LifeStyle Updates: Why HDB Needs To Start Building Bigger Flats For “Large Families”

Source:

https://dollarsandsense.sg/why-hdb-needs-to-start-building-bigger-flats-for-large-families/

ChatGPT:

The article argues that Singapore should start building larger HDB flats to better support “large families” with three or more children, as part of broader efforts to address the country’s persistently low fertility rate. During Budget 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong introduced the Large Families Scheme, while in Budget 2026, MP David Hoe proposed a new “jumbo BTO flat” with extra bedroom space.

Although Housing & Development Board (HDB) already offers 5-room and 3Gen flats, flat combinations, and priority schemes for families with three or more children, the average size of 5-room flats has stayed at about 110 sqm since 1997. This is despite changes in household structures and living needs. Official data shows that while average household size has declined, the absolute number of large households (five or more persons) has remained broadly stable over the past decades. The fall in average household size is mainly due to rapid growth in smaller households, not a disappearance of large families.

Census data further reveals that households with five or more members are far more likely to live in homes larger than 120 sqm, yet most newer HDB flats fall below this threshold. Large families also have significantly less living space per person. For example, a five-person household in a typical 5-room flat has around 22 sqm per person, roughly half the space enjoyed by a single person in a 2-room unit.

The article concludes that housing design matters for family formation. If Singapore is serious about encouraging larger families, policies should go beyond incentives and priorities, and include building genuinely larger flats that are more conducive to raising children.

Comments:

Agree that I need bigger flats 😏

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Nonfarm Payrolls, and Earnings from CrowdStrike, Broadcom and Marvell)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/66197665/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-nonfarm-payrolls-and?level=1&data_ticket=1772415306293138

ChatGPT:

Markets head into the new week focused on whether softer economic data reflects temporary disruptions or deeper shifts tied to AI-driven change. Last week’s selloff in AI-linked stocks was sparked by a widely circulated sell-side note warning of potential large-scale white-collar layoffs, reviving fears that automation could weigh on employment. This drove a rally in bonds as investors reassessed growth and rate expectations.

The key macro event will be February US Nonfarm Payrolls on Friday. Payroll growth is expected to slow sharply—down about 30,000 from January’s surprisingly strong figure—but economists largely blame late-January and early-February cold weather rather than structural labor-market weakness. Markets will read the report closely for implications on Federal Reserve policy. Earlier in the week, ISM Manufacturing and Services PMIs are expected to show continued expansion, albeit at a slower pace, reinforcing a narrative of cooling but resilient growth.

Earnings are another major driver. On Tuesday, CrowdStrike, Target, and Best Buy report. Retailers are expected to show slowing profits and margin pressure amid uncertain tariffs and soft consumer demand. Analysts warn Best Buy could miss EPS expectations due to weak demand, market share erosion, and memory-chip shortages.

Wednesday brings results from Broadcom, where margins are expected to support a modest EPS beat as AI-driven semiconductor revenue surges. On Thursday, Costco and Marvell Technology report. Marvell’s growth is moderating from explosive highs but remains strong relative to peers, with guidance pointing to sustainable expansion and potential post-earnings upside.

Overall, the week balances AI optimism against valuation concerns, cooling data, and uncertainty over whether massive AI investment can deliver commensurate returns.

Comments:

Iran war will add to uncertainty this week.

World Peace pls 💖

Entertainment Updates: Pokémon Store Plunged Into Chaos Over 30th Anniversary Pikachu Plush As Fans Blame Scalpers

Source:

https://kotaku.com/pokemon-30th-anniversary-pikachu-plush-scalpers-2000674775

ChatGPT:

Chaos erupted at several Pokémon Centers in Japan following the release of a limited-edition Pikachu plush celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary. On February 27, 2026, fans rushed to obtain a monochrome, Game Boy–inspired Pikachu plush unveiled as part of the anniversary merchandise by The Pokémon Company. The frenzy was especially intense at the Tokyo Bay Poké Center, where a lack of ticketing or queue controls reportedly led to crowd surges from multiple entrances.

Videos shared on X captured scenes described by eyewitnesses as “total war,” with shoppers pushing, shouting, and scrambling for the plushies. One user recounted children crying after being struck amid the crush, while another video showed staff attempting to control the situation with a megaphone outside the store. Similar overcrowding was reported at Pokémon Centers in Yokohama and Osaka, suggesting the issue was widespread rather than isolated.

