Investing Updates: Singapore revokes crypto payment license of Bsquared over regulatory breaches

Source:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/singapore-revokes-crypto-payment-licence-of-bsquared-over-regulatory-breaches?utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound&utm_medium=rss_tag_regulation&utm_source=rss_feed

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Monetary Authority of Singapore has revoked the crypto payment license of Bsquared Technology after discovering multiple regulatory breaches during an inspection. The decision strips the firm of its ability to provide digital payment token services under Singapore’s Payment Services Act.

MAS said the inspection uncovered significant weaknesses in Bsquared’s risk management controls, conflict-of-interest policies, and compliance with outsourcing guidelines. The regulator also accused the company of repeatedly providing false or misleading information, both during its original license application process and throughout the subsequent inspection.

Bsquared, also known as BSQ, had only received its Major Payment Institution licence about 16 months earlier, making the revocation relatively unusual in Singapore’s tightly regulated crypto sector. MAS stated that it takes the breaches seriously and is reviewing the responsibilities of the company’s key officers.

The regulator has ordered Bsquared to submit a closure certificate from its auditors confirming that all customer funds have been properly returned. According to the company, it currently holds no outstanding customer assets.

Singapore has issued only 37 digital payment token licences so far, and license revocations remain rare. The case highlights MAS’ strict approach toward crypto regulation and compliance enforcement, despite the country’s reputation as one of Asia’s leading digital asset hubs.

At the same time, Singapore continues expanding its broader digital finance ecosystem. Major crypto firms including Coinbase, Ripple, and Crypto.com maintain significant operations in the country. Singapore has also been advancing blockchain-based financial services, including stablecoin settlement systems and tokenized asset initiatives linking traditional finance with digital assets.

Food Updates: Viral chonky Japanese pork cutlet now available in S’pore, limited to 30 portions daily

Source:

https://mustsharenews.com/tonkatsu-enbiton-thick-pork-cutlet/

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Japan’s viral thick-cut pork cutlet has officially arrived in Singapore at Tonkatsu ENbiton, bringing the social media-famous “chonky” tonkatsu trend to local diners. The restaurant is now serving its ENbiton Signature Thick-cut Katsu, featuring a massive 5cm-thick pork loin cutlet with a crispy golden exterior and juicy pink centre.

The katsu uses premium chestnut-fed Spanish pork loin, prized for its rich flavour, nutty notes, and marbled fat that keeps the meat tender and succulent. Each cutlet is coated with fresh breadcrumbs imported from Japan’s Saitama Prefecture before being deep-fried to achieve a crunchy crust while retaining moisture inside. Diners who attended tastings noted the portions appeared even thicker in person than advertised, making them especially hefty and satisfying.

Customers can enjoy the thick-cut katsu in two styles. The ENbiton Signature Thick-cut Katsu Don serves the pork over Japanese rice with egg and onions for a savoury, comforting meal. Prices start at S$29.90++ for a half-size 175g portion and S$32.90++ for the full 350g version. Alternatively, the ENbiton Signature Thick-cut Katsu Set presents the cutlet separately alongside rice, shredded cabbage, arugula, pickles, tonjiru pork miso soup, and lemon. The set costs S$32.90++ for half-size and S$34.90++ for full-size portions.

A major draw is the free-flow rice, cabbage, arugula, and tonjiru offered with the set meals. However, only 30 servings of the thick-cut katsu are available daily across all menu versions because of limited pork supply. The dish is available permanently, while stocks last, at all six Singapore outlets of Tonkatsu ENbiton.

Gaming Updates: The era of 1,000 Hz gaming monitors has arrived, but why?

Source:

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/05/you-probably-dont-need-a-1000-hz-gaming-monitor/

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Gaming monitors have entered the 1,000 Hz era, with LG unveiling the UltraGear 25G590B, claimed to be the world’s first native 1080p gaming monitor capable of refreshing 1,000 times per second. That means the screen can display a new frame every millisecond, delivering extremely smooth motion for competitive gaming.

Unlike earlier ultra-fast monitors from brands such as Acer, Samsung, and Philips that required lowering resolution to 720p to reach 1,000 Hz, LG’s monitor achieves the speed while maintaining full HD 1080p quality. It also avoids complicated “dual mode” switching systems that reboot the display to enable higher refresh rates.

