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Saturday, 14 February 2026

Entertainment Updates: State of Play | February 12, 2026 [English]


Source:


https://www.youtube.com/live/P0e5YEXtZu0?si=F8b7Z3TjT_HJsIdY

Comments:


Graphics are cool.

Can anyone beat Clair Obscur story-wise? πŸ˜™

Investing Updates: Is CPF’s new life-cycle investment scheme for everyone?


Source:



ChatGPT:

Singapore will roll out life-cycle investment portfolios for CPF members in 2028, marking a major step by the CPF Board to offer “advice-embedded”, simplified investing options. Announced in Budget 2026, the scheme aims to help members who want higher long-term returns but lack the time, expertise or discipline to manage and rebalance investments themselves.

While CPF members already have over 700 choices under the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS), choice overload, costs and behavioural biases have limited participation. Only about 28% of OA members and 22% of SA members invest actively. The new life-cycle scheme seeks to address this by offering low-cost, diversified portfolios that automatically follow a glide-path: higher risk exposure for younger members, gradually shifting to bonds and lower-risk assets as retirement approaches.

However, the scheme is not for everyone. Its success depends critically on members’ ability to stay invested over the long term, even during market downturns. Without discipline, members may panic and exit at the wrong time, undermining returns. Hence, strong advisory support and “hand-holding” during crises will be essential.

The case for investing is clearer for OA savings (2.5% risk-free rate) than for SA savings (4% risk-free), which many experts consider hard to beat. Digital advisers like Endowus and AutoWealth already provide CPF-approved, low-cost portfolios, showing the model is feasible.

Experts caution that the scheme should not replace the CPF’s role as a safe foundation for retirement. As MoneyOwlnotes, it is best suited for members with sufficient balances, higher risk tolerance and long horizons. Used appropriately, life-cycle investing can help combat inflation and longevity risk—but only with patience, realism and guidance.

Comments:

Fees must be lower than Endowus, POEM, AutoWealth, etc for people to shift over.

Let's wait and see.

Sports Updates: How Arteta’s Tactics Evolved Without Anyone Noticing


Source:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IUV1VVKopI

Comments:


Football is complicated πŸ˜…

LifeStyle Updates: [FULL] Budget 2026: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivers Budget statement


Source:


https://www.youtube.com/live/NdTQQ9K9Be0?si=19UgjsOePzGoVQSa

Comments:


Great support for my family.

Kudos to the team who invented Child LifeSG credits 😊

Gaming Updates: Hades Completed!


Comments:


Completed Main Story once. Googled and youtubed the rest for story 😜

Nice game.

Thursday, 12 February 2026

Gaming Updates: Apple Arcade is adding Oceanhorn 3 and three more new games


Source:



ChatGPT:

Apple Arcade has announced four new games arriving in March 2026, led by the highly anticipated release of Oceanhorn 3: Legend of the Shadow Sea. The action role-playing game launches on March 5 and will be available across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro. Developed over five years, the new instalment continues the popular Oceanhorn franchise and promises a fresh adventure for both longtime fans and newcomers.

According to series creator Heikki Repo, the game represents the culmination of years of passionate development in collaboration with Apple. He described it as a rich new world filled with compelling characters and an unforgettable story. Apple highlighted the game’s “stunning console-quality visuals” along with innovative traversal and combat mechanics, positioning it as a major addition to the platform’s growing catalogue.

Alongside Oceanhorn 3, three additional titles will debut on March 5. Pocket Love!+ is a life simulation game, while Flow Free+ brings its well-known puzzle gameplay to the service. The fourth title, Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story+, is a sweet shop simulation game featuring the beloved Doraemon franchise. Each title carries the “+” designation, indicating enhanced versions tailored for Apple Arcade.

These new releases follow the recent addition of Civilization VII and expand Apple Arcade’s library to over 200 games. All titles on the platform are ad-free and contain no in-app purchases, a key selling point for subscribers.

Apple Arcade is available for US$6.99 per month as a standalone subscription or as part of the Apple One bundle, which packages multiple Apple services together.

Comments:

Nice additions recently.

Is Apple starting to get serious in gaming? πŸ€”

It's giving me more reasons to keep my subscription. Let's wait and see.

Entertainment Updates: Realtor reveals ‘truth about S’pore’s unspoken class system’ based on home addresses


Source:


ChatGPT:

A Singapore realtor has sparked online discussion after sharing what he described as the country’s “unspoken class system”, arguing that social hierarchy in Singapore is often reflected more by home addresses than by outward displays of wealth. In a TikTok video posted on Feb 3, realtor Luke Lim broke down what he sees as a location-based social structure shaped by years of observing the property market.

At the top of his hierarchy are what he called “old money” families, associated with exclusive neighbourhoods such as Nassim, Queen Astrid and Chatsworth. These areas are characterised by large landed homes, quiet streets and families who have lived there for generations. Below them are the “new elites”, who reside in prime districts like Orchard, Novena, Newton and Marina Bay. This group was portrayed as wealthier in a more visible and modern way, often associated with luxury cars, high-rise living and city views.

Next, Luke described a “cool crowd” living in areas such as Robertson Quay, Holland Village and Bugis. He characterised these residents as stylish, media-savvy and culturally influential, often appearing prominently on social media. Further down the spectrum, he highlighted heartland neighbourhoods including Jurong, Tampines, Bedok and Punggol, calling them the “heart of Singapore”. Residents there were described as hardworking “hustlers” who keep the country running.