Many fans blamed scalpers for fueling the panic, arguing that resellers snapping up limited items have worsened crowd behaviour and made it harder for genuine collectors to buy merchandise fairly. The incident reignited long-standing frustrations within the Pokémon fan community over scalping, particularly in Japan’s collectibles and trading card market.

Less than a day after the incidents, The Pokémon Company announced that the anniversary Pikachu plush would be made available for online purchase in the near future, easing concerns that fans had permanently missed out. This move was widely welcomed as a way to reduce pressure on physical stores.

The chaos contrasts with recent signs of cooling demand in Japan’s Pokémon resale market, where some card shops have reportedly closed due to declining sales, raising speculation that the long-running “Pokémon bubble” may be deflating. Observers hope the anniversary turmoil proves to be an exception driven by celebratory hype, rather than a return to routine scarcity and reseller-driven disorder.

Comments:

Aiyo it's just collectibles mah... 😌

LifeStyle Updates: Muted demand for some Plus, Prime HDB flats as first-time buyers weigh stricter resale conditions

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/muted-demand-for-some-plus-prime-hdb-flats-as-first-time-buyers-weigh-stricter-resale-conditions

ChatGPT:

Muted demand has emerged for some Build-To-Order (BTO) flats with stricter resale conditions under Singapore’s Standard, Plus and Prime classification system, particularly among first-time buyers. In the February 2026 sales exercise, three- and four-room flats at Kim Keat Crest in Toa Payoh — a Plus project — were undersubscribed, a rare outcome for a mature estate. Similar patterns were observed in other Plus and Prime projects, especially for three-room flats and developments in less central locations.

Plus and Prime flats are typically closer to transport nodes and amenities but come with tighter rules, including a 10-year minimum occupation period (MOP) and subsidy clawbacks. These measures, introduced to curb speculative “lottery effects”, appear to have made some buyers more cautious. While the policy has successfully filtered out speculative demand, it has also reduced appeal among genuine buyers weighing long-term flexibility.

Smaller flat sizes are a key factor. Three-room units, averaging 60–68 sq m, are less attractive to young families who anticipate space needs over a long stay due to the longer MOP. In contrast, four- and five-room flats remain more popular. Location also matters: analysts note that some Plus projects, such as Kim Keat Crest, lack strong locational advantages like walkable MRT access, making the stricter conditions harder to justify.

As a result, the supply of balance flats has grown. In February, over 4,300 balance flats were offered, many from Prime and Plus projects. According to the Ministry of National Development and Housing & Development Board, around 900 flats remain unselected nationwide.

Housing demand has generally moderated following a post-pandemic supply ramp-up, with application rates falling sharply since 2020 and resale prices stabilising in late 2025. Analysts from ERA Singapore and Realion (OrangeTee & ETC) Group suggest that future supply may need recalibration, particularly by reducing three-room units and increasing larger flats.

Overall, while the classification system has improved access for serious buyers, recent trends highlight mismatches between flat type, location and buyer preferences — an outcome that may prompt further policy and supply adjustments.

Comments:

Interesting development.

Pls bring back 5 rooms 😏

Gaming Updates: Pokémon Presents 2026: All the big news for Pokémon's 30th anniversary

Source:

https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-presents-2026-all-news-trailers-winds-waves/

ChatGPT:

The Pokémon Company marked Pokémon Day 2026 with a major Pokémon Presents showcase, unveiling a wide slate of games, events, and collectibles to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The headline reveal was Pokémon’s 10th-generation titles, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, launching in 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2. Developed by Game Freak, the games feature a tropical setting and three new starters: Pombon (Fire), Browt (Water), and Gecqua (Grass), signaling a fresh creative direction for the series.

Competitive players will get earlier action with Pokémon Champions, arriving on Nintendo Switch in April 2026, with mobile versions on Android and iOS planned later in the year.

Retro fans were treated to the announcement of the Game Boy Jukebox, a miniature device playing 45 classic chiptune tracks from Pokémon Red and Blue, available through Pokémon Center stores in select regions.

Several existing titles also received updates. Pokémon Pokopia launches March 5 with new gameplay features like DJ Rotom, while Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces a new Mega Evolution, Mega Garchomp Z. Classic GameCube title Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness joins GameCube Nintendo Classics in March.

