Travel Updates: 5 New Malls Opening In JB That’ll Be Easier To Visit Once The RTS Link Launches In 2026

Source:

https://thesmartlocal.com/read/new-jb-malls/

ChatGPT:

With the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link set to launch by the end of 2026, shopping trips across the Causeway are expected to become faster and more convenient. Anticipating increased cross-border traffic, several new shopping malls are being developed across Johor Bahru, particularly in growth areas such as Iskandar Puteri, Bukit Senyum and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Among the earliest openings is Horizon Mall, a 150,000 sq ft open-air mall in Horizon Hills, Iskandar Puteri. Located near the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club and just a 10-minute drive from LEGOLAND Malaysia, it will feature dining and lifestyle options such as Padi House and popular tea brands, and is expected to open in May 2026.

Closer to the JB checkpoint, SKS City Mall JBCC will sit beneath the Sheraton Johor Bahru hotel, only a four-minute drive from immigration. Spanning about 280,000 sq ft over 4.5 floors, it will house retail shops and family attractions like Jungle Gym, with an anticipated opening by the end of 2026.

Further ahead, Coronation Square Mall along Jalan Gereja will be directly linked to the Bukit Chagar RTS station via covered walkways. Part of a RM5 billion mixed-use development, it is slated for completion in 2029. OBS Mall, a luxury retail component of the One Bukit Senyum project, will follow by 2030, alongside residences and a five-star hotel.

Finally, the Bukit Chagar Integrated Development, opening progressively towards 2033, will welcome RTS commuters with a mall, transport links and large car parks. Together, these developments reinforce JB’s growing appeal as a post-RTS shopping destination for Singaporeans.

Gaming Updates: Popular PC franchise Civilization comes to Apple Arcade on February 5

Source:

On the same day, Apple Arcade adds three more games, all ad-free and without in-app purchases. Retrocade transports players to the golden age of video arcades, featuring classics such as Asteroids, Bubble Bobble, Centipede, and Galaga. Designed for Apple Vision Pro, it is also playable on iPhone and iPad, letting players experience the neon glow and excitement of ’80s arcades. Felicity’s Door, a rhythm-based adventure by Area 35, follows twins Tom and Felicity and their bear Mi-chan through dreamlike landscapes—from cosmic realms to seaside cliffs and cyberpunk cities—offering a magical, music-driven journey. I Love Hue Too+ returns as a fan-favorite color puzzle game, challenging players to organize mosaics of colored tiles into harmonious spectrums.
In addition to new releases, Apple Arcade continues to refresh its existing titles with updates and exclusive events. On January 22, Crayola Create and Play+ features a limited-time Paddington snowy day adventure, including snowman building, cake crafting, and winter-themed activities.
For Apple Arcade enthusiasts, these additions expand the range of experiences—from deep strategic empire-building to nostalgic arcade fun, musical adventures, and relaxing color puzzles—while maintaining the service’s hallmark of uninterrupted, ad-free gameplay. Players can explore the new games and ongoing updates via the App Store or Apple Games app, offering a hub to jump into favorites, discover new experiences, and enjoy shared gaming moments with friends.

Popular PC franchise Civilization comes to Apple Arcade on February 5 - Apple

ChatGPT:

Apple Arcade is expanding its lineup next month with several highly anticipated titles. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Arcade Edition launches on February 5, bringing the award-winning strategy franchise to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Players can build and evolve empires through distinct ages of human history, shaping their civilization’s cultural legacy and exploring paths rooted in history or imagination. This mobile version joins recent PC-to-Apple Arcade adaptations like PowerWash Simulator and Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition.

Comments:

Nice Surprise.

Hoping more good games to come for this service.

Entertainment Updates: 'Crying' toy goes viral in China after production error at factory

Source:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZj2fLEcPE/?igsh=MTBoMXJzdXJ3Zng2bA%3D%3D

ChatGPT:

What began as a manufacturing mishap at a Chinese factory has unexpectedly turned into a viral commercial success. The incident involved a plush toy horse created for the upcoming Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. Originally, the toy was designed with an upturned, cheerful smile to match festive expectations. However, due to a stitching error at a factory in Yiwu, the horse left the production line with a noticeably downturned mouth, giving it a sad, pouting expression.

Rather than being discarded as defective stock, the toy’s fate changed when a customer who received the flawed version shared photos of it online. The images quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the attention and imagination of netizens. Users affectionately nicknamed it the “cry-cry horse”, and what was once a production mistake soon became the toy’s defining feature.