The video ended humorously with a joke about Yishun being a “special category”, which further resonated with viewers. Netizens largely responded positively, praising the light-hearted and non-judgmental tone. Luke later clarified that the video was meant to share observations from his decade-long real estate career in a relatable way, stressing that higher-priced areas benefit from better amenities and infrastructure, but ultimately emphasising that true class is defined by character, not one’s address.

Comments:

Interesting and Creative.

Yishun joke though... πŸ˜…

Investing Updates: CNA Explains: What's driving Singapore's exceptional economic growth, and can it last?


Source:



ChatGPT:

Singapore’s economy has recorded exceptional growth for two consecutive years, expanding 5.3 per cent in 2024 and 5 per cent in 2025 — the first time since 2010 and 2011 that it has sustained above 5 per cent growth for two straight years. This performance exceeded earlier government forecasts, prompting the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to upgrade projections twice in 2025. For 2026, growth is now expected at 2 to 4 per cent.

The strong expansion was driven primarily by manufacturing, wholesale trade, and finance and insurance. In particular, surging global demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related electronics significantly boosted the electronics and machinery segments. Pharmaceuticals also outperformed expectations due to high-value production, while construction remained resilient with strong project pipelines. Economists highlighted broad-based growth supported by robust foreign direct investment, safe-haven capital inflows, and accommodative financial conditions.

Singapore also benefited from relatively lower US tariffs compared to regional peers, as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals were largely exempt. Additionally, global firms front-loaded production and exports ahead of tariff hikes, further lifting activity.

Economists described the growth as unusual for a mature, developed economy, especially since it was not driven by recovery from a crisis. Similar AI-driven gains were seen in Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, reflecting a wider regional electronics boom.

However, sustaining 5 per cent growth may be difficult due to a high base effect, external risks, softer labour market conditions and moderating momentum in late 2025. While analysts believe growth could exceed 3 per cent if Singapore successfully strengthens its position as an AI hub, matching the recent 5 per cent pace is considered unlikely. Nonetheless, officials remain optimistic that AI will remain a key long-term growth pillar.

Comments:

Singapore is conservative? It's in our roots πŸ˜‹

I'm more concerned about the upcoming and future TFR data. Imo, it has a deep impact on future generations and society norms.

Technology Updates: Move over, Ghibli – caricatures are the next ChatGPT trend


Source:



ChatGPT:

A new AI-driven trend has emerged, with users generating portrait-style caricatures using ChatGPT and other generative AI tools like Google Gemini. Moving beyond the earlier Ghibli-style image craze, this latest trend involves users entering the prompt: “Create a caricature of me and my job based on everything you know about me.” Users are then asked to upload a selfie. Those who have an established interaction history with the AI may receive more personalised results, while others are prompted to provide additional details about their occupation, interests, personality traits, and even home environment.

The resulting images resemble street artist caricatures commonly found at tourist spots. They feature semi-exaggerated facial traits and depict individuals engaged in their professions or hobbies. The images are often highly detailed, incorporating elements such as pets, work tools, or aspects of the user’s lifestyle. Influencers and professionals worldwide have embraced the trend, echoing past waves of AI-generated portrait fads.

However, privacy experts warn that the trend reflects a growing normalisation of sharing personal information with AI platforms. In 2023, experts highlighted the potential security and privacy risks of providing sensitive data to external AI providers. Concerns include emotional dependency on AI and the erosion of self-awareness as users increasingly rely on such tools for creative and personal expression.

US-based lawyer Jessica Eaves Mathews cautioned that what appears to be harmless fun contributes to large-scale data collection. She warned that sharing detailed personal information could make individuals easier to track and target. As AI companies rely heavily on data to refine their systems, she reminded users that “free” services are not truly free, as users ultimately pay with their data, attention and participation.

Comments:

It's cool.

But I prefer the Ghibli style photos.

Because it's not self-centred and is able to include family.  πŸ˜Š

Technology Updates: Atome Singapore app now allows payments in Malaysia


Source:



ChatGPT:

Atome has expanded the functionality of its Singapore app to support cross-border payments in Malaysia, a long-awaited update that significantly enhances its usefulness for travellers and cross-border shoppers. Previously, the Atome Singapore app could only be used with merchants within Singapore. With this update, its 1.5 million Singapore users can now make payments at over 15,000 Atome-partnered retail outlets and malls across Malaysia.

The payment process in Malaysia mirrors the experience in Singapore. Users simply scan the merchant’s Atome QR code at the cashier or counter to complete a transaction. While the bill and payment input screen are displayed in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), the app also shows the final payable amount in Singapore Dollars (SGD). Atome states that the currency conversion is done automatically at a “competitive rate,” offering users greater transparency on their spending.

Importantly, these cross-border transactions are fully compatible with Atome’s A+ Rewards Points loyalty programme, allowing users to continue earning rewards even when shopping overseas. In addition to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) instalment plans, the app also supports full upfront payments, making Atome a flexible alternative payment method rather than just a deferred payment option.

To mark the launch of this feature, Atome is running a promotional campaign from 11 to 28 February 2026. During this period, Singapore app users who transact in Malaysia stand a chance to win a “red packet” via a lucky draw, with prizes including S$888 and cashback of S$88, subject to terms and conditions.

Users can identify participating merchants by looking for decals indicating that the Singapore app is accepted. Atome has also published an official list of compatible Malaysian merchants, including at least 37 consumer electronics chains, giving shoppers a wide range of spending options.

Comments:

Nice addition.

Exchange rate needs to be favourable and not far off from YouTrip, Trust Card, etc to be useful.