Investing Updates : CNA Explains: Singapore's tightened crypto licensing rules – 'closing the door' or 'raising the bar'?

Source : 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/crypto-licensing-mas-cna-explains-5186446

Apple Intelligence : 

• Regulation Target: Unlicensed cryptocurrency firms operating in Singapore that only serve overseas markets.

• Regulation Deadline: June 30.

• Regulation Goal: Closing a loophole and ensuring digital token service providers meet the same standards to bolster trust and align with global anti-money laundering efforts.

• Regulation Impact: Singapore’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is implementing stricter regulations on cryptocurrency firms, impacting both licensed and unlicensed entities.

• Licensing Challenges: While major players like Coinbase and OKX have obtained licenses, smaller firms face difficulties in obtaining licenses and complying with new regulations.

• Industry Response: Larger firms are adapting by relocating staff and operations, while smaller firms may face compliance costs, legal restructuring, or shutdown.

• Impact on Employees: Employees working for digital token firms generally do not have to relocate due to MAS’ stricter rules.

• Industry Reaction: Singapore’s approach to crypto, while not universally embraced, has been consistent.

• Compliance Efforts: Centralized exchanges have implemented enhanced KYC and AML measures to comply with regulations and prevent illicit activities.

• MAS’s Stance on Crypto Businesses: Firms with a substantive presence in Singapore, including servicing local customers, can still obtain licenses.

• Industry Preparation Time: The industry has had sufficient time to prepare for licensing requirements since the Financial Services and Markets Act was passed in April 2022.

• Impact of MAS’s Decision: A small number of providers are affected, and it doesn’t signify hostility towards digital assets but rather emphasizes meeting Singapore’s standards.

Technology Updates : Polyclinic patients to trial AI tool that reads heart rate and blood pressure with just a phone camera

Source : 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/polyclinic-patients-to-trial-ai-tool-that-reads-heart-rate-and-blood-pressure-with-just-a-phone

Apple Intelligence : 

• AI Tool Functionality: DeepHealthVision uses a phone camera to measure heart rate and blood pressure by analyzing blood flow in the face.

• Trial Details: The tool will be tested by polyclinic patients in Singapore in collaboration with SingHealth Polyclinics.

• Measurement Accuracy: The tool provides accurate readings regardless of skin color and can be used with various devices like phones, laptops, and tablets.

• Healthcare Monitoring Advancement: DeepHealthVision, a wearable device, enables continuous remote health monitoring, potentially reducing hospitalizations.

• DeepHealthVision Accuracy: Demonstrated 96% accuracy in heart rate and blood pressure readings compared to established devices.

• Pilot Test in Singapore: Around 60 polyclinic patients will participate in a pilot test of DeepHealthVision in the coming months.

• Pilot Test Objective: To assess patient confidence, acceptance, and concerns regarding the use of AI in healthcare.

• Pilot Test Duration and Data Analysis: The pilot test will run for at least a year, with collected data analyzed and peer-reviewed.

• Potential Future Integration: DeepHealthVision, if successful, may be integrated into healthcare apps like Health Buddy.

LifeStyle Updates : KL to JB ETS launches Aug 2025 — a new era for Singapore-Malaysia travel

Source : 

https://sethlui.com/new-ets-route-launch-kl-jb-malaysia-jun-2025/

Apple Intelligence : 

• Travel Time Reduction: The new ETS will reduce travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru from 7 hours to 4 hours and 30 minutes.

• Route and Speed: The ETS will operate on the Gemas – JB Sentral route, reaching speeds of up to 140km/h, with stops at Segamat, Kluang, Kulai, and JB Sentral.

• Passenger Comfort: The ETS 3 train set offers 312 seats, onboard WiFi, USB charging ports, and ample luggage space.

• Projected Daily Ridership: Approximately 3,000 passengers.

• Road Closure Duration: Jalan Johor Bahru–Endau road will be closed from June 3, 2025, to December 31, 2026.

• Affected Roads: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (towards Danga Bay), Jalan Station, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam.

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.

Investing Updates : CNA Explains: What happens if a Singapore-licensed investment platform goes under?

Source : 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/mas-licence-sdic-investment-chocolate-finance-4995486

Apple Intelligence : 

• Investment Protection Discussion: The pause in instant withdrawals on Chocolate Finance sparked discussion on the protection of investments.

• SDIC Coverage Limitation: Money placed with investment platforms like Chocolate Finance is not covered by the SDIC Deposit Insurance Scheme, unlike bank deposits.

• Chocolate Finance’s Assurance: Chocolate Finance, licensed by MAS, assured customers that their funds are safe and held separately by custodians.

