LifeStyle Updates : Economy rice stalls at Koufu food courts to have price labels for all dishes

Source : 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/koufu-food-court-economy-rice-caifan-price-labels-dishes-5020061

Apple Intelligence : 

• Price Transparency Initiative: Economy rice stalls at Koufu food courts will display price labels for all dishes.

• Labeling System: Price labels will be color-coded to categorize dish types (meat, seafood, vegetables, premium) and individual prices.

• Implementation Timeline: The initiative will be implemented across all Koufu economy rice stalls by the end of 2025.

• Initiative Goal: To promote fair and clear pricing for economy rice in Singapore.

• Initiative Details: Koufu and CASE are partnering to implement color-coded labels for economy rice dishes, allowing consumers to make informed choices and prevent price disputes.

• Initiative Benefit: Benefits both customers and stall operators by making pricing and choices clearer.

LifeStyle Updates : McDonald’s Launching Minecraft Movie Meals, Blind Box Collectibles & Cotton Candy Desserts from Mar 27

Source : 

https://www.greatdeals.com.sg/2025/03/21/mcdonalds-minecraft-movie-meals-blind-box-collectibles

Apple Intelligence : 

• Minecraft Movie Promotion: McDonald’s Singapore is launching a limited-time campaign to promote the Minecraft Movie.

• Collectible Offerings: The campaign includes six limited-edition blind box collectibles featuring McDonaldland characters in Minecraft style.

• Food Items: The promotion features a special meal lineup and Cotton Candy desserts.

• Minecraft Movie Meal: 12 meal options, including McSpicy, Chicken McNuggets, and cheeseburgers, with Smoky BBQ McShaker™ Fries, Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar, and a collectible.

• New Desserts: Three new Cotton Candy desserts: Cotton Candy Cone, Cotton Candy Hot Fudge Sundae, and Cotton Candy OREO® McFlurry®.

• Minecraft Happy Meal Toys: 10 unique designs launching between March 27 and April 30, with two new designs released each week.

• Minecraft Movie Meal Promotion: McDonald’s is collaborating with Minecraft to launch a movie meal promotion.

• Marketing Campaign: Video commercials showcasing the meal experience and collectibles have been released on YouTube.

• Ordering Options: The meal, collectibles, and desserts will be available for dine-in, takeaway, Drive-Thru, and delivery.

Food Updates : Singapore’s Apartment Coffee named 6th best on World’s Top 100 Coffee Shops list

Source:

https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/dining/apartment-coffee-selegie-singapore-worlds-top-100-coffee-shops-460591

Apple Intelligence:

• World Ranking: Apartment Coffee, a Singaporean coffee shop, ranked sixth on the World’s Top 100 Coffee Shops list.

• Coffee Shop Information: Established in 2018, Apartment Coffee is known for its calming interior and pour-over coffees made from single-origin beans.

• Awards Criteria: The list, determined by public votes and expert panel evaluations, celebrates the finest coffee experiences worldwide based on factors like coffee quality, barista experience, and ambience.

• Award Recognition: Apartment Coffee received the 6th Best Coffee Shop in the World and 1st in Asia award.

• Award Criteria: The award was determined by an international jury and 60,000 public votes.

• Team’s Response: The team expressed pride in their work and the recognition for Singapore’s specialty coffee scene.

LifeStyle Updates : S’pore brand included in New York Times’ list of best instant noodles

Source: https://mustsharenews.com/singapore-best-instant-noodles/

Apple Intelligence:

• NYT Instant Noodle Ranking: The New York Times ranked the best instant noodles in the US, including Prima Taste Singapore’s Laksa La Mian.

• Prima Taste Singapore Laksa La Mian Review: The noodles were praised for their taste and texture, but some may find the seafood smell unpleasant.

• NYT Instant Noodle Selection Process: A panel of experts and kitchen staff with well-honed taste buds selected the noodles based on texture and flavor balance.

Opinion:

Interesting win for Singapore.

Might try it for lunch in office.

