Food Updates : S’pore’s First Prata Vending Machine Dispenses Warm Prata & Curry, But There’s A Catch

Source : 

https://www.8days.sg/eatanddrink/newsandreviews/singapores-first-prata-vending-machine-springleaf-prata-place-845336

ChatGPT :

Summary:

Singapore's first prata vending machine, a collaboration between Springleaf Prata Place and One Halal Nation, has launched at Lion City Sailors Training Centre on Mattar Road. It dispenses warm shredded prata in a cup, served with separately packed fish curry. The catch? The prata isn't whole — you must pour the curry into the cup, which may not appeal to those who prefer dipping. The machine took three years to develop and operates daily from 9am–9pm. More machines are planned for schools and offices across Singapore.

Investing Updates : Mapping Temasek's 2025 Portfolio: Net Value Achieving Historic Highs Amid Global Tensions

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/114827991449606?global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22%3A%22mm%3Afeed%3A114827991449606%22%2C%22invite%22%3A103096561%7D&futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&clientlang=2&clienttype=121&clientver=15.22.12108&is_visitor=0&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg%3D%3D&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&user_id=103096561&user_id_type=3

ChatGPT :

Summary: Mapping Temasek's 2025 Portfolio — Net Value at Record High Amid Global Tensions

Temasek Holdings’ net portfolio value hit a historic high of S$434 billion (up 11.6%) in FY ending March 2025, boosted by strong returns from Singapore-listed firms and global investments, especially in the U.S., China, and India. Including mark-to-market gains from unlisted assets, the total would be S$469 billion.

Key Portfolio Segments:

- Singapore Portfolio Companies (41%): Anchored by firms like DBS, SIA, Singtel, and ST Engineering, delivering stability, steady dividends, and strong growth.

- Global Direct Investments (36%): Includes Tencent, Sea, Adyen, and BlackRock, capturing global tech and healthcare growth.

- Partnerships & Funds (23%): Investments via asset managers and private equity funds like Brookfield, Seviora, and Vertex.

Regional Allocation:

- Singapore remains top (27%), followed by the Americas (24%), China (18%), India (8%), and others (23%).

Growth Drivers:

- Singapore blue-chips rebounded strongly.

- U.S. tech firms, especially NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Apple, led global gains.

- China investments targeted green economy and tech (e.g., Tencent, Meituan).

- India saw rising focus on consumer and healthcare sectors (Haldiram Snacks, Manipal Health).

AI & Future Strategy:

Temasek is investing across the AI value chain—Nvidia, Broadcom, Databricks, Waymo—and joined the AI Infrastructure Partnership with Microsoft and BlackRock. It’s also expanding into renewable energy (Keppel, Sembcorp) and digital infrastructure (data centers, telcos).

Outlook:

Despite global challenges, Temasek’s disciplined, adaptive, and diversified approach has delivered 7% annual returns over 20 years, balancing resilience and innovation for sustained long-term growth.

Rewards Updates : Nerfed: GXS Slashes Interest Rate to 1.38% p.a. From 6th August 2025

Source : 

https://sethisfy.com/nerfed-gxs-slashes-interest-1-38-p-a-6th-august-2025/

BoltAI :

Digital bank GXS has announced a reduction in interest rates for its Main Account and Savings Pocket, effective from 6th August 2025. The Main Account rate will drop from 1.68% to 1.08% p.a., and the Savings Pocket will decrease from 1.98% to 1.38% p.a. Despite the lack of a lock-in period for Savings Pockets, the new rates are considered unattractive.

GXS also offers a Boost Pocket, similar to fixed deposits, with 1-month and 3-month tenures providing 1.58% p.a. interest. However, the 1-month option is less appealing compared to the current Savings Pocket rate until 6th August 2025. 

Additionally, GXS users can receive extra cashback by signing up with a specific code, offering 6% cashback on local and overseas spending on top of randomized cashback for eligible transactions.

The rate cuts have been viewed as drastic, and users are encouraged to explore alternatives. Other banks may offer higher interest rates with conditions like salary crediting and card spending. The article suggests staying informed about more competitive options through various communication channels.

Food Updates : FairPrice Launches SG60 Potato Chips in Bold Local Flavours: Kopi, Laksa & Black Pepper Crab

Source : 

https://www.greatdeals.com.sg/2025/07/04/fairprice-sg60-potato-chips-kopi-laksa-black-pepper-crab

ChatGPT : 

FairPrice has launched limited-edition SG60 potato chips in three uniquely Singaporean flavours: Kopi, Laksa, and Black Pepper Crab, priced at $2.50 each and available until September 2025. To celebrate National Day, FairPrice is also giving away over 400,000 packs of its award-winning Truffle Chips in this year’s NDP funpacks. Additionally, new snack offerings like flavoured cashews (Wasabi, Garlic, Honey Mustard) and updated potato crisps (Original, Mala, Tomato) are now part of its expanded Own Brands range.