• Regulation Requirements: Companies managing funds need a capital markets services license from MAS, considering factors like fitness, track record, management expertise, business plans, and projections.

• Regulated Companies: Prominent investment platforms like Endowus, StashAway, and Chocolate Finance are typically regulated by MAS.

• Benefits of Licensing: MAS-licensed companies are likely to be financially stable, less prone to collapse, and provide consumer confidence due to regulatory oversight.

• Customer Fund Protection: Customers’ funds must be held in segregated, ringfenced accounts and protected by a robust custodian framework.

• Risk Management and Transparency: Companies must have a risk management framework and provide clear, transparent disclosures on service terms.

• Company Failure Protection: While funds are protected, customers may still experience delays in accessing their money if a company fails, and the government may provide implicit guarantees.

• Market Impact of COVID-19: Heightened market volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Potential Losses for Customers: Customers forced to liquidate portfolios could suffer losses.

LifeStyle Updates : 2024 Dragon Year failed to boost S’pore’s total fertility rate, which remains at a low of 0.97

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/2024-dragon-year-failed-to-boost-spores-total-fertility-rate-which-remains-at-a-low-of-0-97

Apple Intelligence:

• Singapore’s TFR: Remained low at 0.97 in 2024, unchanged from 2023.

• Impact of Low Fertility Rate: Significant implications for Singapore’s economy and society, including slower workforce growth and challenges in supporting an aging population.

• Dragon Year Effect: Diminishing over the years, reflecting generational shifts in attitudes and priorities among young couples.

• Singapore’s TFR: Singapore’s TFR dropped to a record low of 0.97 in 2023, below the replacement rate of 2.1.

• Dragon Year Impact: Singapore’s TFR rose in the past three Dragon years, but the impact is not guaranteed.

• Government Initiatives: The Singaporean government has implemented measures to promote marriage and parenthood, such as shared parental leave.

• Government’s Goal: Encourage couples to have more children.

• Reason for Low Birth Rate: Couples worry about having less time for each child and higher expenses.

• Existing Support Measures: Families receive more Baby Bonus Scheme and parenthood tax rebate for each subsequent child.

• Financial Benefits for Larger Families: Families with three or more children will receive increased grants for child development, healthcare, and household expenses.

• Increased MediSave Grant: The Large Family MediSave Grant will be increased to $5,000, up from the current $4,000, to offset pregnancy and medical expenses.

• Societal Support for Larger Families: Over 30 companies will offer deals and discounts to families with three or more children.

• Family-Friendly Policies: Discounts for larger vehicles, value bundles for groceries, and a call for a shift in mindset and culture to foster a family-friendly workplace.

• Childcare Leave: Six days of paid childcare leave per year for each working parent with a child under seven years old, and 12 days of unpaid infant care leave per parent per year in the child’s first two years of life.

• Immigration Benefits: Immigrants help to moderate the impact of Singapore’s low birth rate and ageing population.

• Immigration Trend: The average number of new citizenships and PRs granted in the past five years is slightly higher than the preceding five years.

• Transnational Marriages: Over a third of citizen marriages in the past decade involved a Singaporean and a foreigner.

• Immigration Policy: The government will continue to carefully manage the pace of immigration, considering factors like the falling Total Fertility Rate (TFR).

LifeStyle Updates : S’pore core inflation falls sharply in January to 0.8% as price rises ease, CPI is rebased

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/singapore-core-inflation-falls-sharply-in-january-to-0-8-lowest-since-2021

Apple Intelligence:

• Core Inflation Rate: Singapore’s core inflation rate decreased to 0.8% year-on-year in January, the lowest since June 2021.

• Inflation Rate Components: The decline is attributed to a moderation in goods and services prices and the fading impact of past GST hikes.

• Headline Inflation Rate: Overall inflation eased to 1.2% year-on-year in January, surpassing economists’ expectations.

• Inflation Forecast: Singapore’s imported inflation is expected to remain moderate, with unchanged 2025 inflation forecasts.

• Core Inflation Trend: Core inflation experienced a sharp decline, driven by drops in electricity and gas, accommodation, and services.

• Monetary Policy Implication: The sharp fall in inflation suggests a potential easing of monetary policy, possibly at the April meeting.

• Overall Inflation Trend: Inflation eased in January, with electricity and gas prices falling significantly.

• Price Changes in Specific Categories: Retail and other goods prices fell, while private transport costs rose due to higher car prices.

• Inflation Rates in Different Sectors: Food inflation moderated, services inflation dipped, and accommodation inflation eased.

