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Labels
Friday, 2 January 2026
Entertainment Updates: Claw machines take over arcades in Japan
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
Portfolio Updates
Monday, 29 December 2025
Food Updates: Battle of the expensive cai fans: 666 Cai Fan Porridge ($21) vs Cafe&Meal MUJI ($20.80)
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ChatGPT:
Cafe&Meal MUJI, available at only three outlets islandwide, offers a sit-down, Japanese-style experience focused on simple, healthy food. The writer orders the 3 Deli Set (S$20.80), discounted to S$18.80 due to a weekday promotion. The set includes one hot deli, two cold delis, a side, soup, and a choice of carbs. Portions are modest, but execution stands out. Highlights include the Golden Sesame Crusted Salmon, which is tender and moist, though lacking the promised hojicha aroma. The butternut mash with pulled pork and kale impresses with layered textures and flavours, resembling an elevated Japanese potato salad. The thick omelette is soft yet textural, enhanced by an umami-rich mushroom sauce. The 16-grain rice and hijiki seaweed add depth, while the carrot cumin soup proves rich and comforting, outperforming standard miso.
In contrast, 666 Cai Fan • Porridge, a newer stall in Toa Payoh, looks like a typical cai fan stall but clearly labels premium items to avoid price disputes. A loaded plate costs S$21, featuring salmon, braised beef, lamb rendang, chilli prawns, and vegetables. While the braised beef and lamb rendang are tender and flavourful, portions are small. The fried salmon is large but dry, feeling overpriced. The tau kwa with minced pork and chilli prawns are more satisfying value-wise.
Overall, despite similar prices, the writer feels Cafe&Meal MUJI delivers better consistency, refinement, and overall quality, making its high price easier to justify than the upscale kopitiam-style cai fan.
My Comments:
Interesting comparisons!
Will consider trying them in future.
Thursday, 25 December 2025
Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Travel Updates: Review: Electric Train Service (ETS) from Johor to Kuala Lumpur
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ChatGPT:
The JB–KL route operates as an ETS Platinum service, using the new ETS3 (KTM Class 94) electric trains, capable of speeds up to 140 km/h. The journey includes multiple stops across Johor and Negeri Sembilan before reaching KL Sentral. One-way fares start from around MYR80–87 for Standard Class and MYR150–160 for Business Class.
Standard Class offers a comfortable 2-2 seating layout with power sockets, USB ports, tray tables and adequate legroom. Business Class, located in a dedicated car, features a 1-2 layout, generous legroom, seat recline, personal power outlets and a touch-screen entertainment system. Business Class passengers receive a complimentary hot meal, drinks and snacks, though food quality is modest and onboard Wi-Fi and entertainment connectivity were unreliable during the journey.
The ride is generally smooth and quiet, with scenic views along much of the route. However, delays occur north of Seremban due to ongoing single-track works under the Klang Valley Double Track Phase 2 project, slowing the final stretch into Kuala Lumpur. Despite this, the train arrived only slightly behind schedule.
Overall, the new ETS offers a jam-free, predictable and competitively priced alternative to buses and flights. While further infrastructure upgrades and the future RTS Link will enhance the experience, the ETS already stands out as a practical and appealing option for Singapore–Johor–Kuala Lumpur travel.
Rewards Updates: Awesome: HeyMax Card Maximiser now supports UOB Preferred Platinum Visa & UOB Visa Signature
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Once linked, the Card Maximiser will monitor transactions going forward (it cannot retroactively access spend prior to linking). For the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa, this means tracking the S$600 calendar-month bonus caps for mobile contactless and selected online transactions that earn 4 mpd, helping users avoid overshooting or undershooting bonus thresholds.
For the UOB Visa Signature, the Maximiser tracks its statement-month bonus caps and minimum spend of S$1,000 per category, such as contactless & petrol and foreign currency, which both have S$1,200 caps at 4 mpd once conditions are met. Users must input their statement cycle end date so the app knows when to reset these caps.
The ability to automatically tally both bonus caps and minimum spends removes much of the manual effort that previously made optimising these cards fiddly and error-prone. While earlier workarounds — such as juggling supplementary cards — existed, the article notes that having direct support in HeyMax is a significant improvement that will reduce mistakes and save time for cardholders hunting miles.