The push toward ultra-high refresh rates is driven by research from Blur Busters, which shows that higher refresh rates reduce motion blur and flickering perceived by the human eye. Faster updates make moving objects appear sharper and smoother, especially in fast-paced games. However, the benefits become less noticeable at extreme levels, with diminishing returns beyond several hundred hertz.

The main audience for these displays is competitive esports players, particularly in first-person shooters where split-second reactions matter. LG specifically markets the monitor for esports use. For most gamers, though, experts argue that standard high-refresh monitors in the 240–360 Hz range already provide excellent smoothness at far lower prices.

Since 1,000 Hz monitors are expected to cost significantly more, many users may prefer investing their budget in other hardware upgrades instead of chasing ever-higher refresh numbers.

Sports Updates: Premier League announces subscription prices for new streaming service in Singapore

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/starhub-premier-league-football-streaming-service-subscription-price-6129791

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Premier League has officially announced pricing details for its new direct-to-consumer streaming platform in Singapore, called Premier League +. Launching for the 2026/27 season, the service marks the first time the league has introduced its own standalone streaming platform anywhere in the world.

Fans in Singapore will be able to choose from three subscription tiers. A 24-hour pass costs S$16 and offers temporary full access to live and on-demand content, though it is limited to mobile devices and laptops. A monthly subscription is priced at S$44 with flexible cancellation, while the annual plan costs S$399 for 12 months of access at a discounted rate.

Subscribers will gain access to all 380 Premier League matches next season, along with FA Cup matches and the FA Community Shield. The platform will support viewing across smartphones, laptops, tablets, and televisions via the Premier League + app.

The service will also introduce enhanced viewing features including multi-camera angles, real-time statistics overlays, personalised club hubs, bespoke highlights, and full match replays. Content will stream in up to 4K resolution on supported devices. In addition, fans will have access to a dedicated 24/7 channel produced by Premier League Studios.

The league confirmed that the service will launch in partnership with StarHub, its long-term Singapore broadcast partner. Existing StarHub subscribers will continue receiving Premier League and FA Cup coverage through current packages, with Premier League + integrated into the StarHub platform.

Currently, StarHub’s Premier+ package costs S$40.74 monthly, though existing customers pay a discounted S$25.46 rate. The new standalone streaming option provides more flexibility for viewers who prefer direct access without a traditional TV subscription.

Premier League executives described the launch as a major step toward offering fans more personalised and flexible viewing experiences in Singapore.

Property Updates: Why More Young Singaporeans Are Rushing Into Private Property In 2026 — But Not For The Reasons Many Assume

Source:

https://stackedhomes.com/why-more-young-singaporeans-are-rushing-into-private-property-in-2026-but-not-for-the-reasons-many-assume/#sh.4tzk5t

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A growing number of young Singaporeans are entering the private property market in 2026, but according to the article, the trend is driven less by greed or investment ambition and more by fear of being permanently priced out of housing.

Recent reports showed strong growth in private home purchases among buyers under 35, with banks such as DBS Bank reporting a 40% rise in home loans from younger borrowers between 2024 and 2025. OCBC Bank also noted increased interest from singles buying condos for investment. However, the author argues that the emotional atmosphere today differs sharply from earlier property booms such as the pre-2013 surge, which was characterised by optimism and speculation.

Instead, many younger buyers today appear motivated by anxiety. After witnessing rapid price increases during and after the COVID-19 period across HDB resale flats, executive condominiums, private condos, and rentals, many fear that delaying a purchase by a few years could leave them unable to afford homes in desirable locations altogether.

The article suggests that this mindset has reshaped housing behaviour. Younger buyers are stretching finances, pooling resources with partners or parents, and prioritising property purchases before other life milestones such as marriage or career stability. Parents are also increasingly encouraging early purchases, fearing their children could eventually be locked out of the market or inherit ageing flats with limited lease value.

Smaller condo unit sizes and lower entry prices have made private housing more accessible, but the article argues the deeper driver is psychological. Unlike previous generations who viewed private property as a symbol of success or wealth accumulation, many young Singaporeans now see buying property as a form of protection against future exclusion.

The author concludes that today’s market is increasingly shaped by preservation and survival instincts rather than pure investment optimism, creating a stronger and potentially more difficult-to-cool emotional force in Singapore’s housing market.

