CNA938 Rewind - The Wellness Hour - Your next workout in the air
Finding your usual workout a little boring? Well, your next workout could be in the air. Bungee fitness is a low-impact, high-intensity cardio way to train your strength, and add some novelty to your routine. Cheryl Goh speaks with Rachel Lee, Bungee Workout Instructor at Elin Dance Studio - Singapore's only Bungee Fitness Studio and Training Centre to find out more.
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CNA938 Rewind - Eat, Drink, Singapore - Local flavours at homegrown Bubble Tea brand Woobbee
Singapore's love for bubble tea is practically a national obsession. One homegrown brand, Woobbee churns out local flavours like Pi Pa Gao, Salty Lemon at an affordable price point. Cheryl Goh speaks with Founder Irene Low, and Manager Benjamin Lim on how they've thrived in this highly competitive industry.
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CNA938 Rewind - Mind Your Money - Investing 101 with Tim Talks Money
Investing and dabbling in stocks can be intimidating if one knows nothing. So how can you start off this journey as a newbie to the finance world? Cheryl Goh speaks with Tim Phillips, known online as @TimTalksMoneySG, who has 15 years of experience in the investment industry on how you can kickstart your investment journey.
19 mins
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Independent Singapore
5 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
‘So why so many Sinkies complaining about too much work and no rest?' — S'poreans ask after ‘SG got ranked top in Asia for work-life balance'
Depositphotos/photousvp77 Featured News Jobs Lifestyle SINGAPORE: When you think of work-life balance, you probably imagine long weekends, leisurely lunches, and logging off before sunset. But according to 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index — reported by AsiaOne — Singapore is apparently smashing it in Asia. Out of 60 countries studied, Singapore ranked 25th worldwide with a score of 57.85, putting us ahead of Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Indonesia in the region. Globally, New Zealand (86.87), Ireland (81.17), and Belgium (75.91) took the top spots. The study, launched in 2023, looked at factors like statutory annual leave, healthcare access, public safety, and average working hours. says it deliberately calls it life-work balance to 'put life before work.' Singapore ranks no 1 in Asia for work life balance byu/Rosanjinz inSingaporeRaw For Singapore, the good news is: Healthcare: Public insurance and statutory sick pay between 80 and 100% of salary. Public insurance and statutory sick pay between 80 and 100% of salary. Safety: A solid 1.34 on the Global Peace Index (lower is better). The not-so-great news is: Working hours: 42.6 hours a week — more than New Zealand (33), Japan (36.6), and South Korea (37.9). 42.6 hours a week — more than New Zealand (33), Japan (36.6), and South Korea (37.9). Leave days: Just 18 statutory annual leave days, compared to the UAE's 44, Ireland's 32, and South Korea's 30. Just 18 statutory annual leave days, compared to the UAE's 44, Ireland's 32, and South Korea's 30. Happiness: 6.57/10, which isn't exactly champagne-popping territory. And Singaporeans online aren't exactly uncorking the bubbly either. On Redditor deadpanned: 'More hours worked and fewer leaves = greater work-life balance. Wow 🤯' Another declared: 'Non-existential work life balance.' One particularly cynical commenter warned: 'Please don't put such studies out. Employers are now going to think Singaporeans are lazy, so they need to hire more foreigners who are willing to work late for lower pay.' Others questioned the reality check — or lack of it. 'Utter nonsense! Singapore should be the worst,' wrote one, while another said: 'I laughed so hard I choked in the office at 7 pm.' Some tried to rationalise the ranking: 'Among Asia countries, SG could be slightly better… after all, we are comparing against some of the craziest countries like China, Japan, and Korea. But SG FIRST? That's unbelievable!' See also Generals who can't hold a candle to a Corporal Still, the most piercing comment cut straight to the chase: 'So why so many Sinkies complaining about too much work and no rest?' Whether the ranking is a morale booster or just corporate fluff depends on who you ask. But if you're reading this in the office after hours, then maybe you've already answered your own question. In other news, if clocking long hours doesn't drain you, office politics just might. One Singaporean is spilling the tea on toxic workplaces in Singapore and asking the million-dollar question: 'Is Singapore's toxic work culture the same everywhere?' — Singaporean asks, 'Why can't people just focus on doing their jobs instead of office politics?' () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Independent Singapore
Singapore tops Asia for work-life balance in 2025 — but are locals really feeling it?