In short, HeyMax’s update streamlines reward tracking for two widely used UOB Visa cards, helping users maximise their 4 mpd earning potential with less hassle.
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
Sports Updates: Fifa to use cooling breaks at every World Cup 2026 game, regardless of weather
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Previously, cooling breaks were only mandated when temperatures exceeded a specific heat threshold, measured using the wet bulb global temperature system. Fifa described the new approach as a “streamlined and simplified” version of the earlier policy, removing the need to assess conditions on a game-by-game basis. The organisation said the decision was made primarily in the interest of player safety, particularly following concerns over heat and humidity during recent tournaments.
The move follows this year’s Club World Cup in the United States, where extreme heat prompted Fifa to lower the threshold for water breaks and introduce additional measures such as placing water and towels around the pitch. Heat has been a recurring issue at major football events, including the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where courts intervened to make breaks mandatory amid health concerns.
Fifa acknowledged that referees may apply limited flexibility if an injury or stoppage occurs shortly before the scheduled break, with decisions made on the spot.
Beyond player welfare, the change may also benefit broadcasters, as the predictable timing of breaks allows for more structured coverage and potential advertising opportunities. Some observers note that the format resembles quarter-based stoppages common in major US sports leagues such as the NFL and NBA.
A recent report highlighted the relevance of the policy, finding that 10 of the 16 World Cup venues across the US, Canada and Mexico face very high risks of extreme heat stress, underscoring the need for consistent protective measures during the tournament.
Rewards Updates: Which credit card covers the most bonus MCCs?
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Among popular rewards cards in Singapore, the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa leads with 54 bonus MCCs, followed closely by the HSBC Revolution with 51 MCCs, both offering up to 4 miles per dollar (mpd). Other notable cards include the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card (33 MCCs, 2.4 mpd with no cap but conditions), Maybank XL Rewards (27 MCCs), and UOB Lady’s Solitaire, whose coverage varies based on selected categories. While Citi Rewards and UOB PPV are often viewed as blacklist cards, they switch to whitelist mode depending on how spending is made.
MCC quantity alone does not determine usefulness. Some cards, such as the OCBC Rewards and KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card, also award bonuses based on merchant names rather than MCCs, improving real-world usability. The article also highlights how MCC “switching” via gift card platforms like HeyMax (MCC 5311) and Wogi (MCC 5947) can unlock bonus rewards across dining, shopping, travel and entertainment, making these MCCs particularly valuable.
By category, UOB PPV offers the widest dining and entertainment coverage, while HSBC Revolution excels in shopping and travel, though its travel bonuses are currently time-limited. For transport, the UOB Lady’s Card provides the broadest coverage when configured appropriately.
Ultimately, the article concludes that HSBC Revolution and UOB Preferred Platinum Visa offer the broadest MCC coverage overall, but emphasises that quality of MCCs matters more than quantity. Cardholders should analyse their own spending patterns and prioritise cards that cover the most useful MCCs for their lifestyle.
LifeStyle Updates: Singapore’s core, headline inflation hold steady at 1.2% in November
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Core inflation, which excludes accommodation and private transport, was steady as higher services inflation was offset by weaker retail and other goods prices, alongside a sharper fall in electricity and gas costs. On a month-on-month basis, core prices edged down 0.1%, while the all-items consumer price index rose 0.2%.
Headline inflation also held at 1.2%, reflecting unchanged accommodation and core inflation. Accommodation costs continued to rise modestly at 0.3%, in line with stable rental growth. Food inflation was unchanged at 1.2%, as prices for both cooked and non-cooked food rose at the same pace as in October.
Across CPI categories, price movements were mixed. Private transport inflation eased to 3.5%, down from 3.8%, due to a smaller increase in car prices. Retail and other goods inflation dipped to 0.3% as clothing, footwear and personal care appliance prices fell. Electricity and gas prices declined more sharply by 4.1%, reflecting lower electricity costs.
The main upward pressure came from services inflation, which rose to 1.9% from 1.8% in October, driven by higher costs for point-to-point transport services and health insurance.