Rewards Updates : Nerfed: UOB Lady’s Solitaire Card cuts monthly bonus cap to S$1,500

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/07/01/nerfed-uob-ladys-solitaire-card-cuts-monthly-bonus-cap-to-s1500/

ChatGPT : 

Summary: UOB Lady’s Solitaire Card Nerf – Bonus Cap Slashed from Aug 2025

Effective 1 August 2025, the UOB Lady’s Solitaire Card will undergo a significant devaluation:

🔻 Key Changes:

- Monthly bonus cap cut from S$2,000 to S$1,500 (equivalent to 2,700 UNI$).

- Bonus cap now split evenly: S$750 per bonus category (previously, cap could be allocated freely across two categories).

- Max effective earn rate of 4 mpd (miles per dollar) only applies to S$750 per category, i.e. total of S$1,500/month.

- This reduces annual mileage earning potential from 96,000 miles to 72,000 miles — a drop of 24,000 miles, equivalent to a one-way business class flight to Bangkok.

🏦 UOB Lady’s Savings Account Impact:

- Max card spending eligible for extra bonus miles now:

- UOB Lady’s Card: S$1,000/month (unchanged)

- UOB Lady’s Solitaire Card: S$1,500/month (was S$2,000)

- UOB Lady’s Solitaire Metal Card: S$2,000/month (unchanged)

- Depending on your average balance, the max additional annual miles earned drops from 144,000 to 108,000 miles.

💳 Comparisons:

- The regular UOB Lady’s Card now arguably offers better flexibility: 4 mpd on S$1,000 spend in a single category.

- UOB Lady’s Solitaire Metal Card remains unchanged but is invite-only, with a higher annual fee (S$589.99) and spending threshold (S$45K in 3 months).

🧭 Bonus Categories (unchanged):

1. Beauty & Wellness

2. Dining

3. Entertainment

4. Family

5. Fashion

6. Transport

7. Travel

🔄 Category Selection:

- Changeable quarterly

- Effective immediately upon first selection

- Carried over if not updated

🛑 DBS Woman’s World Card also nerfed:

- Its bonus cap drops from S$1,500 to S$1,000/month starting 1 August 2025.

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Conclusion:

The UOB Lady’s Solitaire Card sees a 25% reduction in its bonus cap, and category-based sub-limits further reduce flexibility. Combined with a nerf to the associated Lady’s Savings Account, this weakens its appeal to miles collectors significantly — part of a broader trend of rewards card devaluations across the board.

Rewards Updates : Cashback for purchases via DBS PayLah app at hawker stalls, heartland shops returns from July 12

Source : 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/weekly-cashback-for-purchases-via-dbs-paylah-app-at-hawker-stalls-heartland-shops-returns-from-july

ChatGPT : 

DBS/POSB is bringing back its PayLah! cashback initiative from July 12 to Sept 27, offering up to $3 cashback every Saturday to the first 160,000 users who scan and pay via PayLah at over 22,000 hawker stalls and heartland shops. This is part of the bank’s SG60 celebrations and efforts to support savings and local businesses.

Other perks include:

• 60-cent meal deals for POSB cardholders from July 1 to Sept 30.

• From Aug 1, DBS cardholders can redeem 6,000 DBS Points for a $60 Flexi eVoucher and get an additional $60 cashback.

• Free sunset sail rides in Marina Bay on Fridays starting September.

• Free weekend arts programmes at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre at Esplanade.

The initiative has especially benefited seniors and lower-income users, and helped boost weekend sales for participating merchants by 40%.

Rewards Updates : Is a KrisFlyer devaluation coming soon?

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/06/24/is-a-krisflyer-devaluation-coming-soon/

Apple Intelligence : 

• KrisFlyer Devaluation Rumor: Rumors suggest Singapore Airlines plans to adjust its award redemption charts soon.

• Official Announcement: Nothing has been officially announced by Singapore Airlines yet.

• Standardized Mile Value: From July 2025, the value of a KrisFlyer mile will be standardized at 1 cent for spending on Singapore Airlines and Scoot commercial flights, Kris+ transactions, KrisShop purchases and Pelago bookings.

• Mile Value Increase: The value of a mile in Kris+ increased to 1.35 cents.

• Potential Devaluation: Singapore Airlines hinted at changes to the KrisFlyer program, suggesting a potential devaluation this summer.

• Fuel Surcharge Consideration: The airline is considering bringing back fuel surcharges on award tickets, but no decision has been made.

• KrisFlyer Award Chart Updates: Six updates since 1999, with the latest in July 2022.

• Notable Changes: Introduction of fuel surcharges, expansion and consolidation of award zones, changes in award redemption options, and removal of certain perks.