SINGAPORE: In a surprising turn of events that might make some overworked employees raise their eyebrows, Singapore has just been named the best country in Asia for work-life balance in 2025. This honour comes from the Global Life-Work Balance Index published by and featured in a recent story from Timeout. This is a report that assesses more than just the typical 9-to-5 routine. So, has the Little Red Dot really found the secret to a balanced life, or is the situation more complex? More than just office hours While many of us link work-life balance to how long we're stuck at our desks, the index digs deeper. Deeper consideration goes to statutory annual leave, sick days that are paid, maternity leave, and minimum wage guidelines, depicting a clearer picture of how a nation props up its workers. At first glance, Singapore's labour policies might not seem great, starting with only seven days of statutory annual leave in the first year of employment. However, this number increases with tenure, eventually reaching 14 days after eight years. Many companies also offer better leave packages, typically ranging from 14 to 21 days. Medical leave covers 14 days of outpatient sick leave and up to two months of hospitalisation leave each year. Still, Singapore only ranked 25th out of 60 countries worldwide. This implies that while Singapore excels in Asia, the Lion City is still trying to catch up with many Western nations. Asia rankings After Singapore, Malaysia and Japan follow in the top three for Asia, ranking 27th and 29th globally, respectively. Japan's position might be surprising given its reputation for long work hours and unpaid overtime, but changes may be on the horizon. The rest of Asia's top 10 includes: Taiwan South Korea Indonesia Vietnam Thailand India Hong Kong Are Singaporeans actually feeling the balance? Here's the surprising part: Despite the positive policies, two in five Singaporeans still say they wake up tired every day. This figure puts emphasis on the gap between official prerogatives and genuine experiences. This isn't just about the days one is off from work, but about whether a Singaporean feels empowered to actually take them. Singapore's hustle culture, propelled by high-performance opportunities and a fast-paced existence, may keep employees from completely appreciating the benefits they're supposed to enjoy. The pressure to stay 'on,' even after hours, might be deflating true balance. A global perspective While Singapore leads in the region, it's still not among the global top tier. New Zealand, Ireland, and Belgium occupy the top three spots internationally, closely trailed by Germany, Norway, and Denmark — nations documented for their robust social welfare systems and solid advanced work cultures. Here's a look at the top 10 worldwide for work-life balance in 2025: New Zealand Ireland Belgium Germany Norway Denmark Canada Australia Spain Finland Singapore has ample room to advance, particularly in building a culture where balance is not just a hypothetical idea but a truth that is practised. The bottom line Although Singapore's 1st place status in Asia is a cause for celebration, it doesn't mean the work is done. Authentic work-life balance entails a lot more than just compliance with requirements — it's about altering attitudes and mentalities, encouraging 'guilt-free' relaxation, and guaranteeing that strategies and guidelines lead to tangible well-being. So yes, Singapore is leading in the region — but do Singaporeans sincerely feel it? That's a question only average Singaporeans can answer.