MAS and MTI maintained their full-year 2025 forecasts, projecting core inflation at 0.5% and headline inflation at 0.5% to 1%. Forecasts for 2026 were also unchanged at 0.5% to 1.5% for both measures. Authorities highlighted ongoing uncertainties, noting that while imported cost pressures are easing, supply shocks or weaker global demand could alter the inflation outlook.
Monday, 22 December 2025
Saturday, 20 December 2025
Entertainment Updates: Game of the Year Awards 2025
Opinion:
Saturday, 6 December 2025
Travel Updates: Cross-border taxis more attractive with flexible drop-offs but concerns remain on scheme’s viability
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ChatGPT:
Previously, taxis could only perform flexible drop-offs if they were registered in the destination country. Otherwise, passengers were limited to Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru or Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore, forcing many travellers to take a second trip. Some Singaporeans said the new flexibility makes them more inclined to consider cross-border taxis when trains are unavailable. Malaysians echoed similar sentiments, saying the update removes hassle and confusion.
Licensed drivers, however, stressed that the real appeal has always been door-to-door service—a feature illegal operators once provided and legal taxis could not. Many hope the new rules will finally allow them to compete fairly and earn more. Older and mobility-impaired passengers also said the move would greatly ease their journeys.
Still, observers and cabbies flagged issues: worsening Causeway congestion, limited parking at terminals, unpredictable demand, and long waits that already make the route unattractive for some drivers. Transport economists noted that while the rule changes improve convenience, fixed pricing and current regulations still constrain the scheme. They warned of supply-demand imbalances, competition concerns between Singapore- and Malaysia-registered taxis, and the need for deeper liberalisation—possibly including true door-to-door service.
Experts added that a better-functioning cross-border taxi ecosystem could deliver wider benefits, such as making Singapore’s airports more accessible for Johor residents, ultimately strengthening cross-border economic ties.
Opinion:
Pls make this service work people!
I need it! π
Tuesday, 2 December 2025
Entertainment Updates: Monument Valley 3: The Garden of Life expands on the award-winning puzzler as it arrives on mobile soon
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ChatGPT:
Ustwo Games, best known for the award-winning Monument Valley franchise, brings back the signature blend of mind-bending architecture, optical illusions, and atmospheric storytelling that defined the series. The Garden of Life expansion adds four new story chapters, giving fans more areas to explore and deepening the emotional narrative the series is known for. Beyond the primary chapters, players will also discover hidden bonus puzzles, which can be uncovered with the help of a companion named Boatem. These puzzles aim to reward completionists and extend gameplay beyond the main storyline.
The return of Monument Valley 3 to the open mobile market comes after confusion among fans when the game was removed from Netflix’s library last year, despite the franchise's popularity and cultural recognition—including a cameo in House of Cards. With its revival and expanded content, the latest release attempts to balance Monument Valley’s atmospheric world-building with a greater emphasis on rich puzzle design.
For long-time fans and newcomers alike, this expansion signals a renewed focus on what makes Monument Valley compelling: elegant puzzles, immersive visuals, and thoughtful storytelling. And if players are looking for more challenging puzzle experiences after completing The Garden of Life, the article recommends exploring some of the best puzzle games available on Android for additional brain-teasing fun.
Monday, 1 December 2025
Rewards Updates: New Kris+ Gift Box Challenge: Win up to 100 KrisPay miles daily
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ChatGPT:
While the reward range may seem attractive, users should expect the algorithm to favor the lower end. Early testers report receiving just 1 KrisPay mile, suggesting the odds of higher-value prizes are likely low. Nonetheless, the daily format eliminates the previous requirement of completing three weekly check-ins, which many users found easy to forget.
Comparatively, the former Check-in Challenge awarded a guaranteed 20 KrisPay miles weekly, translating to S$10.40 per year with perfect consistency. In contrast, completing the Gift Box Challenge daily for a year guarantees at least S$3.65, though users could earn more depending on luck. Without transparency on the prize distribution algorithm, it remains difficult to judge which model is more rewarding overall.