I think $9.95 is quite expensive, https://www.fairprice.com.sg/product/prima-taste-la-mian-premium-instant-noodles-laksa-4-x-144g-13259121?srsltid=AfmBOopkXR70Y_BMZotPIov3q8e2CQ3D9apyw9e1TOn46URN3vwTlu6u

Entertainment Updates : Singapore Has 3rd Highest Percentage Of Overweight Population In Southeast Asia

URL: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/local/singapore-3rd-highest-percentage-overweight-population-southeast-asia-840216

BoltAI: 

Singapore ranks third in Southeast Asia for the percentage of its overweight population, with 11.6% classified as overweight, according to a recent infographic from Seasia Stats based on data from The World Factbook. The countries with higher rates are Brunei (28.2%) and Malaysia (19.7%), while Thailand follows Singapore. Other countries in the region, like the Philippines and Indonesia, have lower obesity rates.

The rising obesity levels in Singapore have sparked discussions online, with many attributing the high rates to factors such as the consumption of sugary drinks, easy access to affordable food, and a sedentary lifestyle influenced by the humid climate. Some netizens pointed out that local dishes are often high in sodium and carbohydrates, contributing to weight gain. 

While many Singaporeans expressed concern about the findings, some argued that the data is negatively framed, noting that Singapore’s rates are still lower compared to countries like the US, which has an obesity rate of 40.3%. Additionally, there are criticisms of using BMI as a sole measure of obesity, as it does not account for muscle mass or fat distribution. The conversation raises questions about the need for increased physical activity among Singaporeans.

Opinion:

We are not first? Inconceivable! 😂

We have to stay healthy!

There is no point having wealth without health! 😏

LifeStyle Updates : 24/7 Durians, Now A Reality: Durian Vending Machines Debut In S’pore

URL: https://www.8days.sg/eatanddrink/newsandreviews/durian-vending-machine-singapore-840166

Apple Intelligence:

Durian seller Kaki Kaki will install a vending machine at Tampines MRT station, selling pre-packed Mao Shan Wang durians. The company plans to expand its vending machine network and explore partnerships with malls and retail spaces.

Opinion:

Interesting. Wonder how well it will sell. Will it be as successful as iJooz?

LifeStyle Updates: Qoo10's Closure

URL: https://dollarsandsense.sg/business/what-the-closure-of-qoo10-tells-us-about-the-evolution-of-e-commerce-business/

The article “What the Closure of Qoo10 Tells Us About the Evolution of E-Commerce Business” discusses how the shutdown of Qoo10 reflects significant shifts in the e-commerce industry in Singapore and Southeast Asia. It highlights the intense competition among e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada, which leverage aggressive marketing, deep discounts, and innovative tech solutions to dominate the market. The closure also underscores the challenges faced by platforms unable to adapt to changing consumer preferences, rising operational costs, and the need for seamless digital experiences.

Food Updates: Most Expensive Popiah

URL: https://www.8days.sg/eatanddrink/hawkerfood/most-expensive-popiah-837916

A popiah chain in Singapore has introduced what is claimed to be the “most expensive popiah,” priced at S$873. This luxurious version includes premium toppings such as caviar and a 24K gold leaf, elevating the traditionally simple dish to a high-end culinary experience. This initiative appears to be a unique blend of local tradition and opulence, targeting those looking for an extravagant take on hawker food.

Food Updates : Aeroplane themed Chicken Rice Stall

URL: https://mustsharenews.com/aeroplane-chicken-rice-stall/

A chicken rice stall in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, creatively adopts an aeroplane theme, with dish names like "Economy Class" and "First Class" and menu add-ons labeled as "baggage allowance" and "travel protection." Staff dress as pilots, enhancing the playful experience, which quickly gained viral attention online. Customers enjoy the novelty of choosing "flight class" for their meals, adding to the stall’s charm. 

LifeStyle Updates : Apps to buy unsold food

URL: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/diners-can-use-new-phone-app-to-buy-unsold-food-at-a-big-discount-and-help-cut-food-waste

Here's a brief summary of the article:

• New App Launch: A new app called Yindii allows diners in Singapore to buy unsold food from eateries at 50% to 80% off the retail price.

• Surprise Bags: Customers can pre-order "surprise bags" containing various unsold menu items at the end of the day.

