure and Remember, along with deck shows, character meet-and-greets, and fireworks like The Lion King: Celebration in the Sky.
Helpful tips include using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to track schedules, booking character sessions early, pacing activities, and visiting outdoor attractions during cooler hours.
Overall, the Disney Adventure delivers an immersive Disney storytelling experience at sea, making it especially appealing for families departing from Singapore. π’✨
Comments:
Nice comprehensive review.
Technology Updates: AI 'actor' Tilly Norwood steps out in music video that makes Rebecca Black's Friday look like Beyonce's Formation
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An AI-generated “actor” named Tilly Norwood has returned to the spotlight with a new song and music video titled “Take the Lead,” reigniting debate about artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. The digital performer was created by AI talent studio Xicoia, founded by Eline van der Velden, who previously attempted to get the virtual character signed by Hollywood talent agencies.
When Tilly Norwood was first introduced in 2025, the concept drew heavy criticism from industry professionals. The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA strongly opposed the idea, arguing that the AI character was trained using the work of real performers without permission or compensation. The controversy sparked broader concerns about whether AI-generated performers could replace human actors.
The new music video appears to respond directly to that backlash. In the video, Norwood appears in constantly changing outfits and locations while singing lyrics that defend the creativity behind AI projects. The song argues that human creativity and effort still exist behind the technology, emphasizing that real people coded and designed the AI character.
According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the music itself was generated using Suno, a tool that has faced legal challenges from major record labels over copyright issues. The video was produced by van der Velden’s company Particle6, using a mix of publicly available AI tools and proprietary techniques. The creators say 18 human contributors were involved in producing the project, including prompt writers and performers.
One technique used was performance capture, where van der Velden physically acted out the movements and expressions that the AI character later replicated on screen. She described the project as an experiment to test the creative potential of AI rather than a replacement for human actors.
Despite criticism and awkward reception to the song, Tilly Norwood’s creators say the AI “actor” will continue evolving, with an acting debut planned later in 2026.
Comments:
We have come so far with AI tech π
Travel Updates: Johor proposes 12 drop-off points for Singapore cross-border taxis; includes JB Sentral, Johor Premium Outlets
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Johor’s state government has proposed 12 new drop-off points for cross-border taxis travelling from Singapore to Malaysia, aiming to make cross-border travel more convenient for commuters and tourists. Currently, taxis from Singapore can only drop passengers at Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru. The new proposal would significantly expand the locations where passengers can alight.
Among the suggested locations are key transport and commercial hubs such as Senai International Airport, JB Sentral, Medini, Mid Valley Southkey, Mount Austin, and Eco Botanic. Six shopping malls are also included, with Johor Premium Outlets specifically mentioned as one of them. These locations were selected because they are considered major activity hubs within Johor.
Johor’s Works, Transportation and Infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh explained that the additional drop-off points would benefit travellers, including tourists who arrive at Changi Airport and want to travel directly to Johor by taxi.
The proposal also includes possible improvements for taxis travelling in the opposite direction. Malaysian taxis may eventually be allowed to drop passengers at five locations in Singapore: Changi Airport, Kranji, Jurong, Shenton Way, and Rochor.
Singapore officials say discussions are ongoing. Sun Xueling, Senior Minister of State for Transport, said the government has held discussions with the National Taxi Association and the National Private Hire Vehicles Association to improve cross-border taxi services.
Industry representatives have also raised issues such as enforcement against illegal ride-hailing services, better holding areas for drivers, and potential fare reviews to reflect higher operating costs.
If implemented, the proposal could make cross-border taxi travel between Singapore and Johor more flexible and convenient, while also creating more earning opportunities for taxi drivers.
Comments:
Pls make this service smooth and seamless!
This service will make a meaningful impact for non-car owners with large family like me.
Investing Updates: Tiger Brokers Review (2026): My likes and dislikes of this trading platform
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The Tiger Brokers trading platform has become a popular online brokerage in Singapore since entering the market in 2020. Regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, it offers investors access to multiple global markets and a wide range of investment products.
Tiger Brokers allows Singapore investors to trade in US, Singapore, Hong Kong, China A-shares, and Australian markets. Its trading fees are competitive: Singapore stock trades cost 0.03% commission plus a 0.03% platform fee (minimum about S$1.99 per trade). For US stocks, the platform charges US$0.005 per share commission and US$0.005 per share platform fee, with minimums of roughly US$1.99 per trade. The broker does not impose minimum deposit requirements, deposit or withdrawal fees, or inactivity charges.
One of Tiger Brokers’ strengths is its broad range of investment products, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, REITs, US Treasuries, options, and futures. The platform also supports fractional share trading, enabling investors to buy small portions of expensive stocks. Additionally, the Auto-Invest feature allows users to automate regular investments in US stocks or ETFs starting from as little as US$2, supporting dollar-cost averaging strategies.
The Tiger Trade app is designed to be user-friendly and customizable. Users can switch between simplified “Lite” and advanced “Pro” views depending on their experience level. The platform also includes tools for options trading, such as screeners, multi-leg strategies, and performance analysis.
For Singapore investors, Tiger Brokers offers additional advantages. Users can invest CPF-OA and SRS funds in eligible Singapore-listed stocks and ETFs through its Cash Boost account. It also allows investors to sell CDP-linked SGX shares via the platform and has waived SGX custody fees for inactive accounts.
However, a key limitation is that trading on the London Stock Exchange is not supported, restricting access to certain Irish-domiciled ETFs.
Overall, Tiger Brokers is considered a low-cost, versatile brokerage platform suitable for beginners and experienced investors seeking access to multiple global markets and investment tools.
Comments:
Good updated information.
Investing Updates: Moomoo Singapore Review (2026): My likes and dislikes of this trading platform
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The Moomoo Singapore trading platform, operated by Futu Holdings through its local subsidiary, has grown rapidly since launching in 2021 and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The review highlights its strengths, costs, and areas for improvement for investors in Singapore.
A major advantage of Moomoo SG is its low trading fees. US stock trades incur a flat US$0.99 platform fee per order, regardless of trade size. Singapore stock trades are commission-free for the first year, with only a 0.03% platform fee (minimum S$0.99). After the first year, a 0.03% commission is added, bringing the minimum cost to about S$1.98 per trade. The platform also charges no account maintenance or inactivity fees.
Opening an account is straightforward, with digital registration completed in one to three days, no minimum deposit, and no funding fees. The mobile app interface is beginner-friendly, offering charting tools, heat maps, sector views, and research data that help users analyse markets easily.
Moomoo SG also offers multiple asset classes, including stocks, ETFs, US options, and futures. Its Moomoo Cash Plus feature allows users to invest idle cash in money market funds with no subscription or redemption fees. Another major upgrade is CDP linkage, enabling investors to hold Singapore shares directly in their Central Depository account while still using the platform’s tools.
Additional features include paper trading, educational resources, financial news, and a global investor community of over 19 million users, making the platform appealing for beginners learning to trade.
However, the platform has limitations. It does not support trading on the London Stock Exchange, which prevents access to Irish-domiciled ETFs such as VWRA. It also lacks a browser-based web platform, requiring users to download the desktop application instead.
Overall, Moomoo SG is considered one of the most beginner-friendly and cost-effective brokerage platforms in Singapore, combining affordable pricing, strong tools, and educational resources, though it still has room to expand market access and platform convenience.
Comments:
Good updated information.
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