The article also highlights recommended credit cards to maximise Kris+ earn rates, such as Citi Rewards + Amaze and DBS Woman’s World Card for general spending at 4 mpd, and several dining-focused cards like HSBC Revolution and UOB Lady’s Card, which also earn 4 mpd with category conditions. Choosing the right card can significantly boost overall value, especially when spending at dining, retail, or wellness merchants.
In summary, the new Gift Box Challenge offers a simpler but potentially less lucrative way to earn daily KrisPay miles, trading predictability for a luck-based mechanic that may appeal to casual users.
Opinion:
Still worth to click daily for rewards e.g. during commutes since it's a low amount of effort π
Saturday, 29 November 2025
Entertainment Updates: Made-In-Singapore Indie Game ‘SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure’ Plates Up Major Update
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ChatGPT:
The Seasoning Update introduces six major features, along with game balance tweaks, UI improvements, bug fixes, and Steam Trading Cards. Key additions include:
The Bestiary – A new chapter in the in-game Makanomicon that catalogues Khaya Island’s monsters with fresh artwork, names, and detailed descriptions.
In-Game Map – A quick-access aerial view showing ingredient spawn points and a dynamic respawn timer, helping players plan their cooking-combat strategies more effectively.
Herb Mode & Spice Mode – New difficulty options. Herb Mode offers a more relaxed experience with reduced damage, slower freshness decay, and lenient order timing. Standard difficulty is now named Spice Mode, and only in this mode can players earn Pink Stars. Difficulty can be switched at the start menu or in settings.
Four New Charms – Jade Earrings, Five Stones, Yadom, and Kerosang join the charm roster. With the charm weight limit increased from 5 to 7, players can equip more perks such as slowing food decay or starting with combo streaks.
The update also expands language support to 20 languages, covering major Asian languages plus Spanish, German, French, Italian, Turkish, Brazilian Portuguese, and more.
To celebrate, the game is offering a 35% discount on Steam, bringing its price to under US$10. SEDAP! first launched on PC in May with a soundtrack bundle, and online multiplayer for consoles is planned for early 2026.
Opinion:
Nice casual game?
Entertainment Updates: Haven is out now for mobile, breaking the escape room genre down to its unnerving essence
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ChatGPT:
In Haven, you wake up in a sparse, pale-walled room containing only a few pieces of furniture and no explanation of how you got there. The game’s core loop mirrors classic escape-room challenges: explore every corner, discover clues, and gradually unlock the sequence of puzzles that stand between you and freedom. While some escape games rely on tension, horror, or looming threats, Haven opts for calmness. Its relaxing background music, minimalistic environment, and lack of danger make the experience feel soothing yet strangely urgent, as the quiet atmosphere heightens your desire to break out.
The article notes that while escape rooms can vary wildly—from spaceships to fantasy dungeons—digital escape games don’t require countless reinventions. Mobile screens lack the immersive props and physical interactions of real-life escape rooms, so a strong digital puzzle game needs solid mechanics, coherent design, and intuitive progression rather than spectacle.
Haven delivers these essentials. It offers an accessible hint system, tactile mechanics that enhance immersion, and a simple, relatable setting. Best of all, the game is completely free to play, making it an easy entry point for anyone curious about escape-room puzzles.
For players who enjoy Haven and want more challenges, the article recommends checking out Pocket Gamer’s list of the best escape games available for Android.
Opinion:
Want to backlog this game into Backloggd but it's not found there π
Thursday, 27 November 2025
Technology Updates: You can play classic Nintendo games on these custom SNES-inspired Nike sneakers
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ChatGPT:
All electronics, including a battery supporting up to 30 minutes of gameplay, are cleverly tucked into the tongue of the shoe, not the sole. The Raspberry Pi’s Mini HDMI is adapted through a small analog converter so the AIR SNES can connect to a TV using classic RCA cables, enhancing the nostalgic ’90s feel.
For controls, the sneaker pairs wirelessly with an original SNES controller. Bonzanini upgraded the gamepad using an 8BitDo Bluetooth Mod Kit, avoiding messy cables and keeping the retro aesthetic intact.
A demo clip shows Super Mario World running on a TV hooked up to the sneaker, proving the quirky hybrid actually works. While sneaker culture and retro gaming fans would likely buy these instantly, Bonzanini’s AIR SNES is strictly a one-off art piece, with no plans for commercial release.