Mobile and live-service games are also joining the celebration. Pokémon Go will host a large-scale “All Out” event from March 7–9, while Pokémon Sleep adds Mew research. Pokémon Masters EX and Pokémon Café Remix are rolling out anniversary-themed content and characters.

Finally, a new Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion will debut in 2026, notable for being the first with a fully coordinated global launch—rounding out one of the franchise’s most ambitious anniversary showcases yet.

Comments:

Nice additions.

Thumbs down to exclusivity though 😐

Sports Updates: English Premier League to debut streaming service in Singapore

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/english-premier-league-singapore-debut-streaming-service-5956376

ChatGPT:

The English Premier League will launch its first direct-to-consumer streaming service in Singapore for the 2026–27 season, marking a significant shift in how the world’s most watched club football competition delivers content to fans. According to a report by the Financial Times, the new platform, called Premier League Plus, was announced by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters at the FT Business of Football Summit in London.

The service is being developed in partnership with StarHub, the league’s long-time broadcast partner in Singapore. It is expected to launch in August 2026 ahead of the new season, though pricing and detailed features have not yet been disclosed. StarHub confirmed that Premier League Plus will complement, rather than replace, its existing coverage, and that live matches will continue to be available on StarHub platforms under the current six-year broadcast agreement.

While Premier League matches are already accessible through various broadcasters and streaming platforms worldwide, this initiative represents the league’s first attempt to operate its own consumer-facing streaming service. Masters emphasised that traditional broadcast partnerships—such as those with Sky Sports in the UK—will remain central to the league’s media strategy. However, owning its own platform gives the Premier League greater flexibility and direct insight into fan behaviour, including pricing, marketing, subscriptions and churn.

The Singapore rollout is being positioned as a collaborative trial that could inform future launches in other markets. The project also aligns with the opening of a new Premier League Studios production hub in Olympia, London, supporting the league’s broader ambitions to build in-house media and digital capabilities. More details on Premier League Plus are expected closer to launch.

Comments:

Costs of living is generally high in Singapore. So... this service is gonna be high too? 😅

Technology Updates: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked: The Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Buds 4 and more

Source:

https://www.engadget.com/mobile/everything-announced-at-samsung-unpacked-the-galaxy-s26-ultra-galaxy-buds-4-and-more-180000530.html

ChatGPT:

At its latest Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco, Samsung unveiled its 2026 flagship lineup, led by the Galaxy S26 series, alongside new Galaxy Buds and expanded AI features. The headline announcement was the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which introduces a new “Privacy Display” designed to limit screen visibility from sharp side angles, helping protect sensitive information in public spaces. The feature is customizable and can activate automatically for notifications, PIN entry, or specific apps, with only a slight brightness reduction.

The Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra share a refined design with more rounded corners and run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset in key markets. Prices for the S26 and S26+ have risen by US$100 to US$900 and US$1,100, while the S26 Ultra holds steady at US$1,300. All models emphasize software-driven camera improvements, including better video stabilization, enhanced color accuracy, and AI-powered portrait rendering, rather than major sensor upgrades. The Ultra model adds a 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, a 5,000mAh battery, faster charging, and improved apertures on its 200MP main and 5x telephoto cameras.

Samsung also refreshed its earbuds with the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, featuring a redesigned, more comfortable fit, better sound quality, improved active noise cancellation, and new safety features like siren detection on the Pro model. Pricing starts at US$180 and US$250 respectively.

On the software front, Samsung deepened its AI push by integrating Perplexity alongside Bixby and Google Gemini, enabling hands-free queries and more agent-like tasks such as booking rides or managing shopping lists. Pre-orders for all devices are open now, with general availability starting March 11.

Comments:

Interesting Privacy Display tech.

LifeStyle Updates: Taoist temple in Singapore offers blind boxes to attract young visitors

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/taoist-temple-in-singapore-offers-blind-boxes-to-attract-young-visitors

ChatGPT:

A Taoist temple in Singapore has tapped into the popular blind box trend to attract younger visitors during Chinese New Year 2026. Following the craze for collectible toys like Labubu and Sonny Angel, the concept has made its way to places of worship, with deity-themed figurines and amulets now offered as surprise prizes.