• Partnerships: The app has partnered with popular restaurants, cafes, and bakeries like Paul, Baker & Cook, and SaladStop.

• Food Waste Reduction: The app aims to reduce food waste and has already helped offset over 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

• Government Support: The launch aligns with Singapore's focus on sustainability and reducing food waste, supported by initiatives like the Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill.

The Yindii app has received generally positive reviews. On the Google Play Store, it has a 
rating of 4.3 stars based on 893 reviews. Users appreciate its mission to reduce food waste 
and the opportunity to get delicious food at discounted prices. On the App Store, it has a rating
of 4.2 stars with 55 ratings. Users have praised the app for its user-friendly interface and the 
variety of food options available.

"This is cool. I wonder how it will work for heartland shops or whether it will ever be in heartlands. It still serves a niche market for the time being."

LifeStyle Updates : McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys featuring Mario Kart Characters 10 Oct to 13 Nov '24

URL: https://www.greatdeals.com.sg/2024/10/10/mcdonalds-happy-meal-toys-mario-kart

OpenAI:

The article from Great Deals Singapore highlights the launch of Mario Kart-themed Happy

Meal toys at McDonald's Singapore, starting from October 10, 2024. Here are the key

points:

Exclusive Toys: The Happy Meals feature 10 different Mario Kart characters, each with moveable wheels.

Availability: These toys are available from October 10, 2024, and will be offered until November 13, 2024.

Partnership

McDonald's Happy Meal toys in Singapore often run out of stock due to a combination of high demand and limited supply. These toys are usually tied to popular franchises or limited-time collaborations, like the Mario Kart and Crocs Clips collections, which create a sense of urgency and excitement among customers. Additionally, McDonald's typically limits the quantity of each toy to ensure a variety of options, further contributing to the scarcity.

My Thoughts:

I expect these toys to sell out fast.

My son wants them too. 😄

Sellers are gonna put them on Carousell.

LifeStyle Updates : Free Prata for Man U loss

https://mothership.sg/2024/09/free-prata-srisun-man-u-liverpool/

OpenAI

1. Srisun Express is offering three free pratas to Manchester United fans after the team's 0-3 loss to Liverpool.

2. The promotion is valid at all Srisun Express outlets in Singapore from 8 am to 11 pm on September 2.

3. This follows a similar promotion where 6,780 pratas were given away after a 7-0 loss to Liverpool in March 2023.

4. Srisun’s owners, who are Manchester United fans, created the offer to cheer up fellow fans.

5. The promotion aims to lighten the mood after a disappointing game result. 

My Thoughts

• Amusing promotion from this prata stall for years. Man U is still as pundits say not in a good place. But things move fast in football.

• Not friends with the prata owner, but I wonder if this is just a marketing gimmick or a hobby enthusiast spurring fellow conversations.

• I guess money is not the motivator here. End of day, we assess our lives based on what we love to do or did. What better way to celebrate than to give something in return with the hobby you love.

LifeStyle Updates : A to D rating for salt, etc.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/war-on-salt-sauces-instant-noodles-cooking-oil-these-will-have-a-to-d-grades-like-beverages

OpenAI - "Summarise this article in 5 points"

Here are five key points from the article:

1. Singaporeans consume excessive salt, sauces, instant noodles, and cooking oil, increasing health risks.

2. These products will soon display Nutri-Grade labels (A to D) to indicate their healthiness.

3. Nutri-Grade labels, previously used for beverages, led to reduced sugar intake.

4. The Ministry of Health will consult with the industry on nutrient thresholds for the new labels.

5. Public education efforts will intensify, and hawker centers will be encouraged to use lower-sodium products.

My Thoughts

• This is an important issue with our ageing population.
• I think the Nutri-Grade label is quite effective. I do tend to select healthier choices due to the labels. Psychological effect, always must get A 😂
• Chefs in hawker centers or coffee shops need to do their part. Please do not increase prices with this change...