Demand surged almost immediately, with consumers specifically requesting the “accidental edition”. Many buyers, particularly office workers, said the toy resonated deeply with them. The horse’s forlorn pout was widely interpreted as a symbol of modern working life—projecting calm and professionalism on the outside while silently enduring stress, fatigue and pressure within. This emotional relatability transformed the toy from a novelty into a cultural expression.

Recognising the sudden opportunity, the Yiwu factory moved swiftly to capitalise on the trend, pivoting its production line almost overnight to intentionally replicate the once-unwanted design. Despite the spike in popularity and orders, the company announced that it would keep the retail price unchanged at US$4.60, reinforcing the toy’s mass appeal and accessibility.

The “cry-cry horse” phenomenon highlights how social media, emotional resonance and rapid manufacturing agility can turn an error into a hit. It also reflects a broader consumer appetite for products that capture shared feelings, even when they arise by accident rather than design.

Comments:

Expect the unexpected sometimes. Just like Life 😁

Sports Updates: A tennis player played so poorly that it went viral. Tournament organizers say they should have never let it happen

Source:

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/08/sport/tennis-kenyan-tournament-goes-viral

ChatGPT:

A first-round match at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W35 tournament in Nairobi, Kenya, unexpectedly went viral after one player delivered an extraordinarily poor performance. The clay-court match ended in a routine-looking 6–0, 6–0 victory for Germany’s Lorena Schaedel, but the spotlight fell on her opponent, 21-year-old Egyptian Hajar Abdelkader, whose struggles made the 37-minute contest painful to watch and widely mocked online.

Observers noted that Abdelkader appeared unfamiliar with even basic aspects of the game. She committed 20 double faults, won only three points—each due to her opponent’s errors—and at times seemed unsure where to stand while serving. The performance led many to question how she had been allowed to compete at a professional tournament, even at the ITF level, which is the lowest rung of the professional circuit but still carries world ranking points and a total prize purse of US$25,000.

Tennis Kenya later confirmed to CNN Sports that Abdelkader had entered the tournament via a wild card, granted after she formally requested one and another player withdrew at short notice. As she was the only remaining wild-card applicant at the time, organizers allowed her into the main draw to keep it full. However, Tennis Kenya admitted that, in hindsight, the wild card should not have been granted given her apparent playing standard.

Adding to the confusion, the Egyptian Tennis Federation stated that Abdelkader is not registered with them and that they played no role in her nomination or entry. Although Abdelkader’s ITF profile claims she has played tennis for seven years, many viewers found this difficult to reconcile with what they saw on court.

The viral reaction ranged from disbelief to ridicule, with criticism that her inclusion may have deprived a legitimate professional of an opportunity. Tennis Kenya has since acknowledged the incident as a mistake, pledged safeguards to prevent a repeat, and said it has reached out to both players to offer support. The match video has since been removed from the ITF website.

Comments:

Haha.

Food Updates: Min jiang kueh showdown: Munchi Pancakes vs Ottie Pancakes

Source:

https://sethlui.com/min-jiang-kueh-showdown-singapore/

ChatGPT:

This article compares two popular min jiang kueh brands in Singapore—Munchi Pancakes and the newer Ottie Pancakes—in a head-to-head taste test. The author begins with a nostalgic reflection on traditional min jiang kueh before tracing the rise of Munchi Pancakes, which started as a small Yishun coffee shop stall selling classic flavours. Over the years, it expanded its offerings to include charcoal and green tea skins, premium fillings, and now operates over 35 outlets islandwide. Munchi is also Halal-certified.

Ottie Pancakes, launched in late 2024, has rapidly grown to 16 outlets and bears a striking resemblance to Munchi Pancakes in branding and packaging, though the two are not related. A key difference is that Ottie is not Halal-certified. Both brands offer similar pricing, identical skin options, and comparable product ranges, though Munchi has more flavour varieties while Ottie currently runs a Buy-5-Get-1-Free promotion.

In taste tests across several flavours—black sesame, peanut, coconut, strawberry cheese, and red bean—the results were mixed but leaned in Munchi’s favour. Munchi’s black sesame filling stood out for being thicker, moister, and more flavourful, while Ottie’s pancake texture was marginally fluffier. Peanut versions were evenly matched, though Ottie’s green tea skin was slightly dry. Coconut and red bean fillings from both brands were nearly identical in taste and texture. For strawberry cheese, Munchi delivered a stronger cheese flavour, while Ottie’s leaned more towards strawberry notes.

Overall, the verdict favoured Munchi Pancakes as the stronger contender, with more consistent results across flavours. Ottie Pancakes showed promise but lost points due to a few underwhelming items. The showdown ultimately highlights how close the competition is, with personal taste playing a major role in preference.