Opinion:
No real use case other than for celebrations, I guess?
Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Technology Updates: Hands on with Stickerbox, the AI-powered sticker maker for kids
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ChatGPT:
Using Stickerbox is simple: children speak their idea, the AI interprets it, and the device prints a corresponding sticker in seconds. The experience combines instant gratification with slower, calming coloring activities. Kids naturally test increasingly complex prompts, and the AI handles their stream-of-consciousness descriptions well. The system encourages imagination rather than replacing it, making the toy a fresh type of creative play.
Stickerbox was inspired by co-founder Bob Whitney’s experience generating coloring pages for his son using ChatGPT. Recognizing the “magic” of seeing spoken ideas printed instantly, Whitney and co-founder Arun Gupta aimed to create AI products specifically safe for children. The device uses multiple AI models with strict safeguards against harmful content and filters inappropriate language, ensuring parents don’t need to monitor constantly.
The startup keeps paper refills affordable at US$5.99 for three rolls and plans to introduce premium features such as uploading personal images or collaborative tools. Regular firmware updates improve safety and creativity prompts, while a companion app will soon allow users to view and save past creations. Stickerbox is supported by US$7 million in funding from Maveron, Serena Ventures, AI2’s incubator, and several prominent angel investors.
Opinion:
Interesting tech for kids.
At this price point, I think it's more for classroom use?
Technology Updates: HWZ SG60 Tech Special: The best of local tech
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ChatGPT:
HardwareZone’s SG60 Tech Special highlights the local tech brands that have contributed to Singapore’s development and are now driving its future growth. These stories honour pioneers and innovators across various fields, from defence to fintech, AI, gaming, and consumer technology.
In lifestyle tech, companies like Razer — led by Tan Min-Liang — have elevated Singapore’s global presence, with initiatives such as its AI Centre of Excellence. The gaming sector also showcases homegrown successes that have expanded internationally.
Tech giants with operations in Singapore have also bolstered the country’s growth, contributing expertise and infrastructure to sectors like defence and engineering. ST Engineering, for example, plays a major role through projects like the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Multi-Role Combat Vessel, designed as a modular drone-capable platform.
Other local innovators include Aztech Global, focused on engineering advancements; smart-home and broadband companies shaping everyday convenience; fintech and e-commerce players such as YouTrip and Ijooz, which have redefined digital payments and automated retail; and platforms like Grab, which are now essential to daily life.
Singapore’s technology ecosystem continues to evolve, built on the contributions of these companies and many others. The SG60 tribute underscores how local tech brands not only supported nation-building but also position Singapore for its next era of innovation-driven growth.
Opinion:
Singapore companies are the best! π
Monday, 24 November 2025
Entertainment Updates: ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ Exhibition Marks Singapore Debut In Jan 2026
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Seven themed zones are featured. Highlights include Mount Fujikasane, a wisteria-filled dreamscape from the Final Selection; Demon Slayer Headquarters, showcasing Nichirin swords, organisational charts and character profiles; House of Demons, which partially recreates Muzan’s Infinity Castle with special mechanisms that trigger demonic encounters; and Battle of Mount Natagumo, featuring original Breathing Style illustrations and photo spots. Other areas include life-sized Mugen Train carriages, the lighthearted Kimetsu Academy spin-off world, and the Entertainment District with interactive contraptions and peek-through elements.
Visitors will exit through a 1,000-square-foot merchandise store, which includes exclusive Singapore-only ufotable illustrations featuring chibi characters at local landmarks.
Tickets will be sold in three phases via Pelago and Klook. Phase 1 (26 Nov–10 Dec 2025) offers 20% discounted prices: S$19.20/S$22.40 for adults and S$15.20/S$18.40 for concession. Phase 2 (11 Dec–22 Jan) adds limited-edition souvenir cards to every ticket. Phase 3 runs from 23 Jan to 15 Mar 2026. Bundle options include Family Bundles (S$72–S$94 with souvenir cards in Phase 2) and a VIP Bundle at S$58, which includes collectibles and a retail voucher.
The exhibition promises a rich, immersive experience for Demon Slayer fans of all ages.