LifeStyle Updates : KFC Whack A Chicken

• $8 off e-Voucher is good. It's applicable for all types of purchases (Online, Takeaway, Delivery) too.
• But it's hard to get the required points. At least 1000 points to have a chance.
• Games also seem to be random with the chicks' types. (Blue chick awards the most points) So sometimes it feels like 1000 points is not doable.

https://www.kfc.com.sg/whats-new/kfc-sg-app

Rewards Updates : Kopitiam Rewards

• Kopitiam has a good reward system especially when you use Trust Card as payment.
• There is free hot kopi when you scan the QR Code for surveys. It expires within 1 month. Use of Trust Card with 4 transactions gives you free kopi too. It expires within 3 months.
• When purchases are > $10, scan with ShopperLink app to get points.

 

Rewards Updates : CrowdTask

• New Government platform to answer questions, submit budget meals and claim points for NETs QR discounts.
• The questions are usually simple. Although you could be identified since it is via SingPass login, some people may provide "fake" responses.
• Budget meal submissions are cool. Needs more people to do submissions and verifications.

  
https://www.crowdtask.gov.sg/

KFC Catch & Win Game : 17 Apr 2023 to 16 May 2023

KFC is running a Catch & Win game that provides rewards.

It's pretty easy to play. Just catch chickens only and ignore the rest.

I've won the $10 KFC eVoucher rewards.

It is valid for 7 days, valid for either dine-in, take-away & delivery online.

Minimum spend of $20 excluding delivery fee.

The best reward in my opinion.

What eWallets and ePayments to use for Cost Savings

https://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/deposits/pay-with-ease/paylah-5-million-hawker-meals

Today I experienced the dreaded error from trying to claim my $3 rebate from on-going DBS Paylah promotion during lunchtime.

Over the years, there have been various ePayment and eWallet promotions via different means. 

When it works, you feel great. When it fails, you frustrate and will resist to use again.

But Patience and Perseverance will save you $$ in the long run.

Trying out the different promotions is a guarantee way to save money especially when technology is simply getting better and better each year. 

Cash is the worst choice.

My usual payment workflow is:

Option 1. ShopeePay or ShopBack

In many shops, these 2 payment methods will offer the most points or dollar cash back offers.

Option 2. XNAP

https://sethisfy.com/liquid-pay-removes-credit-card-payments-but-theres-xnap/

XNAP is great way to utilise credit card using SGQR.

Option 3. POSB Everyday Credit Card and PayLah

https://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/deposits/bank-earn/multiplier

https://www.posb.com.sg/personal/cards/credit-cards/posb-everyday-card

I use this because of DBS Multiplier and POSB Sheng Siong discount. Credit cards from different banks all give different ways to earn.

Option 4. Trust Bank, FavePay, GrabPay, AtomePay, Nestia UnionPay, CapitaStar, etc.

https://trustbank.sg/credit-card/

https://discover.myfave.com/sg

https://www.grab.com/sg/consumer/finance/pay/

In cases where all the above are not available, I try to find all other ePayments.

How to use Mcdonald's, Shopperlink & Malls Apps for Cost Savings

https://www.allsgpromo.com/mcdelivery-promotion/

https://www.sgdtips.com/mcdonalds-singapore-latest-meal-coupons/

Most parents go McDonalds frequently for their children.

There's a few ways to get some savings.

1. Look at promotion websites for promo codes.

https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/mcdonalds/id1217507712

2. Use McDonalds mobile application.

Enter promo codes, if any, from promotion websites.

Play the game daily to get new deal. Game resets daily at 12am SG Time.

Give feedback and get 1 reward. There's a limit of rewards you can get per month. Currently 5 times.

Most McDonalds deals require you to tie with a purchase. So, split up your purchases using the self-service kiosk.

For each purchase, you need to manipulate the amount based on where you are buying McDonalds from.

https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/shopperlink/id1533952133

https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/capitastar-app/id1058746494

https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/frasers-experience-frx/id6443769620

https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/lendlease-plus/id1435206275

https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/shopfareast/id1590465452

3. Use the relevant shopping mobile application based on which McDonalds you are at.

For heartland malls, use shopperlink. 

For established malls, use the real estate company's mobile application. Some big players' links above.

Every mall has their own terms and conditions. So, you have to find and read the sometimes long-winded text 😅.

Unfortunately, ChatGPT https://chat.openai.com/chat is unable to provide this information yet.