Comments:

I do buy Munchi Pancakes occasionally for family. Ain't too bad.

Never see any Ottie Pancakes near my area.

Entertainment Updates: S’pore Ranked 2nd Richest Country, But Drops To 8th After Factoring In No. Of Hours Worked

Source:

https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/local/singapore-world-richest-country-ranking-drops-852356

ChatGPT:

Singapore was ranked the second-richest country in the world in 2025, buoyed by strong economic performance and high average incomes, but the picture looks less rosy once working hours are taken into account. According to data highlighted by The Economist, Singapore drops sharply from second to eighth place when local prices and the number of hours worked are factored into the ranking.

On paper, 2025 was a solid year for Singapore. GDP expanded by a healthy 4.8 per cent despite global headwinds such as US tariffs, layoffs, and geopolitical tensions. The country’s high ranking was largely driven by average annual earnings of about US$90,700 (S$116,485), placing it among the wealthiest nations by income per person.

However, the adjustment for working hours reveals a different reality. Data from the International Labour Organization shows that Singaporeans worked an average of 44.6 hours per week, significantly more than workers in many other advanced economies. When income is assessed relative to time spent working and local costs of living, Singapore’s relative prosperity declines.

In contrast, Norway rose from third place to first after these adjustments. Norwegians work an average of just 34 hours per week, yet still enjoy high incomes and strong purchasing power, allowing for more leisure time. At the other extreme, Bhutan recorded the longest average working hours at 54.5 hours per week, despite often being described as the “happiest country in the world”.

The Economist ranked 178 countries using three measures: GDP per person at market exchange rates, income adjusted for purchasing power, and income adjusted further for local prices and hours worked. The analysis highlights how differences in cost of living and labour intensity can significantly alter perceptions of wealth.

The findings sparked debate online, with some Singaporeans lamenting long working hours, while others pointed to countries like Norway as examples of better work-life balance. The contrast raises a broader question: is Singapore truly rich, or simply productive at the cost of time and energy?

Comments:

Interesting data.

Agree with it.

LifeStyle Updates: More BTO Flats Are Coming In 2026 And Why This Could Change The HDB Market

Source:

https://stackedhomes.com/19600-bto-flats-2026-launch-dates-shorter-wait-times/#sh.idtcc1

ChatGPT:

The Singapore government may significantly increase the supply of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in 2026, potentially launching more than 15,600 units if demand for public housing remains strong, according to Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat. This comes as HDB plans to roll out about 19,600 BTO flats in 2025 across three sales exercises in February, June and October, covering towns such as Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Sembawang, Toa Payoh, Tampines, Woodlands and Yishun. Notably, around 4,000 flats—about one-fifth of the 2026 supply—will have waiting times of under three years.

The expanded pipeline builds on the government’s earlier commitment to launch 55,000 BTO flats between 2025 and 2027. With nearly 19,600 units planned for 2025 and 19,723 launched in 2024, the initial expectation for 2027 was about 15,677 units. However, the minister’s latest remarks suggest the government is considering maintaining a higher launch level next year, aligning with recent years’ supply.

Property experts believe this increase could further moderate HDB resale prices. ERA Singapore’s Eugene Lim notes that resale prices already showed strong moderation in late 2025, with almost zero growth in the final three months and a full-year increase of just 2.9%, compared with 9.7% growth in 2024.

Market conditions are also shifting as more flats reach their minimum occupation period (MOP). About 13,840 flats are expected to become eligible for resale in 2026—more than double the number in 2025—adding further supply. Together, higher BTO launches and more MOP flats could divert demand away from the resale market, giving buyers more options.

HDB’s completion of nearly 19,600 flats last year, including the final projects in Bidadari, underscores how sustained supply and long-term planning can reshape both affordability and market dynamics in Singapore’s public housing sector.

Comments:

Good news for home buyers.

Entertainment Updates: Claw machines take over arcades in Japan

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaPTLoREV9I

Comments:

Interesting development.

Still feels like a waste of money?

Just play during overseas trips cause it's cheaper? 😅

Portfolio Updates

2025 was a great year for investments.

Hope 2026 will be as good.

Only one ticker Raffles Medical is in the red now 😆. I might divest it for better returns elsewhere.

Estimated portfolio value's around 520k.

On track to reach between 1m to 1.5m target at 55. To switch to 4%+ dividends by then.

Portfolio strategy remains the same. To simplify with diversified holdings and achieve market returns.