Rewards Updates: Your MRT & Bus Rides Can Now Earn You Plushies, Cashback & Exclusive Rewards

Source:

https://www.moneydigest.sg/your-mrt-bus-rides-can-now-earn-you-plushies-cashback-exclusive-rewards/

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SimplyGo is launching a new nationwide campaign called “SimplyGo Adventure Quest” from 1 to 26 June 2026, turning everyday MRT and bus rides into an interactive rewards game filled with cashback, collectibles, vouchers, and exclusive merchandise.

The campaign, created in collaboration with Mr. Merlion & Friends, is open to users of SimplyGo EZ-Link and concession cards through the SimplyGo mobile app. Participants progress through a digital board game by completing daily activities such as taking public transport, making SGQR payments, topping up cards, answering trivia questions, and scanning QR codes at selected ticketing offices and stations around Singapore.

Pre-registration runs from 18 to 24 May 2026. The first 5,000 users who sign up will receive limited-edition public transport acrylic keychains inspired by Singapore buses and trains, with four collectible designs available. Users who miss out will still receive two bonus in-game steps. Referral rewards are also included, with both parties receiving S$2 cashback after a successful referral.

Gameplay rewards are tiered and designed to encourage continued participation. Every two public transport rides earn one in-game step, while app transactions and station visits provide additional progress. Players who complete all 50 steps can redeem a limited-edition Mr. Merlion x SimplyGo EZ-Link Card Plushie. A separate lucky draw offers an exclusive Mr. Merlion plushie with interchangeable velcro patches worth S$39.50.

Additional prizes include cashback credits of up to S$4, merchant vouchers from brands like Dunkin' and Ottie Pancakes, plus collectible stickers, coasters, and fridge magnets.

The campaign also features a physical pop-up event at Bugis+ from 15 June to 5 July 2026, where visitors can redeem rewards, collect digital stamps, shop themed merchandise, and take photos at transport-inspired installations. The initiative aims to make daily commuting more engaging, especially during the June school holidays.

Rewards Updates: HeyMax ending Cash For Miles programme, removing 17 partners

Source:

https://milelion.com/2026/05/18/heymax-ending-cash-for-miles-programme-removing-17-partners/

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HeyMax will discontinue its Cash For Miles programme from 1 June 2026, removing conversion access to 17 airline and hotel loyalty programmes. The change marks a major overhaul of the platform’s rewards ecosystem as it shifts focus toward direct transfer partnerships instead.

The affected programmes include airline schemes such as American Airlines AAdvantage, Alaska Airlines Alaska, Emirates Emirates Skywards, Virgin Australia Velocity, and hotel programmes including Hilton Hilton Honors, Marriott International Marriott Bonvoy, and Hyatt World of Hyatt. Users have until 31 May 2026 to submit final Cash For Miles redemptions.

Cash For Miles previously allowed members to convert Max Miles into external loyalty currencies through manually issued prepaid Visa debit cards, enabling access to programmes not normally available in Singapore. However, the process was operationally complex and potentially expensive for HeyMax to sustain, especially for premium programmes like AAdvantage.

The loss is especially significant for frequent flyers who relied on niche programmes such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, Alaska, AAdvantage, and Virgin Australia Velocity, which have limited alternative earning options in Singapore. AAdvantage was particularly valued for low-cost premium cabin redemptions, including Japan Airlines First Class flights between Singapore and Japan for 40,000 miles.

Despite the cuts, HeyMax announced three new direct transfer partners: EVA Air EVA Air Infinity MileageLands, Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles, and Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Rewards. The platform is also planning a 25% transfer bonus promotion to Air France-KLM Flying Blue, improving redemption value for Europe-bound business class travel.

HeyMax says more transfer partners and new features are still in development, including its upcoming “HeyMax First” service later in 2026.

Investing Updates: Best Fixed Deposit Rates in Singapore [May 2026]

Source:

https://growbeansprout.com/insights/savings/singapore-best-fixed-deposit-rate

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Singapore fixed deposit rates edged slightly higher in May 2026, with several banks launching promotional offers to attract savers seeking stable returns amid moderating interest rates. According to Beansprout’s latest comparison, the best fixed deposit rates currently available range from 1.35% p.a. for short tenures to 1.60% p.a. for one-year deposits.