Investing Updates : Alibaba, Grab, Walmart Earnings; Fed Minutes; Manufacturing Update: What to Watch This Week

Source:

https://ttm.financial/news/2512515499?lang=en_US&edition=fundamental

Apple Intelligence:

• Market Closure: U.S. markets will be closed on Monday for Presidents Day.

• Earnings Reports: Arista Networks, Devon Energy, Medtronic, and Occidental Petroleum report on Tuesday, followed by Analog Devices and Garmin on Wednesday. Alibaba Group Holding, Block, Booking Holdings, Newmont, and Walmart will be Thursday’s highlights.

• Economic Indicators: Minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee’s late January meeting will be published on Wednesday afternoon. S&P Global will release both its Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Indexes for February on Friday. Housing data to watch this week will include the National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index for February on Tuesday, the Census Bureau’s housing starts for January on Wednesday, and the National Association of Realtors’ existing-home sales for January on Friday.

• Market Closure: Equity and fixed-income markets are closed on Presidents Day.

• Earnings Reports: Companies like Arista, Cadence Design Systems, Celanese, and others will release quarterly results on Tuesday.

• Economic Indicators: The National Association of Home Builders releases its Housing Market Index for February on Tuesday, and the Census Bureau reports new residential construction data for January on Wednesday.

• Earnings Reports: Akamai Technologies, Alibaba, Baxter International, Block, Booking, Builders FirstSource, CenterPoint Energy, Cheniere Energy, Copart, Epam Systems, Hasbro, Insulet, LKQ, Live Nation, Newmont, Nu Holdings, Pool Corp., Quanta Services, Southern Co., Targa Resources, and Walmart hold conference calls to discuss quarterly results.

• Economic Indicators: S&P Global releases Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Indexes for February.

• Housing Market: The National Association of Realtors reports existing-home sales for January.

Opinion:

Should be a normal sideways week for markets.

Alibaba, Walmart and Grab will be grabbing attention.

Grok 3 chatbot would be an interesting AI development.

Investing Updates : Here's the Breakdown for US January Nonfarm Payrolls, in One Chart

Source: 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/113962924245001?global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22%3A%22mm%3Afeed%3A113962924245001%22%2C%22invite%22%3A103096561%7D&is_recommendation=0&is_recommend_pos=1&futusource=news_headline_list

Apple Intelligence:

• Job Market Performance (January 2025): The US economy added 143,000 jobs, falling short of expectations and revised December figures.
• Sectoral Performance: Healthcare, retail trade, social assistance, and government employment experienced job gains.
• Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate decreased to 4.0%, reaching its lowest point since May 2024.

Opinion:

So many things happening in the world right now. DeepSeek, Trump Tariffs/Policies, etc.

Not sure how important data is for market actions 😂.

For FED, this is probably quite important.

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

LifeStyle Updates : Spending by S’pore families on private tuition rises to $1.8 billion in 2023

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-families-spent-1-8-billion-on-private-tuition-for-children-in-2023?utm_campaign=stfb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawIOQbNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbbZhoohcvlcLiEg7XqQxYGqs0KRy0HXr7DGJvjpvb9m9lkqsg42aqkVsw_aem_CcykZI69yphxAuGgA4LItQ&sfnsn=mo

DeepSeek:

Summary: Singapore's Rising Tuition Expenditure (2023)

Singapore families spent $1.8 billion on private tuition in 2023, a sharp increase from $1.1 billion in 2013 and $1.4 billion in 2018, according to a government household expenditure survey. Key insights:  

1. Household Spending Trends:  

   - Monthly tuition costs: Averaged $104.80 per household in 2023, up from $88.40 in 2018.  

   - Income disparity: The top 20% of households spent $162.60/month on tuition, compared to $36.30/month for the bottom 20%.  

   - Total education spending: Rose to $404.20/month per household (including school fees, textbooks, and courses).  

2. Drivers of Growth:  

   - Parental pressure: Despite MOE reforms (e.g., removing mid-year exams, revamping PSLE scoring), competition persists, spilling into non-academic areas like sports and arts for Direct School Admission (DSA) advantages.  

   - Perceived necessity: Parents feel outsourcing tuition is critical to supplement school learning, especially in subjects like Chinese for English-speaking households.  

3. Case Study:  

   - Madam Janice Tay spent $700/month on her daughter’s Primary 5–6 tuition, attributing improved PSLE results to combined factors like tuition, school rigor, and family support.  

4. Expert Insight:  

   - Assoc. Prof. Jason Tan (NIE) notes that MOE’s efforts to reduce academic pressure have not curbed tuition demand. Instead, the industry has expanded to include non-academic coaching (e.g., sports academies for DSA prep).  