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Independent Singapore
‘Not having kids is the best financial/mental health decision anyone can take' — Man says ‘parenthood isn't compulsory' just because everyone does it
SINGAPORE: In a world where baby showers are Instagram spectacles and parenthood is still treated like the 'next step' after marriage, one man has decided to lob a verbal grenade into the societal crib. His stance is that the single best move for anyone's financial stability — and mental peace — is not to have children at all. 'This might sound a bit controversial, but I said what I said,' began the 31-year-old bachelor, whose now-viral Reddit post has been sparking debates across dining tables and WhatsApp groups. The man argued that most couples never truly decide whether to have kids, only when. 'People think it is just the next 'expected' step after marriage, like getting into 8th class after finishing 7th class,' he wrote. 'There is no planning or thinking about it.' Not having kids is the best financial/mental health decision anyone can take. byu/Own-Mud5321 inpersonalfinanceindia While Singapore's Ministry of Manpower may not keep official tallies on the true cost of raising a child, any parent knows the wallet drain. From preschool fees that rival university tuition, to enrichment classes that run every weekend, to the endless 'Mummy, I want…' requests in toy aisles — it all adds up. The real cost of mini-me The man's point is that these costs are wildly underestimated and can undo years of hard-earned savings. 'From decent education to medical, food, clothing, and other extracurricular expenses, raising a child comfortably easily runs into the millions over 18–20 years. That's assuming everything goes smoothly. Think of all the things you could do with that money if [you had] no kids!' And it's not just money. 'Why would anyone want to choose this lifestyle? Today is a weekend, and I see parents not sleeping in, but driving their children around to some dance/karate/swimming, etc., classes. My married friends are discussing about schools, [it's] joining dates, books, and complaining about high fees. Feels like we just finished our own school/college days, and I can't imagine how anyone [could] re-live it all over again.' Then there's the non-stop child medical appointments, continuous clothing needs, and the endless crying, screaming, and tantrums. He even wondered aloud how many parents secretly regret having children, even if they can't or won't admit it. Parenthood isn't compulsory The man, however, stressed that this wasn't an anti-parent tirade. 'My intention is not to look down on parenthood, but just a reminder for the singles/non-parent couples out there that parenthood isn't compulsory. It's okay to opt out and say, 'That life is not for me.'' He added that the only valid reason to have kids is a genuine nurturing instinct, not societal pressure, not as a retirement plan, and certainly not because it's what everyone does or 'it is expected from parents'. Not everyone agrees In a report by The Economic Times (ET), financial advisor Abhishek Kumar sees things differently: 'Bringing a child to this world is an emotional decision,' he told ET, adding that it's also about legacy. 'You are lending your name and investing time, money, and other resources to make this child capable enough to survive in this world. This is a lifestyle choice… one which is made thinking about the emotional aspect of life — a nice cozy family, a beautiful home, and legacy.' See also What's the best thing about Singapore? — "Nothing" says SG woman Kumar also warned that if everyone embraced a 'consumption-only' lifestyle, society would collapse. 'If there are no people left, then the economy would collapse slowly and then suddenly,' he said. Voices from both sides The Reddit thread then quickly turned into a digital town hall. One commenter observed that more people are choosing to remain child-free because 'life's getting expensive, work takes up most of the time, and there's hardly any support system.' Another — a mother of two — admitted that not having kids was a 'perfectly valid and understandable choice' and that many people have children simply because they're conformists. Still, others argued that life can't be reduced to a financial balance sheet. 'You are not a bank account… Your shares won't love you unconditionally, and you won't be willing to give your life for your mutual funds,' one person quipped. The middle ground Some believe the debate is less about whether to have children and more about being intentional if you do. As one interviewee told ET, 'Having a kid can be very tiring, but is rewarding at the same time. Challenges and hardships will come without a kid also, so at the end it's a lifestyle choice and choosing the hardship we are comfortable with.' Another pointed out the irreversibility of time: 'Young people chasing growth and money might find they've crossed the age barrier for having a kid by the time they're ready. The problem with money is that there is never enough… Hence, I am of the thought that one should have a balanced approach — have a family, kids, and earn enough money to maintain the family and leave behind an inheritance.' Enter the anti-natalists Nevertheless, the man who posted his views on not having kids also echoes those of the anti-natalist movement, a growing global community that believes bringing new life into the world is not a moral obligation, and in some cases, is ethically questionable. Anti-natalists argue that life inevitably involves suffering, and it's unfair to impose that on a child without their consent (which the child can't give beforehand). They also point to environmental concerns, saying fewer births could mean less strain on the planet's resources. Financially, they highlight the massive opportunity costs of child-rearing. That money, they argue, could be channelled into personal growth, charitable causes, adopting existing orphan children, or building a more sustainable future without increasing the population burden. The bottom line This debate may not be settled over a single Reddit thread or a coffee shop chat, as it touches many aspects, including identity, values, economics, and even national demographics. But whether you're firmly in the 'No Kids, No Cry' camp or proudly waving the parenthood flag, the underlying message is clear: Don't let tradition, pressure, or Instagram dictate your life. Because in the end, whether you invest your time and money in a child, a business, a passion project, or just your own peace of mind, it's still your life to live, not someone else's.