The standout offer comes from GXS Bank, which provides 1.60% p.a. on its 12-month Boost Pocket, requiring only S$100 minimum placement and allowing up to S$95,000 deposits. For shorter durations, the best 3-month rate is 1.35% p.a. from Hong Leong Finance, while HL Bank offers 1.50% p.a. for 6 months. Singapura Finance leads the 9-month category at 1.50% p.a.

Digital banks remain highly competitive. MariBank offers promotional rates up to 1.50% p.a. for selected users, while traditional banks such as Bank of China, RHB Bank, and ICBC continue offering rates between 1.30% and 1.40% p.a. across various tenures.

Singapore’s major local banks lag behind newer competitors. DBS Bank and OCBC Bank currently offer around 1.00%–1.15% p.a., while UOB tops out at 1.20% p.a. with wealth holdings.

The article also compares fixed deposits with Singapore T-bills, Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs), savings accounts, and cash management accounts. Fixed deposits remain attractive for conservative savers due to guaranteed returns and SDIC insurance coverage of up to S$100,000, though funds are typically locked in for several months and early withdrawals may incur penalties.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (NVDA, WMT, HD Earnings; Fed Meeting and CPI Report)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/70133167/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-nvda-wmt-hd?level=1&data_ticket=1779069285497404

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Markets face a busy week dominated by major earnings, inflation concerns and Federal Reserve signals. Hot CPI and PPI readings have strengthened expectations that the Fed may need another rate hike by mid-2027, despite officials trying to calm markets. Investors will closely monitor Wednesday’s FOMC meeting minutes for clues on future policy direction.

The week’s biggest earnings report comes from NVIDIA on Wednesday. Analysts expect another strong “beat-and-raise” quarter, with revenue projected to jump 79% to a record US$79 billion. Investors will focus on progress toward its US$1 trillion data-center revenue ambition, demand for AI chips and updates on Rubin chip rollouts. Nvidia shares rose 4.7% last week as enthusiasm around AI remained strong.

Retail giants also headline the week. Walmart reports Thursday, with analysts expecting market-share gains and continued strength in delivery and advertising businesses, though higher fuel and freight costs may limit guidance upgrades. Home Depot and Lowe's are expected to post modest same-store sales growth as housing demand stabilizes. Target and TJX Companies may benefit from consumers seeking value amid persistent inflation pressures.

Other notable earnings include Intuit, Workday, Deere & Company, Baidu and Bilibili.

Economic data releases include jobless claims, PMI surveys, housing starts and Michigan inflation expectations. Meanwhile, AI-related stocks remain in focus. Rocket Lab surged 18.3% last week, while Intel dropped nearly 13% amid intensifying AI chip competition.

Rewards Updates: 10 lucky Pelago users to receive 50,000 KrisFlyer miles each from May 15-21, 2026

Source:

https://mothership.sg/2026/05/pelago-50000-krisflyer-miles-giveaway/

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Travel platform Pelago is giving away a major reward to KrisFlyer members this May, with 10 lucky users set to receive 50,000 KrisFlyer miles each between May 15 and May 21, 2026. The campaign offers travellers a chance to redeem flights ranging from regional economy trips to premium long-haul business class tickets.

To participate, users simply need to log in to Pelago using their KrisFlyer account and check whether the reward appears in their Rewards section. Winners are selected daily, and users who newly sign up during the campaign period will continue to qualify automatically for subsequent draws.

The 50,000 miles prize can cover return economy flights from Singapore to destinations such as Hong Kong or Taipei, or even contribute toward business class redemptions to places like the Maldives or London on Singapore Airlines.

Even users who do not win the giveaway can still benefit from Pelago’s ongoing promotions. From May 11 to June 15, 2026, customers can earn an additional 10 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 spent on top of the usual one to three base miles per dollar, provided they spend at least S$80 and apply the promo code “10MPDMORE” at checkout.

Pelago also announced year-round KrisFlyer Exclusive Deals, allowing members to earn up to 10 miles per dollar on selected activities while enjoying discounts of up to 25% or one-for-one offers. Additionally, KrisFlyer members can claim S$15 off a minimum S$50 spend twice, with the discount stackable alongside other promotions.

The offers could make attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios significantly cheaper for travellers planning holidays or weekend getaways.