May the AI revolution, World Peace and Humanity prevail! 👏

Food Updates: Battle of the expensive cai fans: 666 Cai Fan Porridge ($21) vs Cafe&Meal MUJI ($20.80)

Source:

https://sethlui.com/expensive-cai-fan-battle-singapore/

ChatGPT:

As food prices rise across Singapore, even humble cai fan can deliver sticker shock. Curious about premium versions of this everyday meal, the writer deliberately spends over S$20 at two places: Cafe&Meal MUJI and 666 Cai Fan • Porridge, to see which justifies the splurge.

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.

Holiday Updates: Merry Christmas 2025!

Source:

https://secretsingapore.co/christmas-on-a-great-street-orchard-road-singapore-returns-for-2025-key-details/

Travel Updates: Review: Electric Train Service (ETS) from Johor to Kuala Lumpur

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/12/24/review-electric-train-service-ets-from-johor-to-kuala-lumpur/

ChatGPT:

The long-awaited direct Electric Train Service (ETS) between Johor Bahru’s JB Sentral and Kuala Lumpur’s KL Sentral officially launched in December 2025, restoring a convenient rail link between Malaysia’s two largest cities after years of disruptions and indirect routes. The service became possible following the completion of the Electrified Double Tracking Project (EDTP) between Kluang and JB Sentral, eliminating the need for train changes at Gemas.

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

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/12/24/awesome-heymax-card-maximiser-now-supports-uob-preferred-platinum-visa-uob-visa-signature/

ChatGPT:

The HeyMax Card Maximiser has added support for two popular UOB Visa miles cards — the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa (PPV) and UOB Visa Signature — making it easier to track their bonus caps and minimum spend requirements automatically through the app. Previously, these cards were among the simplest for earning 4 miles per dollar (mpd) on eligible spend, but recent changes such as bonus sub-caps introduced complexity in maximising rewards, requiring manual tracking of how much spend has been allocated to each bonus category.

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.

Sports Updates: Fifa to use cooling breaks at every World Cup 2026 game, regardless of weather

Source:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/08/fifa-world-cup-2026-cooling-breaks

ChatGPT:

Fifa has announced that mandatory cooling and hydration breaks will be implemented in every match at the 2026 World Cup, regardless of weather conditions, venue location or stadium design. Under the new rule, referees will stop play 22 minutes into each half to allow players a three-minute hydration break, effectively dividing matches into four segments or “quarters”.

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?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/12/23/which-credit-card-covers-the-most-bonus-mccs/

ChatGPT:

Choosing a credit card with the widest range of bonus merchant category codes (MCCs) can significantly increase rewards, especially for users who rely on whitelist cards that award bonuses based on spending categories rather than payment mode. While blacklist cards like the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa (PPV) and Citi Rewards Card are popular for their simplicity, their bonus caps mean most users still need whitelist cards to maximise rewards.

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

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapores-core-headline-inflation-hold-steady-1-2-november

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s core and headline inflation remained unchanged at 1.2% year on year in November, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). Both readings came in slightly below market expectations of 1.3%, reinforcing signs that inflation pressures remain contained.

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.

Food Updates: Less sugar, same punch? Sabah’s red durians take centre stage in tourism push

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-zuBSqBijU

Entertainment Updates: Game of the Year Awards 2025

Opinion:

Back from holidays and catching up on news.

Game of the year has been announced.

Congratulations to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 team!

Travel Updates: Cross-border taxis more attractive with flexible drop-offs but concerns remain on scheme’s viability

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/cross-border-taxis-more-attractive-with-flexible-drop-offs-but-concerns-remain-on-schemes-viability

ChatGPT:

Singapore and Malaysia’s decision on Dec 5, 2025, to allow cross-border taxis to drop off passengers anywhere in the destination country—and to raise taxi quotas from 200 to 500 per side—has sparked optimism but also lingering concerns about the scheme’s long-term viability. Drivers and passengers on both sides welcomed the added convenience, hoping it will shift demand away from illegal operators who have long provided door-to-door services that licensed taxis were not allowed to offer.

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! 😄

Entertainment Updates: Monument Valley 3: The Garden of Life expands on the award-winning puzzler as it arrives on mobile soon

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.com/monument-valley-3/the-garden-of-life-out-now/

ChatGPT:

Monument Valley 3: The Garden of Life is set to arrive on mobile on December 3rd, marking the return of the acclaimed puzzle series to iOS and Android after previously being exclusive to Netflix. This release is more than just a comeback—it introduces a substantial new expansion titled The Garden of Life, enriching the third installment with additional story content and fresh puzzle experiences.

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.