At Hiang Tong Keng, a century-old temple now located in Tampines Link, visitors can collect “blessings” blind boxes after completing a quiz-based challenge. For a $2 donation, participants receive a foldable card with questions about Taoist deities. The answers can be found around the temple grounds, encouraging exploration and learning. For every three tasks completed, visitors can redeem one blind box, with a maximum of four boxes per person over multiple visits.

Each box contains one of 13 possible items, including figurines of Guanyin and Guan Gong, deity stickers, a phone amulet, and symbolic items such as Patriarch Lu’s wisdom brush. The initiative is part of the temple’s broader strategy, launched in 2024, to widen its appeal amid declining Taoist identification among youth. While 8.8 per cent of Singapore residents aged 15 and above identify as Taoist, the proportion drops to 4.9 per cent among those aged 15 to 24.

Temple priest Master Eugene Choy said the idea was inspired by stamp rally culture and the popularity of blind boxes, especially during festive periods when young people accompany older relatives to temples. The temple has also stepped up bilingual social media outreach.

The initiative has drawn visitors of all ages, including teenagers and first-time visitors, who describe the activity as interactive and educational, helping them learn more about Taoist deities while having fun.

Comments:

Wonder when the blind box trend will last 😗

Travel Updates: New: HeyMax Releases Miles Flight Search and Flight Tracking Features

Source:

https://sethisfy.com/heymax-miles-flight-search-feature/

ChatGPT:

HeyMax has launched two new in-app features: Miles Flight Search and Flight Tracking, aimed at helping users maximise miles redemptions and manage trips more easily.

The new Miles Flight Search tool allows users to search for award flights across 15 supported frequent flyer programmes (FFPs). After logging into the HeyMax mobile app and tapping the new Aeroplane tab, users can input destination, date, number of travellers, and cabin class. The app then displays available redemption options and highlights the best-value flight. For example, a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong may appear, with the app suggesting better value when booked via Qatar Privilege Club using Avios.

However, the feature is currently mobile-only, with no desktop version available. Notably absent are major programmes such as Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and EVA Air Infinity MileageLand, though HeyMax says these are being worked on.

The new Flight Tracking function lets users manually add bookings by either forwarding their confirmation email or uploading a screenshot of their ticket. Screenshot uploads work reasonably well, though the iOS process is cumbersome as users must save images to the Files app before uploading. Once added, the app can provide travel deals and push notifications for gate changes and flight updates. Still, it faces competition from Google’s automatic flight tracking and Live Notifications.

While the tool is free and useful for those exploring non-KrisFlyer redemptions, desired improvements include open-date searches, curated best-value redemption lists, desktop support, and additional FFP integrations. HeyMax has indicated more enhancements are in development.

Comments:

Awesome feature 👍

Entertainment Updates: Viral Monkey Punch's S$19.90 Ikea Plush Toy Now Worth S$442 On Ebay; Sold Out In S'pore Too

Source:

https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/punch-ikea-plushie-sold-out-singapore-854441

ChatGPT:

A baby monkey named Punch — also known as Panchi-kun — has become an unexpected global sensation, and his favourite plush toy is now selling for hundreds of dollars online.

Punch is a seven-month-old Japanese macaque living at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. Born in July 2025, he was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. Zoo staff stepped in to care for him and gave him a soft toy for comfort — an IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan plush.

Videos of Punch clinging tightly to the stuffed orangutan, especially when struggling to integrate with other monkeys, quickly went viral across TikTok, Instagram, and X. The touching clips, often shared with the Japanese hashtag “Hang in there, Punch,” resonated with millions worldwide. Many viewers saw him as a symbol of vulnerability, resilience, and emotional comfort.

The plush toy — retailing at just S$19.90 in Singapore — has long limbs and a cuddly body. Fans affectionately nicknamed it “Oran-Mama” as Punch hugs it like a surrogate mother.

Following the viral surge, demand for the DJUNGELSKOG plush skyrocketed globally. It has reportedly sold out in Japan, the United States, South Korea, and Singapore. Resale prices have surged dramatically, with listings on eBay reaching as high as US$350 (approximately S$442), according to media reports.

While the full-sized orangutan plush is currently unavailable in Singapore, IKEA’s smaller S$2.90 mini version remains in stock — at least for now.

Punch’s story has not only melted hearts worldwide but also turned an affordable stuffed toy into a highly sought-after collector’s item almost overnight.

Comments:

Cute.

Not buying it.