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.
18 mins
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
18 hours 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.
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
Gaia Series 98: MUJI, Behind the Scenes
This week's episode goes behind the shelves of MUJI's largest store to reveal how the brand is quietly rethinking how we live, shop and connect. In under three months since opening its doors, the world's largest MUJI store in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, has become a new benchmark for what retail can mean in modern Japan. With more than 7,000 products under one minimalist roof, the store is not just a retail space, it is a manifestation of MUJI's commitment to simplicity, sustainability and social responsibility. The flagship store draws in massive crowds, including around 20,000 visitors on its opening day alone. Despite being located in the suburbs, people willingly make the journey. One visitor shared, 'I heard it's the biggest MUJI in Japan, so I drove here. It took us about an hour by car.' The store includes extensive offerings such as upcycled furniture, locally themed souvenirs like haniwa clay figures, and imperfect dishes that embrace wabi-sabi aesthetics. Meanwhile, in Tokyo's Ariake district, MUJI's city-style shop is making its on waves with one of its latest hits: The Lunch Capsule. This upright bento box, which retails from 590 yen (S$5), has proven to be unexpectedly popular, selling three times more than projected since its launch in March. 'Other shops were completely sold out. So today, my husband brought me here,' one customer said. Karin Takano from MUJI's food department explained, 'We want people to enjoy making bento with a fun, easy, and fresh approach to homemade lunches.' Beyond retail, MUJI is quietly leading transformative efforts in Japan's ageing public housing estates. In Chiba's Hanamigawa estate, built in 1968, where 40 per cent of the residents are over 70 and the population has halved, MUJI sees opportunity. At a local festival, MUJI's mobile shop revitalised an empty storefront, bringing life back to the neighbourhood. Asako Kato from MUJI's Chiba branch said, 'We've made it our policy to attend these events to help bring more energy to local communities.' Since 2012, MUJI has partnered with the Urban Renaissance Agency to renovate nearly 1,400 units across 78 estates. Its interventions are modest but effective — clean, functional interiors with open plans. Residents, such as a couple who moved from Tokyo, appreciate the comfort. 'Now that the kids have moved out, it's perfect for our generation,' said the husband. 'It's more than enough for just the two of us.' This year, MUJI launched a new project to furnish existing estate units with its products, transforming them into lifestyle showcases. These model rooms offer more than design inspiration. 'With the furniture in place, it's easier to visualise what real life would be like here,' one visitor commented. MUJI listens to this feedback closely. In one case, they dropped a two-seater sofa from the plan after finding it too large. 'As we tried to keep things simple, I felt the two-seater wasn't quite right. Even though I'm the one selling it,' said Ms Kato. MUJI's philosophy of 'waste not' extends to its global supply chains. In Indonesia, sourcing expert Naoto Higuchi is pioneering the use of kapok, a natural fibre that is light, quick-drying and eco-friendly. Traditionally used for stuffing cushions, MUJI aims to develop it into clothing-grade fabric. But there are challenges. Kapok fibres are short and float above the heavier cotton during processing, making spinning difficult. The breakthrough came from using a 50-year-old spinning machine at Kumatex, a Japanese-owned factory. 'This kind of work cannot be done with modern high-speed machines,' explained the company. Despite hurdles, the goal is to shift production closer to the source. Currently, MUJI sends Indonesian kapok to China for spinning, but they hope to bring this process to Indonesia itself, lowering transport costs and boosting local economies. Mr Higuchi expressed a long-term vision: 'Making products from locally sourced kapok is a dream of ours in a way. And we really want to take on that challenge.' In Japan, another MUJI initiative is rooted in rice. In Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture, the company has worked with farmers for two years to grow Princess Sally, a fragrant blend of Japanese and Indica rice. This variety pairs well with spicy food, including MUJI's popular curries. However, the 2024 rice crisis threw the project into uncertainty. As market prices for Koshihikari surged, some farmers hesitated to continue with Princess Sally despite a 25 per cent increase in MUJI's purchase price offer. Farmer Takahito Sakuma, one of the first to sign on, was candid: 'This year's been painful, but... if for example, in an extreme case, next year's market price goes up 1.5 times, and we're still locked at this offer price, then honestly, I don't think that's right.' Another farmer, Kazumasa Kawana, who suffered a 1.5 million yen loss, said, 'It was worse than expected... I felt like quitting completely.' But the story ends with hope. Mr Kazunari Sato, head of MUJI's Social Good Division, continued the dialogue and ultimately expanded the project. In February, eight new farmers from Katori City joined, receiving seed rice and a promise of stable prices. 'Through hands-on experience, we can learn how to improve yield,' said one farmer. MUJI aims to create a dependable system for quality rice production. 'We just barely managed to keep it going,' Mr Sato admitted.
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Independent Singapore
'Get paid to sleep! Earn $3,000 just by "lazing around" in bed' — SG mattress retailer offers the ultimate "Dream Job" in Singapore
Photo: IG screengrab/woosasg SINGAPORE: If you've ever been told to 'stop lazing around in bed!' and 'go get a job!' here's your chance to prove that sometimes, staying under the covers is indeed the job. In an Instagram post, mattress retailer Woosa declared: 'Get paid to sleep! Earn up to $3,000 just by lounging in bed, because we believe that rest should be just as rewarding. You may have spotted us before, with live dreamers snoozing away at Suntec, Jurong Point, or Waterway Point — are you our next Dreamer?' So the company is now scouting for its next batch of 'Dreamers' — the lucky ones who'll be paid up to $3K just to sleep on their beds. Yes, you read that right: you snooze, you earn! Applicants can sign up via the link in Woosa's Instagram bio. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for a brief in-person interview. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Woosa Sleep (@woosasg) The new job is part of Woosa 's upcoming roadshow from Sept 8 to 14, though — in a plot twist worthy of a mystery novel — they haven't yet revealed the next exact location. It's still on the 'coming soon' status at the moment. Not just any napper will do… Before you start practising your best sleeping position, know this: Competition could be fierce. Not everyone with the ability to nod off in record time will make the cut. The idea is equal parts marketing spectacle and lifestyle statement: Showcasing their mattresses while reminding everyone that rest is not a luxury — it's a necessity. Is there a sudden nap industry boom? This isn't the first time a brand has dangled a paycheck for shut-eye. According to an AsiaOne news report, earlier in July, lifestyle furniture retailer Yogibo also advertised for professional nappers. Their gig required candidates to spend two to three hours a day sleeping on beanbags — for S$7 an hour — as part of a campaign to promote 'the value of rest as a part of daily life.' While Yogibo 's offer sounds like a cushy side hustle, Woosa 's up-to-S$3,000 deal easily takes the crown for Singapore's most lucrative lie-down. See also JJ Lin dedicates a special post for his dad's birthday Final call for all Singapore dreamers! Whether you're a seasoned weekend napper, a Netflix-binge-crasher, or simply someone who treats the snooze button like a life philosophy, this could be your moment. So, if your dream job has always been literally dreaming on the job, this is it. Sign up, show up, and — if you're lucky — drift off into a payday worth bragging about. () => { 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); } });