• Recent Restrictions: Removal of the “stopover trick” and capping of complimentary stopovers at 30 days.

• Frequent Devaluation: KrisFlyer award chart devaluations are happening more frequently, every 2-3 years instead of 4-5 years.

• Potential Devaluation in 2025: Another award chart adjustment is likely in 2025, given the last one was in July 2022.

• Aircraft Delivery Delays: Singapore Airlines’ expansion plans are impacted by Boeing’s delivery delays, particularly for the B777-9s.

• Aircraft Fleet Status: Singapore Airlines is replacing aging B737-800s and retiring A380-800s, leading to a reduction in premium cabin seats.

• Impact on Award Chart: High demand and limited award seat availability due to fleet changes are putting pressure on Singapore Airlines to adjust its award charts.

• Future Cabin Product and Devaluation: New First and Business Class seats will be introduced in early 2026, and historically, new seats have been linked to award chart devaluations.

• KrisFlyer Devaluation History: Singapore Airlines has devalued its KrisFlyer program multiple times, including in 2003, 2007, 2013, and 2017, often before introducing new cabin products.

• KrisFlyer Mile Value Standardization: Singapore Airlines is standardizing the value of KrisFlyer miles to 1 cent each, potentially leading to adjustments in award chart prices and potentially dynamic award pricing.

• Devaluation Response Strategies: Recommendations for KrisFlyer members during devaluations include booking trips at current prices if increases are mild or redeeming miles if the devaluation is significant.

• KrisFlyer Devaluation Prediction: Singapore Airlines hinted at changes to the KrisFlyer program, suggesting a potential award chart devaluation in the coming months.

• Award Booking Window: Award tickets can be booked up to 355 days in advance, with new inventory loaded daily at 8 a.m. (all destinations except USA), 1 p.m. (EWR/JFK), and 4 p.m. (LAX/SEA/SFO) SGT.

• Impact of Devaluation: Waitlists cleared after the devaluation and award ticket changes requiring reissuance will be subject to new prices.

Entertainment Updates : No longer a must-have? Why some Singapore malls are swapping cinemas for gyms and tuition centres

Source : 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/shopping-malls-turn-sports-education-tenants-replace-cinemas-5177041

Apple Intelligence : 

• Tenant Mix Diversification: Mall operators are replacing cinemas with gyms, indoor basketball courts, tuition centres, and immersive dining experiences.

• Cinema Industry Challenges: Cinemas face difficulties due to the rise of streaming services and changing consumer preferences.

• Shift in Mall Operator Perspective: The pandemic accelerated a trend of people consuming entertainment at home, reducing the value proposition of cinemas as anchor tenants.

• Cathay Cineplexes Transformation: Cathay Cineplexes is transforming some of its outlets into education and enrichment hubs.

• Parkway Parade Example: Parkway Parade’s outlet has been transformed into an education and enrichment hub with a basketball academy and a math enrichment center.

• The Cathay Example: The Cathay along Handy Road now houses PSB Academy and other businesses, no longer operating as a cinema.

• Cinema Space Repurposing: Filmgarde Cineplexes’ space at Leisure Park Kallang will become an “immersive dining” venue.

• New Tenants at Parkway Parade: Scholar Basketball Academy is among the new tenants at level seven of Parkway Parade.

• Cinema Overhaul Plans: West Mall and AMK Hub plan to overhaul the cinema spaces formerly occupied by Cathay Cineplexes.

• Cinema Space Repurposing: Seletar Mall’s former Shaw Theatres space is expected to be repurposed, potentially for tenants like gyms or co-working spaces.

• Changing Consumer Behavior: Shifting consumer preferences and challenging market conditions are leading mall and cinema operators to reevaluate their business strategies.

• Mall Operator Preferences: Mall operators are increasingly seeking tenants that can generate consistent foot traffic throughout the day, favoring higher-paying options over cinemas.

• Tenant Selection Criteria: Mall operators prioritize tenants that can attract foot traffic, such as enrichment centers, gyms, and experiential F&B outlets.

• Reasons for Choosing Specific Tenants: These tenants are preferred because they encourage longer stays, attract customers during off-peak hours, and offer a diverse range of experiences.

• Cinemas’ Current Status: While rental payment delays are a concern, experts believe cinemas are not yet considered a significant risk for landlords.

• Cinema Space Reinstatement: Restoring a former cinema space can be expensive and time-consuming, potentially costing six figures and taking months.

• Benefits of Similar Tenants: Having a replacement tenant from a similar trade, like another cinema, can reduce capital expenditure and ensure stable income for both landlord and tenant.

• Shaw Theatres at Jem: Shaw Theatres will take over the cinema space at Jem, becoming the only cinema operator in the Jurong East catchment.