5. Broader Context:  

   - Education ranked among top household expenses (after housing, food, transport).  

   - Survey scope: 13,100 households polled (2022–2023), reflecting trends among Singapore’s 1.42 million resident households.  

Takeaway: Tuition remains entrenched in Singapore’s culture due to persistent parental anxiety, competitive education pathways, and the belief that external coaching is essential for success.

Opinion:

I think some tuition is good for the kids. To build study habits and motivation. If not, they will just be lazy at home 😂

Investing Updates : Trump Tariffs, More Big Tech Earnings, and a Jobs Report: What to Know This Week

URL: https://ttmblog.com/news/2508193130?edition=fundamental&utm_source=news&utm_campaign=2508193130&utm_medium=more_share&platform=iOS&shareID=dbc786c435ccd8ab79ac6b4b4af3a55e&invite=KDXR9K&lang=en_US

DeepSeek:

Summary of Key Events for the Week Ahead (Feb 3–7):

1. Earnings Highlights
- Big Tech & Major Companies: A busy week for Q4 earnings, with 25% of S&P 500 companies reporting. Key names include:  
  - Monday (2/5): Palantir, Tyson Foods.  
  - Tuesday (2/6): AMD, Alphabet (Google), PayPal, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Spotify.  
  - Wednesday (2/7): Arm Holdings, Ford, Qualcomm, Uber, Disney.  
  - Thursday (2/8): Amazon, Eli Lilly, Honeywell, ConocoPhillips.  
  - Friday (2/9): Cboe Global Markets.  

2. Trump Tariffs Take Effect
- New tariffs announced by former President Trump on **Canada, Mexico, and China** go into full force by Tuesday, Feb 6:  
  - 25% duties on Canada and Mexico (linked to fentanyl and migration issues).  
  - 10% tariffs on China.  
  - Market reactions to trade policy shifts will be closely watched.

3. Economic Data Releases
- Jobs Report (Friday, Feb 9):  
  - Expected: +165,000 nonfarm payrolls (vs. +256,000 in Dec).  
  - Unemployment rate forecast to hold at 4.1%.  
- Other Key Data:  
  - JOLTS Report (Tuesday): Job openings expected at 8.02M (Dec).  
  - ISM Manufacturing PMI (Monday): Consensus 49.6 (contraction territory).  
  - ISM Services PMI (Wednesday): Forecast 54.2 (moderate growth).  
  - Consumer Sentiment (Friday): Slight uptick to 71.5 (Feb) from 71.1 (Jan). 

 
Weekly Calendar Snapshot
- Monday: ISM Manufacturing PMI, Clorox, Palantir earnings.  
- Tuesday: JOLTS data, Alphabet, AMD, Pfizer earnings.  
- Wednesday: ADP employment data, ISM Services PMI, Disney, Qualcomm earnings.  
- Thursday: Amazon, Eli Lilly, Honeywell earnings.  
- Friday: Jobs report, Consumer Sentiment, Cboe earnings.  

Focus Areas: Market reactions to tariffs, tech earnings performance, and labor market resilience amid inflation concerns.

Opinion:

Blood in the markets this week after Trump's tariffs. Could be good opportunity to add. I think there's no rush though, should have plenty of chances.

Entertainment Updates : Man says S’pore must be rich after spotting garbage truck with the Mercedes logo

URL: https://mustsharenews.com/mercedes-garbage-truck/

DeepSeek: 

Here’s a concise summary of the article:  

A man visiting Singapore expressed astonishment after spotting a Mercedes-Benz-branded garbage truck operated by Sembcorp, humorously remarking that Singapore “must be rich” to use luxury vehicles for waste disposal. He shared a video on XiaohongShu showing the truck, noting its recognizable Mercedes logo and the driver’s friendly thumbs-up. The post sparked online discussion, with some users praising Singapore’s infrastructure (attributing it to the country’s small size and wealth) and others critiquing the truck’s bus-like design.  

The article clarifies that Mercedes-Benz Econic waste trucks have been used in Singapore since 2019. Sembcorp initially tested one vehicle for its safety features, such as a low cabin design improving driver visibility, and later acquired three more. These trucks primarily serve high-traffic areas like the city center and Sentosa Island. While the man speculated that locals avoid garbage-collection jobs (leaving them to migrant workers), the piece emphasizes the trucks’ practical purpose and safety advantages rather than luxury. Mixed reactions online included sarcastic remarks (e.g., a Malaysian netizen quipping it “still smells the same”).

Opinion:

Never knew garbage truck was Mercedes. Kudos to prioritizing safety first.